Crooners LIVE Recordings

When we arrived for soundcheck at Crooners Supper Club on April 6th, 2024, we had no intention of recording the show, let alone releasing the recordings. We brought no professional recording gear and had no game plan or setlist. What was captured is what is known as a board tape, essentially a bootleg recording taken directly from the mixing board. Luckily, the engineer behind the board that night was Colin Lynorchan, one of the best in the business.

I felt good about the shows, so I asked Colin if he'd make me a copy of the rough board mixes—something I rarely do. As soon as I started listening, I knew these recordings were something I wanted to share with fans. My son Wilson (who also plays guitar on these recordings) took Colin's raw tracks to edit and eq. Nothing was added or re-recorded. What we played is what you'll hear.  

And thanks to the band backing me that night, what you’ll hear was (I think) pretty great: Dominic Ciola on bass, Ali Gray on backing vocals, Scott Wenum on drums and backing vocals, and Wilson Zellar on guitar: all pros, all lovely human beings.  

If I had to recommend a single recording to someone who had never heard my music, it might be this one. It's a good overview of my music, personality, and approach. Studio albums don't capture the mistakes and stupid, unscripted banter that are a big part of who I am as a performer.

And speaking of stupid, unscripted banter, I work especially blue on the included version of Statue of Jesus. Please cover the ears of any children or sensitive listeners in the room.  

We’re throwing a few tracks on YouTube immediately, and the entire recording will be available to stream in a couple of weeks.

Thank you to Wilson Zellar, Nick Ciola, Scott Wenum, Ali Gray, Colin Lynorchan, Mary Tjosvold, and the entire staff at Crooners. And heartfelt thanks to all the kind folks who showed up for the shows. Your effusive response to my harmonica artistry was humbling.