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Chris Barron Spins Into Ringwood, New Jersey to Rock Heralded House Concert Series! A Kweevak.com Rock Report by Rich and Laura Lynch The list of notable names who have played at Drew Eckmann's place continues to grow. On September 24, 2006, Chris Barron lead singer of the Spin Doctors performed an animated and acoustic show at the house on the lake. Chris is apt at various guitar techniques, able to extract assorted chords with the use of a capo. Barron, who is also a poet, spins a good tale with a voice that is expressive and extensive.
 Doctor in the house - Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors! Chris' family moved a lot when he was a child. Barron ended up in Princeton, New Jersey where he went to high school with Jon Popper of Blues Traveler. After a few detours, Chris followed Jon to New York City where they launched their respective careers in the cities' club circuit. The Spin Doctors formed in 1988 and within a few years, with relentless touring, the band's first two records went gold. With a number of departures and Chris battling vocal cord paralysis the Spin Doctors called it quits in 2000 but have regrouped for occasional gigs and a new album. In the meantime, each has pursued other projects including Chris who has branched out as a solo artist. Drew introduced Barron, stating that Chris is the first artist to play the house concert series who has appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone (and the first who has worked with the Muppets). Chris was armed with his trusty acoustic and accompanied by stand-up bass player Tim Gibbons. Chris and Tim played a solid set of acoustic based numbers from Chris' solo career including tunes from his most recent record, Shag. Barron was bubbly making comments and jokes throughout the evening. In this intimate setting, one can really appreciate Chris' vocal range. He is a sensitive singer and many of his compositions are based on his trademarked melodic inflections. The set included diverse textures and tones, some songs were snappy, others more serious. Barron's musical storytelling is colorful and creative. During a tune which he described as a French country song he spoofed on Bush and freedom fries before returning to the ballad which was enhanced by deep bass plucking. Chris and Tim played a wide range of tunes exploring different musical styles including a romantic song with an instrumental dance exchange. Chris sipped a drink giving Tim an opportunity to solo, but Tim paid the price being the brunt of comments that he was a spy - for both sides. Chris mentioned that he was working on a new CD, which was not quite ready yet but he was armed with copis of Shag and tee-shirts "that would look good on everyone." One of the nice things about Drew's concerts is that people can often interact with the musicians before and/or after the show. Chris had been talking with Denise who had requested Spin Doctors stuff. Chris obliged by playing a tune that captured the spirit of the band's early days. Back in the late 80, the Spin Doctors would often sit in with Blues Traveler and vice versa. They and other bands ("groups that should have dominated music but didn't") played all night. The song was filled with visual imagery describing the people and the times. Barron followed it up with a spirited version of the popular 'Little Miss Can't Be Wrong'. Chris and Tim managed to capture the liveliness of the original without a full band. More than half way through the concert, Chris introduced the crowd to "his little friend-the ukulele-an endangered species of the guitar." Tim took a break leaving Chris to pick out a swampy lead on his little friend as he stomped out the rhythm with his foot. Next was a sad tune about not being able to kick a habit. Tim retuned and we said goodbye to the ukulele. After playing an up-beat instrumental, Drew suggested a cover. Chris pondered the point and said I don't know if we know any. A lady in the audience was quick to suggested 'Two Princes' which was performed in the course of the evening. Playing a peppy song with commentary Barron moved into a series of quick covers including Pat Benatar's 'Hit Me With Your Best Shot' , Cash's 'Walk The Line' and after a few shouts of of the classic "Poodle Man" Barron went into Madonna's 'Holiday' and 'Like A Virgin' but substituted the lyrics about eating chicken for his daughter who was having dinner in the third row. Building on that energy Chris and Tim performed an animated version of 'Jimmy Olsen's Blues' as the crowd clapped along. A lady suggested the blues and Chris played a narrative in the low ranges. Chris ended the night on a high note with the crowd pleasing 'Pocketful of Kryptonite' with a foray into 'Sweet Home Alabama' and 'Werewolves of London'. Chris Barron played an eclectic concert. His set included songs with old classic flavors, up-tempo hits from the Spin Doctors and acoustic numbers from his solo projects. Chris Barron rocked the house!
 Chris Barron thanks the crowd for their support during his 2.5 hour performance! Related Links: For more information on Chris Barron and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- ChrisBarron.com | Buy Chris Barron CD | SpinDoctors.com
Originally Published: 10/04/2006 on Kweevak.com |
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