Chris Smither

Back in the mid-Sixties, singer/songwriter Chris Smither launched a musical career that has lasted for nearly 40 years. That's a long time to spend circling the fringes of widespread recognition while close associates such as Bonnie Raitt achieve mainstream success. But with ten albums to his credit and the admiration...

By Lee Zimmerman

October 14, 2004

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Back in the mid-Sixties, singer/songwriter Chris Smither launched a musical career that has lasted for nearly 40 years. That's a long time to spend circling the fringes of widespread recognition while close associates such as Bonnie Raitt achieve mainstream success. But with ten albums to his credit and the admiration of his peers, Smither maintains a signature style, a roughshod blend of folk, blues, and arch Americana. His latest effort, Train Home, is a perfect primer that showcases his road-weary vocals, nimble fretwork, and a back-porch set of songs that incorporates slow-burning originals and covers by Dylan, Dave Carter, the Buffalo Springfield, and Mississippi John Hurt. Catch this train on arrival.

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