Artist description Singing with a vintage vocal style reminiscent of the singers of bygone eras, Preston evokes delta blues and gospel shouts and hollers then switches horses to a crooning style in the tradition of the great big band singers. Soaring guitar and wailing harmonica played live and simultaneously create an electricity never heard before in the blues idiom.

Music Style Blues, Jazz, Swing, Rock Crossover

Musical Influences Jimi Hendrix, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, Elvis Presley, The Beatles

Similar Artists Nat King Cole, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Ray Vaughan

Artist History How does one categorize an artist who, during the span of his career, has sung for Barbra Streisand's wedding, performed at private award ceremonies for Steven Spielberg and Aaron Spelling, played harmonica and scat rapped alongside Salt n’ Pepa on Quincy Jones’ national TV show “Vibe”, and has had the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Eddie Van Halen and Jerry Lee Lewis, among countless others, join him on stage for impromptu jam sessions. Preston performed on “The Tonight Show” along with the late Jimmy Stewart and released an album on Curb Records entitled “Preston Smith.” He appeared on the hit movie soundtrack “Cocktail” starring Tom Cruise with the title song “Oh I Love You So,” which he composed, produced and performed. The soundtrack went on to sell over six million units worldwide. Roseanne Cash then recorded his song “Black and White,” which released as a single, rose to number 30 on the country radio charts. The song was included in her greatest hits CD which went on to sell gold. Preston’s latest CD “That Real Feel,” which he produced and released on his own label, was recorded live in the studio and is a combination of many genres of the past. Preston has performed on many live radio and cable TV shows on both the east and west coasts, and has performed live on club circuits in Los Angeles, New York and Nashville. His multifaceted talent has enabled him, both with his band and solo acoustic, to share stages with a diverse crowd of performers ranging from KROQ alternative rock favorites such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fine Young Cannibals, Fishbone, Wall of Voodoo, Concrete Blonde, Charlie Sexton, The Mighty Lemon Drops, and The Bonedaddy’s, to rock, R&B, and blues legends such as James Brown, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley, Bonnie Raitt, k.d. Lang, John Mayhall, Albert Collins, Tower of Power, Joe Satriani, The Ventures, Dick Dale & the Deltones, Eric Burden & the Animals, Delbert McClinton, Paul Butterfield, Poco, Charlie Musselwhite, Joe Louis Walker, Booker T. & the MG’s, The Ink Spots, The Coasters, Savoy Brown, Marshall Tucker Band, Bachman Turner Overdrive, The Yougbloods, Donovan, Commander Cody, Asleep at the Wheel, N.R.B.Q., Buster Poindexter, Mink DeVille, The Tubes, The Busboys, David Lindley & El Rayo X, John Stewart, Al Stewart, The James Harmon Blues Band, Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, Billy Vera & The Beaters, The Palladins, The King Bee’s, and Jack Mack & the Heart Attack.

Group Members Preston Smith sings, plays harmonica, guitar, and percussion. On his album "That Real Feel" his band includes Tony Ruiz on bass, Sinclair Lott on drums, and Dan DeSouza on keyboards.

Instruments Guitar, Harmonica, Drums, Bass, Keyboards, Percussion

Albums "That Real Feel", "Romancing the Blues", "Christmas Blues and Other Standards"

Press Reviews “…a consummate blues singer. With a little of this and a little of that, Smith works the room.” LOS ANGELES TIMES“Preston Smith’s material knows no boundaries…hard core, totally original approach to song structure and style. There is no way that anyone could possibly pigeon-hole Preston Smith. He has something for everyone. Smith is a force unto himself.” MUSIC CONNECTION “This guy is a human library for jazz. He approaches each song with the style, grace and reverence that the composer intended from John Lennon to Fats Waller.” WHOLE LIFE TIMES“An exceptional, gutsy singer, songwriter, and guitarist…a phenomenal artist, who appeals to all types of music lovers, Preston always “delivers!” Whether he’s wailing on the harmonica, or singing through a megaphone, the audiences love him!” UNIVERSTITY REPORTER“Indeed, Preston is a man of melody. Talent oozes from him. As a vocalist, his delivery possesses a subtle growl charismatic of the great bluesmen of past decades. His snarlin’ guitar sound blends with his screamin’ harmonica work to produce a raw, soulful treat for any music lover. He has been known to break into a guitar solo using his tongue.” SANTA CLARITA SIGNAL “…originals that could easily sound good on the airwaves of your local triple A stations…” ENTERTAINMENT TODAY“Smith writes memorable songs. Tunes that you hum in the shower for weeks after seeing the band.” Santa Barbara NEWS AND REVIEW“A stylistic cross between Louis Armstrong and Harry Connick Jr. Smith, whose presence combines warmth and chutzpah…lures in rubbernecks from the sidewalk with his assorted mix of music.” Pasadena Weekly CHEERS“…he has crafted his own irresistible original songs and colorful stage show. Smith has persevered with his own musical vision, drawing from such divergent inspirations as Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Hank Williams Sr., and Nat King Cole. His expressive showmanship and varied musical influences have endeared Smith to fans from Solana Beach to San Francisco.” San Diego’s BELLY UP“You’re somethin’ else on that guitar boy.” Jerry Lee Lewis “Preston Smith, especially, stood out…a great band, great voice, great songs and a wicked sense of humor.” PASADENA WEEKLY“He’s been known to sing Muddy Waters tunes through a bullhorn, play the guitar behind his back and from atop tables where patrons sit in stunned silence.” Music Connection (previous issue)The various guitar, voice, horn and especially rhythm parts all exude craft.” ROCKLAND JOURNAL-NEWS (New York, NY)“…Smith turns his audience on with animated visuals, irresistible charm and vocal flexibility...keeps the crowd on its feet with eyes glued to the stage…an unconventional and exciting band…they have fans from all walks of life. But regardless of the choice of song, one thing never varies - everything you hear has Preston’s fingerprints all over it.” THE VALLEY ENTERTAINER

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Location Studio City, CA - USA

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