Smith opened for the headlining Billy Joel tribute band, Big Shot, and his set-list was quite extensive. It included John Mayer’s “No Such Thing,” which features his smooth vocals.
He covered such country artists as Keith Urban (“John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16”) and David Nail’s uptempo and fun country hit “Whatever She’s Got.” “Let’s see if I remember it,” he said, about the former song, and not only did he remember it, but Smith nailed the Keith Urban tune.
Speaking of John Cougar, Smith tipped his hat to the iconic rocker with “Pink Houses” and “Jack & Diane.” It was followed by The Cure’s “Friday I’m in Love,” as well as such Tom Petty classics as “You Wreck Me” and “Free Fallin’.” He threw some southern rock in there with a mellow rendition of “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer,” where he displayed his rich, resonant voice. The audience had a fun time singing along with him on Oasis’ “Wonderwall.”
Smith also dedicated the Hootie And The Blowfish tune “Only Wanna Be With You” to his father, who was in the audience, along with his brother.
One of the highlight moments of the night was Phil singing “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” of the Long Island band, Nine Days, with several of the Big Shot members watching over him with joy and pride (including guitar player Ken Cino, saxophonist John Scarpulla and Nick Dimichino, who ironically enough is the bassist of Nine Days as well, in addition to his bass playing for Big Shot).
An added bonus was hearing Smith sing the Counting Crows’ funky “Mr. Jones,” as well as Goo Goo Doll’s “Slide’ and Sister Hazel’s refreshing “All For You.”
“After a so-so night, coming to Mulcahy’s and seeing sing live Phil was really cool! Phil put on a magical acoustic set,” said Michelle, a fan, who was in attendance at the Tiki Bar.
Ken Cino, who played lead guitar for Big Shot, remarked, “Phil is so great. He is very talented!”
The Verdict
Overall, Phil Smith was sensational at Mulcahy’s. Although he is best known as the front-man of The 90’s Band and The 2000’s Band, one can experience him in all his glory at his lengthy acoustic set at Mulcahy’s, where it is just him, his acoustic guitar, his sense of humor and his sheer talent. Smith is one of those artists that gets better with age and experience, and he always gives it his all for his listening audience. He epitomizes the best that the Long Island music scene has to offer. His velvet vocals are equal in excellence to country megastar Keith Urban and Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls. Smith’s acoustic show garnered five out of five stars.
