Down to Memphis

Scott Smith

Independent Release, 2016

Reviewed by Cathal Cart

Scott Smith dives deep into his Americana roots rock and pays tribute to the artists who inspired him. Title track “Down to Memphis” is an upbeat shuffle sure to put a spring in your step. The whammy bar gets a work out on these sweetly tasteful leads. The organ player on “Just Another Saturday Night” owns the song and brings a joyously hopeful feel to it all.

“Skeleton and Roses” celebrates everything wonderful about the Grateful Dead. With bright and limber

mandolin leads running throughout to color the song, there’s a genuine exuberance that’ll make you seriously consider that new model VW bus everyone’s talking about. Scott Smith takes us on a musical road trip through his vinyl collection and pays his respects to those who made him want to pick up a guitar to begin with.