Smithfield Fair
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States | SELF
Music
Press
This CD (Winds of Time) resounds with the same truth, grace and courage of the traditional songs of Ireland, Scotland and Appalachia. Universal messages, universal stories, but told in a unique and original way. Smithfield Fair continues to grow finer with each passing year. - Gail Roberts, SCMA Ceilidh Magazine
Powerfully rendered with teeth-clenching conviction and fist-waving solidarity, Smithfield Fair tackles topical themes of the human experience such as love lost, soul recovery, preserving the long road and the unforgiving nature of time. Each performance is so grippingly rendered, it's as if they were destined to be their last. But truthfully, Smithfield Fair has just entered their finest hour. - Dan Willging, Offbeat Magazine
My admiration for their music has now become a passion. The vocals produce authentic melodies that will transport you to another place and time. Smithfield Fair captures the essence of the Scottish spirit, brings "the cause" to life and keeps the home fires burning in the most important of places -- the heart. – Lynne Remick, Rambles Cultural Magazine
…based around strong songs with strong harmonies taken from or drawing on Scottish traditional sources, presented in uncluttered arrangements …hearty singers and capable multi-instrumentalists. – Tom Nelligan, Dirty Linen
I knew that the band had found their muse. They'd hit their stride. Heck, maybe the stars were in the right alignment.– Jayme Lynn Blaschke, Green Man Review
…much like a folksy Supertramp. … weaves traditional tunes with Smithfield originals and other modern songs, leaving you none the wiser which is which as they are each so good. They’re well worth the price if you have the chance to see them perform. - U.S. SCOTS Magazine
…manages to weave an infectious spell over the listener. … there is a distinct Peter Gabriel vibe… Very nice. - Jayme Lynn Blaschke, Green Man Review
- Collected by Stevenson Prod.
Discography
Scotland Owns Me (1995, Stevenson Productions); Scattered Seeds of Scotland (1997, Centaur Records), Highland Call (1998/2002, Centaur Records); Cairdeas/Kinship (2000, Centaur Records); The Winter Kirk (2001, Stevenson Productions), Jacobites By Name (2002, Centaur Records), Burns Night Out (2003, Stevenson Productions), Winds of Time (2004, Stevenson Productions), Swept Away (2005, Stevenson Productions), Walking Through This World (2006, Stevenson Productions), 20420 (2007, Stevenson Productions), Charmer: The Perfect Cafe (2008, Stevenson Productions), The Longing (2009, Stevenson Productions), Scotland Fair Scotland (2010, Stevenson Productions), coming in 2011 - Every New Day (Stevenson Productions).
Photos
Bio
Long heralded as one of the South’s best-kept secrets, the music of Smithfield Fair (originally known as 'Charmer', 1973-89) is known around the world through film and television work, radio and satellite programs, and performances that consistently bring critical raves. Known for their close “blood harmonies” and intriguingly original songs, the three members of Smithfield Fair echo both the ancient traditions of their Scottish heritage, but also their Southern roots. For nearly four decades, Smithfield Fair has continued to pursue its own muse, never settling for trend or momentary popular culture, and has maintained an excellence in performing that has brought them critical praise, awards, and the gift of continued work. To date, the family trio has released over 25 albums on the independent Baton Rouge-based Centaur and Stevenson labels. Smithfield Fair is Jan Smith, Bob Smith & Dudley-Brian
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