John is also a fine distiller of the local talent that is rooted in the Highlands hills region of New Jersey and a lot of this rare and vintage musicianship was on display at Sheehan's 5th 'Original Music Night' at Joey's, Vito and Michael's in West Milford, NJ. The series is scheduled to happen every other Wednesday for the foreseeable future. The 6th 'Original Music Night' will be April 23, 2014. The idea is to feature indie artists playing either their own songs or covers.
The music space was set up in the bar area but part of the dining room was nearby so that one could have a meal during the showcase and still hear the music. On April 9, 2014 John kicked off the 'Original Music Night' with tracks from his CDs. Sheehan skillfully strummed his acoustic guitar as he sang his insightful thoughts about "My Habits Are Killing Me" and "Modern Man" among others.
The 'Original Music Night' started at 6:30 p.m. with a sign-up sheet so that folks had a general idea when they were playing. The showcase started around seven and generally raps up between ten and ten thirty. Barry Adelman was the first guest. His opening composition "Seems Like Yesterday" was a melodic music history lesson. His "Tree Song" was more cutting with its commentary on how people have poorly treated the earth and trees. "Wherever We Come From" was reflective and hopeful.
Barry also mentioned that he runs a non-profit called Music For Humanity. The organization brings together musicians and music lovers who are concerned about the welfare of the world. One of Music For Humanity's programs is a scholarship fund for students to continue their music education.
Next, Ed Seifert - also armed with an acoustic - shared his storytelling in "Guilty Man" a tune that was inspired by Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison. In "Something New" Ed blended the harmonica with the guitar. Following Ed was Peter Cotsis. His most moving piece was "Promise To Keep" a personal account about grief. He ended his set with a sweet sentimental song for his wife called, "Filomena".
In addition to hearing fine music, one might also encounter interesting people at the showcase. On Wednesday, SoundPress.net meet Jon and Stewart of WizdomZone, Ltd. The company is revolutionizing the world with unique games and puzzles. Stewart had one of their portable puzzles with him. It was a set of different shaped blocks that could be formed into thousands of combinations such as a fox. Stewart had a fold-up chart of about 100 ideas, which left plenty of room for the player's imagination.
Marty Koppel - who gave us a copy of his CD Vernon Town - was a solid storyteller and strummer who also shared insights into how song ideas are formed. Marty mentioned that a few years ago he had been let go from a company that he had been employed at for twenty years. Koppel was feeling low on a Monday morning. As he was cutting the lawn he observed the garbage men working thus composing a descriptive song of how these guy's homes might be filled with lots of fine things that others have thrown out. Marty's "I Believe" ended his set with swagger.
Jazzy Jan performed a mix of instrumental and vocal pieces. On one of the songs she asked her friend Jill to sing. The two had recently written a spring themed tune and were presenting it live for the first time. Sheehan added additional acoustic guitar to the song that had an up-tempo blues groove to it. Jan mentioned that her meal was great with a shout out to chef and owner Joey.
The complete list of artists that performed on April 09, 2014 were John Sheehan, Barry Adelman, Ed Seifert, Bernie Stapleton, Peter Cotsis, Marty Koppel, Jazzy Jan Loe, Bob Nicholson, Steve Bowie, Ed Milko and Don Elliker.
SoundPress.net thoroughly enjoyed the 'Original Music Night' hosted by John Sheehan that gave folks an opportunity to perform their songs. The fact that everyone played acoustic added to the event's consistency yet each artist was unique with their own poetic views of life and music. If you are in northern New Jersey on select Wednesday nights in search of good company, food and music please check the 'Original Music Night' at Joey's Vito and Michaels at 9 Lakeside Road in West Milford, New Jersey.
PHOTO: 'Original Music Night' host John Sheehan and guests Barry Adelman & Jazzy Jan Loe. Related Links: For more information on JOHN SHEEHAN and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - John Sheehan | Music For Humanity | Marty Koppel | Joey's| Wizdomzone.com
