Wonderful Willie Nile

Willie Nile was booked for a triumphant return to McCabe's in Santa Monica. Show was announced in May. Oh, how I planned and connived, to be able to attend the show. It took every ounce of energy I had, plus a lot of good luck, to actually be able to make it into the audience September 12. I waited in line for an hour in front of the shop, and wound up sitting on the sidewalk as I could not stand for that long.

A good friend introduced me to Willie's music about 6 years ago. I was immediately taken with the driving beats, the unique story-telling of his songs, and the total compassion expressed in his music. I felt as though I was a New Yorker, just by listening to how he portrayed the sounds and chaos of the city.

I had tried for several years to catch one of his shows back east, but never had the good fortune to be there at the right time. Luck smiled upon me, 15 months ago. Willie was going to play a gig at McCabe's in Santa Monica. McCabe's, a classic old guitar shop with a back room where some very special artists put on concerts. The room holds only 125. Every seat is intimate with the stage. Of course, I had to be down front.

Willie's show in June 2008 blew me away. Backed by his trusty sideman, and true talent in himself, Frankie Lee, Willie put on a moving and highly entertaining show. I will never forget hearing "House of 1000 Guitars" in that venue, which displayed seemingly 1000 guitars on the walls. Ok, maybe it was 100, but there couldn't have been a more perfect place for that song.

Last night we were treated to more songs from his new album, "House of 1000 Guitars", and more, as yet unreleased songs: "One Guitar", "Innocent One". Guess we have to wait a few months for those.

When the show was over, Willie spent time in the front of the store, speaking with every single fan who wanted to say hello. I treasure the minutes I had with him. We had a very thoughtful moment, he took my hand, we touched cheeks and chatted briefly. Willie doesn't know me from Adam, yet he took that time to pass along words of understanding and good thoughts for the future. He is a humanitarian and knows the meaning of life. I consider myself a very lucky Willie Nile fan.