Ronny Smith
-
Simply Stated
Ronny Smith
is one of the most productive guitarists. After his albums Long
Time Comin (2001), Laid
Back (2002), Got Groove
(2006) he already released his fourth album Simply Stated
(2007) in between a short period. Listeners will welcome that Ronny
perfects his style and is a never-ending fountain of new ideas. He is
supported by Conley "Tony" Whitfield (bass), Vernell "Dooder" Mincey (drums),
George "Wake" Campbell (sax) and Gerald "Gman" Chavis (trumpet). Ronny
has produced, arranged and composed all songs with the exception of
the tunes Josey and Fallin' In Love With Jesus.
The album starts with Bossa
Awhile, an uptempo smooth jazz tune with a peremptory melody and a
pushing keyboard loop. Chillin After Eight slows down the tempo
laying down the right foundation for Gerald "Gman" Garvis' muted
trumpet. Award-winning trumpeter Gerald Chavis currently performs and
teaches in the Wilmington, Delaware - Philadelphia, PA area.
Majorca was originally
recorded for Ronny Smith's album Laid Back. The original
version is more dainty while the remix version wins by an awesome
flute arrangement.
Walter Becker and Donald Fagen (Steely
Dan) composed Josie for their groundbreaking album Aja
(1977). One of the seldom tunes on which Walter Becker performs a
guitar solo. Categorized as jazz rock the tune attracted many
guitarists worldwide like Larry Carlton, Chieli Minucci or Steve
Saluto. Ronny calls his version Josey and gives it a funky attitude.
Laidback is the second
tune taken from the album Laid Back. The remix version tightens
the melody up by reducing the theme to the guitar loops.
She's So Special was
taken from the album Got Groove. While the original has a strong R&B
character, forms Ronny the remix version to a more jazzy guitar tune
and enriched it with Garvis' flugelhorn.
Simply Stated is a mellow
ballade with a laidback elegance. Vernell "Dooder" Mincey's work on
drums showcases a brilliant complexity. Vernell is on the verge of
becoming one of the most powerful musicians of his time. Vernell
accredits his success in part to prominent musicians such as Dennis
Chambers and Dave Weckl.
Fallin' In Love With Jesus
(penned by Jonathan Butler) is a heartfelt gospel interpretation of
singer William Banks. A vocalist with a
remarkably clear and strong voice.
Funny How Time Flies is the second vocal
tune on this otherwise instrumental album. Ronny Smith performs his
guitar loops in his own professional manner.
Simply Stated offers Ronny Smith's new compositions
and some remixes of his earlier tunes. A guitarist in a good progress.
Let's see which avenue he is following in the future.
