Photos/Words: Rudy Lu

It’s a cliche to say that music has the power to heal. However, it certainly was the case with Alexis P. Suter’s inaugural performance at Caffe Lena. Alexis’ mother passed away the day before at age 101.To say that she was hurting is an understatement. Most of the audience was aware of the recent tragedy and all were moved by the soulful performance and gave her the heart she needs at this tragic time. Alexis honored her mother not only with her performance but speaking of her as a musician and lifelong scholar, a degree from Julliard was one of her many degrees. An accomplished musician and gospel singer in her own right, the genes were certainly based down to Alexis.

With that said, she certainly has a wonderful band backing her. The band got its initial fame upstate as opening for the late Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble. Guitarist Jimmy Bennett, Bassist Peter Bennett and Drummer Ray Grappone opened the set on acoustic instruments with Johnny Cash’s gospel song “Ring of Fire”, a standard in the Roots Americana Repertoire.

Alex and her backup singer Vicki Bell, better characterized as “sister from another mother “ then entered the stage to the cheers of the crowd and the band switched to electric tearing into the blues with the band tight as a glove. “All for Loving You” is a rocking celebration of love. The groove changed with the blues shuffle “Be On Your Way”. The highlight of the set was a rollicking cover of Howling’ Wolf’s celebration of positive large body image “Built for Comfort”.

Humorous anecdotes are another way to fondly remember a loved one. Alexis quipped about how she thought Peter Bennett was “cute”,, much to the amusement of the audience.
The band closed the first set with a shuffle, “Livin in the World”.

After a much needed energy and emotional break, the Bennetts and Ray Grappone opened with a cover of the acoustic blues “Mr. Charlie”. Alexis then came on stage and delivered a musical tribute to Levon Helm with “Didn’t It Rain”. Alexis is one of the few artists that can cover a song and truly make it her own. The emotional meaning of Dylan’s confessional “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” was delivered true soul of someone renouncing violence and finding redemption. The tour de force is her rendition of the Beatles “ Let It Be”, made even more poignant with her recent personal tragedy.

The encore was Al Green’s “Take Me To The River”.

You can count on Alexis giving a powerful performance, no matter what circumstance. Her personal circumstances are in such contrast to a performance last year at the same time, when she was celebrating her birthday and marriage.

This performance is the 2nd performance of Caffe Lena’s Momentum Series. A series of performances with the multiple genres that grace the Caffe’s stage. The series has been made possible by the generous support of Joseph and Luann Conlon. The next performer will be bluegrass bassist Missy Gaines and Allegheny. Stay tuned to Mirth-Films.com and Caffe Lena for details on this exciting series.

Setlist:

Set 1: Ring of Fire ( Johnny Cash), All For Loving You, High Times, Be On Your Way, Talk to Yourself, Built for Comfort (Howling Wolf), Can’t Find A Reason, Livin’ in the World

Set 2: Mr. Charlie, Didn’t It Rain, Right on Time, I’m A Ram, Breathe, Knocking on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan), Let It Be(Beatles)

Encore: Take Me To The River(Al Green)

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