Guitarist Michael-Louis Smith radiates positivity and brings amazing musicians and music-lovers together under the same beat. A top-tier bandleader and recording artist, Michael has toured nationally at major venues such as LA’s Troubadour Club, NYC’s legendary Apollo Theater, and Vermont’s Discover Jazz Festival. Michael’s ensembles Left Ear Trio and MLS Quintet showcase his genre-bending medley of jazz, funk, and afrobeat. In 2012, Michael-Louis Smith and his bandmates backed German Nigerian hip hop/soul star Nneka (Sony Music) on her US tour. The following year, MLS Quintet released First Black Nation (2013), a deeply emotional, multi-movement instrumental that tells a story about the 2010 Haiti Earthquake. 

In an interview about the album with Okayplayer’s Revive Music, Michael describes the telepathic connection among his bandmates: “It’s really unique with these guys because we are able to communicate with each other about exactly what we need to do. We all love music and care deeply about it.” Crowds can expect something special at a Michael-Louis Smith performance. Michael-Louis Smith curates the best musicians, blends international styles, and deeply engages his audience.

Photographer: Christina Saburro

Musician: Michael-Louis Smith

Club: Johnny and Brenda's (2012 Philadelphia, P.A.)