Willie "Big Eyes" Smith
Born in Arkansas
(Big Eyes Records)
www.williebigeyessmith.com

Review by Eric Steiner
Courtesy of The Washington Blues Society

Willie "Big Eyes" Smith's infectious grin graces the cover of his latest CD, and he's got a reason to smile. Many, as a matter of fact. Living Blues magazine named him and his son Kenny Smith as Most Outstanding Musician- Drums in the magazine's 2008 awards copetition. A father-son tie in the 15th awards celebration! Willie's latest CD, Born in Arkansas, features a baker's dozen steeped in traditional blues. The opening cut, "When I Left" sets the stage nicely with Willie's harmonica playing buoyed by former Seattleite "Barrelhouse" Chuck on piano. Billy Flynn and "Little Frank" Krakowski share guitar duties, while Bob Stoger and Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith keep the rhythm section right on track. Born in Arkansas is a strong traditional blues record, and I hope it lands on many radio programmers' "Top Ten" list for one of the finest blues CDs released last year. I can't wait to hear Willie and the guys perform "Money Talks at an adult-only benue, becuase the family-friendly refrain "Money Talks/And Bullgrass Walks" is essential for any radio airplay. I marveled at the way "Can't Rest For Worry" slowly launched: we've heard the same story many, many times before in the blues: usually inspired by a woman, same song structure, same chord progression. With Willie's band, though: the traditional sounds fresh, and each of the players add their own unique touches as Willie continues with his story about work, women, and worry (three of the blues' most often visited topics. Highly Recommended! - Eric Steiner