MIAC Live: Sy Smith

Sy Smith has long since solidified her place in the world of underground soul music (she’s often called “the hardest working woman in underground soul”). This Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and producer helped cultivate the nu-soul scene in that city more than 10 years ago, a scene which now easily boasts some of the most progressive artists of that genre to date. Her catalog includes five studio albums, with contributions from a who’s who of producers: James Poyser of The Roots, Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest and Nicolay of The Foreign Exchange. All five of her albums, including her brand-new project, “Sometimes A Rose Will Grow in Concrete,” have been heralded by critics around the world for Smith’s lyrical dexterity, vocal whimsy, and ability to spin a story like few others in soul music. Listeners often remark on Smith’s vocal range, which moves effortlessly from a speakeasy, gritty alto all the way to a stratospheric soprano whistle register reminiscent of the late Minnie Riperton.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the MIAC website.