Bromberg Slays at Packed Joe's Pub Gig

With just fleet fingers, an expressive baritone, a story or two and a cautionary tale about the abuse of executive power told during a song inspired by Rip Van Winkle, musician David Bromberg held sway over an oversold crowd last night at Joe's Pub in New York City. Besides the packed house were a bevy of smart journalists including Seth Mnookin, Ted Panken, Ashley Kahn and Emily Botein and Robert Dye, most of whom shared stories of seeing the musician in years past.

Much of the repertoire was from his new album 'Try Me One More Time,' which Bromberg said was both his first solo album and the first where he "wasn't trying to impress anyone." When he introduced his version of "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry" as a favorite of his from the new album, neither I nor the crowd would disagree. And while much of 'night's guitar playing consisted of ace fingerpicking, the guitar legend pulled out the stops on one speedy flatpicking instrumental medley. Here's David backstage with Shore Fire's Rebecca Shapiro, who David had earlier surprised with a gracious on-stage shout out of thanks.