A great first night hosting the Open Mic at Java Good Day Cafe in East Greenville, PA! Thanks to the owner Ann and her staff for their great space, coffee, tea, food, and warmth. And to the performers! It's a nice space for anyone to play and/or listen. Click Here for more info about the night and the great performers there.
0 Comments
A close friend of mine introduced me to Bruce Cockburn's music in the early 80s. She played the albums 'Night Vision' (1973) and 'Salt, Sun, and Time' (1974). It was left of center, hearfelt, with clean guitar playing, and at times mystical yet at the same time crystal clear lyrics. He's been one of my favorite artists since. I've played his "All the Diamonds", "Night Train", and "Stained Glass".
I had the chance to see Bruce live at the Sellersville Theatre in PA a few years ago. He was powerful, intense, and such an awesome songwriter. His guitar skills are immense, and he has released a few instrumental albums that showcase this. One of his guitars is setup with stereo pickups, and he uses an effects array creatively. Sonic wonders fly when the guitar work and lyrics wrap around each other. A must-see live performer. And a human with a compassionate, spiritual, and political heart who "walks the talk". This 'World Cafe Live' session with the wonderful David Dye of WXPN / NPR is time very well spent. Had a chance to stop in Phil Stahl's "historic" (since 1980!) Open Mic in Bally, PA tonight. Phil's a great host and very good musician to boot. I played my original "Crown Vic", Josh Ritter's wonderful "Girl in the War", and Bruce Cockburn's timeless "All the Diamonds". And heard some other great tunes by other performers too, including Chris Tray and Bob Grover.
Thanks to Pastor Steve, organist and pianist Cindy, and choir director (and awesome tech setup person) Nick for working with me to contribute and worship with the Ridge Valley UCC congregation. What a welcoming and warm congregation. And very good singers all! I contributed "Come Now is the Time to Worship", "Better Than A Hallelujah". Thanks to good friend Jack for connecting me with his great community.
I contributed the touching and human Sarah Hart and Chapin Hartford tune "Better Than A Hallelujah" (also an Amy Grant hit) to services at St. Mark's Lutheran. Thanks to Pastor Chuck and Music Director Judy Love for their invitation and warm leadership.
Thanks to Phil Stahl for the chance to be the WPFS Featured Performer of the Week at his VIP Tap Room 'Phil Stahl Show and Open Mic'. I did a live recording that I've titled, well, 'Live in Bethlehem'. Phil did live recording engineering, and a surprise sit-in drummer, Chris, added great drums on about a half-dozen tunes. I'm happy with the effort and I'm sharing a lot of the songs on my Tom Cooney Music Media Page. My originals "One Place to Go", "The Prodigal Friend", and "Crown Vic" are highly recommended. Dylan's "If Dogs Run Free" is a great bluesy, jazzy tune also. Enjoy!
Had a wonderful gig at Java Good Day Cafe in East Greenville, PA. It was fun to play a full night of music. Thanks to Java Good and to the many folks who stopped in and enjoyed the music. I got to play a broad range of music, including many originals, American Songbook jazz standards, some blues, some folk, and a sprinkling of nice Gospel tunes and R&B. There's nothing like music, and this was a special night.
It's always a pleasure to play and praise with Pastor Tim Stewart's Salem United Methodist congregation in Pottstown, PA. Music is such a unique way to meditate, create, and collaborate about peace, love, and understanding ... in the secular or spiritual setting.
What a great day this is. People all over the world gather locally to make music. The Upper Perk Valley held performances all over the area. I performed on Main St. in Pennsburg for a full set and had a great time. Thanks to the Valley Art Scene especially Cathy Sweeney for her tireless work on Make Music Upper Perk. And thanks to "Mac" / "Mr. MacBain" for his great setup and sound checks at the site.
|
About this blog:
"Music is intrinsic ... deep in the bones, the heart, the soul ... integrated with the oneness of nature ... Archives
January 2015
Categories |