Mix-Tape Series: Side A-Open Mic At Paddy’s

Here’s the scene: It’s about 9:30pm on March 3rd, it’s just started snowing-again-I’m at Paddy Murphy’s, it’s deliciously warm, I’m enjoying a nice IPA and the sensational Sam Chase is doing a sound check. It’s open microphone night, the atmosphere is friendly, comfortable, and the crowd is welcoming and diverse. I could feel the promise of good music.

First up, of course, the narrator of our night: Sam Chase. His awesome, solo energy was such a great way to start off the night. If you’ll remember, he rocks it in Rotating Taps, but Sam solo is a different kind of magic altogether. Especially when he starts it off with some classic lesbian rock-Melissa Etheridge style.

The rest of the night, like all open mic nights, was more or less a grab bag. With that said, I thought that night was pretty special. There were a lot of really great acts performing, and no matter the skill set everyone genuinely seemed to be enjoying themselves. I can attest to this; it takes major balls to get up in front of a crowd and do your thang with confidence, and without puking, passing out or peeing yourself. Especially when the crowd isn’t necessarily even there for you at all.

There was an adorable, under aged, fedora wearing boy who got up and serenaded us with some tunes on his acoustic guitar. His genuine, joyful presence was enjoyable, and a real crowd pleaser when “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” came up.

One of the more interesting acts of the night, a man on melodica. A melodica is a free-reed instrument similar-ish to a harmonica. I think what I liked most about this act is that it was unlike all of the others. And you know what? He rocked it. It was awesome. I assume he was free styling, or doing original tunes. Regardless, it was really fun to hear, and some of it sounded very reminiscent of Yann Tiersen’s score in Amelie.

There was a flute/guitar act that seemed like it had some potential. Unfortunately, it was 11:30 and the din of the bar was not really catering for the cool sounds of a flute act. BUT, flute girl came back on stage for a solo acoustic guitar act II and she rocked it. Very Ani DiFranco-esque.

Another acoustic act, who sang some covers but ended up being surprising. He was timid, shy at first. But he got his groove. Once he had his confidence he really started to shine. He had some solid and honest potential, from what I could see. His skills on guitar were there, and his voice was there. And what’s more, he played an original song for the room and it was good. Very good. I believe that there could be more there for him.

And my favorite, and by far the most fun act of the night, was when two unlikely guys got together to jam out for a few songs. Both of them had previously performed that evening, but united they were striking all of the right chords. Really, though, they were just having fun. And the crowd was so into it. “What I Got” by Sublime was the highlight of the night.

Of all the acts that played, there was one act that really stood out to me. Gwen and Taylor. At first I just thought they were adorable, and then they seemed timid, or perhaps there were technical difficulties, and then…BOOM. My mind was laying on the stool next to me. Due to the long list of acts, there was a three song limit, but in those three songs (of which they picked a very intriguing mix) you could tell that these two were special. Gwen sang, Taylor strummed on the acoustic. The thing with this duo, though, is that they clearly had chemistry even though they were just standing there doing different things. It was more complex than that. They were comfortable with each other, they knew the music, they knew how each other knew the music. And her voice. Goodness. Her timber, her range, its feel. It was rough, it was smooth. And Taylor was a stoic player, but the guitar was there. All there. I really enjoyed watching them, and listening to them.

So guess what, I grew a pair (drank some beer) and went over to chat with them after they performed. Yes, that’s right. I can, in fact, speak to people in a public setting with out making a gigantic fool out of myself. Although, I didn’t realize until I got back to my table that I don’t think I actually ever introduced myself. Score! Anyways, here’s the jist: these two cool kids have been friends for a long time and playing music has been a natural thing. Gwen went to school for vocal fanciness, and hopes to continue that with grad school and vocal lessons and whatnot. The two of them are local and hope to connect with some more people to continue making music-which hey people, that’s a good idea. These two know what’s up.

In conclusion: it was a crazy fun night. Everyone was great. Paddy Murphy’s on Tuesday’s with Sam Chase, people. Be there.

 

Hannah Barry

About Hannah Barry

I am an avid music listener and seeker. Some might say snob. Music is my life, my passion. I value it, respect it, and love it beyond words. I'm an aspiring musician/songwriter/singer. An aspiring writer. A professional weirdo. I'm awkward, I love writing, I love listening.