Ian Smith Last Call 180g LP

The newest addition to the Stockfisch Records stable is an old hand in the business: Ian Smith - an excellent guitarist, singer and songwriter with Scottish roots from the "Keadue Strand" in Donegal/Ireland, as mentioned in the song of the same name.

The wonderful opener "When It Snows In New York City" envelops the listener in folksy sounds, which cannot - and in no way try to - deny the influence of James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, and which equally in no way need to shy the comparison.

His succinct voice paired with his excellent guitar-playing, the superlative recording and the finely-tuned fitting instrumentation in the sublime arrangements make this album with its twelve songs into something very special. The songs subtly work their way into our ears and we cannot help but sit back and enjoy this special listening experience - oblivious to the bustle of everyday life for an hour at least.

Whether he sings about street kids in South America ("Pablo's Eyes") or tells a dramatic tale about the American gold rush ("Lady Overlander") or contemplates the problems of the world over a cup of coffee ("Arabica Blues"), Ian Smith is a storyteller par excellence and as such fits wonderfully into the meticulously chosen musicians portfolio of Stockfish Records.

As well as the celebrated 2005 Grammy-winning American musician Tim O'Brien, who as Ian Smith's personal "special guest" contributed backing vocals, mandolin and guitar tracks, you also experience the supportive musicianship of a range of superb musician colleagues such as Beo Brockhausen (various wind instruments), Hans-Jorg Maucksch (bass), Jens Kommnick (who played his guitar parts live with Ian Smith in the studio) and Manfred Leuchter (accordion), who have once again lifted the already beautiful song material to a yet higher level.