jakejsmith + Musician in Chicago, IL

SEEKING

ABOUT

Versatile, reliable keys player on the North Side looking to find a group and play some funk/jazz/rock/soul. I'm open to small groups, large groups, instrumentals, vocal groups, playing covers, playing originals, improvising, writing parts, whatever -- I'll consider just about anything, as long as it's in the pocket.

I started playing keys about 14 years ago. Over the years, I've performed with a variety of groups, including a jazzy funk group, a neosoul band, a singer-songwriter duo, a raucous party cover band, and several years in the house band for a local theater company. I’ve played at Reggie’s Music Joint, Uncommon Ground, the Joinery, Phyllis’ Musical Inn, Moe’s Tavern, and more.

I dig playing soul, funk, rock, jazz, pop, country, and everything in between! Love improvising and collaboratively arranging. Please reach out if you’re in the market for keys!

Screen name:

jakejsmith

Member since:

Oct 31 2023

Active within 1 week

Level of commitment:

Committed

Years playing music:

20

Gigs played:

10 to 50

Tend to practice:

More than 3 times per week

Available to gig:

1 night a week

Most available:

Nights

Influences

Ben Folds
Bill Evans
Billy Powell
Burton Cummings
Dr. John
Elton John
Harry Connick Jr.
Lawrence
Little Richard
John Medeski
Jon Batiste
Jerry Lee Lewis
Lake Street Dive
Les McCann
MMW
Neal Francis
Oscar Peterson
Professor Longhair
Ray Charles
Randy Newman
Sly Stone
Snarky Puppy
Stevie Wonder
Swatkins
Vulfpeck

Instrument experience:

Keyboard:

Moderate

Piano:

Moderate

Saxophone:

Intermediate

EQUIPMENT

Yamaha P95 - my solid workhorse stage piano!

KORG N5 synth - lots of solid Rhodes, wurly, and Hammond sounds, plus lots of other classic patches

Dunlop CryBaby Wah pedal

MUSIC