FREE RANGE

Yes, the title of this post is cryptic, but I was thinking of the range of performers we heard from last night (for free!).  

We started off with Patti DeRosa. She's an accomplished professional, and we felt lucky and honored to hear her up close and personal. What a tremendous story teller she is! Her songs delved into the hearts and experiences of such folks as an Italian immigrant from early in the 20th century, a man unjustly incarcerated in Concord prison, and a woman finally made aware of "family secrets" -- and that's just naming a few. The fact that all of these people are Patti's relations made the listening experience all the more engaging. And while at times Patti concludes that she "can't pretend to know" what the other's experience is like, that doesn't stop her from writing lovely, engaging songs devoted to the attempt.

Patti's assured, evocative song writing was supported by her supple voice, deft and sinewy guitar work, and her personable, warm, wry presence on stage. Thanks, Patti! It was marvelous to have you stop by.


We turned next to Alyssa Zahka, and this is what I mean by range. While Patti is an experienced, polished performer, Alyssa is a comparatively young new-comer -- she first played at the Showcase last year as a high school senior. Now, after completing her freshman year of college, she was back by popular demand!

Alyssa sang a blend of covers and originals, sometimes blended in the same song. She has an easy, understated stage presence, with a true, clear voice that communicates authentic feeling. I liked the country vibe on a few of the songs; again, Alyssa's voice is well suited to simple, heart-felt feelings of longing and love -- so the subject matter was a good fit. Nice guitar playing too, with some more adventurous runs on a new song written with her sister.

An appreciative crowd of family, friends, and passers-by -- we had that warm, living-room thing going. Big thanks to Alyssa for jumping in only days after completing her first year of college. I guess we'll try to have her back when she's finished sophomore year? Can't wait!


Finally we heard from Paul Hatem. I really like Paul's music. As I've said in the past, Paul writes songs that seem at times surprisingly simple, but that have great strength and feeling, and respond well to multiple listens. By now I've had the pleasure of hearing him perform a number of times at the Showcase, so I know what I'm talking about!

Notable last night were the many melancholy, contemplative, and just plain sad songs Paul sang, all to great effect.  When a number of listeners, in tears (literally!), asked him for no more sad songs, Paul paused, grinned, and said "Well, how about a different kind of sad song?" (I'm not making this up!) Paul's dolorous song selection was lightened by his obvious good humor, and by such highlights as "Pancakes, Bacon, and Eggs," a sort of family-and-stomach-friendly take on the old rock and roll number "Route 66."

Another leavening ingredient was the vocal harmony provided by Carrie Harrington (on the right), as well as Charlotte and Ella (over there on the left). Their harmonies got the rest of us singing too (by invitation), and we had a fine time joining in. 


I love it when our lowly, local Starbucks resonates with the sound of people singing.  Thank you to all of last night's performers and listeners -- community music makers all.


See you next time!