Live at the Point 9/30/99 – Shawn Smith

Shawn Smith has flourished rather anonymously in a post-grunge Seattle. Despite possessing superb musical talents and guiding Brad, Satchel, and Pigeonhed through years of critical acclaim, national recognition has been elusive. Live at the Point 9/30/99 beautifully captures Smith at the highest level of artistic merit, performing alone with just a keyboard and guitar in front of an awed Philadelphia audience. On marvelous display is his stunningly soulful voice throughout this poignant set of Brad charmers, Satchel favorites, and songs from his first solo album, Let It All Begin. Stripped down to their purest form, "On the Banks," "Screen," "Buttercup," and "Suffering" crackle with a celebratory sadness and unabashed emotional sincerity. He also does right by Prince, crooning an achingly pensive rendition of "Sometimes It Snows in April," and, exclusive to this recording, "A Little Heart" is cooed like a delicate lullaby. Released only through Nick DiDia's defunct 818 Internet label, Shawn Smith bares his soul on this acoustic masterpiece that tragically isn't available through conventional retail markets. ~ Craig Curtice, All Music Guide