John Gorman's solo performance last Saturday night was three hours of solid acoustic music. The senior psychology major performed his first solo show at Stimulance, a Main Street coffeehouse.
Confidence exuded from Gorman as he entertained the audience with original songs and quirky humor. A local open-mic veteran, Gorman's first solo outing proved he had the musical talent to entertain a crowd.
"He's definitely gotten better, he seems more confident," says Lindsey Gorman of Brockport, a senior psychology major, and no relation to the UB singer/songwriter.
Gorman's gentle and pleasant vocals are similar to those of John Mayer, taking an apparent influence from artists like Dave Matthews and Jason Mraz. His soothing sounds of soft rock and pop seemed to waft within the purple and red walls of the beloved cafe.
Constantly smiling, Gorman retells the highs and lows of his college life to his peers. Singing about past relationships, intimate experiences and broken hearts in a fashion quite relevant to his peers, Gorman conveys a relaxing, informal disposition throughout each song.
Clad in a preppy-surfer style ensemble, Gorman kept the crowd interested with a playful serenade in Spanish. He went on to play a couple more emotionally intense numbers.
"'Party Johnny' has come back," Gorman announced, as he lightened the mood with the Cody Chestnutt classic, "Look Good in Leather."
Gorman displayed Norm Macdonaldesque wit when introducing his next song, "Rutter."
"This song makes people happy, like most of my songs, except the ones that make people sad."
Gorman's walking contradictions and fleeting sarcasm are charming. In reference to a request to play a 50 Cent song, Gorman shot back, "I'm more ghetto than he'll ever be."
Grooving on stage to "Star Without a Sky" and mesmerizing the audience with a wonderful melody in "Silence of 1000 Words," Gorman showed his talents include more than just singing and playing guitar.
The Utica, N.Y. native could not resist taking a jab at Buffalo. "This song is called 'Drew Bledsoe Sucks and The Bills Need a New Quarterback.'"
Of course it's not all perkiness for Gorman. "Leave the Light On" is a much softer, melancholy song, comparable to the mellow songs of Hootie and the Blowfish. "Sandcastles" features serene, touching lyrics: "Dream little dreamer/dance the night away/dream little dreamer/tomorrow is your day."
"No Regrets," a favorite of the females, exemplified everything that is great about Gorman's music. One of a few songs that incorporate the theme of youthful freedom and carefree days, "No Regrets" could be not only a single, but also a motto for Gorman.
Smooth like a mocha latte, yet strong and vibrant like a chai, Gorman's music meshed well with the coffeehouse scene.
The quaint and laid back atmosphere of Stimulance only enhanced Gorman's performance. The crowd, which ranged from a few couples to a rambunctious gathering by midnight, appeared more than pleased with the experience. One can only say that this UB student's pleasing music will become even more successful than his impressive debut.
