C​.​K. Smith - C​.​K. Smith (2023)

Glasgow born C.K. Smith is due to self-release his self-titled debut solo album. Up to now, he is probably best known for his guitar contributions to raucous 60´s-revival band The Baron Four. This will be C.K. Smith’s first offering to the folk world and his affection for the era can still be felt.

With a bluesy twang to his vocals and a trancy, psychedelic jangle to his guitar, C.K. Smith clearly takes influence from 60s and 70s folk revival artists, such as Fairport Convention and Pentangle, but with his own slightly dark twist to the music.

Moving between British and American folk styles, songs such as ‘Harmony Row’ are certainly more blues influenced, whilst other tracks, such as the well known trad folk song, ‘Hare on the Mountain’, are a firm nod to Scotland and the British Isles repertoire. The contrast between the folk-inspired and blues numbers gives the album some nice variety.

The rich string arrangements by Isa Dora also add some great depth to the recordings, particularly on the more folk inspired numbers, and sit beautifully under Smith’s expressive vocals.

It is a strong debut album and I am sure C.K. Smith will be well received when he takes it on the road in Europe and the UK in summer 2023.