Paddy Smith – Could Have Found Grace
Self-produced digital download
Available at Amazon.com
8 songs – 30 minutes
A longtime fixture in the Irish blues scene, harmonica player/vocalist Paddy Smith packs a punch from the jump of his latest album, a gritty, in-your-face collection of tunes that deal with hardship, resilience and redemption. It’s a beat-heavy production that drives forward relentlessly, building tension with every note.
Paddy made his recording debut with Let These Blues In in 2013, and this one’s a welcome follow-up to The Devil’s Backyard, which was released in 2023. While he may be a new name for blues lovers in the U.S. and although his music is relatively hard to find, this digital download is definitely worth your ear.
Produced by Ivan Jackman at Hellfire Studios in Dublin, Smith coordinated the project with guitarist Danny Tobin of The Business Blues Band, and Smith notes: “Over three intense days, we sat together and worked through (the songs) line-by-line, chord-by-chord. The process was completely organic…nothing forced.”
Lending a hand was an all-star roster of UK musicians. Tobin handled six-string with James Delaney (Van Morrison, Rory Gallagher) on keys, Aongus Ralston (The Waterboys) on bass and Jason Duffy (The Corrs) on drums.
“One Dollar Bill” finds Paddy at the bar at 6 a.m. with a beer in hand but downhearted and wishing for more. The lonely single that had been in his pocket was enough for the brew but he also yearned for a shot in order to feel human again. Tobin’s fretwork and the rhythm sector provide simple support until Smith launches into a plaintive mid-tune run on the reeds, demonstrating thoroughly original, but traditional technique in a world of Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson wannabes.
The sound brightens a little thanks to a brief intro and stylish fills from Delaney, but the mood remains the same for “Ain’t Got Nobody,” which finds Paddy sitting around, watching the time pass slow and stewing because he also has nowhere to go. His mind’s in turmoil and tears flow from his eyes. Despite the theme, it’s a catchy little number.
Delaney’s rollicking runs propel “Hard Luck Blues,” which bemoans the fact that we can’t choose our fate in life no matter what we do – and that includes Smith, who’s still dealing with everyday problems despite having witnessed “dumb men speak,” dead men walk and more. He works out his frustrations on the harp in the second half of the number.
Optimism finds its way into the lyrics with “Still Standing Tall,” which finds Paddy ignoring the all the names he’s been called and standing at the crossroads of his life while smoking a cheap cigarette. All he can do, he says, is the best that he can while living it on his own terms. The medium-paced pleaser, “You Don’t Know Me,” which states that while you might know the good and bad he’s gone through, the hurt, shame and more, there’s a whole lot more about his character hidden from the world.
Tobin gets to step out of the background and shine on the brief but beefy instrumental, “Stratoligy,” before Smith breathes new life into Elmore James’ “Shake Your Money Maker,” the only cover in the set. The album closes with the title tune, “Could Have Found Grace.” It’s a sweet, swinging number in which Paddy states that he’s traveled the world and slept serenely at night but always awakes in tears because he’s never found peace.
Paddy packed this little treat full of sorrow, but it’ll leave you with a smile. Take a chance on it. It’ll be worth your while.
