GE Smith & LeRoy Bell "Stony Hill" – “America”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 9 

Pairs Well With…Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Tom Waits 

This new supergroup comes with quite a pedigree. GE Smith, the former SNL bandleader has played guitar for Dylan, Roger Waters, Jagger, Bowie, Hall & Oates, among others. LeRoy Bell, a veteran singer songwriter/bluesman (and X Factor finalist), has shared a stage with Van Morrison, The Ojays, The Wallflowers, Taj Majal, and Huey Lewis. For their new joint project, “Stony Hill”, they have been playing live shows but have only released one song, “America”, which you can find only on the SXSW website. It’s a darn good song -- a bluesy, simmering, almost seething lament for the nation in 2019 - an echo of the protest anthems of the 60’s. Bell’s voice has soulful charm with a dose of gravel.  Smith says that the music on “Stony Hill” will be catchier, more melodic and R&B more than his previous rock and blues work.  Whatever they play, the musicianship and vocals will be superb and professional. Catch them at the Saxon Pub on Friday evening on what looks to be a strong Americana, country showcase.  (David Zlotnick)