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Poughkeepsie Chapter News
Volume 19, Issue 4: March & April 1999
Newsletter segments:
Kingston chapter news, Patterson chapter news, Poughkeepsie chapter news, and other articles.by Rebekah Martucci
At the January coffeehouse, we said good-bye to superb guitarist and friend, Greg Neaga, who is returning to Germany. We had cake, and made a tacit agreement to waive the usual stage limits. We were treated to Greg's accompaniment in five sets. We'll miss you Greg!
Pro trumpeter, Matt Finley and a certain guitarist launched this all- open-mic evening with a Brazilian "folk song" by Jobim. Next, Amy Strom, accompanied by Pat Lamanna did a moving rendition of "Birmingham Sunday." They were joined by Tom Walker on concertina "Somewhere Between." Next up was John Martucci and his friend, Tom Baldino (a newcomer to the Folk Guild), with two stunning guitar duets in old-time swing jazz style: "Out of Nowhere" and "I Can't Give You Anything But Love." Barbara Mahon gave us a nice set with "Torn Between Two Lovers" and a participation song, "Lullaby." Stuart Kabek was next. He always provokes serious thought with his lyrics (didn't catch the titles) and gives them emotional character with his modal tunings. Greg, Carol and Peter performed a Brazilian flavored "Shadow of You Smile" and "Leave It Like It Is." Another fabulous guitar duo, Guess Who and Ron Gluck, did a jazzed up Franz Liszt "Lieberfrau" and "Sweet Georgia Brown." The aforementioned guitarist accompanied Blair Shepard in "Hot Buttered Rum." Next Blair did "CDG," a parody of the three-chord folk song. Mike Clarke followed, with a song about Christopher Robin, then with his wife, Emmy, "Smile." We heard from Pat Lamanna again with an original about singing just for the joy of it. Amy Strom joined her in "Whistle Daughter, Whistle."
Andy Ferraro had the audience laughing with "I'm Not that Kind of Man." In a more serious tone, he did "Beside You." In a clear soprano voice with dulcimer, Patricia Bradeigh did a song about native American wisdom. She was joined by a familiar guitarist in "Heaven is Less than Fair." Finally we had Jody Annan in the classic "House Carpenter," then a Rod McKeown tune. It was a good night for real folk music and great guitar duos!
The joint was jumpin' at the February coffeehouse, with seventeen class-act, open-mic performances. Although there was a rich variety of styles, the nineteen twenties jazz style seemed a prominent theme by virtual of its ability to invoke nostalgia. Veteran swing guitarist and vocalist, Tom Baldino, had the audience grinning with "I Can't Believe You Love Me," and "Exactly Like You," then joined Lazy River in "Dinah." John Martucci initiated his new guitar, sharing some great leads with Tom. Rose DeSienna sang the 1929 hit, "April Showers." Lest I get mixed up, I'll return to a semblance of chronology.
Blair Shepard kicked off the evening booming out two Irish tunes, "Moonshine," and "Northwest Passage." Next, Dionne Graff accompanied her voice beautifully on piano in "Cruel Mother," and a Priscilla Herdman song, "I Love You Forever," (both songs on the themes of motherhood). The blues style was featured in two pieces played seemlessly by Bruce Morrison: "Morning Blues," and "Unemployment Blues," a clever original. The Beckers were here tonight! Carol admirably accompanied "My Grandfathers Clock" on her brand new dulcimer. Next they did a Dylan favorite, "When the Ship Comes In."
I was pleased to hear two --- wonderful Earth songs from Lyn Burnstine, "Living Planet," and "Coming of the Roads." Newcomer Sean Reilly demonstrated steady musicianship with "Peaceful, Easy Feeling," from the Eagles, and Van Morrison's "Love the One Your With." Ron Gluck's bluesy "Save Me," and poignant "Babe," brought a big, well deserved applause. In addition to her 20s tune, Rose DeSienna sang a clear "Until It's Time for You to Go," by Buffy St. Marie. Lazy River also switched gears from its 20s theme and did an a capella "River of Light." Next up was Melissa Holland with truly professional (both in composition and performance) thought provoking originals: "Legacy," and "Saying Enough."
Vince Sauter sang John Prine's "Angel from Montgomery," and his own well-crafted, "Heart of Saturday Night." The interwoven guitar solos by Denise Finley and Joe Murray were spectacular with the vocals, in "Ann's Song," (a Joe original) and "Welcome to Acousticville," by Janis Ian. Another proud owner of a new instrument, Steve Otlowski played a 1720s tune on his new Irish flute. Then he gave us a hearty "County Down." Newcomer singer songwriter Jim Cunningham, gave us an original, "Me and You," then , "Brown-eyed Girl." Welcome another newcomer, Kimberly, who sang, "The Light," and "What Do You Say," in a strong honest voice. Our finale was a lovely nursery rhyme round from four fine Folk Guild singers: Sheila Velastro, Melissa Holland, Denise Finley, and Rose DeSienna.
In March, our feature is Denise Finley and band. April brings Kevin & Carol Becker, with Rich Keyes.
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