Jazzy duo, Guy van Duser and Billy Novick, in Marblehead on March 20

On Friday, March 20, the me&thee welcomes back Guy van Duser and Billy Novick to its stage. Long-time fans of this phenomenal duo surely have some fabulous memories of past performances. Van Duser’s exquisite guitar stylings coupled with Novick’s jazzy clarinet playing have all the makings for a memorable concert. Salem’s Julie Dougherty, who has contributed to much to the local music scene, opens the show. Doors open at 7:30 PM for this 8:00 PM show at the me&thee coffeehouse which is located at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead at 28 Mugford Street.

Together as a duo for more than thirty years- longer than most marriages- Guy and Billy have performed in concerts, clubs and festivals all over North America and Europe. They have also been heard on the Prairie Home Companion show, NPR’s All Things Considered, or any number of film and television soundtracks. Their unique and stunning swing-jazz music music has been described as “Elegant.” “Riveting.” “Soulful.” “Classic mastery.” They have a musical telepathy and understanding that has been honed by playing together for so long, a rhythmic drive that doesn’t quit and a thorough mastery of their instruments. Add to all of this their relaxed and engaging stage manner, and you will be treated to a joyously entertaining and musically enchanting show that, indeed, has already stood the test of time.

And like a good marriage, their music has wed together two perfectly suited musical personalities. Their music is based around Guy’s innovative finger-style guitar wizardry, and his uncanny ability to play bass lines, chords and melodies all at the same time. With his daring imagination, breathtaking technique, and his wonderful musicality, Guy has become an inspiration for guitarists all over the world.

Novick’s ever-inventive and soulful clarinet playing provides the ideal complement to Guy’s guitar. With his vast knowledge of the classic jazz era, his dazzling improvising skills, and his entertaining vocals, Novick is able to both add a melodic and dynamic spark to Guy’s guitar. Their music sounds fresh and original, yet is also deeply rooted in the rich legacy of the classic jazz age. The duo can play any piece from their huge repertoire- an obscure Ellington tune, a Gershwin classic, a complex Jelly Roll Morton arrangement, or perhaps one of the their originals- and immediately have it sound their own.


Opening the show is Julie Dougherty, a true North Shore treasure. “I’ve been singing since the mid-sixties, starting with my sister, Kathy, performing folk music at coffeehouses in the Boston area, such as the Unicorn Coffeehouse and the King’s Rook (we were lucky enough to open up several times for the Kingston Trio in the 70’s) through the years since then, I’ve travelled much of the country singing Irish music, original folk-rock music, country-rock music in the 80’s, and have made several trips to Nashville, where I placed two original songs with two major publishing firms and almost moved there in the early 90’s....but my roots are in New England!” Julie’s latest CDs, Land of Dreams captures what one reviewer says is her “own personal brand of folk-rock.” She’s the real thing for sure.

Tickets for the performance by the Guy van Duser and Billy Novick with Julie Dougherty opening are $18 in advance and $21 at the door. Tickets are available online at www.meanthee.org and can be purchased in person in Marblehead at either the Spirit of ’76 Bookstore or the Arnould Gallery As at all me & thee coffeehouse events, refreshments are available, including homemade pastries, coffee, and teas. The me & thee has a handicapped-accessible entrance and an accessible bathroom, is a smoke-free environment, and is easily reached by MBTA bus. The me & thee is the oldest continually running acoustic coffeehouse in New England, and probably the country. The me & thee has been and will always be a volunteer, non-profit organization sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead. For information and directions, call 781-631-8987 or check the website www.meandthee.org.

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