The Michael Smith Band’s heartfelt, melodic pop offers a soulful, optimistic alternative to much of the cynicism and negativity in modern rock. “Days of Wonder,” the title cut of their latest CD, echoes the incandescent chime of U2 while other tracks unite the distance between Americana and acoustic pop. Lyrically, Smith draws from his own experiences of overcoming tragedy and despair. In 1978, a 15-ton crane fell on Smith while he was working at his family’s construction business, his body pinned to the ground from the torso down. After being rescued, Smith underwent multiple surgeries; however, doctors kept delivering the bad news. At first they said his chances of survival were poor, yet Smith lived. Then they told him that he wouldn’t be able to use his legs again. Within six months Smith was able to walk again. Inspired, he learned how to play and started writing songs. Even in his darkest hours, such as when his father was found dead after mysteriously disappearing in 1986, Smith never allowed the black days to weaken his soul.

The Michael Smith Band’s clip for “Days of Wonder” features haunting images of American soldiers fighting in Iraq cutting into a serene summer afternoon between father and son, life and death separated by miles of physical separation but connected by the closeness of brotherhood. The music video has been nominated by the L.A. Music Awards (http://www.lamusicawards.com), which will hold its next red-carpet ceremony on November 12, 2009 at the Music Box Theater.

Al Bowman, executive producer of the L.A. Music Awards, describes Smith as an “exceptional singer/songwriter who makes good music continuously.” The often-imitated L.A. Music Awards is now in its 19^th year and is renowned for its ability to discover promising new talent. According to Bowman, Smith “represents exactly what we are looking for in an artist.”