Lamont Smooth

Lamont Smooth is a fusion of Rock, Blues, Jazz and Funk melded together to form a sound that is all their own. Based in Central New Hampshire, they have developed a devoted following as they continue to play regularly at local clubs and bars. Guitarist and Vocalist Andy Laliotis picks and fingers his way through a maze of improvisational guitar rifts and melodies, while Carlton Page (guitar), Matt Garafolo (bass) and George “Buddha” Laliotis (drums and vocals) forge the trail ahead.

Founded in 1996 by brothers Andy and George Laliotis, Smooth began as a quartet with Jed Gibney on guitar and Scott Sealley of Passing Blue, on bass. In August of 1999, Gibney left the band to pursue other interests leaving the band as a trio. Later that year Matt Garafolo replaced bass player Scott and through the next two years the band developed the foundation of their unique improvisational playing style. The year 2001 found the addition of Carlton Page, former guitarist from Six South State. Carlton completed the band by introducing a country bluegrass twist with his powerfully improvised guitar skills.

The band is currently recording it’s first album and planning a tour throughout the New England area, targeting such areas as Burlington, VT, Portland, ME, Portsmouth, NH and Boston, MA. “Our main goal right now is to bring our music out there to be heard,” says George Laliotis. “The most logical way to do this is to spread into new places where there is already a strong music scene.” By witnessing Lamont Smooth play first hand, it is certain that branching out will result in a much larger fan base.

Many artists, including Frank Zappa, Grateful Dead, Phish, James Brown, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and Miles Davis have influenced the band. They have found a way to mesh this wide variety of inspiration, and the different styles can be heard in all aspects of their songs and jams. A large part of their inspiration, however, comes from its fans. Andy Laliotis comments on this phenomenon by saying, “The energy felt from the crowd often overwhelms us while playing live shows. We take that energy and try to give it back to our fans through our music.”

The blending of styles and coordinating of improvisational music is made to look simple by this up and coming Concord, NH based band. Lamont Smooth is definitely a name to remember and watch out for. If you see they’re coming to a town near you take the time to check them out and see why their fans in New Hampshire come to see them time and time again.