Saturday, October 22, 2005
The Succotash Reunion Concert
It was absolutely worth every mile I came to hear it!
In the first half of the evening, the individual band members each played two or three numbers on their own or in small ensembles. I've been meaning to write about how, with good performers, you get to know about their lives and their spheres, but I don't know how to do it without descending into cliche. It happened last night.
For me, every performer's mini-set was delightful and revealing. The standouts, for me, were the harmonies of Beverly Smith and Carl Jones, the amazing fiddlework of Joe Weed and Bruce Bowers, the inspiring personality of Bruce Bowers, the jazzy and expressive singing of Marty Kendall (Joe Weed's wife) backed by Joe and guitarist Steve Palazzo, Bruce Bowers' daughter Jasmine's Latino piano playing (who we'll hear more from, I am *sure*), and the Silk Road work of bassist Vince Flores.
Then, in the second half, they played ensemble, as Succotash. Despite -- and perhaps because of -- their 30-year hiatus, they were just, just, just, . . . great. Jaw-droppingly good. Surprising. Multi-talented. A team. A whole greater than the sum of their amazing parts. And they had fun. And they swang and sang and played and smiled. Highlight: just about every song. Maybe the "Never on Sunday" theme. Maybe "The Handsome Cabin Boy." Maybe the song about the circle closing again. It was deeply emotional -- joyful, mostly.
The music of the evening ranged from singer-songwriter-folk to European Cafe to roots jazz to swing to Bach to Celtic. Many of the songs were brand new to me.
The audience was special too. I kept looking at the "Occupancy 60 Persons" sign and seeing "55 MPH". I met a woman who had waitressed at the venue where Succotash used to hold down Friday and Saturday nights every week for two years. She couldn't stop smiling all night. I met a hero of mine, harmonica genius Norton Buffalo. I didn't know most of the folks, but many of them knew each other, and for many it was their own personal reunion. I had merely flown in from Connecticut to see the event . . .
It was special, special night. If they do it again in 30 years, I'll be there. But it was obvious to me that they should not wait near that long.
In the first half of the evening, the individual band members each played two or three numbers on their own or in small ensembles. I've been meaning to write about how, with good performers, you get to know about their lives and their spheres, but I don't know how to do it without descending into cliche. It happened last night.
For me, every performer's mini-set was delightful and revealing. The standouts, for me, were the harmonies of Beverly Smith and Carl Jones, the amazing fiddlework of Joe Weed and Bruce Bowers, the inspiring personality of Bruce Bowers, the jazzy and expressive singing of Marty Kendall (Joe Weed's wife) backed by Joe and guitarist Steve Palazzo, Bruce Bowers' daughter Jasmine's Latino piano playing (who we'll hear more from, I am *sure*), and the Silk Road work of bassist Vince Flores.
Then, in the second half, they played ensemble, as Succotash. Despite -- and perhaps because of -- their 30-year hiatus, they were just, just, just, . . . great. Jaw-droppingly good. Surprising. Multi-talented. A team. A whole greater than the sum of their amazing parts. And they had fun. And they swang and sang and played and smiled. Highlight: just about every song. Maybe the "Never on Sunday" theme. Maybe "The Handsome Cabin Boy." Maybe the song about the circle closing again. It was deeply emotional -- joyful, mostly.
The music of the evening ranged from singer-songwriter-folk to European Cafe to roots jazz to swing to Bach to Celtic. Many of the songs were brand new to me.
The audience was special too. I kept looking at the "Occupancy 60 Persons" sign and seeing "55 MPH". I met a woman who had waitressed at the venue where Succotash used to hold down Friday and Saturday nights every week for two years. She couldn't stop smiling all night. I met a hero of mine, harmonica genius Norton Buffalo. I didn't know most of the folks, but many of them knew each other, and for many it was their own personal reunion. I had merely flown in from Connecticut to see the event . . .
It was special, special night. If they do it again in 30 years, I'll be there. But it was obvious to me that they should not wait near that long.
Technorati Tags: JoeWeed, Music
Comments:
I was one of those 50ish that was there to relive some wonderful memories of Succotash. Julie was the name of the waitress from the restaurant and her husband Steve also worked there. It was fabulous to see them but of course the true delight was Succotash. I used to play in bands that played the same bars they played at both during and after Succotash was still together. I've never known a collective group of people with so much talent before or after. Wasn't it nice to see that all of them are still actively and successfully pursuing their music? Not surprising at all.
I'm amazed you flew all the way out to see them but not surprised. LOL! I was up front doing photography of the show. I got shots of them setting up, doing their sound check and then both sets. I've put the images up here to share. Hope they bring back the memory. Now we just have to wait for the CD and DVD to come out! www.southardphoto.net/Succotash
Steve
Post a Comment
I'm amazed you flew all the way out to see them but not surprised. LOL! I was up front doing photography of the show. I got shots of them setting up, doing their sound check and then both sets. I've put the images up here to share. Hope they bring back the memory. Now we just have to wait for the CD and DVD to come out! www.southardphoto.net/Succotash
Steve
