The Curtain Falls
August 18th,
(The trio returns to the Jitters Coffee House in
north Houston, and are joined by veteran
singer/songwriter Joseph Guilbeau.)
Lee is the first to arrive to the venue and even though he hasn’t struck a drum or cymbal, the barristers are already complaining about the noise levels being too high. Here’s the back-story: Jitters has a drive–thru intercom, which allows patrons that are unable to leave the confines of their vehicles to get their caffeinated drinks to go. The source of contention is that the shop workers claim that when the Trio is “Puttin’ Some Bigelow On It” they cannot hear the orders from the radio that’s 15 feet or so away.
Being men of science, Lee and George in the past have counted the customers that use the drive-thru during a 3 ½ hour period. After comparing notes, the two arrived at the grand total of a maximum of …3 - 4 cars in all the months that the group has performed here. And while George has attempted to sing more softly when he would see cars approaching the intercom, he is something of a spaz and probably was too loud. This fact coupled with the musical preferences of the workers being diametrically opposed to songs that are warm, happy, and about love has proven to be a volatile mixture. The trio has noticed a peculiar undercurrent ‘brewing’ (pun intended) for the last few months among the workers at the shop. They seem a little ‘put off’ when the guys show up.
When George arrives, Lee mentions their comments. The two discuss the possibility that this may be the last time they play here for a while. “Let’s see what Matthew thinks about it all. After all he’s the one that knows the owner.”
Matthew arrives soon after, but no time for small talk – It’s TIME TO LOUNGE! The three launch in to the old Danny Wilson tune MARY’S PRAYER playing pretty much just to Lee’s son Austin at first. After a few rousing tunes including the band’s new favorite, THE COFFEE SONG the guys are off to the races. And just in time too, Melinda and Ed arrive and settle in to hear the opening bars of ALMOST LIKE BEING IN LOVE. These two are known to be local music aficionados with a special bent for the works of Bruce Springsteen. Remembering this, George breaks out into a tune from the Boss that the trio has NEVER played together before, the song COVER ME. It feels a little like turning the ignition of an old truck that hasn’t been driven in a while. But once the ‘engine turns over’, the song gains equilibrium and finishes well.
As consolation, George offers them both a chance at the trio’s hardest trivia question to date: What is the song on the B-side of Springsteen’s COVER ME single and who wrote it? Answer: JERSEY GIRL by Tom Waits. It’s not too surprising that they guess this since the two are both huge Springsteen/Waits fans. Matthew and George laugh as the trivia prize is presented to Melinda. It’s the VHS copy of Gigli that the band has been trying to dump for the last two months. Interesting side note: Ed is from New Jersey, and Affleck and Lopez stared in another movie called JERSEY GIRL (no connection to the song). Upon receiving the prize, Melinda does her best to counter-attack with a trivia question about a Turtles/Warren Zevon B-side question. Ah, but the trio is NOT easily fooled, and Ed and Melinda have to take the video home
In response to a rumor that tonight maybe the last GP3 engagement at Jitter’s for a while, Matthew loads up on the complimentary coffees, fancy teas, etc. granted to the band. He guzzles down another super latte type drink as George introduces the night’s special guest performer, 84-year-old Joseph Guilbeau.
Joseph is a
Louisiana native that has performed on his guitar
for over six decades. His occupation with the
railroad exposed him to numerous travel songs that
weave their way into his set. He strums his heart
out playing some of his award winning tunes like
WALTZ ACROSS TEXAS, WALK THE LINE,
and a few originals. And just like the old
locomotives that he rode on for 35+ years, the songs
faithfully speed up as he gets more excited by the
crowd’s reaction. This makes it difficult for the
trio to keep a steady beat behind him. But Joseph
has a healing smile that he generously gives away to
everyone who catches his eye. At the conclusion of
each number, Joseph gives a wink and displays the
back of his guitar that has the words THANK YOU
posted on it.
The trio hopes that they’re
still playing with the same zeal that Joseph has
found when they are 84 years old.
Loretta arrives with Lee’s neighbor Mary (Oh, if only Mary had been here for MARY’S PRAYER – Oh well…Timing’s everything). These two are followed by Becky Sue who has brought Esther and Zach from Montana (Matthew’s niece and nephew)
When Tim and Cindy show up, the guys go into BROWN-EYED GIRL. (Tim always requests a Van Morrison song). Lee’s daughter, Kella arrives as the song turns into a strange sing-a-long that ends up featuring solos from Robert, then Melinda (Sha-la-la-la la -la la-la-te-da la-te da)
As the song ends, the guys are approached by a troubadour-in-waiting wanting to play during Joseph’s second set. Eager to showcase his talents to the GP3 crowd, the twenty-something guitarist attempts to debate George in front of everyone. He explains how he has come from across town to play.
But as the man speaks, George’s eyes wander over the boy’s shoulder towards Joseph’s direction. He’s adjusting his perfectly white cowboy hat with the precision of a boxer in the corner ring readying himself for a prizefight. Then Joseph’s fingers slowly curl around the neck of the worn guitar like a bird on a faithful perch. How many wonderful melodies have these hands set free over the years? George smiles - There will be other opportunities for the zealous up-and-coming guitarist. Tonight is Joseph’s.
As George shakes his head, he remembers the scene in 300 when Leonidas denies Ephialtes the hunchback the wish to fight. It’s the right choice. No more time for talk. As George leads of with the opening cords of HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY, a familiar peace blankets the room. The young man steps away and is not heard from the rest of the evening. (The group later finds out the mystery boy is actually the new boyfriend of one of the dissatisfied barristers.)
Joseph plays another set and the evening begins to wind to a close. George announces that for the evenings final song the group will play the last song that crooner Bobby Darin ever performed, the sentimental THE CURTAIN FALLS.
Lee catches a malicious stare from the counter girl as the overhead sound system blares the song CLOSING TIME over and over in an attempt to drive everyone out of the building. Everyone else helps carry the band’s equipment out to the vehicles (mostly to Lee’s truck then back over to George’s car). George Poe Trio is blessed to have such good friends. As goodbyes are said, Joseph relays some after show advice for the boys. Matthew and George have played this venue for a year and half or so –this was a good performance to go out on.
The threesome discuss logistics for the gig next weekend and drive away into the darkness. Matthew heads home to visit with his niece and nephew. In the truck, Lee listens intently to the soft-spoken wisdom of Joseph. And as is his custom, George spends all of his tip money on a #6 value meal at the Whataburger up the road.
< Previous Back to Main Blog Page Next >