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.