Too Human at The Bookhouse

The Eastern Monroe Public Library in Stroudsburg, PA presented an installment of their BookHouse Concert Series on Friday May 17th featuring the musical duo of Ellen Schwartz and Rodger Bruno who are best known as “Too Human.” During the course of the evening, they were joined by Upright Bass Player Chris Conte who arrived some time after the concert began due to being stuck in traffic. Together, the trio created a night filled with musical delights with songs recalling nostalgic dreams as well as forming new memories for all to enjoy.

While the majority of the songs Too Human performed originated from other artists, their musical interpretation of them brought a new life into each piece. This was particularly true of the song titled, “Sentimental Journey” whose score was written by Les Brown and Ben Homer with lyrics written by Bud Green. The song was made popular in the 1940s by songstress Doris Day and became her first number one hit lasting 23 weeks on the Billboard’s charts. The group’s rendition of the familiar melody allowed those who have heard it numerous times before to travel down avenues exploring aspects of the work previously undiscovered.

Too Human also performed a number of pieces originating from Ms. Schwartz and Mr. Bruno. Each of these original compositions offered listeners a melody that embraced the memories yet to be formed and were sung with an earthy clarity allowing every nuance of the song to be partaken of in the here and now. The combination of the music and lyric embodied a harmonious balance so intrinsic one could not avoid becoming enhanced by it.

Throughout the concert, stories relating to the songs and the memories of how they touched the performers’ lives were seamlessly woven into their presentation. These verbal revelations mingled so well with those shared through the music and lyrics of a song one often found oneself thoughtfully wondering where a story ended and a song began. This further enhance the experiential journeys many were pleased to take while in the company of Too Human and their guest Chris Conte. You’ll find more photographs taken during the concert in the EMPL 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151585206515421.1073741827.636000420&type=1.

Ellen Schwartz and Rodger Bruno of “Too Human” are from New York and have both been interested in music from a very early age exploring a variety of musical genres and instruments. They became professional songwriters while in Los Angeles and were members of the staff of Warner/Chappell Music. However, their experiences in the corporate world of music creation inspired them to explore different approaches to song writing and music which made them “Too Human” for the mainstream music industry. In addition to performing their original and well established compositions, Ellen Schwartz and Rodger Bruno creates music for independent films under their company name, “Boenel Productions.” You can learn more about Too Human, their music, and Boenel Productions by exploring their website at www.toohumanonline.com.

Too Human’s guest, Chris Conte, sites Nat "King" and Natalie Cole, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Chet Baker, and many other iconic performers considered to be part of “The Great American Song Book.” Chris has played with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, and has served as Acting Principal Bassist for the Altoona Symphony Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra of the Alleghenies, and the Bedford Symphony Orchestra. He has also created The Chris Conte Trio along with Dan Brandl on piano and Chris Johnson on drums. You can learn more about Chris Conte and his musical endeavors by exploring his website at www.chriscontemusic.com.

The Eastern Monroe Public Library (aka The Hughes Library) Bookhouse Concert Series take place in the Edinger Community Room which is located on N. 9th Street (aka route 611) in Stroudsburg, PA. The Hughes Library is the main branch of the Monroe County, PA library system which include their Pocono Township Branch in Tannersville, PA and their Smithfield’s Branch in Marshalls Creek, PA. The library offers access to numerous books, DVDs, Audio Recordings, and cultural programs free to the public. The library’s BookHouse series is part of its cultural programs designed to provide a venue for literary and musical events which are outside of the commercial and literary mainstream.

The next BookHouse Concert will feature a solo theatrical performance given by Cedric Liqueur exploring the life of Leroy “Satchel” Page on Friday June 21st beginning at 7:30pm with the doors opening at 7pm. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. Refreshments will be available for a small charge. Please Contact Linnae Cintron at 570-421-0800 x28 or explore The Eastern Monroe Public Library Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EasternMonroePublicLibrary?ref=ts&fref=ts to learn more information about the library, their BookHouse series, and all the institution has to offer the community.