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VOCAL May 2010 Showcase
VOCAL May 2010 Showcase Review
Not even a steady downpour could deter the small but enthusiastic crowd that gathered at O’Toole’s pub for the VOCAL, 2010 May showcase. The bill consisted of three performers. First up was John Ellis, who entertained the audience with a set of original acoustic material that included two instrumentals, one, titled “Just What You Were Looking For” was expressly composed for his brother’s wedding. Another “A Time Piece” featured some well executed arpeggio runs. As an encore, John covered “Crying Shame” a song written by VOCAL member Gary Shaver and gave it a good country feel. After a short break, Richard Hinman took the mike. This was Richard’s debut showcase performance for VOCAL. Once wired up, he started his nine song set off with a boogie tune “On The Levee” which, as you might guess was about love down by the Mississippi river. Richard demonstrated a great command of various musical styles as he moved through his set list. Folk (“Lonnie Mae”) bossa nova (“Oh Rio”), reggae (“Reggae Band”) which featured a solo break that imitated the sound of a steel drum, and some more jazzier pieces (“Crazy For You”, “Purple Passage”). All-in-all it was an auspicious start for Richard in his first VOCAL performance. Last, but certainly not third rate, by any means, was the featured performer of the evening, Darryl Ellyson. Accompanied by Josh Wortham on electric keyboards, Darryl wowed the crowd with a set of old and new tunes. Mostly thematic in nature, songs of broken hearts and love gone awry, he used his big booming voice to mesmerize the audience wih blues riffs and minor accents. Kicking off the set was “Newsman Blues” a self explanatory saga of unfulfilled love. “I’m Still In Love With You” was highighted by a great musical fill from Josh. Among the new tunes, “When I Close My Eyes” stood out for its soulful bluesy quality. Another new one “Comes a Better Way” also stood out. As a closer, Darryl gave us “When I Get Home” which got a large round of applause from the appreciative gathering. This was the 226th consecutive VOCAL showcase, and the performing artists demonstrated the breadth and scope of the talent that exists within it’s members. OUr next showcase, again at O’Tooles, will be on June 21st. Make plans to be there.
Paul Reisler workshop
All VOCAL members and others interested in writing good songs should attend the Paul Reisler workshop. I’ve attended a workshop of his in the past, and I can assure you he’s quite professional, talented, and a good teacher, who can benefit your efforts in writing or just learning to better enjoy music. VOCAL exists, in part, to improve the writing of its members and others who do original music, so this is a must-attend workshop. We VOCAL members are never satisfied with mediocre songs anyone could dash out on the kitchen table. We want to write solid, enjoyable songs. And we love having an event like the Paul Reisler workshop to help us do that.
Darryl Ellyson VOCAL Songwriters Showcase Podcast May 2010
Give a listen to this month’s VOCAL podcast featuring Darryl Ellyson:
[display_podcast]
Coming up on May 17, 2010
- The VOCAL Songwriters Showcase O’Toole’s.
- John Ellis & Richard Hinman
- Headliner: Darryl Ellyson
- 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
- Click here for directions
See you there!
VOCAL Showcase April 2010
The 225th consecutive edition of VOCAL’s live music Showcase was presented at O’Toole’s Restaurant & Pub on April 19, 2010. A fine turnout of VOCAL members and others were treated to an evening of original songs that covered a lot of musical ground.
To get his the first set rolling, Louie Millhouse did an introductory song. What better way to introduce a songwriters’ show than to do it with an original song? It was a witty number that let us all know that “your mother will still love you, no matter how bad you suck.” Then, Louie got a little more serious and did a pop-sounding song followed by a nice latin-rhythm offering. Next, he was joined onstage by his daughter, Nancy Millhouse, on bass, and VOCAL-member Gary Shaver on flute for a song called “Lonely Waters”, which had a Van Morrison kind of feel. Gary Shaver moved over to keyboard and did a solid country love song, “Trading the Present for the Past,” as a tribute to a now-deceased, loyal and beloved Richmond music fan, Big Al. Gary was accompanied by singer Robyn Kim and Nancy Millhouse on bass. The same group stayed onstage for the next number, a pleasing latin-rhythm song, with solo singing by Robyn Kim, and followed that with an up-tempo latin sound featuring harmony singing by Louie, Gary, and Robyn. Then Gary Shaver was joined in a duet with Robyn Kim to do a country song, “Let’s Leave It Alone,” portraying a couple of reluctant lovers. Gary went on with the last number in the set, a country song written by VOCAL’s founder, Cham Laughlin, with Nancy Walker, telling about the ending of a love affair recognized by “the little things that you don’t do.” A very nice set of well-performed and entertaining songs.
Gerry Laverty came on to do the closing set. Gerry did a set of his trademark, densely poetic, thought-provoking folk songs, with a couple of style variations which provided a nice entertaining contrast. He started with “the details of the catastrophe” and moved into a bluesy song about the effect of insomnia on those “blues in the night.” Gerry followed this by a nice, folky song expressed from the point of view of an old house, with its reminiscences, and accompanied himself with harmonica. He went on with a very poetic song referring to the “blood of the Nazarene,” and then did the big crowd favorite, “Lonesome Blue Eyes,” a song that has been covered by several VOCAL members. Gerry went on with the powerful song of social commentary, “This Lethal World,” then closed with another trademark song about love out of reach at “Zion Crossroads.” As always, a strong set of heartfelt and emotional songs by Gerry Laverty.
Gerry Laverty VOCAL Songwriters Showcase Podcast April 2010
Give a listen to this month’s VOCAL podcast featuring Gerry Laverty:
[display_podcast]
Coming up on April 19, 2010
- The VOCAL Songwriters Showcase O’Toole’s.
- Louis Milhouse & Gary Shaver
- Headliner: Gerry Laverty
- 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
- Click here for directions
See you there!
VOCAL Showcase March 2010
A large audience was treated to a mostly up-tempo, bluesy musical evening at O’Toole’s Restaurant and Pub on March 15, 2010, for VOCAL’s 224th consecutive monthly showcase of original songs.
The opening performance was a nice mix crowd-pleasing songs by James Lester and Tom Mayer, using guitar and harmonica to accompany their singing. Their songs ranged from medium to up-tempo, nothing real slow, in styles showing influences from acoustic blues, country, and standard pop music. James started off with a straight-ahead, up-tempo song saying “I like your love,” and continued with a song telling about being “rode hard and put up wet.” He then did a song dedicated to one of our central-Virginia congressmen, saying “it’s all about the money.” All of these songs were accompanied by Tom Mayer on harmonica. Then Tom took over the singing duty with some songs that were positive but a bit more serious. The first of these was about “heaven in your eyes,” then “you’re the best I’ve ever had,” then a song that promised “think of me, and I’ll be right here.” James Lester came back with a finger-picking guitar song for people who wake up with “an empty wallet and a broken heart” with more harmonica work by Tom Mayer. They closed their set with James doing an up-tempo song wondering “did I stay or did I go.”
The headline performer this evening was our guest from out of town, Pops Walker. Pops reported that his influences ranged all the way from the Allman Brothers to Ravi Shankar, then opened with a guitar instrumental that contained some passages with sitar-like sounds. Pops went on with a down-and-dirty, growling vocal in a song saying “can’t do it alone” and continued with a song about doing the “best I can.” These songs implied a strong back beat that made you really want to stomp on a bass drum pedal. The next song contained a little more sadness but maintained the rhythmic and bluesy, occasional slide-guitar accompaniment. Pops kept up the rhythm as his set went on with songs about down home food, “hoppin’ John”, and a semi-gospel song saying “it don’t matter where you come from, it’s a long way to the promise land.” Pops Walker kept up his audience-engaging chatter and strongly rhythmic music for the rest of his set, leaving everyone in the mood for more at the end.
Larry Cody VOCAL Songwriters Showcase Podcast January 2010
Give a listen to this month’s VOCAL podcast featuring Larry Cody:
[display_podcast]
Coming up on January 18
- The VOCAL Songwriters Showcase O’Toole’s.
- Drew Routh
- Headliner: Larry Cody
- 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
- Click here for directions
See you there!
VOCAL Showcase December 2009
VOCAL’s holiday showcase was number 221 in the longest running continuous showcase in Central Virginia! It was much more than a typical showcase with 10 performers, a standing room only crowd and a festive atmosphere. The festivities were almost brought to a halt by a surprisingly large winter snow storm two days earlier, but with passable roads, the showcase went on without a hitch!
While the music is the reason for having a showcase, the December showcase was much more than a musical exhibition. The night came together because of the generosity of our supporters, the hard work of our performers, the spirit of our audience!
We were all glad to be back at O’Tooles restaurant at 4800 Forest Hill Avenue in Richmond for the second showcase at this great location. It’s a wonderful venue for music, food and to celebrate a festive time of the year.
Part of the evening’s festivities were giveaways for the audience. CD’s were donated by The Taters, Marna Bales, Dave Pollard, Norman Roscher, Cy Taggart, Gerry Laverty and Pops Walker. We cannot thank these folks enough for their generosity, wich added a lot to the evening’s excitement. During short intermissions spread across the evening, drawings were held for the audience members who received boxed sets of the donated CD’s. We also must pass along a huge thanks to Gary Shaver for bringing along the tickets for the drawing and generally helping with the giveaways. Matt Manion was invaluable in his assistance with the giveaways for the VOCAL members in attendance.
The music was the main point of the evening, but there was so much packed into this one evening, it would be impossible to fit it all into one article. Gary Shaver was on hand to play with fellow songwriters such as Bill Wellons and John Ellis as well as performing some of his own work. Rose Ann Robbins did a spoken word performance of one of her poems, adding a unique touch to the evening. Other performing songwriters included Steve Nuckolls, Norman Roscher, Matthew Costello, James Lester and Don Pinkleton with son Robbie.
The Taters wrapped the night up in a great big bow for the holidays, with a thirty minute set that included tried and true, tasty Tater tunes, as well as some cover songs including a grand jam of Feliz Navidad that included most of the performers from the night! It was such a great time. The night just flew by and everyone was in great spirits heading up to Christmas.
Thanks to Larry Cody for producing the evening’s flyers, to Matt Manion for his continued assistance with anything that is needed and to all the fans, listeners, members of the public and anyone within listening distance! We’ll see you in 2010!
Steve Nuckolls and Norman Roscher VOCAL Songwriters Showcase Podcast December 2009
Give a listen to this month’s VOCAL podcast featuring upcoming Showcase Steve Nuckolls and Norman Roscher:
[display_podcast]
Coming up on December 21
- The VOCAL Songwriters Showcase O’Toole’s.
- The Taters
- John Ellis
- Norman Roscher
- Steve Nuckolls
- Matthew Costello
- Don Pinkleton
- James Lester
- Bill Wellons
- Rose Ann Robbins
- Gary Shaver
- 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
- Click here for directions
See you there!
VOCAL Showcase November 2009
Showcase 220 was a new adventure for all of VOCAL as we crossed the mighty James River to bring original songwriting to a favorite Richmond spot, O’Tooles Restaurant & Pub. Jim Uzel, Gerry Laverty and Louie Millhouse christened the new location and kept a full house entertained with a fantastic selection of original material. The showcase was on November 16, 2009.
We couldn’t be more thankful at this time of year than to have a wonderful new room for the showcase. We are now presenting our original songwriters in a wonderful room at O’Tooles Restaurant & Pub. With a tasty menu, a friendly staff, and a large, open room for the performance, VOCAL couldn’t ask for more from a host. Join us next month at 4800 Forest Hill Avenue in Richmond for another musical, and culinary adventure!
Jim Uzel took the first performance spot and gave the enthusiastic crowd a nice sampling of his extensive songwriting catalog. Jim has self produced a lot of material over the years as well as participating in songwriting with friends such as Gary Shaver and even produced a boxed-set a few years ago that has original art work on the cover. Jim’s set list included ‘The Drifter’, ‘Deep in the Night’, ‘My Summer Dream’ and ‘Spirits in the Rain’. The subject matter for his songs often touches on the spiritual and the emotional as with this set. His nice, inspired guitar work is paced and carefully crafted to match the mood of the song. Thanks to Jim for a great start to the evening.
Next on the bill was Gerry Laverty. Without a doubt, Gerry has shown over the years that poetry and songwriting often go hand-in-hand, and along the way he has earned fans among his peers. In the November Showcase, Gerry had a set list that included many of the favorites from his years of songwriting. He kicked off the set with ‘Bad Seed’, then followed up with a classic ‘Jerusalem’, which searches for peace in the ancient city. Gerry then showed his ability to cross genre with his wonderfully bluesy guitar work in ‘Blues in the Nite’. The bending of the guitar string in the ‘Blues in the Nite’ riff is so sweet, it keeps your ear longing for more. Gerry kept the mood mellow, but focused on the longing that comes when you’re separated from someone you miss so much, in the song ‘Lonesome Blue Eyes’. This song is a favorite of many fellow songwriters and is a wonderful blend of melody, lyrical fluidity and inspired poetry. The set closed with ‘I’ve Been Worried so Long’ and another classic Laverty composition about a mysterious woman ‘Zion Crossroads’.
The featured performer for the evening was Louie Millhouse. Louie brought in a great line-up of guest performers including Gary Shaver, who played piano for most of the set, and Louie’s daughter Nancy, who represented the rhythm section on bass guitar. The set list included compositions from both Louie and Gary Shaver and the musical styles included jazz, ballads, pop and rock. The first song, ‘Marauder’ has a very latin or Spanish feel to the guitar rhythm and is a wonderful addition to the many styles we hear on the showcase. ‘The Stone’ is a Gary Shaver composition and a fantastic representation of Gary’s songwriting abilities. The night was full of surprises including the song ‘And I Always Will’ where Louie performed a duet with guest singer Robyn Kim. Robyn’s smooth, light voice was a nice counterpoint to Louie’s male lead. After the duet, Louie brought out his flugelhorn for another Gary Shaver composition ‘Tutti’ which is a nicely done jazz instrumental.
Louie then turned the mood to a cool, jazzy, funky thing with ‘Lonely Waters’ featuring daughter Nancy on a funky bass line, Louie on some nice jazzy electric guitar chords, and Gary Shaver on flute. Louie’s vocals were smooth, low and smokey as the band rolled through the song. From the jazzy to the near impossible, Louie took the crowd on a humorous, outlandish ride, with more syllables than you could believe would fit in one song titled ‘Doctor McBoogie’. The good doc is a proctologist by day and a hot trombone player by night, whose best cure is packaged in a musical note! You have to hear it to truly appreciate it. The mood was taken back to an easy, mellow tone on ‘Now That We’ve Said Our Goodbyes’, by Gary Shaver. ‘We’d Better Leave it Alone’ is a country-pop sounding song, starting with an a-cappella including Robyn Kim, the song also featured Gary on lead vocal. Louie then gave us another glimpse of his sense of humor and revealed who has a nice looking mom, with ‘Kara’s Mom is Hot’. This unique dedication, based loosely on a true story from a family trip, has a calypso or island rhythm and won’t let you go without singing along or at least tapping a toe. Then Louie let us go with the beautiful imagery of Key West with his song ‘Marathon’.
The evening was a great success thanks to so many volunteers and performers. Special thanks to Jim Uzel for sound services and once again to Dave Pollard for his assistance in setting up the showcase at our new location. Larry Cody produces the table tent cards for the showcase and Matthew Costello handles web services for VOCAL. Extra special thanks to Bud Brinkley, photographer for being on the scene to provide photography services. See you next month!
100 Years Of Johnny Mercer, Pop Poet Laureate
Johnny Mercer
If anyone can’t quite place him, you’ll know him by his lyrics of the 30’s & 40’s . His career was revived in the 1960’s when Henry Mancini asked him to write the lyrics to “Moon RIver”.
His catalog is pretty incredible. “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive”, “On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe”, “One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)”, “Fools Rush In” and “That Old Black Magic” and many, many others.
I remember many of these songs because they were in my parents record collection, but they were also standards performed in many of the TV variety shows I saw growing up.They are still great standards that you’ll hear in many a club.
This is a nod to the days when a lyricist worked with many composers and performers to craft a myriad of hits.
There’s a great NPR story here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120541054
More at Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Mercer
First Showcase at O’Toole’s was Great!
Congratulations to everybody who played Monday, November 16th for our first Showcase at O’Toole’s. The crowd was around 45 strong, our headliner Louis Millhouse having brought out a big group of supporters. John Ellis will be following up with a Showcase review so I won’t get into all the specifics. I just wanted to say O’Toole’s is a great spot for us and the first Showcase was outstanding. There menu has a wide variety of meals,and is reasonably priced, the room is large and wide. There’s plenty of on street and parking lots either behind O’Toole’s or across the street in the bank parking lot. If you haven’t been to a Showcase in a while, this is a great spot to come see VOCAL’s songwriter’s serving up original music Virginia style. Matthew Costello VOCAL President
