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    Some who have heard Jon play compare his distinctive rich, powerful and breathy sound to that of Gene Ammons, Plas Johnson and David “Fathead” Newman.

Born in southern Louisiana, Jon, along with childhood friends Edgar Winter and Jerry LaCroix, formed the now legendary Edgar Winter’s White Trash band in the latter part of 1969. Jon’s dominant tenor sax sound and solid horn arrangements played a key role in the overall sound and success of the group.

For more on Jon, read some of the press he's received in recent years...

Goings on:

2011 Highlights:

December: Jon is back in Dallas at the House of Blues with the Forever Fabulous Chickenhawks,

Jon is playing dates with Rick James' legendary Stone City Band.

Jon and Mic are performing with former Journey keyboardist Stevie "Keys" Roseman in the Stevie Keys All Star Band.

Jon is back in California where he and old friend Mic Gillette (Tower of Power, Cold Blood) are collaborating again.

2010:


Jon's new CD Over Saxed (Grand Pointe Records) is now available! Featuring Smooth Jazz interpretations of R&B standards, along with two new originals, Over Saxed  is available from these sources:

Telephone orders, call (469) 742-3447

Just before his old friend, the legendary songwriter Bobby Charles passed away, Jon recorded on his final album, produced by Dr. John

2009 Activities:

Jon has returned from his tour in European superstar with Peter Maffay after 4 months on the road

2007 - 2008 Activities:

Shows: After 30 years, Jon and old friend Dickie Landry are together again performing "An Evening with the Saxophone" avant-garde concerts. Upcoming shows are planned at art galleries and museums throughout the US and Europe. Dickie and Jon performed for "Louisiana Crossroads" season premiere at the Acadiana Center for the Arts on September 19, and the "After Hours Series" at the Ogden Museum in New Orleans on September 20.

New Label: Jon and Dickie have formed a new record company, Grand Pointe records. Jon's new self-titled solo CD will be released by Grand Pointe in late October. It will be available from CDBaby and other online stores. Stay tuned for more details.

Art Exhibition: Jon's art, "Float Art", will be featured in a group show at Donald LeBlanc's Gallery 549 in Lafayette, LA. Featured also will be a photo exhibit by Dickie Landry and Jon, focused on Jon's Float Art.

Summer 2006: Jon is back in the New Orleans area, and will be performing with old friend Luther Kent. Check back for venues.

2006 Shows:

Sept. 29, 2006
:  Oakland, CA appearing with Rummage Sale (Mic Gillette, Jeff Tamelier, Skip Mesquite, Bobby Vega, Jimmy Pugh, Fred Ross (vocals): venue TBA
Oct. 7, 8, 2006: Sonoma, CA appearing with Little Feat and the Doobie Brothers at the annual B R Cohn Winery benefit gig, with Mic Gillette on Trumpet and Marc Russo on sax. Also appearing on the 7th is Paul Rogers (from Queen) and Pablo Cruise. Willie Nelson will also be appearing on the 8th.
Oct. 14, 2006: Lodi, CA The inaugural gig for the Mic Gillette Jon Smith Project at Jesse's Grove Winery, opening for Cold Blood. The rhythm section for Mic and Jon will feature Clinton Day (bass), Steve Mason (keys), David Hawkes (drums) and Joel Nixon (guitar). 
Oct. 27, 28: Dallas, TX appearing with Luther Kent, Jack Calmes and the Fabulous Chickenhawks.
 

Winter 2006: Jon is working on his first solo CD in Northern California, produced with his old friend, arranger and keyboardist Larry Sieberth. Special guest Mic Gillette, Legendary Tower of Power trumpet player, will be recording with Jon as well. Special guest superdrummer Bertram Engel will appear, too.  

Fall 2005: Jon is on tour with European superstar Peter Maffay on the Hallen Tour. Jon also plays at the 15th anniversary of the reunification of Germany. Check out Jon with former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Photo #1. Photo #2.

Summer 2005: Jon has relocated back in New Orleans. He's teamed up with old friend and New Orleans legend Luther Kent, performing regularly at the 544 Club (corner of Toulouse and Bourbon).

Fall 2004:
Jon is working on a recording project in California, Texas and Louisiana. Details to follow...

Summer 2004:
Jon appears on the cover of the August issue of Southwest Blues Magazine.  Check out the cover, here.

Winter 2003-2004:
Jon is in Woodstock, New York working on a new project with Levon Helm

Spring, 2002:
Back in Europe to record with Peter Maffay, and for the Open Air Tour May 25 - June 30

November, 2001:
Jon will be in Germany again working with German Superstar Peter Maffay