Biography
Dwayne "Smitty" Smith maintains a strong reputation as a jazz and R&B session bassist whose services remain in steady demand, while also releasing material under his own name that highlights an earthy rhythmic foundation and a sound that blends genres. Born in the Washington, D.C. area, he first played drums near the age of 13 before moving to bass and performing regularly with his own group for much of his teenage years. Following graduation, Smith enlisted for four years in the Air Force, where he served as musical director of the Tops in Blue ensemble. After leaving the military he moved to Los Angeles and began recording and touring with Anita Baker, contributing to her 1986 Grammy Award-winning release Rapture. This opportunity led to an extensive independent career that included sessions and performances with Gerald Albright, Natalie Cole, Everette Harp, Will Downing, Tom Scott, Lee Ritenour, James Ingram, and numerous additional artists. In 1995 Smith received a gold record for co-writing the track "Without a Doubt," which appeared on Boney James' album Seduction. He has also played with the crossover groups Birds of a Feather and Rhythm Logic. Beyond performing and recording, Smith has served as musical director of the Starlight Jazz Serenade benefit concert, an event that raised funds for Hands for Hope, a nonprofit providing free after-school programs for at-risk youth. His first solo album, This Is Me, arrived in 2005 and featured guest appearances by Kirk Whalum along with longtime associates drummer Oscar Seaton and guitarist Darrell Crooks. Subsequent collaborations involved Najee, Oli Silk, Ledisi, and others before Smith issued his second solo project, Stories, in 2012. He later rejoined Will Downing for the albums Chocolate Drops in 2015 and Black Pearls in 2016.
Albums
