Johnny Smith with Friends Mark Holzinger and Chris Justin

Johnny Smith with Friends Mark Holzinger and Chris Justin: San Francisco Bay Jazz

by C. Michael Bailey
September 8, 2006

Johnny Smith may not be a musical household name, but his rural Missouri roots and Uncle Delaney and Aunt Bonnie Bramlett gave him some serious soul bona fides. Following a musical youth and a stint in the Marines, Smith returned to his second home of Southern California, skirting big fame, making smart and informed pop music.

Now having relocated to the Bay Area, Smith has put together a vibrantly smart trio with guitarist Mark Holzinger and bassist Chris Justin. Smith ...