Jo Jo Smith is one of Australia’s greatest treasures, an inspirational performer who takes her audiences on a lyrical, musically diverse journey of blues, soul, funk, R&B, Latin and jazz.

Her own songs are a tour de force and along with a unique interpretation of a small, select group of covers, JoJo’s status as one of Australia’s finest singer/songwriters is confirmed.

Arriving in Australia in 1974 from Dunedin with an already established reputation as a writer, drummer and singer, Jo Jo quickly became a skilled performer on the Australian club scene, as well as a sought after session vocalist for Radio and TV. In the day she sang backing vocals for touring and recording artists Marcia Hines, Renee Geyer, Glenn Shorrock, Jon English, Olivia Newton-John and the list goes on.

In 1990 Jo Jo was the first female artist in Australia to perform at the Byron Bay Blues Festival. She now holds workshops and frequents many festivals and private events from the Clarence River Jazz Festival to the Mullumbimby Music Festival.

In addition to regular live performances, JoJo has recorded several albums. Initially, two with the band ‘Hip Pocket’ – ‘Crack That Smile’ and ‘Get Loved’. Jo Jo worked hard and continuously on her song writing and recorded her debut solo album of 11 original tunes ‘Miss Del Ray’ in 1996. Her second album ‘Million Dollar View’ was recorded in 2001. The CD contained 9 original tunes and an exquisite cover of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Love’s in Need Of Love Today’. In 2009 the album ‘Jo Jo Smith Live At The Blue Birdy’ was recorded in Byron Bay with long time friends Greg Lyon, (Crossfire), Steve Russell on piano, Dave Sanders on drums, Geoff Wright on guitar and features Tony Buchanan (also Crossfire) and the late David Ades on saxophones.

Jo Jo’s fourth album ‘Standing In The Lovelight’ is a collection of original tunes and favourite covers. The songs speak about life and love for music and the musicians she loves and admires. They also speak of inner fears, miracles, surrendering to what is and peace. 

Jo Jo plays drums like Stevie Wonder and sings so soulfully you won’t believe what you are seeing and hearing.

“I was blown away by Jo Jo. It’s statistically rare to see a woman locking it down on drums and also statistically rare to see a drummer laying down such amazingly powerful, soulful vocals. Put both of these together and you’re left with the statistic of one!! I have never seen anything like the show I saw at Mullum Music Fest, I was blown away!!”
 – ASH GRUNWALD 

“Jo Jo Smith is a true soul singer. She sings soul music. She sings with and through her soul. Smith has a mighty weapon in her voice, she reserves it’s power striking only when necessary.”   – MARTY JONES, Rhythms Magazine 

CONTACT: Management / Bookings – www.jojosmithsoul.com/contact.html

YOUTUBE: This Is All There Is | Tempt Me With Love | Standing In The Lovelight

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/jojo.smith.315 | www.jojosmithsoul.com