Nothing So Simple.
author: Andrew Smereck
Don't be misled by the Luddite design of the plain brown, hand-pressed disc jacket of Putnam Smith's new CD, This Blue. The simple cover conceals a gathering of complex, first-rate music that is subtly and entirely modern.
Seeking the truth in a more Old-Time sound than Smith's previous release, East Broadway, This Blue is a low-key parade of sadness and serenity. The opening banjo of Not Why I'm Blue soon gives way to carefully orchestrated cello and soft female vocals. Smith's vocals hold our attention, making Lightning Strikes and Seaside Motel weigh heavy with solitude. Tin Cup is a strikingly true poem about heartbreak. Most strongly on Sunday Blues, Putnam Smith shows his grounding in the play-then-vocalize-then-play style of old. The energetic high comes with Hummingbird Song, as a single banjo carries all the pulse of a dance single. He spills his fears about the passage of time in Settle Down With Me. The curtain comes down for Through My Teeth, with a solitary piano making all rhythms seem possible.
The effect is slyly cumulative, as sad songs sound happy, happy songs sound sad, and no song keeps it slow for long. Putnam Smith has made a move away from urban excess, but clearly he still knows how to gather an elegant, wistful party. And go ahead- put your feet up on the table.
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moving timeless and awesome
author: gabriel zacchai
Putnam's music grows on you little by little until you begin waking at 3 am humming his tunes. I've listened this CD into the ground. (and I'm still listening to it)
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spectrum of blues
author: Del Norris
A prismatic blues journey of emotions and sound that have touched each and everyones soul. By far one of the best blues CD!
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fast deep blues
author: jeremy galland
a new sounding, impressively original take mixing the classic genres blues, jazz, and bluegrass. leave it in your cd player and enjoy.
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