Rob Smith - Salt Star

Rob Smith - Salt StarFor a minute there, Black Dirt Studio was the center of the heady universe, with classic records from Jack Rose, Steve Gunn, Rangda, Michael Chapman, Elkhorn and many, many more recorded there. The studio’s head honcho Jason Meagher closed up shop a few years back, but Black Dirt continues to loom. Case in point, the terrific new solo record from Rob Smith, which has its origins in sessions stretching back to pre-pandemic days, But Smith recently put the finishing touches on the LP — and we’re lucky he did. It’s a total gem. You may know Rob from his work with Gray/Smith, Pigeon, Animal! Surrender and/or Rhyton, along with a host of other projects. Often a supporting player, he comes to the fore here with confidence and ease, the tunes blending rustic overtones with slightly sophisto-pop leanings. It’s not exactly a singer-songwriter-style affair, though. With such reliable companions as Barry Walker Jr, PG Six, Jimy SeiTang and Wednesday Knudsen lending helping…