Biography

Guitarist Richard Alan Smith can best be described as somewhat of a renaissance man. As a Composer he has garnered three Emmys for his work in documentary film. As a sideman he has weathered world tours with acts such as Earth Wind & Fire. As a session guitarist he has recorded on countless records including those by artists Aretha Franklin, Lynryrd Skynyrd as well as recordings for the great record producer Jerry Wexler of the famed Muscle Shoals Studios.

As an Actor Richard played the role of Til in the Academy Award winning film "RAY" the life story biopic of Ray Charles. He also provided the guitar work for the films music sequences.The movie was directed by Taylor Hackford (Officer and a Gentleman, Devils Advocate) and stars Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles

With the Richard Smith Band, what started out as an evening of jam music evolved into a captivating record. Smith creates a vehicle for playing inspired music with some of Atlanta's great musicians.The line up includes percussionist Count' Mbutu from Derek Trucks Band, bassist Sam Simms from KD Lang, saxophonist Fred Vigdor from Average White Band, Drummer Lil John Roberts Stanley Clark,George Duke, Keyboardist Eric Frampton Pa ul Simon and guest performance by Francine Reed from Lyle Lovette's band

Delivering a soulful performance as well as creating improvisational jams crossing all genre bounderies, The Richard Smith Band effortlessly weaves them into one organic tapestry of Blues, Soul, Jazz, Funk, Fusion and World Music.