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"In my opinion, he is one of the finest guitarists in the country."
− Tommy Tedesco of the legendary Wrecking Crew session musicians
Mike Smiarowski Takes Manhattan – Volume 1
Live in New York with His Quartet
Mike Smiarowski's CDs are jazz guitar-driven tour de forces, showcasing his command of playing mixed with intricate, melodic songwriting, whether it be bossa nova, island vibe, pop instrumentals, or slow romantic ballads. His backing band shines alongside their musical leader. The bulk of his CDs were composed and arranged entirely by Mike.Mike's music has been reviewed in Gavin Report, Jazz Times, In Music - Schwann, Guitar Player, and FMQB.
"Brilliantly blends jazz, pop, rock, and classical influences to create timeless works of remarkable depth and sophistication. A cheerful 'wish you were here' presence that will make listeners glow." - Gavin Report
Of particular note on this CD is Track 5 - 'Spanish Mexican Fantasy : Intro, Part II' - a masterful acoustic performance that flows like a movie score, improvised with different techniques, and melody lines, creating a constantly changing musical landscape that inspires and entertains all the way through its 11-minute duration.
SONG DESCRIPTIONS
Mike's tribute/influence of - Pat Martino is displayed here. Intricate melody lines which set the stage for long, flowing, complex solo lines, played with emotion - One of Mike's best solos!
One of Mike's favorite tunes - great lead and chord playing! On Official Ballot of the 59th Annual Grammys for consideration in the Jazz Category
Track adapted by Mike Smiarowski from the original piano to guitar. Of particular note is Mike's use of an "envelope follower" device. He actually controls the device - not the other way around. Very unique atonal like - phrasing with feeling. It is very difficult to blend atonal
sounding lines together and make them sound well. Mike is one of the few that can accomplish this - and to do it "Live" is another feat! Totally different guitar sound from Mike - not just a Jazz man - open to all sounds!
Enjoy!
Masterful acoustic performance that flows like a movie score, improvised with different techniques, and melody lines, creating a constantly changing musical landscape that inspires and entertains all the way through its 11-minute duration. Original written by Mike Smiarowski © Smear Records, Ⓟ Smear Songs (BMI).
ALBUM INFO
Mike Smiarowski: Electric guitar (Tracks 1 - 4), Solo Acoustic guitar on Track 5
TRACKS 1 - 4 :
Arthur Weissman: Keyboards
Bass guitar: Mike Olzewski
Drums: Ken Hamburg
TRACKS 1 - 4 :
Arthur Weissman: Keyboards
Bass guitar: Mike Olzewski
Drums: Ken Hamburg
Produced by Mike Smiarowski
Recorded live at various performances in New York
Recorded and engineered by Paul Gworek (Unk)
Mastered by Lane Gibson at Lane Gibson Recording and Mastering, Charlotte, VT
Art direction and design by A. Michelle, and Al Gomes
Recorded live at various performances in New York
Recorded and engineered by Paul Gworek (Unk)
Mastered by Lane Gibson at Lane Gibson Recording and Mastering, Charlotte, VT
Art direction and design by A. Michelle, and Al Gomes
This album, along with all of my music, is dedicated to the memory of my Dad, Mitchell P. Smiarowski.
Loving thanks to my mother, Helen - I couldn't have created all of my music without your help!
Also special thanks to my brother Kyle, for all of his support!!
Thanks to Paul Gworek (Unk), Robert Gworek (Paco), Chris Mazur.
Thanks to the group Chicago for their continuous musical inspiration - past and present.
Thanks to Al Gomes and A. Michelle at Big Noise for their continued assistance in exposing my many different ‘Musical Fantasies’ to the world!
Loving thanks to my mother, Helen - I couldn't have created all of my music without your help!
Also special thanks to my brother Kyle, for all of his support!!
Thanks to Paul Gworek (Unk), Robert Gworek (Paco), Chris Mazur.
Thanks to the group Chicago for their continuous musical inspiration - past and present.
Thanks to Al Gomes and A. Michelle at Big Noise for their continued assistance in exposing my many different ‘Musical Fantasies’ to the world!
