Never underestimate the power of random flyers! But let me start off with answering the question that must be ringing in my minds regarding the lovely and talented singer Beth Wood. Some of you may recognize her name because we used the song “Already Yours” on our wedding mix. After seeing Beth open for Angie Aparo in 2003, I always kept mental tabs for new material and/or her return to Austin (graduate of UT, grew up in Lubbock). A couple months ago, I was having dinner at a Rudy’s, spotted her name on a flyer, discovered Beth would be playing this June at a nearby church! This led to getting back up to speed on her Web site, scoring the latest record and writing her an e-mail which Beth replied to!
Fast forward to last weekend. Beth was the headliner at this Presbyterian Church near my house; the church sponsors music on a monthly basis is my guess. It was a great intimate acoustic affair with mostly songs from the current release The Weather Inside yet she did a fave from You Take the Wheel (I ignorantly can’t remember the original album “Late Night Radio” originates from). I really hope Beth comes through town again soon, Somara missed out due to cake experiments.
Opening for Beth was Ben Mallot who I discovered is a co-worker at Apple! He was a great choice too. Ben’s voice and style reminded me of Charlie Robison, then after my brain had more time to digest his sound, it clicked with Hoyt Axton. The funny part was in a follow-up e-mail I sent him, Ben said I wasn’t the first to relate him with the famous troubadour from Gremlins. Since this gentleman lives and works around my neck of the woods, Somara and I should see if we can recruit his talent for a party.
The post-show element was enjoyable. I quickly burned Beth a copy of said wedding mix to give her. We wanted to share this as a thank-you and see the artists whose company we put her in: XTC, Matthew Sweet, LRB, Jenny Morris, Finn Brothers, Aquabats and Queen to start, I’d say Beth held her own quite well! I just recall so vividly the Summer evening in 2003 when she performed “Already Yours” at the Cactus Cafe. It’s a lovely tune. I sat there thinking, getting married to Somara in Las Vegas…this is gonna’ work out thanks to the lyrics’ imagery illustrating why I enjoy my future wife’s company. Anyway, Beth thought the CD-R was a nice gesture. I think she sincerely was surprised and looking forward to it. Believe me, I’ve seen numerous artists given stuff while there’s a glint of “ugh!” in their eyes. Looking back nine years later, I do admit the wedding mix could use some refinement. I did do better on our fifth anniversary and come the tenth, watch out.
Lastly I asked Beth if she still spoke to Angie (Aparo). She replied yes and he’s doing alright. Maybe they’ll collaborate again.
Meanwhile I’m looking forward to more Beth Wood material. I’m on an active mailing list so Somara will get to see this songstress in action. If I was right about Paul Kelly, Beth will be a slam dunk.