Rhythms of Southern Soul in Cheshire

In a region full of Yankee reserve, the recent re-emergence of the “Lost Soul Queen of New Orleans,” struck a chord with even the most jaded music fans.

Betty Harris — who packed the Apollo Theater in Harlem in the early ‘60s — played her first concert in years with Cheshire’s Tom Smith on drums as part of the Breaking News Band.

The concert in early January at Trinity-on-Main in New Britain was the first of what’s expected to become a schedule full of soul music concerts with Harris, Smith said.

Best known for her ballad “Cry to Me,” Harris is now rehearsing new numbers with Smith and other musicians in Middletown where she’s lived quietly for several years. Her disappearance from the soul music scene in the 1970s led to the “Lost Queen” moniker given to her by fans.

Smith said music director and keyboardist Tony Cafiero of Guilford chose him to accompany Harris for the recent concert and the ongoing rehearsals. “Apart from the pleasure of backing such a powerful singer, the songs are terrific. We spend a lot of time trying to find the best way to interpret them and play them confidently, so that Betty's comfortable. Her records featured tricky arrangements played by legendary musicians, so doing it well is a challenge," said Smith.

Playing drums since he was five, Smith followed in his father’s musical footsteps. His father was a big band drummer who performed at the now-closed Colonial House in Hamden every weekend, Smith said.

Apart from his work with Harris, Smith also performs with a number of well-known bands including: The Cobalt Rhythm Kings, The Hickups, Memphis Soul Spectacular and Dr. Ya Ya's Gumbo Party.

He also sits in with the popular Eight to the Bar swing band when they play their "cowboy jazz" lineup. 

The rehearsal work with Harris is giving Smith a welcome musical workout. He said Harris recorded songs in New Orleans decades ago with record producer Allen Toussaint, sometimes with The Meters sitting in as studio musicians. “I'm not in the same league as the musicians who made those fantastic records, but I'm familiar with the musical traditions. At least I know what we're shooting for,” Smith said.

Smith is also an author and freelance writer who has penned numerous articles for Cheshire Patch. He also teaches private drum lessons. Smith can be reached at troutcat@snet.net