This week in limbo
The weary ones seek rest
Artist life goes on
Hi ho, blogarinos.
It was that week that could only exist in the limbo of post Christmas / New Year. Of course, it’s been a whole series of parties with gifts too. How do you top that? Well, of course, you don’t – you rest. But it’s unfortunate because at Starving Artist, we had another great weekend lineup.
Friday night, January 4, we were treated to a show by the great Gary Paul Hermus. This guy is what coffeehouses were made for. He sang his original songs that were witty and charming, funny and poignant. The songs were musically diverse and tasty, and played with the skill of a fine musical craftsman. He’s about my age and his lyrics relate in a humorous way the things my generation faces and the road to here. This enchanting storyteller played two beautiful Taylor guitars, one tuned to DADGAD. He’s a really nice guy, and it shines through his entire act.
Frank Critelli, who played on Saturday, January 5, is also from the planet of really nice guys, although he says he’s from Connecticut. He’s a really fine singer / songwriter in the WFUV tradition. He is, in fact, every bit as good as any of those guys: John Gorka, Richard Shindel, etc. His songs cover the gamut of the human experience. He accompanied himself on guitar and harmonica, and was joined throughout by his bassist Don. Don played beautifully melodic bass lines on a Fender fretless bass. Frank treated us to his take on a couple of Beatles songs, too. We also celebrated the new soon-to-be-released CD, “Waltzing Through Quicksand.” Catch both of these guys the next time they play the ‘Artist.’ You’ll thank yourself later.
Sunday afternoon, January 6, we did the logical thing a week after New Year’s celebrations. We had a jam session. You never know what to expect when you call an open jam. It’s always a risk. It could be a dud. Well, the doors opened at 3 p.m. and, in rapid succession, in came six or seven guitar players, a singer, a keyboard player and our waitress Mariel on drums. The session opened with blues standard, “Stormy Monday,” and meandered thorugh everything from “Wooly Bully” to Sam Cook to the American Songbook tunes. Some of the highlights were Dave Ramirez singing, “Masquerade,” with Lou, and my wife, SAC&G’s own Monica Glick, singing “Hotel California.” The audience was given tambourines and maracas, and some dancing even broke out. I would say everyone had a good time. I’m looking forward to the next one. I might control it a little more, limiting guitars to three or four at a time, and everyone choosing a song. The best news of the day was that Mariel Murphy, our great new waitress, was able to keep the music “in the pocket,” as they say. We now have a house drummer. Wow.
Of course, if you missed any of the performers who play the ‘Artist,’ or I’ve peaked your interest with the Blog, or you really like what you did hear, you can and should buy their CDs. You not only satisfy your need for great music, but also get to be in on their rise, not to mention financially support independent music.
I would like to thank Channel 7 (WABC-TV) for promoting the jam session on the air. I would also like to thank everyone involved in the jam. Thanks also to “Uncle Bill” Yehle for taking over chef duties while I played – and for taking photographs too. What a guy.
As always, click the links, click on Glick at Neil Young's Living With War web site - #94 and #96 this week – buy my CDs on CD Baby, check out the calendar for this weekend’s music lineup, and come in, and live right!
Elliott Glick
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