Russell Smith - The End Is Not In Sight (2002)

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Another fine piece of Amazing Rhythm Aces singer Russell Smith. Now, Russell albums may be few (as are Amazing Rhythm Aces albums, considering the fact they have been around since the early 70's), but they're always worth the time to check them out. This is the kind of album that at first you might dismiss as average and inoffensive, give it a few spins and you'll soon realize this is plain craftsmanship. So, it's not 'all over the place', it's just good. Good songs, good picking and splendid singing (as always). Included here are a couple of re-recordings of Amazing Rhythm Aces classics that are pretty nice, though I prefer the originals.
I always listen to Russell Smith right before or right after listening to Dan Penn. You should try that. For those still in the dark: this is some of the finest Singer-Songwriter Southern Country Rock (all capitals!). Old school.

Russell Smith - The Boy Next Door (1984)

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"The Boy Next Door" is Russell Smith's second solo album. Apparently it was only released in Europe. It has not been released on CD, though eight tracks wound up on the "Sunday Best" compilation, and one more on the "Russell Smith" debut CD release (actually two: the song "Hesitation" was included on both). So, if you have those two already, the only song you're getting this for, is "Nobody's Angel".
Musically this fits right in with the Nashville thing going on at that time. While the Amazing Rhythm Aces albums were quite adventurous, Russell on his own usually sticks to the Country side of affairs. Still, he excels at it too. And tracks like "Hesitation" or "Who's Makin' Love" wouldn't seem out of place on a album like The Aces' "How The Hell Do You Spell Rhythm". "Nobody's Angel" is a Country ballad. Nothing spectacular, but quite alright. Well alright.

Russell Smith - This Little Town (1989)

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I find myself short on time these days, with hardly any of it left to run this here little blog. So, I'll get you a quickie. Also discontinued by the manufacturer, it's Russell Smith's third solo album. "This Little Town" was released in 1989. A time when music was not healthy. This album sounds very 80's and looks to be aimed at Nashville at that time, when Country hardly had any Country left in it. But Russell Smith is still one hell of a singer and a great tunesmith. So, I hope I didn't scare you too much, cause this is still a very fine album. Nothing too adventurous, comfortably slick but again with superior songwriting. And your mother-in-law will like it too. Russel at his Sunday Best.

Russell Smith - Russell Smith (1982)

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By request and with pleasure, I present to you Russell Smith's first solo album. I didn't realize that this album was actually out of print, so I never gave it any thought. Well, not as far as posting was concerned. But it's easily up there, among my favorite Southern Rock albums. Along with all Amazing Rhythm Aces records.
Russell Smith solo is not as adventurous as Amazing Rhythm Aces albums, but this one is equally as good as any ARA album. Slightly more up the Singer-Songwriter alley, like maybe Dan Penn. Great source of good material for any Country or Soul artist, incapable or unwilling to write their own songs. And it's all very tastefully done. It's never over the top, all very restrained but beautiful. And one of the very bestest voices, if you ask me. Which you don't, but you might as well... So, if you like to kick back, enjoy a beer in the sun, why not use this as the soundtrack for that cherishable moment? Oh, Southern Music...