Leo Daiuto

Good Night @ World Cafe Live

// October 21st, 2009 // No Comments » // music

Great night down @ World Cafe Live tonight. Such a cool room. Went to see Vertical Horizon – big Matt Scannell fan, great songwriter. Additionally, we were introduced to a couple of great new artists. Howard Jennings a very cool singer songwriter out of NYC, had a real chill style but was very personable at the same time. He had a Jack Johnson kinda vibe, but his own style for sure.

Next was Clayton Sene a very cool piano/keyboard player who performed as three piece band from Florida. Really dug Clayton – great bluesy soulful sound – vocal style reminded me of Marc Broussard. Clayton was very energetic, really seemed to love playing. His energy came across pretty strong to the audience.

Both supporting acts were a very pleasant surprise, I had not heard of either prior to the show. Very good musicians, great performances. Would definitely recommend them to anyone.

Photo : Sam Gusman

Next was Vertical Horizon. Mix was pretty shaky for the first song. Once they got it under control, the band sounded great. Matt Scannell is an underrated guitarist and a really good songwriter. This is my first time seeing Vertical Horizon live, but i have been a fan for a while. Nice to see them back with a new record and a tour. My understanding is that they have a more comprehensive tour planned for 2010.

All in all a great night out with my wife, room sounded really good, music was great. Not much more you can ask for. Did I mention the Phillies also won that night!

If you haven’t seen The Dirty Pearls …. you need to!

// May 3rd, 2009 // No Comments » // music

I finally got up to NYC to see The Dirty Pearls @ the Bowery Ballroom on 4.25. Tommy has been a close friend of mine for over 20 years, and I have been lax to get up there and see his new project.  I have been in many bands and done other projects with Tommy over the years so i am pretty familiar with his writing style. What Tommy has done with the Pearls is flat out awesome. Moved up to NYC from Chester county and created one of the hottest bands in NYC. They are raw, they are energetic and they flat out rock. They took the stage about 11:00 and from the opening guitar riff to the confetti shower at the end of the encore (awesome song called New York City Is A Drug), they have your foot tapping and your fist pumping for 60 minutes straight.

4.25.2009 @ The Bowery Ballroom :: credit Bob Scolfield

It’s great to hear real rock music coming loud and clear out of NYC and even better that it’s coming from Tommy. He’s a great guy and has worked his a** off in NYC to get the Pearls where they are. If you haven’t checked them out … i highly recommend you do.

A night of great guitar

// March 31st, 2009 // No Comments » // music

Friday night my wife and I were up at the Keswick Theater (one of my favorite local venues) to see the amazing Tommy Emmanuel. If you haven’t heard of him, you need to check him out … he’s flat out amazing. One of the greatest guitarists alive. This is the second time I have seen him and I have even a greater appreciation the second time around.

The Keswick is a great smaller venue (1,300 seats) that is big enough that you get that “live concert” feel without the feeling of being disconnected from the performer. I’ve seen many different acts of all styles there and it continues to be a favorite venue of mine.

The English-based guitarist Clive Carrol opened up for Tommy and was awesome. I had heard a few things from Clive but had never seen him perform live. Definitely worth checking out.

Tommy Emmanuel came on stage about 9:00 and played for a little over an hour, his feel and expression at times can be astonishing. To watch someone have complete control over their instrument (in many different styles) is something you don’t see very often and is an amazing experience every time.

It was a great night of music … even topped off by an interesting experience at Dunkin Donuts on the way.

Check out Tommy and Clive … if you like guitar music, you won’t be dissapointed.