Robert's Review of Arlo Guthrie at Berkley Cafe, 11/10/95

Order CD * NCBlue - Carolina Blues Newsletter * Robert's Reviews Home Page * COMMENTS*

Arlo Guthrie, played the Berkeley Cafe in Raleigh in November. The Berkeley is a small club more noted for electric blues and local rock bands than folk acts. Although the club has only a few seats - a crowd of patient listeners packed the dance floor. After a pre-thanksgiving dinner that couldn't be beat Arlo played a string of old favorites covering most of his best known numbers including "The Motorcy-cle Song."

Looking more like Santa than the baby face on the cover of Alice's Restaurant and backed by his son on keyboards Arlo sang and played acoustic guitar and keyboards. The music carried both melody and rhythm naturally and without affection. Arlo continues the folk tradition with fine story telling and musicianship.

The crowd was responsive both to the humor and the humanity of the songs. In the age of Newt and the Conservative "Revolution" Arlo was a strange breeze. Reluctantly, Arlo broke down and played Alice's Restaurant. The crowd was mostly old enough to remember the original but about a third was decidedly younger than the song. Arlo has a special curse, most musicians get a little tired of playing their hit song after 27 years but most people don't have an 18 minute long song to replay at every show. Well, Thank You Arlo - It was still good after all these years and maybe in the next 27 years we will remember to sing louder to end war and stuff.

For other related sites visit Links

Click here to order Arlo Guthrie CDs & Cassettes at discount prices. Book Mark this page for future orders

A review of ordering CDs at Robert's Review of CDNow

Profits from advertisers now to go to blues societies and foundations. If you like the reviews and CDNow, please bookmark this page for all future cd orders. If you have any have comments about the service let me know. - thanks Robert.