Valery Simpson Joins Sam Moore at City Winery

A great showman, Sam Moore brought his creamy sound to a packed City Winery this week for a generous set featuring standards: "Let the Good Times Roll," "Knock on Wood," "What I Want," and "I Can't Stand the Rain." As promised, surprise guests joined in: Sam sang "Happy Birthday" to D. A. Pennebaker, who turned 87 last week. And, Valery Simpson took the stage. In the manner of a well-seasoned couple, their patter went something like this: "Do you know the song?" "I'm gonna sing it anyway."

And they dazzled with "When Something's Wrong with My Baby."

After Valery left the stage, Sam sang "Can't Turn You Loose," and "Soul Man" segueing into "Dance to the Music." Remembering his pal, he sang Billy Preston's, "You Are So Beautiful." Sam's rendition is so moving, a glorious fixture on his tours. His encore, "Rainy Night in Georgia" marked the finale of the concert; no one wanted it to end.

A version of this post also appears on Gossip Central.