Lou and Peter Berryman “(No Relation) – The Club de Wash Presents Peter & Lou Berryman”

Generally, in spite of an incredibly open mind, I’d say this isn’t my type of thing—humorous folk songs—but it’s pretty irresistible if you allow it to be—the accordion helps. It’s a lovely accordion. Lou and Peter Berryman are folk singers and songwriters—Lou (woman) plays accordion, and Peter (man) plays guitar, and they both sing and write the songs. This is their first of about 20 records, since 1980. It’s on their own label, called Cornbelt. The internet leads me to believe they’re still out there, still playing, though they’re getting up in years (relatively). Well, their website says they played a “post retirement” show in 2024—so maybe they’re retired. Their website is nice, personable, and it’s got an extensive history of their partnership. The title of this record refers to the Club de Wash—where some of this was recorded—which was in a hotel in Madison, Wisconsin, that sadly burned down. Some was recorded in a studio—it’s very well recorded. There were a couple of times I looked up, startled, thinking they might have snuck in my room! I mean, for all I know, one of them might reside in the building. Some of my favorites are “Squalor,” “Squirrelly Valley,” “The Dog’s Asleep,” “Are You Drinking with Me Jesus” (of course!) and “So Many Pies” (for the title alone—plus, they perform an uncanny record skip!) There’s a great, 8x10, b&w, photo, on the cover, of the crowd at the Club de Wash (and includes Lou and Peter.) I mean, it’s just 30-some people in a room, with beer—but it feels like a time capsule—just in that it’s very natural and crystal clear. Think about it, this is at least 45 years ago—probably everyone there is older than me. It’d be cool to see someone, in that photo, that you knew! What if you saw one of your parents? You’d want to own this record! (And maybe you do.)

12.19.25