The
Buzz on The Legendary White
Trash Horns...Press Info |
The
Buzz on The Legendary White
Trash Horns...Born in southern Louisiana, Jon Smith made his early mark in Edgar Winter's now legendary "White Trash" band in the latter part of 1969. Jon's dominant tenor sax sound and solid horn arrangements played a key role in the band's overall sound and success. Today, Jon and trumpeter Steve Howard have gone on to form the "Legendary White Trash Horns". The association of Jon Smith and Steve Howard dates back over twenty years, at which time Steve was working in New Orleans with other members of "White Trash".
"They have that Texas, big-band-swing type of sound, which I was raised on. They get that kind of sound with just two horns. It's different than most guys I've heard. They've also done some great arrangements. I appreciate what they're doing for me."
-- Albert Collins WINDPLAYER Magazine
A native Texan, Steve Howard moved to New Orleans in the early '70s. It was there that record producer Allen Toussaint first heard Steve performing with blues singer Luther Kent's band. Impressed with Steve's powerful and original trumpet sound, Allen Toussaint recruited Steve to be the lead trumpet player at his Sea-Saint Recording Studio. Artists who Steve worked with at Sea-Saint Studio included Patti LaBelle and Paul McCartney, and it was in 1975 that Paul McCartney asked Steve to join his band, "Wings". Steve recorded and toured with "Wings" for five years.
"When I've sat in with them, I've found it to be real easy. They have slick horn parts worked out. It was not the usual kind of stuff."
-- "Blue" Lou Marini WINDPLAYER Magazine
In the mid-80s, Jon Smith and Steve Howard teamed up to form their own group and have worked together ever since. The most recent venture of the "Legendary White Trash Horns" has been performing with blues guitar legend, Albert Collins on his 1991-1992 world tour. Most recent recording projects include the Grammy nominated album "Collins Mix" the best of Albert Collins. Additional recording projects include work with PolyGram record producer John Snyder. Once you have heard the " Legendary White Trash Horns", you'll want to hear more!
Let's cut to the chase--the LWTH are available for gigging around. Touring, recording, whatever--so get off your duff and get in touch. You gotcha e-mail link at the bottom of the screen. You gotcha snail mail address too:
The Legendary White Trash Horns
P.O. Box 106
Lake Dallas TX 75065
Since the guys are so tight with Edgar Winter, he's said that he can make himself available for projects along with the LWTH. Whatta deal! Check it out...
For over 30 years, the unique
and powerful sound of Jon Smith's saxophone has been sought out
by some of the biggest names in the music industry, including
"Edgar Winter's White Trash" band and the Grammy
award-winning group, "Toto", just to name a few. A
self-taught musician, who's first job came at age 13, Jon plays
as if he was born with the saxophone in his mouth. Some who have
heard him play compare his rich sound and solo ideas to that of
King Curtis and David "Fathead" Newman.
"(Jon Smith is) One of the baddest tenor saxophone players ever to come out of Texas."
-- PLAYBOY Magazine"When it comes to heart-pounding, foot-stomping, shake-the-rafters Gulf Coast soul, nobody does it like Jon Smith."
-- AUSTIN CHRONICLE"I have followed him (Smith) since he left Edgar Winter's White Trash . . . I couldn't leave Antone's until I knew he's played his last note of the night."
-- Will Lee, Late Night With David Letterman band AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN"The rock & roll road is littered with acts Smith had a hand in forming . . . [he's been a helluva sideman in some big-ass bands."
-- DALLAS OBSERVER"You'd best listen to his advice if you're in the studio, and you're recording a sax solo and Jon Smith is at the microphone."
-- VALLEY MUSIC NEWS, CALIFORNIA"Never mind the superlatives, [Jon Smith plays] some of the highest caliber blues to be found . . . One longtime blues veteran compared his playing to Cannonball Adderley, saying `Smith is so good, he's almost out of control'."
-- AUSTIN CHRONICLE". . . I'm not saying they're the best that ever existed, but I will say [the Boogie Kings and Jon Smith] were the best I've ever heard."
-- Clifford Antone ANTONE'S BLUES CLUB"Jon's sound is instantaneously recognized, something only a handful of players have, with a tone that's as big as a house, and a big vibrato that's characteristic of gospel singers." ---"If I were putting together a horn section Jon would be my absolute first choice."
-- Edgar Winter WINDPLAYER Magazine
As an accomplished trumpet and
flugelhorn player, Steve Howard has performed and recorded many
different styles of music for over 20 years. In addition to
playing on many recordings he has also written horn arrangements
for many artists, including Albert Collins. To date, Steve's
recording credits also include recent work for Black Top and
Rounder Records in New Orleans.
"He's continued to get better over the years. Each time I hear Steve he surprises me. One of the things I admire about his playing is that he's not a guy who plays it safe."
-- "Blue" Lou Marini WINDPLAYER Magazine