Maya de Vitry Concert @ Swallow Hill ~ Tiny Venue; Wonderful Songs; Joel's Keen Guitar 25Oct26

Mid-Day F1 Watch... Kala & I headed to DEN for an F1 watch party with the fam at Letha's. She made a nice chili and we enjoyed a somewhat boring race where Kimi went start to finish in Austin. We were pleased the Broncos dominated the Cardinals but Kala was sad at the Chiefs outcome. In the evening I headed across town to Swallow Hill Music to hear Maya de Vitry in the Taft Theater there.

Taft Theater... the venue is intimate but the sound guy had it dialed in well. I parked free within just 200ft of the theater. I arrived at doors and got the front row center spot. I own all of Maya's published work and have seen lots a radio studio work live but this was a treat.

Maya & Joel... 36 yr old Maya de Vitry is a PA-raised Nashville resident known for stellar songwriting and a solid voice to deliver the work. She's independent and prolific; her 4th and most recent album is "All My Faith" and much in the show was recorded there. She worked strong melodies on her guitar and brought her oft-collaborator on the stage, Joel Timmons, to work searing lead licks, and backup vocals. Joel's also a Nashville guy and a mainstay with a number of bands, including his wife's (bassist/vocalist Shelby Means - once Molly's bassist and backup but not rockin' solo), and his own. Maya introduced him to lead sign a song from his band's debut album... a fun surf rockin' tune about a black lab & weed.

Maya Was Excellent... Of course the songs were great and she delivered with plenty of full voice rips to the sometimes familiar crowd's delight. I could mouth much of the material. I couldn't get the signed setlist as she wrote it in a notebook she kept... NP. I see she's not a full planner as the notes were abbreviated and kindof random, not a list but what she'll play in some order. I was able to meet and introduce myself at break as she manned her own merch table. "I am the AI guy;" "great to meet, that was fun." I also spoke to the sound guy during intermission. He adjusts with no feedback mic, just his ears, and he sits in back. So, for much of the 2nd half of the show I moved to the back row and the sound was better there. It was a great show in a fun tiny venue.