Byther Smith - Byther Smith In Europe Vol. 1 & Vol. 2

Strictly judging from the lyrical sentiment of his recordings, 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. He continued with strong performances and recordings during the new millennium, issuing two albums on Black & Tan, 2001’s Smitty’s Blues and 2004’s Throw Away the Book; returning to Delmark for 2008’s Blues on the Moon: Live at the Natural Rhythm Social Club; and issuing Got No Place to Go on Fedora, also in 2008. ~by Bill Dahl

Album: Byther Smith In Europe Vol. 1
Size: 138,4 MB
Time: 59:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Chicago Blues
Art: Front

01. Never Stopped Loving You (4:22)
02. So Many Roads, So Many Trains (5:07)
03. Don't Hurt Me No More (5:05)
04. Running To New Orleans (4:33)
05. Mean Old Daddy (3:57)
06. Five Long Years (6:13)
07. Wait And See (4:36)
08. All For Business (3:15)
09. I Can't Understand You Baby (4:35)
10. I Don't Like To Travel (5:30)
11. Tramp (4:30)
12. Ought To Be Ashamed (4:48)
13. Same Thing On My Mind (3:08)

Byther Smith In Europe Vol. 1

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Album: Byther Smith In Europe Vol. 2
Size: 130,3 MB
Time: 56:13
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Chicago Blues
Art: Front

01. Put Your Arms Around Me (4:27)
02. She's A Good 'un (4:53)
03. I Live Here (4:07)
04. Things I Used To Do (4:04)
05. The Man Wants Me Dead (4:57)
06. Your Daughter Don't Want Me No More (4:28)
07. Cora (3:53)
08. Close To You Baby (3:40)
09. I Didn't Get None (3:19)
10. Love Me Like I Love You (4:37)
11. Sell My Monkey (5:22)
12. Little Voice (3:37)
13. You Don't Love Me No More (4:42)

Byther Smith In Europe Vol. 2

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