| MusicHead
Magazine April/May 2000
Bruce Smith Band /
Lovers Vow
 Expertly
produced by local legend Tim Carbone, this CD is a
wonderful example of singer-songwriter roots rock and
musical taste.
The
songs are lyrically interesting, the vocal delivery is
heartfelt, and the instrumental mix is in perfect balance
with the mood of each song. The Bruce Smith Band is
augmented by a fine group of musical ringers who add
flavor and spice to a collection of extremely well written
songs, performed in a style that brushes against a variety
of genres from country to Celtic to horn driven rock and
revved up folk. I love this disc. A record like this
renews a music fans faith in the fact that art, craft and
inspiration can actually meld into ear candy that has both
depth and soul. That said, I'm sure that the arbiters of
taste and commerce in the Towers of (music industry)
Babble will deem such a beautiful collection of tunes as
having no commercial potential. I can't think of higher
praise. Did I mention that I love this disc?
Author's
Song Notes for Lovers Vow
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BRUCE SMITH
Get
The Picture
 Bruce
Smith has a voice that's reminiscent of Pat McDonald of
Timbuk 3 fame. And like McDonald, Smith has a unique point
of view and articulates it in a way that's intelligent and
accessible.
"Crispus Attucls" kicks off this seven song CD
with a check-up on the state of civil rights in our
un-civil cities. "Pink Ponies" has a lighter
touch, it's sort of a folkie "Lucy In The Sky With
Diamonds," and the title track is a veritable rhyming
dictionary, proof that you can write about just about
anything. in this case, it's about a professional
photographer.)
"Every Day" has a Springsteen-like feel with its
churning organ, while "Rome's Burnin"' would not
sound out of place on an old Dylan album. Smith saves his
most bristling rocker for last; "700 Miles" is
the tale of a bad man trying to be good, with a crunchy
guitar hook and more of that wailing organ.
With his literate, descriptive lyrics and
"Everyman" voice, Bruce Smith makes sure we all Get
The Picture.
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