LIVE: Alice Smith at the Howard Theatre

Photos: Corey Thompson/Photoleer

In this day of microwave pop tart hits, its absolutely wonderful when a singer comes along with the real deal, and  singer/songwriter Alice Smith got the goods.  Smith, known for her four-octave vocal range and impressive yet quirky stage presence, has been making noise again after being on hiatus since the birth of her child and a move out west. Recently, she’s been playing sold out dates across the country and appearing at SXSW.    So, as I patiently sat in the balcony of the famed Howard Theater,  Smith casually sauntered on stage like she never left wearing a white form fitting dress, accompanied by a drummer and a keyboardist. Smith wooed the audience with fan favorites “Do I” and “Love Endeavor” from her 2006 debut album, For Lovers, Dreamers & Me (BBE Records).  While adding new songs “Make It Easy”, “She” and “Cabaret” from her forthcoming EP. Rounding out the evening with her bluesy cover of Cee-Lo Green’s hit “Fool For You”.  While Smith’s set was divine and I totally understood the minimalistic approach, it would have been even sweeter if she was accompanied by a full band.  Hmm, maybe next time.