Melvin Smith

A skilled artist and musician from his youth, jazz and gospel saxophonist Melvin Smith has played with many top acts in sacred and secular music including Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Oleta Adams and BeBe Winans. Smith performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival – as a thirteen-year-old – and later at Lincoln Center. Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, Smith sang in the church choir in elementary school, and started playing instru ments at age 12. Short-lived stints with clarinet and flute led Smith to the saxophone, and his music-loving parents encouraged their son to pursue his musical talent. When his junior high school jazz band performed at Montreux, it changed the teen’s life. A scholarship to Berklee College of Music led to a BA in Professional Music. He continued his education at City of New York – Queens College, where he received his MA in Perfor mance – Jazz Studies. While in New York City, Smith recorded several solo projects, and upon returning to Jacksonville he stepped into the studio again. Initially, he was a featured guest on other artists’ recordings, but eventually debuted as a solo artist with 2007’s Portrait. His seventh and latest release Perseverance finds him alternating tenor and soprano horns, showcasing his talents on a charming mix of originals and creative covers. As a music educator, Smith has taught students at several schools in New York and Jacksonville, training the next generation of music leaders. More at melvinsmithsax.com