west_lentz_3.jpgMusic is a unifying force. It provides an avenue of introduction for near or complete strangers, a focal point for dialog and discussion, much like the weather or the Red Sox. “What’s that song about?” I cannot list the sheer volume of amazing folks I’ve met through the portal of live performance. Sure it’s also attracted its share of crazies too, but overall, I am deeply blessed to be allowed access to people’s lives usually restricted to the psychiatrist’s couch. Music opens people up. They want to share their story, and they want to put themselves in yours. I show you mine, you show me yours. Pain, joy, love, laughter, tears. It’s the human experience on high through the medium of lyrics and melody.

Perhaps it’s because playing music makes you vulnerable on a deep level. It reveals a part of you they might otherwise never see (unless they read your diary or watch your on surveillance cameras.) People feel connected to someone they feel is willing to put themselves out there on a different level for all to see and criticize. And through this unraveling, people see your core being. They see what you’re made of, but also what’s inside all of us. 

I met Scott West and Kevin Lentz through the channel of live music. They’ve been coming to see me play for nearly fifteen years. Along the way, they’ve introduced their friends and family to my music. They build a small community of PJudd followers practically on their own, branches extending way beyond the reaches of New Hampshire. I could never thank them enough for their support over the years, and, in turn, the support of their wives, brothers, sisters, mothers,fathers, nephews, nieces, daughters, sons, and friends. That’s why when their amazing wives Lori and Jen approached me to play a house concert in honor of their birthdays, well, let’s just say I was a little bit excited. 

Last night’s house concert at the West Estate in Rochester was incredibly fun. The energetic crowd of 50-plus buzzed from the moment the party started, continuing deep into the night and early this morning (I went to bed at 5:00 AM). The Wests have a way of bringing out the best in people at these engagements. Their guests arrive armed with the knowledge they’re going to have an amazing time and follow suit. A palpable excitement over the promise of spring and a long winter left behind hovered over the entire evening. People never let up. The recycle bins were overfilled upon our departure this morning (nearly tripped over them on my way out).

I spent the last two weeks restoring many PJudd relics to my setlist (Lori and Jen sent me the boys’ favorites ahead of time). Songs previously shelved saw light for the first time in years: Meteor Showers, Sliding Into Home Safely, Poison Apple, Buffalo Song, Indian Summer. It almost felt as though I’d awakened old friends from a long nap (songs do have a healthy amount of character, after all). Many of these songs I’ve moved up a full key step to both match up with my current vocal style (many were steeped in baritone before) and also to provide them with a little zip, something different. The sets were also filled with many requests, and also a kitchen versus living room ‘Redneck’ chorus showdown (the living room won, hands down). All in all, I had an absolute ball. From my view on stage, it sure looked like the crowd did as well. 

I cannot thank the West/Lentz contingent enough for opening their home to my music, and for their undying support over the years. I’m hoping they decide to make this an annual event, as their living room truly stands as the largest I’ve played on my ’09 house concert tour. But in the end, it wasn’t about the space. It was about the people who occupied it.

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