Two years ago, Richard Cagle (AMG & Montrose Records) contacted me about a band he heard about in LA that was led by British Veteran Guitarist, Stuart Smith; well known for his studio work and numerous endorsements for Fender and Dean Markley.

Upon contacting Stuart I found that he had recently released his first solo album called "Heaven and Earth"; a band made up of heavies in the rock industry. After getting his press pack,I followed shortly thereafter by featuring him as our Artist of the Month for Jauary of 2000.

Stuart's band seems to have evolved into the namesake of his Album and now Heaven and Earth has released their first CD called Windows to the World, produced by Howard Leese (Guitar and Keyboards for Heart) and distributed through Frontier Records. Heaven and Earth isn't a bar band, but a polished studio act, radio-ready, more likely playing a staduim gig in the company of YES, Boston, Rainbow or Deep Purple. Smith is the Quintessential "Guitar Hero" and the pulse that drives the sound of Heaven and Earth; influenced by early 70's blues/rock of his friend and mentor Ritchie Blackmore.

Windows to the World is a well produced and engineered CD true to form of Smith's last CD with (as expected) excellent muscianship and searing guitar solos. The title track starts off with an internet modem connection sound...a great metaphore for the lyrics. Recorded between April and October of 2000, it captures moments in our history with songs like "Politician", obviously influenced by the election campaigning.

For more information on Heaven and Earth, CLICK HERE.

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