Right: Bill Vordenbaum and Mindy Smith

In January of 2004, Mindy Smith released her debut CD “One Moment More.” The first time I heard her sing “Come To Jesus,” I thought she had the potential to be the next Patty Griffin. When I saw her perform live at the Austin City Limits Music Festival later that year, I knew she was not a fluke. Her vocals were just as chilling and compelling as they were on the disc. I could hardly wait to hear her next effort.

Well, two years later, she completed her sophomore CD “Long Island Shores.” I wasn’t sure which direction her music would take. However, after slowly absorbing the well-crafted songs on this new disc, I was thoroughly convinced she was staying true to her art. The first song on the CD, “Out Loud,” has no instrumental intro. Her vocals simultaneously evoke a sense of urgency and hope.

One of my favorite songs on the disc is “What If The World Stops Turning.” This is a duet she co-wrote with John Scott Sherrill. It is a love song which celebrates the mystical sense of blissful union couples share despite the often bleak reality of the outside world. The only song which Mindy does not either write or co-write on this album is “You Just Forgot.” John Scott Sherrill ("How Long Gone" -- Brooks & Dunn), Dave Loggins (“Please Come To Boston“), and Dennis Robbins ("Two Of A Kind Workin' On A Full House" -- Garth Brooks, & "Church On The Cumberland Road" -- Shenandoah) wrote this tune about the selfish indifference that some lovers convey.

Perhaps the most beautiful and deeply emotional songs on this CD is “Tennessee.” Much like I have adopted Austin, Texas as my hometown, Mindy has taken Tennessee to heart. I can definitely relate. “You Know I Love You Baby” is more up-tempo with hints of blues, jazz, and even bluegrass. I couldn’t help but think of the lyrics to Terri Gibbs “Somebody’s Knockin'” when I first heard “Little Devil.” “I’m Not The Only One Asking” seems to be a continuation of “Come To Jesus.” Yet, there is a sense of maturity in both lyrical content and musical structure in this song.

In my opinion, the title track “Long Island Shores” is vaguely reminiscent of “Mull Of Kintyre” by (Paul McCartney and) Wings. Only, this is a profoundly personal song about Mindy’s youth and family. Her vocals soulfully evoke a deep, emotional reflection of her hometown childhood in Old Northport (Long Island), New York. The last song on the CD is “Peace Of Mind.” It is a positive song with what I believe to be her best vocal performance on the disc.

Overall, this is one solid effort. Mindy has continued to defy the labels of today’s music industry. While she took her time finishing “Long Island Shores,” I believe it was well worth the wait. Thanks to Vanguard Records for allowing me to review this CD prior to its release on Tuesday, October 10th. I can’t help but think that the best is yet to come for Mindy!