Guitarist Ronny Smith's "Struttin" is the type of album that goes into your player and remains for several days or weeks. It was just the ticket for my car stereo as I ran around doing errands and holiday shopping. Smith’s virtuosity emphasizes technique, precision and groove to showcase a style of highly-arranged smooth jazz with a retro vibe.  His sonic artistry creates moods that clearly show the influences of Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, George Benson and Earl Klugh in Smith’s own signature sound with deft improvisations and subtle phrasing.

“Struttin” is a 10-track CD that showcases eight of Smith’s originals plus two tracks (“Laura” and “Angel”) paying homage to Wes Montgomery and Johnny Mercer. While some of Smith’s expressive songs like “Get Up” and “In My Eyes” remind me of the easy listening radio-friendly music of the 80s and 90s, I also appreciated his contemporary flair in the relaxed grooves of “Struttin” and “Groovin,” melodic statements in “OBO,” and classy musical portrayal of “A Pretty Smile.” Besides guitar, Smith laid in keyboard, programming and some bass tracks and surrounds himself with a cast of skillful players on piano, sax, flute, trumpet, trombone, bass and drums. Vocals flavor one track, “In My Eyes.” The album’s end result is a bright, uplifting and captivating jazz offering during a time that such pleasant music is much needed.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)