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VOCAL Showcase: April 2014

Tonights’ showcase featured John Ellis, Steve Nuckolls, and Louie Millhouse. While the audience was small, the enthusiasm for the performers was large. First up, John Ellis, soloing with an electric guitar, set up his set of songs in a chronological manner from earliest to most recent. He started with an older tune “The Least You Could’ve Done Is Call” an uptempo piece in which the singer is abandoned by his girlfriend for another lover and doesn’t even get a call to kiss him off, but somehow he accepts her decision and moves on. “The Stranger” is an Ellis standard, about a character looking for love, but not very successfully. The next song “Honestly” in which the singer dismisses his girlfriend with the line “you can go to hell” elicited A big reaction from the audience. Going to acoustic guitar, “Winter Solstice” was an instrumental selection which featured many chord changes. “Five Black Kittens” another instrumental, which had been lying around unfinished for awhile, came to life electrically with help from a track. Closing out his set, with one of his newest creations John performed “I’ll Be There For You” which was about being supportive and was enhanced by a pretty melody.
Taking center stage next was Steve Nuckolls, armed with his acoustic guitar. Always a crowd pleaser, he did not disappoint. “Sitting In With Emmy Lou” described his secret fantasy to play along with Emmy Lou Harris by spending saturday mornings listening to her songs and strumming along. “Everything’s Just Too Good” could be interpreted as a cynical statement, from the title, but in reality, the singer really means it. He enjoys his life, his relations hips and affirms “it’s good to be alive”. “Something About Your Love” is a Nuckolls favorite judging from the audience reaction and it has a good singalong chorus that people were mouthing. Looking for a chance to be considered as a love interest was the theme of the next tune “Put Me On Your Playlist”. The dichotomy in country music these days between traditional and contemporary camps was explored in the song “Countryversy” which asks the question “Can we all just get along”? There is room for each of us, and no need to hurl invectives. Closing out his set, Steve performed “Lines of Love” which examined the connection between two people and what makes their realtionship special.

Louie Millhouse, closed out the night with his mostly quirky and entertaining set of tropical songs. Getting support from friends and family, his first tune, “An Introduction Song” was full of hilarious references to showcases, songwriting, and performing: “No matter how back you suck” at any of it, your mother will still love you and the sun will shine tomorrow, so go ahead and step out. Well said. “Forever, Again” was a poignant tribute to his parents, who meet during WWII and outlined their courtship and long standing love, it featured his daughter Nancy on bass. Marilyn Brown dueted on the next song “And I Always Will” which detailed navigating a relationship. A bossa nova “Summer Song” was a pleasant trip down to the beach for some sun and fun. One of Louie’s most requested tunes followed. “Kara’s Mom” a fun song about his wife was uplifted by the flute stylings of Gary Shaver (Blade) and many in the audience could be seen singing along with the infectious chorus. Continuing the tropical feel if his set, Millhouse took us on a musical trip to Marathon down along the Florida keys. “Marauder” was a song about falling in love. To close out his set, Louie (on trumpet) brought back all his players, Nancy, Blade (sax) and Marilyn (vocal) to help him on a rousing rockabilly tune “Hip Hop Party” Full of references to 50’s culture, burgers, fries, soda pop, teen-aged love and daddy’s chevrolet, it was a prequel to the duet mentioned above. The audience went wild.

The 272nd consecutive VOCAL showcase took place on Monday, 3/24/14 at O’Toole’s Restaurant and Bar, with an attentive crowd of 30+ (numbers, not necessarily ages). We moved this out a week this month to avoid conflicts with St. Paddy’s Day festivities. The lineup consisted of Doug Patrick, Larry Cody, and headliner Steve Effinger.

Doug kicked off the evening with his 1973-era Secretariat, an ode to the record-setting equine figure – hotter than a Maytag range, rolling on like an oiled machine. Full Time Love is a cry for full-time love, not some one-night stand or placement on the short list. Set it Free is a very good message about intolerance – we’re all born with innocence, but unfortunately grow out of it – take me back to my childhood, set it free. Larry joined Doug on his last two songs, accompanying him on guitar and vocal harmony. I Think I’ve Really Done it This Time delivered a message many of us are familiar with – walking the side streets in the rain with a too-small/collar-turned-up winter coat, trying to find our way home. No one to blame for the shape I’m in – I’ve stepped over the line, think I’ve really done it this time. One Lone Georgia Pine is a captivating tale of a Civil War soldier from Kentucky who went off to war as a kid, and was killed in Georgia. A Georgia pine tree seed fell under his collar where he died, and when his two brothers came to carry his body back to Kentucky, they didn’t know they had also planted a seed when they buried their brother. Sounds like a possible future scene for the Justified TV series!

Larry then took the helm on stage, and Doug stayed to accompany him on his first number, Now I Know. I don’t know if he was smitten or stricken (or both), but when she held him like a baby, and the bolt of lightning hit him in the heart, he definitely knew! Keep On is a “keep-on-truckin” song – I don’t want to grow up, just want to keep on going. The river is dammed, but is never stopped, not even by the bay, I want to be like that river all day. Be Thankful was a very heart-felt, tender ballad about being thankful for what you have – thankful it’s not your heart that’s broken, that you’re not blue, that you’re okay. Enough Heartache is a falling-out-of-love song – I’ve seen way too many movies by myself, you’ve said you’re sorry, but I’ve heard it all before. Larry left us with his newer What I Thought You Said, an up-tempo tribute to marital bliss – is anyone ever accused of not listening, or not hearing what you said/meant? I’ll try to be a better mind-reader next time! Way to go, Larry, and your invisible band!

Steve Effinger then took the stage as headliner to an enthusiastic audience. Down in New Orleans was written upon return from the city, with hints of voodoo, saxophones, and Bourbon Street Zydeco. He then delivered a trio of songs he wrote as a teen, reflective of some lonely years, infused with pain. Just a Lonely Bluebird was reminiscent of moving from the burbs to a small country town, always looking for something, but nothing to be found. Jeffrey was a tribute to a childhood friend whose house burned down, taking his two younger brothers with it. He channels the pain in many ways – his pain will only be buried with his soul. Emptiness was a bittersweet number, where he’s consumed by the surrounding emptiness and his mind’s disarray, but there’s something out there still believing in him, and he feels the positive vibes. Why Can’t He Love Her Tonight describes some misery of a hard-luck, always-fighting man and his inability to love the woman – you can tell by the look in her eyes when she breaks down and cries. The Best I Ever Had fondly remember a past lover – for many years, the seasons have passed over my windowsill, and I remember the great times we had up on that hill. I’m still lonely, can never forget you. Then She’ll Cry was a tale of woe about a woman with six kids, whose husband is in his coffin paying his gambling debt. It’s hard to be a widowed gambler’s wife, but she’ll get by, she’ll often tell the story, but the pain won’t die. We’ll Be in Havana for the Night had the whole crowd hand-clapping with the beat – I’ll just truck off in my hijacked plane, my mom told me it was okay. The pilot tells me we’re gonna be on time, it’s gonna be alright, we’ll be in Havana for the night. The crowd called for more, but Steve was done for the night, until next time.

That’s all folks!

VOCAL Showcase #271. Feb. 2014

Ladies night at the showcase. Tonight’s artists were Robyn Byrdde, Nancy Rives, and Pam McCarthy. Each acquitted themselves quite well before a moderate sized audience of music lovers.
First up, newcomer Robyn Byrdde, accompanied by her acoustic guitar, performed a set of mostly slow to mid tempo folky songs, started off with “Evermore” a U2 inspired pop ballad, followed by “Out of Hand” inspired by a broken relationship. “Why Am I Becoming So Like That” was a downbeat ballad.”Hiding” a sparsely lyricked song was highlighted by haunting melodic riffs. Three more songs were followed by “Every Good Gift” a song written for a child, and closing out her set was “Loose-Happy” a slightly upbeat tune.

Nancy Rives, with guitar, has appeared before on the showcase, but tonight she presented a set of brand new songs, most inspired by a recent trip abroad. “Love Letter To Venice” included references to many of the tourist attractions in that city that impressed her. “Driven” was a tribute to her father and talked about how he influenced her upbringing. “Bepe’s Song” was an homage to the Italian boatman who offered to ferry her around a remote coastal city. Two more songs were followed by “On a Beach in the South of France” which was replete with memories of her experience (title). Last tune in the set was a rousing version of her classic Civil War song “Gabriel’s Insurrection” titled “Rise Up” on which she invited the audience to sing along.

Pam McCarthy an attractive lady with a big voice is always a delight and tonight she didn’t disappoint the audience. Appearing for the first time in public with her ukelele, which she has been playing for 5 months, Pam presented an interesting set of tunes using just her uke.. “Long Time Since You’ve Gone” reminisced over a departed lover. Tne next song was dedicated to her daughter, followed by “I’ve Always Loved You” an ode to a lover, “Sea of Trees” was a dreamy ballad with nice imagery. “Just Another Show” led into “So Hard” a blues inspired tune, with the tag “too soft to say we’re through.” Another love tinged tune “Fairy Tale” was succeeded by the first song she ever wrote, “where Will I Go Without You” which was more or less self explanatory.

The January 2014 VOCAL Showcase drew a large crowd of interested folks at O’Toole’s on a cool winter evening. Sarah Kane opened the show with several of her heartfelt numbers – Polka in the Parking Lot (why not have champagne in your hatchback car?), Coffee (sounds like a tempting, toxic drink – are you ready for a taste of me?) Thank You James is a very beautiful ballad about a former special-needs student, and the chorus is from the kid himself, having a very insightful view of the world (a song about being free – his dad skipped town, his mom was let down). Follow You Down was a cool, memorable number about blindly following someone you really care about, perhaps even into eternal damnation. Reminded me of a Carter Family melody the way Sarah sang it. New Shoes is about wanting to change things up a bit, tired of being stuck in the same old place, I’m on my way to trying on new shoes, trying on a new groove. Sarah was joined by George Maida on Hello (I’ve waved goodbye, I’m all alone, nowhere to call my home – is anybody listening?) Sleep is a very haunting song about a friend with deep depression – sleep in your tangled sheets – drippy illusion, sticky confusion. It’s great to have Sarah back on the stage!
George Maida then took the stage with Kevin Beale on percussion, delivering some fine instrumentals on his electric guitar. His first number (country rock/sun God) was reminiscent of Yes’ Steve Howe with its intricate melodies. He then had two King David-inspired tunes: Psalm # 8 was a very mellow tune with the essence of snowfall (appropriate with the next day’s forecast), and Psalm # 150 was a very uptempo rock number inspired by King David’s poetry and his directive to praise the Lord with music. Winterburgen (sp?) was in a classical baroque style, again making me think of Steve Howe. Sarah came back on stage to sing Fall Into Autumn, a delightful Scottish ballad with a really cool, moving melody. George has been a big supporter of VOCAL through the years with his Electric Croude show on WCVE radio. It’s great to have him on the stage, as well!
VOCAL’s President, Matthew Costello, then jumped into the headliner’s spotlight with a Tony Bennett-sounding jazz number You Do it in Style. He then brought us I Wanna Catch a Ride on your Train of Thought (waiting for the light to go from red to green, wheels are pumping and the whistle blows). And You and I is a very beautiful ballad that only Matthew can deliver (if the river flows into the stream, which one is you or I?) A Meaningful One Night Stand was a definite crowd-pleaser (do you suppose they can relate?) He then brought the ever-lovely Eileen Edmonds onto the stage to sing Burning Down the Road, a minor-key uptempo song (the Devil is my anchor). Craig Evans (of The Taters fame) then joined the two of them for some stellar harmonies on Climbing the Stairway of Time. All Things Pass was a very thought-provoking number. Craig then joined him again for Faith Will Show the Way, a hopeful message to cure society’s ills. Matthew then delivered his greatest hit, Digging for Elvis, with Craig and Eileen again on harmony. For that matter, the entire audience of 30+ was singing harmony! The crowd wouldn’t let Matthew leave, so he performed a three-song encore (If You Knew, You’re All That Matters to Me, and Rock and Roll). This was Matthew’s first time on stage in nine years or so because of a nerve problem, so we were very excited and pleased to witness his return. Welcome back, Matthew!

VOCAL Showcase, Dec. 2013

Awesome would be the appropriate word to describe Monday’s performances at O’Toole’s. Before a packed house, many of VOCAL’s finest singer/songwriters strutted their stuff for the annual Christmas showcase. In between drawings for gift certificates, the artists presented original Christmas and non Christmas songs. First to perform was Bill Wellons. Alone at the keyboard with backing tracks, Bill kicked off the evening with “Salvation Army Man”, A song for late december called “While the Time Away” and closed out his set with a per talk to the audience titled “Life Can Be Anything You make it”. A great job by Bill. Next Ray Brady on guitar entertained the crowd with “Turn Your Head” a song about watching your children grow up right before your eyes, followed by “In The Road” a blues piece, and his Christmas tribute “Seasonal Beers’ to which we all raised a glass. Valerie Rourke continues to bring us new material and armed with her uke, she did “My Dream” a song full of hope for the future. ext up Glenda Creamer started off on guitar with her song “Love’s Not Supposed To Hurt” about domestic abuse that closes with a tinge of hope, “Sure Feels Like Christmas Tonight” was an uptempo song full of seasonal images and her final song with help from Matt Manion and Gerry Laverty, depicted the impending birth of Jesus was entitled “Don’t Be Frightened, Mary”. Matt Manion then proceeded to do a set if his own tunes. “Don’t Stand By Me” was a funny bit about wanting to get away from being a band member to going solo, and his Christmas song, dedicated to his father, was “Quarter To Midnight” a heartwarming tale of finding the meaning of the season. Steve Nuckolls followed onstage with a song about Christmas past and “Where The Morning Glories Grow” a Bluegrass waltz (!) that drew a great crowd response.
Closing out the festivities, everybody’s favorite group, The Clackwells took stage, headed up by Norm Roscher, and accompanied by bass and banjo, What fun. They ran through a series of novelty tunes, “You and Me and Baby”, “Did I Hear You Say”, ‘The Magic Hat” and “The Little Box”. Segueing into the holiday mode, “Waiting For Santa Claus” wowed the crowd, “All Grandpa Wants for Christmas” (to hug his grandson) and the snarky “The Remedy” about offing Rudolph, a song which received local airplay last year. This officially ended the scheduled performers, But, Norm offered to conduct a singalong, and the audience hung around for a couple of more holiday tunes. The feeling of good cheer was palpable. This was perhaps, one of VOCAL’s largest attended showcase events held at O’Toole’s. No room at the inn, would be a perfect description for this holiday show.

November 2013 VOCAL Showcase

Tonight’s showcase was well attended with lots of enthusiastic music fans waiting to hear from the three scheduled singer/songwriters, Valerie Rourke, Flashlight Tag, and David Atkins.
First to perform, and for the first time, Valerie Rourke is doing a solo act for her complete set, with help from Gerry Laverty on guitar and Flashlight Tag (Bryan Phelps and Justin Laughter) on multiple instruments. Valerie, heretofore, had done mostly accapella singing of her original compositions, so it was a treat to hear her with accompaniment. Her set consisted of mostly unrequited or lost love songs done in a plaintive style of classic country heartbreak. Her wistful voice carried the heartbreak words very well. Song titles that were the undercurrent of her oeuvre included “Fly Away Shy Bird”,
“You’re Not Coming Home Again, Tonight” and “Choker and Chain”. Lightening up the set, Valerie gave us a short uptemmpo song on her uke, which she is pursuing as her instrument of choice. All in all, a fine performance.
Flashlight Tag is a duo composed of Bryan Phelps on (5 string)bass, and Justin Laughter on a variety of stringed instruments. Their style is in the alt. pop genre and their songs featured syncopated and jazzy riffs. “30 Odd Years” and “Clip-on TIe” leaned on memory and nostalgic lyrics to get across the message, “If the Good Die Young” was a pep talk, “Paul Revere” was a lyrical tribute to that patriot from years ago, and “Old House, Good Bones” described the sturdiness of relationships with the metaphor of a house. One thing that persisted through out their set, was the distant echo of the DMB, which is a good thing.
The featured performer of the evening was David Atkins. He is a long time member of VOCAL, but rarely does a showcase, so this was an especially welcome surprise. David is involved in many musical ventures, teaching and performing in theatre, besides his songwriting activities. Tonight, playing guitar, he was accompanied by computer tracks on most of his songs.”I Fall in Love, All Over,Again” was an upbeat tribute to enduring love, followed by “When a Woman Smiles” which was self explantory,(good things happen), after two songs about wishing and dreaming, he wowed the audience with an uptemmpo blues tune “Doctor of Honky-tonky Blues” a crowd favorite, which was followed by a beautiful ballad about a houseful of memories that the singer revisits. “Put Down the Phone and Drive” a new song, was amened, by the audience with its comtemporary vignettes of seemingly distracted drivers and how they threaten life and limb of others, and closing out his set, David performed “Sing Your Own Song” which was his inspirational message to us all. It was definitely a pleasure to have David back doing his material with such verve and craftmanship, and we hope it won’t be too long before he returns with another set of great songs.

VOCAL Songwriter Showcase – October 21, 2013

The October VOCAL Showcase attracted a large, attentive audience on a cool fall night at O’Toole’s. The “In-The-Row” format featured Gary Shaver, Louie Milhouse, Frank Lucas, and Jim Uzel. They swapped songs throughout the evening, often accompanying each other on guitar, vocals, and other instruments.
Gary opened the show with a heartbreaker There Must Be Someone Else, asking how can you really be leaving me when you were holding me so tight earlier?
Louie then jumped in with Marathon, a true “island-feel” song about the desire to take a long run to Marathon (in the keys) just to get away from it all.
Frank then took us to Spain with a flamenco-flavored number Latitude and Longitude – people in the street will throw flowers in gratitude… Gary delivered a cool, out-of-town accompaniment with maracas.
Then Jim brought us Like The Night, with Gary singing harmony – I like romance under the moon, and dream of you when the first star appears.
Gary then waltzed in with If I Could Go Back Home, bringing regrets of leaving home so early and missing out on so many important things. Jim joined Gary on vocal harmony.
Louie introduced us to the Introduction Song, recounting his songwriting beginnings. It doesn’t matter how bad you suck, momma will always love you!
Frank delivered what I thought sounded like a Tom T. Hall song, I Feel Sorry For Texas. No more blue skies or cowboys, the west is no longer wild, and Texas no longer has you. Frank brought out the harmonica while Jim played guitar.
Jim then played Wishing For Summer, dreaming of holding that special someone while the lights shine down on the city. Gary sang harmony and played a beautiful flute accompaniment.
Gary then brought on more tears with Just One More Time – do you ever stop and think of me now that you’re holding him? If only I could turn water into wine…
Louie then played a new, very tender/beautiful song about his Mom & Dad, Forever in Love. His dad took at 96-hour pass while in the Navy, took a swim, and met the woman of his dreams. The rest is history! What a beautiful love story.
Frank uncovered his bluegrass-leanings with I am Committed, another love song – the skies are clearer since you’re near to me.
Jim then showed the dark side of him with Black Stars and Shadows, which is where he says he belongs, revealing his secret love for someone. If it’s torture you’re after, it’s in my eyes, it’s goodbye, black stars!
Gary’s anthem I Stand Amazed by Your Love was a crowd-pleaser – I thank you my darling for lifting me up to a world I never knew of.
Louie delivered a Bossa-nova-like tune Summer Song – while we say goodbye for the summer, I hope our love will last all year long – every love song that’s been written can be heard in the sea.
Frank dropped us into dropped-D tuning (I think) with Another Time – hey pretty mama, I really want to be with you, can’t wait to be with you, but we better wait ‘til next time…
Jim’s Love is Just a Friend was a very somber tune about running into an old friend after many years – hardly recognized you – do you remember when?
Gary brought up a special guest, Wendy Smith, to deliver some stellar vocals on Little Old Me. This is a really cool, catchy, upbeat song – don’t overlook me, you ought to try a little love from little old me! Gary sang harmony, with Jim and Frank on guitar.
Louie then “bottomed out” with Dr. McBoogie, a song he wrote after coming out of “retirement” writing songs. The word play is contagious, and you really have to keep up to catch the wit. Dr. McBoogie is a proctologist, but plays trombone on the side, so this makes for a very entertaining story to say the least!
Frank then tuned to open-D with Both so Far, talking about an empty room just down the hallway – there’s a lot of empty space between the stars, do you think I’ll miss you, do you think I’ll forget you?
Jim brought out a minor tune My Summer Dream, a sad song for the winter – the saddest part of two lovers is that love must end – Christmas had an empty chair – you’re not hear, but you’re still my summer dream. Gary accompanies him on flute on this number.
In the last round, Gary cranked out a new tune, Down the Road to Nowhere. Are we on the road to nowhere, or have we finally got it right?
Louie delivered another crowd favorite, Kara’s Mom is Hot. The whole crowd was singing on this – you can just see the island men checking out Kara’s mom – she should be so proud! Other women see her coming and step out of the way. She looks sexy walking toward you, but sexier walking away!
Frank played a cool song, Carolina – like mandolins and moonbeams, dreams are much better when you hold them in your hands.
Jim closed out the evening with Rock You Into The Night. If you’re lost, you’re now found, my love’s an ocean, it’s that deep.
What a wonderful treat it was (Halloween’s coming, after all) to have these four tunesmiths in-a-row for the Vocal showcase!

Sept. 2013 VOCAL Showcase

Tonight’s showcase featured three male songwriters, John Ellis, Dick Upton and Drexel Rayford. The house was close to full for this evening’s entertainment. First up was John Ellis,playing an electric guitar with pre-recorded tracks along the way.. His set included a mix of instrumentals and vocals. He demonstrated his dexterity on the strings with a blues number called Black Kittens, showing some fine fingering. “The Stranger” is John’s signature song and he didn’t disappoint, adding this vocal selection to the mix.

Next up was Dick Upton. This was his debut showcase for VOCAL, though he previously performed at a VOCAL open mic night. He dedicated this night’s performance to the late Curly Cook (Steve Miller Band) a long time friend who passed from cancer. Dick demonstrated some outstanding keyboard chops on his opening song Cool Water, with some excellent and fluid blues riffs. Going Down To Georgia kicked the tempo up and was well received by the audience. He then switched to guitar. which he showed command of, as well, and did a tribute number to Curly, Distant Friend, and continued with two more songs to close out his set. His showmanship on the two instruments was rewarded with loud applause from the crowd.

The featured performer of the night was Drexel Rayford. He’s done a couple of showcases before, but this was his first time as a headliner. He kicked off his set with a comedy number No Diner in Amherst which drew in the audience for the rest of his tunes. (Titles of the songs were surmised as they were not announced). Days of The Empire detailed the deconstruction of civilization in an entertaining way, and Gallileo, was a tale about the astronomer that delighted and educated at the same time, and was extremely well received. The next song (no title) depicted a father’s observations while watching his daughter grow into womanhood, and had a touch of humor and nostalgia rolled into one, Drexel then segued back into a humorous tale about the biggest ball of twine in the country in Copper City (Kansas) Ball of Twine, finishing off his set with a Christian oriented number A Spring That Never Runs Dry. His versatility of subject and lyric skills shone through the whole set.

VOCAL Songwriter Showcase – August 19, 2013
The August 2013 showcase was opened by Steve “Tunesmith” Smithson, a long-time VOCAL member who also doubled as soundman. He brought us several acoustic guitar-driven songs in a variety of styles. Old Toys was reminiscent of playing with the box of old toys that Grandpa always kept around. History handed down, indeed! For a Moment Young was written during a Myrtle Beach visit after witnessing several youths being chased up the beach by a storm, after which the ancient memories came flooding back. Dark Moon was the first eclipse song of the evening (probably the first and last time in VOCAL history we’ll have two eclipse songs in the same night!) He’s been captivated and chained by the daughter of the dark moon, but my, those chains feel nice. I Will Not Last a Year was an emotional them on what would happen if she leaves him. I’ve Got an Extreme Case of the Gender Blues was a cool bluesy tune with a good play on words: You live and you love with the shoes that fit, like ice cream without the popsicle stick. Steve ended the set with It Ain’t Worth Feeling Bad – I don’t hang out much, but do keep in touch with my old friends.

Nancy Rives then took the stage and delivered several of her tender, heartfelt melodies. Her first number was written as a tribute to the International Day of the Girl and in honor of Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani girl shot last year. She had a very though-provoking message about human rights, education, etc. He Doesn’t Know a Stranger was written in honor of her father, who greets everyone he meets with eye contact and a pleasant “Hello”. When you speak to a stranger you have a better day! Through Thick and Thin was written about her favorite bakery, Sub Rosa, that had a tragic fire several months ago. Like the Phoenix, this bakery (and the dough?) shall rise again! The second (and last) eclipse song of the evening was Shadow of Myself. My life’s passing like the eclipse, and when I look into the mirror I see only a shadow of myself. Her next tune is untitled, and was another tribute to her father. The phrase “Everything good about me came from him” pretty much sums up the story – perhaps that could be worked into a title somehow. Nancy ended her set with River City, a very descriptive tune about the City of Richmond, weaving into it the river, the cool neighborhoods, shopping, etc.
Cheryl Fare then took the stage as headliner, accompanied by the ever-talented Matt Treacy. The two harmonize quite well, and Matt’s stellar guitar-playing adds much flavor to the songs. She opened with Holy Moses, a bluesy number – look who just walked in the door – it’s too hot to breathe, cat’s got my tongue. Settle In was a tender love song – want you to know what makes me tick – the first kiss was nice, but we need more to see us through – you’re my permanent favorite squeeze. I Got to Move was a very up-tempo blue number – I can’t wait for the sun to come around – I’ve been around for some 30 years – I got to move! Matt then delivered the really beautiful The Queen’s Room, with Cheryl providing some touching, perfect harmony. This Thing was another tender love song – what are we doing? Is it good or bad? Her newest song is Face to Face, which she performed in public for the first time, another lovely song – I’ll stay hand-in-hand and turn with you. Springfield is a song we can all relate to, about going back to your High School and finishing things you never got to before. Matt offered some more fine guitar playing on this number. Matt then delivered some stellar vocals with his The Only Girl to Ever Sing the Blues. Same Old Dance was another tender, touching love song – I’ll dance that same old dance – I’ll look right past your little white lies. They closed out the night with Thank You, a bluesy, feel-good song which was written for a church gig. Quite an ode to gratitude!

VOCAL Showcase 07/15/2013

Gentlemen’s night at the VOCAL showcase featured three male performers this month. The line-up included Steve Nuckolls, Richard Hinman and James Lester. While not a full house, there was plenty of enthusiasm for the various songwriters. First up, Steve Nuckolls acoustically launched into his 8 song set with “Signs of Love,” a melodic ode to love in the folk vein. He followed that with a quirky co-written tune (Bill Wellons) “My Karma Driving Around” that received a good response from the audience. “2 Hours from Anywhere” told the tale of life in the hinterlands and the happiness derived thereof. A song about Grayson county followed and then his tribute to EmmyLou Harris. “Country-versy” was a plea to listeners to respect the roots of country music. Steve closed out his set with the African-tinged “Somanye” (sp.) After a short break Richard Hinman took the stage.
For Richard, this was his second showcase appearance. His all electric set kicked off with “Darkness” which self-descriptively, was a sad dark love song.
Picking up the pace, “At the Honky-Tonk” told the tale of a patron checking out the female action at the local watering hole. “Tennessee Vols” not a rah rah college song, was, rather a tale about the Civil War and the renegades who conducted their own battles regardless of side. Moonshiners got their recognition in “Ridge Runners” and “Which Way to Arkansas” showed Richard’s jazzy chops. He closed out his set with a demonstration of what he called “Chicken Pickin” guitar playing on “big Bob”. Overall, Richard gave us a good selection of song styles and genres.
Closing out the night, guitar slung/harmonica equipped James Lester is always a crowd favorite with his mostly upbeat blues stylings. Fist up, however, was “Like Your Love” which was more rockabilly than blues, and “Satisfied” which sometimes sounded like “Satisfried” was another upbeat tune.”It’s All About Money” took a shot at greedy politicians and roused the crowd’s appreciation, tho, James candidily pointed out that the song doesn’t play well in certain conservative areas. “Why I Song the Blues” was self explanatory, “Lame Pony” was a blues lament about a bad relationship, which is his normality, as was “Drinkin’ Again”. Interspersing anecdotes, James pleased the audience with a song from his repertoire “Coatesville Blues” “John Fahey” was in tribute to that late great guitar player and “Empty Arms” closed out his well honed set.
The audience seemed to be pleased with the whole nights’ offerings from these three performing songwriters.

VOCAL June 2013 Showcase

It was ladies night at the June 2013 VOCAL showcase held at O’Toole’s Bar and Grill this monday. There was a large crowd on hand to hear the three performers. They were well rewarded with a menu of different styles from the songwriters.
The program began with Jenn Smith,in her debut on the showcase. Ms Smith definitely got the audience’s attention with her quirky style and soprano voice. She did her first song, “Mama Rosa” a capella to a pre-recorded track. Switching to electric guitar and track, her next song “Elusive Woman” was a bluesy love song that held the audience’s attention with it eerie treble guitar line. “Kiss In The Night”, in the same vein as the previous song, followed. Ms. Smith segued into her final number with a joke about “plan-its” (planets) that got a groan from the crowd as she started playing “Intelligent Life In The Universe”, stepping forward from behind the mike to allow the audience to witness her guitar picking ability on this spacey instrumental song. There was a short break after this well received set to allow the next performer to set up her keyboard.

Claudia Carawan, a pop artist, also making her debut on the VOCAL showcase, followed Ms Smith with her first song “Joyriding” which was an upbeat happy tune that got the crowd involved. Ms. Carawan continued on electric keyboard and tracks, with a string of ballads. “Love Come Home” a love plea, came off her first CD. “Lifeline” a co-written song with Harold Payne, came next and then “Beautiful” a self descriptive song.”Fearless” an uptempo piece, and the title of her newly released CD, was Ms. Carawan’s personal statement about her approach to music and the music business, in general, which received an Amen from the audience. For her last number she chose “Pure Possibility” a song written to a child about hope and the future. All in all, another well received set of songs, as Ms. Carawan displayed her songwriting prowess and talent.

Carol Torricelli, or, as she likes to be called “Torch”, ended the evening with a set of folk tinged songs that had a geographic thread connecting them. Sitting on a stool, guitar in hand, she took the audience through several states and countries with her lyric narrative. “Come to Virginia” kicked it off, moving on to “Don’t You Slow Me Down” which took us to her home country of Sicily, This song was nicely punctuated with a whistling interlude. The next set of songs, followed her nephew Tommy’s journey from his Texas childhood to (Kansas) grown man, including the song “Major Dad” about his stint in the military (Iraq). “Swinging and Swaying” a jazzy love tinged song was well received and included the rhyme of “squeeze/Belize”.
A broken affair love song had the unusual title “Tossing Like a Salad” which got a chuckle from the audience. “Searching For Change” a somewhat political commentary tune was next and Torch ended her set with a song dedicated to her father. “Save a Place For Me in Heaven”. A well constructed set of tunes.

Another excellent night for music buffs and fans of original songwriting and performing.