Black Smith Hopkins

»-(¯`v´¯)-» «-(¯`v´¯)-« Blues rock singer, Black Smith Hopkins (Nicholas Hopkins-Smith) began his musical career in Melbourne in 1996 and his self titled debut album was released in 1997 through Shock records.Music journalist and radio personality, Billy Pinnell stated that Black Smith Hopkins is the best blues based rock singer to come along this decade.The Australian Encyclopedia of Rock and Roll called that album, the most exciting blues album ever issued in Australia.USA magazine, Blues Revue in 1998 reviewed Black Smith Hopkins as, The love child Iggy Pop and James Brown never had.His second album, Buried Up To My Neck In Mud was released in 1998 on the Rhythms label and his live performances included the Byron Bay Roots Festival and the Narooma Blues Festival.His third album, Conviction was launched in 1999 while he was based in Austin, Texas and USA Blues Review wrote, He is more intense and angry than before, over the top and wonderful, incinerates blues purists at fifty paces.Conviction was also later launched in Australia at the Continental in Melbourne.Radio announcer, Big Mike Hotz reviewed Conviction in the Blues News magazine of South Australia, This is one helluva recording and that the man is a songwriter of extraordinary insight and power and not afraid to speak his mind.Black Smith Hopkins supported Kenny Wayne Shephard in 1999 and Jonny Lang in 2000 during their Australian tours. He also performed at the 2000 Byron Bay Roots Festival.Black Smith Hopkins was approached in 2000 to contribute a Bob Dylan song to a compilation album of Australian artists. His cover of All Along The Watchtower is a standout track on The Woodstock Sessions, songs of Bob Dylan, various artists and he chose to include it on his next album, 13 Tales, released in 2000.Black Smith Hopkins chose this song because of his respect for Jimi Hendrix.13 Tales was in the top 10 albums of 2001 in The Sunday Herald Sun and they said, ...Roar power and defiant songs. Juice magazine said, ...Great voice. Seems to always give 110%.His fifth album, Salt & Sugar was released in 2001 and also received critical acclaim. Mark Radar Watson said Black Smith Hopkins is the AC/DC of the blues. Rhythms magazine said, A sound that is distinctively his own...tough and uncompromising...impressive...growing reputation as an adventurous and original performer.Lee Howard of The Sunday Herald Sun wrote in his review, Black Smith Hopkins is a charismatic young man whose enthusiasm and output breaks the mould in a voracious industry. This album was also in the top 10 of 2001 in the Rhythms magazine critics choice.6 february was released late 2002 to great reviews. Mark Radar Watson said 'We have reality television this is reality rock' 6 february was also number 6 in the top ten ten albums for 2002 in The Sunday Herald Sun.In February 2003 Black Smith Hopkins played The 1st Melbourne International Music and Blues Festival.Late 2003 "The Backwater Truth" was Released The Sunday Herald Sun said "An original who stays true to his intent"In Feburary 2004 Lobby Loyde Joins his Melbourne band, After 5 gigs in Melbourne July 2004 Black Smith Hopkins Started work on his new Album with Lobby Loyde & Les Stacpool on Guitars and the Farr brothers Sam on bass & Dorian on Drums Respectively.In 2005 Black Smith Hopkins releases "You Can't Outsmart A Bullet".The Music Austrlia Guide says "Nicholas Hopkins-Smith continues to create some of the best blues based rock music ever recorded in this country"Lee Howard of the Sunday Herald Sun has "You Can't Outsmart A Bullet" as his number 1 album for 2005. A seismic blast from a blues rock Powerhouse.Black Smith Hopkins in 2006 forms a new Melbourne band and adds Greg Johnson on drums and nicky haritopoulos on guitar.Rock and roll legend Les Stacpool who has played guitar with Black Smith Hopkins from the begining is also in the band adding fantastic playing to this dynamite and explosive outfit.In March 2006 Black Smith Hopkins releases "Its all coming down" The Music Australia guide 10/10 Magic An outstanding release. Sunday Herald Sun says "Is yet another impressive addition to the hopkins catalogue"In 2007 he releases his 10th album "Run Over Crackhead King" Which stands for Rock.The album is dedicated to Peter Wells and Lobby Loyde who both worked with Black Smith Hopkins over the years.The Music Australia guide says"It revels in Rawness vocally Hopkins Smith comes across like a preacher all fire and brimstone.And lyrically hes a street poet"Sunday Herald Sun says "The ferocious vocals of Nicholas Hopkins Smith grab your attention. Discover one of our best kept secrets"Black Smith Hopkins Continues to prove he is Australia's Most Original Blues Rock talent.