Smooth Operation was formed by Steve Banks with former Ah Yeah band member Brent Cimbalik. The group was eventually joined by outstanding bassist Raphael Banks and renowned keyboardist OVACiiR. Together they form the funky smooth seductive sound with major influences the Yellowjackets, keyboardist Oscar Peterson and Herbie Hancock, guitarist Norman Brown and Pat Metheny, as well as xylophonist Roy Aryes.