Music by Matt Putnam, Massachusetts singer/songwriter
Classic hits, contemporary, Irish

Illustration by Eva Putnam
You may recognize those lines from Sea Fever by John Masefield. In fifth grade, I was compelled by Mr. Ridge to commit the poem to memory—as if I didn't have enough problems. Sea Fever is lost to me now, but it's comforting to know it's really only as far away as a Google search. (We may not have the flying cars and people-moving sidewalks they promised us in the 60's, but we do have the Internet, a miraculous invention that helps dumb people appear to be smart.) While struggling to absorb Sea Fever, then Jabberwocky, I happily injested the whole of Abbey Road, Magical Mystery Tour, and the White Album, and that youthful indulgence has proven much more profitable to me in my dotage, as I regale fellow baby-boomers while they're waiting for the check. So what's with the Sea Fever quote? The signifigance of the nautical theme will be clear as I inform you that The Water Brothers (me and Marty Querzoli) will once again be singing for sailors—and people who love sailors—at Scituate's historic Mill Wharf on Friday, May 27. Come on down, gaze longingly out the window at the Mother Ocean, have some baked haddock, and thrill to the music of the Water Brothers, the music that one critic has described as "quite musical."
“Local songwriter Matt Putnam...does such a fine job of headlining the Wednesday night acoustic open mic at Paddy Barry’s....”
Jay.
N. Miller
The Patriot Ledger
Well, let me tell you. Anyone who’s ever had the pleasure of playing at Paddy Barry’s Open Mike has returned again and again. It’s just plain fun for novice and veteran alike. People at Paddy’s really appreciate live music—and the owner has given gigs to some of the folks he’s heard at the Open Mike. Paddy’s has that certain “buzz” to it, which has contributed to its reputation as the “best little pub in the world.” Here are a few kind words from openmikes.org:
Allen Hull from Someday Rome: “Great open mic. It was a ton of fun, and a great room.”
U.S. Sam: “First time at...Paddy Barry’s.... a great place for the seasoned or beginner talent. The host, staff, regular patrons and performing musicians all made it a worthwhile trip!”
Richard: “Got back to Paddy Barry’s last night...and I’m sorry I waited so long. One of the top open mikes in New England.”
Tom Sweeney: “This place is a lot of fun. I played my first open mic here and had a ball! The atmosphere is very comfortable....”
Jessi Fanuele: “Paddy’s Open Mic is a great venue for the South Shore!! The talent is great....”
Frank
Sinatra
“Paddy Barry’s is class. Pure class.”
Dean
Martin
“After a few stiff belts, everyone
sounds great.”
Sammy
Davis, Jr.
“Dig some outasite cats laying down some groovy
sounds.”
Peter
Lawford
“Damn—I married into the Kennedy family and still
wound up dead.”
Joey
Bishop
“How is it possible that Joyce Behar is on TV and
I’m not?”