Darden Smith - Circo

 Austin Texas has put forth some great songwriters in the past, including Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Townes Van Zandt just to name a few. With the release of his latest CD Circo, Darden Smith has proved he deserves to be among the greats mentioned, while not following the lead of others, Darden Smith has chosen to make his own path. If I told you I enjoyed this CD, it would be the understatement of the decade.

Darden Smith is a true musical craftsman, one that aspiring writers would do well to follow the lead of. Taking the feelings and thoughts from the heart, and writing them from the soul and presenting them flawlessly to the admiration of the listener. What does that mean? I'm glad you asked, simply a wonderful trip through the mindscape of a truly gifted individual, one I find it very easy to call and ARTIST. 

The true art of songwriting has in part become so commercialized over the course of time, that is one reason this collection of 11 tunes is so refreshing and moving. Whenever I try to paint a mental picture of something for anyone, the painting usually ends up blurred and distorted, but Darden Smith has the ability to do it effortlessly. To date this is the best offering Darden Smith has put forth, for those (myself included) who thought he couldn't get much stronger, it makes me wonder where the next project will lead. If he continues to grow and evolve, his will be one career to keep your eye on.

The subtle way Darden Smith presents us with his song makes for a very pleasurable experience. The CD opens with the mid tempo breezy feel of "What Are We Gonna Do?" which has a feel of Bruce Cockburn, although many of the songs to follow may not have radio appeal, they do still stand high above many other artists that are trying to fit in, instead of blazing their own trail. My hat is off to Darden Smith as he has created a modern musical masterpiece!

  ( 5.5 Stars out of 6 )