Feature Article October 30, 2002
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Serena
Ryder at MERA
Back in the summer when Serena
Ryders set was coming up at the Blue Skies Music Festival, there
was a buzz going around about her. She was deemed a young talent that
wed better enjoy now before she hits the big time, never to be seen
again in this backwater.
Her performance lived up to the billing, and she was even pushed back onto the stage later on in the night because her short set had been so popular. But the predictions of her never coming back to these parts proved untrue, and on October 12th she graced the cozy confines of the MERA schoolhouse in McDonalds Corners to kick off the concert series for the year.
A full house greeted her, and Serena Ryder did not disappoint them. She performed her own songs and interpreted other peoples as well, accompanying herself on guitar and, on occasion, harmonica.
Whatever the source of her material, Serena Ryders strength is her powerful, emotional singing. She sings with a pronounced vibrato, and while there were times when I thought I heard echoes of other singers, I could never fix one in my mind.
Aside from her own material, she sang songs from diverse sources; songs written by musican friends of hers from Peterborough, as well country and jazz standards. Of her original songs, (the motorcycle song) was a crowd pleaser, and she sang several love songs as well. Love songs by 19 year olds can be difficult for jaded middle aged ears to hear, but Serena Ryder has a way with images.
Near the end of the concert she performed a stirring version of the Gerswhin Brothers Summertime, and finished the evening off with Hank Williams great song, Cold, Cold, Heart. Anyone who can put George, Ira, and Hank together cant go wrong, and Serena Ryder does it all with unaffected charm.
She may indeed stop coming to this rural backwater some day, but for now she has a growing legion of fans who are looking forward to seeing her soon.
The next concert in the MERA series will take place on December 7th, featuring the fold duo The Laws.
