Sound Waves
For JONES SMITH, there is more to music than sound.
For JONES SMITH, there is more to music than sound. Much like the natural world, it’s best enjoyed when you’re paying close attention, finding connections, and taking your cues from what’s happening around you. So whether he’s immersed in a book, enjoying the outdoors, or jamming with fellow musicians, he applies that same philosophy and the rest is just harmony.
“You need to be flexible and adaptable. You can apply that to economics, art, music, etc. You’ve got to be able to improvise and also stick with formula – learn by the book and by your ear. In nature, the most successful species are the ones most successful at adapting.”
W: You studied math and physics in college. What interests you about those subjects?
JS: The universal aspect of it was intriguing – the patterns and puzzles and some of that geometry roped me in, which is not unlike musical patterns. You wouldn’t know it by looking at my house, but that kind of orderly thing (symmetry, structure) is appealing to some part of my brain and what fascinates me is the representation in the physical world.
W: You play in a lot of local bands. Tell us about that.
JS: I play upright bass with a rockabilly band called The Phantom Playboys. I play mandolin and banjo with a bluegrass trio called Possum Creek. Every Sunday, I cohost a jam session at Satellite Lounge with my good friend “Big Al” Hall where we invite different people to come out and play with us.
W: Any famous person you’d like to play with?
JS: We have lost Doc Watson, but he’s just an amazing person and super talented North Carolina artist. I was real impressed with Marty Stewart. He was so well rounded and really appreciated his fans.
W: What do you do for fun?
JS: I love the outdoors and getting on my kayak. Fishing is important to me and as much as I like music, when I go fishing I like quiet. I’m also a really serious reader – at least every night before I go to bed. Books help you to think outside your own world. It’s real easy to get cooped up in your own mind, but that’s not the world.
To view more of photographer Amy Conry Davis’ work, go to www.gypsypye.com.
