Taking an early inspiration of classic country that looks up to
Johnny Cash and Hank Williams,
Jeff Smith grit of dirt road Americana captured the feel of small town innocents. With the support of individuals from
Mary Chapin Carpenter's backing band, Acetate Records debuted
Smith's first album in 1996. Entitled The Human Wilderness, the eventual comparisons of
Wilco,
Tom Petty and
Steve Earle critically resulted as
Smith followed with a small U.S. tour that same year. ~ Mike DaRonco