WIN MUSIC FROM MINDY SMITH!New Bluegrass: Mindy Smith's One Moment More

“Come to Jesus” has all of the Appalachian tones of bluegrass snuggled with blues, country, and folk. “Come to Jesus” is an incredible Gospel song drawing the listener closer to the love that Jesus proclaims. “Come to Jesus” rocks and moves and presents the most mature singer-songwriter I’ve heard lately.

“Come to Jesus” is by Mindy Smith from her debut album, One Moment More. The album lands in the New Bluegrass section of the Spectrum. I put off writing this posting for a couple of weeks, because I wanted to be able to give as much credit to Smith as possible. She has completely taken me in with this album.

One might too quickly label Smith as Country, and this is something she wants to avoid. She says, “Even though I live in Nashville I don’t consider myself a country artist, but a singer-songwriter and I wanted to present myself as I am.” This is why she chose to sign with Vanguard Records, and they have truly let the result be what Smith wanted: a singer-songwriter possessing a much more broad song than the moniker of Country would’ve allowed.

Smith mentions Alison Krauss as an influence, and that’s immediately what I think on the opening track, “Come to Jesus.” It is New Bluegrass, Bluegrass that meets country, folk, blues, and rock. Krauss’ voice is incredible for passion which opens up the depths of the heart. Smith has that same passion, although a much higher register which is why it is no surprise when Smith mentions the Sundays as another influence, what with Harriet Wheeler’s spritely vocals.

Yet, that’s what makes Smith fall into that New Bluegrass category—the range of influences draws in so many different sounds. The New Bluegrass category is built around Krauss, but then these other artists Smith mentions as influences come from such different parts of the Spectrum: the Sundays (Folk-influenced English Rock), Shawn Colvin (American Folk), and Sarah Vaughn (Jazz).

Beyond this, though, I also hear hints of other artists—whether they are part of Smith’s education or not, I find these comparisons, and once again, we’re covering multiple sections of The Spectrum. When hearing that blues-tinged growl beneath Smith’s sweet charm, I can only think of Susan Tedeschi (Blues Rock). When the country side of things breaks out, I begin to hear the sweet tones of Maria McKee (former lead singer of Lone Justice) (Country-influenced Rock). When it comes to a girl with a guitar, there’s Jennifer Knapp (Folk-influenced American Rock) headed up the road to greet Smith’s sound. On the more drawn out ballads, showcasing Smith’s ability to cradle and coax a melody, well, then I can’t help think of some of the work by Susan Ashton (also Folk-influenced American Rock). Finally, there’s that fragility of Smith’s voice, an innocence and warmth and intimacy, which I just recently discovered in the work of the band Aroah (College Rock).

And gol’ darnit, I never thought I’d say this, but boy, Dolly Parton’s gotta great voice. Mindy Smith drew tons of attention when this relatively unknown singer was included on Just Because I’m a Woman, a tribute album to Parton. Smith’s version of “Jolene” also appears on One Moment More with Parton singing backup.

It is a beautiful song, one I never would’ve paid attention to because I’ve never paid attention to Parton except to make fun of Dollywood. I’m already convinced that Smith is capable of such beauty and the fragile-blues-like-country strains of a song like “Jolene.” Hearing Parton, though, take the harmony and blend in a call-and-response with Smith on the chorus is truly amazing. Could Smith be a Parton missionary?

Mindy Smith was adopted by Sharron Patricia McMahon Smith, a church music director, and her husband, Larry Smith, the church’s minister. Smith says about her adoption in the liner notes, “I truly believe that God picks me up and puts me where He wants me to be. It is because of this, that I have the great honor of calling Larry and Sharron Smith my parents.” Her adoptive mother died when Smith was 19, and One Moment More is dedicated to her memory.

As my wife and I have a pending adoption, I pray that our son will have the dedication, talent, and faith of Smith. I pray that he will be able to praise God about his adoption. While I want our son to grow up and be whatever he wants, I wouldn’t complain if he was a singer-songwriter—something his father will never be. No matter what I want our son to believe that he can come to Jesus and Jesus will hold him in his arms.

WIN MUSIC FROM MINDY SMITH!
There are 7 chances to win music from Mindy Smith. The first person to email me was Deb of Pensacola, FL; she wins a full-length copy of One Moment More. 3-track samplers (including “Come to Jesus” and “Jolene”) winners: 1. My friend, Emily, who offered to do singer-songwriter camp for our kid, 2. Chad Canipe, 3. Jerry of Sheboygan Falls, WI, 4. Rick & Lindy. “Come to Jesus” single winners: 1. Mary, 2. Corinne. Winners answered this question: which other artist did I write about and put in the New Bluegrass section? Sixteen Horsepower.

Thanks to Lellie at Vanguard Records, Penny at Partners in Music and Frog Pad Records for their help with the review copy and all of the giveaway CDs.