Ron's a man of many parts whose versatility crosses all musical barriers

SINCE I started writing this column a few weeks ago I've been encountering a lot of interesting people and hearing about some exciting musical projects.

I've just been listening to two new albums - so new they have yet to be released - by Bushey-based composer, keyboard player and band leader Ronnie Smith.

Some readers may recall the Ronnie Smith Orchestra, which made numerous appearances at the old Top Rank ballroom in Watford during the 1970's, besides playing regular broadcast dates for the BBC, including the Tony Blackburn and Terry Wogan shows.

Originally from Queen's Park in London, his start in music is strangely reminiscent of Louis Armstrong's - who was taught to play the cornet after he got into trouble with the police.

Ronnie recalls: 'When I was 14 I got involved with a bad influence. I had my own gang and got done by the police.

'My father, who was a musician, was advised to get me into something so he got me into music.'

Lessons in classical piano and a stint at the Nella Hall School of Music in Twickenham launched him into professional music.

He gave up big band work in the early 1990's to concentrate on writing and recording his own music.

His latest projects are an album called Night People - featuring alto saxophone player Pete King, Hertfordshire-based vocalist Tina May, singer Katherine Ellis, trumpet player Martin Shaw and saxophonists Scott Garland and Julian Nicholas - and a Latin jazz album which features several native Brazilian musicians playing new arangements of traditional Brazilian.

He said: 'I like doing different music and different styles, crossing all barriers. You can never get bored when you're doing so many different things.'

Although he has worked with many elder statesmen of jazz, Ronnie prefers to recruit younger musicians to work on his projects because they bring new ideas and influences into the music.

'I like working with young musicians who don't drink themselves to death and don't watch the clock,' he said.

Ronnie is currently negotiating with several record companies and, with any luck, both of these albums will be available for the world to hear. Watch this space.

Jazz violinist Christian Garrick brings his quartet to The Fairway in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday for a night of jazz standards and original pieces.

Apparently, Mr Garrick met the great virtuoso Stephane Grappelli at the age of eight and has carried the memory ever since, although his playing has moved on from the traditional 'Hot Club de France' style.

He will be joined by pianist Dave Gordon, bass player Jeremy Brown and Tom Hooper on drums.

Here are the gigs for the week ahead:

The Christian Garrick Quartet plays at Jazz at The Fairway, Old Herns Lane, Welwyn Garden City, on Sunday, at 8pm, admission £7.

Duo East plays Metheny-influenced music at PizzaExpress, Watford, on Monday, 8pm - 10.30pm. Cover charge £3.

Alto sax player Matt Wates and guitarist Colin Oxley are playing at PizzaExpress, Amersham, on Tuesday, 8pm - 10.30pm.

The Vintage Jazz Band plays at The Pump House, Watford, on Thursday.

The Soundproof is at The Swan, Ley Hill, Bovingdon, every Friday playing smooth dinner jazz.

Northside Jazz Band at the Hartspring Centre, Park Avenue, North Bushey, on Sunday between 12-2pm. Admission is £1.

The Goat, Sopwell Lane, St Albans, lunchtime jazz every Sunday.

Merlins Cave, Chalfont St Giles, Sunday lunchtime sessions with the Peter Hughes Trio and guest saxophonist Tim Whitehead.

A jazz evening is held every Wednesday at the Southern Cross in Langley Road, Watford, from 8pm to 11pm. Admission is free.

The Jazz Workshop for beginners and professionals alike at the White Lion, Little Chalfont, every Monday from 8pm.

Derek Manders is playing dinner jazz at Le Spicer, in Little Chalfont, every Wednesday.

Send details of jazz events to: Beowulf Mayfield, The Watford Observer, 124 Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD1 7JW; fax 01923 234738; e-mail: bmayfield@london.newsquest.co.uk.