Singer, songwriter, producer, actor, Carlton J. Smith is often referred to as “Soul Brother Number New”. Carlton is a very dynamic and engaging performer with a live show that exhibits both his stage presence and high energy from start to finish. He has been producing, hosting and performing in a series of R&B/Soul Revues every month since 2002 at the world renowned B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City. Initially conceived as a one-show deal, his sold out performance inspired B.B. Kings Club to book him monthly for a series of tributes to the music of Al Green, James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Sly & The Family Stone, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and a host of other superstars. He took the same show to The Blue Note in Las Vegas for a four-week run.

In the beginning of 2005, Carlton completed a three-month stint at the House of Blues & Jazz in Shanghai, China. Delivering soul & blues straight for his heart show after show, night after night. After receiving rave reviews in Shanghai, Carlton J. Smith was asked to bring his brand of Real School Funk & Soul to Zurich, Switzerland. He then returned to The House of Blues & Jazz in Shanghai for a four-month engagement from June through September 2006. He will return to The House of Blues & Jazz in Shanghai in Fall 2007. Carlton, along with his band, “The Mighty Magnificents” is touring worldwide. Carlton J. Smith is fast becoming the International Soul Brother # New, and with his brand of Rhythm & Blues set to be committed to CD, you’ll be able to order some of Carlton’s homegrown Soul.

Carlton J Smith - I'd Better

Carlton J Smith - 7" Vinyl - £6.99

A true showman, he has performed at some of the world’s top venues. His talent is so widely acclaimed that he was also chosen from a casting call of 500 to portray the “Godfather of Soul” James Brown on the silver screen in Barry Levinson’s film “Liberty Heights.” Carlton co-starred opposite Joe Mantegna, Bebe Neuwirth and Adrian Brody. Carlton then expanded his horizons into theatre, playing a lead role in an upcoming Broadway musical entitled “Largo” written by the award winning David Henry Hwang (“M. Butterfly” and “Aida”). He plays opposite Cyndi Lauper, Fisher Stephens and Garth Hudson (The Band). Carlton also appears regularly on the TV Soap Opera “As The World Turns.”

Carlton has three full-length CDs: “Carlton J. Smith…A Lifetime of R&B, Vol.1”; “Carlton J. Smith Live at B. B. Kings”; and “Waiting”. Also available is his DVD “A Lifetime of Soul”. Carlton J. Smith always gives 110% of himself on stage and in his productions. His shows are a fabulous showcase of his ability as an artist and a producer.

One of Carlton J Smith's greatest soul tracks 'I'd Better' is now released on a limited edition 7" vinyl and is an absolutely must have in any soul music fan's record collection!

Blues & Soul - Review

Carlton J Smith is a soul club performer whose shows feature tributes to people like Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, Teddy P and Curtis Mayfield. Here – on this new 7” vinyl - he’s in Al Green mode, though I have to say Carlton’s vocal is grittier than the Rev’s usual velveteen croon. Smith rides the mid-tempo rhythms with ease while the Hi- sounding brass stabs and swooning harmonies maintain the interest. It really is a lovely tune. The B-side, ‘Love’ is crisper with a great old school southern soul feel. There’s nifty strings in there too, but just a pity that the brass wasn’t higher in the mix.

Bill Buckley