Richard Smith's Thirteen solo recordings have established him as a veteran of the contemporary music world - with critical success on every one of his releases. His albums have garnished praise such as “Best Contemporary Jazz Guitar Album” (Tune Up Magazine), a nomination for “Record of the Year” (Ad Lib Magazine), and “Best New Artist” (Radio & Records Magazine). His album 'SOuLIDIFIED' spent 17 weeks in the top 10 for radio airplay of American contemporary jazz radio (Radio and Records Magazine) and 3 weeks at number 1 in the World for satellite and cable airplay (Music Choice).
His most recent recording, “One World, Two Guitars” is an exciting duo project with Italian virtuoso Francesco Buzzurro – the duo tours regularly in America and Europe. ‘L.A. CHILLHARMONIC’ features Alex Acuna, Brian Bromberg, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeff Lorber, Eric Marienthal, Michael Paulo, Greg Adams, and the Tower of Power horn section. The touring ensemble won a nomination for Best International Group of the year from the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. In 2012 his touring and teaching took him to England, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Holland, Italy, Australia and Tahiti.
Francesco Buzzurro's lifelong privileged connection with guitar started at the tender age of six when his father gave him his first guitar, which will then lead him to study classical guitar. After earning his Diploma at "Conservatorio Bellini" in Palermo, he continues education with courses held by Aldo Minella and Oscar Ghiglia.
He perfected himself at the "Arts Academy" in Rome under the guidance of Stefano Palamidessi and some big concert performers like David Russell, Alberto Ponce, Hopkinson Smith and John Duarte. After taking his Degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures, he started an intense concert activity that brought him to travel all over the world: from America, to Greece, to Germany, to Spain and Turkey. As a classical guitarist he won three national concerts: the "Città di Alassio", the "Benedetto Albanese" in Caccamo, Sicily, and the "Savona in Musica".
On top of his studies of classical music and of his passion for folk music, he soon develops an interest in jazz music, which bring him to graduate in Jazz Music with Honorable Mention.
1. Pasaje 07:08
2. Spain 04:39
3. Isn't She Lovely 03:59
4. Beyond The Mountains 05:55
5. Phase Dance 04:17
6. Cantalope Island 04:49
7. The Great North 06:04
8. L'Ottavo Nano 03:20
9. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy 04:17
10. Pinball Wizard 03:22
Francesco Buzzurro - Giovanni Ingallinera Classical Guitar
Richard Smith - Paul Reed Smith Guitar
