Henry Butler Plays Annapolis MD, Reston VA

Henry Butler & NONYF, Ramshead Tavern--Annapolis, MD

Henry Butler played two fantastic sets at the Ramshead last night to a small but enthusiastic crowd. It was the perfect, intimate setting for some storytelling and soul-enriching music. Butler, a New Orleans native who now lives in New York after Hurricane Katrina destroyed his 9^th ward home, brought a guitarist and drummer with him (the bassist was absent though Butler often played bass on keys with his left hand while piano rhythms flowed freely from his right). His Game Band still resides in New Orleans, so he often now tours with this band, called NONYF, for New Orleans- New York Funk.

The sets were full of funk and blues, with a healthy dose of New Orleans favorites tossed in, including Fess favorites Tipitina’s and Mardi Gras in New Orleans, as well as Iko Iko, to which the crowd sang and clapped along. A highlight was Butler’s performance of Old Man River, the gorgeous vocals & key combination visibly nearly brought the guitarist to tears. It brought me to tears.

Two days later, Henry played a free show at the Reston Concerts on the Town series in Virginia, mixing up the set some from the Annapolis show. Many of the staples he played at both can be found on his latest album, Pianola, a live album that captures his spectacular sound.