Tour Dates
10/05/11 - Bozeman, MT - Filling Station 10/06/11 - Sandpoint, ID - Panida Theater 10/07/11 - Spokane, WA - Bing Crosby Theater 10/08/11 - Private Show 10/11/11 - St. Louis, MO - Off Broadway 10/12/11 - Columbus, OH - Rumba Cafe Read More April is coming to Minneapolis in October... that's April Smith.
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Watching April Smith perform live is an entirely different experience than listening to her albums. This little lady is a born performer and her band, The Great Picture Show, completes the illusion of being party to a kind of “old-timey” variety hour. Sunday’s show at the 400 Bar was rife with nostalgic references, from the dashing lads in suspenders and newsboy caps to the accordion and upright bass straight from a ragtime “talkie.” It’s no surprise the band calls Brooklyn ‘home.’
What keeps Smith on the comfortable side of schmaltz are her powerful pipes. For someone so small, she has no problem belting a big one, even, as she claimed, while under the weather. Songs like “Drop Dead Gorgeous” (from 2010’s release Songs for a Sinking Ship) highlight her vocal prowess, while “Terrible Things” proves she’s also adept at writing a damn fine pop song*. In fact, most of Smith’s repertoire is filled with catchy pop tunes—easily accessible upbeat numbers that would not seem out of place in both mainstream and “indie” contexts. This is difficult to do. I’d wager that Smith’s secret is her charming attitude and undeniable stage presence. As I mentioned before, the stage is where she shines.
Smith joked about being sick, describing her present condition as somewhere between Carol Channing and Tom Waits. This got some laughs. However, hoarse throat notwithstanding, I’d be more inclined to compare her to a naughty June Carter in an alternate universe that closely resembles a saloon. If this was actually Prohibition Era America, as The Great Picture Show might mimic, no doubt Smith would have a hearty flask squeezed between her knees.
The band played selections from Songs for a Sinking Ship, including the aforementioned “Drop Dead Gorgeous” and “Terrible Things.” The sassy “Dixie Boy” was also a crowd hit, especially for eye-scratch sentiments like “ladies, I’m a lady, but please understand when it comes to my boy I will fight like a man.” Towards the end of her set, Smith performed both a cover of Trey Songz’s “Bottoms Up” and a track from her first album, loveletterbombs (2005). These were the only two moments I sensed her potential Achilles’ Heel—gimmicks (the former) and gag-inducing cuteness (the latter). Blessed with an adorable face, it’s Smith’s sharp tongue and fab voice that thwarts the urge to classify her as “twee.” She’ll need to maintain that delicate balance, especially if she insists on employing a small man to play the ukulele whilst single-handedly monopolizing the petticoat industry.
April Smith & The Great Picture Show are on tour through mid-October. For a full list of dates, visit the official website.
*This track was used for an AMC promo, which you can watch HERE.
What keeps Smith on the comfortable side of schmaltz are her powerful pipes. For someone so small, she has no problem belting a big one, even, as she claimed, while under the weather. Songs like “Drop Dead Gorgeous” (from 2010’s release Songs for a Sinking Ship) highlight her vocal prowess, while “Terrible Things” proves she’s also adept at writing a damn fine pop song*. In fact, most of Smith’s repertoire is filled with catchy pop tunes—easily accessible upbeat numbers that would not seem out of place in both mainstream and “indie” contexts. This is difficult to do. I’d wager that Smith’s secret is her charming attitude and undeniable stage presence. As I mentioned before, the stage is where she shines.
Smith joked about being sick, describing her present condition as somewhere between Carol Channing and Tom Waits. This got some laughs. However, hoarse throat notwithstanding, I’d be more inclined to compare her to a naughty June Carter in an alternate universe that closely resembles a saloon. If this was actually Prohibition Era America, as The Great Picture Show might mimic, no doubt Smith would have a hearty flask squeezed between her knees.
The band played selections from Songs for a Sinking Ship, including the aforementioned “Drop Dead Gorgeous” and “Terrible Things.” The sassy “Dixie Boy” was also a crowd hit, especially for eye-scratch sentiments like “ladies, I’m a lady, but please understand when it comes to my boy I will fight like a man.” Towards the end of her set, Smith performed both a cover of Trey Songz’s “Bottoms Up” and a track from her first album, loveletterbombs (2005). These were the only two moments I sensed her potential Achilles’ Heel—gimmicks (the former) and gag-inducing cuteness (the latter). Blessed with an adorable face, it’s Smith’s sharp tongue and fab voice that thwarts the urge to classify her as “twee.” She’ll need to maintain that delicate balance, especially if she insists on employing a small man to play the ukulele whilst single-handedly monopolizing the petticoat industry.
April Smith & The Great Picture Show are on tour through mid-October. For a full list of dates, visit the official website.
*This track was used for an AMC promo, which you can watch HERE.
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