Jazz Portrait of “Smiffy”, Washboard Rhythm King of Lemsford Jazz Club Fame

Peartree Smiffy on Washboard from a Jazz&Jazz portrait by Peter M Butler

Jazz&Jazz Portrait of “Smiffy” by Peter M Butler

Brian Smith, aka “Smiffy”, isn’t just a very good friend but one of my jazz heroes for all he does to support jazz in Hertfordshire.

With fewer and fewer venues available for loyal fans to enjoy their jazz on a regular basis in what was once a hotbed of jazz, Smiffy launched The Peartree Monday Jazz Club in Welwyn Garden City. In September, 2014, the club moved to Lemsford Village Hall and is now The Lemsford Jazz Club. Held on Sundays once a month, Smiffy lines up a selection of brilliant bands for the Lemsford gigs to the delight of a growing number of fans.

Says Brian: “I am not so much a jazz fan as a jazz fiend and I formed the Club to bring live jazz back to fans in and around Welwyn Garden City. Each month the Club presents top bands from London, the South East and beyond. So join us at The Lemsford Jazz Club and enjoy the very best of New Orleans Jazz.”

What many of the bands don’t know is that Brian is a dab hand on washboard and it goes without saying that I took huge delight in painting his jazz portrait in action.

Fine art print of jazz painting and poem featuring jazz hero “Smiffy”

Washboard Rhythm King
All eyes on Smithy,
Fingers fleeting and nimble
With each thimble a cymbal.
Washboard Rhythm King supreme.

Brian Smith, local Jazz enthusiast and promoter, playing washboard at
The Long Arm and the Short Arm in Lemsford, Hertfordshire.

To learn more about the Lemsford Jazz Club or for a copy of the programme, you can contact “Smiffy” on 01707 880569 or email him at: [email protected]. He’ll be pleased to hear from you. Or visit the Lemsford Jazz Club on Facebook.

Peter M Butler
Editor & Proprietor Jazz&Jazz

Portrait Photo © Peter M Butler, Jazz&Jazz

Fine Art Giclée Prints of this portrait are available.
Simply email: [email protected]
to place your order and help support jazz.

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