Live performance is one of my strongest attributes. I have over 10 years of experience having performed with leading Jazz artists, professional covers bands and pop artists whilst being in demand for session work. These artists include: Nathan Haines, Alan Brown, Phil Broadhurst, Chris Melville, Caitlin Smith, Lewis McCallum, Julie Mason and Brendon Chase (Elvis tribute artist).
I also have my own original projects: The Andy Smith Trio which focuses on Jazz composition and improvisation, and The Late Pages which is a rock and pop outfit. You can listen to tracks from these band by going to the Media and Music pages.
As well as original music, I regularly play live music at Bars and restaurants around Auckland with a covers duo Granduo. We have a residency at Grand Central Bar as well as playing regularly at Deep Creek Brewing Co. Below is some information on our band.
Granduo are an acoustic/electric guitar duo. Their aim is not to be just any guitar duo, but to offer a refreshingly different repertoire that both surprises and entertains. Granduo also make use of electronic loop pedals to create drum beats to ensure that the dance floor stays full!! No backing tracks here, everything you hear we have created on the spot! Quality of sound is ensured by the use of top quality instruments and PA equipment, and extensive experience in live sound, which means the right volume can be always be achieved for your event.
John Blackburn sings lead vocals and plays acoustic guitar. An ex London based musician, John has played with famous musicians including Joe Strummer, Skin from Skunk Anansie and Rolf Harris.
Andy Smith sings backing vocals, and plays acoustic and electric guitar. Andy has played with well-known artists such as Kick, Grand Central Band, Lewis McCallum, Nathan Haines, Ben Hazelwood and Caitlin Smith to name a few.
Granduo is ideal for: small events, parties, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, corporate functions.
Testimonials
Andy Smith Trio played smooth and sweet jazz sets at our 20th year in business dinner at the French Cafe, French Kitchen private dining room, on Saturday 8th June. It was a night of celebration and achievement, combined with Andy's inspirational guitar playing and the beautiful warm sound of the upright bass it was a night we will remember for a very long time. The best jazz sounds from The Andy Smith Trio.
Thanks Andy for a great night, look forward to hearing you again soon.
Chris Chong, Redcactus Design
"The Andy Smith Trio are a great band. Very versatile, and totally professional- Highly recommended" They filled the house at CJC and were a hit with the crowd"
Roger Manins
Creative Jazz Club NZ
Hi Gray and Andy,
We just wanted to thank you so much you were absolutely fantastic, everyone raved about you and judging by the massive amount of dancing you were a big hit. I should have sorted you out with a beer at the end did you get one, I was so busy trying to sort everything out. I hope you did get some food and drinks during the night. Once again thanks and I have handed out your ph no to several people so hopefully you will get lots of work.
Kind Regards Paul and Margaret
Granduo, Paul Clapham's 50th.