Eddie's Attic July 7, 2012

I really should be doing laundry and getting ready to go to the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in two days.  However, Saturday’s show at Eddie’s Attic deserves a few words. 

Peyton Tochterman opened the evening with a fabulous set.  I have enjoyed his music in the past, but I think this set was my favorite yet.   Last year at Woodyfest, his was the only CD I purchased (I had said I wasn’t going to buy any, but such is the life of a music junkie).  His stories were both funny and moving.  He recently spent a couple of weeks in Afghanistan playing for the troops.  He told us about one show where several women entered the show wearing burkas but removed them after entering (permitted due to the fact that it was a Western show).  After one song Peyton noticed that the women were all crying.  He later asked somebody why they were crying (he figured it wasn’t his brilliant lyrics as  women didn’t understand English).  The answer was that they had NEVER seen live music before.   The set included a very much fun 3 day old song about loving a woman who loves horses .   Peyton was incredibly patient with my nephew James who was chatting him up before the show.  Peyton offered James a CD, but James said, “I think I should wait until after you play, so I can decide if I really am interested.”  He is a practical child.  He did get a CD after the show.

Rebecca Loebe was fabulous and wonderful as always.  In great spirits and excellent voice.I got to hear a few songs I had never heard before including 10,000 Days, Awakening by Kate Chopin, and Call Me Baby.  Highlights included seeing my nephew playing air drums to “Redneck Karaoke Bar,” among other songs.  James loved it when Will Robertson used the upright bass for percussion.  James also did a perfect imitation of the RCA dog when Will started playing the melodica.   My (nearly) 12 year old niece, Anne, read her book at the table until it was hurting my eyes.  She then went out to the merch table and annoyed Tommy K until she finished her book.  I was very entertained to hear Anne sing along with Becca’s version of “Stronger” (original by Kanye). 

As I have mentioned before, my Poppa plays the trumpet quite well.   He and Becca were in New Orleans at the same time, and he accompanied her on a song.  She graciously asked him to do the same for this show.  It was great fun, and I know I am biased, but the rest of the audience seemed to enjoy it just as much. 

His comment was this, “Unless someone steps forth to dispute my claim, I am claiming to be the only musician who has shared the stage with Maria Callas and Rebecca Loebe.  Maria was in 1958 in Birmingham, and Rebecca was last night at Eddie’s.  Similarities:  Both superior artists and delightful entertainers.  Contrasts:  Maria more vibrato and operatic pitch compared to Rebecca’s PURE intonation.  Maria’s boyfriend was probably richer (bet she didn’t drive).  I doubt Rebecca has dated any guy named Aristotle.  But, who knows?  Plus, Maria didn’t write her own material and sefl-accompany.  Just sayin’.”

This could certainly use some proofreading, but I’m going to leave it as is.  Cause if I don’t get packing soon, I will be in hysterics tomorrow.  Bottom line is this:  if you have the chance to see Rebecca or Peyton—be sure to take advantage.