Cellist.
Maverick.
Etc.
- About
Russick Smith’s music is steeped in the emotional remnants of his motley, spirited adventures; whether recording at Woodstock studios or sailing the high seas on traditionally rigged ships. Lauded as “uniquely Colorado” by Governor Jared Polis, the cellist and multi-instrumentalist creatively explores landscapes both musical and geographical.
With a formal education in cello and electric bass, Russick Smith’s foundation bridges contemporary and classical music drawing inspiration from artists such as Air and Edgar Meyer. His interests and recording work have led him to supplement his instrumental repertoire with mandolin, banjo, concertina, double bass, guitar, and other various keyed and string instruments. Smith’s productions are also bolstered by a background in audio engineering. After graduating from the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences, Smith moved on to cut his teeth as an assistant engineer working under Grammy-winner Justin Guip and platinum-selling engineer John Siket as well as assisting sessions with producers such as David Baron and Paul Stacey. Outside of music, his extracurricular activities prompted Chris Robinson (Chris Robinson Band, The Black Crowes) to characterize him as “a real-life action man.”
Described as “a smart, dynamic musician who is doing everything right,” Smith engages audiences by seeking out non-traditional roles and locations for his music. Now well-know for his tree performances, Smith initially took his cello off the ground and into the trees to perform a solo set titled “Music for the Birds” (2016). In the fall of 2017, Smith expanded that concept with violinist Karen Lauffer and mandolinist Kevin Larkin for “Tree-O” (2017), which the Denver Post called a “don’t-miss promise”. “Runoff Reverie”(2017) and “A Small Concert on a Tiny Island”(2016) set Smith in the middle of a river playing to his audience on shore. Enthusiastically spanning a variety of musical styles, Smith has appeared alongside artists ranging in genre from goth rock to polka, hiphop to bluegrass. In 2016, Smith won “Best In Class” for his looping performance at the Vertex Musical Championships and first place as a duo with troubadour Cody Wayne at KSKE’s Country Music Showdown. Smith has been featured by television and radio stations across the country and in print articles for publications throughout Colorado. Festival appearances include Bohemian Nights at New West Fest, WAVE: Light+Water+Sound, iAM MUSIC Fest, Breckenridge International Festival of Arts, Vertex, Guitar Town, Copper Country, and Festival in the Clouds. He has been spotlighted at the Colorado Creative Industries Summit and been a presenter at the Colorado Music Convergence. Smith has also appeared with national storytelling organization The Moth as a Mainstage timekeeper and hosts a monthly Songwriter’s Circle in Breckenridge, Colorado.
His debut album of original compositions, “Who Chases Two Jackrabbits”, is slated to be released soon.
No upcoming performances scheduled
Past Shows
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