Jeán-Eric Smith is a sixth generation Caymanian and proud of it. At the tender age of eleven, Notch became the lead singer, songwriter and rhythm guitarist of The Juveniles. Combining the best of local talents, the young group honed their skills at the then famous Galleon Beach Hotel. With live prowess under their belts and vigorous recording hours, The Juveniles recorded and released their first single on Tuff Gong Label. Produced by Grub Cooper of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, Mystical Lady maintained the #1 and #2 spots on the JBC Top 10 Charts for six weeks in 1981. Their subsequent debut album Sing In Harmony and follow-up single, Baby Lover created such demand that the then 13 year-old Notch found himself on tour in south-west USA, gaining a wealth of touring and performing experience. At the age of 16 and with school over, The Juveniles went their separate ways.
It was 1992 when Notch broadened his musical scope to encompass music promotions by establishing Youngblood Productions. Through his company he strove to provide Caymanian audiences and music fans with the highest calibre of international musicians. At the Cayman Jazz Festival in June 2000, he was hailed in the press as “One of the best solo artists to emerge on the international scene, the Caymanian is destined to be a shining star of reggae music.” Then, later on in that year at a Maxi Priest concert, also organized by YBP and FC International, Notch was said to “control the audience with his performance that many fans compared to that of the main act, Maxi Priest” and how can we forget his opening presentation for Alicia Keys at the 2009 Jazz Fest.
Nowadays, Notch is staying busy as manager of the Cayman Craft Market and President of the Cayman Music and Entertainment Association where he is on a never ending campaign lobbying for local musicians. When not shuffling paper work for these two conglomerates Notch is behind the microphone, crooning a Wailers song or a catchy original with the LocalMotion 345 Band. You can hear Notch along with Jah-Mitch, Jeff Japal, Bugs Wilson and Robert Ebanks at the Aqua Beach Club every Wednesday evening – don’t miss ‘em.