Ronny Smith, Joppa, MD
Like many musicians dealing with the impact of the pandemic-related lockdowns and sudden loss of their normal schedules, Ronny Smith had a lot of career adjustments to make in 2020. Yet as the Maryland-based veteran guitarist boldly notes on the packaging for his latest album Coastal Sunset – a multi-faceted collection marking two decades since the release of his debut Long Time Comin – his sense of disarray extended into more personal territory.
Within a nine-month span, he lost both of his parents and his niece. As it has been for all his life, both as a military musician and recording artist/performer, music was the one thing that sustained him. Sometimes it's the only way to get in touch with and share those deeper feelings. As he writes, “I tried to not to express my feelings in words but through song. For example, 'For You' is dedicated to my parents in a way I couldn't put in words, so I did it through song.”
Those discovering Smith for the first time via their invitation to enjoy his intimate and soulful Coastal Sunset will quickly notice two elements that have been mainstays throughout his career – an inimitable, infectious sense of groove, and an array of eclectic styles – which on the current project run from in the pocket classic styled urban jazz/funk to gospel, raw, edgy blues, tropical jazz and even a bit of straight-ahead jazz swing. Two of his early albums were titled Got Groove (2006) and Just Groovin' (2009), and the track “City Groove” – from his 2013 release Can't Stop Now – hit #1 on Billboard's BDS New and Active smooth jazz chart and ultimately reached #25 on the Billboard BDS Top 30.
As for the diversity and overall genre-transcendence that has long driven his artistry, Smith has been told over the years by radio promoters that he's a “tweener” – an artist who falls between jazz and the R&B flavored urban jazz that dominates smooth jazz playlists. “These kinds of responses to my music aren't going to change the essence of who I am as a guitarist and composer,” he says. “I don't want to be one of those guys who writes music just to fit in but that takes away from my vision as an artist. In my mind, artists should be able to express themselves the way they want and not compromise just to score a #1 hit.”
Smith credits his desire to showcase a more expansive palette of musical tastes to the 35 years he performed in U.S. Army bands, including four years of active duty and 31 years of part time service. He explains that in the military band system, soldiers can be assigned (even at the same time) to play in jazz combos, rock bands and country groups, and have to learn all types of repertoire for ceremonies, concerts, banquets, embassy receptions and any events involving military associated dignitaries.
In addition to playing guitar for small ensembles, pop and jazz groups, Smith also displayed his clarinet skills in the Army's symphonic concert and ceremonial bands. His first stop was the Army's school of music. He stayed there eight months and then immediately played with bands all over Germany (Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Heidelberg). Throughout his career, Smith played everywhere from Nijmegan, Holland to La Paz, Bolivia.
“What's that they say about being a reflection of your surroundings?” Smith says. “I'm grateful for all the exposure and opportunities the Army gave me to play and record so many different kinds of music. While raising my family, I worked government jobs for years, but I can see a direct line between the dedication, discipline and attention to detail it takes to be a successful __________________________
