While extremely underrated, Chris Smither’s music has become a good friend to me. He put out his first record in 1970 and his music hasn’t changed much since. That’s probably why I like him so much. I’ve been trying to think of a description for his music and it’s place in my life, and this is the best I can come up with:

I’m in Las Vegas right now and I can’t wait to get home. Vegas is a nice enough place, but I’m getting tired of the blinking lights, the sounds and yes, even the drinks. Today a dwarf Elvis impersonator handed me his business card and my instinct was to scream and run, but I composed myself and just backed away slowly hoping he wouldn’t bite. Once you see a dwarf Elvis, it’s time to go home, relax on the couch, and think about nothing for a while.

That’s how I feel listening to Chris Smither. While I enjoy listening to indie bands pushing boundaries to create new and interesting music, it can sometimes get exhausting. Even when I encounter the random Dwarf Elvis indie band that freaks me out, I know that I can always count on Chris to give me well written, toe-tapping, acoustic blues to take my mind off things. He continues to put out tried and true folk/blues music and the love and passion for his craft comes through in each pluck of the guitar string. Listen to the MP3 below and watch the video and you’ll see what I mean.

I just purchased his newest album, Leave the Light On. It’s another great addition to a Smither’s consistent body of work that is an effortless joy to listen to. I can’t wait to see him at SXSW 2007.

Chris Smither - Leave the Light On

I also found this clip on YouTube that shows off his guitar skill and has some great commentary about the impact the Internet has had on his career and many other talented musicians flying under the pop-culture radar.
Chris Smither - Live at Sidmouth Festival

Imagine you’re driving down some backwoods road in the deep south and decide to pull off into some run-down honky-tonk. Upon entering you are greeted by a “punk-ass blues” combo and the whole place turns to stare out you as if to say, “What the hell are you doing in here?”

That is how I felt the first time I spun this disc. Black Diamond Heavies are a two-piece outfit with John Wesley Myers on bass keys, fender rhodes, organ and vocals and Van Campbell on drums and backing vocals. Myers voice is unique to say the least; almost as if he is possessed by a blues singer from yesteryear that’s still trying to get his message out. So unique, that I found myself fixating on his vocals and not truly enjoying the full experience.

Once you acclimate yourself to Myers’ vocal offerings, the rest falls into place. Essentially they are just a couple of dudes playing the blues with just enough crazy built in to make it different and a very enjoyable listen. You’ll also soon notice that Myers is a phenomenal musician.

The album has a nice mix of shake-your-hips blues boogie and the nice soulful blues ballads. Fever In My Blood, Leave It In The Road and Pour Brown Sugar are examples of the former. All feature tremendous intros by Campbell that show he’s not just along for the ride.

All to Hell and Stiched In Sin fall into the latter category as Myers shows his soulful, lovelorn self. His organ work shines on All To Hell and combined with the guest horns, it almost reminds me of an Otis Redding song (if Otis’ voice was put through a blender).

The debut from Alive Records comes out on the 23rd. If you are a fan of bands that put their own spin on traditional blues than I suggest you check them out.

Black Diamond Heavies - Fever in My Blood