"Naked Blue plays tricks on me. Disguised under complex harmonies and delicious guitar sounds are deep sentiments. Lyrics that touch on the wistful and whimsical, addressing the usual suspect of Love through a complex prism of carefully crafted rhymes. I’m amazed every time I hear a song of theirs that I think I know by heart, only to discover some nuance of complete, utter, and honest simplicity. This is songwriting as practiced by master craftspeople."
Jen and Scott Smith (Naked Blue), met at Gordon Miller Music in Towson, MD. Within a year, they had begun a writing, recording and personal partnership that has produced 5+ recordings and won critical acclaim. Their dynamic live performances, either as a duo or as the front people for a full band, have taken them all over the country and to Europe, creating life-long loyal fans wherever they go. Always looking for ways to help promote their favorite independent artists, Jen and Scott created their own studio, The Wood and Stone Room, where they’ve produced some of the best acts in the Mid Atlantic region as well as started a vibrant live video series, Live @ the Wood and Stone Room.
This year, expect new music and lots of performance dates from Naked Blue.
THE BAND
“flawless, lilting, soulful and never misses. The Baltimore-based band sticks with their folk roots, but isn’t afraid to push that sound with a lot of funk infused into tunes like Break Me. Five by Five is a great record and should position Naked Blue among the best folk acts working.”
Lance Looper - Pop Culture Press
"Listening to Naked Blue's CD, I couldn't get the thought out of my head that alternative, rock, and AAA radio stations are playing similar music that simply isn't this good. Naked Blue's guitarist, Scott Smith, produced, engineered and mixed the album flawlessly. Though extremely easy to listen to, their bluesy, folk rock has an honesty that sets it apart from much of the hollow, mindless music on pop radio. Jennifer Smith's sweet, emotive vocals sweep you into each song."
PASTEMUSIC.COM
“With the release of their new CD, Five by Five, Naked Blue has established itself as a vital player on the folk-pop scene.” MetroBeat
“Listening to their new disc, Five by Five, one can't help but be lured into a mental game of names that sound-alike: some Alanis Morissette here, some Aimee Mann there, a touch of Jonatha Brooke and Lucinda Williams tossed in for good measure. That's not to negate their craft however; theirs is the type of sounds that's ready-made for radio; obvious hooks, engaging melodies and songs that are consistently easy on the ears. ...this is an album so filled with mass appeal melodies, it doesn't take a song about sunshine to warm up to their efforts.”
Miami News & Entertainment
Jen and Scott Smith share the evening with their presenters and their audience like old friends, a natural rapport from the start. No wonder reservations flooded in for the concert to sell out the show, with a strong following from fans and newcomers...Jen's vocals matched by Scott's guitar skills explain it all.
Phil & Ilene White, presenter - House in the Woods
“Jennifer reminds us of people like Shawn Colvin, Edie Brickell, Jonatha Brooke and Allison Krauss. We love this one.”Recording Magazine
“Naked Blue has that universal appeal musicians yearn for. (Five by Five) will make you dance and cry.” Paste Magazine
“(Five by Five is) a charming, grown-up adult contemporary album. Singer Jen out-Crows Sheryl on clever tracks like "Miami", and out-Colvins Shawn on the smoky, sexy, bluesy "Break Me". Scott's guitar lends a friendly twang to album opener "Pink Hat", and his choogling dobro propels the sweet (but not saccharine) love song "Extraordinarily". A simple, intimate album about being in and out of love.”
Stephen Haag, Pop Matters
"Naked Blue’s trademark acoustic-pop sound in its simplest form—good harmonies, a catchy hook and Jen’s breathy voice that at once soothes and intrigues. Whatever your taste, Jen and Scott seem to have something made to order and as the years go by, the selection grows greater and greater. Audiences will enjoy Naked Blue’s intriguing body of music that seems to delight in keeping one guessing." Leesburg Today
Presenters / Promoters / Press:
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