Photo by Kyle Vertin
KRIS HARRIS
Special to The Leader
This past Tuesday students, faculty and community members alike were treated to a night of storytelling and true musicianship. The music industry program presented Songwriters Night, featuring the likes of several esteemed musicians.
The first group highlighted was John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey, who not only have their own duo, but are better known for their work with 10,000 Maniacs, an alternative rock group that came out of Jamestown, New York. They were joined by the likes of Joe Rosler, an accomplished session musician.
The three played several tunes and Ramsey went through her writing process, how she would hum melodies over chord progressions created by Lombardo.
Later into the event, Denny Laine was brought out to share his experiences. Laine is best known for his work with Moody Blues and Wings, which was fronted by Paul McCartney. The Englishman was very comfortable talking about many parts of his life such as concert after-parties, practicing flamenco guitar in Spain and recording in EMI studios in Africa. Listening to Laine talking about these moments was very insightful, as he took these moments as inspiration for writing music.
As the night went on the audience asked questions in between the songs. The musicians went on and gave perspectives and influences, such as Little Richard and Elvis Presley.
“It’s ageless and timeless: music. It’s really a great thing.” said Ramsey.
Junior music industry major Megan Stade was very enthusiastic about the night.
“This event made me remember why I love music so much; seeing how the musicians loved playing their songs, and how it made them happy.”
*Kris Harris is a student in the music industry program