Biography
Vocalist Henri Smith had already established a lengthy presence in the New Orleans music community well before releasing his first album. Born and raised in the city, he served for years as a radio personality at WWOZ, the broadcast outlet of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, where his program spotlighted the contemporary jazz he admires and has since performed professionally. Thanks to his extensive industry ties, he regularly acted as emcee at Jazz Fest for performers including Kermit Ruffins and Ellis Marsalis. He also lent his percussion skills to the 1996 release Best of Blue Magic: Soulful Spell by the R&B ensemble Blue Magic.
At the same time he refined his vocal abilities through local performances across New Orleans. Kermit Ruffins initially invited him onstage during a New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival set, granting the velvet-throated singer valuable exposure before an appreciative crowd. Ruffins later joined Smith on the 2001 album New Orleans Friends and Flavours, which also showcased contributions from Jason Marsalis, Donald Harrison, Bill Summers, Wendell Brunious, Roland Guerin, and Anthony “Tuba Fats” Lacen.
Reflecting its title, the project unites these varied associates to embody the city’s musical gumbo. From the opening track “Big Chief,” a Mardi Gras Indian number most closely linked to Professor Longhair, the recording announces its New Orleans character. Smith and his ensemble distinguish themselves on Hoagy Carmichael’s “New Orleans” and Nat Adderley’s “Work Song.” A distinctive take on Buck Owens’ country standard “Crying Time” highlights a lachrymose Kermit Ruffins on trumpet and vocals.
The track “Spanish Rice and Beans” best integrates the flavors: the Caribbean inflection supplied by Marsalis and Summers, recently returned from Los Hombres Calientes engagements, underpins the sensual mood of Smith’s ode to his partner. Each affectionate phrase signals that this debut would not be his final recording.
Having moved from supporting roles to center stage, Henri Smith now headlines at Snug Harbor, New Orleans’ leading contemporary jazz venue, while touring throughout America and Europe. He continues to host his contemporary jazz program on WWOZ.
At the same time he refined his vocal abilities through local performances across New Orleans. Kermit Ruffins initially invited him onstage during a New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival set, granting the velvet-throated singer valuable exposure before an appreciative crowd. Ruffins later joined Smith on the 2001 album New Orleans Friends and Flavours, which also showcased contributions from Jason Marsalis, Donald Harrison, Bill Summers, Wendell Brunious, Roland Guerin, and Anthony “Tuba Fats” Lacen.
Reflecting its title, the project unites these varied associates to embody the city’s musical gumbo. From the opening track “Big Chief,” a Mardi Gras Indian number most closely linked to Professor Longhair, the recording announces its New Orleans character. Smith and his ensemble distinguish themselves on Hoagy Carmichael’s “New Orleans” and Nat Adderley’s “Work Song.” A distinctive take on Buck Owens’ country standard “Crying Time” highlights a lachrymose Kermit Ruffins on trumpet and vocals.
The track “Spanish Rice and Beans” best integrates the flavors: the Caribbean inflection supplied by Marsalis and Summers, recently returned from Los Hombres Calientes engagements, underpins the sensual mood of Smith’s ode to his partner. Each affectionate phrase signals that this debut would not be his final recording.
Having moved from supporting roles to center stage, Henri Smith now headlines at Snug Harbor, New Orleans’ leading contemporary jazz venue, while touring throughout America and Europe. He continues to host his contemporary jazz program on WWOZ.
Albums
