Ronny Smith

Ronny Smith is a contemporary jazz guitarist, composer, and recording artist whose warm tone, melodic sophistication, and deep sense of groove have made him a distinctive voice in contemporary jazz. Influenced by masters such as Wes Montgomery and George Benson, Smith blends contemporary jazz with soul, funk, blues, gospel, and Brazilian influences to create music that is both emotionally engaging and musically refined.

A veteran ensemble musician with decades of experience, Smith creates sophisticated, groove-driven instrumental music that balances memorable melodies with rich harmonic textures. His compositions function equally well as engaging listening experiences, atmospheric soundscapes, and emotionally resonant musical storytelling, making them appealing to both jazz audiences and visual media.

Smith first gained attention with his early releases Got Groove (2006) and Just Groovin’ (2009), which showcased his emerging voice in contemporary and urban jazz. His national breakthrough came with “City Groove” from the 2013 album Can’t Stop Now, which reached #1 on Billboard’s BDS New & Active Smooth Jazz Chart and later climbed into the Billboard BDS Top 30.

Since then, Smith has continued to build an impressive record of chart success and critical recognition. His 2021 single “String of Hearts” reached #2 Most Added on both the BDS Radio and SmoothJazz.com charts. In 2024, his album Struttin’ was named among SmoothJazz.com’s Top 100 Smooth Jazz Albums of the Year, while the single “Get Up” reached #1 Most Added on the Mediabase Smooth A/C chart and earned placement on the RadioWave/Groove Jazz Top 100 Airplay Chart.

Today, Smith continues to expand his catalog with original recordings that bridge contemporary jazz, urban grooves, and cinematic atmosphere. His latest album, Velvet Vibe, reflects his commitment to creating music rooted in melody, groove, and emotional connection while offering sophisticated instrumental music equally suited for concert performance, radio, and visual storytelling.

Gear

Sadowsky LS-15, my Sadowsky Nylon, and my Sadowsky NYC T Style guitar. As far as an amplifier, my Quilter Mach 3.

Ronny Smith: Velvet Vibe

Read "Velvet Vibe" reviewed by Acacia Grace

by Acacia Grace
August 10, 2026

On Velvet Vibe, guitarist Ronny Smith delivers exactly what the title promises: a warm, inviting collection of contemporary jazz that never loses sight of the genre's rich traditions. A seasoned player with an unmistakable sense of groove, Smith demonstrates throughout the album that technical proficiency means little without feeling, and on this recording, you will always feel the groove in the pocket. From the opening moments, Velvet Vibe establishes an easygoing atmosphere built on polished arrangements, tasteful improvisation, and ...

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Take Five With...

Take Five With Ronny Smith

by AAJ Staff
April 22, 2007

Meet Ronny Smith: Ronny has performed as a backup musician a wide range of artists from a variety of schools of musical thought, including the Marvelettes, Melba Moore, and jazz drummer Bobby Durham. Ronny has performed as a guitarist for various Army bands in Europe, Texas, Washington D.C., Maryland, and Delaware and with various University jazz bands including the University of Maryland and Morgan State University, Maryland.While initially spending most of his time playing by ear, while listening ...

Recording

Guitarist Ronny Smith Serves His Country and Makes Beautiful Music

Source: Cheryl Hughey Promotions
August 6, 2007

Simply Stated: Ronny Smith is a man on a mission. Currently on tour in musical service to his country, Smith has been heating up the stage as a key member of the Army Band.

Born in Baltimore Maryland, Smith learned to play by ear as a youngster to the sounds of Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass and George Benson. As Smith grew as a guitarist and learned to read music, he tore up the stage for various jazz ensembles throughout his ...
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"Guitarist Ronny Smith's mellow tone, subtle creativity, and ability to groove over catchy rhythms..."
— Scott Yanow, Jazz Critic & Historian

“The mellow-toned guitarist Ronny Smith has always had the ability to play with great passion solos over infectious grooves, resulting in music that is both accessible and full of subtle creativity”

__T. Hanna, The Urban Music Scene

‘If you’re looking for something to lift your spirits into the stratosphere, the sweet soulful jazz guitar of Ronny Smith will do just that for you… it doesn’t release officially until 19 April, 2024, so you won’t find videos of it yet, but here’s one that will make you fall in love with Ronny’s playing immediately…”