The Winners of the Jezebel Music Songwriters Competition
The confessional lyrics, the heartfelt strumming... its all very earnest and sometimes can be wonderful. But lets face it: Singer-songwriters can start sounding the same real quick. But that doesnt stop me from hoping to hear a new sound, a creative lyric, a novel approach to the genre. Last year I judged the semifinals of [Jezebels Live Songwriter Competition] and was blown away by Nick Ogawas talent, so I was happy to return this year and judge the finals last Saturday, and Ogawa was returning to play with his band, [Takenobu](http://www.takenobumusic.com/Home.html).
I have to admit, I was a little disappointed by the lack of diversity this year: in instruments, in ethnicity, in ideas, etc. Sure, a guy (or girl) with his guitar is all it takes to get the message across, but it should also be possible to reinvent a little. That must be why when a mandolin or a ukulele showed up, it seems to impress more than it should. (Hint to future contestants: try to do something unusual and you'll probably get noticed more. This is not the time to be the wallflower: It's a competition.) All three winners of the evening[Olentangy John Atzberger] (first, pictured), [Jeff Malinowski](http://www.myspace.com/basementband) (second) and [Feverfew](http://www.myspace.com/thefeverfew) (third)were excellent musicians as were the other six who made it to the finals. Many seemed surprised that [Sean Rowe ](http://www.seanrowe.net/news/)didn't take home a prize, but from the number of ladies who seemed interested after his incredible vocals reverberated through the room, he may have gotten lucky after all. And then again, it's not really about winning, right? There's never a drought of folks who want to sling a guitar strap over their shoulder and entertain friends at a party. And there's always next year.
Photos by [Judith Levitt.]