Guitarists gathered by the bunch recently to pay tribute to the legendary Johnny Smith, one of the most distinctive guitar stylists to emerge from the post-war era whose command of the instrument was nonpareil. Known for his unique chord clusters and lyrical ballad style, Smith, a studio session player, received wide public attention after winning the 1952 Down Beat album poll for his version of “Moonlight in Vermont,” done with tenor saxophonist Stan Getz.

On hand for this JVC Jazz Festival salute, produced by impresario Charles Carlini, were Pat Martino, Russell Malone, Mark Whitfield, Howard Alden, Sal Salvador, Mundell Lowe, Joe Puma, Jack Wilkins, Ron Affif, Gene Bertoncini and many others. More…