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Geoffrey Smith

Geoffrey Smith was born in Michigan, USA in 1943. Geoffrey grew up to the diverse sounds of Schubert, jazz and Gilbert & Sullivan. 'I always try to convey the energy and spontaneity that's so vital to jazz, the sense of discovery I knew in my days as a drummer with groups ranging from Dixieland to big bands to a very free New York quartet.'

Geoffrey Smith was born in Michigan, USA in 1943. Geoffrey grew up to the diverse sounds of Schubert, jazz and Gilbert & Sullivan.

He became a musician, concentrating on percussion and playing in jazz groups of every style from Dixieland to avant-garde, before the rise of rock discouraged him in 1969. At the same time he was pursuing an academic career in literature, and came to Britain to finish a Ph.D in 1973. Deciding he wanted to remain here, Geoffrey began earning his living as a freelance writer and lecturer, contributing articles and reviews to a variety of journals, including Country Life, New Society and The Spectator.

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Geoffrey Smith's Jazz

Geoffrey Smith's Jazz - a weekly sequence exploring what makes great jazz great music