Nate Smith

Ira Nathaniel "Nate" Smith (born December 14, 1974) is an American drummer, composer, and record producer. His sixth album, Live-Action, won two Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals. In early 2025, he released the collaborative cross-genre album "LIVE-ACTION", which was nominated for and won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Jazz Album. The single "Big Fish" from the album, featuring the vocal group säje, was also nominated for and won the Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals.

Smith has composed soundtracks for broadcast documentaries on Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel. He also gave a drum masterclass as part of the festival in Montréal.

Discography As leader Workday, Waterbaby Music Vol. 1 (Waterbaby Music, 2008) Kinfolk: Postcards from Everywhere (Ropeadope, 2017) Pocket Change (Waterbaby Music, 2018) Light and Shadow (Waterbaby Music, 2020) Kinfolk 2: See the Birds (Edition, 2021) Pocket Change 2: Mad Currency (Waterbaby Music, 2023) Live-Action (Waterbaby Music, 2025)

As sideman With Robin Eubanks Klassik Rock Vol. 1 (ArtistShare, 2014) More Than Meets the Ear (ArtistShare, 2015)

With Dave Holland Critical Mass (Dare2, 2006) Pathways (Dare2, 2010)

With Brittany Howard Jaime (ATO, 2019) What Now (Island, 2024)

With Jose James Love in a Time of Madness (Blue Note, 2017) Lean on Me (Blue Note, 2018)

With Chris Potter Underground (Sunnyside, 2006) Follow the Red Line (Sunnyside, 2007) Ultrahang (ArtistShare, 2009) Imaginary Cities (ECM, 2015)

With others Patricia Barber, The Cole Porter Mix (Blue Note, 2008) Randy Brecker, Randy Pop! (Piloo, 2015) Scott Colley, Seven (ArtistShare, 2017) Nir Felder, Golden Age (Okeh, 2014) Takuya Kuroda, Rising Son (Blue Note, 2014) Monday Michiru, Don't Disturb This Groove (Grand Gallery, 2011) Eric Roberson, Fire (Blue Erro Soul, 2017) Adam Rogers, Dice (Adraj, 2017) Karel Ruzicka, Grace & Gratitude (Animal Music, 2018) Paul Simon, In the Blue Light (Legacy, 2018) Alex Sipiagin, Live at Smalls (Smalls, 2013) Somi, Petite Afrique (Okeh, 2017) The Fearless Flyers, The Fearless Flyers (Vulf, 2018), The Fearless Flyers II (Vulf, 2019), Tailwinds (Vulf, 2020), The Fearless Flyers III (Vulf, 2022), The Fearless Flyers IV (Vulf, 2024), The Fearless Flyers V (Roundwound Media, 2025)

Equipment Smith endorses Zildjian cymbals, Ludwig drums, Vic firths sticks/mallets/beaters, and Evans drumheads.