Happier Blue

Chris Smither

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 1, 1993)
• Original Release Date: 1993
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Flying Fish Records
• ASIN: B000000MUG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #172,465 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Somewhere between Johnny Cash and Lightnin' Hopkins, you'll find Chris Smither, whose first studio recording in 15 years, originally released in 1993, was re- issued by Tone Cool Records. A fixture on the '60s folk scene, Smither also has several ties to the blues; he's been covered by Bonnie Raitt and John Mayall and is a devotee of Mississippi John Hurt. That's reflected on several tracks on this album, notably the fun, up-tempo "Already Gone" and the spooky, tension-laden "The Devil's Real." Smither's folkier selections are more of an acquired taste, especially for blues devotees, but in a way the Johnny-Cash-like rendition of "Killin' the Blues" is its own reward--and for the purist, it's followed up by the excellent "Rock 'n' Roll Doctor." --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Quiet and Enchanting Work of Beautiful Melancholy., September 28, 2000

By	dev1 (Baltimore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Happier Blue (Audio CD)

Now here's something that one doesn't hear often - acoustic blues. Unlike electric blues-rock, where the performer can often inspire the audience with loud thundering amplified chords, acoustic blues is a bit tougher to pull off. Master pickin takes a Master musician. and Chris Smither is such craftsman. Happier Blues shows Smither's affection for the "less is more" school of rock & roll. Instrumentation, including a couple of guitars and a drum kit, is sparse. Production and post-production studio trickery is also lean. In the case of Happier Blue, lean means majestic string fingering, well crafted compositions, and lonesome "I got a ton of troubles" blues. Love lost is examined with tenderness in `Happier Blue' and `Magnolia.' And the devil is credited with man's troubles on `The Devil's Real.' Smither's blues are lonesome for certain, but there's a seductive beauty running through his music: the melodies of `No Reward' and 'Killin' The Blues' are gorgeous. All of Happier Blue is not so blue, the "happier" part includes a couple of uplifting rockers (acoustic) including `Memphis In The Meantime' and `Already Gone.' Smither's style is eloquent, cool and technically mesmerizing. The result is a quiet and enchanting work of beautiful melancholy.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Makes me want to go out and buy all of Chris Smither's cds, December 15, 2000

By	Leila Pisano (North Adams, MA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Happier Blue (Audio CD)

This music was sent to me in the mail as a thankyou gift for buying a Peter Mulvey t-shirt. Peter raved about Chris at many Peter Mulvey concerts i have gone to. I'm glad he sent this great mixture of music and vocal talent for my enjoyment.If you like bluesy folk music you will be very impressed with 'Happier Blue'by Chris Smither. He's certainly got a unique style and the foot tapping just adds to his uniqueness. Great CD!!! Makes me want to go out and buy all of his music.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How I discovered Chris Smithers, October 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Happier Blue (Audio CD)

After 2 days of tedious conventioneering in Atlanta, Georgia, a cabdriver dropped me off ,along with some uninspired co-workers, at "Blind Willie's" for some local atmosphere and some blues. Featured performer; Chris Smithers. One minute after the show started, the tiny club rocked to brilliant, witty, original music and the artists's charming banter. We all wound up buying this CD (autographed, of course) and then more. For those quiet, introspective moments, the wisdom, humor, and superb guitar playing fit the bill. Thank you, Atlanta! And thank you, Mr.Cabdriver!