Cello in Jazz

Shirley Smart Trio from the United Kingdom is another exciting discovery for cello enthusiasts. This renowned trio invites audiences on an unforgettable jazz journey, where the fusion of cello, keyboard and percussion creates a breathtaking performance. The concert’s atmosphere will be further enriched by the sounds of North African, Arabic and Balkan compositions, all within the beloved industrial setting of the bar Herkus Kantas in Klaipėda. 

Shirley Smart is regarded as one of Europe’s most creative cellists. She draws inspiration from the rich and interwoven traditions of North African, Arabic, Balkan and jazz music. Her musical journey was shaped in Jerusalem, where she spent ten years after studying at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama, as well as in Paris. In the cultural melting pot of Jerusalem, she performed alongside renowned jazz and world music artists such as Avishai Cohen, Omer Avital, Yasmin Levy and many others. 

Upon returning to her homeland, Shirley Smart formed a trio with two acclaimed British jazz and world music musicians, pianist John Crawford and percussionist Demi Garcia Sabat. Shirley Smart Trio has been invited to perform at various jazz festivals across the UK and Europe, including the London, Birmingham, Scarborough and Amsterdam Jazz Festivals, as well as Aberjazz and others. Currently, the trio is on a UK and international tour, presenting their critically acclaimed album Long Story Short.