Scott Smith is an Americana Rock artist out of California. Scott has a passion for powerful music that lifts your spirits and gets you moving. Inspired by the early origins of American music, Scott takes an Americana sound and adds elements of blues rock to create something fresh. His most recent project ‘Igniting the Flame’ is a stand-out example of his passionate work.
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https://www.indiemusicinterviews.com/single-post/2017/10/19/Scott-Smith
http://rootstime.be/CD%20REVIEUW/2016/NOV1/CD74.html
This is a Swedish publication
Translation
On the cover of the cd “The Sum of Life”, the debut album by the Americana blues rocker Scott Smith
From San Francisco, is none other than God at the wheel of a Cadillac- Convertible from 1967, something many of us also probably would like to do while we’re on the bvb. ‘ Route 66’ may rapture.
Enough reamed about unrealistic and unattainable and so but quickly back to reality and the 11 songs that Scott Smith for this new album has composed. He mixes on this handsome way music genres such as Americana, blues and country in each other, giving his plate quite varied and soft sounds.
The album title track “The Sum of Life” (see video) is only instrumental song on this cd and is carried by two acoustic guitars played by Scott Smith and Nina Gerber, while Jeff Martin on Acoustic bass guitar and plays the violin of David LaFlamme of the rock band ‘ It’s a Beautiful Day’ from San Francisco to star In this stylish and soothing track.
Therefore only ten songs that also some more of instrumental support. That ‘ road trip ‘ through the songs starts with the energetic blues rocker “Eclipsing Moon”, followed by “Blues Guitar Slinger”, two tracks in which the sound of Stevie Ray Vaughn and/or Tony Joe White. In between we get also the smooth rocking country “Payday”.
“Bad Dreams” and “The Best Gift” are more traditional-sounding folk songs in which the violin of David LaFlamme pops up again in the foreground. Gailene Elliott brought it together with singer honkytonk number “The World Is Strange” and the ripping guitar rocker “Over It Soon” are the last two notable tracks from “The Sum Of Life”, a remarkable debut album by Scott Smith.
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I had the great opportunity of hanging and going to the shows of Kenny White Last weekend.
He is a renowned singer songwriter from New York who writes some great songs! He has worked
with many big name like Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Peter Wolf, David Crosby and Dr. John to name
a few. His music and words sink deep into me. His website is www.kennywhite.net
Hot of the press: Here is my first video for the title song off of my debut album “The Sum of Life”
Here is a picture of Nina from a session she performed on my album a few weeks ago.
She is playing on the opening track Down to Memphis. I feel so lucky to have her on my tracks.
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It makes for a strong homage to classic rock ‘n’ roll. Smith fits in snugly wrapped in the trappings of the great sounds of the music’s past. His vocals call to mind Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan among others. The music can take a bluesy sound, a country flavor and on the opening cut there are prog touches. The lyrics call to mind the Rolling Stones, Johnny Rivers, Rick Derringer, Pink Floyd, Devo and others. “The Best Gift of My Life” shows he can come up with a beautiful melody. The words are worth reflection. Smith’s life experiences are worth sharing, and his vocal delivery underscores he’s not posing. It’s an upbeat journey he takes us on throughout these 11 cuts. Love is on his mind. And he doesn’t sound jaded in his tales. He doesn’t seem like a hopeless romantic. The music underscores a desire to connect with his listener as well as bear his soul.
All the analysis need not be ladled on in describing this record. It’s plenty of fun, listening to each song. The tempos change freely from one track to the next. Hard rock is comfortable terrain, displaying his rocking skills on “Over It Soon.” It’s just plain catchy. This could serve as the description for much of what’s offered here. Even if I haven’t listened to as much classic rock lately, I can’t stop thinking about the masters. These cuts show their tradition can be built on and made into something, which represents solid entertainment and art. The words don’t make me cringe. The hooks are welcome. I’m sure Smith has more tales of adventure to share with us as he explores his California roots. Whether whistling, strumming or singing. Smith should continue to make his mark. There’s plenty to revisit, making this album worth spinning over and over. There must be a breeding ground for more great music in his musical vision.
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* CLICK HERE TO READ FULL REVIEW
The Sum of Life opens with its title track and it is safe to assume no one will see this one coming. An absolutely beautiful instrumental piece highlighting LaFlamme on violin and Gerber on acoustic guitar, “The Sum of Life” paints a picture with its music and sets a mood. But as the opening track, the mood it sets is deceptive as the next track, “Eclipsing Moon,” is much more representative of the release in general. From the second the keyboard blares, you will know you are in for quite the upcoming ride. Smith’s guitar playing and vocals, supported by his long time coach Elliot, mix well with the keyboards to produce a head shaking, toe tapper of a track.
Smith continues to push the pace on the energetic “Blues Guitar Slinger.” Elliot continues her work on back up helping to balance Smith’s vocals a bit while he continues to hit it out of the park with his distinct style on guitar. “Payday” is a hilarious song about the drudgery and monotony of the work week, the kind of song you can imagine doing a line dance to in a country bar on a Friday night with a beer in hand. There continues to be solid guitar work here but being left alone on vocals tends to highlight where Smith’s strengths lie. “Bad Dreams” is a typical country track that takes things down slightly pace wise. A song about moving forward and looking to the future for sunnier days, “Bad Dreams” sees LaFlamme return on violin which works well together with the other elements to create a pretty unique sound.
The mid-point of The Sum of Life sees Smith reflecting on his personal life with “The Best Gift.” A ballad dedicated to his children, “The Best Gift” is a reflective piece with sentimental lyrics and violin components that accent the emotionality of the track. Guitars and percussion drive “Determination,” as Smith sings about being “determined” to win someone over. “Turn Out the Lights” is highlighted by its continuous, pulsating guitar riff. Elliot once again adds greatly to the vocals and overall, “Turn Out the Lights” has some strong harmony and melodies that stay with you as the song fades. “The World is Strange” brings the energy back on this fun, piano heavy track that looks at how insane everything, everywhere is becoming. How can you not love a song with lyrics such as “The Lord’s gone away/He ain’t comin’ back/He’s on his way to Vegas in a new Cadillac?”
The Sum of Life begins to wrap up with “Over It Soon.” Continuing to blend blues and country, “Over It Soon” is another quick paced track that will have you up and dancing. Like most good, uptempo, country influenced songs, this one manages to create a feel good vibe despite the lyrics which are about a guy who is hung up on a woman and his friends would kindly like him to “get over it soon.” Closing out The Sum of Life on a high note is “Messing With Reality.” The quick paced culmination of everything Smith had been relaying throughout the release is the perfect end to his debut effort.
Scott Smith’s full length debut The Sum of Life is an 11 track concept type album that also manages to be a masterclass in musicianship. Drawing on older musical influences such as The Grateful Dead, The Beatles, Cream and The Rolling Stones, while staying true to his own Americana-country blues base, Scott Smith manages to develop a newer sounding style all his own.
Keep up with Scott Smith at the following links:
Website | Reverbnation | Facebook | @scottsmithband
I just came back from an extended weekend in L.A. where I attended the 2016 ASCAP EXPO. I was pretty incredible!
Some of the music artists there were Pat Benatar and her husband Neil Giraldo, Rob Thomas from Matchbox 20, Timbaland, Paul Williams (who I road in the elevator with), Melissa Etheridge, Desmond Child (who wrote Living on a Prayer and Angel for “Arrow Smith”), Suzanne Vega, Brett James (wrote Jesus Take the Wheel for Carrie Underwood along with songs for Kenny Chesney), Brian McKnight, Kevin Kadish (It’s All About That Bass), Charles Kelley (Lady Antebellum) and many others.
I met a lot of good folks and was great to be in a total supportive environment for songwriters. They covered everything, from writing techniques to recording and selling. It’s a whole different world down there, these writers are pumping out the songs everyday and there is all kinds of buzz around it. On the first night they had a songwriter in the round performance in this club, with Desmond Child, Brett James, Kevin Kadish, Suzanne Vega and Rob Thomas. It was the coolest experience. There was this comradery because we were all songwriters. We sang along with the songs like they were are own. I’ll never forget it!
Finally from the Bay Area comes the debut album, “The Sum Of Life” from singer/songwriter Scott Smith. Smith invited some legendary musicians to help him accomplish his goal of producing a timeless album. Beginning with the title-song, “The Sum Of Life” is a gentle, acoustic instrumental that invites you in to experience the full range of what Smith has to offer. He picks the tempo up with the bluesy rocker “Eclipsing Moon” and the country swing of “Payday” to showcase his musicianship.
The old school, Americana sounds of “Bad Dreams” and “The Best Gift” are highlighted by David LaFlamme (It’s A Beautiful Day) on violin, who gives the songs an authenticity. The new eleven-song release finishes up with the guitar/piano boogie of “The World Is Strange” and the dirty blues rock of “Messing With Reality.” To find out more about Scott Smith and his latest release “The Sum Of Life,” please visit scottsmithband.com.