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Believe it or not, Chris Smither first got his start in folk scene of the late '60s. In '72 he released a folk-blues album on the Poppy label with a stellar line-up that included a young Bonnie Raitt. Around that same time he wrote "Love You Like A Man" which she later covered and transformed into the now classic, "Love Me Like A Man." (In fact, most people still assume that she penned the tune.) He faded from view during the disco era and wasn't heard from until the release of his '84 Adelphi album, It Ain't Easy. (Which was reissued on CD in '89.) Another Way To Find You (on Flying Fish) followed in '91. Recorded 'live in the studio' over two nights it's an intimate showcase of Smither's unique solo performing style and is certainly worth checking out. Happier Blue is a departure of sorts. It's his first recording to feature a full backing band in over fifteen years. The title cut opens the album in find shape. "...Now I think you love me, and it scares me to death/'Cause now I lie awake and wonder, I worry, I think about losin' you/ I don't care what you say/ Maybe I was happier blue." His deep, thick voice, (which falls somewhere between Leo Kottke's and John Haitt's) grabs your attention and you're hooked. The Haitt tune "Memphis In The Meantime" is next. His percussive fingerpicking/footstompin' technique is such that it takes awhile to realize that there aren't any drums in the mix. "The Devil's Real" a personal account of dependency from one who has wrestled with his own demons and survived. The traditional song "No More Cane On The Brazos" segues into "Mail Order Mystics," an original tune with a solo vocal and cookin' fretwork. (I'll bet a nickle it was recorded live in the studio with no overdubs.) If you're having a really bad day "No Reward" will have you wondering if it's all worth it. "Why am I behind this rock?/Why am I pushin' so hard?/No one tells me anything, I don't get no reward." Not to worry though, "Already Gone" (Flatfoot Blues) will soon put a smile back on your face. "I've had these flat-foot blues wearin' police shoes too long." Sadness seems to overwhelm "Killing The Blues," (written by Rolly Sally) but only until you realize that he's talking about recovering from the pain of love."Somebody said they saw me/swingin' the world by the tail/jumpin' over a white cloud/killing the blues." Two more cover tunes follow. Lowell George's "Rock'n'Roll Doctor" and a loving rendition of "Magnolia" (written by J.J. Cale.) Three originals close the album. "Honeysuckle Dog" (a four bar blues tune) "Take It All" (another sad one) and "Time To Spend." After all this, it wouldn't surprise me a bit if your hand reached for the repeat button and you found yourself playing this disc with increasing frequency. I look forward to seeing this guy live. It would be a show not to miss. (SC) © 2000 Dr. Rock'n'Roll
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