Something too many Detroit music lovers have not experienced is the mature and good-natured performance of our own legendary Alma Smith.
When a woman plays professionally for nearly 70 years (she played with Wardell Gray in the 1940’s, and was crooned by Errol Garner himself), she obviously brings a lot to the table. Her amicable stage presence and good cheer almost mask her impeccable keyboard skills. But the grace and ease this lady plays with just sounds so right you can’t help but think you’ve heard something that’s mighty hard to come by these days. This is what a lounge pianist is supposed to be – her words and music go into your soul and heals whatever aches you. And isn’t that why you’re there in the first place?
I’ve taken for granted too many of our elders in the jazz community, and I sorely regret not soaking up all they had to offer when it was right there in front of me. Fortunately, she’s playing Baker’s on a regular basis – and there’s no better venue to experience her performance than this intimate setting.
This month it’s on Tuesday, the 31st of July. As usual, there’s no cover charge. Beats the hell out of TV, I’d say.
