Ian Smith

Saxophones, Clarinet & Flute

10 Reviews (9 Verified)
Ian Smith on SoundBetter

Covering all styles including Jazz, Classical, Pop, R&B, Film/TV, Rock, Theatrical, Big Band, and more. A 1st Call musician with over 25 years experience at the highest levels of the UK music industry. Premium quality and professionalism delivered on time, every time for every project no matter how big or small.

Past work has included countless Film and Television soundtracks, Jingles, Artist Albums, Songwriter Demos, Library Music, etc.

Lead Saxophone/Woodwind player for Barry Manilow, Sister Sledge, Gladys Knight, Frank Sinatra Jr, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Buddy Greco, The Temptations, Lorna Luft and many more.

In addition to being able to travel to studios worldwide, Ian Smith's online session musician service provides the highest quality in recorded saxophone, flute and clarinet tracks and is tailored to each and every clients' unique requirements.

From initial contact both Ian and the client will agree on what is required and the cost involved.

After this initial consultation, the process of getting the tracks to the client is still an individual 'project by project' journey but for an indication as to the general steps involved please see the brief guide below:

The client sends any cue/guide tracks (wav/aiff/mp3) along with any required notation/chord/lead sheets (pdf,etc) and as much information as to what they require.

Ian records, and delivers for assessment each cue or track.

The tracks will be completely dry (without EQ/Reverb/Compression, etc) so that the client can then use these tracks in their own studio to finalise the mixing and mastering to their own personal requirements.

Send me a note through the contact button above.

10 Reviews - 3 Repeat Clients

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  1. Review by Rita H.

    Ian did an amazing job recording Clarinet for our track!
    Will definitely be working with him again.

  2. Review by Alex B.

    Great experience working with Ian from start to finish! A real pro and world class musician. Highly recommended!

  3. Review by Paolo G.

    There was no need to confirm Ian's musical taste for sax and flute. he did a very good job and I really hope to have new cooperation in the future.

  4. Review by Paolo G.

    It has been a pleasure to work with SoundBetter; I needed a saxophone track for one of my songs and I work with a very talented player, Ian Smith, that perfectly interpreted my requests. Thank you SB, thank you Ian. I am sure we will meet again. Paolo

  5. Review by Justin N.

    Ian once again delivers beautiful and fast results, couldn't recommend him any more highly. True artist and professional. You will not be disappointed!

  6. Review by Roger W.

    A real joy to work with Ian. Amazing perfomance and such a beautiful sound. Thank you !

  7. Review by Justin N.

    Working with Ian is a dream. His tone is unbelievable, his timing is perfect, and his skills are amazing. He delivers quickly and is true to his word. Ian is also a great communicator. One of the best experiences I've ever had working with another musician. Thank you Ian! Hope to work with you soon!

  8. Review by Roger W.

    A pleasure to work with Ian, easy to communicate with - but most important; Beautiful playing and hi quality sound.
    Thanks for the contribution, Ian.

  9. Review by Philippe W.

    Great tracks from Ian, who is a great saxophonist and who has been also very helpful regarding how to get through all these so special scores particularities. Thanks so much Ian.

  10. Review by Most
    by Most

    Top notch! Great communication and outstanding sound!
    Couldn't have asked for more.

Interview with Ian Smith


  2. A: To provide all the saxophone and clarinet parts to a computer game soundtrack. 48 separate tracks (possibly 52 - I may have forgotten a couple) recorded in a studio in London (not remotely). Started at 10am, finished at 2pm. Great arrangements and compositions to play. Really well run session. Totally enjoyable and sounded pretty good too.


  4. A: Not at present

  5. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  6. A: Either. I'm happy to work and provide whatever the client requires.


  8. A: That each and every track, or tracks, have 110% commitment and are as good as they can be. I aim to provide 110% of what the client wants.


  10. A: The huge variety of each and every project and working with very interesting and creative people.


  12. A: Would I be interested in their project? 99.99999999% of cases, yes of course! Can I provide the track tomorrow? 99.99999999% of cases, yes of course! How much? Each and every project is different and I'm always more than happy to negotiate a mutually convenient fee.


  14. A: It's easy. Music is subjective and being able to cater to a wide variety of clients and to provide the best service possible involves hard work no matter how big or small the project is.

  15. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  16. A: Do you have any charts? If not, do you have a clear demo track (either audio or midi) of what you want me to play in terms of melody or harmony. Do you have a particular style that you require?


  18. A: Look at past and present work and remember that you can't google experience.


  20. A: Saxophone (or clarinet or flute), microphone, computer, interface, headphones

  21. Q: How would you describe your style?

  22. A: Diverse. I can play Classical Flute or Clarinet, Funk Tenor Sax, Big Band Lead Alto Sax all on one session!

  23. Q: What's your typical work process?

  24. A: Client sends written part or clear demo plus a guide track and clear instructions. I then provide up to 3 takes for the client to approve.


  26. A: Dan Higgins, Eric Marienthal, Bob Reynolds, Tim Akers, Jess Gillam, Andrew Marriner, Jeff Lorber, Cannonball Adderely, Phil Woods


  28. A: Flute tracks for an art gallery installation and a television programme


  30. A: Over 30 years as a top professional musician


  32. A: Any - everyone delivers a unique experience that makes making music a real pleasure.

  33. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  34. A: Always strive for the best possible sound and execution


  36. A: Jazz, Film, Television, Radio, Theatre, Big Band, Classical, Pop, Rock, R and B

  37. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  38. A: Reading, style versatility, improvisation

  39. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  40. A: Professionalism, fast turnaround, high quality tracks (as found in any top London studio), over 30 years of experience playing for many international artists and on many sessions.

  41. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  42. A: Logic Pro X Mojave MA200 microphone Focusrite Clarett preamp/interface


  44. A: Providing Saxophone (Soprano, Alto, Tenor), Flute or Clarinet tracks for a variety of clients' projects such as jingles, demo tracks for singer/songwriters, loops, film and television tracks, album tracks, etc.

Mister Blue

I was the Tenor Sax player in this production

GenresSounds Like
  • Kenny G
  • Dan Higgins
  • Dave Koz
Gear Highlights
  • Logic Pro X - Mojave MA200 Microphones - Focusrite Interfaces - Audio Technica Headphones
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