Considering their prodigious respective careers, the upcoming release of the legendary G.E. Smith and LeRoy Bell ’s , Stony Hill , sets the bar high. Between them, first – call blues/rock guitarist Smith and revered soul/R&B singer – songwriter Bell have crafted a uniquely compelling, bluesy rock ‘n’ soul record that’s poised to attract all music loving audiences. Why the name Stony Hill? It signifies the struggle, and ‘ pushing that rock up a hill ’ muses Bell . It chronicles an in depth look at where we stand as an American d emocracy without prejudice or presumption. LeRoy delves into the pulse of the American culture delivering the co – written songs with wisdom and conviction. “I’ve been looking for a great singer for thirty years, at least – not just a good singer, but a great singer,” Smith recalled of first hearing Bell in 2018. “I said: ‘that’s the voice – that’s the one I’ve been looking for!’”
Perhaps best known for his decade as the distinctively ponytailed musical director for Saturday Night Live (for which he won an Emmy), Smith’s career has also included six years with Hall & Oates at the height of their multi – platinum powers; extended touring with Bob Dylan and Rogers Waters; working with David Bowie, Mick Jagger, and Tina Turner; and directing everything from a Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame Museum concert to Dy lan’s 30 th anniversary show at Madison Square Garden.
Meanwhile, Bell was carving out a career as a hit songwriter for the likes of Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Teddy Pendergrass, and The Three Degrees, while also releasing records with duo Bell and James (including successful single “Livin’ It Up (Friday Night)”), and a string of solo albums. Today the leader of his own band, LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends, Bell earned legions of new fans as a finalist in the inaugural season of TV’s smash reality music competition The X Factor in 2011.
“It really intrigued me to do something that’s a little bit different and to bring my talent with his talent,” said Bell of his coming together with Smith. “[To] try to make something new; make something happen. And I thin k we accomplished that.”
Initially introduced by Smith’s wife, the duo discovered such instant chemistry that they began recording together almost immediately. Combining compositions from both artists, co – written tracks, and a couple of cover versions (th e traditional ballad “ Black Is the Color (of My True Love’s Hair) ” and Buffy Sainte – Marie’s “ Cod ’ ine ”), the resulting Stony Hill – is a robust ride through soulful, R&B – tinted blues rock characterized by emotive vocals, tastefully virtuosic play – for – the – song guitar, and a through line emphasis on melody.
“What I love, for American music, is the combination of rock ‘n’ roll and R&B,” said Smith. “LeRoy writes really good songs with good hooks … [and] hey, you can dance to it!” But more import antly, they speak to the people.