Brian O'Connor's New Album

     When the invitation came for Brian O’Connor’s CD Release Party to be held at the Shelburne Inn, we were pleased on all counts.  We were pleased that Brian’s CD was out; we were pleased that there was to be a party; and we were pleased to be invited.  We weren’t at all sure what a “CD Release Party” was, though, and as it turned out, neither was anyone else.
     We’ve attended many book-signings over the years – as hosts when we owned the Bookvendor in Long Beach, as attendees for signings at other venues, and even in situations where I’ve been the featured author.  All of those events have presented opportunities to buy books and some have involved refreshments.  None, however, were by an invitation requesting the number of folks coming – that was a new and classy approach!  We called and said there would be three of us.
     We were pretty sure Brian would be there and that he would be playing and that there would be CDs for sale.  We were right about all of that.  We thought maybe the request for  numbers was to assure ample seating.  Or maybe it was so that there would be enough refreshments.  Or…
     But when our ‘party of three’ arrived a few minutes early and told Host David that we were there for Brian’s event, he wasn’t quite sure where to put us.  He finally settled on a small table at the very west end of the area I think of as the “In Between” – the part of the restaurant that connects the pub and the dining room.  Our drink orders were taken and we were presented with menus.
     A few minutes later, Brian arrived and was placed in another corner around the corner from us where, thanks to the mic, we could hear him, but couldn’t see him.  When our drinks arrived, we vacated our table and stood with a number of others in a better vantage point. The event was well attended and most of us knew each other.
     While Brian played and sang (mostly songs from his album), people visited.  It was nearly impossible to hear the music but, by the same token, many CDs were being sold.  I had the bemused thought that it was the only way people would ever really hear the songs… maybe a clever marketing ploy?
     On the other hand, at one point Brian asked Hostess Laurie to sing, and a hush settled over the audience – a hush which Brian commented on.  “How come you guys get quiet for Laurie but not for me?”  Everyone laughed.  Laurie sang “Summertime,” her ‘signature song’ – the only one most of us have ever heard her sing.  She has a wonderful dusky, bluesy voice and a murmur went through the crowd wishing that she would sing more often.
     The audience was beginning to disperse by the time we headed homeward.  We’d had a great time and were pleased to have been included.  And now we know what a CD Release Party is all about!