Posts Tagged ‘Burke Ingraffia’
April 2025 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
It was a nice spring night for music at O'Toole's restaurant and bar for the April 2025 VOCAL Showcase. On the docket were four players from VOCAL who represented a wide spectrum of musical choices.
The first player Matthew Costello, VOCAL president, offered a selection of guitar strumming songs. First up "The Blanket" which was followed by "Walkin" Willie" a story song about a character who ambles around town providing commentary from the locals. "Meaningful One Night Stand" took us through the singer's many affairs until a lady named Ivy final ended his searching being the right one. Remembering Woodstock and the year of love, "3 Days in 69" took us back to those fond memories that for some of the older folks will never forget.
Russell Lawson is a long-time member of VOCAL, and kicked off his set with "One More Drink" with the ironic tag line "till I'm sober" A true song "Rock Creek Blues" followed which in turn was followed by another true inspired song. "Wheatland" with lots of imagery about enjoying the land such as "sleeping in the sand" and hearing the wild geese overhead. "Montana Wide" again took us on a trip to the vistas of Montana and the "blue as blue" skies. For those in Richmond who aren't history aware, "The Church Hill Tunnel, had a railroad running under it which collapsed on a car as it was passing under. Russell gave us an account of that disaster and for one family "daddy won't be coming home, now".
Next player, John Ellis, cranked up his electric guitar and demonstrated his versatility on the frets, changing tempos and leaping chords to give each song a different feel. "Second Hand Wedding Ring" began his set which was then followed by "I'll Be There" for you., when you need some comforting and support. "Autumn Hours" painted a picture of fading colors and cooling nights as the season progressed.
The featured performer for the night was Burke Ingraffia, a songwriter from New Orleans, now local, who brought a wide variety of melodies and tempos to the mic. Besides his guitar, Burke employed his mouth harp to add texture to his music. "Dusty Old Clock" reminded us that time moves on and we need not concern ourselves with its passage. "Pray for patience" and "don't worry about the future" were two pieces of advice. "Change of Heart" philosophized "can't change the weather, but you can have a change of heart." Commenting on the current financial conditions "Checks and Balances" had some humorous line about his money condition " I got a bank, I call if Piggy". "About Love" examines its consequences. Sometimes it comes in waves, sometimes unexpected, but always love like it’s your first day. "Travellin' At Night" with the admonition "I won't be slowed down by the speed of light" was the next song. This was followed by "Independence" with tales about spending time on his 96 year old grandfather's farm in Louisiana, and some lessons learned. A blues tune "That's The Way Mountains are Made" with mouth harp riffs advises "listen to the prayers you've prayed" for they will follow you in life. The last song in his set was a cover of "I'm Glad We Had This Time Together" from the old Carol Burnett show as a way to thank the audience for hanging in to his performance.
A full night of music.
Showcase Photos
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Photo Credits: Matthew Costello
September 2023 VOCAL Songwriters Showcase
Continuing the tradition of live performances, tonight’s showcase at O’Toole’s restaurant, featured two performers, Burke Ingraffia and Steve Fisher. Burke is a relatively new member of VOCAL, while Steve has been with the group for a while. As is true in any live situation, an audience helps the performers bring out their best work, and tonight was no exception. Luckily for the two tonight, a large group of enthusiastic listeners assembled.
Burke Ingraffia
Burke is a New Orleans transplant to Richmond, and brings with him a corresponding musical sound, lively, bouncy and upbeat. During his song set he occasionally added harmonica to his guitar playing as was demonstrated in his first song, “Dusty Old Clock” which extolled the virtues of using time wisely. “If I don’t take the time, time will take me” he sang. “Checks and Balances” took a humorous look at money saying in one line “I own a bank……..a piggy bank”, which got laugh from the audience. a funky blues tune “That’s The Way Mountains Are Made” followed. Next. Even though rainy weather may be depressing and something over which you have no control, you can control your inner self and how you react to your outer surroundings was the message of his next song “Change of Heart” this was followed by a great description of the over eager salesperson which he cartooned in “Business As Usual” which made fun of the stereotypical guy with the glib tongue and half truths. “Traveling At Night” followed and proclaimed “I won’t be slowed by the speed of light.” His last song, also the title of his latest CD was “Waves” talks about inspiration and how it appears without warning “thoughts come out the blue” and we need to grab them before they disappear. In his set, Burke showed a great versatility of ideas and styles of music which was well received and applauded.
Steve Fisher
Steve is a member of the Tin Can Fish band, a local Richmond mainstay. Tonight he appeared as a solo act . Not to be undone in his performance, he started off with a rousing tale of a lady of the night “Brown Eyed Biloxi Queen” with whom he consorted at the astounding price of $20. “Stow Away” pleaded to a lover “”Let’s go away together” and leave the world behind. In “Falling Knife” the singer exhorted that we should be aware of the dangers in life and “you can’t catch a falling knife” without suffering the consequences of your actions. In “Holding On” Steve talks about being estranged from life, disconnected from feelings and trying to get back home, all of which remain elusive. Next song was “All Alone” sort of a spinoff of the previous song. If ever anyone can find a permanent way to honor love and commitment, having their image “Tattooed On Your Heart” would certainly fit the bill and in here he sings about just that. Next in his set was “Rollin’ and Tumblin’ Back To You”, a rousing number that outlines all the clues a lover might find to want to return to a previous committed situation, “I heard a song that made me cry” was one. Lastly: “Fields Of The Lord” was a tribute to how black and white folks came together in the south through playing music together, stating “There must be something in the water” that unifies us all.
A good way to end the night.
Showcase Photos
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