Family and Friends

We got together with some familiar friends last night and heard some great music. But first (!) we stopped by Verrill Farms over in Concord, and watched some morris dancing!

Pinewoods Morris Men

That's my brother in law there in the middle, with my niece watching from the sidelines. Nothing says harvest time in New England like a good morris dance, don't you agree?


And now, back to our regularly scheduled program. We began this iteration of the Acoustic Showcase with house band Laughing Boy.

The "Boys" were in fine shape, with three-part harmonies and trickling mandolin all in order. Here they are in a pensive mood, singing their original "Up On The Roof" -- one of the songs they'll be recording later this fall. Stay tuned!


Next up were Tom and Ann O'Donnell, teaming with Robert Cedrone for a scintillating set of appealing cover tunes.

These folks make really nice music. Tom told me that he and Robert began playing out in their (very) early teens; imagine musicians too young to drive hiring three taxi cabs to take them and their equipment to the show. Their years of experience add up to responsive, flexible musicianship -- with deft guitar work and beautiful vocal harmonies.


Added to the mix was Ann's niece, the lovely Gillian Goolkasian.  

She's got a beautiful voice, a nice feel for the music, and a great future ahead of her!

Here's the band in full swing. Lots of fun for an audience of family, friends, and coffee shop passers by.


The O'Donnells left the stage to warm applause, while Robert stuck around to anchor the next trio, adding Noah Mendelsohn on bass and Acoustic Showcase guitar god Ron Chancey on (yup) guitar.

I know we call this show "acoustic," but it's nice to add a little electricity from time to time. With a set list of favorites from Van Morrison, Al Green, the Allman Bros, and others, the electricity was certainly flowing! Again, great music from experienced musicians. Can't beat it!

I know I go on and on about Ron Chancey, but he plays some of the sweetest electric guitar I've had the pleasure to hear live. Keep rocking, Ron!








And that about does it for another Acoustic Showcase. (Next time we'll come back to our senses and feature some soulful ballads from a finger-picking folkster or two.) It's good to make and celebrate music, whether you're jumping around waving handkerchiefs while the concertina plays, enjoying a chiming mandolin, or grooving to a wailing Strat.  See you next time!