Special to The Citizen
When “Mr. Bojangles” meets someone looking for a “Heart of Gold,” it's likely that listeners will find the Auburn acoustic duo Bob Nodzo and Jim VanArsdale. Both songs are favorites of the duo, as VanArsdale identifies with Neil Young and Nodzo identifies with Bob Dylan.
The duo has performed together since 1999, when they were in a well-known area band called Spellbound.
While in Spellbound, they started exploring some side acoustic work together. Nodzo and VanArsdale both also perform solo.
“The best thing about the acoustic format is it's very flexible. You can do James Taylor and you can do Green Day. We try to play to the audience that's in front of us. We have a pretty wide repertoire of stuff to use, anything from Sinatra to Creed,” VanArsdale said.
Although their covers are well done and very recognizable, they like to put their own spin on each song with a lot of improvisation. VanArsdale knows that his audience will know the songs, but they may not know the arrangement, keeping the music familiar but fresh.
VanArsdale identifies the variety of music played by the duo as unique because of the size of their songbook. Having played together in wedding bands, rock bands and more, they have been able to accumulate a wealth of experience and a collection of set lists rivaling many bands.
One of VanArsdale's favorite songs to perform is James Taylor's “Fire and Rain.”
At present, VanArsdale plays guitar in the classic rock band Alibi. Not much for the traditional Fender guitar, VanArsdale keeps his cool with instruments by Michael Telli and Brian Moore.
Alibi is known for its covers of Santana, ZZ Top and Dave Matthews Band.
Nodzo currently sings with The Works.
Tonight, VanArsdale and Nodzo will play in their signature format of double guitar and double lead vocals. In addition to covers, the duo will bring out some originals that they play together.
Both musicians write music mostly on their own, but occasionally a song or two will be written together.
If you go
What: Bob Nodzo and Jim
VanArsdale
Where: Parkers' Grille, Genesee Street, Auburn
When: 8 tonight
For details: Call 252-6884 or visit www.jimvanarsdale.com
click here to listen to
a sound clip
The duo has performed together since 1999, when they were in a well-known area band called Spellbound.
While in Spellbound, they started exploring some side acoustic work together. Nodzo and VanArsdale both also perform solo.
“The best thing about the acoustic format is it's very flexible. You can do James Taylor and you can do Green Day. We try to play to the audience that's in front of us. We have a pretty wide repertoire of stuff to use, anything from Sinatra to Creed,” VanArsdale said.
Although their covers are well done and very recognizable, they like to put their own spin on each song with a lot of improvisation. VanArsdale knows that his audience will know the songs, but they may not know the arrangement, keeping the music familiar but fresh.
VanArsdale identifies the variety of music played by the duo as unique because of the size of their songbook. Having played together in wedding bands, rock bands and more, they have been able to accumulate a wealth of experience and a collection of set lists rivaling many bands.
One of VanArsdale's favorite songs to perform is James Taylor's “Fire and Rain.”
At present, VanArsdale plays guitar in the classic rock band Alibi. Not much for the traditional Fender guitar, VanArsdale keeps his cool with instruments by Michael Telli and Brian Moore.
Alibi is known for its covers of Santana, ZZ Top and Dave Matthews Band.
Nodzo currently sings with The Works.
Tonight, VanArsdale and Nodzo will play in their signature format of double guitar and double lead vocals. In addition to covers, the duo will bring out some originals that they play together.
Both musicians write music mostly on their own, but occasionally a song or two will be written together.
If you go
What: Bob Nodzo and Jim
VanArsdale
Where: Parkers' Grille, Genesee Street, Auburn
When: 8 tonight
For details: Call 252-6884 or visit www.jimvanarsdale.com
click here to listen to
a sound clip
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