National Debt is a band formed by Ronnie Smith & Michael Messer in 2002. They started playing ‘just for fun’ in local pubs when Messer was not on tour, and over the past four years National Debt has gained quite a following. The music is Rockin’ Roots Country Blues, but with a twist of London in its soul!
In 2006, after four years playing together, Ronnie & Michael decided to record an album. They recruited London based musician & recording engineer, Chris Clarke, to play bass and press the record button. Michael’s long time musical partner, Ed Genis, played some guitar and roots-rocker Cheyne Pride sung the backing vocals. Ronnie Smith is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and songwriter and Michael Messer plays Dobro, lap steel and slide guitar. The album ‘From the Horse’s Mouth’ was released in May 2007.
'From the Horse's Mouth' has been very well received and is currently garnering some excellent reviews & radio airplays.
Mark Lamarr was the first person to pick up on the album. Soon after its release Mark played 'Oozlin' Daddy Blues' on his late night BBC Radio 2 show, commenting that 'From the Horse's Mouth' is "......a great album"
REVIEW QUOTES:
Something of a supergroup, if you will, comprising the combined talents of England’s hottest Dobro picker, Michael Messer, singer-songwriter Ronnie Smith and Rockingbirds' bass virtuoso and producer, Chris Clarke. National Debt delivers here a debut album of assured country blues.
Formed for fun five years ago when Messer’s hectic schedule would allow, the band convened last year in Clarke’s north London studio to pull together this set. And while there’s a good crop of covers from the likes of the Delmores, the Stanleys and Charlie Poole, Smith’s own originals in the same style dominate and truly are a remarkable fit. “Love to Burn” for example, could just as easily dwelt in the collection of Harry Smith.
Smith’s vocal at first sounds odd, so much does one expect to hear these songs sung in an American accent. But when you think about it, he’s pitched it about right. He is, after all, British and this album benefits from the earthy honesty of his voice.
The honeyed tones of backing singer Cheyne Pride, however, are only sparingly glimpsed despite the welcome feminine touch they bring to the proceedings. Maybe lay on a duet next time fellas?
4 STAR REVIEW - Gerry Ranson (ROCK’N’REEL magazine JAN/FEB 2008)
...Charlie's Tale is the first of a trio written by vocalist Ron Smith. This is top class folk with added value in the form of Messer's guitar. The second of Smith's trio is Love To Burn and this one is old style country/mountain music. Backing vocal from Cheyne Pride is very good and her voice compliments Smith's extremely well. By now it should be taken for granted that Michael Messer's guitar work is nothing short of superb and the short solo on this is sublime with backing from long time musical partner Ed Genis. Lonely Road is another of Smith's songs and this is brilliantly raw Alt. Country. No matter how good a song is, and believe me, this is a highlight, Michael Messer always manages to lift it with his guitar fills. They turn to the mountains again for Ridin' That Midnight Train. Messer and Genis are standouts here again on this up-tempo classy Americana. This is a very good album by very good musicians. David Blue NET RHYTHMS July 2007
....simple undiluted music with plenty of character.
Steve Harvey ACOUSTIC magazine UK
NEWS UPDATE
National Debt has been out recently playing a run of very successful shows at some of the UK's most respected roots & blues venues, including; The Green Note, The High Barn, What's Cookin', Come Down & Meet the Folks, Windsor Arts Centre, 21 South Street, The Kalamazoo Klub and The Blue Front Blues Room. This has opened the door for more tour dates at great venues. See tour dates on this My Space page.
National Debt are currently booking European & UK tour dates for 2008. The band are also planning to record a new album sometime in 2008.
Hey Barnstormers! Great Songs! I'm planning a small tour soon through the UK. Hopefully I can check you guys out. Thanks kindly for the friendship. It is an Honor to make your Acquaintance. -Blayne "Strawman"
THE JIM JONES REVUE
