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May 2016 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase

After a break to set up the instruments . The featured performer of the evening was Richard Hinman, a long time VOCAL member. To help accompany him on the songs, he brought along his son Rick, on dobro guitar, and Gary Shaver on alto sax. Richard, on electric guitar, has a vast repertoire of musical styles and picking abilities which he demonstrated during his set. Starting off with the folk tinged “Missionary Ridge”, a civil war themed battle song. he moved next to the blues of “On The Levy” with a plea to his honey to go strolling, “Whining of a Diesel” in classic country, had the singer bemoaning the sadness of a lover leaving him “my only one left me behind”, as the train faded away, and featured solos by each of the players. Switching back to a folk feel, “Tennessee Vols” was another civil war story song involving returning soldiers to Tennessee for trial as deserters. had Rick on vocals. Picking up the tempo, “Summer Beach” was a happy tune about spending time at the shore. “strolling the boardwalk” “walking in the sand” etc. “Ridge Runner” about moonshining, had a driving guitar sound much like a racing car making tracks to get away from the feds. Demonstrating some tasty bass licks, Richard played “Looney Mae” a song about a temptress who’s attention he trying to attract. With s rockabilly feel. “Hots For You” was self explanatory with a few little suggestive grunts to express the desire. “Me and The Boys” was a upbeat song about going out with the guys and having a good time. Drawing on his young experiences listening to radio music in the 50’s, Richard created “Sunrise” , a blues tune reminiscent of black blues he had been exposed to, added solemnity was provided by Shaver’s sax solo. This was followed by “Pour Me Another” a reference to booze. Changing style again, “Crazy For You” was a swing song featuring Shaver that was upbeat. The last song of the set, “Which Way To Arkansas” is Richard’s theme song about looking for a place to settle down and find a home. He was accompanied by Rick on vocal which was a nice way to close the night with a father and son duet.

April 2016 VOCAL Showcase

A warm crowd was on hand to witness the performances of three distinguished songwriters. Tho, there was no conspiracy among the singers, it appears as if they had similarly themed songs of love gone wrong programmed. First to take the stage at O’Toole’s was Robynne Byrdde on solo acoustic guitar. “Hidin” . a sad ballad. was about how we withdraw into our shells when love goes bad with “paint on our face disguising every trace”. I’m Sorry” is self explanatory by it’s title and lyric ” I let you down, I yelled at you”. Next, “Song of a Soldier’s Wife” depicts the longing and missing of a loved one (soldier) who is now on the other side of the clouds and she (wife) promises to reunite with him in the future. “Let’s All Carry On” lifted the emotional level in a plea that we all can overcome adversity in our lives. Lastly, Robynne performed “Moonlight” a light hearted song about moonlight and the influence it has.
Larry Cody is a long time VOCAL member who brings to the showcase his unique style of music. Starting out on guitar, his first song depicted the age old problem with communicating in a relationship. “I Don’t Think You Meant What I Thought You Said” is full of misunderstandings in interpreting messages one to the other, as in the line “I can’t read your mind”. “Almost Too Good” dedicated to his wife (Debbie) Larry almost says she’s perfect, just a little shy of it perhaps, as she’s “borderline beautiful and frequently brilliant”. Next up, “Goin’ Round In Circles” described the singer’s emotional merry-go-round after a breakup, when old feelings keep circling around back to the gone lover. Switching to keyboard, and joined on stage by Gary Shaver on alto sax, they launched into “If You Were Here” about the singer’s longing for a past love that has devastated him: “Mondays don’t come easy” and “I don’t plan for weekends” he sings. The final song in his set, “Every Way” adds a little sass to the performance as the singer celebrates his independence by breaking every rule that a past love demanded be followed. So, he’s going to leave his underwear on the floor, leave the toilet seat up, cap off the toothpaste, etc. with the attitude. that’ll show her. You go guy!
Gary Shaver continued next as a solo act on keyboard with a set of country-esque tunes from his extensive catalog, beginning with “It’s a Cryin” Shame” continuing the theme for the night about broken relationships. “Someday” was gospel tinged song about leaving this old world behind and heading upward back home. “Running Through My Mind” spoke of the singer’s longing for an old love and how he can’t forget her. Taking a break from the 4/4 beat, “I Stand Amazing” was a lovely waltz that told about how her beauty and grace affected the singer’s mind, blowing him away. “You’re Telling Me Goodbye” found the singer trying to interpret signals he was receiving from a lover that leaves him perplexed. almost as if the title were a question to which he knew the answer. To end his set, Gary
chose a song with an upbeat message entitled “Your Smile”, in which the singee’s smile “Makes my life worthwhile” and “Puts my mind at ease all day long”, which is an excellent trait to possess..
And so, the showcase ended with an uplifting message that left the audience itself smiling.

VOCAL March 2016 Showcase

This month’s showcase at O’Toole’s, was marked by an unusual format which witnessed the two performers, Steve Nuckolls and Matthew Costello alternating songs. Usually, The performers do a set of songs. The concept worked out well as the audience seemed to enjoy hearing the contrast in style and sound. Both songwriters chose guitars to present their material.
Steve’s songs are marked by (S) and Matthew’s by (M).
Opening the performance was the “Lines of Love” (S) a ballad about how what we say helps define who we are in a relationship. Two short songs (M) from a theatrical production followed, “Promises” and “Walking on the Roofs” which were mood pieces to fill in interludes between scenes of a play. In “Gibson Guitar” (S) we followed the singer as he journeyed through a furniture store in pursuit of a Gibson Guitar which was being sold there. Unusual, in that you don’t usually find guitars for sale in furniture stores, therefore making the song unusual as well. Continuing the thread of theatre songs (M) “little Bird” and “Nobody Can Catch the Wind” followed. “Grayson Lady” (S) gave the audience a wide ranging picture of the beauty you can find in southwest Virginia, such as lush green valleys and majestic hills. “Bad News” (M) took us up on top of the Golden Gate bridge and then took us sliding down, and “In My Soul” led us through a series of mental images conjured up by the singer’s imagination. Dedicated to his wife, “Something About Your Love” (S) was a mid-tempo song that saluted all the things the singer found attractive in his lover’s demeanor. Picking up the tempo, “Quarter to Three” (M) was a rockabilly rouser that expressed the singer’s intention to stay out and party until the wee hours of the morning. At this juncture, the singers took a well deserved break while the audience ordered another round.

The second half of the show kicked off with the very funny “Meaningful One Night Stand” (M) in which the singer goes through a few relationships trying to find the right one but is teased by Loretta and pushed around by Rosemary until Ivy gets pregnant and the song title’s irony is realized. “When Like Turns to Love” (S) would seem lile sa promising premise, unless that is not your intentions as in this case, when turning to love is equated to rain turning to snow. Melodizing a poem by Jon Harman, “Everything But Love” (M)is a sad ballad bemoaning the breakdown of a relationship and pictures the despair that ensues when love goes bad. “Open Doors” (S) in contrast, gives us a picture of the beautiful world that exists around us if we pay attention to our surroundings and take the time to enjoy what God has given us. “Faith” (M) has another inspirational message advising “Fear will blind us, Faith will show us the way” underscored in this song by examples of people in various stages of life’s turmoil. “Somanye” (S) comes from the singer’s real life experience in South Africa observing the way of life of the native population and expressing his appreciation of it. Only the most rabid Elvis fan would go so far as to try and dig up The King’s remains, but not the singer (M) who in “Digging For Elvis” will do anything to add to his collection of Elvis memorabilia and trivia, which includes a little midnight excavation. Last song of the night “On the Backroads” (S) takes us again to southwest Virginia, and extols the virtues of country living, the beauty that abounds and the carefree life style.

The intimacy and warmth of the performances carried over after the show as many of the audience hung around to congratulate the singers and chat with others in attendance. A great night for VOCAL.

The February 2016 VOCAL Songwriter Showcase drew an intimate and attentive crowd on a rainy evening. This was our group’s 295th consecutive showcase! The evening’s performers were longtime member Russell Lawson and Max Stampa-Brown, a Brooklyn resident visiting the area for a theatrical performance (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, playing at the November Theater).

Russell opened the show with a solo acoustic guitar performance. His stellar fingerpicking added a magical pull to his homespun tunes. He opened with Montana Wide, using big-sky metaphors to describe what God has provided to him and the love of his life. The Helping Hands is a mission-related, thought-provoking number about the aftermath of Katrina, and the kind deeds of many volunteers who went down to help the victims deal with their struggles. Oh My God is a humbling number related to the Episcopal Prayer of Confession, associated with the Lenten season. I’m Free is an uplifting song written about the experience of attending a funeral for his son’s friend, who left this world way too early. Anyway is a love song from a 1971 California concert experience – it’s hard to get to sleep after an Elton John concert, so might as well write a song! Russell brought out the harmonica on a really peaceful number Shipyard Creek, written in honor of an uncle who was dying of cancer. The numerous nautical themes tied in closely with life and the passage into a safe harbor. Rock Creek Blues is a signature song of Russell’s, and one that most of us can relate to following Hurricane Isabelle. His fingerstyle picking gave it a very pleasant texture, and the image of a cat floating down the stream on the roof of a storage shed just won’t go away! Russell closed out his set with homage to one of our longtime members, Doug Patrick, by performing There’s a Special Place in Heaven for Someone Like You. It’s always great to see Russell back on the stage!

Max Stampa-Brown then took the stage for an engaging set. He admitted that he’s always had trouble understanding women, so uses his songs to convey that emotion. Ladies’ Man is an ode to what he’d really like to be, but Bedsheets is more descriptive of what he really is. Max soared into a cool falsetto with I Would Not Like, an ode to a former girlfriend who only told him what he couldn’t do. He went into dropped-D tuning on his “first real song” HaveThisYesYouDon’t, his foray into explaining his misunderstanding of women. He followed with No More Sunshine, an instrumental written for an upcoming move. Imagine a fat guy chasing a pregnant woman as the melody flies off Max’s fingers on the fretboard! Evening Mike was co-written with his father, who was battling demons following the loss of his wife. 32 is a humorous song about dating an older woman, and the interesting and perhaps uncomfortable experiences that come about from a relationship with a 10-year age difference! Why do you need a capo when you can tune up a whole step on the fly! Way to go, Max – we really enjoyed your “visiting” company!

Thanks to all who came out – they were treated to two outstanding performances.

The January 2016 VOCAL Songwriter Showcase provided a warm escape from the chilly weather. We were treated to performances by Steve Fisher, Flashlight Tag, and Dick Upton.

Longtime VOCAL member Steve Fisher opened the show with some cool, bluesy tunes on the resonator guitar, tuned in Open G. Sweet Tea reminded us that the best peaches grow at the top of the tree, and that’s where I’ll be! Holding Back the Sea is a dreamy “art” song about the search for the little light inside us all. We’re Not Bound was another resonator tune with the slide effect, delivering another blues feeling – when we’re buried below the tombstone, we’re not at a dead end, but simply on our way elsewhere. Steve then switched to his guitar with Turn Me Around, an ode to giving love a second chance “this aching heart belongs to you”, I’m gonna turn around and start all over again. He ended his set with Only Love Remains, dedicated to Martin Luther King (only love remains after everything falls away, in the ruins of the day). Good to see Mr. Fisher back on the VOCAL stage!

Flashlight Tag then took the stage (Justin Laughter on electric guitar, and Sam Bennett on keyboards). 1040EZ offered the guarantee of death and taxes – I’ll pay my debts and buy my coffin, and hope you meet me half-way! Skeleton is a new song with a cool vibe – I’m a skeleton picked to the bone – we know all those bones are connected! Glitter had a very attractive melody that drew me in – (tonight your light breaks through the rain and comes find me). Matter followed, and then When I Go, reminiscent of the late David Brockie of GWAR fame. “When I go, just sing for me, just paint for me, just laugh for me”. Breathe in the Love (?) begs us to fill every inch of your heart with love. They ended with Beacon (not bacon…), asking that special one to be the beacon to the shore, for I’m afraid of my own shadow, the fear is real, and holding me captive. Great set, Flashlight Tag!

Dick Upton then took the stage for his headlining act. He was accompanied by his guitar and “vocal bandmate”. Put Down the Bottle is a tale of giving up the sauce and finding salvation with the one above. Distant Friend is a heart-felt tribute to a long-lost friend/musical collaborator who died of cancer. Here’s to catching the eye of an angel in a one-night stand! Treadmill was a work-related theme about keeping your priorities straight, and not letting the treadmill be your drummer’s beat. Where Everyone Knows My Name (?) is a VOCAL-inspired number that captures in words the camaraderie/safety of being around like-minded songwriters. Dick infused some mighty fine guitar-picking in that tune! Standing on the Levy is a new Delta Blues-feel song that occurs somewhere along the Mississippi, watching the driftwood go by. The next number was started 30 years ago, but only finished recently, describing how life can be going along perfectly fine and then a train wreck occurs, perhaps throwing you into a depressing funk. My Spiritual Home was born in Marathon Key during a vacation stay (sounds like almost a permanent stay!). You can feel the atmosphere and vibe as he sings about the seagulls out on the sea, and the peace and calm the island provides. Dick took us home to Georgia to see his sweet baby Jane, driving all night, hoping everything was going to be alright. Another fine performance by Dick, whom I think must be channeling Randy Newman…

December 2015 Showcase

The atmosphere was festive at O’Toole’s for tonight’s VOCAL traditional Christmas showcase As done in the past, the line-up featured multiple performers who were charged with presenting at least one holiday song in their set list.
Keely Burn (on keyboard) is young lady fairly new to performing and to VOCAL. She is a college student studying music, and brings her learned skills to the showcase. “Waltz” in 3/4 time was a plea to the singee to not try to turn
a human being into a home. “Winter Dreams” a minor key ballad reflected upon a cold love in which the singer doesn’t care enough to cry ( over a loss). “Sky Song” based on a class assignment or prompt, required the composer to create verses in three sky colors, which Keely did using red, blue and black imagery.
Next up, was Joanie Valentine who is a showcase veteran. Using jer deft piano skills she performed “I Don’t Want To Be Alone For Christmas” the content of which was aptly described by the title. She concluded with “Can We Forget the Past” a soulful plea, which invited a lover to reconcile.
Next up was Guy Gorman with a set of three seasonal tunes. “I Just Want to Love You for Christmas” was a lively song featured guitar and harmonica that demonstrated Guy’s big voice. “I Feel So Warm Out in the Cold” described the feeling he gets from being with a loved one regardless of the temperature and Lastly, “Ukelele Christmas” performed on a uke, expressed the singer’s desire to change locales from the dirty snow covered streets to the sunshine and warmth of Hawaii.
Mark Branch ( Markus Blowfish) entertained the audience with his unique guitar stylings on “At Home”, with vocal help from Glenda Creamer, bemoaning his feelings at being alone, doing nothing. “Home Upon the Range”, a fish
out of water story, expressed the anguish a city boy feels being brought up in the country. And, his last song was an altered version of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”,
Moving center stage, Glenda Creamer who always has an unusual take on things, opened her set with “Ghost House” which described what living in a haunted house might be like, complete with eerie “boos” filling the air, “Jesus Meek and Mild” was a retelling of the Christ child story, and “Who Do You Think That We Are?” detailed the trek of the three wise men to see the Christ child.
“Cold Winter Day” starting the John Ellis set was a song about how good it is to be inside with his baby (lover) when the weather outside is frightful. “Winter Solstice” was a guitar instrumental filled with intriguing musical runs that resembled icicles tinkling.
Matt Manion performed his now standard, “Quarter to Midnight” tale about a lonely soul on Christmas eve finding solace in a modicum of human contact. He next led the audience in a singalong of John Lennon’s “So This is
Christmas )War is Over)”.
Glenda returned to do a version of “Little Drummer Boy” and John closed out the night with two Chuck Berry tunes
“Merry Christmas, Baby” and “Run, Run Rudolph”.
In between song sets drawings were held for door prizes such as gift cards and VOCAL merch.

VOCAL wishes everybody a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, joyous Kwanzaa or whatever holiday you chose to celebrate.

See you next year.

August 2014 VOCAL showcase #277

What started out as a rather sparse crowd picked up as the night wore on. At least half the audience were friends of the performers and half VOCAL members and guests. Tonight’s line up included as openers, Guy Gorman, and Torch, followed by featured performer Claudia Carawan.
Guy opened his mostly folk styled set, playing acoustic guitar and mouth harp with the song “I Smile Like a Dummy” which described how totally lost he felt when confronted by a woman. The key line which expressed his position was “you’re so cute, I go mute”. “Holiday in my Head” pretty much is self explanatory, if you can’t take a real vacation, use your imagination. Sample rhyme “want/Vermont”. This song was followed by “Love Makes The World Go Round” and “Wishful Drinking”, A polka with a Hungarian title (which I think meant “I’ll be back”) followed with a story about love in Budapest. “I Wash the Dishes” an homage to the house husband who does all the chores to please his lady drew some chortles from the males in the audience. A rockabilly tinged tune “Roswell Rock” was a tribute to a bunch of dancing aliens. A big crowd favorite “I’ve Got to Have Some Music in My Life” created a positive response and the last tune “God’s Got It” seemed to offer an uplifting message that no matter what difficulties you are going through, God has the solution. Overall, Guy demonstrated a wide range of topics and styles in his set.
Next up Carol Torchelli, known as Torch, took the stool with her acoustic guitar to present a set of her original songs. “Come to Virginia” described the beauties and benefits of living in Virginia. “Whenever I’m Thinking of You” was a melancholy song about an ex lover whom the singer hoped was also thinking about her. the song “Major Dad” was crafted out of the singer’s personal experience with a nephew making the transition from the service to civilian life and moving into a new life. Uptempo “Swinging and Swaying” has the audience swaying along and “Tossing Like a Salad Over You” had the audience mulling over the meaning of the metaphoric title. “Don’t You Slow Me Down” was a declarative song with a little whistling interlude that was Torch’s version of a harmonica. The last song in her set was a tribute to her father and all those who have passed, which requested “Save a Place For Me In Heaven” and was delivered in a very heartfelt manner which resonated with the audience. Her set was enthusiastically received as she closed.
The featured performer of the night, Claudia Carawan took over and brought along her friend Lucy Kilpatrick to help out on keys with some of the tunes. Mainly Claudia would be considered a pop artist. First up “Let Love Lead the Way” featured Claudia on newly learned guitar and Lucy on keys.”Refreshing” led the crowd through the many ways to cool off or lift your spirits, such as a dip in the ocean, or seeing a rainbow after the rain. Switching to the keyboard, Claudia presented “I’ll Carry You” which put forth the idea that “when I was young you carried me (as a child), but now that you’re old ( and unable to function) I’ll Carry You.” After “Possibility” she switched to ukelele on which she had just learned a few chords. and gave us a singalong song “It’s Alright, It’s Okay” which was a light breezy tune about “nothing but rainbows” ahead. On “Lenore” every rhyme was an “ore” rhyme which took the conceit to the extreme. “Joy Rising” was an uplifting song based on something Claudia had seen celebrating the last Oprah show. Show stopper of the night was her solo keyboard rendition of “Now You Know” which was a beautiful ballad full of heartwrenching imagery about what might lay ahead after death and for those that have gone on (like her dad) they now know what is on the other side (of life). Switching back to stand up vocals, with Lucy on keys, she did her theme song “Fearless” about her approach to living saying “I’ll make my life a work of art.” As an encore and the last song of the night. Claudia gave us “Yellow Brick Road” which lets us know that everything we need is here at the end of the road. All in all, with true feeling and depth, she demonstrated her versatility in composition and singing with excellent material.

The July 2014 showcase featured a wide variety of performers, and there was a large, attentive audience present. Gerry Laverty kicked off the evening with his very timely, appropriate song Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. Amen, brother! He brought out the harmonica to accompany his stellar guitar picking for By the Blood of the Nazarene, then gave us a “house tour” of I am a House, Don’t You Know My Name. This is definitely a crowd-pleaser for Gerry. Too Late is an “Appalachian Lullaby”, a Carter-style tune that used to be a slow ballad. He then delivered a couple of blues-style numbers, then transitioned to another crowd favorite Paris (A Dream). Gerry then followed with a Celtic-feeling number Stand in the Gap. He concluded with Zion Crossroads, taking us back many years to this intersection prior to “civilization”.
Jenn Smith then took the stage with several of her friends. David Orcutt did a fine number with Friends are Hard to Find, then gave us Little Fish (not always doing what everybody else is doing). Joanie Valentine then took the stage with Love Me Still, a wonderful piano blues number. David Grant joined the group and delivered a Santana-ish instrumental that conjured up some funky, 60’s psychedelic attitude. Jenn delivered some fine lead guitar on that number. Genesis was a very poignant, pleasant song about the creation of the universe, where there is no distance at all when He is involved. David and Jenn traded vocals, with Jenn on a mellow acoustic guitar. David, Jenn and Joanie then gave us a cool, “slow rock” sound with No Bounds – thought I heard a Hammond organ in there! Jenn, David and Joanie then played a song written by Rosie Robbins, Diamond in my Ring, a really cool minor descending melody. To finish out the evening, another one of Rosie’s songs was then featured, Dear Lord, an ode to online dating. Jenn played lead guitar, with David on keyboards and his “Mac Studio”.

After our formal yearly elections, the June 9 VOCAL meeting was an animated discussion about writing, creating the discipline and time for writing, and considering songwriting and creativity exercises.

I brought in a songwriting exercises handout from Joel Mabus”s website.

http://www.joelmabus.com/songwriting_exercises.htm

This was intended to spur discussion, and it succeeded. I also shared with the members  some thoughts I had considered since our recent workshop with Gretchen Peters. It has been my feeling for a long time that people who “make it” in the business of songwriting have a strong commitment to becoming  great at it.  But one of the things that has become very clear for me is there is a daily discipline of writing. And it’s not abut writing a whole song everyday, but it is about writing something!  I have a poet friend who made a commitment for a year in his life to write 100 words everyday. The material he came up with was engaging, insightful and moving.

So the group’s discussion was spirited and inspirational. It was one of those meetings I watch once it’s over. The members continue to interact and taking time to leave. I trust this means the meeting was engaging. It certainly was for me.

VOCAL June 2014 Showcase.

There was a large noisy crowd gathered at O’Toole’s tonight. though, not for the VOCAL showcase. It was the World Cup soccer match between the USA and Ghana that attracted them to the bar. It was not until the noisy group departed at around 8:30 PM that the showcase could finally begin.Tonight’s line-up included long time member Glenda Creamer, newcomer, Keely Burn and another long time member, Bill Wellons.
Glenda Creamer, who was mourning the loss of her longtime friend Kelly, started off the show on acoustic and demonstrated great versatility in her song topics. First tune was about “Mr. Cool” a satiric look at someone who thinks he is “it”,”September Wind” longed for the freedom of the open seas, much like the birds that fly overhead and float on the early fall breezes. Using biblical allegory “Wandering Child” was Glenda’s take on the tale of the prodigal son, with the plea to please come home. Happily, he does. “I’m a Witch” depicted a person in an evil mood, and “Origami” was a song about the art of paper folding. The life of a moonshiner, Marvin, was narrated in her “Moonshine Song” where unfortunately, he comes to a sad ending. The last song in her set was “Send a Prayer Up”, co written by Glen King, which was dedicated to her friend Kelly and the crowd could feel the emotion Glenda projected as she was barely able to make it to the end. all in all, a well received performance.

Keely Burn is the youngest member of VOCAL, and new to the music stage at O’Toole’s. However, she seemed to handle her turn like a pro as she performed five of her original tunes. With a good singing voice and her keyboard she opened up her set with “The Spirit Is In Me” a praise filled song about asking and receiving the love of God. “Whoa” was filled with advice about love for lovers. As a songwriting student, Keely attended a well regarded song camp at Interlochen (Mi.) where she was challenged by instructors to create various pieces of music based on prompted themes. One such creation was “Traveling with Eyes Wide Open” which was about observing and enjoying what surrounds us in the world with the lines “Take me for a ride” and “look for wonders” embedded within. Another song camp creation was “Gatsby” taken from the F Scott Fitzgerald novel “The Great Gatsby”. It was written from the character’s POV about his love for Daisy. another character in the book. Sticking to literature as inspiration, Keely drew from George Orwell’s 1984 for her final song “Political Act” which advised listeners to “form a pact, complete the political act” and rise up against big brother. her set was quite an in depth display of material of mostly linear construction supported by framework rhythms which allowed the listener to fill in the nuances of melody.

Closing the show, was old pro Bill Wellons. Using a keyboard and recorded backing tracks, he presented a menu of ten songs. varied in style and content. Opening the set was “Hey Now” a new piece which asked “Where are you leading us to”? as perhaps a political question. “The World Keeps turning” was designed to lull us into complacency with the premise everything remains the same, Danger on the dark streets and shadowy corners was outlined with the warning to “Stay in Tonight”. Be safe rather than sorry, with a Randy Newmanesque feel to the piano stylings and rhythms. A comparison to changing times and interests from the 60’s Beatles to the 80’s Berlin Wall to 2001 were described in the next song, followed by “Idiosyncrasy” which suggested we should all do what ever the hell we want, ” You be you and I’ll be me” attitude. The generational tale “Old Folks” was followed by “Just a Wish Away” a somewhat melancholy song about longing for love. A tale about living in the backwoods was next and lastly, “While The Time Away” painted a cozy picture of dreaming by the fire on a cold December day, describing all the pleasures of stying inside. Bill definitely showed us why he is popular with the crowd. His knowledge of music construction shows in every song with the intricacy of chords and deft melodic structure he chooses to display.

The May 2014 showcase drew a fairly large and attentive crowd. James Lester kicked off the evening with some fine finger-picked blues numbers: I Like Your Love – just can’t get enough – a man without love is a man that’s sad! Satisfried made me want to go home and get some good home cooking (and maybe some good loving!). Positive Song is a new number James wrote, his first effort at such subject matter. A change of heart never hurt anyone! Selfie is based on a Leadbelly tune, and is based on today’s desire of many folks to “capture the moment” on their cell phone. If we imposed a “cell fee” on selfies, would this fad disappear? Hungry Cat Blues is the “tale” of his feline companions who try to eat him out of house and home – just like my beagle, they always know when it’s time to eat! Walking in the Snow is a “gambler’s lament” tune that followed from betting your car and losing – using your feet is the only way home! Everybody Wants More is telling of the desired of so many folks today – never satisfied with what they have, always looking for more. Coatesville Blues is James’ signature song – seeing the old flame at the 20th high school reunion, but a visit to the doctor is in order to help make the blues go away. James left us with Coatesville Girl, yet another ode to the ever-eluding loving relationship of that sweet hometown girl.
Cheryl Fare and Matt Treacy then took the stage for some fine “dueting” of handcrafted songs. Don’t Blame Me (?) – the sound of your voice sounds like heaven in my ears. Wait and See is a new tune Cheryl wrote – you waited for me, now I’m waiting for you, we’ll wait and see. I Gotta Move is a great blues number with some great blues fingerpicking by Matt – I can’t be sitting here waiting for the sun to come around – I gotta move! They then played a song Matt wrote, The Dead of Night. Very strong vocals were presented here – she’s the forbidden fruit that came to me in the dead of night. Sounds like a memorable dream to me! Cheryl and Matt ended with Roll Me Under, which carried us along on a ride in the ocean – the waves roll me under and push me back up.
Matt Manion then took the stage and delivered a very passionate set, beginning with No No No, a song about a need for love, but not from this guy any more! Don’t come knocking around my door any more. Don’t Stand by Me brought us the story of his life in a band versus a solo gig – things get too complicated with all the other competing parties. He then delivered Caught in the Middle of a Power Play – just too many people are involved in the competitive spirit – too many people to pay. Life Can be Funky Down on the Pamunkey is a very picturesque tune of the natural wonders of the Pamunkey River. Very strong images conveyed the peaceful nature of this place. Looking for a Man’s Man was dedicated to Michael Sam – looking for a best friend who’ll be there until the end. The Last Man on Earth was a very evocative tune about living along in a universe of billions. Matt then took us to a hotel dance hall where everyone was enjoying the evening – some could lose a few pounds, some had already lost their hair, but everyone was having a grand old time! The Royal Roach Hotel was a true story about the oil fields in Louisiana, and staying in one of the “finer” hotels in the area! God’s Rhythm asks God to move my wooden feet and shake my clumsy body – set me free! Matt ended the evening with Don’t Need to be Perfect, a song about just being me.

http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/the_top_5_melody_pitfallsemand_how_to_avoid_them_em