I suppose there are worse rackets than mimicking the movements of delicious crustaceans. I’m just glad I’ve been able to pursue a career in music for all this time.
These are the words of Anthony Smith, as expressed in The Lizard Stays in the Cage, his memoir which spans twenty-plus colorful years of music making. The Southern California-based keyboardist/songwriter/bandleader might not have had to dress like a lobster to pay the bills, but he has played in just about every type of band imaginable, and has performed and recorded with a wide array of noteworthy artists from numerous genres.
Smith, with the confidence and energy of a thirtysomething at the top of his game, steps into the spotlight once again with his Trunk Fulla Funk, a project which is the musical culmination of the experiences he chronicles in his soon-to-be-published book.
Smith’s musical journey has been lifelong, from a childhood obsession with piano, to a degree in piano performance from San Diego State University. After college, he smoothly transitioned into freelancing throughout Southern California, playing everything from latin jazz to neo-soul to surf rock/reggae. In addition to keyboards, he also developed a reputation as a talented composer, arranger, and outstanding jazz vibraphonist.
What makes Smith’s musical voice so interesting and listenable is a varied blend of pop and rock influences, combined with the inspiration provided by his straight-ahead jazz heroes, such as Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis. "Trumpet is my favorite horn, and that’s why I incorporated it in the Trunk Fulla Funk sound."
ANTHONY SMITH’S TRUNK FULLA FUNK, is in Smith’s words, "an infectiously grooving sextet featuring stellar musicians from across the country--a hybrid of classic funk/rock/soul influences, with all the rock and jam-oriented improvisation you might expect." "TFF" is indeed the product of Smith’s experience and imagination, and perhaps more importantly, his rare talent as an effective, charismatic band leader. Smith’s choices to fill the roles of backing musicians are savvy and precise, and nowhere was this more evident than when choosing a lead singer and co-frontman.
"I’ve never subscribed to the idea of being a musical purist," Smith notes. "I’m passionate about a number of genres, even though my roots are in jazz." These myriad influences are evident in everything Smith does, whether it’s holding down the challenging Hammond B-3 chair in the nationally acclaimed Karl Denson Trio (KD3), of which he is an original member, or writing and producing albums for Portland, Oregon-based Terrestrial Records.
Fully apparent in TFF’s sound are the jam band sensibilities that Smith gleaned through years of relentless touring with Global Funk Council (which he created, managed, and directed musically), not to mention collaborations with such jam notables as (Garaj Mahal guitarist) Fareed Haque and (Funky Meters/Vida Blue drummer) Russell Batiste. "I love Phish, Moe, Widespread Panic--a lot of that stuff. That scene has been a central part of my life for the better part of ten years now, and I’m proud to have been a part of it."
After nearly two decades spent refining his numerous talents and crafts, Anthony Smith now stands poised to step into the spotlight as a songwriter, producer, and band leader with his Trunk Fulla Funk and receive the accolades that have long been in reach.
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