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Little Black Angels

from Jonah Smith by Jonah Smith

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    Mixing blue-eyed soul vocals with swampy Southern Americana, Jonah Smith taps into a distinctive and inviting singer/songwriter groove on his nationally distributed debut for the Relix label (he has two previous indie records). The sound is similar to that of the Band, reinforced by the appearance of that group's organist/horn player, Garth Hudson. Even though Hudson only officially contributes to one track, his presence looms large over the project. Still, this is very much Smith's album, and it is his songs and especially his warm voice -- somewhat like a combination of the Band's Levon Helm and Richard Manuel -- that makes these tunes come alive. Most songs ride a midtempo rhythm, barely breaking a sweat but connecting by sheer melodic force and Smith's charming, low-key singing. There is also a touch of Elton John's Tumbleweed Connection in the rootsy sound. The production and especially the sympathetic horn charts support the songs in supple and subtle ways. "Everything Is New," in particular, floats by like a dream you want to remember more of. Characters in Smith's songs are generally a sad lot, but all are searching for, and expect to find, better days. David Soler's guitar, especially his pedal steel, bolsters these songs without calling undue attention to itself. The unhurried quality of the album in no way makes it bland. Rather, these gorgeous songs drift on clouds of electric piano with traces of gospel, jazz, and blues added to the Southern singer/songwriter style. Smith's talented four-piece band supports the sound without overwhelming the material. Those familiar with the work of Randall Bramblett are encouraged to check out Smith, since both wade in similar waters. An extra track not listed on the back cover, "I Feel More Like I Did Back Then (Than I Do Right Now)," finds Smith edging into Dylan's late-'60s period. There is a hypnotic quality to this release and production that, like the best albums, stays on the back burner yet beckons the listener back for another spin. (Hal Horowitz - Allmusic.com)

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  • Full Digital Discography

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    releases

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    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of A Captive Audience For Captain Obvious, The New Forevers, Listen Close, Stay Close, Easy Prey, Skyscraper Blues, In The Kitchen, Little Known Cure, and 7 more. , and , .

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lyrics

Little Black Angels

Little black angels
Calling my name
Tell my brothers
That there’s no shame

In calling out for love
When you’re alone
I’ve been waiting for love to answer me
To explain these senseless things that come to be

Little black angels
Out on the street
Keep your mothers
Down on their knees

‘cause I realized so long ago
That a damaged soul will never stay too long
And if you break my heart again, I’ll be gone

Leave the candle lit
On the windowsill
You’re faith won’t let you quit
This time

Little black angels
Coming for me
Tell my brothers
To go in peace

I decided long ago
That this life here on earth is worth a try
And I’ll break my back before I let my spirit die

credits

from Jonah Smith, track released June 27, 2006
Jonah Smith: vocals, rhodes, piano, songs
Ben Rubin: electric and acoustic bass
David Soler: electric guitars, acoustic guitar, pedal steel
Marko Djordjevic: drums, percussion
Bob Reynolds: tenor saxophone, clarinet + invaluable assistance with the horn charts

Guest Musicians
Elliot Mason – Trombone on Everything (Intro) and Everything is New
Brad Mason – Trumpet, Flugelhorn on Everything (Intro) and Everything is New
Garth Hudson – Accordion on Cast A Long Shadow
Carrie Rodriguez – Harmony Vocals and Fiddle on Stay Awhile
Bill Frisell - electric guitar on Stay Awhile

Produced by Lee Townsend – a Songline/Tonefield production

Adam Munoz - Chief Engineer
Jeremy Backoff - Asst. Engineer
Steve Bernstein – Executive Producer
Ross Elliot – A&R, calling people baby
Jonathan Schwartz – A&R
Edward jahn - Cover art
Greg Kessler – Photography
Richard Bloom – Art Direction

Recorded at The Studio, Woodstock, NY
Additional Recording at Mission Sound, Brooklyn, NY
Mixed at Tainted Blue, New York and @
San Francisco Sound Works by Lee & Adam
Assistant engineer at San Francisco Soundworks: Loredana Palomares
Mastered at Sterling Sound, NY by Greg Calbi
Marko exclusively plays Mapex drums, Zildjian Cymbals, & Evans Drumheads with Vater Sticks (but still badly needs a clothing endorsement).
Frisell Recorded at Flora Studio, Seattle by Tucker Martine

All songs written by Jonah Smith except where otherwise noted

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