'Matrix' Actress Shows Her Metal Side.

'Matrix' actress shows her metal side
Pinkett Smith's band brings rock

By Angie Fenton
afenton@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

Jada Pinkett Smith and her band, Wicked Wisdom, rocked Jillian's last night — much to the surprise of some of her fans.

Best known for her role as "Niobe" in "The Matrix" sequels, Pinkett Smith commanded the microphone as part of the opening act of a four-band package that featured headliner Sevendust.

Her husband, actor Will Smith, slipped in a side door and remained in the shadows, where he stood — his ball cap tilted to one side — and head-banged to the heavy metal tunes.

Pinkett Smith — who goes by Jada Koren on stage — proved she's not playing at being a rocker. Backed by a superb lineup of musicians, she delivered powerful, honest lyrics and captured the audience's attention, keeping them in awe for the duration of a raucous 20-minute set.

"It's stunning and astonishing to see her up there," said Chad Polen, 27.

Polen, of Petersburg, Ind., first saw Wicked Wisdom in Cincinnati in early February.

"When people find out Jada's for real — she's doing what she loves, what she does best — Wicked Wisdom brings the people," he said.

The band also welcomes the people.

After the performance, Pinkett Smith — along with her lead guitarist Pocket; rhythm guitarist Cameron Graves; bass guitarist Rio; and founding member of the 1990s band Fishbone, Phillip Fisher, on drums — accepted hugs and handshakes, signed autographs and genuinely seemed to enjoy the interaction with fans.

Bosslady & Jada Pinkett Smith

"You're not supposed to separate yourself from your people," Fisher said.

As a celebrity who is often supposed to be inaccessible to the public, Pinkett Smith, 34, said Wicked Wisdom affords her the opportunity to inhabit an "accessible space. ... You have to find a way to connect with your audience. I can't create any other way."

The band is on the final leg of a tour to promote its debut album, which dropped late last month. Playing the River City was a good time, Pinkett Smith said, and she hopes to return.

"We won't be back for Derby — but we will be back."

Reporter Angie Fenton can be reached at (502) 582-7143.

For more info on Jada Pinkett Smith, visit www.thejadapages.com