Chris Smithers is and always has been closer to a folk singer than a blues singer and even though he was influenced by Robert Johnson and Lightin' Hopkins, he was equally influenced by Woody Guthrie and Dylan. While he his best known as a songwriter - most notably "Love You like a Man" and "I Feel the Same," which were both recorded by Bonnie Raitt - he has been performing since the 1960s and his catalogue of recordings goes back to 1970. Smither continues with his acoustic guided form of country blues on Train Home.
Following his 2000 live compilation, Live As I'll Ever Be, which was regarded by many as a rock and roll experiment, Chris returns with his first studio album since 1999 which returns him to the genre which he has hung his hat on for 3 decades. For this project Smither calls upon the versatile David "Goody" Goodrich to produce and play everything from electric slide and reed organ to banjo and mandolin on nearly every track. Longtime friend, Bonnie Raitt lends her signature slide work and backing vocals on "Desolation Row". The Dylan-esq track "Candy Man" features just Chris and his fluid acoustic pickin'.
Chris Smither is likely to remain a diamond in the rough as his unique style is not as accessible as other forms of blues. However, longtime fans of the singer/songwriter will be thrilled as Train Home carries on Smither's traditional blend of country, folk and blues.
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