Michael Smith - The Dutchman - Howmet Playhouse

Michael Smith performs "The Dutchman" at the Howmet Playhouse in Whitehall, MI, October 26th, 2007 - part of the Quiet Faith Productions Howmet Series.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Michael
• Smith
• Dutchman

[wakerlew]

Finally! We get to hear it by the man who wrote it. I fell in love with the song from Steve Goodman's recording, and have it on a CD by John McDermott. Both are good, but this one is the best.

[Johnfern99]

The man can write songs!!

[REmilJFolk]

I first heard this at the Filling Station in Detroit in 1973. Phil Marcus Esser turned me on to MIke's music. I later went to see him at The Earl of Old Town in Chicago before with a friend just before he came to Detroit. What a great time. I still remember the album, "Mickie & Babs Get Hot" which had some of the best songs I ever heard. I wish I still had it. There are few experiences like hearing Mike & Barbara sing "Oceloa's Last Stand."

[jonnytheshirt]

beautiful song, poor rendition. Funny how that happens.

[wizardofwaste]

I hope to meet Mike Smith one day and shake his hand.

[rdvqc]

I have heard Michael do better versions of this song. Notably about 10 years back at the Champlain Valley Folk Festival.

I do agree though that nobody did it better than Liam.

[DMcGuinness]

@fnupfnup you're mad Liam puts much more feeling into the words. you must of had your hearing aid on low or something

[seanreillyireland]

One of the greatest of all songs.

[tintosangre]

Funny. He seems to be using an open tuning, no? I've seen him play other songs live where he more clearly used the d-e-f# flow against the G that's more familiar in this (classic) song

[ristowge]

@lateniterev

The best version is Josh White Jr's version on his live LP "Sing Me A Rainbow" which as yet is not available on CD

Harry Lime

[lateniterev]

I've seen and heard Michael perform this many times, and there is nothing like hearing the writer perform his work...I think because he gives the true meaning to the words. Mike is one of the good guys and great unknown songwriters. For a good laugh check out "The last days of Pompei."

[rocktenniscat]

Of course Steve Goodman's version is "better" but it is a special privilege to "meet" the creator of this wonderful song on Youtube. Many songwriters are better at writing than singing...(Jimmy Webb for instance!)