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Byther Smith
Strictly judging from the lyrical sentiment of his recordings to this
point, it might be wise not to make Chicago guitarist Byther Smith
angry. Smitty's uncompromising songs are filled with threats of
violence and ominous menace (the way blues used to be before the age of
political correctness), sometimes to the point where his words don't
even rhyme. They don't have to, either -- you're transfixed by the
sheer intensity of his music.
Smitty came to Chicago during the mid-'50s after spending time toiling
on an Arizona cattle ranch. He picked up guitar tips from J.B. Lenoir
(his first cousin), Robert Jr. Lockwood, and Hubert Sumlin, then began
playing in the clubs during the early '60s. Theresa's Lounge was his
main haunt for five years as he backed Junior Wells; he also played
with the likes of Big Mama Thornton, George "Harmonica" Smith, and Otis
Rush.
A couple of acclaimed singles for C.J. (the two-part "Give Me My White
Robe") and BeBe ("Money Tree"/"So Unhappy") spread his name among
aficionados, as did a 1983 album for Grits, Tell Me How You Like It.
The rest of the country then began to appreciate Smitty, thanks to a
pair of extremely solid albums on Bullseye Blues: 1991's Housefire
(first out on Grits back in 1985) and I'm a Mad Man two years later.
With two sets on Delmark and a stepped-up touring itinerary, Smitty
really hit his stride.
-Written
by Bill Dahl
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