Chris Hovan und Josh Smith Jazz ReunionChris Hovan und Josh Smith Jazz Reunion

Chris Hovan/Josh Smith Jazz ReunionFor Cleveland native Chris Hovan, the guitar has always been at the heart of his musical groups. Be it his Generations Quartet or his Organic trio, which sits squarely in the organ/guitar/drums format, the many options made available by the guitar suit Hovans muse as a drummer. Most recently, Hovan has been playing in guitar-led trios, leading to a desire to assemble a similar project that he could make his own. Tapping the talents of guitarist Tim Mirth, the pair have worked together many times previously in jam sessions and in Hovans ensembles. Mirth leads his own trio as well as being co-leader of the group Night Terrors with percussionist Paul Stranahan. Equally accomplished on guitar and bass, Jeremey Poparad boasts versatility across genres, making him a frequent go-to collaborator for Hovan. In addition to his many jazz activities, Poparad is a member of the neo-soul and funk band Bassel & The Supernaturals.Joshua Smith is a saxophonist/multi-instrumentalist who has been playing for the past 25 years with a Whos Who of creative music and jazz. His roots, playing straight-ahead jazz in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, have led to an expansive musical presence on the jazz scene at large. Joshua has led a vivid performance life in the arena of forward- thinking jazz, through performing with luminaries like Joe Lovano, Joe Maneri, Cuong Vu, Chris Jonas, trumpet legend Nate Wooley, Trevor Dunn, Todd Sickafoose, Myra Melford, Scott Amendola, Ben Goldberg, and drummer Carmen Castaldi. Smith has toured internationally and recorded with his well-loved trio, birth with bassist Jeremy Bleich and drummer Joe Tomino, which recently released a vinyl double LP, Almost Never. While residing in the Bay Area, Joshua performed with stalwart new music composer Dan Plonsey, playing in his famed Daniel Popsicle Ensemble. He was a member of The Scott Amendola Quartet for five years and performed with guitar luminary Nels Cline at John Zorns NYC venue, The Stone.