Join us for Episode 10 of Nashville Drummers Podcast featuring Jed Smith!

We’re excited to be back after about a month off. Today we learn all about Louisiana native Jed Smith — from his early years playing in church and marching band, to his journey to music city as one of Nashville’s most sought-after players on Broadway and in Nashville’s growing jazz/improv scene. We go deep into a variety of topics that prompted some really interesting discussions that we hope you will enjoy as much as we did.

Follow Jed on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jedsmithmusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jedsmithmusic

Music Featured in this Episode:
‘River Gospel’ (intro music)
composed and performed by Jed Smith
Drums, Guitar, Vox, Bass performed by Jed Smith

‘Fictionary’
composed and performed by Jed Smith
Keys performed by Ashton Kimbrough
Vocal feature – Kristine Smith (Jed’s wife!)

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About Jed:
A Louisiana native, Jed Smith began playing drums at an early age in the Pentecostal church. At the age of fourteen, he recorded his first full-length gospel album and traveled locally playing revivals.

Once he left for Nashville to attend Nashville State Community College, he furthered his musical experience in small jazz combos and was introduced to Michael Turner of Mothertone/Sleishman drums.

While in college, Jed became a Mothertone artist and later attended Middle Tennessee State University where he was mentored by Derrek Phillips and Lalo Davila.

After obtaining his BA in Jazz studies he recorded, performed, produced, and toured with artist such as: Jackson Capps, Alyssa Palmer, Carli Brill, Cosmic Collective, The Hathaways, Larry Mitchell, Ashley K, The Downton Band, JW Faria, Dara Tucker, Abby Kasch, and Hunter Loken Parcel.

As a member of the Tootsies Birthday Bash backing band, Jed has performed with notable artists such as Kid Rock, Joe Nichols, Terri Clark, Dan Tyminski, and Don Goodman.

He formed Jed Smith Trio in 2021 with Joel Gage (guitar/vox) and Patrick Atwater (upright bass). The trio performs weekly at Assembly Food Hall in Downtown Nashville.

Jed continues to record, perform live, and tour while producing and arranging music for artists across multiple genres all while maintaining a weekly residency on Broadway.

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Interview by: Dan Ainspan, Nathan Sletner
Recorded May 2022 in Nashville, TN