Last month, I had the pleasure of seeing a friend, aspiring singer-songwriter Lisa Watson, perform at South Jersey's Barrington Coffeehouse, an easy-to-find, friendly establishment which provides open mike nights for mostly local musicians. And ... they also serve some damn good coffee.
The last musician to perform that night was someone I did not know: Colby Stead, a thirtysomething Utah native who had driven several days across the country to get to this gig. Colby has been playing guitar and singing for only the last three or four years. It's hard to believe, because he has fine guitar (and harmonica) skills and was quite comfortable performing in front of an audience of maybe two dozen people sitting five feet away. His intelligent lyrics and easy rapport as he segued from one song into the next suggest someone who has developed a special perspective from traveling around the country in his van to support his craft, meeting people from all backgrounds and all walks of life with all of their tragedies and joys along the way. After the show, he and I talked for almost ten minutes about different places we had each visited in this great land of ours. One of the keys to seeing it and the good people out there, we both agreed, is to off the beaten path, especially the interstates.
His website (which he barely mentioned in his performance), includes, as one might expect, song clips, including those from his CD, So Normal It's Different. But Colby also loaded the site with tons of additional content, including photographs from his trips across the USA, poems, lists (e.g., "50 Things I Would Do If I Were Famous"), letters (e.g., "Letter to a President"), and spoken word sound clips. The CD can also be purchased online. My favorite song is "Selling Out."
Colby's Upcoming Appearance In The Philadelphia Area
He returns to the Barrington Coffeehouse on Wednesday, September 21st 2005, at 7:30 p.m.. After the show, his 20-song CD will be available for only $10, which is quite a bargain, cheaper than iTunes, as he points out. Since his shows are usually free wherever he plays, and gasoline is a bit expensive at the moment, it would be nice to show your support, if you go.
3 comments:
I can't begin to thank you for the kinds words that you wrote about me (and my music). Your interest and support mean so much to me. Entirely.
Trying my best..........colby stead
like tumbler and tipsy days hopefully we will remain in high spirits. well, good day
Hosting his new album: 'No', Colby Stead's website has been redesigned. You could listen to some songs and download couples too. Hope you'll enjoy.
Post a Comment