Heart of Sorrow

Valerie Smith

Heart of Sorrow Valerie Smith Album: Renaissance Label: Bell Buckle Records Bluegrass ISRC: TCAFQ2109602

Written by Claire Lynch and Frank Serio Published by Shiloh Rising Music, ASCAP Thrill Hill Music, BMI Acoustic Guitar: Bob Minner Fiddle: Stephen Burwell Banjo: Sammy Shelor Bass: Tom Gray Mandolin: Andy Leftwich Harmony Vocals: Lisa Kay

Heart of Sorrow  Valerie Smith  Album: Renaissance Label: Bell Buckle Records 
Bluegrass  ISRC: TCAFQ2109602  

Written by Claire Lynch and Frank Serio  Published by Shiloh Rising Music, ASCAP Thrill Hill Music, BMI Acoustic Guitar: Bob Minner   Fiddle:  Stephen Burwell   Banjo:  Sammy Shelor   Bass:  Tom Gray   Mandolin:  Andy Leftwich   Harmony Vocals:  Lisa Kay Howard-Hughes, Wally Hughes

Produced by Valerie Smith and Tim Carter Engineer: Tim Carter Studio: Tree House Studio Ridgetop   Ridgetop, TN   Mastering:  Dave Harris   Studio B Mastering, Charlotte, NC  Photography, Art and Design: Gabrielle Minikiewicz

 "Heart of Sorrow" offers up a swampy, soulful bluegrass tempo number for this album. In life we lose and our hearts get broken, which brings us to the blues. It's all just part of the rocky process of being human.  

DJ Steve Martin (Unreal Bluegrass, Syndicated Radio Program) states, "Valerie Smith seeks music in life. Renaissance rises from this search with stories of love, separation, celebration, overcoming, and devotion." Renaissance crosses through multiple musical genres while still staying true to the Valerie Smith sound that encompasses an acoustic flair with a touch of bluegrass and all with exceptional musicianship. The album was meticulously crafted and features her long-time band Liberty Pike and esteemed guests, including Andy Leftwich, Rob Ickes, Donna Ulisse, Jerry Salley. There's even a stirring number featuring Gospel greats, The McCrary Sisters.”

The advanced single "I Found "debuted at #5 on the Roots Music Report chart, #7 on the Bluegrass Today Grassicana chart, and #8 on the FAI Folk DJ Chart for June 2021.

The album is called Renaissance because in looking at the world and herself, Smith has been reborn. With themes including self-worth and acceptance and songs about love, finding love, acceptance, and regret, the project signifies the journey Smith has made in her life with optimism to which others can relate. The album includes upbeat, happy songs that encourage the listener to move to the groove and lush ballads with meaningful lyrics and melodies that grab the soul. Two songs were written by Smith, and the remaining selections were carefully chosen from the works of other seasoned writers to best express what she wanted to say.

Read more…
0:00/???
  1. 1
    0:00/3:19