Chris Smither

Nobody does blues-folk stream-of-consciousness melancholy better than Chris Smither, and his latest CD, “Hundred Dollar Valentine” is another thorn in his crown. Smither is quite funny when he wants to be, though his humor’s often pointed, dark and world-weary. The new album is his first all-original effort in a 40-plus-year career. But it’s hardly unfamiliar, especially when Smither reaches back to reprise his 1971 gem “I Feel the Same,” which Bonnie Raitt first made famous. Initially a shy guy with no stage presence (anybody remember his sheepish Minneapolis debut show at the old Whole Coffeehouse?), Smither has turned into a great live performer over the years, known for self-deprecating stories, droll wit, excellent dynamics and pacing. He’s really blossomed in the last couple decades, and was always a pretty unique acoustic blues voice and savvy fingerpickin’ guitarist. Jeff Ray & Hurricane Harold open. Tom Surowicz