Chris Chitsey already is well on his way to carving a unique, artistic niche in the field of country music. Naturally when it comes to collaborations with other artists, things can become a double-edged sword. Even with established musical acts, sometimes collaborations can be to the detriment of both artists, stripping a sense of cohesiveness and each act’s unique individuality into something unfairly competitive. So it was gutsy for Chitsey to pair up with British artist Bee Smith for their joint single “Summer Before the Fall”. Luckily upon hearing the track, all fears were assured.
Chitsey and Smith make a formidable team, each elating and lifting up each other’s strengths as an artist. Chitsey sings with this stereotypical, rugged, chipped masculinity, while Smith is a welcome antidote but not as a contrasting, willowy presence in her own right. When she belts out a tune, her voice is feminine but unwavering and strong. While British, she immediately makes you think of the strong frontierswomen on shows like Dutton Ranch.
It’s a nice duet because in rare form both artists’ strengths are highlighted, both as contrasting performers and as a steady, single unit. The fact Chitsey is willing to try such a high wire act at an early stage of his career simultaneously communicates artistic integrity and generosity of spirit. It also highlights the confidence in his own craft and brand, making room equating to making his own stage presence that much stronger.
https://open.spotify.com/album/09C5eDA2yy5iY0iUgrSjEf
The song itself is something of a toast to older, simpler times. It espouses a kind of modernity where looking back isn’t regressive, while still firmly planting itself in terms of cultural relevance and production value in the marketplace. The title, “Summer Before the Fall”, seems deliberately handpicked, like something obviously euphemistic but whose said obviousness only adds charm. Chitsey isn’t trying necessarily to compete with the masters of the genre, but he is trying to continue a kind of quality they represented expertly in lockstep.
The lyrics are simple and effective, the meanings clear, and the sense of scope and gravitas decidedly homegrown and staying authentic to the inherent nature of what country is all about. Simply put, a sort of raw, rugged confessional, where being excessively verbose and dependent on hooks is sinful. Chitsey and Smith sing in a manner akin to concentrating on real things, that real people can understand and relate to. Country has always been something of an unappreciated unifier when it comes to the grounded nature of the medium. There’s never the sense even legends in the business espouse flintiness, or a feeling these figures are fundamentally that far away. A good country song reminds everyone, north or south, ideally about what really matters. “Summer Before The Fall” does not disappoint on this front.
All in all Chitsey is on my list as an act to watch. I like his style, I like his sense of emotional candor as an artist, and I like the fact none of his work to date feels entirely perfect. There’s room for messiness, twitchiness, and reinterpretation, all critical signs of someone playing the long game rather than trying to dominate current charts.
Gwen Waggoner