“Easily making my list of favorite albums this year, ‘Only So Fast’ by Steve Smith and Hard Road is a wonderful collection of all the right songs and sounds that make for a truly timeless album. From upbeat bluegrass instrumentals like ‘Nate’s Rambles’ and ‘Dune Matoon' to the soulful and bluesy ‘Save Me’ and ‘Whoa Black Buck’, expect to be carried away by flowing rhythms peppered with jazzy finger picking and running bass lines, and exquisite vocals and tasty harmonies that melt into strong melodies lthat stick like glue. From blues to jazz, and bluegrass to country, ‘Only So Fast’ takes you across the American heartland with songs like ‘Dry Spell’ and ‘I Shot My Gun’, and just when you least expect it, you’ll hear a touch of bluegrass backed by a Mediterranean rhythm and flow with songs such as ‘Toon Tune’; and you’ll even get a sprinkling of Celtic mystique such as in ‘Rowantree.’ I have to tell you, Hard Road is a musically accomplished group that knows when to jazz it up and when to jam it out, and ‘Only So Fast’ will give you a full serving their dynamic talents. There’s no labeling with album – other than exceptional! “ Review by Lisa D. Smith, The Big Blend Magazine.

On March 16, 2008, we interviewed Steve Smith on ‘Champagne Sundays’. Steve talked about the bands new album, how the songs were written, and told us about the band Hard Road and how the work and travel together. To hear the entire, unedited show, click here. To listen to the interview, please double click on the play button below.


About Steve Smith & Hard Road: Steve Smith and Hard Road evolved into a full working group as a result of the success and chemistry of the musicians who came together to work on mandolin player Steve Smith’s original live studio recording Hard Road released in 2004. The chemistry in the studio became an excellent rapport onstage and on the road. In the Hard Road line-up Aaron McCloskey brings exciting new guitar tunes to the group and a musical sophistication beyond his years. Nate Lee brings virtuoso fiddling and both elegant and searing hot licks to the Hard Road sound. Ashleigh Caudill is the foundation keeping exquisite time with exquisite tone, be it bluegrass or jazz. It is easy to hear that singing has been Chris Sanders’ life and she has found an ideal song-writing partner in Steve, who is the wise man who unites this diverse group of musicians with his compelling songs and inspiring musicianship. When his smoky tenor joins with the other voices in the band, a deep connection is heard and felt.