Oregon Zoo concert
Talented acoustic duo opens for Emmylou Harris
By K.T.
Emmylou Harris was the headliner at a recent Oregon Zoo concert. The staging at the zoo is pleasant for attendees, especially the sound system. The seating is arena-au-naturelle-style (on the grass). The slope of the ground, combined with the excellent outdoor sound system, provide good seating all around.
The first act was Jimmy Gaudreau and Moondi Klein. This writer feels that no mere narrative can really explain how good these folks are. They perform an essentially acoustic set, with power and grace. Gaudreau announced the songs, giving a little history with each one and singing the lead on most songs. You could stand these guys up anywhere and they would do a great show! The selection of tunes included not only some original material, but also one song that Gaudreau describes as "over 150 years old," called Take Me Back. The authenticity of the delivery, supported by the duo's artistic and technical expertise, made every tune a joy to hear. Ms. Harris joined the duo vocally for the tune I Submit.
Many of the songs that survive the erosion of time are related to young men going off to war, or becoming engaged in a battle sometimes on their own home turf. Other songs make it through the fog of time, but the story-songs about going to war are usually the most poignant and often that hook-to-your-heartstrings is the biggest factor in historical preservation.
The online information at www.bigshindigmedia.com says, "Jimmy Gaudreau and Moondi Klein play not so much in the 'old-time' brother duet style as they do in what might be called the 'new-time' brother duet style." The instrumentation includes flat-top guitar and mandolin. Any instrument they desire can no doubt be added at their whim, as they are both strong players with a wonderful sound. Not since the earlier recorded works of Bob Dylan has the recording scene captured such deliberate guitar playing. The website includes three MP3 files of their songs. Anyone can enjoy these musicians, so be sure to stop in for a web-visit.
Klein spoke briefly about his six or seven years' experience singing with the Metropolitan Opera. He notes that there's "a lot of similarity" between opera and bluegrass. He sang his arrangement of a French opera piece (Manolo). He adds that, in opera, it takes three or four hours to finish the song, but with his guitar-accompanied performance, the song is only three minutes long.
After a long break from performing, Gaudreau and Klein got together just to play "for fun." In the spring of 2007, Klein's wife was on a speaking trip-turned-family-and-friends-vacation in England. As both families were enjoying the trip, Klein suggested that Gaudreau contact some familiar promoters in the UK. The duo booked some shows and decided to make a recording, just to have something to sell at gigs. Via Stuart Martin, they produced the recording called 2:10 Train (Rebel Records), featuring the song of that name.
Promotional material states, "The duo is exceptionally polished and at the top of their game, and the aforementioned Martin must be pointed out for the crystal clear sound he pulled from his basement studio" Thank goodness that these two decided to go out and play a few shows for fun!
2:10 Train includes some previously recorded tunes such as Dreamer Or Believer, High Sierra and The Last Thing On My Mind, as well as some traditional material including Black Jack Davey and Shady Grove. The sentiment expressed by Emmylou Harris; "These two gifted artists, armed only with their instruments, voices and a good bunch of songs, have produced a record that is a joy to listen to. Thanks, Moondi and Jimmy, for reminding us that less can truly be more," is very much echoed by this writer. This duo is currently touring with Emmylou Harris. Their performance schedule is available at www.jimmyandmoondi.com.
Harris' performance was sprinkled with stories about her personal inspirations and experiences. "I usually write dark, sad songs," she comments. She adds that her childhood was very happy, then played a song about holding on to those happy memories. She also played some songs such as If I Could Only Win Your Love, "back from when I was a brunette," she quips. More information is available via the bigshindig website.