Larry Garrett

While my typical gig review is done on the band circuit, last week I ventured to Main Street Coffeehouse in Independence, Mo. By chance, I caught a folksinger and storyteller by the name of Larry Garrett. Garrett is the author of the majority of the songs he performs. I was pleasantly surprised to hear self-penned songs about his grandmothers, parents, dogs, friends, and wife, along with "covers" from such well-known artist as John Sebastian, Johnny Cash, John Prine, and Kris Kristofferson. Garrett's style is subdued and quiet as he takes his listeners on a journey that is very likely through the backroads of his own life. If you have the opportunity to catch this local songwriter, you are sure to have an enjoyable evening. Larry Garrett plays guitar and harmonica.

Andrea Montrose
http://coffeeshopviews.angelfire.com/blog/
- Coffee Shop Views

Last Friday evening at Barnes & Noble in Independence, Mo. was not the "Open Mic" that the bookstore giant typically offers to local poets, songwriters, and actors. The headliner for the evening was Larry Garrett, a local folksinger/songwriter/storyteller. Garrett played a forty-minute set of songs that told stories of his grandmothers, parents, wife, and various other people and events that have played a role in his life. With his Martin HD28 guitar and his harmonica, Garrett took those gathered on a bittersweet jouney into the past that offered as many smiles as it did sighs and tears. Though he was singing stories about his own life, all present likely knew someone like those he sang about. He did connect with many of the Barnes & Noble customers who found a seat in the coffeehouse area to listen to him. His set of music was family-friendly and easy-to-listen-to. One finds his songs to be as real as life itself. It was a delightful evening.

Garrett's voice carries easily through an audience. While he rarely is too loud, he can "rattle the timbers" if necessary. His guitar work is often a gentle fingerpicking style. The same can be said in regard to his harmonica: gentle. He says his music has no agenda, aside from "just be a decent human and treat other people well."

Larry Garrett has lived his entire life in The Kansas City area. He performs frequently at local coffeehouses, bars, libraries, and festivals. He has just begun work on a new CD, which he will call "My Old Neighborhood." If you can catch him at a local "joe house," it is worth the time to sit and listen for a while.
John Marsellies KC Underground News - KC Underground Press