For 2 years I was the co-host of a residency called ‘Roots in the Round’. The idea was simple, my co-host and I invited 2 people from two completely different bands to join us on stage for a night of collaboration and improvisation. There was no set list, there was very limited preparation, and a whole bunch of “watch my hands for the changes, the song is in A”. More often than not the result was something special. People have a chance to shine when they are out of their element and creating something new with musicians they are not used to playing with. Likely, a testament to the talent level of the guests we asked to join us but also to the fact that special moments happen when you are least expecting it.

So, a year after the last Roots in the Round show at Toad and I am again getting the itch to highlight those moments. I am a big fan of music in the duo form and enjoy playing that way myself if I have a choice. It shows that two pieces are more than the sum of their parts. People had a tendency to either shine and showcase their strengths, or fall short, in this medium and that in and of itself makes it a way to try and pull out those “moments” that I cherish so much. So, a new video series called “Duets” is being born here on Red Line Roots.

The idea is simple (I guess I like those simple ideas): take 2 artists from the local music community that typically do not play together and have them perform a song that they choose and film it. Yesterday the first episode was shot in my humble abode with old friend Ian Fitzgerald and new friend Ben Stalets.

Be on the look out for the first episode soon and shoot a message to redlineroots@yahoo.com with the term “Duets Project” in the subject line if you want to be a part of this new series.