The Bruce Smith Duo
Where The Duo Performs
Where The Duo Performs
Where The Duo Performs
Where The Duo Performs
Where The Duo Performs
We perform in many different venues, but mostly in Retirement Communities throughout the Triangle. We perform patriotic holiday shows, Christmas programs, and most especially, Music Plus Shows. See more about our shows below.
Bruce Smith, Keyboards/Vocals
Bruce Smith, Keyboards/Vocals
Bruce Smith, Keyboards/Vocals
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 leading own jazz ensemble, The Bruce Smith Duo and Daze Work 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.
Michael McPherson, Drums
Bruce Smith, Keyboards/Vocals
Bruce Smith, Keyboards/Vocals
Michael McPherson Bio Coming Soon!
Music Plus Shows
What Is It?
Music PLUS! is a 45 minute show featuring The Bruce Smith Duo performing music by a celebrated artist or theme, while sharing the story of this artist or music in word and slideshow. It is a multimedia "info-tainment" event like no other!
Available Shows
"Hail To The Duke"
The classic music of one of America's most gifted musicians is featured as his life story is told. Enjoy classics like "Satin Doll", "Don't Get Around Much Anymore", and "Take The A Train" in this exciting music and slideshow presentation!
"Remembering Sinatra"
The music and story of one of the most influential singers in American history is told in music and slideshow. The music by the "Chairman of the Board" includes hits like "All Of Me", "I've Got You Under My Skin", "Come Fly With Me", New York, New York", and "My Way".
"The Great American Songbook Show"
From places like Tin Pan Ally, Broadway, Hollywood, and Nashville, classic songs by artists like Cole Porter, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, George Gershwin, and many others. This exciting music and slideshow presentation hits all the hits of yesteryear!
"I Could Have Danced All Night"
We celebrate the great ballroom dance styles of yesteryear. We'll examine the foxtrot, the waltz, and latin dance styles like the cha-cha, the bossa nova and the samba. This show will get your feet a tappin' and you may even want to get up and dance all night!
"Tony Bennett: The Comeback Kid!"
The amazing story of this resilient, and iconic singer is told in music and video. We highlight his early career, and his amazing comeback in his later years to be the remarkable symbol of great music today. We feature songs like "The Best Is Yet To Come", "Put On A Happy Face", "Steppin' Out With My Baby" and his worldwide hit "I Left My Heart In San Fransisco".
"The Classics of the 40's & 50's"
The stories of the songs that were more than just popular, but stood the test of time to become "Classics of the 1940's and 50's." Songs like "Chattanooga Choo-Choo", "All of Me", "Take The A" Train", "White Christmas", and "Beyond The Sea", just to name a few, are chronicled in this music and multimedia show.
"Bing Crosby: The Original Crooner"
Bing Crosby was the original crooner. In this multimedia show, we’ll discuss his life and great music spanning over 50 years. We perform such great songs as “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”, “I’ll Be Seeing You”, “I’ve Got The World On A String”, “Counting Your Blessings”, and “Young At Heart”.
About The Bruce Smith DUo
Booking Information
You can contact us by email at: smithjazz1958@gmail.com
And we can be reached by phone at: (919) 244-0459