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ABOUT

After ten years as a professional recording artist with recognition on several major music charts in the U.S. and abroad, being played on over 220 radio stations and also having the opportunity to open for such stellar artists as Babyface, The Stylistics, After7, Mary Wilson, Chante Moore and Buddy Guy, I decided to return to my roots and first love: being a traditional jazz artist, producing and singing jazz songbook standards with an occasional R&B ballad and a touch of blues.   Now in the sixth year of a monthly residency at the world renowned Buddy Guy's Legends Jazz and Blues Club, I continue to be influenced by the venue's history of presenting some of the greatest musical talents in the jazz and blues genre.  I'm extremely excited about the upcoming release of my new album of songbook standards in the Spring of 2022.  Recorded live at Piano Forte, it will feature performances by "The Tracye Eileen Jazz Quartet", which includes my exceptional trio of reknown, straight-ahead jazz musicians based in Chicago. 

I started my professional music career 11 years ago by first enrolling in the vocal studies program at the Bloom School of Jazz in Chicago. While there I was able to hone my singing skills by developing rich scatting styles, delivering creative musical interpretation of lyrics and  providing a rich, sultry vocal.  While there I performed at several local Jazz Clubs including The Green Mill, Katerina's and the Mayne Stage; then shortly thereafter landed my first professional gig at Hollywood Casino Joliet. This style of vocal was strongly reflected in my first album, Love's Journey.  After many years of performing on both large stages and in more intimate venues, the connection with my audience remains warm, personal and well-received.

My father, Ed Smith, an accomplished  jazz percussionist, was a major influence during my early years.  One of the results of his mentoring many years ago led to me being offered the opportunity to be the lead singer in both my high school and  college jazz bands.

My style is greatly influenced by the artistry of singers like Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McCrae, Nina Simone and other noted jazz vocalists who have the exceptional ability to tell a story through music in a way that embraces the audience and makes them feel a part of it.  And so the journey continues…..Thank you for allowing me to share this part of my story and heart with you. 

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