'Branford Jazz' Good Vibes Continue With Famed Guitarist Ronny Smith

Written by Victor Amatori, Branford Parks & Recreation Program Supervisor of Branford Jazz

From Europe to South America to the United States, music has swept guitarist Ronny Smith off of his feet and directed him toward being an incredible and popular force in the contemporary jazz industry.

On Thursday, August 18th, this renowned artist will be spotlighted as part of the Branford Jazz Concert Series on the Branford Town Green from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

A Grammy considered artist, Ronny left the University of Maryland as music education major to pursue the life as a guitarist and a United States Army Bandsman. He toured extensively throughout the world and has shared the stage with such notables as the Marvelettes, jazz drummer Bobby Durham, and trumpeter Donald Bryd. Ronny has recorded with some of the top session musicians of the Nashville and the California scene.

In 2009, Ronny was signed to Pacific Coast Jazz record label and soon after released his 5th project, “Just Groovin” and “Shake It Up” his seventh release, which is spinning internationally, and soon to go for adds nationally. In 2013, under the Creative Soul Next Level Jazz label, Ronny released “Can’t Stop Now”. His sixth release as a solo artist, which 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.

Ronny’s additional discography includes, “Simply Stated”, his 4th release, which featured the single “Bossa Awhile”, “Got Groove”, the 3rd release, “Laid Back”, the 2nd release, and “Long Time Comin”.

By and large, “Raise The Roof” is the ‘Ronny Smith Show’ front, back, and center. Not only does he play guitar, keys and bass throughout, he also arranges, produces and programs all ten tunes. Eight of these are original compositions cleverly complimented by the addition of two immaculately crafted covers. The first is an edgy interpretation of the Bill Withers classic ‘Use Me’ with the second being a classy reimagining of the Carpenters blockbuster ‘Superstar’.