Richmond native Justin Smith has been known to wear many different musical hats as he leads and performs with different bands and projects. His main group is his jazz combo, the J. Smith Trio. The trio, which consists of guitar, bass, and drums, has been playing together for the better part of a decade. They present a classic bebop sound with a modern penchant for using interesting chord voicings. They use a range of melodic vocabulary that spans from the classic swing dialect to the more abstract “all interval” approach. Dark colors emanate from drummer C.J. Wolfe’s cymbal work, which complements bassist Brian Cruse’s well-crafted bass lines. The three musicians work collaboratively to create unique and inventive art. The J. Smith Trio has performed at many different venues and for many occasions, including wine tastings, wedding receptions and ceremonies, night clubs, restaurants, birthdays, corporate events, cocktail events, and celebrations and parties of all sorts.
Justin Smith also performs with Bossa Brava, the Brazilian jazz quartet he started, which consists of vocals, guitar, bass, and drums. Bossa Brava is made up of the same members of the jazz trio plus singer Bernedette Stephens. Stephens has a full, sultry voice and an excellent command of the Portuguese language. All members play various percussion instruments, which is definitely a key part of this style and adds to the energy. Samba, Bossa Nova, Afro-Cuban, and Fado music are just some of the genres Bossa Brava dishes up. Playing modern compositions as well as original music, Bossa Brava is fun and exciting! They create drama with music and really get down, grooving on some funky Brazilian rhythms.
Justin’s other guitar projects include his solo jazz and acoustic arrangements. This music is a beautiful complement to any wedding, dinner party or any occasion where background music is needed, but a full band is too much. He also performs solo processional music for weddings that call for a similar ambiance.
Justin also plays with an Armenian folk quintet that uses a jazzy approach to improvising with folk tunes from that side of the world. It is led by the talented oud player Raffi Bandazian. The quintet’s other instruments are flugelhorn, bass, guitar, and drums. This exotic-sounding, Eastern European inspired group plays at folk and world music festivals, as well as at Armenian weddings.
Growing up playing rock music as a kid, Justin soon discovered a deep passion for music that swings. He studied with professional jazz guitarist Mike Ess for a year before attending the VCU Music School. He continued his studies with Ess for over six more years off and on, learning the finer points of archtop jazz guitar. During his time in the Jazz Department at VCU, Justin took advanced lessons in composition, arrangement, and orchestration in jazz and classical music with the brilliant Doug Richards. Studying such a wide variety of styles, particularly in classical and world music, made a strong and lasting impression on his own personal style, as evidenced by the projects and music which he has worked with. Justin has also had the great fortune to cross musical paths with brilliant minds like saxophonist Skip Gailes, classical guitarist Corey Blake, and orchestral director Daniel Myssyk.
In addition to performing, Justin teaches private lessons to students of all ages at all skill levels. He’s been teaching for nearly a decade in various local stores and at in-home lessons. He currently is teaching out of Guitar Works in Carytown and is accepting new students. If interested in lessons, booking one of Justin’s groups, or to ask questions and get more details, contact Justin at (804) 355-3521.