Suzanna Smith is an emerging talent on the Bay Area jazz scene. Known for her golden tone, innate sense of swing, and irresistible charm, she brings classic jazz standards to life. But she has original compositions and new lyrics penned to traditional instrumental jazz songs too, and they are the heart of her most intriguing performances.

She has been featured twice on In The Moment on KCSM, the Bay Area's main jazz radio station. And she’s currently in pre-production on her first recording which will include several original songs alongside a  selection of well-known jazz favorites.

Suzanna started her professional singing career in the time-honored tradition of learning on the bandstand — an opportunity that's become increasingly rare for new singers. From the beginning, she played with a wide variety of the Bay Area's best jazz musicians. Her first gig, a year-long Friday residency at local hotspot Kelly's of Alameda, honed her skills as a vocalist and taught her how to manage, and charm, a crowded room.

Just a few years later, Suzanna began headlining monthly at San Francisco's Savanna Jazz, where she also produces and hosts a monthly vocal jam session for newer singers. Suzanna can also be found every other week at Zingari Ristorante in San Francisco's Hotel Donatello. Other venues where she has appeared include The Rrazz Room, Cafe du Nord, The Purple Onion, Revolution Café and Bistro Yoffi.

Beyond San Francisco, she has performed at The Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay; The Jazzschool, Anna's Jazz Island and The Freight & Salvage in Berkeley; the Bird's Nest Jazz Series and Second Saturday Salon Series in Oakland, and various other cafes and restaurants. She has also entertained at several corporate events and private celebrations.

Suzanna studies privately with renowned jazz vocalist Kitty Margolis and has studied at the The Jazzschool with vocalists Madeline Eastman, Laurie Antonioli, Maye Cavallaro, and Stephanie Bruce. She lists Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Anita O'Day, Mel Torme, and Shirley Horn as influences. Inspired by these master vocalists and teachers, Suzanna has developed a sound and style that is continually evolving and all her own.

Suzanna continues to win over Bay Area audiences, bringing warmth and grace to each performance and leaving a room full of new fans. Catch her and see for yourself how she’s illuminating today's vibrant, vocal jazz scene.