LIVE MUSIC IS NOT DEAD

Four hundred and seventeen years ago, Billy Shakespeare had it right: “If music be the food of love, then play on; give me the excess of that…”

Becky Moon {vocals, percussion} and David Brown {vocals, bass guitar} played with Amanda Johnson {vocals, acoustic guitar}, Rick Musallam {electric guitar}, and Brian Griffin {vocals, drums}.

One wonders what the Bard – with his preternatural understanding of human nature and desire – would say about the music scene today. All that music at the touch of a finger. Algorithms telling you what your musical tastes are. I like to think he would exclaim, “Step out of thine Spotified stupor and hie thee down to the Lincoln House in downtown Covina and check out Becky'N'Friends.”

Which is what we did on a hotter-than-a-match-head Sunday afternoon to catch the tail end of their brunch set.

For someone who can’t even carry the most lightweight tune, I am always enthralled watching musicians do their thing. They're always in the moment; the muscle memory and skill required to stay in the groove, while at the same time singing their hearts out, is a thing of beauty. And fun, also.

Their take on the old soul tune “Fire and Desire” had bassist David Brown get his Rick James on to Becky’s note-perfect Teena Marie. “And you turned on my fire, baby/And you burn me up with your flame,” indeed.

In thinking of playlist algorithms and watching live music, one could come to the conclusion that there is literally no accounting for taste. It's kind of fascinating that all the algorithms in my music streaming service would probably never suggest a Toto song for my listening pleasure. But with Becky’N’Friends’ funky jazz version of “Georgy Porgy,” an old tune is rediscovered; appreciated and heard with a less jaundiced ear. It was almost too sultry for a lazy Sunday afternoon!

Becky’N’Friends will return to the Lincoln House on Thursday August 22 at 7:30. Play on!
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Follow Becky'N'Friends on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckynfriends/
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HUGO RICARDO
Hugo is a contributing writer to the ConceptuaLine blog and an accomplished copywriter in both English and Spanish. Catch him on Friday nights supporting Lancer football.