What the critics say about Smiling Jack's CD - "Three Seconds To Love Me" :

From Vicente Zumel, La Hora Del Blues , Barcelona
"Smiling Jack Smith has produced this cd that was recorded at Lagar 74 studios in Chinchón, Madrid (Spain). It is a cool pleasant cd with all songs included on it Jack's own compositions. Jack comes from the United States but he has settled in Spain. He is an experienced musician with a deep musical knowledge and he combines with a very personal touch blues, r&b, some pop drops, and New Orleans music, which give as a result a nice cd. Smith is backed by Spanish musicians who really know what is expected of them. A very interesting cd of an efficient musician and composer that gives a new musical vision to take into consideration. GREAT."

From Stan Jay, President, Mandolin Bros., New York
"I think IT'S GREAT! Your voice has certainly matured quite a bit, sounding like a wholly idealized, aging, eroded yet feisty, not-entirely-Caucasian, blues person who spends most of his time (to avoid the nattering of his spouse) on the wooden front porch, with a rusty National prewar Style O guitar. Needless to say, we do love the self-effacing, wry humor, especially of the title track. Nobody could have written that song but you. It is _too_ funny. I've only, so far, heard the album once, but I will be re- and re-re listen in order to revisit the groaning board of slightly off-balance stories that it imparts (you don't play an album like this all at once). The band is tight and hot, like a recently-poured Starbucks black coffee with a lid that won't come off. In this CD, it all comes off clean, commanding, and with powerful practiced professionalism. And you can quote me." Stan Jay, Pres., Mandolin Brothers, Ltd. 629 Forest Ave., Staten Island, NY 10310 Reg. Bus. Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM Monday thru Saturday Tel: 718 981 8585 or 718 981 3226 Fax: 718 816 4416 e-mail: mandolin@mandoweb.com

From Fred Xavier, Peerless Music , Canada
"Just listening to your CD for real this time, not on my computer, up close and personal. Some very fine music on here and it's wonderful to hear you sing and play again... some mighty mellow and righteous tunes Jack. Keep Smilin'."

American born, Smiling Jack Smith has lived more than half his life outside the United States; 20 years in Canada, and 8 years in Spain.

His music has changed and grown over the more than 35 years he has spent performing his original songs. He has worked as an opening act for some of the biggest names in the music business, including B.B. King, John Mayall, Bonnie Raitt, John Hammond,Jr., Charlie Musselwhite, Johnnie Clyde Copeland and the Reverend Gary Davis

His five CD's and numerous festival and live performances have endeared Smilin' Jack to his many Spanish, Canadian and American fans and it goes without saying that Jack will make a lot of new friends on the Isle of Man at the 2004 Blues Festival. Bring it on...

Smiling Jack Smith at the Bridge Hotel with his "International Touring Band" 2004 - Click to ENLARGE

Smiling Jack Smith did, indeeed, make a lot of new friends on the Isle of Man in 2004. As soon as he arrived he linked up with local rhythm section Roger Leece (drums) and Johnny Galbraith (bass) together with keyboard man Dave McLean and right from the off they seemed to click.

The music was happening so they decided to wander down to The Queens Hotel to see if they could get a slot at the Friday night session in the pub. Jim Houghton, Walter Ego skinsman, joined them (Roger was committed elsewhere) for a 30-40 minute blast and the packed pub enjoyed every minute of it.

It was a similar story throughout the weekend wherever he played whether it was solo at The Shore, Acoustic Stage or with his "Isle of Man Band" at The Bridge Inn Jack was warmly welcomed and very well received by all who heard him.

We look forward to seeing him again in the near future.