Customer Reviews

Jonah Smith

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an album that seems to get better with every play. Definitely better than his first two albums (although they are definitely worth picking up), more polished and tighter musicianship. The songs range from heavy soul to a more americana rootsy vibe. Dont dismiss this at first listen, Jonah has a unique sounding voice that trust me... grows on you with each listen. Well written songs and great music!! Something thats increasingly rare these days. Excellent album, lets hope he gets solid backing so he can make some more!!

Heard 'My Morning Scene' on a local indie radio station (it's too good for Clear Channel). As it was not identified, spent several days tracking down artist to find this wonderful album. The aforementioned song reminded me of The Band and brilliant songwriter Malcolm Holcombe - and I got a major kick out of finding Garth Hudson playing on a song and Jonah covering Malcolm's 'Dressed In White'. The CD is an understated joy - wrapped in moody melodicism and thoughtful lyrics. Jonah's voice has real character (despite the lame description by the Amazon reviewer) and his emotional commitment to the songs is palpable.
My only small quibble (and reason for 4 starts) is the sameness of many of the tunes and that the production is flat - plodding, where it needs to push.
That aside, this is a rare gem in a sea of sound-alikes.

While going to see Susan Tedeschi in concert last fall, we were treated to an opening act that we had never heard of. The sound that Jonah Smith put out immediately grabbed our attention (we usually don't pay a great deal of attention to opening acts), and we immediately went to meet him and get some CD's. I bought 3 copies, gave two away and kept one that Jonah autographed for me. Upon listening to the CD, I was highly impressed that the sound that captivated us from the life performance was captured on the CD. The sound is very soulful, with definate influences from The Band and Van Morrison.

As for the CD, this is solid from cover to cover. There is not a single track on this disk that I don't like (which I can rarely say for ANY CD), and the disc keeps finding its way back into my CD player.

I heard this disc on XM sometime in the summer and really liked what I heard. Overall, this disc has nearly twice as many great songs on it as the typical disc I buy. I have listened to it more than anything else my husband and I purchased in 2007 and it - together with Wilco Sky Blue Sky - are my top picks for the year. You can hear it again and again and it doesn't get stale.

Please - Jonah - come out on tour and swing through the Southeast!! Also - eagerly awaiting your next disc.

Tasteful, rootsy and endlessly soulful, Jonah's third album ranges from vintage, pedal steel-laced Americana to classic, Rhodes-drenched, blue-eyed soul.

on a different note, another reviewer stated that this was his first album. WRONG. this is his third album. Industry Rule (2001) and Beneath the Underdog (2003) are both good albums, but not as good as this one. if you dig this album, try to pick up the other two. jonah just signed with relix records , so you could probly get the other two at their website

During live concert tours Jonah travels in good company, ie Jonny Lang. In this case the promoters made a good match. Excellence inspires excellence. If you ever hear Jonah in a comparison to Van Morrison just listen to "Everything is new again" and you will understand. Jonah says he is like a sponge and that is reflected in his style. Madeleine Peyroux, Regina Spector, The Band, those are good things to sponge up.

Of course just when you think you have him defined, he hits you with something like "Open up the door", (see his MySpace page)which is more like the Beatles' "She came in thru the bathroom window", especially with the background harmonies.

"When we say goodnight" is almost a party anthem, where the horns and the bass give the bluesy tune a get up and move dance attitude. My favorite song.

well recorded, produced, and written....but! Most of it sounds repetitive. Bought the cd after hearing and loving My Morning Scene, hoping there would be more great stuff. But I never listen to the rest much. Not that exciting. Very mellow fare. 50 somethings may love it, but the cd's a snoozer for the most part. Hope this helped:)

I bought this album due to xm radio - what a great sound - an obscure performer - should be better known according to this album. 'When we say goodnight' is just smooth, never get tired of hearing it. If you are looking for new sounds please try this one you want be disappointed on any of the songs. Reminiscent of Van Morrison.

3++ Still know nothing more about this guy, than this is a fine singer/songwriter disc.

I snagged this recording because the cover reminded me of Monk's Underground and even more importantly, because it was produced by the master Lee Townsend. I listened once and knew I had found what i am always in search of: an outstanding release that is not well known. Sure, I heard echoes of Big Pink-Jonah wears his influences right on his album sleeve(actually cover)-but this album transcends any derivativeness. I've been listening to it for several months and it hasn't lost any of its freshness. Five stars for a new star perhaps. Can't wait to see these guys in a club setting. I recommend this for fans of Bill Frisell, the Band, The Allmans, and...
i forget what eight was for...the Femmes.