Album Notes

Anthony Smith is best known these days for providing the Hammond backbone and deft, left-handed bass lines in the highly acclaimed Karl Denson Trio (KD3). Others will remember him as the charismatic chairman of Global Funk Council, an ensemble that gained notice in 2003-2006 through over 600 tour dates across the country. Now, Anthony Smith brings us Trunk Fulla Funk, a supergroup of jam scene veterans and show-stopping newcomers featuring past and present members of On the One, Signal Path, and KD3.

ASTFF’s debut album Life As We Know It blends Smith’s impeccable songwriting, pop mentality and expert arrangements with the virtuosity of an all-star jam-band cast, and was recorded by on-the-rise producer/engineer Mikael Naramore (Four Finger Five, Jon Garcia and the Best Laid Plans, Sol Serenade, Ruby Hill). The result is a fresh, edgy perspective of the times. From a humorous take on a good ass-kicking, to the egoism of Internet-superstardom, to an urban anthem inspired heavily by Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” Anthony sets out to get his story straight.

Here\'s what some folks have been saying about ASTFF:

“Anthony Smith is quite an accomplished pianist, really showing his chops when it comes to soloing and even displays his prowess on the classical piano…” -Sam Katz (Jambase)

“Anthony Smith and his band seem to be omnipresent…they crisscross this great country…at (Anthony Smith’s) shows you can expect to hear something like the organic grooves of Medeski, Martin and Wood, the sophisticated, classic jazz/funk of Herbie Hancock and Weather Report, with the intricate off-beat compositional approaches of the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Frank Zappa, riding on the vibe and energy of a modern day jamband.” -Zebuel Early (Crested Butte News)

“A consummate musician, composer and producer, Anthony Smith’s reputation among fellow musicians precedes him. He repeatedly sets the bar for artists across the board.” -Ben Erickson, (Elysian Artist Group, Road Manager: Soulive)

“Anthony Smith is one of the more gifted young musicians I have come across. He is a formidable pianist, a first-rate songwriter/composer and has a great production sensibility. He will go very far on whatever he decides is his musical path.” -Fred Hersch, (jazz pianist, composer, educator, 3-time Grammy® nominee)