Is there a place for those who could have made a career of singing, but didn't to perform in Key West? There is indeed. A generous entertainer named Larry Smith happily shares his stage at the Reach with some very talented people we might not otherwise see. Does Larry need their help? No way! Mr. Smith is a consumate entertainer, our answer to Billy Joel (and in that class). He's behind the grand piano five nights a week.
When I arrived he was playing Floyd Cramer's hit "Last Date," marvelously. Next we heard "Taking a Chance On Love" with Larry's usual great vocal, complete with scat. He followed that with a great oldie, "But Not For Me." This is a class act in a classy room, a perfect fit.
We heard Harleys roaring in the background. It was Poker Run weekend. A really nice couple from Palm Beach came in, feeling lucky to have missed the rain on their two wheeler.
Larry's next selection blew me away. "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" done as a slow ballad is mesmerizing. The depression classic becomes new, timely, and oh so poignant. I told Larry, "You've got to record that one." He grinned and told me he has already started doing just that. Ask for it. You will thank me!
Chuck Turner, a wonderful singer gave us "When You Wish Upon a Star." Lovely. Then Larry continued the classic repertoire with "Cheek To Cheek" and "Let's Fall In Love." Larry has a real sense of humour, which is a delight. He doesn't take himself that seriously, a refreshing change. "It Had To Be You" was next, then Gary Chase sang "The Lady In Red." Gary is back on the island after a stint playing the Cape Canaveral area.
Larry Smith also writes songs. He sang a wonderful original titled, "I Never Knew" that love could be so cruel, that love would hurt so deeply, that love could ever die', you get the message. This is a fine song. Jerry Adams told me that Kathleen Peace has sung it the night before.
Larry Smith is not known for being conventional. "A Day In the Life Of A Fool" becomes new without the usual bossa nova treatment. It even has scat. It is a joy to experience a new interpretation of an old tune. Gary Chase sang "Desperado" at Larry's request. They sounded wonderful together.
Then Larry sang my mother's favorite, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" and "Don't Cry Out Loud."
We have a real estate woman in town who can blow most singers off the stage without trying. Frances Edge has a lovely voice. She did the first big Streisand hit, "People." Move over, Barbra! Next she sang Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me." This is how the song should sound. Mike Bunis, another fine performer, sang and played, "He Don't Love You Like I Love You." Larry came back with an emotional blockbuster, Jim Croce's wonderful "Time In a Bottle." If this is the kind of entertainment you've been looking for, take yourself over to the Sands at the Reach and enjoy. I certainly did.
Stay cool.