GET TO KNOW OUR COMPOSERS: ALEX SMIT
Exposed at an early age to his father’s B.B. King and James Brown albums, guitarist and producer Alex Smit went through a variety of instruments before settling on guitar at the age of 15. Describing the guitar as “a perfect fit”, Smit learned under Micheal Coleman before going professional at age 18.
Smit played with Coleman’s band, Michael Coleman and the Backbreakers, up until 2014 when Coleman passed away. Prior to the pandemic, Smit was the guitarist for Biscuit Miller during his eight year stint with the band.
Additionally, Smit has played with Harvey Westmoreland, Charles Walker, Kenny J, Misha Sigfreid, Robert Allen, Jr., and Jared James Nichols. Smith graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2015 with a B.A. in Contemporary, Urban, and Popular Music. During his time as a student in Chicago, Smit performed at well-known venues such as Buddy Guy’s Legends, Kingston Mines, Rosa’s Lounge, and BLUES on Halsted.
Smit provides lessons to younger musicians and has taught at the Fernando Jones’ International Blues Kids Camps in both Chicago and Miami. Smit also serves as the guitar instructor for the Decatur, Illinois Salvation Army.