Our brilliant guest blogger, Elizabeth Callanan, attended last night’s gig and provides the following review. Alice Smith fans are die-hards. So much so that the last season of Lost & the threat of a blizzard couldn’t keep them away from Joe’s Pub last night for the finale of a string of sold out shows. Even though the streets of the East Village were eerily quiet due to the snow, the excitement was palpable as people cued up to get a preview of the Grammy nominated chanteuse’s new LP (out in June). A didn’t disappoint. Simply put, she’s INCREDIBLE live & her new songs are fabulosity.

Her debut album (For Lovers, Dreamers & Me) came out in 2005 and her devoted fans have been chomping at the bit for new material ever since. Last night, Alice Smith and her band delivered with a setlist chock full of new songs and a few old favorites that continue to defy categorization. You see, Alice Smith is a bit of an enigma. It’s not just that she has a four octave range or that she’s got the voice of a Broadway singer in a Hollywood body but more that her sound is so unique and nearly impossible to pin down. Her songs effortlessly blend blues, Broadway, and ballads with hints of reggae, funk, and cabaret. Her voice has the power and emotion of Edith Piaf, the soul and depth of Nina Simone and a flavor that is 100% pure Alice Smith. The new songs showcase her amazing vocals perfectly while continuing to explore a broad range of musical influences. She’s certainly an artist to watch and a must-see live performer. Be sure to visit Alice Smith on MySpace.

MP3: Alice Smith – Live On The Interface