NATIONAL RELEASE DATE - SEPT 6, 2011, through Arts&Crafts Distribution
Samantha Savage Smith is a Calgary-based singer-songwriter, who released her debut album, “Tough Cookie” in April 2011. After a few years honing her craft on the West Coast and subsequently returning to her hometown in the spring of 2009, Samantha continued writing and performing new songs inspired by her love of classic interpreters such as Anita O’Day and Billie Holiday as well as present-day songsmiths like St. Vincent and Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys.
Shortly after posting demos online and playing a handful of extremely well-received shows, word spread quickly in the Calgary indie scene of the young singer-songwriter’s immense talent. The online demos caught the ear of local producer Lorrie Matheson (Rae Spoon, Ghostkeeper), who was struck by her achingly beautiful voice, melodies and lyrics. After seeing her perform live, he saw the potential in Samantha for a long and fruitful career. He offered his services to assist her in the next step - the production of an album that would showcase her personal and poignant songs and the voice that delivers them.
“Tough Cookie” was recorded in 2010 at Matheson's Arch Audio studio in Calgary. Backed by Chris Dadge, Scott Munro and Brooker Buckingham (who have lent their talents to recordings and live shows by Chad Van Gaalen, Rae Spoon, Ghostkeeper, Fake Cops and Woodpigeon), and featuring the back-up vocals of the Dudes' Dan Vacon, the album incorporates her love of torch songs, classic blues, R&B and rock music.
“Tough Cookie” is an engaging debut that nods to Samantha's influences while retaining her unique perspective and highlighting her original voice and talents.
“(Samantha's) debut Tough Cookie is as definitive a statement of one’s self as you’ll experience, a stunning achievement, and one of the finest, most honest and absorbing releases you’ll hear this or any other year.”
Mike Bell, Calgary Herald
“The first thing you notice is Samantha Savage Smith’s voice. It demands almost instant surrender... a voice so good it wouldn’t matter what she was singing about, you’d fall head over heels. But... it’s clear the lyrics are just as strong as the melodies that carry them. That’s... what makes her debut so impressive.”
“Anyone who (has) heard the tracks (is) blown away... One listen and it’s obvious that you can’t lump Savage-Smith in with the rest of the next-gen Lilith Fair wannabes... she’s just so good at what she does, it seems effortless.”
Jason Lewis, FFWD
“...an incredibly self-assured first recording... wounded-angel vocals (are similar to) Feist (and) Cat Power... her adept songwriting skills belie her youth.”
Lisa Wilton, Calgary Sun
The album is immense, loud & a bit brash at times, then soft and soothing the next... songs that still connect while being diverse... The voice of this woman is so distinct & powerful it would be a shame to overlook the obviousness of it due to it being so, well…fantastic. Her deep and powerful (almost out of body) vocals polish off these songs, it is the missing instrument in most any other band.”
Slowcoustic.com