by tracy serra
The ad in search said:"Picker Apogee, instrumental guitarist extraordinaire, is now a very popular attraction to Second Life ™ and it's easy to see why. Seamlessly blending folk, pop, rock and ragtime, he breathes new life into familiar songs through stunning musicianship and clever arrangements. You can hear the songs again for the very first time."
So being in a mood for something a bit different from the usual Second Life ™ singing performers, I took a TP over to Cecilia's in Muse Isle to listen to Picker Apogee.
Picker took the stage and started the night off by covering "Ob La De Ob La Dah" by the Beatles. He then went into a medley that he put together of the Monkees’ "I'm a Believer" and Green Day’s "Time of Your Life". It was an interesting combination. This beginning showed off his amazing talent on the guitar. And it continued to get better.
Picker says he likes to mix in some Rag between the Rock and Pop tunes, so this amazing finger picking guitarist launched into the folk tune "City of New Orleans" and then performed a ragtime tune called "Struttin’ Rag".
And then there was silence!
We all thought he lost the stream and Second Life ™ was acting up again. It turned out he was only switching guitars. A little warning would have kept us from panicking that we were going to miss the rest of his amazing show.
Picker’s talented fingers then picked out another Beatles, tune, "A Little Help from My Friends" followed by the Animals "House of the Rising Sun". He threw in "Kismet Rag" after playing America’s "Sandman"
Picker’s version of the Beatles Classic "Yesterday" followed and was significantly different than any version I have heard before. He followed with "Lying Eyes" by the Eagles. After performing the Moody Blues classic "Tuesday Afternoon" we were treated to what Picker called a ragtime medley.
Picker's final 2 songs were Cat Stevens "Wild World" and "Pinball Wizard" by the Who. I had never heard an instrumental version of Pinball Wizard before.
Picker’s interaction with the crowd could be improved. Other than thanking people for tips, letting us know the name of the next song and asking us to be sure to tip the venue, there was little verbal mingling. I would have liked to have heard how the medley with the Monkees and Green Day came about. Maybe it was the sparse crowd for the night. Maybe I am asking too much because he does let his guitar do the talking and it speaks volumes.
"You can hear songs again for the first time" is an accurate description of Picker Apogee's performance. For an absolutely enjoyable evening of excellent musicianship and unique arrangements, spend an hour with Picker Apogee....A man and his guitar.
Picker’s interaction with the crowd could be improved. Other than thanking people for tips, letting us know the name of the next song and asking us to be sure to tip the venue, there was little verbal mingling. I would have liked to have heard how the medley with the Monkees and Green Day came about. Maybe it was the sparse crowd for the night. Maybe I am asking too much because he does let his guitar do the talking and it speaks volumes.
"You can hear songs again for the first time" is an accurate description of Picker Apogee's performance. For an absolutely enjoyable evening of excellent musicianship and unique arrangements, spend an hour with Picker Apogee....A man and his guitar.
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