Baton Rouge TV personality Scott Rodgers once remarked that you can’t acknowledge Smithfield Fair without giving a nod to Charmer, the predecessor of the internationally known Scottish band led by Dudley-Brian and Jan Smith. Between 1973 and 1989, the then Alexandria-based folk quartet staged an impressive 16-year run, released eight LPs and opened for nationally known artists including John Prine, Nancy Griffith, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Arlo Guthrie, John Fahey and the Washington Squares. At the height of its popularity, Charmer felt it had run its course and amicably parted ways. By then, the Smiths were exploring cultural bloodlines with their traditional Scottish music as Smithfield Fair while Dudley-Brian’s brothers Joe and Bob formed the acoustic duo Diverse Peoples.

But Charmer was never totally forgotten, and several songs found their way into the Smithfield Fair repertoire due to popular demand. Five years ago, Dudley-Brian tested the Charmer waters and printed 200 CDRs to commemorate the 30th anniversary of its founding. The response was overwhelming, leading to this official release that commemorates the band’s 35th anniversary with 20 fan favorites.

Overall, the material holds up well with very little that sounds dated. The well-constructed arrangements feature splendid acoustic guitar leads over a subtle yet sturdy rhythmic core and compassionate vocals that often segue into the brothers’ swelling, blood harmonies. Jan’s “If I Were a Wealthy Man,” a signature tune that’s arguably the best track, appears here and has since been reprised by Smithfield Fair. In its original form, it’s still haunting, especially given her chilling vibrato. For those who may have arrived late on the scene, the Charmer-Smithfield Fair connection makes perfect sense. Invigorating folk music, to say the least.