Hugo Smooth, from Indianapolis, was a popular local band from 1976-1984, with an uncategorizable sound.  Generally they were considered jazz, but they also incorporated elements of progressive rock and new wave, and Joan Hall’s soaring vocals weaved yet another twist into the music.  Notably, the band did not feature a standard guitarist, instead using woodwinds and keyboards for melodic elements.  Hugo Smooth released one LP on their Big Time Records label, in 1980.  

The band formed in 1976.  Wayne Hall had just completed a stint with John Mellencamp’s band that recorded his first two albums for Mainman (Mellencamp then known as Johnny Cougar).  Wayne Hall was previously a member of the early 1970’s rock band Dynamite Butch; he also played briefly in touring versions of The Spinners and The Temptations. Brian Paulson had been in the Louisville based Pre, a progressive rock band, one of the many bands he has been involved with during his long career.  Ron Brinson also appeared on albums by Bloomington’s Uncle Remus, Ruben Alexander, and Windsong, and later played with Frank Glover and Claude Sifferlin’s jazz outfit.  Joan Hall played in several bands beginning at age 15, most notably Sweet Fire, from Bloomington. Hank Roberts, the cellist from Terre Haute who became a successful NYC musician, appeared with Hugo Smooth for a time.

Hugo Smooth played live frequently during their years in and around Indianapolis, opening for Flora Purim, Spirogyra, and Dizzy Gillespie.  There is another Hugo Smooth, located in Minneapolis, that has been around since the 1980’s, but is not related to the Indianapolis band.