"The Sarah Smith Trio play gypsy jazz with authentic passion, fire and virtuosity. This band is keeping the spirit of the music of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli alive..." Simon Tittley - Producer WEA International
"Remi Harris' virtuosity is stunning...one of Herefordshire's brightest young musical talents. A player of skill and versatility, he is destined for a bigger stage." - thejazzmann.co.uk
"Some of the most exquisite lead parts I have had the pleasure of witnessing in recent years in the form of virtuoso violinist Sarah Smith." - The County Times
"These three highly talented musicians absolutely wowed our audience. We finished half an hour late because they wouldn't let Sarah's Trio leave the stage. A great climax to an excellent evening...." - Jim Allen, ‘ The Floor ’
"The brilliant violin playing of Sarah Smith, the great vocals & guitar of Tim Smith, and the superbly skilled Remi Harris on lead guitar. A fantastic line-up playing Gypsy Jazz a la hot club and a whole lot more." - ‘ The Music Pool ’
The Sarah Smith Trio, consisting of violin and two guitars can also appear as a quartet, with the addition of double bass. Sarah plays the violin. As well as making many television and radio appearances, she has been a session musician for the BBC. She's also toured Europe and Canada. Sarah was awarded "Best Young Performer" by North Country Magazine. As a member of Inspector Gadjo, she won first place at an International Gypsy Jazz Festival in 2009.
Still in his early twenties Remi's playing is a melting pot of ideas, drawing on his influences (Django Reinardt, Bireli Lagrene, Wes Montgmery, Charlie Parker, Clifford Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Peter Green to name a few) to create spontaneous and varied improvisations. On a constant learning curve, his playing is always on the move into new areas, exploring new ideas.
Tim Smith provides the driving rhythm that is at the heart of Gypsy Jazz, and he is also the lead vocalist of the group. Below, is a few of the interesting and fun things they have done recently.
Sarah and Tim were members of a band that won the ‘Gypsy Idol’ competition at Gossington's International Gypsy Guitar Festival in 2009. As a Duo, they performed at an international Blues/Jazz festival “Plein La Teuf” in Rouen, France in February 2010. They have performed for Prince Charles, who declared that he thought the music at the event was “Wonderful”. Sarah Smith has performed on several occasions with some of the world's top Gypsy Jazz musicians, including Gary Potter and the great Dutch Gypsy rhythm guitarist, Martin Limberger.