Java Jive double-header doesn’t disappoint

Will Elliot treats audience to a talented and compelling performance

By Alex Lehning

Posted on Thursday, February 20th, 2003, 12:00 am

Alicia Manaiso

Will Elliot entertains the crowd with many of his original songs at Java Jive Tuesday night.

A full crowd at Tuesday’s Java Jive enjoyed acoustic sets from student performers Will Elliot, Anne Schmidt and Kirstin Hayward. Elliott was stunning with well-crafted originals, while Schmidt and Hayward delivered covers and one original that seemed to delight the audience.

Schmidt, a fourth-year elementary education major, and Hayward, a fourth-year broadcast journalism major, were performing together for only the second time.

The show opened with the Dixie Chicks’ “Wide Open Spaces,” which highlighted Schmidt’s talented voice. The show peaked with a cover of the Eagles hit “Desperado,” which again showcased Schmidt’s emotional vocal range.

The duo was less impressive, however, on a heartless and ragged rendition of Dispatch’s interpretation of the Beatles’ “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away.” Hayward’s guitar playing was awkward and rudimentary at best, but she was stellar on a solo version of the Rolling Stones’ “Angie,” with full emotion in her singing.

Other covers included “Warning” by the Cranberries and “Gone Again” by the Indigo Girls.

Hayward’s original composition, “Seasons Turn,” seemed to please the crowd and the finale, the goofy Barenaked Ladies hit “If I Had $1,000,000,” was extremely well done.

Despite the lack of originality in their set, Schmidt and Hayward managed to deliver a solid and fun performance. Perched on stools and joking with the audience, the duo seemed to fit in a casual coffeehouse atmosphere.

Schmidt has performed since childhood and has been involved with University Singers and Renaissance on campus.

“The songs we sang … that’s what I’m all about. I was so happy to see my friends come out and watch me. Performing for them is the most fun of all,” Schmidt said.

“My favorite part of performing would be looking up and seeing people having a great time listening to a performance … Just being able to share music with others,” Hayward said.

Elliott, a second-year English major, delivered one of the best Java Jive performances of the semester. His acoustic set included tasteful covers and brilliant, well-written originals.

“Cup and Trial,” the opener, was hauntingly Dylan-esque; sparse yet powerful.

“Songs are free gifts to people,” Elliott said before “Song Unsung,” which he wrote for his girlfriend.

Other standouts included the Johnny Cash hit “Folsom Prison Blues,” a cover of Ryan Adams’ “Call Me On Your Way Back Home” and an original called “Little Prince,” based on the children’s book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

Comparisons to Dylan and the new generation of songwriters like Adams are inevitable, but Elliott manages to come into a voice all his own. His sound was rough but authentic, and his guitar seemed to sing along with him.

Elliott fit the role of storyteller perfectly.

“For me, a typical song comes from sitting down with a pen and paper and listening to lyrics form with a melody in my head. I enjoy writing in public places, such as a cafe or even the Union. Seeing people and guessing at their stories is what fascinates me,” Elliott said.

Elliott plans to graduate with an English degree and then go on to graduate or music school. He is currently working on a six-song demo CD.

“To create a song for personal enjoyment is rewarding. Having other people listen to it and feel what I feel is what makes me get on stage,” Elliot said.