With a weary, well-traveled voice and a serenely intricate finger-picking style, Mr. Smither turns the blues into songs that accept hard-won lessons and try to make peace with fate. “Smither is an American original – a product of the musical melting pot and one of the absolute best singer-songwriters in the world.” -- Associated Press Chris Smither returns to The Shedd Institute's Jaqua Concert Hall on tour in support of his new CD, Still On The Levee, released on the occasion of his 50th year of songwriting and performing—a sweeping showcase of his music, from his very earliest songs to the present. This will be Chris' 4th appearance at The Shedd. Honing a synthesis of folk and blues for 50 years, Chris Smither is truly an American original. Having released a series of timeless records since the early 1970s, Chris' newest release, Still On The Levee (release July 22, 2014), is a career-spanning retrospective double CD. Recorded in New Orleans with studio-mates he calls The Motivators, Still On The Levee plays host to special guests including Allen Toussaint and Loudon Wainwright III. The record highlights the vast catalog of an American music master. Reviewers and fans from around the world agree that Chris is a profound songwriter, a blistering guitarist and, as he puts it, a 'one-man band to the bone.' Chris melds the styles of his two major influences, Lightnin' Hopkins and Mississippi John Hurt, into his own signature guitar sound. His music continues to draw deeply from the blues, American folk music, modern poets and humanist philosophers. He may be best known for writing "Love You Like A Man" which Bonnie Raitt and, more recently, jazz great Diana Krall have covered. His music has been covered by numerous artists and featured in soundtrack albums, independent film, television and commercials.