MICHAEL B.SMITH
SOUTHERN LIGHTS
Titles :
Into the light / Behind the eyes / I don't want to say goodbye / Hooker's boogie / Life behind the mask / Mad dog / Ride on my friend / Gemini soul / Buddha in a swimming pool

Musicians :
Michael B. Smith : lead vocals, guitar
Bonnie Bramlett : lead, background vocals
Tommy Crain : guitar, pedal steel
Pete Carr : guitar
Ray Brand : slide guitar, guitar, background vocals
John Huber : guitar
Danny Hall : guitar
Owen Brown : bass
Billy Teichmiller : drums, percussion
Stephen Foster : keyboards, background vocals
Thad Usry : harp, background vocals
Hays Clark : background vocals
Jerome Stanley : background vocals
Johnny Wyker : background vocals
Melissa Michael : background vocals


In this little "southern music" world, Michael B.Smith is mostly known as ther editor of Gritz online and Gritz magazine, but also for his writings. Manu people had read Michael jammed onstage with none others than the Southern ROck Allstars or Molly Hatchet, but here, he comes back with the release of his third album since 1998. ANd let me tell you, this album is a great surpise ! Michael's music is somewhere between Marshall Tucker Band and Charlie Daniels. Michael's voice reminds me of Charlie Daniels sometimes (listen to "Into the light" for example).. Two songs are dedicated to two of his heroes ; that is John Lee Hooker with "Hooker's boogie" and Toy Caldwell with the great song "Ride on my friend". Let's note the remarquable work done by all the musicians involved in the projetc. Among others, Tom Crain (ex Charlie Daniels Band) on guitar, pedal steel and dobro, Ray Brant on slide guitar, Bonnie Bramlett who performs a beautiful duet with Michael (something he's been dreaming of for such a long time). This album, for sure, is a must have and we hope to discover Michael on stage in Europe next autumn.
Dominique Turgot



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