[FM] Darryl Purpose in Londonderry, NH: Review

[Roberta Schwartz]

Darryl Purpose in concert
Friday, January 18, 2002
8 p.m.
The Muse
Londonderry, New Hampshire
http://www.musegraygoose.com


For those who live within a 60 mile radius of the Muse at the Gray 
Goose in Londonderry, NH (just off Rte. 93) and haven't yet been, you 
are missing one of the best listening experiences of any venue in the 
greater Boston area.  Just a short drive over the New Hampshire 
border with Massachusetts, in a large barn outfitted with small 
tables, candles and an assortment of desserts and soft drinks like no 
other.  Cozy, comfortable and with a line-up of music several days a 
week, this is the place to be to listen to the best the acoustic 
music world has to offer.

On a Friday night of a holiday weekend, those brave enough to battle 
the holiday ski traffic made their way up Route 93 to Exit 4 and a 
place called the Muse in Londonderry, New Hampshire.  Darryl Purpose, 
of the big hat, incomparable finger picking style on guitar, and 
wonderful story songs, took to the stage with a hatful of songs, both 
old and new.  Following the late 2001 release of A CROOKED LINE, 
Darryl has been on the road touring and promoting his latest tunes. 
This was one of those nights.  He opened with "If I Were a Betting 
Man," which was a metaphor for the chances of a relationship 
succeeding against the odds.  And Darryl is one who knows about the 
odds, having spent the first part of his life as an internationally 
reknowned blackjack player.  By the time he was twenty-three, his 
picture was in all of the greatest casinos in the world.

He also had lots of personal stories to tell.  The one about 
reconnecting with his 3 half-brothers was the most poignant, and more 
about that in a moment.  His brother Chris gave him the new hat he's 
wearing on the road.  And...he's sporting a newly shaved head a la 
Don Conoscenti.

"A Crooked Line," co-written with the great L.A. songwriter Paul 
Zollo, tells of the twisted path that life sometimes takes you as you 
move forward on your journey.  Paul had Darryl in mind when he wrote 
the lyrics.

On "Halfway Home," Darryl called up singer/songwriter Amy Beth Hurst 
to sing along with him, who is featured in the song as "Laura Lee" - 
the cop with a badge and a gun.  This is a great story about getting 
in trouble with the law and having a great romance along the way.

Other highlights of the first set included "Late for Dinner," about a 
Vietnam veteran who simply left a marriage and family one day and 
never returned.  It has a beautiful meloday and wonderful finger 
picking by our man Darryl.  "Child of Hearts" is another song that 
pulls at the heart strings, addressing the little girl that is 
unexpected, but nevertheless loved, from the perspective of a father 
who doesn't see her often enough.  And "Mr. Schwinn" tells the tale 
of a lonely old man who waits a lifetime for the bride who never 
comes.  In Darryl's talented hands, it is a story of someone we all 
know....

Darryl's website manager, Eric, finally arrived, after battling the 
traffic, towards the end of the first set.  Darryl stopped the show 
to give Eric a big hug and a belated Xmas gift.  He's a big man with 
a big heart, and everyone responded with an audible "Awwwww...."

The second set brought us "Bryant Street," which was co-written with 
Ellis Paul.
This is a true story about the loss of Darryl's half sister as a 
toddler in a swimming pool accident.  There are wonderful images that 
recap events of forty years ago.  The followup to the story is that 
Darryl sent his half-brothers a copy of the song, and that allowed 
them to reconnect after many, many years.
One of Darryl's best songs, and certainly one of his best true life stories.

Amy Beth Hurst joined Darryl on a couple more songs including the 
story of young love that they co-wrote called "Marty and Mary," and 
"Right Side of Zero."  But my favorite is a song called "Dangerous 
Game," which speaks not only to life in the world of gambling, but to 
the dangers that life can place in your path in general. It's deep 
and dark and keeps you riveted to your seat....

Darryl Purpose has been making a name for himself with his striking 
presence, outstanding finger picking on guitar, and beautifully 
crafted songs with melodies and lyrics that stay with you.  If you 
haven't yet heard him, you are missing one of the unique talents on 
the acoustic stage.  Take a look at http://www.darrylpurpose.com to 
find out more.

And...I am writing as a fan even though I write professionally.  I 
also see it as my job to let others know of music and musicians who 
deserve their attention.
Thanks for reading this far.

See you at the next show!
Roberta



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Roberta B. Schwartz
rschwartz@oeb.harvard.edu
Staff Writer, Music Matters Review
http://www.mmreview.com
Reviewer and Review editor, FAME
http://www.acousticmusic.com/fame/famehome.htm
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