"Jon's sound is instantaneously recognized, something only a handful of players have, with a tone that's as big as a house, and a big vibrato that's characteristic of a gospel singer's. If I were putting together a horn section, Jon would be my absolute first choice."

-- EDGAR WINTER, WINDPLAYER MAGAZINE

"I have followed him since he left Edgar Winter's White Trash. I couldn't leave Antone's until I knew he'd played his last note of the night."

-- Will Lee, Late Night with David Letterman band
AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN

"(Jon Smith is) one of the baddest tenor saxophone players ever to come out of Texas"

-- PLAYBOY MAGAZINE

Jon's new self-titled CD, "Jon R. Smith" is a collection of superb songs done in the smooth jazz tradition that shows off his great tone and musical depth.

On this new CD, Jon calls on friend, frequent musical collaborator, and Strokeland Superband member, Mic Gillette for some superb brass work, which provides the perfect blend with Jon's soulful, sultry style.

Jon recorded his sax tracks with Rick Duncan at Nacnud Sound in Lodi, California and also mixed half the songs there. RIck engineered and mixed the original Strokeland Superband CD, "Kick It Up a Step" and never fails to produce a killer sound. This new release is no exception.

Jon Smith

Jon presents friend Lawrence Sieberth's arrangements and co-production of several classic R&B songs on this album, including "You Are My Sunshine", "Rainy Night in Georgia", "Slow Jam", and "You Are So Beautiful". Under Jon's seasoned musicianship, these songs take on a life and emotional depth that they rarely possess. It's doubtful that one can listen to Jon's version of these songs and not be touched deeply.

As a lifelong resident of Louisiana, Jon and his wife JoLynn were residing in New Orleans and lost their home, familiar landmarks, and even part of their way of life in hurricane Katrina. Jon truly puts his heart into these songs.

Check out the soulful smooth jazz flavors of "Jon R. Smith" for yourself.