SOUTH AFRICAN JAZZ STAR ERNIE SMITH & FRIENDS
"A SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ICON"
Ernie Smith has become synonymous with fine craftsmanship of quality contemporary jazz, afro pop, afro groove and a whole lot of urban. He is possessed with the rare talent of appealing to music lovers from a wide spectrum of tastes and his unflappable work ethic has seen him remain at the top of his game for more than 15 years.
With a wealth of new material, Ernie released his brand new album ' Closer ' in October 2016 not only to South African fans, but also to the American public through his recent US signing to SAIG Entertainment in New Orleans. Ernest Kelly, owner of SAIG and a well known name in the American jazz music scene has this to say, "Ernie brings a unique sound to a World audience looking for something new and inspiring. His sophisticated African infused contemporary style has already been warmly welcomed by many American fans." ...
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SOUTH AFRICAN JAZZ STAR ERNIE SMITH & FRIENDS
"A SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ICON"
Ernie Smith has become synonymous with fine craftsmanship of quality contemporary jazz, afro pop, afro groove and a whole lot of urban. He is possessed with the rare talent of appealing to music lovers from a wide spectrum of tastes and his unflappable work ethic has seen him remain at the top of his game for more than 15 years.
With a wealth of new material, Ernie released his brand new album ' Closer ' in October 2016 not only to South African fans, but also to the American public through his recent US signing to SAIG Entertainment in New Orleans. Ernest Kelly, owner of SAIG and a well known name in the American jazz music scene has this to say, "Ernie brings a unique sound to a World audience looking for something new and inspiring. His sophisticated African infused contemporary style has already been warmly welcomed by many American fans."
The best news is that Ernie will be supporting the US release of the album with a festival tour planned for 2017.
Propelled by the sound of mentors like Salif Keita, Jonathan Butler, George Benson, Moses Taiwa Molelekwa and many others, coupled with his ambition to express and attract the young and old to listen to thoughtful music, Ernie has developed a style of playing and singing that is a seamless integration of jazz, African and R &B.
"Closer" reflects all these influences and is a wonderfully contemporary album mixing Jazz, R & B and Gospel with a subtle and sophisticated African vibe. The album is sure to be a fire hit amongst Ernie's legion of die-hard fans - but the most exciting part will be sure to secure many new fans both in South Africa and the USA. Ernie's genius guitar playing is matched by his skills as a producer and songwriter, not only of his own material, but also for countless other artists such as Judith Sephuma and Natalie Rungan.
"Closer" has seen Ernie do an amazing colab with Gospel heavy weight Bebe Winans on a beautiful soulful track called ' We need one another '.
Smith has also engaged the amazing star studded duo from Nashville, Mark Hill and Steve Brewster who perform on the track "Home" on Closer and play for the likes of The Civil Wars, Kris Allen, Keith Urban, the Nashville TV Series Cast, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Loggins and Blake Shelton. If that does not blow people away nothing will.
Ernie was born in Wentworth Durban in March 1971. He started playing guitar at the age of 13, inspired by a mixed tapestry of jazz musical influences like Pat Metheny, George Benson, Larry Carlton and Wes Montgomery. Challenged by their individual, unique sounds, he began the search for his personal expression in an authentic African voice.
Ernie's aim in the playing of his music is to spawn a culture that represents the free spirit of music that celebrates life and the willingness to share.
In 2001 Ernie Smith released his first album, Child of the Light, which went on to win major acclaim, seeing him win a SAMA award for Best Newcomer, another award at the SAMA 's for Best Adult Contemporary and a KORA award for Most Promising Male in Africa. The South African star then went on to release his second album "Lovely Things" , which gave him access to a younger R&B/Jazz audience, winning him yet another SAMA award for Best Jazz Adult Contemporary Album, in 2002 followed by a METRO FM Award for Best Jazz Artist in 2003.
Ernie's rise to national acclaim in South Africa has grown to attract international attention, and in 2005 earned him production collaboration on his third album "My African Heart" with "Grammy Award Nominee" Jonathan Butler, and featuring Grammy Award winner Kirk Whallum. In 2016 Ernie performed at the first ever ' Essence festival 'held in Durban South Africa to a raving international audience! Ernie grace the stage with an explosive performance at this years celebrated Cape Town International Jazz Festival alongside artists like Andra Day, Digable Planets and Jazz Funk with Everette Harp, Jeff Lorber & Paul Jackson Jr. With the release of Closer, Ernie is set to continue his rise as a powerful South African musical voice.
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