One of the fun things about Larry Smith's Sunday Showcase in the Galley at the Pier House is that he has frequent drop in guests, folks who have already done a Showcase, or are going to, who entertain us royally.
The first was that great looking redhead, Frances Edge, who sang "Send In the Clowns". She was great, as always, and Mr.Smith is so eloquent on the fantastic sounding new Knabe grand. Frances told us about going to the Bahamas with the Keys Chorale while her household was moving. "It was fun", said she. Husband David spoke up, "No, it wasn"t"!
Next it was the golden voice of Gary Chase singing "Desperado", which he and Larry do so well.
Jerry Hendrix has been playing and singing here for forty years. He's a pro with great piano chops and a young voice. We all enjoyed "St. Louis Blues".
Saxaphonist Hollywood Thompson played some fine solo horn. Shirley Murphy gave us "With These Two Wings" we can fly'. Larry sings perfect harmony.
The great Mike Bunis played and sang wonderfully. Susan Butler sang "Memories" from Cats in her sweet voice with its lovely highs.
The highlight of the guest stars was Jim DuPuis. He sang, "Open Your Door and Come Out Of Your Closet" someone is waiting for you'. Jim is a singer, a dancer, and a total entertainer, always fun.
Now it's time for handsome Stuart Jay, our showcase star. Stuart has a CD just released titled "From the Jukebox In My Mind". I think quite a few minds hear the same jukebox. Stuart is a former Philadelphia lawyer, who sang with rock bands back when.
"Beyond the Sea" from the CD was the first selection. Hollywood added a lovely solo to Stuart's smooth vocal. Next he did Clyde McPhattler's first single after he left the Drifters, "It's a Lover's Question", then a Drifters number from when Ben E. King was their lead singer, the wonderful "Spanish Harlem", which is a standout on the CD. Larry plays an eloquent solo.
Drummer Mike Radcliff adds just the right beats with a snare and a high hat. Doc Pomus wrote a great song for Stuart with "Save he Last Dance For Me". Now we hear a doo wop classic, the Clovers' "Devil Or Angel".
Did I say the crowd was going crazy with all these gems? Stuart and Hollywood got down on "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy" while Larry did his New Orleans thang. Excellent. One of the highlights in an evening full of them was "Glory Of Love". Stuart sang it slow and dreamy. Excellent!
Stuart Jay is a polished performer. He gave us a running commentary about the tunes and the Philly street scene where he first sang the music that was to become timeless. He even did a Screaming Jay Hawkins song, "I Put a Spell On You" that was done later by Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Like everyone else, I had a wonderful time. I love Larry all by himself. He's one of our best, but I also love his showcases. Larry really knows how to pick `em!
Stay cool.