Live Music

Being a new parent and home owner I end up missing (and don't have the time for) a lot of music shows. Domestication has it's benefits, but it comes with a price.

Fortunately, I made this show. The last night Dave Johnson played at the Java Hut he deviated from playing with his band to using his electric guitar to lay warm ambient layers of sound mesmerizing everyone in the audience. People listening were hooked enough that when he would stop a "song" the room just didn't feel right. In a matter of minutes, Dave had brought back a feeling, that had been previously pioneered by the Tangerine Dream during the 1970's, and gave it to those consumed in conversation and listening.

The Java Hut had a knack for musically mining the town of Worcester and hauling gems onto its stage on a consist basis. This night Dave played for my first exhibit at the Hut called 3. Dave and his wife are the elements in the group called Against The Green.

Empty home (2/9)

Dave pointed this place out while we were on our way to the Grafton Library. It either burned down or was abandoned. Fortunately, the cop on that road passed us after we left the shoot.

The Johnsons are leaving town (1/9)

I had the honor of spending time with the Johnsons last Saturday. They are my artsy buddies from the central mass area. Dave is on the left, Penny's in the back and I'm on the right. Without them, I wouldn't have known about these musicians:

- Glen Hansard + Marketa Irglova's and their movie ONCE.
- Elliot Smith.
- Paul McCartney's solo work.
- Sigur Ros.
- Camera Obscura.
- Joe Renzoni.
- Bright Eyes.

There are several other bands+musicians+poets+amazing people (i.e. Chris Altman, Tim Scott, Eric & Hilary L'Esperance, Chrissy, Brian, Raven) they've connected me to and they'll all have special places in my life thanks to Dave and Penny.

The campfires, the sage, the open mikes, the music shows, the galleries, the home brew, the parties, the weird videos, the cookouts, the camping, and all the other good times were all because of you. These next few posts are from one of the last few times I'll be with them while they are in the area. : (

These two are really into listening and making music. Along the right side of this page you'll see 3 of Dave's songs. Buy 'em if you like 'em!

In a boat room.

I spent a couple hours visiting Worcester's Vernon St. Motel in a place used for functions, Wednesday night open mike's, and critiques for songwriters. The place is made from the hull of a mahogany boat with little circular lights all along the walls. I asked my friends Dave and Penny to look at each other during these shots.