Songwriter Chris Smither To Play At Hale’s Ales Brewery

One of the most endearing attributes of singer-songwriters in general is that they don’t don’t hide behind their music, as so many bands do.

It’s just them with their guitars, singing songs from the heart. And the message never requires any complex decoding.

One of the most crucial singer-songwriters of modern times, Chris Smither, plays Hale’s Ales Brewery, 5634 E. Commerce, tonight.

Smither may not be a household name, but his contributions as a songwriter and guitar player have certainly won the respect of fellow musicians and critics.

In fact, he’s cherished by many as “a songwriter’s songwriter” and a “musician’s musician.”

Bonnie Raitt made hits out of Smither’s songs “Love Me Like a Man” and “I Feel the Same.” John Mayall has also recorded his songs.

Since the early ‘70s, there has been a drought of Smither recordings. In 1991, that dry spell was ended when he put out a live album titled, “Another Way to Find You.”

Since then, Smither has released two critically acclaimed studio albums - 1993’s “Happier Blue” and 1994’s “Up on the Lowdown.”

The concert begins at 8 p.m. Seating is severely limited.

Advance tickets are available for $12 at Street Music, Guitar Gallerie and Sound Hole. Admission’s $14 at the door.

On Saturday, Smither will hold a guitar workshop at Guitar Gallerie, 421 W. Riverside. For reservations, call 535-1868.