Artist:     David G. Smith

Album:     First Love

Label:     Self Released

Release Date:     02/05/2016

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On first listen, David G. Smith sounds like another good old boy rambler in the country noir vein, all comfy melodies, heartfelt conviction and an amiable sway. Still, Smith’s no crooner come lately; with half a dozen albums to his credit and a solid fan following, he’s established a supple style that draws on any number of softer sentiments. A single listen to the initial foray on his new album First Love affirms that fact. Both “Fear” and “Ocean Soul” purvey an easy, agreeable sound that would seem well suited to a variety of formats, be it solid country, Americana or easy listening. Happily though, Smith isn’t confined to any one genre. The lovely ballads “Lost in You” and “First Love” find a nice mix with the feisty sass of “I Can’t Tell You” and the snappy “Midnight in the Stix,” each of them demonstrating his willingness to stretch his parameters and vary the pacing. A number of marquee names pitch in as well, with Mary Gauthier, Keb’ Mo’, Buddy Mondrick and Blue Miller among those that offer an assist. Even so, they never overshadow the proceedings, enhancing Smith’s unhurried delivery with a just the right amount of taste and tenacity. Cooly confident, David G. Smith has found his stride.

– Lee Zimmerman