Erik Smith keeps himself busy with many different projects, including releasing his debut solo CD, Finger Magic, which features his band, the Erik Smith Trio. He is also going to premiere another band during the month of October called “Smiths Friends.” In addition to his personal bands he plays in a few other bands and freelances in studios, for TV shows and on tours. He has preformed with many artists including: Michael Bolton, Neil Sedaka, Art Garfunkel, Randy Crawford, Al Jarreau, Engelbert Humperdinck, Carlene Carter, Lisa Nilsson, Sissel Kyrkjebo, Jahn Teigen, Morten Harket, Tor Endresen, Oyvind Elgenes, Frode Alnes, Lill Babs, Lill Lindfors, Tanita Tikaram, and Donna Summer. He can be found on the road in Norway, other parts of Europe, as well as the United States up to 100 days a year.

Eric was born 1965 in Hønefoss, a small town near Oslo in Norway. A self-taught drummer, he was introduced to music at the age of three by both of his parents, who are also musicians. At age six, he was studying classical music as well as playing the drums and by age 12, he was a member of his father’s band. At that point in time, he knew he wanted to become a professional drummer.

Some of Erik’s memorable highlights from the past years include going on a Scandinavian duo clinic tour with John JR Robinson, one his all time heroes. He has also worked with jazz great Phil Woods, who after the concert he came over to Erik, hugged him and said he wanted his picture taken with him. Some of Erik’s other musical influences include Max Roach, Art Blakey, Gene Krupa, Louie Bellson, Billy Cobham, Steve Gadd and Peter Erskine.

Erik advises aspiring musicians “to be enthusiastic about what you do. Seek out any information you can about your craft. And most importantly: remember, we are involved with an art form that is called music. Always try to make the music feel good and the people you work with comfortable. Also try to be as versatile as you can in terms of styles.”