Reviews & Comments(updated 12/19/04) 

 

This dedicated Scottish trio has created a lovely album comprised wholly of original tunes that play up each band member's strengths. It's one thing to write songs, but quite another to craft music and lyrics that sound for all the world like they have the weight of a hundred years or more behind them. …a worthy accomplishment in my book. Smithfield Fair is an uncommonly subtle band, and that trait shows in its music. …suddenly I was struck by a rapid succession of "where did this gem come from?" It's good stuff, but you don't realize how good until you've had time to savor it. Unpretentious and earnest, the 17 songs included here are all worthy efforts and offer a pleasant evening's listening. Many of the compositions here already sound like they've been performed at gatherings for decades, if not centuries. More than simple pastiche, this music captures the spirit of older folk and Scottish songs, and if the end result isn't modern, then at least it's timeless. In the long run, that's probably a nobler achievement. - Jayme Lynn Blaschke, Green Man Review


It’s a global wind that blows through Smithfield Fair’s latest CD (Winds of Time).  It tosses about eternal themes of lost loves, yearnings for days that will never return and the ultimate sadness of being alone.  The influence of their Celtic roots is strong, in both the musical composition and themes, but all of the songs and the message at their heart belong to the whole world.  The musicianship is outstanding and I appreciated the fact that the instruments never overwhelmed the message and the beauty of the words. I’ve been a folk music fan for forty years and this CD 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


Smithfield Fair has just turned another corner in their venerable 15 years of existence. The Baton Rouge trio's eighth album symbolizes the ultimate conquest of any musical endeavor by pulling off an applause worthy, 17-track quality affair of all original material. 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. Amazingly, the bulk of these tunes possess a universal nature beyond being part of any Scottish paradigm. They're timeless, in a sense, since many of these motifs are also prevalent throughout centuries of traditional music.  Yet, it's Smithfield Fair who bridges the gap between anything rooted in the past and their own modern sensibility. Musically, it's a combination that can't be beat: succulent arrangements capitalizing on Dudley-Brian Smith's thrashing guitar strumming, wife Jan's gliding accordion stylings and Frang Bladen's heartbeat-emulating bodhran tappings. The vocal harmonies are often chilling, story lines haunting and the articulate deployment of dynamics yields maximum impact. Additionally, Smithfield Fair consistently adjusts the hue by alternating vocalists and dialing in an occasional crafty instrumental. Special guests include guitar slinger David Praet, who peels off many a pristinely picked, galaxy-surfing solo, and fiddler Gina Forsyth who adds to the magic on three tracks. 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 – March 2004

 

Winds of Time is an emotionally touching CD featuring superb instrumentation and spirited vocals evident from the start in the opening tune and title cut, "Winds of Time," featuring great accordion playing by Jan Smith accompanying powerful vocals which get even more  passionate in the following piece, "Yearning."  It's fair to note that Smithfield Fair has a knack for arranging vocals and instrumentation very effectively.  All in all, Smithfield Fair has successfully captured on this CD the many emotions one would feel contemplating the passage of time. – Joanne Gagnon, Celtic Beat Magazine, June/July 2004


The sound is big and dramatic at times, which befits the stirring ballads, but they are also able to handle quieter, more reflective moments. Dudley Brian Smith's voice is strong and personable on 'Twice around the World' and the up-tempo 'Company'. Jan Smith's darker tones suit the more melancholy ballads like 'Love is Eternal', and Frang Bladen's percussion and bodhrán add a solid backdrop to the predominant guitars, mandolin, bass, and accordion. While operating in a Celtic framework, this music is more contemporary folk in style -- songs rather than traditional ballads -- so it crosses borders easily and effectively. Smithfield Fair make good music that I wouldn't mind encountering again sometime. – John O’Regan, Green Man Review, July 2004


Burns Night Out! is a muckle collection of the Highland Bard's greatest hits. Break out your finest aged malts for this one! – Mike Styles, Green Man Review


As always, Smithfield Fair evokes the heart and soul of Scotland. With the band's festive music and vocals, you have a ready-made celebration. All you need to do is provide the haggis! – Lynne Remick, Rambles Cultural Arts Magazine


This trio performs traditional Scottish tunes with a level of artistry and bold enthusiasm that is as infectious as it is transcendent. – Douglas Treadway, Nightflying


For a mere trio, collectively they play an entire music store's worth of instruments. . The harmony vocals are another strong point, subtle but reassuring. A beautiful body of work that invites reflection. – Dan Willging, Off Beat 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 Magazine


…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


If you're not craving a big old steaming hunk of haggis by the time the last song fades from your stereo speakers, you've not got the least smidgen of Scottish blood in your veins. …Paced by Frang Bladen's driving bodhran, Jan Smith's accordion and Dudley-Brian Smith's guitar add just the right measures to bring the whole thing together. …overall reminded me of early Clannad… Dudley-Brian Smith's rapid-fire guitar reminds me of the flamenco stylings of the Gypsy Kings. I've come to expect nothing less from Smithfield Fair. – Jayme Lynn Blaschke, Green Man Review


Smithfield Fair is a champion in the under represented field of domestic Scottish music. – Judith Gennett, The Columbia Gypsy


What began for me as an experimental "listen" to an intriguing CD called Cairdeas would soon become so much more. My most recent experience with Smithfield Fair, in Jacobites By Name, proved absolutely captivating! My admiration for their music has now become a passion. Although the Scots were unable to restore the Stuarts to the throne in 1745, 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 Arts Magazine


Traditional tunes abound, but the original songs sit comfortably side by side with them in a style influenced by traditional hymns rather than modern gospel or Christian rock, and even the traditional songs are often arranged in a fresh way or set to new tunes or lyrics. The playing, particularly Dudley-Brian Smith's mandolin playing, is wonderful, and the harmonies are exquisite. – Dave Soyars, Dirty Linen


Smithfield Fair's music is so evocative and timeless that it's worth mentioning in every page devoted to Scotland. – Max Malignino, Rainsound Magazine, Italy


Smithfield Fair is an innovative trad-based Scottish trio with an energetic pub style. There's not a weak musical moment from beginning to end. These are sets of lungs that could call the ewes across moor and mountain! Break out your finest aged malts for this one! – Mike Stiles, Green Man Review


Smithfield Fair has certainly hit the mark in their attempt to recreate for the audience the life and culture of the Scottish Highlands. …takes the listener back in time to the small villages of Scotland and reminds us that our Celtic traditions are timeless and still very much active. – Andrew Armstrong, Scottish Journal


What makes (this music) so viable revolves around how Smithfield Fair rolls it all into one cohesive whole. The harmony vocals are another strong point, subtle but reassuring. – Dan Willging, Off Beat Magazine


They found old, long-forgotten material and with it, new inspiration. – Debi Moen, Performance Magazine


…songs come heavily misted with the salt spray of Caledonia. – Danny Heitman, The Advocate, Baton Rouge


In The Winter Kirk you will find the true spirit of Christmas -- faith, hope, love and last, but not least, family. – Lynne Remick, Rambles Cultural Arts Magazine


Word-of-mouth continues to spread throughout the Celtic community and abroad. Truly, for this versatile threesome of vocalists and multi-instrumentalists, the jig may soon be up. – Kevin Moreau, Gambit Magazine


…particularly evocative of ancient Scotland. – Ramblings Magazine


Lyrically speaking, Smithfield Fair remain traditionally poetic… Their mysticism has elegance and flair, allowing one to dream pleasantly, revitalizing hope and faith. Being a true Celtic myself, I felt the music in my heart. – Barry Docherty, NO COVER Magazine


Smithfield Fair has the unique ability to bring, with great success, the beauty and rhythms of Scotland to contemporary America. The band has taken its sound worldwide, keeping Scottish traditions alive and vibrant. – CLARION-LEDGER, Jackson, MS


Words nearly fail me to describe the emotion I feel when hearing Jan’s sensational voice…it is just so well done. – Donna Fitch, CEILIDH, Southwest Celtic Music Association


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


a magical quality to mesmerize the listener. … a joy to listen to. – Deborah Berger, Celtic Beat Magazine


Such attention is paid to …these Scottish songs that the listener becomes a traveler through time and space, fairly set down in an old Scottish village pub. Equally magical are Smithfield Fair’s original songs. Every old and new song, every image and motif, every authentic Gaelic phrase is part of the connection linking Smithfield Fair with their beloved Scottish heritage. – Rhythm City Magazine


…manages to weave an infectious spell over the listener. …along with Frang Bladen's mood setting bodhran work, there is a distinct Peter Gabriel vibe… Very nice. – Jayme Lynn Blaschke, Green Man Review


One of the wondrous aspects of this music is its ability to evoke a sense of Scottish pride and conjure the highlands so vividly in the listener’s mind. While listening, you’re sure to believe that Scotland is nary a heartbeat away. – Lynne Remick, Rambles Cultural Arts Magazine


They manage to bring out the beauty of Scottish music through words, which is something most do not ever hear. – James Noriega, Where The Moon Meets The Sea


There are several traditional songs on Cairdeas that just can’t miss, because they are such strong music and because they are branded in every experienced Scots listener’s mind. The harmonies are great and the blend is more likely to light fires in the hearts of nth generation Scotch-Irish than in Celtic edge cutters. – Judith Gennett, The Columbia Gypsy

 

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