Bruce's Music Buddies

Genghis Cohen
May 15, 2001

Gregg with Barb Kaighan, Pamela McKay and (in front) Kathy Arnold		Genghis Cohen, Gregg's perfoming venue

On Tuesday May 15th, I was fortunate enough to attend a performance of Gregg Henry at Genghis Cohen in Los Angeles. I was with Barb Kaighan and Kathy Arnold from the BG List and Sandy Martinez, who maintains the Steven Culp site. It was an indescribable thrill to see Gregg jam in person. He's just a marvelous performer -- funny, touching, honest, sometimes sad and always unexpected. He just sings his heart out for you with those wonderfully clever and personally felt songs with their amazing blend of tunes to lyrics. He offered a diverse set and though the session must have been long (we got out around midnight), it seemed over in minutes. Two of his new songs dealt with Paris, since he'd just returned from filming a DePalma movie there; one extremely funny - "Je suis Americain" - and one so morose and sad, you wondered why. There were many other new songs, but even more familiar ones. He did all the BG ones, accompanied by another friend - John Lathan, substituting for Bruce with quite different interpretations. But John also sang two new songs with Gregg that seemed designed especially for him -- particularly the tribute to Jimmy Swaggert, which was so offbeat only Gregg could have devised it! It was just a wonderful evening -- touching and personal, wryly humorous, totally unique and always exciting. It's easy to see why Bruce has so much respect for this friend who's such a tremendous talent.

It is hard to imagine someone as talented as Gregg. He writes lyrics that reflect real life thoughts and feelings. He adds the words to music, sometimes its sad, but in another moment you are laughing. Then he plays this music, and serenades you at the same time. His voice is mellow and alluring, drawing you in, always wanting more. He does it all, so masterfully. I quickly became addicted to the CD, but after watching him in person, I was mesmerized. I could see his charm and wit in his smile. He did not just sing the songs, he felt them as he played. The music and vibrations allowed everyone to shake their heads, tap their feet, or move in whatever way they could to join in his celebration. People were smiling, laughing, clapping, whistling and yelling their appreciation after every song. He would grin and talk a little in between. He had several new songs that he introduced to us, getting ready for a future CD. It is hard to express in words through space, the feelings of excitement and exhilaration the evening produced. It was fantastic.