A drummer with strong inclinations toward traditional jazz performance, Hal Smith was born in Indianapolis, IN, on July 30, 1953. Taking up drums at the age of ten -- among his teachers was the great Jake Hanna -- he made his professional debut in 1978, and in the years to follow served with the likes of the Dukes of Dixieland and the Grand Dominion Jazz Band. Smith also led groups including the Frisco Syncopaters and the Down Home Jazz Band, and regularly collaborated with Butch Thompson and Bobby Gordon. Among his recording dates are 1994's California Here I Come, 1995's Swing, Brother, Swing, and 1996's Bourbon Street Memories. Smith was also a respected jazz journalist, contributing countless articles to publications including Jazz Rambler, Mississippi Rag, and West Coast Rag. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide