Valerie Smith
That's What Love Can Do
Bell Buckle Records - BBR017
(Review by Pete Milano)
Rating:

Valerie Smith, what a great singer, musician, dancer and most of all, person. The Gibson Brothers sing a song about a love and how after she walks into a room everything is focused around her. When Valerie Smith walks on stage or in a room everything is focused on her. This woman, mother, wife and performer has it all. There really doesn't have to be a review of any CD that Valerie creates as they are all equally excellent with each having it's own distinct positive attributes.

It has been eight years since Valerie created her first CD. This CD presents the well-honed, smooth and very palatable side of Valerie Smith. If you are looking for that bluegrass sound that is recognized by the presence of a banjo played with that 3-fingered style we are all used to hearing, then it's absence will be realized quickly. If you like the Alison Krauss instrument configuration of using a Dobro in lieu of a banjo for many songs then you will enjoy this CD immensely. There is a spattering of banjo here that augments the presentation rather than a constant presence. But don't let that stop you from picking up this CD and benefit from great mandolin, Dobro, fiddle performances and most of all Valerie's singing.

If you can get to any of Valerie Smith's shows do so as soon as you can. You will then be able to witness this high energy and enthusiastic entertainer. And, not to forget to mention her great dancing all of which will cause you to have most pleasant memories of the performance for a long time. If you purchase a CD from her and ask for an autograph you will find yourself being greeted not only with a pleasant smile but also by a new friend. She is just that kind of person that has something that acts as a magnet for everyone within eyeshot.

1. Heaven Is Waiting Sound Bite
2. Fill My Every Need
3. In Those Mines
4. Engineer
5. Healing Hills
6. Buzzed
7. Falling Sound Bite
8. Sarah Hogan
9. Rocky Island/Sally Goodin
10. Planet Or A Star
11. That's What Love Can Do Sound Bite
12. Thunder Clouds Of Love
13. Peace Of The River

• Valerie Smith
• Becky Buller - Vocals/Fiddle/Clawhammer Banjo/Guitar/Songwriter
• John Wesley Lee - Mandolin/Mandola/Guitar/Tunesmith
• Jessica Lee - Vocals/Bass
• Matt Leadbetter - harmony vocals
• Jason Johnson - Guitar/Banjo
• Chris Eldridge - Guitar on tracks 3, 7, 11
• Andy Hall - Resophonic Guitar
• Megan McCormick - Guitar on tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 13
• Pat McInemy - percussion on tracks 4, 6, 13
• Russell Moore - harmony vocals on tracks 3, 7
• Missy Ranes - Bass on tracks 4, 6,13
• Patton Wages - Banjo on tracks 7
• Matt Wingate - Guitar on tracks 5, 8, 9, 12

Website
Valerie Smith

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