NOW THAT YOU'

SATINWOOD SIZZLES

by Larry Peters November 2000/The Suffield Observer

Friday the 13th of October was a lucky day for those
of us who attended THE LEGENDARY SONGS OF HARRY CHAPIN
at La Renaissance. Satinwood, featuring Suffield
musicians Paul and Melanie Motter, was joined by two
of Harry Chapin's band members, Big John Wallace and
Howard Fields, and by cellist Eric Roth.

The evening was a big success, with the large hall
nearly full with people of all ages and degrees of
familiarity with Harry Chapin's music. The band was
really good, with plenty of variation in instrumental
color and texture to go with the dramatic lyrics.
Paul Motter took the lead with authentic fervor.
Additonal vocals were provided by John Wallace, who
was both a bass and a soprano (how'd he do that?).
There were plenty of laughs ("tuning good enough for
Chapin music") and even a trivia giveaway for the part
of the audience who were die-hard Chapin fans.
Especially interesting, I thought, was the evident
enjoyment of non-baby-boomers. My straight-laced
octogenarian father, for example, had a great time,
although he couldn't figure out how Paul could play
this music and not look like a hippy.

Money was raised basically for feeding hungy citizens.
Worthy agencies that benefitted include World Hunger
Year, Hartford Food System, and Enfield Loaves and
Fishes. It's thanks to Satinwood that this was accomplished.

"...the Harry Chapin tribute show was well beyond what
I had expected to hear. The re-creation was
incredible. If you closed your eyes, it seemed like
the real deal." - Cindy C.

"An outstanding performance and tribute. An
incredible evening!" - Christine and Gil A.

"...phenomenal show. Really, truly awesome...I was
thrilled to hear ANY OLD KIND OF DAY. It's one of my
favorites. And by the time CIRCLE came around, I was
excited, but sad, 'cause it was all over."
- Flannery O.

"We really enjoyed the concert and look forward to
Satinwood's next production." - Ed and Michele V.

"...a wonderful evening. The concert was magic!"
- Lou and Sue M.