Notes from the Pianobabbler's New York residency
July 01 2009
Joe's Pub - NoHo
Canada Day. Yeeha!
Jeff Breithaupt, Cultural Affairs Officer at the Canadian Consulate in New York, has put a ton of work, skill and passion into organizing a Great Canadian Songbook show at Joe's Pub.
Joe's Pub. One of Joseph Papp's many legacies to the arts. A primo performing venue in this arts-heavy city.
The room is packed. And lively. Lively? Like the rodeo at the Calgary Stampede. Not the typical audience one encounters in Canada, land of the free and polite.
The show is a serial array of relentless talent. The songs are pop hits from the past 40 years. Joni Mtchell, Shania Twain, Leonard Cohen... The performers are mostly Canadians living here- Melissa Stylianou, Tyley Ross, Alyson Palmer, Kellylee Evans, Amy Cervini, Gregory Naughton, Anthony DaCosta, Carolyn Leonhart, Joe Hurley and Carole Pope. A death-defyingly high level of musicianship.
And the house band led by Peter Kieswalter: the Pianobabbler was awe-benumbed by their skill and ability.
Before such gifts of art, one can only shake one's head in appreciation and humility. (The keys to life, ITPHO*. Appreciation and humility.)
Thank you Jeff. Thank you musiciains. Bravi. Bravissimi. Right on.
Canadian music is alive and well here. Music is alive and well here. Music is alive and well.
___
*In the Pianobabbler's Humble Opinion.
blog comments powered by Disqus
A brilliant adventure. On his latest recording, My Mother's Father's Song, Ron Davis embraces both his family's rich cultural heritage, and boldly re-engages with the jazz standard.
- click here for details
Please subscribe to Ron's monthly email with updates, announcements and photos. You'll get a free MP3 or PDF of Ron's music when you sign up.
- click here to join
