Toby Smith (born Toby Grafftey-Smith, 29 October 1970) was an English musician whose work as a keyboardist, co‑songwriter and producer contributed to the sound of British funk, acid jazz and pop from the 1990s into the 2000s. Contemporary profiles and retrospectives outline his role in several successful projects and his later studio and management work; see a general biography and profile for background.

Early career and Jamiroquai

Smith joined the band Jamiroquai in the early 1990s and remained a central member through much of the decade and into the early 2000s. As the group’s principal keyboardist he provided electric piano, organ and synthesiser textures that helped define the band’s groove-led, danceable sound. He is frequently credited as a co‑songwriter on material from the band’s formative albums. For an overview of his performing role see a dedicated keyboardist profile and material relating to Jamiroquai.

Departure and later work

Smith left Jamiroquai in 2002 during the period around the Funk Odyssey tour, citing family commitments. After stepping back from touring he focused on production and artist development. He worked as a producer and manager, most notably with the English pop‑rock band The Hoosiers, and is associated with production credits and arranging work in the 2000s; more details are available in published production credits and artist notes. His management role with The Hoosiers is discussed in industry summaries of the band’s early career (The Hoosiers management).

Angelic Recording Studios and studio work

Smith owned and operated Angelic Recording Studios, a residential recording facility based near Banbury. The studio hosted a variety of rock and pop sessions and became a base for his production activity and for artists seeking a rural, immersive recording environment; see studio references for further information at the studio listing (studio information).

Musical approach and legacy

Across his performing and production careers Smith was noted for arranging skills, an ear for rhythmic groove and an ability to blend vintage keyboard sounds with contemporary production. His contributions to Jamiroquai’s early catalogue and his later support of other artists as a producer and manager are part of his musical legacy. Smith died in April 2017 at the age of 46; his influence is remembered by collaborators and in accounts of British funk and pop production from the period.

  • Born 29 October 1970; worked professionally as Toby Smith.
  • Key member and keyboardist of Jamiroquai in the 1990s and early 2000s.
  • Left the band in 2002 to focus on family and studio work.
  • Producer and manager for artists including The Hoosiers and owner of Angelic Recording Studios near Banbury.