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Jamiroquai

by Sarah Ahern April 13, 2017 Variety
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(l-r) Derrick McKenzie, Stuart Zender, Jay Kay, Toby Smith, Wallis Buchanan in 1992

Toby Smith, record producer and original keyboardist for British funk band Jamiroquai, has died. He was 46.

The news was broken on the Jamiroquai fan site Funkin on Wednesday. “It is with great sadness to hear and relay the news that original Jamiroquai keyboard player Toby Smith died on 11th April 2017,” the statement read.

Smith served as both the keyboard player and co-songwriter for Jamiroquai from 1992 until 2002, contributing to the groups early hits and albums, up to and including the release of “A Funk Odyssey” in 2001. He left during the band’s Funk Odyssey tour due to family commitments.

He also served as the music producer and manager for the English pop-rock band The Hoosiers. In 2013, Smith co-produced English singer-songwriter Matt Cardle’s third album, “Porcelain,” as well as supplied writing contributions to several songs.
 
 
Jay Kay

I have so much to say about the man but I will try to keep it brief for now. I want to remember Toby as the guy who struck me with his magic the first time I heard him play in my small bedsit in 1992, the guy who made laugh and cry in equal measure as we wrote the songs you all sing, the guy who would entertain us all on our most arduous tours with his obtuse sense of humour, and the guy who would crack me up with his quirky sense of style and his unique and candid views on people, life and love. And so I want you all to remember him this way, because all you have to do is put his music on, wherever you are, whatever your mood, and let his amazing alchemy of chord structure, his mastery of timing, and his effortless and eloquent solos, get under your skin, right into your soul, and make you smile at the world, not matter how bad it seems. He has been a huge part of my life. Without him, there would be no JAMIROQUAI, and as I write this, the moon is clear and bright in the sky, and I think of him how it should be, riding his mighty horse across it, leaving a trail of stars behind him. I will miss you so much Tobesman. I will always be so proud of you. Ride the wind buddy, nothing can stop you now. Your mate, Jx For the full post www.facebook.com/JamiroquaiOfficial A post shared by Jamiroquai Official Instagram (@jamiroquaihq) on Apr 14, 2017 at 5:16am PDT
 
I came here and just discovered they have new music and one of their former members has already passed. Sad, much too early ...

I used to be a huge fan but at some point did not follow their new stuff anymore.

Jay Kay is one of the best singers ever IMO, and he has a truly amazing and unique voice. Their songwriting is awesome!

First song I ever heard (back then on the radio I guess) was their "Too Young To Die". And I was "Wait. Who is this?"
 
The chorus reminds me of Michael. I wish it were longer. :)

[video=youtube;w4AQbsCz1AY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4AQbsCz1AY[/video]

I love the way he moves.

[video=youtube;GE7-ZW4ZTfw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE7-ZW4ZTfw[/video]
 
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