Denver – Chris Smither has been called “an American original” by the Associated Press which further proclaims, “A product of the musical melting pot, and one of the absolute best singer-songwriters in the world.” Praised by Stereo Review, “Smither recasts the folk blues in the ethereal language of the poet, projecting a kind of streetwise mysticism.” He returns on Saturday, October 14 at 8 p.m. to thrill Swallow Hill audiences once more and to perform songs from his recent release Leave the Light On. Leave the Light On is his 12th CD featuring a number of new songs by Chris along with covers of tunes by his influences over the years including Mississippi John Hurt’s “Blues in my Bottle.” For the new album he is joined by renowned folk musician Tim O’Brien and gospel quartet Ollabelle.

After emigrating from his native New Orleans at the end of the ‘60s folk revival movement, Chris proved that he had learned from the masters, equally praised for his songwriting skills as for his musicianship. Sing Out! magazine describes him as “a haunting presence that once experienced never leaves you.” Most known for his songs “Love You like a Man” and “I Feel the Same” both recorded by Bonnie Raitt, NPR describes Chris’ voice as “…equal parts gravel and molasses…” and “Smither’s singing sounds like a distillation of the folk and blues heroes he grew up listening to in New Orleans.” Chris’ songs have been recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Diana Krall, Emmylou Harris, John Mayall, Rosalie Sorrels and Esther Phillips. His songs can be heard in the films The Horse Whisperer, Brother’s Shadow, Love From Ground Zero, The Ride and the documentary Outsider Artists.

For tickets visit swallowhillmusic.org (please note this alternate web address for public access) or call (303) 777-1003. Discounts are available for Swallow Hill members.

About Swallow Hill Music Association:
Helping people make music since 1979, Swallow Hill Music Association is one of the largest institutions of its kind in the United States as a source for folk, roots and acoustic music. With more than 2,100 members—some of whom are also volunteers—, Swallow Hill provides a place to celebrate music that is rarely heard elsewhere in the Rocky Mountain Region. Three concert venues house more than 150 performances a year, featuring some of the world's great artists as well as up-and-coming new talent. The Julie Davis Music School at Swallow Hill provides a valuable and affordable extra-curricular educational resource to the community with more than 50 music instructors involved in more than 240 adult classes and 70 children's classes annually.

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