Search - Valerie Smith, Liberty Pike :: No Summer Storm

Makes you sit up and take notice of these rising stars

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 06/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Valerie Smith's third album, "No Summer Storm" is an exhilarating romp through a field of new traditional bluegrass. With a distinctive excitement and flair in her voice, Smith is part storyteller as she belts out songs about old Bill the sawmill man, young Sarah who is being counseled to wait awhile before marrying, or the loner Jacob Spence who murdered a man and did time. The title cut, "No Summer Storm" (written by Lisa Aschmann and Mark Simos) compares love to an ocean to be conquered. The same songwriters penned "I'm Lookin' for a Man"...who can stand his ground.Nominated for IBMA's "Emerging Artist of 1999 and 2000," Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike are a band to watch and, of course, listen to. Smith has also been recognized by midwest bluegrass fans when she was nominated as SPBGMA's "Traditional Bluegrass Female Vocalist of the Year" award in 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2002. The year 2001 was also a tough and tragic one for the group when they lost mandolinist Eddie Miller to an automobile accident. Miller and his brother John, former guitarist for Liberty Pike, can be heard on four of this album's 11 tracks. The album features a core group consisting of Liberty Pike's current lineup: Becky Buller, fiddle and vocals; Daniel Hardin, bass; John Wesley Lee, mandolin; Randall Conn, banjo and resonator guitar; and Stephen Mougin, guitar and vocals. Tom T. Hall guests on "Sit Down and Cry," playing guitar on a song he co-wrote with wife Dixie.The album closes with Valerie and Kraig Smith's "Where the Bluebells Grow," a nostalgic tribute to their home in west Missouri. There is some excellent talent on this album, and the band presents some wonderful new material that will make you sit up and take notice of some of bluegrass music's rising stars, Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)"

Give the wheel a spin . . .

Shires Mike | In the shires of Southern England | 07/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Outof Bellbuckle Tennesse Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike's album No Summer Storm is a cracker from end to end. Valerie has a voice of pure emotion in the studio and on the road where you can find her touring relentlessly across the United States and in Europe. No Summer Storm is the kind of bluegrass with balls that gets you up singing and dancing. Valerie is backed by a great band on the road and in the studio which includes songwriter in her own right Becky Buller, Daniel Hardin, Steve Mougin, John Wesley Lee and Mike Brubaker. You'll love this album if you like bluegrass that swings, dances and hits the mark. The title track a ballad by Lisa Aschmann is a killer and Tom T. Hall contributes Sit Down and Cry to the album and Valerie slays your heart with it. A must for bluegrass and country fans."

No Summer Storm

Richard W. Sheppard | UK | 02/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Valerie Smith takes a good song and makes it great. She takes a great song and makes it a classic.If you only buy one CD this year then it has to be Valerie's "No Summer Storm".Her albums should come with a "Wallet" (for Americans.."Pocket Book" Warning)Once you have listened to her you will want to buy all her previous releases.I can't wait for her next album release which is being laid down right now."