Youth Movement

Last night we trended young and talented. It was great fun hearing music written just yesterday (sometimes literally!), from two songwriting phenoms.

· ~ ·

But first, we enjoyed music from David Keevil (an older, taller, grayer songwriter). 

photo by Griffin Keevil

Nice set, featuring chunky guitar rhythms and David's appealing baritone voice. We heard some of his "B side" songs, which he trots out when not performing with Laughing Boy. He also played a couple of his "recombinant covers"; a particular favorite was "My Funny Valentine," with an inserted harmonica solo featuring Gershwin's "Summertime."

· ~ ·

David bowed out, and we brought on the appealing Elli Loria. Elli first played the Showcase last March, and we were thrilled to have her back.

Elli's got a clear, strong voice that's a pleasure to listen to, and a guitar sound that's assured and full. Her songs are lyrically rich -- I'd like to hear them each a few more times, just to savor all the images and phrases that go rolling by. 

Her words give a nice sense of personality, by turns spunky, pensive, lovestruck, and resolved. And she's got a nice feel for songwriting, with some great phrases and lyrical hooks. We've got another year and a half before she leaves high school, so hopefully we can have her back to the Showcase some more!

· ~ ·

And then there was Kristina Musto, another young singer/songwriter with a big talent, and another performer we were thrilled to have back a second time.

Kristina's got a great voice -- supple and strong -- you can imagine her fronting a band with no problem. Her guitar playing is varied and confident, moving smoothly from strong rhythmic work to finger style and back, which means she can outline and color in her songs very effectively.

And I really like her lyrics. She's playful and creative, so you get lines that are a happy surprise. Raw emotion is balanced with a wry, self assured attitude. Lots to like!

· ~ ·

Elli and Kristina have big, bright futures as songwriters, if I'm any judge. What a pleasure to hear them early in their careers, in the intimate confines of your local coffee shop!

See you next time!