PSALTER CAFE : MAY 15, 2016 MAY 17, 2016 For the past few years, Augusta singer/songwriter Adam Harris Thompson has been hosting Psalter Cafe - an occasional gathering of singer/songwriter's sharing acoustic songs and tales of inspiration and life. This past Sunday saw the return of Psalter Cafe at That Place Coffee in Le Pavillion Shopping Center. As is normal with Psalter Cafe, the vibe is mellow and relaxed with no real rules other than when the mood strikes, someone plays. Host Thompson has been know to play anywhere in the lineup, a lineup that in the past has featured just about every level of singer/songwriter possible from personal friends of Thompson to newcomers to touring artists. This most recent edition was no less diverse and inspiring. Choosing to kick off the evening, Thompson performed several of his better known numbers from the comfort of the "this is my happy place" spot on the cafe couch, along the way sharing not only stories about the songs but also insights into upcoming projects and more. Those who have seen Thomson perform can attest to the sincerity in his songs as well as the stories behind the songs and will surely be glad to hear that plans are in the works for some upcoming song releases solo as well as with his award-winning band No Sir. Thompson is also already working on dates for upcoming Psalter Cafe events. Next up was artist/pastor Keith Solomon, a Psalter Cafe regular who time and time again never fails to move and share, this time even making an audience member misty eyed during his opening number. Yet further proof of the personal feel of Psalter Cafe. Solomon, whose style can best be described as somewhere between contemporary Christian and 90's alt pop, mixes powerful praise tunes with real-life songs about topics as common as marriage, love, kids, and more and chose to perform from the comfort of a recliner chair. While always comfy, catchy and melodic, Solomon's songs fall just short of typical making them a breath of fresh air in today's cookie cutter world of pop radio. It's a shame that Augusta isn't privileged to more performances from this guy. Following Solomon in the big cushy chair was music veteran Douglas Oxford, the most recent recipient of the Lokal Loudness Choice Award for favorite area solo artist - a honor that Thompson also has been able to claim at one time. Formerly a member of 80's touring hard rock Christian band Armada, in recent years Oxford has morphed into a sort of classic rock meets folk acoustic artist that has recently been inspired to jump back into writing originals again, his two most recent tunes making up the majority of his Psalter set. What Oxford has in common with fellow artists such as Thompson and Solomon is an strong ability to tell a relatable story whether through stories or songs. Closing out the night, Lori Newton stood (literally! In front of the piano!) as the sole female of the eve which for some ladies might seem unnerving but as a member of family band Red Letter Poet Newton is used to be the sole gal in the group. Falling somewhere between the classic rock styles of Stevie Nicks and Karen Carpenter, Newton has not only one of the more soothing soulful voices in the area, but one of the purest as well. Presenting a combination of personal favorites as well as tunes written by her husband and herself, Newton also presents a musical picture of real life in every song whether it be through Christian type works or more secular creations. Having spent the last few years in groups with her husband and son, Newton is just now branching out in an effort to find her own musical voice and so far it seems as if her search is creating successful results. All in all the latest edition of Psalter Cafe proudly built on the growing history of the event. From solid singer/songwriters armed with songs filled with real-life stories, messages, and lessons to songs performed with heart and honesty, Adam Harris Thompson and guests delivered once again the type of show usually missing in larger venues and bars as well as in the sometimes confined parameters of a church or faith gathering. Perhaps it is within such surroundings that artist and audience can best communicate.