Feter Martin Homer & David Serby at Republic Of Pie, 6-1-25 Concert Review

I am certainly not opposed to driving significant distances for live music. When I was living in Eugene, Oregon, I used to drive down to the San  Francisco area for concerts on a somewhat regular basis, and in more recent years I've done the drive to San Diego for multiple shows. It's weird, but living in Los Angeles eventually changes one's concept of distance, with time being a bigger factor than actual space, and so Long Beach (which isn't really all that far) becomes a serious commitment, and Saturday night's drive to Claremont seemed long. So it's a special treat when a great artist is performing within walking distance of my apartment. It used to happen more often when Gary Calamar was hosting the Mimosa Music Series at the Federal Bar. Those were some great times! That venue sadly is no more. But occasionally someone really good will play at Republic Of Pie (not all that far from where the Federal Bar was). Last night David Serby was on the bill along with Feter Martin Homer, the two playing together, swapping songs.

As they were tuning up, a friendly and enthusiastic patron asked them what they were going to play, if there would be any covers. "Not tonight," Feter answered. While I was still trying to figure out if this information made the guy more or less eager to hear the music, the two began the set. Feter Martin Homer kicked things off with "Momma Prayed," the title track from his newest album,"to set the mood," as he said. And he almost immediately showed his skill on the guitar. Afterward he indicated that song was a true story. David Serby followed it with "Don't Stay Fixed," which he mentioned was also a true story. "The things I work on don't stay fixed," he sang. I like the direction he takes that song, singing, "That if I ever break your heart, it's under warranty." Feter then played "Marybelle," another track from his newest release. David Serby mentioned that he's working on a new album, and his first song of the evening is going to be on it, as will be the next song he played, "Broken Heart In A Honky Tonk." I am looking forward to this new album. Based on what I heard yesterday, it's going to be a good one! I am especially fond of his new song inspired by a flight to Mexico and another passenger's dalliance with a flight attendant. You might not expect it from its subject matter, but this song was particularly pretty, and was a highlight of the set.

"This Storm Shall Pass Away" was another highlight. This song comes from Feter Martin Homer's self-titled album. Feter then joined David on a beautiful rendition of "Better With My Hands," delivering some nice work on guitar in that instrumental section. That was followed by another pretty song, "Virginia." Feter also played guitar on David's "Flight Path," "Little Old Bruise" and "Charm, Looks Or Money," that last one a fun, energetic number inspired by something his wife said. In this song, he sang, "I ain't got charm, looks or money/But I've got you."  Feter wrapped up the set with his "Detroit Cold & Blue," another fun number. The set ended at 7 p.m. But that wasn't the end of the music. Paul Inman's Delivery kept things going with an excellent set of mostly original songs (and also a really nice rendition of "No Expectations"), playing guitar, harmonica, and keyboard.