This was a long overdue hometown performance at the Old Town School of Folk Music for Noam Pikelny who grew up in the Chicago northern suburb of Skokie. This solo concert tour features Mr. Pikelny's latest CD "UNIVERSAL FAVORITES," released March 3rd, which consists of original compositions, a couple traditional tunes rearranged by Noam and a few good ole fashion standards such as Roger Miller's "I've Been A Long Time Leavin'." Mr. Pikelny opened the concert with his original tune Waveland, a sort of homage to the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley field where many a home run is hit onto Waveland Avenue. I'm not a professional music reviewer but the feeling I got from Waveland was a very melodious, comforting, relaxing and confident constancy with a few unexpected turns. Kind of how one might feel at a Cubs game. Mr. Pikelny has a wonderfully warm singing voice which compliments his story telling lyrical tunes such as Old Banjo and Folk Bloodbath. One of the things I most enjoyed about the concert was Mr. Pikelny's humor and the backstory he provided to several of his tunes. Mr. Pikelny performed a good sampling of tunes from Universal Favorites and then some of his older tunes which were equally welcomed by the audience which was highly appreciative of Mr. Pikelny and game him a standing ovation at the end of the concert. Universal Favorites will give you a good feel for Noam Pikelny's personality and he and his music will become a good friends of yours if he isn't already.
