The great Mark Mulcahy

So, when I say that Mark Mulcahy reminds me of Tom Waits, it isn't, of course, his voice, or his style, but the measure of his creativity.

Mulcahy writes songs so surprising, so peculiar, so satisfying, so spectacular, so humble, so glorious and so subtle that all one can do is smile.

He made me smile a lot tonight at his Buttownwood Tree concert at the Oddfellows Playhouse in Middletown.

All this greatness, and less than a block from my house.

Concert of the Week

Mark Mulcahy
Saturday November 24, 8:00 pm
Oddfellows Playhouse 128 Washington Street, Middletown

Mulcahy is an amazing, quirky, gifted, soulful and talented performer. He grew up across the bridge in Portland CT, and nearly rose to fame with his trio, Miracle Legion. But the group's deal with the label Morgan Creek destroyed the band before it ever recorded anything for that label. Mulcahy recovered eventually, recording solo albums that have been revered by critics and European audiences, and largely ignored here. His live shows, especially with his band, are always splendid and fascinating. This "homecoming" concert tradition started at the Buttonwood Tree, moved to a local gallery, and this year moves to the larger venue of the Oddfellows Playhouse.