Photos by James M. Graham
Saturday, May 14, 2011, I was joined by my friends James and Brian to see the amazing Garrin Benfield performing at Sullivan Hall in Manhattan. I've been a fan of Benfield's for several years, and only got the first chance to see him live the end of last year. I will not miss a show if I can help it, cause his music just invigorates me, washes me clean of burdens and transports me to a place I love to be. Before the show, I was able to convince James, a photographer, to take pictures for me, and so I have far better pictures than I would ever manage on my own. Thank you James! (You can find his blog here & website here)And that left my hands free to be working the video camera, and have some treats for my readers. Treats like Rock N' Roll, a new song from The Wave Organ Song album. Here he is joined on stage by his sister, Claudia.
Originally, I was planning on doing an elaborate write up on what a great album The Wave Organ Song is cause, well, it is. Garrin has a way of communicating on a highly personal level with his music that might be jarring, only somehow, it isn't. He's not telling stories with his songs, he is sharing a piece of his life. His music and lyrics weave a tapestry not meant to be admired in a museum, but instead lived with in your home, sometimes wrapped around you to keep you warm. A perfect example would be another song from the new album, Colors In You.
One of the reasons I picked to go to the show was because it was a birthday present to myself. It was the perfect gift - music that I love, a live show with dear friends. And I get to receive presents like this, hearing Garrin perform an amazing cover of the late Alex Chilton's introspective song, Thirteen, which can be found on the new album.
Well, let me start off by saying whether it is an advent of my age, the music I listen to, r whatever, but when I hear a musician really start to jam live, it is as close as I get to having sex in a public place any more. When Garrin had completed his cover of John Lennon's Give Peace A Chance, I felt as thought I needed a cigarette, even though I had given up that habit 4 months before. Yep, I was breathing a little heavy, felt a little drain and just a tad sweaty. It really was that good. Here's Give Peace A Loop, what do you think?
It was an outstanding evening, made even better by great company. Afterwards, Brian, James and I went to get something to eat, and revel in the music of the evening. James thought that any evening that including great covers of Alex Chilton and John Lennon had to be great, and Brian sat there smiling and laughing, basking in the afterglow of wonderful music and company. You can find The Wave Organ Song on iTunes for $9.99 here, or on Amazon.com for $8.99 here. For more about Garrin Benfield, check out his official website here. Garrin is out on tour in California now, so if you have the chance, go. To check out his tour schedule, go here. And buy his music. You won't regret it.
Photos by James M. Graham
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