Sean O’Bryan Smith has made a career of transcending every nuance of the music industry. Throughout his nearly three decade career he has gained International acclaim as a bassist, composer, producer, clinician, and writer. All of these opportunities have led Sean on a journey that has resulted in a successful and blessed career. His career paths lead him all over and his love for making friends and making music come out in all of his performances whether live or recorded.

Sean is somewhat of an enigma in the industry. He is a household name to some and unknown to others but always present in some form of the music industry. As a solo artist, Sean can be seen at any time all over the US performing at some of the Nation’s premiere jazz festivals and clubs. His freshman CD, Tapestry gained worldwide acclaim including rave reviews from major publications such as All About Jazz, Bass Player magazine, 20^th Century Guitar magazine, and many more. The all original Tapestry also had Sean in the composer and producer’s chair working with friends and musical legends Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, Jerry Marotta, and Ken Rarick.

Since the release of Tapestry, Sean has tirelessly been recording and touring both as a solo artist and highly sought after session musician. In 2010 alone he has recorded and/or performed with jazz legends like Randy Brecker, Larry Carlton, Brian Bromberg, Victor Wooten, Rick Braun, and Gerald Albright as well as Grammy Award winning artists Chuck Loeb, Esperanza Spalding, Frank Catalano and Juno nominated jazz singer Matt Dusk. These are all a precursor to the release of his second CD entitled Reflection tentatively due out in late Fall 2010.

Not one to be confined to one musical styling, Sean continues to branch out as a session musician working with top producers in numerous genres all over the country. He has recorded for artists for American Idol and Canadian Idol including Matt Giraud. He regularly records for top hip-hop producers in Atlanta for major label artists and has had a long running position working for top Nashville producers in the country and CCM markets. This has led him to performance and/or recording credits with a staggering number of artists including Keith Urban, Darius Rucker, Billy Currington, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Rogers, Wynonna, The Oak Ridge Boys, Rebecca St. James, Billy Ray Cyrus, and the list goes on and on. Sean has had the distinct pleasure to perform for President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalind Carter. He’s even known to record with fellow bassist/spoken word artist/actor Malcolm Jamal-Warner as well as his longtime position as bassist for iTunes Jazz chart-topper Anna Wilson. He’s even opened up for major jazz artists like the late Michael Brecker, Roy Haynes, Kevin Mahogany, Eddie Palmieri, Fattburger, and Jamie Cullum as well as countless pop and country superstars.

Sean has a strong commitment to musical education as well.  To help fulfill this Sean has been a featured clinician for a number of musical instrument manufacturers over the years including Xotic, Steinberger, Tobias, Valley Arts, Eden Electronics, and Epiphone. He is also a contributing writer for Mel Bay’s Bass Sessions where he offers tips for new and seasoned players on diversifying and surviving the music industry.  Finally, he has contributed to a number of national publications as a writer including Vintage Guitar, Christian Musician, Premier Guitar, and Bass Player.

From his humble music beginnings in Chattanooga, TN to his ever-growing presence in the music industry, Sean O’Bryan Smith has been privileged to live the life of a professional musician. His contributions can be found in various forms but they are always plentiful. From being raised by his mother, jazz vocalist Bebe Hannon, to being part of the exploding Seattle music scene in the early ‘90’s his journey has already been full of inspiration and excitement. He’s played for packed coliseums with artists as well as the smallest New York jazz clubs but keeps the same musical integrity throughout. There is no telling where GOD will lead him next but either way Sean continues to try to impact lives and spread his love for music to any and all that will listen.