Showcases
VOCAL Showcase November 2012
A very talented trio took the stage at the November 2012 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase and played to a large, attentive audience. Eddy Kitchen, Mark Daniel, and Bruce Brockwell brought us the ITR (in-the round) format of swapping songs. The trio co-writes and performs often, which brings a synergy to the group when they are together.
Mark kicked off the show with a troubadour-ish “My Home is Where I Lay My Hat” (like a rolling stone on a railroad track, don’t spend much time looking back). Bruce then delivered “I’m not Sure I Can Find My Way Back” with Mark strumming the mandolin. Eddy then broke out with “We Can Make Out When There’s Nothing Else to Talk About” with Mark playing lead guitar (you can unload everything on me – it’s about time to lay a little loving on me…). Back around to Mark who brought us “If You Were Free”, a West-Texas-feeling song with Bruce playing lead guitar. Bruce then sang “But You Did” with Mark on lead guitar (I took it for granted – you will learn to love again while I’m here picking up the pieces). Eddy then crooned Coronado (how nice it is to wake up in the morning with that special someone next to you, sun peeking in, etc – how lucky I am!). There was some fine musical accompaniment on that number with Gary Shaver on sax, Mark on mandolin, and Bruce on lead guitar.
Mark then brought us a moving, uplifting tune in memory of his Uncle Emmitt, which came to him in a dream (gotta write those down right away as soon as you wake up!) Mark & Bruce swapped lead guitar licks on this cool tune. Bruce sang “Let the Dreams Begin” (I was once King of the world, but now every night I lay down and pretend, bless my soul to keep). Eddy then delivered a touching “Your Smile Makes My Smile Never Want to Go Away” (where’s my frown – I don’t need it anymore – you turned it upside down). Mark played some fine lead guitar on that number, as well. Mark then sang “How Far is the Moon”. Bruce then brought us “Careful What You Wish For, Careful What You Dream” with Mark again strumming mandolin. Eddy then covered one of Mark’s songs “What a Beautiful Day” – a really cool song about ignoring a cold, rainy day and focusing on what is at hand (or in this case, in your arms – we made love on a rainy day as the rain washed the dust away).
Mark then brought “Dream in Blue” with Bruce playing some fine lead guitar licks (I dream in blue when I think of you…) Bruce then sang “Twelve Days” (Mark on lead guitar – written in-between marriages – I’ve got twelve days in San Francisco, and I’m getting on my way, but I’m stuck here the desert tonight – my heart’s in Santa Fe). Eddy then sang another heartfelt “Every Day with You is a Good Day to be Thankful” (I just pray things keep coming my way). Mark delivered “Under the Spell of the Living Stranger” with Bruce on lead guitar (I can hardly find the strength to tell you “no” – I can hardly concentrate – I lose all sense of space). Eddy’s next song went out to the late Troy Broome, who played keyboard with their group. “There Lies the Dress” tell it like it is – love gone wrong, here’s all the evidence to prove it, including this sad, broken man wondering how a good love can die. “Pickles and Biscuit Sandwich” was a quite interesting tune spun by Mark (everything’s gone except the shadow on the wall – I changed the lock – your key don’t work no more).
Eddy then rounded out the night with two of his biggest hits “My Wife Thinks I’m an SOB” and “This Beer’s on Me”, with both Mark & Bruce on lead guitar. These are a couple of raucous numbers that only Eddy can do so well.
What a treat it was to have these Three Amigos share their tunes with us!
Steve Bassett VOCAL Songwriters Showcase Podcast November 2010
Give a listen to this month’s VOCAL podcast featuring Steve Bassett
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Coming up on November 15, 2010
- The VOCAL Songwriters Showcase at O’Toole’s.
- Steve Effinger
- Darryl Ellyson
- Headliner: Special Appearance by Steve Bassett
- 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
- Click here for directions
See you there!
VOCAL Showcase June 2010
The 227th Vocal Showcase at O’Tooles Restaurant on June 21st saw another full house, listening to the fine talents of three of Vocal’s premiere songwriters.
First off was the always entertaining Bill Wellons, with his Randy Newmanish piano tunes both topical and humorous. Bill started off his set with “Champions of the World”, in this reviewers opinion a masterpiece of exotic keyboard settings and melody and timing changes that kept you wanting more. His “Just for the Fun of It” was a playful instrumental one could imagine playing behind a silent movie. “Oh Hurricane”, was a touching tale about the woes of New Orleans following Katrina, with lyrics both biting and tender. “426” was titled such because “that’s when I wrote the song, and couldn’t think of anything else to call it”, was another instrumental portrait for whatever thought the listener might have while appreciating this heart felt melody. Next, “Doggone Blues” was a morous look at dog ownership to which many in the audience could relate. Lastly, Bill played a new tune called “Man That’s Good Eatin”, which was about as close to Rap that I’ve ever heard Bill come, set to a bouncy country/ polka beat, and sung the celebration of food. It was a tasty and solid set of tunes.
Second up, Steve Nuckolls, treated the audience to a set of his sensitive ballads. Steve has more tenderness in his guitar pick than I have in my whole body! His ballads span the topic map, from leaving the hectic life in “Making My Get-a-way” to his heartstrings tugging love song, “Something About Your Love”. Then he sings about his mountain roots in “Back Home in the Backroads” where he hits some high notes that I was sure was due to a tugging pixie in his tighty-whities, Whew! His next tunes, “Alleyman” and ” When the Flags Half-Mast” spoke of homelessness, and death with melodies that carried the message straight to your heart. “Much Obliged” was about the stories of a hitch-hiker during one of his rides, and the closer, ” Simunye” summed up emotions from a trip to Africa. Steve as always, kept us in touch with our hearts.
The headliner, was Triad, which is comprised of Dave Pollard, and Dale and Vickie Payne. Dave and Dale played acoustic guitars, while Vickie kept the percussive beat. Their sound, which I could best describe as “country folk pop” was uplifting and tight. The harmonies brought many of the tunes to a professional peak that never let you down. The first number, “Leaving Town” was an instrumental with some punchy guitar licks provided by Dale. “Goodbye”, was a heartfelt tune about an ended love affair, and showcased the background vocal harmonies these three have mastered. “Anne Marie”, a tune written and sung by Dale, was a country-folk ballad also about failed love, and was sung with passion and flair. “Downtown Side of the Street”, a Dave Pollard song that reminded me of Dan Fogelberg, was an uplifting number that just made you want to smile. “Reach Out Your Hand” was written by Dave to his sister, who was having difficulties at the time. I’m sure this tune helped bring her out of her funk just for the sheer positive vibe of the message and melody. “Devil’s Den” was a Dale song that sounded like a bit of Steve Earle influence was evident. Sung by Vickie, it was a touching number about the woman left behind by her military husband who was eventually lost to war. A chilling tune made tender by the close harmonies of Dave and Dale. “Church of the Mind” as Dave said, “is a tune about Ocracoke. Spoke of hanging out at this mental place for a bit of escape “every Wednesday at 10!” The next number, “Rock Me in the Cradle (Roll me in your arms)” was a love song that had a Jimmy Buffet meets Jim Croce feel. The great guitar licks took this tune to the next musical level. The closing song was one written by Dale called “Bull Pasture River”. This county tinged tune was about a beloved mountain get a way which was beautifully painted by the tight backing vocals of Dave and Vickie.
As Triad were singing about “heaven in the hills” on this final number, I was thinking..”heaven is right here, right now with all of this great music”.
Thanks to all for a thoroughly engrossing show!
-Norman Roscher
VOCAL Showcase July 2009
It was a hot summer night when we kicked off Showcase #216, but inside the TapHouse, there was a cool blast of sound waves emanating from the stage! The crowd filled the better part of the venue, and as some of the dinner crowd left, more folks filed in to see what was cookin’ on the stage. James Lester with special guest Tom Mayer (from Barrelhouse) gave a harmonica infused dose of sweet blues, then Matt Manion gave a great set of folk and rock. And to keeping it all rolling along, VOCAL’s guest MC for the evening, Louis Millhouse, kicked off the music and introduced our artists.
What would great music be, without a great venue to set the atmosphere? Join VOCAL at Richbrau’s TapHouse each month for the perfect environment to experience freshly prepared meals, fine crafted micro-brew beverages and well crafted songwriting. You’ll find us at 1212 East Cary Street in Shockoe Slip every third Monday of the month.
Louis’s song ‘Marathon’ was a great way to begin the evening and a sampling from his showcase appearance scheduled for later this year. With a sweet acoustic rhythm and the warm, sandy imagery of living in the Keys with a drink in hand, Louis had the crowd swinging in the breeze of his tropical rhythm. After warming up the crowd with this tropical excursion, Louis introduced the first performer.
James Lester wasted no time getting the crowd worked up as he kicked off his set with ‘I Like Your Love’, a bluesy number that gets feet to stompin’ and heads-a-boppin’. Alternating between his own songs and the songs of his guest, Tom Mayer, James turned the microphone over for the next song ‘Home Cooking’, a tune featuring Tom’s vocals and harmonica. Throughout the set, Tom’s harmonica was present on each song and what a treat it was for the ears! Whether on James’ songs such as ‘Lame Pony Blues’ and ‘Where’s My Baby’ or Tom’s songs ‘The Night is Closing In’ and ‘All My Wife’s Relations’ the duo put on quite a fine sampling of guitar based blues, spiced up with a heavy dose of hot harmonica licks. James gave quite a performance on the fretboard alternating between strumming and finger-style playing, with each song leaving your ears begging for more. Tom really let it rip on ‘Lame Pony Blues’ where he laid down a harmonica solo that nearly set the roof on fire! Lyrically, the duo served some low-down blues such as ‘The Night is Closing In’ as well as some comic relief with the songs ‘All My Wife’s Relations’ and ‘Where’s My Baby’. VOCAL thanks James and Tom for bringing their blues skills to the showcase stage. Look out for the next showcase performance from this duo. You can also keep up with them on the web at www.myspace.com/jameslesterblue and www.myspace.com/barrelhouserva .
When the first set was over, it seemed a shame for the music to end, but there was no reason to worry about that with the evening’s featured performer Matt Manion. Sharing his style of acoustic music, Matt carried the audience through an evening of folk and rock songs that used many themes including the difficulties of work life and the thoughts of personal reflection, wrapped up in lyrics that were sometimes somber, sometimes humorous and sometimes poetic, but always thoughtful. Starting off with a blend of humor and maybe horror, ‘The Royal Roach Hotel’ was Matt’s telling of a not-so-wonderful stay while working in the oil fields of Louisianna. Keeping on the theme of rough work experiences, ‘Power Play’, had a bit of a Punk feel to the rhythm, which served the lyrics well as the song addresses the frustration that can exist in some work environments. ‘Forget Yourself’ was a very reflective song with an easy, calming melody.
Matt had surprises in store for the audience as he called John Ellis to the stage to accompany with lead electric guitar on ‘Losin’ My Hair’, a humorous, but somewhat introspective song about one of life’s struggles. Next Matt brought Gary Shaver to the stage on clarinet and Norman Roscher on keyboard along with John Ellis on lead guitar to add ambience to his poetic and inspiring ‘O Rolling Sea’. Norman’s keyboard work added a nice ambience to the song, which evoked images of the ocean waves that Matt used in his recorded version. With Gary on the clarinet, the song had more depth thanks to the wonderful tone of his instrument and the delicate, swelling runs he used to accentuate the mood of the song. Thanks to Matt and his guest performers for providing a unique interpretation of a very unique song.
Matt finished up his set with a few more songs including one that has a 50’s Doo-Wop feel to my ears, with lyrics about strength in love ‘Man’s Man’, and a great song for any Matt Manion performance ‘Don’t Need to Be Perfect’. Thanks to Matt for a great set of creative, original musical variety.
VOCAL would not be the great organization that it is without a great group of volunteers helping out. Thanks to Matt Manion for providing the sound system for the evening and to John Ellis and Matthew Costello for sharing soundman duties. Larry Cody is kind enough to provide table tent-cards for each performance to inform our listeners about the evening’s performers. Matthew Costello also keeps our website up to date and handles most of our photography work. But it would all be for naught, without an audience to perform for, so thanks to all who show up or otherwise support our songwriters. We’ll see you next month!
Matt Manion VOCAL Songwriters Showcase Podcast July 2009
Give a listen to this month’s VOCAL podcast featuring upcoming Showcase Headliner Matt Manion:
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Coming up on July 20
- The VOCAL Songwriters Showcase at the Richbrau Taphouse & Grill.
- Matt Manion
- James Lester
- MC, Louis Milhouse
- 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
- Click here for directions
See you there!
VOCAL Showcase Podcast – Dave Pollard – June 2009
Give a listen to the new VOCAL podcast featuring upcoming Showcase Headliner Dave Pollard:
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Coming up on June 15
- The VOCAL Songwriters Showcase at the Richbrau Taphouse & Grill.
- Dave Pollard
- Bill Wellons
- MC, John Ellis
- 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
- Click here for directions
See you there!
VOCAL Showcase May 2009
A small but enthusiastic crowd was present for the 214th consecutive VOCAL showcase at the Taphouse Grill. John Ellis and Darryl Ellyson treated us to their unique styles of crooning/rocking/bluesing throughout the evening.
John Ellis started the show with Just What You’re Looking For, an instrumental he wrote for his brother’s wedding. A tender, smooth melody found its way up and down the neck of his electric guitar. He then covered Gary Shaver’s A Crying Shame (blaming himself for losing his girlfriend to another guy), and moved into another instrumental, A Timepiece. I Wish You Would was co-written with a friend, and had some wonderful Mother Nature images about beautiful trees, mountains, valleys, etc. Chimes was another tender instrumental with stellar finger-picking on the electric guitar, but then morphed into a rocking Groove Thing, which reminded me of Felix Pappalardi’s early guitar playing in the group Mountain. T.J.’s Jam was a relentless, driving rock song reminiscent of ZZ Top. The Stranger is a new song (“love is a stranger I can’t get to know”)John wrote recently, and I thought I detected a bit of Carlos Santana influence in there, but who knows! Brother is another new song of John’s, where he states “When you give a woman your soul, you’ve lost control”. I thought I heard some Stephen Stills licks in that one! In My Place was another serious rocking number where a woman unfortunately had to put him in his place! Everyone enjoyed the lightning-fast guitar playing John delivers, and the cool effects he coaxes out of his stompbox!
Darryl Ellyson then took the stage with a really cool Do You Think of Me When the Sun Goes Down (oh, if we could only control someone’s thoughts and dreams!). Just No Other Way was about trying to live with a woman with darkness in her heart and whose love is like a spring tornado – hit or miss and then it’s gone. I Still Believe is a wonderful, uplifting love ballad about keeping that spark going for many years, despite challenges along the way. Done With You is a good-riddance blues tune about ten years of trying to make love work to no avail. Thinking About You is a new love song – thinking of you when you’re far away, wondering exactly where you are, I think I saw you in the moon… Maybe This Time is a form of “decompression blues” where he has to make a fishing getaway to get his head together and have his space – a battle between love and hate – I’m sure love will win! I Need a Little Help to Get By really cries the blues about how painful it is since you’ve been gone – I try to smile once in a while. I swore I heard Davie Bowie in the room when Darryl played When the Levee Breaks – just something about the catchy melody! News Man Blues instructed us to be careful breaking news and breaking rules – you might just catch the blues! I Sure Ain’t Been in Hell recounts the various travels to Georgia , Texas, etc. He wasn’t in Heaven, but was far from Hell! It Caused My Heart to Bleed was just written in April. How would you feel if you woke up to see the sunrise and realized your woman never came home the night before? Keep those blues coming, Darryl!
VOCAL Showcase April 2009
Showcase number 213, was the annual cover night for VOCAL. Performers covered at least one song from a fellow VOCAL songwriter. The night was full of surprises and anticipation as the weather kept performers at home and the night turned into a review of some of VOCAL’s outstanding long-time members.
The showcase is hosted each month by Richbrau’s TapHouse. Come join us at 1212 East Cary Street in Richmond’s historic Shockoe Slip for fine food and great beverages from this local brew-pub. Enjoy the company of our songwriters as you enjoy your meals in a great venue.
Steve Nuckolls kicked off the night with his brand of thoughtful narratives drawing on many life experiences to craft songs of deep meaning. The set started off with ‘Making My Getaway’ an original of Steve’s with good feeling and a nice easy rhythm. Steve then presented his cover song ‘Sundown in a Coal Town’ which was penned by VOCAL’s John Carter. The song is about miners expressing their passions and hopes on a Saturday night through their own music. The set then turned reflective with Steve’s song ‘When the Flag’s Halfmast’, which is about the memories conjured up when we see this reminder of those no longer with us. The first set concluded with the hopeful and spiritual song inspired by a trip to an African village ‘Simunye’. Thanks to Steve for a great start to the evening.
Gary Shaver took to the stage next for his first of two sets. Gary’s ‘Your Sweet Love’ was a great way to get started. Gary’s cover songs inlcuded a number written by the team of Nancy Walker and Cham Laughlin as well as a number from Chris Craig.
A short intermission was allowed for the attending songwriters to determine the next guest up to the stage. It seems that the weather kept many of our songwriters at home for the evening and we wanted to keep the spirit of the open call alive. About the time we were ready to pick straws to see who would play next, someone asked ‘Where’s Norman’? No sooner were these words uttered, than Norman Roscher appeared – as if Huddini had conjured him up with a magic word and a puff of smoke zapping Norman from his peaceful home to Shockoe slip. He was immediately drafted into the showcase line-up!
Norman used an acoustic guitar loaned by our first performer Steve Nuckolls and Gary Shaver’s keyboard to put on an impromptu, and incredibly entertaining show! Sampling his song catalogue, Norman played songs that were sometimes sweet and sometimes just wild and fun! One of my favorites ‘Keep on Droolin’ was a humorous reminder that no matter how alone we feel at times, there’s someone droolin’ for you somewhere (even if it’s someone you’d be more inclined to run from than embrace). Songs like ‘Mr. Sleepy Head’ and ‘Butterflies’ had a good bit of the sweetness I mentioned earlier, while ‘Bart the Pirate’ (a Glen Hobles song) and ‘Hey Baby You’re Beautiful’ were just great fun to listen to and sing along with. We can’t thank Norman enough for volunteering his talents to keep the showcase rolling along!
Gary Shaver stepped back up on the showcase stage to present his second set of the evening. ‘Tell Me You Love Me One More Time’, written by Nancy Walker and Jeff Long was the first song of the set and a fantastic ballad with a great melody. The set was rounded out with ‘Make Everything Alright’, ‘If I Could Go Back Home’ and ‘As All Things Pass’.
Thanks to our volunteers for making the showcase a great event. Larry Cody provides table tent cards to advertise the showcase, Matthew Costello handles photography and web development and John Ellis handles sound services. Thanks as well to the performers and all who show up to the showcases each month!
VOCAL Showcase March 2009
What a night for music! Despite the dose of cold, wet, nasty weather outside, everything inside was as hot as a Richmond summer day! A fantastic crowd gathered on March 16, 2009 to witness an outstanding performance for showcase number 212. Drew Routh gave a fantastic solo performance, followed up by the team of Larry Cody, Eddy Kitchen and Doug Patrick.
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Thanks to Richbrau’s TapHouse for three years of hosting the showcase. Each month our members, fans and friends gather with the songwriters to enjoy live performances of their original music. Come down to Shockoe Slip and enjoy freshly prepared meals, at an original micro-brew as you enjoy original music performed by the song’s writer.
Drew Routh started the evening with his fine fingerwork and his unique songwriting style. In fact, the first song wasn’t a song at all, but basically a finger excercise to get the hands going – it was impressive none the less! Next Drew moved into ‘Dream Me Out of Here’, which is somewhat of a ballad, at least in feeling if not lyrical content. ‘Little Better Light’ is an evocative song, that inspired emotions of hope in my mind. Drew then introduced the song ‘No Place to Run’ as a poem, that inspired the music to accompany the words one year after its creation – sometimes good ideas take time to ferment. Drew concluded the first set of the evening with ‘Take a Little Time’, ‘Am I Crazy?’ and ‘Right Now’. Thanks to Drew for a varied and entertaining performance.
For the second half of the evening VOCAL presented a tag-team match – Larry Cody, Eddy Kitchen and Doug Patrick were on the card for an outstanding set of country, blue-grass(ish) and a touch of rock. Each gentleman had a guitar in hand for each song, trading off lead or rhythm parts, with Larry Cody taking guitar solo’s in many songs. Larry Cody took the mic first to kick off the set with ‘Ready for the Road’, an appopriate beginning for this musical journey. The trio stopped along the way for a quick game with Doug Patrick pitching vocals on ‘Put Him in the Lineup’ – a fun song. Eddy Kitchen stepped up to the microphone next and said hold on…we should ‘Drink This Thing Through’ – Larry Cody chimed in with some good lead guitar during the solo break. It was great to hear Eddy’s extraordinary voice again on the showcase stage. After this time of reflection, the trio crossed a cool running stream, passed through the valley up the hillside to visit ‘Mountain Girl’ – this song had a moving melody and the lyrics seemed to captivate the crowd who responded with a great cheer for Larry’s lead vocal and guitar solo. While on the mountain top, Eddy again told the story in song about how ‘Good Loves Can Die’. A tribute was also paid to ‘Molly’ in a somber, but eloquent and poetic song by Doug Patrick about a soldiers’ dying thoughts. On the way back down the mountain, Eddy shared more thoughts with ‘If These Walls Could Talk’, Doug proclaimed ‘Think I’ve Really Done It’ and Larry sent the crowd home with a rockin’ little number and a wish for the road ‘Keep On’. These three gentlemen put on an outstanding show that kept fellow songwriters and other attendees in awe as they presented one great song after another.
Thanks to all of those who attended and supported our performers. A great big thanks to VOCAL volunteers, Matt Manion for sound assistance, Larry Cody for the table tent cards, Matthew Costello for web development and photography. We’ll see you next month!
VOCAL Showcase February 2009
It was a fantastic winter night February 16, 2009 as we settled into the warm, inviting atmosphere of the showcase venue. As the showcase counter flipped over to 211, we ordered our meals, shared thoughts on songwriting over drinks and readied ourselves for the musical experience that was unfolding. VOCAL re-introduced a newer member to the showcase stage, James Lester, who is a great blues picker and a fine songwriter. VOCAL also welcomed back a steadfast musician who is a gifted poet and always a fine performer, Gerry Laverty.
It seem like just yesterday that VOCAL held its first showcase performance at Richbrau’s TapHouse, but it has been about three years now that the live music event has been hosted by the TapHouse. Join us every third Monday of the month at 1212 East Cary Street, in Shockoe Slip, for live music, great food and a welcoming staff. Thanks to the management of Richbrau for continuing to support live, original music in Virginia.
Many styles of blues music were on display in our first set, when James Lester took the stage to show his skills with the pen and the guitar. The set included instrumentals and songs that dabbled in the blues and country genres. James warmed the crowd with three instrumentals including ‘Almost Blues’ and ‘Rugged Cross Blues’ showed his abilities with finger-style blues music. The timely and widely applicable ‘Why I Sing the Blues’ gave everyone something to relate to – “…because times are hard…”, “…depressed watching the news…” and “…laid off…” were some of the reasons to sing along to this great blues tune. James said ‘Whatever Makes You Happy’ before he spoke his mind on ‘All About Money’.
James’ song ‘Circus Blues’ reminded me a bit of the bluegrass guitar style, with fast, alternating flat picking and strumming. And the blues/country themes were present in this song with the line “That clowns’ been knockin’ at her door”. ‘I Like Your Love’ was a little bit rock-a-billy to my ear. The song ‘W Blues’ had a political theme and a bit of reflection on a past presidency. James wrapped it all up with ‘Lame Pony Blues’. Thanks to James for sharing his music and giving us a great variety of styles in his set. We look forward to a quick return from this artist! Gerry Laverty found James’ blues so compelling, he dubbed him ‘Little Jimmy Lester’.
It was great to have Gerry Laverty back to present his poetic lyrics and fine fingerwork in the folk style. Gerry started off with ‘By the Blood of the Nazarine’. He introduced some new material ‘Delta’ written on a train from Richmond to Seattle – thanks to Gerry for introducing this great new song. It was a welcome sound to my ears to hear Gerry perform a fan favorite ‘Lonesome Blue Eyes’ which is a wonderful blend of emotion and harmony. Another favorite of mine and a powerful folk song addressing the problems revealed during the hurricane Katrina disaster was ‘Details of Catastrophe’.
Gerry delivered his own dose of the blues, a song for the insomniac, ‘Blues in the Night’. Gerry’s guitar was ringing out with sweet blues tones in a slow and easy riff. The set closed out with ‘Jerusalem’ and another Laverty classic ‘Zion Crossroads’ about a mysterious red haired lady at a mysterious location in Central Virginia.
Thanks to our performers for presenting a great evening of live, original music! Each showcase is pulled together by a team of volunteers – special thanks to Matt Manion for sound services, Larry Cody for announcing our performers with his table tent cards, Matthew Costello for web services and John Ellis for sitting in as MC. Thanks to you for supporting our performers and visiting our website. See you next month!
VOCAL Showcase January 2009
The showcase counter turned to 210 as the VOCAL members prepared the stage sound for the monthly installment of live, original music in Central Virginia. The heavy double doors of the TapHouse entrance kept the cold out as the instruments were tuned up and the house was warmed up with the sounds of VOCAL songwriters. Performers Bill Wellons and Norman Roscher treated the audience to a night of great songwriting. It was a great night for music, January 19, 2009.
We thank Richbrau’s TapHouse for hosting the showcase each month. Join us every third Monday of the month for great food, home brewed beverages and the best of live original music from Virginia artists. The location is 1212 East Cary Street in historic Shockoe Slip.
Bill Wellons took the first set and showed the audience a great time with songs ranging from the ballads to the blues, from slow and easy to upbeat boogie rhythms. Bills voice was accompanied by fine fingerwork on the piano. He blew the crowd away with ‘Hurricane’ a moderate tempo song with sort of a bluesy, folk lyrical content, but a light, easy, steady piano pattern. Bill then injected a little humor into the evening with ‘In a Family Way’, a humorous look at expecting the arrival of a baby – this song had an upbeat “boogie” rhythm to my ear. The instrumental ‘That’s How it Goes’ was a beautiful song and an interesting change from the earlier songs. The emotional content of the music swept from tender reflection to humor and love with the next series of songs including a tribute to Bill’s father ‘When I Needed You’ and another boogie tune ‘Unlucky at Love’.
It was great to have Bill on the showcase stage and we hope to have him back soon. Until then, you can hear some of Bills music at www.myspace.com/billwellons.
At the request of Bill Wellons and Norman Roscher, time was set aside for special tributes to Cham Laughlin, VOCAL’s founder, who passed away January 5, 2009. Cham was a great inspiration and source of support for many songwriters and performers in Virginia. VOCAL took time to honor Cham with a few songs.
First to pay tribute to Cham was Darryl Ellyson with his song ‘The Final Hour’ a very moving song about contemplating the end of life www.myspace.com/darrylellysonbluelightdistrict. Next, Eddy Kitchen performed ‘This Beer’s on Me’ which is a light-hearted country style song featuring Larry Cody on lead guitar. Eddy’s song was somewhat the reason for Cham and Eddy first working together. Norman Roscher gave the final tribute with ‘If I Should Ever Get to Heaven’. We thank Bill and Norman for remembering Cham by setting aside this time and thanks to each performer for taking time to honor our founder.
For the closing set of the evening, Norman Roscher took to the stage with family and friends in the formation of ‘Norman and the Clackwells’ to bring his unique, imaginative music to life. The first song was the reminiscent, fun song ‘I Don’t Play Doctor Anymore’. Keeping the fun alive, the act moved on to the song ‘Fat Alice’. The Clackwell portion of the band was made up of Evan Esch on upright bass, Eliza Brill (Evan’s spouse) on backup vocals and washboard rhythms, and Norman’s daughter Deanna Lorriani on vocals. The Clackwells rounded out Norman’s live sound nicely! Another special guest, Charlotte Roscher joined the group with backing vocals for ‘So Long Baby Goodbye’.
So much of Norman’s music has lively rhythms and catchy words that make you want to sing along. Norman included some of his lively material in the closing portion of the program, which included ‘Kazooka’, ‘Burn Baby Dynamo’ and ‘I Don’t Want to Grow Up’ for the Peter Pan’s in the audience. Catch Norman on the web at www.myspace.com/normalnormannortledorfband .
I can’t give enough thanks to Norman, Bill and my cousin Kenneth Sebera for making themselves available to help out on the showcase as I recovered from a back injury. They showed up early to make sure the showcase was ready to roll and helped me pack up as well. It was truly a group effort this month!
VOCAL’s thanks goes to all of our performers and to the showcase crowd who supports our wonderful artists. Thanks to Larry Cody for making the table tent cards to announce the performers, thanks to Matthew Costello for web support and John Ellis for sound services. Until next month, be sure to support other live, original music events!
VOCAL Showcase December 2008
VOCAL songwriters, performers and the public gathered together at Richbrau’s TapHouse to start off the holidays with live, original music. A selection of VOCAL’s membership turned out to perform their material for a lively, attentive audience. The showcase counter flipped to 210 as we kicked off the event on December 15, 2008. You can find more information about the upcoming showcase at www.vocalsongwriter.org/showcase.html.
For over two years now, Richbrau’s TapHouse has hosted the VOCAL Showcase every third Monday of the month. VOCAL’s original music is complimented by original, home crafted beverages and fine cuisine. Join us at 1212 East Cary Street for the best in original songwriting from Virginia artists.
James Lester kicked off the night with his own style of instrumental blues. Much of James’ music was finger-style picking on a sweet sounding, hollow body electric that rang out with a cool, jazzy feel. The eight song set included ‘Bucky’s Blues’ as well as ‘Bernie and the D Blues’, written in honor of two cats. James conveyed a rich, bluesy feel as he moved his hands about the fretboard, demonstrating dexterity and creativity. We look forward to James’ return to the showcase in February 2009.
Gary Shaver and Jim Uzel joined forces for the next round of music as they took turns featuring their own material in an in-the-round format. Gary’s songs included ‘Somewhere Between Her and You’, ‘Right Through My Mind’, ‘Calling You Back Home’, ‘Take Me Back’ and ‘I Stand Amazed’. This sampling of Gary’s music reflected the ballads and love songs that he is known for. ‘Calling You Back Home’ was written on Thanksgiving weekend a few years ago – the song title reminds me of someone reflecting on a loved one during the holiday season. ‘I Stand Amazed’ is Gary’s self-described ‘happy song’, which he dedicated to a friend in the audience.
Jim Uzel’s portion of the set included songs with a seasonal theme. Jim’s songs ‘Spirits in the Rain’, ‘Christmas Love’ and ‘Gifts of a Child’ were accompanied by his resonator acoustic guitar, which sometimes provided a haunting feel to the melody. It was good to have Jim on stage again.
Darryl Ellyson stepped up to the microphone next with some great time tested songs as well as one song written since his November showcase performance. ‘I’m Not Afraid’ is a favorite of mine, with a powerful, moving melody, strong vocals and intense lyrics. The rest of the set included ‘You and Me Baby’, ‘I Don’t Know’ and Darryl’s new song ‘Pushin’ Against My Heart’.
Gerry Laverty closed out the evening with some of his most popular songs. ‘Details of Castrophe’ started the short set, followed by the song ‘Lonesome Blue Eyes’ which is a fanatastic song that is an instant favorite with the first listening. ‘I am a House’ was inspired by the sudden death of a friend. ‘Zion Crossroads’ is another crowd favorite and sample of Gerry’s ablilities with creative, poetic songwriting.
Thanks to our performers for making the holiday season ever more enjoyable with their talents on the showcase stage. The showcase event and coverage was made possible by a team of VOCAL volunteers made up of Larry Cody (tent cards), Matthew Costello (web updates), Gerry Laverty (photography) and John Ellis (sound services). We thank all those who come out in support of live, original music and we hope that everyone can join us again next month for the longest running, original music showcase in Central Virginia!
