Darren Smith
Bass Trombone Tutor
British guitarist Ant lives in London and is “a game changer” and “an innovator” according to The Guardian. His 6th album ‘Ensconced’ is a collaboration with Milan-born Turkish singer Brigitte Beraha and will be released (on Ubuntu Music) 16th August 2024. His previous album ‘Same Moon in the Same World’ (Outside in Music) was released on 4th November 2022.
In 2013 his debut 'Entanglement' (33Jazz) was released, followed by 'Zero Sum World' (Whirlwind Recordings) in 2015 and then 'Life I Know' (Edition Records) in 2018. This release was described as “career-defining”. It achieved 5 star reviews, made numerous “best of 2018" lists, received airplay in the UK, Europe, Australia, and was added to numerous editorial playlists on Spotify. 2020 saw the release of Ant’s 4th album - the critically acclaimed ‘The Sleeper Wakes’ (Edition).
Ant is also the “L” in Trio HLK who record/tour with Dame Evelyn Glennie. He has worked with other notables Cory Henry, Thomas Gould and is featured in “Total Guitar", “Guitar Techniques" & “Guitarist” magazines.
2016 saw the emergence of the Art Of Rhythm Trio featuring Matt Ridley (bass) and Asaf Sirkis (drums & konnakol).
Since 2010 Ant has concentrated on make a living playing guitar, eventually moving to London and immersing himself in the scene there and touring internationally. He has also lived in NYC for a season where he studied with his heroes Ari Hoenig, Ben Monder, Adam Rogers, Lage Lund, Johannes Weidenmueller, Tim Miller and others.
In addition to his work at RWCMD, Ant regularly teaches (and examines) at the Royal Academy of Music and The Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London. He has taught workshops and masterclasses at Leeds College Of Music, Leeds University, Durham University, Newcastle University.