Chowder Concert

Well, I just got back from a Clam Chowder concert. Wow. They have really tightened up their act recently and the sound person had a VERY deft touch so that we could hear and appreciate the vocals. John was a little hard to understand some of the time but overall it was a fabulous concert. I love when this group focuses on things that make them a great group (harmonies, humor, friendship within the group, etc.).

Some of the highlights were:

• Waltzing Matilda - the original song from the turn of the century ... 1800s to 1900s
  
• Waltzing Matilda - the one that most people know with a new ending ... "Year by year the numbers grew fewer and now no one marches at all". Very poingant
  
• Ghost Chickens In the Sky - watching Kathy Bwaak Bwaaaaaak is hilarious
  
• Roling Down to Old Maui - I love the new arrangement
  
• Time Warp - the umph wasn't there as much as at Darkover but the interplay between Bob and Kathy was amazing
  
• Parting Glass - the final song done with almost no electronics
  
• Mary Ellen Carter - with a nod to how the people hit by Katrina are rebuilding
  
• Queenie Who Strips to Polkas
  
• A song about Selkies that morphed into "You picked a fine time to leave me you seal" which was very clever
  
• The sheering song about never needing tar in the bar
  
• The sheering song about going click click click (tune is the same as strike the bell)
  
• Rocky Road to Dublin with some amazing work on the bones