SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews
Byther Smith – Addressing The Nation with the Blues
Published on May 24, 2005
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Byther Smith – Addressing The Nation with the Blues - JSP Records JSP5106 Hybrid Multichannel SACD ***:
Byther is a Mississippi native who lost both parents as a child, and began his adult life working a cattle ranch and boxing. His aunt forced him to quit fighting and he moved to Chicago where he pursued a musical career. He didn’t have much luck getting gigs other than on the gospel circuit, but in the early 60s this changed and he made a few recordings. By the 70s, he worked with Junior Wells, and in the early 80s he put out his first LP. It didn’t meet with much success, but a few years after followed another record where he finally got some recognition. This disc (from 1989) hits straight at the heart of the Chicago sound, while you can hear influences from people like Otis Rush, B. B. King, and Elmore James. Track two is a punchy, throbbing number that reminds me of some live, old John Mayall records. The music on this disc isn’t that old, but in style it definitely has an older blues feel—and that’s a good thing. Every track incorporates top-notch licks and mates well to Smith’s vocal delivery. Track seven is a toe-tapping tune with horn bopping away. The title track is somber and troubling in its impact—it talks about the problems of the world and difficulties people face due to lack of hope and distrust. The message is as heavy as the music. After the first few songs I knew this disc was a keeper and I’m sure you’ll agree.
The amount of surround used on this record creates a distinctive echo. Vocals are rough and you have to concentrate to make out some of the lyrics, but that is just Byther’s sound and doesn’t reflect on the quality of the recording. The soundfield is huge and cymbals have an amazingly natural metallic quality. Guitar is mixed into the surround channels which comes off as sounding a bit strange. As a whole, sound quality is excellent. Songs included are: What Have I Done; I’m Movin’ On; I Was Coming Home; What Is This; Looking For A Woman; Play The Blues On The Moon; I Wish My Mother Was Here; Hello Mrs Brown; Addressing The Nation With The Blues; You Should Be Proud Of Your Daughter; Put Your Arms Around Me.
Byther is a Mississippi native who lost both parents as a child, and began his adult life working a cattle ranch and boxing. His aunt forced him to quit fighting and he moved to Chicago where he pursued a musical career. He didn’t have much luck getting gigs other than on the gospel circuit, but in the early 60s this changed and he made a few recordings. By the 70s, he worked with Junior Wells, and in the early 80s he put out his first LP. It didn’t meet with much success, but a few years after followed another record where he finally got some recognition. This disc (from 1989) hits straight at the heart of the Chicago sound, while you can hear influences from people like Otis Rush, B. B. King, and Elmore James. Track two is a punchy, throbbing number that reminds me of some live, old John Mayall records. The music on this disc isn’t that old, but in style it definitely has an older blues feel—and that’s a good thing. Every track incorporates top-notch licks and mates well to Smith’s vocal delivery. Track seven is a toe-tapping tune with horn bopping away. The title track is somber and troubling in its impact—it talks about the problems of the world and difficulties people face due to lack of hope and distrust. The message is as heavy as the music. After the first few songs I knew this disc was a keeper and I’m sure you’ll agree.
The amount of surround used on this record creates a distinctive echo. Vocals are rough and you have to concentrate to make out some of the lyrics, but that is just Byther’s sound and doesn’t reflect on the quality of the recording. The soundfield is huge and cymbals have an amazingly natural metallic quality. Guitar is mixed into the surround channels which comes off as sounding a bit strange. As a whole, sound quality is excellent. Songs included are: What Have I Done; I’m Movin’ On; I Was Coming Home; What Is This; Looking For A Woman; Play The Blues On The Moon; I Wish My Mother Was Here; Hello Mrs Brown; Addressing The Nation With The Blues; You Should Be Proud Of Your Daughter; Put Your Arms Around Me.
- Brian Bloom
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