The Billy Clarksville Band is picking up steam with radio airplay and a successful January debut at Pats in the Flats. Pianist Billy Clarksville’s self-penned songs highlight a CD recorded during the band’s August performance on the Live From Cleveland show on WRUW-FM/91.1, Cleveland.

At Pats in the Flats, it felt like a hot summer night—attracting a hardy standing-room only crowd despite down-to-the-wire NFL playoff games and an outdoor temperature hovering at a frigid 11 degrees. With Clarksville’s keyboard front and center, Billy and his bandmates consistently generated a hot response from a cheerfully diverse audience. Fans of A Brand New Hat, special guests for the evening, joined with Clarksville’s crowd in enthusiastically embracing both acts. The good-natured hijinx of ABNH and their unique interpretations of bluegrass-flavored toe-tappers matched well with Billy’s amusing onstage observations coupled with the band’s rockin’ intensity. Rick Wager’s fleet-fingered bass and the tasteful drumming of Rich Sustersic anchored the searing sax of Gordon Harmon and scorching licks from guitarist Mitch Table. True tales, compelling lyrics and soulful instrumental arrangements brought special poignancy to numbers such as
Clarksville’s “What About Me,” “14 Days,” and “Cats and Dogs.” On “14 Days” Clarksville sings of 'the night before the morning after.” Other word-pictures tackle subjects ranging from a woman who “loves my music and digs all my songs” to the greatness of Jesus and his positive influence.

The audience was visibly moved by Billy’s tribute to deceased friends—people who tragically died way too soon. Clarksville captures devastating emotions while avoiding even a hint of dirge-like moroseness. Quite the contrary,this raucous rocker made it impossible for anyone to remain still as the band cranked-forth a sizzling backdrop to Clarksville’s salute to those who are gone.

Also gracing the evening’s musical menu were songs honoring the local color of Tremont. “Lincoln Park” and “Southside” (the latter written by Sustersic) brought hoots and hollers of recognition from a contingent of customers from the nearby Sokolowski’s University Inn.

—By James E. Guyette

Poster from Hotz show

Poster from TreeHouse