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March 2016

A Vast Opportunity

On a cold, drizzly Thursday evening in March, Carl and I played a new venue for the very first time.  Vast Kitchen & Bar was just beginning their dinner offering in earnest when we arrived to set up.

First impressions being what they are, our very first impression of Vast was how genuinely nice everyone was.  From the young lady who opened the door, to the smiling waiter welcoming us in, to the husband and wife owners who asked us to entertain.

How could any endeavor fail when when such care and customer service prevails.  Carl and I both knew that we needed to bring our “A” game on this important night.

Seven O’clock heard the very first song echoing through the cozy little restaurant.  We began with the legendary Jimmy Buffett, urging listeners to slow down, “You can’t run at this pace very long . . .”.  Wise words from a man who made his fortune extolling the virtues of relaxation and reward.

Vast seems the perfect place to do just that.  Rest, relax and unwind.  A place to discuss the troubles of the ever changing world fueled by a calming mixture of adult beverages and comfort food.  Its’ warm, hospitable table groupings, each nestled for maximum solitude, create an atmosphere of inspiration as well as introspection.

Most of the venues that we have played recently, tip their hats as gathering places to refuel and revel.  They are fun and favorable, yet loud and boisterous.

Here,Vast offers us the rare opportunity to play an entirely different genre of music.  For the first time in a long while, we are presented with the grand illusion of playing music that patrons can actually listen to.

When you are not hearing the click and clank of banging knives and forks on porcelain plates; or the banging and bashing of the wood tables on harder-wood floors, it is entirely possible that actual nuances in lilting melodies can be enjoyed.

I am not saying that Carl and I are classically trained impresarios, enlightening the masses as musical messiahs.  But every now and again, it is nice to be able to play a well-written song, not necessarily a top-ten hit, that people can actually hear and maybe even savor.

This is one of the main reasons we are excited about this new venue.  For us, it offers a new  and completely different chance to play many songs that we love, and yet have not been able to play in years, or maybe . . . ever.

On this very first night, ( actually, very first set), it took us a while to settle into a groove.  As in playing any new room, we had to get accustomed to the atmosphere, the patrons and the aural logistics.  It took most of the first set for our ears to get accustomed to the audio geometry of the floor plan.  The high ceilings seemed to pass our vocals right through to the far end of the room . . . l o u d l e y!

We made the needed adjustments, to everyones immediate approval, and felt much more at home after our first break.

Usually, we do much more during our break than just relax.  We talk to patrons.  We gather requests and canvas the staff to make sure that our entertaining is being met with the anticipated favor.  Listening to feedback from the people we are entertaining is probably the most important thing that we do.  In this way, we ensure that the wishes and expectations of the ones we are working for are fulfilled.

Tuned in to the second set, we re-connected quickly with an intriguing couple that had offered suggestions during our first set.  They had a nostalgic affinity for seventies music, and as fate would have it, that was right in our wheel-house.  Don Mclean, Van Morrison and Brandy all stopped by to win over the patrons, and the evening.

Soon it was ten O’clock and time to pack it all up.  But not before we had the chance to show everyone at Vast what we were capable of.  (Musically, that is).

All the people we talked with had very positive things to offer us.  The staff seemed happy, and the owners were delighted.

Hopefully we will get the call to entertain again as the restaurant holds so much promise for the future.  There is also a patio that waits only for spring and a new parking lot to blossom.  With any luck, we can be a part of it

When we arrived it was cold and drizzly.  When we left, we were warmed both body and soul.

Rb

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A Vast Horizon

On a wintery night in January, I was out with friends who wanted to try a new, hip restaurant, everyone was raving about.  Vast Kitchen & Bar

Although it was certainly not a surprise that I hadn’t heard anything about it; I was still intrigued by all the chatter.  As we arrived for what would turn out to be a very important evening, how could I have known what excellent service and care we would have experienced, on our very first visit.

The restaurant was charming, all right.  Contemporary styling and no-nonesense appointments, throughout.First-rate service by the greater, the wait staff and even the bartender.  After settling in and spending some time browsing through the ample offerings, we had time to truly reflect on our surroundings.

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The place was full and brimming with conversation.  It seemed that even while engaged in the simple act of dining, what was being digested in earnest was good conversation.  A tribute to an atmosphere that nourishes not only the palette, but the heart and soul as well.  All that seemed to be missing was the sweet tones of an aching guitar.

Maybe we could fix that.  As it so happened, a concerned gentleman sidled up to our table to search out our feelings as we dined for the very first.  He introduced himself as Kola.  And while I was sure that he must the be the chef, I was delighted to find out that he was indeed the owner!

After exchanging our pleasantries and critiques on the evening we were enjoying so far, the subject of music was approched.

As we quizzed our host on the Vast history of music at his restaurant, somehow the idea that Carl and I might be a good fit to entertain someday.

Since Carl and I were both on vacation and in the studio for a month, that someday turned in to the immediate future.

After meeting with the owners, it was decided that we would play on the very next Thursday.

We are very hopeful that it will be a perfect place to play this spring and summer, as we have not entertained in any venue in this area on an regular schedule.20160321_164415

To say that both carl and I are excited is an understatement, as to me, personally, Vast Kitchen & Bar reminds me a great deal of a restaurant that we played for nearly five years at, in the nineties . . . Kokomos.

We have many fond memories of Kokomos, in downtown Mount Clemens.  So if of Vast experience is even close to that, everyone will be in for a real treat!

See you Thursday.

Rb

 

The Saturday After

The Saturday after the big Saint Patrick’s day celebration was a day that Carl and I were fearing, even before it arrived.

Knowing all too well how difficult it is to play on any given St. Paddy’s Day, we have come to fear the worst over the years.

Meaning: we were afraid of how well we would be for the physical and emotional challenge  it is to play at the Mice; given that it was a mere two days after the “big, green day”, we were  a little trepidatious, to say the least.

As it turned out . . .  our fears were in vain, as once again, the people carried us to new levels of musical enjoyment.

There was a good, polite crowd all set and ready to go when we arrived.  These people were either patrons that elected to skip the craziness that is the 17th, or truly professional partiers, unfazed by something as silly as a date on the calendar that simply falls two days after the last opportunity to consume alcohol.

Either way; we win!

They were there all right, smiling, chatting and giving us their unique take on just what goes into an memorable night of song and drink.

Perfect!

Buoyed by the palpable energy and enthusiasm in the air, Carl and I rose to the occasion; immune to the aching thoughts and hurting limbs.

We started out strong, and got stronger as the many tables of new friends and aquaintences urged us to push our musical boundaries.  Good for them; as we need to be pushed from time to time.

We started out as we finished on the Thursday night before, with a healthy offering of Irish fan favorites: Whisky In The Jar, The Black Velvet Band, The Unicorn song and Danny Boy.

We started out that way, but soon moved on to other, more timely tunes.  Songs that tell the story of the ending of winter and the promise of spring.

Right now, singing about the coming of summer is literally music to peoples’ ears.

Through the evening we chatted with so many new fans.  People from near and far that found common ground in song and laughter; as we always do.

We conversed with some friends that we had met last year.  Friends that felt at home at the Mice, especially on their second visit.  So great to see people return because of the great time they had experienced previously.

It was truly a wonderful night.  Still physically demanding, but wonderful all the same.

It is our hope that those people who were so gracious to let us get to know them, will re-live that memory, in picture, smiles and music.

Until we see them again . . . . thanks for giving us the strength to keep going.

Rb

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St. Paddy’s, Day And Night

If ever you were looking for contrast from one event year to the next, this year and last would be the model.  St. Patrick’s Day, 2015 was a slow, meandering Tuesday that never fulfilled its promising potential.  On the other hand, this years’ celebration was vibrant, strong and steady from the beginning of the eight O’clock hour, until the last Irish dog was hung.

Looking back even now, does nothing to wash away the feeling we had then: 2015 st. Pat’s was a bust.  While we were anything but certain at the time, now in retrospect, we can anoint it for what it was; a nice quiet day.  Yes, it was slow.  The weather wasn’t the greatest, but shouldn’t really be held accountable as the main reason that the day fizzled.  While the summer-like celebration of 2012 will probably be the water mark that forever resonates with Carl and I for many reasons, the last few have been trending slower and slower since.

What worried us more than anything, was if this apparent trend would continue.  That people were just not willing to go out any longer during a work week and devote the entire day to celebration and revery; no matter what the cause.  It seemed to us that the times had finally changed.  Finally the new aggressive scrutiny in law and prosecution would effectively abolish social revery once and for all.

After all, our society is still evolving, right?

Nah . . .

Last year was just a fluke.  We know now that it was, because this year came roaring back with an vengeance!

Green men and women were out in full force doing all the stupid stuff that have been a yearly tradition since apparently doing stupid stuff was invented.

Great news for us, as that is how we make our living on the seventeenth of March!

And so it went this year, at Clancey’s at eight O’clock in the morning on a Thursday in March.  Our day began with The Whistling Gypsy, (our traditional Irish opening), and eased into second gear about a half our into our first set with The wild Rover.
( Did ya’ know that our first Irish album is all online . . . listen to Irish Hearts right here.)irish-hearts-cover

Clancey’s began to fill quickly and we needed to keep pace.  The music got faster, as tempos raced and melodies got simpler.  Soon bagpipers arrived to do what they do.

The green beer began to flow in earnest, and all the while we played . . . Green alligators, and long-necked geese . . .

As the two O’clock hour approached we had completely filled the bar.  Enthralled that this year would begin the pendulum swing back to a more normal level of insanity, we set our sights on the second half of our day.

After a quick tear-down and set up, we were soon letting those green alligators loose upon unsuspecting partiers in an entirely new location.  Their entertainment was just winding down as we arrived to stake our claim on the main course of the day.

The five O’clock hour had us attempting to pick up where we had left off at two.  Only now we were at The green Lantern Lounge with our long time friend Jewels.  Jewels brought us to Rosy O’ Grady’s in the nineties.  We played there for many a St. Pat’s party, and followed her to Limelight’s, in Rochester.

Now at the Lantern once more, we could settle in and enjoy the sweet aroma of green beer and pizza.  All we needed to do was to add music, and that we did.  Several friends followed us from location to location on this day, never missing a beat or a chorus.

We are never too sure if people come to hear us on St. Pat’s at the lantern, as the food is the main reason for their visit.  I guess I wonder what most patrons are thinking when they walk in, sit down and are faced with Seven Old Ladies.

Funny how this year the most asked question was, “If we knew any Irish music?”.  Classic.

It was a great crowd at the Green Lantern.  They sat, they listened, they ate and still had request after request.   Wonderful smiles and suggestions kept the music flowing, right up until the very last hour of ten.

In the end, any Saint Patrick’s celebration is a lot of work for us.  So many songs over so many hours.  But the rewards always outweigh the troubles or aches and pains.

As always, we will be looking forward to next years’ celebration.  A day to spend with friends, family and every Irish heart.

Rb

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Saturday Warm-up

Well, Friday night at the Mice was just about . . .

 

Wait a minute . . . .

 

Ok, my bad.  S A T U R D A Y at the Three Blind Mice, was full of energy and purpose, right from the start.  I wrote Friday, because, as you know, carl and I usually play on Fridays.  That is our night.  Always has been,  always will be.

So it is a rare treat to listen to us on a March Saturday, less than a week before St. Paddy’s day.

We were ready, make no mistake.  Most tables were packed as we began our night.  Right up front, some old friends who grew up on Bob and Carl music.  Now, introducing their kids to the timeless tradition.

The first set back after an extended layoff, (Six weeks in this case.), was a little quirky.  Everything needed to be re-set and re-calibrated.  Tuned, tweeted and adjusted, just so.

After a couple of songs, we were right there, back in the groove.

Since it was so close to the seventeenth, we relied heavily on many, highly-requested Irish favorites.  Mission accomplished, as most everyone joined in; anticipating what lay ahead.

One thing we have noticed at the Mice, is how great it is to have patrons all around us.  It really breaks down the barriers as we can watch their reaction to each and every verse of each and every song.  When you see them singing, you know that you have done your job for the night.

On this night, albeit a Saturday, things were clicking on all cylinders.  Everything was flowing from well-known melodies to the contented smiles on truly engaged faces.  Everyone seemed to do their part to make the night special.

It was all good as the tempo of the evening reached a fever-pitch of singing and playfulness.  The many individual voices joined as one, to ramp up the night to historic highs.

Sometimes we just try and hold on, as the tempo the noise and the enthusiasm nearly outmatches what we can bring to the musical table.

We held on all right.  Playing nearly five glorious hours of songs and stories.

To say that were were ready for St. Patrick’s was an understatement.  Hopefully, it will be ready for us!

Rb

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BOB AND CARL