I've been accused of writing only positive reviews. It's true that many of my reviews are very positive. But that's because I tend to write only about the acts I enjoy. And lately I've enjoyed a lot of what I've heard come through Little Rock. It's always fun to discover some new band when looking at the lineups at the local venues, to like that band, and then to go to the show to see if they're as good live as you think they'll be. Lately many of them have been. Sometimes, they're not. But when it came time to go see Big Smith last night, there was no question but that a good time was going to be had by all who attended.
I last saw Big Smith in Fayetteville back in 2005. They headlined George's one Saturday night after a Razorback football game, and I haven't forgotten the experience. The irresistible "12" 3-Speed Oscillating Fan" is a personal favorite that sticks out from that night, and my memories are of fast-paced, high-energy, free-wheeling musical mayhem, and last night proved that three years have certainly not taken their toll on Big Smith. They were as fresh, fun and raucous as ever.
I was a little worried when we arrived at Rev Room a little before 10:00, just as Charliehorse were finishing their set, and the place was almost empty. I knew Puddle of Mudd were playing at the amphitheatre, but surely they weren't drawing crowds from a bluegrass band's fanbase? My worry was misplaced. Within a half-hour of Big Smith's kick-off, the floor in front of the stage was full, people lined the rails behind us, the tables were full, and everyone was clapping or tapping their feet to the rhythm. The band use guitar, fiddle, mandolin, keyboard, washboard, and lap steel guitar, not all at the same time, but in different combinations throughout the set, always keeping things interesting.
They must have played for more than three hours, and yet they still left the crowd begging for more. And what a crowd it was. Througout most of the second half of the set the floor resembled something like a bluegrass mosh pit, replete with high-stepping and elbows flying. One guy in the crowd looked like the archetype of a red-head, bearded hillbilly -- the type I used to see on my grandfather's vintage 1970s Mountain Dew bottles (I swear, the motto on the bottle used to read, "Mountain Dew. It'll tickle yore innards!" and it featured a stereotype hillbilly with overalls, long beard and a straw hat). From my description, you'd think it was an older crowd, but it wasn't. Big Smith have broken the Generation Y demographic.
The band never seemed to tire, but after what must have been nearly thirty songs, which included one encore, it was time to call it a night. For those of you who may have missed out and are looking for an excuse for a road trip, Big Smith play George's in Fayetteville again next Friday night.
-G
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