A real gem slides into Western Mass : 'Slide Sessions North' at the Black Moon.
Writing and Photographs by Ian Murray
Every so often you stumble upon a gem in the most unlikely place. Tucked away in the small Western Massachusetts town of Belchertown, up a set of winding stairs above a Dunkin Donuts is a small bar where Joe organizes music seven nights a week. On a good day it takes a two hours of uninterrupted driving to get there, so what was it that dragged me away from my evening armchair to brave the rush hour traffic and endure the three hour trip to Joe's place, The Black Moon Music Lounge?
Well, I'll tell you, it had something to do with a Gene Autry Melody Ranch Guitar circa 1940's, more than one National Steel Guitar, a couple of Dobros, and a mandolin all liberally laced with some fine finger picking and rich vocals.
I was enticed to Belchertown by the prospect of seeing four masters of the slide guitar performing together in a very intimate setting as part of the Slide Sessions North concert series.
Jim Henry opened the set with a rousing version of Doc Watson's Deep River Blues which quickly had the crowd whooping and hollering as each performer took their turn improvising a solo. The sheer power and tightness of the playing indicated that we were in for a very special night indeed!
Jim Henry
Next up Cliff Eberhardt made his Gene Autry Melody Ranch guitar sing as he dragged the steel slide up and down the neck. The way he managed to get such a bluesy and full sound from this old Sears and Roebuck guitar was magical.
Cliff Eberhardt and his 1940s Gene Autry 'Melody Ranch' Guitar
Abbie Gardner from Red Molly was equally adept on the Dobro and her cover version of Lucinda William's "Can't Let Go" showcased her fine singing voice and vibrant presence.
Abbie Gardner
What can you say about Brooks WIlliams' guitar playing that hasn't already been said? Placing his tall body on the small chair he was almost forced to double up his lengthy legs as he swayed back and forth and was very animated whilst providing some scintillating accompaniment.
Brooks Williams almost bends double and sways as he plays.
When his turn came he gave us a real treat in his playing of "61 Highway" from his "The Time I spend with You" Album and later joined Jim Henry in a wonderfully delicate and moving rendition of "I think that it's going to work out" harking back to their duet album "Ring Some Changes". A rocking version of "How Long Till I'm in My Baby's Arms was a real crowd pleaser.
Abbie Gardner watches intently as Brooks takes up the music
The whole band provided a fullsome, mellow soundcape for Jim's rich and tuneful voice on "Ruby (the girl with the flaxen hair) which has acquired a variety of names over the years but is probably best known as an outstanding track on his 1999 Album "The Way Back". And his voice was even more mellow on a stirringly bluesy version of "St James' Infirmary".
Jim gets his guitar ready for St James' Infirmary
Laurie MacAllister of Red Molly joined the band in a surprise guest appearance for a couple of numbers including some beautiful harmonizing with Cliff on his soulful version of "Love Slips Away", from his "School for Love" Album.
Laurie Macllister from Red Molly puts in a surprise appearance.
All four performers showed their amazing talents and really got the crowd bouncing during Cliff's hard driving version of Dylan's "Down in the Flood (Crash on the Levee)" .
By the time I left the Black Moon, the fog had settled thickly and wrapped itself around the trees, giving the landscape an other-worldly look that seemed totally in keeping with the out of this world playing of these four excellent musicians. The journey home seemed to fly by as the tunes of that night's performance lingered in my head.
If you missed this show you have an opportunity to catch Abbie and Brooks William's again in New York City on Oct 1st. Details Below.
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Thursday, October 1st, 2009 9:30 PM |
The Slide Sessions w/ BROOKS WILLIAMS!
Googie's Lounge above The Living Room
154 Ludlow St
New York, NY
http://www.livingroomny.com/googies.html
Price: $5
"WOW! I can't believe we get to have the one and only BROOKS WILLIAMS jamming with us on this one! Please come down and check it out. He's amazing" - Abbie Gardner.
You can also catch Abbie and Laurie playing with Carolann Solebello as the magnificent "Red Molly" at several places around the country - check out their calendar here.
Cliff's schedule of concerts can be found here:
Brooks schedule of concerts can be found here:
Jim, of course can be found playing with his partner Tracy Grammer and with other musicians, his schedule can be found here
The Black Moon Music Lounge has music seven nights a week and more details can be found here.
Ian Murray is a professional photographer who can be hired for head shots, protraits, publicity photographs and event photography. More details can be fouind on his web-site
Nice Web page Ian.Obviously still got the music bug.
love liz
Posted by: Liz Martin | 10/18/2009 at 06:59 AM