issue 34 working_Layout 1 8/7/2013 11:35 AM Page 8
Songwriting comes to life in Central Vermont
CIDER MAGAZINE ISSUE 34 PG 8 WWW.CIDERMAG.COM
Brian Joy
Four accomplished musicians decide to collaborate for one of a kind show
If there is one thing that is absolutely certain about this show, it is that it will be one of a kind. Never before (at least in our realm) have four accomplished and revered musicians taken the stage as one sound as they will in this scenario. Four of the best musicians in our local scene performing each other’s music, together. On August 30 on the Tupelo Music Hall stage in White River Junction, the concept that began as a glimmering idea of something new and different and intriguing from the musically soaked brain of Joey Leone will come to fruition. The Songwriter’s are coming. Killington’s “Man on the Mountain”, Joey Leone is no stranger to the ups and downs of the music scene. He’s watched hundreds, if not thousands, of struggling artists and musicians try to make it there, only to fall short, tucking their tail between their legs and driving down the icy slope of the access road, licking their wounds and wondering why? But Joey has not only been a constant in Killington, it’s hard to imagine the area without him. Whether he is at his recurring gig at The Outback, booking music at The Wobbly, sitting in with a slew of touring bands, or diving in for an Open Mic, there is a
great chance that if you are on Killington, you can find Joey and his guitar. Joey is one musician who understood that changing times and trends calls for elasticity in the music you play. Many would categorize Joey as a “cover artist”, but that is simply to pay the bills. The Killington crowd loves a good cover tune, and Joey delivers hundreds of them. What most don’t know about Joey is that he is a very talented and accomplished songwriter. And as Joey does, with a mind that simply is working in triple overtime most moments of the day, he found himself wanting to put on a new show. Something no one has seen or even heard of on the local level. Something so out in left field that it would be impossible to ignore the curiosity that it would create among music fans. A songwriter’s showcase, with a twist. Not only did Joey want to show off creative and inspiring songwriting, but he wanted to present it in a way that people haven’t heard. His idea was simple. Four artists, one stage, playing each other’s songs as a collaboration of interpretation and showmanship. An opportunity for four friends who so often are in competition for the same audience, to revel in the appreciation
of each other’s work and express the gratitude that flows through their veins for the sacrifice and hard work they all put into making a struggling entertainment scene flourish. A new idea, and Joey knew exactly who to call. When the lights go dim at Tupelo on August 30 and the audience settles in for what is sure to be a night they will not soon forget, Joey, along with fellow musicians and song writers Tony lee Thomas, Rick Redington and Bow Thayer will carry their instruments to center stage, and in an almost “Traveling Wilbury’s” fashion, present their music as it’s never been presented before. “These are guys I respect, and I knew they would be easy to work with and professional, but the original concept of thinking about songwriter’s playing each other’s songs was triggered by seeing Carol King and James Taylor play collaboration in the 70’s. That reminded me of Paul Simon and Georg Harrison on Saturday Night Live. They were just incredible, a one of a kind, and I thought maybe we could pull it off. I knew these guys and their original music and I wanted to be a part of it.” When Joey decided to move forward on the project, two names in Vermont