Album Notes

For nearly 40 years, the trio now known as Smithfield Fair has created 'uncommon music' - a skillful blending of warm jazzy harmonies, grooving rhythms, ringing acoustic instruments, lilting accordion and piano lines, and a folky, laid-back mix of styles from Celtic to swing to gospel to swamp pop to a capella. All singer/songwriters, the Smith family has a long tradition of bucking tradition, style and convention. Subject matter covers love, travel, literature, memories, reminiscence, frustration, disappointment, wishes, daydreaming and more. Guitarist Dudley-Brian Smith uses open tunings and energy to move songscapes along, to which fretless bassist Bob Smith creates counterpoint and accordionist Jan Smith dances her reeds above and through. Their 'blood harmonies' are strong and intricate and audiences continually comment how mesmerizing are these three voices. Every New Day continues the group's record of strong songwriting and an unusual perspective on issues. All of this blends to form the 'uncommon music' of Smithfield Fair described by one reviewer as 'folky pop haunted by jazz tendencies and Celtic edges.'