Mike Smith is not to be mistaken with Suffocation's hard hitting sticksman bearing the same name. This Mike Smith was recently busy playing with Brian Hughes, Kirk Whalum and Marc Antoine. He was on tour with Macy Gray in 2000. Recorded on "Remember The Titans" movie soundtrack, live recorded timpani solo on Disneys "Fantasia 2000" soundtrack. Recorded on a new Phil Upchurch CD and several other recordings in 2001.



Mike Smith's first gig was with an African dance and drum troupe when he was about 12 years old.



Smith is influenced by Mongo Santamaria, Ray Barretto, Armando Reazza, Chipitto (Santana timbale player, 1970’s) Ralph Mcdonald. He found the studybooks by Jim Chapin and Ted Reed very useful. Smith admits to have learned a lot from his teachers Bail Hightower (Theory), Alphonso Pollard (percussion) and Ricardo Torres. Smith's memorable musical experiences:

"Playing at World’s Fair in NYC at about 13 years old. Doing my first european tour (6 months) at age 22. Playing with Lionel Hampton while still a student in college. My first studio session with the “session guys” in L.A."

Bio:

Mike Smith has performed live with George Duke, Freddy Ravel, Philippe Saisse, Bobby Lyle, Bob James, Horace Silver, Jeff Golub, Paul Jackson Jr., Larry Carlton, Thom Rotella, Phil Upchurch, Doc Powell, James Ingram, Luther Vandross, Marilyn McCoo, Phylicia Rashad, Jody Whatley, Phil Perry, El Debarge, Angela Bofill, Helen Baylor, Bernard Ighner, Paula Kelly, The Manhattans, Boney James, Kirk Whalum, Everette Harp, Gerald Albright, Justo Almario, Rick Braun, Oscar Brashear, Lionel Hampton, Reggie Workman, Charlie Persip, Trini Lopez and LA String Ensemble.



Musicals/shows: Bigger than Bubble Gum w/The Emotions; The Lion King Celebration – Disneyland; Raisin – Broadway; The Me Nobody Knows – Broadway show.



Mike has made television appearance in the following: The Wayans Bros., BET Jazz Central, The Tonight Show, Soul Train Awards, Soul Train Dance Show, The Client, One to One Telethon, McDonald’s GospelFest, Tribute to Lionel Hampton, Raisin (European commercials), Arsenio Hall Show, Bob Hope Specials, Walt Disney Specials, Red, Hot & Cool (Nancy Wilson).



Movie appearances/soundtracks include: Remember the Titans, Disney’s Fantasia 2000, Inspector Gadget, What’s Love Got to do With it?, The Bodyguard, Hocus Pocus, Angie, For the Boys and Mobsters.



He has appeared in Aida, Carmen Jones, Verde’s Requiem, Brahms Requiem, Le Cid, Debut of a Symphony.