LIVE ACTION is the musical project of Nate Smith, the American drummer, composer and producer widely regarded as one of the most influential rhythm players of his generation. Smith built his reputation through collaborations with artists such as Pat Metheny, Norah Jones, Dave Holland and Jon Batiste, and leads LIVE ACTION as an all-live, unprogrammed recording project that blends jazz, soul, funk and contemporary pop. The accompanying album LIVE-ACTION (2025) won two Grammy Awards, including Best Alternative Jazz Album.
Nate Smith won two Grammy Awards for LIVE-ACTION, including Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Arrangement for the track 'Big Fish' with säje.
During the European tour, Nate Smith performed a show at Paradiso in Amsterdam on November 11, 2025.
Smith performed with his regular live band in the United States, including two shows at City Winery in Boston.
The album LIVE-ACTION was released in August 2025 via naïve/Believe Music, with guest contributions from Lalah Hathaway and Lionel Loueke, among others.
With the announcement of the album and world tour, the single 'Magic Dance' featuring Lionel Loueke and Michael League was released.
