While singing the blues about the current financial crisis over a guitar riff that dates back to the 1930s, Chris Smither seems to be from everywhere and nowhere at the same time.

While singing "Surprise, Surprise," an unheralded, comedic take on last year's economic meltdown from Smither's new album "Time Stands Still," it's easy to picture the singer as the guy who "thought you was rich, then you turned on your TV."

The 64-year-old New Orleans-based folksinger -- although folk is a catch-all phrase that falls short of describing Smither's range -- delivered two strong sets Thursday night to a crowd of about 200 at The State Room in Salt Lake City.

Armed with just a guitar and his miked-up shoes as percussion, Smither sprinkled a few covers into the mix while he played effortless blues-soaked fingerstyle guitar during several strong selections from his latest release, including "I Don't Know" and "Don't Call Me Stranger."

Other highlights of the first 50-minute set included "Crocodile Man" and "Origin of Species." Smither's gravelly, gloriously craggy voice proved an effective weapon throughout the show.

The 65-minute second set included a surprising take on the haunting Bob Dylan classic "Visions of Johanna," as well as the new album's title track, Smither's best known song, "Love You Like A Man," which has been covered by Bonnie Raitt, among several others.

Smither's frequent humorous anecdotes about his songs and life contrasted nicely with the heavy content of his songs "Train Home," and "No Love Today." When introducing "Lola," he joked about how the name cursed the women who were given it. He then asked the crowd if anyone was named Lola. No one responded, which caused the singer to quip, "See, they don't last long."

Smither's encore was a slow take on the blues classic "Sitting On Top of the World." After which, the unassuming guitarist stood up, laid down his guitar and walked out into The State Room's lobby to shake hands and sign CDs. That he was still singing the song's chorus to no one but himself as he walked out seemed a fitting ending to a somber, strong show.