Taking Time Out is Juzzie Smith's 3rd album and follows on from the breakout success of his 2007 album Happy Daze. Both albums mark the journey of this virtuoso music man's quest to find integrity, love and balance in his art and life. As a young father and tired of smoke-filled late nights on the pub circuit Juzzie made a conscious decision to take his music to the people and the streets, by busking mostly at local markets on NSW north coast. Each time he played, the crowds got bigger. He has gone on to become a true grassroots phenomenon, selling thousands of CDs, and is now a festival circuit favourite, loved for his energetic and awe-inspiring live performances. His story is perfectly told in the album's delightful opening track 'La La' - Juzzie's deep resonant voice, his gorgeous guitar picking, bluesy harmonica and sublime melodies setting the tone for a stunning album. There are lush, evocative instrumental tracks like 'Gentle Ways' or 'Dreaming' and a surprising blues slide version of 'Waltzing Matilda'. There are more groove-based tracks like the driving, stomp box blues of 'Be Love', the rhythmic shuffle of 'Find Our Way' or sweet pop in 'The Keys'. Also the beautiful hymn to surfing 'Ride On' which seems custom made for a sun-drenched, endless summer surf film.