Redemption Road
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A veteran singer-songwriter from Savannah, Georgia, the multi-instrumentalist Greg Smith knows his way around a very thoughtful tune that embraces, folk, country and even pop sounds, and he’s got Zack Greene, Bob Duncan, Tom Murray and Campbell Tunney with him.
Smith places the title track in the lead position, where warm, mesmerizing acoustic guitar aligns well with his poetic, soft singing as quick drumming enters the emotive landscape, and “Amarillo” follows with flowing guitar, where a timeless folk quality is present with much eloquence.
Deeper into Chapter One, “San Joaquin Station” brings a sublime intimacy as Murray’s precise percussion adds much to the lovely climate, while “Snowfall” emits a lush and expressive display of pop influences amid the reflective tone.
Chapter Two starts with the darker approach of “Redemption Redux”, where Smith handles keys in the brief, ominous environment, and “Go” follows with much strategic tuba from Tunney helping lay down the atmospheric and introspective album highlight. “Ten Sinners” exits this portion of the listen with fuller drumming and thicker guitars that approach rugged rock territory, which segues well into the tuba and guitars working together playfully, skillfully and, most importantly, memorably on the final track, “Fais Do-do”.
Now 10 albums deep into a very respected career, Smith’s attention to detail and articulate wordplay won’t go unnoticed on this rich, forthright and sometimes haunting listen that draws you in immediately.
Travels well with: Deep Rivers- Nothing Even Happens To Me; Cody Lee- Woodpecker Crisis