Soul Cynic
Where in the World Is Alice Smith?
Some of you may be asking yourselves, "Who in the world is Alice Smith?" However, SoulBounce faithful may remember that we've been singing this young lady's praises. Smith's 2006 album For Lovers, Dreamers & Me (later picked up by Epic Records) was a stunning debut by the D.C. native. After years of raved-about live sets and critical acclaim for the album (topped off by a Grammy nod in 2008), I am personally left wanting.
I have never heard a voice like Smith's. I can't really even describe it well, other than to say "husky." It slinks, it growls...it is a different type of instrument. When you listen to a selection like the haunting "Do I," or "Secrets," Alice's voice trickles down the middle of your back, not unlike beads of sweat. It's sensuous and aggressive, yet always controlled. I miss it. In the years since the release of For Lovers, Dreamers & Me I haven't had the chance to see Alice Smith live. I hope to change that in 2009 (when she is penciled in for a new album release). If you know like I know, you can't wait either.
Below is a live performance of Alice Smith covering Heart's "Alone," if you need more proof that Alice is the truth.
Tags: alice smith
Comments
got her album yesterday because i've known about her since 06 but wasn't yet into her. then i saw this in april and looked at her again.
Nikesha | June 12, 2009 11:01 AM | Permalinkand yesterday i was in music that yelled at you ala Nina Simone "Do I Move You?" and decided to add Alice to the collection.
i will be playing this all daw.
her voice has such raw power. it is chilling. can't wait for the new album to drop.
i LOVEEE alice smith and she has my name lolll... xxxxxxx
Alice | June 2, 2009 6:06 AM | Permalinkyour biggest fan ali drive lollll xxxxxx
miss ya contact me
Alice's show last night at Joe's Pub (NY) was SICKENING! Her voice is so unreal live. She doesnt even need a mic. How a sound like that comes out of her tiny body i'll never know. I'm completely in love with her as a artist. Plus she did about 4 or 5 new songs so im excited for the next album.
Li | May 30, 2009 4:17 AM | PermalinkI was just listening to Love Endeavor today.
Sasha | April 13, 2009 11:50 AM | PermalinkIronically, I was just talking about Alice the other day, wondering where she was. I remember first seeing her at Black Lily a few years back and being blown away - not only by her voice but her simple, yet commanding stage presence.
I sincerely hope we can turn that penciled in into ink.
Vivrant Thang | April 8, 2009 9:09 PM | PermalinkIm glad im not the only one missing ms Smith. She is one of a kind. havent seen her live not one time. but i know when i see her live it would be amazing.! cant wait for the new album to drop. excited to know what song will be like the next "dream" hopefully she will get another nomination and this time win!! ive been spreading the word about this woman to friends family and people i never met. and i wont stop because this woman deserves her shine!
RiChea | April 7, 2009 12:03 PM | PermalinkI got a copy of the album as soon as it was released in the UK, and it didn't leave my CD player for weeks! I recently compiled a 'missing list' over on my blog and, criminally, i forget to include Alice on it!
Let's hope we see a new album this year!
soulUK | April 7, 2009 4:52 AM | Permalinkprior to the album coming out, i got to see her perform in a little makeshift garage spot in nyc. when she sang "dream" with the band, i knew i was hearing a very special voice. it's been all about "dream" for me ever since, with "love endeavor" and "woodstock" bringing up the rear. definitely looking forward to hearing new material from her.
macedonia | April 6, 2009 10:15 PM | PermalinkI have a song by her called "Far Away" that is supposed to be on the album ah it's so great and she's been performing new songs live one called "Loyalty" and "So Bad". both are awesome I can't wait for my girl to come back.
Joshy | April 6, 2009 8:03 PM | PermalinkMy inquiring mind wants to know where she is, too!
danielita3000 | April 6, 2009 7:43 PM | PermalinkOn her facebook page she said she's working on new music. Yay!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/alicesmith?ref=nf
Madame Zenobia | April 6, 2009 6:29 PM | PermalinkSpot on Dar cause just the other day I was wondering what happened to Alice Smith! 'For Lovers, Dreamers and Me' is an excellent album and one of my favorites, she is brimming with talent, hopefully we can get another album from her cause I miss her voice as well
Jennifer | April 6, 2009 5:57 PM | PermalinkI'm glad I'm not the only one who missed her presence. 'For Lovers, Dreamers and Me' is a must have for anyone's collection. Alice Smith is at the top of the list of artists who need to release a new album soon for me.
Sels | April 6, 2009 5:45 PM | PermalinkYou haven't seen her live?!? This is a definite must for 2009. I only saw her once, but she sounded great and the band is excellent!!!!!!! I have been wondering where she has been too.
Mavis | April 6, 2009 3:32 PM | PermalinkI really like this girl and I enjoyed her album, especially "Do I". I hope her next album will come sooner than later.
Bree | April 6, 2009 3:08 PM | PermalinkI like her, she's got a cool presence, naturally uncategorizable. I really like "Woodstock" with the "all the fishes sing" break, makes me giggle everytime.-QH
QH | April 6, 2009 2:13 PM | PermalinkFor Lovers, Dreamers, and Me is one of my favorite cds. It's one of those 'can't fail' cds for me. I really hope she releases something new this year. She's one of those artists that should be bigger than what she is b/c she has soooooooooo much to offer music.
chynadoll | April 6, 2009 2:02 PM | Permalink