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STRATEGY FOR THE DAY: more is less

Last Thursday I went to see a friend (and songwriting student) do a half-hour set at The Talking Stick in Santa Monica and ended up staying for the entire evening. I loved the club - a small venue, maybe seats 50 tops, reminiscent of the coffee houses of the 1960's. Sofas, a few tables, no alcohol but plenty of exotic coffee and tea mixes, a noisy espresso machine that is bound to go on just as soon as anyone starts singing. (Folks, order those espresso's BEFORE the set starts!) My friend, Lorie Doswell, opened the show at 8 pm and did a very strong set. She has an outstanding voice that ranges from the intimacy of Tori Amos to the emotional power and intensity of Patsy Cline. I've been working with her to create songs that take advantage of her amazing emotional range. She's closing in on a couple and already had some solid songs when I met her. Her most recent song "Just One Night" is headed in exactly the right direction. It's got a gorgeous, memorable melody (I can't get it out of my head.) and deep emotional honesty in the lyrics.

Several students from my class turned up for the evening so I decided to stay. Tracy Newman, did a very entertaining set with songs that ranged in style from Hank Snow to Randy Newman. She is a TV writer and producer and has a sense of timing and character to show for it.

I had given a talk on artistic persona to my class just two nights before and I'm so glad I did because the evening at the Talking Stick showcased four completely different and very strong personas. An artistic persona is an honest part of an artist's personality that is emphasized on stage and in their songs. Lorie's is a vulnerable persona, someone who values honesty and depth. She writes of seeking a balance between independence and love. Her physical looks, her vocal sound, her songs all work together to create a sense of character the audience can recognize and relate to. Tracy Newman's persona is relaxed, irreverent, and fun-loving but at the same time wise and observant. Her open personality, down-to-earth appearance, and self-deprecating wit are all right in line with her songs. The audience immediately believes she is who she says she is and thus we are prepared to follow wherever her songs take us.

I was enjoying the evening but certainly not expecting what came next. Michael Doman did a half hour set that was a spectacular display of fine songwriting and charismatic stage presence. I don't believe I have ever seen this kind of talent and fully-developed persona in an unsigned artist. Michael's songs are in the singer-songwriter style of someone like Jason Mraz. The lyrics are deep and move fast, winding through places and characters and situations like snatches of overheard conversation. His open-tuned acoustic guitar provides a relaxed but compelling groove; the melodies take unexpected twists and turns but never lose the listener. He has an undeniable physical presence on stage - lanky and sinuous, easy and sensual. The low, soft voice is reminiscent of Nick Drake. (Doman says other people have made the same comparison but he has never heard Nick's music.) This is a remarkable artist and everyone I talked to after the show had the same reaction.

I would not want to follow Michael Doman onto any stage. Unless you are utterly different, you are going to pale by comparison. Amazingly, the next artist was about as different, quirky, charming, and wonderful as could be found anywhere. Burt Berger has a folk singer's presence - seated on a stool, wrapped around a guitar, legs crossed, one foot nervously kicking the air. He works his guitar hard, not just strumming but plucking, pulling and shaking the notes out of it. His voice reminds me a little of Phil Ochs and his songs are full of clear-eyed observations, unexpected left turns, and some amazingly catchy hooks.

I don't go clubbing very often because, to tell you the truth, I am usually bored to death. But that evening, I felt I had visited four very different, curious, deep worlds. This is what singer-songwriters can do when they are good; like a good play, they create a sense of participation. You are invited inside; through the effect of music and words, you share their emotions. And, for awhile, you are not alone.

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Read A Brief History Of Love Songs by Robin Frederick at the Sound Experience Music web site.

Copyright 2005 Robin Frederick. All rights reserved.