Smith and Brewer - Another Shade of Smith and Brewer (01/11/19)
Artist: Ben Smith & Jimmy Brewer
Release Date: 1st November 2019
Genre: Americana, Folk, Singer-Songwriter
Record Label: Smith & Brewer
Tracks: 12
Website: https://smithandbrewer.com/
Review By: Gary Smith (LCM)
Since first being introduced to each other by Joan Armatrading at an industry showcase in 2015, Ben Smith and Jimmy Brewer have been making great progress on the UK Folk and Americana world. ‘Another Shade Of Smith And Brewer’ sees Ben and Jimmy creating a full band sound for their first studio album. Ben was also recently nominated in the AMA UK awards held at the Troxy in London.
We have known Ben and Jimmy for a while now and it has been very exciting to follow their musical journey. We are thrilled that LCM gave them their first duo gig after that famous meeting with Joan. They were supporting Cathryn Craig and Brian Willoughby along with Marina Florance at the historic St Pancras Old Church in London. A gig that was recorded and later made into a successful live album by Cathryn and Brian.
Many of tracks on Ben and Jimmy’s debut album have a real classic and classy feel with echoes of the Everly Brothers, Allman Brothers, Milk Carton Kids and Simon & Garfunkle. Their guitar playing positively sparkles along with their trademark close layered harmonies. The addition of Eric Lavansch’s drums and Tom Sinnett’s bass adds another dimension to Ben and Jimmy’s songs leading to more richness, depth, and variety.
The album begins with one of my favourite S&B tracks the lovely ‘Isabella’. It’s full of excellent guitar finger-picking and interlocking layered harmonies. The newly expanded band sound is introduced on the second and title track ‘Another Shade Of Blue’ with it’s gentle muted drums and percussion. This continues to build in the next track. the positive and life-affirming ‘Life’s Too Short’ which is an energetic retro rockabilly stomp, with an Allman Brothers vibe. ‘Favourite Photography’ slows the pace slightly into a lovely slice of 70’s US folk-rock
There is a strong sense of reflection and self-deprecation in the very tender ‘Better Than Your Father’, imparting parental wisdom and experience to the next generation. ‘Blow Wind Blow’ takes us into Everly Brothers territory. It’s smooth shuffling beat complementing the shift between standard verse and falsetto chorus. A wonderful head verses heart song. Self-reflection and being an undeserving recipient of love is the central theme of the lovely ‘Better Man’. We love the high tempo, toe-tapping and fun ‘Don’t Say You Don’t Love Me’ with its African inspired percussion and rhythms. It would be perfectly at home on Paul’s Simon’s iconic Graceland album. On ‘Julietta’ fluid guitar interplay and occasional staccato weave over a fast-rolling and catchy bassline. Some skilled twin guitar solos here showcasing their prowess. Next up is the punchy ‘Love You Forever’ with it’s brushed percussion. The rocking country blues ‘Music City’ sees another shift in style. This is a clever and funny tale of the duo’s Nashville trip with excitement and frustrations discussed in equal measure. The album closes with the melancholic and laid-back ‘Lovely Day For Doing Nothing’
The album showcases the many wonderful styles of music in Ben and Jimmy’s arsenal. From the gentle slower thoughtful harmony-laden ballads through to 70’s folk-rock, Rockabilly and Country Blues Rock The future is looking very bright for this very talented duo.
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