For years people have predicted a change in Asbury Park. “The old will become new,” they’ve said. When my commute took me through town, I used to think of this and wonder how soon the time would come to re-discover this city. A few months later, rumors spread among local music enthusiasts about Harry’s Roadhouse, a club doing Asbury’s revitalization efforts justice. The performance space was said to be great, the food worth tasting, and the energy -– contagious. When curiosity got the best of me, I paid Harry’s a visit and found it more than met my expectations. In fact, as I rushed out of the club that night, I was briefly disoriented. Had I been in New York? Where was I? Surely this place couldn’t be the same Asbury Park I had driven through every day!
 

As an upcoming singer/songwriter, I was delighted to learn that Harry’s masterminds Gordon Brown and Barry Dorsey dedicate one show a month to up-and-coming artists: Tri-State renowned AND home grown. So it was with much eagerness that I accepted an invitation to return and review Volume 6 of Writers in the Raw on June 9, 2004.

The evening’s performances were broken into two rounds. Round I introduced four up and coming Tri-State area recording artists. Round II introduced four up and coming local talents. What follows is a brief review of each performer.

Scott E. Moore, a polished businessman and professional in the NJ/NY music scene, opened the show with solid songs and guitar licks that demonstrate his keen eye for detail. Of particular note was his eulogy to Frank Sinatra “Bye Bye Frankie, Bye Bye.” Scott’s soulful/bluesy sound gave new energy to the memory of this classy icon.

Amy Correia, performing second, was bright and energetic with a deliciously resonant voice. Her songs often conveyed themes of dark and light, youth and confusion. In the third round, she added a baritone ukulele accompaniment, which gave her performance great depth.

Rod Picott, performing third in the line-up, is a true craftsman. Each of his songs was   continued page 6

On November 19th, NJ’s very own Writers in the Raw took a glamorous turn in its ninth volume with the inclusion of two well-known celebrities -- Patti Scialfa and Kevin Bacon -- at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville.

While Ticketmaster promised a sold-out show, tables and chairs replaced the usually standing-room-only stage front, creating a homey atmosphere. The crowd was attentive yet gentle (no rowdy drunks or raucous mosh pits, and no need for ear plugs!). I, like most onlookers, attended the show for two reasons. First, to enjoy the cutting edge of up-and-coming national talent that WITR provides. Second, to see two high-profile celebrities “up close and personal.” What followed was a delightful show full of camaraderie and musical flair.

The evening’s performance was broken into three sections: the first, Paul Rosevear (of Readymade Breakup) and Val Emmich; the second, the actual ‘round’, including David Mead, The Bacon Brothers, Patti Scialfa (with a guest guitarist), and Ari Hest; the third, a full set with the Bacon Brothers and their band. What follows is a brief review of ‘round’ performers and the Bacon Brothers’ show.

David Mead, a well-seasoned singer/songwriter/guitarist, teed off the round with high musical finesse. While each original he performed was expertly written, that which swept this listener off her feet was his soothing rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature.” Rarely have I seen a musician perform a cover so well that the piece truly becomes his own. In this case, many an audience member did not recognize the tune until whispers of its origin (accompanied by approving nods) reached their ears.

With years of musical success and a reputation for being the spouse of one of Jersey’s greatest heroes, Patti Scialfa filled the stage with grace and vitality. On stage, her beautifully resonant voice and guitar playing were supported by guest lead guitarist Danny Kortchmar.

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