Acoustic Eclectic

Like the man says, we had an eclectic time at the Acoustic Showcase last night. Youth and (comparative) age; folk, country, and contemporary pop -- something for everyone!

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We began with Showcase regulars Laughing Boy. Fresh from their recent blast at the Harvest Cafe in Hudson, the trio zipped energetically through their set (with a nod to St. Patrick's Day featuring funny hats, Will Ryan singing lead, and David Keevil tooting on a recorder), enjoying the attentions of the numerous children (and parents) in the audience. (Yes, some lyrics were changed to protect the innocent.) 

The photographer was busy playing music, so here's another recent photo of the boys in action. A good time was had by all, Laughing Boy was called off the carpet, and the evening moved on.

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Next up was Nathan Thompson. Nathan stops by once or twice a year, and I always thoroughly enjoy his set. 

He's got a traditional country feel on many of his songs, which he blends with some jazzy, shifty chords on occasion. He can also swing a Ray Charles number with the best of them. Sweet! Nathan's understated delivery means that his guitar chops don't hit you over the head -- but they're there to enjoy when you pay attention.

Nathan and an admirer

Nathan's got a nice tenor voice that he shifts up into high head tones with great effect, and understated, affecting lyrics on his original numbers -- it's a very appealing musical package. 

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Finally we brought on budding phenom Kyle Davis, ably backed by his friend Manny Lewis. We love having a mix of ages and styles at the Showcase, and we love sourcing local; these guys are from Lexington High, and we were thrilled to have them!

Kyle's got a great voice, with a strong tone and beautiful melisma. He's got real feel for a song. It was a satisfying set, with a mix of some rewarding originals and appealing covers.

Lots of vocal harmonies, with nice blending of the two voices.


 

A large and enthusiastic audience turned out, which is always a good thing -- nice to see such warm support.

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And so, another edition of the Acoustic Showcase passes from event to blog post. Thanks to everyone who turned out and took part in our eclectic evening. See you next time!

Sustenance

We had a satisfying, fortifying musical evening at the Showcase last night. Lots of tasty talent to enjoy, with nearly a century's worth of musical styles on display. Good stuff!

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We certainly enjoy welcoming newcomers to our humble venue. Last night, Bill Baer was an especially rewarding newcomer, in that he has a wealth of musical experience to share -- country blues and ragtime originating early in the last century, with some wonderfully blended originals augmenting the set.

We loved Robert Johnson's "Love In Vain," as well as an instrumental original titled either "Gee Whiz" or "Flat Back Tuna Fish" -- you pick.

A banjo always brings a smile; Bill did some "old timey" numbers on the goat skin, and shifted between two guitars with some deft finger picking and a twangy, shimmering slide. 

Satisfying music for three generations! We're already looking forward to having Bill back for another round.

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Next we welcomed back Perry Desmond-Davies and Marc "Sonic" Bridge. We had a very good time when they last visited the Showcase, and we had a very good time again last night -- theirs is warm, tangy, toothsome music!

Perry and Marc write well-crafted songs in the modern folk tradition. Performing, they trade originals back and forth, often joining each other with guitar and vocal harmonies. Marc presented the title track from his upcoming album, "Leaving Eden" -- a wry socio-political commentary in a satisfying metaphorical package (if I do say so).  Nice song!  Perry sang a moving tribute to her father, "Hey Dad." Both have appealing voices that blend beautifully. Marc added some zesty, twisty guitar solos to the mix; great feel. 

Nice covers, too -- Perry's gorgeous "House Of The Rising Son," and Marc's "Werewolves of London," with revised lyrics... ("I saw Lon Cheney drinking a latte at Starbucks... werewolves of Lexington again"). Good music, appealing performers, another wonderful set!

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And then it was time for David Moore. He's a Showcase regular, and a great favorite. He played solo last night, aided and abetted by more than a few effects pedals. As usual, a host of originals, all smoothly crafted, affectingly performed -- David's got that mix of guitar chops and vocal skills that makes him a real pleasure to listen to. Two new ones displayed his continuing development as a songwriter; we're already looking forward to the new album.

David also played some great covers. How about "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" (Tears For Fears), with a looped bass line providing a rhythmic harmony throughout? Very cool. (And so we moved, in the course of an evening, all the way from a 1930's Robert Johnson bottle neck to a 21st century Boss RC20XL Loop Station!)

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Thank you to the excellent musicians who sustained us yesterday evening. And thank you to the listeners and enjoyers who help the music come alive. See you at the next Acoustic Showcase!