ALL DAT' JAZZ :)
The West 79th Street Funk Jazz Band is on a mission to bring jazz consciousness back to the mainstream with a distinctly West Coast sound — a blend of creative grooves, funk-driven breakbeats, and rhythms that move both the heart and soul. Known for their eclectic energy, the group has performed across the country, delivering an innovative mix of jazz, funk, R&B, and hip-hop that captures audiences everywhere they play.
Formed in 2003, the band began as the house ensemble for several beloved Leimert Park venues, including The Kitchen on 43rd Street, Sunny’s Spot, and DoBoy’s Dozen Coffee Shop. Led by George Woods, who grew up near West 79th Street and Figueroa in South Central Los Angeles, the band’s roots trace back to the creative spirit and legacy of historic Central Avenue, once a thriving jazz mecca.
Today, the West 79th Street Funk Jazz Band continues to craft original music infused with messages of social justice, life experience, and cultural celebration, uniting the worlds of funk, jazz, hip-hop, and soul into one powerful sound.
💽 Production Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Executive Producer | George Woods |
| Producer | Kevin Smith |
| Mixing / Mastering | Ardent Productions • Kevin Smith • Maria Jose |
| Songwriters / Composers | George Woods • Kevin Smith • Kenny Lasine • Shaunté Palmer • Tommy Hartmann • Geoff Herbert • Nick Cianfarini |
| Project Coordinator | George Woods |
| Art Direction / Design | Kevin Smith • George Woods |
| Genre / Style | Jazz • Funk • Hip-Hop • West Coast Rap • Modern Jazz • ’70s Funk |
— A Way
A musical journey through jazz, funk, hip-hop, and soul — exploring life, identity, and hope.
1. Don’t Forget Where You’re From
Lyrics: George Woods
Music: Kevin Smith & George Woods (Original Composition)
Musicians:
George Woods – Rap
Kevin Smith – Keyboards
Tony Spicer – Sax / Flute
Briana Nadeau – Vocals
Kenny Lasine – Electric Guitar
Lorenzo Grassi – Electric Guitar
Laith Ulaby – Electric Bass
Adam Steinberg – Drums & Percussion
DJ Dense – Live Turntables
2. Music Journey
Lyrics: George Woods
Music: George Woods, Kevin Smith, & Geoff Herbert (Original Composition)
Musicians:
George Woods – Rap
Kevin Smith – Keyboards
Tony Spicer – Sax / Flute
Briana Nadeau – Vocals
Kenny Lasine – Electric Guitar
Lorenzo Grassi – Electric Guitar
Laith Ulaby – Electric Bass
Adam Steinberg – Drums & Percussion
3. Equality
Lyrics: George Woods
Music: Kevin Smith & George Woods (Original Composition)
Musicians:
George Woods – Rap
Kevin Smith – Keyboards
Briana Nadeau – Vocals
Kenny Lasine – Electric Guitar
Adam Steinberg – Drums & Percussion
Maria Jose – Electric Bass
Shaunté Palmer – Trombone
4. A-Way
Lyrics: George Woods
Music: George Woods, Kevin Smith, Tommy Hartmann & Nick Cianfarini (Original Composition)
Musicians:
George Woods – Rap
Kevin Smith – Keyboards
Tony Spicer – Sax / Flute
Briana Nadeau – Vocals
Kenny Lasine – Guitar
Lorenzo Grassi – Electric Guitar
Laith Ulaby – Electric Bass
Adam Steinberg – Drums & Percussion
5. Draw Me Nearer
Lyrics: Fanny J. Crosby (Public Domain)
Original Song “Draw Me Nearer” William H. Doane
Original Arrangement: Kevin Smith
Musicians:
George Woods – Percussion
Kevin Smith – Keyboards
Briana Nadeau – Vocals
Kenny Lasine – Electric Guitar
Maria Jose – Electric Bass
Adam Steinberg – Drums & Percussion
6. Freedie Freestyle
Lyrics: George Woods (homage to Miles Davis)
Music: Based on “Freddie Freeloader” by Miles Davis
Original Arrangement: by Kevin Smith
Musicians:
George Woods – Rap
Kevin Smith – Keyboards
Tony Spicer – Sax / Flute
Briana Nadeau – Vocals
Kenny Lasine – Electric Guitar
Lorenzo Grassi – Rhythm Electric Guitar
Laith Ulaby – Electric Bass
Adam Steinberg – Drums & Percussion
7. Kinda Rough
Lyrics: George Woods
Music: George Woods, Kevin Smith & Kenny Lasine (Original Composition)
Musicians:
George Woods – Rap
Kevin Smith – Keyboards
Tony Spicer – Sax / Flute
Briana Nadeau – Vocals
Kenny Lasine – Electric Guitar
Lorenzo Grassi – Electric Guitar
Laith Ulaby – Electric Bass
Adam Steinberg – Drums & Percussion
8. Generosity
Lyrics: George Woods & Shaunté Palmer
Music: Shaunté Palmer (Original Composition)
Arrangement: By Kevin Smith
Musicians:
George Woods – Percussion / Rap
Ed Cogan – Keyboards (Music Director II)
Briana Nadeau – Vocals
Kenny Lasine – Guitar
Adam Steinberg – Drums & Percussion
Shaunté Palmer – Trombone
Sebastian Leger – Trumpet
9. Breathe
Lyrics: Kevin Smith & George Woods
Music: Kevin Smith (Original Composition)
Musicians:
George Woods – Rap
Kevin Smith – Keyboards
Briana Nadeau – Vocals
Kenny Lasine – Electric Guitar
Adam Steinberg – Drums & Percussion
Maria Jose – Electric Bass
Catherine Woods – Clarinet
10. The Love Letter
Lyrics: George Woods
Original Song Autumn Leaves: Joseph Kosma & Jacques Prévert
Original Arrangement: Kevin Smith & George Woods
Musicians:
George Woods – Rap
Kevin Smith – Keyboards
Tony Spicer – Sax / Flute
Briana Nadeau – Vocals
Kenny Lasine – Electric Guitar
Lorenzo Grassi – Electric Guitar
Laith Ulaby – Electric Bass
Adam Steinberg – Drums & Percussion
DJ Dense – Live Turntables
11. My Funny Valentine
Lyrics: Lorenz Hart
Music: Richard Rodgers
Original Arrangement: Kevin Smith
Musicians:
George Woods – Percussion
Kevin Smith – Keyboards
Tony Spicer – Sax / Flute
Briana Nadeau – Vocals
Kenny Lasine – Electric Guitar
Lorenzo Grassi – Electric Guitar
Laith Ulaby – Electric Bass
Adam Steinberg – Drums & Percussion
DJ Dense – Live Turntables
12. The Hook
Lyrics: George Woods
Music: Kevin Smith (Original Composition)
Musicians:
George Woods – Rap
Kevin Smith – Keyboards
Tony Spicer – Sax / Flute
Briana Nadeau – Vocals
Kenny Lasine – Electric Guitar
Lorenzo Grassi – Electric Guitar
Laith Ulaby – Electric Bass
Adam Steinberg – Drums & Percussion
DJ Dense – Live Turntables
13. Vocation
Lyrics: George Woods
Music: George Woods & Kevin Smith (Original Composition)
Musicians:
George Woods – Percussion / Rap
Kevin Smith – Keyboards & Vocals
Briana Nadeau – Vocals
Kenny Lasine – Electric Guitar
Adam Steinberg – Drums & Percussion
Maria Jose – Electric Bass
Shaunté Palmer – Trombone
Sebastian Leger – Trumpet
Catherine Woods – Clarinet