Nate Smith + KINFOLK
Nashville, TN
Grant amount: $15,000
Performances
Soundcheck Studios. Pembroke, MA. 11/4/2021
Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club. Portsmouth, NH. 11/5/2021
Le Poisson Rouge. New York, NY. 11/7/2021
WRTI. Philadelphia, PA. 11/9/2021
World Cafe Live. Philadelphia, PA. 11/10/2021
City Winery D.C.. Washington, DC. 11/11/2021
About the Artist
Nate Smith (drums / bandleader): For nearly two decades, Nate Smith has been a key piece in reinvigorating the international music scene with his visceral, instinctive, and deep-rooted style of drumming. He holds a diverse and ample résumé — which includes work with esteemed jazz leading lights such as Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, Chris Potter, José James, John Patitucci, Ravi Coltrane, and Somi among many others. His 2x GRAMMY-nominated debut album, KINFOLK: Postcards from Everywhere, sees Smith fusing his original modern jazz compositions with R&B, pop, and hip-hop. He’s also ventured into the pop/rock world with recent collaborations with Vulfpeck spinoff band The Fearless Flyers, Brittany Howard (of Alabama Shakes) and performances with songwriters Emily King and Van Hunt. In recent years, through a series of viral videos, he has emerged as one of the most influential and popular drummers of his generation. Nate released his latest major studio album, KINFOLK2: See the Birds, on September 17th, 2021 (Edition Records) – highlighted during this tour. The band includes:
Fima Ephron (bass): Fima Ephron is a world-renowned bassist that has recorded and performed with the likes of Gil Scot Heron, Meshell N’Degeocello, Chris Potter, Ravi Coltrane, Vijay Iyer, and more.
Brad Allen Williams (guitar): Brad Allen Williams (born September 10, 1980) is an American guitarist, producer, and songwriter/composer. He was born and raised in Memphis, TN, and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. His playing has been described as “a distinctly post-psychedelic guitar heroism.” Brad has recorded and performed with the likes of Brittany Howard, Bilal, Jose James, Cory Henry, and more.
Jaleel Shaw (alto and soprano saxophones): Jaleel Shaw is an alto and soprano saxophonist from Philadelphia, PA. He is a longtime member of the Roy Haynes Quartet, Tom Harrell’s “Colors Of A Dream” and has performed with Christian McBride, Jason Moran, the Mingus Big Band, Pat Metheny, Roy Hargrove, Chick Corea, Dave Holland, and more.
Lawrence Fields (piano): Lawrence Fields, born and bred in St. Louis, has earned a spot at the forefront of young jazz pianists, thanks to his blending of vintage ideals with a contemporary mindset. In 2021, 2020, and 2019, Downbeat Magazine has placed him near the top of the keyboardist category in their “Rising Stars” critics poll.
Amma Whatt (vocals): Brooklyn, NY-native, singer-songwriter Amma Whatt’s music is a modern, multi-genre fusion of Soul, Afro-Caribbean styles, House, and Jazz. Amma’s vocal stylings, songwriting and live performances are lively and contemporary interpretations of ancestral dance, sound, spirituality and storytelling traditions.