Smokey & The Mirror release new album ‘Thin Black Line’

One of the most respected musical acts in Fayetteville has a new album out.

Smokey & the Mirror, the new(ish) band by husband-and-wife duo Bryan and Bernice Hembree (3 Penny Acre), last month released a new studio album, Thin Black Line.

The album, recorded over three days last summer at Breathing Rhythm Studios in Norman, Oklahoma, features 12 new tracks by the band.

It is their first studio album recorded since the Hembrees formed Smokey & The Mirror last year after mandolin player/guitarist Bayard Blain left 3 Penny Acre to concentrate on his custom guitar making business.

Previously, the band had released a live recording with friends and collaborators Raina Rose and Rebecca Loebe, and their 2013 release Rag & Bone was originally recorded as a 3 Penny Acre album.

This time, the Hembrees assembled an all-star cast of musicians to make Thin Black Line, including John Fullbright band members Daniel Walker on keys, Terry Ware on guitar, Nooch Carnuccio on drums, and Oklahoma musician/songwriter Travis Linville (Hayes Carll) on lap steel.

The band is set to perform several shows in Northwest Arkansas this week. They’ll play the main stage at Fayetteville’s First Thursday on Thursday, May 7, before playing two shows in association with the Bentonville Film Fest, and then opening for Elephant Revival at George’s on Saturday, May 10 (here’s their full tour schedule).

The album was officially released on April 15, and is on sale now via the band’s website, on iTunes, and other online outlets.