| Author | Message | ||
     Sandy Unregistered guest |
Hi kids. If you have a hole in the setlist, how about Lose You Again? | ||
| Ellie MacNeil (Ellie) Intermediate Member Username: Ellie Post Number: 16 Registered: 7-2002 |
Well, as long as we're making requests, could we maybe have Shannon (for me and Mark!!) or Breathe In, Breathe Out?? I have to admit I fluctuate between chicken skin and tears when I hear Shannon, especially live! It's not many songs that can move me that way! | ||
| Sandy Unregistered guest |
Well, I had a great time. And the crowd stretched quite a bit beyond the twenty tickets sold in advance. One word of advice and then I'll leave the real commentary to someone more competent. Gene, next time unplug the curling iron before you start playing. | ||
| Charles Lagana (Charles) Junior Member Username: Charles Post Number: 5 Registered: 1-2003 |
THE NIGHT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT IN TITUSVILLE! Giving new meaning to the words "power trio" GrooveLily took their message to the assembled masses (3/4 GL "newbies", by acclaim, when asked by Val) last night with a vengeance, ripping into each song like kids slavering over Christmas, oops, Chanukkah presents, and tearing them open with a renewed sense of delight, discovery and abandon. Despite battling mediocre sound, with droputs, crackling speakers, and way-too-loud, at times, instrument and vocal board mixes, our intrepid trio proved, again, that nothing will stop the juggernaut that is the GL experience. The performances were so fine, so real and in the moment, so powerful, that you could understand how the stage lights and sound could blow out during the opening number: "Day of Reckoning." Irresistible force meets the unmovable object played out in the pas de trois moment that kept building, crescendo after crescendo, high upon high. Yeah, just another night at a GrooveLily show, with Val, Brendan, and the indefatigable Mr. Lewin pushing, challenging, indeed, daring each other into sublimely superb solo runs, taunting each other musically, crappy sound or no, to step up and show, again, why they are the hardest working trio in show biz. Val's Viper sizzled, moaned, soared, screamed, ripped up and lit up every part she played. Her solos offered to Brendan to push him on, displays of love and precise beauty raining down on him and us. The audience, rapt in their attention to the re-creation of the word. Brendan's playing proving that the hardships of life during wartime/studio time will not break him, punishing the keys of the Roland-90 with fanatical precision, fronting breakneck solos, bobbing, dipping, bending into each run as if his very existence depended on it. Depleted, slumped down in post-show exhaustion, yet still managing smiles all-around. Brendan leaves nothing on the bandstand. And what are you to think of Gene Lewin, the most remarkably overlooked drummer in show biz-now budding songwriter-that wouldn't lead you to the conclusion that he is the keystone of GrooveLily. Unassuming, in love with life, the group's funnybone, it's Yiddish soul, and simply one phenomenal drummer. Warm and generous with his playing, he could easily overpower every song he plays on, and showboat his considerable chops. Yet, in a remarkable, soothing synthesis of Mama Lewins's chicken soup and Zen satori, Gene juggles wisdom, craft, and crackling energy in a sublime groovemix of what is and what is not. Where it comes from, I don't ask, but remain thankful that he's on the team. His true power is in what he doesn't play. Cool or what? The superlative effort GL put forth last night shone through the weariness and the struggle inherent in being a band, a true band, in these tough times. You can see it in their eyes, their movements, their playing. This ain't easy. That they make it fun for us, that they love to death what they do, that they become something right in front of you that you will never be, makes you smile and cry at the same time. Their music is like an electric knife, slicing through the ennui of our daily lives and putting us on notice that every time you miss seeing this trio live you do so to your own detriment. There are lessons to be learned, battles to be fought yet. And last night in Titusville, New Jersy GL made their point again to anyone who cared to listen: we're not the same people we were last year or two years ago (and neither are you). We're moving to the beats of our lives, absorbing, creating anew, changing everything we know and translating that into our latest, best version of the band. Come along with us; it's gonna be a wild ride. You see, this is how they get you. That invitation to self-discovery, a new way of seeing yourself, a way to get to the heart of who you are or wanna be...a way to live. The set list for last night: Day of Reckoning Can You Believe Shannon (with G. repping "persecution") Diva Girl Live Through This Happy, Happy, Happy Rewind Little Nemesis LF, LB Coming Home Blessings Coming Down NRIYB Apocalyptic Love Song (AWTY) encore: Odometer Song 1.5 hours of stage time. PP's far and wide were in attendance. Sporting his GL hat and his unflagging enthusiasm, David Kowalski, staffed the merch table assisted by the beautiful and able, Ms. Jodi Goldman from Ft. Lee. Having sat with David at enough GL shows, he is joyous perpetual motion, living every moment of the songs, incapable of sitting still, infectious in his glee. Sharon was also there down from Bridgewater by way of Brooklyn last night. Ellie Mac and her crew were there in strong force, speading joy and delight just by being there. If I missed anyone, my apologies. These PP's are fundamental to the ongoing success of the band. They cover a lot of territory, physical and spiritual, all in the name of loving this band, happy in their work, true and dedicated. The talented duo of Andy and Denise opened for GL, and gave a fine performance. Friendly and warm, with great guitar playing from Andy and sweet harmonies from Denise. They were brought up by Val for "Odometer Song." A fun close to a fun night. GL could do what they do anywhere. That they choose to do it here, for us, in our various home towns, in our hearts, touching what's best in each us, speaks volumes to their generosity and vision. There's no one like them, now, before, or, likely, ever again. Get out to see them as often as your life permits. Bring your pals, hell, bring your enemies. They'll love you for it. You and they will be enriched many times. Your life and your outlook will be sweetened beyond measure with each note, with each solo turn. You will learn, you will grow, you will be transported, but, mostly, you will smile and shake your head. This is as good as it's gonna get. See you at the shows. CL | ||
| Rob Bond (Rob) Senior Member Username: Rob Post Number: 157 Registered: 7-2002 |
Thanks to the super Petal Pusher Team that undertook a strong pre-show promotional effort for this show.
This group contacted radio, newspapers, and distributed lots of Flyers and color Posters in the area. Super work everyone! ---Rob | ||
| Ed Mettee (Ed_mettee) Member Username: Ed_mettee Post Number: 10 Registered: 11-2002 |
Charles, We love your reviews! Now I'm sorry that I didn't look on the map to see just where Titusville is located. Reading a review from Charles is enough to make anyone want to see GrooveLily. Well, I'll see them tonight at The Cherry Tree, in Philadelphia. I'm hoping to see you there too, Charles, because there is no way that I can write a review like you do. Also, don't forget to tune in WXPN, 88.5 FM in the Philly area. They will be live on Gene Shay's Folk show from 5 to 5:30, before they head over to the Cherry Tree gig. See my post under Radio for info on listening to XPN on line. --Ed | ||
| Ellie MacNeil (Ellie) Intermediate Member Username: Ellie Post Number: 17 Registered: 7-2002 |
Yet again, Charles' words leave me shaking my head and wondering how he does it! The only thing I could possibly add is one PP he missed manning the merch table - newbie Kathy (and my sis-in-law!)!! It was the first time since convincing Sandy and Mark to see the band that I had GL virgins with me, and it was kind of frustrating trying to watch the show and the reactions of the uninitiated at the same time! I'm hoping there are a few more "revolutionaries" out there tonight!! Ellie | ||
| Barry Newton (Barry) Intermediate Member Username: Barry Post Number: 14 Registered: 2-2002 |
Folks, I just had to check it out. . .Charles' last post ran just a tad over 1,000 words. I am awestruck. Somewhere between the end of the gig, and the official time of the post, he managed to drive home, sleep (not so sure about this), and crank out a thousand words of finely crafted prose. This level of effort and devotion are a testimony to his feelings about the band and the music. Thanks, Charles. It's (almost) as good as being there. | ||
| Jodi Goldman Unregistered guest |
Another fabulous posting by the tremendously eloquent Charles .... and David and Kathy did a wonderul job at the Lilmart! Even got a pic of Dave w/ the wares! | ||
| Charles Lagana (Charles) Junior Member Username: Charles Post Number: 6 Registered: 1-2003 |
I knew I missed some stalwart PP's on Saturday. Already apologized in this space once. Allow me to apologize again to those I missed, Sandy and Kathy. Smack me upside my melon next time, and say: "Hey, you, we're Petal Pushers, too!!" Kathy, I thought you were selling for Andy & Denise, not GL. Shows you what I know. To those kind posters who enjoy my reviews, thank you. I will tell you a secret: I write them for me, from my heart, for anyone who would like to feel what I feel at the GL shows.. They're nothing special, but you are! And you can do exactly the same. Probably better. Give it a try. See where your own x/y axis is on this GrooveLily graph of musical experience, and let it shine! CL |
