Jumaane Smith’s Come On Home is a cathartic expression of his innermost thoughts and feelings, born from a place of introspection and self-discovery, and he’s graciously inviting us in.
Jumaane Smith has long been a secret weapon for some of the biggest names in popular music, lending his trumpet and vocal talents to legends like Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder. With a career that’s included lengthy stints with Michael Bublé and Harry Connick Jr., Smith has always been the consummate sideman. But now, with the release of his new album Come On Home, Smith steps into the spotlight, delivering an album both personal and profound.
Come On Home is and album that floats through the emotional landscapes of jazz, blues, and contemporary soul. Drawing inspiration from the timeless classics of these genres, Smith weaves a sound that’s both a reflection of his past and a glimpse of his future, with original compositions overflowing with themes of love, loss, and redemption that capture the essence of a life lived in music. For Smith, the album represents a deeply personal homecoming. The title track, a soulful blues number, embodies the pain of personal loss, while the album tells a broader story of strength and artistic evolution. “Come On Home represents a deeply personal and ultimately redeeming homecoming for me,” Smith shares. “The album tells a story that includes early trauma and grief alongside the joy and refuge I found in jazz.”
Smith’s journey to this moment has been anything but ordinary. As a product of Juilliard’s inaugural jazz studies program, mentored by none other than Wynton Marsalis, Smith honed his craft under the guidance of one of jazz’s greatest minds. His career, marked by collaborations with music royalty and a nearly two-decade tenure with Michael Bublé, is proof alone of his exceptional talent and dedication. With Come On Home, Smith not only steps out from the shadows but also invites listeners into his house of music. Each track resonates with a raw, authentic energy, where vulnerability meets strength, and every note carries the weight of his life experiences. Come On Home is his declaration that, after years of supporting the voices of others, he’s found his own - stronger, wiser, and more compelling than ever.