Track Listings (12) - Disc #1| All Artists: Chris Smither Title: Leave the Light on Members Wishing: 2 Total Copies: 0 Label: Signature Sounds Recordings Original Release Date: 1/1/2006 Re-Release Date: 9/19/2006 Genres: Blues, Folk, Pop, Rock Styles: Contemporary Blues, Traditional Blues, Acoustic Blues, Modern Blues, Traditional Folk, Contemporary Folk Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC: 701237200125 |
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Search - Chris Smither :: Leave the Light on
 | Chris Smither Leave the Light on Genres: Blues, Folk, Pop, Rock
Chris's brand new album, Leave the Light On (his second with producer David "Goody" Goodrich) features seven new songs as well as a few choice covers, and arrangements of traditional songs. The album also features the youn... more » |
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Album Description Chris's brand new album, Leave the Light On (his second with producer David "Goody" Goodrich) features seven new songs as well as a few choice covers, and arrangements of traditional songs. The album also features the young neo-gospel group Ollabelle, who bring a complementary loveliness to Smither's 'Seems So Real' and additional resonance to the traditional 'John Hardy'. The renowned roots musician Tim O'Brien plays mandolin and fiddle all over the record, and also harmonizes with Smither, Sean Staples and Anita Suhanin on the lilting title track. Atypically, Chris tackles topical themes on 'Origin of Species' (which he says is "making fun of dummies") and the edgily political 'Diplomacy', which harkens back to his roots in the '60s folk scene. Also different this go round is Smither's bold and surprising decision to arrange Dylan's 'Visions of Johanna' in 6/8 time (he credits his friend Steve Tilston for the suggestion) which results in a track of otherworldly beauty. Similarly Requested CDs
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CD ReviewsLike Rich Red Wine Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 10/05/2006 (5 out of 5 stars) "Chris Smither has been turning out a consistently excellent catalog of music. Each new release is a worthy successor to the last. "Leave the Light On" is another excellent collection. The first track, appropriately titled "Open Up," has a country flavor with Tim O'Brien's mandolin percolating with Chris' usual wit, "It comes as no surprise that I can't analyze my usual refusal to open up my eyes." The title track is an acoustic gem that observes the passing of time, "It's like water. It runs right through our fingers, but the flavor of it lingers like a rich red wine." On "Seems So Real" the band Ollabelle joins on background vocals on a sweet shuffle. My favorite track is "Origin of the Species" as Chris takes on Darwin and offers evolution as the divine technique. Peter Case's "Cold Trail Blues" receives a soft embrace from Chris & his distinctive acoustic guitar style. On a CD where Massachusetts native Smither thanks John Kerry, he then rocks out politically, "We got the guns, we got the oilmen too, They're like a choir, they wanna sing for you. Wham! Bam! Slip-slidin' away; The less you got, the more you gonna pay." He ends, "It's the land of the free, blind and leadin' the lame." "Father's Day" is a gentle slow tune for anyone who has loved their dad. Chris' version of Bob Dylan's "Visions of Johanna" shines the familiar melody, "Just Louise & her lover so entwined; & these visions of Johanna that call from my mind." Two traditional tunes, "Blues in the Bottle" & "John Hardy" conclude this strong set. Chris Smither's music is soulful, rootsy, gentle but sometimes violent with witty lyrics that tweak your mind while your foot taps to the beat. Bravo!" Blues, with a sense of humor Theresa J. Alsup | Los Angeles, CA | 09/24/2006 (5 out of 5 stars) "I love this CD. It's hard to write a review that doesn't make this sound less than it is, it's that good. Smither's writing has never been better, and his covers-- Cold Trail Blues and Visions of Johanna-- bring a whole new beauty to each piece. My favorite is the title track; it's catchy, tightly written, warm, full of understanding and that touch of humor that distinguishes Smither's work. I'm with him on Origin of Species (like I am on Train Home.) They draw such a gentle line between where we can be sure of ourselves and where we probably shouldn't. And after listening to Smither sing the blues, I always feel like trying again." At The Top Of His Game, Again! 10 Stars!! Paul Bellefeuille | New Hampshire | 09/23/2006 (5 out of 5 stars) "Ever since I heard him talking about this cd on WUMB FolkRadio this past June, I have been anxiously awaiting this gem.You can feel his enthusiasm pour through every song. Even "Cold Trail Blues" the Peter Case tune with all of its darkness and as Chris said.."Man this is Really, Really dark..", has a feeling that he, Chris, has met the challenges of the character of the song and lived to tell the world. Steve Tilston suggested to Chris a while back that "Visions of Johanna" could be done in waltz time, so Chris does it in 6/8 time and brings incredible feeling and a fresh interpretation to Dylan's masterpiece, thus making this work of art his own. "Father's Day" pays tribute to his 94 year old dad.The last lines reveal much.."But I took all you gave or ever wanted to. "Ain't I done good" I needed that from you. All I got to say is, by the way, you done good too." One also has to consider that Chris is now a dad. He and his wife adopted a jewel of a child and now he plays the role of very proud papa. I know that I'm not the only one who has heard "John Hardy" and couldn't figure out what was being said. With Chris' interpretation by slowing down the tempo, one get's a full view of this mini opus.
The "John Hardy Reprise" comes shimmering in and leaves the listener reaching for something to keep off the chill. Let's all hope that Signature Sounds keeps Chris in their stable of multi multi talented artists. The Grammy Awards are awaiting you Chris.."you done good too."" |
