Home » Jazz Musicians » GMANgerald

GMANgerald

GMAN is an original nickname given to me by an aspiring female singer during late night recording sessions. Gerald is my Parents given name. "Gee-Spot" was created by all of our Local & Signed Rap Artist dubbing me "Gee" ,(short for GMAN) and during recording sessions the Artist would tell their fellow members "They're heading or rolling to "Gee's Spot" so this saying became our Production Company's name. Gee-Spot Productions Inc./GFUNK Entertainment:Diverse Musicians, Singers and Affiliates.

"The GMAN's Electric Bass Guitar style is a throw-back to the Legendary Bassist Stanley Clarke, Played with the passion of Legendary Guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan, all intertwined with Jazz, R&B, Funk and Rock Elements. Bassist GMAN, "One of the World's Best Bassist!" Rooted in the Past, living in the Present, and looking towards the Future. GMAN's diversity rises here with some of the Illess Street & Trend setting sounds happening today" Born Gerald L. Smith Sept. 2, 1960 in Newark New Jersey, was given a radio at age 4 from his mother,(An accomplished Gospel & Jazz Pianist)and by the age of 12 he began playing electric guitar jammin with neighborhood friends til the age of 14.At this age he was given the opportunity to work stage crew for the groups:Earth,Wind & Fire, Ramsey Lewis, and The Emotions at Newark Schools Stadium in the summer of 1974.This was the juice that sweetened the taste of music for GMAN and for the love of the Bass Guitar. He began playing this instrument throughout his High School years, Performing in local Talent Shows Colleges,Spring & Summer Concerts, His love for R&B, Funk, and Rock was evident.Then at the age of 17 his Father,(A lover of Jazz & Funk) introduced him to one of his close friends, A stocky-built,long haired Bassist,with short stubby fingers and clawed like hands from North Newark- named:William "EARL" Martin. Playing the sounds of Stanley Clarke and Stanley's group: "Return To Forever" on his Sunburst color Fender Jazz Bass. Once GMAN heard this cat played,GMAN made a vow to learn to play like him. This in turn brought on the love for jazz. By age 18 GMAN turned semi-pro and his Father bought him his first Professional Bass Guitar.A Gibson "Ripper" Bass and GMAN began recording with various local Bands in various local recording studios.At age 20 he met local group Guitarist Richard Miller and Richard's Best friends;Gene"O"Thomas jr. and brother Keith Thomas,(The P-Funk Brothers)Gene and Keith's Father Grady "Grade A" Thomas is an original member of ParlimentFunkadelic.

Read more

Tags

Music

Videos

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.