Description
It’s hard to think of a musical meeting more fortuitous than that of former Dylan sideman, blues/rock guitarist G.E. Smith and renowned soul/R&B songwriter LeRoy Bell, whose debut album as a duo, ‘Stony Hill’ has just landed.
Best known for his decade as musical director for Saturday Night Live, Smith’s career includes six years with Hall & Oates and stints as in-demand backup for Bowie, Roger Waters and Mick Jagger. Meanwhile, Bell was carving out a career as a hit songwriter for the likes of Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Teddy Pendergrass, and The Three Degrees, while also releasing records with duo Bell and James, and a string of solo albums. Initially introduced by Smith’s wife, the duo discovered such instant chemistry that they began recording together almost immediately.
Stony Hill is a robust ride through soulful, R&B flavored blues/rock, characterized by emotive vocals, tasteful virtuoso guitar work, and a heavy emphasis on melody.
With two such eclectic-minded and veteran creatives, anticipation and expectations are bound to be high….and Stony Hill does not disappoint. Polish and class ooze from the opening moments of this album, the deceptively straightforward rocker “Black Is The Color (of My True Love’s Hair).” Bell’s voice is something to savour; the smoothness of Al Green with the power and raw edge of Wilson Pickett. Smith’s guitar is a potent weapon throughout the set, but never is it employed to overwhelming effect. Rather, his tasty, tasteful and considerate riffs serve to colour and accentuate, bolstering the music without ever hogging the spotlight
