Fruitvale

Sonny Smith | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 17, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Belle Sound
• ASIN: B000NJWSF8
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #309,190 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

In 2004, Leroy Bach (then of the band Wilco) was introduced to Sonny Smith's first album and quickly joined Sonny's band. In 2004, after a series of underground releases, Sonny was commissioned by Watchword literary magazine to create his album One Act Plays, which features Neko Case, Edith Frost, Jolie Holland and more. Smith toured the country with Neko Case in the summer of 2006, with Case and Kelly Hogan singing backup in Smith's band. As the SF Weekly puts it, "There's a moment in every Sonny Smith performance when a strange hush falls over the crowd - when everyone's faces are lax from laughing. He swings at them with a depth of meaning ... that hits so hard it can only be a truth." Digipak.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Damn this is too good., April 22, 2007

By 

Charles W. Prophet "Tiger Bluhm" (san francisco, ca USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fruitvale (Audio CD)

Okay jim, here it goes....

Yeah, this is on my so called label and yes this is shameless promotion. But would I lie to you? Okay then, read on. Damn this record really is too good. Sonny rocks the open G tuning like a wild eyed vigilante. That's the tuning of the people if there ever was one. His songs cut to the center of the bone. Scrawling messages from the heart of the now and the then 'merica. The cadences reflect, the melody's morn, the pain, confusion, and the longing that afflicts us all. It is all in there, if you listen hard enough. Let Sonny take you on a walk around the hood, you won't regret. it. Download all of Fruitvale, or better yet get the CD now... chew on it like one big bone.... chew on it hard. It will not waste your time. It will make you feel better. Oh Oh Oh mario....

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Acoustic Glory, July 22, 2007

By 

Yellow Dart (OP, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fruitvale (Audio CD)

I saw this CD in a store and looked it up just because of the awesome cover, then bought it. Trust me foo'; not only does Fruitvale rock, it provides sensation for the senses like you've never sensed before from a CD. F that- from anything. And if I don't sound legit enough for you then just read the other reviews from those who use grammar and probably have jobs.

5.0 out of 5 stars "Mr Low" would be the ultimate understatement., June 8, 2007

By 

Glenn Edward Deuman VII (Royal Oak, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fruitvale (Audio CD)

I really can't get enough of this guy. Each of his songs has such a classic feel to it. I've tried many times to take this CD out of my player to avoid burning it out and never wanting to listen to it again, but I just can't. It's that good.

On this album, the song that appeals to me most is Mr. Low (just personal preference). On an ordinary day of listening to Sonny's stuff, I start with Fruitvale and when I get to this track, I get stuck because I want to hear it again....and then again. Every other song on the album was flawlessly written as well.

I really don't know who to compare Sonny to because he's obviously influenced by so many. The sound itself isn't so original (though he's not an imitator in any way), but the lyrics and music is definitely rare and fresh.

By the way, I'm not from the label. I'm just a dude from Michigan that was fortunate enough to stumble upon these excellent recordings. You won't regret checking it out.

-Glenn Edward Deuman VII