In the ’05 version of
2Co’s Got the Blues it’s the opening short play Still
Life (by Seth Kramer) that sets the mood. Skillfully performed by seasoned actors
Tom Cardinal and Pamela Callahan, the story of an artist who lost the use of her
hands in a fire and a neighbor…perhaps suitor…intent on helping her
heal, certainly induces an intensity to the environment only those with no experience
of the tragic could dismiss. If this performance doesn’t move you I believe
you’ve had it pretty easy in this life so far. Either that or you’re
uncaring…or dead. Sealing the moment is John Croke fronting house band Downtown
DFN for a mesmerizing take on Buddy Guy’s “Feels Like Rain”.
The rest of the show is more upbeat without sidestepping poignancy. Especially
good are Charles Bukowski pieces “Who the Hell is Tom Jones” craftily
read by Chris Lynch and the drunkenly insightful musings of “The Walls”
effectively…and perhaps experientially…related from Joseph Lorenzo.
Tom Hawkins’s “Wedding Night” also stands out due to the affable
performance of, once again, Mr. Lorenzo. And the show is brought to a hilarious
climax with John Croke taking the usually droll Dave Barry and turning it into
a knee-slapping stand up routine with “Road Warrior”.
Conversely, Paul Feig’s We’re Saved and especially Cynthia
Heimel’s “Big Brother is Us” aren’t strong enough works
to live up to Chris Lynch and Stephanie Shull’s respective talents. In a
less dynamic show these might flow with everything but not in 05’s 2Co’s
Got the Blues.
Musically there are no misfires. Stephanie Shull knocked us out not once…not
twice…but THREE times belting out Buddy Guy’s “Play My Blues”,
smoking Etta James’ “Mother in Law” and almost bursting into
flames on the Gales Brothers’ “You Don’t Love Me” to close
the show. Equally as engaging was Evie White’s homage to the Bonnie Raitt
tune “I Will Not Be Denied” and Michael Duggan impishly crooning Elmore
James’ “Dust My Blues”. (Uh…I hate to be contrary guys…but
isn’t the song title “Dust My Broom?”) Last, but most
certainly not least, Sheanneen Shelby ripped the joint by unleashing a torrid,
smoldering rendition of Koko Taylor’s “Mother Nature”. There
was no holding this girl back and I’m sure had Ms. Taylor been there to
witness herself she would have let loose with a shout of pure joy.
And I have to mention the young guitar player named John Kengla (a.k.a.. Johnny
K) Being a white guitar player myself I know first hand how difficult playing
blues riffs can be. But Mr. Kengla knows the value of silence. Too many young
(mostly white) guitarists simply play too many notes…fill in too much…and
a solo can become passionate mish mosh. But Johnny K seems to have the knack for
knowing where the spaces should be. Silence = Tension = genuine blues (not unlike
the intensity of opening sketch Still Life.) With all his talented Downtown
DFN band mates and gifted singers around to inspire him he’ll only get better.
I’ll never be a blues guitar player. But this guy…at the age of…uh…23
maybe…already is.