Brother Blacksmith will be taping an appearance on the Kentucky Homefront Radio show Saturday, December 8 at 7:30. For more information including ticket information visit the Kentucky Homefront website.

Performing with us will be special guest, Jane Harrod of Peach Pie Band.

The show is scheduled to air on the radio January 9th on WFPK Radio, Louisville 91.9 FM at 8:00 PM. Listen on the Internet.

Normally reclusive and taciturn when off-stage, Steven Grant Smith makes for a reluctant parley. Recently tracked down by following the trail of dead bodies he often leaves behind (which looked suspiciously more like a dense path of Tostito crumbs sloshed with Corona), he was finally cornered in a dimly lit isolation booth inside his home studio. What follows is a transcript of the interview conducted by an anonymous relative:

Q - So. Steven Grant Smith. Tell us a little about yourself.

SGS - Six foot two and a half. Two hundred and twenty pounds. Bone and gristle. A hefty hunk of steamin’ junk.

Q - I know a James Taylor reference when I hear one. Is he a musical influence? Are there others?

SGS - Ah, James! Oh yeah, he’s part of the Holy Trinity of singer/songwriters, along with Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. Other influences would have to include Tom Waits, Leo Kottke, John Gorka, Gillian Welch, Richard Thompson, Suzanne Vega, Neil Young, and the late great Stan Rogers. Oh…and most recently, Peter Mulvey. Brilliant.

Q - How long have you been making your own music?

SGS - Didn’t start banging on the guitar with any degree of serious intention until about age 30. Love playing guitar, but not as much as drums. When I die, there’ll be a drum kit waiting for me in heaven. I have found, though, by way of intensive trial and error, that it’s much easier to write melodies on a guitar.

Q - Is it true that you taught Pat how to play guitar?

SGS - That’s an urban myth. See, Pat and I started out as serious rock climbing partners. And I mean serious. Obsessive. Anyway, we were hanging at my crib one night after a long day of climbing, knockin’ back a tad of libation and watching some dopey video, and Pat asks me to teach him a couple chords on my guitar. So, you know, I show him a few major and minor chords–next thing you know, about three months later, he’s the best dang guitar player in a seven county radius! Amazing. He just blew right by me. I’d love to take credit for it, but that would be–as the politicians say–a bit disingenuous…

Q - I hear you guys are collaborating on new tunes. What’s your long term goals?

SGS - I’m not sure my brain is wired to think long term. We plan on taking a break from playing out live and try to get in the studio soon. I want to get the whole band involved in the creative process–that voodoo witchcraft magical thing that happens when gifted folks bond over a rhythm and melody. There’s nothing else like it. I’m very excited about our next studio project. [Steven gestures toward the tape recorder] You’ll want to start saving your money now, kids! You’re gonna want to buy lots of copies for friends and family!

Q - So you and Pat are performing with a full band nowadays. How’s that working out?

SGS - I love it. I can’t speak for Pat, but I know it certainly helps to take a lot of the pressure off of me. It’s great having that fuller sonic spectrum when we’re live. And I hasten to say this: Don’t be deceived by Josh and Doogie’s dashing good looks. I mean, sure, they’re really cute–and we definitely want to expand our fan base to include more young females–but that’s not the only reason we picked them up. They’re both really great guys and terrific, smart musicians.

– TO BE CONTINUED–

9/15/2007 - Play It Again Concert Series, General Butler State Park, Carrollton, KY

Come out to General Butler State Park for this exciting show.

Click For More Information (then click the Sept. tab)

Click for our show calendar.

Hi! My name is Josh and I’ve been playing bass for about 14 years. I started when I was just a young child and learned most of what I know from my father. His musical prowess helped me to grow and develop one of my own. The styles of music that I have played have included such things as bluegrass, country, Christian praise and worship, rock, blues, jazz, and punk. I find that when I listen to most music now, I don’t do so to relax (even as that may be my intention), but I find myself imagining that I am the one playing the song and I wish that this is how I would sound. My favorite bands currently include Rush, Victor Wooten, Stanley Clark, Dave Matthews Band, and Nickelback just to name a few.

I find it very exciting to once again to be playing with my long time friend, Doogie. We have played together off and on for about 10 years. It has come to the point now that when we play together; we know exactly what the other one is going to be doing. I have known Steve for some time now as I went to school with his oldest daughter. I have nothing but praise to say of him and his abilities. Pat I have just recently met and am enjoying every minute that we get to spend together in music. His brilliance is helping to inspire me to better myself.

I love to get the chance to talk about music and the bass guitar. Feel free to get in contact with me before and after shows as well as through this website. I will definitely enjoy hearing your comments.

Upcoming:

1/9/2008 - Kentucky Homefront Radio Show broadcast.

Past Shows

12/15/2007 - Kentucky Homefront Radio Show (live taping)

9/15/2007 - Play It Again Concert Series, Carrollton, KY (click for more information)

7/6/2007 -Farmers Market, Carrollton, KY (click for more information)

9/1/2007 - Goldenrod Gala, General Butler State Park, Carrollton, KY

One day juried arts & crafts festival featuring all handmade items. Along with antique tractors, music, variety of demonstrators, food concessions and inflatables for the kids. Admission fee for booth space. Call to receive an application. Event is free and open to general public. Held at the Front Entrance of General Butler State Resort Park near the Stone Shelter House & Mini Golf Course.

Click for directions.

Click for our show calendar.

Hello! I love guitar music and I love to play guitar. I played piano and studied music as a child but began playing guitar relatively late at the age of 19 after meeting Steve while attending college. I’ve been obsessed with playing ever since. Steve introduced me to the acoustic music of singer songwriters such as Neil Young, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens and Joni Mitchell. Their songs were the first I learned to play on guitar. Steve taught me the basic chords and how to fingerpick the guitar. I continue to be inspired by the classic folk and singer songwriter music of the 70’s as well as the contemporary guitar music of players such as Leo Kottke, Adrian Legg, Tommy Emmanuel, David Wilcox and the late Michael Hedges.

It is very interesting and exciting playing in Brother Blacksmith. Steve and I are similar enough that we find common ground for mutually satisfying music yet different enough in our approaches and expressions to keep it exciting and wonderfully unpredictable.

In Brother Blacksmith I get to play many roles. I enjoy playing lead guitar on both electric and acoustic and also on many tunes I’m the only guitar while Steve gets to concentrate on singing. I have also recently begun singing harmony vocals behind Steve on some tunes. My singing is inspired from the traditions of bluegrass music and the contemporary harmonies of singer songwriters such as Gillian Welch and Patty Griffin. Oh, if I could just get the opportunity to sing one song with Gillian Welch!

I love to discuss music, guitars and playing. Please catch me before or after a set and introduce yourself. I would love to hear your comments and feedback!

Email me: patrick@brotherblacksmith.com

Sign our guest book.

7/6/2007 - Farmers Market, Carrollton, KY

We are playing from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Famers Market on the lawn of the Carroll County Courthouse in Carrollton, Ky.

Come check out the great local produce and hear us play.

Click for our show calendar