Gerald, a.k.a. Twig was Introduced to the guitar in 1956 by his mother, Mary Smith, and pursued the instrument through 1970 primarily self-taught. Under the tutelage of Calvin Harris, he studied orchestration, harmony & theory, and composition at the Professional Music Studio in Philadelphia. He also studied with the late jazz guitarists Thornell Schwartz and Eddie McFadden.

He has performed at various local jazz venues including The Mellon Jazz Festivals- 1990 & 1991 “Organ Jams” with Groove Holmes, Jimmy McGriff, and Bill Doggert. The 1995 Cape May Jazz Festival with Radam Schwartz, Cecil Brooks, & Bill Saxton, the 1996 & 1997 PECO Energy Jazz Kickoff and Jazz Until Sunrise Festival with Eddie Green, Leon Jordan, and Steve Beskrone. The 2002 Sunoco Welcome America festivities with Fortune, Vinson , Cruz and The Wilma Theater Production of “Dance Boom 2004” with Germaine Ingram and LaVaughn Robinson. Dance Boom 2005 with Germaine Ingram, Tyrone Brown, Bobby Zankel, and Randy Sutin. 2004 and 2005 Cape May Jazz Festivals with Pearl Williams; 2007 thru 2009 West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival; 2007 and 2008 Berks Jazz Festival; was musical director/performer at the 2010 Philadelphia Jazz Nativity, and many other venues.

He has been a member of various musical organizations including The Dells, Instruments and Voices, Ghant-Smith, The Groove Holmes Trio, Music Report, and numerous others.

Performs at local Philadelphia, and New Jersey venues with other notable musicians
Tony Williams, Don Wilson, Terrell Stafford, Sid Simmons, Jerome Hunter, Tyrone Brown, Bobby Zankel, Dave Burrell, Rich Mossman, Madame Pat Tandy & Friends, Juanita Holiday, Justine Keeys, and Fortune, Vinson, Cruz.

Formerly the musical director for Sinequanon featuring Ms. Pearl Williams; has performed at the Philadelphia Union League with Bill Meek & Robert Campbell; performs at local college functions, and numerous private affairs. Twig can be heard on the CD’s of many jazz artists including his own debut CD in 1998 entitled The Age of Innocence. He is currently the music director of Manifest III.

He gives private lessons, and holds study groups for experienced and budding musicians. He is also an executive officer, songwriter, producer, and arranger with Center Stage Records, Inc., and Anikeeda Publishing Company.