Larry Smith has done it again— introduced us to a performer who is new in town and likely to be heard from often. As I always do, I arrived early so as not to miss Larry's set. He played me some new songs he's written. Larry Smith is a fine songwriter. The first one was"Oh Baby, Please Lie To Me", sad and lovely. Next he played a syncopated tune, "There You Are". Larry's musical mind falls somewhere between Billy Joel and Dan Fogelberg, a fantastic place to be. "You Are the Snake, I Am the Monkey" has hit written all over it.
Shirley Murphy came in to rehearse a song she'll be doing on her showcase with Larry, which will happen this Sunday night. Shirley will be doing all local originals by Larry, Yankee Jack, C.W. Colt, Terry Cassidy and others. I will be represented also with a tune I wrote about the Bull, "Name Up In Chalk". She sang "Manatee Woman", which broke us up. Shirley is another very talented Key Wester.
Next a new guy in town, Bill Simons gave us "One Note Samba". Another pro! Then Mr. Piano Bar himself, Mike Bunis treated us to "Too Late To Turn Back Now". Mike is always great. Madge Johnson sang "Cry Me a River". She has a lovely tone quality.
Now it's time for tonight's star, Melissa Penrose. Melissa has a unique approach to performing. She creates a story line using the songs and tells it as she goes along. This is pure cabaret and a barrel of fun. She set herself up as a simple farm girl from Minnesota loosed in the city, surrounded by socialites, who considered her beneath them. This led into "The Lady Is a Tramp"from "Babes In Arms". She explains that she needs someone to love her and sings "That Would Be Nice".
Melissa has a big, lovely voice, but it is failing her. She's recovering from the `Key West crud'. She gets scratchier and weaker with every tune, but she's such a good performer it really doesn't matter. She carries on like the trooper she is. "Big Spender" is a hoot. Larry plays this kind of music so well.
We hear a funny Mae West impression, then a great tune, "Peel Me a Grape". Melissa's running conversation is wonderful. "I've Got You Under My Skin" fits the dialog. "Misty" was a trip. Larry sings tight harmony on the Everly Brothers' hit "Dream". Melissa's voice keeps slipping away, but nobody cares. She's hilariousand adorable.
The story talks about Moon Food, wherupon she sings "Flim Flam Sauce" with shafawfa on the side'. She tells us about a Martian girl who stole her boyfriend, then sings "Angel Eyes" and wakes from her dream to find he's still there! The entire audience sang along on "True Love". He wants to marry her but has a bit of a reputation, so she tells him to"Straighten Up and Fly Right".
This is followed by a duet with Larry on "All Right, O.K., You Win", and the story ends with "Two Sleepy People". The show is over, but the crowd demands an encore. Melissa goes to the piano and plays a lovely and demanding song.
When you have the opportunity, go see Melissa Penrose's act. She will delight you. I guarantee! Stay cool.