These lyrics, written by former solo performer Barbara Lee Supeno are typical of the message delivered by the music of "Back to Back," an acoustic act appearing tonight in Riley Commons. Like the last Social Committee Coffeehouse performance by "22 Brides," Supeno's used to the comparison made between her (and her former background vocalist, Kenni Feinberg) and the "Indigo Girls."
On their 1994 release, entitled "River of Angels," Feinberg's harmony fits with Supeno's voice, lyrics, and guitar like a hand fits a glove, which is probably where the comparison took root, but their sound is more like a mixture of Bonnie Raitt, Shawn Colvin, and, yes, even a little bit of Peter, Paul, and Mary, especially evident in the track, "I am Here," which begins: "When I was young my mother told me, don't you cry. / Life gets hard sometimes, you'll get by. / I am here, I am here, no longer frozen by this fear / I am living every moment, I have let go of my past."
To pin down "Back to Back's" style of music as folk is fairly inaccurate in Supeno's opinion, "Really the music we play is original acoustic music. We don't quite fit the folk niche [because] we're more upbeat, rhythmic, and harmonious." An example of this is the first track on "River of Angels," appropriately titled "Because I Can." The song is nearly accapella, unusual for a folk song, with only a drum to keep the rhythm. The lyrics, "Because I can, tell you my opinion / Because I can, work a big deal / Because I can, do what others won't dare / Because I can, makes me what I am, makes me real / Makes me real, makes me real" flow despite the lack of supporting instruments due to Feinberg's harmonies. This song, with an attitude all it's own, is dedicated to "women everywhere."
The resemblance to the "Indigo Girls" doesn't really come through on the CD, and probably won't tonight in Riley Commons, as Feinberg is no longer with Supeno, who will instead be supported by Kentucky bassist/pianist Eric Ostling and New Jersey native Matt Riley on lead and rhythm guitar. Instead, look for a little folk, a little blues, and a lot of soul from Barbara and "Back to Back."
"Back to Back" will be appearing tonight (Tuesday, September 19th) at 8pm in Riley Commons. Doors will open at 6pm with coffee, desserts, and games; admission is $1.00 for WPI students, $3.00 for Consortium students, $1.00 off if you bring your own mug. Sponsored by the WPI Social Committee's Coffee House, 831-5509.
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