Author: Tim Piazza

This show really should have given equal billing to Tim’s talented wife, Jan Lucas. We really enjoyed the banter, camradre, and counter-point of these two well matched companions. Both veterans of the L.A. television and film industry, They’re equally self-confident as creative individuals in front of a crowd. The show was very engaging, and it was the first time I got to take in a performance from the back of the room, having just had my foot worked on a few days earlier. Listening to Tim talk about the inspirations for his songs was a treat, and talking about visiting author and essayist Wendell Berry at his home was a rare treat.

Alan has been releasing solo collections since 1981, with his latest release titled “Journey”. He’s a terrific performer, a successful songwriter and talented painter who creates some really great T-shirts and artwork that he sometimes sells along with CDs after the shows. Alan’s an exceptional stage performer, in that he makes it all look easy. He has many stories and experiences to share, and his songs are well crafted. And living in Nashville for so many years, he knows the business from the inside out, and knows how to keep from getting trapped in the middle of it.

This was the show that almost wasn’t. While I was cruising the backroads between St. Louis and Evansville on my new v-twin, Al was leaving messages on the answering machine that would have made me nervous had I heard them in sequence. But my message machine plays in reverse order, so the first message from Al started with “It looks like we’ll be able to make it tonight after all.” It thrned out that Emily was fighting a bout of laryngitis, and it cleared up just enough by mid-day to make the performance.

Al and Emily Cantrell cast a magical spell with their airy, joyful acoustic songs. Emily uses her voice as an instrument on soaring vocals like a country Joni Mitchell, while Al plays off her Martin guitar with spirited fiddling and a dazzling mandolin technique–his music weaves through her words as if the two were locked in an intuitive dance.It sure was something to listen to this talented duo.

Matt and I started talking about mandolins and house concerts a couple years ago, about the time his first CD, “Pilgrim” hit the shelves. What I didn’t know at the time is that Matt is a wild guitar player with strong jazz and country blues influences. While his CD covered more traditional territory, his performance included some mean slide guitar and some really terrific originals.The other thing I found out is that Matt is a genuinely nice guy, considerate and unassuming, and a pleasure to converse with. I’m looking forward to a chance to spend a bit more time, and maybe we can squeeze in a slide guitar lesson or two!

At first, I didn’t know what to think of this blissful duo. They had this website with wild graphics remniscent of what you might find strolling through the parking lot at a Grateful Dead concert. A description of the duo sounded like they could be an oddly inspired religious order. I was baffled, so I contacted them and well, we just had to bring them to Evansville.Voted “New Orleans Best New Folk Band” by Offbeat magazine, they’re zany and original, their musical style knows no limits.

The Troubadours were an absolute joy to listen to and watch. They’re funny and witty, their timing is exceptional, whether it be a riff or a one-liner. It’s hard to believe that so much music comes from just these two women. I sure hoe we can have them back sometime, because I’m ready for some more of that musical bliss!