Te' V Smith
Paris, Île-de-France, France | SELF
Music
Press
Lights dimmed in a small room pushed past capacity. The mixed crowd of twenty somethings and baby boomers line the walls discussing the speaker in polite debate when from behind the curtains emerge humble in size, a young man who looks 19 years of age at best. The shy demeanor of Te’ V. Smith almost humbles the room as he quietly thanks the eager audience for allowing him the opportunity to share his heart with them.
Seconds later he speaks to us, through us and for us. As the dynamics of voice and message build so does the reaction from the overwhelmed crowd. I (with so many other near 40-50 year olds) stand in awe of the wisdom and class of this young speaker. My body is pinned to the floor, my eyes to the stage and my ears are as open as they’ve ever been and I realize that perhaps I have heard the greatest literary voice of this time tonight in a dimly lit room on the corner of nowhere and everywhere.
-Justine McCarthy Seviant - Le Monde diplomatique
It is the view of this servant of the word that Te' V. Smith has within him the ability to free minds, open hearts and raise awareness of self and spirituality to all brave enough to recieve.
-Saul Stacey Williams - Saul Williams
He entered as one of the crowd as the host announced Te’ V. Smith and the Interview. Shoeless, humble, a smile of joy teasing the corners of his mouth, he took the stage, accompanied by a guitarist, a cahon (afro Cuban drum), and a vocalist.
Mild, subdued beginnings, the audience sits perched on the edge of their seats, intently listening, afraid of missing something. This poet does not blast his audience into submission; instead he beckons them to join him on his journey.
After his quiet introduction, he opened with a plea to his love to forgive him and return. Before long the audience is clapping and involved and Te’ V. Smith comes alive.
He is a poet like no other. Not only is his message spoken in words, but also through instruments as he wows the crowd with an upbeat piece in which he incorporates a djembe drum.
At the end of his set, the audience registers disappointment. Not because of the quality of the show, but because it is over. On many occasions I found myself completely in awe, clapping, chanting repeated phrases (oh my!), and smiling. Smiling quite a bit and realizing his message made me feel good. And according to the faces of those witnessing the deliverance of his message, I was not alone in the pleasure.
- Cherry Moon Publishing
Discography
SINGLES
-Decline Of The Diaspora-
Light In The (K)night
Decline Of The Diaspora accapella version
-The Last Resistance-
Things Behind The Sun
The Last Resistance cypher version
ALBUMS:
-Mots Pargates-
-The Last Resistance-
-New Blues-
-Ruin & Restoration-
Photos
Bio
Te' V. Smith a Paris and East St Louis native has been writing and performing since the age of 8 with credits as the percussionist and 2nd synthesizer for James Brown’ European tour, Children of The Night Continued in Paris, France with Saul Williams, Ani Defranco and Lia Motlier, all before his 13th birthday. His first studio release, a Jazz instrumental album “The Standards Of Mr. Smith” and first self titled book " Te' V. Smith" set him as a promising child prodigy in Paris’ literary scene as well as it’s underground Jazz scene. After touring Japan, Africa, Canada and greater Europe, and after finishing his studies at the age of 15 he left for the United States to attend college at the Hewlett Inc. Institute’ excelled degree program ultimately earning a Masters of Systematic Theology at 21.
Moving to St Louis to further his studies at Washington University while continuing to write, produce and accompany artists for Def Jam, Bad Boy, Universal, artists like Erykah Badu, Le Ciel, Guapole, Bilal and others. His national solo debut came after taping for the Def Poetry Jam in May of 2005, MTV’ Rock The Mic’ and Vh1’ Lyric Café later that year leading to a meeting with Nas and Mos Def and a five city tour with The Legendary Roots Crew as an opening act sharing poetry and song. After the tour he took a hiatus from school to work with Talib Kweli’ Blackstar label, writing and producing for Algebra Blessett, Janelle Monae and more. Now working on his long awaited full length album release. Te' V. Smith is a talent worth seeking out | Lesier D. Pulter-London Lit. Press|
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