Tim Smith
About Tim Smith
What was the album that introduced you to jazz?
'Aja' by Steely Dan. Not an out and out jazz record I know but this album contained so many elements of jazz to it that I suddenly found myself compelled to discover more. It's a brilliant album of jazz fusion or jazz rock (doesn't matter what you call it) that is still recognised today as a classic album which transcends many styles and genres. It also features superb musicians like Wayne Shorter, Tom Scott, Joe Sample and Steve Gadd, all of whom bring a jazz sensitivity to the proceedings! It completely changed the type of music I listened to and how I appreciated it and I still love it today!
Who is your favourite contemporary artist?
Mama Terra. I love their debut album 'The Summoned' which came out in July of this year, it's such an atmospheric, uplifting and original album that it was clear this Scottish-based outfit were something a bit special. I then got to see them recently in London when they preformed for Jazz FM's 'Classic Album Playback' series and I was so impressed by their style and playing, Rachel Lightbody's vocal talents are incredible and used in such a unique way. I also love the fact they've drawn inspiration from such diverse elements as Freddie Hubbard and the film 'Bladerunner', it sits very well with me, as do they!
Tell us about your most memorable jazz gig:
Buddy Rich, Civic Theatre, Halifax, 1984.To be honest I hadn't been to that many jazz gigs at this stage and although I'd heard the name Buddy Rich (my Dad was a fan and I'd seen him on Parkinson) I didn't fully appreciate what a star he was. I'd gone to Halifax as a young radio producer to help a more senior colleague interview him and got to stay for the gig afterwards. It's fair to say that he famously didn't suffer fools gladly so we were a little nervous as to how the interview would go but he was great. He told a few showbiz stories but really loved discussing the music and you could sense you were in the presence of a legend. The gig was fantastic, his big band were superb and as a very bad drummer myself it was amazing to see up close one of the true greats.
If you were to choose the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the Jazz FM Awards, who would you give it to?
Herbie Hancock. I surely can't be the first person to suggest this man? To my mind he's a certified genius who's done so much to enhance jazz music and many of its off-shoots around the globe. From starting out with Donald Byrd, playing with Miles Davis, recording 'Headhunters' (and many others), composing film scores, experimenting in all manner of jazz genres, and having hit singles, he's pretty much done it all and continues to do so. He's utterly amazing and would be more than deserving of a Lifetime Achievement Award though I suspect he hasn't stopped achieving yet!