I played a new song with my old friend Peter Bliss for his New York Song Writers Collective at The Bitter End. Being there again brought back a flood of memories about all the people I’ve seen or played with on that legendary stage. It’s one of the last venues from that remarkable era in American culture when, for a time Greenwich Village clubs attracted the hippest audience in the music world. You might have heard Mingus at The Village Gate, Dylan at Gerde’s Folk City, Dave Van Ronk at The Gaslight, Bill Evans at The Village Vanguard, Joni Mitchell or Peter, Paul and Mary at The Bitter End, The Smithereens or Willie Nile at Kenny’s Castaways. A few years later and a few blocks east The Ramones came to CBGB and Springsteen made his legendary stand at The Bottom Line. And, except for the Vanguard, I played all of them.
Sadly, only The Bitter End and The Village Vanguard remain. I’m a little in awe every time I sing or play on The Bitter End stage. After all, this was the setting of Bernard Cole’s celebrated cover photo for the 1962 debut album by, Peter Paul and Mary. The iconic image and album set the tone for the 1960’s folk revival when it went to #1 on Billboard’s Pop Chart. It stayed there for a month and sold millions of records around the world. For many, this club was ground zero for “The 60’s.”
When I got on the mic to sing my tune I declared, “I love, love, love this place!”
My fondness for the club started in late winter of 1970 when I went to The Bitter End for the first time to see John Sebastian. My high school friend and future band-mate, Dan Daley and I sat in a 2nd row church pew, a mere 6 feet away from him. In front of us was a young woman with her child. The club was still a coffee house that served desserts and strong java. No booze! So, children or a couple of under age high school folkies from Queens were allowed in.
John played the Woodstock Festival in August, the year before. The documentary was about to come out and the world would see a tie-dye clad John B. Sebastian charm half-a-million hippies with his song, Younger Generation. Less than a hundred people filled the church pews and cabaret seats in the club that cold night so, we had a more cozy experience. Relaxed and honest, he was a skilled story-teller and musician. The songs, of course were sensational. For me, it was a master class in performance and it changed my life.
Only three years later I would play the room for the first time with my band Revival. In a twist of fate, we were actually on Buddah-Kama Sutra records. That’s the same label that released all the music of The Lovin’ Spoonful, John Sebastian’s former band! We shared the stage that night with our label mates NRBQ.
Over the years I’ve been inspired by and privileged to work with so many wonderful performers and songwriters. I’ve had unforgettable moments on the road and made friends all over the world. I am truly fortunate to still be doing what I love. The song I played at The Bitter End with Peter is the title cut from my new album, Extra Innings, In it, I sing: “You’re still in the game with no regrets.” ‘Nuff said!
I want to give a BIG shout out to a good man, Paul Rizzo. He is keeping the tradition of The Bitter End alive. The club is better than ever. So, the next time you’re in NYC, go down to Greenwich Village and visit the little club that’s been going since 1961. Soak up the vibe and contemplate the history that happened in that room.
