Published by The Rock River Times (Rockford, IL) - June 23-29, 1999
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last weekend's Greater Rockford Blues Festival only made you want some
more good music, then Sunday's Cafe Espresso show made Borders Bookstore
the place to quench that desire.
Pistol Pete and F.M. Smith proved a satisfying treat to the blues-thirsty patrons visiting Cafe Espresso at Borders Sunday afternoon. What a cool and refreshing way to top off a hot weekend of the blues. On tap for the relaxed and friendly Father's Day audience included several original songs co-written by Pete and Smith. The mostly mellower selections performed ranged from the classic, rural genres of blues to the more modern, urban-influenced styles. The traditional sound of "Gonna Come a Day," written by Smith for Pete's album Loaded, became such a favorite, Smith told the audience he put two versions of it on his CD, Red Guitar. "Gonna Come a Day" features Smith's powerful vocals with Pete slipping in towards the end with some scat for extra flavor. "Michael Dances with the Buffalo," an instrumental piece written in remembrance of the late acoustic guitar great Michael Hedges, conveys the feel of travel. The song might make a good soundtrack for driving down Highway 61 (the Blues Highway) on its most famous stretch between Memphis and New Orleans. The song also features the folky, country elements of Smith's guitar style. Pete played flamenco guitar riffs, giving the music an ethnic flavor. According to Pete, his interest in the acoustic guitar and the associated styles of performance brought him back to his musical roots. "I love to play the acoustic. I learned to play on one. I've been studying different styles. My next CD, Full Moon, will be all acoustic." From Pete's bottleneck bravado on "Coming Back Home," to the string-slapping scale trip on "World Keeps Turning," Pete's guitar technique flows through, regardless of what ax he swings. The contrasting styles of Pete and Smith give their performance a noticeable edge. Imagine Jimi Hendrix and Stephen Stills collaborating on some tunes. By employing the gritty flash that grew from Robert Johnson to Jimi Hendrix's full-blown urban style, Pete earned a dual reputation
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for
the subtle as well by adding in the uncomplicated Stephen Stills/Joni Mitchell
rural approach to the blues. Both men support each song equally,
but they approach it from a different angle.
As the Cafe Espresso show drew to a close, Smith left the audience with a few confounding words of wisdom: "Walk in peace and remember to iron your face in the morning." F.M. Smith's newest CD, Red Guitar, and Pistol Pete's CD, the self-titled Pistol Pete, are available at Borders. Pistol Pete's upcoming CD, Full Moon, has no official release date. A Few Words with F.M. Smith Although F.M. Smith's name may appear unfamiliar to many local music fans, his collaborations with Pistol Pete make his words and harmonies recognizable to thousands of listeners. The duo began their partnership in 1991, when Smith caught Pistol Pete at an area gig. As Smith explains, "I met Pete at a rougher time in my life. I saw him playing, and I thought 'I'm writing songs with this guy.'" Several of their earliest collaborations are featured on Pistol Pete's debut album, 1995's Loaded. Smith sees stylistic alchemy as a factor in their successful cooperation. "I think Pete would agree with me, but there's a magic. The songs come out more special. It's different than when I write by myself." Smith's musical style blends influences of folk, jazz, and blues. Listing artists such as Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Joni Mitchell, and Michael Hedges as sources of musical inspiration, Smith's music centers on a deeply philosophical view wrapped up in vivid imagery. After three albums, including his most recent, 1998's Red Guitar, Smith continues to draw new fans into the fold. When not teaming up with Pistol Pete for gigs, Smith partners with Rob Bonaccorsi, formerly of the Freddy Jones Band. With a consistent touring schedule and a growing fan base, Smith's name and music bring larger audiences to his shows. "Music is a safe place to go. When the world is in turmoil, music provides a place of solace. I chose to give it back. Be a participant and not just a listener," says Smith.
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To order Red Guitar, send $14 to:
F.M. Smith
P.O. Box 1051
Park Ridge, IL 60068
