Now after two years of production, JUBU is set to release his self entitled album “Legally Blynd”. Combining a deep, groove-filled soul/blues guitar sound along with smooth vocals, recording artist John “JUBU” Smith of the band Legally Blynd enjoys immense industry-wide respect.  As a prominent songwriter for the likes of Alicia Keys and Luther Vandross, he stands ready to reintroduce himself as a viable artist in his own right, together with his seasoned band of L.A. session cats. Missing Link sits down with Jubu to talk about his journey.

MLM: When did you first start to write songs and what prompted you to do so

Jubu: I started writing at about the age of 13. I saw my dad writing, he did a couple of records. I got a four-track recorder, and learned how to record. I was writing songs about girls I had crushes on.

MLM: Who were some of your inspirations at that time?

Jubu: I was being influenced by several gospel writers at that time. When I was 15 or 16 I started getting into Motown- like Smokey Robinson. Also Sam Cooke, Bob Marley- they were my two main influences. Marley from a writing standpoint and Sam for his melodies.

MLM: Who was the first major label artist that you got to collaborate with in the studio?

Jubu: Tony Toni Tone in December 1989. I played on some remix records. In 1990 we went to Trinidad to record the Soul to Soul record.

MLM: You’ve done a lot of studio work with artists such as Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, and Tony Braxton. What’s your most memorable experience you have recording or collaborating and what were you able to give that artist?

Jubu: Most memorable- Tony Toni Tone. When we did “Anniversary” and “Leavin’,” and you know you have a hit record. To me that euphoria you experience when you hear the playback- you know you have something special.

All the artists I have worked with have been amazing. With the Tony’s it was much more intimate. I usually work with producer and don’t usually meet the artist until after the song gets released.

MLM: Your song, “Boogie 2Nite,” was used in the video game Grand Theft Auto IV. Can you tell us about your experience working with Tweet in the studio on the original? What do you attribute its success to?

Jubu: It was an amazing experience. Tweet is like one of the guys and has the same background that I have; her father was a music promoter. It was an awesome time- me, Tweet, Craig, Deshawn, Little Charlie all hanging out. I just came in at least minute and we came up with both “Boogie 2Nite” and “Always Will” in the same night. Since me and Tweet have such a strong connection, it’s very to work with her.

MLM: Are there any new recording artists that you'd like to work with?

Jubu: I would love to work with Rihanna. I would love to work with Beyonce. I would love to work with real artists. Beyonce, to me, is probably the greatest entertainer right now for me personally. I would love to work with Mariah Carey, she has a great voice, and quality. I would love to work with Dave Matthews Band, Eric Clapton. Also Madonna and Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish- he’s such an amazing lyricist.

MLM: What are you doing these days? What projects are you excited about that you’re working on now?

Jubu: I’m excited about my band, Legally Blynd, and my blues project. I’m trying to have them all done by the top of next year, sometime during the first quarter.

As far as major artists go- I’m writing new songs for Aaron Carter and I’m working with Tweet again.

MLM: What was your inspiration for this new album? What’s the sound of it?

Jubu: I wanted to get an authentic live sound as if we had recorded it on tour. I didn’t want any tricks, anything I couldn’t duplicate on tour. No machines. We found some old microphones, old drum sets, old amplifiers and did it just like that. I’m very excited about it. The album has a kind of turn the clock back sound. I want to hear the hissing on the record, get that back.