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TONIGHT: John Flynn at Psalm Salon
When John Flynn ended up playing "Democracy (the Weed)" in Zuccotti Park, on the same day as Nash and Crosby, it was lagniappe to his day, a little extra fun added to a trip to catch Kris Kristofferson in concert.
TONIGHT: John Flynn at Psalm Salon
When John Flynn ended up playing “Democracy (the Weed)” in Zuccotti Park, on the same day as Nash and Crosby, it was lagniappe to his day, a little extra fun added to a trip to catch Kris Kristofferson in concert. This was no fan pilgrimage. Rather, the two are long-time pals and collaborators. Flynn’s newest CD continues the pattern. KK is there on the title cut, “End of the Beginning.” Go ahead and ask Flynn what he meant by a phrase like that, he quickly warms to the topic, spinning anecdotes. “It means something different for everybody! My son is getting ready to finish grad school and said, hey this is my story.”
Kristofferson has been enjoying popularity since the ’60s and said there was something in it for him, too. But, as Flynn chuckles, “Like all my songs, it’s self-referential.” After traveling a particularly rough patch he started wondering… But all experience is grist for the writer’s mill. The result turns doubts into gratitude for what has been (old friends) and what is coming next. Hear Kristofferson adding harmony on this video.
Flynn readily admits that his wife helps to keep things in perspective for him. He honors her devotion with the song “Crazy as Ever.” Always interested in social justice Flynn wrote “Democracy (the Weed)” in honor of the changes coming with Arab Spring, reminding us that democracy is hardy plant that reseeds easily, wherever there is a bit of broken ground. He makes the song available for free download at johnflynn.net along with the printed lyrics to make it useful to all who struggle.
Indulge me as I quote a friend’s favorite phrase in describing “Prison Bible” — ”It could bring a tear to a glass eye.” For real, no matter how tough you are on crime, Flynn’s singing the humanizing, tenderizing details has to touch you.
“When I Throw Stones” is a simple but undeniable, throw stones and the piles eventually become de facto walls, walls that may not always be in your best interest.
All the songs are winners on the new CD, yet in typical Flynn modesty, the debut party is collateral to his real purpose for tonight’s show. Once a year he does a fundraiser for Camp Dreamcatcher, where kids affected by HIV/AIDS get a chance to recharge together.
Fri., Nov. 25, 8 p.m., $20-$25, Psalm Salon, 5841 Overbrook Ave., 215-477-7578, psalmsalon.com.
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