Hailed "one of the best pop-jazz vocal groups in the world" by the San Francisco Chronicle, m-pact is respected worldwide as a cutting edge trailblazer in the realm of vocal music. Emerging from an age of auto-tune and overproduction, this Los Angeles-based ensemble has cultivated a new generation of ears hungry for the fresh, raw power of nature's "first instrument" - the human voice.  

From the beginning, the "pact" of these well-studied masters has been to stay true to Music, regardless of style or genre. Their sophisticated sound and accessible appeal have garnered vast accolades, from Vocal Group of the Year (the LA Music Awards), an Indie nomination (the Independent Grammy), and Artist of the Year (Seattle Music Awards), to Grand National Champs of the Harmony Sweepstakes competition.  Touring renowned fine arts halls and jazz festivals across four continents, m-pact has performed with pop superstars Sheryl Crow, Boyz II Men, Natasha Bedingfield, and Ray Charles to name a few; as well as with jazz legends Natalie Cole, Bobby McFerrin, the Woody Herman Orchestra, the Maynard Ferguson Big Band, and many others. Over the last 2 decades, their signature sound has been used in both TV themes and animated Disney feature films, and is enjoyed on jazz and pop radio worldwide.

Around the globe, audiences are mesmerized by the thrill of m-pact's vocal acrobatics, innovative orchestrations, and commanding yet authentic stage presence. Unknowing ears of all ages come expecting entertainment, but leave enriched from an indescribable experience: the musical journey across Technicolor soundscapes produced by this "Cirque du Soleil of Song".  m-pact's studio recordings (5 full-length albums, 3 EP's, and several single releases) have received rave reviews and multiple awards, including Best Jazz Album, Best Pop/R&B Song, Best Male Vocalist, and Best Vocal Arrangement (the CARA Awards), Best Seasonal Album ("Indie" awards), and Best Unsigned Band (Billboard Magazine).  m-pact recordings are also frequently selected for inclusion on compilations and "best-of" collections.
 
In the summer of 2016, m-pact announced the retirement of the band's two founding members, Trist Curless (now with The Manhattan Transfer) and Marco Cassone, prompting a significant "re-boot" and revamping of the m-pact line-up.  The result of the ensuing nationwide talent search is a jaw-dropping collection of America's most exciting vocal talent.  Led by m-pact veteran singer, beatboxer, and artistic director Jeff Smith, these young pro's are not only tremendously gifted, but are deeply committed to continuing the traditions of innovation and excellence which have made m-pact an international sensation.  

As m-pact enters their third decade, they are once again breaking new ground with new recording projects, music videos, and awe-inspiring live performances. The guys are hard at work on their 6th album, are booking their new symphony shows, and their multiple fine arts showcases have made them one of the most-requested acts of the year. All of this leaves no doubt that m-pact's music will continue to reach the ears and hearts of music lovers around the world for many years to come.

LA-based musician Jeff Smith is perhaps best known for his work as beatboxer & vocalist for the award-winning vocal group, m-pact. Since joining the band in 2004, he has toured across four continents in venues ranging from jazz clubs and festivals to concert halls and opera houses. Jeff anchors the rock-solid funky grooves which are a signature element of m-pact's unique sound, and he has been a pioneer in developing and teaching the art of the "a cappella rhythm section".

While attending the University of Kansas on a bassoon scholarship, Jeff caught the a cappella bug and, along with a group of fellow music students, formed measureXmeasure ("measure by measure"). Originally started as a fun hobby and side project, the group got some gigs, grew in popularity, and eventually turned into a full-time profession. Jeff enjoyed 8 adventurous years with mXm, touring more than 30 U.S states and releasing 3 CDs. He also acted as the group's primary arranger, producer, artistic director, and booking agent. 

Today, when not harmonizing and beatboxing with m-pact, Jeff is a full-time freelance musician, producer, arranger, and teacher. As a vocalist, he has performed in a wide range of settings - including recording sessions for Paramount Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Film, Disney TV, and Yamaha Electronics; and live performances for Disneyland Resort and the MTV Video Music Awards. As a vocal percussionist, Jeff has been a featured performer for numerous national corporate events and meetings (Wal-Mart, Toyota, H&R Block, and others), as well as on recordings for film (Epic, Dance Flick) and television (Glee).

Jeff has been a frequent featured vocalist and worship leader at numerous churches around southern California, is a performing arts coach for Burbank Public Schools, and is highly sought-after as a clinician and coach for choirs, a cappella groups, and other ensembles. He is also a solo recording artist, with several all-vocal releases available on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon. In addition to these endeavors, Jeff finds time to maintain a career in the U.S. Army Reserve as the commander and conductor of the 300th Army Band in Los Angeles. Jeff lives in the LA area with his wife Heather, and 4 children.

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