Duck Duck Goose

I had a great time seeing music a couple of Saturdays ago at The Courtyard Marriott and Club Metronome. I worked during the day, did a quick turnaround at home, then took the long walk to Battery street. I wandered into the lovely lounge that feels like a living room and got a seat near the band. Soon enough, it was time for Duck Duck Goose to play.

The trio began a gentle version of Helpless with Julia Beerworth singing lead and playing acoustic guitar, Josh Glass playing keys and Aaron Flinn on electric guitar. They had a comforting sound. Up next, Aaron took the vocals and treated us to a rousing rendition of Miss Ready Blossom. Julia took the mic next to sing her song Tribeca then Josh treated us to What’s In California? I just love the strength of the melody of that song and really enjoyed the rocked out ending. Another fun song called Miles Above Me followed then Julia graced us with Angel Of Montgomery. Josh had some sweet piano licks on Scattered Birds and Aaron’s deep voice sounded great. Julia sang a gorgeous song that wondered if you will blossom then Josh sang a song about having nothing to do except love everything about you. They closed the first set with Julia singing lead on The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down. I got another drink and settled back in as they opened set two with One More Cup Of Coffee. I love that so many local artists cover that song and make it sound so different. Julia sang the song about the old Oak Tree then Josh sang about lovers on vacation in Adeline. Josh and Julia traded vocals on the one about nobody knows but me then Aaron dropped some endearing lyrics and killer guitar moves on Raise Your Hands. They closed the night with a fun version of Honky Tonk Woman and I was in a warm happy place.

 

Clever Girls

I said a couple of quick goodbyes then raced over to Metronome. Clever Girls were on stage and rocking hard. I got settled and moved close. They lit into Loom and let it soar and I was in rock heaven. Owen has slow verses and huge choruses and rocked us hard. They followed with that epic new swampy song that I think is called Woman. I love the immediate feel of the song and love how it builds and rips at the end. They followed with another cool song then took us to lovely heights with Hannah Wants To See You. They closed the set with Heavy and rocked the club to the breaking point. They were as amazing as always.

 

Clever Girls

I hung out for a bit and Fever Dolls began to play. They had a bright pop sound with hints of country and jam. They opened with a song called Turn Me Down that got a little cowpunk in the middle. They rocked out a song about it being a long way back to Oklahoma then played a song about having the power. As the set went along I caught a bit of a Meatloaf or Rocky Horror vibe to the music and I was in a happy place. After they wrapped it up they brought out the movie cameras and played one of their songs over the pa and shot a video with the singer in the audience. If you ever see it, and see a few long grey hairs flowing behind him, that’s probably me.

When that was done, I took the lovely walk home. It was another great night of music in town.

 

Fever Dolls

 

Duck Duck Goose pic by Tim Lewis

I had a great time seeing music a few Saturday’s ago. A couple of weeks before the show I was contacted out of the blue by Ovi Horta who said he worked with Arc Iris and they appreciated that I play their music a lot and asked if I would like to interview the band to promote their upcoming Burlington show. I said sure, I’d love to, then contacted Tony Gallucci from WBKM and said, hey, it is it possible to do this? We worked out the details and I set up the call and spoke with Zach and played the interview on the November 8th radio show. I was very excited to go see their show on Saturday. I looked around at the other listings and on that same day, what are the odds, was the WBKM birthday party. Sigh.

I worked a 9-5:30 shift then had a little time to chill at home. I headed downtown around 6:30 and was in and settled at Nectar’s as Duck Duck Goose kicked off our birthday party. The trio featuring Julia Beerworth, Josh Glass and Aaron Flinn opened with a cool cover of One More Cup Of Coffee and we were off. Each of the three is a talented performer and songwriter and listening to them enhance each others music was beautiful. Julia sang a song called Trouble for her 2 year old. Josh sang a cool version of New York My Lovely. Aaron sang about So Much Love. Julia lead the voices on The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down then the band pulled out a kind of epic version of Josh’s song What’s In California? I think it was a that point when I began to understand how powerful they can become as a trio. There was some magic that has yet to be fully tapped, but they are well on their way. As the show went on Aaron sang the fun Miss Ready Blossom then Julia regaled us with the gorgeous song about the old Oak Tree. Josh sang a song about having nothing to do except love everything about you and Aaron closed the night with Raise Your Hands. He tossed in some guitar pyrotechnics to keep things fun. I loved every moment of their show.

Acoustic Purple pic by Tim Lewis

I hung out and chatted with Tony for a bit then it was time for Acoustic Purple. With Craig Mitchell on vocals and Matthew Bryan Hagen on acoustic guitar, the played a bunch of Prince songs. Mitchell is a legend in this town and his voice comes amazingly close to the legendary performer. They opened with a song about pop life and followed with a down home bluesy Let’s Go Crazy. They sang about how money didn’t matter yesterday and about being irresistible. They sang about contemplating the universe then played one that even a casual Prince fan, such as myself, would know. Nothing Compares 2 U was very cool. They played another cool song then Tony’s wife Ann-Marie joined them on backing vocals for Sweet Thing. She has a really nice voice and it was a treat to hear her. They returned to the duo state for a song about cream then one about things I’ve never done before. They sang one about nipples then closed with Purple Rain. Even acoustic, it was wonderful.

Acoustic Purple with Anne-Marie pic by Tim Lewis

Shortly after the last note, I zipped out the door and headed to ArtsRiot. I got in and listened as Benjamin Lazar Davis played some songs. I only caught four but really enjoyed them. His music had a kind strength that caught me. One song was about brotherly love and one was about Irene. He closed with a song about how somebody’s speaking for me. I’d love to catch a full set by him sometime.

Benjamin Lazar Davis pic by Tim Lewis

Arc Iris about to begin pic by Tim Lewis

The set break was short then Arc Iris took the stage in dramatic fashion. They opened with Kaleidoscope and followed with If You Can See. Everyone’s Counting On Her was cool and that’s pretty much where my notes fall apart. I just got lost in the spell they weave. Jocie’s voice, guitar and keys fell into gorgeous flowing music. Zach’s keys were lush and graceful. Ray Belli is a stunning drummer and watching him play was captivating. The whole show was great but the song Icons Of Ego stood out and got stuck in my head for several weeks. I loved every moment of that show.

Arc Iris pic by Tim Lewis

Arc Iris pic by Tim Lewis

Arc Iris pic by Tim Lewis

Arc Iris pic by Tim Lewis

 

When it was over, I headed back to Nectar’s as Seth Yacovone and his band played homage to Rust Never Sleeps. I got settled and the band played Powederfinger and Cortez the Killer and Like A Hurricane. They played Hey Hey My My and Cinnamon Girl and a few others. Seth is an amazing guitar player and the band were equally fantastic.

After they wrapped up, I took the quick walk home. What a great night of music in our town.

 

Seth Yacovone and his band of the evening pic by Tim Lewis