Photo Focus Plus:: Taylor Hicks Covers His Idol

By Louise Uznanski for Ontapblog.  

©2013 Ontapblog All Rights Reserved

Before Bally’s, and before his current residency at Paris Las Vegas, Taylor Hicks toured the country for long stretches of time in a Prevost bus.  One of those May 2011 road shows stands out for me.  Taylor covered a song by Irish singer-songwriter and musician Van Morrison, and at the end of the performance had a story to tell.  He recalled a scheduled appearance on Live with Regis and Kelly, and why his performance was canceled.  Watch to the end of the video below to hear Taylor share the story of being ‘bumped’ for his idol, Van Morrison.

As a fan who was fortunate enough to have tickets for Regis and Kelly that day, I will long remember the look on Taylor’s face as he watched his ultimate idol sing “Brown Eyed Girl”.  Taylor’s performance of “What’s Right Is Right” was then taped; Van Morrison and band watched from the wings.  How lucky was I to see both of these events, a television show and concert connected by Taylor Hicks’ passion for the blues and the music of Van Morrison?  The Glens Falls, New York show took place two years ago this month.  Taylor performed the following acoustic rendition of Van Morrison’s “Rough God Goes Riding”.  It remains a favorite.

PHOTO FOCUS:: JOSH SMITH ON TOUR

                         Josh Smith at Life is Good Festival, September 25, 2011.   Photo by Richard Uznanski   ©2013 OnTapBlog all rights reserved

Singer-songwriter and blues guitarist Josh Smith takes to the road this month for his first Florida tour in nearly five years.  Josh will play in support of the newly released Don’t Give Up on Me, an album of eleven original songs steeped in the blues, featuring Josh’s smoky vocals and steamy guitar play. The album is backed by uniformly strong reviews.  One of our favorite write-ups from Gearphoria summarizes Smith’s work succinctly, “Mojo rising”.

His 2012 European tour was equally well received, citing Josh’s “dynamic, emotional guitar”.  Said one reviewer, “If this man was a parish priest – his church would definitely be full every Sunday.  An amazingly confident performance!”

Song samples and mp3 downloads are available at both Amazon and iTunes.

Upcoming tour dates:

May 24 – Funky Biscuit, Boca Raton w/Horn Section
May 25 – Burgee Bar @Ocean reef club, Key Largo
May 26 – Earl’s Hideaway, Sebastian
May 28 – Boston’s On The Beach, Delray
May 30 – Big Easy, Hollywood Duo Show Rhinocat Jam with Rick Cafaro
May 31 – Bamboo Room, Lakeworth w/ Jp Soars
June 1 – Guanabanas, Jupiter
June 2 – Bamboo Room, Lakeworth Dar’s Sunday blues anniversary
June 5 – The Van Dyke, Miami Beach
June 6 – Big Easy, Hollywood Duo show Rhinocat Jam with Rick Cafaro
June 7 – Southshores Tavern, Lake Worth
June 8 – Bayside Grille, Key Largo
June 9 – Fishtales, Ft. Lauderdale
June 10 – Hollywood Songwriter gathering….solo acoustic

Filmmaker and MTV Star Andrew Jenks Puts His World into Words

What he is:  Andrew Jenks is a filmmaker, a thinker, a dreamer with his feet firmly planted on the ground.  He is young, driven, good looking and well-spoken.  At twenty-seven, he has written, directed and starred on television and in film.  His new book, Andrew Jenks: My Adventures as a Young Filmmaker, chronicles these experiences in words and photographs.

What he is not:  Andrew Jenks is not a snappy dresser, a red carpet regular, or a fan of the Kardashians.  He is neither pretentious nor loud.  His signature is a scribble and he never wins at Bingo.

Most often Andrew wields a camera rather than a pen.  His work is reminiscent of author George Plimpton, yet there are important differences.

Mr. Plimpton was a writer and an editor who believed strongly in the value of “participatory journalism”.  During the 1960s he was known for his immersion in professional sports, adventures that were later captured in print and presented with considerable charm and wit.

Plimpton was an amateur athlete drawn to the aura of professional sports.  In 1963 he pretended to be a college quarterback and a candidate for the NFL.  Only the coaching staff was aware of the ruse when he arrived at the Detroit Lions’ training camp, but the truth became clear when play began.  Plimpton played quarterback for the annual intra-squad scrimmage and took  the first several snaps from center, losing yardage on every play.  The story of his experience became first the book, and then the hit 1968 movie Paper Lion starring Alan Alda.  His bestseller was among the first to go behind the scenes to reveal player personalities and off-the-field drama.

Andrew Jenks also believes in the power of participatory journalism, but his interest lies not with the elite athlete, the rich or the famous.  Mr. Jenks is interested in what he can learn from people whose “lives and stories wouldn’t otherwise get mainstream attention.”  His participation is not a secret; he lives side by side with the stars of his documentaries to better understand their issues and opportunities.

When he was nineteen and a college freshman, Andrew realized that he and his grandfather faced similar challenges, but on opposite ends of the life spectrum.  His grandfather suffered from dementia and lived in a nursing home.  The 300 other nursing home residents were strangers to him.  Andrew was a poor fit for the college dormitory where he also lived with 300 strangers.  To understand and document the kinds of challenges facing his grandfather, Jenks decided to spend his freshman summer as a nursing home resident.  With cameras purchased on eBay, borrowed audio equipment and good intentions, Andrew drove to Port St. Lucie, Florida where he checked into room 335 of the Harbor Place assisted living facility.  He and two friends spent five weeks getting to know Tammy, age 96, Libby, age 84, and Bill, age 80.  The experience went smoothly once the students learned the importance of being on time for dinner at 4:00 pm, and of playing a competitive game of Bingo.  In the end, 240 hours of film became an award winning 90 minute HBO documentary that makes clear the importance of friendship, compassion and trust both early and near the end of life.

The success of Andrew Jenks, Room 335 was followed by another documentary project.  Jenks spent seven months in Japan with baseball manager Bobby Valentine who became the “most famous guy in Japan” after winning the Asian version of the World Series.  The budget for this ESPN project was $1 million, “about $1 million more than I had for my first movie,” says the filmmaker.  When The Zen of Bobby V was also well received, Andrew’s phone and email erupted.  It was MTV, interested in working with the young talent.

Now in its second season, the MTV show “World of Jenks” follows three young people.  Chad is a young man with autism planning life after high school graduation; D-Real has lost his brother and best friend to violence and releases the stress through dance.  Kaylin is a young fashion designer with two types of cancer who lives with the constant fear that one or both tumors will recur.  Andrew lives life with all three in front of the camera.  It’s important, he says, that they see that he is willing to be vulnerable, too, to share his emotions, his successes and mistakes.

Jenks describes his television program as a “docuseries” rather than a reality show.  The stars are people whose interest and emphasis lies not on their fifteen minutes of television fame, but on the  challenges that life presents and on the friendships that develop during filming.  Andrew carries those friendships forward; he maintains contact with many, including a young homeless woman in San Francisco with whom he spent several days pounding the sidewalks, sleeping in parks or in laundromats at night.

At the end of their ten days together, Andrew was conflicted.  How could he leave Danielle as he had found her, poor and homeless?  Ultimately he offered the young woman a gift consistent with the empathy and understanding that Jenks has for the people whose lives he shares.  He gave her a cellphone and promised to call.  To a woman who had never known love, he offered friendship and an open line of communication.

His new book follows Andrew Jenks from home movies to the big screen with stories that are sometimes touching and often amusing, and with photographs from youth to adulthood.  It’s a story of success through perseverance, hard work and caring.  Published by Scholastic, the book is available everywhere.

To win a signed copy of Andrew Jenks: My Adventures as a Young Filmmaker, leave a comment below by end of day Tuesday, April 2.  We’ll select one reader at random as our prize winner.  That winner will be posted here and notified by email on Wednesday, April 3.  

Congratulations to Priscilla King, our book winner!!  Thanks to all for reading and commenting.

I’m Going to Hell; Paul Thorn Told Me So

by Holley Dey

He held up a tin lunchbox, the kind that Opie of Mayberry would have carried to school, and proudly pointed to a design in the top left hand corner.  ”That’s me in a kiddie pool with Jesus,” he said, “and I’m surrounded by a group of beautiful ladies in heaven.” “See the blonde?  That’s my wife and she’s encouraging me to be with all these other ladies, too.  That’s my idea of heaven.”

“Now see this group of people here,” and he pointed to a cartoon at the bottom left hand corner of the box, “they’re in hell.” “They didn’t buy any Paul Thorn products.  You don’t want to go to hell, do you?”

Hell no, but I’m afraid that an early exit past an unstaffed merchandise table may have sealed my fate.  The flames, they’re licking at my heels.

Last week’s Paul Thorn show in Fairfield was my first introduction to the southern rocker.  Paul has a fit, almost chiseled appearance, and his facial expression can run stern, as you might expect from a man who went six rounds in the ring with Roberto Duran.  When the former boxer took the stage, he was all business, moving directly into a compact set of rock songs, each prefaced by a brief story that was delivered in a voice tinged with Mississippi mud and with a wry sense of humor.

It’s the stories, both spoken and sung, that I’ll remember.  There is surprising insight and delightful irony in Thorn’s songwriting.  He writes about his own life, and about situations common to many lives behind closed doors.  Ever had Thanksgiving dinner with the extended family?  You may appreciate the song “I Don’t Like Half the Folks I Love”.  Been married awhile? “I Guess I’ll Just Stay Married” is a man’s lament.  Comparing his own situation to that of the family bulldog, the husband explains, “…he’s on a short leash just like me; he goes through life with hungry eyes, watching bitches go by.”

The songs are melodic; the lyrics clever, and the delivery deadpan.  Thorn has a solid voice, deep and strong within his range, full of grit and character.  His backing band – Bill Hinds on guitar, Michael Graham on keys, Ralph Friedrichsen on bass, and drummer Jeffrey Perkins – provides easy, well practiced support.  The fact that the band members are individually featured on the bandleader’s official website tells me something important about Paul Thorn.

Thorn’s 2010 album Pimps and Preachers topped the Americana charts for three weeks, breaking into the Billboard top 100.  The title track is autobiographical; Paul’s father is a Pentecostal minister.  For a time, his uncle was a pimp.  Thorn credits both men for teaching him that “You can stand there and do nothing, but if you want to go far, don’t try to please everybody and be proud of who you are.”  Can I get an amen?

His 2012 effort, What the Hell is Goin’ On, is an album of reinterpreted cover songs.  The title track was written by rock/blues master Elvin Bishop.  Thorn and band rock out on a song that decries a crazy world where reports of violence have become commonplace, where airplanes fly into buildings, where people are connected, yet strangely disconnected.  Listen to the track below, then grab a FREE download courtesy of Paul Thorn via his website here.

The Fairfield audience laughed and smiled throughout the set.  I saw head bobbin’ goin’ on.  Thorn had fun, too.  When The Beehive Queen, Christine Ohlman, joined him on stage for a performance of “Jukin’”, the joy was clear on both performers’ faces and smiles rained continuously.  A solid show enjoyed on both sides of the stage in an intimate venue, it’s hard to ask for more.  Well, maybe just one more thing – I mean I did download a song.  Hell, shouldn’t that keep the devil at bay?

Paul Thorn and Christine Ohlman

Paul Thorn, Christine Ohlman and Ralph Friedrichsen

Paul Thorn band at work

Shemekia Copeland: The Queen Holds Court at Infinity Hall

by Holley Dey

When Shemekia Copeland opened her mouth to sing, her lips spread circle wide. I expected her to draw from the depths of her lungs, for the music to wail full volume, but no.  What emerged was a smooth, tempered vocal delivered with a relaxed confidence and a genuine smile.

She opened with a cover of Buddy and Julie Miller’s “Dirty Water”, the story of a failed relationship.  Shemekia claims expert knowledge of the subject; she’s had “about 872″ go sour.  ”We’re gonna be here awhile,” she winked.  It was the right start to the night, a sultry number that highlighted her comfortable, bluesy tone, her simple yet expressive phrasing.

She followed with “Lemon Pie” from new album 33 1/3, the 2012 release that earned a Grammy nomination and sent Shemekia scrambling for a dress.  She found one, a snappy blue satin number from David’s Bridals that fit like a glove and set its owner back a mere $99.  A stunner, the dress and Shemekia’s curves were featured in Italian Vogue magazine.  Deadpanned the singer, “This cheap ass dress got into Vogue!”

Her personality seemed almost as big as her voice.  She laughed, joked with a receptive Infinity Hall crowd.  She claimed to be the only member of her family who cannot dance, but then moved her hips in a rhythm that suggested otherwise.  She chatted with the audience, encouraged a call and response, then strode into the midst, liberally dispensing hugs along the way, leaving smiles in her wake.  Her touch on my shoulder was gentle and certain.  I believe I have been knighted by the Queen.

These are remarkable times for Shemekia Copeland.  She received her tiara at the 2011 Chicago Blues Festival where 10,000 applauded the new Queen of the Blues.  She is featured on the new Slide Brothers album, co-produced by Robert Randolph.  She performed with Gary Clark, Jr. for the President and First Lady at the White House.  The critically acclaimed, Grammy nominated 33 1/3 spent more than four months atop the Roots music chart.

Co-written by manager John Hahn and guitarist/producer Oliver Wood, “Lemon Pie” is the opening track of the new album.  (listen below)  The song offers social commentary with a steady beat, pleasant melody and generic lyrics that set heads nodding and toes tapping.  It’s a reflection of our economic times.  The poor can’t afford a ticket to ride, yet they watch the politician wave from the “gravy train”.  Despite the catchy tune and straightforward delivery, the song left little room for Shemekia to stretch her vocals.  Her talent and dynamic range were better showcased in several tunes that followed, including the dark and dirty “Never Going Back to Memphis” where her voice was allowed to rise and fall with the emotion of the verse, and where brief vocal runs were both subtle and supple.

The set drew from her recent work, including “Mississippi Mud”, “Ain’t Gonna Be Your Tattoo”, and “Somebody Else’s Jesus” from 33 1/3, but also paid tribute to her gospel roots and musical heritage.  The daughter of blues guitarist Johnny Copeland grew up in Harlem when all the music was either “rap or Whitney Houston”, she says.  She drew a line early, declaring her allegiance to Koko Taylor styled blues in only the second grade, insisting “I’m a woman. I can make love to a crocodile.”

I don’t doubt it.  At a little more than 33 1/3 years of age, Shemekia Copeland has already stamped her name and evolving style on American blues, and on a Sunday night in Norfolk she proved the blues make people happy, often hundreds at a time.

Shemekia Copeland with bass player Kevin Jenkins

Guitarist Arthur Neilson (left) with rhythm guitarist Willie Scandlyn

Listen to “Lemon Pie” from Grammy nominated album 33 1/3:

Pocket Full of Soul Draws Enthusiastic Crowd to New Haven Premiere

by Holley Dey and Louise Uznanski. Photos and video by Richard Uznanski and Louise Uznanski for OnTapBlog.

© 2013 OnTapBlog All Rights Reserved.

Last Thursday we went downtown to get the low-down.  The movie was screened one night only at select theaters across the country, and thanks to the support of many in New Haven, we were there to enjoy the premiere of Pocket Full of Soul: The Harmonica Documentary.

The movie had been billed as a concert and a history lesson rolled into one.  It’s true!  From beginning to end, Pocket Full of Soul was both entertaining and educational.  There was music.  There was humor.  There were people, musicians who coaxed a symphony of sound, an encyclopedia of emotion from the humble harmonica.  From legendary blues harp players like Little Walter, James Cotton and Magic Dick, to newcomers Jason Ricci and hip hop artist Bad News Brown, we were offered a broad perspective on the harmonica (r)evolution.

We learned from an earnest John Popper that a precursor to the harmonica was made in China long before the modern day instrument was mass produced in Germany.  We learned about harmonica construction and performance technique, visited with Matthias Hohner’s grandson in the factory town of Trossingen.  We learned about reeds and plates, to blow and draw, breathe the music.

Through new performance clips and archival footage, we saw the harmonica played across music genres by players whose unique tone and delivery brought new dimensions to the sound. We learned that Little Walter played only a few notes, but that each of those notes was remarkably full and satisfying. We heard from Howard Levy and Jason Ricci, modern day players with an individual, recognizable technique. So many former and current master players were represented first through interview and then in live performance, each with the passion in their eyes and beads of sweat on their brows.

We learned about respect. A deadpan Jerry Portnoy drew spontaneous laughter when he opened the film by describing the typical reaction encountered when people realize he plays harmonica for a living.  Silence.  After all, “you’re not a real musician.” We watched as a timeline was described, from the early 20th century when harmonica players were excluded from the musicians’ union, to the accidental, chart topping success of B side track “Peg O’ My Heart” by Jerry Murad and the Harmonicats, to the use of harmonica across a spectrum of music styles.  Riding a continuous sine wave of popularity, the harmonica is due for a resurgence!

Well known names and faces populate the film.  Johnny Cash plays a compelling “Orange Blossom Special” in black and white archival footage.  Charlie Musselwhite’s appearance drew cheers from the New Haven audience; Charlie emphasizes the expression of emotion through the harmonica during his interview.  American Idol winner Taylor Hicks describes the harmonica as a “little sword”, with a sound that cuts from the living room to the kitchen, then proceeds to demonstrate just what he means.  Not all the famous names belong to musicians.  Astronaut Wally Schirra carried a harmonica on his Gemini mission into space.  Abraham Lincoln was a presidential player.

There are so many names, faces and details, so much pulse raising music shared in rapid succession that eighty-two minutes pass quickly, and at least a second viewing would be needed to fully appreciate all that Pocket Full of Soul has to offer.  Here’s hoping that the film will soon enjoy a wider, and worldwide distribution, starting right here!

Organizers Louise Uznanski and Holley Dey distribute harmonicas for the after show lesson.

Screenshot of John Popper of Blues Traveler

Screenshot of Taylor Hicks

Harmonica teacher Mark Zaretsky of The Cobalt Rhythm Kings

Scene from the harmonica lesson.

After the New Haven screening, the audience graciously agreed to participate in a poll.  From four simple questions, we learned the following about the audience and their take on Pocket Full of Soul.  While the majority who attended were blues lovers, or as one respondent wrote “blooze” lovers, a significant number of the audience preferred rock as a music genre.  Smaller, but important numbers of attendees were fans of country music or jazz, and a single audience member held out hope for a jug band!

On Thursday evening, 73% were not harmonica players, although one audience member shared with a smile, “not now…”  A full 92% of those polled were ready to pick up a harmonica and play after watching Pocket Full of Soul.  Of those who resisted the urge, one said modestly, “I have no rhythm.”  When asked whether Pocket Full of Soul: The Harmonica Documentary would appeal to a general audience of movie goers, the crowd shouted “Yes!”, and 94% replied in the affirmative on written response cards.

A beginner’s harmonica lesson and jam followed, and were led by musician Mark Zaretsky.  Mark has been the lead vocalist and harmonica player for The Cobalt Rhythm Kings for the past sixteen years.  One of Connecticut’s leading blues bands, The Cobalt Rhythm Kings were winners of the 2010 New Haven Advocate Grand Band Slam for “Best Blues Band”.

Mark is also an experienced harmonica teacher, although the students in his classes generally number fewer than one hundred!  Nonetheless, the professor managed the class well, instructing the audience first how to hold the harmonica, then how to play chords and single notes.  More ambitious students were challenged to “bend” notes, while novices like ourselves happily, if randomly, made sweet music by breathing through brightly colored Hohner harmonicas in the key of C.

Several well known local area musicians were in attendance.  Among those spotted were Peter Rost of River City Slim, The Zydeco Hogs and The Mighty Soul Drivers, jazz harp player Chris DePino, Ryan Hartt of Ryan Hartt and the Blue Hearts, musician Edward “Thirsty” Hurston, Andy Weinstein of The Rising Tide Band, and Matt Rhone of Grit Rhythm Zero.  A few musicians and students joined Mark for a brief harmonica jam at the front of the theater as the evening ended.

We all left with a heart full of music and a pocket full of soul!

Mark Warms Up the Group

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Mark Warms Up the Audience

The Group Performs

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Group Performance

Mark Zaretsky Group Jam

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Group Jam after the lesson

Scenes from a harmonica lesson.

Scenes from a harmonica lesson.

Scenes from a harmonica lesson.

Scenes from a harmonica lesson.

Scenes from a harmonica lesson.

Scenes from a harmonica lesson.

Pocket Full of Soul: The Harmonica Documentary Comes to Cities Nationwide on February 28

by Holley Dey and Louise Uznanski

With Huey Lewis as narrator, Pocket Full of Soul travels the world to explore the history, versatility and cultural impact of the harmonica. Through interviews, stories and stirring performances by master players including James Cotton, Charlie Musselwhite, John Popper, Magic Dick, Lee Oskar, Delbert McClinton, Kim Wilson, Jason Ricci, Taylor Hicks and many, many more, this independent documentary illustrates the powerful and soulful connection between the musician and instrument.

This is no sleepy, academic film. This is a story about passion and intensity, and the music that players breathe through the harp. Through quick cut performance clips and dialogue, the movie explores the bond between player and instrument, and the use of harmonica across music genres. “We’re trying to represent the universe that this instrument inhabits”, says director Marc Lempert. There are interviews with the pros, but conversations with common folk as well, including the adventurer who carries his harmonica with him deep into the wilderness. Humorous and eccentric details are injected throughout the film. Did you know that Chantal tea kettles replace the whistle with a harmonica?

Pocket Full of Soul comes to select theaters nationwide on Thursday, February 28, 2013 for a one night screening. Tickets must be reserved in advance online via Tugg, an innovative web based platform that invites consumers to bring the movies of their choice to local theaters. Consumers request a specific film and theater, then spread word of the event throughout the community. If a sufficient number of people commit to attending and reserve tickets, then the event proceeds. Credit cards are only charged if the ticket threshold is reached and the movie is a “go”.

Pocket Full of Soul will be offered in cities across the United States; several events are already planned, with more to be added in the coming week. To check local availability and to reserve tickets, click on the link. Several of the scheduled events will offer special features. At the New Haven, Connecticut screening for example, blues harp player Mark Zaretsky of The Cobalt Rhythm Kings will offer a harmonica lesson and jam with movie goers following the film. Harmonicas will be available at the theater.

Anyone can play a harmonica, they say. Film director Marc Lempert insists, “If you can breathe, you can play.” It is the simple mechanics of breathing in and breathing out that make the instrument work, but make no mistake, when the masters play the harmonica, it will take your breath away.

©2013 OnTapBlog all rights reserved

In with Flynn: The singer-songwriter connection

by Holley Dey

A young woman with plaited hair stood by my left shoulder and I turned to ask her a question. No answer. Her eyes were fixed on the festival stage and the singers who had gathered at the center mic. Honestly, their harmonies sounded tentative and unpracticed to me. It didn’t seem to matter, though, to the woman by my side or to hundreds of others who stood with us on the grass in Burlington, Vermont. The crowd was focused and fully invested in the performance. Alternatively, they were stoned……but no, I choose to believe that they were connected to the music. Let’s move on.

In the months that have followed, I’ve given some thought to the intimate connection that sometimes develops between audience and performer in a live music setting. It seems to transcend the music, the notes and the melody. I think it may have more to do with finding a common ground with the artist, identifying with an emotion or experience that is reflected in the music. I watched the crowd in Vermont quietly mouth the words as the band delivered the encore in an often shaky three part harmony. It just goes to show that connection doesn’t need a perfect performance; in fact, I think it is the small imperfections that encourage a sense of shared humanity. Lyrics lapse, drumstick drop or missed note – it needn’t matter. Connection doesn’t need an award winning melody either, but it helps if the music comes with feeling.

Last year I traveled to Boston for a New Year’s eve performance at Club Passim where the size and casual setting of the venue were conducive to a warm interaction. The opener that evening was a singer-songwriter who is known by a single name – Flynn. Flynn is a rock star who discovered early that the trappings of fame and a major label record deal were not a good fit for his style and personality. Originally from Ireland, he arrived in the United States with guitar in hand, ready to conquer the American music scene. He co-founded the band “Cliffs of Dooneen”, a Boston based band that arrived on the national stage with a smash debut album, The Dog Went East and God Went West (BMG/Critique 1991) and a Billboard top ten single, “Through an Open Window” (video). Cliffs of Dooneen was a constant on MTV, and on tour shared the stage with bands such as Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins. Still, the band members drifted apart and an unfortunate accident and lengthy recovery set Flynn on a different path.

Today, Flynn enjoys a diverse career. He is a solo recording artist, an engineer, a producer and composer. His original song “Human” was recorded and used over the end credits of the Farrelly brothers film “Stuck on You”, as performed by Cher and Flynn (video). His music is heard in a variety of films, on television and on Broadway (Super-Man Live!). From his recording studio, he has engineered and produced a number of projects, including Ellis Paul’s recent holiday and award winning family albums. His most recent solo album, Flynn LIVE, is a compilation of performances from venues across the United States, and includes acoustic renditions of some his best known songs.

At Club Passim, Flynn was just as charming as his live album suggests that he would be. His songs were open and honest stories of life and love in America, imbued with a subtle emotion and wry humor that I found immediately relatable. And then there was his guitar play, both energetic and dynamic, that commanded attention and an immediate, involuntary smile. In that room and on that night, there was a welcome sense of community throughout a lively acoustic set that ended too soon. I connected, and hope that you will, too.

Before you watch a video from that holiday evening, I’d like to say a few brief words. I was not stoned or otherwise impaired during the filming of this song. It was a then new camera and it took most of the night for me to adjust to the camera’s weight. Oh, believe what you like. My hand steadies a bit as the song begins. Struggle through the first minute or two, though. The story is important to the song and your connection. In the comments, tell me – what prompts you to connect with the artist in a live music setting?

club passim first night 135

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©2013 OnTapBlog all rights reserved

Gavin DeGraw, Phillip Phillips and More Stage Online Shows to Benefit Hurricane Sandy Victims

by Holley Dey

Blue Sky Riders on Tour: Play That Funky Dulcimer, Georgia

by Holley Dey, Louise Uznanski, Richard Uznanski

The house was packed and primed for Blue Sky Riders on Sunday evening. Four rows from the stage sat a woman who had traveled all the way from Cincinnati to small town, Connecticut for the show. Stage left sat a smiling pair who had caught an acoustic performance at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe and liked what they heard. Two rows from center stage, a man with a jacket had come to the show with razor sharp intent. He knew what he wanted, and he was hell bent on getting it.