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The Sounding Board by R J Lannan |
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RJ Lannan is the reviewer for The Sounding Board. |
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| Gardens Of Hope |
| By Frank Smith |
| Label: Open Tune Music |
| Released 4/24/2007 |
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| Gardens Of Hope tracks |
1. Inspired By a True Story 
2. Chasing the Shade
3. Gardens of Hope
4. Anything For a Smile
5. Bella Vita
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6. Out of My Hands
7. It’s All Good
8. Soothe
9. Porch With a View
10. Crossroads
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Gardens Of Hope |
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Frank Smith is plainly a guitarist's guitarist. He has melody. He has composition and he has style. He planted the seeds for Gardens of Hope long ago, but nothing happen overnight, you know. You must nurture and provide care. You must add patience and love. Finally, it comes to fruition. I have to admit that the overall feel of the contemporary guitar and ensemble album is, to me, something anachronistic.
Gardens of Hope has the sound and feel that made Windham Hills and Narada incredibly famous in the early eighties. That is not a bad thing and it is hardly ironic. Involved in the recording is legendary guitarist Will Ackerman as producer and side man, Michael Manring on fretless bass, T-Bone Wolk on bass, Jeff Pearce on ambient guitar, Jeff Oster on flugelhorn and Eugene Friesen on cello. There are more performers that will be mentioned later. They are a who's who of talents in the contemporary music industry. Smith was destined for success from the very first note.
Three instruments sound like an orchestra on the opening tune Inspired by a True Story. Jill Haley plays a haunting accompaniment on English horn to Smith's sensitive guitar lead and T-bone's subtle bass. Inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere. Sometimes just sitting on the balcony and taking advantage of the quiet time is all you need.
Chasing the Shade is a modest celebration of discovery. It is placid tune guaranteed to ease away the cares of the day. Just two guitars in parallel playing sweetly that allow you write your own signature on the day whether it is on a scrap of paper with bold, blue pen or in the sky with white, gossamer ink.
The title tune Gardens of Hope represents a powerful, living breathing entity. It offers the miraculous connection of music so important to wellness. The melody cast hopeful glances on sun-warmed faces and the assurance of revitalization where it can be had. Smith uses his music as blessed therapy for those that must take the promising infusion of chemicals and radiation at a Florida hospital. There is not a more worthy use for the healing properties of music.
For some, unequivocal surrender is a demonstration of faith. It is not like falling backward and hoping someone you trust might catch you. This ascends to a much higher level. This more like jumping off a metaphysical cliff and knowing that you will not fall. It is not called a leap of faith for nothing. Frank has made the leap and lands safely within his tune Out of My Hands. The tune is simple, beautiful and uncomplicated. Just like faith. Pearce and Manring appear peripherally and their presence is noteworthy.
Everyone encounters one at least once in his or her life, a crossroad. For some it is a time of confusion. A dullness of the mind and spirit that can lead to a place of unknowing. You can sit by the side of the road and cry or you can take a step. And then another, and another. No matter what you believe, something will change. Without change, there is no victory. Frank's finale (Crossroads) is an expression of change and the results is can produce. It is absolutely inspirational.
Frank Smith's music is one of the reasons I love this genre. His production defines the genre. I cannot believe that just a short time ago Frank was doing open mikes and probably bar mitzvahs. I do know now that his music is a restorative tonic for the body and the spirit. His warm, unpretentious style and his knack for combining sympathetic instrumentation is remarkable. I am going to keep listening to this one for a long, long time.
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Rating: Excellent  |
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- reviewed by RJ Lannan on 7/22/2007 |
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