Solo artist and session bassist Sean O’Bryan Smith recently moved from a NS WAV4 Double Bass to the just released NS NXT5 Double Bass. While not gigging and recording in an already demanding schedule, he is an entertaining clinician and prolific instrument reviewer in many music magazines.
As a solo artist, Sean has opened for and performed with Victor Wooten, Steve Bailey, Brian Bromberg, Jonas Hellborg, and Esperanza Spalding.
Throughout his twenty-plus years of playing, Sean has had the opportunity to perform for thousands of people and share the stage or studio with a diverse variety of artists including Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Larry Carlton, Kenny Rogers, Lady Antebellum, Anna Wilson, Sara Evans, Rodney Atkins and Rebecca St. James just to name a few.
Sean has also been actively involved in Nashville’s jazz scene as bandleader for Transfer Records recording artist Anna Wilson for the last seven years.
Worked with renowned producers including: Dan Huff (Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts), Monty Powell (Keith Urban, Anna Wilson), Allen Morgan (U2, Dolly Parton), Craig A. King (Queen Latifah, Ludacris, Usher), Jan Smith (Matchbox 20, Usher), and Huston Singletary (Whitney Houston).
Sean is also a writing contributor to Vintage Guitar Magazine, Premier Guitar Magazine, Bass Player Magazine, Mel Bay’s Bass Sessions, Christian Musician Magazine and Worship Musician Magazine.
Sean’s first solo CD “Tapestry” is a return to his roots in jazz, blues, and soul. Featured on fretted, multi-string, upright, and fretless basses as well as guitar and keyboards, the CD transcends many musical genres and reunites Sean with a collection of his favorite fellow sidemen including Jeff ”Skunk” Baxter ( Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers ), Jerry Marotta ( Peter Gabriel, Sarah McLachlan ), Rich Eckhardt ( Toby Keith ), and Ken Rarick ( Madonna, Cher ). The initial responses to “Tapestry” cover the gamut of top radio personalities to legendary musicians and prove why Sean has become one of the most in demand bassists in the industry.
“…soulful, melodic, and unpretentious…..” – Bryan Beller, Bass Player Magazine
Voted “#1 Most Recommended CD of All Times” at All About Jazz.com it has received rave reviews worldwide in numerous publications including Bass Player magazine, 20th Century Guitar, and Christian Musician.
Numerous major network TV appearances including performances on Kenny Rogers-The First 50 Years, ABC’s Extreme Makeover, CBS’s coverage of the 2004 thru 2006 CMA Music Fest, and FOX’s series Nashville.
Sean’s newest CD “Reflection” that is due out in late Fall of 2010, featuring Randy Brecker, Gerald Albright, and Chuck Loeb.
Look for an upcoming 2011 tour with vocalist Anna Wilson, which Sean will be playing mainly upright.