[FM] Re: Chris Smither

[Scott Strickland]

I couldn't agree more with the praise offered for Chris Smither.  My only
qualification is that everything that makes Chris so great was evident in
his early work.  His first two recordings are reissued on a single CD and
it's obvious how exceptional he is even at the beginning.  With regard to
his live performances, I can only say that they are more like religious
experiences than they are concerts.  I always feel as if I've been in the
presence of something divine and that my soul has been lifted to a place it
would not otherwise go.  Chris owns every note he plays and every word he
sings with an authenticity only a very few blues musicians have ever had,
Robert Johnson, et al, included. Sacred is your name, Chris Smither.

Peace,

Scott

-----Original Message-----
From: folkmusic-admin@grassyhill.org
[mailto:folkmusic-admin@grassyhill.org]On Behalf Of David Elbert
Sent: Friday, January 04, 2002 3:05 PM
To: folkmusic@grassyhill.org
Subject: [FM] Re: Chris Smither

Dear F_M Listers (are we listing from too much News Years revelling?? :)

David Broida made a quick mention of Chris Smither's recent
performance and associated recognition... I felt the need to throw
two more cents in with a little testimonial.  Maybe it is because
Smither has been around a while and isn't the "latest, greatest"
discovery, but  I find that I meet lots of music fans who have
overlooked him.  Just in case you are one of those people, let me say
that seeing him live is an extraordinary treat.  There are very few
people that I feel absolutely confident, even excited, about
recommending to friends who don't share my taste for
all-thing-singer-songwriter.  But Chris Smither is pretty much
guaranteed to satisfy (IMHO, Greg Brown is another such artist who
fits that bill).

Smither is a great guitarist, wonderful singer and terrific
showman... in a comfortable, laid-back way.  And I think that his
writing has just gotten stronger and stronger, if that is possible.
His releases from the last 5 or 10 years are all marked by songs with
smart, interesting, graceful and sometimes magical lyrics with great
melodies.  He is a genuine treasure; don't miss seeing him life if
you can possibly do it.

And if that isn't a strong enough endorsement, check out his killer
duet with Louise Taylor on her song "Too Tired To Leave", from her
great 1997 release, "Ride"!

OK... maybe that was four cents...

Happy 2002-
David Elbert
elbert@jhu.edu


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