Thorin, Bill Burnett and Squeakin' Wheels

This turned into a three act show, and a really exceptional one at that.  All of these acts call Southern California home, so this is some of the hometown great stuff that just grows around here. 

The show started out with Thorin, a local favorite that had been assembling The Bohemian Soul Rustlers, but tonight, it was just Thorin, the Sole Rustler, maybe for the forseeable future.  Not too surprisingly, he was just plain wonderful.  He has a way of reminding you why great songs were GREAT, and sings them accordingly.  And his own songs are poignant and just plain beautiful.  Or fun. Or charming.  Depending. We expect great things from this guy in the future. Maybe he will remember us fondly in Altadena.



Bill Burnett, joined Thorin on stage to harmonize on Thorin's Christmas song, and then stayed for a his own set.   Bill is  a local favorite giant of a singer songwriter (to distinguish him from the everyday singer songwriter).  The last two collaborations of Burnett and Thorin were on our well received Greenwich Village retro show in September, and the Pete Seeger 90th birthday commemoration back in August, covered in Pasadena's Star News. Quirky, engaging songs spring from Bill Burnett's mind and we get to enjoy the rides.
He has his own unique web presence at his Song Mine - and he digs up some doozies. I suggest you visit at http://www.billburnettsongmine.com/.
 

What a great set - take a look at his wacko take on an overblown Christmas. Shaving cows? Having an appendix out while you are in town? What season? I don't know what he was drinking, but I am not sure if it is infectious.

After a break, out came The Squeakin' Wheels. Their members are accomplished musicians who weave together intricate harmonies and impressive instrumentals. Combined, they've played with musical dignitaries as Rose Maddox, David Lindley, Chris Darrow, Mary Kay Place, Walter Egan, New Christy Minstrels and Iggy Pop!
On lead vocals are David Millard and Marguerite Millard. David and Marguerite also write the original material the band performs.  They performed traditional folk material as well as some wonderful originals.