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Buckle up for a wild ride through this joyous cascade of sound. Buffalo, New York-based jazz guitarist Mike Smiarowski delights in blindingly fast solos. Of special note in this collection is "I'm A Man," Mike's fiery ode to Chicago guitarist Terry Kath and drummer Danny Seraphine. This track made it to the 61st Grammys for consideration in the Rock Category. Simultaneously, “Sunny” was placed on Official Ballot of the 61st Grammys for consideration in the Jazz Category – a tremendous crossover achievement!

Mike Smiarowski Takes Manhattan – Volume 3

Live in New York - Solo, Duets, & Trio

Emotions pour out of Mike’s guitar reflecting very spiritual feelings not only technical but emotional, reaching “Beyond the Clouds” all the way to “Heaven.” On this CD, Mike performs an original improvised electric guitar solo, “Images of Spain,” that is divided into five movements which send you on a movie score-like visit filled with many emotions and images to evoke touring old Spain.

SONG DESCRIPTIONS

Sunny

Duet featuring Mike's lead electric guitar and Jay's rhythm electric guitar in a jazzy interpretation of this classic song! Written by Bobby Hebb in 1963

Images of Spain - Movement 1

Mike starts this audio journey with melodies, great technical playing, jazz and classical reflections, combined with emotions - all woven together to make musical sense. Very difficult to accomplish - and Mike delivers! Original written by Mike Smiarowski © Smear Records, Ⓟ Smear Songs (BMI).

Images of Spain - Movement 2

Mike has a knack of drawing from old movies, pictures, books, etc, to reflect visions of Old Spain. He is basically using music to create images - like a movie! Original written by Mike Smiarowski © Smear Records, Ⓟ Smear Songs (BMI).

Images of Spain - Movement 3

Many moods, intricate melodies and chords mix to display Mike's ability to incorporate his Jazz and classical influences. He makes music, not just a bunch of notes. Emotion is the key ingredient that separates Mike from most musicians! Original written by Mike Smiarowski © Smear Records, Ⓟ Smear Songs (BMI).

Images of Spain - Movement 4

Mike has a unique ability to combine all these musical dimensions discussed - to achieve a flowing piece of music , improvised and created "Live" - making musical sense to the listener! Quite spectacular! Original written by Mike Smiarowski © Smear Records, Ⓟ Smear Songs (BMI).

Images of Spain - Movement 5

The musical finale of this tour explodes with a truly great display of technical ability and raw emotion!! Wow! Original written by Mike Smiarowski © Smear Records, Ⓟ Smear Songs (BMI).

Beyond the Clouds

Beyond the Clouds - A unique original by Mike. There is a sense of deep spirituality in Mike's lead solo performance. He takes you "Beyond the Clouds"- (Heaven) - to another dimension. You have to hear it to experience and appreciate his level of intensity! Original written by Mike Smiarowski © Smear Records, Ⓟ Smear Songs (BMI).

I'm A Man

Explosive and emotional energy are displayed on this rendition of the Chicago standard that really rocks. Mike's ode to Chicago guitarist Terry Kath and drummer Danny Seraphine blazes through jazz-rock grooves.

ALBUM INFO

Musicians

Mike Smiarowski: Lead electric guitar
Jay Bania: Electric rhythm guitar on tracks 1 & 7, Bass guitar on track 8
Jeff Hollister: Drums on track 8

Production Credits

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

Thank Yous

This album, along with all of my music, is again 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! Words can't describe my gratitude!!

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!