This is a full live performance of Gary Roberts and Brooks Walthall at Advent Arts & Acoustics Cafe in Conway, Arkansas on September 5, 1997. It was the very first performance at Advent Cafe, which lasted for 17 years (from 1997 to 2014). Songs they performed included "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan, "Mr. Bojangles" by Jerry Jeff Walker, "Deep Ellum Blues" an American traditional song made popular by Grateful Dead and others, "If I Were A Carpenter" by Tim Hardin, "Don't Strike Out" original by Gary Roberts, and "Taxi" by Harry Chapin. This performance was recorded by Mitch Harmon and Jacob Brooks. We hope you enjoy listening.

Gary Roberts & Brooks Walthall Live At Advent Cafe, Full Performance, Sept. 5, 1997

Songs from the edge of somewhere.
You don’t know if you’re walking into a protest, a party, or a funeral.
Bluesy, soulful rock’n’roll.
Haunted, deep and raw. 
The kind of raw you can’t fake.

“You don’t sound like anyone else,” said Danny Thompson - legendary bassist for Nick Drake and Joe Strummer - about English producer Conil.

Tchad Blake, sonic architect for Tom Waits and Elvis Costello, agreed: “Strange Part of the Country is an amazing album. I still listen to it.”

Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green was also a fan, making a rare visit to Conil’s studio to record a mellow take on “Woke Up Around Midnight,” his smoky tribute to the jazz greats.

Conil’s distinct sound has drawn praise from Marc Ribot, Davey Graham, Pino Palladino, and John Leckie - artists and producers known for recognising the real thing when they hear it.

Upon release, Strange Part of the Country made quiet but lasting waves. Q Magazine gave it four stars and a Q Recommends stamp. Blues Matters Magazine put Conil on the cover, calling him “one of the most original artists out there.” In the U.S., “Years Between” climbed to number three on the Alternative Radio Chart.

Raised in England on the Rolling Stones, the Velvet Underground, and Tom Waits, Conil later lived in some of the world’s most musically charged cities - New Orleans, New York, Chicago, Austin and Berlin - chasing sound wherever he went.

That began early. He travelled far, met the Dalai Lama, climbed Kilimanjaro, and crossed the Himalayas - experiences that shaped his perspective and his music.

He is now finishing his long-awaited second album - recorded in New Orleans, Chicago, London and Greece - with Danny Thompson, Tchad Blake and more.

I managed Advent Arts & Acoustics Cafe (Advent Cafe) Coffeehouse series in Conway, AR for about 17 years (from 1997-2014). I also managed a UCA Unplugged series at the University of Central Arkansas around this same time, and co-managed the Arkansas Acoustic Festival. Most performers were folk, singer/songwriters from central Arkansas. We recorded each performance. I am posting Advent Cafe, UCA Unplugged, and Arkansas Acoustic Festival performances on my SoundCloud account for your enjoyment. Most of these songs are originals written by Central Arkansas Musicians. You'll find a diversity of music - folk, country, Christian, rock, pop, jazz, blues, ragtime, Irish, etc. We have great singer/songwriting talent in Central Arkansas. I especially want to thank Jack Gaiser, Brian Eggert, Brooks Walthall, Allan Roisen, and Chuck Gilbert who ran sound and recorded this music. If you wish to contact me my email is robertsgary1952@gmail.com.  Please enjoy!

Gary Roberts & Brooks Walthall Live At Advent Cafe, Full Performance, Sept. 5, 1997

Gary Alan Roberts