The first time I met Chris (15 years ago) he was sitting at a restaurant in Pittsburgh, PA with his opening act for their show that was coming up in an hour or two down the street. They hadn't ordered yet. I simply shook his hand and thanked him for his decades of extraordinary music and inspiration in my own music. He insisted I join them despite my insistence to not be a burden. What? WOW! We sat for 45 minutes and he said nothing about HIMSELF. He only asked questions about me. Very kind and incredibly humble. I asked him..."What do you do on the concert nights when you just don't feel like performing?" He looked at me with a puzzled look on his face and said..."This is what I DO." As if it wasn't even possible to NOT feel like playing. I'll never forget that moment. And...what a show!
bliss.... just two days ago my car started acting a little wonky. before even plugging in the diagnostic I'd reserved a rental so that I'll make the 200 mile r/t to see him next weekend in Austin. I learned of Smither thanks to Dave Alvin and the Monsters of Folk tour in 1998.
Thank you for giving me inspiration today. I fractured my radial head bone in my right arm a week ago so I'm enjoying listening to people like you. I took a lesson in July to sharpen my skills and now it's a bit difficult to play. I can do chromatic scales and some arpeggios up and down, side by side across the fretboard just using my fingertips since I can't hold a pick yet or move my wrist. It's the first time I'm learning scales and notes on the fretboard without using the piano to figure what notes or chords I'm playing. I've been playing guitar for 50 years. I've had a handful of guitar lessons over the years but mostly self-taught. I'm classically trained on piano; Took lessons for 12 years but something about the guitar draws me to it. I have much more to learn and will always strive to be a better musician. I've been a teacher at times, but I'll always be a student. Love your music and guitar style. Thanks again for this video. 🎶Bflatblueswoman. aka Su
Very enjoyable, thank you. I was introduced to his music at a blues and roots festival near Sydney many years ago. At that festival he made a lot of references to his young daughter and wife, who were travelling with him. Great show.
Check out the September/October 2024 issue for a feature story in which Smither reflects on lessons from the stage, studio, and woodshed. store.acousticguitar.com/products/no-348-sep-oct-2024
Yes! Found your album back in Dinky Town at Positively 4th Street in 1982. But all my albums are out in the garage. Always thought you were an awesome guitar player. Took guitar lessons from Jack Pearson at the Podium. I really love the way you play. Good singer/songwriter. Did you ever play at the Cafe Extemporé on the West Bank? You ever play with Paul Metsa? He’s up in Duluth now. All the best to and God bless you!
You have to like this guy! He's not Chet and he's not Dylan, but he's really himself. And that makes him a great entertainer, singer and song writer. I'm going to follow his work.
We have some great travis picking lessons here: acousticguitar.com/lesson-learn-the-nuts-and-bolts-of-travis-picking/, acousticguitar.com/what-is-travis-picking/, acousticguitar.com/video-lesson-generating-new-ideas-from-travis-picking/
Leave a comment if you are enjoying this Session!
I love this guy's playing, his singing and his songs.
Brilliant.......just brillant.
The first time I met Chris (15 years ago) he was sitting at a restaurant in Pittsburgh, PA with his opening act for their show that was coming up in an hour or two down the street. They hadn't ordered yet. I simply shook his hand and thanked him for his decades of extraordinary music and inspiration in my own music. He insisted I join them despite my insistence to not be a burden. What? WOW!
We sat for 45 minutes and he said nothing about HIMSELF. He only asked questions about me. Very kind and incredibly humble. I asked him..."What do you do on the concert nights when you just don't feel like performing?" He looked at me with a puzzled look on his face and said..."This is what I DO." As if it wasn't even possible to NOT feel like playing. I'll never forget that moment. And...what a show!
Great story! thank you for sharing
This guy is a craftsman of artistic brilliance!
Yes. I think that sums this fellow up perfectly. Absolute artistic integrity.
One of the most naturally gifted guitar players I’ve seen. He’s just got that “thing”
I regularly binge on Chris Smither, Mark Knoppfler, and Nick Drake... gifted artists that somehow tap into higher realms.
Just wow. so good. Makes my day ty
I'm a newcomer to Mr. Smithers... love his style.
A helluva player, with a lot of soul. He manages, like Jorma, to elevate "simple" folk & blues guitar to another level.
The best of the best from playing to writing some of the best music !
Fantastic player and song writer
Absolutely wonderful!
Love Chris! Thanks for the post
Cool stuff! Great rhythm, unique style, great tuning.
Send a little love out to Mr. Smither. 🤠
Chris is a true joy and treasure to the world of music. I have seen him live several times and his shows are legendary. Carry on Chris .. peace..
bliss.... just two days ago my car started acting a little wonky. before even plugging in the diagnostic I'd reserved a rental so that I'll make the 200 mile r/t to see him next weekend in Austin.
I learned of Smither thanks to Dave Alvin and the Monsters of Folk tour in 1998.
Chris can take us to another place where love and peace is the way!! Thaks Chris for being a bright light of rhythm and poetry in a faded world.
thank you
Thank you for giving me inspiration today. I fractured my radial head bone in my right arm a week ago so I'm enjoying listening to people like you. I took a lesson in July to sharpen my skills and now it's a bit difficult to play. I can do chromatic scales and some arpeggios up and down, side by side across the fretboard just using my fingertips since I can't hold a pick yet or move my wrist. It's the first time I'm learning scales and notes on the fretboard without using the piano to figure what notes or chords I'm playing. I've been playing guitar for 50 years. I've had a handful of guitar lessons over the years but mostly self-taught. I'm classically trained on piano; Took lessons for 12 years but something about the guitar draws me to it. I have much more to learn and will always strive to be a better musician. I've been a teacher at times, but I'll always be a student. Love your music and guitar style. Thanks again for this video. 🎶Bflatblueswoman. aka Su
Awesome songwriter/player.
Very enjoyable, thank you. I was introduced to his music at a blues and roots festival near Sydney many years ago. At that festival he made a lot of references to his young daughter and wife, who were travelling with him. Great show.
An absolute joy to experience this performance and interview. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it! -AG
Great finger picking. Great vocals. Love the cord changes.
go Chris go!
💜
Check out the September/October 2024 issue for a feature story in which Smither reflects on lessons from the stage, studio, and woodshed. store.acousticguitar.com/products/no-348-sep-oct-2024
Yes! Found your album back in Dinky Town at Positively 4th Street in 1982. But all my albums are out in the garage. Always thought you were an awesome guitar player. Took guitar lessons from Jack Pearson at the Podium. I really love the way you play. Good singer/songwriter. Did you ever play at the Cafe Extemporé on the West Bank? You ever play with Paul Metsa? He’s up in Duluth now. All the best to and God bless you!
You have to like this guy! He's not Chet and he's not Dylan, but he's really himself. And that makes him a great entertainer, singer and song writer. I'm going to follow his work.
Lots to dive into here: acousticguitar.com/?s=Chris+smither&ct_post_type=post%3Apage
Congratulations Chris, you’ve lived long enough to become a “ Roots” musician 😮😅
Beautiful !!! Loved this.
What's the process of getting placed on this channel ?
"Any more than three fingers on the fretboard at the same time is superfluous." Well, guess he proves it.
He's gone uptown with ehe Collings. What happened to the Alvarez Yairi blue guitar?
Smither has been playing this Collings since 1999!
Great joke. It's a JOKE people!!
I could never find a blue Yairi for sale. I also had to settle for a Collings OM. :)
That Collings hums.
Can you teach Travis picking?
We have some great travis picking lessons here: acousticguitar.com/lesson-learn-the-nuts-and-bolts-of-travis-picking/, acousticguitar.com/what-is-travis-picking/, acousticguitar.com/video-lesson-generating-new-ideas-from-travis-picking/
"Dont bring him any money bring him beer instead" jajajaja ..................
fuckin satan