Darden Smith, Sunflower.(Sunflower)(Sound Recording Review)

(Dualtone)

My buddy, Tarheel Charlie, is fond of pointing out the character flaws that often impede, and sometimes prevent, individuals from achieving otherwise worthy objectives, sometimes the peak of their potential. One "has to be the smartest guy in the room," another "wants everyone to like him," and so forth. Charlie's take on Darden Smith would probably be, "He doesn't understand that fame and respect are earned--even after he's paid all the dues around his craft." Turned around slightly, Smith may or may not ever achieve stardom, but his persistence and dedication to his craft has yielded Sunflower, a gem by any measure. He's overcome his open exasperation--indeed, sometimes outright hostility--at less than adoring audiences, and we're his beneficiaries.