Johnny Smith in Concert at Copia in Napa, CA, March 1, 2007

Appearing At: Indoor Theater at Copia in Napa, CA.

GOING FOR ARTIST PREVIEW/CD REVIEW
In National Campaign For: Johnny Smith, San Francisco Bay Jazz

Vocalist/Guitarist, Johnny Smith, a Napa artist is blasting the scene wide open with his debut jazz release, Johnny Smith, San Francisco Bay Jazz. Smith has been garnering praise from Jazz critics across the U.S. and Internationally. Smith's voice has been likened to such jazz luminaries as Steve Tyrell and Curtis Stigers, but with a sounding resolve of deeper masculinity and sexual husky tones that truly set Smith apart as a well-rounded and versatile vocalist. One fact is undeniable, the colors, textures and chemistry between the trio lead by Smith is far beyond most expectations of a debut jazz release, that has been reviewed by major publications such as Jazz Times. Smith's trio not only portrays and era of jazz, but flavors it with deep blues inflections that make the release highly accessible to non-jazz listeners. Join Smith and Friends as they perform, some of the old favorites and new original songs that will be on their up and coming album, soon to be released.

Here is what some of the critic's have been saying:

Christopher Louden, Jazz Times
This latest release for the Bay Area singer is actually a terrific guitar album masquerading as a vocal disc. Not that there's anything wrong with Smith's voice. Akin to the ground-glass sound that contemporaries Curtis Stigers and Steve Tyrell manipulate so well, Smith's gravelly rumble is eerily similar to the boozy bleating of Phil Harris.

Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide (4 Stars)
Simply putting their own mark on the music wouldn't by itself really be noteworthy. The ability to put their own mark on the music, as well as deliver something entirely listenable is. Innovation comes in the form of regressing these classic jazz pieces back to a more primitive form, pre-horn, pre-piano. From time to time a harmonica is enlisted to augment the vocals from Smith, but even then only as a short wail is needed. Smith's vocals are deep and relatively thick, adding a bit of a nightclub tone to the proceedings. The pieces are handled tenderly, given their due reverence as compositions, and then promptly reworked. Miles' great All Blues is renovated into a rootsy blues riff, old Sinatra classics are given a little more jazz, but the vocals are still in the world-weary voice of the blues. The pieces chosen from the soul jazz and hard bop repertoire seem a bit lighter than most, likely from the use of the guitar as opposed to harder-edged instruments. Nonetheless, a fair amount of soul is put into their performance, by way of Smith's vocals if nothing else. Overall, a surprisingly accomplished album, both classic and innovative simultaneously.

Who: Johnny Smith (lead vocals) Mark Holzinger (guitar), Chris Justin (bass) and Ray Merrill, (drums).
When: Thursday Date: March 1, 2007 Time: 8pm
Where: Copia, 500 First St, Napa CA 94559
Venue Phone: 707-259-1600
Tickets: $20 or $18 for Copia members