IAN SMITH

Trumpet and Flugel Horn

Ian has toured extensively with many overseas stars, done numerous TV and radio shows and has appeared at most major venues throughout the country. Ian spent four years as a full-time music teacher at the S A College High School where he conducted the award winning SAC Windband and led them on a highly successful 1993 tour of Scandinavia and Europe.

He has received renowned success as a jazz performer with his own and many local ensembles such as "Concert Boulevard", "Pound Seats", "MJ9", "The Tony Schilder Quartet" and "Inside Out". He is one of the most sought after studio players in South Africa and for many years played lead trumpet for the Gerry Bosman Orchestra. He has also performed as a soloist with the "UCT Big Band" and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. Ian along with Prof. Mike Campbell, founded the "Cape Jazz Orchestra". He is first on call as lead trumpet for recording sessions, has backed visiting international artists such as Pavarotti, Shirley Bassey and Liberace, shows and musicals include "West Side Story"'
"Chorus Line", "Crazy For Your", "Guys And Dolls", to name but a few.

His main focus is to develop and promote Jazz in all its forms. The presentation and sheer showmanship of Mr. Ian Smith will continue to expose Jazz to a wider audience thus making it more accessible to a braoder market. The group VJR will continue to provide a platform for both established and undiscovered talent in South Africa.

Recently Ian was featured on the Smooth Jazz CD coraboration of South Africa and American Jazz artist, topping the jazz charts in the United States.

Ian performs every night with different artist at a Dinner Dance Restaurant called "Pigalles". .