Leave the Light On
by Chris Smither

$12.99

"Back in the old days," muses resilient troubadour Chris Smither, writing new songs and making new albums were just chores. My priority was, and still is, performing live. I guess I still write the songs and make the records so that I can go out and play except that now I actually look forward to it. I've learned how to do it, and I'm very eager to get stuff recorded once I've written it."

Chris Smither's Signature Sounds debut album, Leave the Light On (his second with producer David "Goody" Goodrich) features seven new songs as well as a few choice covers and arrangements of traditional songs. The album also features the young neo-gospel group Ollabelle, who bring a complementary loveliness to Smither's "Seems So Real" and additional resonance to the traditional "John Hardy." The renowned roots musician Tim O'Brien plays mandolin and fiddle all over the record, and also harmonizes with Smither, Sean Staples and Anita Suhanin on the lilting title track. Atypically, Chris tackles topical themes on "Origin of Species" (which he says is "making fun of dummies") and the edgily political "Diplomacy," which harkens back to his roots in the '60s folk scene. Also different this go round is Smither's bold and surprising decision to arrange Dylan's "Visions of Johanna" in 6/8 time (he credits his friend Steve Tilston for the suggestion) which results in a track of otherworldly beauty.

Tracks

1. Open Up

2. Leave the Light On

3. Shillin' For the Blues

4. Seems So Real

5. Origin of Species

6. Cold Trail Blues

7. Diplomacy

8. Father's Day

9. Visions of Johanna

10. Blues In The Bottle

11. John Hardy

12. John Hardy (Reprise)