Jazz Rosco - Rosco's Place II (2010) FLAC

Roger Smith is the keyboard player for TOP, and covers background vocals as well. Whether the song calls for piano, clavinet, strings, a synth sound, whatever, Roger is right there. He especially shines on the organ parts that are such an important part of TOP's past and present sound. Roger is in a select group of true Hammond B-3 artists, and his solo work is always superb. As an accomplished artist of his own, Roger's album, My Colors, was nominated for two Jazz Grammies and “Off the Hook,” a single from his follow-up album topped the jazz charts. Even with his own personal success the band's background vocal artist and keyboardist still manages to be blown away by the history and complexity of a band like T.O.P. "I am stoked to be a member of Tower of Power! To formulate your groove within a group like this is a unique challenge because this group has its roots every where, from jazz to pop to soul to blues," he says. “Being in Tower of Power has been a dream come true for me, the realization of something I've always hoped for. I have other interests, as we all do, and a life outside the band. But in Tower of Power I can truly say I am free to be who I am. And I am home.”

Smith’s virtuosity is complimented by his diverse resume. He’s played with Jeff Beck, Glayds Knight, Willie Nelson, and Leon Russell, among others. At Present, Roger holds down the Hammond B-3 seat vacated by the formidable Chester Thompson with the legendary West Coast soul band Tower of Power, maintaining their signature sound with his expert organ play.

As producer and composer, Smith pursues his artistic vision on behalf of the listener, bringing to the table the most capable players available to accomplish that vision. As in Roger brought in the Temptations to sing “I’ll always Love You” on his album “Just Enough”. In the tradition of Quincy Jones, Roger brings just the right talent to get the job done, be it having the luxury of using the Tower of Power horns for their brand of brass and reeds, or Smooth Jazz household names like Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, or Peter White for their particular sound. In any event, Roger’s efforts have resulted in a compelling body of work.