Pat DiNizio At The Tin Angel

PAT DINIZIO AT THE TINANGEL by Dave Persails

The Boy On The Hood Pat sits atop his tour wagon.

February 16, 1997
This stop on Pat's "solo acoustic station wagon coffeehouse mini-tour" was on a Sunday evening in Philadelphia. The second-floor dinner club, dubbed the Tin Angel, provided for a quiet, intimate setting, and perhaps 50 came on this night to hear him pour his heart out. With just a guitar and a stool, the singer-songwriter did just that, over a selection of DiNizio originals sandwiched between a couple of covers for seasoning.

Where as the previous night's performance was very loose and free, this show was a bit more intense, with Pat concentrating just a bit more on his vocals and guitar playing. Witnessing both sides of this coin, I can appreciate both styles in Pat's approach.

From the first notes of Over And Over Again, the wonderful tones of Pat's Gretsch acoustic guitar wafted over the club via the Tin Angel's excellent sound system. Never before have I heard such quality sound in any club, and the fine acoustics enhanced the enjoyment of Pat's music. I highly recommend this place for anyone hoping to catch their favorite musicians in concert.

As was his intent, most of the music Pat performed this evening was by request. Blue Period is a standard request for the acoustic set by now, but the never-heard If The Sun Doesn't Shine was quite a surprise. Pat said "It was such a Brian Wilson-Beach Boys production that we couldn't ever do it live." Too Much Passion was requested for the second straight evening, and Pat noticed by saying "Someone requested that last night in Asbury Park -- his name was Bruce Springsteen." The crowd approved with a hearty laugh, and this kind of joviality continued thoughout the night. Maybe it was Pat's way of breaking up the seriousness of his playing, but whatever the reason, it was nice to see him in fine spirits.

The show played on with the usual high caliber performances of Only A Memory, Afternoon Tea, and Everything I Have Is Blue. Especially For You and Alone At Midnight found their way into this show, too, as Pat's solo set allows for songs that seldom find a slot in full blown Smithereens' outings.

Another surprise came in the form of the classic I Don't Want To Lose You. Pat hit most of the notes, too! Straining a bit, Pat cut the song short when he got to the guitar solo, singing a fade- out "that's alllll..."

An audience member requested Tell When Did Things Go So Wrong. In perfect candor, Pat couldn't resist this one by answering "About four years ago with that last RCA record!" Of course, there were more laughs from the crowd.

The new song on this night was the beautiful A World Apart. Expect it to show up on the Dinizio solo album sometime next fall, along with Everyday World.

By request, Pat struggled through In A Lonely Place, pausing here and there to remember his own lyrics. Unnecessarily, he finished by begging forgiveness, saying "Sorry about that."

Like the night before, someone called out for Pat to play some Elvis Costello tunes. He obliged with silly but charming versions of (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding, and Alison. He attempted them, at least. "Come on, you know it better than I do," Pat shouted.

Pat took up his electric Rickenbacker for Behind The Wall Of Sleep, and walked off saying "Thanks, you guys are a lot of fun." I don't think he had any idea!

Returning to the stage amidst applause for an encore, Pat said "Oh, I'm not playin'. I just came to get my guitar!" The crowd got one last chuckle, as he launched into Strangers When We Meet.

As the man said, "Right on."