Renowned Guitarists at Bridge Street This Week

Whether they realize it or not most readers have likely been affected by the musical abilities of Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar.

Whether it’s Don Henley’s "The End of The Innocence,” Jackson Browne’s  “Running on Empty,” Billy Joel’s “River of Dreams,” James Taylor’s “Sweet Baby James” or countless others, you’ve likely heard Kortchmar’s guitar, songwriting and production skills. In 2010, he was a key part of Taylor and Carole King’s troubadour reunion tour.

And on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011, Kortchmar will join his bandmates, guitarist Tim McDonald, bassist Ed Corvo and drummer Jon Peckman as The Kortchmar McDonald Band takes the stage at Bridge Street Live.

And while he said his level of success is a bit lower, McDonald is a well-respected guitarist as well. He spent many years performing and writing in Los Angeles and San Francisco and plays with many respected musicians such as singer Dana Pomfret.

Kortchmar said McDonald's a “brilliant, brilliant talent.” In fact, the entire band is excellent, he said.

“It’s a joy to make music with all three of those cats,” Kortchmar said.

The band really strives to provide many musical ideas and stretch out, Kortchmar said. The gig will consist mostly of original tunes from the two guitarists. While many tunes will be recognizable, the band puts it’s own “groove oriented” spin on them. It’s a combination that should appeal to both serious musical fans and those who just want to dance.

“There’s a lot to listen to,” Kortchmar said. “On the other hand if you just want to shake your butt there’s room for that too.”

And unlike many of the renowned musicians who play the venue, Kortchmar and McDonald aren't just passing through.

Both guitarists are East Coast natives who spent upwards of 20 years out West in places like Los Angeles and San Francisco and now call the area home.

For the past five year, Kortchmar has lived in Granby. He fell in love with the area when his ex-wife moved here, in part for a quality school system.

And while he's played with the best of the best, Connecticut, like the rest of the country, has its share of great musicians, Kortchmar said. 

Though the venues are smaller, he said playing with area musicians is in many ways no different than sharing a stage with legends. The talent is there and each gig deserves his best.

“I always give what I’ve got and come up with the best ideas I can,” he said.

McDonald, a resident of West Hartford, agrees that Kortchmar gives it his all. For McDonald it is like playing with a living legend but one that is fun to be around.

“He’s such a consummate professional and a very wise man,” McDonald said. “It’s great to have him in the community.”

The two began playing together about three years ago after Kortchmar saw McDonald and Burt Teague play at the Maple Tree Café in Simsbury.

It's an effort that is constantly gaining steam and the band plans to "ramp it up" next year, McDonald said.

Along the way, they continue to play with other musicians. On Dec. 30 for example, the two will reunite with Teague and guitarist Jeff Pevar at the Maple Tree for one of the well know "guitarmageddon" or "guitar summit" gigs.

The next night, Kortchmar will join Pevar and numerous other guests at Infinity Hall in Norfolk.

The Kortchmar McDonald band will put its own stamp on originals by Kortchmar and McDonald, some well known but all musical, according to Bridge Street entertainment director Pat Ryan.

“They do a great show,” Ryan said.

It is interesting to hear a new take on well-known songs, he added. Last time, the band played at the venue they performed “Dirty Laundry” with two guitars.

“It gives a completely different sound than the original version,” Ryan said.

There should be plenty of such moments Wednesday. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $20 and $30. For more information, log on to http://www.41bridgestreet.com/calendar/index.php?id=68