Byrdie was chirping this evening about some well-deserved press recognition she got this month-- top marks as best folk performer in the Music Monthly's annual readers' poll. Tonight, Miss Brown took the stage with frequent sideman Rob Levit. In what is billed as a "folk-jazz fusion," Byrd and Rob blend acoustic and electric instruments in a unique interpretation of her original songs. A tremendously prolific songwriter, the Byrd lady had yet another batch of originals to share. She is a full-time songsmith, which means she can devote more time to the alchemy of converting personal thoughts into lyrics to share with the rest of us.
Guitarman Rob Levit brings scholarly chops and a mound of rack-mount gear to the stage. Rob claims a Berklee pedigree, and all of this is evident as he works out his Heritage semi-solid electric. Heritage is a corporate spin-off of the Gibson family of guitars; Rob's model appears to be a bit more ornate than the Gibson 335 upon which it is modelled.
A small but loyal crowd stayed into the wee hours to enjoy this duo's work. Old friend Matt Holsen made quite a trek over from Northern Virginia to be there. While Byrdie was closing down, Matt took to the piano to share some Bavarian arias (!) he's been working on lately. In all, tonight was a blast, as Andrew and Byrdie would concur.
Please see Mary Byrd Brown online.
