Classmates In Concert

On Saturday afternoon of Reunion Weekend, in Sprague Hall, several of us from the Class of 1969 regaled an audience of appreciative classmates, significant others, and passing bystanders with a program of original songs and classics from the 60s.

If “writing about music is like dancing about architecture,” then let me not expound in text, but take you right to the goods:

If you want to listen to the whole concert, audio only, click on the Soundcloud recording (next item) or email the following link to your cellphone and listen to it there.  https://soundcloud.com/user-854082692/full-classmates-in-concert.

For additional information about, or works by, the performers, see:  rickdrostsongs.com, zamcheck.net, or reverbnation.com/oleary.

Here are each of the songs in full video:

1. “Turning the World” by Rick Drost

This, the title song of Rick’s Turning the World CD, was described by acclaimed folksinger David Wilcox as simply “the greatest song ever written.”   

2. “Lucky Lobster Rag” by Rick Drost

A light-hearted song from Rick’s CD, accompanied by Norman Zamcheck, John O’Leary, and Matt Kastner.

3. “Both Sides Now” by Rick Drost

This is a Joni Mitchell classic that Judy Collins turned into a Top 10 hit in the fall of our senior year. The stage microphones didn’t do justice to the audience singalong.

4. “Still Point” by Rick Drost

Another tune from Rick’s CD, a quintessential song about family memories in a bygone past. Note the line: “Reaching for brass rings they no longer make.”

5. “Purple Shadows” by The Real Stormin’ Norman Zamcheck

One of Norman’s most enduring classics, from his Every One Tells a Story CD, accompanied by Mat’s ever-tasteful slide guitar.

6. “Flora and Fred” by The Real Stormin’ Norman Zamcheck

From the same CD, this shows off Norman’s improvisational command of the keys.

7. “Alumni Day” by The Real Stormin’ Norman Zamcheck

Written about Norman’s alumni experiences as member of both the Class of 69 and the Class of 70.

8. “Nobody Loved Her” by John O’Leary

John’s seemingly sad song gets a hopeful twist in the third verse.

9. “The Running Game” by John O’Leary

A perennial campaign song, based on John’s almost-famous independent bid for Connecticut Governor in 1978 and US President in 1984.

10. “Like a Rolling Stone” by Kent Bicknell (and hundreds of audience members)

This Bob Dylan song was voted by classmates as their favorite song of the 60s. Kent once fronted The Lunatic Fringe, a Yale mixer band that featured a 15-minute version of Desolation Row (a special treat for dancers!).

11. “Hey Jude” by Rick Drost

The Beatles, to no one’s surprise, were voted by classmates as their favorite band of the 60s.