You Had To Be There

I have missed maybe two nights of Session Americana's ongoing Lizard Lounge residency, in the last couple of years.

SA is: Billy Beard on drums, Jon Bistline on (mostly) bass, Jim Fitting on harmonica, Sean Staples on (mostly) mandolin, Ry Cavanaugh on (mostly) guitar, and Dinty Child on (mostly) any old thing. They all sing. (loyal, adoring shout-out to former bass player, Kimon Kirk.)

The band is described on their website as, "a suitcase drum kit, an old electric bass, a bunch of acoustic instruments, a field organ: this format feels very theatrical and though the musicians face each other, the audience feels drawn into the circle by the warmth, joy and camaraderie that emanate outwards by the all-star cast of characters seated around the table."

If only these words painted the scene in the slightest- if only mine could. That is how you feel when you come the Lizard on a Tuesday night for the first time, when you go to tell someone about the show, but there is no way of telling. That is why, with Session Americana, you had to be there.

There are musical fiascos, inappropriate inside jokes, curious covers, and more beer replenishment than you will ever see on one little table, ever. You can do anything you want, just don't talk/laugh loudly during the quiet songs. (if you are anywhere close to me, don't make noise during ANY song) The band (mostly Ry) does not invite it, and will give you a good talking to.

Thankfully they don't play year-round, it helps to keep my record in-tact. The earth pulls me there even when I am sure I am taking time away... the earth, or my heart. The Session players know how to make you sing out joyfully and still break your heart. Brokenhearted is on my list of to-do, this and every Tuesday night in Cambridge.

Session Americana