BJ Smith - Dedications to the Greats Four \'Don\'t Be Cruel\'

Description Reviews Description: Long-time NuNorthern Soul contributor, B.J. Smith is a man in demand, dividing his time between solo work, playing guitar in Crazy P man James Barons popular JIM outfit, collaborating in a variety of well-regarded projects (Smith & Mudd, Bison and White Elephant amongst them) and composing for TV. Due to this impressive list of musical commitments, solo releases have been few and far between of late, with Smiths most recent NuNorthern Soul release, a stripped back version of his Big Sur single, dropping late 2023. It\'s been ever longer since he delivered a volume in his popular and ongoing Dedications To The Greats series, where the singer-songwriter and composer successfully turns his hand to other peoples songs. Since debuting the series on NuNorthern Soul in 2013 via revelatory and inspired covers of tracks by Mos Def and the Pharcyde, Smith has covered cuts by Outkast, Prefab Sprout and Soul II Soul. On volume four, Smiths first volume in the series for five years, he delivers a cover of a cover a revolutionary and imaginative interpretation of Billy Swans Dont Be Cruel, itself a version of a song first made famous by Elvis Presley. It was their mutual love of Swans version that brought Smith together with the releases most prominent guest artist, Joe Harvey-Whyte, whose lilting, bittersweet and deeply emotive pedal steel performances can be heard across the EP. Smith provides three contrasting takes. The EP is led by the Mother Earth version, a slowly unfurling epic in which waves of effects-laden pedal steel and sun-splashed picking acoustic guitars usher in Smiths eyes-closed vocalisations, settling into a groove reminiscent of his collaborative work with long-time friend and collaborator Paul Mudd Murphy that showcases Harvey-Whyte centre stage to joyful effect. As the 14-minute epic progresses, were treated to long, languid electric guitar solos, percussion-laden slow-motion builds and hazy, stretched-out organ solos. Its a breathlessly brilliant concoction thats a million miles away from either Swan or Presleys versions. In contrast, the similarly epic Earth Heart version available in full vocal and instrumental takes pushes the song front and centre. Following an extended build up, where Tamar Osborns gorgeous and fluid flute motifs rub shoulders with languid guitar solos and Harvey-Whytes pedal steel, Smith takes to the mic, delivering an emotive performance of the songs heartfelt lyrics over a hushed, slow-motion groove. The track builds in waves as it progresses, with Smith layering up instrumentation as it rolls towards a fine conclusion. Completing a superb package is the Root Heart Version, a Balearic-meets-Americana take built around shuffling drums, toasty bass guitar, extended pedal steel instrumentation, flashes of flute and Smiths sun-bright acoustic guitar. Loved-up and more than a little saucer-eyed, its a bona-fide sunset delight. (0 ) Reviews: No reviews yet. Be the first to review! Write a Review Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked. You must be logged in to post a review.