Acclaimed Trumpeter Jumaane Smith to Perform with the University’s Jazz Band

Jumaane Smith, lead trumpeter with Michael Bublé, who has performed for sitting presidents and with a host of famous pop and jazz artists, will join The University of Scranton Jazz Ensemble as their guest soloist for a concert at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, in the University’s Houlihan McLean Center. Admission to the concert is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:40 p.m. and seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Smith will also offer a free masterclass for brass players earlier that day at 11:30 a.m. Brass players can register for participation in the masterclass by emailing music@scranton.edu or by calling (570) 941-7624.

One of only 17 musicians (including only 4 trumpeters) invited to join the inaugural class of Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School in 2001, Smith is no stranger to The University of Scranton. He has visited numerous times in the last 12 years, performing with the jazz band and symphonic band; offering trumpet clinics and sectionals; and composing works for the University’s concert band and concert choir, and rehearsing and conducting the student ensembles in the premieres of these works. 

Smith has traveled the world, playing stages in historic clubs, in massive stadiums and at cultural landmarks. He has also recorded a solo album, appeared on national television and performed for two sitting U.S. presidents. His collaborations range from pop idols to jazz legends, including Bublé, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Jackie Evancho, Alicia Keys, The Jonas Brothers, Wyclef Jean, Justin Bieber, Diddy, Natalie Cole, James Ingram, Wynton Marsalis, Wycliffe Gordon, Ravi Coltrane, Chris Botti and many more.

Since 2005, Smith has performed, recorded, and traveled as lead trumpeter of Bublé’s band. In addition, his other numerous and varied accomplishments include playing the Grammy Awards show with Stevie Wonder and the Jonas Brothers, recording “As I Am” with Alicia Keys, appearing on the “American Idol” soundtrack, and scoring and performing music for the film “Handsome Harry.”  Recordings on which he can be heard have sold more than 25 million copies worldwide, garnered four Grammy nominations, and earned three Grammy wins. The television shows he’s appeared on total an audience of around 100 million viewers.

This year Smith released his debut solo recording “I Only Have Eyes For You.” A celebration of the Great American Songbook with the theme of love and romance, the album includes interpretations of classic tunes full of personal emotion. The debut features performances by Bublé, Evancho, and Naturally 7.

For additional information, email music@scranton.edu or visit www.scranton.edu/music.