CD Review
Everett Smithson Band
Copperheads and Featherbeds
Simmontree Records
by Rich Benson
Review date: August 2006
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
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Everett and Kathy Smithson and their band deliver a solid helping of blues and zydeco here which seems to travel all the way from one end of the Mississippi River to the other. Everett’s deep, husky vocals and low, heavy, muscular harp playing drive most of the songs, backed by Kathy on either rub board or accordion. On the zydeco of “Calling All Cows” Kathy gets a chance to show off her beautiful voice and squeezebox technique. She brings a little attitude and humor to both, nailing this solid cover. Everett’s singing and playing on “It’s Mighty Crazy” sets a retro, atmospheric tone on a great Otis Hicks cover. The versatile, tasteful tones of Phil Schmid’s guitar adds richness and depth to the songs. The solid, talented rhythm section of Jeremy Johnson on drums and Bill Black on bass provide the steady, strong foundation for the other players.
This is a mix of well chosen songs, great for listening or dancing. “Hurricane” finds Everett blowing his harp slow and soft, singing the same way, and bringing his vocals and harp up to a raging storm of great music. The bands plays very together here, all the musicians helping to create a sense of foreboding over the gathering storm and then letting loose with their playing to evoke the power of a hurricane. “Fat Man” seems to be Everett’s theme song. He shows his humor as well as his harp and vocals on this solid number. The CD ends with the energy and attitude of zydeco on “No Good for Me.” Kathy shows off vocal strengths here, giving the listener nice range, energy, rich vibrato, and plenty of passion. The veteran players move easily from traditional blues to New Orleans funk and zydeco. If you like traditional blues and zydeco featuring some great playing and singing on less familiar songs, this CD is for you.
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