Bruce Smith, Pianist/Vocalist

    Bruce Smith has a BA in Music Education from East Carolina and an MA in Music Education from the University of SC. He began his professional music career as a jazz pianist with U.S. Army Bands beginning in 1981. While in the Army, Bruce performed with and led big band jazz ensembles and small jazz trios and quartets all over the US and abroad before becoming a Warrant Officer Bandmaster and serving for 20 years there.  

Bruce has always performed as a solo pianist, as well as a member of notable jazz groups in Texas, Virigina, South Carolina and Alabma, most recently here in the triangle as a member of the Jim Ferris Trio and leading own jazz ensemble, The Bruce Smith Duo and Trio which performs extensively throughout the triangle area.     

His greatest jazz influences are Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Oscar Peterson, and Duke Ellington. Bruce grew up on the great fusion bands of the 70’s and 80’s, to include Spyro Gyra, Weather Report, and Steps Ahead. As well as being an avid Beatles fanatic, Bruce loves the rhythm and blues music of Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, and Motown in general. Bruce is also an accomplished jazz and pop vocalist, adding that touch to his solo and jazz band repertoire.    

Email - smithjazz1958@gmail.com

Phone - (919) 244-0459