Voice of an angel

Everyone knows of the sweet sounds that come from the lips of pop sensation Norah Jones…. Everyone knows of the sweet sounds that come from the lips of pop sensation Norah Jones. Everyone has heard of the sensible sounds of pop starlets Vanessa Carlton and Michelle Branch. But the question is: Have you heard of Mindy Smith?

No?

That could be because she’s a country singer. But she has the sweet sound and pop sensibility that the aforementioned artists all possess. She doesn’t get exposure on MTV, and you’ve never heard of her, because her videos are played on CMT and her songs are played on that country station that you speed by on the radio dial.

That’s a shame.

With the voice of an angel, Smith sings songs on her debut album, One Moment More, with the common theme of losing a loved one and finding faith. Her voice is easily one of the most soothing and heavenly voices recorded in recent years.

Her current tour is benefiting the world-renowned cancer center City of Hope. Smith lost her mother to breast cancer in 1991 and dedicated her debut album to the memory of her mother, whom Smith credits as her musical mentor. The title track of the album was written about how Smith coped with the loss of her mother.

Her performances are intimate occasions, with Smith and the audience seated comfortably close to each other for an evening of sweet music.

Supporting Smith on her tour is country singer Garrison Starr. Armed with a guitar and catchy lyrics, Starr is the Sheryl Crow of country music, and she can definitely hold her own on stage. Starr has made a rise in the country music world just as fast as Smith — she also makes beautiful music that is catchy and unforgettable.

The combination of the two singer/songwriters is sure to make for an incredible performance you shouldn’t miss.

Mindy Smith and Garrison Starr will be playing The World tonight. The show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets cost $16.00. For more information, call (412) 642-2941.