Michael S. Smith
| Michael Smith | |
|---|---|
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Michael Scott Smith |
| Also known as | Mike Smith |
| Born | January 30, 1946 |
| Died | January 2, 2006 (aged 59) |
| Genres | Jazz, Avant-garde music, Ambient music, Soul music |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | drums, percussion |
| Years active | 1965–2005 |
Michael Scott Smith (January 30, 1946 – January 2, 2006) was an American jazz drummer and percussionist. Based in the Washington D.C. - Baltimore area for most of his 40-year career, Smith played with many jazz greats including Dave Liebman, Herbie Hancock, John Abercrombie, Randy Brecker, Tommy Flanagan, Billy Eckstein, Astrud Gilberto, Freddie Hubbard, Herb Ellis, and Milt Jackson.
He grew up in Meadville, Pennsylvania, where his father exposed him to jazz at an early age. At age 8, Smith began taking drum lessons from local jazz drummer, Cootie Harris. His father and Harris took young Smith to local jam sessions throughout Northwestern PA. His early influences included drummers Art Blakey and Philly Joe Jones.
As a student at Youngstown State University, Smith played gigs in and around Youngstown and Pittsburgh, most notably with pianists Gene Rush and Harold Danko, and cellist Abdul Wadud.
Smith transferred to Howard University in Washington D.C. where he began his playing career. He was tapped to play with jazz pianist Bobby Timmons at the famed Bohemian Caverns jazz club.
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