A stellar songwriter, bluesman, interpreter, and poet, Chris Smither reimagines the acoustic blues as a vehicle for rich, philosophically complex lyrics. His songs reveal a commentary on our human condition and pull from deep in the soul, making for a kind of reflection, a timeless introspection. He says he’s “one-third John Hurt, one-third Lightin’ Hopkins and one-third me.”

In his early twenties, Smither headed to Boston at the urging of legendary folk singer Eric Von Schmidt, where he forged lifelong friendships with many musicians including Bonnie Raitt, who went on to record his songs “Love Me Like A Man” and “I Feel the Same.” Emmylou Harris recorded his song “Small Revelations” for The Horse Whisperer soundtrack on MCA.

His latest album, his 18th, More From The Levee, is a continuation of Smither’s 50 years of performing earmarked by his back-porch feel of intricate acoustic blues accompanied by his own boot-heel-on-wood rhythms. It’s a brilliant double-album recorded at the fabled Music Shed

Photo by Jeff Fasano

• Bathed in the flickering glow of passing headlights and neon bar signs, Chris Smither’s roots are as blue as they come. There is plenty of misty Louisiana and Lightin’ Hopkins in Smithers’ weathered singing and unhurried picking. Rolling Stone
• Smither is an American original — a product of the musical melting pot and one of the absolute best singer-songwriters in the world. Associated Press
• Smither sings about the big things — life, love, loss — in a penetrating and poetic yet unpretentious way. Acoustic Guitar

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