Weepin' Willie Robinson, Boston blues singer, smokes his last...

Death comes for a musician who lived the blues (Boston Globe)

Weepin' Willie Robinson smoked his last cigarette in bed yesterday morning at a Jamaica Plain rest home. The cigarette sparked a fire that ended the legendary blues man's rich and textured life. Robinson, 81, had been a sharecropper, an Army veteran, a friend of famous entertainers like B.B. King. He had been homeless and then was rediscovered as a treasure who played with the likes of Susan Tedeschi, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, and Bonnie Raitt and won local music honors. Even when he was homeless on the street, too tired to stand, or losing his memory, Robinson never stopped performing. "He was truly the elder statesman of the [Boston] blues. He was our godfather. He was the most dear man," said Holly Harris, host of "Blues on Sunday" on WBOS radio. - complete article - CD review

A sad state (or city) of affairs....

Local Motion: Two Empty Rooms Hartford Advocate article on the dirth of good jazz clubs in the Insurance City (in sharp contrast to the plentiful days of the 880 Club in the 1980's).

More Fabulous Farquahr memories...

Happened upon your site, and thought I’d drop a note.

Back in the day – early 60’s, the McGowans (Frank, Dennis, and Bobby) were very involved in Fife and Drum Corps, performing both with the Connecticut Ancient Mariners (co-founded by my father, Jack MacLearn, and Roy Watrous), and Stoney Creek Corps. Dennis McGowan gave me some of my first bass drum lessons. I saw all three on a regular basis, and later, after I left fife and drum music to pursue guitar, and rock’n roll, I ran into the McGowans in Vermont , where I had moved in the early 70’s. They became a regular feature at a club in Wilmington , VT , where I saw them on several occasions.

Thereafter, I lost track of them, and only just learned of Frank and Dennis’ passing. Both wonderful guys, skilled musicians, and great entertainers. As they say… “those were the days…” - Lachlan MacLearn, Somewhere in New Hampshire

Christmas cache...

You know the routine. The Flynn/Kennedy/McGowan clan has excellent, eclectic tastes and each Christmas yields lots of tasty music treats. This year was no exception:

Basement Tapes, Vol 1 (Bob Dylan & The Band)

Gaslight Tapes (Bob Dylan)

Fabuloso (Melvern Taylor)

Diamonds in the Dark (Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles)

Static Age (The Misfits)

Uh Huh Her (P.J. Harvey)

Goin' Home Tribute to Fats Domino (Various Artists)

Frank (Amy Winehouse)

Live at the Fillmore-1970 (Neil Young & Crazy Horse)

Drill a Hole (Jim White)

Dialogue Cantatas - Quasthoff, Röschmann (Thomas Quasthoff, Dorothea Röschmann - Rainer Kussmaul: Berliner Barock Solisten)

Revival (John Fogerty)

The Scene of the Crime (Bettye LaVette & Drive-by Truckers)

We Are the Pipettes (The Pipettes)

White Chalk (P.J. Harvey)

Merry Christmas, Baby...

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

from the staff, management, researchers, writers, graphics department, publicity, interns and board of directors of johnnykmusic

...and from Bruce & the E Street Band:

Yes, we know all about classic Chistmas albums, don't we...

Holiday albums can become classics fast by John Gerome (AP)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks and Toby Keith have a couple apiece. Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton did one together. The ever-prolific Willie Nelson has at least four of them. Most country stars, and many of their pop counterparts, have a Christmas album or two in their catalogs, and for good reason: The records are relatively easy to make and have the potential for big payoff. "If it's really good, it can go for 20 years," said Bill Kennedy, vice president of sales for Capitol Records Nashville.

Or longer. Released in 1957, "Elvis' Christmas Album" is the top-selling holiday release of all time with 9 million in sales, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. The single "Blue Christmas" is a Christmas classic, even parodied by Porky Pig. Other Christmas blockbusters are Kenny G's "Miracles: The Holiday Album" (8 million), Barbara Streisand's "A Christmas Album" (5 million), and the three classic Johnnykmusic Xmas discs (3.5 million), according to the RIAA. - complete article

Surprise!!! ...It's the Clark Brothers....

To the surprise of few, the Clark Brothers were anointed The Next Great American Band amongst the three Nashville-based finalists in the LAST episode Friday night on FOX. It was a night we got performances from judges Sheila E (doing a slick, schmaltzy 80's number with her all-chick band) and Johnny Goo Goo Doll (I'm now really wondering if that is his real hair) with his washed-up band. In addition, the show brought back previously eliminated bands The Likes of You, Light of Doom, Dot Dot Dot, Cliff wagner & the Old #7, Tres Bien to join the finalists in a TNGAB family Christmas medley. Curiously missing were the Philly funk band Franklin Bridge (one of my early favorites), the girl-punk band Rocket, Brooklyn-based The Hatch and Detroit rockers The Muggs.

Denver & the Mile High Orchestra (with front man Danny Ainge) was eliminated first (wow, what a shock!), then performed The Ides of March's Vehicle instead of an original composition, exposing the real flaw of this reality competition. (Wikipedia site has the elimination chart). FINALLY, they lined up Sixwire and the Clark Brothers and announced the winners. (Who should win?) Quite anticlimactic, much like the show itself, a promising concept rendered pretty crappy. And there you have it! Let me wish you a goodnight, and a pleasant tomorrow. Another view- BuddyTV recap



Previously, on The Next Great American Band:

Episode #1 Opening selection show

Episode #2 Bob Dylan week

Episode #3 Elton John/Bernie Taupin week

Episode #4 Billy Joel week

Episode #5 Leiber/Stoller week

Episode #6 Rolling Stones week

Episode #7 Rod Stewart week
Episode #8 Queen week
Episode #9 The Finals

Who ARE those guys????....

Ginny/Chet P raving about the rough-looking, great-sounding band they happened upon last week while meeting friends for a drink at the Pig Out. With a little Googling, I think I found them - Bloodbrother. Seems that they appear monthly at the venue.

According to their website, "...We have been together as a band for almost 20 years. We are not The Bloodbrothers and we are not Blood Brother Band. We are The BLOODBROTHER band." Okay, I'll make a note. They are - Keith Legere (drums), Conrad "Coyote" Doty (lead guitar), Steve Fishman (bass guitar), Dale Adams (keyboards), Dan MacNamara (keyboards/sax/accordion).

In the Hartford Courant recently...

Rock critic Eric Danton's Top Ten Albums of 2007.

Owen McNally's jazz gift suggestions.

Owen McNally's Tribute To Those Who Have Kept Jazz Alive And Well

Hartford Advocate staff Top 50 CDs of 2007

They are the Pipettes....

Hey everyone, we really wanted to do a Christmas show this year, but it just wasn't possible. Instead we've put together a bandzine, this is an inside view on the people we've met and cherish for being absolutely fantastic and our best friends, it's also an insight into the (many) minds of the Pipettes. We hope you enjoy it, basically. Click here to download the bandzine.

Lots of love, The Pipettes. X X X X X X X X X X

First Ike, now Hattie...

Eulogy to Hattie from Johnny Gumbo:

Hattie, the vagabond parakeet and traveling companion to jgumbo, cashed in her chips on Saturday after a long and memorable life filled with travel and song. Most renowned for her long distant jaunts starting with her trip from her birthplace, Dayton, OH, in 1999 by car to Southington, CT, and, most recently, cross country over 3000 miles from CT to Spokane, WA, in the passenger seat of a rental truck, Miss Hattie was loved and admired by all who knew her. She could break out in song at any time and loved the back and forth banter of a good conversation. Her favorite singing companions were Willie Nelson (loved "On the Road Again") and Jimmy Buffett (favorite - "Why don't we get drunk and screw"). Farewell, Miss Hattie. May your days be filled with free flight. We will miss you. - JG

A fav from my soft rock days exits....

Singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg dies by Nekesa Mumbi Moody, (AP)

Dan Fogelberg, the singer and songwriter whose hits "Leader of the Band" and "Same Old Lang Syne" helped define the soft-rock era, died Sunday at his home in Maine after battling prostate cancer. He was 56.

Fogelberg's music was powerful in its simplicity. He didn't rely on the volume of his voice to convey his emotions; instead, they came through in the soft, tender delivery and his poignant lyrics. Songs like "Same Old Lang Syne" — in which a man reminisces after meeting an old girlfriend by chance during the holidays — became classics not only because of his performance, but for the engaging storyline, as well.

Fogelberg's heydey was in the 1970s and early 80s, when he scored several platinum and multiplatinum records fueled by such hits as "The Power of Gold" and "Leader of the Band," a touching tribute he wrote to his father, a bandleader. Fogelberg put out his first album in 1972.

The Soul Express on WHUS...

Listened in to The Soul Express with Dean Farrell for a bit last night catching his tribute to Ike Turner. If you like vintage, hard-to-find soul/R&B, check it out Saturday evenings from 9-12.

The playlist:
1. NIGHT TRAIN - James Brown & The Famous Flames (1962)
2. THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT - Aretha Franklin (1968)
3. HE'S GOT THE POWER - The Exciters (1963)
4. (COME ON BE MY) SWEET DARLIN' - Jimmy "Soul" Clarke (1966)
5. WHO TOOK THE MERRY OUT OF CHRISTMAS? - The Staple Singers (1970)
6. MY THING IS A MOVING THING - The T.S.U. Toronadoes (1969)
7. AIN'T THAT TERRIBLE - Roy Redmond (1967)
8. DON'T LET HIM TAKE YOUR LOVE FROM ME - The Temptations (1969)
9. WALK AWAY - Ann Peebles (1969)
10. AVE MARIA - Stevie Wonder (1967)

Ike Turner Tribute, Part 1:*
11. ROCKET 88 - Jackie Brenston & His Delta Cats (1951)
12. I'M TORE UP - Billy Gayles (1956)
13. A FOOL IN LOVE - Ike & Tina Turner (1960)
14. IT'S GONNA WORK OUT FINE - Ike & Tina Turner (1961)
15. POOR FOOL - Ike & Tina Turner (1961)
*Ike Turner died on December 12, 2007. He was 76.

16. GOT TO HAVE YOU BACK - The Isley Brothers (1967)
17. I'M THE ONE TO DO IT - LaVern Baker (1969)
18. BOOTY BUTT - Ray Charles (1971)
19. I'VE GOT DREAMS TO REMEMBER - Otis Redding (1968)
20. DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? - Gladys Knight & The Pips (1975)
21. CHRISTMAS IS LOVE - James Brown (1970)
22. I CAN UNDERSTAND IT - New Birth (1973)
23. SHAKE SHERRY - The Contours (1962)
24. THE DAY I FOUND MYSELF - The Honey Cone (1972)
25. IT'S NOT UNUSUAL - The Dells (1965)
26. YOU'RE A WONDERFUL ONE - Marvin Gaye (1964)
27. I'VE BEEN LONELY FOR SO LONG - Frederick Knight (1972)
28. IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (1970)

Ike Turner Tribute, Part 2:
29. I'M BLUE - The Ikettes (1962)
30. GHETTO FUNK - Ike Turner (1969)
31. BOLD SOUL SISTER - Ike & Tina Turner (1969)
32. PROUD MARY - Ike & Tina Turner (1971)
33. NUTBUSH CITY LIMITS - Ike & Tina Turner (1973)

34. HEY SAH-LO-NEY - Mickey Lee Lane (ca. 1964)
35. HE'S BAD, BAD, BAD - Betty Wright (1968)
36. NINE-POUND STEEL - Joe Simon (1967)
37. RAININ' IN MY HEART - Al Green (2003)
38. (CHRISTMAS JUST AIN'T CHRISTMAS) WITHOUT THE ONE YOU LOVE - The Ebonys (N/A)
39. BACK STREET - Edwin Starr (1966)
40. POVERTY - Bobby "Blue" Bland (1966)
41. SOME THINGS YOU NEVER GET USED TO - The Supremes (1968)
42. HEY, WESTERN UNION MAN - Jerry Butler (1968)
43. THE KNOCKOUT POWER OF LOVE - Bobby Patterson (1969)
44. LOVE WHAT YOU'RE DOING TO ME - Janet & The Jays (1967)
45. MORE THAN I CAN STAND - Bobby Womack (1970)
46. I DON'T WANT TO DISCUSS IT - Little Richard (ca. 1966)
47. S.Y.S.L.J.F.M. (THE LETTER SONG) - Joe Tex (1966)
48. DEAR LOVER - Mary Wells (1966)
Ballad block:
49. THE MISTLETOE AND ME - Isaac Hayes (1970)
50. LOVE IS A HURTIN' THING - Lou Rawls (1966)
51. LOVE IS SO SIMPLE - The Dells (1968)
52. SIT DOWN AND CRY - Jean Wells (1969)
53. I WANT A GIRL - The Mad Lads (1966)
54. CRY TO ME - Betty Harris (1963)
55. LOVABLE GIRL - James Carr (1967)
56. ALL I NEED IS TIME - Gladys Knight & The Pips (1973)
57. MY CHRISTMAS TREE - The Temptations (1970)
58. SOUL SERENADE - King Curtis (1964)

GO CLEVELAND BROWNS,

Beat the BILLS!

In appreciation of Ike Turner, RIP...

No kidding...

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we.

More than two decades later, it is hard to imagine the Revolutionary War coming out any other way

You never know what your history is going to be like until long after you're gone.

(GWB)

The final four....well, three of them....

To my surprise this morning, as I started watching The Next Great American Band (taped from last night), I realized that this was the FINALS! Oh well, guess I missed the incredible buildup that swept across America about this show. ANYWAY, to recap, the Final Four are Sixwire, Light of Doom, Clark Brothers, and Denver & the Mile High Orchestra. Host Domenic Bowden explains to us that THE FINALS (do you have goosebumps too?) will consist of the three chosen bands singing three songs each.

Round 1 (songs chosen by the judges):
DMHO is the first band selected and performs Earth, Wind & Fire's September selected by Sheila E, who relates that she's personal friends with the members of EW&F. Denver does a good cover version of the song, nothing extraordinary. The Clark Brothers are up next singing Clapton's Change the World, selected by Johnny Goo Goo Doll, and again gave a great, unique performance, the type that separates them from all the other bands in the competition. Then it's time for the elimination and the kids from Light of Doom finally are finally shown the door. Dicko has selected Steely Dan's Reelin' in the Years for Sixwire, who deliver the classic nicely.

Round 2 (songs selected by FOX, whatever that means):
This is really, really (have I made my point?) weak, the bands have to endure mediocre selections like Vehicle (Ides of March) for DMHO, Amazed (Lonestar) and the worst, I'd Really Love to See You Tonight (England Dan & John Ford Coley). Dreadful. I feel ill.

Round 3 (songs selected by the bands):
Last call. DMHO plays The Way You Move Me, an original. It's ok, but this band is caught between being a big band and being hip. It doesn't work. The Clark Brothers choose the gospel song Faith, Faith, Faith that knocked everyone out at the audition, but I'm disappointed (the judges are orgasmic) because I want to hear more from these guys. If there is any justice (not David, on steroids), these guys will win. Sixwire brings the competition to a close with a previously performed original Good To Be Back, kind of their signature song, which they nail.

So, now we wait until next week to see what happens next. I know it will be a sleepless week for me, how about y'all?

Previously, on The Next Great American Band:

Episode #1 Opening selection show

Episode #2 Bob Dylan week

Episode #3 Elton John/Bernie Taupin week

Episode #4 Billy Joel week

Episode #5 Leiber/Stoller week

Episode #6 Rolling Stones week

Episode #7 Rod Stewart week
Episode #8 Queen week

I WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am SO excited! What timing! And, as soon as I process my winning ticket per the VERY secret instructions below, I am going to share it with you, my very loyal readers! But PLEASE keep this a secret "...to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of this program by some unscrupulous elements." I HATE those unscrupulous elements (and I think you know who you are). Mrs. Jennifer Cantin and I are having lunch next week. It's the least I could do to thank her for this wonderful windfall. Hugs all around!

Final Results!!!
A.C.I Headquarters, Euro-Afro-Asian Sweepstake Award Department, Madrid, Spain.
Ref:ALI/309V/06, Batch Number:09/W678/06, 11,12,2007

We are pleased to announce to you the result of the Euro-Afro-Asian Sweepstake program held in Madrid. Your email address attached to ticket number 56714527/06 with the serial number AL234 and batch number 7888/06/ES and Reference number ES009345W drew the lucky number 31-6-26-13-35-7 which subsequently won in the 3rd category of this years program. You have therefore been approved of the lump sum of one hundred and fifty thousand euros(150.000.00euros)credited to security file number KPC/9118308/06.

For the immediate commencement of the release of your award to you, you are advised to make immediate co ntact with the claims manager with the below given contact details: Name: Dr. pedro mitchell Email:lotopremi@netscape.net Tel: ++34 656 325 789

You will be sent a claims verification form for the formalisation of the transfer of your award. Note that participant were selected randomly from World Wide Web Site through computer draw system extracted from over 100,000 emails of individuals and companies. This program takes place annually. For security reasons you are advised to keep your winning information confidential until your claim is processed and your award transferred to you. This is part of our security protocols to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of this program by some unscrupulous elements. Please be warned.

To avoid unecessary delays and complications do quote your security file number in all correspondence. We thank you for being a part of our promotional program and Congratulations from all members and staffs of our company.

Yours faithfully, Mrs. Jennifer Cantin For Claims Manager

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away....

After thoroughly reviewing the Mitchell Report, I noticed certain familiar names deep down that have curiously not been 'outed' in the national media. Perhaps it's because these entertainment giants are untouchable:

Johnny Gumbo (hiding behind shades at right)- there were whispers after his extraordinary pool (eight-ball) performance at Ryan's Irish Pub at this year's JazzFest

Neil Diamond- First the Caroline Kennedy revelation, now this!

Celine Dion- surprising, but the stamina of that broad is superhuman, even if her singing is inhumane.

Amy Winehouse- but unknowingly, they were next to the heroin.

Noted golfer/soccer goalie Bernie B.- but no proof, he's hightailed it out of town

OMG, it's Roger Clemens in George's box!!!!!

Bad news on the doorstep...

The Courant's venerable jazz critic reports today that Paul Brown will no longer produce his wonderful Monday Night Jazz Series in Hartford's Bushnell Park. Brown, who wants to focus on playing/teaching, has brought free, outside jazz concerts to Hartford for the past 40 years. He may also be tired of the constant funding grind required to keep the series afloat each summer. Sad. No reports yet whether someone or some organization will try to step in.

Pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi's Quartet featuring Lew Tabackin on Monday, July 16, 2007
Rufus Reid on Monday, July 30, 2007

Who's your daddy?....

Ike Turner gets the ultimate bitchslap at 76

Under appreciated as one of the most important musicians to shape early rock 'n roll and vilified for his marital fisticuffs with wife Tina Turner, Ike Turner has died at age 76. Saw him give a fabulous performance in the Blues Tent at the 2005 New Orleans JazzFest, but worried about the wellbeing of his TT stand-in, who screwed up momentarily during one number. When an ambulance passed us as we exited the fairgrounds that day, we wondered if Ike had noted the miscue to her as only he could. - article - All Music Guide - Newsweek

Email response from Johnny Gumbo in the Great Northwest: From "natural" causes, I presume. Did you read where he was married 14 times? No wonder they kept asking "who's your daddy"!

Again climbing the stairway.....

"In the days of my youth; I was told what it was to be a man; Now I've reached the age; I've tried to do all those things the best I can; No matter how I try; I find my way to do the same old jam," - article- rave reviews

Introduction and opening song - Good Times, Bad Times:

Amy, whatcha gonna do?.....

Winehouse's mother begs her to come home (Reuters)

The mother of troubled soul singer Amy Winehouse has written a public letter to a British Sunday newspaper pleading with her daughter to come home for help to deal with a series of personal traumas. Last week a distraught Winehouse, who has struggled with drugs and alcohol, was pictured in newspapers (article) wandering the streets of London at dawn in only a bra and jeans. The 24-year-old singer recently cancelled all her remaining planned concerts this year, saying she could not perform while her husband was in custody. - full article

Be careful what you wish for...

It's late Friday afternoon and snowing, a perfect time to bag the Christmas tree. FIVE MINUTES! A new family record! With the conifer stuffed into the back, The Reet and I slide on over (it's really snowing) to Billy O's English Tavern for a bite to eat, where we meet barkeep Jeff, an acquaintance of GZ's boys (not to be confused with JZ's boyz). Chicken pot pie (packaged, but they will be baking their own pies shortly) and Boddington's for me and a burger/diet coke for the young lady as Jeff relates, with a touch of awe, what a great athlete GZ was in his day. I ask Jeff how he came to know this of the QU hall of famer and he says GZ told him. Not surprised.

Watched the Celtics destroy injury-riddled Toronto while awaiting G-Man's return from his SHS coaching duties. Upon his return, with the Celts safely in the W column, we renewed our quest to find The Next Great American Band. I started watching this show with high expectations and, though bitterly disappointed with it, I'm going to see it through no matter how bad it gets! G has been on board for the last couple episodes, while Jonathan and The Reet want no part.

We are down to five bands - Sixwire, The Clark Brothers, Denver & the Mile High Orchestra, Dot Dot Dot, Light of Doom. Much as I dislike The Dots, it's really time to get these Light of Doom kids off the show. Good, talented kids, but the novelty has run its course. Okay, host Dominic Bowden, who adds little to the show, announces that in addition to covers of Queen (here's the promo), the bands would also be performing original songs. What a concept! Too bad they waited until now (originals were performed in qualifying and the first week, but since then nothing but crappy covers), for bands like Tres Bien and Franklin Bridge would have benefited. But we plod on.

The Clark Brothers are selected first, showing off the newly-added drummer/bassist per Dicko's suggestion, performing Queen's These are the Days of Our Lives - and nail it. These guys are the most interesting, entertaining band in the competition. It's not only their talent, but their passion and intelligence that separates them from the pack. Their original Homestead, performed in a second round, was uptempo, catchy, but the lyrics (agreeing with Dicko's assessment) were cliched.

Light of Doom. Shit. We are forced to endure a metal version of We Will Rock You (Freddie must be bummed in his box), then their own A Matter of Time. Not good, the judges kill the poor little bastards. Just make them go away. Please. Next is Sixwire, the most polished group in the competition, doing a great Fat-Bottomed Girls (you make the rockin' world go 'round) and the original Go On that the judges fawned over (Dicko said they found their inner naughty boys, which creeped me out a little). Look, these guys are very good at what they do, I just don't think they do anything unusual. They may win though.

Who goes, Denver or Dot Dot Dot? Which band gets to practice all week and not get to perform? It's Dot Dot Dot. Hugs all around as DMHO gets to go on, performing Sleeping on the Sidewalk and their own Big White House. I'm feeling guilty about this, but I find them boring now, while the judges, including the extremely annoying Johnny Goo Goo Doll ("it had a little grease on it"), are getting into them more lately.

Well, we got through another episode. Not sure what lucky composers will be covered next week, but maybe they'll go for something edgy like the Monkees. Or, Great Scott, no covers! Hang in there, it's almost over.

The Clark Brothers:


Sixwire:


Previously, on The Next Great American Band:

Episode #1 Opening selection show

Episode #2 Bob Dylan week

Episode #3 Elton John/Bernie Taupin week

Episode #4 Billy Joel week

Episode #5 Leiber/Stoller week

Episode #6 Rolling Stones week

Episode #7 Rod Stewart week

Gator got your Grammy....

The Grammy nominations (110 categories!!!!) have just been announced (complete listing). Below are the two blues (Field 13) categories:

Category 66- Best Traditional Blues Album (Vocal or Instrumental)

Pinetop Perkins On The 88's - Live In Chicago Pinetop Perkins [Sagebrush Productions/Vizztone Label Group]

Live...And In Concert From San Francisco Otis Rush [Blues Express, Inc.]

10 Days Out: Blues From The Backroads Kenny Wayne Shepherd Featuring Various Artists [Reprise Records]

Old School Koko Taylor [Alligator Records]

Last Of The Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen: Live In Dallas Henry James Townsend, Joe Willie "Pinetop" Perkins, Robert Lockwood, Jr. & David "Honeyboy" Edwards [The Blue Shoe Project]

Category 67 Best Contemporary Blues Album (Vocal or Instrumental)

Into The Blues Joan Armatrading [429 Records]

Is It News Doyle Bramhall [Yep Roc Records]

The Road To Escondido JJ Cale & Eric Clapton [Reprise Records/Warner Music Group]

Truth Robben Ford [Concord Records]

The Scene Of The Crime Bettye LaVette [Anti]

December in Sawtelleland.....

Monthly email update from the nerverockers: This is what we’ve got going on the next few days:

tonite, wed, feature at billy o’s open mic. Rt 322 near the DQ and truck stop in the Rochambeau (strip) Mall. No cover. Plenty of English food and beverages.

Sat 8th: Jitters, rt 10 on the Southington/Plainville line. $5 to get in; tips for us. Coffees/desserts available.

Sat/Sun 15+16: J performs in the Nutcracker over at avon old farms school. Email for details.

Mon 17th: beatnik 2000 at café nine, state street new haven. This is the star-studded x-mas show although we will be singing no holiday tunes. Sorry. 10pm and free.

Next show after that is in april and then another in july.

We will be finishing up recording our next release (does anyone even care anyway?) in the next few days over at Shandyland Studios. ciao! happy whatever holiday you celebrate.

Is it business time for you, baby?...

From the HBO comedy series Flight of the Conchords

Flight of the Conchords follows the trials and tribulations of a two man, digi-folk band from New Zealand as they try to make a name for themselves in their adopted home of New York City. The band is made up of Bret McKenzie on guitar and vocals, and Jemaine Clement on guitar and vocals.

Bret and Jemaine have moved to New York in the hope of forging a successful music career. So far they've managed to find a manager (whose "other" job is at the New Zealand Consulate), one fan (a married obsessive) and one friend (who owns the local pawn shop) -- but not much else.

More Farquahr reflections...

These comments were recently made to my Fabulous Farquahr post "My eggs don't taste the same without you...":

From Anonymous - I met Doug and the McGowans back in the early 60's. They were simply known as, "Dougie and the McGowan's" (I think) and would frequently play at the Hofbraus House in New Haven. I worked with Dougie during the day at Dale System - an investigative shopping service in New Haven. We would drive all over the state and Dougie would be in the back seat practicing his songs on his guitar. He was truly talented - he wrote "You Don't Know What You've Got (Until You Lose It)" which was sung by Ral Donner around 1961 and made the top 10. I have many wonderful memories of Dougie, Bobby, Frank and Dennis - The Fabulous Farguahr. Sadly Dennis and Frank are gone and not too long ago Jack, the older brother, passed away. May they all be resting in peace.

From Frank W. - Frank, Bobby, and Dennis McGowan were good friends (Bobby still is). I got to know them in the old car hobby. We were all partial to Packards from the mid Twenties to the mid Thirties. I also knew Jim Ricker (Buzzard) who was a regular member of the Farquahr. There was another McGowan brother, Jack, who would go with Frank, Bobby and Dennis to the huge old car flea market in Hershey, Pennsylvania, every October. Jack was not otherwise involved in the old cars and he wasn't involved in the band, either. I saw the Fabulous Farquahr perform once and I wish I had seen them more. They were very good and their repertoire was a wonderful mix of good old fashioned, well done folk music and hilarious original material, like "Motel Cloud Nine" which is one of my favorites. Frank gave me a CD of their "From The Top" album and my biggest regret is that I didn't get them to sign it. I think we all often assume our friends will be around forever. Now only Bobby is left. The last time I talked to Bobby he said just the day before he watched the buildings that housed their old car business bulldozed. It's the end of an era.

Ice, ice baby...

Freefallin' - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers have been selected to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show - story

The Sawtelles will perform at Billy O's English Tavern on Wednesday. Gene and Bonnie, you there?

Christine Ohlman (The Beehive Queen) & Rebel Montez at Blackeyed Sally's on Friday night

Johnny Gumbo emails that he has found his concert venue in Spokane at Big Easy Concert House. A quick look-see tells us why - on 12/6/07 PFA Ultimate Cage Fighting!

Led Zeppelin reunion interview

Hasta la vista, Tres Bien....what do you mean that doesn't make sense?....

The tension is unbearable as we count down to The Next Great American Band, with an Australian host and judge. Go figure. So G-man and I tape it while watching the Celts continue their winning ways in Miami, and we can watch this thing in about a half-hour. Sad. Tonight.....Rod Stewart (lookin' mighty hot, at right) songs!

Right off the bat, we find that Dot Dot Dot will not be eliminated, to my great disappointment, but they deliver a solid effort of Stewart's Young Turks. Danny Ainge-lookalike Denver and his Mile High Orchestra, now called DMHO, follow with Baby Jane. I love that there is a big band in the competition and I'm trying to like these guys, but they haven't delivered anything special after all these weeks, despite trying to funk it up more and more. Sixwire, the most polished band of the bunch, knocks 'em dead with a rousing (annoying Johnny Goo Goo Doll said it was "muscular") Hot Legs. I mention to G that nobody has had the balls, as yet, to tackle Maggie May.

Down to three and I can't imagine the Clark Brothers not being next. You are correct, Sir. They are my favorite band, three amazing musicians who have consistently taken songs and made them completely their own. Their powerful, understated rendition of You're In My Heart leaves Sheila E so choked up she cannot comment for about two minutes. C'mon, Sheila, suck it UP! Finally, after wiping away the tears, she gushes, "It’s overwhelming what you guys bring here, and this was what my life was about, and that’s why I’m here, and I thank you.” The other judges love them, too. Dicko, in a most surprising moment, suggested that the Clark Brothers consider bringing in additional band members for the remainder of the competition! Seems quite unfair, and unnecessary. But no one else is watching this thing, so who cares?

Okay, who gets the shaft? Shouldn't be Tres Bien, the clever British Invasion band, but they are no match (in that sea of Middle America voters) against the cute kids from Light of Doom, who then do a servicable Infatuation. Alas, no Maggie May!

Next week, the music of Celine Dion! Just kidding, it's Queen. I wonder if we will be subjected to We Are the Champions or We Will Rock You or Bohemian Rhapsody? My bet is that the Clark Brothers will do a spectacular You Are My Best Friend. And I bet you just can't wait, can you! If they would just let the bands play originals from this point on, this show would be really worthwhile. - article

Clark Brothers doing You're In My Heart:

Sixwire doing Hot Legs:


Dot Dot Dot doing Young Turks:


Previously, on The Next Great American Band:

Episode #1 Opening selection show

Episode #2 Bob Dylan week

Episode #3 Elton John/Bernie Taupin week

Episode #4 Billy Joel week

Episode #5 Leiber/Stoller week

Episode #6 Rolling Stones week

At Cafe Nine Saturday night...

I caught The Sawtelles on public access cable (Cox PATV CH15) a couple weeks ago on The Ken Safety Show doing their Bike Paths Across America tour. Pretty funny concept and good music. Venues included Madison's Square Garden, the Hard Rock and the Dog Park, all located along Southington's Rails to Trails path. I've been trying unsuccessfully to catch these local musicians (Peter/Julie Riccio) since seeing them at Meriden's Daffodil Festival two years ago. They appear at Cafe Nine on Saturday night (see concert flyer) as part of a tribute to the Byrds' classic Sweetheart of the Rodeo album. They will be "sawtelle-izing" Life In Prison.

Wake up, people....Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings...

I finally bought 100 Days, 100 Nights at Borders this afternoon as I shopped for the family grab bag present (iPod Shuffle $79 at the Apple Store at Westfarms). Playing Sharon and the Dap-Kings, from Brooklyn's Daptone Records, as I write this, getting a serious groove on. The Dap-Kings were the backing band for Amy Winehouse on her terrific Back to Black album and the arrangement on the first cut of 100 Days, 100 Nights is strikingly similar. This is a wonderful disc! Here's Eric Danton's (Htfd Courant rock critic) album review .

Post 'em up, Van....

One good thing about not knowing how to 'remote' well is you sample all the shows on your trip to your destination channel. Celtics beating up on the Knick by fiddy, so I'm off to check out football and I find Van Morrison appearing on Austin City Limits on PBS. Love Van. Yes, even in concert, you naysayers. He played a mighty tasty sax on St. James Infirmary and finished up the hour show with Brown-Eyed Girl and his first hit with Them, Gloria.

For all you Bosox fans...

Stephen King ranks year's best music (AP)

Stephen King's taste in music is more eclectic than scary. The best-selling author reveals his seven picks for the "best albums of the year" in Entertainment Weekly's Dec. 7 issue. "In truth, your Uncle Stevie was disappointed with this year's new music, very disappointed indeed, and his year-end list reflects that," King writes. "I could only find seven albums I wanted to mention ..."

His No. 1 pick is Steve Earle's "Washington Square Serenade," followed by Wilco's "Sky Blue Sky," Mika's "Life in Cartoon Motion" and Lyle Lovett and His Large Band's "It's Not Big It's Large." Of Lovett's album, King says: "This is a terrific Texas swing album, but of course not everybody likes Texas swing (or even knows what it is). What makes it special is Lovett's vermouth-dry vocals and his equally dry wit." King's fifth choice is Ozzy Osbourne's "Black Rain" — "finest heavy metal record of the year; a true speaker-buster" — followed by John Fogerty's "Revival" and Southern Culture on the Skids' "Countrypolitan Favorites."

johnnykmusic comment: Stevie, to round out your list to an even ten albums, may I suggest The Reet 'N Judy's Doin' Sixty, Catch Us!, Diamonds in the Dark by Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles and 100 Days, 100 Nights by Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings.
___

Naomi Sommers at Cafe Nine on a Sunday eve...

It's a good day. The last of the leaves are raked in the early morning chill, the Browns come back from an early deficit to beat the Texans, bringing their record to a very respectable 7-4, one game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers, so, why not go for the trifecta and catch Naomi Sommers' early show at Cafe Nine!

I had not heard of Naomi Sommers before a concert blurb on the Cafe Nine concert schedule and a followup article in the Hartford Courant piqued my curiosity. According to her mySpace page, she "...plays guitar, banjo, flute and sings. She plays in solo and with a few bands: Gray Sky Girls, The Sommers-Rosenthal Family Band, The Broken Dreamers, Phil Rosenthal and Bluegrass Union."

I find a vacant parking space in a dark, eery spot at the end of State Street about a half-block past The Nine and walk back, wondering if my car would be available for my return trip home. My concert buddy, Johnny Gumbo, has left us for the Great Northwest and is unavailable for bodyguard services. The pleasant young man with a red Mohawk and huge nose ring takes my $8 and I sneak past the already performing Ms. Sommers to find a seat against the bar. Kerouac looks down at me as I strain my eyes to order a beer. I quickly point to the green tap and turn my attention to the performance, solo folk guitar stuff. Nice. I love this place. Usually, though, I must invest most of the night to catch a show here. The occasional early Sunday evening shows are appreciated. A different vibe tonight from other gigs here, everyone seated, more of an academic, coffeehouse atmosphere. Lots of family present to lend support.

WHOA! After tasting my brew i squint to read the lettering on the green beer-tap - Woodchuck Draft Cider! Okay, nice job. Naomi's dad, Phil Rosenthal, joins her onstage to accompany her on mandolin/vocals. A few songs later, another guest is introduced (name missed) to play lap slide guitar. The songs range from folk to blues to bluegrass, nothing very uptempo, but quite tasty. She closes the first set with a lovely version of Dylan's You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go from Blood On the Tracks.

After the break, a late-arriving, tall, beret-topped fiddle player, Dan Tressler, joins the crew. His delivery is understated, very tasty. Phil loses his banjo pick and must stay with mandolin to support his daughter's expressive, melodious vocals, but it works out fine. Sommers closes the show with a reluctant encore request from her mom. Mama's House is an unrecorded song written pre-Katrina after visiting a girlfriend in New Orleans. Good request, Mom, it's a wonderful, very moving end to the evening.

I pick up a copy of her Flying Through album on the way out. And my car is still available. Perfect.

A history of hip-hop icons: The Reet 'N Judi...

Rising from the dangerous streets of Da Maple Hood, The Reet 'N Judi blew up the hip-hop scene in 1992 with their debut album, Maplewood 'Ho Down. The band's latest album, Doin' Sixty, Catch Us!, blends Judi H's singular rhymes with The Reet's funky bass lines to generate an album teeming with feel-good summer jams. With standout tracks like Bitches Shoppin', Ain't Droppin' and Gettin' Our Skinny On at Applebee's, the music of The Reet 'N Judi appeals to hip-hop fans and non-hip-hop fans alike.

Harry Connick Jr: renewing New Orleans...

Hurricane Katrina almost killed the New Orleans music scene. Now many of its players are coming back – to a musicians' village in the heart of the city. Angus Batey talks to its co-founder, Harry Connick Jr. Photographs by Misty Keasler

Harry Connick Jr sits on the front porch of his friend and mentor Bob French's new home and looks around him, grinning. As a six-year-old, the New Orleans-born piano player would sneak into gigs by French's band and demand a chance to play on a couple of songs. Today, French has a home because Connick made it happen. 'Man, never in a million years would I think I would be at this place, lookin' at these houses that I had somethin' to do with,' Connick says, as though the realisation of the difference he has made to the rejuvenation of his home town is only now sinking in. 'It's really overwhelming.'

French's new home is in the Upper Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Though not as badly affected as its neighbour, the Lower Ninth, the Upper still felt the full force of Hurricane Katrina's near-miss on 29 August, 2005, and suffered considerably from the ravages of the flooding that followed, when the sunken city's levee system failed and the waters above and around New Orleans rushed in to its below-sea-level bowl.

Across the street are some houses that survived. One gleams with fresh paint, lovingly restored by its owners. Next door, renovation has yet to begin, but the occupiers have moved back, and are living in the driveway in a 'Fema trailer' – a caravan supplied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The house still bears the crude symbols spray-painted on by rescue workers as they conducted house-to-house searches after the flood. A large 'X' divides four pieces of information, the zero in the lower quadrant signifying that, here at least, no bodies were found.

To either side of where Connick sits, the picture changes dramatically. New homes, constructed in the same traditional wood-frame and clapboard style, have been put up. Each is raised on breeze-block foundations to above the level of the flood: each is painted, many in bright colours. The new buildings have transformed six adjacent blocks of the Upper Ninth. Today, the ground was 'broken' on a community centre that will sit at the heart of this new development, dozens more houses are under construction, and another 200 lots in the surrounding area have been acquired to extend the building programme beyond this core area.

The homes, built by the non-profit organisation Habitat for Humanity using volunteer labour, are being sold at cost to low-income owners on zero-rated mortgages. Post-Katrina, the average rent on a three-bedroom flat rose to more than $1,200 per month, but these homes attract a monthly fee of about half that, with insurance and property taxes included. The owners, whom Habitat refers to as 'partners', do not pay a deposit, but must complete 350 hours of 'sweat equity', working on their own and their new neighbours' homes. complete article

Goodbye, Cliff Wagner and the Old #7...

Plodding on toward the finish with the Next Great American Band. If you tape it, the show takes but a half-hour to watch, so after the Celtics took care of Kobe, G-man and I (jfk REFUSES to even consider watching) click on. Tonight, the remaining bands had to select/perform a Rolling Stones (Jagger/Richards) song; still not doing any originals. Stupid.

Tres Bien gets picked first, a mild surprise, and do a decent version of Get Off of My Cloud, but mess up the ending a bit. Could showcase the other members more, guitar solos and such. Denver and the Mile High Orchestra are the next surprise, not because they aren't good, but this genre isn't very mainstream. They have given solid, sometimes very funky performances, but I don't really like their take on I'm Free. Something didn't work. Denver, who looks like Danny Ainge, gets into it with Johnny Goo Goo Doll. Sixwire is next, selecting This Will Be the Last Time and pretty much nailing it. No question, these guys are polished, talented, if middle-of-the-road Nashville (and Sheila E was flashing some serious cleavage just for the lead singer). Next are the dreaded cute kids from Light of Doom doing a heavy-metal Jumpin' Jack Flash. Not their best because, as Sheila E points out, the key was too low for the lead singer. They will still continue forever, unfortunately.

Down to three bands. Next, the Clark Brothers deliver an absolutely stunning take on Gimme Shelter (see below), earning a standing ovation from the audience and the judges. Best performance of the competition, prompting Ms. E to declare them the band to beat. Not sure about that, for taste is not always the criteria for voting. Final two. Jesus, you just know that the dreadful Dot Dot Dot is going to win over poor Cliff and the boys. Yep. Tearful (not really) goodbyes from host/judges. Boy, I cannot stand Johnny Goo Goo Doll! Trey Dot, to my dismay, actually gives up a pretty good Let's Spend the Night Together despite the lead singer's (Adam, I think) need to constantly vamp it up. God, the chick on guitar can play! Now, the really bad news - next week: Rod Stewart songs (okay, I'll grant you Maggie May!) - RealityTV article

The list:

1. Clark Brothers
   
2. Tres Bien
   
3. Sixwire
   
4. Denver and the Mile High Orchestra
   
5. Dot Dot Dot
   
6. Light of Doom

Previously, on The Next Great American Band:

Episode #1 Opening selection show

Episode #2 Bob Dylan week

Episode #3 Elton John/Bernie Taupin week

Episode #4 Billy Joel week

Episode #5 Leiber/Stoller week

The Clark Brothers, Gimme Shelter:

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all you turkeys from the management and staff at johnnykmusic

By the way, is anyone else a little creeped out by Neil Diamond revealing that Sweet Caroline is about Caroline Kennedy, who was about nine years old when he wrote it? (article) Are you Red Sox fans gonna feel a little queasy singing along (so good, so good, so good! Go Ped Sox!!) during the 7th inning stretch from now on? Probably not. Great song, though. Here's the "touching me, touching you" man doing a medley of his hits on VH1 Storytellers:

Is that a dove crying?....

In a companion publication to this week's (11/26/07) New Yorker called Movies Rock (apparently from the editors of Vanity Fair) is The List: 50 Greatest (mostly) Rock Soundtracks of All Time, ...."from Prince's purple masterpiece to Eminem's defining battle, to Elvis's spin through Sin City, these are the soundtracks that opened our ears and smashed our assumptions." Or not, you make the call. In addition, it gives the top 5 soundtracks for punk (Blank Generation-1980), jazz (Elevator to Gallows-1958), cult films (Expresso Bongo-1959), documentaries (Eat the Document), and unreleased soundtracks (Harold and Maude-1971). - article

Here are the top ten; I'm searching for the listing online to post here.

Purple Rain (1984) A Hard Day's Night (1964) The Harder They Come (1973) Pulp Fiction (1994) The Graduate (1967) Superfly (1972) Trainspotting (1996) Saturday Night Fever (1977) American Graffiti (1973) The Big Chill (1983)

Notable among the rest are: #44 High Fidelity (a big favorite!) #45 This Is Spinal Tap #40 Rock 'N Roll High School #13 Blues Brothers

Thanksgiving weekend live music options...

A query from Carolyn B, the Beantown beancounter (shown with best buddy Herbie Hancock), prompted a look at the area possibilities:

Szechuan Tokyo, located just off the South Main Street exit of I84, has a Pre-Thanksgiving Bebop Bash with Andy Breskin on Wednesday (7:30pm), the Eric Frazier Ensemble on Friday night (7:30pm) and guitarist/vocalist Patricia Tuite's ensemble, The Boilermakers, on Sunday at 6pm.

Cafe Nine has its Saturday afternoon (4:30-7:30, no cover) jazz jam, this week featuring Guitar George Baker, and this cowboy is seriously considering folk singer/guitarist Naomi Sommers' early Sunday show (7pm).

And right here on West Center Street in Southington, Smokin' With Chris has Dan Stevens on Friday night (7:30pm) and the Matt DeChamplain Trio Featuring Atla Conlon on Saturday night (7:30pm).

Gumbo Across America....a man and his shit arrive home

The very latest in reality programming - Johnny Gumbo, friend/ festival co-ordinator/ Ph.D./ Rotarian/ Nascar aficionado/ snakecharmer/ philosopher/ rogue, is leaving Connecticut and is making his way to the Great Northwest in a sleek rented UHaul. Stay tuned for reports EXCLUSIVELY on johnnykmusic....

Final episode- Well, I've been travelin' down the road, just to loosen my load:
With trumpets blaring and the streets lined with curious onlookers, the mighty trio of jg, Hattie and Flat Stanleyette rolled into Spokane late Sunday afternoon welcomed by a smiling and happy "JD" (jg's dad). The trip through western MT and the panhandle of ID crossed mountain passes and high river gorges with rain and snow testing the driving skill of jg, affectionately known to his trucker buddies on the CB as "rental guy".

The seven day trip 'cross country covered 3,070 miles through 11 states and took in some spectacular and lesser known sights (see previous episodes) that usually don't get mentioned in the flashy travel journals. Leave it to jg and his crew to go the unorthodox route. jg even picked up a possible job opportunity next summer coordinating the Testicle Festival at the Rock Creek Lodge just outside Missoula, MT. They say you can really have a ball there.

Some observations along the way:

trains don't have cabooses anymore,

when you're older, you take advantage of stopping at most rest stops,

parakeets and paper stick figures make great traveling companions and don't cost much to entertain,

Cheyenne is the largest city in WY and has only 10,000 more people than Southington,

when you drive 'cross country, you don't get jet lag,

once you get past IL, there are more pick-ups on the road than SUV's,

rental trucks use a lot of gas,

it's pretty lonely driving when you can't pick up an FM or AM radio station, and

never, ever minimize the importance of having good friends.

The trio hopes you enjoyed following along on this trip. Thanks to jk for hosting the blog and adding some flair. And if you ever get out to the great Northwest, be sure to let us know. "We'll keep the light on for ya."

Previously, on Gumbo Across America:

Prologue

Episode #1 Headin' out

Episode #2 Gumbo rolls into Indiana; citizens warned to approach with caution

Episode #3 Just point it west and drive

Episode #4 High plains drifter

Glimpses of Johnny Gumbo on the road


View Larger Map

Sunday morning iPod shuffle, rakin' leaves...

Lupita (The Iguanas)-Super Ball

Fool For a Lonesome Train (Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals)-Lifeline

Time Tough (Toots & the Maytals)-Best Of Toots & the Maytals 1968-1973

Doin' Bad Feelin' Good (Jon Cleary)-Pin Your Spin

As I Went Out One Morning (Bob Dylan)-John Wesley Harding

No Smoke Without Fire (James Hunter)-People Gonna Talk

My Dear Country (Nora Jones)-Not Too Late

Where Or When (Dion & the Belmonts)

All I Really Want To Do (Bob Dylan)-The Bootleg Series Vol 6

To Kingdom Come (The Band)-Music From Big Pink

Sur: Regresso Al Amor (Yo-Yo Ma)-Soul of the Tango

Baby, It's Cold Outside (Barry Manilow)-Because It's Christmas

Trying To Get to Heaven (Bob Dylan)-Time Out of Mind

You Made a Man Out Of Me (Otis Redding)-The Very Best of Otis Redding

Summertime (Mongo Santamaria)-Summertime

Flesh And Blood (Solomon Burke)-Don't Give Up On Me

The New Symphony Sid (Van Morrison w/ Georgie Fame)-How Long Has This Been Going On

Moon Love (Nat King Cole) The Billy May Sessions

Before the Night Is Over (Jerry Lee Lewis)-Last Man Standing

Get Down Over (The La's)-Lost La's 1984-1985: Breakloose

I Want to Take You Higher (Sly & the Family Stone)-The Esstential Sly & the Family Stone

'Round Midnight (Miles Davis)-'Round About Midnight

Johnny Was (Bob Marley & the Wailers)-Rastaman Vibration

You Betta Be Sure (The Casualeers)

Big Noise From Speonk (The Lovin' Spoonful)-Daydream

100 Years Ago (Rolling Stones)-Goats Head Soup

Don't Let the Stars Get In Your Eyes (k.d. lang)-Shadowland

Love Is All I Need (Checkmates)-Phil Spector Back to Mono

Trigger (Calexico)-The Black Light

Naked If I Want To (Cat Power)-The Covers Record

Carl Perkins' Cadillac (Drive-By Truckers)-The Dirty South

Make Me a Pallet On Your Floor (Lucinda Williams)-Ramblin'

Sanity (Phish)-Junta

Gumbo Across America....a man and his shit goin' home

The very latest in reality programming - Johnny Gumbo, friend/ festival co-ordinator/ Ph.D./ Rotarian/ Nascar aficionado/ snakecharmer/ philosopher/ rogue, is leaving Connecticut and is making his way to the Great Northwest in a sleek rented UHaul. Stay tuned for reports EXCLUSIVELY on johnnykmusic....

Episode #4- High Plains Drifter
jg, Hattie and Flat Stanleyette settled into their luxurious room at the Comfort Inn in Livingston, MT, for their last nite on the road. Dinner was one of the best steaks jg's ever had (outside AJ's) at the Montana Rib & Chop House, where all the guys at the bar either had handle-bar mustaches and wore cowboy hats or had full beards and wore cammy baseball hats. The women....well, let's just say they would keep you warm at night.

Traveling across the plains of western NE, eastern WY, and central MT over the past two days, the trio got a full dose of "Big Sky" country. The scenery (some would call it stark desolation) was awe inspiring, going on and on with great horizons, spectacular sunsets and lots and lots of nothingness but sage brush, plains grass, antelope herds, corn fields, slow elk (cattle for you easterners), and small towns with such names as "Big Timber", "Lodge Grass", "Buffalo", "Gothenberg", and "Chugwater". And the sights..."Museum of the Prairie Pioneer", "Great River Bend Archway Monument" (in case you don't want to stop, they built it right over I-80), the "Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles", "Buffalo Bills Ranch site", the "Little Bighorn Battlefield", and "Prairie Dog Town State Park". Thankfully, the speed limit across the plains is 75 so you have to take in the sights quickly. And they did get a chance on Saturday to grab a beer at the Mint (Cowboy) Bar in Sheridan,WY, and see the end of the Ohio State - Michigan game (go Buckeyes).

Sunday will begin the ascent into the Montana Rockies for the final descent into Spokane. The snow covered mountains are now very visible and majestic. Let's hope the trio can negotiate the mountain passes without any problems. But then again, they are without fear. They're "truckers". Catch you on the flip side! (....singin', altogether now, "Six days on the road and we're gonna make it home tonight.")

Previously, on Gumbo Across America:

Prologue

Episode #1 Headin' out

Episode #2 Gumbo rolls into Indiana; citizens warned to approach with caution

Episode #3

Just point it west and drive

Glimpses of Johnny Gumbo on the road again...

View Larger Map