MatthewD & random tuesday

Eugene Smiley JR. (Bass / Vocals)

"More than than attitude, more than talent, music is about unity." Words that Eugene lives by.

Eugene has the work ethic and push for excellence that has enabled him to work with nearly every mainstream blues outfit in Kansas City: KC Brass and Electric, Cotton Candy and So Many Men, Mileage Gilbert and the Down Home Blues Band, Linda Shell and the Blues "Thang" and King Alex and the Untouchables. Eugene has also performed behind several national blues artists:
Brody Buster, Chick Willis, Vernon Garrett and Kelley Hunt.

Eugene got his start in 1989 playing with King Alex, then a novice keyboard player, Eugene performed with King Alex playing four nights a week at MC's Bar. With his father: Eugene Smiley, Sr., as the guitarist for The Untouchables, Eugene was able to learn the "do's and dont's" of performing. "It's not what you like, it's all about satisfying a crowd." Eugene got the opportunity to play many festivals as well as some of Kansas City's great Blues venues. Though happy as member of the Untouchables, Eugene had a great passion to become a bassist. For five years Eugene watched as he performed with some of Kansas City's best bassist's: Kenny Hudson of Symplicity; James Gilbert, son of Millage Gilbert, and bassist for the Down Home Blues Band; Adam Page, bassist for Linda Shell and King Alex; and Marcus Wright, bassist for the Bloodstone. Eugene practiced the "licks" of his mentors.

Eugene started his own band, "Out of the Blue" in 1997, playing selections of blues, 70's funk/dance/Rhythm & Blues and Classic Rock & Roll, it wasn't long before Eugene was recognized as a potential star player.

His break as a Bas player came when he was asked to return to Cotton Candy and So Many Men, Now as the bassist. Cotton Candy had just won the KC Blues Society's Best Blues Band contest and had taken third place over all in the national competition. After a six-month stay with Cotton Candy, Eugene got the opportunity to work with KC Brass and Electric. Where he performed on their second CD project entitled. "Tell Me What You Want," produced by Wayne Jackson, founding member of the Memphis Horns. On the "Tell Me What You Want," CD you will find Eugene's bass and piano talents, as well as his vocal lead on "Trouble on the River," written by Wayne Jackson.

Eugene's bass prowess can be found on other projects: Brody Buster's "Blue Devil" and "Clearing The Smoke;" Eugene Smiley, Sr.'s "Straight from the Soul" and Big Slim's Full House Blues Band's project (not yet titled) and Big Woody's Blues Band's "Under the Covers." As a member of the ESB and BWB bands (the bands that performed behind Brody Buster)

Eugene has toured the country playing the best venues in the US, as well as opening for some of the greatest artist in the world. The Little River Band, Delbert McClinton, WAR, Joe Walsh, Shameka Copeland and The Dixie Cadillac's. Eugene's attitude and work ethic has opened many doors and The future for Eugene Smiley, Jr. is bright indeed.


			Eugene Smiley JR. (Bass / Vocals) "More than than attitude, more than talent, music is about unity." Words that Eugene lives by. Eugene has the work ethic and push for excellence that has enabled him to work with nearly every mainstream blues outfit in Kansas City: KC Brass and Electric, Cotton Candy and So Many Men, Mileage Gilbert and the Down Home Blues Band, Linda Shell and the Blues "Thang" and King Alex and the Untouchables. Eugene has also performed behind several national blues artists: Brody Buster, Chick Willis, Vernon Garrett and Kelley Hunt. Eugene got his start in 1989 playing with King Alex, then a novice keyboard player, Eugene performed with King Alex playing four nights a week at MC's Bar. With his father: Eugene Smiley, Sr., as the guitarist for The Untouchables, Eugene was able to learn the "do's and dont's" of performing. "It's not what you like, it's all about satisfying a crowd." Eugene got the opportunity to play many festivals as well as some of Kansas City's great Blues venues. Though happy as member of the Untouchables, Eugene had a great passion to become a bassist. For five years Eugene watched as he performed with some of Kansas City's best bassist's: Kenny Hudson of Symplicity; James Gilbert, son of Millage Gilbert, and bassist for the Down Home Blues Band; Adam Page, bassist for Linda Shell and King Alex; and Marcus Wright, bassist for the Bloodstone. Eugene practiced the "licks" of his mentors. Eugene started his own band, "Out of the Blue" in 1997, playing selections of blues, 70's funk/dance/Rhythm & Blues and Classic Rock & Roll, it wasn't long before Eugene was recognized as a potential star player. His break as a Bas player came when he was asked to return to Cotton Candy and So Many Men, Now as the bassist. Cotton Candy had just won the KC Blues Society's Best Blues Band contest and had taken third place over all in the national competition. After a six-month stay with Cotton Candy, Eugene got the opportunity to work with KC Brass and Electric. Where he performed on their second CD project entitled. "Tell Me What You Want," produced by Wayne Jackson, founding member of the Memphis Horns. On the "Tell Me What You Want," CD you will find Eugene's bass and piano talents, as well as his vocal lead on "Trouble on the River," written by Wayne Jackson. Eugene's bass prowess can be found on other projects: Brody Buster's "Blue Devil" and "Clearing The Smoke;" Eugene Smiley, Sr.'s "Straight from the Soul" and Big Slim's Full House Blues Band's project (not yet titled) and Big Woody's Blues Band's "Under the Covers." As a member of the ESB and BWB bands (the bands that performed behind Brody Buster) Eugene has toured the country playing the best venues in the US, as well as opening for some of the greatest artist in the world. The Little River Band, Delbert McClinton, WAR, Joe Walsh, Shameka Copeland and The Dixie Cadillac's. Eugene's attitude and work ethic has opened many doors and The future for Eugene Smiley, Jr. is bright indeed.