Michael Buffalo Smith: Press

"Michael Buffalo Smith as a musician, writer, critic, and southern music historian really gets it. His taste and deep appreciation for the real thing are qualities that inspire all of us in his wake. And it's a big wake."

DAVID ALLAN COE
MICHAEL BUFFALO SMITH
The Handlebar, Greenville, SC
July 22, 2006

PART ONE: BUFFALO
I have been living in Greenville my whole life, and used to go and see Michael Buffalo Smith when he played solo and duets downtown at Blue Ridge Brewing and before that at Annie’s Natural Cafe. I have seen him work hard through the years, playing for ten drunks one night and for 6,000 people at First Night. But I have never seen him like I saw him last night.

Smith opened for the legendary David Allan Coe at The Handlebar in front of a sold out (and then some) house, backed by Jay Taylor on pedal steel and lap steel and John Ervin on drums.

These guys really have it together, and the audience roared with approval after each song.
The steel and drums opened with a slick, swampy instrumental I have heard before, but don’t recall the name of. (Note: It was a Jay Taylor original, as of yet untitled-Ed.) Buffalo strolled out onto the stage dressed all in black, with tons of necklaces around his neck like Mr. T. He strapped on his guitar and kicked into a high-speed version of Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” At that point he had the audience in the palm of his hand. Next came the title track from his latest CD, “Something Heavy.” If you don’t own this CD shame on you. It was a swampy blues piece that was one of my favorites.

The band played another song that Smith said he wrote in the early ‘80’s, and then they did another off his new record, “Redneckin,” a country anthem. When the lyrics said something about David Allan Coe, the crowd went nuts.

“Into The Light” was a beautiful song, and then Buffalo got rowdy again with Billy Joe Shaver’s “Georgia On a Fast Train.” Wooo! Everyone was screaming for more.

The guys then slowed it down and got funky with a slowed down version of Eric Clapton’s “Crossroads,” with Jay playing some great slide. (Note: Actually a Robert Johnson song-Ed.)

They then rocked into another Buffalo original, “Natural Born Cowboy” that is another of my favorites from the CD. It was rocking, At the end of the song, Buffalo took off his guitar, and for a moment I thought he was going to smash it to bits like Pete Townsend, but he sat it softly on the stand while the two amigos reprised the swamp music instrumental they had opened with.

The set was way too short at 30 minutes, but that’s the golden rule, “leave them wanting more,” and boy did he. Buffalo could have played all night as far as some of us are concerned, but he respectfully left the stage for Coe to dominate. See Michael Buffalo Smith anytime you can. He’s got it goin’ on bigger and better than ever. And visit michaelbuffalo.com

-Bobby J. Smith

"Michael Buffalo Smith is a big man with big dreams and Something Heavy showcases his big talent.
Kick back, and let it get on you!...

A little bit country, a little more Southern Rock. Add it all up, and I bet you can't lift it!"
-- Marshall Chapman

“Something Heavy” by Michael Buffalo Smith lives up to it’s title, beginning with the heavy-as-a-Harley “Hard Drivin’ Man” and ending with the Allman Brothers-like instrumental “Rocket City Express.” Lead, slide, and guit-steel guitars and Smith’s powerful voice are at the forefront of these thirteen tracks.

There are four others guitar players on the CD besides Smith, including George McCorkle, one of the founders of the Marshall Tucker Band.

The songs are Southern rock oriented, as you might guess from song titles like “Natural Born Cowboy”, Redneckin’”, Hangin’ Judge”, and “Jack Daniels If You Please.” Smith is so country, he even Dixie-fries Meat Loaf’s “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad.”

Smith shows a sense of humor on the blues “Yard Sale Man,” as he talks with swagger about his neighborhood purchases.

Country and rock strike a great mix on this CD.

Artist web site at http://www.michaelbuffalo.com.

After a good (very electric) Southern Rock first album, 'Southern Lights' issued in 2003, with a lot of famous guests such as Tom Crain, Pete Carr, and Bonnie Bramlett, Michael B Smith is back now with this album dedicated to Jakson Spires, Blackfoot's drummer, who went back to the great Indians heaven.

Michael is back again with great guests like George McCorkle, ex MTB, Muscle Shoals sound studio's Peter Carr (ex Hourglass), John Wyker of Sailcat, and the mythic Skynyrd honkette Jo Jo Billingsley, whose voice is outstanding 'Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad'. (BUFFALO'S NOTE: Actually, Jan Elkins did all the vocals on that song, although JoJo is rocking on many other cuts)

Michael brings some rebel country songs in the David Allan Coe or Hank Williams Jr style, like 'Yard Sale Man', 'Jack Daniels if you Please', 'Redneckin' and a great 'Everyday Grind' where you can hear the great Marshall Tucker Band influence. There's also gospel with 'Chapel of Ease', and a good instrumental Southern song 'Rocket City Express' with guitars in harmony and beautiful harmonica parts to close this album.

Michael Buffalo Smith—Something Heavy—Mill Kids Music

A white feather, stark against black on the cover, seems set to fly in the face of the title Something Heavy. But I’ll bet Michael Buffalo Smith thought “profound” more than contrasts when he named his new album for the song he covers flawlessly—a great song by the late, great southern raconteur, Eddie Hinton. There’s a prideful embrace of all forms of southern music—particularly southern rock—with every spin of Smith’s records. The music is profound, so in that sense “heavy” describes it well. His last album, 2002’s Southern Lights, proved he’s an exceptional torchbearer and the lights are in no way dimmed here. These are sparkling, wide-ranging new songs and covers, all perfectly suited to Smith’s personality and mission. He sings them in a clear, robust voice and as usual, a few “heavy” friends aid and abet his excellent band, The Crawlers. “Redneckin’” is pure good ol’ boy fun, the guitars of George McCorkle, Pete Carr, Danny Hall, and Ray Brand (who sadly recently passed on) turning it into quite a twang-fest. Rodeo Jan Elkins and Jo Jo Billingsley (of Skynyrd fame) help sing the sweet gospel on “Chapel of Ease.” Seemingly meant as an interlude, this song stands out tall. “Jack Daniels if You Please” is great outlaw country, but my favorite is the Marshall Tucker-like “Everyday Grind,” where Mr. McCorkle’s succinct solos delightfully recall his days in that primo group. Memories do pop up in listening to this fine album, but fresh ones are made, too. Smith has much to be proud of.

First of all Michael, thanks for having me play on this CD and giving me the opportunity to work with Ray Brand and you on a great CD!!! This is some damn good work from you Brother with great tunes and great playing! I'd highly reccommed this CD to all music lovers looking for music from the heart with no limitations on feelings!! A great CD for anyones collection!!!

Two years after his last effort, our friend from Gritz Magazine, Michael Buffalo Smith, is back on the scene with his fifth album. As with his last one, it was recorded in Huntsville, Alabama with his great buddies, the Crawlers, the band that features the extraordinary and too much unknown guitar and slide guitar player, the great Ray Brand. For the recording, Michael was fortunate to work a lot some great musicians. Just to name a few, he had George Mc Corkle, from the Marshall Tucker Band, in the studio. He also had Pete Carr, a great guitar player who used to play with Duane Allman. Jo Jo Billingsley from Lynyrd Skynyrd was also there to record vocals (Jo Jo was recently seen on stage with the Saturday Night Special band, playing with Ed King, Artimus Pyle.) There are also rumours about her working on a solo album. Needless to say that's a great bunch of people to work with.The result is a great album mixing all of Michael's influences, going from country rock to gospel music, with bluesy, southern and acoustic atmospheres (listen to the beautiful 'Yard Sale Man". The album features great vocal harmonies, great slide work and real nice guitar harmonies ala Allman Brothers ("Rocket City Express"). Another surprise is Michael's voice. I had never realized how deep and rich his voice was. This is a great album (I really like his last album but, to me, this is the best work yet from Michael), which sounds more country rock than Southern rock. Congrats for your work Michael, and we're still waiting for you to tour in Europe !

Now I must say me and Michael Buffalo and I have been friends for sometime. Michael you have done it with this album, it is a GREAT piece of work, art, soul and on..... everybody has done a remarkable job, it has every style that is in our blood Good old SOUTHERN ROCK, BLUES, COUNTRY ROCK, GOSPEL, COUNTRY AND I'm sure that Ray is shining down on this as well. You are a GREAT song writer and singer and this album puts it right out there for the world to hear and to put it straight. This ALBUM to me is like a real Lynyrd Skynyrd ALBUM not a bad cut on it and that's something to be said you rock!

Something Heavy is Michael Buffalo Smith’s greatest album to date. The editor of GRITZ Magazine, who lives in South Carolina/USA, pulls out all the stops, and delivers an album full of various sounds, from Southern Rock to gospel to straight blues. Every song is great, including the rocking “Hard Driving Man” and the country “Redneckin.” There is no doubt that Buffalo will score a major hit with that song.
Smith’s “Southern Lights” two years ago was excellent, but this one is even better, featuring The Crawlers, and some amazing guitar pyro from Ray Brand and Danny Hall. Guest stars include George McCorkle of The Marshall Tucker Band, JoJo Billingsley of the original Lynyrd Skynyrd and Pete Carr, best known for his guitar playing on records by Bob Seger and many others.
Buffalo does a fine job on Meat Loaf’s “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad,” and the center piece of the recording is the title track, “Something Heavy,” a swampy, Tony Joe White type of song. The recording ends with “Rocket City Express,” a fantastic instrmental featuring a lot of different guitar leads.
Buffalo keeps telling us he is coming to Poland. Still we wait. Maybe soon.

Michael Buffalo Smith is tireless in his pursuit of outstanding Southern rock music, old and new, writing about it passionately in Goldmine and (his own) Gritz magazines. With Southern Lights, the big man stands square in the company of his heroes on the strength of his articulate words as well as his music, which excels on high groove and boogie quotient. "Into the Light" is instantly memorable and features the first of the album's many exceptional guitar duels (several fine axe slingers are on hand, including Smith, Ray Brand, and Charlie Daniels Band vet Tommy Crain). Smith is an emotive, full-bodied singer. His vocal duet with Bonnie Bramlett on "I Don't Want To Say Goodbye" is touching, heated soul. Marshall Tucker Band melodies "Ride On My Friend" a great and distinctive tribute to Toy Caldwell. The captivating instrumental "Gemini Soul," meanwhile, draws a bit from Santana. There are nine terrific and varied songs and all the players play their hearts out. With this album, Michael Buffalo Smith makes a strong case for Southern rock, an American music genre way too often unjustly maligned.

Michael Buffalo Smith
Southern Lights
(Dreaming Buffalo Records 200301)

There's something immensely refreshing aboutb the absence of cynicism-or, more specifically, the sense of uplift-that resonates within Michael Buffalo Smith's songs. In the process of unfurling his love for Southern-rock traditions, Smith sweeps the listener back to a period when themes such as family, friendship and the pure celebration of living could be mined within the framework of simpler times.

In that sense, and in its musical execution, Southern Lights brings to mind the '70's heyday of Muscle Shoals, Macon., Ga., and Capricorn Records. Zigzagging between breezy rockers, stormy blues romps and gospel-y ballads, Smith comes off as a gifted assimilator who weaves the influences of his heroes into a multi-hued fabric.

To help bring the songs to life, Smith has assembled a who's who of '70s Southern rock enablers. In addition to the core lineup that includes former David Allan Coe guitarist Ray Brand and Muscle Shoals veteran Stephen Foster, Southern Lights prominently features ex-Charlie Daniels Band guitarist Tommy Crain, Bob Seger alumnus Pete Carr, and Sailcat graduate John D. Wyker (of "Motorcycle Mama" fame).

Perhaps Smith's biggest coup, however, was enlisting the services of Bonnie Bramlett. In addition to providing backup vocals on several songs, the legendary singer joins Smith for a scorching duet on the torch ballad, "I Don't Want to Say Goodbye."

Bottom line is, any fan of '70s-style Southern music should hope that this Buffalo continues to roam.

This album is definitely one to chill out to, and sits alongside Kim Mitchell's "Rockland" in my late night relaxation collection. This is a breed of southern blues rock that is laid back to the max - practically horizontal in fact. For me, it initially brought back memories of the Marshall Tucker Band. In fact, studying closer, "Ride On My Friend" is actually written about and dedicated to the late, great Marshall Tucker leader Toy Caldwell; very apt, very cool. Also, isn't that the incredible voice of Bonnie Bramlett (Delaney & Bonnie) dueting with Michael on "I Don't Want To Say Goodbye"?
A bit of background: MBS is not only a very fine guitarist, he's also a record company mogul, and most importantly, the man behind Gritz Magazine, currently the written backbone of the hugely resurgent Southern rock scene. To quote the "Red Dwarf" crew, "What A Guy!"
Backed by a collective of musicians calling themselves The Crawlers, MBS has got himself a very tight band indeed, and I'd really love to see these guys live; I bet they really brew up a storm. It's Southern by the grace of deities, but as laid back as a big ol' joint. I'm kickin' back and letting this one just wash over me. Cool.

"...Smith's Carolina sound comes together with a solid array of new songs and an equally impressive array of guest musicians... Smith wrote all but two of the songs on the album starting off with "Into The Light," which has a flowing Southern rock flair to it that bodes well for all lovers of the genre...a positive, flowing, Southern celebration of an album. Break some off and pass it around."

"As I listened to this CD, it dawned on me. This isn't Southern Rock...it's SOUTHERN MUSIC. There's a difference. When I think of Southern Rock, I imagine steamy, sweat-drenched bars, wild women and lots of likker (not liquor....remember, you're down south!) Buffalo's music is different...there's the hint of gospel in his voice; not that he can't growl with the best of them. There's true dual guitar lines, twining around a solid rhythm section. It doesn't make you think of bars and the wild life...it's more like sitting back on the front porch in the summer...sometimes it's hot as hell, but, sooner or later, the sun goes down and things slow down and cool off. That's true Southern Music."

"Michael Buffalo Smith is known in the Southern music industry for his southern blues-rock. He doesn't disappoint this time around... It (the cd) has some definite high points including a duet with Bonnie Bramlett (Delaney & Bonnie) "I Don't Want to Say Goodbye." Penned by Smith, it is a strong tune with great harmony by the two icons. Some of the other "high" notes of the album include the great blues number written by John D. Wyker "Hooker's Boogie" is in memory of John Lee Hooker....Of course Buffalo's tunes are strong here as well, like the hoot of a good time "Mad Dog" and the inward searching "Life Behind the Mask".
..."Buffalo" rocks and rolls the southern blues as good as anybody today! Nine solid tracks of Southern blues-rock with a sense of humor at times, and at times soul searching, even Spiritual.

In this little "Southern music" world, Michael B.Smith is mostly known as the editor of Gritz online and Gritz magazine, and for his writings. Many people have read that Michael has jammed onstage with none other than The Southern Rock Allstars and Molly Hatchet. Now, he comes back with the release of his third album since 1998. And let me tell you, this album is a great surpise ! Michael's music is somewhere between The Marshall Tucker Band and Charlie Daniels. Michael's voice reminds me of Charlie Daniels sometimes (listen to "Into the Lght" for example). Two songs are dedicated to two of his heroes, that is John Lee Hooker with "Hooker's Boogie" and Toy Caldwell with the great song "Ride on my Friend". Let's note the remarkable work done by all the musicians involved in the project. Among others, Tommy Crain (ex Charlie Daniels Band) on guitar, pedal steel and dobro, Ray Brand on slide guitar, and Bonnie Bramlett who performs a beautiful duet with Michael (something he's been dreaming of for such a long time). This album, for sure, is a must have and we hope to discover Michael on stage in Europe next autumn!

There's a big man on the front cover of this CD. He's wearing a navy blue melton cloth jacket, you know, with the leather sleeves... like a school jacket. He's sporting Native American jewelry on his wrist and around his neck. His hair is greying, and his chin cover has a couple of white spots. He's playing a fire engine red Ibanez guitar, but this guy looks mellow, his eyes are closed. He's standing in front of a hand painted sign that
advertises "PEACHES." His name is Michael Smith, but in bigger letters between first and last names it says "Buffalo!" The back cover has a photo of an actual buffalo... a bison really... wading in the water. He looks about as mellow as his namesake on the front cover... calm... but don't bug me, man!

Inside the double fold cardboard sleeve, there's a CD, which is attached to the right inner third by an octagonal bit of rubber through the centre hole. The silver disc has a logo painted on it, an eagle perched atop a delineated buffalo head, crowned by a fiery sun and surrounded by the words "Michael Buffalo Smith." All neatly airbrushed, like you might see on the fuel tank of a Harley-Davidson. And directly across from this logo, there's a poem...

"Moon beams shining thru magnolia branches Drenching the screened in porch in yellow light Overhead, Grandpa points out the Big Dipper to a six year old boy Southern Lights. Sunday morning singing in the church choir Voices raised to heaven praising the Lord "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Just As I Am" Sun shining through stained glass windows Southern lights..."

It's quite touching, actually. Not what you might expect from the front cover... but didn't your Mother tell you, "Don't judge a book by its cover?" When you dislodge the CD from the rubber slug and drop it into your player, you are greeted with some chooglin' southern rock, gospel and blues, played by a solid studio band and fronted by Buffalo, whose voice is as mellow as his visage.

The band includes Ray Brand (lead and slide guitar), John Huber (lead and classical guitar), Billy Teichmiller (drums and percussion), Thad Usry (harp), Owen Brown (bass) and a selection of guest artists, including the great (and late lamented) Bonnie Bramlett. They rock.

Smith's original tunes are melodic, sometimes evocative of other songs, but always original enough that you can't quite pinpoint the influence. "Into the Light" starts things off, a mid-tempo gospel song... "outa the darkness into the light." It has backup vocals from Bonnie Bramlett and a sizzling slide solo by Ray Brand. "Behind the Eyes" is next, some spooky work from the rhythm section, and Smith's deep voice asking questions: "...have you ever wondered what lies beyond Pluto?" Yes, indeed I have.

The big duet with Bonnie is on the ballad "I Don't Want to Say Goodbye." Ms. Bramlett's voice is in fine fettle, and she and the Buffalo blend well. The band does a credible John Lee Hooker impression on the tribute "Hooker's Boogie," in case you thought it was about a different subject. Smith really deepens his voice for this one, singing down so low. "How-how-how-how!" Nice harmonica from Thad Usry.

The rest of the album is more of the same. Blues-based southern rock, with slide guitars and that chooglin' beat. Not a classic, but well worth a listen.

"Heart lights. Auras. Halos. Inner glow. Moonlight. Love lights. Tea lights. Our own borealis. Southern lights."

Some CD's just have that certain sound that grabs your attention. This new album release by Michael Buffalo Smith is one of those types. Michael writes and sings with all his heart pored out on this CD for all to hear. This album is a significant contribution to Roots Rock and Southern Blues music. Southern Lights features several fantastic musical styles and is sure to make waves in the roots music scene.

The preview of your (SOUTHERN LIGHTS) CD sounds very good. I am looking forward to hearing the completed product. I especially enjoyed "Into the Light," and the duet with Bonnie. The instrumental is quite good as well. Great guitar players. There are parts of the album where the slide seems to posess a Duane (Allman) like quality. Very good work, Michael.

We loved your CD! I wanted to grab my Bible, a bucket of shrimp and head to a biker bar all at once! God bless you Buffalo, Bonnie and all the fine musicians on this session!

It was great to have the opportunity to play on Buffalo's "Southern Lights" CD. Buffalo is a very talented artist and a real go getter! He is "the man" at Gritz magazine and an artist also! The CD cover and packaging is really nice. The CD sound is good and the playing and singing are good.

I was so honored to sing on this CD. For a while there I didn't know if I was going to get to sing "Good Ol' Southern Rock" again. Here came Buffalo, and he is the real deal. You see, it's not a look or a sound that defines true Southern Rock- although there is a definite look and sound that surrounds us- It's truly a feeling in our souls that becomes passion, and we can recognize it in each other. I said yes to Micheal when he asked me to sing on his project, and I never even heard him play. I just knew-I knew I would fit in, and so will you,when you listen to Southern Lights. If you are a Southern Rocker or not, you'll Know.

Good pickers, rammin' and jammin' Southern style.

Southern Lights" is like a trip down an old country road. You've driven it before, you know every turn. Good singing and good playing from Michael and friends with a positive message. It's good to know that Southern music is alive and well. Good job brother, keep standing in the light!

Southern Lights is deeply imbedded with true Southern tradition! Michael Buffalo Smith goes from the roots to the modern day with sounds and vocals. Along with Michael, Bonnie Bramlet, Tommy Crain, and Pete Carr and all the musicians offer up the true grit of the South! Great songwriting with very believable images and music. It makes a soul proud to hear a true and original form of music carried into the 21st century! Damn good job Michael, "Southern Lights" will find it's place among the greats!!

Leave it to my friend, Michael Buffalo Smith to put together another outstanding Southern CD with some of my old friends and classic pickers! Who could go wrong with Pete Carr (Duane's picked prot�g�), Bonnie Bramlett (Songbird Of The South), Johnny Wyker (The Vision), Tommy Crain (Hot Licks) and some of the best veteran players from The South?
From "Into the Light" to "Buddha in a Swimming Pool" this will make you smell the magnolias and want a peach. True Southern playing from beginning to the end."I Don't Want To Say Goodbye" says it all for me. It all leaves me wanting more! "Ride On My Friend", ride on!

Just finished listening to your album and I want you to know how refreshing it is to me! I use the word "refreshing" because it takes me back to a time when music was fun and it takes me back to the day when musicians actually "jammed" in the studio. Like Eric & Duane playin' "Layla" together ya' know? Your songs on this album make a person feel like they're worth somethin' ... the lyrics are to the point and harmless at the same time. Fun and free. The listener can go as deep as they wanna' go or just "hop in the car and ride around on a Saturday night." It sounds like you have a lot to be thankful for, and it sounds like you know who to thank!
Bein' an ol' "card carryin' guitar pickin' hippie" myself, it's good to hear great musicians "turned loose" in the studio. Of course it always helps to have songs that you can "free form" with. Songs are arrows ... songwriters are archers ... so ... in a word, BULL'S-EYE son!
Thanks so much Michael; this album gives us somethin' we can keep in our heart forever.

I'll start off by saying that Michael B. really got a chance to show his writing ability on this CD, and I'll have to say, with the likes of great pickers and singer Bonnie Bramlett, how could he miss?!
I am especially proud that Michael chose to record one of my songs ("Ride On My Friend" A Tribute to Toy Caldwell). I must tell you, he took my song ands made it our song. Good luck to my favorite Buffalo and God bless all who listen!

Southern Lights, the latest effort from USA Carolinian Michael Buffalo Smith, is as fresh as spring air. A unique, totally Southern sound that envokes memories of folks like Charlie Daniels and The Marshall Tucker Band. The album runs the gammut from sweet blues to straight Southern Rock. Buffalo's duet with Bonnie Bramlett (Delaney & Bonnie) is pure country pleasure, and the instrumental "Gemini Soul" rocks in a Carlos Santana vein featuring Smith and world famous guitar slingers Tommy Crain (Charlie Daniels Band), Pete Carr (Bob Seger) and Ray Brand (David Allan Coe). One of the very best indie releases of the year.

On "MIDWEST CAROLINA BLUES"
Listeners in search of a roots-rock blast might find their interests piqued by "Midwest Carolina Blues" (Rockabilly Hall of Fame 110), cut in Lincoln, Nebraska by Michael Buffalo Smith & the Rockabilly Hall of Fame Blues Band. This set nicely straddles the line between the two genres but ultimately hews closer to blues, between R&B ballad "It's Been So Long," slow blues "Jelly, Jelly," and the haunting, noir-ish" Rockabilly Blue..."

Great music from a big man with a big heart, a big guitar, a big voice, and a message that deserves to be heard. There is no doubt about it. His is a great soul that comes from that place deep within the recesses of our own. His music is not to be denied, it is to be cherished. From one who knows

On MIDWEST CAROLINA BLUES

Michael, congratulations on a successful CD. I thought it was "True Gritz." You epitomize the true "Roadhouse Band."Thanks for the tribute on "Fly Away!