Having distilled his own signature sound of blues and folk for over 40 years, Chris Smither is

truly an American original. A profound songwriter, Chris continues to draw deeply from the

blues, American folk music, modern poets and philosophers with this 14th record of his

lengthy career. From his early days as the New Orleans transplant in the Boston folk scene,

through his wilderness years, to his reemergence in the 1990s as one of America’s most

distinctive acoustic performers, Chris Smither continues to hone his distinctive sound. He has

always traveled his own road, eschewing sophisticated studio tricks and staying true to his

musical vision. He has developed and maintained loyal friendships over the years with

kindred-spirited musicians like Bonnie Raitt and the late Stephen Bruton while at the same

time throughout his career been inspired by and inspiring to today's next-generation of

musicians. Reviewers continue to praise his dazzling guitar work, gravelly voice and

songwriting. The New York Times: 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.

June 19, 2012 marks the release of Hundred Dollar Valentine (Signature Sounds) – and this,

Chris’ 12th studio record, is a masterwork. It sports the unmistakable sound he has made his

trademark: fingerpicked acoustic guitar and evocative sonic textures meshed with spare,

brilliant songs, delivered in a bone-wise, hard-won voice. It is also his first recording to

feature all Smither-penned, original songs. Along with... 

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