Caffè Lena has announced the launch of the Peak Jazz Series, an exciting addition to its monthly concert offerings. Made possible by the generous support of Joseph and Luann Conlon, this series is dedicated to fueling the growth of jazz in Caffè Lena’s renowned listening room.
Hailing from Saratoga Springs, the nation’s oldest continuously operating coffeehouse new Peak Jazz Series will focus on ensembles that lean toward cool jazz, fusion, and funk, offering audiences a dynamic and diverse jazz experience.
By ensuring a steady flow of world-class jazz acts, the series enriches Caffè Lena’s programming and reaffirms its commitment to fostering live music in an intimate and premium setting.
The Peak Jazz Series joins the already thriving Jazz at Caffè Lena Series, hosted by accomplished jazz pianist Chuck Lamb. Each month, Chuck and his trio welcome a special guest to the stage, offering unique collaborations with some of the most remarkable names in jazz. Recent highlights include performances with Jimmy Greene and Stanley Jordan, showcasing the diversity and brilliance of the genre.
“We’re thrilled to expand our jazz programming. With the Peak Jazz Series adding a fresh layer to our monthly offerings and Chuck Lamb’s Jazz Series continuing to bring in extraordinary guests, Caffè Lena is solidifying its place as a top destination for live jazz in the region.”
Sarah Craig, Executive Director of Caffè Lena
“Supporting the Peak Jazz Series at Caffè Lena is an exciting opportunity to celebrate the depth and diversity of jazz,”said Joseph Conlon, sponsor of the Peak Jazz Series. “We’re proud to help bring extraordinary ensembles to such an intimate venue, showcasing the energy, artistry, and innovation that define this genre. Our hope is to inspire both long-time jazz enthusiasts and new audiences to connect with the music in meaningful ways.”
The Momentum Series, also made possible by the Conlons in honor of Thom O’Neil, will continue to bring high-energy performances—solo and band—that fill the room with electrifying energy. Together, these series provide unparalleled opportunities to experience the power of live music across genres at Caffè Lena.
Caffè Lena invites jazz enthusiasts, music lovers, and the community to experience the debut of the Peak Jazz Series and its exceptional lineup of artists. For tickets and information, visit www.caffelena.org.
Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs has announced four-piece jazz project, “Old Friends Beckoned, New Sounds Reckoned,” slated to hit the stage on January 11, 2025.
Matt Steckler, Yayoi Ikawa, Lonnie Plaxico & Tony Lewis present an evening of original jazz that draws upon collective inspiration, touching the heart with one cohesive brushstroke. The names Steckler, Ikawa, Plaxico and Lewis suggest four musicians who have intersected at different points on a jazz timeline. With the project Old Friends Beckoned, New Sounds Reckoned, their shared histories converge as singular new ideas emerge. Using original scores as a canvas, the quartet strives for a deeper vibe rooted in shared sacrifice.
Matthew Steckler, aka Matty Stecks, performs and composes in several musical settings internationally. Primarily as a saxophonist, he brings a dynamic, holistic approach to the live musical experience. As a composer and bandleader, Matthew has been recognized for his seminal work with the projects Pretzil Stex, Dead Cat Bounce, Persiflage & Musical Tramps, and been featured at festivals and major concert series in North America and Europe.
Born in Tokyo, Japan, but raised musically in New York, pianist/composer Yayoi Ikawa is an experience of ingenuity and compassion. After recording a straight-ahead jazz piano trio on Nippon Crown release “Angel Eyes” in 2004, she self-produced “Color of Dreams” displaying her original compositions. Since then, her group has featured in various music festivals and concerts in the U.S., Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe and Martinique. Yayoi believes that Jazz is a social activity, and strives to learn from elders, collaborate with peers and pass it on to future generations.
Bassist Lonnie Plaxico’s musicianship is probably best expressed in his masterful integration of different forms combining the rigorous technique of classical, the improvisation of jazz, and the rawness of funk into one exhilarating musical experience. Plaxico’s recording and performance catalog is equally impressive for its caliber, depth and diversity. He has appeared with such luminaries as Sonny Sitt, Junior Cook, David Murray, Alice Coltrane, Stanley Turrentine, Joe Sample, Abbey Lincoln, and Dizzy Gillespie. He has also recorded five critically acclaimed albums as leader.
Tony Lewis is a drummer/songwriter from the South Bronx, New York who has worked with a variety of stellar artists including Little Richard, Sting, B.B. King, Dizzy Gillespie, Vernon Reid, Cyndi Lauper, Me’Shell N’degeocello, Rakim, Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), Michael Hill’s Blues Mob, and Craig Harris. As a child growing up in the Bronx, Tony’s early influences being around family and friends would prove to be a launching pad that led him to attend New York’s prestigious LaGuardia High School of the Arts.
Together, this 4-piece union of ultra-talented jazz musicians are sure to light up Caffe Lena with an amazing display of their capabilities. Tickets are available online and are currently at $30.37. The exciting new show takes place on January 11 from 8:00-9:00PM. Caffe Lena is located at 47 Phila Street in Saratoga Springs.
For more information on “Old Friends Beckoned, New Sounds Reckoned” and to purchase tickets, click here.
Caffe Lena has announced the return of blues-roots fan-favorite Professor Louie & The Crowmatix on October 26.
Professor Louie & The Crowmatix from Woodstock have been consistently returning to Caffe Lena. They have been expanding the borders of the Americana, Roots & Blues genres since the early 2000’s with Professor Louie’s stories, keyboard playing, singing and accordion. Their repertoire continually expands with Crowmatix songs from their 17 albums of originals, blues and Americana music.
Their connection with audiences at shows helps create a family rapport. Prof. Louie (keyboards vocals-accordion) is joined onstage by band mates Miss Marie (vocals, percussion and piano) Frank Campbell (bass, vocals) guitar-slinging skills of Todd Mihan and drummer Dan Hickey. Professor Louie & The Crowmatix create a show that is constantly evolving with songs consisting of elements of Rock n Roll, Blues, Folk & Gospel Music with a dose of Jam framed in solid songwriting.
Professor Louie is known for his production work with the famous rock group The Band. His performance style and songwriting has been known to captivate audiences in both The Crowmatix and his solo work. Caffe Lena is proud to host the multi-talented group yet again this October 26 from 8:00PM to 10:00PM.
Tickets to see the group play at Caffe Lena start at $15 and can be purchased online here. To learn more about the Crowmatix, click here.
Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs has announced the return of their free annual pop-up health and wellness clinic on October 20.
Medical professionals from Saratoga Hospital and community organizations will provide testing, evaluation, health & wellness education, as well as assistance obtaining access to ongoing care during a one-day pop-up health clinic. These services are available free of charge to anyone in the creative community, including artists, musicians, designers, photographers, filmmakers, writers, and all others who work in a creative capacity and live in the Saratoga region.
The clinic was brought to life three years ago through the vision of Saratoga Hospital Community Health Center nurse and musician Jill Burnham RN, BCEN of “Mark and Jill Sing the Blues”. This year’s event is made possible by the generous support of the Rotary Club of Saratoga, with additional support from Caffè Lena, Sight and Sound Vision Care for the Music Industry, and Saratoga Hospital.
Available services will include:
Vision Screenings and Free Eyewear/Sight and Sound Vision Care
Insurance Navigation Services
Connection to Primary Care Services/Saratoga Hospital Community Health Center
Narcan Training & Distribution
Blood Pressure Screenings
Nutrition Services
Cancer Screening Program
Hearing Screenings
To learn more about Caffe Lena’s pop-up health and wellness clinic on October 20 visit their website by clicking here.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in partnership with Caffè Lena have announced the return of the free annual “Caffè Lena @ SPAC” festival which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5 from midday to 5:30 pm.
The festival will feature five bands that explore roots, rock, funk, bluegrass, jazz, pop, and indie-folk including Nation Beat with Melanie Sholtz, Wild Adriatic, and others for one day only on Oct. 5. The free event will take place on SPAC’s Charles R. Wood Stage, and will give audiences a wide variety of genres and styles to listen to throughout the day.
The “Caffè Lena @ SPAC” festival highlights a unique, ongoing collaboration between the arts center and the folk music venue. Caffè Lena has been recognized as the largest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States since opening in 1960 in historic downtown Saratoga.
The collaboration between SPAC and Caffè Lena first launched in 2017, which included jointly curated and presented programs at both venues. Guests are welcome to bring in food, drink, blankets and lawn chairs for the concerts. Food concessions will also be available. The concerts will take place rain or shine.
“Everyone in the crowd treats this event as a gift, and it really is,” says Sarah Craig, executive director of Caffè Lena. “SPAC is a huge organization compared to Caffè Lena, but we both have our hearts in serving the community where we live. We want to be accessible and have the art that happens on our stages be here for everyone. This festival puts those values into action.”
Jazz guitar virtuosos Frank Vignola and Pasquale Grasso put on a spectacular performance of their arrangements and improvisations of jazz standards and their own individual compositions, delivered with incredible musicianship and warm performance skills to a full house at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs on Friday, August 30th. Though it was a repeat appearance for Vignola, it was Pasquale’s first appearance at Caffe Lena and, most likely, not his last.
Vignola and Pasquale are not a standing duo but teamed up for this performance, as they have on several occasions in the past and will later this year and into next year at various US venues.Vignola is one of the most highly respected and internationally sought after guitarists in multiple genres, having played with countless jazz artists and artists in other types of music as diverse as Madonna, Ringo Starr and Donald Fagan. He has appeared at prestigious venues including New York’s Lincoln Center, the Blue Note, and Birdland where he performs regularly
Grasso, who Pat Metheny called “The best guitar player I’ve heard in maybe my entire life”, has a style which is truly his own, stemming from influences as divergent as John Scofield, Charlie Parker, Bill Frissel and classical music and shaped in part by the nuances of jazz piano on guitar. Grasso, now in his thirties, moved to New York from Italy fifteen years ago and has been thrilling the jazz world ever since. He plays primarily at jazz clubs in New York City, either solo or with his trio or quartet.
Vignola delivered his virtuosity with his longtime companion, a 1950s Gibson L7 hollow body archtop with McCarty P90 pickups, played through a Fender Princeton Reverb tube amp. Grasso took the opportunity to introduce the audience to his brand new custom made Trenier hollow body jazz guitar with its single TK Smith “Charlie Christian”- bar type pickup, which he played through a stellar 1940s Gibson EH185 tube amp.
Rather than performing from a set list for either of their two sets, the two took turns deciding what the pair would play as the night progressed, with occasional exchanges of “What do you what to play? I don’t know, what would you like to do?” followed by one laying down a few notes to intro a piece with the other joining in with chord comping harmonizing the melody played by the other, with the pair often “switching” roles. Their selections included “Segment” and “Billy’s Bounce” by Charlie Parker in a posthumous homage to Parker’s August 29 birthdate; the jazz standard “Body and Soul”; “Monks Dream”, “Blue Monk” and “Evidence” by jazz pianist Thelonius Monk; “Stardust” played as a tribute to “straight ahead” jazz guitarist Russel/ Malone who passed away unexpectedly in Japan a few weeks ago; and a number of Pasquale Grasso’s original compositions.
Frank Vignola
There are few things in music as enjoyable as players improvising together at a level where each brings out a musical invitation and challenge to the other to weave their contribution into the other’s and this was a prime example, song after song, of just that level of virtuosity. And it was apparent from both their facial expressions and their musical interweaving that the two performers were enjoying each other’s contribution at least as much as the audience was. It was truly a “dance of two guitars”. Gazing around the room at the people in the audience made it clear that they were transfixed on every passage delivered in the intimate setting that is part of the historic charm and the ambiance of Caffe Lena.
Pasquale Grasso
At times the pair would trade four or eight bar melody or chord melody solos back and forth, with each one’s contribution complementing the other’s, and with facial expressions making it apparent how much they enjoyed what they were doing. Whether they were delivering what seemed to be melody runs of 32nd notes with absolute clarity and well placed clear spaces in the mix interchanged with chord solos or chord harmonies that visited the entire span of the guitar’s fingerboard; or more ballad-like slower tempo masterpieces, Vignola and Grasso truly delivered a master class in jazz guitar.
Long time Caffe Lena house live sound engineer Joe Deuel did his usual excellent job presenting their sound to the room, micing intentionally set low volumes of the two amps into the house’s live sound, balancing and EQing them with perfection.
Frank VignolaFrank VignolaFrank VIgnolaFrank VignolaPasquale GrassoPasquale GrassoPasquale GrassoPasquale Grasso
Mary Gauthier is bringing her most recent tour alongside fellow singer-songwriter Robbie Fulks to Phoenicia, Saratoga Springs, and Spencertown later this month.
Grammy nominated folk singer-songwriter and author Mary Gauthier has a long legacy of translating the human experience into sound. Her lyrics cut, her instrumentals hit deep, and her work has resonated with the public since the very beginning of her highly awarded 11 album, 28 year career.
Her first album, Dixie Kitchen, shares the name of the Cajun restaurant she opened prior to her musical career. This release gifted her the first of many award nominations to come for Best New Contemporary Folk Artist at the 1998 Boston Music Awards. Selling her share of the restaurant to finance her next album, Gauthier released Drag Queens in Limousines that same year, rocketing her into the spotlight for its unapologetically real, raw, and queer narratives.
Since then, Gauthier has released nine albums, including Mercy Now whose titular track earned the title of one of the “Saddest 40 Country Songs of All Time” by Rolling Stone Magazine, and Rifles & Rosary Beads, a collaborative project with U.S. veterans and their families, which not only resulted in various awards and Gauthier’s first Grammy nomination, but also presented the public with a difficult conversation in a groundbreakingly beautiful way.
Robbie Fulks, Gauthier’s co-headliner for the tour, shares her lyrical honesty and folksy charm, taking on a more bluegrass and country twang. While born in Pennsylvania and raised in Virginia, Fulks moved to New York City as a young adult and found a love for the Greenwich Village songwriting scene, there honing his skills that would carry his career to recognition from publications like NPR and Rolling Stone and two Grammy nominations.
Gauthier and Fulks will begin their tour in a matter of days, performing at the United Methodist Church in Phoenicia, New York on September 14, both an afternoon and an evening performance at Caffé Lena in Saratoga Springs on September 15, and the Spencertown Academy Arts Center on September 26.
For more information and tickets, please visit here. A full list of tour dates is below.
TOUR DATES
September 11 – Vienna, VA – Jammin Java
September 12 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater
September 13 – Northampton, MA – Iron Horse Music Hall
September 14 – Phoenicia, NY – United Methodist Church
September 15 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Caffé Lena (4:30 PM)
September 15 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Caffé Lena (7:30 PM)
September 17 – Nashville, TN – All Star Tribute and Drag Queens Album Performance
September 21 – Palm Coast, FL – Flagler Oars Recovery Festival 2024
September 26 – Spencertown, NY – Spencertown Academy Arts Center
September 27 – Manchester, NH – The Rex Theatre
September 28 – Town of Rockingham, VT – An Evening with Mary Gauthier & Ray Wylie Hubbard
October 3 – Harvard, MA – The Fruitlands Museum
October 12 – Nashville, TN – The Ryman Auditorium
October 17 – San Antonio, TX – An Evening with Three Women and The Truth
October 18 – Houston, TX – An Evening with Three Women and The Truth
October 19 – Austin, TX – An Evening with Three Women and The Truth
October 20 – Dallas, TX – An Evening with Three Women and The Truth
Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs has announced a number of musical events in August. With shows ranging from folk and blues to jazz and classical, audiences can enjoy a variety of different stylings throughout the month.
Caffe Lena’s founding dates back to 1960 when William and Lena Spencer converted an old woodworking shop into a coffee house. 64 years later, Caffe Lena is the oldest continually running coffee house in the country. Since its start, the cafe has been dedicated to bringing Saratoga Springs quality folk performances. In 1961, Caffe Lena hosted a then up-and-coming Bob Dylan for a two-night residency. Since then, Caffe Lena has hosted over 12,000 shows, including sets by legendary artists like Dave Van Ronk and Don Mclean.
Starting in 2020, Caffe Lena expanded its operations, opening a music school. This program continues their mission of spreading music through the community by passing down the folk tradition to the next generations. Also started was live broadcasting of the cafe’s shows in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
August 2024 marks a busy month for Caffe Lena with many different events planned. Throughout the month, the cafe will host Monday Open Mics. During these events, community members can display their musical talents for the cafe’s audience. Since its start over 30 years ago, Metroland Magazine, The Alt Weekly, The Saratogian Reader’s Poll, and Saratoga’s Fab Five have recognized the event with “best of” awards. This event is free, but Caffe Lena suggests leaving a $3-5 donation. The open mic nights will take place Monday, August 5, 12, 19, and 26, at 7pm.
Kicking off the month of shows is an August 8th performance by the Nields. Sisters Nerissa and Katryna Nields make up the folk-rock group, blending pop melodies, folk instrumentals, and the edge of 90s alternative. Their sound has been described as a mix of the Cranberries, the Roches, and Joni Mitchell. The Nields’ performance begins at 7pm, with tickets starting from $11.94.
August 9th will feature a performance from Legendary country musician John McEuen. McEuen was a founding member and banjoist for the seminal country act The Nitty Gritty Dirty Band, propelling them to fame with songs like “Mr. Bojangles.” Now, over 45 years into his career, the Grammy-winning musician will perform at Caffe Lena for one night only. His performance will feature instrumental backing from banjos, guitars, fiddle, and mandolin. John McEuen’s performance will begin at 8pm, with tickets starting from $18.98.
Singer-songwriter supergroup Fantastic Cat will perform at Caffe Lena on August 10th. Members Anthony D’Amato, Don Dilego, Brian Dunne and Mike Montali bring years of experience in folk and Americana, making songs that are equal parts funny and heart-wrenching. With music that is equal parts Black Keys and Bruce Springsteen, Fantastic Cat pairs tight instrumentation with soulful vocals. This sold-out performance will begin at 8pm.
On Wednesday, August 13th, Rainbow Girls will perform at Caffe Lena. The trio hails from Santa Barbara, California, where they gained prominence from their live performances. Their music combines indie folk and Americana stylings with ethereal elements, making for a unique sound. UK music website For Folks Sake described their music as “A gang of sweet angels punching you in the heart.” Their set will take place at 7pm, with tickets starting from $15.18.
Following this is a performance by Paul Winter and Chuck Lamb titled “This Glorious Earth.” 7x Grammy-winning saxophonist Paul Winter made a name for himself as the bandleader of the Paul Winter Consort. Composed of jazz, world, and classical musicians, the group traveled the world for decades. Throughout his career, Winter took great musical influences from nature, and consistently fought for ecological protections. Now, Winter will return to a live club setting for the first time in decades to play a salute to the natural world. Caffe Lena jazz steward and pianist Chuck Lamb will accompany Winter. These performances are scheduled for Friday, August 23 at 8pm. and Saturday, August 24 at 8pm. Tickets start from $46.10.
August 27th and 28th will feature performances by legendary British folk musician Al Stewart. Stewart rose to fame in the 1960s, using folk-rock to tell mythological and historical stories. He is perhaps best known for his no. 8 hit “Year of the Cat” from 1976. Across his 16 studio albums, Stewart has worked with everyone from Jimmy Page to Tori Amos. Now after almost six decades in the spotlight, he will grace Caffe Lena with his folk stylings. His performances will start at 7pm, with tickets starting at $47.50.
Judith Owen & Her Gentlemen Callers will close out the month with an August 31st performance. Welsh singer-songwriter Judith Owen has made waves since the release of her 1996 American debut Emotions on a Postcard. Now, with the backing of a New Orleans septet, Owen explores the female artists that inspired her. The performance will celebrate boundary-breaking artists like Nellie Lutcher, Julia Lee, and Blossom Dearie. Owen will also interpret the works of timeless vocalists like Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone. With this modern twist on classic tunes, Owen’s performance is one to look out for. Her performance will begin at 8pm, with tickets starting from $20.61.
For more information on Caffe Lena’s upcoming events, visit their website here.
At Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, a captivated audience was on hand for the June 9 performance from Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams.
The second of two nights for the Woodstock couple at the historic venue, each night was opened by Jenna Nicholls, who brought a unique voice to the stage, one that is tailor made for Caffe Lena. With Jon LaDeau on guitar alongside her, Nicholls opened with a ukulele song that had an old timey radio sound, making horn sounds via bilabial fricative while she plucked away.
A resident of Saugerties, Nicholls cited the Jalopy Music Hall scene for her folk/Americana sound, one that is as unique as it is intriguing. Add in some cowboy songs and a little yodeling, and Nicholls rightfully has earned her first headline show at Caffe Lena on January 18, 2025.
Woodstock locals Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams, fresh off the release of All This Time earlier this year, took the stage around 9pm for a mesmerizing set. Joined by former Hot Tuna drummer (and longtime Midnight Ramble production manager) Justin Guip and bassist Branden Morrison (whose tone was on point all night), the band opened with the lead single from All This Time, “Desert Island Dreams.”
During the show, Campbell was impressively augmenting his guitar sound to have that of a slide guitar, minus the slide. He mentioned that his father grew up in The Bronx, while Williams mentioned her home of Peckerwood Point, TN, in a dry county, just north of Memphis.
Performing much of their new album in order – “All this Time,” “Ride with Me,” “The Way You Make me Feel” and others, Campbell and Williams would pause between songs to share stories, including those involving legendary drummer, Levon Helm. Sharing a story from the recording of Electric Dirt, Campbell recalled that Levon suggested the duo start their first record, which would be recorded at Levon’s barn in Woodstock. One of those tracks would end up on their recent release, the George Jones/Gene Pitney composition, “That’s All it Took.”
A mid show cover of Duke Ellington’s “Caravan” was time for all four on stage to shine, as seen below.
A deep cut of American comedy and vaudeville came to light with “A Little Better,” a song referencing Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, bringing to mind the simple joys of life that can make you feel better, by watching ‘Stan and Ollie Dance.’
Stories from Williams of ‘pew jumpers’ at revivals down south peppered the set, noting the spirit of the music that compelled even the most devout to rise from their seats in joy and exultation. A cover of “Long Black Veil” by Lefty Frizzell featured Larry Campbell on mandolin and tugged at your emotions as Teresa Williams belted out the lyrics in the small confines of Caffe Lena.
A cover of Helm’s “Poor Old Dirt Farmer” off Dirt Farmer, which featured Campbell as producer and on multiple instruments and was engineered by Guip, was presented as a ‘cajun waltz’ but had a distinct sound of having Irish and Appalachian roots.
The penultimate song, “When I Stopped Loving You” was a highlight of the night, as was the Julie Miller penned “I Love You.” The encore of “Down on My Knees” was followed by a rousing rendition of the Grateful Dead classic, “Sugaree.” The duo spent time meeting fans in the lobby of Caffe Lena, discussing songs and their show and taking photos, a treat to close out a spectacular performance.
On July 20, 2024, catch Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams with musical friends old and new at their inaugural July Jam at Arrowood Farms in Accord. Get tickets here.
Caffè Lena has been a continuously operating folk coffee house since 1960 and Tom Rush has been a continuously performing folk musician for just about as long. That certainly made Rush, who released his first album in 1962 and recorded for Prestige, Elektra, and Columbia records in the 60s and 70s, a perfect selection for Caffè Lena’s Folk Heritage Series which brought the New England troubadour to the stage for two shows on Friday, May 31.
Tom Rush at Caffe Lena. Photo by Derek Java.
In the early bird set, which kicked off just after 5 pm to the delight of the mostly-baby boomer crowd, Rush performed a tight 70 minute set that showcased his wide-ranging skills as a songwriter, storyteller, bluesman, interpreter, and champion of other songwriters from his generation.
Tom Rush at Caffe Lena. Photo by Derek Java.
After the packed house welcomed Rush to the stage, he joked that he was in the sixty-third year of his farewell tour and kicked into “Making the Best of a Bad Situation” a talking blues that featured a number of narrative follies and established the lighthearted and humorous nature that continued throughout the set.
Upon completion of the first number, Matt Nakoa took the helm of the legendary Caffè Lena upright piano and accompanied Rush for most of the night. Nakoa, a songwriter who hails from Kerhonkson, NY, looks startlingly like the young, pre-mustachioed Tom Rush as captured in the photo that adorns the album cover of The Circle Game (1968). Nakoa also displayed a dexterous and adaptable approach to the keyboards all night, ranging in styles from barrelhouse to boogie-woogie to straight ahead rock n’ roll. “Hot Tonight” was an apt place in the set for Nakoa to join in since his playing certainly raised the temperature of the music on the stage for the duration of the concert.
Matt Nakoa caught in reflection at Caffe Lena. Photo by Derek Java.
Nakoa is also the producer of Rush’s most recent album “Gardens Old, Flowers New”, which was released in March of this year. “Won’t Be Back At All” was the first of three numbers that the duo played from this latest album. Rush joked that he learned a long time ago that he should play new songs early in a set in case he needed to redeem himself for any missteps, but despite his self-deprecation, the three new songs included in the set were among the most poignant of the night.
True to his word, Rush followed a recently recorded track with a song nearly 60 years old: Joni Mitchell’s “The Circle Game”. Rush recounted that he first met Joni Mitchell in 1966 while he was doing a two week residency in Detroit at the famed The Chess Mate folk and blues club. He was two years overdue on an album for Elektra and asked the budding songstress if she had anything he could record. Shortly thereafter, Mitchell sent Rush a six song demo tape, humbly introducing “The Circle Game” as something she didn’t think was all that good. Rush’s reverential rendition reminded the audience of just how wrong Mitchell was – the lyrics remain spellbinding and perceptive. In many ways, Rush’s baritone, grown gravelly with age, continues to be the perfect foil for the lyrics, “we can’t return, we can only look / behind from where we came / and go round and round / in the circle game. Rush, who alternated between a standard-tuned acoustic, a 12-string, and his open-tuned, signature Martin guitar (replete with naked-lady-wrapped-up-in-a-snake inlay) mentioned that while David Crosby takes the credit, he’s pretty sure he was the one to first introduce Mitchell to open-tuning (something she became famous for). Rush said he’s pretty sure he was the one who showed Crosby how to do it too!
Tom Rush at Caffe Lena. Photo by Derek Java.
Rush continued to school the audience in the ways of the old folk house with Sleepy John Estes’ “Drop Down Mama” which featured an exquisite barroom piano solo by Nakoa. Rush, who hails from New Hampshire, went to college at Harvard and got a second degree in the folk music of 1960s Cambridge clubs where he saw numerous blues and bluegrass legends, Estes included.
Rush then turned the stage over to Nakoa for an interlude of piano instrumentals that shared one quality – they were scores for film. “Tumbleweed Tango” was a clever and playful piece that was commissioned to score a short animation about two balloon animal dogs (check out the video on YouTube if you get a chance). The impressionistic “8MM Home Movies” was inspired by Nakoa’s COVID lockdown with his father. Instead of family movie night, Nakoa’s dad fired up old 8MM home videos and Nakoa was inspired to rewrite an old composition from his high school days that conjured up the images of his youthful grandparents.
Matt Nakoa at Caffe Lena. Photo by Derek Java.
Then Rush returned to the mic for “The Remember Song”, which was probably the highlight of the evening in terms of crowd response. Written by Steven Walters, the song captures exactly what it feels like to misplace the phone or walk into a room without knowing quite why you’re in there. Improbably, a 2007 upload of “The Remember Song” has 7.7M views on YouTube (a true viral sensation)– and Rush made it clear he’s never seen a dime from those clicks. Maybe, he mused, it was the same guy clicking it over and over and forgetting that he’d watched it in the first place.
“Siena’s Song” was a tender ballad for his daughter. Rush wrote the track more than 20 years ago and revisited the lyrics at the behest of his 25-year-old daughter. His young daughter may also have influenced the addendum Rush added to the lyrics of “Ladies Love Outlaws” to bring the 70s hit for Waylon Jennings up to date in 2024: “Outlaws touch the ladies somewhere deep down in their soul, but never without proper consent,” sang the hip octogenarian.
Tom Rush at Caffe Lena. Photo by Derek Java.
In the same way Rush paid tribute to Mitchell, his take on Jackson Browne’s classic “These Days” was a reminder of Rush’s role as champion of great songwriters. Browne wrote the song when he was only 16 and Rush was one of the first to record any songs written by the young prodigy.
“Lost My Drivin’ Wheel”, penned by Canadian David Wiffen, followed the Browne number and brought to mind Rush’s years as a Columbia recording artist in the 1970s at the height of the country- and folk-rock music. “Drivin’ Wheel” featured an extended soulful and percussive organ solo from Nakoa. The rock and roll spirit continued for a medley of the rock standards “Who Do You Love?” and “Hey! Bo Diddley”. Rush, a clever, twinkle-in-the-eye English major at heart, cracked up the audience by singing the lyrics “WHOM do you love?”.
Tom Rush at Caffe Lena. Photo by Derek Java.
The encore for the early evening was the aptly titled “I Quit” which also closes out Rush’s new album. The tune could apply to quitting a job or relationship or a music career, but Tom Rush is in no hurry to leave the spotlight and shows no signs of slowing down. Heck, he had a second sold out show at 8 pm.
Setlist: Making the Best of a Bad Situation, Hot Tonight*, Won’t Be Back At All*, Circle Game*, Drop Down Mama*, Tumbleweed Tango**, 8MM Home Movies**, The Remember Song, Siena’s Song, Ladies Love Outlaws*, These Days*, Lost My Drivin’ Wheel*, Who Do You Love?/Hey! Bo Diddley Medley*
Encore: I Quit *
*Accompanied by Matt Nakoa on piano and keyboard ** Matt Nakoa solo (instrumental piano compositions)
Tom Rush at Caffe Lena. Photo by Derek Java.Tom Rush at Caffe Lena. Photo by Derek Java.Tom Rush at Caffe Lena. Photo by Derek Java.Tom Rush at Caffe Lena. Photo by Derek Java.
