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Take Five With Enoch Smith, Jr.

By AAJ Staff
October 26, 2009
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Meet Enoch Smith Jr.:
"I'm a music lover first. My musical ability is just an extension of my love. Jazz, gospel, music for film/television, you name it and I can tell you a story about how I fell in love with it."

At the late age of 14 he began playing piano by ear at his church. This blossomed into a love affair that would prove lasting. By the age of 16, Enoch was determined to be a professional musician. With no formal piano instruction he auditioned and was accepted to the Berklee College of Music.

During his time at Berklee, Enoch was instructed by seasoned pianist Dean Earl (

Charlie Parker

saxophone, alto
1920 - 1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Parker,

Sonny Stitt

saxophone
1924 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Sonny Stitt). It was during these piano lessons that a certain foundation was laid. "If you don't have nuthin' to say, close your mouth!" E.J. had the privilege of playing regularly at Wally's Jazz Cafe, an esteemed right of passage for Boston area musicians.

Instrument(s):
Piano.

The first Jazz album I bought was:
Red Garland
piano
1923 - 1984
" data-original-title="" title="">Red Garland's Piano. His rendition of "Please Send Me Someone To Love" is the first song I ever transcribed....

CDs you are listening to now:

Vijay Iyer

piano
b.1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Vijay Iyer

Horace Silver

piano
1928 - 2014

" data-original-title="" title="">Horace Silver

Cannonball Adderley

saxophone
1928 - 1975

" data-original-title="" title="">Cannonball Adderley

Bobby Timmons

piano
1935 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Bobby Timmons.

Desert Island picks:

Miles Davis

trumpet
1926 - 1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Miles Davis, Kind of Blue
D'Angelo, Voodoo

Herbie Hancock

piano
b.1940

" data-original-title="" title="">Herbie Hancock, Thrust

How would you describe the state of jazz today?
I think jazz is evolving in different directions simultaneously. You have guys that are intent on playing in the style of their heroes and cats that are pushing the envelope daily. I think both directions are great for jazz and music in general.

By Day:
I'm a Legislative Aide for an Assemblywoman in New Jersey. I research topics in order to create bills that she may sign into law.

If I weren't a jazz musician, I would be a:
Lawyer.

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