Mellow Mondays Live Again On CD
After hearing the umpteenth version of "Mustang Sally" at the Stephen Talkhouse's open jam night last winter and realizing the jam just wasn't the right venue for solo musicians and songwriters like himself, Gene Hamilton of Amagansett got an idea: Why not set up a spotlight purely for songwriters and original material?
He did, and out of the woodwork they came. What the massage therapist and songwriter didn't realize when he convinced the Talkhouse to host his "Acoustic Mondays" was that the night would turn into not only a showcase for new talent, but a winter oasis, where a family of performers and fans passed cold February nights together.
The warmth of that coffeehouse atmosphere has now been captured on a new CD produced by Mr. Hamilton, "Acoustic Monday Nite: Live From the Stephen Talkhouse."
Ten-Track CD
The CD's 10 tracks highlight most of the regular performers and demonstrate the diversity of personalities and musical styles the evenings have drawn. Designed with a collage of candid photos for the cover, the CD was unveiled recently at a special release party at the Talkhouse.
"Vibe, vibe, vibe, you know what I'm saying!?" says Mr. Hamilton in his trademark rasp to open the CD. The crowd obliges with an enthusiastic wail, and Mr. Hamilton launches into his comical theme song, "Squid," about his favorite culinary delight ("If I could take a gamble, I'd become a marine mammal, like a big sperm whale, 'cause they like squid.")
Mr. Hamilton returns before each song to introduce the performer.
Virgil The Frog Boy
More humor is offered from Tommy LaGrassa and Eddie Mac in Mr. LaGrassa's ode to a piece of graffiti, "Virgil." Sung in a nasal wail - more nasal than Bob Dylan's - the song gives a face to the famous Frog Boy immortalized in spray paint on a railroad trellis over Route 114.
He "wore a big cap and played the violin/With two webbed feet and legs so thin." Unfortunately, Virgil, who spent his time "on the roadside catching flies," is flattened by a car and winds up "on the roadside drawing flies."
The CD also spotlights the emerging Nancy Atlas, who quickly became an Acoustic Monday star with her pop-laced rock and more introspective folk.
Her track, "Believe in Me," a radio-ready pop song when played with her band, is slowed down on the CD, allowing listeners to savor its catchy melodic hooks and well-turned lyrics.
For someone like the ambitious Ms. Atlas - she is being considered by two record companies - Monday nights provide a valuable platform for exposure and trying out new material.
Another veteran songwriter who has taken advantage of the Monday night exposure has been Michael Hennessey, whose song "Lean Into the Wind" is one of the CD's strongest cuts. About life's pressures, the song features guitar playing that transcends the normal humdrum-strum style of most folk. In fact, the guitar breaks between verses almost evoke a Led Zeppelin ballad.
Most of the performers on the CD defy comparison, however, which should be a songwriter's accolade. The songs are mostly highly introspective and reflective of their performer's personalities.
Unplugged
Introduced as "Mr. Sensitive" by Mr. Hamilton, the versatile Matt Dauch contributes "Earthbound" to the CD, a soft, daydreamy number about a soul-searcher looking for meaning ("I think they forgot what happened to me/I look real hard and see/The miracle of God is waiting somewhere/But I can't catch it, because I'm earthbound").
Like several of the other artists on the album, Mr. Dauch is normally at home in a band. Mr. Hennessey leads the funk-and-rock-based Paragon; Emily Wilson and Jayson Zarecki, who contributed the bluesy "Shady Hollow," normally play as The Source, and Woody Kneeland and Mark Knight, whose "Twice in Time" stands as the CD's most intriguing cut, are half of the alternative rock unit The Realm.
With the "unplugged" format all the rage in the record industry now, a musician with a guitar and a song is no longer stereotyped as a simple folksinger. Perhaps that has been part of the appeal of Acoustic Mondays.
Mellow Cuts
A mellow cut like Brandon Burdon's "Victorious Donations," has the elements of a folk song - a stargazer reflects on growing up - but its chords and delivery are purely alternative-rock based. A folk fan could find strength in the song for its self-revealing lyrics, while an alternative-music fan could appreciate it for its haunting chords and unique vocals.
If there is one cut on the CD that does embrace all the elements of folk, it's Penny Ward's "Unavailable Gorgeous." In it, the singer portrays a wounded woman whose lover is having an affair. Her quirky vocal style and starkly honest lyrics make for a number at once sad and humorous.
Alfredo Merat and Carl Obrig also add something exotic to the mix, with their duet "Africa." With Mr. Merat's low, flamenco-inspired vocals, and Mr. Obrig's delicate soprano sax soloing throughout, the tune is atmospheric and fresh amid the more structured numbers on the CD.
As for the technical qualities of the CD, the recording is relatively crisp and clear, yet its highly structured format takes away somewhat from the spontaneity of the night, and nowhere do we get to hear the banter between audience and musicians that usually characterizes such intimate performances. (Actually, as Mr. LaGrassa's number fades out, we hear him remind the crowd, "Remember, flossing is no substitute for brushing.")
In any case, the CD gives recognition to those who have contributed to Acoustic Mondays and made it successful. Whether you've attended the shows or are simply interested to know what kind of songwriting talent is flourishing here, it's worth picking up.
Mr. Hamilton had 300 CDs made, which he plans to sell through Long Island Sound branches and possibly The Wall in Bridgehampton. Acoustic Mondays, meanwhile, continue to thrive every Monday night at 9 at the Stephen Talkhouse.