[FM] review of Christopher Smith's CD "Sweet River Grace"

[celtic-folk@surfnetusa.com]

Below is my review of Christopher Smith's CD "Sweet River Grace".

To see the review nicely formatted in your web browser, please view
the version at:

http://www.surfnetusa.com/celtic-folk/fr-ChristopherSmith.htm

To see the entire folk and celtic CD review index:

http://www.surfnetusa.com/celtic-folk/index.html
-------------------------------------------------------------------
                            A Review of the CD
                            "Sweet River Grace"
                            by Christopher Smith
-------------------------------------------------------------------
"Sweet River Grace"
by Christopher Smith

copyright 2002
Small Time Productions
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/csmith and
http://www.christophersmithmusic.com and
mailto:cjsmith@marin.marin.k12.ca.us

This review is written by Kevin McCarthy, 5/02
"Kevin's Celtic & Folk Music CD Reviews"
http://www.surfnetusa.com/celtic-folk/index.html
mailto:celtic-folk@surfnetusa.com

One of the requirements of any good tale is to not have a telegraphed
ending or punchline. One musn't see the conclusion coming. Subterfuge or
concealment isn't necessarily a storytelling prerequisite, but writing and
delivering so that the reader or listener doesn't cross the finish line
first is a must. Christopher Smith has such tale-telling talent.

In "Sweet River Grace," his first adult release, this kindergarten teacher
skips to and fro over a variety of subjects and generally provides a clever
twist or unseen punch, but all with a sweet delivery.

His most pointed offering is "Mary & Joe." Not until the end of the first
verse does one catch on that Smith is singing about the biblical Mary and
Joseph. When Joe hogs the covers at night, Mary simply nudges him and says:
"Joe, it's your turn to let the donkey out." Throughout this cut, Smith
tosses out such lines and phrases as Mary, speaking of her pregnancy,
"heaven know where he came from," and having a "little lamb." The song
highlights the virtues of Mary and Joe's relationship, concluding with:

     "...There's all this waitin' on some savior
     To come on back and run the show
     Well you can keep your son in heaven Lord, send back
     Mary and Joe
     Just send on back, Mary and Joe..."

The title cut, "Sweet River Grace," details the sad ending of a
relationship:

     "...Sweet River Grace, flow to my door
     'Cause I can't stay here anymore
     Carry me to some restful place
     Wash me away, Sweet River Grace..."

"Perfect World" depicts the wondrous throes of infatuation. Unfortunately,
a friend horns in on the relationship and, with a Holden Caulfieldesque
last line, Smith sings:

     "...Bobby couldn't help himself
     He started turnin' on the charm
     Soon he was ringin' Lyla's bell
     And I was just a false alarm
     In a perfect world
     A goddamn perfect world..."

Male bravado gets a righteous bashing in "On My Cheek." A seventh-grader,
back from his first dance, dials up a friend and shares that his date
kissed him--on the cheek. Instead of congratulations, his buddy lambastes
him for not getting any tongue. Unable to sleep later that night, the
rebuked junior high student relates:

     "...I savored my insomnia
     I loved it all the more
     The way she kissed me on the cheek
     Than if she nailed me on the floor..."

Years later, still thinking about that night, he speaks of his then-friend:

     "...There's just one thing I'd like to add
     To that old phone call from the past
     I'm glad she put it on my cheek
     And you can stick it up your ass"

The opening song, "Applesauce," sweetly twines nature's harvest with a more
bountiful human one.

Be prepared with "Dead Horse Trampoline"--you'll never view gymnastics in
quite the same light again.

Smith possesses a pleasing, if not a booming voice and utilizes a number of
talented backing musicians, including two members of The Waybacks: James
Nash and Chojo Jacques.

This is simply an enjoyable release. Your life will not be unalterably
changed by it but it will be enhanced.

Smith, on vocals, octave mandolin, mandolin and guitar, is backed by
Michael Arrow on drums and triangle; John Lester on bass; Chojo Jacques on
fiddle and tremolo mandolin, James Nash on mandolin and guitar, Lindalou
and Michael Ryge on vocals, Peter Tracy on vocals and guitar, Noah Hammond
on harmonica and vocals; Duncan Draper on accordion, keyboard and piano and
Klaudia Promessi on saxophone.

Track List:

   * Applesauce (3:52)
   * Mary & Joe (5:24)
   * Perfect World (4:10)
   * Dead Horse Trampoline (4:06)
   * Sweet River Grace (4:45)
   * Get Rich Or Move (3:29)
   * Overtown (3:15)
   * On My Cheek (4:04)
   * Cinderella's Shoes (4:18)
   * Cozy Corner (3:52)
   * Home For Beginners (3:15)

All songs written by Christopher Smith.

Ownership, copyright and title of this folk music CD review belongs to me,
Kevin McCarthy. Ownership, copyright and title are not transferable or
assignable to you or other parties regardless of how or if you or other
parties use, copy, save, backup, store, retrieve, transmit, display,
publish, modify or share the CD review in whole or in part. Please read the
"Terms, Conditions and Disclaimer" section on my web site for additional
information about using, quoting, or reprinting this CD review.

Send inquiries to: celtic-folk@surfnetusa.com.




================================================
Kevin McCarthy
mailto:celtic-folk@surfnetusa.com
Celtic & Folk Music CD Reviews
http://www.surfnetusa.com/celtic-folk/index.html


[Alan sez: I've been a Christopher Smith fan for a couple of years now. I think he's one of the most interesting and innovative writers on our scene. Bright, funny, and a little twisted. Highly recommended!]