Education plays a central role in the busy life of Professor Richard Smith. Settled in the L.A. jazz scene Richard played with Dan Siegel, Kenny G, Richard Elliot, Rick Braun and many more. His first album Inglewood was followed by nine further solo albums.

His newest project is called L.A. Chillharmonic assembling the contemporary jazz star alliance of Brian Bromberg (bass), Vinnie Colaiuta (drums), Alex Acuna (percussion), Jeff Lorber (keyboards), Patrice Rushen and Greg Karukas (pianos), Greg Adams (trumpet), Gary Meek, Michael Paulo, and Eric Marienthal (sax).

“It’s something that represents the best and brightest in my geographic area,” says Richard Smith. “Most major cities have a philharmonic orchestra in the classical idiom, and some cities have municipal jazz bands, but no city has something that represents a major musical genre like instrumental jazz/funk/pop/R&B. And with this project I just wanted to represent and celebrate the unique musical signature as Los Angeles players, writers and arrangers.”

The first album of this all-star group was released on Aug 26, 2008 and as Richard confirmed it will not be the last one. The album starts with L.A. Chillharmonic, the new anthem of the west coast. While Richard Smith\’s guitar is the melody leader his fellow-musicians deliver brilliant contributions on their instruments.

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