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This page commemorates the first of two CD release shows (this one acoustic) to celebrate the new album, Further Down The Line. Also, as per usual, however, it featured a mix of songs from not merely this latest release, but a couple from its predecessor, State of Grace as well, along with one tune that might just represent the beginnings of its follow-up -- a brand new composition entitled "Feelin' Alright Today"...
"Today the sun's going down It took all my might
to try I'm feelin' alright today."
And, appropriately for the occasion of a CD release show, next came the title track of...what else, but the new CD. Before embarking on this, however, Brian offered his thanks to Jack, the sound tech for the evening, and introduced his fellow bandmate, Ed Fritz -- whom he dubbed the "enemy of sound men everywhere"...hmm, he doesn't look that ferocious to me...okay, well, maybe just a little...(I'm kidding, Ed!)
Be that as it may, he's undoubtedly the envy of other keyboardists and the joy of every Fitzpatrick show audience -- the reasons for which could clearly be heard on "Further Down The Line"...
"Well, I heard those voices in
And all those things that Like a prayer."
...and "Stuck In Boston", for which Ed switched from piano to organ. Another selection from the new release, this tune's simple melody frames a straightforward tale of a musician missing his lady love while away on the road...
"Jody, did you get my letter? Did FTD arrive on time?"
Next came one of my favorites from FTDL, the ethereal and lyrically intricate "Far From Thee"... "I heard the lion's cry of redemption...
...which was followed by a second of my faves (upon stating which I should point out there are several contenders for that title on this disc). Briefly explaining a bit of background before continuing, Brian said he'd gone one night to a pizza place with his girlfriend, and en route glimpsed a carving in some cement. As so often happens from what might to others seem ordinary sights or sounds, for inexplicable reasons a memory was triggered...the memory of an old friend who'd "had some problems", and the well-intentioned man later coming into her life, who promised all would be resolved "Across The Water"...
"Across the water...
Across the water we'll be If you just hold on tight... And believe..."
Not surprisingly, after such sober contemplation, Brian chose to switch gears to the rockin' "Drunk In Vegas"...
"It's nights like
these that
Throw in a
couple of
...before returning again to more delicate material -- a song written on the last day of the new album's recording. Noting he'd "had the song in [his] head for about a year" before writing any of it down, finally Brian sat down in the vocal booth and penned the lyrics to describe his vision of a "Miracle"...
"The summer rains were
I could hear the sirens
Thanking everyone for attending this show and expressing his appreciation for those who support original music, Brian and Ed next moved on to "Thinking", a track written as a tribute to the memory of a friend...
"I
found myself
Thinking of you..."
...and "Madonna In Rags,", played on this occasion for another (most surprised and honored!) friend. The first song on the new album, this musical tale sets the tone for all that is to come throughout the work, in its clear characterization of a societal misfit, and an inescapable tune that perfectly captures her unquenchable spirit... "She wants to go to Paris...
As the set began to wind down, next came a composition inspired by Brian's dad, which proves a staple at nearly every Fitzpatrick show: "Incidental"...
"I don't believe in Won't believe in Never one to I won't live life
...and a song inspired by the sad events that led to a friend's death -- one Brian wrote after reading several posts on a website for survivors of an abusive teen rehab center (www.thestraights.com). Sharing the loss of their common acquaintance, the resulting composition might be called a prayer of peace and resolution "For Mr. Brown, Wherever You Are"...
"She
said you were the only
Tried so hard to
Not one to leave an audience on such a sorrowful note, however, Brian concluded with a song of promise, likewise offered to a friend -- or rather, on this occasion, to each new friend made as they experienced his work on this very special night: "Northwoods"... "If your dreams fall south of where you'd hoped to
be...
...on which note I can only add that "where you'll find me"...
...is eagerly awaiting my next opportunity to attend a Brian Fitzpatrick show, a little Further Down The Line.
However, should you be interested in checking out Brian's recorded work prior to your own opportunity to catch him live, you can listen to samples of and/or purchase the new CD by clicking on the image above...and get the latest info about upcoming appearances, etc. by visiting...
In the meantime, as always...
...thanks much, Bri and Ed! And, of course... See you next time!
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