John H. Smith Trio

An audience attending a performance by John H. Smith witnesses a masterfully crafted display of live, soul-stirring jazz guitar performance. Rooted in the rich cultural history of the Harlem and Long Island music scenes, John commands the stage with an approach that prioritizes pure, honest, and highly expressive musicality.

Exquisite Instrumental Technique: Observers will view close-up, intricate fretwork and fluid fingerpicking styles developed under the mentorship of icons like Chuck Loeb and Kevin Eubanks

Live Dynamic Ensemble Interplay: John frequently collaborates with high-caliber rhythm sections, including prominent keyboardists, organists, saxophonists, and percussionists. Audiences watch the effortless, non-verbal cues and spontaneous communication typical of a world-class jazz outfit. A Journey Across Genres: Listeners are treated to a live setlist that seamlessly blends elements of Gospel, Classical, Blues, and traditional smooth jazz. Iconic original singles such as the radio favorite "Watch What You Say" and soulful arrangements like his interpretation of "Silent Night" take center stage.Emotional Pacing: The performance breathes naturally, shifting from upbeat, high-energy grooves that inspire rhythmic movement to tender, emotional ballads that quiet the entire venue. Clients who book John H. Smith secure an all-encompassing, highly organized, and reliable entertainment service. Leveraging his vast industry experience as an educator, producer, and musical director, John removes the stress from event logistics while delivering premium musical entertainment. Flawless Technical Execution: Clients receive a hassle-free production process. John brings veteran stage presence, ensuring precise sound check requirements and professional coordination with local house engineers or festival stage crews. Elite NY Session Musicians: A client doesn't just hire a guitarist; they gain access to a carefully curated band of top-tier New York professionals. This guarantees world-class studio quality during a live performance. Custom Production and Arrangements: Thanks to his background with his personal production firm, Axxanpro23 Music Group, clients can request specialized song arrangements or corporate theme integrations tailored directly to the event. Brand Alignment and Radio-Quality Appeal: Audiences recognize the caliber of an artist whose music enjoys global rotation on Smooth Jazz radio. Booking John lends instant prestige, sophistication, and widespread appeal to festivals, corporate events, or high-end private functions. Educational and Community Value: Because John is an experienced private instructor and a teacher at the School of Rock in Beacon, NY, clients can combine live performances with interactive workshops, masterclasses, or educational clinics for students and aspiring musicians.

John Smith is a native New Yorker with deep roots in the Harlem and Long Island Jazz and Roots Music scenes. Raised in a house full of music with influences including Gospel, Classical, Blues and Jazz, John couldn’t help but pursue music. His love of Jazz led him to the award-winning Jazz Big Band at Martin Van Buren High School in Queens. He went on to study musical performance and education on a full scholarship at Five Towns College and Long Island University. While working in elementary education, John honed his musical skills studying with such greats as Chuck Loeb, Ted Dunbar, Kevin Eubanks, Doc Powell, Rick Stone, Rodney Jones, Peter Farrell, and Bob Mintzer.

John eventually left teaching to become a full-time musician playing with musical talents such as Jonathan Dubose, Jr., Mel Holder, Inger Reid, Heavy D, Bebe and Cece Winans, Gary Anglin, Youthful Praise, CCC Music Group, William “Spaceman” Patterson, Chrissette Michelle, Vanesa Bell Armstrong, and Babyface Edmonds, to name a few. In addition, he is a sought-after producer, musical director, arranger and song-writer. John has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, the legendary Apollo and Beacon Theatres, The Red Rooster (Harlem), and nearly every famous Jazz café in New York City including the Blue Note, Showman’s Jazz Club, Fat Cat Club, Dizzy’s Coca-Cola Club, and Patrick’s Place (Harlem) and Jazz venues throughout the country.

John is currently engaged in a variety of residencies, playing jazz at the Red Rooster Harlem, Oooh La La Café, Swift River Center, and Alvin & Friends.

Custom Production and Arrangements: Thanks to his background with his personal production firm, Axxanpro23 Music Group, clients can request specialized song arrangements or corporate theme integrations tailored directly to the event.