Bruce Leino and Donnie Morris are The Smile Brothers, a songwriting duo hailing from Northern California. Lifelong friends, and musicians since they were in grade school, the team has continually penned new tunes for the catalogue.

The Back Forty CD marked their first worldwide indie release, showcasing The Smile Brothers’ brand of reflective, guitar-orchestrated, Western Sky Rock and Soul. Back Forty was a fifteen-year effort, written, produced, performed and recorded by the Smiles Brothers. Progress was steady, but glacial in speed, with family responsibilities and practical considerations along life’s winding road. The tunes speak of their major experiences while on this journey. Initial tracks were printed on an analog eight-track tape deck, eventually finding their way to vintage ADAT machines. The Smile Brothers’ Other Brother, Sean McAuliffe, mastered with the project with his golden touch.

Newsflash! ... The Smile Brothers have just released their encore album, Heart of the Country! Joining the team for this compilation are Don Leino on blues-deluxe electric guitar, vocals and percussion, and Robin Leino, adding her sparkling vocals and percussion. Bruce performed vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards, Fender bass, and programmed the drums. Mastering was done by dear friend and mentor, David Houston, at Moon Studio in Sacramento. Donnie and Bruce produced and composed the selections.

Look for Heart of the Country at your fave download place!

Photo of Bruce and his White Falcon courtesy of Joe Ybarra.