September 17th, 2024. The SPARK w Chris Compton.

Sea Griffin playing music knowing every day is a gift!

A sparse night made for a relaxed, joyous night, but I was disappointed I couldn’t put Chris in front of more hungry earballs.

We do this every Tuesday. Signup before 7. I start at 7. 7112 Willow Avenue in Takoma Park, MD. robsopenmics.ilyaimy.com for more information. For information about the photos and videos and usage thereof, please click here!

Chris Compton is a singer/songwriter who I met as an engineer. There’s a particular lack of ego that comes with one singer/songwriter running sound for another singer/songwriter, and yet NEVER letting on that they too, are a singer/songwriter. I knew him “merely” as an exquisite pair of ears connected to a strangely personalized but extremely beautiful-sounding PA system until we were put together on a bill at Frederick, MD’s historic Sky Stage. Finally I was treated to a stunningly flexible voice, intelligent songwriting, penetrating wit and masterful multi-instrumentalism. There are a LOT of singer/songwriters out there, but there’s something incredibly unique about Chris’ combination of pop sensibility, respect for traditional form, and understated grace that’s almost NEVER seen on our local music scene.

I was SO worried that I wouldn’t be testing negative in time for tonight, as I’ve been so excited to be able to share Chris with my SPARKlings and Eisner – because I’d suspected (and was correct) that this would be one of those performers that would cross the rob / Eisner divide of sensibility.

I was feeling better by Saturday morning, ish, and testing negatively shortly thereafter – so I was twitterpated to get my ass down to Takoma Park, but I stopped in Silver Spring on the way to visit my friend Cletus Kennelly on the way. Theoretically I was coming to discuss production and visit his studio, but it turned into something that I don’t think I realized how much I craved : just a hang. We hung out and looked at things and LISTENED and talked and LISTENED.

I still think I feel a little awkward because mayhaps I had a Social Outing under false pretenses, but it was a Lovely thing to do.

Anywho… off to the open mic. Tonight with: