Bill Smith
b. 12 May 1938, Bristol, England. A jazz fan from childhood, Smith began to learn trumpet and drums, turning to soprano saxophone only in 1966, three years after he had moved to Toronto. Influenced by '60s free jazz and by the new music from Chicago's AACM, Smith played a prominent role in Canada's contemporary jazz scene of the '70s, working with various ensembles such as the All Time Sound Effects Orchestra, the avant garde Jazz Revival Band, the CCMC and Air Raid. In 1976 he recorded a set of duos with pianist Stuart Broomer, then in the late '70s formed a trio with David Lee (bass, cello) and David Prentice (violin). Originally called the New Art Music Ensemble (N.A.M.E.), they later became the Bill Smith Ensemble, recording two albums themselves and one each with guests Leo Smith and Joe McPhee. Also a well-known photographer and writer, Smith has long been co-publisher and editor of CODA, since the '60s one of the world's leading jazz magazines; is co-owner of Sackville Recordings; and was a founder of the Onari label (named after his wife, who co-runs it with him). He is also the originator of IMAGINE THE SOUND—a series of five (to date) projects that have included two photographic exhibitions, a set of jazz postcards, a film (featuring Paul Bley, Bill Dixon, Archie Shepp and Cecil Taylor) and a book of his photographs and writings. In 1988, he toured and recorded with the international saxophone sextet, Six Winds, but was not with them on their second album. (This artist should not be confused with the USA saxophonist/clarinettist Bill Smith, best known for his work with Dave Brubeck.)