Malcolm Holcolms version is my favorite. The real original is on this comp album Roly Salley played on. Mr Salley re recorded it for a solo album. First version ain't that great. I have the semi rare vinyl . Music from Woodstock mountain
There is no justice in this world. Otherwise Chris Smither would be known by everyone as an outstanding performer. He is "at one with his guitar" and indeed one of the best performers I've seen.
I so totally agree with you! I stumbled across Chris a bout a year or so ago. Rushed out to buy this cd. I am his age, love music, never heard of him. What have we all missed over the years.
I've seen CS play a 100x - from Berkeley to Chicago over the past 40 yrs. Hell of a songwriter, too (even though he didn't write this). Nobody more entertaining. Got tickets for March 2022, too.
I remember Chris introducing the song once by telling the story of performing it live and having someone come up to him afterwards and say something along the lines of, "I don't think I have ever heard that song performed more to my liking." Chris mentioned that he didn't write it and that it was written by Roly Salley, to which the commenter responded, "I know, that's me."
+Toby Ovod-Everett First heard this performed by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant (I believe they one a grammy for their version) but, think that Chris really nails it the way Roly meant.
The only version of "Killing the Blues" that really sings those blues! Thank you, Chris. Thank you for sharing your personal life and the pain you've experienced. I've been touched by the beautiful music you create. Much appreciated
I was a student in London back in the early 90's and I had the privilege to hear and see him playing in a pub. Just that, one of those moments in life. I bought a CD directly from him. Keep playing, please.
Lucky enough to have seen Chris 30 or more times in venues small and large. What a wonderful musician. Each time I’ve seen him you feel you connect with him personally. Glad I found him on public radio the day he released Another Way to find you.
Just found this guy, just found this song - well there are hundreds of thousands of singers and songs out there. I just won't live long enough. My personal collection of all genres has just gone up to 53,484 with this track firmly in my top twenty. The "lived in" voice, the delicate guitar work, the thought-provoking lyrics - i just keep playing it over and over.
See him live. I've seen Chrisplay all over the country, from Berkeley to Chicago. ALWAYS worth every penny. He's a magnificent story teller. I'm seeing him again this March at Berkeley Freight & Salvage.
If you fancy a chuckle, stop by my place and watch a 19 stone prop forward of 27 years standing, crying his heart out like a baby every time he watches this. Just so beautiful and touching deep down. It would melt any heart.
heard Chris for the first time today on the fur peach ranch radio program. Love his voice and guitar playing. well, now I will listen to more of his songs. this one is fabulous
Every now and then you come across this kind of unexpected gem. This one is in a league of its own. Wow! This more than compensates having to be working late this evening!
In my view Chris is the guv'nor when it comes to interpreting and writing a song. It was his "Happier Blue" album (check out"No more cane on the Brazos" from the same album) that got me into playing acoustic guitar. He used to come and perform at a local folk/blues venue at Crondall, just outside Farnham, Surrey, every year. with a maximum capacity audience of around 30-40 people and "Hogs Back" Beer from the keg!! it will always be a treasured memory. And he was so engaging with us afterwards.
Phenomenal interpretation! A story told with extraordinary sensitivity. When I came across this wonderful performance two months ago, I have been listening to it several times every day since then... with great emotion and gratitude to the creator of this beautiful song, and especially to its wonderful performer, Chris Smither.
Magnificent!!! This is one of the finest songs, ever written. (Did you know that Rolly Salley was the bass in Chris Isaacs band?) Chris Smither performs the definitive version of this song. He is one of the greatest players and singers you will ever see- so DO go and see him! His concerts leave you with a warm feeling and you know that you have just seen a master at work!
I first heard Chris do this in Athens OH at "Another Fools Cafe"..perhaps in 1982-83. Have seen him several times since at Jorma Kaukonens FurPeaceRanch and I thank him each time for introducing me to this WONDERFUL tune! What a fine fella...
+Jerry Sullivan He teaches guitar classes there each year I believe. Really wanted to take one but their classes are all very expensive, couldn't afford.
I must admit this is just peerless, and very moving. Until this evening (within the last hour) I had never heard of Chris Smither. Chicago's WFMT Midnight Special played Chris' rendition and I just had to hear it, and see it performed live. I like to play guitar and sing, so it is now imperative for me to learn this version. It is very moving in a sad, melancholic sort of way. Update 04.10.22: I taught myself how to play a version of this song on the guitar with standard tuning. However, this morning, I was noodling with one of my guitars tuned in open D, and I am now teaching myself how to play and sing a version that is much closer to Chris', and I am thankful to him for performing this song.
i love this version!! looking forward to seeing Chris at the sugar club Dublin i KNOW I'll be blown away, just as i was when he played at my club,in Aylesbury England back when NOAH was a boy
hands down. one of the most beautiful acoustic guitar songs i have ever heard. hes a fantastic guitarist....he has a fuckin class live album from my hometown dublin..ireland called live as i'll ever be. and killing the blues is in it too. excellent album from start to finish. if u have'nt heard it..go check it out.
My favorite Smither album! I've seen him play everywhere from Freight & Salvage (original location in Berkeley) to Chicago. He's amazing. His story telling and his percussive shoes slay mr.
Seeing him tonight in Ithaca, NY and I am so freakin excited. Chris Smither is my favorite performer to see live out of everyone. So talented and heartfelt and amazing !
this is "The song" I was wanting to see uploaded on youtube for so long! thanks a mil. that man just has "It" saw him live in the Crane bar in Galway Ireland last January! Not for the broken hearted though ha ha.
Add this to the short list of things that have caught me by joyful surprise. His voice is perfect for this song. Best version I've heard yet. No offense, JP or RP!
Great Video..Close up and clear..As Usual Chris is impeccable ....he really is an American Icon but not given the credit he deserves......Hopefully you have more clips like this from Paris and will post them ..I will be waiting in anticipation ..Cheers
Indeed. His voice fits this song perfectly, and his guitar playing is virtuosic without being unnecessarily showy. Absolutely pure and beautiful.
Malcolm Holcolms version is my favorite. The real original is on this comp album Roly Salley played on. Mr Salley re recorded it for a solo album. First version ain't that great. I have the semi rare vinyl . Music from Woodstock mountain
There is no justice in this world. Otherwise Chris Smither would be known by everyone as an outstanding performer. He is "at one with his guitar" and indeed one of the best performers I've seen.
I so totally agree with you! I stumbled across Chris a bout a year or so ago. Rushed out to buy this cd. I am his age, love music, never heard of him. What have we all missed over the years.
@@rafhenlow just this evening heard him for the first time. My favorite cover of this has always been John Prines'. I'm now reconsidering.
I've seen CS play a 100x - from Berkeley to Chicago over the past 40 yrs. Hell of a songwriter, too (even though he didn't write this). Nobody more entertaining. Got tickets for March 2022, too.
@@donnacasey4255 just saw him last night for the third time, still great, he didn't play this last night though.
perhaps he is just a special gift for those of us that know....
I remember Chris introducing the song once by telling the story of performing it live and having someone come up to him afterwards and say something along the lines of, "I don't think I have ever heard that song performed more to my liking." Chris mentioned that he didn't write it and that it was written by Roly Salley, to which the commenter responded, "I know, that's me."
Great story. An ultimate compliment, huh?
Toby Ovod-Everett
+Toby Ovod-Everett Rowland Salley is his proper name and he is the bass player for Chris Isaak
+Toby Ovod-Everett Wow. That gave me chills. I always thought Chris wrote this, so to read that...
+Kip Dalpe Roly performs this on UA-cam search it.
+Toby Ovod-Everett First heard this performed by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant (I believe they one a grammy for their version) but, think that Chris really nails it the way Roly meant.
The only version of "Killing the Blues" that really sings those blues! Thank you, Chris. Thank you for sharing your personal life and the pain you've experienced. I've been touched by the beautiful music you create. Much appreciated
I've been singing and playing guitar all my life . I'm 63 now and if I could play and sing one song like that , it would all be worth it .
Open D or E (heard it both ways)
Open D and lots of talent!
@@CORBIE69 - thought so, thanks
The most inspirational song I have ever or ever will hear
I was a student in London back in the early 90's and I had the privilege to hear and see him playing in a pub. Just that, one of those moments in life. I bought a CD directly from him. Keep playing, please.
Lucky enough to have seen Chris 30 or more times in venues small and large. What a wonderful musician. Each time I’ve seen him you feel you connect with him personally. Glad I found him on public radio the day he released Another Way to find you.
Just found this guy, just found this song - well there are hundreds of thousands of singers and songs out there. I just won't live long enough.
My personal collection of all genres has just gone up to 53,484 with this track firmly in my top twenty.
The "lived in" voice, the delicate guitar work, the thought-provoking lyrics - i just keep playing it over and over.
Too much music, not enough time. This I am so pleased to have found. Bought 3 cd's.
See him live. I've seen Chrisplay all over the country, from Berkeley to Chicago. ALWAYS worth every penny. He's a magnificent story teller.
I'm seeing him again this March at Berkeley Freight & Salvage.
No one does this song quite like Chris Smither
Achingly beautiful delivery, sung from the heart.
If you fancy a chuckle, stop by my place and watch a 19 stone prop forward of 27 years standing, crying his heart out like a baby every time he watches this. Just so beautiful and touching deep down. It would melt any heart.
One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. The intro blows me away every time.
heard Chris for the first time today on the fur peach ranch radio program. Love his voice and guitar playing. well, now I will listen to more of his songs. this one is fabulous
By far and away the most 'feeling' and heartfelt rendition of this lovely song.
Shawn Colvin did another very beautiful version of this.
Smither is something else, saintly in some hard-to-define way.
Great tunes by the camp fire on Saturday night! Doesn't get any better than this.
One of the most beautiful guitar sounds and parts I've heard. Great Roly Salley song.
best version ever, wonderful guitar and singing performance. thank you chris
Going to see Chris in a few days can't wait. Seen lots of guitar players in my life he is one of the best.
Listen to Colin Hay sing I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You - eLIVE version
I saw him live when he debuted "The Devil Is Real". The audience freaked out for 1/2 a minute 😅
This is so beautiful. Just blew me away.
Maybe my favorite intrepretation of this great song.
The man simply has something that most don't . Beautiful.
Born the same year as Chris. Just so thankful to hear him and his magic before I pass into the mystic.
My sentiments entirley! The guy is a pure magician with both his voice and guitar and then he has soul in bucketloads!
Best version ever. Chris Smither you biscuit !!!
Chris has it all. His writing, playing, and singing are all sublime.
Best Version ever!
My favorite of all his songs. Just perfect.
Rowland Jon Salley wrote the song.
an all-time favorite. worth tears every time.
Dit is de mooiste vertolking van dit prachtige nummer. Bij dit nummer ga je nadenken over je leven zowel de plus als de min.
Now, that is mighty, mighty fine!
This is a fantastic rendition, sung and played in a so touching way.... I applaud you !
One of the all-time greats, and a true "great heart" of folk music. Thanks for this wonderful post!
...This song just took me to a deep, far away place from long ago. Wow... guess I'm back now
Absolute best! He gets such a great sound out of that guitar of his and his voice is perfect for this song! Terrific posting.
Just saw him at the Paradiso Amsterdam this sunday 24 th 2013. Just beautiful and lovely. Go on Smither, go on!!
So beautiful Chris! Love you! Peace
I've just discovered this guy. Getting goosebumps listening to this beautiful rendition. Wow! Thank you, Karel.
Such clean clear crisp guitar with a voice that cuts to the core. Thank you.
Chris Smither is a masterful guitarist and interpreter of music. He's so deserving of wider recognition!
Every now and then you come across this kind of unexpected gem. This one is in a league of its own. Wow! This more than compensates having to be working late this evening!
Still one of the best things on UA-cam!!
So many years, this song still makes me cry.
A real genius, poet and #1 musician!
The best cover of them all!
wow ,first time i ever see him,,he,s awesome i,ll be watching more of him,,great guitar and vocals
In my view Chris is the guv'nor when it comes to interpreting and writing a song. It was his "Happier Blue" album (check out"No more cane on the Brazos" from the same album) that got me into playing acoustic guitar. He used to come and perform at a local folk/blues venue at Crondall, just outside Farnham, Surrey, every year. with a maximum capacity audience of around 30-40 people and "Hogs Back" Beer from the keg!! it will always be a treasured memory. And he was so engaging with us afterwards.
Love that album!
Phenomenal interpretation! A story told with extraordinary sensitivity.
When I came across this wonderful performance two months ago, I have been listening to it several times every day since then... with great emotion and gratitude to the creator of this beautiful song, and especially to its wonderful performer, Chris Smither.
This is just so good.
Such a wonderful interpretation of this song. Bravo!
Everything about this guy, and this song, is just cool.
he plays and sings so effortlessly. we saw him years ago at “the barns” of wolf trap in vienna va.
YesnDamnDeed. Killer song by a great artist...with the added dimension of outstanding guita technique. Want more!
Best version I've ever heard of this song.
Magnificent!!!
This is one of the finest songs, ever written.
(Did you know that Rolly Salley was the bass in Chris Isaacs band?)
Chris Smither performs the definitive version of this song.
He is one of the greatest players and singers you will ever see- so DO go and see him!
His concerts leave you with a warm feeling and you know that you have just seen a master at work!
I first heard Chris do this in Athens OH at "Another Fools Cafe"..perhaps in 1982-83. Have seen him several times since at Jorma Kaukonens FurPeaceRanch and I thank him each time for introducing me to this WONDERFUL tune! What a fine fella...
+Jerry Sullivan
He teaches guitar classes there each year I believe. Really wanted to take one but their classes are all very expensive, couldn't afford.
+Jim Bouldin YES, often he shows up at Jormas Fur Peace Ranch to perform and teach ... great guy.
I never miss a chance to see him play.....my favorite dues payin blues player....
wonderful version
he is so amazing...
Nice story, I have loved Chris since my teens, he was always such an intense performer... and always kind when I met up with him.
Fabulous version
SUPERB !
Beautiful
Lovely song..thanx for signing my CD years ago.
I must admit this is just peerless, and very moving. Until this evening (within the last hour) I had never heard of Chris Smither. Chicago's WFMT Midnight Special played Chris' rendition and I just had to hear it, and see it performed live. I like to play guitar and sing, so it is now imperative for me to learn this version. It is very moving in a sad, melancholic sort of way. Update 04.10.22: I taught myself how to play a version of this song on the guitar with standard tuning. However, this morning, I was noodling with one of my guitars tuned in open D, and I am now teaching myself how to play and sing a version that is much closer to Chris', and I am thankful to him for performing this song.
Perfection! Heartfelt vocal and gorgeous guitar.
My thoughts exactly, you read my mind !
Wonderful.......
I'm going to see Chris on the 17th of may!!! CAN"T WAIT!!! This'll be my third time!
i love this version!! looking forward to seeing Chris at the sugar club Dublin i KNOW I'll be blown away, just as i was when he played at my club,in Aylesbury England back when NOAH was a boy
So beautiful
If you know the word's...diction isn't important.......what a class version......top drawer
So beautiful ❤️
hands down.
one of the most beautiful acoustic guitar songs i have ever heard.
hes a fantastic guitarist....he has a fuckin class live album from my hometown dublin..ireland called live as i'll ever be.
and killing the blues is in it too.
excellent album from start to finish.
if u have'nt heard it..go check it out.
My favorite Smither album! I've seen him play everywhere from Freight & Salvage (original location in Berkeley) to Chicago.
He's amazing. His story telling and his percussive shoes slay mr.
Best version of this Towland Sally tune, hands down
the finest version on youtube of this most beautiful song. thanks for posting!
real real music...
Seeing him tonight in Ithaca, NY and I am so freakin excited. Chris Smither is my favorite performer to see live out of everyone. So talented and heartfelt and amazing !
Wow, just perfection. Looks like I will be relearning this song.
I first saw Chris in Edinburgh last year and was blown away. Brilliant!
this is "The song" I was wanting to see uploaded on youtube for so long! thanks a mil. that man just has "It" saw him live in the Crane bar in Galway Ireland last January! Not for the broken hearted though ha ha.
@Ivegotmymojoworkin - I'm in love with this song, and it doesn't really matter who sings it. This is another stunning version.
Fortunately I go a chance to hear Chris sing this live in Plymouth, Mass a few years ago. Jeff Foucault opened. It was a magical night.
Gets me every time -
Great! Thx, Mr. Smither, you make our day!
Add this to the short list of things that have caught me by joyful surprise. His voice is perfect for this song. Best version I've heard yet. No offense, JP or RP!
So lovely, Chris is so good,
Saw him in Vancouver a few years back. Absolutely amazing!!!
Great Video..Close up and clear..As Usual Chris is impeccable ....he really is an American Icon but not given the credit he deserves......Hopefully you have more clips like this from Paris and will post them ..I will be waiting in anticipation ..Cheers
thanks
this is just beautiful...I am listening on repeat ....CHEERS
Beautiful song . Very great . Thanks ...
Perfect!
Great version, might be the best, beautiful.
Love this song so much and since Chris version love to play it in Open D tuning.
Just saw him do a stunning rendition of this. Thanks for posting.
When you got it ,you got it.Great!!!
SEEN HIM IN CONCERT BACK IN THE 80S AT THE CHERRY TREE IN PHILADELPHIA.
moves me, every time
beautiful! Come back to Calgary Chris...please (and sing Sugaree. and Frankie...best versions i have heard)