If I had to choose the best performer in Key West, when the list of stars was finished, and it would be long, I'd have to pick Vicki Roush. In any incarnation you care to name, Vicki will outshine everyone. She's an actress par excellence and a singer with no peer. Any kind of music you want to hear from standards to blues, she will give you more than you expect.
Tonight she's the leader of the Redheaded Blues Band. Her partners are formidable musicians, guitarist Fritz Sigler, bassist Rob Leon, and drummer Dave Snavely.
The trio opens with a sprightly instrumental, then Roush sings "Now, Baby Or Never", proving her stardom once again. Fritz solos. He plays clean blues riffs that sparkle.
Tonight's operative word is `umbriago', which Vicki uses often. Roush has a wild sense of humor and often emcees for local events, partnering with the irrepressible Tom Luna. Vicki holds her own with Tom, which is quite an achievement.
"I Didn't Want To Hear the `L' Word" is her next selection. Dave, whom I hadn't heard before, is in perfect sync with Rob, who is perfection. Fritz ices the cake. This is the kind of combo you might expect in New York or Chicago.
Our next offering is about Vicki's second favorite food. "Beer Bottle Boogie" is a trip. This band can boogie! Vicki is in constant motion.
A customer's birthday is celebrated with a very funky `Happy' ending with a totally unexpected `shave and a haircut' ending. Vicki's next choice is a `man bashing love song', "Don't Cry Now", which is seriously emotional. Roush's voice is fluid in the way Rosie Clooney's was. She's not just a good singer, she's a great one. She has CDs for sale, and yes, you want one, but you need to see and hear her live to get the full effect.
This is hard rocking blues. I love "I want a man who's ready every time I say go". Another favorite of mine is "I Want a King Sized Man" for my queen sized bed'. This one is on the CD. Vicki knows how to pick her material. The joint is definitely jumping.
Vicki moves seamlessly from easy to belting to down and dirty. If you want to see why I claim Key West has world class music, go hear the Redheaded Blues Band.
We saw them at Virgilio's— and that venue deserves a rave as well. This is a classy lounge. Carmelo books excellent music and serves delicious chocolate martinis! Stay cool.