Jo Ann Smith

RHYTHM OF THE RAIN
Jo Ann Smith

Review by: Aunt Sukey, Mule Extraordinary (as told to Stew Schneider)


Aunt Sukey, my musical mentor, has made a decision. She feels that she has hidden in the background too long, and has demanded that, as she does the work, she should get the credit. Henceforward, I shall receive no more credit than the simple amanuensis that I am is due. These things happen in the highly charged atmosphere of the performing world. I will try to be gracious about it. What follows are her words, unedited, right from the uh...well... “horse's mouth” wouldn't be correct, but “mule's mouth” doesn't sound right, either. But I digress...


I did not attend the Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering the year Jo Ann Smith not so much won the contest as she blew the doors off the thing, but I did carefully listen to recordings. It was clear that the autoharp community had foaled a major talent, and that a CD would shortly follow. I was not wrong in that estimation, though, truly, I underestimated the scope of her ambition. Rather than a “See what I can play on an autoharp, of all things” sort of a recording “Rhythm of the Rain” is an honest, listenable and musical recording of merit far beyond the instrumentation.


She joined with Patricia Webster on bass, Galen Brown and Gerry Lay on guitar, and Jim Harris, mandolin to produce a textured presentation of some very nice music, indeed. Adding to the attractive mix, Patricia Webster, Allan Crowell and Gerry Lay sing lovely harmony. Gerry Lay's beautiful “Cruel Winds of Oklahoma” is particularly well done on all fronts. Those who heard her win in 1999, will be happy to know that her contest pieces, from the astonishing “Blackberry Blossom” to the off-the-wall “Tammy” are here as well, and beautifully set out. For those who think you can't get all those notes in there on an autoharp, a short listen to Shenandoah Falls should convince you that, yes, you can.


The bass is well timed, trotting effortlessly without ever breaking into an undignified gallop. The mandolin and guitar take very credible breaks, and Jo Ann's autoharp moves effortlessly between chops and melody, finding acoustic space in all the right places. This is a CD that needs to be in your collection, autoharp fan or not. It's real, serious, music, done by people with real appreciation of the acoustic form.


I give it two ears up with a whinny.


- Autoharp Quarterly

"From the very first track, it is clear that Jo Ann Smith is talented. Her autoharp playing is fast, intricate and gorgeous. She brings a breadth of emotion to her songs and plays them with enough complexity to rival a full band of fiddlers."

CNC Music Productions - CNC Music Productions

When I was a kid I found this crazy looking instrument in my parent’s basement. I was amazed at the many strings and its interesting sound. Indeed it was an autoharp. Jo Ann Smith composes beautiful arrangements that are just as mind-boggling as her eclectic instrument of choice. Showing a true mastery she blends old world classics like “Amazing Grace”, bluegrass like “Shenandoah Falls” and “Old Joe Clark”, and folk on a variety of songs. Joining her on “Rhythm of the Rain” are members of her acoustic troupe Pocket Change. Together they’ve produced one hell of an album.

- J-Sin - Smother.Net