After studying music at North Texas State University, Chicago-born Mike Smith joined Maynard Ferguson's band as baritone saxophonist in 1980. Through the '80s, he played baritone, alto, and soprano saxophones with various bands, including those of Buddy Rich, Clark Terry, Nat Adderley, and Art Farmer, and also played in the orchestra that toured worldwide with Frank Sinatra starting in 1987. Audibly in the mold of Cannonball Adderley, Smith colors his jazz and pop standards repertoire with post-bop hues, while his writing shows even more imaginative flair. ~ Rovi Staff, Rovi