From the MEMH newsletter-------I have been presenting live music here in Bradford for more than 12 years now. Since the very beginning Chris Kleeman has been a name repeatedly recommended as one I should book. Over the years we have made many attempts to connect only to fail through missed phone messages, failed e-mail correspondence or just the normal fits and starts of everyday life.A few years back, old friend Scott Jacob brought to my attention that Chris would be playing at the Canoe Club in Hanover so we made a point of setting aside the evening so we could finally go see what the buzz was all about. Seeing was about all we could do however. We soon found out that listening to live music was something that was hard to do at the Canoe Club. There you could see some great players and eat a delicious meal but actually hearing the music, at least the way I want to hear it, was not going to happen. I did however, see enough to know I wanted to hear more. A few more years passed with more missed connections when finally we were able to nail a date last October. That date turned out to be one of the most enjoyable and memorable of the year for me.That night Chris showed up as a trio with Brian Hobbs on bass and harmonica and the effervescent Bobby "G" on the drum kit. Chris also brought with him a veritable arsenal of guitars ranging from a vintage National Steel to a sleek Telecaster. From the time they walked in the door, as a unit they presented themselves with a loose professionalism that made me feel as if they were among my oldest of friends. Never before had I felt such a connection with a visiting act at first meeting. Somehow I knew it was going to be a great night.They blew right into the first tune and proved me correct. I was lucky enough to catch it all on video but unfortunately we did not get a board recording that night. While we did get some great footage, the camera sound leaves much to be desired. Still, in watching the videos you can clearly see the excitement, energy and sheer joy displayed on the faces of the players as they rip through their set list.A Kleeman show is an edge of your seat joyride through the blues in all its varied shades. First he will strap on the six string and dish up a good dose of Stagger Lee then switch over to the National Steel for a strut down to Ko Ko Mo. Next he will whip out the twelve string and track down the Werewolves of London with a bottleneck right into a haunting version of Angel From Montgomery. Let's not forget the Telecaster as he wails out Checkin Up On My Baby then in a flash he is back to the six string for Ain't That Lovin You in which that acoustic sounds much like the Telecaster. I urge all who can to check out the videos linked above. If for nothing else but to witness the twinkle in Kleeman's eye as he reacts to his rhythm section or the ecstatic joy all over Bobby G's face as he sets the tempo for the evening. This is a show you have to see. Chris Kleeman is Vermont's best kept secret but is second to none when he steps on stage. This one comes with a money back guarantee. If these guys do not blow you away you can have your admission back.
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