Blame It On The Bluegrass - Released Today!

First Album Recorded at the International Bluegrass Museum Released Today
BLAME IT ON THE BLUEGRASS by Valerie Smith
Listen to a clip of the new single

BELL BUCKLE, TENN. – Bell Buckle Records is pleased to announce the release of, BLAME IT ON THE BLUEGRASS by Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, the first album to be recorded at the International Bluegrass Music Museum (IBMM) in Owensboro, Ky.  This “six-pack project” is part of 12 songs recorded at the IBMM.  A second volume of six songs is scheduled to be released this time next year.  Go behind the scenes with Valerie Smith and Becky Buller to learn more about the making of this landmark recording by visiting their YouTube channel and viewing a short presentation.

“Last January, I pulled together some of my colleagues, Ernie Evans, Rebekah Long, and Becky Buller in conjunction with the IBMM to teach 24 schools throughout Daviess County, Ky., for two weeks.  Inspired by the chance to spend so much time at the IBMM, I decided it was an incredible opportunity to record an album while we were there.  So we brought recording equipment along with us and set up in the Radio Bluegrass International (RBI) Cave at the museum.  We wanted it to be a live feel, so we just jumped in and got creative in the makeshift studio.  We performed three school programs a day, on average.  In the afternoons and evenings, we recorded.  In between takes, I would walk around the exhibits, reading the incredible stories about the artists, feeling the passion that we all have for this beautiful genre—bluegrass,” explained Valerie.

Valerie Smith

“If you’re someone who enjoys numerical significance, the release date of Valerie Smith’s CD, BLAME IT ON THE BLUEGRASS, 1-11-11, should be pretty hard to top. Not only are all those involved #1 supporters of the International Bluegrass Music Museum, but they also made history here in January of 2010. There, surrounded by artifacts of bluegrass legends, undaunted by illness, fatigue, ice and snow, they came together with enormous energy and creativity and made history by becoming the first to ever record a CD inside the hallowed walls of the IBMM. We wish them every success with their new and wonderful CD,” said Gabrielle Gray, Executive Director, International Bluegrass Music Museum, Owensboro, Ky., USA 

The album was produced by the award-winning and highly respected, Becky Buller, 

Becky Buller

who lent her vocal, fiddle, guitar, and songwriting talents to the project, and served as associate engineer.  Buller co-wrote the title track with Elizabeth Shrum. Becky also wrote the wonderful gospel tune “A Good Day, Lord” with Jeff Hyde.  Ben Speer, legendary gospel artist, arranger and producer, made a guest appearance on the Merle Travis tune “No Vacancy,” along with Valerie’s husband, Kraig Smith. “No Vacancy” was sent to Valerie by her friend Dave Freeman (Rebel Records) and it appeared on an early Glen Campbell album which at the time was considered to be a bluegrass project.

Who's Talking About It?

The album is already receiving overwhelming support from radio hosts around the world who have been eagerly awaiting new music from Valerie Smith.

“BLAME IT ON THE BLUEGRASS is like a breath of fresh air.  It's a cleverly-written, expertly performed song featuring the voice of one of the music's most unique and underrated singers.  This is one that can't-miss,”

-Kyle Cantrell, Sirius-XM Radio

“The new Valerie Smith BLAME IT ON THE BLUEGRASS album is another breath of fresh mountain air, full of sweet, rich music, beautiful singing and playing and a song selection to die for! What else could this new album be but a deservedly run-away success. Be assured, our listeners will get to know it very well from here on.”

-Geoff Morris - WALL-TO-WALL BLUEGRASS, worldwidebluegrass.com

" BLAME IT ON THE BLUEGRASS is sure to be a sure fire hit.  Valerie was one of the first reasons, I became so interested in the female side of Bluegrass, and definitely one of the reasons, I stay interested and very much supportive.  Rock us, Sistas of Bluegrass!"

-Gracie Muldoon – WorldWideBluegrass.com

"Traditionalists are going to love this CD, and so are the newgrass fans."

-Mike Kear - Music From Foggy Hollow -  Hawkesbury 

Radio/WAMU/BluegrassCountry.org/WNRV

"This is a win-win-win.  Exceptional talent, music and composition.  Real bluegrass spirit in every song.  Fun to tap my feet and sing along.  Thanks, Val, for turning 'blame' into something positive.” 

-Mike Moore WLOE/WMYN, Rockingham County, NC - RockinghamCountyRadio.com

"Valerie has put together a fine collection of songs to be given the distinction of first-ever recorded in the Cave at the International Bluegrass Museum.  Songs that recall the spirit of those who created what we know today as "traditional bluegrass" and songs that stay true to Valerie's exuberant style of vocal delivery are both included but what jumps out again and again is the group's very effective use of harmony.  This is a CD to listen to and enjoy but also one that collectors will covet."  

-Brian McNeal - Prescription Bluegrass Radio