A punk bass solo about the geologic spectacle of an ancient glacial flood, followed by a primal mash inspired somehow by both Motorhead and Peter, Paul, and Mary. I’m surrounded by sandwiches. Flying fingers belied the bassist’s claim that this was the first time he had played the instrument in five years.
The Old World Deli’s mic is open. The sign-up sheet has been swarmed.
Fairly high profile this was for a warm-up refresher. How fleet would Mr. Bassman’s finger-fretting be with regular practice? Obtuse backstory perhaps, but swift skill.
Another debut performer, Rachel, threatened to lecture the crowd. But only because her previous experience in front of an audience has so far only been professional and educational. I don’t know how she is with a TED Talk, but next speaking engagement she can now threaten the opposite. Should a lecture falter, she can now safely spice it up with her sweet and easy vocal stylings of Nora Jones light jazz. Hobbled, she was, with a boot to boot. Perhaps Rachel’s medically prescribed footwear was due to kicking excessive karaoke tuchus. She certainly didn’t get booted off the stage.
There was also karaoke Kate Bush and rapper Everlast, both done in the same voice. House of Pain or Running up that Hill, you chose your own metaphor.
This is what democracy looks like. Co-workers and neighbors get the chance to reveal hidden depths when the Old World Deli spotlight shines. Though not across-the-board flawless, there was a surprisingly high level of talent. Definitely an enjoyable program lineup, with a friendly and supportive crowd and hosts, in a relaxed setting for listeners to partake in meats, cheeses, beers, tunes and community. The rustically bespoke and spacious deli was full and moreover full of good cheer.
Don gave us a detailed tour through his home in search of an elusive teddy bear. Not under the blankets nor in the kitchen, he sang. Sorry to spoil the surprise, but the stuffed bear was under the pillow the whole damn time. Don perhaps knew an era when pre-war blues was just music and everyone knew what war you were talking about.
Don was followed by a child in yellow rain boots. Jospehine and Crosby sang together and afterward the adult sang solo with a touching rendition of an Iron and Wine song.
This was one of several duos, including another intergenerational pair. Playing folk and not just due by default to an acoustic guitar, but with legit finger-picking and close harmonies about goodbyes. Then the duo amped up the jazzy notes in Willie and Patsy (though it didn’t at all sound “Crazy.” With such nice vocals and guitar licks they made the love sound sweet and quite sensible).
We were taken even further back. When Coca-Cola flowed so freely, you even played music with it. Don surely appreciated the amazing blues topped with slide – literally played with a coke bottle.
Then there was Sam and Jordan — a great voice and a rhythm box. While Carl gave a lighter take on Smashing Pumpkins and a great original with some backing help.
LBCC’s very own Roman Rose had an amazing song, as he always does. We will cover him more thoroughly in a future edition. He deserves it.
Finally, donning a piano scarf and matching piano shoes and playing … you guessed it … We were treated to a sing-along about “pop pop poppy gate,” which also involves, it seems, an “acid test.” Try it and find out, I heard. There was also mention of keytar samba and a “funky layer of cheese.”
She invited us for a show. But when asked when and where, she replied, “No public ones, that I can talk about now,” and playfully stuck out her tongue.
Awesome and sick and “good enough for Herbie and Chick.” I didn’t spot jazz cats Hancock or Corea, but evidently one can find the titular poppy gate somewhere in town. If you come across a keytar you are probably on the right track.
At a Glance
Old World Deli
341 SW 2nd St. in Corvallis
Next Open Mic: Sunday, March 22
Anyone can sign up at 4:30 p.m.
Music starts at 5 p.m.
–Photos by Lilly Eberhart-Garah
