[FM] FAME Rwview: Stephan Smith's "Now's The Time" written by Matt Fink

[David N. Pyles]

Now's The Time
Stephan Smith

www.stephansmith.com
11661-3167-2

Rounder Records
One Camp Street
Cambridge, MA 02140 USA

 A review written for the Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange by Matt Fink
(fink@clarion-net.com).

 On the opening track of Steve Earle's classic "El Corazon," the singer
weighs the implications of having a society that seems to be increasingly
indifferent towards social issues, replacing social consciousness with
complacency. To punctuate his feelings, Earle makes a plea for Woody
Guthrie to "come back to us now." And though there haven't been any Woody
Guthrie sightings in recent years, it seems that Earle just might have a
kindred spirit in a young folk singer named Stephan Smith. 

Smith writes songs with a very socially conscious message and if his
full-length debut, "Now's The Time," is any indication, we could be hearing
a lot more from him. Without being overtly political or preachy, Smith
explores the classic themes of great folk music--from tragedy and injustice
to love and hope, all the while maintaining a sense of humor. To call Smith
a throwback to the golden era of folk music would be an
over-simplification. Though he is noticeably derivative, he genuinely
appears to have a vision of what he wants to accomplish with his music and
is not just out to ape the ghosts of the past. No doubt, if "Now's The
Time" had been released 30 years ago, he'd have been pegged as one of the
"new Dylans," though that too would be misleading as Smith's music is truly
timeless and authentic. A fine finger-picker with a pleasantly expressive
voice that brings to mind early Dylan or Arlo Guthrie in its nasal
qualities, the tone of his songwriting is generally more in a social
protest vein. Something like Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'" album
might be a close approximation. Mixing modern and classic metaphors, Smith
doesn't easily fall into the more commercial folk categories of the day. He
truly is reviving the early 60's folksinger archetype by making music with
an overtly progressive, issue-oriented message, underlined by decidedly
old-fashioned stylings. Primarily accompanying himself on acoustic guitar,
with the occasional banjo and harmonica, Smith is a more than competent
musician.

These songs have true purpose, from the opener "Now's The Time" to the a
capella "It's Just Gonna Take Everyone" and then to the poignant "I Need To
Know." Smith's songwriting displays considerable, though simply stated,
depth. Refreshingly optimistic, though never trite or insincere, the thesis
of this album might well be the anthemic "All Together Now," which preaches
a brand of peace and brotherhood that has not been expressed as eloquently
since the days before Dylan plugged in his Stratocaster. Of course, Smith's
songwriting isn't all hugs and rainbows, as he captures the real life
tragedies of the West Paducah school shootings of 1997 in "West Kentucky"
and the tale of police brutality in "Ballad of Abner Louima," which gained
Smith some radio exposure. Smith can write a fine melody, too, as the
mournful "Oh Death" and the hopeful "Peace on Earth" will attest. Many
moods are represented, as well, from the darkly menacing "Another Man Down"
to the light-hearted satire of "The Media Mogul." In fact, there really
isn't a bad track on the entire album, and more than one of these songs
could easily slip into the realm of folk standards.

Stephan Smith is a truly extraordinary artist. In a day when it's far
easier to be cynical, he has emerged as one of the most honestly optimistic
voices of his generation. This being a debut, it's impossible to say where
Smith will go in the future. What is apparent is that Smith is that rare
musician with the potential to have impact beyond the music industry in
that he actually has designs on making a positive contribution to society.
Woody Guthrie might not be coming back any time soon, but Stephan Smith is
making sure that Steve Earle's pleas are not going entirely unanswered.

Track List:

Now's The Time
It's Just Gonna Take Everyone
West Kentucky
Railroad Boy (traditional)

All Together Now
The Chickadee Boom
I Need To Know
Another Man Down
Ballad of Abner Louima
Oh Death
The Media Mogul
Hopelessly and Endlessly in Love
Movin' Down the Line
Peace on Earth

All songs by Stephan Smith except as noted.

Edited by: Mark J. O'Donnell

 Copyright 2000, Peterborough Folk Music Society. This review may be
reprinted with prior permission and attribution. 

================
David N. Pyles
Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange
P. O. Box 459
Brattleboro, VT 05302-0459
(802) 257-0336 Mon-Thur 9:30am-4:30pm
http://www.acousticmusic.com/frames
http://www.acousticmusic.com/frames/fame.htm
=====================
All my relations beneath the sun
I can see myself mirrored in everyone
Still I can forget to see myself in y closest ones
As if the reflection of my nearest mirror
is too much to bear so I can't even hear or
see the truth      as if I needed proof

(So I'm gonna) Sing out a small word for such a big thing
Sing out a small word for such a big thing

from A Small Word by Brian Cutean