Michael Smolens Ensembles / Second Sight Music Jazz Ensemble from Berkeley, CA

Veteran Bay Area musician Michael Smolens has the experience and artistry to make your event truly memorable. Whether alone at his piano or performing with one of his seven different ensembles, his music inspires. You may have heard him at a friend's wedding, a private event or corporate function, a sacred setting, in a radio interview, at a concert hall like Yoshi's Jazz House, or on one of his six critically acclaimed CD releases. As a composer/arranger for nearly five decades, Michael Smolens has frequently been commissioned to collaborate on or create new works for special occasions. Over the last 40 years, he has entertained the Picasso family, Lt. Governor Newsom, Cirque du Soleil, Hewlett-Packard, and many others. So why is Michael Smolens the right choice for your event?  In a few words... unique, elegant, passionate. Performed by a flexible, friendly professional who has the uncanny ability to sense what a crowd needs and adapt within moments.   "What I find most appealing about Michael Smolens is his ability to satisfy the clients who want both the classic and the unconventional, often within one event. This is especially tricky when it comes to ensemble performances.  It really boils down to the bandleader's ability to know his talent and pick the right players.  And the reports I get from my clients and event planners is that Michael consistently delivers. Whether it's a wedding needing both jazz and classical music, or a West-African trio using indigenous instruments, I know that I can trust Michael to create the right ambience." Lance Freeman (President, has hired Michael since 1996) Michael's repertoire spans hundreds of works, including different flavors of Jazz, Broadway, Latin, Pop, Classical, Sacred and International / World Music.  Michael can also specially arrange or compose a new piece for any event—from weddings and birthdays to ordinations and dedicatory works—as well as accompany guest artists. Have you ever had a special idea or theme for music and needed someone to implement it brilliantly? Here are some examples of past clients who got it and more in our "HAVING IT ALL" travelogue: Take 1) THE PERFECT SUITE OF WALTZES During the early planning stage of their wedding a couple confessed to me, "We've always dreamt about how wonderful it would be to slow dance to a string of romantic waltzes at our reception.  We see a sultry jazz vocalist with a trio backing her up.  Could you do that for us?" I replied, "No problem, I know just the right vocalist for you'" and then played them samples of her singing. About 10 seconds into the track the couple looked at each other and said to me, "Perfect." "Well, let's look at some possible songs for this project" and then I proceeded to play dozens of waltzes on my piano for them to consider. (I even re-interpreted many non-waltzes into a waltz feel to give more choices). After the couple decided on five of their favorite songs, I began to put this suite together.  I met with my vocalist to determine her ideal singing key for each song, scored them out for the band, and finally created instrumental segues between each song to create a seamless 20-minute suite. Fast forward to their wedding. Toward the end of the reception the couple gave us the cue that they wanted to dance to their special suite.  So with the lights low, we began to play and when I looked up, what I saw that we were playing just for them in what felt like their own 'private movie'.  I will always remember that moment... Take 2) BIRTHDAY UNDER THE STARS A friend called and said that one of their friends were looking for "something out-of-the-ordinary" for a family member's birthday.  "We have very diverse musical tastes—we'd like something jazz, pop, and international.  And we're having the party at the Chabot Space and Science Center. What do you have?" With that challenge, I suggested they bring on a combination of three of my groups: a West-African fusion trio, a straight-ahead jazz trio, and an R&B quartet with a very soulful male singer.  After I played them samples from each group, the family coordinator said, "Fabulous, you've hit all of the bases.  Do you play in all of them?" I replied, "I love visiting different cultures by playing different instruments.  How about this: Why don't we bookend the whole event by starting and ending with the West-African group.  This way I could schedule the jazz trio during dinner, have a break during your video presentation, and then bring on the R&B quartet after that."   "And finish with the West-African trio, right?" asked the coordinator. "Yes, and I have an idea that will really spice-up your event.  I work with an award-wining close-up magician who charms everyone who sees her slight-of-hand effects.  That might be just the 'out-of-the-ordinary' touch you were looking for." "Our guests will just love it, I can see it already!" Needless to say, the whole evening went fabulously.  Another night to remember... Take 3) THE SECRET GIFT My very first conversation with Robert went something like this:  "Hello, do you teach piano and voice?" "Yes, about half of my students work on that combination."  "Can you keep a secret ?" "Hmm, maybe you could explain a bit about this?" "I'm getting married in nine months and I want to sing and play piano for my new bride at the wedding in front all of my guests." "I'm not sure where the 'secret' is here." "Well, the thing is, none of my guests—including my fiancé—know that I play or sing, and I would need you to train me in complete secrecy. Can you do that for me?" "I've never been asked to do this before, but sure, I can do this. And when is the wedding?" "In nine months." And that's exactly what I did with Robert until his wedding day—I coached him in total secrecy and he managed to work out all of his practicing at times when no one would hear him. When he brought in the sheet music to the song he was going to sing at the reception, "It's True Love" by David Gray, he said, "You know, I also want to make a studio recording of the song with myself on piano and singing, plus electric bass, and give copies to all of my guests." I replied, "Isn't there also a synthesizer on the original?" "Ah, but I'd rather hear a rich string quartet behind everything. Can you make an arrangement that really fits the song?" "An excellent idea, it would be a pleasure, Robert." I suggested that we wait for several months of vocal training before committing to a specific key for his song.  In the meantime, we built a solid foundation for both his piano playing and voice so that he could put those skills together comfortably for not only his performance, but also his recording. Fast forward to Robert's wedding reception in the main ballroom of the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco.  After I played an hour of solo piano I took a microphone to speak to his guests, "Can I have your attention please.  Robert has a special gift for his new bride." The room became very still as he escorted his new bride to a chair next to the piano and said into the microphone, "Sweetheart, this song is for you." That was the cue to open the curtain, revealing a string quartet and electric bassist.  I counted off the tempo and slipped into my chair where I had a perfect view of the bride. Needless to say she became teary-eyed, as did many of the guests during that moment in time...  Take 4) TRADITIONAL JEWISH WEDDING GOES INTERNATIONAL One of my favorite places to create special music is at the Brazilian Room in Berkeley's Tilden Park. There's just something about the wooded setting and charm of the building that always puts a smile on my face.  Once when I was playing at an Open House there, I noticed a woman sitting not ten feet from me, listening very intently. About 45 minutes into my set, one of my musical partners arrived with his West-African kora (21-string harp).  As soon as we started to play together, she got up and brought her fiancé to sit right next to us and listen.  When I finished that set she came up to me and said, "I really like your different instruments—the piano, voice, your strange looking marimba, this Middle-Eastern drum, and I love this flute of yours.  It's bigger than the one I played as a child.  And all the different styles, too.  I think that you're the one who could handle what I've got planned for my wedding." I replied, "I get the sense that you're not only a musician, but that you also compose your own pieces. Am I right about this?" She said, "Now I know you can handle all the music for my wedding." Here's what finally emerged for her entire wedding: As her guests arrived, I was joined by two of her long-time musician friends in three traditional Jewish songs, alternating between alto flute and Middle-Eastern dumbek. We also played one of her original songs during the ceremony, as well accompanying the rousing hora dancing right after they "smashed the glass" (the customary ending to a Jewish wedding).  For the first half of the reception I joined my kora-playing friend on my West-African balafon (marimba), voice, shakers, and melodica (small harmonica-like keyboard).  The second half of the reception featured a quartet of top-call session players on saxes, basses, drum set, and myself on piano/keyboard for a delightful mix of instrumental jazz and pop music.  All in all, a very fun time was had by all...

• B A L L A D S
• After You've Gone
• Angel Eyes
• As Time Goes By
• Autumn Nocturne
• Bess You Is My Woman Now
• Bewitched
• Black and Blue
• Blame It On My Youth
• Blue in Green
• Body and Soul
• Dedicated to You
• Detour Ahead
• Dreamsville
• Easy Living
• Embraceable You
• Full Moon and Empty Arms
• Georgia
• God Bless the Child
• Good Morning Heartache
• Goodbye Porkpie Hat
• Harlem Nocturne
• I Cover the Waterfront
• I Got It Bad
• I Remember Clifford
• If You Could See Me Now
• I Left My Heart in San Fransisco
• I'll Be Around
• Ill Wind
• I Loves You Porgy
• I'm Through With Love
• I'm in the Mood for Love
• In a Sentimental Mood
• Isn't it a Pity
• It Was a Very Good Year
• It's the Talk of the Town
• Love is Stronger Than Us
• The Man I Love
• Memories of You
• Misty
• Moonlight in Vermont
• More Than You Know
• My Foolish Heart
• My Funny Valentine
• My Man's Gone Now
• My One and Only Love
• My Ship
• My Song
• Naima
• The Nearness of You
• A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square
• One For My Baby
• The Nearness Of You
• No More
• Our Love Is Here To Stay (piano & sax duo/lazy swing)
• Over the Rainbow
• Precious Lord, Take My Hand
• Prelude to a Kiss
• Rhapsody in Blue
• Round Midnight
• Ruby My Dear
• Save Your Love For Me
• September Song
• Skylark (piano & flugelhorn/ballad)
• Some Enchanted Evening
• Some Other Time
• Someone to Watch Over Me
• Somewhere
• Sophisticated Lady
• Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most
• Spring is Here
• Stairway to the Stars
• The Star Crossed Lovers
• Stardust
• Stormy Weather
• The Summer Knows
• Summertime
• Turn Out the Stars
• Unforgettable
• We'll Be Together Again
• What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?
• What's New
• When I Fall in Love
• When Lights Are Low
• When Sunny Gets Blue
• You Are Too Beautiful
• You Must Believe in Spring
• You Taught My Heart to Sing
• S W I N G
• Ain't Misbehavin'
• All of You
• All the Things You Are
• Along Came Betty
• April in Paris
• Autumn Leaves
• A Beautiful Friendship
• The Blue Room
• The Days of Wine and Roses
• Do Nothing til You Hear From Me?
• Dolphin Dance
• Don't Blame Me
• Don't Get Around Much Anymore
• The Duke
• Easy to Love
• A Foggy Day
• Good Bait
• Have You Met Miss Jones?
• Honeysuckle Rose
• How Deep Is The Ocean
• How High The Moon
• I Got Rhythm
• I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart
• I Mean You
• I Only Have Eyes For You
• I Should Care
• I'm Beginning to See the Light
• In Walked Bud
• In Your Own Sweet Way
• Isn't it Romantic?
• It's Only A Paper Moon
• It's You Or No One (jazz quartet/swing)
• It Don't Mean a Thing
• I Got the World on a String
• Just Friends
• Killer Joe
• Lazy Bird
• Laura
• Let's Fall In Love
• Like Someone in Love
• LOVE
• Lullaby of Birdland
• Lullaby of the Leaves
• Mack the Knife
• Mean to Me
• Moondance
• Moonglow
• My Romance
• New York, New York
• On a Clear Day
• Robin's Nest
• Satin Doll
• Scrapple From the Apple
• Star Eyes
• Stompin' at the Savoy
• Straight No Chaser
• 'S Wonderful
• Take the "A" Train
• There is No Greater Love
• They Can't Take That Away From Me
• The Way You Look Tonight
• Well You Needn't
• Whisper Not
• Willie's Tune
• Witchcraft
• L A T I N
• Agua de Berber (Water to Drink
• Corcovado (Quiet Nights Quiet Stars)
• Desafinado
• Dindi
• East Of The Sun & West Of The Moon
• Every Time We Say Goodbye
• A Felicidade
• Garota de Ipanema (Girl from Ipanema)
• Insensatez (How Insensitive)
• In Your Eyes
• If You Never Come To Me
• Meditaçao (Meditation)
• Once I Loved
• Sabía
• Wave
• L A T I N (Antonio Carlos Jobim)
• Autumn Serenade
• Caravan
• Ceora
• The Dolphin
• Elizete
• Friends (jazz trio/Samba)
• The Gentle Rain
• Here's That Rainy Day
• I Hear a Rhapsody
• Imagination
• The Island
• Jubilee
• Like A Lover - vocal (quartet/Brazilian ballad)
• Une Homme et Une Femme (A Man and a Woman)
• Manha de Carnaval (A Day in the Life of a Fool)
• The Masquerade is Over
• Moon and Sand
• Moon River - vocal (quartet/bossa-nova)
• My Little Boat
• Nica's Dream
• Night and Day
• Pavane
• Pensativa
• Serenata
• The Shadow of Your Smile
• So Many Stars
• Summer Samba (So Nice)
• A Time for Love
• Veracruz (Empty Faces)
• Yellow Days
• W A L T Z E S
• Alice In Wonderland (jazz trio/waltz)
• Bewitched, Bothered, & Bewildered
• Bluesette
• The Christmas Waltz
• Falling in Love with Love
• Fly Me to the Moon
• I'm All Smiles
• It Goes Like it Goes
• The Jitterbug Waltz
• Little Waltz
• Morning Has Broken
• Take Five
• Tenderly
• Theme from Piano Concerto #2 (3rd movement)
• Up Jumped Spring
• Waltz for Debby
• While We're Young
• B L U E S
• All Blues
• An American in Paris
• Basin Street Blues
• Blue Monk (jazz trio/blues)
• Blues on the Corner
• Blues in the Night
• Freddie the Freeloader
• Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You?
• Pussycat Dues
• Serenade in Blue
• Since I Fell For You
• Sweet Georgia Brown
• Walkin'
• Willow Weep For Me
• F U N K
• Ain't No Sunshine
• Alone Again (Naturally)
• Caught Up in the Rapture
• Heatwave
• Heart in View
• How Sweet It Is to be Loved by You
• I Heard it Through the Grapevine
• Just the Two of Us
• Mary Had a Baby
• Midnight at the Oasis
• Night Mood
• On Broadway
• Pick Up the Pieces
• Sunny
• Sweet Love
• This Masquerade
• Valdez in the Country
• We're in This Love Together
• What's Goin' On
• S T E V I E - W O N D E R
• All in Love is Fair
• Another Star
• Don't You Worry About a Thing
• Golden Lady
• I Wish
• If It's Magic
• Isn't She Lovely?
• My Cherie Amour
• P O P
• Alfie
• All I Ask of You
• American Pie
• Aquarius
• Close to You
• Colors of the Wind
• Crazy
• Daydream
• Dedicated to the One I Love
• Don't Know Why
• Everything
• Feelin' Groovy
• Follow Me Down
• Godfather Theme (Speak Softly Love)
• Gonna Fly Now (theme from Rocky)
• The Greatest Love of All
• Heartbreak Hotel
• I Don't Know Where I Stand
• I Say a Little Prayer for You
• I Will Remember You
• If
• Imagine
• It's Too Late
• Jean
• Just the Way You Are
• Lady Gaga medley
• Leaving on a Jet Plane
• Let's Stay Together
• The Look of Love
• Love Story
• Michael From Mountains
• Mr Bojangles
• My Girl
• My Immortal
• Night Life
• Nights in White Satin
• Savin' All My Love For You
• Send in the Clowns
• Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay
• Songs To Aging Children Come
• Suicide is Painless
• Think of Me
• Traces
• Up Up and Away
• Walk On By
• The Way We Were
• We've Only Just Begun
• What A Wonderful World
• Wichita Lineman
• You Make Me Feel Brand New
• Your Song
• You've Got a Friend
• B E A T L E S
• Can't Buy Me Love
• Good Day Sunshine
• Eleanor Rigby
• Get Back
• Girl
• Here There and Everywhere
• Here Comes the Sun
• Hey Jude
• Honeypie
• I Feel Fine
• If I Fell
• I'll Follow the Sun
• It's Only Love
• Imagine
• In My Life
• Junk
• Let it Be
• Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
• Michelle
• My Sweet Lord
• Norwegian Wood
• She's Leaving Home
• Something
• When I'm SixtyFour
• While My Guitar Gently Weeps
• Yesterday
• C L A S S I C A L
• Ave Maria
• Bist Du Bei Mir
• Canon in D
• French Suite IV Allemande Sarabande Air
• Gymnopedie #1 #2 #3
• Here Comes the Bride
• Kinderszenen #1 (theme to "My Brilliant Career")
• Prelude Op. 28 #4
• Pavane
• To Romance
• H O L I D A Y
• Angels We Have Heard On High
• Auld Lang Syne
• Away In a Manger
• Christmas Time is Here
• The Christmas Waltz
• First Noel
• Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
• Have Yourself A Merry Christmas
• It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
• Joy to the World
• Lo How A Rose E're Blooming
• Let It Snow
• O Come All Ye Faithful
• O Christmas Tree
• O Little Town of Bethlehem
• Silent Night
• Winter Wonderland