Mike G Smith

Tony Smart · Post by **Tony Smart** » 14 Nov 2022 4:54 am

Some lovely playing here from Mike, one of my all-time favourites. In my view he's never had the acclaim he richly deserves. A fantastic Steel Player and Multi - Instrumentalist as well as being a real nice bloke.

Great pity we don't hear more from him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1BO8yr-hWg.

John McClung · Post by **John McClung** » 14 Nov 2022 6:03 pm

I don't know if MIke's solo album from ages ago, maybe 30 years?, is still available, but if it is, I recommend you get a copy into your library pronto. It's called Dreams of India, Mike looking groovy in a turban on the cover!

His tune "Brown Bagging" is included as a downloadable track that comes with Dewitt Scott's great book, "Anthology of pedal steel guitar."

John McClung · Post by **John McClung** » 14 Nov 2022 6:04 pm

I don't know if MIke's solo album from ages ago, maybe 30 years?, is still available, but if it is, I recommend you get a copy into your library pronto.

His tune "Brown Bagging" is included as a downloadable track that comes with Dewitt Scott's great book, "Anthology of pedal steel guitar."

Larry Dering · Post by **Larry Dering** » 14 Nov 2022 6:05 pm

Tony, I agree. Fine player. I wish he posted more videos.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 14 Nov 2022 7:28 pm

Dreams of India is a great album. 1977 recording IIRC. Best rendition of Rollin' in my Sweet Baby's Arms I ever heard.

I think that was way before he signed as Miguel e Smith.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 15 Nov 2022 11:12 am

I'm a huge fan of Mike and his playing.

May I recommend his later reissue of 'Dream of India'? The original tracks were all included but he added two newly recorded compositions. They are both stunning!

I don't know if it's still available but listen if you can.

Of course, his 'Jesus Loves Me' is a C6 masterclass.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 15 Nov 2022 11:26 am

Oh my yes, Roger. How could I forget the Jesus Loves Me cut. Just fabulous.

Thanks for the heads up on the reissue with the other 2 cuts. I guess I missed that. I'll try to hunt it up. I need a new CD anyway, the old format is shot.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 15 Nov 2022 11:38 am

Those passing chords in verse two!!!!! Exquisite voicings!

Each time I try to find a fraction of it, I just shrug and say: 'Ah yes - he has a G on his top string; no wonder I can't play it!'

Those two later tracks are really worth the price alone. They stand out from the older recordings at a sonic level; doubtless he recorded them at his home studio.

'Sunny T' and 'Creek Walk' - check out a clip of each here (they're added at the bottom of the track list):

https://www.allmusic.com/album/dreams-o ... 0001435108

Tony Smart · Post by **Tony Smart** » 15 Nov 2022 1:56 pm

I bought the Dreams of India years ago and it is indeed a great cd. Don't know if it's still available but Mike produced his own c.d. "The Mike and T Cafe" (with his wife)
It is another must have if you can still get it.
Maybe as before, directly from him.

Paul King · Post by **Paul King** » 15 Nov 2022 6:18 pm

His steel sure sounds great on that recording.

Paul Wade · Post by **Paul Wade** » 22 Nov 2022 8:24 am

more of mike Smith
https://soundcloud.com/house-of-steel

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 22 Nov 2022 9:16 am

I wish I could find a link to Mike's 'Sunny T' and post it here.

I know his CD is no longer available (even the 2002 reissue) so it wouldn't be depriving him of sales. (I'm always sensitive about the question of 'free' music.)

'Sunny T' is an example of what I wish there was more of on steel guitar. A kind of smooth jazz, for want of a better category; beautifully played and enough changes to make you think!

I have looked for it but with no success. Anyone else?

kevin ryan · Post by **kevin ryan** » 3 Dec 2022 11:13 am

Just tasty, tasty tasty. I'm going to revisit brownbagging again! I worked up Creekwalk and use those phrases all the time. Mike is just fantastic.