Music: It's all about the Hotel Cafe

Thursday, May 27, 2004, at 02:14PM

By Eric Richardson

I know, I'm way behind on putting up any kind of a report about last Friday. That happens sometimes. I get distracted.

We got there about 2/3 of the way through Amilia Spicer's set. To be honest, I don't remember much about it. It takes me a little while to sit down and get focused.

Eric Hutchinson was the 9pm, and Kathy and I both enjoyed his show. She bought a cd afterward, and today compared his voice to Michael Jackson. I can't say that was what struck my mind, but I did think at times he sounded a bit like Justin Rosolino vocally.

Erik Penny rounded out the acts we saw. He played a more sparse set, accompanied only by an electric guitar. It was a lot of the same songs, but often the tempo was changed up to make them more suitable for the smaller show. I missed hearing Ernesto's background vocals and thought their lack made the sound a little empty, but seeing as this was his first "mostly" solo show, I think I can cut Erik a little slack. He's got plans, and I'm sure they'll be good.

Tonight Kathy and I are headed back out to the Hotel Cafe to see Julian Coryell and Gus Black. It should be a good time.