Smooth jazz guitarist/composer Doc Powell discovered his musical talent early: by the age of 6, the New York native already played guitar, and by his teens he was recording and performing live. These early performances captured the attention of many prominent musicians, including Wilson Pickett, who chose the barely-into-his 20s Powell as his musical director.
This experience led to a stint with Luther Vandross and his group, the B. B. &Q. Band, for which he also served as musical director. The group scored several R&B chart hits and made Powell a sought-after musician, work...