Ryan Shea Smith is the sharp new contemporary jazz talent from Seattle, Washington. Stay Awhile is his sophomore release. Contributing musicians for this album include Jeff Johnson, Eric Eagle, Hans Teuber, Roger Wood, Dan Tyak, Michael Eads, Stephanie Porter, Mycle Wastman, Arturo Rodriguez, Josh Evans and James Michael Smith Jr.
“Stay Awhile” is the award winning song that won Smith the finalist winner in the John Lennon song contest. A playful romp, this song is a celebration of living “for the moment.” It is an interlude in a bar, with a guy trying to convince a love interest to stay awhile and maybe share some wine and a dance or two. Spontaneous lyrics, smooth vocals and elegant piano make this song the perfect title track for this album.
“Tryin’ to Get By” is a song about life and how things don’t always turn out the way you intend them to. A woman sits in her car on the side of a city street, filled with despair. “Baby, the city’s so lonely. Lately the lights are so bright. On the outside everyone’s smiling. We’re all just tryin’ to get by.” The musical element is a perfect accompaniment to the intricate lyrics. Broken lives and loneliness waft up from the city pavement as people try to go about their lives and make some meaning out of the everyday. Smith’s vocals are compelling.
“Friends with Benefits” is a romantic tragedy in motion. Smith longs for his lover to be more than a convenience. His lyrics wind a tale of unrequited love and a desire to be more than just “friends.” She wants things to remain uncomplicated and it drives him crazy. Smith’s lyrics are perfectly paired with the musical score and create a picture of a lovelorn man pining for the unattainable heart of the woman that he loves.
“Waltz for Dorothy,” one of three instrumentals including “Basie Steps” and “Like That,” is my favorite instrumental on the album, and it is a wonderful addition. A lilting seduction of the mind, it is sweetly sentimental and carries you away on waves of bliss filled jazz compositions.
Ryan Shea Smith has a gift for taking everyday scenes and illuminating them with sophisticated lyrics, smooth musical style and a voice that hooks you and pulls you in. The most captivating thing about this album is the contemporary feel of the lyrics and how Smith blends them into something that feels almost timeless. He surrounds himself with talented musicians and together they have created a masterpiece with Stay Awhile.
Key Tracks-Stay Awhile, Tryin’ To Get By, Friends With Benefits
Dana Wright-Muzikreviews.com Staff
September 1, 2011