Perhaps the greatest of Ian McGregor Smith’s musical gifts is that of a composer. He believes that as a composer one can surely affect a positive change in the world and indeed he has strived to do so throughout his composing career.
Ian began his career as a composer in 1988, upon graduating from his post secondary studies in music, when he became Resident Composer and Music Director for the University of Windsor School of Dramatic Art. He held this contractual post until the mid 1990’s composing music for live theatre and films produced by the school.
Ian formed Vision Music (later ivision music) in the latter 1990’s as a publishing / production company for his original music. The music of ivision music is committed to the positive feeling that is evoked in the listener and for the last 25 years Ian has been doing his best to change the world for the better composing and arranging music for his own ivisionmusic CD projects as well as for film and theatrical productions, animated dvd’s, advertising jingles and more. Below you will find some samples of his compositions. If you are interested in retaining Ian’s services as a composer / arranger / producer please feel free to contact him.
TedEd - The Exceptional Life of Benjamin Banneker
(2017)
Ian McGregor Smith has recently finished the composition of a score for an animated video about the amazing life of Benjamin Banneker.
Spirit of a Nation
(2012)
Dubbed a “Canadian Les Miz” by the press, “Spirit of A Nation” is a full length reginal musical theatre play with the War of 1812 as a backdrop to the story that evolves around a few Canadians and Americans and how the war changes their lives. Originally Ian and two of his good friends were commissioned to create a tribute to The War of 1812 for the “Roots to Boots” festival in Amherstburg Ont. This tribute would take the form of a musical Theatre play. Ian’s good friend and accomplished stage director, John Anthony Nabben was in charge and was to oversee the creation of the story and concept. John Conlon, also a good friend of Ian’s and a very talented lyricist / songwriter, was brought on board to provide lyrics and some initial melodies to get the ball rolling. He however turned out to be the driving force behind the back room late night collaborations. Ian’s job was to put the whole thing together musically which meant he was responsible for melodies, lyrics, harmonies, orchestrations, vocal and rhythm arrangements and anything else musical. The Canadian government was issuing artistic grants for artistic pieces dealing with the War of 1812 and we were eligible for a grant which enabled us to expand our production into a full length musical theatre production. Ian also produced the musical soundtrack. Not only was an important piece of music theatre produced by this creative team it provided a wonderful opportunity for collaboration and has secured future partnerships. One of the songs in this show entitled “Battle Cry” was written by Danielle Wade.
Carla Can Sing
(2004-2005)
In 2004 Ian was commissioned by the Barbara parry Foundation to compose the music and write the script for an animated DVD project called “Carla Can Sing”. The story centers around a character named Carla who has been diagnosed with cancer. Carla has a great spirit and does not let the cancer get her down. She just decides to make her life and everybody elseʼs life better by singing. Carla and her friend Carl share their stories and journey through their cancer treatments toward healing. The story was used as a way to inform children about cancer and the treatments available. It is available as a DVD package at the Barbara Parry Foundation in Windsor Ont. Canada.
Shikandaza
(1998-2008)
The unique collaboration between Smith and the traditional Japanese musical ensemble “Shikandaza” started simply with a conversation at a cocktail party but grew into a 10-year musical partnership and the creation of some wonderfully innovative music that can be labelled as Japanese Jazz. It was his dear friend and mentor Steve Myers that Ian met at the cocktail party and it was Steve Myers who introduced Ian to Master Foozan Usui, the leader of Shikandaza a few months later in Japan. After their initial meeting Ian decided to compose for the group using the traditional Japanese sound (shakuhachi, Koto Bass Koto) in a smooth jazz setting. A year later Ian went back to Japan and introduced three new songs to Shikandaza after which they came to Canada to record the first CD “On The Bridge” 2003. Smith and Shikandaza went on to record two CD’s and tour to different parts of the world as featured artists in international Jazz festivals and music festivals. There was an evolution in the sound of the group with the addition of Shamisen and flute player, Shunsuke Kimura. for the second CD “Crossroads” 2006. There was also a decision toward more improvisation by the Japanese instruments for the second CD whereas in the first CD it was mostly Smith that did the improvising
