Featured Live Music Artist of the Week - Big D "Unplugged"

So, this is sort of a Throwback Thursday, or maybe it's Big D Redux, or maybe it's a sequel.

We've reviewed Big D here before, but it was primarily related to his appearances at The Fest For Beatles Fans and/or associated events.

This time we review Big D outside of the Beatles elements, in a regular weekend gig near his hometown near the downstate IL/IN border.

I had the pleasure of riding to/from the gig with Big D, and had a chance to just chat.  After some brief chat about past Beatles Fest experiences, some chat about the potential future of said Fest, and some general chit-chat, as expected, the topic switched to music.  And, as expected, Big D doesn't just play music, he KNOWS music.  We talked about everything from Elvis to Soundgarden, from Alice In Chains to Anthrax, from Ozzy to The Orleans, from Jim Croce to Julian Lennon, and from Kiss to The Kinks.  We even found out we are part of a small crowd of people that VERY DISTINCTLY remember "Meet Me On The Corner Down At Joe's Café" (by Peter Noone) from the legendary K-TEL album, "Dynamite".  Big D is a walking Wikipedia or music knowledge and history and trivia.  (Let's face it, at this point in time, K-Tel is in that "trivia" category)

Anyhow, the gig was in a Wine Store (Bella Vista) in downstate Illinois, and Big D was not sure what to expect, he has played outdoor gigs, concert venues, and of course bars - but never a wine bar.  He wasn't quite sure what to expect and what songs would "fit in" for such a setting and crowd.  To set the stage for our readers, Big D's "Unplugged" gig consists of Big D on vocals and Big D on 12-string acoustic guitar.  Throw in some effects pedals, tied to the microphone and the guitar, and the sound is big as well.  If you were outside, you'd think it was at least 2 people, perhaps more.

Turns out, it all went well, and Big D's expansive selection of music fit in perfectly - perfectly.  The owners are both huge 90s music fans, and it turns out one of them was even a singer in a band - that happened to be on the circuit as the same time as one of Big D's previous bands in the 90s - they actually crossed paths.  So, this definitely set the stage for the evening.

Early in the evening, the crowd was primarily and older crowd (of which I think I now fit into) and a more reserved crowd.  And Big D recognized this immediately and dug into the archives and played deep cut Elvis songs as well as many songs suited for acoustic guitar from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, including the well known "Chevy Van" which is the definition of campfire acoustic from the 1970s.  Naturally, probably due to our common theme of the Beatles, Big D also hit about 3 or 4 Beatles songs early in the evening as well.  The entire time, interacting with the crowd, taking requests, drinking, and telling stories, perfectly relatable to the crowd on hand.  At one point, he played, on 1 12-string and effects pedals, an amazing rendition of A Day In The Life, complete with the crescendos and "largeness" of that song.  And it got a loud ovation.  Not to spoil it, you have to hear it yourself.

As the evening progressed, the crowd shifted from older to younger - though most of the older crowd never left until closing time, to be perfectly honest.  And Big D read this shift perfectly, and started moving into heavier songs from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, including Soundgarden tributes and songs by their contemporaries (again, one man, 1 12-string, and pedals).  And, as he had done all evening, continuous interaction with the crowd, including story telling, jokes, drinks, and requests.  As the evening moved along, instead of sitting, everybody was standing, and rocking, and dancing, and, simply put - partying.  Big D later called this one of his Top 5 recent gigs!  The energy was intense and fun - and everybody became part of the music - everybody - the patrons, the owners, and of course Big D.  The owner even got up and sang on two songs, and was phenomenal on both. 

This became, basically, a giant party where everybody seemed to know each other, and the music was the glue that held it together and kept it moving along.  This wasn't a case of people talking and there happened to be a musician - this was a case of all eyes (and ears) focused on the musician.  This was exactly what live music is about!!!!

The evening "ended" several times with the grand finale, but never seemed to end.  The plan was to end with Piano Man, as long as everybody agreed to sing along with the chorus - and they did - every last person knew every last word.  Then it was the classic Freebird - and again, every single person from 21 to 81 knew every single word.  Then, the owner led the crowd in a giant sing-along of Don't Stop Believing - and again, everybody knew every word.  Then, in what I admit surprised me, a stirring rendition of Ozzy's Mama I'm Coming Home - to which every last person - male, female, 21, 81, and every age in between - belted out every single word to every single verse and chorus.  They rocked the house, with Big D as the ring leader.  Finally, it really was closing time, and as one of the owners said, before literally unplugging Big D unplugged, "Go home people".  But, it wasn't over yet - Big D rallied the troops for a grand finale of Sweet Caroline.  THIS is EXACTLY what live music is all about.  Every single person, regardless of age, background, etc - was singing along for the entire final 30 minutes of the evening.  This was a party that did not want to end - and Big D was the ring-leader!!!

By the way, Big D also performs a monthly "Big D Unplugged Beatles Night" at a local establishment and is a member of the band FoxTrot Charlie.