No man is so foolish but he may sometimes give another good counsel, and no man so wise that he may not easily err if he takes no other counsel than his own. He that is taught only by himself has a fool for a master.
When we walked into the Hallie Bar, the music had started. The happy hour shift was just over the legal driving limit, and about to head out onto the roads. So, shortly after we got there, we were able to score a seat right at the end of the bar. Immediately I noticed Brian's setup was not his usual. Normally a light traveler, he was this time setup with two mikes and three guitars.
Up close to the stage there was a table with three people at it. (One was a photographer who said he would send me some photos. ...you can see where that got me... ) When the woman from the group came to the bar for a fresh cocktail I noticed her ink. A large tattoo, covering her upper chest. Noteworthy for sure, it looked like really nice work. The colors bright, vibrant. It wasn't until she turned just a touch toward me, and I got a closer look, that I realized it was a themed old school microphone. You know, the chrome one like Buddy Holly sang in. In my mind, at that moment, I thought of Brian's second mic and realized, we are going to see something special tonight. I was not disappointed.
Brian had two friends with him. Musicians he had met at a Stone's Throw open mic night, Leiah Webb and Jon Seeley. Both, of them, singer-song writers. Playing their own music and some covers.
Here I am, in a tight spot. Did I like, Jon Seeley's music? No, I did not. But, I feel like it wasn't his fault. Musicians must hate to get pidgin holed. Especially by some hack with a blog. But, as a fan, I must. I would call his music, Tortured Urban Folk. It was full of angst and discord. It just wasn't my thing. I won't call it bad. I think it was performed with talent. I have heard music similar before and not liked it any better. :-) Later on in the evening we heard Seeley sing a Counting Crows song, and it left no doubt in our minds he can sing. His voice was perfect as a cover of Adam Duritz, lead singer in the Crows. So, I would say he is worth a listen if you are looking for it.
I was particularly impressed by Leiah Webb and I hope to see her perform again. She has a great voice. She is still a little shy on stage. I think it shows up, more when she is a backup singer, I think she has a little trouble figuring out where to be to really stretch herself. Still though, not bad. But, when she sings solo, she has no doubts, and does really well. As her confidence builds and she begins to show off more, it will really be something. That show I would like to be at. She has the depth and tember in her voice to be a great singer someday.
I don't know if you can catch Leiah Webb solo yet. I was at her web site and I think is mostly just with other bands or singers. But, I might be wrong. It is late and you know how to use google. If you hear she is playing, she is worth the trip!
Oh, right, and I almost forgot to mention. Brian Bethke was there that night too. New CD coming out ...hmmm, today, maybe? Or, very shortly anyway. A tour immediately to follow. Omaha Nebraska was the first date! Great going Brian!
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