Dynamic Duo

Here's a Little Song(Bell Buckle Records)

Valerie Smith & Becky Buller

By Bob Mitchell

After a year and a half of work, Liberty Pike band leader Valerie Smith plus bandmate and singer-songwriter Becky Buller have released their first duet album and it's a dandy. Their harmony style emanates from Smith and Buller's love of the highly popular brother harmonies of the past. Female duets are far and few between and this album only enhances an exciting partnership that Smith and Buller have developed over their time performing together with Liberty Pike.

While the brother duet tradition remains strong on today's bluegrass circuit, one rarely hears a sister-type duet and it is a welcome addition to the genre. Harmonies and stories serve as the focal points of their presentation.

Interestingly, in April 2006, Smith had to undergo vocal surgery, and again in February of 2007, she underwent a second vocal surgery. But in January 2009, she was in the studio. While this album marks Smith's return to health, it also marks Buller's debut as a producer.

Val Smith & Liberty Pike is lead singer Valerie Smith; Becky Buller on vocal, fiddle, clawhammer banjo and guitar; Bobby Davis on bass and fiddle; Chad Graves on resophonic guitar and vocals and Eric Lambert on guitar and mandolin. Guests include the multi-Grammy and IBMA award-winning Alan O'Bryant and Mike Compton; the 2007 IBMA "Female Vocalist of the Year" Dale Ann Bradley; multi-IBMA award winner Wayne Benson; Kristin Scott Benson, 2008 Banjo player of the year Larry Cordle and Justin Carbone.

The project showcases expertly-crafted songs and high-energy performances in a down home acoustic setting.

For more information visit www.valeriesmithonline.com.