AMERICA – Presented by Fred Smith.
The B, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, November 3.
Reviewed by BILL STEPHENS.
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| Fred Smith presenting "America" |
Folksinger, troubadour, balladeer, political satirist, storyteller,
no matter which label seems most appropriate, Smith blithely discards normal rules
of good presentation to mesmerise with the profound perceptiveness of his
lyrics, and the ear-worm catchiness of his tunes.
To paraphrase the late Dolly Parton, it takes a lot of skill
to appear so relaxed on stage, but it is precisely Smith’s relaxed demeanour that
skilfully masks the meticulous preparation and attention to detail that is
obvious in the professionalism of his performance.
Surrounded by a quintet of outstanding musicians in Dave
O’Neill (Electric guitar, violin), Jacqui Bradley (Banjo, violin and backing
vocals), Matt Nightingale (Double bass, backing vocals), Hayden Kinsman
(Keyboard) and Mitch Preston (Drums), all of whom appeared to breathe with him,
Smith delivered a masterful musical PowerPoint presentation of American history
that was as enlightening as it was entertaining.
Striking visuals often proved as affecting as his
razor-sharp verbal observations delivered among powerful songs, some funny,
some sad, some both funny and sad, and most sugar-coated with catchy tunes.
Commencing with “Wind and Wind”, outlining the contribution
of Irish immigrants to the growth of American mechanisation, Smith followed with
“Long Run Wilmington Joe”, a comment on the Joe Biden administration, which led
inevitably into “What Could Go Wrong” and the election of Donald Trump.
If on paper these song titles sound a bit dry, as delivered
by Smith they are electrifying.
Songs like “Don’t Dig My Grave” and “Deep Deep River”
highlighting pivotal incidents resulting from presidential decisions,
especially the latter for which Smith declined to show the image which inspired
it.
“Chinese Car”, a new song with references to the opera Madam
Butterfly, and some unsettling images of Putin and Trump together, sounded a wry
warning concerning a predicament in which the present administration has
unwittingly found itself, while “Asshole” proved a heart-felt sing-along in
which the audience happily participated.
However, not every song offered deep and meaningful comment on
American politics.
“Song of the Open Road” and “American Guitar” provided
opportunities for Smith to share a self-deprecating account of his attempt to
break into the American folk scene, and while “Addicted to Addiction” is a witty
comment on America’s fascination with addictive substances, it could also be an
alert to others in the audience still discovering the brilliance of Fred Smith,
that attendance at his concerts could also become an addiction.
Photos by Sam De Sousa
This review first published in the digital edition CITY NEWS on 04.11.2026 Link here
