From his opening number, Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” to his closing number, Lennon & McCartney’s “She’s Leaving Home”, Adam Rafferty completely captivated the sold out audience at Chalkers Pub on Thursday, September 15, 2011.
Rafferty is not a “naval-gazer” guitarist – not only does he stand, he almost dances to his own funky grooves while playing – however, the depth of his musicianship was always front and center.
For example, his first ballad of the evening was a stunningly intricate rendition Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me”, which, Adam pointed out, was proof that even NFL defensive linemen have a sensitive side (the song was co-written by Mike Reid who played for the Cincinnati Bengals). He also pre-ambled this tune with a story of how, after playing it for one of his heros, Tommy Emmanuel, Tommy encouraged him by telling him that this was exactly the kind of tune you need to play in order to touch people.
Throughout the evening, the musical tributes paid were not only proof that there is nothing one-dimensional about his musical talent, but that, more important, he has a definite musical identity all his own.
“The Boogie Man” was a combined tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, and James Brown. He tipped his hat to the Golden Age of American Popular Song with an enthralling of version George Gershwin’s “Someone To Watch Over Me” and, for me the highlight of the evening, a jaw-dropping rendition of the Count Basie / Frank Sinatra version of “Fly Me To The Moon” (composed by Bart Howard).
Of course, the evening contained a healthy dose of both Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. In addition to the aforementioned “Superstition”, we also heard fabulous versions of Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely”, “Higher Ground”, and “Sir Duke”, as well as Jackson’s “Billy Jean”, “I’ll Be There”, and “I Want You Back”.
Rafferty learns from his heros and assimilates the best of these lessons with his own musical ideas to compose first-rate original material. We were treated to “Ciao Bella” (written for a fluffy cute white dog), “Gratitude” (a dedication to Tommy Emmanuel), and “America” (A hymn for the victims of 9/11).
Perhaps the evening’s best example of Rafferty’s willingness to incorporate the vastness of musical genres into his own identity began with a story of his first visit to Tennessee and his exposure to the Thumbstyle Tradition of players such as Merle Travis and Chet Atkins. Upon returning to his hometown of New York City, determined to become a Thumbstylist, he realized that music was much more than learning how to play it. The “Thumbstyle Vibe” of Kentucky and Tennessee just didn’t exist in New York City – and without the vibe, there is no music. Undeterred, he “simply” assimilated the Thumbstyle Vibe with a musical vibe that did exist in New York, Disco. This “70′s-Disco-Meets-Thumbstyle-Vibe” was the basis of his truly unique rendition of Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana” and received some of the most thunderous applause of the night.
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14 Responses to Adam Rafferty Concert Review
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For Fingerstyle Guitar Enthusiasts
Great show last night. Thank you once again Randy for introducing me to another great musician. I love TFGA concerts.
Randy, thanks for hosting Adam Rafferty at Chalkers. This was a thoroughly enjoyable show. It was great to finally see Adam in person, awesome guitar playing and a warm personality – hope you can bring him back someday.
Adam is a refreshingly unique fingerstyle player. His influences feel very urban, compared to the usually more folksy, country, woodsy fare. But despite the NYC street vibe, he’s still a really sensitive musician, and from the brief chat I had with him, he seems a very humble and good-hearted man.
I second what Robin said about being grateful to TFGA for bringing this guy to town.
I was thrilled when you booked Adam because I was already a great fan of his. The evening further entrenched him at the top of my list of “tasty” guitarists. Thank you Randy for another evening of great music.
This was an fun and lively concert. Adam played music that everyone could relate too and he had a great way of engaging the crowd with his easy, laidback style
What I enjoyed about Adam’s playing is how effortless it is & what a great feel (and great tone) he has. He’s actually a bit of a magician, spinning the illusion that what he’s doing is somehow easy. Every now & then I’d go, “whoa – that was actually pretty amazing,” but that was an incidental part of the experience. Mostly, it was just enjoyable music – he’s a musician who happens to play guitar, rather than the other way around!
Great playing and good entertainment…very tasteful and not over the top, and a really personal and identifiable style..great tone…nice to have recognizable ‘pop’ songs translated to solo guitar…WITH great rhythm, bass lines and energy…also Chalkers has a relaxed, intimate and friendly feel…Hey Randy, keep ‘em coming…it’s only good!
Adam Rafferty is a man having fun. When I saw him on You tube I admit, I wondered about all his facial gestures and physical antics…but seeing him live I realized that,hey, this guy is just way into it and so am I. Great tone, great sound, super clean, awesome dynamics and most of all…very well sculpted arrangement and grooves.
What a fantastic show from Adam Rafferty! His variety of tunes captivated my attention the entire night and I found myself groovin’ in my chair. Thank-you for a wonderful performance:)
I remember the first time I so Adam… he was smiling and just grooving on youtube and I knew from that point on I was hooked. I subbed his mailing list on his website (adamrafferty.com) and have read every word since… not only is he a world class guitarist he is also a man to took up to for moral and world views… He shows more love and gratitude than most. I’m a guitarist as well and I have learned so much from him and most people in his position don’t openly share info like he does.. he is all about the love… If/when he comes back I will be there for sure….:D
Adam Rafferty showed that not only is he a great fingerstyle guitarist, he is also a great musician. This man can translate music from virtually any genre to fingerstyle guitar: disco(!), jazz, classics by Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, ballads, and even classical guitar. Check out his amazing arrangement on YouTube of Bach’s Prelude in E: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgDFL4o_-iU
Thanks, Randy, for giving us the opportunity to see one of the best fingerstyle guitarists, in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere!
Great concert Randy.. Adam reminded me of many different players, but he has his own style and it is rich with all the elements of good music. Thanks.
What a classy well written review, Randy. And, this website page with it’s ability to accept comments is freeken’ incredible. I hope your members appreciate all your efforts in bringing top notched world class guitar to Canada.
Adam has graced our stage here in Columbus, Ohio twice in the last couple years and left us spellbound both times. I hope your members understand that one of the main reasons he plays so cleanly and accurate (EVERY TIME) is because, like you, he was (and, still is) a very practiced jazz guitarist. He’s a “finger style” guitar player that has paid his dues with thousands of hours of scales and music theory. And, he continues his rigorous daily practice to make his performances “look effortless.” Adam is a welcomed treat into our finger style community – thanks for treating your members to his genius.
Palmer Moore – Organizer, Ohio Fingerstyle Guitar Club
What a wonderful venue for a fantastic and intimate concert. Adam Rafferty rocked the place with his jazzy funk style. Adam’s concert is a must see for finger style guitarists. Hope to see him again as soon as possible. Thanks Randy for making this happen.