Smooth Approach

Based in Cleveland, OH, Smooth Approach packs a duel wallop, incorporating harmony and passionate leads with slick steps and moves reminiscent of the Temptations. Jeffrey "Jeff Tight" Roberson, Kerry Willis, Phlanoid "Jay Dee" Dismuke, and Lawrence "Big L" Harris comprise Smooth Approach. Their first CD, the self-titled Smooth Approach, dropped in 1996 on Executive Hits Records. It featured, among its nine selections, the single "Never Enough" and an update of Switch's "I Wanna Be Closer." In 1997 they released a cassette Push 'Em Up that featured five versions of the title track and two additional songs: "Never Enough" and "Don't Worry." They've opened for 702, the O'Jays, MC Lyte, K Ci & Jo Jo, Zhane, and Ginuwine. Smooth Approach performances include appearances at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Music Hall with Men at Large, the Rappers Ball in Akron, a concert with the Rude Boys in Dayton, and stints at Club Flava and Cafe Echelon in Atlanta, GA, and many more. Tight has the most experience. At the age of nine he played drums for his older brothers' group, Cash. His first performed on a show that headlined Al Hudson and One Way. Cash's lineup was Dennis and Danny Roberson (twins), and Jimmy Fleming. Their singles include "I Love You Still," on Greedy Records, and "Hot Thing" and "I Wanna Be Loved By You," both on the Casbar label. Tight graduated from John Adams High School, then Ohio University with a major in sports science and a minor in music & fine arts. He's a member of Phi Beta Sigma. Willis graduated from Warrensville Heights High then served in the Marines for four years. As a youth he served as a Hula Boy, a troupe that won many dance contests throughout the city. Willis works for Ameritech in communications. Jay Dee comes from Ashtabula, OH, about 60 miles east of Cleveland. He graduated from St. Johns Catholic High School and Kent State University with degrees in chemistry and medical technology. Jay Dee's a member of Kappa Alpha Si and works as a medical technologist for Cleveland Clinic. Big L comes from Jefferson, OH, and graduated from Jefferson High. He attended Heidelberg College in Tiffin, OH, and majored in vocal performance. He toured the U.S. with the Acapella Choir and sings with the All-Country Choir in Ashtabula, OH. He comes from a musical family that includes his sisters, the Harris Sisters, and a brother James.