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... by Joanne Corsano ... joanne@picturelake.com

Smack Dabs
click thumbnail to see a photo gallery
of the concert

Mark Earley - guitar, kazoo, vocals; David Sparr, piano; Jim Gray, upright bass; Jon Kraus, washboard; Mark Berney, cornet; Kit Buckley, saxophone, clarinet.

Scroll to below videos for a review of the show.

Four or Five Times

Too Long

This is my second time seeing this band and all I can say is a fun time was had by all. The band's website gives what seems to be a fairly narrow description of their music, giving three specific musicians from the era of the 78 rpm record that are the band's specialty, those being Tampa Red, Big Bill Broonzy, and The Harlem Hamfats. I personally had heard of Big Bill Broonzy before, because he is sometimes cited as an influence on my favorite band, British Invasion stars The Kinks.

In any case, these guys are not just a lot of fun, but there's just enough of an educational component to make you feel like you learned something. Band leader, singer/guitarist/kazooist (is that a word?) Mark Earley gives a usually brief intro to most of the songs. The band's website, in addition, has more information on "Vintage Blues, straight from the 1930s," very interesting reading. Not only is this band providing an evening of splendid entertainment, but they're preserving a bit of cultural history pertaining to race relations in America. Every one of the musicians is obviously enjoying themselves. One friend of the band sat in for a song or two on the spoons.

The venue isn't the church building itself that's in the picture, but the parish hall next door. There isn't a parking lot, but there is plenty of parking on the street right in front of the church for those arriving early. Like any respectable folk venue, they had yummy baked goods and coffee for a modest donation. The band took a very short intermission. My only complaint about this show was it was very cold in there. Not sure there is any actual central heat in this parish hall. My winter jacket stayed on for the duration. The piano player was seen blowing on his hands while not actually playing. Everybody was very nice and welcoming, as one would expect from a Unitarian folk series. First Church Friday Folk Coffeehouse has concerts twice a month on Friday nights; looks like they tend toward jazz, so look 'em up if that sounds of interest.