I was introduced to Amelia White and Sergio Webb almost a year ago when the East Nashvillians came to The Extended Play Sessions for the first time, so I knew that their return visit would be fabulous.

Sergio Webb and Amelia White

For this show, they brought the Blue Souvenirs with them which added immeasurably to the show.

I cannot claim to have penned the phrase ‘writer-songsinger’ but it describes Amelia perfectly. She is a songwriter first and in fact mentioned that she had to become a good singer in order to give her songs the performances they deserve.

Amelia White

She played in Boston’s underground (i.e., the T) before moving to Nashville about thirteen years ago and the move has clearly agreed with her. I have her four most recent albums, and the music gets tighter yet freer with each release. Amelia will be releasing a new album, Home Sweet Hotel, in early winter; look for a crowdfunding campaign (sign up for Amelia’s email list or follow her on Facebook).

Amelia White

Sergio is a much-in-demand session guitarist who performs with many of Nashville’s best; Amelia and Sergio perform together a lot and have developed a musical chemistry that works. He is one of the most expressive guitarists I have ever seen, yet he has an unassuming demeanor off the stage. As an example, when the band was introduced as ‘Amelia White with Sergio Webb and the Blue Souvenirs’, he said that he is a Blue Souvenir.

Sergio Webb

Sergio’s electric guitar, Preciosa

The other Blue Souvenirs are Marco Giovino, a terrific roots drummer; Russell Chudnofsky, an excellent guitarist; and Richard Gates, a wonderful bass player. Russell and Marco added backing vocals as well. These men are based in the Boston area, and I hope to see them (together or separately) again soon.

Marco Giovino

Russell Chudnofsky

Richard Gates

The songs are clearly steeped in the country music tradition, yet I think that even people who say they hate country music would like Amelia and her songs. She puts her heart out for all to experience and loves to connect with her audiences.

Amelia White, Russell Chudnofsky and Richard Gates

This was, I believe, the first time they had all performed as a group, or possibly the first time in a long time. They sounded wonderful, although most of the songs required a second recording because they were not happy with the first (the beauty – for the performer – of this not being a true ‘concert’). They are perfectionists who wanted the songs to sound as good as possible, and I think the retakes stemmed from the fact that they do not perform together on a regular basis. To the audience, they sounded great the first time!

Amelia White

Sergio Webb

Marco Giovino

Russell Chudnofsky

Richard Gates

It would be worth your while to delve into Amelia’s music, and especially to see her live. She does not play in the Boston area a lot, but she does tour with Sergio (and who knows, possible the rest of the Blue Souvenirs in the future).  I am excited about returning to Nashville so I can hang out with them!

Sergio Webb and Amelia White

This was a terrific night of very high-quality music from some incredibly talented and nice musicians.