Rochester, NY native, Enoch Smith Jr., isn’t sure exactly where his musical journey began. There have been many defining moments. It could have been in the Pentecostal church he was raised in. It could have been in grammar school where he picked up a trumpet, his first instrument. One thing for sure, when he arrived at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, the stage had already been set.
Enoch (affectionately known as E.J.) has been blessed by a number of influences. His mother sang with the church choir and his father was an avid guitarist and vocalist in his youth. Aside from his religious upbringing, E.J. was heavily influenced by the choral music he performed while a member of his high school concert choir. While in high school he was frequently selected for All County and All State Choirs. He did not show an interest in the piano until he was 14 years of age.
At the late age of 14 he began playing by ear at his church. This blossomed into a love affair that would prove lasting. By the age of 16, Enoch was determined to be a professional musician. With no formal piano instruction he auditioned and was accepted to the Berklee College of Music.
During his time at Berklee, Enoch was instructed by seasoned pianist Dean Earl (Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt). It was during these piano lessons that a certain foundation was laid. “If you don’t have nuthin to say, close your mouth!” E.J. had the privilege of playing regularly at Wally’s Jazz Café, an esteemed right of passage for Boston area musicians.
Enoch believes in giving back to the communities that gave so much to propel him on his way. After leaving Berklee, he moved to Brooklyn, NY to further his music career. It was there that he taught music to Pre-kindergarten students at the New Grace Center Christian School. In the afternoons and on weekends E.J. instructed at the Acorn High School for Social Justice. It was during this time in Brooklyn that he met and collaborated with hip-hop producers K-Rob (Rammellzee Vs. K-Rob - Beat Bop) and Ski- Beatz (Jay-Z, Camp Lo).
In addition to his musical collaborations, E.J. has composed film scores for award winning short films directed by Nefertite Nguvu.
In 2008 he performed with “Everybody Loves Raymond” star Patricia Heaton and his church choir on the Rachel Ray Show.
Enoch is also a part of “The Drifters” touring band.
Always remaining service minded and spiritually grounded, Enoch Smith Jr. currently serves as the Minister of Music & Arts at Calvary Baptist Church in Paterson, NJ.
Enoch Smith Jr
