Sponsored by: SEMCO Energy Gas Company
Written by Audrey Sochor
Walk into the Exquisite Corpse Coffeehouse on a Friday evening and not only will you be greeted by the smell of coffee but also the musical stylings of Paige Elizabeth and Price Smith.
“We not only do jazz, we do modern tunes as well, but the jazz is what makes us a little different and sets us apart,” said the instrument playing Smith.
The duo often rehearses at the coffeehouse to prepare for their performances at Rix’s Rooftop. Elizabeth provides the vocals while Smith accompanies her on the piano.
Sometimes the two become a trio with Jack Wellington, president of the Port Huron Jazz Society, with his double bass. “The ambiance we create we’re very proud of it because you can’t find it anywhere else in the area,” Smith said.
They also offer a special dynamic because of their age difference. Elizabeth is a college student studying special education. The two met and teamed up because Smith is a family friend and he would see videos of her singing.
Elizabeth said she and Price have different viewpoints on music and they each introduce each other to different styles from different eras.
“It’s definitely a lot different than [working with] someone your age because they don’t necessarily see the same perspectives on music because I do listen to different things,” she said.
Elizabeth first got into singing jazz during high school. Previous she stuck to pop and other modern music, but jazz struck her as soulful and expanded her music horizons.
Her all-time favorite is Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra with Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald rating high on her list. Elizabeth also goes a more modern twist with influences from Amy Winehouse.
She learns from Smith as well. A native of Port Huron, Smith would perform in various clubs as a high school student with older musicians who taught him the old standards and structure.
“What’s neat is I’m able to carry this tradition on to a new and younger generation who are taking tidbits from me,” Smith said.
