Melvern at Nick's was one to remember. First of all, oil paintings of naked ladies all over wood paneled walls beneath tin ceilings in a neighborhood that only a drunken mother could love are a setting that money just can't buy... (The art reminds me of Lewis's in Norwood, which is always a good thing where I'm concerned). The dimensions of the stage were such than Melvern had to stand on the floor in front, and Johnny couldn't swing his bass without banging into the wall, but what the setup lacked in elbow room it sure made up for in ambiance. (Where else can you order bratwurst with your beer and see a show like this one?)
The highlights for everyone so familiar with MT&TFM that they normally know all the words to every song were the covers (Tiny Bubbles was my favorite, just cuz my date hadn't realized I knew the words and she almost laughed her vodka and soda back through her nose to realize it, but "Hello Marylou, Goodbye Heart" and ESPECIALLY "Tonight you belong to me", for which props are also due to my date for knowing it was first recorded for a hit by Patience and Prudence, were remarkable) but for the folks most into Melvern and his Meltones at their fabulous best it was the full three-set treatment that set the heart aflutter. Everything from all the records, and soft pretzels too.
If you've never been to a show where the fifty-somethings at the BACK of the room start banging their tankards on the tables in demand for ONE MORE, then you haven't seen Melvern rock a house, and I'm here to say it was one of a one of a kind evening. Finestkind!
And a good time was had by all.
Leave a comment