Open Mic - The Basement - Northampton, MA - June 26, 2008

Yes, I did go to Lord Russ' Open Mic last night at The Basement here in Northampton, MA. I was trying to reconnect with music. There was a time in my life not too long ago that I hosted an open mic every week. That time in my life lasted several years. So, I used to perform music at least once a week. Usually these weekly performances were for a smallish crowds since I would start out the night, but still, every week there was that reinforcement that I am a performer.

For the last several years now, I haven't done that. I can't say I really miss it. Hosting an open mic can be a bit of a downer. It can be wonderful on great nights. But often, open mics are not great nights. They have the potential to turn sort of depressing and mind-numbing as people sit with blank faces waiting for their chance to shine. To shine in front of the other blank faces waiting for their own chance.

But sometimes an open mic can be perfect, don't get me wrong.

Last night was OK. Sometimes The Basement can just feel really sad. It IS one of the hubs of the local music scene, that can't be denied. I have been there to see some great shows. But it has its downsides. The worst thing is the terrible smell. Everybody knows about it, everybody comments on it when they walk in. It punches you in the face with its moldy sour fist. Sometimes, while I'm sitting in there, stewing in it, I wonder if I am inhaling some kind of poison. "Hey if you're gettin' high off of them fumes, I'm gonna have to charge ya."

The place still is pretty full most nights so I guess there is no incentive for the owners to fix it.

Lord Russ kicked off the open mic with his unique act of playing the guitar and singing and then singing along to his own previously recorded music. He was followed by two guys who came all the way up from Gardner, MA. One played guitar and sang slogany songs about peace and his partner dplayed dthe djembe. They were followed by a girl who played the piano. One of the bonuses of the Basement is that they have a piano. Unfortunately, it is set up so that if you play it, your back is to the audience. I thought the girl should have put glasses on the back of her head. One of the songs she played was "Honesty" by Billy Joel. Honestly, though, it was about two times slower than it could have been. After her, was a guy who played a few original songs of his own. He was dressed kind of punk rock but his music was kind of heavy 90's rock. He had friends there singing along which was nice.

Then it was my turn to play. I was only doing two songs because I knew Russ was running behind schedule. I played two brand new songs "I'm In Luck" and "Don't Tell Me That It's Easy". I didn't feel comfortable. I should have brought my own guitar. Russ' guitar as very nice, don't get me wrong, it just hangs in a different way than mine and I find it awkward.

I am constantly making this mistake and it stems purely from laziness. I always think, eh, I don't care what guitar I play. But it really makes a difference when you are trying to relax in a performance and you have to concentrate on the unfamiliarity of the feel of your guitar. So, I hacked my way through the songs, not getting the boost of musical-confidence that I was hoping for. Conversely, I was feeling even worse about it. I did enjoy at one point getting really quiet and staring at a guy who was talking loudly until his friend noticed and sort of quieted him down. I really Do enjoy messing with the crowd dynamic. I think it makes me trick myself into thinking I have some kind of power or control over the world.

Oh yeah, that's the other downside of the Basement. It really seems to sometimes attract a sketchy crowd. I have a theory that since it is at the bottom of a hill on all sides that anyone stumbling through the night will eventually end up in there. It's like a pitcher plant. Don't think me elitist, please, I'm talking about the guy who was urinating on the front entrance where everyone normally sits. For a nice example.

Anyway, back inside. Dennis Crommett played after me and his guitar sounded so beautiful that everyone shut-up and absorbed it. He played three wonderful songs. Brief and heart-felt and pure. After Dennis was Brian Akey who whipped through a set of his great little pop numbers. He finished off with his sea song about the captain. I call it "Captain".

Then it was time for the featured performer, Dave Houghton of Fancy Trash. Dave's a pro. A real class-act. His melodic style is so unique that you can instantly hear that is is him even when he just starts strumming his guitar. His featured slot seemed to have have been cut a little short, probably since Russ had to squeeze in so many performers still. I heard three of Dave's songs and stepped outside for a second to breathe in some non-lethal air and when I came back he was already done and Philip Price was on the stage. Philip, of course, was great as always and it was his song that I sang as I rode my bike home through the deserted late night streets of my little town.

Had I reconnected with music? Not really.