Favorite Child at Jammin’ Java, Vienna, VA w/ Griefcat opening
February 29, 2024
Northern Virginia’s own Favorite Child celebrated the release of its second CD, entitled Monsters & Saviors at Northern Virginia’s own Jammin’ Java, drawing an impressive near-capacity crowd on a Thursday night. Full disclosure – I used to work with Favorite Child’s front-and-center rhythm guitarist/vocalist/songwriter/producer David Graziano – we both still have day jobs in tech – but that’s not why I’m writing a positive review. Really.
Over the years, David has fronted a few area bands, most notably The Ruins and Silver Line Station. Another Ruins alumnus, Rob Receveur, takes on Favorite Child’s lead guitar duties with aplomb. Singer/songwriter Carol Campbell, who co-wrote all but one song on “Monsters & Saviors” tackles lead vocals. The ensemble is rounded out by Stu Mackenzie on keyboards, John Wyatt on bass and Rich Carlson on drums.
Favorite Child’s tight, energetic performance kept the audience riveted to the action onstage and the messages – some hopeful, some painful, all personal – conveyed by the band’s original songs, while maintaining a delicate balance between an easygoing 1970s-era-Asylum-Records vibe and an edgier alt-country feel throughout the evening. There were some well-chosen and well-placed covers in the sixteen songs the band delivered, but the bulk of the material, naturally featured most of the new record and many songs from Favorite Child’s maiden release, “Last Cigarette”. The sound was excellent, and the mix was dead on. I’m looking forward to catching Favorite Child again soon, as I am sure there will be a lot of demand to hear these fantastic songs live. Check this out for more information about Favorite Child: https://favoritechildband.com/home
The new CD contains a song called “Chicks in Heaven,” which is taken from a new musical, with music and lyrics written by Carol Campbell, David Graziano and Rob Receveur. Performances of the musical run between April 13 – April 28, 2024 at ArtSpace in Falls Church, Virginia. More information about “Chicks in Heaven” is here: https://www.virginia.org/event/chicks-in-heaven/22784
Annie Nardolilli and Louisa Hall, collectively known as Griefcat opened the show, with a set of their original songs, many from their 2020 eponymous release. For some reason, the audience was laughing at their attempts at humor, but for me, their material fell short of even mere whimsy. You can find out more about them here: https://www.griefcat.com