Official Press Release: OFF BROADWAY RECORDS:Jack Smith...born...raised...and steeped in the traditions held sacred in Eastern Kentucky, now will 'cross the pond' for the first time, touring ten countries in Europe, to play live, the music that preceded his arrival, in the form of internationally viewed TV productions, spawned by the success of some of his earlier works.Jack Smith, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and vocal stylist, signed with Off Broadway Records of New York City. His only stipulation was, that he would be able to record his music in Kentucky...and, not Nashville, New York, or Los Angeles. Why go there, he says, when I can draw on the ambiance of my home state, and work with a legend in the music business, Mr. Randy Hayes, who is no stranger to hit records, what with his years of recording and touring with the late, great Keith Whitley. Jack is right in his assessment thereof, as you can't argue with Gold Records hanging on the walls, can you?When asked of his musical tastes, Jack Smith always has maintained that he 'Likes about one third of ALL music...but likes ALL of NONE of it!' Having been born of a Father who was a recording artist, himself, 'ole Jack got an early start on the stage, at about the age of five, joining a band at the ripe old age of ten, and playing his first club gigs at fourteen, when he was really too young to even be in these joints.From those humble, yet auspicious beginnings, Jack Smith has shared the stage with The Allman Brothers, Blackfoot, Lynnard Skynnard, David Allan Coe, Jimmie Ray Vaughn, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and too many others to list in this space allotted. Suffice it to say, with over a half century of living a hardscrabble life, scratching out a living as well as etching his image in the minds of thousands of fans here in the United States, soulfully breathing life into his Harmonica, Jack Smith is ready, willing, and able to take on the challenge of converting Europeans, one by one, into loyal fans.Life has dealt Jack some unwanted hands throughout, and most recently he was struck right in the gut with the untimely death of a very close friend. Needless to say, this tragedy certainly is an important thread in the finely, intricately woven tapestry, of Jack's recent work in the Studio, and the subtle hues of his pain, color this canvas with a depth of dimension that doesn't take a special pair of glasses to ascertain.Jack has entitled this Album, 'RESTLESS HARP'. This title, certainly comes easily as a description of this man who has, indeed, the very heart and soul of a wandering minstrel.From The Watering Hole Saloon in 1970, and certainly including stints with many well known bands, such as 'Stoner Boone', and the 'Sofa Kings Deluxe', in the years hence, Jack Smith has left his mark. His new association with the Off Broadway Record Company in New York City, has joined him with kindred spirits to further advance his musical dreams and visions, as Off Broadway, itself, has its roots in East Tennessee, as well as Eastern Kentucky.Bon Voyage, Jack Smith, as you 'cross the pond', not in the air, but as did our Founders...by way of the Sea. We know from this old trueism, passed down from generation to generation...'Every dog has his day', and from the sound of this new album, and the ensuing European Tour, perhaps Randy Jackson on the American Idol would say, 'Dog...this...is your day!'Jack Smith would also like to say that this Album, 'Restless Harp' would have not been possible without the Musicians, and would like to give proper recognition therof. Not only the legendary Randy Hayes in all of his multitude of roles in playing, singing, 'knob-twisting', producing, etc, but as well, His son, Shaun Hayes, played drums. Wait! Randy's brother Alan also played drums and percussion. Not done yet! Randy's sister Becky Thomas sang harmonies! Also,Chris Ponder sang harmonies.Besides the 'Hayes Family Mafia', if you will, there was Scott Wilson, on 5-string bass (actually, these instruments were hand crafted by. . .you guessed it, Randy Hayes). Then there was Jamie Potterbaum on a 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior guitar. Finally, a neighbor up the road from Randy, who printed the very first-ever Keith Whitley Tee-Shirt. He is Chuck Ross, Hammond B-3.Blackii Whyte...East Coast A&R Representative for Off Broadway Records -- -- --- --Jack Smith-The rest of the new CD.
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