Howie Newman’s latest CD is a collection of his previously recorded songs in live coffeehouse performances. Newman offers many of his audiences’ favorites with a breath of fresh air from the in person energy going on in these rooms. You Shoulda Been There–Howie Newman “Live” In Concert allows the humor-laden folks songs to breathe, finding new life in their immediate, personal delivery. Newman has also worked as a sports reporter for the Lowell Sun, The Boston Globe, and many other area newspapers. His breezy sports writer persona shows through in meaningful ways through this, his newly expanded live album.
Like a frat boy who can’t wait to share his humor with those around him, Newman goes right into his social protest/good humor song “Products On TV.” Newman feigns naivety about TV advertisements to make his point about mindlessly purchasing items to impress the opposite sex. He delivers his introduction like an amicable host and he puts the song across with good-natured charm. Taking the musicianship seriously, Newman does put out an embraceable, warm acoustic guitar melody.
The likely hit song off of this live disc is his ode to his wife’s one shortcoming. “My Baby Can’t Parallel Park” is another crowd pleasure that anybody in the crowd can relate to. Everyone as a friend, spouse, or somebody in their life with either this issue or one of many others. The song has a great hook and Newman’s harmonica gives this tune another warm texture.
“Our Kids Aren’t Kids Any More” builds from Newman’s memories of his children from when they were little then contrasts them with their young adult styles. His affectionate vocal delivery and sensitive acoustic guitar melody are stirring. You cannot listen to this without feeling something. This chorus, too, is quite hooky, albeit in a gentle way.
“Big In Belgium” is probably the best fiction ever turned into a folk song. For kicks, Newman made up a story about being well received in Europe. He introduced his song about his made up story by telling a tale “That’s exactly the way it happened….in the song.” Though he only got one request from a radio station in Belgium, Newman’s fiction has every station in the country playing his CD. The song features Newman’s son Keith playing a lovely flute melody and his daughter Jen’s sweet backing vocal. And if you listen carefully to Newman’s message, it’s really a poignant reminder of the struggle of local musicians. The song has an odd origin.
“Low Tech” is an honest ballad about being behind the times with all the modern communication devices. Newman’s song is actually his response to the people in his life who keep telling him to join the modern world. He has no such intention to stare at his cell phone all day and he prefers print newspapers to screens because he can take them into the bathtub. He also prefers a CD he can hold in his hand to something on the internet. Newman’s subtle application of his acoustic guitar and his tender vocal approach shows how personally important it is to him to live in his own world.
Before launching into his song “My Last Cup Of Coffee,” Newman pointed out his irony of not being a coffee drinker even though he performs in coffeehouses. A caffeine related accident compelled Newman to quit drinking coffee It’s a warm recollection from his young man days and he knows how to sing and tell a story at the same time. “Coffee” has the usual Newman styled warm humor over an embraceable guitar melody.
“Cosmic Garbageman Rag” is about a future space traveler who functions as a collector of retro rockets and other junk that gets dumped into the vacuum of outer space with every launch mission. Newman’s harmonica brings a bright gentle tone to this message of human beings leaving their refuse no matter where they go. The singer-songwriter ought to send this song to Steven Spielberg or George Lucas. Chances are, they’d buy out the rights to this thing for a potential film, giving Newman a huge junk of change in the process.
Newman and his two kids perform the early 1970s pop song “Do You Believe In Music?” by John Sebastian. Voices and musicianship are in top form here as the trio recreate a lovely acoustic version of this hit from every middle aged persons’ childhood.
“Please Buy My Record” is another look at the struggle of a local musician. Newman puts it across with so much warmth and humor that you don’t feel he’s complaining. Some assertive guitar chords give a good snap here.
Newman closes out his live album with “That Old Car,” a testament to the memories he associates with his long gone ‘91 Honda. He infuses the song with warmth as he recalls its high points, and it becomes something we all can relate it. That car may have been a clunker, but damn it, it was his.
Warmth and humor are as key to Newman’s songs as all the other singer-songwriter elements he brings to it. Like a good sports writer, he can convey intense drama in a breezy, easy-going, laid back style. The true talent of Howie Newman is he can get to the heart of a matter without getting in your face. He merrily glides over the surface of his topics, giving just enough detail to let you know the gravity while keeping you in a lively upbeat mood. Bravo.
