Debi's fourth solo CD, Cupid, released in January 2005, has been called "an incredible CD...truly memorable...nothing short of amazing" by Music Monthly Magazine, and "colorful...lovely...clever... not to be missed" by The Washington Post. Christine Lavin says, "There are a few folk performers who are not only great writers and performers, but also born with the gift of a naturally beautiful singing voice...now with her her album "Cupid", Debi's vocal range is that much more impressive. Her fans will be thrilled." Co-produced by Debi with Billy Kemp, Cupid includes appearances by Doc Watson, Kemp, pianist Jon Carroll, and dobroist Mike Auldridge.
Two of the songs, "Cupid" and "Drivin'", are co-written with Billy Kemp, who greatly influenced Debi in the creation of this album. "We just hit it off, musically and personally, right away", says Debi. "Creating this album with Billy was pure magic". Her most requested song, "Pass it On", about watching a child grow up, makes its recording debut. The song, "Pie", is co-written with Debi's paternal grandmother, Ruth Morgan Smith. Debi took an excerpt from her Nebraskan grandmother's dustbowl diary and wrote the song; Doc Watson adds a warm note to its production. "My Kinda Man", co-written with Tom Paxton, swings light-heartedly with the guitar and piano work of Billy Kemp and Jon Carroll. The traditional "Water is Wide", and the live version of "Rainbow" soar under Smith and Kemp's musical kinship. Debi brings her ever-expanding versatile stylings and voice to this project, and explores new vocal and songwriting arenas.
Debi Smith comes from the Washington, D.C. area. Aside from solo performances, she is a member of The Four Bitchin' Babes and The Smith Sisters (with sister Megan). Her songs have been recorded by a growing number of artists including Tom Paxton, whose most recent album containing a song of Debi's was nominated for a Grammy in 2004. Her song, "Virginia", was selected as a finalist for the Virginia state song. Debi's third solo album ("Red Bird Red") was picked as one of the years best by the Washington Post. Debi's other recordings include the musicianship of such luminaries as Doc and Merle Watson, Mark O'Connor, and John Jennings (M.C. Carpenter). She has received seven Washington Area Music Awards (Wammies) including Best Vocalist, New Artist, and Contemporary Folk Album. Debi has been featured on All Things Considered, Prairie Home Companion, Mountain Stage, PBS, CBS Sunday Morning, and Country Music Television (CMT); and has performed at venues such as The Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Minneapolis's Guthrie Theatre, Nashville's Bluebird, Cambridge's Saunders Theatre, The Birchmere, NYC's Bottom Line, The Ark, Merlefest, Kerrville, Philadelphia and Winnipeg Festivals, and Wolftrap.
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