J. C. Smith Actor/ Guitarist/ Vocalist, winner of the 2017 ECEM Male artist 0f the year, Metro Newspapers Best Of Silicon Valley “Best Original/local Band”, and 2006 Bay Area Blues Society West Coast Blues Band of the Year award winner is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. He is an outstanding performer noted for his energy and charisma. Prior to playing guitar, he was the drummer for the Back to Back Blues Band. In 2000, he emerged from behind his drums, armed with a Gibson 335. J. C. attacks the Blues as if he is being guided by the masters like T-Bone Walker, Albert King, and Johnnie Guitar Watson. The J. C. Smith Band’s current release “Defining Cool” is by far the best recording to date. Listed for the 52nd Grammy Awards for “Best Contemporary Blues CD,” it entered the Living Blues Radio Charts at #16 and was a “Pick to Click” on XM Radio. After 20 weeks on the Roots Report, the CD climbed the charts as high as #25 nationally. In 2004, Smith released “That’s What I’m Talk’n ‘Bout,” co-produced by Grammy Award Nominee Joanna Connor. This CD shows masterful songwriting, outstanding arrangements, and traditional quality. It features a host of Chicago players including Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, who worked with the Muddy Waters Band for twenty years. 2001 marked the release of Smith’s first effort “Midnight Creeper” which brought him international attention. Smith has toured throughout the United States, Eastern Europe, Mexico,South America,and Russia,to sell out crowds. Smith has work with and shared the stage with notable artist such as Hubert Sumlin, B,B, King, Buddy Guy, Buddy Miles, Son Seals Willie Bigeyes Smith, Pinetop Perkins and many more. He is also known as radio personality Johnnie Cozmik on KKUP F.M. J. C. feels that his goal in life is “To keep the Blues alive and take the message to the people.” For Actor info please refer to Imdb page ( J.C. Smith – IMDb)
Stevie Q (Bass) The youngest Member of the band Lays down a solid foundation and great vocals, both lead and back round.
Noel Catura (Sax) One of the Bay Areas Best. Noel has worked with Joe Louis Walker, Chris Cain, Bobby Wamack, Charles Brown, Sista Monica, and the list goes on.
Scott Porter (keys) is an all around pro. He delivers a one two punch that will rock your socks off…
Tim Richard ( Drums) Worked with The John Lee Hooker Band and recorded with a host of other top player including John Lees Grammy winning LP Jealous,
This band of seasoned players is a true Blues band with one goal in mind…keeping the Blues alive.
