It is interesting to see how a small initiative taken by a student run club can bring out some of the best gems hidden within the school. You see these hidden gems around, jam with them, grab a coffee maybe, and then walk on without realizing that you’ve probably met the next John Mayer or Quincy Jones. They probably don’t know it themselves.
But as corny as it may sound, on this particular Tuesday evening in the the Red Room at Café 939, two stars were born and they definitely blazed through the night. Byron Noemdoe and Ethan Thompson not only managed to hold their own, but impress with their different styles, sound, and soul. They are definitely up-and-coming talents.
Joining the lineup for the night was faculty member and brilliant songstress Scarlett Keys. She certainly captivated the audience especially as she dedicated a song to her young daughter; everyone sang along with her.
The guest appearance for the night was Grammy Award-winning Berklee alumna, Paula Cole. If there was only one word that could be used to describe her, it would have to be “wow.” With her rich, buttery falsetto and soft vocals, she was a pleasure to listen to. No one could deny her the ringing applause she deserved at the end of each song.
There were also a few featured artists such as the zesty Melissa Ferrick, who accompanied herself on her guitar and had the crowd tapping along with her edgy lyrics and sound. Dean Tsur, a third semester student at Berklee accompanied Noemdoe on his Tenor Saxophone. Dean Kari Juusela accompanied Keys with steady energy on his Cello.
Whether it be love lost, love found, or waiting for love, “love” was certainly the central theme of the night, and as relatable as it was, there could have been more songs with lyrics left to interpretation. Be that as it may, listening to these musicians was truly an inspiration. With each performance it seemed they were sharing something more than just their high-level music skills. There was heart, a lot of it, and more of a human-to-human connection. I was reminded of something Herbie Hancock once said, “I am a human being first, a musician second.”
The B.I.T.R (Berklee In The Round), which started off as a small-scale event by the Berklee Songwriters Club, has now become a serious platform for artists who want their voices to be heard. What is most amazing about this space is that the crowd is extremely supportive; this is not about judgment or criticism. The stage is a space to learn and grow. This is provided by the B.I.T.R for young songwriters at Berklee and a great way to spend the evening and support good music.
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