Video by Randel Bowen. Al Stewart ("Year of the Cat", "Time Passages") and guitarist Dave Nachmanoff perform "Famous Blue Raincoat", originally by Leonard Cohen. Check out Al Stewart and Dave Nachmanoff's new live CD, "Uncorked"
Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Dave Nachmanoff saw Al Stewart live for the first time at Royal Albert Hall in London in 1985 and in 2006 came back and performed with him. At the age of ten he played with Libba Cotton (Freight Train). Hes led songwriting workshops for German school children, synagogue groups, a Native American tribe, stroke survivors, and for the Silcocks, a family with 44 adopted boys. In addition, hes a heckofa songwriter in styles ranging from folk to pop whos sold over 15,000 recordings. Hes a father of two and writes custom songs for weddings and other special occasions. As a side player (guitar, piano, bass, accordion and more) hes worked with Stewart on a regular basis, as well as many others at venues as far ranging as The Bottom Line and the Edmonton Folk Festival. Oh, and hes got a doctorate in Philosophy. That he earned in his spare time.
Dave grew up in the '60s and '70s surrounded by the active folk scene of northern Virginia and Washington DC and inspired by Pete Seeger, country rock, early revival folk like the Kingston Trio and later on, '80s new wave. Toss in a bit of celtic folk-rock a la Fairport Convention and its clear how he got his rich melodic sound. His latest effort, Time Before the Fall, offers a diverse palate of genres, from the traditional English ballad style Midnight Sea to the folk-pop of Lucky. There are just enough hooky guitar licks on these songs to make you smile but not so much that they distract from the wonderful stories and out of the ordinary characters. Theres the guy who brightens a city corner with flowers in the upbeat Georges Corner and a man who remorsefully reports his brothers activities to the authorities in Judas Kiss. Hes got eight albums in all, including his first, Candy Shower, released in 1997. Plans are in the works for a new release in the next year.
With a personable style thats adaptable to a variety of stages, he looks larger than life although hes a vertically challenged five foot two (and no, he doesnt have blue eyes). Hes that neighbor who always has a friendly wave but doesnt keep you from dinner. Youll probably forget about that meal anyway when he starts to tell his stories and sing his well-crafted tunes in a voice like an older Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20) but a guitar style thats more Mark Knopfler or Richard Thompson. And just as versatile too.
Hes shared the stage with Cheryl Wheeler, Steve Forbert, The Pogues, America, Alison Krauss and many more.
If youre looking for a unique gift or a way to celebrate your wedding or other important event, ask Dave about writing you a custom song. Itll be much more appreciated than another blender and itll be remembered for years. Just send him a few details and hell take it from there, writing the entire song, recording it and sending you the CD. Or, if youd rather take a more active role, you can write and/or record the song with Dave.
Just Plain Folks honored him with the 2001 Songwriter of the Year award. For five consecutive years he was the Susan Lucci of the South Florida Folk Festival, earning a place as a finalist before winning Best Overall in 2002. SingOut! has praised his heartfelt, inspired songwriting with a delivery both biting and assured.
Hes busy but hes always got time for a fun gig and a good story. If youre an artist who needs a side player, hes your guy. Heck, he could be your entire band. Whether youre a concert junkie, participating in one of his songwriting classes or listening to your custom song, youll walk away from your Dave Nachmanoff experience wondering why he hasnt yet learned to play anything with his feet. Why not? Hes done everything else.
For more information on Dave Nachmanoff, please visit his website at www.davenach.com .
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Al Stewart - Cafe Societyby runningman9042,060 views
What a nice job; sensitive cover sung/played w/ much feeling and meaning (Dave, too; Al has always known how to pick the best musicians)! Even on his many commercial recordings, the nuance, emphasis, pathos, whatever...is always there. But brilliantly understated...Like an exceptional actor, he doesn't choose to overplay; so that the true heart, intellect and subtext is not drowned.
cherimelodie 1 week ago
Saw you guys play at Glen Allan the night before the Super Bowl. We were knocked out as you played to 300 while the Stones attempted to amuse 100 million TV viewers the next night. Life can be cruel, but I'll never forget hearing Rain Barrel for the first time -- after which the whole audience was so flattened by the power of those lyrics that they almost forgot to applaud. Keep up the good work!
heyyouthere4 1 year ago
good cover of an excellent cohen song. thanks.
dvdbairdii50 1 year ago
This is fabulous! Al fans, and Dave fans, everywhere rejoice. Thanks, Dave! More, please
moshems 1 year ago