to Bermuda to showcase his talents at a local drum exhibition this weekend.

Mr. Smith has been hailed as one of the "elite of American percussionists''.

And his music has been described by Jazz Magazine as "...so alive - it breathes...his work is descriptive and full of vivid colour and imagery''.

Mr. Smith's career has been highlighted by performances, recordings and tours with famous musicians such as Gladys Knight and the Pips, Nat King Cole, Barbara Streisand, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and Quincy Jones.

His extensive work includes acting as musical director for the late Janis Joplin on the Ed Sullivan Show, at the San Francisco Ice Palace, and on her only European tour.

"I love the emotional feeling of music,'' Mr. Smith told The Royal Gazette .

"It is a wonderful way to communicate without words. I try to reach people with sound vibrations, and maybe I can reach them in a way no one could reach them intellectually.

"That is the beauty of music,'' he continued. "I try to paint pictures and tell stories using combinations of notes, rhythms, harmony and construction that portray more emotion than conventional music.'' Mr. Smith said he believed that his entire career was a work in progress.

"My professional life began in New York in 1957,'' he said. "At that time I was not skilled or experienced enough to use my instruments in the way I wanted to.'' The percussionist said he learned by trial and error and he admitted that he was "frustrated early on with drums'' because he could not play melodic rhythms on them.

But he said he later found a way to do that by listening and practising.

"My best times in the music industry have been spent with people like Sam Rivers, a saxophone player who now lives in Florida,'' Mr. Smith recalled. "I spent 15 years with him and that was one of the biggest thrills of my life.'' Another important moment in Mr. Smith's career was meeting Max Roach, a predominant percussionist in the US.

"He formed M'Boom, a percussionist ensemble that still plays today,'' Mr.

Smith noted. "I was one of the founding members of the group in 1969, and this was one of my most important opportunities to perform and compose.'' Recalling his work with Janis Joplin, Mr. Smith expressed his renewed appreciation for her music. "I did not appreciate working with her at the time, but when Janis died I began to realise what she meant to the spectrum of all music.'' One artist who Mr. Smith enjoyed working with was Gladys Knight.

"As a singer, she is a thrill,'' Mr. Smith stressed. "Recent work with her on live television was one of the biggest excitements of my career.'' Mr. Smith, who teaches at the State University of New York at Old Westbury, plans to retire soon.

"I intend to continue writing music and working with my own band, the Composer Workshop Ensemble,'' he said. "I am also planning releases on the Claves Jazz label and the Maple Shade label.

"I would like to travel and learn about world music of different ethnic cultures which will enable me to combine all the new influences with what I know already.'' The talented musician will be performing in Eddie Ming's exhibition at St.

Paul's Centennial Hall on Court Street tomorrow at 5 p.m.

Also set to perform are the Bermuda Jazz Ensemble accompanied by Storm and guest percussionist Ronnie Lopes.

Tickets are $20 -- $15 for children under 12 years. They are available at the Music Box on Reid Street, Pianos Plus on Front Street, and at 27th Century Boutique on the corner of Burnaby and Church Streets.

WARREN SMITH -- Performing this Saturday alongside local jazz talent.