No, the Kansas Smitty’s House Band does not come from the American state with the same name. The band was founded in the London borough of Hackney and even runs a bar there. Jack Abraham and Giacomo Smith formed the basis of this eight-member group of young and hip musicians who are breathing new life into old-style jazz, swing, Dixieland, and gipsy and present this in a refreshing manner. The band has been touring the globe for over five years now. In 2015 the group created their own regular stage by starting a jazz club: Kansas Smitty’s on Broadway Market in Hackney. With guest appearances by pianist Reuben James, Howe Gelb and Louis Cole, among others, the club has evolved into a renowned jazz venue in London. In 2016 the group released the live album Kansas Smitty’s Live and they are currently in the studio recording new material.
