It's Eclectic! It's Electric!

Good stuff at the Acoustic Showcase last night.  We began with David Keevil, sans bass player and backing vocalist Don Strauss.  David took the solo opportunity to stand up and play his hollowbody. 

Highlights included the "Strep Set" -- four 60s pop covers David learned while listening to AM radio during repeated bouts with strep throat when he was about nine years old.  

 "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'" made for a rousing finish.

Next we heard from Jay Broyer.  He's been getting some local air play behind his new album, and last night we could hear why.  Jay's songs are engaging and appealing in the best pop-rock tradition.

Jay's got a great stage presence, affecting lyrics, pipes and chops -- what's not to like?  We'll have him back in the Fall.  In the meantime, check him out at http://jaybroyer.com/

And THEN we had some serious excitement as the Marc Boggs trio came on.

Jazz-rock fusion at the coffee shop!  These guys are GOOD -- professional grade.  The trio features the fabulous Marc Boggs on guitar, Brendan Byrnes on drums (amazing what that man can get out of a snare) and Ed Spargo all over the bass.  Two of my personal favorites from their instrumental set: "Cause We've Ended As Lovers" (Jeff Beck), and "Little Wing" (Jimi Hendrix with some input from Stevie Ray Vaughan).  Delicate, grooving, driving, subtle, etc., etc.  I couldn't stop bouncing up and down!  We'll look for them in the Fall as well.

Meanwhile, we'll be back on April 10th with some more local talent.  Stay tuned for good music.

Up and Coming

March 20th should be an exciting evening.  We'll begin at 5pm with Showcase regular David Keevil, playing his originals seasoned with a sprinkling of AM radio hits from the 60s.

Then at 6pm we'll welcome back Jay Broyer.

Jay's been enjoying the buzz from his recently released CD: "All Of This Dreaming."  He was even featured as a "Sparkling New" artist on Motion Wave Radio Japan!  Check out his catchy, downbeat lyrics and foot-stomping grooves.





Finally, at 7pm Lexington guitarist Marc Boggs will present his eponymous trio, with Ed Spargo on bass and Brendan Byrnes on drums.  They play a fusion of blues, jazz, and rock that grooves outside the box -- should be a blast!

the very graphic Marc Boggs

Here Comes The Sun, Doo 'n' doo doo...

A sunny day (finally) gave way to a pleasant evening of good acoustic music.  We began with Mike Barrett and Chris Eastburn -- they're regulars at the Showcase, and they do a good job of stirring the set list, mixing new material with old favorites. 

A highlight of their set for me was a Quaker hymn interpreted by Bill Staines: "How Can I Keep From Singing."  

As usual, the harmonies were strong and Chris's guitar solos were flexible and tangy.

Nathan Thompson was next.  He's originally from the Midwest, and made his way to the Boston area to study at Berklee.  He's been playing the local circuit for some time now, with a nice collection of originals and covers influenced by country-western and R & B. 

 

I guess I was in a slow, sweet mood last night, because I particularly enjoyed Nathan's rendition of a Bill Withers song: "Just The Two Of Us."  He played it at quiet evening speed, and the interplay of melody, chords and lyrics was a real pleasure.

We ended the night with Ayan Sanyal.  He's knocked us out before, and he didn't disappoint.  With Ethan Schneider on drums and Lucy Kahn on bass, the songs blossomed and flourished.

This band is really good!  Particularly fun to hear the subtle yet driving interplay between the three musicians, with Ayan's sure voice and intriguing lyrics up top.

We're lucky to have such a wide variety of appealing musicians to hear from, (every other) week after week.  A great way to end a sunny day...