[FM] Tracy Grammer Performance -- January 5, 2003 -- Portland, Oregon

[patrick t power]

>From Terry Woodburn:

Before embarking on her first tour since the shocking, tragic passage of
her musical partner, Dave Carter, Tracy Grammer held what she termed an
open rehearsal Sunday, January 5th at the Alberta Street Public House
in Portland, Oregon.  

She appeared on the stage, smiling, radiant and seemingly relaxed.  If
there were any jitters, it seldom manifested during the performance.

Grammer was accompanied by Portlander Donny Wright, veteran acoustic bass
player from Dave and Tracys Drum Hat Buddha sessions.  Wright also
provided strong vocals and acoustic guitar accompaniment during the
evening.  

Fans who have been immersed in deep sadness over Dave Carters passing
have obviously been wondering what would come of his legacy and how Tracy
Grammer would present herself to the music world when the time was ripe
for her to tour again.  The evenings music left no doubt that Grammer is
amply capable of carrying the torch of Carters legacy, all the while
showcasing her own considerable talents.  

Tracy and Donny poured out seventeen songs during their performance,
mostly a collection of Dave and Tracy songs, a couple of fun and
surprising covers of Tracys choice and three exquisite, unreleased Dave
Carter compositions.

Tracy has a sympathetic and talented accompanist in Donny Wright.   His
muscular work on upright bass drove the songs to the dynamic levels of
vintage Dave and Tracy performances, with a vocal range and style that
was eerily similar to Dave Carters.  Not to say this was any attempt to
replicate a cold copy of Dave and Tracys past.  Grammer and Wright
obviously spent a great deal of time working on the material and most
arrangements came off sounding fresh, articulate and innovative.    

This work has allowed Tracy to continue to display her considerable
violin, vocal and guitar skills.  Nothing appeared compulsory and the
elements of stunning dymamics from Dave and Tracy days were in plentiful
evidence throughout the evening.  An added treat came in the form of
numerous and humorous in-between song remembrances of Dave as only Tracy
Grammer could tell.

What could have easily been a bittersweet evening for audience and
performer, instead became a joyous celebration of Dave Carters legacy
along with the bold impression that Tracy Grammer continues to weld a
considerable talent in the folk music world and will continue to do so
for some time, as evidenced by this moving performance. 


Submitted by Terry Woodburn, KATU-TV, Portland, Oregon (TerryW@katu.com)


--------------------------