In 1969, he teamed up with saxophonists Dick Morrissey and Dave Quincy, also members of Jackson's band, to form the pioneering British jazz-rock group If.[1][2]
Around that time he also appeared with Morrissey and other top British jazz musicians on Brother Jack McDuff's Blue Note recording To Seek a New Home (1970).
Smith went on to record five albums with If's original line-up, as well as touring the U.S. and Europe extensively. Following the break-up of If's first line-up, he co-founded another British band, ZZebra, also with Dave Quincy from If.
In 1981, Smith formed his own Blues Band in 1982 with Jo Ann Kelly (vocals), Tony Ashton (organ) and Micky Waller (drums). As of October 2006, he is still active on the UK jazz circuit.