by Armond Blackwater

Created on: January 06, 2007

Harmony With Heart
The Rick Arcusa Band

I was actually heading to see Chroma's return to the Sundog Diner, but it was early and they were still setting up. With an hour to kill I decided to check out the act playing at Ragtime.

I walked in and grabbed a stout just as the band started their set. I was expecting to see the usual rock band playing the usual suspects of tried and true, severely worn standards. Much to my surprise this band proved to be something special. Unconsciously, I broke out paper and started writing notes about The Rick Arcusa Band R.A.B. http://cafebeat.org/rab

What struck me first was that there were two females in the band, a bassist and a keyboard player. I'm a sucker for bands with chicks in them. They provide a welcome harmonic relief from the testosterone-driven bands with one singer and lots of guitars.

Soon my attention swung to lead singer Rick Arcusa whose voice showed great control over a large range, was emotive, and versatile. He was also a solid guitarist, playing mostly rhythm while delivering excellent versions of songs like Don't Mess Around With Jim (Jim Croce), Ventura Highway (America), What Makes The World Go Round (Bee Gees), and that Beatles tune that goes "Hey, you've got to hide your love away." (Don't know the actual title, I was never into the Fab Four.)

Bassist Susan Dunn tore the place up with a rousing rendition of Me & Bobby McGee. If you're going to cover Joplin you'd better have the pipes to back it up. Susan demonstrated that she was up to the challenge transporting me back to Berkeley and 1969. The song was done with such love that I felt tears well up. That happens when a group of musicians perform a song that well, with so much heart that I feel they are talking to my soul.

The group switched instruments frequently to match the mood of each tune. Kevin Dunn began on mandolin, moved to bass, then to acoustic guitar, and finally to electric guitar, playing all quite well. He is a marvelous mandolin player, though. I'm guessing that mandolin is his home instrument. Mandolin worked perfectly on Lyin' Eyes (Eagles). Glenn Frey (the author) would love it. Kevin also sang lead on a few songs and harmony on many more.

Danny Southworth fades into the background because his drumming is solid, supportive, and unobtrusive. That is the mark of an accomplished professional who has worked long and hard at his craft. The tight pocket that he created with bassist Susan provided a solid foundation for the group.

Vanya Arcusa

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