Reviews
BLUEGRASS JOURNAL June 2009
by Bill Wagner
"BRIGHT LIGHTS AND AVENUES" OLIVIA SMILEY & MAIN STREET
Olivia Smiley is a young, Indiana fiddler/singer/songwriter with confidence and a wealth of talent. This is her second recording and is backed by her band, Main Street, that includes guitarist/vocalist Jeff Guernsey, banjoist Klint Brown, and bassist Koliin Brown. Michael Cleveland guests throughout on mandolin.
The project opens with two covers and closes with two covers. Of those four songs, the standard "We'll Meet Again Sweetheart" and the cover of Osborne and Pete Goble's "Windy City" deserve mention. Of particular note is the arrangement of "We'll Meet Again....," on which Smiley and Guernsey trade the lead vocals. It makes for a nice twist and is underscored by a chugging rhythmic snap.
The true heart and interest, however, lies in the eight original songs and two instrumentals contributed by Smiley herself---specifically, four of them. The first is the slow, threequarter-time "Love Left For You," which expertly blends a gospel-style melody and a marching rhythm in the vocals. It is the album's highlight. Then comes the wonderful imagery of "Seems Like Yesterday," in which a house once wellkept declines as a father, now alone, does the same. The next is "I'll Be Home," a song that recalls the work of Claire Lynch in its use of direct lyrics a a great melodic hook; the extended solos are also welldone all around. The last of the quartet is the country-swing instrumental, "Bitter Creek," which features Smiley's liquid and bluesy fiddling from start to finish over a snappy, closedchord rhythm.
You could stop there and claim success, but the two aforementioned covers, a couple of lesserbutgood originals, and some tight instrumental support throughout make it all the more so.
Reprinted by permission Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine, www.bluegrassmusic.com 1-800-blu-gras. Copyright June 2009. All rights reserved.
BLUEGRASS JOURNAL
February 26, 2009
by Dan Tackett
"BRIGHT LIGHTS AND AVENUES"
OLIVIA SMILEY & MAIN STREET
Olivia Smiley has already proven herself as a fiddler, compiling more trophies from fiddle contests than you can shake a well-rosined bow at. Now, she's on the path of proving herself as a bona fide bluegrass artist with her second CD, Bright Lights and Avenues, recorded with her backup band, Main Street.
Then, there's guest artist Michael Cleveland, appearing on every track. Yes, that's the same Michael Cleveland who can dazzle the finest fiddlers with his own bow work. But Cleveland repeats the same contribution he made to Smiley's first self-titled CD- adding mandolin tracks. On this particular CD, Cleveland also shared the mix-down chores with Smiley.
On Bright Lights and Avenues, Smiley shows her deft skills with the bow, her voice and her songwriting abilities, having penned 9 of the CD's generous 14 tunes. She also dredges up a couple of gems from the deep vault, the Wilburn Brothers' "Arkansas" and the great Flatt and Scruggs classic, "We'll Meet Again Sweetheart."
Smiley's fine backup band includes guitarist Jeff Guernsey, who steps up and renders a fine lead vocal on several tracks, banjo player Klint Brown and bass player Kolin Brown.
On Smiley's Web site is a list of upcoming tour dates. It's not a long list, but I'd bet it grows. Watch for her to come to your favorite festival - and in the interim, pick up Bright Lights and Avenues for a very listenable preview.
Dave Higgs Nashville Public Radio
BLUEGRASS BREAKDOWN
It's great to hear from you again and to see that you've raised the high lonesome bar even higher. What a spectacular sophomore release. There's not even a hint of the dreaded sophomore slump here--not with your gorgeous voice, killer originals, tough-edged arrangements and your high production ethic. These songs just crackle and sizzle with some real energy and life. I especially enjoyed "We'll Meet Again Sweetheart" (what a great idea to do this as a duet), "Arkansas," "I Hope We Always Dance This Way" (what a beautiful instrumental), "Seems Like Yesterday," (some truly stellar singing) and "A Prisoner's Tale" (every bluegrass album needs a song like this--and a singer/guitarist like Jeff Guernsey). I was pretty sure you were destined for greatness the time I did the Bluegrass Now piece. Now I'm sure of it!
REVIEWS
BLUEGRASS UNLIMITED
June 2006 Issue
OLIVIA SMILEY Although still in her teens, fiddler and vocalist Olivia Smiley has accomplished more in just a few years than most artists experience throughout their entire career. Besides being a superb fiddler and dynamic lead vocalist, she has won numerous awards at various music and fiddle contests throughout the country. This self-titled compact disc is her first solo recording and proves to be the perfect vehicle for showcasing her multiple talents. For this endeavor, she is accompanied by several accomplished musicians including the compact disc's producer, Jeff Guernsey (guitar and vocals), Brian Leaver (banjo), Lauren Guernsey (bass) and Meredith Needham (harmony vocals). Guest Michael Cleveland provides some soulful mandolin playing throughout the 13 tracks.The majority of the selections are well-crafted originals of Miss Smiley. The two exceptions are instrumental arrangements of "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down" and the Gershwin swing classic "Lady Be Good". Most of the lead vocals are handled by Olivia, except on "Long Walk To Richmond" performed by Jeff Guernsey. Just a few of the highlights featured in this remarkable collection include "Windy Day," the stirring ballad "Mine Alone," "A Soldier's Lullaby," "Road Trip," and the bluesy "Don't You Love Me Like That." The contents of this impressive body of music clearly establishes Olivia Smiley as one of the most promising bluegrass musicians among todays youth, and it is going to be an exhilarating experience to follow the progress of her career in the years ahead. (email Olivia at olivia@smileyfarms.net) LM
Reprinted by permission Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine, 1-800-BLU-GRAS,
Copyright June 2006. All rights reserved.
Les McIntyre is a contributing writer for Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine
review by Robert Steelman
Nov-Dec 2006
I'll cut to the chase. Get this one! Newcomer Olivia Smiley has burst onto the bluegrass scene in a big way with this self-titled debut album. Still in her teens, she demonstrates a talent as a fiddler/singer/songwriter that should be the envy of many in the music business. As a 14-year-old, Olivia caught the eye - and ear - of Jeff Guernsey, who produced this project and provided the guitar work. She gets some good backing from Michael Cleveland on mandolin, Brian Leaver on banjo and Lauren Guernsey on bass. Meredith Needham provides harmony vocals. The music is varied but tasteful, ranging from the bouncy Don't You Love Me Like That to the relaxed Mine Alone. There's also a nice, rousing instrumental version of Don't Let Your Deal Go Down. Other songs include Windy Day, Without a Doubt, Beside You In Your Heart, You Made My Day, Long Walk To Richmond, A Soldier's Lullaby, Road Trip, She'll Carry On and Lady Be Good. BMP www.bluegrassmusicprofiles.com
BLUEGRASS NOW.
Sept 2006
OLIVIA SMILEY self-released, olivia@smileyfarms.net, playing time 44:30
It is always a joy when accomplished young musicians select bluegrass as a venue to display their talents. Olivia Smiley, with the release of her self-titled CD, displays her amazing talents as a vocalist, musician. and songwriter. Her fiddle talents have earned her both the Kentucky and Ohio State Fiddle Championships, the Indiana State Championship, and second place at the National Walnut Valley Festival (two times). Olivia's self-titled CD is a "must-hear" recording for all bluegrass fans.
Olivia wrote 11 of the songs on her debut recording and the lyrics cover a wide range of themes and emotions. In fact they display maturity and insight which belie her youth. Some, like "You Mad My Day" and "Main Street," are lighthearted and uplifting. Others, like "Windy Day" and "A Soldier's Lullaby" will remind you why there's a blue in bluegrass. "Long Walk to Richmond" has the feel of an old standard while "Without A Doubt" is refreshingly progressive. The song selection and placement make this a recording a complete and cohesive project.
The strength and beauty of Olivia's vocal work is most pleasing. Listening to "Mine Alone" and "She'll Carry On" illustrate her enormous depth and range. As impressive as her fiddling and song writing skills might be, her voice is her strongest asset.
The talented musicians who assist Olivia on this project are Michael Cleveland (mandoliin and vocal harmony), Jeff Guernsey (guitar and vocal), Brian Leaver (banjo), and Lauren Guernsey (bass). Talk about a strong support group! Instrumentation is excellent on every song.
This talented musician has a very bright future and will most likely reward us with years of outstanding music! LM
Reprinted by permission Bluegrass Now Magazine
Larry Mullen is a contributing writer for Bluegrass Now Magazine