To those who have been waiting to attend Larry Smith's Sunday Showcase at the Pier House, all I can say is,"Just do it". Larry set the tone for this particularly magical night with his dreamily beautiful original tune, "Let Me Make Your Day".
But there's more to Larry than mere virtuosity, and the Sunday Showcase spreads the magic. Tonight I heard two poignant and lovely performances from Valerie Ridenour and Gary Chase, both fine musicians and dear friends. Their many years of performing with Nashville's top session players and recording artists emanated into their musical artistry, and it was a beautiful thing to see and hear.
Valerie's first tune, "A Song Can Make You Cry" took me to a deep place with its heartfelt poetry and universal message. "Overnight Sensation", written from life, told a tale of hopes and dreams with wit and bittersweet detachment. The ending was hilarious satire, nudge nudge, wink wink!
"Navy Blue" began to reveal the deeper layers of Valerie's songwriting skill. Indeed, the dreamy sense of melancholy, distance, and time evoked by this tune made me realize that this was the work of a master storyteller. Larry was delightful adding the color of soprano sax to Valerie's canvas. "Strangely Attracted To You" is a rolicking boogie woogie show tune which could grace any stage. "Star" was another hit, and Larry's lush piano, soaring and contemplative was just the right flavor for this gorgeous melody.
"Same Old Song" with it's subtle almost Gospel feel painted a vivid, poignant portrait of an aging performer. A playwright would find music with empathy,depth, and artistry. If ever there were an off-Broadway hit in the making, this was it.
"Sing Me To Sleep", which Valerie sang with the gentle feeling of a child's lullaby reflected innocence and youth, with memories of the comfort of home.
Valerie Ridenour is a songwriting genius who deserves wide recognition. My personal thanks to Larry for displaying this jewel in its proper setting.
Let me say that there are many people who can carry a tune, but few who can sing. True artistry is beyond technique where the soul itself is revealed.
Gary Chase opened his segment of the show with a timely message. "Wherever She Flies" is a patriotic anthem to our great flag. His masterful delicate finger picking enhanced by Larry's sensitive accompaniment brought us to the heart of true patriotism, the love that binds us together. "Another Sad Song Coming On" displayed Gary's most unique gift, his marvelous voice. To describe Gary I would say take Roy Orbison and add a splash of Gordon Ligtfoot, accompanied by Chet Atkins. "Close", a Billy Joel-like love ballad really showed off Gary's growing mastery of the guitar. "Play, Martin Play" a moody, suggestive tale is sheer brilliance, a love song to to the guitar
"Oh, Senorita", another sparkling original penned by Gary and his musical soul-mate, Valerie Ridenour, was sung as an homage to Key West's Spanish heritage and the Cuban American Festival. His soaring full bodied vibrato was marvelously complimented by Valerie on keyboard and Larry's sax solo. "Lee's Song" is an utterly fabulous show tune. Larry's and Valerie's musical chemistry combined with Gary's terriffic voice was a joy to hear. Gary's encore, "You and the Nightwind and Me" ended the night like a sweet ocean breeze. There was magic in the air!
We, the community should thank Larry Smith for his great gift, sharing the treasures of Key West through his showcase guests. We who attend are priviledged to smile, close our eyes, and become lost in the spiritual poetry that is music.