Gigs

We, that is me and the band, are in rehearsal for our June gigs at Davenport's. Despite the fact that I'm playing with the band, this is a cabaret show. If you have never been to a cabaret, it's a very civilized experience: the show is an hour and 10 minutes (counting the long, enthusiastic ovations and encores), in an intimate room where people actually listen. The shows start at 7, which means you'll be home in bed by 9, unless you stay out and drink with me.

The band: the band the band! is fabulous. I'm reunited with three of my favorite singers, who by some quirk of temporary insanity have agreed to back me when all can and should be doing their own shows someplace. I am bribing them and kissing up like crazy. The core of the band is my writing partner Todd Seely, who is good at everything I'm not, and that is a long list. Recording, acoustical engineering, all things guitar are Toad's particular gifts. On the drums we have Dr. Paul Harris, because every band needs at least one mental health professional; my favorite drummer. For these shows we have guest bassist Brandon Mitchell, who will be playing upright and electric... though not at the same time.

This show is almost all new songs with a few old favorites and maybe a cover thrown in. The show is called "Happy Middle" because, while I am far from some of the happy endings I was hoping for, the middle can be a crazy horrible wonderful kind of happy too. The sound is edgier than my earlier piano shows, but you don't need to bring your earplugs. This is rock and roll for the rest of us, sad happy funny real life music.

A better woman than I, or perhaps a woman with more money, would have the new songs all recorded and ready to download by gig time. We have a few demos and lots of big ideas rolling around in our big heads, but the final versions of six new songs will probably be sneaking onto my "buy music" page for the rest of the summer. You'll just have to come hear them live first.

June 15th and 22nd 7 p.m., at Davenport's, Chicago. Reservations recommended 773 278-1830.

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