Researched musician profile
About Lee Smith
Smith’s official biography identifies him as a Philadelphia-born bassist whose first instrument was trumpet. It traces his move to electric bass while at Overbrook High School, early weekend work with local musicians, and a Philadelphia home base maintained through decades of touring and recording.[1]
The biography separates Smith’s Philadelphia R&B work from his later jazz practice. It documents international touring with Mongo Santamaria, a move to acoustic bass in the 1980s, and subsequent work as a performer, composer, arranger, producer, and teacher.[1]
Smith’s official discography lists leader albums including Sittin’ on a Secret, My Kind of Blues, and the 2021 release Faith in the New Day. It also records sideman work with Odean Pope and selected Philadelphia recording projects, while the artist’s video archive offers performances and an electronic press kit in Smith’s own voice.[2][3]
Philadelphia home base
Smith’s biography documents Philadelphia as the through-line connecting his early training, R&B sessions, jazz work, and teaching.[1]
Leader recordings
The official discography identifies three albums under Smith’s name and gives personnel for My Kind of Blues.[2]
Electric and acoustic bass
Smith’s biography traces an early electric-bass practice and his later development on acoustic bass in jazz settings.[1]