"With voice and music and evocative images, Linda M. Smith soulfully conveys the inner Artemisia Gentileschi--her yearnings, her painter's eye, and her abiding hope. "Bless Me Michelangelo" is a timeless paean to the power of art to uplift and heal." Susan Vreeland, New York Best Selling author, "The Passion of Artemisia", "Girl In Hyacinth Blue", "Luncheon of the Boating Party" and many others To find out more about Susan Vreeland, go to her web site at: http://www.svreeland.com/

"Smith enriches the pastoral backdrop in her songs with a golden voice and a sensitive ear towards arrangement. The lyrics are especially rich, evoking the complexity of Artemisia's growth as both a woman and painter in the male-dominated art world." Andy Downing, Chicago Tribune

"...with her 2007 album "Artemisia," a concept album inspired by the life of 17th Century painter Artemisia Gentileschi, Smith's music seems better suited to marble-floored museums and sunlit art galleries. The album sounds like it was crafted with careful brush-strokes, twinkling piano, dreamy flute and lilting violin creating a romantic backdrop for Smith's self-assured vocal stylings."
Andy Downing, Chicago Tribune - "High Five"

"Although the songs deal with Artemisia's life, the themes are contemporary and relatable to everyone." Sara Burrows, Pioneer Press

"Artemisia," the cd is a real treat for your ears. Linda M. Smith is a highly gifted balladeer, classy crooner, and her newest album is a hit. Her writings are true poetry of a place of warmth and understanding that feels like a nice warm hug from a close friend." Edward Vincent, Oak Park Journal

"Soulful and earthy." Micah Materre, WGN Channel 9 News anchor

"Smith's visually captivating presentation of Artemisia's paintings underscore the source of inspiration for Linda's songs. Artemisia's work, like the women she portrays, is frank, audacious, unrepentant. The combined mediums of music and art tell a compelling story of struggle, perseverance and triumph."
Samuel Rosby - Professor of Art - William Rainey Harper College

Linda's first two CDs "Linda M. Smith" and "Blame It On The Moon" also featuring national folk hero Michael Smith received glowing reviews as well.

"Her strong, self-assured vocals and lyrical style that examines the usual romantic turf without resorting to cliches....Smith's voice is well worth hearing."
Jim DeRogatis, Chicago Sun-Times

"...a CD that makes a lasting impression." Illinois Entertainer

"She's got a real sweet voice...it definitely fits the music we play."
WXRT's Linn Brehmer

"Linda M. Smith is a folk rock singer-songwriter who's songs reflect the innermost feelings shared by those searching for more meaning in their life.
Her passion emotes a natural, self inviting style...direct and intimately familiar." University of Illinois - Chicago

Here are some reviews from recent library performances:

"Thanks again for coming to Evanston Public Library. Everybody enjoyed your program, so creative and observant."
Mary Boylan, Readers Services - Evanston Library

"I had the great pleasure of hosting artist Linda M. Smith at our library here in Naperville. The program she presented, "Tragedy to Triumph - The Story of Artemisia", was both unique and magical. Our audience was completely taken with Linda and the two other musicians, whose talents were displayed to their highest levels as they performed the songs seamlessly one into another. The commentary and background information on the artist and her times were much appreciated by our patrons, who have enjoyed many performances here, but stated that they had never seen anything quite like this before."
Mary Bannon, Public Programming Coordinator - Naperville Library

"Those in attendance at Linda Smith's powerful performance at our library were impressed with her beautiful music and compelling visuals......it is the type of thought-provoking programming that public libraries should make available from time to time." Jan Oblinger, Adult Program Coordinator - Freemont Public Library