Steve Lloyd Smith
Bassist / Composer / Bandleader

“That tradition [the piano trio] is beautifully represented, and nudged forward at least a bit on Chantal’s Way, which, is a meeting of players with an open line of communication, a three-way dialogue…Behind the session, literally, musically, and organizationally, is Smith, a strong player and composer...”
–Josef Woodard, Jazztimes Magazine

“Smith, who loves the music of Scott LaFaro and that kind of postmodern bassist, has made quite a statement with this extraordinarily consistent and inspired performance.”
–Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide

Bassist/Composer/Bandleader Steve Lloyd Smith is an active member of the jazz community and a prolific composer. His debut recording as a leader, Chantal's Way on Double Time Records features ECM recording artist Richie Beirach and Miles Davis sideman Billy Hart. This recording consists of four of Smith’s original compositions, three standards reharmonized by Richie Beirach, John Coltrane’s Expression, and Richie Beirach’s Elm. His most recent recording project Roll features Criss Cross recording artist Adam Rogers and Dave Douglas sideman Clarence Penn. This recording consists of nine of Smith’s original compositions.

Steve Lloyd Smith relocated to Vancouver in 2000 and began writing, performing and recording with his quintet FIVE, called “one of the most vibrant bands on the burgeoning Vancouver jazz scene”. In July 2006, Smith was contracted by Zula Productions to present four concerts of original music for the Artist in Residence series at rime. Later, Smith’s quintet SHAPES was said to be “moody, swinging and altogether modern”. His project, SONGS was formed specifically to explore the open conversational style of the piano trio combined with the lyrical quality of the voice. Some additional projects include recording Lisa Cay Miller’s debut cd Q featuring Peggy Lee and Dylan van der Schyff, CBC recordings for Hot Air and Jazz Beat with the Lisa Cay Miller Trio, and recording with Lisa Cay Miller's eight piece ensemble sleep furiously.

Before moving to Vancouver, Smith resided in San Francisco. A native of California, Smith received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of California. After studying privately with Bertram Turetzky and Bob Magnusson, he was contracted for a series of performances in Canada where he met jazz pianist and contemporary classical composer, Lisa Cay Miller. T