Wadada Leo Smith has been a vital force in creative music since the 1960s, emerging from Chicago’s AACM collective as a trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. His innovative graphic notation system, “Ankhrasmation,” offers a unique approach to musical structure, allowing for profound interpretive freedom. Smith’s extensive discography includes the Pulitzer Prize-nominated “Ten Freedom Summers,” a monumental work exploring the Civil Rights Movement, and he has consistently pushed the boundaries of jazz and improvisation.

Smith's deep connections to the New York creative music scene are evident in his numerous collaborations and performances. He has worked closely with pianist Vijay Iyer, including on their album “A Cosmic Rhythm With Each Stroke” and the recent “Defiant Life” project, which they performed at MoMA. His presence in Brooklyn is marked by performances at venues like Roulette, where he has appeared with Sylvie Courvoisier and Mary Halvorson, and his album “Brooklyn Duos” with John Coxon. Smith has also been a featured artist at the Winter Jazzfest, a cornerstone of the city's musical calendar, further cementing his role within the vibrant NYC jazz landscape.

Beyond his performance work, Smith is a dedicated educator based in New Haven, Connecticut, where he has mentored a new generation of musicians in the creative music traditions of the northeastern United States. His collaborations with a wide array of influential figures, including Anthony Braxton and Jack DeJohnette, highlight his central position in a network of artists dedicated to experimental sound and collective creativity.