I'll go ahead and post the Pearce Griffin Fulton review by CinyLyn
as she is experiencing some technical difficulties... -chuckv

-

Date: 10/22/02
From: CindyLyn152

Note to self: Wear the waterproof mascara the *next* time you
see Jeff Pearce perform live.

Before I venture in to Jeff's Gathering performance, let me say a
few things about the evening in general. Temperature-wise, it
may have been the coldest of nights at St. Mary's; but, spiritually,
it was the warmest. The feeling of camaraderie amongst all
those in attendance was unparalleled. It all began with us
recognizing familiar faces waiting outside the door. "Where is
Gordon?" was the plaintive battle cry. Thankfully, he showed up
right as the first set was about to commence. How wonderful it
was to give this previously sight-unseen friend a hug... after all
this time. And, before that, to give Jeff a warm embrace, after not
sharing the same physical space with him since he last played
in Philly. Yes, the man is real enough to eschew any performer
"mystique" in favor of actually getting to greet his friends and fans
at the door. We met and warmly greeted many others in our
community prior to the start of the show. It was, already, a
lovely night.

Mike Griffin and Dave Fulton certainly did not disappoint. Their
styles of music have been called "contrasting." After hearing
them play, I'd like to amend that description to 'dovetailing'...
splendidly so. Honestly, they meshed so well, it was hard for this
(albeit untrained ear) to tell where one ended and the other
began. There was one moment where the music 'creshendo-ed'
into a dramatic denouement... we looked at each other as if to
say, 'oh, yes.' I loved the hints of ominous sci-fi organ music, as
well as the sequenced 'ray gun' assaults that darted in
throughout the performance.

One thing did surprise me. Our jovial 'bon vivant' of a Hypnos site
moderator, Mike Griffin, was curiously serious during most of his
set. I'm thinking that maybe his deadpan expression was a nod
to the Devo/Kraftwerk school of stage presence. Aw, he was
adorable, nevertheless. Dave Fulton (who obviously frequents
the same hair salon as does Art Cohen) was contrastingly about
as animated and active as any artist I've ever seen at St. Mary's.

Kudos go to Jeff Towne. Never have I been more awestruck at
how well what I was seeing enhanced what I was hearing. The
essence of the visuals... imagine a three-dimension, animated
Spyrograph, on acid. Very cool.

And then, it was Jeff's turn. Wow. Having been blown away by
him during his last Gathering performance a few years ago... let
me say this: Like the proverbial fine wine, time has only proved to
enhance him, as a person, and as an artist. What he did
onstage last Saturday revealed a man who has grown, in depth,
nuance, and maturity. His music and his command of the
audience resonate with a refinement that is only achieved (by the
best of us) with experience and introspection.

Yes, I too was dismayed that I could not see his magical finger
work from my vantage point. But, ultimately, it did not matter.
Furthermore, not to sound critical, but, even the background
visuals seemed superfluous to his set. Simply watching the man
as he coaxed the most breathtaking sounds from his
instruments was enough.

Make no mistake about this, tears did well up in my eyes as he
played his first piece. And, soon after, his music made me gasp.
It literally took my breath away for a second. I'll be honest here,
I'm a sucker for Jeff's melodies. Not much in my world could
compare to his ability to make me cry. Fancy adjectives aside, so
sad, so beautiful. Jeff has made no secret about the inspiration
for his latest release, "Bleed." It was a catharsis of his revisiting
and exorcising some painful demons from his youth. Having
corresponded with him, I have some insight into the details of
his travails. As sad as I am, as a friend, that he had to go through
what he did to bring us "Bleed," as a music lover, I can only say
that I'm grateful that he did.

In writing my thoughts on Jeff's last Gathering, I'd mentioned the
'sonic alchemy' he uses to get the sounds that he does out of a
single guitar. I now realize that the alchemy he practices is of a
far higher order. Jeff Pearce is gifted with the ability to
gorgeously
transmute the deepest and rawest of human emotions into the
most heart wrenching, and yet ultimately heart mending of
music. It simply hits you to your core, profoundly and exquisitely.
Yes, Jeff will rip your heart out, but he'll gently give it back to
you,
better for the experience.

Another note to self: don't post about Jeff Pearce whilst actually
listening to his new Record.

Seriously, what a beautiful evening. Thank you to everyone.

Review by -CindyLyn152