(Self-produced, CD)
Michael Veitch is a Vermont songwriter and environmental activist — a longtime member of VPIRG who ran for the State Senate in the early 1990s. His music is a savvy combination of informed protest songs and sensitive love songs delivered with acoustic guitar and a softly soaring tenor voice. This new CD was recorded live at the Flynn Center in the summer of 2002 when Veitch warmed up for his old friend Shawn Colvin. The short set of original material included on this promotional recording includes two of my favorite Michael Veitch songs: a sweet number called “Sunday Driving,” about childhood road-trip memories; and “Box of Letters,” a snippy piece about sending back an old girlfriend’s letters on her wedding day (reportedly a true story). The whole package — music and stage patter — showcases an unquestionably fine performer and songwriter. Veitch lives in New York State now, but plays often at coffeehouses and other venues in Vermont. Catch him when you can.
ROBERT RESNIK