Who exactly is
Mike Smiarowski?
GUITARIST & COMPOSER EXTRAORDINAIRE
Mike Smiarowski is a remarkable Guitarist/Composer from Buffalo, NY (USA). He has been on the National Radio Charts with the biggest names in the Instrumental field of music along with such artists as : Kenny G, Quincy Jones, Earl Klugh, Peter White, Larry Carlton, Pat Metheny, Lee Ritenour, Kevin Eubanks, Spyro Gyra, etc…
And now Mike has been granted the great honor of being placed On the OFFICIAL Ballot for the 2009 GRAMMY AWARDS in FIVE Categories with his FUSION CD!
Previously, he was on the OFFICIAL Ballot for the 2007 and 2008 GRAMMY AWARDS in a total of 11 categories! Mike is truly proud to be mentioned alongside the best in the business!!
He’s been featured aboard the Presidential Jet – Air Force One, Mike’s music was distinctively selected to perform a one-hour loop as “ The Jazz Impressionist “ with ten selections from his catalog of three albums : ISLAND FANTASY , ISLAND FANTASY – Part ll, and FUSION.
Mike also headlined “In Flight“ magazine, where 4 – 6 million people heard Mike aboard United Airlines in his continuous 2-hour music loop. You’ve probably, no doubt, without knowing it, heard Mike’s music in department stores, supermarket chains, elevators, and airports across the United States.
Mike is also very proud of this accomplishment! “It shows the diversity of my music; you can appreciate it as an art form (foreground) or have it as background music to accommodate whatever mood you want to capture! In other words – my music can reach many diverse audiences!"
Mike’s Reviews in National Trade Magazines like : Gavin Report, Jazz Times, In Music - Schwann, Guitar Player, FMQB, etc… are truly impressive !
“ISLAND FANTASY“ : Gavin’s : RECORD TO WATCH
“Island Fantasy“ has a cheerful “wish you were here“ presence about it that will make listeners glow – Gavin
“ ISLAND FANTASY “ is a fantastic winter escape “ – FMQB
" Island Fantasy – Part – ll “ – Like Jimmy Buffet does to the Parrotheads, Smiarowski does to the Adult Alternative airwaves – Gavin
“Brilliantly blends jazz, pop, rock, and classical influences to create timeless works of remarkable depth and sophistication”
"Achieved unprecedented success, exceptional National and International activity; a true Cinderella story “
“Guitar Player” describes Mike : “As a fine, jazz oriented player who thrives on Caribbean grooves“
“Jazz Times“ – ( FUSION ) – “ In all, it’s a cocky strut down fusion’s wild side! “
“Received heavy airplay on commercial Jazz and AA stations nationwide, he proves he’s a force to be dealt with in Jazz/Pop and Jazz/Rock/Fusion. “
“Highly successful performance on the Home Shopping Network“
“In Concert Performance as Opening Performer with the Buffalo Philharmonic “
The even more amazing part of this story is that he’s achieved all this on his own small independent record label called : SMEAR RECORDS.
Getting back to the two pictures presented at the beginning of this page...
Exactly who Mike Smiarowski is can be answered by yet another question:
Who do you want him (his music) to be?
Mike (known as the “ Fantasy Man “); has a Fantasy Guitar catalog that runs the gamut of stylings for any guitar fanatic or just anyone who loves great Instrumental music which combines great technique, catchy melodies, and soulful emotions.
His compositions speak of life, of romance, of far away lands, all telling a story; all without any musical barriers.
“ ISLAND FANTASY “ and "Island Fantasy ll" are Tropical, Romantic getaways to the magical “ Isle of Jabeam “ ; where one finds oneself “ Swayin’’neath the Palms” or are in a quest for a “ Hope For Love “ on a “ Beach Serenade “ ;or enjoying a “ Jamaican Shuffle “ while partying in the “ Festive Streets “ during the “ Carnival of Delight “; while trying to keep up with the “ Cookin’ Coconuts “ , while awaiting a “ Lullabye” – to be played at “ Night “ – to partake in a “ Tropical Romance “ – only to awaken to a “ Heavenly Dawn “ – which leads you to your “ Memories of Jabeam “ , as you head back to reality!
Speaking of another journey : The “ FUSION “ album sends you into another fantasy; this time to different lands across the globe: Spain, Mexico, China, another visit to the Caribbean islands, and also a detour to another dimension – “ The Twilight Zone “ – Mike’s tribute to Rod Serling and basically the story of Mike’s life – is this reality or the Twilight Zone?
This project is totally different – showing Mike’s tremendous diversity – allowing him to fuse a very eclectic blending of many music genres to display his musical prowess in various settings. From mellowness to wild intensity! As mentioned earlier – “ Jazz Times” quotes: “ In all, it’s a cocky strut down fusion’s wild side! “
For anyone who loves great music – with no labels attached – and still believes in the underdog, a Rocky Balboa story, then Mike Smiarowski might be the musician/man you want to give a listen to! Truly great music knows no barriers. You try to pick the best from all forms and try to create something – though gathering from past greats – new, creative and timeless.
Mike’s music has been called “ Timeless “ by many people. That’s the true test of great art. Can it stand the test of time? You can decide for yourself whether his music meets that criteria!
From Mike : Thank you so much for listening to my music! - Mike S.
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