"Dedicated to the child in everybody. May the children take over the world."
Joziah Longo

By FERN MACDONALD

There's something wonderful about seeing live music in a more intimate setting. Artists and audiences alike can connect in a way that is almost impossible in massive arenas and outdoor stadiums. Sure, it happens with some veteran performers. Still, there is nothing like the homey feeling you get seated with friends, the smell of fresh coffee and tasty food hovering above, while great music emanates from a small stage. The Pine Loft Cafe is such a place. Nestled on the Berlin Turnpike, easily accessible from all directions, this quaint little spot was renovated by its owner and his son. Clearly a labor of love, this club is Connecticut's first real chance at having a venue like the Iron Horse in Northampton Mass. Right now, it's capacity tops at 120 but with the support of area music lovers, this is a dream that can easily become a reality. The Pine Loft can give this state its first shot at a market that has been previously overlooked. Music lover Lisa Smith, taken by the club's atmosphere and overall ambiance, continues to find a home for artists that would previously have just passed us by.

Gandalf Murphy and The Slambovian Circus of Dreams have brought a unique blend of passion, warmth and sincerity into music. Wowing audiences at outdoor festivals and small venues alike, they have built up an ardent following. Several traveled hours just to hear the music they have grown to love. The members of Gandalf treat these fans like family, maybe because they are a family of sorts themselves. Tink Lloyd, petite, gracious, blond and beautiful, eloquently switches from accordion, to cello or flute. Multitalented, she is married to lead singer, Joziah Longo. Besides writing both the music and lyrics, Joziah plays acoustic and electric guitar, as well as harmonica. On Saturday night, he added a twelve string guitar to this mix, his proud "find" for "$250 AND with a hard case as well." Sharkey McEwen can make almost any guitar speak to an audience. Toss in mandolin, keyboards and backing vocals and you have one hard working performer. Ah, we must not forget a drummer who can actually play the drums the way they should be played! Tony Zuzulo is a fine percussionist who knows when to give it his all and when to simply tone it down, never overpowering the music itself. Keeping it "all in the family," one of Tink and Joziah's sons even joined in on bass during several numbers.

So, there they are, The Circus of Dreams. What makes their music so different.....and magical? Maybe it's all those years growing up in South Philly, where Joziah learned early on what the power of music could do. Music was his ticket to another place, away from the mean streets and into a world of rapture, one that he now shares with his audiences. This story is told so well in the song "Bike," a great rocker that is part of their new double CD "Flapjacks From The Sky." A celebration of 21 original tracks, it is an outstanding example of what to expect from a live performance. At the Pine Loft, they focused on this new material. Some songs, still in their raw stages, managed to sound as masterful as they do on the studio versions themselves. Gandalf concerts remain as spontaneous and full of spirit as the albums they make. This is an "art" that has been lost by too many musicians but remains a strong staple with this band. Their honesty above everything is like a breeze that blows across your face on a day when the heat seems unbearable. Suddenly from nowhere, there it is and you can actually feel refreshed. Gandalf Murphy is that breeze in music, that relief from anything and everything that ails you. They are a welcome change from generalized formats on radio stations today, whether it be independent, collage or dare we say it, mainstream. There's no convenient little box or category to put them into. Happily they won't just fit anywhere but instead fit EVERYWHERE.

There are so many delightful songs, both new and old. I dare anyone to put on "Glide" from the new CD and just play it once. Whether it's the catchy flow of the tune itself or the chorus, you'll find yourself hitting that repeat button and yes, it sounds just as glorious live. Maybe it's beauty you want. Give the tune "Baby Jane" a listen. Between the vocals and the lyrics, you may find yourself falling in love with this song. Then, there's the almost ominous "Talkin' To The Buddha." Lots of words and yet, because of their powerful meaning, you know them all almost overnight. When Joziah wails ..."We can stop this rain" it makes hope for a bright tomorrow seem more than possible. Add the superb texturing of instrumental genius on this one, and it becomes a true work of art in progress. Be in love with love and life itself as you close your eyes and listen to "Kiss From Eve." It's simply splendid as is the rest of their new album. See them live and take the ride. You will be delighted that you did. Just remember, once the child within you is released, you won't ever want to turn back.

Some Set Highlights:

Set I:

Circus Of Dreams

Sunday In The Rain

I Wish

Kiss From Eve

Better Life

Bike

Look Ma No Hands

Baby Jane

Glide

Moondog House

Set II:

Long Gone Lonesome Blues by Hank Williams

Talkin' To The Buddha"

Rocket

Flapjacks From The Sky

Call To The Mystic

Alice In Space

Encore:

Never Fit