About

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

Prepare to be blown away as Shirley Smart, a renowned cellist, along with John Crawford on piano and Demi Garcia Sabat on percussion create a magical atmosphere with their unique blend of jazz, world music, and improvisation.

Cellist and composer Shirley Smart released her debut album Long Story Short on 33 Records to critical acclaim. The album showcases the vast array of Smart's musical influences and draws on her unique background gained from ten years living in Jerusalem and working with the overlapping worlds of jazz, Arabic, Turkish, and North African music, and with artists such as Avishai Cohen, Omer Avital and Yasmin Levy. It also showcases her unique ability to explore the potential of the cello in a jazz context, performing multiple roles as bassist, lead, and soloist on the instrument.

Shirley has appeared at numerous festivals in the UK and abroad. Recent highlights include the Cheltenham Festival, EFG London Jazz Festival, Birmingham Jazz Festival, Vivacello Festival in Moscow, and Barbican Centre as support for Avishai Cohen Trio with Cafe Orán.

...some of the most inventive use of the cello I have heard for some time.." Kind of Jazz