[Harp-L] jason ricci revival experience in florida--new songwriting

[Randy Singer <randy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jason performed in my backyard last night in boca raton/delray and ft  
lauderdale. I attended all three shows.

as expected, he gave a 100 percent for all four shows, stayed up all  
night and took the time to speak to all his fans.

i cannot tell you how impressed i am with his drive, fervor, bravery,  
talent, commitment and perserverence to make it as a musician/ 
songwriter and harmonica player. He was INCREDIBLE.

Jason deserves nothing but the best...he is a true star and deserves  
the accolades he receives.

His shows for the venues were completely different. At the big concert  
and the Bostons on the beach show, he was great as usually  
demonstrating sheer passion and delivery.  I will not use this forum  
to make comments regarding "what he might have done differently", that  
is for another post, perhaps. He brought the house down and his  
radical choices of non harmonica songs, showmanship and virtuosity was  
brilliant. His band was tight, attentive and passionate. Backstage,  
his entire band was open and happy to meet everyone. Great guys.

FURTHERMORE----I must comment on his different show at the BACK ROOM,.  
He showcased a lot of new songs. I was totally blown away by this. Why?

Because, instead of the jamming over the one chord or one, four five  
chords that described his other shows, this show was different.....his  
new material is showcasing REAL SONGWRITING!!!

I lived in Nashville for eight years and I have good idea of what  
constitutes good songwriting. Nashville breeds songwriting. Think  
BRILL BUILDNG, Tin Pan Alley etc

Jason's new band is co writing all the new songs together so they are  
blending this new amalgamation of blues, pop, punk, jazz and fusion  
with songs that actually have songwriting merit. I am not going to say  
that a typical one four five progression is not songwriting (it is!!)  
but these new songs are creating a new style of songwriting that has  
to be heard. The sound was very fresh to my ears, commercial yet  
jammable. It might be a stretch to say this but perhaps similar to the  
songwriting that the GREATFUL DEAD would utilize. Big hooks with  
various exotic rhythms and memorable songwriting that provide  
exquisite vehicles for solos.

I am really not easily impressed but judging from what I heard at the  
backroom, we have even more great things to expect from JASON RICCI.

Wishing you the best, jason!!!!

randy

ps

my review has nothing to do with this, but thanks for getting me up to  
jam with you on diatonic and chromatic. It was superbly surreal.

I must sleep now, pardon my discombobulated syntax..............to all  
a good night