A long time coming

Brenda Neugent
Register & Bee Staff writer
Published: August 7, 2008

It’s all about the music for Glenwood Smith, who is finally bringing his band out to play after spending several years primarily in the recording studio.

The band’s first gig since 1999 is Saturday at Back to Bogie’s (not counting a private concert last month), but that doesn’t mean the group hasn’t gained any attention over the past decade.

Check out Glenwood Smith’s MySpace page, and his friends list like a Who’s Who of rock: Chicago, Kansas, Earth, Wind and Fire, Elton John, Herbie Hancock and Styx are among those who’ve checked him out.

His jazzed-up, melodic rock — remniscent of Steely Dan, which he claims as an early influence — reflects his love of music and its power to transform.

“I believe that music is the most powerful form of communication humans have. Music physically and emotionally moves people. Music can stir, inspire and change the listener, as well as find its way into the brain’s permanent memory banks. Music is also universal, and the conqueror of human barriers and prejudice. A good song is
timeless and can be enjoyed by all,” said Smith in his band’s biography.

Smith, a native of Virginia Beach, has been composing music since he was a teen, growing up listening to the Beatles, Todd Rundgren and the aformentioned Steely Dan.
His first work was as a church song director, which allowed him to play his own music and gain his first audience. After he formed his first band, Smith played gigs along the East Coast, sharing his music with audiences eager for something different.

“I am a songwriter,” Smith said. “This is my gift and herein lie my true skills as a musician. I am not promoting a band or any individuals’ personal talents, although I have tried to acquire the most talented individuals for live performances and recordings to insure the finest quality and success of the song. Because the song is what I am promoting. Because the song is what is important to me. And the song is what survives and continues to live, and to give, long past any band or its creator.”
The Glenwood Smith Band is currently at work at its ninth album, Glenwood Smith has been performing for decades, sharing music

The band will perform Friday