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Linda M. Smith’s singer-songwriter talents stem from a diverse personal background. Before Smith started performing at local clubs and coffee houses in her early twenties, he was a budding classical pianist winning state-wide championships. She then began crafting her own songs and delved into the local music scene, picked up the guitar and has not put it down since.
She started experimenting with her voice and developed the unique vocal style heard on her albums today – a sound that blends folk with rock. Smith’s music is romantic, soulful, earthy and mystical, and is best known for its lyrical and melodic freshness. By listening to a wide range of artists and musical genres, she continuously opens herself to new ideas she encounters in her auditory adventures. Her music has been compared to the likes of Natalie Merchant, Jewel and the Indigo Girls.
Smith released her self-titled debut album in 1998, and in 2000, released her second album, "Blame it on the Moon," featuring renowned master guitarist Michael Smith. She released her third album, "Artemisia," at the Old Town School of Folk Music in January 2006.
For more information, music and video samples, please visit:
“Artemisia” is Ms. Smith’s first conceptual piece documented on her third album “Artemisia,” which she debuted last January at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music to a full house. Blending folk with rock, Smith’s music is filled with mystical, earthy overtones and a romantic, soulful sound. A classically-trained pianist, Smith was influenced early on by Carly Simon and Carole King. An affinity for Bruce Cockburn and Richard Thompson prompted her to learn guitar and move into the realm of singer songwriter/story teller.
Inspired by the life of Artemisia Gentileschi, a revolutionary 17th century Italian painter, Tragedy to Triumph, The Story of Artemisia explores a woman’s release from tragedy to triumph in her life ant through her art. “Life and the everyday are what feel and react towards obstacles and struggles,” said Smith. “I like to think of my music as part of the chain that encourages us to all be warriors through adversity.”
Tragedy to Triumph, The Story of Artemisia will immerse the audience in a multimedia experience of Artemisia Gentileschi’s work and life. New to the project Art Directors Eric Gelehrter and Galia Shevchenko have worked closely with the composer to define this expanded visual element. Blending Ms. Gentileschi’s works with text, abstraction and more, the fresh visuals parallel the marriage of the moody and opulent 17th century life and art of Artemisia with our contemporary aesthetic.
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| Tragedy to Triumph: the Story of Artemisia is Linda's 3rd CD and first conceptual collection of music |
Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1652) lived a very difficult but inspiring life. Unlike the majority of her male contemporaries, Artemisia painted strong female characters. Characters that reflected her won strength and ability to overcome the many hardships she faced both as a woman in a male dominate field and as a rape victim. She went on to become one of the most sought after and highly paid artists of her era. Considered ahead of her time, Artemisia portrayed women in atypical gender roles, sowing them as feminine, yet strong individuals. She eventually became the first female painter to achieve recognition in the male dominated world of post-renaissance art. Captivated by Artemisia’s story, Ms. Smith has captured the artists’ rhythm through music and visual representations of Artemisia’s work. Themes of redemption and perseverance transcend the years and remain relevant to Smith’s own life and the lives of women today.
“Linda M. Smith follows the path of such female folk-rockers as Shawn Colvin and Natalie Merchant. Her strong, self-assured vocals and a lyrical style that examines the usual romantic turf without resorting to cliches put her a big step ahead of the usual coffeehouse crooners.... Smith’s is a voice well worth hearing.” - Jim DeRogatis, Chicago Sun-Times
“Tell Me”, with its message of peace, stands out as the album’s best track....A CD that makes a lasting impression....Energy and strong lyrics make the difference.” - Illinois Entertainer
“She’s got a real sweet voice and the songs are good....It definitely fits the kind of music we play.” - Chicago’s own Lin Brehmer, WXRT
“...the lyrics are especially rich, evoking the complexity of Artemisia’s growth as a woman and a painter.” Andy Downing, Chicago Tribune
“Soulful and earthy.” WGN-TV
“...frank, audacious, unrepentant.” Sam Rosby, Professor of Art, Harper College
Linda M. Smith, who sings and plays guitar and piano, is typically joined on stage by ensemble musicians; Eugenia Elliott, backup vocals and flute, Katherine Hughes on violin, percussion and backup vocals, Robert Arendt on drums/percussion and backup vocals, Chester Tocha, bass guitar and guitarist Michael Smith.
The technical needs of the show are as follows (with a full tech rider available upon request):
Technical Staff
* Lighting technical/engineer
* Sound Technician/engineer
* Projection technical/engineer
* Merchandise salesperson
Visual Equipment
* Large format video screen
* Video projector (3500 lumen brightness or more)
* All necessary cabling to connect projector to computer (Computer provided by Artist)
Audio Equipment
* “State of the Art” sound system capable of quality concert volume
* 16 to 32 channel audio mixing console (depending on number of musicians)
* 4 separate monitor mixes with a total of 6 or more monitors
* Outboard effects, equalization and compression as required
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