Steel Notes Magazine February 2017 | Page 79

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New York resident and former Saucon Valley High School graduate , Chris Barczynski aka “ Breeze ” ( thank God he has a nickname ) stopped in the valley last week to share his musical talents with some friends . He did an intimate acoustical set at The Gin Mill in Northampton , on Thursday 1 / 19 / 17 . Because a mutual friend ( Lynn Johnson ) told me to look him up ; and because Breeze is both polite and good with his follow up ; we connected in time for me to set up the interview with him . When things fall into place that way , I ’ m always certain there ’ s a cosmic reason for it . I couldn ’ t wait to see what this one may be .
When I arrived Breeze was setting up his little corner of the bar with his amp , mike , chair and guitar . As I introduced myself and he pleasantly extended his hand ; I instantly ignored it and dove in for a hug . Not that he had a choice , but he accepted the hug politely and I don ’ t feel it had anything to do with his SAG / AFTRA affiliation ! I asked if I could ask a few questions while he continued to set up his equipment and he cordially obliged . I liked his attitude within minutes .
As Breeze finished setting up his equipment , I started asking some things-first question , which I ’ m sure is the question we ALL want answered was “ why didn ’ t you ever change your name Mr . Barczynski ? As he laughed , he said Breeze was a nickname given to him by his college football team mates and it just kinda stuck . That made sense , but didn ’ t really answer my question … but no matter . I was ready to move on .
Next up was the other obvious quandary …. why in all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world … did he walk into this particular gin joint . No disrespect against the venue , The Gin Mill does a hell of a job supporting the local music scene and entertaining the local community . I just was curious how this particular place snagged him . His answer was that he is friends with George , the owner of the bar , and was happy to gig in his friend ’ s establishment . Never mind the fame he had from his previous
Lehigh Valley Band , The Honey Buzzards or any of his other bands , the TV appearances on The Singing Bee “, “ The Early Show ” Last Call with Carson Daily , or “ The Daily Buzz ”. Forget about the kudos for winning the 2008 New Jersey Nets Battle of the Bands , and the 2009 award received from Internet Radio for the
Musician : Chris “ Breeze ” Barczynski Genre : Rock , blues , popular music . Original music recorded and may be purchased . Acoustical set contained covers and originals . Venue : The Gin Mill - Northampton , PA Date : January
Top 5 Best Independent artists . Don ’ t EVEN THINK ABOUT the film industry validation which came from his music being featured on such heavy hitters as “ The Tudors ”, “ Drake and Josh ” and “ Zoey 101 “. And I didn ’ t even mention that his silky voice can be heard on everything from a Kidzbop CD to a Canadian Club radio commercial . Let ’ s face it , that ’ s a pretty impressive resume , and by no means all inclusive . Regardless of his fame , Breeze was here , to our delight , to entertain in a room of about 60 people . I could hardly wait , nor could his fans / friends .
Back to the conversation . I hesitate to call it an interview ... because there is no way that I ran that verbal interaction … hell , I forgot to write down a portion of the discussion because he would derail me without warning . I think he first got me when I asked him to pronounce the name of his band that I struggled with . I was referring to the name “ Formuliac Maniacs ” when I asked this question . ( Go ahead , YOU TRY and say it …) His reply was “ you can ’ t say Cock ?” Well …. what can a gal reply
Breeze with Christine and Hugh Gallagher
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