What You're Hiding is a song written and performed by San Francisco-based singer/songwriter Garrin Benfield. The first time I heard it, I was so moved, I didn't know what way to turn. It brought me to both sorrow and anger, much like what I first heard of the crime itself. Benfield not only takes on Matthew's murder, but also the sick bastards that protested at his funeral. Years later, I am still moved by it. When I started this blog, I knew right away this song would be revived every year on the anniversary of Shepard's death, so hear it is.
I will be seeing Garrin Benfield live in December, something I have been looking forward to for several years, since I first heard his amazing music. For more about Garrin, check out his website here.
Here is another example of music I just stumbled across on the web, and several years later, I am still excited when it hear it play. Garrin delivers that music for me. The San Francisco-based musician plays the guitar with a joy and a brazen talent, and sings with a true feel for the music. The first video I saw on the web, the first song I heard him sing, was What You're Hiding, a song dedicated to Matthew Shepard. It moved me to tears.
I finished watching that, and searched out more music. I purchased Where Joy Kills Sorrow, then the rest of his albums. His blend of the cools sound of California jazz and rock with elevates my spirit, and makes me want to hear more. This is Unbound, from the August Live '03 album.
My biggest sorrow? I haven't had the chance to experience Garrin Benfield preforming live, but I hope to rectify that soon. For more about Garrin, visit his website here.
Eleven years ago Matthew Shepard was brutally murdered because he was gay. The utter brutality and senselessness of the crime was shocking enough, but the fact that there was still a bill floating around the House, and the majority of Republicans voted against it, and spoke loudly against. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) referred to the hate crimes bill, as a “social attack on what used to be the morals of America.” To make a statement such as this about a bill for protection of young people from the morality that used to [and in some areas still does] encourage the abuse, battering, and sometimes death of individuals simply because they are different is nothing the founders of this country had in mind. This country was founded by people escaping persecution, and a revolution was based on wanting representation in the government. Why so many in the Congress and Senate believe they don't represent me or people like me is astounding.
One of my favorite singer/songwriters wrote a song about his own feelings on the subject of Matthew, and I thought I would share it here. This is Garrin Benfield singing What You're Hiding, recorded Saturday in Pawling, NY, by a fan. The song never fails to give me pause.
Matthew, may you rest in peace, and continue to be remembered.
While I get my stuff together about the live Tom Goss/Jake Walden show last night, I thought I would drop another post in here. After the show, a guy walked up to me to ask me about Garrin Benfield [since I was wearing a GB shirt], and I was more than happy to tell him how much I loved his music.
Several years ago, I read an article that spoke of a young guitarist named Garrin Benfield, so I sought out his music to see what the superlatives were all about. The San Fransisco based artist is an amazing guitarist - I could listen to him play instrumentals all day. But he can also sing, a point made clear in the first song I fell in love with, What You're Hiding, a song dedicated to the memory of Matthew Shepard
I have purchased all I could find, and think I have a complete collection of his discography. What is missing from the puzzle for me is seeing him perform live. He mostly plays in Northern California, and I haven't had the chance to catch him. Recently, I was excited to see some East Coast dates on the schedule. However, once I really looked at those, it coincided with the 10 days I was going to be watching my niece and nephew, and wouldn't be able to make the shows! Argh! Yes, I have almost gotten over it, but sure hope I get the chance again soon.
It is tough to say which is my favorite CD, but if pressed, I will most likely say August Live '03 by The Garrin Benfield Band. His style is this interesting combination of West Coast folk and jazz, although there are times when rock and country find their way in. The CD is a great combination of original music and interesting covers. There is a smoking version of the gospel song Children Go Where I Send Thee and the 19th Century classic, Hard Times. There are also the haunting melodies of Unbound and Hungry Ghost. This is I Let You Go.
Well, my West Coast friends, I might just be showing up on your doorstep one day, asking to use your sofa for the night, because I made the cross-country trek to see Mr. Benfield live. You can find out more about Garrin at his website or on MySpace.
