Steve Schalchlin and The Bonus Round Band
Steve Schalchlin is one of those songwriters who can (and does) make anything into a song. Material
is variously wry, tender, observant, or, like “The Only Kind of Music” with which he opens, rockabilly fun. Iconoclastic lyrics/metaphors sometimes make unrhymed verse an awkward fit, at other times these slide down like cold beer. The musician has a sure piano hand, a sense of infectious rhythm and the heart for ballads.
“Cold Comfort” begins “I never learned how to dance/My preacher daddy said no…” or drink, or fight, or make love, he continues, and it’s cold comfort now to try. Tinted with Texas origin, the song lands appealingly.
Blake Zolfo
Two compositiins were inspired by vocalist friend Blake Zolfo, who also works at Equinox. “My New York Life” is uber specific: “…I can actually see your cell phone glow” (in the dark, while performing)…last month I almost paid my rent on time… a neighborhood bar where everyone thinks they’re a Broadway star…” It’s a little wordy, but good storytelling. Zolfo performs with subtle expression eliciting empathy by way of a pleasing tenor.
The title of “Someone to Get Groceries With” (co-written by Zolfo) was apparently a Hinge headline. It’s charming and universal. Imagining fairytale romance, the protagonist found instead the simple truth of sweet company. (Zolfo nods to his partner in the audience.)
“I Only See You Young” is my favorite song of the evening. “I only see your laughing eyes/When love first stung/I only see you young…” Schalchlin sings. A ballad for the ages, perhaps more timely in an era when physical self-criticism is rife, lyrics describe unembellished, unconditional love.
Sidney Myer
Guest Sidney Myer, chosen because “he’s the funniest performer I know” (Schalchlin), offers “Vacationing in Syria”- all the horrible things he’d rather do than explain himself to a romantic partner. Some of the alternatives could be funnier – milking tiger tits? – but as a whole and delivered by the increasingly animated, apoplectic, always unique Myer, the song lands droll.
“All That and More” is performed by guest Natalie Douglas. “I love to travel, but I love coming home more ‘cause that’s where my love is…” suggests that luxury and wonder can’t compete with the one who holds his heart. (Schalchlin has seen the world cruising with his partner Jim Brochu, who lectures on ships.) Douglas is warm and understated, just what the song wants.
Schalchlin and Natalie Douglas
Two numbers written with guitarist Gavin Gold and performed elsewhere by his band, the Rebel Nerds, don’t hold up to Schalchlin’s music and lyrics together. As he wrote the lyrics and the music is catchy, this is a puzzlement. (“Sooner or Later” has an unrealized potential with echoes of African influence like that heard on the Paul Simon album.)
A Beatles sing-along would land better as the next to last song, not the last. Much like Joe Iconis’ “family” gatherings, everyone on stage is having a good time, a pleasure to see. The show is a mixed bag, entertaining but better with some editing.
Steve Schalchlin
Photos by Stephen Hanks
Opening: Steve Schalchlin, Charlie Viehl , Blake Zolfo, Jake Adams, Gavin Gold
Steve Schalchlin and The Bonus Round Band
Steve Schalchlin – piano/vocals; songwriter
Charlie Viehl – MD/fiddle
Jake Adams – vocals/bass
Gavin Gold – vocals/guitar, songwriter
Blake Zolfo – vocals
Guests: Sidney Meyer, Natalie Douglas
Don’t Tell Mama
343 West 46th Street
