Wise words pour forth from Chris Smither – observations and aphorisms, similes and internal rhymes, run-on sentences and concise quips, all in a conversational flow. The careful construction of Smither’s lyrics is a thing of beauty and the bedrock of his bluesy folk music. Smither is an excellent acoustic guitarist and first-rate foot-stomper. ~ ASSOCIATED PRESS
Born in Miami during World War II and raised in New Orleans, Chris Smither found his musical roots early, inspired by blues legends like Lightnin’ Hopkins. Encouraged by his uncle and armed with just a few chords, Smither began his lifelong journey with acoustic music. Moving to Boston in the 1960s on the advice of folk singer Eric von Schmidt, he immersed himself in the city’s thriving folk scene and developed a distinct, rhythm-driven fingerpicking style—often accompanied by the mic’d tapping of his own feet. His close ties with artists like Bonnie Raitt and influences like Mississippi John Hurt helped shape his signature sound.
Smither’s early albums in the ‘70s laid a strong foundation, though industry shakeups temporarily slowed his momentum. By the 1990s, he had reemerged as a force in American folk and roots music, releasing acclaimed albums like Another Way to Find You and Up on the Lowdown. Touring internationally, his music found new audiences worldwide. His songwriting continued to shine—earning awards and inspiring film soundtracks, tributes, and collaborations with artists such as Emmylou Harris and B.B. King.
In the 2000s and beyond, Smither continued to evolve, releasing deeply personal and critically acclaimed work, including Leave the Light On, Hundred Dollar Valentine, and Still on the Levee, a retrospective featuring new takes on his classics. His 2024 release, All About the Bones, showcases his enduring craft—rooted in blues, baritone poetry, and minimalist arrangements. Now 20 albums deep, Smither remains a revered voice in acoustic music, blending wit, wisdom, and soul with every chord.
Mr. Smither has taken the blues in a direction entirely his own: stoic existential ruminations sung in a pained, weathered moan and set to quietly virtuosic guitar. ~ NEW YORK TIMES
Bathed in the flickering glow of passing headlights and neon bar signs, Smither’s roots are as blue as they come. There is plenty of misty Louisiana and Lightnin’ Hopkins in Smither’s weathered singing and unhurried picking. So fine. ~ ROLLING STONE
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