A private party in Westchester County gave us the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful art form together. Each of these artists are stellar in their own right.

It was Marc Daine, however, who I met soon after moving to NYC, and he kindly gave me the opportunity and space to work with him and spread my jazz wings. I would not have walked the path that I have without his guidance. Thank you, Marc.

Marc Daine: Guitar

Dmitri Kolesnik: Double Bass

Cliff Hackford: Drums

This was my West Coast "A" Crew in Los Angeles, CA -- just a few years before the magnificent drummer Ramon Banda died. He was the artist on my album, as well, so he lives on there and on many other albums from the decades he graced the planet as a consummate artist.

To hear these gentlemen with me in the studio, please click BELOW.

Still with us are:

• Theo Saunders (composer, band leader, and piano maestro); 

• Henry "The Skipper" Franklin (composer band leader, double bass icon).

I moved to NYC in 2009, and I now geographically identify as "bi-coastal." (I made that up just now.)

These three men are part of my California jazz DNA and I am grateful.

John H. Smith is a native New Yorker I connected with a few years ago  (thanks to some visiting friends of Henry Franklin's!) when he was on stage with Nate Lucas and the All Star Band at Showman's. 

We have since knocked out a few inspiring performances and recordings and are planning a couple of albums together soon. His style is strongly influenced by George Benson, and he has deep roots in the gospel genre as well. Wes Montgomery is a big inspiration for him, so Smith's musical bandwidth is considerable indeed.

We had a few gigs at a venue formerly known as DiNapoli's Old Stone Mill, with enthusiastic audiences who truly appreciate the art of American Jazz. Smith's instinct for rhythm, fresh takes on chord progressions, and sheer joy of the magic that can happen makes performing with him something to look forward to. I am grateful!