Powerful blues-rock-Gospel, guitar driven originals mixed with fresh takes that bring old classics into the 21rst century, for those that like to get their praise on with a groove, funky, uplifting and worshipful, bringing music with a deep message.

CDbaby disc description- I Will

I Will is the fifth solo release from acclaimed Christian singer-songwriter-guitarist, Bert Smith. This collection of songs fuses together Bert’s influences into an bluesy, rockin’, uplifting set of, guitar driven, music that defies the traditional genres of Contemporary Praise, or today’s Christian rock categories. For those familiar with Bert’s previous releases, I will, showcases an artist maturing in all areas of his musical career. Vocals which were reviewed on Warrior (first release) as sounding like “thunder rolling down a gravel road” now resonate deeper than before, with the sounds that only life and time bring.
New original material has richer lyrical content that will stick in your mind for long after the first listen and seem like long time favorites before each song is done. Combining these with new arrangements and a new lyric or two on some old familiar classics make this a rich collection for personal listening as well as sharing the Message. Worship leaders may find several new songs and arrangements for Sunday morning. Then there’s the guitar playing. Bert simply says this is the guitar record he has always wanted to make. Combining his Gibson Les Paul, and 335, with a PRS solid rosewood neck McCarty, throw in a Suhr Telecaster and a couple of Fender Strats and the word “tone” stands out as the guitar takes the forefront of this project. Sometimes painting outside the lines, but with each song the guitar makes its statement. Fans of Christian recording acts, such as, Glenn Kaiser, The Mighty Jeremiahs, Lincoln Brewster, and Phil Keaggy will be in somewhat familiar territory, as will fans of guitarists like Warren Haynes, Billy Gibbons, Eric Clapton, and Joe Bonamassa. Its not hard to hear the influence of classic groups like The Allman Brothers, ZZtop, and Little Feat as well as newer bands like Government Mule and the Black Keys. A true solo album, recorded at home, Bert handles all guitars, bass, vocal, and rhythm programming, yet each song is full of enery and a live feel. Fans of guitar music, Classic blues-rock , or Christian music will not be disappointed in this inspirational, grooving, heart moving, release. But, be warned, you may want to put on your dancing shoes.