"The Beat!" has the very best artists speaking to us exclusively like; Eric Alán, Cristobal, Ryan Adames, Deirdre, Guy Scheiman, Richie Arci, Eddy Barrena, Darren Cinque, Jesse Johnson, Max Merseny, Breaux Gargano, Sean O’Reilly, Luca Savazzi, Alex Serra, and MORE!
Chris Burke | I Can't Make You Love Me - The Mike Reid Songbook |
Chris Burke - One of my all time personal favorite singers that is a favorite here at "The Beat!" is singer/songwriter Chris Burke. Chris is a rising star that has such a rich singing voice it is natural that he is one of our "Artist's In Residence."
It is with wonderful news that Chris is releasing a brand new album along with single and tour dates, it looks like 2015 ends with a BANG and ushers 2016 in a grand way! There are many reasons why I as a fan of him not only of his art in music and writing but as a person comes through in his music selection (and the best talent he surrounds himself with).
Next month we start off the new year with Chris's lush album entitled; "I Can't Make You Love Me - The Mike Reid Songbook." This album I have to say is going to be one of his best yet. If you can not wait for the album (like myself) then rest assure the first singe; I Can't Make You Love Me is available right now! If Chris's album along with the first single sound familiar then you would be right since the song was made famous by Bonnie Raitt from her Grammy winning album "Nick of Time."
A very smart decision to dedicate an album to Mike Reid is fantastic. Mike Reid to bring everyone up to speed (in case you need a quick reminder) is a very successful songwriter. He has has many well known artists record his classics which you will hear made new by Chris.
I was very lucky to get some insight from Chris regarding this brand new project so here he is in his own words:
....."The first song we recorded, (speaking about producer Bobby King) which ultimately
got us excited about working together on both of these albums (Soul Music & current Mark Reid Songbook), was a
song that Bonnie Raitt recorded on her ‘Nick of Time’ album called ‘Too
Soon to Tell’. The writer of that song is a Nashville guy named Mike
Reid (whose best known and biggest hit was another song sung by Bonnie
Raitt, ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’). Bobby and his wife, Ellen Britton,
happened to be long-time friends with Mike, and they were able to send
our version of ‘Too Soon to Tell’ to him. He LOVED it! ....So, we
decided that his music and style fit well with the mixture of Bobby’s
soulful production and my voice. Bobby and I decided to record Mike’s
songbook which included tracks made famous by Wynonna Judd, Ronnie
Milsap, and Leroy Parnelle, among others. Because we were able to work
so closely with Mike, he also gave us a few gems that hadn’t ever been
recorded by another artist. We also recorded ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’
which is the title track and first single of my new album coming out in
January 2016. It’s soulful and smooth, and it’s a perfect introduction
to our 12 song take on the Mike Reid songbook."
Chris, this is one masterpiece of an album that I am very ecstatic you have done. Kudos, to you along with Bobby King and Mike Reid to make such a lovely album which is well worth one's time to purchase and enjoy listening to. In a day and age where a majority of "artists" loosely called are assisted heavily with studio equipment to sounddecent you are by far a singer with roots from a time seemingly all but gone that is very much needed. Keep an eye out for more news on Chris such as additional singles, live performances and much more here!
‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’ - Single, OUT NOW
‘I Can’t Make You Love Me - The Mike Reid Song Book’ - out in January 2016
CD Release Show - Wednesday, January 27th, 6pm at Douglas Corner, Nashville, TN
Well-Strung - I am happy to say that my favorite classic quartet has released a brand new holiday single entitled; Silent Night. The single is now available via iTunes and they also recorded a lovely music video. There is never a disappointment when it comes to the imagination and being unique in their interpretation of classical and bringing it to the masses with a new sound. Along with bringing classics to new generations taking pop hits and making them their own is fantastic. All 4 of these gentlemen are gifted and are worthy to see live during their current holiday tour and obtaining their new music whether it is the holiday single and/or album one will be happy with the purchase.
Holiday Tour Dates:
A Well-Strung Christmas
54 Below (NYC) December 9, 10, 14 @ 9:30 PM (Doors open 8:45 PM)
It is that time of year where we put the tree up, shop till we drop, ginger and mint everything known to man up, it is Christmas! I absolutely adore this time of year and the music it brings along with the happy memories. I always bring out my favorite music albums and check-out the new. As always there are the "must haves" and the "what were they thinking and/or on?!" Some of my favorite artists have either struck gold or failed miserably when releasing a holiday album. This year is like others where I want to feature many of what I found to be the best which can be pushed from a large studio or more independent.
This year I am very excited that artists like Patty Smyth, Kenny Rogers, Jann Arden, Kylie Minogue, Leann Rimes, Danny Gokey, and The Braxtons have released lovely holiday albums!!
As of this holiday season these artists have truly done their homework and released very lovely albums that each will become a classic (or at least in my catalog). Each artist has brought a fresh feel to classics and many brand new tunes that are sorely needed and a delight. If you are looking for an enjoyable stocking stuffer, lovely tunes to play during an event or to brighten up a drive these 7 albums all from a wide array of genres and feel will bring something great. Just like everything it depends on your taste as to what one is right for you though if you are an eclectic music lover like myself than each will serve this purpose.
Bette Midler - one of my all time favorite ladies is releasing this year a new album of classic love songs. Bette Midler is releasing a "best of" collection her notable songs in the genre of romance. The album is set to be released on December 4th.
Recently, Bette has been touring in her very successful global tour entitled; Divine Intervention along with her 14th studio album; It's The Girls! I am happy to say that with her latest studio album Bette is only the 2nd singer other than Barbra Streisand to have hit the Top 10 for her albums in five consecutive decades. The last album hitting Number 3 on the U.S.Billboard 200. It looks like that everything is truly coming up roses for Bette Midler!
The "Gift of Love" captures many of Bette's romantic classics such as, The Rose (from the motion picture soundtrack in 1979), Wind Beneath My Wings (motion picture Beaches), From A Distance (album Some People's Lives in 1990), Every Road Leads Back To You & Come Rain or Come Shine (both from the motion picture For The Boys in 1991), Shining Star (album Bette 2000), My Favorite Waste of Time (album No Frills in 1983), and one of my personal favorites, To Deserve You (album Bette of Roses in 1995).
This is a lovely album filled with many gems that you know and love and some new. The one issue I have with the album is that it primarily focuses on Bette's music career from 1989 and onward. It truly overlooks her music from the 1970's which only on this album showcases The Rose and the majority of the 1980's. There are fantastic songs that should have been included as true classics that were not seemingly thought of. I am hoping that post this retrospective album of Bette's romantic side that she releases another studio album (such has her widely successful songbooks from Rosemary Clooney and Peggy Lee) filled with re-imagined classics or perhaps a big band album that Linda Ronstadt did superbly in the 1980's, here's to hoping!
Well-Strung | album; POPssical - out in October 2nd '15 |
The quartet "Well-Strung" is releasing their 2nd album this October entitled; "POPssical." This is filled with 11 hot tracks that will not disappoint fans whom are use to this group's energized and fresh takes on pop songs and bringing them to life with classical instruments and their vocals.
A few tracks to look forward to are; Blank Space, Call My Maybe, The Devil Went Down to Georgia, With or Without You, Marriage of Figaro, Hallelujah, and Chelsea's Mom. This group comprised of members; Members Edmund Bagnell (1st violin), Chris Marchant (2nd violin), Daniel Shevlin (cello), and Trevor Wadleigh (viola).
Well-Strung is incredible live and are increasingly expanding it's fan base globally with touring internationally. As of the moment the bonus track on the up-coming album; "Chelsea's Mom" has a video and is getting a large amount of attention since with perfect timing the song is about Hillary Clinton!
Check-out the video for "Chelsea's Mom" right here and I am sure you will love it!
Well-Strung is worth seeing live and checking-out their fantastic music, happy listening!
That is right "The Beat!" has our 2nd group of singers that comprise our new; "Artists In Residence" program. It is a true pleasure to announce that there is a terrific group from assorted music genres, locations which make this list of 7 outstanding.
(pictured left to right from top row first)
Yaron Spiwak: singer/pianist based in LA & Cape Cod; performs eclectic genres such as jazz, classical, pop & more
Tim Schou: actor/singer/songwriter based out of the Denmark. As part of the band "A Friend In London" he toured/opened for Backstreet Boys & New Kids on the Block and more. Currently a solo artist with two hit singles released and an album coming out.
Rob Tardik: Resides in Toronto, Canada and is an Award winning guitarist and jazz/world instrumental music. Rob has enjoyed several U.S. Billboard singles with his fifth album being released this fall entitled; "Moments" with a full touring schedule.
Matthew Huff: Award winning country singer/songwriter. Based out of Arkansas Matthew is a long time artist featured on "The Beat!" Matthew has released chart topping singles and critically acclaimed albums which feature his own material and great interpretations of other noteworthy artists.
Chris Burke: singer/songwriter whose soulful signature is perfection. Chris amongst many things has released a song featured in a motion picture along with globally acclaimed singles and albums. This is an artist that "The Beat!" has proudly supported for a long time.
Darren Cinque: singer/songwriter whose calls Italy home. Darren's original music tells stories and messages that shows just how socially aware he is as an artist and to bridge his material with very relevant messages. Darren is an artist that "The Beat!" has proudly supported for a long time.
Ricky Martin - that's right my international fans our Latin singer is releasing a brand new single; "Mr. Put It Down!" This is the brand new single that features Pitbull and will be Ricky Martin's 11th studio album released by Sony Music Latin.
This is Ricky Martin's first single off of his up-coming English version of his already released album entitled; Quien Quiera Escuchar (which was released in February). I have to say, that Ricky's new single is perfect for the dance floor and will be another hit for this Latin singer!
Jesse Johnson: Exclusive Interview | March 9, 2015 |
Official Website: http://jessejpjohnson.com/ Jesse JP Johnson –
this multi-talented actor/singer has garnered acclaim for his roles on
Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional tours in highly acclaimed
productions of; “Wicked” “Altar Boyz” “Xanadu” & “Glory Days.”
Jesse now residing in Brooklyn, NY has his eyes set on new endeavors
which has landed him a brand new EP; Ginger Love, working on material
for follow-up album, collaborating music project, touring, and a new
business venture entitled; The Pow Wow (located within NYC) to be a
music and retail space. This is one ginger actor that when speaking to
him has his eyes on the prize and is going to continue making musical
waves in all areas he touches!
Jesse,
first off your current EP; Ginger Love is very enjoyable. How did you
come about the overall concept of the EP from the title, cover, tracks,
and the sound?
The overall concept of Ginger Love is inspired by my
current relationship. I have been with my boyfriend for over two years
now and I’ve never been happier. The songs I wrote are a celebration and
honest expression of, well, love. He is also a ginger which together
made Ginger Love. I wanted to put something out there amongst the heart
break and torch songs that is more upbeat. Art is generally, for
everyone else, an escape from life and/or used to decorate the
environment around them and I hope to help “lighten the mood” and
“spread the love”. The sound of the EP, as I like to explain, is the
sound of my soul. I haven't necessarily found a specific style I
identify with at the moment so the songs i wrote are simply just an
expression on how i felt at the time the songs were written and where it
was that they took place. For instants, ‘Everytime' was inspired by one
of the best and most assuring times we I had around the beginning of
the relationship in New Orleans while I was on tour with Wicked. Hence
the NOLA-like sound. I would like to think, however, that you would say
the sound is “soulfull” as most of my inspirations come from the Jazz
and Motown era.
You are not only an actor and singer but also a songwriter. You collaborated with your lead guitarist Lou Garrett, how did this happen and who writes what typically?
I wrote all my songs while i was on tour with the
Broadway show Wicked. I wrote most of my songs on my ukulele, Gordon,
which for tour sake was perfect. At the beginning of writing Ginger
Love, I started off writing and collaborating with one of my best
friends and colleagues, Curt Hansen. He was writing music at the time as
well and became both inspiration and encouragement for each other. As a
performer it is our job and nature to collaborate. So naturally, as
member of the traveling orchestra playing lead guitar, teaming up with
Lou to arraignment and transcribe the songs was a no brainer. Lou helped
me take my songs from my uke to a full piece band and beyond. The rest
of the band consisted of players and our MD, Andrew Graham, from the
traveling orchestra of Wicked. I am very lucky to have had the resources
i had and for it to go as smoothly and easy as it did. The band had
shown as much love and excitement about the project as i did. Cant get
any better than that!
What do you find to be the most effective writing process for you to get into that particular zone?
I wrote most of my songs as they came. I had always loved
writing tunes and because I had been in a great place and had all the
inspiration, there was no question as to what to do with it. I love to
ride on the excitement and rush of inspired creativity. Once an idea or
inspiration comes I cant help but to act on it and hop on for the ride.
Like a train they came rushing down a track and i had to hop on quick in
order to ride on their creation or they would be lost forever. The
process is simple. I will hear a melody and will, right away, record it.
The write and match lyrics to the melody. Then add chords and an
overall structure. I think it took a few days for each song to be
written and a few months for them to be perfected.
There
is always an interesting story when it comes to writing and/or
conceptually getting the album together. Is there one that sticks out to
you the most and why?
It was actually pretty cut and dry. I performed the
songs for the first time while we were in Nashville, TN. Our Elphaba,
Alison Luff, and I did a cool show in the warehouse building we were
living at with our friends Jeremy and Gavin who run Cotton Mill Live. It
was the first time i performed the songs from the EP and had a very
positive reaction. Before I Left the tour on July 27th I found a well
reviewed recording studio on google, set up a date and had about 10
hours of recording and mixing time. I was extremely lucking to have had
such a positive and easy time getting everything together in such a
short time.
You
have been pursuing your passion for singing and acting for a while now,
when did you know this was where your heart and where you belonged as
far as a career?
I knew i wanted to perform at a pretty young age. I
think it was at about 3 yrs old that i had my first show at a children's
theater in Denver, CO. My parents were super supportive and frankly
ecstatic that they found an outlet for all my crazy energy. Ever since
my first performance and the sound of the crowd i became obsessed with
performing and making people laugh, cry, dance and escape from life.
What gift did you discover you had and truly enjoyed acting or singing?
Singing mostly but i enjoy both! Because of doing
mostly musical theater the two go hand in hand. I feel i am able to
express myself more through singing because in acting you are generally
playing someone else other than yourself. With singing, the words may
not be yours but you are telling a story through your own unique voice.
You
are also a very accomplished actor such as on stage; let’s talk about
your theater work. You have done several Broadway/Off-Broadway
productions along with National Tours and regional theater. Some
noteworthy highlights amongst many others are; “Altar Boyz” “Glory Days”
“Xanadu” & “Wicked.”
I have been very lucky to have had the experiences i
have had within the past 10 years here in NYC. I feel as though i have
been part of a very eclectic group of shows and have been able to put on
many faces. Glory Days, however short the run was on Broadway, was
probably the most unique experience. Every actors dream is to be in a
new production originating a role and recording an original cast
recording. It was all such a dream and helped bring and encourage me to
the next level in my career. Wicked also was such a magical experience
and a dream to be a part of. Ever since the show had come out I knew
that I had to be a in it. Originally wanting to play the role of Fiaro
but quickly learning i was a little vertically challenged I new my next
move was to be Boq. I had auditioned at least 10 times before I came
into the production. It was a dream come true and a huge ride from the
first show to the last. Both shows very different but both an extremely
incredible experience.
Starting
at the beginning before New York City was in the picture let’s look at
your time at “The Denver School of the Arts” & Denver Center for the
Performing Arts” where you attended. What interested you in attending
these institutions? What were some of the memorable lessons that you
utilize perhaps to this day? Was there a particular professor that
really inspired you and if so why? This must have been an amazing period
of your life being able to spread your wings and bite into say your
acting and singing chops more than ever, did you find this to be true?
Was there a standout production, role that you were part of that was a
true turning point?
Because of my interest in performing and horrible
experience at private elementary school, it was only natural that I made
my mom take me to audition for Denver School of the Arts. Performing
Arts School is exactly what everyone thinks….. FAME! With a little 10
Things I Hate About You mixed in. It was incredible to be able to always
be surrounded by the arts and so much creativity. We put on many great
shows as well with every department involved. It was like a mini
conservatory. My favorite production i was a part of was Jekyll and
Hyde. I played the role of Jekyll which was the most challenging role i
think i have ever played. Not only because it was a HUGE role to tackle
for any high schooler but it also was and is far from any role i would
be cast in today. A great accomplishment and inspiration.
When did you know you were ready to hit New York City and take it by storm?
I had always known that New York and BROADWAY was my
ultimate goal. I moved to NYC straight after high school. I had
auditioned for colleges but with all the training i had had over the
years and not getting into the ones i wanted, I decided to try it out
and see if i had what it takes.
What was your first acting and singing gig upon hitting New York City?
About a month after i had moved to New York at 18 yrs
old I got my first show. It was a non union tour of Grease with Frankie
Avalon as the Teen Angel. No joke!! I had originally gotten the tour as
an understudy for two of the leads and a month into the production they
let the guy playing Doody go and promoted me for the rest of the tour.
It was a great and humbling start to my career and learned the most!
Especially learning how to work in close quoters with about 30 people in
one bus traveling the country and Canada. I would say that the first
two “bus and truck” tours i was on was my college for sure.
What role and production do you consider to be your breakout performance?
I would say that playing Luke in Altar Boyz was more or
less my ‘breakout” role. It was my first lead in a union show and is
probably to date my favorite. It also was a huge change from the roles i
had been cast in from prior productions. The show not only was a huge
hit at the time Off Broadway and on tour but fulfilled my dream of being
in a boy-band. Silly i know but I am a kid of the 90’s and do not stand
alone on that dream. It was definitely the best first national and
equity production to be apart of.
What was it like when getting the news of your first big break in New York City?
Humbling is always the first answer to this question but
also proving to your family and friends from home that you were capable
and talented enough was the biggest relief. I mean, of course they
always had the most faith in me and were incredibly supportive but to
prove to myself that I was proving them write is the best feeling!
What was your experience like in each of the following productions; Altar Boyz, Glory Days, Xanadu, & Wicked?
Each show was extremely unique and big part and next step
to my career. I could write a book about each experience i had with
each show. Altar Boyz has a huge signicants and special place for me. It
is the show i got my Equity card with, the first show that I had a
major lead in and also the first show in which i never left the stage
from beginning to end. Glory Days was a similar experience. It was my
Broadway debut and was also an original show. It was a dream to be apart
of this project and also a part of Musical Theatre history being the
shortest running show. It also was an all male cast. Xanadu was also
short lived but one of the goofiest and star studded casts i had been
in. I also got to keep my roller skates from the show which was a
highlight. Wicked, of course, was probably the biggest show I have been a
part of. Also my dream show and role. I had never felt more humbled and
proud of myself for finally getting the call. It was also the show that
i had the most auditions for. Needless to say it was an all around
incredible experience.
Now, let’s move the topics to your future endeavors. Do you have plans for a follow-up album to Ginger Love? If so, have
any ideas you care to share for what you are thinking about as far as
an overall sound/concept? Anything for us whom are already waiting for
this album to be out now!
I
am planning on putting out an album sometime this summer to early next
year. It will be a follow up to Ginger Love and will be along the same
feel with a little more of a vintage funk sound. Nothing solid yet but
excited to move forward with my writing and see what happens. You will
definitely, however, see a music video, or two, between now and this
summer to a couple of the Ginger Love tunes.
Will we see you touring for Ginger Love anytime soon? We want dates which are hopefully soon!
I have been playing around New York but no plans of
touring at the moment. So busy with so many projects. You will be the
first to know when i decide to venture out!!
The
big exciting news I have started to hear about is the partnership you
have with two close friends of yours, Dora Marin and Adam Fleming. If my
memory serves me right it is something called “The Pow Wow” is this
true? Please fill us in on the details around this project and what we
as fans can expect.
The
Pow Wow is an exciting project me and two of my closest friends are
working on at the moment. Its a communal art rental/retail space we will
be putting up somewhere in Brooklyn, NY. The Pow Wow’s mission is to
create and curate a strong community of artists and bring them together
to promote entrepreneurship. Through the combined following of the
artists, the traffic created by The Pow Wow produced events, and
in-store retail, the space will provide an active audience and is an
incubator for the artists’ creative endeavors. It will include a coffee
shop and retail section for patrons and the artists to sell and buy
products, work space for our in-house and membership artists where they
can work and collaborate and a gallery and performance space for events
and for the artists to showcase their art. At heart, we are a
destination that encourages and celebrates people’s individual artistic
voices.
Jesse,
it truly sounds like you have for 2015 a truly AMAZING period for you.
Who inspires you and help motivates you to constantly expand into new
arenas perhaps out of comfort zones. We all need someone to be there
right along with us for the ups and downs.
Of course my family and mainly my parents have been such
a huge inspiration and support for me along the way. They have shown me
to be positive in the darkest of times, to be humble and always
appreciate all that i have, to always stay in the moment and not get
ahead of myself and to treat others the way i want to be treated. You
know, all the golden rules. Because they have shown, in example, all of
those things to me I can only repay them by leading my life by that
example. Another big inspiration for me is my partner who was the
inspiration for the EP, Ginger Love. Not only has he been an inspiration
for the music but has also been so supportive through all of my
endeavors. Always so kind honest and patient, he has shown me how to be a
better version of myself and has taught me that in order to be the best
for someone else and a relationship you have to be the best for
yourself first. Its important to know whats best for you in order to be
completely honest. If you have no respect for yourself how can you for
another person? That’s why he's the best!
It truly sounds like you have a solid foundation for a support system, who as an entertainer do you look admire?
Stevie Wonder hands down. Not only does his music inspire
me but not letting his challenges get in the way of his dreams and
success!
I
am very proud that you are an out entertainer. How was coming out for
you as far as your professional life go? Many people get very paranoid
that even in this more progressive age that they will be typed casted,
have you found any of this to happen to you?
At first, I never identified myself as being gay because
of any over sexualized or exaggerated example i had seen on TV growing
up. I knew I was different and loved everybody, but thought you had to
act a certain way in order to identify as such. I had quickly learned
that that was not true and found out by simply falling in love. It was a
struggle at first to come out to my parents because of their upbringing
and religious views but they have come around in the end and love me no
matter what. Life is all about growing and changing and adapting to
things around you and the ones you love. Showing them and others that
it has always been who I am and doesn't change a thing about ME is why I
am not afraid for anyone to know. I know i sound cliche saying this but
i don't like to be “labeled” and no one needs to know about my personal
life. I also have been around long enough and have fulfilled enough of
my dreams to care about what others think of me. I figure as long as i
am honest and staying true to myself and values there’s nothing that
anyone can hold against me. We are all here on this earth to do our
best, to love, to survive, take risks and to take care of OURSELVES. Not
worrying about what everyone else is doing. I figure as long as I'm
being honest to myself then I am doing OK!
Is there something that you have not ventured into that would be on your “bucket list?”
HANG GLIDE!! I have sky dived before and it was crazy
yet slightly uncomfortable. I figure hang gliding is closest to flying
and I have always wanted to fly!!
What is the one word that best describes Jesse Johnson?
I have been described as being EFFERVESCENT. I like it!
Canaan Smith - this country singer's 2nd single; "Love You Like That" has struck a chord to listeners and radio stations since it was initially released. This single has reached it's way to charting on the Top 30 and has given this singer attention that was not there before. This country singer is enjoying the ride as being a gifted singer/songwriter.
Where people may not even realize they got their introduction to Canaan is through his music writing from co-writing the hit; "Runaway" for Love and Theft. From there he released his first single being; "We Got Us" in 2012 with unfortunately no EP nor album until now with his 2nd single. The great news, is that this time around Canaan through UMG Nashville record label is now this March going to release his first full length album which will feature his current single.
I personally as a country music fan have not heard of this artist until this single that is enjoyable to the ears. It did not take my breath away though did notice his talented vocals. I as a music fan will be looking forward to Canaan's first album which of course will be covered on here, enjoy!
ove
You Like That’ finds a home between modern country that haters love to
ridicule and the traditional sound that helped build Nashville. Vocally,
Smith’s voice has all the grit of a glass of chardonnay, but he turns
in a performance that’s honest and seductive.
The Virginia native penned the song with Brett Beavers and Jim
Beavers. The trio’s lyrics are colorful, familiar and lasting. The
metaphors they use throughout the chorus are sharp and effective, and
Smith wraps his arms around this love story like he’s saying goodbye at
the airport.
“The way I wanna kiss you is / Slow as the Mississippi, strong as
a fifth of whiskey / Steady as a Tom Petty track / I wanna love, wanna
love you like that,” he sings.
Emotionally, the love song hits like a shot of Jack. The production
fits Smith’s natural tendencies. He comes across as a sweet kid with a
little bit of a rough edge — a tattooed Romeo in need of someone to
settle down with. Perhaps that’s just an assumption built upon the first
verse of ‘Love You Like That,’ but it fits.
“Hey girl, I’m just a small town run around / I get my kicks out
on the outskirts of town / I could never do it like a pretty city boy /
I’m more a fishin’ in the dark, nitty gritty boy.”
ove
You Like That’ finds a home between modern country that haters love to
ridicule and the traditional sound that helped build Nashville. Vocally,
Smith’s voice has all the grit of a glass of chardonnay, but he turns
in a performance that’s honest and seductive.
The Virginia native penned the song with Brett Beavers and Jim
Beavers. The trio’s lyrics are colorful, familiar and lasting. The
metaphors they use throughout the chorus are sharp and effective, and
Smith wraps his arms around this love story like he’s saying goodbye at
the airport.
“The way I wanna kiss you is / Slow as the Mississippi, strong as
a fifth of whiskey / Steady as a Tom Petty track / I wanna love, wanna
love you like that,” he sings.
Emotionally, the love song hits like a shot of Jack. The production
fits Smith’s natural tendencies. He comes across as a sweet kid with a
little bit of a rough edge — a tattooed Romeo in need of someone to
settle down with. Perhaps that’s just an assumption built upon the first
verse of ‘Love You Like That,’ but it fits.
“Hey girl, I’m just a small town run around / I get my kicks out
on the outskirts of town / I could never do it like a pretty city boy /
I’m more a fishin’ in the dark, nitty gritty boy.”
