Album Notes

CHRIS SMITH

BIO

And I don't mind growing older, and I close my eyes and I wonder
When there's no tomorrow, time can't be borrowed, it's true
Through the joy and sorrow, You know that I will follow you

And if those days would last forever they're only cast back out to sea
And we will meet on the horizon, and we'll remain eternally
I'll remember you

Chris Smith was born in England to a Swedish mother and an English father with a wanderlust. The family traveled extensively, living in Singapore and Hong Kong before returning to England. In 1969 the family relocated, this time to Ottawa, Canada.

During that time, the young Chris got his first real six-string guitar and his destiny was sealed. Chris grew up listening to jazz and blues and all things Beatles. His older brother Peter, who had his own following in Ottawa clubs, was a huge influence. Chris discovered his songwriting talent at a young age, recorded a demo at a studio in the Gatineau Hills and then enrolled at Humber College in Toronto in the school's prestigious Jazz Programme. At the end of this two-year course, Chris formed The Graduates comprised of fellow Humber students, and the group performed all Smith originals. This particular venture caught the ear of BMG's A&R Director, David Bendeth, who signed Chris and his band, Regatta, to a five-year contract. Regatta, which had previously won Q107's "Homegrown Contest", recorded its debut release at "Le Studio" in Morin Heights, Quebec and soon after, "Wherever You Run", their first single, became a CHR radio staple across Canada, and received regular rotation on MuchMusic.

Inspired by his extensive travels throughout South East Asia, Central America and Europe, and intoxicated by the wondrous jazz of his youth, Chris gradually switched gears and began writing songs tempered with a more worldly flavour. His first CD, "Room Inside My Heart", set the stage for this change in musical direction and his latest release, Real Thing, which marries deliciously intimate vocals with seductive rhythms, takes it one step further. The title track featuring the highly acclaimed Canadian saxophonist, Warren Hill, is a perfect example.

Real Thing is the culmination of Chris' explorations, both spiritually and physically. Retreating into the wilderness of Ontario's Algonquin Park to reconnect with nature rejuvenates his spirit and gives his songs the freedom to evolve. Chris Smith knows who he is and is equally at home with either an acoustic guitar or a rockin' full band complete with horns.

Chris is receiving high praise and tremendous support for this recording. Sandy Shore, President of Smoothjazz.com remarks that Real Thing has "Refreshingly authentic vocals and seasoned lyrics." Vickie van Dyke of Hamilton's Smooth Jazz station, The Wave calls Chris her "personal favourite" and Lesley Primeau, 630 CHED in Edmonton says, "I absolutely LOVE Chris Smith...gorgeous music...I'm sorry I wasted my first listening for the office and not for the bath and wine. Fabulous!!!!"

Real Thing is filled with smooth vocals, sweet lyrics and great, hooky melodies - let Chris Smith take you on a romantic journey.
March 2004