Mike Stadler and Mary Gibbons Do It Again

You know you like a band when you seek them out and go see them again. That's what I did last night, when I heard Mike Stadler and Mary Gibbons play at the Frog and Fiddle in Alameda, California. Along with Chuck Ervin on upright bass and Jon Mitguard on pedal steel and dobro, they put out a smooth, clean, finely honed country western blend of bluegrass, folk and Texas swing that satisfies.

My friend Bruce and I got there just when it was starting out and heard a long first set from a table right in front. It was my first visit to the Frog and Fiddle, and I found it was a compact, friendly space with Guinness posters and guitars on the walls, a well-stocked bar on the right and intimate table seating in the rest of the place. I visited the surprisingly spacious (and pleasingly clean) restroom before I left and can tell that the place is well maintained.

I didn't write down the numerous tracks the band played, but Mike and Mary are both fine solo singers and a strong duet. Jon sang a few himself while working the beautiful pedal steel and occasionally, his dobro. Chuck kept up a strong pulse and even leaned in for four-part harmony on one number. Mike likes to switch between his acoustic and electric guitars and sometimes puts his mandolin on his broad shoulders for a more bluegrass-style song.

I was once again pleased to hear three songs by a favorite of mine--Hal Ketchum. Mike took the lead on two while Mary led on Past the Point of Rescue--one of Hal's most popular tunes.

Putting the talent up front is a nice draw to pull folks in from the street, but the club is also lining up regular music performances, so Alameda is becoming a real place to go for live entertainment.

Great Music with Barbwyre and Stadler Gibbons Band

What an incredible evening I had last night, listening to Barbwyre and Mike Stadler and Mary Gibbons with the Stadler Gibbons Band. It all happened at The High Street Station, an intimate restaurant and music venue in central Alameda, California.

Barbwyre (photo on left) opened, and got the evening moving with their "country funkgrass" sound (as described by master mandolinist (and guitarist) Dana Rath. Other fine players in Barbwyre include Jon Mitguard on pedal steel, dobro and guitar and Rob Wenig keeping the bottom moving perfectly with his beautiful Mike Tobias Design six-string electric bass.

Barbwyre features duet singing with Dana and Jon, but their instrumental pieces are especially tasty too. The trio feels seems very familiar with each other and appear to be enjoying themselves onstage. The sound was clear, clean, quick and never too loud. It feels like more than just three people playing, too--a remarkably full sound for a trio.

Jon Mitguard is an incredible pedal steel and dobro player, and we were fortunate that he is a part of both bands.

When the tall Mike Stadler and his diminutive singing partner Mary Gibbons (small in stature, big in fine voice) started their set, they brought in Chuck Irvin, with his warm upright bass playing. They played country, bluegrass, and even some vigorous Texas Swing. They added in a drummer ("from San Diego") who carried with him only a drumhead and brushes and it made a surprisingly huge impact on the rhythm.

I was especially happy to hear two songs by Hal Ketchum--a favorite performer of mine and my wife's, done in a lively way that maintained the original song but added special Mike and Mary (and Jon and Chuck) touches.

The High Street Station is a venue that seems to improve every time I go there. My band, Red Paint, has played a few pleasurable gigs there and the room has a nice, cozy, welcoming feel to it. And, you can get tasty fare, coffee and snacks, and beer and wine.

I was able to meet some of the musicians, especially my conversation with Barbwyre's Rob Wenig. I'll definitely be seeing them again--and highly recommend you check out the High Street Station soon. They have many acts coming through, and the cover charge is minimal for what you get.

Dana Rath, Barbwyre's virtuoso mandolinist, is also a founding member of the Modern Mandolin Quartet. Founded in 1985, they have recorded four albums. They will be playing with Tim Weed in Point Reyes, California on Friday, July 15th.