Ronny Smith - Raise The Roof

Baltimore based jazz guitarist Ronny Smith has chosen the 20th century as his field of activity. His discography includes the albums Long Time Comin (2001), Laid Back (2002), Got Groove (2006), Simply Stated (2007), Just Groovin (2009), Can't Stop Now (2013), and Shake It Up (2017). His new album Raise The Roof is scheduled for release on January 27, 2020. The releasing label is Skytown Records.

Ronny has written, arranged, mixed and produced all songs. Two songs are covers. Ronny performs on this album guitar, keys, bass and programming. On track 5 he is supported by Vincent James (drums) and on track 7 by Scott Martin (sax). In the past Ronny assimilated the music of his idols George Benson, Wes Montgomery or Joe Pass. Now he creates his own style. He opens with Breaded Funk Well Done. Ronny presents the finest ingredients of funk like the ducky rhythm guitar, vintage organ chords and his shining guitar.

A Brighter Day is a title that is often used in the smooth jazz world. Ronny's composition showcases his virtuosity with a lot of guitar running the scales up and down. On Me Time Ronny sketches unerringly with precise chords the appealing theme. At this point it should be noted that Ronny is a proven expert of drum programming, who brings the rhythm authentically across.

With the title song Ronny plays it safe and uses the George Benson style, but in a brisker version. All summed up, Ronny tends towards acid jazz and heats up the audience like you know it from guitarist Chris Standring. On Say Again Ronny shows his jazzy and fluid guitar style with a bluesy touch in combination with a sonic bass excursion.

On It creates an inviting atmosphere with an ongoing flow. Cool Breeze allures with an attractive and colorful Stevie Wonder flair featuring Scott Martin on sax. Brazilian Dancer is an irresistible blend of Latin flavored Bossa Nova and Django Reinhardt style.

Bill Withers has written the song Use Me in 1972 for his album Still Bill. The song is popular in the smooth jazz genre. For example Rick Braun covered it on his album Kisses In The Rain (2001) or Kirk Whalum on #Lovecovers (2017). Ronny successfully replace Bill's vocals by his guitar, while drums and keys are close to the original. Superstar is a hit, originally written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell. The best known interpretation is by the Carpenters in 1971. This version also inspired Ronny to his re-interpretation.

Ronny Smith's album Raise The Roof really pops from the beginning to the end. Still in full sprint sending goose bumps up and down you soon be aware that this album is destined for a replay.