Guitarist Richard Smith had an outstanding performance of ballads Sept. 10 at the Performing Arts Center with his acoustic guitar in hand.
Smith is the first musician to perform at Texas State this year as part of the ongoing Supple Series. The series is funded by a Texas State endowment that allows select artists to perform at the university throughout the year. The concerts are free for Texas State Students and $10 for non-students.
On stage, Richard sat laid back in a Hawaiian-print shirt and in his element with an acoustic guitar strapped over his shoulder and plugged into a single amplifier, which resonated with the tunes throughout the recital hall.
Although Smith is known as an English guitarist, his songs spanned a variety of genres, all warm and rich with beautiful tones. They captured the audience who showed a keen awareness of the variety of covers.
Smith opened with two Jerry Reed covers, one of Smith’s favorite writers of the guitar instrument. Smith said his goal for the night was to broaden the audience’s musical horizons.
“Hopefully they hear things they haven’t heard before,” Smith said.
Smith continued the night by introducing a few blues renditions: “Georgia On My Mind,” and Merle Travis’ “So Round, So Firm, So Fully Packed.”
Christian Torres, criminal justice freshman, said Smith’s Merle Travis cover was her favorite song of the night.
“It was a good performance,” Torres said. “I liked the piece about the gal with the round body.”
Smith finished the night out with pieces spanning Frank Sinatra, another Jerry Reed favorite, and two classical pieces.
Smith’s performance displayed his passion for music and revealed his wicked signature fingerpicking that exemplified an array of musical styles across the board.
Lauren Fulenwider, psychology freshman, said the night was a welcomed surprise.
“I was surprised at how good the music was and in awe at how talented he is,” Fulenwider said.
It was truly a diverse and pleasurable night of music at the Performing Arts Center. If Smith is a caveat of things to come from the Supple Music Series, then we are in for excellent future renditions.
To see me more about the musician Richard Smith check out his website.