LUKE"DUKE"SMITH

Luke began his musical career at the tender age of 9 when he began playing the drums at his local church.He developed a special talent for the keyboards at the age of 12.At the age of 16 he began playing professionally for a well established gospel choir in Manchester England called the MerryBells Mass Choir.Working with the Choir helped Luke to grow as a musician and taught him the art of being creative as well as allowing him to tour Europe & USA for the first time. At the age of 17 Luke enrolled to music college where he studied sound engineering&recording techniques.He also simultaneously studied Music 'A'Level where he achieved outstanding accolades.At the age of 18 while studying Luke got the call to play keyboards for a pop group signed to Virgin records called Distant Cousins.The group toured the UK playing various large venues one of which was the famous Wembley Arena supporting Lisa Stansfield who at the time was at the height of here career.Between the ages of 18-21 Luke developed his playing further whilst playing in various jazz bands in Manchester and neighbouring areas. In 1992 Luke spent 2 years with the pop group Hot Chocolate during their European tour as their main keyboard player. After which,Luke formed his own jazz band and supported a high level of musician's and singers including:Roy Ayres,Hugh Masekela and Earl Klugh to name a few. At the beginning of 1995 Luke moved to london where he landed a job in the West End where he made History playing in the 1st Gospel musical in the West End called "Mamma I Wanna Sing"featuring world renowned Chaka Khan,Doris Troy,Mica Paris&Deniece Williams.Luke stamped his musical signature on the production and went on to become one of the Musical Director.This show was a great introduction for Luke in the London music scene and helped him quickly become one of the most sort after musican in the country.Once the production had finished Luke went on to tour LA with an award winning gospel choir"London Fellowship Choir"where they broke history in being the first british choir to perform at the GMWA"Gospel Music Workshop Of America"singing a long side various platinum American. Gospel Artist.He also broke history in 2007 preforming with George Michael,Luke was amongst the elite band who where the 1st to play at the new Wembley Stadium to a staggering 80000 capacity. Luke has the ability to recreate the complex sounds used in recording and concert performances.He has a special understanding of digital as well as acoustic instruments,this enables him to get the right sound in the studio,on stage and when producing.He has vast amount of experience in television,radio and live shows.He is very well known and highly respected as a world class musician,a seasoned Hammond player,a versatile musical director,cutting edge writer,a producer and for his many studio recordings and intelligent arrangements.Luke has also worked in TV & Radio as Musical Director ,Arranger, Musician & Vocal coach for TV progammes such as HEAVEN & EARTH,SONGS OF PRIASE,CHILDREN IN NEED, POP IDOL, TOTPS, CDUK ETC. Here are some of the world class artist LUKE has worked with GEORGE MICHEAL,ERIC CLAPTON,ROSIE GAINES,WHITNEY HOUSTON,ROY AYERS,FRANK McCOMB,BBKING,PHIL COLLINS, SHAGGY,CHAKA KHAN,LULU,BEBE&CECEWINANS,ANDRAE CROUCH,NOEL ROBINSON to name a few.