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. Inspired by Wes Montgomery and George Benson, Smith’s sound is quite attractive and, even as he builds up his solos, he keeps the melodies in mind.
His most recent recording, Struttin, features Ronny Smith not only playing guitar but keyboards, bass and programming. He utilizes other musicians on various selections and the result is a diverse but unified set of memorable melodies that serve as a perfect setting for his warm guitar.
The program begins with “Get Up” which has Smith’s catchy octaves on the guitar, riffing horns, and a joyful groove. “In My Eyes” utilizes three background singers in some of the ensembles, “Rubik’s Cube” is a passionate romp, and “Struttin” has an infectious melody that will inspire listeners to hum along. “Groovin’,” has Smith playing all of the instruments and taking a particularly fluent guitar solo. “Obo” is the type of attractive melody that one could imagine Grover Washington Jr. recording. “Pocket Algorhythm” utilizes repetition creatively and includes a rewarding guitar solo while “A Pretty Smile” has very effective use of Charles Chazzy Green’s flutes.
Struttin concludes with the standard “Laura” (which features some fine piano by Arcangelo Trabucco) and Wes Montgomery’s “Angel.” The latter has rarely been played since Montgomery’s passing and it finds Smith paying tribute to one of his favorite guitarists.
Ronny Smith was inspired early on not only by Wes Montgomery and George Benson but Joe Pass, Larry Carlton and Pat Martino. Smith had private lessons with Martino, attended Morgan State University in Baltimore, and performed in the University of Maryland’s jazz band. After a successful audition, the young guitarist enlisted in the Army and began 35 years of performing in U.S. Army bands during four years of active duty and 31 years of part time service. The wide-ranging experience, which found him performing all types of music all over the U.S. and Europe, prepared him for his successful career.
As a solo artist, Smith has performed in venues ranging from small clubs to large theaters and music festivals. Among his previous albums are such popular favorites as Got Groove, Just Groovin’, Can’t Stop Now, Shake It Up, and Coastal Sunset.
{Listen to “Love & Happiness” – Found on Album “Coastal Sunset”}
Ronny Smith’s accessible style, which has always attracted wide audiences, is heard at its best throughout Struttin which serves as an introduction to new listeners and as an enjoyable reaffirmation of his appeal to his fans.
