We finally found time to go see the Acoustic Airmen. I love acoustic music and Mark is one of my favorite guitarist so when I heard about Birdman playing a washtub bass, I had to go check this lineup out for myself. From the opening notes of See You Again in the first set, I was in heaven. When they played The Last Time, I couldn't help but think about our upcoming move to Colorado and how much I'm going to miss this music!
I was smiling when I saw Dan Tepper walk in with his trumpet, he added some sweet touches to several songs. Unfortunately not too many other people came into the bar - a very sad statement about the Jersey music scene. Where are the fans for these wonderful musicians in your neighborhood?
The highlights of the first set were hearing Tim breakout an unfamiliar Dylan tune - Mississippi, and the set closer - Panama Red, with Dan joining in the fun. As much as I enjoyed the opening set, the second set was smoking, featuring some of my favorites - Way You Do The Things You Do, Thrill is Gone, Loose Lucy and the highlight of the set - The Bug! Check out this video clip link if you have a high speed connection...
By the time the third set started Pattie and I made up half of the audience - that's right only 4 people were paying attention. There were 4 guys watching TV at the bar but nobody else was there to appreciate the performance. It didn't matter to Mark, Tim and Birdman as they continued to jam away with the same energy and intensity. I got to hear Little Sadie for the first time and captured a video clip of most of it that you can see from the link below. The show closing combo of Time>>Deep Elem Blues was the exclamation point on a mighty fine evening of music!
Little Sadie Video Clip (20.4 MB)
I was impressed by the range of notes that Birdman got out of something as simple as a washtub, a closet pole, and a piece of string. I had a chance to chat with Birdman and learned that he's been playing the washtub for 25 years. I was pleased to hear another one of Jersey's best kept musical secrets...
Everyone should go check these guys out at least once, show them some support and keep the gigs alive!
Being so close to the shore, we had to stop by the beach to soak up some of that ocean power. The waves were awesome with storm clouds on the horizon. I hope we can get back there sometime soon to enjoy it all again.
To Mark and the Acoustic Airmen - Thank you for a real good time!
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