Good Folk

Some nice folks came by yesterday evening and played some good music at the Acoustic Showcase.  We began the evening with the talented Will Ryan.  Will (also known as the mandolin player and associate vocalist for Laughing Boy) is a really appealing solo performer.

Will made beautiful use of open tuning -- ringing, chiming guitar chords interspersed with deft melodic lines -- while his strong tenor put the songs across with great feeling.  He had an excellent set list: folk highlights and B sides from the past twenty years or so.  We're looking forward to hearing more in the future!


After nearly an hour of solo music, Will put aside his guitar and picked up the mandolin, as Laughing Boy came on.  

The trio was in fine form (at least we like to think so), despite occasional free-form moments of random note-making.

Laughing Boy premiered their new song: "Hey Sisyphus," one of three they're currently recording in between bouts of snow-shoveling.  Coming soon to a down-load near you!

Love that three-part harmony...


Finally we welcomed singer/songwriter Paul Hatem to his first Acoustic Showcase appearance.

Paul writes songs that are apparently simple at first blush, but quietly reveal themselves as little gems.  His pleasing tenor plays over the strummed guitar; his lyrics contain mostly words of one and two syllables -- and with these materials he fashions lovely meditations on childhood, love, loss, the change of seasons, and more.

Paul was joined on a number of songs by Carrie Harrington, whose mellow harmonies added depth and feeling.

A warm and enthusiastic audience turned out for Paul's set.    


And there it is again -- the feeling of community created by shared music.  I could go on and on, but instead I'll simply wait for the next Acoustic Showcase, so we can have some more.

Blues! Blues! Buh-looz!

A wonderful evening at the Acoustic Showcase.  David Moore fronted an all-star blues band, with guest lead guitarists and a guest vocalist!  Upside: everyone had a tremendous time; downside: it might have been too loud at times to order coffee comfortably (sorry Starbucks!).

The line-up was as follows: Don Strauss on bass, Michael Valdez on keys, Sawyer Lawson on drums, David Moore on lead guitar and vocals, and David Keevil (in the very fetching hat) on harp and backing guitar.  And that's the incredible Rob Carlson on lead guitar.  As usual, he knocked our socks off (after he blew us out of our shoes).

As well as being an occasional speed demon, Rob's got real soul.  

Great interplay between the rhythm section and the soloists.  And check out that gorgeous dobro!


Rob ended with a bang, and we brought in the marvelous Ron Chancey.  What an artist!  He makes his Strat talk, wail, and bark like a dog.  Beautiful.

David Moore was tearing up the vocals, and playing some pretty spectacular lead guitar as well.

Rob Cedrone stopped by, and jumped in on vocals for a couple of numbers (we had to beg).  Great pipes and great presence -- Rob's a real front man.

The set ended all too soon; Ron stepped out, and we welcomed Gordon Fromm in the lead guitar spot.

Nice licks!  He was spot-on for Bell Bottom Blues, and stretched out in great style on various other numbers.


Major kudos to David Moore for organizing the event, leading rehearsals, writing up playlists and charts, singing, playing guitar, and inspiring us all!  Thanks, David!

Thanks as well to our photographers: Griffin Keevil and Noah Mendelsohn.


And so ends another Acoustic Showcase.  A real pleasure -- to play and listen.  An honor and a huge kick to make music with such an accomplished bunch.  Good stuff!  


And now we're going to set aside the amps and pedals, and get back to acoustic instruments for a while.  See you next time!