NYC SHOWCASE MON SEPT 21– BITTER END
I admit it. I’m a depressing music junkie. I don’t know why I enjoy being reminded of pain and suffering, but …I kind of do.Normal people get a rise out of a good anthemic rock song. I gravitate toward the song that rips your heart out of your chest for the 10th time…the songs that tend to bring back all the worst of memories. Odd, I know.Sometimes I need reminding that music is supposed to be fun. Enter New York Songwriters Circle…Bitter End…Sept 21st. You guys were just what this pensive writer needed. Will Galison, accomplished studio musician and virtuoso on the harmonica, was a highlight for me. His songs, with titles that went something like “Just Because you’ve Gotta Itch doesn’t Mean You gotta scratch”, had the whole room clapping and giggling. After a long week of hitting repeat on my favorite breakup song, this was a welcome tonic. The night had its share of you-done-me-wrong,but there was a real sense of balance to their writing. It’s something I need to learn how to weave into my own music. It was so good to see a group of artists who have managed to master communicating devastating pain and silly joy at the same time. I guess that’s the goal for any songwriter…write songs for where people are at….not just where you happen to be. Bradd, Jennifer, Amanda, Will, Joe, and Nick –thanks for a great night, and thanks for the kick in the melancholy I needed.
