Trumpeter Louis Smith seemed primed to be a star in the realm of 1960s hard bop but became a teacher instead. After being schooled in jam sessions with saxophonists Cannonball Adderley and Zoot Sims, Smith debuted on the Kenny Burrell album Swingin' (1956). His debut as leader, Here Comes Louis Smith, was initially released on the short-lived Transition label before being reissued on Blue Note, and found him backed by Adderley (under a pseudonym) and pianist Duke Jordan. One more album (with Monk saxophonist Charlie Rouse), a little more Blue Note session work, and then Smith went full-time into teaching, returning to recording in 1979 on the esteemed European label Steeplechase. ~ Mark Keresman