Gat3 Records

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LEGENDARY AWARD WINNING GUITARIST, KENNY SMITH ENTERS THE STUDIO WITH GAT3 RECORDS TO BEGIN RECORDING OF SECOND SOLO ALBUM

FEBRUARY 1, 2011 (CHARLOTTE, NC) -- Kenny Smith, the legendary guitar player of the Kenny and Amanda Smith Band and formerly of the Lonesome River Band, is recording a long anticipated solo guitar album. The follow-up to the classic Studebaker (Kenny’s first solo endeavor) will include several new original songs, as well as some classics played with Kenny’s unique style. The album is being recorded at Gat3 and will be released on Gat3 Records, based in Charlotte, NC.

“Kenny and I have discussed a new guitar record for several years” states two-time Grammy winner and label owner, Glenn Tabor. “One day when Kenny and Amanda were hangin’ at my house, we decided it was time not only to record the project, but to start a label that would give it the attention it needed. That’s when I started Gat3 Records. It was a natural extension of what we’re about – supporting artists”.

Kenny wanted to capture some of the magic from his first solo record, so he contacted veteran players Barry Bales and Adam Steffey. “It was like we picked up where we left off,” said Kenny. “I really feel like we’re plowing new ground with some of this material”. Also recruited for the album were Aubrey Haynie, Adam Hurt, and the K&A band members. “Kenny has become quite a legend at a young age” says mandolin great, Adam Steffey. “Kenny can take a traditional song and put a twist on it so that you know it’s him, it’s Kenny”. Barry Bales added, “Kenny called me up and asked if I would play on his new record, and I jumped at the chance. He’s such a monster rhythm player – something that’s often overlooked”.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the album,” said Kenny. “We’re on the same page. We wanted to make not only the best record we could, but also the best sounding record. The tones, the emotion – I feel like we really captured that this week”.

Footage of the sessions will be available online. The album is slated for release in spring of this year.

For additional information, or if you’d like to schedule an interview with Kenny Smith, or Glenn Tabor of Gat3 Records, please contact Susan, at susan@gat3.com. The direct office number is 704-525-5552.

Since he began playing professionally with Claire Lynch and the Front Porch Stringband in 1993, Kenny Smith has continued to turn heads and grab the attention of the Bluegrass and Acoustic community. Many know him from his days with the Lonesome River Band and now with his wife as the Grammy nominated, Kenny and Amanda Smith Band.

When Studebaker, his first solo endeavor, was released 13 years ago, the industry took notice. It was very clear that this boy from Nine Mile, Indiana was more than just another picker. The album quickly became a cult classic, studied by his peers and veterans alike. For years, many wanted Kenny to record a follow-up, but he knew it couldn’t be rushed. The timing, musicians, songs and production quality had to be perfect. In 2011 all these elements came together and we are pleased to announce the release of Return by Kenny Smith. Return includes Studebaker’s rhythm section, Barry Bales and Adam Steffey, along with other esteemed players such as Aubrey Haynie, Jim Denman and Adam Hurt.

The rest of the story begins when Kenny acquired an amazing lineup of vintage guitars for Return. Kenny’s classic 1935 Martin D-18 is immediately recognizable on several songs. The brilliance and harmonic fullness of this guitar has beauty and strength in the hands of Kenny.

Returning from history for the project is Norman Blake’s old guitar. This was the only D-28 shaded top built in 1933 making it as rare as Kenny Smith himself. This massive guitar tone hasn’t been recorded since the 80’s. A 1935 Gibson advanced jumbo was also chosen by Kenny to be included on this album. This unique prototype projects as it appears, with bold and warm tones accompanied by a bit of grit to give unique character to chosen parts.

Gat3 Records is thrilled to present the next chapter in the history of the award-winning and legendary guitarist, Kenny Smith. A stunning pictorial and description is included in the artwork. Kenny Smith and these remarkable guitars are authentically captured in ultra-high fidelity and HD video for a new generation to discover.

For additional information, or to schedule an interview with Kenny Smith, visit www.gat3.com or contact Susan Tabor, Director of Operations, at susan@gat3.com. The direct office number is 704-525-5552.

GAT3 RECORDS TO RELEASE THE LONG ANTICIPATED KENNY SMITH RECORD, RETURN