Lonnie Liston Smith Tickets

I have been wanting to see Lonnie Liston Smith in concert since I was introduced to his music in the late 80"s. I thoroughly enjoyed this event. His playing was wonderful. I hope he comes to the Attucks again.

The morning after the night before. Ken Navarro and Lonnie Liston Smith. Backing musicians Craig Alston, Scott Ambush, Lee Pearson and Tabatha Brooks See notes below. Attucks Theater in Norfolk, VA which is in its 10th year of operation after major restoration. Established 1905. Ken Navarro did a one man performance with electronic back (mostly drum beat). Performance was 51 mins and included seven songs. The first couple of songs were from older releases, then several from his latest release “Ruby Lane” 2014. Great dialogue between the songs and it felt like he was in your living room just talking and playing. There was a wonderful audience reaction to this performance/style. Personal Notes: Ken has released 21 albums since 1990. Virtually all songs on these albums he wrote alone. One song, co-written with promoter (for this event)/radio host Jay Lang, was “You Are Everything” and was dedicated to Jay’s wife of three weeks Priscilla. This song is one from” Ruby Lane 2014”. Ken explained that he and his wife shared their 40th anniversary recently and that the gem stone for the 40th is a ruby. He dedicated the title track to his wife (also explaining (humorously) that that didn’t get him off the hook but a pair of ruby earrings did!). Ken also announced he is soon to become a grandfather, his first, and I wish the family all the best. CD signing at intermission well exceeded the scheduled 15 min intermission and Ken sold out of all the CDs he brought with him. This was a very good indication that people wanted to take him home with them. After intermission, Lonnie Liston Smith and band took the stage. Lonnie Liston Smith was a new artist to me and I did my homework to learn about him. Musical family, multi-instrumentalist in high school, played with Miles Davis for a short time before going out on his own. 50 + years of making music: 73 yo but you wouldn’t know it to look at him. Check his website/Wikipedia for more info. The line-up was Lonnie Liston Smith- keys/grand piano, Craig Alston- saxes, Scott Ambush- bass, Lee Pearson- drums and Lee’s sister (married 3 weeks) Tabitha Brooks (neeTabitha Pearson). Set of 11 songs, mix of straight ahead and jazz funk. 1+10h hr show. Audience call back for one more song (which was “Give Peace A Chance”). Each backing musician got a chance to “show his stuff”. Craig/Scott/Lee where more than up to the task. It made for some great listening/viewing. Personal notes: Scott Ambush and Lee Pearson are also members of Spryo Gyra and start a European tour in a few days.

First time at the Attucks theater and my wife and I were very impressed. Would definitely returned.

I have been an avid fan of Lonnie Liston Smith since I was first introduced to his music back in the 70's. I love and still listen to his music today as I did back then. Renaissance, Starlight, Summer Days, Summer Nights, Love Beams, My Love and Expansions are some of my favorites that immediately come to mind. I am so happy to have met him!

Seeing Lonnie Liston Smith was a bucket list event which didn't disappoint.

He is a legend in his own right. Mr. Smith gave us an hour and a half of pure jazz at it finest.