Kansas Acoustic Arts Association

Ron Land and Greg Smith have been around awhile. In past years, I’ve seen them at parties, heard them in jams and always thought they were darn good musicians besides being darn nice guys.

Then I went to their CD release party and heard their whole set. They weren’t just good, they were great. Playing at the Artichoke that night, they gave the audience another one of those wondrous Wichita acoustic moments wherein you sit back and wonder why these guys are leading quiet lives here instead of climbing the stairway to fame.

Humbly joking that their CD, “Songs from the Waiting Room,” took a mere 10 years to produce, they seem more amused than amazed by its excellence. But I’ve played it continually, and it rivals any of the CDs I’ve come home with from Winfield.

The CD is 12 songs strong with six original tunes from each artist. Land and Smith are both accomplished songwriters who are able to marry melody with lyrics in their own expressive ways all the while complementing each other’s style. The result is the sound of seasoned professionals who are in sync.

Land’s “The Fortunate Few” leads the CD with its sweet nod to luck and cherishing blessings. The themes of life and love lost and found continue with a lot of fun thrown in. Smith’s “Falling Star,” a favorite of his and now mine, ends the CD.

I’ll admit: I purchased the CD because I like these guys personally and it’s fun to support your local musicians. But what a great CD it’s been for playing again and again. “Songs from the Waiting Room” is a glimpse into two brilliant songwriters’ work and play, and its cast of characters credited as backup musicians, engineer, designer, cover illustrator and other supporters is a who’s who of local talent that would make any acoustic music lover proud.