Shirley Smart Trio@Hampstead Jazz Club

Trailblazing cellist Shirley Smart performs music from her acclaimed album ‘Long Story Short’ at this delightful venue in North London.

Drawing on a mixture of influences from 10 years spent living in Jerusalem, jazz and a strong classical training including studies with Raphael Wallfisch and Janos Starker, Shirley is recognised as one of the UKs most innovatice string players.

“…some of the most inventive use of the cello I have heard for some time..” Kind of Jazz

‘As a cellist-composer she morphs seamlessly from Stephane Grappelli like swing and Bird-like bebop…a charming kaleidoscope and jazzy showcase of her global folk music-inspired compositions’ Jazzwise
‘Intense, lyrical and full of energy….A thrilling range on technique on display…Smart’s cello singing, snarling or pumping out bass lines….fascinating listening, and thought-provoking entertainment for the open-eared” The Arts Desk

“Smarts playing is particularly remarkable….she readily demonstrates a wide range of techniques incorporating an understanding of improvisation drawn from a jazz background and her extensive knowledge of Arabic maqam…” Songlines