First/Last-Pairdown

"Pairdown is the folk-blues & experimental group co-founded by singer-guitarists David Leicht & Raymond Morin. They've released two albums, the eponymous EP (2006) and Holykyle (2009), both featuring inter-dependent fingerstyle guitar work blended with inventive songwriting. Leicht and Morin usually perform live as a duo, drawing from a repertoire that includes both guitar duets and songs."

Check out the band on Facebook, BandCamp and SoundCloud. These two guys play the most intricate finger-style acoustic folk I have ever seen live and I am always left somewhat slack-jawed in amazement after I see them perform. You can get the chance on Monday as they host and open for Gabriel Birnbaum (of Wilder Maker) and Milo Jones at their Acoustic Music Works store in Squirrel Hill. My thanks to Raymond Morin and David Leicht (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Raymond Morin: 'Weird' Al Yankovic, “Dare To Be Stupid”.
David Leicht: Billy Squier "Don't Say No" 8-track tape.

Your last album bought?
Raymond: Micah Blue Smaldone, “The Ring Of The Rise”.
David: Ralph McTell "Streets Of London".

Favorite album of all time?
Raymond: Archie Fisher, “Orfeo”.
David: "Bernstein Conducts Copland & Gershwin: Appalachian Spring, Rhapsody In Blue".

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Raymond: I remember “Around The Sun” by R.E.M. being a massive letdown at the time. Quite boring.
David: Ralph McTell "Streets Of London".

First concert attended?
Raymond: Mighty Mighty Bosstones at Liberty Hall, Lawrence KS.
David: Rush, ‘Grace Under Pressure’ Tour at Cleveland Coliseum.

Last concert?
Raymond: Ryan Lee Crosby at Acoustic Music Works, unless I make it to Triggers.
David: Daniel Bachman/Read Connelly/Aaron Lefebvre at Acoustic Music Works.

Favorite concert ever?
Raymond: Bert Jansch at The Unitarian Church in Pittsburgh.
David: U.S. Maple, an unannounced gig at Rainbo Club, Chicago.

Least favorite concert?
Raymond: Probably tied between several drone and harsh noise concerts.
David: P-Funk All Stars at Metropol.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Raymond: Easy town to get to know folks, easy to find like-minded musicians, easy to get on good shows as an opener. Pairdown has had our fair share of such opportunities, and we're always glad when people think of us.
David: It's not so hard to have a nice little life here.

Thanks, fellas. Again with the 'Weird' Al!?! I never 'got' that dude's stuff. It was 'cute' but never in my dreams would I think of listening to it on purpose.