Nate Smith

Nate Smith, winner of this edition's MálagaJazz Award, performs at Teatro Cervantes on Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 20:00, as part of the 40th Málaga International Jazz Festival.

His live show is built on an entirely original repertoire reflecting his evolution as a composer and bandleader. The set draws on pieces from "Kinfolk" and "Kinfolk 2", where contemporary jazz intertwines with funk- and soul-rooted grooves; more raw, pulse-driven compositions from "Pocket Change"; and material from the recent "Live-Action" (2025), with a more direct, current approach. Rather than technical showmanship, the songs prioritise musicality, with accessible melodies and structures that grow organically: with no reliance on standards, rhythm and feel are the real throughline.

Nate Smith (Norfolk, Virginia, 1974), a two-time Grammy nominee, is one of the most influential drummers in contemporary jazz, known for his focus on groove and a hybrid language spanning jazz, funk and R&B. He has collaborated with artists such as Pat Metheny and Dave Holland and, as a bandleader, has developed his own projects such as Kinfolk. His reach on social media has also brought drumming to new audiences.

Nate Smith (drums), Julian "J3PO" Pollack (piano, keyboards and synthesizer), Carrtoons (bass) and Hailey Niswanger (saxophone).

Running time: 1 h 30 min, no interval.