From: Steve Harris
Date: Tue, 15 May 2001 06:30:11
Subject: Mitch 3/23 concert review
as posted to the Ragamuffin Mailing List

I had the priviledge of seeing Mitch McVicker and the guys, Brad Layer and "Cobra" Joe Curet, perform at Peace UCM church in Pickerington, Ohio way back on March 23, 2001. As it is customary to write reviews for concerts that are attended, I'll share a few of my thoughts.

The band played for over 2 hours to about 250 people, mostly people from that church, it seemed to me, who didn't seem too familiar with Mitch's music but seemed to enjoy the show none the less. A row of half a dozen pre-teen girls seated in the front row had the best time clapping in time and enjoying the music. The rest of the crowd was pretty quiet, but there's nothing wrong with sitting back and enjoying a concert. By the end, they'd warmed up and really participated well-known praise choruses that Mitch and band led. Differing from some set lists that I've seen, Mitch included "New Mexico" (see below) and "My Deliverer".

I thoroughly enjoyed the show, though I was a little distracted by giving a little assistance to the sound guys, going back and forth from my seat to the sound booth and back. I'm sure it helped that my copy of Mitch's new CD arrived a few days before the concert giving me time to get familiar with the new tunes. I've always found it hard to completely appreciate a concert knowing only a few songs ahead of time.

Because I bought 4 tickets and had 2 friends bail on me, you know who you are if you're out there :), my parents came to the show. No reflection on Mitch and company, but they left at intermission mainly because they couldn't hear the lyrics. I blame myself. Actually I blame the acoustics of the cavernous square sanctuary. It's a really nice, new church, but not necessarily ideal for a concert, as is often the case. I realized toward the end of the first half of the show that it was really tough to hear Mitch's lyrics because his low voice was just booming in that big room. I suggested that the sound guys back off the Low EQ on Mitch's voice, and I believe that made a big difference for the comprehension of the rest of the show. The sound room was elevated in back of the room, and it really sounds kinda different up there, so I appreciate what a challenging job they have of getting the mix just right. I really have to admire Mitch's bravery putting himself at the mercy of the talent of the sound guys at whatever church he finds himself. I mean, Mitch and the guys could play and sing perfectly, but if the mix is bad, the whole thing comes off bad. But transporting your own sound system is a ton of work, so they probably prefer to travel light.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mitch, Brad and Joe before the show and hang out with Brad while he tuned his hammered dulcimer. I was very surprised to hear from Brad that he doesn't really know any of Rich's music on the dulcimer. Heck, I figured that every HD player in Christian music learned HD because of Rich and probably aspired to learn his songs first. Anyway, Brad is really friendly and I appreciated him not minding me looking over his shoulder a little. I enjoyed his "Tin Man" song during the show and was a little surprised that he only did one of his songs. Come on Mitch, give him a few more minutes. :)

Mitch's family had come in for the show, so I was reluctant to hog any of his time. I did get to speak with him briefly though. I asked him a question I floated on this list a couple months ago about the line in "Rich's Song" where he ends the verse with "I think you know what I mean is." Obviously he'd gotten that expression from Rich, but in answer to my question, I got the impression from Mitch that it was just something Rich said, one of those little idiosyncracies that endears close friends to each other. I had seen set lists prior to the show and because of its absense, I emailed Mitch a week or so before the show and requested he sing "New Mexico". While hanging out before the show, Mitch sat down with a piece of paper and a black marker to make up the set list for that night. I was surprised that this wasn't something figured out well in advance of the show, but I guess this immediacy and difference from show to show helps to keep things from getting stale for them. While figuring the set, Mitch asked me if I was the guy who'd requested by email for "New Mexico". I was glad he remembered and even more thrilled when he opened the second set with that one. It was a little different than the version on the CD, but a nice kind of different. :) How's that for descriptive. So if you're planning to see Mitch, and you email him a request, it might just get in the show.

I really thought they played great and really enjoyed the stripped down arrangements for the trio. Joe's percussion as expected was diverse, creative, and added tons to the music. I especially liked the brake drum. Brad's HD playing was also a nice addition. For not knowing Rich's music for HD, his style is surprisingly similar to Rich's, which is unusual because I've rarely heard anyone approach the HD in the rhythmic way Rich did. Mitch's singing and sharing were sincere and encouraging as you'd come to expect from these guys. I'd say more, but you should just go see them if they come to your area of the country.

If you've read this far, I'm honored :),
Steve

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