George Hrab is quite the artist and media maven, and he was someone I wanted to get to know better, and this was the perfect way to do it. I am familiar with his reputation as a quirky songwriter and as the drummer for the Philly Funk Authority, a superb 11 piece band, but had never seen him in action. He did sit in with Dina and myself at Musikfest once. That was it.
I primed myself with his web site, checked out his weekly webcast, and counted on his outgoing personality and our mutual respect tomake this work. This was going to be good.
I usually start with a tune and did Pay Bo Diddley, and though he didn’t take a lead on his acoustic, we did trade some nice atmospheric licks, and created some spontaneous fireflies. I knew we were on the same wavelength.
George brought out his delightfully esoteric tunes like When I Was Your Age, The Misconception Song, I Don’t Believe in Christmas and Everything Alive Will Die Someday. But we really got into discussions on skepticism, the creative process and other heady topics. There was lots of room for both of us, and I’m glad I can provide a comfortable space for the the artist and the audience, too. The conversations were really good and it is a rare opportunity for dialogue the artist and the crowd.
There was a crowd! As satisfying as these evenings are, I am somewhat disappointed in the turnout for them. George brought in a good number of folks who were bright and receptive to this format. I think the audience came away enlightened and entertained. I certain was, and so was George.
Always a treat, and especially with curious George.