After shooting my first arena show I was still in the mood for music, and alas a little libation as well.  I headed over to the Hole in the wall to look over the nights images and began the buzz with a double Jameson on the rocks.  After several passes through the shots, deleting the out of focus and dark ones, needed another drink and it was then that I ran into Bryce Clifford.  Pleasantries were exchanged and it was agreed that I would stay and see his band.

I must say that I am glad that I did.  I had seen Bryce play only once before and at that time he was doing a solo acoustic show.  I remember the passion that he belted out to a very small audience on a Monday at Hanovers.  I was impressed with him then and I was excited to see him with a full band.

His band was well rounded with keyboards (Adoniram Lipton), drums (Daniel Jones), base (Zachary Firnhaber), and a baritone sax player (Thomas Vanderbrook).  From the first song I was enticed by what I heard.  I heard an accomplished song writer whose passion for the song was self evident in the voice and poise of the singer who sang it.  The lyrics were intelligent and delivered with a kind of subdued bravado that was only eclipsed by the molten undercurrent of  angst.  It was a powerful cocktail and took me completely off guard.  The whole thing reminded me of early Bruce Springsteen, and Elvis Costello.  Its always good to see someone after a time and witness the fullness of their talent after only a brief introduction long before.  If these guys keep playing like this they will be riding from show to show on a big bus and staying in nice hotels like the band I shot before heading thirstily over to the Hole In The Wall. 

Get out this holiday season.  Go see a show and support the people who make this The Live Music Capital of the World!