Brian Smith

Brian Smith
started to make his mark in Auckland New Zealand in 1958. and apart from a stint in Australia working on the Gold Coast for 2 years, he established himself as an in demand tenor player backing local & touring musicians.
He moved to London in 1964, performing at Ronnie Scott's and working & touring with such names as: Humphrey Littleton, Alexis Korner, T-Bone walker, Georgie Fame,Alan Price, Annie Ross, Bing Crosby, Mark Murphy, Jon Hendricks, John Dankworth, & Tubby Hayes.
He was a founder member of 'Nucleus' which won the European Band competition in Montreaux in 1970, resulting in gigs at Newport Jazz Fest and tours of Italy, Germany, Holland, and America.
In 1969 he started working in the Maynard Ferguson band, staying with them until 1975 including touring and recording.
He also backed acts like Nancy Wilson, The 4 Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Donovan, Dusty Springfield, sandy Shaw and Lulu.
Brian returned to New Zealand in 1980 and has since been kept busy recording, writing and performing on tours with a huge list of top national and international stars. He remains one of New Zealand's most sought after musicians.
Along the way he has recorded many albums non the least being the New Zealand No 1 selling album "Moonlight Sax" which sold over 40,000 copies. Followed up later by "Moonlight Sax II "

Brian performs Jazz standards and selections from the American Song Book.

Ideal for: sophisticated background for product launch, corporate function, wedding reception, party also for Jazz concert

Pete
The feedback that I have had was that they were excellent. We were very pleased with there service and the ease in which you made this work.
Regards
Mike Henderson September 2011

Hi Kellie,
The Brian Smith Trio were absolutly fantastic and really set the scene for our country garden wedding! Please pass on my praise and thanks as I didnt get the chance to on the day. I had many compliments from guests about how good they were and how lovely the music was.
Many thanks for all your help!
Kind Regards,
Sara Johnson (Dec 2008)

When this top class Jazz quartet led by Brian Smith launched into it's opener, the Bill Evans tune "My Romance" it was immediately obvious we were to be treated to something special.
As an artist, Brian Smith has paid his dues & cut his chops with some of the biggest in the music business. Names like Bing Crosby, Georgie Fame, T-Bone Walker and Johnny Dankworth in equally impressive venues: Ronnie Scotts, Montreaux Jazz Festival, Royal Albert and carnegie Halls.
Many of the tunes featured were well known standards such as Gershwin's Summertime with melancholy sax complimented by Field's gentle & melodic piano. This was contrasted by their rendition of "Have you met Miss Jones" which was played at a spritely pace.
Smith's sax was velvety, always oozing emotion & soul. The natural dynamics that this instrument was capable of in his hands are sublime particularly on the Sonny Rollins' number "Tenor Madness". Smith was a very generous leader offering his sidemen extended solos.
The near capacity crowd was attentive and appreciative and was rewarded with an encore. For me the evening was a highlight of the festival.
The Nelson Mail - Brian Smith Nelson School of Music July 19th

Hi Pete!
As I am sure you were aware, everyone was very happy with the entertainment at our Launch party on Friday night!
Thanks, and we look forward to doing it again in Christchurch next week...
Best Wishes,
Brooke Mountford
Account Executive
The George P. Johnson Company
Sydney, Australia Sept 2006

Hi Pete
Everything went perfectly, we were very happy with Brian's performance and would have no hesitation at all in recommending him.
Thank you,
Megan (wedding )

Hi Pete
Just a quick note to say thanks very much to Brian and the guys for providing fantastic music at our wedding reception held at Mantell's on 20th November. We received lots of great comments. It really set the tone for the evening and provided a perfect atmosphere.
We were sorry you were not able to attend, however we would not hesitate recommending Pete McGregor Music in the future.
Kind Regards
Kirsty & Stephen (wedding )

Hi Peter
Thank you, Brian was great and our event was a success.
Regards,
Penny Hall
Cream TV (Brian Solo Dec 2005)

Hi Pete,
Everyone was absolutely fantastic, we would have know hestitation in recommending them to anyone,
best regards,
Charlotte Monaghan March 2007