Mike Smiarowski

Having grown up in Lackawanna beyond Buffalo, New York, Mike Smiarowski first took up music studies at age ten. He played guitar throughout high school, later joining a handful of bands from time to time while concentrating mainly on solo work. His instrumental compositions stand out for their striking fusion of jazz, pop, rock, and classical influences.

Often labeled the "Kenny G of Guitar" or the "Background Music King," Smiarowski issued his debut album, Island Fantasy, in 1989 on Smear Records. The release, built around pop instrumental island sounds, drew strong reviews and appeared on radio charts, with keyboards supplied by Chas Eller of the band Kilimanjaro.

Fusion followed in 1992, and three years afterward came Island Fantasy II -- Return to Jabeam. Smiarowski’s pieces have served as background music across the United States, Canada, Japan, and Thailand in settings such as airports, elevators, stores, and Air Force One.