The Labyrinth Cafe this past Saturday with Jennings and Keller & Doug and Telisha Williams was a fine, fine night of music. Laurie and Dana brought us the gifts of a whole bunch of new songs wrapped around their stellar voices and music. There was enough for a good part of a new CD; it’ll be good, when we get it. I believe it’s gestating, and it won’t be too unbearably long. Like their colleagues on the bill, it’s fun to hear the stories of how a song came to be, and then get the song delivered in a wonderful way. It’s clear the creativity still flows richly from these two, and it’s an honor to know them as members of this South Florida community. Laurie and Dana served up some beautiful new music, a few familiar songs, and left me anticipating. Thank you.
Doug and Telisha were new, but not any more. Wonderful music, presence, personality. Yes, Susan, there is something about a woman in red boots playing an upright bass. Personally, I was more focused on the wrist action of those hands on the base, thinking, ‘Lucky bass.’ A wonderful presentation. And then there’s Telisha’s voice – soaring and sassy and more. As Nancy said the other day, something in way she sings about whiskey. I’m not a whiskey drinker, but now I’m considering lessons. . . see what going to church on Saturday night does to you? . . . Doug was filled with great stories and some amazing guitar work. I’m glad I got to witness his playing. I wish them much success and hope they’ll return to our area again. Hump ahead – – – you had to be there.
Then there was the second half. It’s just so nice when we get to be in on stuff like what happened when Laurie and Dana and Doug and Telisha became a band. The harmonies, the solos on guitars and dobro, the energy – all something that was unique to that moment, that time, that place. One of those times when you know you might not hear anything like it again but you’re glad you did. Again, thanks.
And thanks to Susan and the Labyrinth Cafe folks for the hospitality and spirit of it all. See you all for Christine Lavin Jan. 8.
Fred Mortensen