Solo performer: Chris Smither (vocals, guitar).
Recorded live in California, Massachusetts, Virginia & Ireland between 1996 & 1999. Includes liner notes by Chris Smither.
Audio Mixers: Darleen Wilson; Brian Capuch.
Recording information: Emerson Umbrella, Concord, MA (1996-1999); Palms, Davis, CA (1996-1999); Recorded Live, California, Virginia Beach, MA (1996-1999); Roisin Dubh, Galway, Ireland (1996-1999); Somerville Theatre, Somerville, MA (1996-1999); St. Kevin's Church, Hollywood, CA (1996-1999); Sweetwater, Mill Valley, CA (1996-1999); The Barns, Wolf Trap (1996-1999); Vienna, VA (1996-1999); Whelan's, Dublin, Ireland (1996-1999).
Chris Smither's Another Way to Find You was the live album that chronicled his career up to 1991. Live As I'll Ever Be takes up where that one left off, featuring songs from the four albums he released in the '90s. It was recorded over several years -- beginning in 1996 -- and captured performances in California, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Ireland. One mike recorded his large, unmistakable voice; the other was placed on the floor to pick up his steadily tapping and stomping feet. Many audience favorites were included, such as "I Am the Ride," "Slow Surprise," "Small Revelations," and "Up on the Lowdown." Two covers, Robert Johnson's "Dust My Broom" and Rolly Sally's "Killin' the Blues," were also recorded. There are entertaining song intros and bits of warm banter with the audience, too. Chris Smither is always at his best when he is performing live. In fact, he often says that he writes songs and records albums just so he can perform live, and not the other way around. Live As I'll Ever Be gives you a great front-row seat, any time you want it. ~ Ann Wickstrom
If anyone should have a live album it's Chris Smither. This veteran singer/songwriter has made a career of stunning solo performances such as these, where his lived-in baritone, sublime Mississippi John Hurt-derived fingerpicking, and rhythmically stomping feet are enough to mesmerize his audience. Smither did release a live-in-the-studio album, 1991's sublime ANOTHER WAY TO FIND YOU, where he performed solo for a small group of invitees, but that served mostly as a career resume for a man who hadn't released an album of new compositions in nearly 20 years. That album marked the beginning of Smither's revitalization; he subsequently released four superb albums of new material in the '90s.
LIVE AS I'LL EVER BE focuses exclusively on Smither's '90s work and captures all the soulful energy and quiet charisma he injects into a live performance. His songs alternate between eloquent expressions of existential angst ("The Devil's Real," "Can't Shake These Blues"), and dispensations of hard-won wisdom that cast a cautious but clear eye toward a bright future ("Link of Chain," "I Am the Ride"). They're all delivered in a folk/blues style that speaks of dues paid but that's far too graceful to be called gritty. For a solid overview of Smither's second phase, look no further. minimize