I had the privilege of meeting and hearing Mike Smith last winter. He was on his way back home from somewhere and was booked in to a little Southeast Missouri town named Scott City. The night was very rainy and he arrived late. I know he was frazzled and tired. He put on a great show! The only complaint I have to make about Mike is the same complaint I have with several other artists-Staines, Keelaghan, et al. When they record, they feel compelled to use all sorts of back-up. The recordings are not the same sound I hear when I hear them in concert. And, like Rick Fielding, I prefer the simple stuff. And not just in instrument technique, but in backing the song. Mike Smith and his guitar provide as much music as I can wrap my poor little brain around. If Mike happens to read this thread, Mike, I hope you makes it a point to come back to Southeast Missouri soon!