c.
2019 Rod Ice
All
rights reserved
(5-19)
Throwback
days.
For
this writer, recently seeing the talented Erie, Pennsylvania native
Matt Boland at Halcyon Harbor District Speakeasy, in Ashtabula
Harbor, was a throwback experience in more than one way.
I
first met Boland in 2007, while on assignment for Gazette Newspapers,
out of Jefferson. While officially employed as Sports Editor for the
company, I also handled music and local events in special sections
that we produced. So on a blissful summer afternoon, I drove to
Conneaut for their downtown ‘Sock Hop’ with hopes of locating a
blues band that had been scheduled to appear.
Because
I was unfamiliar with the city, my entry came via a side street.
Instead of the group I was seeking, my ears grew full with the retro
sounds of a younger, more raw bunch of musicians. Namely, Matty B.
and the Dirty Pickles.
Boland
fronted this band with the spirits of Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran and
Gene Vincent in full effect. The Pickles’ vibe channeled vintage
Rockabilly tones as they originally formed – energetic, rebellious
and vigorous in the manner only young performers could achieve.
I
became an instant fan.
Later,
I visited Erie to see Boland perform in a play based on the life of
Holly, the heroic, gone-to-soon, 50’s icon. There was magic in the
air that evening. A sort of wizardry that left me spellbound for
years to come. An extra thrill was meeting his mother, who shared my
generational memories and a passion for Punk Rock and its roots in
the revival music her son cherished.
After
leaving Gazette, and diving deeper into mainstream career goals, I
lost track of Boland while he began to mature and develop as a writer
and on-stage presence. But somehow, despite this disconnection, we
remained in touch.
Then,
a recent post on Facebook advertised that he was scheduled to appear
locally, as a solo performer. The venue was called Halcyon, in
Ashtabula Harbor. A place easy to access as my close friend Janis
lived on the west side of that city. Excitement long delayed began to
rise, as I searched for details. My friend was now Matt ‘Broke’
Boland, delivering a bit of melodic history via acoustic guitar, kick
drum, and stream-of-consciousness commentary.
I
expected a seedy joint of sorts, rising from the debris of this
landmark area. But Halcyon glowed instead with a polished, relaxed,
family-friendly vibe. A neighborhood pub with much to offer.
Progressive but not pricey.
Boland
had his set up by the front windows. His repertoire included
meaningful tunes like “Nadine” by Chuck Berry and “Twenty
Flight Rock” which was a Ned Fairchild classic, known well when
recorded by Cochran, but reborn when interpreted by Robert Gordon and
Link Wray. Each song carried vocal inflections, joyful hoots,
guitar-body knuckle rapping, and realism that connected with the
patrons. Parents and pre-schoolers alike were moved to demonstrate
approval. In personal terms, the highlight was a rendering of the
Ramones anthem “Suzy Is A Headbanger” which sounded quite
effective and effervescent rendered on an acoustic instrument. Not at
all out-of-pace with the other, older compositions. But most
unexpected was “Jolene” the familiar Dolly Parton ballad.
Boland
offered a personal slant on a very public trove of historical
artifacts, the songwriting catalog of postwar, American culture.
I
felt like a proud parent, having watched him grow from seeds of Rock
inspiration into a modern-day troubadour of consequence. His
experiences had included an extended stint in New York City. But a
new adventure propelled him into music journalism, having discovered
a forgotten, veteran figure among the patrons in a bar where he
appeared. All of this broadened my admiration for him, and my hope
that his fame would gleam more brightly with each new chapter in the
story.
We
were thrilled to see Matt Boland by Lake Erie, and also to discover a
new haunt for pleasant, evening escapades. From the Halcyon menu,
Janis chose the Goat Cheese Burger, presented with caramelized
onions, and rosemary aioli, plus hand-cut fries. She liked the slight
sweetness of her meal. I had the Steakhouse Nachos, loaded with
peppers, onions and brisket, in a cheddar fondue with blue crumbles.
A dish delectably different from the typical game-day fare.
This
pause by the lake was a bargain or sorts, barely costing over 30
dollars.
I
find it easy to recommend Halcyon as a destination for light
refreshment and dining, right in our own backyard. It represents a
welcome resurgence of the historic harbor area, and Bridge Street.
Moreover, fans of Baby Boom culture who may not have sampled the
audio reverberations of Matt Boland owe themselves a taste of his
yesterdaze vibe and original compositions.
Pickled
or served by himself, Boland’s work is worthy and wonderful.
Comments
about ‘Words on the Loose’ may be sent to:
icewritesforyou@gmail.com
Write
us at: Icehouse Books, P. O. Box 365 Chardon, OH 44024
