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There are no weak songs on this debut release. Smith reveals a whole talent package: He possesses clear, up-front vocals (which occasionally tease us with falsetto), he consistently establishes his command of the guitar (and piano), and, like a good drama, his stories seduce us.
In "Dry," for example, he starts with the story of a girl leaving her home town, then adds the love-sick boy watching her pack. By the song's end the boy is dying on a jewelry store floor where he'd gone to steal what might win her heart. Smith ventures past what is already a good song making his stories engaging and unforgettable. Another example of this ability is "Just Plain Jane" where we identify with the waitress weighing long work hours against life's purpose. Then verses add police, and notes left in the kitchen, and we realize she's settled the imbalance.
With an apparent penchant for science fiction he presents a female "Dr. Frankenstein" designing her own "Hercules de Bergerac." The famous Dr would be proud and the modern woman envious. In "The Grays" Smith recounts his lost time on the other side of Mars as an X-file. After his shrink cites commitment avoidances as causing delusions, Smith's humorous side decides to lead the abductors next time to a certain doctor's house in Westchester.
Smith doesn't merely find one hook to repeat: his songs create involvement right to the end. Because of space restrictions, I'm leaving out equally good works. Michael Vail Blum uses minimal production to highlight Smith's talents. Smart move. (Language alerts apply for radio.) Should he choose to tour nationally, I predict he'll move quickly to prominence on the folk circuit - AP - Sing Out! (Spring 2005)
Discography
"Travel" - Produced by Michael Vail Blum - 2004
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Bio
Honor Award - 2005 Great American Song Contest
Finalist - 2004 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Contest
Finalist - 2002 Sisters Folks Festival Songwriter Contest
1st Place - 2000 Solarfest Song Contest
Singer/songwriter Jody William Smith appreciates life up close. “I hope to show people the value in their own lives by reflecting the common experiences of all our lives.” To accomplish this, he invites us to the fictional burg of Smithtowne, population: one troubadour and his immediate audience. “I think of it as part Mayberry, part Greenwich Village,” he jokes. His fans think of it as purposeful music that goes deeper than the mainstream.
Smith’s solo performances are intimate, yet highly energetic; the perfect backdrop for what Liner Notes magazine calls his “brilliant originals.” Shades of James Taylor can be found in his work, but his torch-song rendition of Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” and a unique cover of the Beatles’ “Ticket to Ride” reveal pop influences, as well.
Travel, Smith’s first release, was recorded by veteran producer Michael Vail Blum, whose resume includes work with Madonna, Roger Daltrey and many other major label acts. Smith’s vocal, guitar and keyboard chops on Travel are augmented with performances from several Los Angeles musicians, but Blum’s uncluttered production keeps the songs front and center. Says the artist: “Lyrics and melodies tell stories. Stories need room to breathe.”
Smith seems right at home in this brave new music industry: “What I love about the independent music scene is that it exists on the level of neighborhoods. It connects to people where they actually live.” Come down to Smithtowne, and you'll see what he means.
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