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Ronny Smith

Renowned jazz journalist and author Scott Yanow wrote, “Guitarist Ronny Smith’s mellow tone, subtle creativity and ability to groove over catchy rhythms have made him an increasingly popular force in contemporary jazz.”

About Me

Ronny Smith’s earliest musical memories find him in his family basement listening to, learning from and emulating George Benson’s iconic hit “Breezin’.” From there, he got into Larry Carlton, Earl Klugh, Brecker Brothers and Joe Pass. Smith cites one of his greatest influences as two-time Grammy nominated guitar legend Pat Martino, whom Smith was able to take private lessons from upon an introduction by his jazz guitar teacher Larry Waldridge while attending Morgan State University (Baltimore). While studying there for his Music Education degree, Smith also had the opportunity to play in the jazz band at the University of Maryland. Dr. George Ross, one of the instructors at the U of Maryland, had been a guest soloist with the Commodores in the U.S. Navy Jazz Band, and suggested that Smith audition for a military band. The guitarist auditioned for the Navy band during his senior year at the University of Maryland (where he had transferred) and joined immediately after graduation. Throughout his multi-faceted career, Smith has recorded with some of the top session musicians in Nashville as well as California, including Gary Lunn (Peter Cetera), Pat Coil (Michael McDonald), Craig Nelson (Ben Tankard), and Dan Needham (Euge Groove), Scott Martin and Stan Martin (Quincy Jones) and Andy Martin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band). He has recorded with some of the top session musicians of the Nashville and California scene, to include, Gary Lunn (Peter Cetera), Pat Coil (Michael McDonald), Craig Nelson (Ben Tankard), and Dan Needham (Euge Groove), Scott Martin and Stan Martin (Quincy Jones) and Andy Martin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat band). A premier Jazz guitarist. His energetic and modern approach to standards and original compositions mesmerizes audiences and makes it impossible not to feel happy after listening. He is a master at creating atmospheres which makes people eager to bury themselves in, and happy to stay submerged in for long lengths of time. He has shared the stage with such artists as the Marvelettes, Bobby Durham, and Donald Bryd.

All added to Ronny’s reputation while as a solo artist he has been steadily building a significant body of work. This commenced in 2001 with ‘Long Time Comin’ and continued with ‘Laid Back’, ‘Got Groove’, ‘Simply Stated’, ‘Just Groovin’ and his highly acclaimed 2013 project ‘Can’t Stop Now’. Can’t Stop Now” is his sixth release and features the fantastic singles, “Slim Pickin” and, “City Groove”. City Groove, quickly became #1 on Billboards’ BDS New & Active SMOOTH JAZZ chart listing. Shortly thereafter, rose to become #25 on Billboards’ BDS radio SMOOTH JAZZ NATIONAL AIRPLAY top 30 charts. ‘Shake It Up’ followed four years later and in January 2020 he expands his discography yet further with ‘Raise The Roof’. Those discovering Smith for the first time via their invitation to enjoy his 2021 release the intimate and soulful Coastal Sunset will quickly notice two elements that have been mainstays throughout his career – an inimitable, infectious sense of groove, and an array of eclectic styles – which on the current project run from in the pocket classic styled urban jazz/funk to gospel, raw, edgy blues, tropical jazz and even a bit of straight-ahead jazz swing. BDS Reported his single, String Of Hearts , 2nd Smooth Jazz Most added and continued success with national air play