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
BLUEGRASS MUSIC PROFILES
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.
by Robert Steelman 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
Olivia Smiley, a 17-year-old accomplished fiddler/singer/songwriter, has just released her first solo, all-accoustic, bluegrass album. A classically trained musician since the age of 4, Olivia became interested in different styles of music and began competing in fiddle contests throughout the Midwest. At the age of 14, she fell in love with the traditional sounds of bluegrass music, and for the past three years, she has been a member of bluegrass bands in Indiana and Kentucky.
Still in high school, this 17-year-old has already obtained the acclaimed titles of Kentucky and Ohio State Fiddle Champion and Governor's Cup winner. In addition, she is also a two-time winner at the Indiana State Fiddle Championships, three-time winner of the Indiana State Fair, and most recently the runner-up at the National Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, for the second time.
Distinguished musicians and some of her greatest influences have joined Olivia on this project. Michael Cleveland, three-time International Bluegrass Music Association's Fiddle Player of the year, contributes on the mandolin and harmony vocals. Jeff Guernsey, former fiddler for Vince Gill, adds his impeccable guitar playing as well as lead and harmony vocals to this CD. A member of the Wildwood Valley Boys, Brian Leaver plays banjo while Lauren Guernsey, member of Louisville's Storefront Congregation, adds bass. Meredith Needham adds harmony vocals. This team of Indiana musicians has introduced a new, innovative approach to traditional bluegrass music.
The majority of this album consists of original material featuring Olivia on fiddle and lead vocals. She hopes the fresh sound on this CD captures the attention of listeners of all ages.
www.oliviasmiley.com
www.myspace.com/oliviasmiley
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