Samuel Smiles

The early-’90s formation Samuel Smiles was originally conceived like a live setup to process smoky late-night jazz with an exploration of introspection in song. Originally a trio composed of vocalist Tim Bowness (No-Man/Darkroom), keyboards guy Peter Chilvers (Alias Sophistication), and guitarist Michael Bearpark (Darkroom), they are actually aided by saxophonist Myke Clifford. With fellow No-Man Steven Wilson focusing on his very own off-shoots Porcupine Tree and Bass Communion, Bowness and firm released Globe of Bright Futures in 1999, complimented by displays in Cambridge and London. Much like No-Man, the documenting was well-received, some offering mention of the Blue Nile, Tag Eitzel, and Nick Drake, who’s the bearer of Smiles’ second record, a homage Dangling on a Superstar. No-Man, Samuel Smiles, Alias Sophistication, and Darkroom are among the performers that define the collective site.