Jazz Trumpeter, Vocalist, Composer Jumaane Smith Takes The Stage At Branford Jazz Thursday

Compiled by Victor Amatori, Branford Parks and Recreation Department

BRANFORD, CT — Jazz trumpeter, vocalist, and composer Jumaane Smith has performed on five Grammy award-winning records, selling more than 60 million copies, and on two Emmy award-nominated TV performances — the Grammys with Stevie Wonder and in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story.

Now, this featured entertainer becomes part of the Branford Jazz Series Thursday, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., behind Branford Town Hall.

Smith has spent the last 18 years touring and recording with Michael Buble as lead trumpeter and vocalist and featured soloist, was a member of Hary Connick Jr’s house band for the syndicated daytime TV show “Harry” and the featured guess soloist for Jackie Evancho’s “Songs of the Silver Screen” world tour backed by a 60-piece symphony orchestra.

A performer at the White House and on the Today Show, Smith has toured with his own band to such world-class venues as Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Blue Note, Tanglewood, Vail Jazz Festival, Java Jazz Festival, Birdland Jazz Club, North Star Festival, Joe’s Pub, Rochester International Jazz Festival, Catalina Island Jazz Festival, and many more.

Smith’s critically-acclaimed debut album, “I Only Have Eyes For You,” features special guests Michale Buble’, Jackie Evancho, and Naturally 7. His sophomore album, “When You’re Smiling,” was released to much praise in January 2020. His highly anticipated third album, “Come on Home,” was released to wide critical acclaim in August 2024.

As a composer and visitor on the Tonight Show, Oprah, Good Morning America and American Idol, Smith has scored music for films such as “Handsome Harry” (starring Steve Buscemi and Jamey Sheridan) and the documentary “Being in the World,” as well as his for his own recordings and the interactive sheet music company Tomplay.

Smith has worked with musical legends such as Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin , Christian McBride, Barbra Streisand, Alicia Keys, Kamasi Washington, Jon Batiste, Theo Croker, Etienne Charles, and many more.

As a full scholarship recipient at the Juilliard School of Music’s Jazz Studies program (2001-2005), Wynton Marsalis was Smith’s primary trumpet teacher.

"I’m excited to play in my adopted home state of Connecticut," Smith said, "And to be playing a
festival that includes such distinguished artists."