Search - Jan Smith :: Tin Heart

Outstanding songwriter, great voice, superb musicians!

William C. Baldwin | Charlottesville, VA United States | 12/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jan Smith's "traditional" songs are about the hazards and joys of modern times. Her lyrics are straightforward and simply poetic--not a pretentious obscurity in the batch. Her singer's voice is the natural extension of her writer's voice: beautifully clear, sure and honest. And the music: the melodies are uncluttered and gorgeous, played by a band of accomplished musicians who obviously love what they do (pay special attention to Jeff Vogelgesang on mandolin).
Uncomplicated songs about complicated things--isn't that what folk music has always been about? Jan Smith's "Tin Heart" is the best contemporary folk recording I've heard in years. Listening to it makes me feel good. I am not comparing her to anyone; I am a big fan of Natalie Merchant, Iris DeMent, Gillian Welch, The Be Good Tanyas and John & Mary, so if you like any of those better-known performers, you owe it to yourself to be one of the first to hear Jan Smith. The soaring vocals on "Gorham Mountain" alone are worth the price of the CD."

Deserves more recognition!

Derrick Peterman | 11/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've heard a lot of Charlottesville singer/songwriters, and none come close to the originality and purity of Jan Smith. In a town full of pretentious artists, Jan's music stands out as decidedly UNpretentious. You can hear the hard work of her patient songwriting come through on every track. Her lyrics are honest and the kind an Everyday Joe would appreciate. She doesn't try to sound overpoetic; she teases you with certain lines, double meanings, and vivid images. When you get sick of being bashed over the head with pop radio, this is a great CD to remind you what music should really be about. (By the way, the musicians in the band complement each other well. The mandolin player absolutely smokes the strings.)"

The Candle in My Window

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 05/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jan Smith's "Tin Heart" is a delightful gem that flew beneath my musical radar screen until recently. While her 2006 CD "29 Dances" on the Landslide label captures attention, the Louisville native's earlier effort is well worth the search. Fans of Iris DeMent may find Smith's unadorned folksy style appealing. Jan's husband Jeff Vogelgsang lends musical support on mandolin. Her songs encompass a range of feelings from wistful quiet reflection to peppy toe tappers. Of my two favorites, "Gorham Mountain" is my choice for best track on the CD. The melody is strong and original with Jan's breezy vocals, "As the sky turned to black, I decided to go back, head on into town where I had no friend." "Ionesco's Chair" presumably has something to do with the absurdist playwright Eugene Ionesco. Again, Smith writes a melody brimming with energy, "You'll be the anchor & the steam showing up in every dream; You're the candle I am burning in my window." The CD concludes with the lovely "Fisherman" with a pretty melody and Jeff's mandolin gently capturing the listener's attention, "I don't want nothing but love anymore; I cannot exist without water; so I stand on the side, but the waves & the tide, they carry me out, ever farther out." Other tracks like "Rum in My Morning Coffee" & "Every Dish in the House" are also strong. "Tin Heart" is an excellent release, homespun and endearingly folksy. Bravo!"