Brooklyn soul singer/songwriter Bette Smith follows-up 2017’s Jetlagger with The Good the Bad and the Bette – another collaboration with Mississippi-based Drive-By Truckers’ Matt Patton (bass) and Bronson Tew (drums) who took co-production duties as well. The latest features Bette’s rock and roll side while preserving the enchanting mix of gospel and soul feel found on Jetlagger. The Good the Bad and the Bette includes a number of noteworthy guest appearances such as multi-instrumentalist Henry Westmoreland (Squirrel Nut Zippers) on horn and organ, Dom Flemons (Carolina Chocolate Drops) on Seratones, Jimbo Matthus (Squirrel Nut Zippers) on guitar, Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi) on guitar, as well as others throughout the album. With the exception of the three Patton and Tew tracks, the album is inspired by the theme of finding oneself, growing-up in a rough neighborhood, and understanding how to build healthy relationships as an adult. Led by Smith’s raspy, soulful vocals, the result draws positive comparisons to Ike and Tina, Betty Wright, and Bette Davis. Notable tracks include: the opening cover of Lonnie Shields’ “Fistful of Dollars”; the lush ballad about Smith’s mother’s passing on “Whistle Stop”; a rocking cover of Tyler Dawson’s “I’m A Sinner”; the soulful cover of John St Mar Kveen’s prayer song “Signs and Wonders”; the infectious love song “Human”; the gentle original “Song For A Friend”; a cover of the Dexateens’ “Pine Belt Blues”; and a closing cover Willy Vlautin’s (Richmond Fontaine) “Don’t Skip Out On Me.” The Good the Bad and the Bette is a solid second album and Bette Smith is a young up-and-coming talent you won’t want to miss! – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Shemekia Copeland, Betty Davis, Sharon Jones, Tina Turner, Marva Whitney