Sweet music and lyrics in every way. Contemplative & enjoyable.
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The latest from Baton Rouge’s Smithfield Fair is bound to raise a few eyebrows among its kilted constituency. A core component of the band’s identity, the Scottish-themed material, has been uprooted on the album. Though Smithfield Fair’s signature sound is still intact—breezy arrangements, gliding accordion lines, sustaining harmony notes and feathery guitar picking all done at an unhurried pace—the songwriting is closer to when the band was Charmer, a popular regional Louisiana group (1973-89). The title song frames the philosophical concept of walking through the world in a quest for peace, love, hope and contentment. Along the way, there are messages of parental advice, reflections of youth and passage into adulthood, and realizations of finding peace within oneself. These are hardly earth-shattering concepts but Smithfield Fair always manages to state its points with positive reassurance and calming poise. From the sounds of it, Smithfield Fair seems to be walking through this world just fine, thank you, and savoring every minute of it.
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With (Walking Through This World), Smithfield Fair also continues its tradition of releasing some of the most adventuresome and inspiring music of the genre. The group foregoes recording any traditional numbers, instead offering up an album of 15 well-crafted original tunes. Excellent tracks…marry the group’s mastery of Scottish folk to explorations of modern pop, jazz, folk and blues.  There are even some choice instrumentals which showcase percussionist Frang Bladen’s mastery of the bodhran.  Add in Dudley-Brian Smith’s flawless guitar work, Jan Smith’s silky accordion, Bob Smith’s limber bass and guest spots from guitarist David Praet and percussionist Merel Bregante and you’ve got a winner.  Smithfield Fair is the real deal…
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