Sasha Smith is a Los Angeles–based keyboardist and session musician whose piano work has supported a range of artists, including Cat Power, Ariana Grande, Everclear, The Wallflowers, Freedy Johnston, Ann Wilson, Sam Beam, Priscilla Ahn, Sia, and Audrey McGraw. Raised in rural Sonoma County, Smith began playing piano at a young age. He later apprenticed with Tom Waits before relocating to Los Angeles, where he became a sought-after collaborator in studios and on tour.

After decades of supporting other artists, his new instrumental album, New Leaves, produced by Dave Darling, places Smith’s own work front and center. Written as he navigated the grief of losing his wife and single parenthood during the pandemic, the album blends country blues, boogie-woogie, and stumbling waltzes. With meandering and haunting melodies, the album draws inspiration from New Orleans musicians Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, and James Booker. Featuring a core trio of piano, bass, and drums — accented by pedal steel, guitar, and harmonica — it captures his journey of wading through the trenches of loss towards hope.