Stephen Peter Rodgers, Johnny Rodgers, & Kala Farnham at Lyric Hall, New Haven, CT by Anne Marie Menta

In a world where tribute bands and cover acts are so pervasive in live music,  it is truly a gift to hear original music performed by artists who nurture and master their craft.  Such was the case a few Sunday afternoons ago in New Haven, CT, at the Restoration Songwriter Series where three singer songwriters played the inaugural show in this new Bigger Beast Records monthly showcase featuring original music at historic Lyric Hall.  

Kala Farnham, Jonny Rodgers and Stephen Peter Rodgers graced the stage.

First up, Kala Farnham, CT’s own State Troubadour, sang a set of her haunting and memorable tunes on guitar and piano. From the moment she began singing in her sweet soprano voice,  the audience was transported to places of hope, longing, joy, and sometimes sorrow.  Songs like “Ancient Vessel” and “Little Swallow” reminded us to slow down, and appreciate our breathing, our spirit, our intellect,  and ultimately, ourselves. Kala’s tunes included the plaintive love song “Elijah”  and “Firefly”, a tribute or goodbye to a friend or loved one:

“Maybe you’ll light my way long after we part, just like a firefly.”  (listen here)

Kala’s lovely tunes did exactly that for us, the listeners.

Jonny Rodgers took the stage next. As part of the beloved indie /alternative CT rock band Mighty Purple, founded with his brother Steve Rodgers in the late 90s, Jonny has long been known as an accomplished songwriter, vocalist, and innovative guitarist. Nowadays, he is a multi-instrumentalist, indie artist, and composer of film scores who collaborates with other artists as well as doing his solo pieces.   Under the name Cindertalk, he is best known for performing his compositions on tuned glass, using electronics to create an evocative and unique soundscape. Jonny performed a few of these at Lyric Hall, including the moving  “Everything is Yours,” an evocative  and magical piece featuring his soaring vocals, keyboard, wailing guitar, and chime-like wine glasses. (listen here)  

Another emotional highlight was his song “Your Time Will Come.”  The audience sat rapt, as they were drawn into Jonny’s ethereal and beautiful sonic world.

Then, Stephen Peter Rodgers joined his brother on stage to perform a dozen songs together,  much to the delight of the audience. Some tunes ranged from their Mighty Purple days, including the pulsing groove and harmonies of “Drive, ” the power packed  “Brother, ”  and the quintessential Rodgers brothers’  song, “The Way That I Feel” with its perfectly matched melody, harmony,  and poignant lyrics. Jonny and Steve’s close singing and passionate playing was on full display during their powerful re-telling of these songs.

The audience was also treated to a couple of brand-new songs from Steve,  including his newly released single, a starkly beautiful song called “ Winter is Coming.” (listen here)

Another new tune, “ Stay You,”  is a heartful reminder to stay the course as an authentic human being, no matter the obstacles. Jonny’s addition of  harmonies and piano / guitar playing on these tunes was proof that the magic of the Rodgers’ brothers is very much alive and well.  Kala Farnham joined the Rodgers for one last tune, “High Hopes,”  a catchy, positive anthem by Steve that had the whole audience singing along. It was a perfect ending to a beautiful show.

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