Another gem from darden smith.....
J. Bilby | Kingston, New Hampshire United States | 01/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this cd in the fall when it was released in England
and have been playing this on heavy rotation in the Cd player
since. It has so many great songs and his focus on world issues
and love and loss always find there way into your head, great
singing, the band is exceptional this time out, everything about
"Field of Crows" is classy, its Darden's mature, smooth vocals
and laid back approach to recording that makes his music
stand out, especially on this one. He writes songs so well, "Mary" for instance has
a different perspective on a father trying to explain and
be supportive to his little girl whose mother is about to marry
another man. The title cut is one of my favorites, just
so filled with atmosphere. Taking in so many classics from
the 70's from Neil Young and Jackson Browne to name a few, Darden has gone back and written a patch of songs that one
can listen to over and over through the years, another winner
in his 10+ collection.
"
Soft Breeze
Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 05/28/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Darden Smith's "Field of Crows" is a vibrant subtle work that deepens with repeated listenings. The opener "Talk Me Down" is a sweet melody that goes by like a soft breeze. "Mary" is a touching song as a divorced father reassures his daughter about her mother's upcoming wedding. Eliza Gilkyson's vocals back Darden on the percolating "Golden Age" that splashes vaudeville sideshow music onto gentle sadness. "Wide Open" is a tender tune about a guy who is carrying a torch for a lost love, "Love just doesn't disappear with a lover; you're always with me wherever I go." "Spinning Wheel" spices country flavoring with a ditty backed by Stuart Smith's harmony vocals. "If I could love you like Elvis, Elvis back in '62, hips on fire full of desire, it wouldn't be good enough for you," Smith whisper-sings on the soft melody "Satisfied." Phil Roy helps Darden pen "Fight for Love" with Eliza harmonizing softly. "Boy" bounces with a backward glance at the past, "Let the colors wash all over you; Amsterdam to San Fran, no one plays it like you can." "Field of Crows" is a soft dreamy set that explores sadness with a gentle tenderness rather than wallowing in the blues. This set is a quiet fireside gem. Enjoy!"