Billed as one of the upcoming KK Jazz Festival's highlighted performers, Juzzie Smith’s music has the feeling of freedom pulsing from within it, bringing with it the playfulness that makes Juzzie so loved by people of all ages and from all walks of life.

Using a combination of keyboard, guitars, harmonica and percussion (all played with mind-blowing mastery by Juzzie) his unique music embraces elements of the blues, folk, groove and roots. But above all it is feel-good music that soothes the soul and makes the heart sing.

As Juzzie grows so does his music in a beautiful way. His album Taking Time out, marks the journey of this virtuoso music man's quest to find integrity, love and balance in his art and life.

L&S: How would you best describe your musical stylings?
JS: My music style I would say has a real sense of freedom. You can not put it into just one genre as it is a mixture of many. I do have a strong element of blues in my music as I play harmonica and lap slide guitar. Then there is my beats which I create with my feet. I love to use fun dance style beats to hold my music together and be play-full with the audience.

L&S: Who were some of your earliest musical influences?
JS: I loved to listen to blues music when I was growing up. I remember when I was 13 all my friends were into the latest music trends and I was going further back in time to listen to the first blues musicians. I would use my ears to work out what they were playing and jam along. Some of the artists were Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson and John Lee Hooker.

L&S: Most memorable performance?
JS: have many memorable shows but there was this one time where I felt so clear and connected to the audience that there was an amazing feeling of just being Joy. This show was at the Byron Bay Blues Festival in 2008. I remember the whole venue was moving from everyone dancing to the music and I remember the sound person had to hold the mixing desk as it was also moving.

L&S: If you could collaborate with any musician who would it be and why?
JS: I Would choose a friend of mine named Serge Benhayon. The reason I choose him is that I know how he lives and walks through life. He can't play any instruments but can feel everything and this feeling is amazing to share with others through music. I've been lucky enough to have created an album with Serge called "Taking Time Out". The experience was amazing as we look at music from an energetic level just as much as a sound pleasure. I look forward to working with Serge on many more albums and keep serving human kind.

L&S: What are you looking forward to at the upcoming KK Jazz Fest?
JS: I'm looking forward to the whole experience. From flying there to meeting the organizers and staff. Then being able to share what I love to do and that is to play my music.

Juzzie Smith will be performing on Day 2, Saturday 18th June 2011 at the KK Jazz Festival.

W: www.kkjazzfest.com