Mike Smith

Mike studied recorder as a child and from the age of eight was playing in ensembles around London for a few years. He subsequently spend some time attempting to play the violin but felt that life was too short, and so gave up and taught himself guitar. This was the mid 60s, a wonderful time for contemporary folk music, and soon he was performing as a solo guitarist and singer in and around London, occasionally depping in folk bands. He continued singing and playing as education and work took him to Bristol, Aberdeen and Edinburgh in the 70s.

After taking a break from performing, a move to Yorkshire plus growing interest in jazz prompted Mike to take up the saxophone in the 90s and for about ten years years played both tenor and alto sax in a variety of bands which performed around Yorkshire. He played 2^nd tenor in 21 piece big bands; the Horthforth Jazz Orchestra, and the Silver Donkey Band for five years, before playing with a number of smaller jazz ensembles, including the DoubleDee Band playing 2^nd alto; Dennis and his Dominoes playing alto.  Finally he formed and lead Jazz@Last playing alto and tenor, which recorded a CD and played abroad. 

A short stint with the Rotter's Club Soul Band and some decline in digital dexterity prompted a move away from playing jazz in public, to playing blues, R&B, soul, Motown, funk, and vintage rock/pop.  He played for a while with a Scottish based band Roots Cahoot but now plays alto, tenor and rhythm guitar with Redback who are based in Sheffield. 

Joining Jamming Codgers has enabled him not only to reconnect with his folk roots, but also have the opportunity to play electric and acoustic bass. In selected songs he also plays wind synthesiser or six string nylon acoustic guitar, and sings backing vocals.