It's not like they sound like the Beach Boys anymore anyway.....

Beach Boys' legal battle continues by JOHN ROGERS, AP writer

LOS ANGELES - The Beach Boys used to sing about endless summers. These days, at least two of them seem to be caught up in endless litigation. The latest round came Tuesday when a judge rejected Beach Boys' singer Mike Love's motion to rule in his favor in Love's lawsuit against former bandmate Al Jardine. Instead, Superior Court Judge James R. Dunn ruled there was sufficient evidence for the matter to go to trial. Dunn didn't immediately set a trial date, but Jardine's lawyer, Lawrence Noble, said he told attorneys for both sides to get in touch with him by the end of February to let him know the status of the dispute. "The judge will then decide on a trial date, or if there should be mediation or additional motions," Noble said Wednesday. "Hopefully, this case will go away and Al Jardine can focus on making his music for his fans and not fending off this litigation." Love's attorney, Phil Stillman, did not return a call for comment.

The Love-Jardine legal battle dates to 2001, when Jardine filed a $4 million action against Love and the Beach Boys' Brother Records Inc., alleging Love excluded him from concerts that year. The complaint was eventually dismissed and Love sued Jardine in 2003. Dunn threw out part of Love's suit last September but allowed him to continue to seek $2 million in court costs and $1 million in earnings he says Jardine wrongly was paid for using the Beach Boys' name. Love maintains only he has the legal right to perform under the name, and federal courts ruled in 2003 that Jardine must stop using Beach Boys in the title of his other bands. He had been performing under such names as Beach Boys Family & Friends and Al Jardine of the Beach Boys, but now calls his group Al Jardine's Endless Summer Band.

The Beach Boys were founded in 1961 by brothers Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson, their cousin Love and Brian Wilson's friend Jardine. Dennis Wilson died in 1983 and Carl Wilson died in 1998. Brian Wilson continues to tour and record with his own band, and Jardine recently joined him for a tour featuring performances of the Beach Boys' classic album "Pet Sounds." He plans to be back on the road this summer with Jardine's Endless Summer Band.

What happened to Up With People?

The artist again known as Prince is to perform at the halftime show at this Sunday's Super Bowl between the Cleveland Browns and....oh, wait a sec, I was daydreaming.....the Baltimore, I mean the Indianapolis Colts and Da Bears. Just wondering if Prince will haul out those assless pants he used to perform in.

BTW, Up With People still exists, but at least they are not maiming us with their halftime shows anymore.

Peter hates Rick at Redbones, loves Sleepy at Johnny D's....

Email from Peter re: Somerville Saturday night - Syracuse was up 15 on Louisville as I'm sitting at Redbones. I don't usually watch college basketball, but seeing Rick Pitino get embarrassed at home is just too good. Then Dez the bartender mentioned that Sleepy LaBeef was playing at Johnny D's. So I walked across Davis Square and paid the cover .....$5 off with your Brown School discount card. On the TV, 'Cuse is up 5. Said hi to the big man himself in the bar, but he's not on for another hour, so I went back to Redbones for another beer. Louisville on the line up 5 with 24 seconds left. That smug little weasel evaded justice.

I didn't think of the term rockabilly until I looked at Sleepy's web site, but that's the right word. He put on a great show. The place gets packed, people start dancing....Johnny D's is by far the best place I know to watch music in Boston. Sleepy is only 67, but I would have figured him for way older. I can remember seeing him at a country music bar in Boston ...Hillbilly Ranch I think... at least 30 years ago. There was a guy in a wheel chair near the stage...I think an old musician friend, Sleepy kept referring to him in his brief between songs talk....looked pretty sad to be honest. Anyway, the music was high energy, and I ended up staying until 1 dancing with a woman I met at the bar...a classic Cambridge encounter....she's a German math professor and country music fan.....and to continue the basketball theme, at a thin and athletic looking 6' 2," sort of a Dirk Nowitsky of the dance floor. It was fun...I slept til 9:30. Got tickets for Lucinda in Boston. Somebody should run for president on the "crush ticketmaster" ticket!

Make 'em bounce, baby!......

Delightful dinner with Vin/Marsha and Keith/Sharie last evening at Forbidden City Bistro & Art Gallery on Main Street in Middletown. Marsha, after a favorable review to us of Keb Mo's new album Suitcase, related a noontime walking encounter with a male passerby who, upon observing Marsha's swift, energetic pace, yelled out to her, "Make 'em bounce, baby!" Compliments come in many forms.

2007 Jazzfest posters....

Upcoming local concerts of interest....

Mar 25 (Sun)- Lucinda Williams at Calvin Theatre in Northampton, MA. We've got tickets!

Mar 2 (Fri)- The Affair at Cafe Nine in New Haven, CT. Good CD review by Eric Danton in today's Htfd Courant and Cafe Nine's website describes the Brooklyn-based group as"...think 1 part Shangri-las, 1 part Blondie, 1 part Runaways, 5 parts gin, shaken over ice and served in a chipped rocks glass. Boozy, dangerous, rockin'..." Sounds good to me!

Mar 21 (Wed)- Willie Nelson with Merle Haggard, Asleep at the Wheel at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. Johnny Gumbo emails a heads up for this fine affair.

Jazzfest lineups announced....

DAMMITT!!!!!!!! just viewed the weekend schedules on nojazzfest.com. Van Morrison, Lucinda Williams, Bonnie Raitt and Norah Jones will highlight the first weekend. We're going the 2nd weekend!!!!

FIRST WEEKEND
Dr. John, Rod Stewart, Van Morrison, Norah Jones, Brad Paisley, Jill Scott, Irma Thomas, Ludacris, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Lee Lewis, Pharoah Sanders, Lucinda Williams, Calexico, Soulive, Rebirth Brass Band, Richie Havens, Johnny Rivers, George Thorogood & the Destroyers, Banda el Recodo, Bobby Jones & the Nashville Super Choir, Gillian Welch, T-Bone Burnett, Pete Fountain, Arturo Sandoval, The New Orleans Social Club, Percy Sledge, Mose Allison, Marcia Ball, Bishop Paul Morton & the Greater St. Stephens Mass Choir, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, James Carter, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Sonny Landreth, JJ Grey & MOFRO, Tab Benoit, Amanda Shaw, Davell Crawford, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews & Orleans Avenue, Subdudes, Terence Blanchard, George Porter, Jr. & Runnin' Pardners, Marva Wright, Zachary Richard avec Francis Cabrel, Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Bobby Charles, Ba Cissoko of Guinea, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Lucky Peterson, Bobby Lounge, Linda Hopkins, Bonerama, Eddie Bo, Shannon McNally, Rockin' Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, Henry Butler, Alexa Ray Joel, Kirk Joseph's Backyard Groove, Dirty Jerdy, Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie, Pine Leaf Boys, Lafayette Rhythm Devils, Astral Project, Bob French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, The Crescent City Allstars feat. James Andrews, Les Amazones of Guinea, Lady Tambourine, James Rivers Movement, Charmaine Neville Band, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Leviticus Gospel Singers, Charles Jackson & the Jackson Travelers, Mari Watanabe, Andrew Hall's Society Brass Band, Leroy Jones & New Orleans' Finest, Some Like It Hot, Heritage Hall Band with Jewel Brown, Second Line til' you Drop featuring the music of Paul Barbarin, Michael Ward, Phillip Manuel, Rob Wagner Trio, Groove Academy, Ray Abshire, Bonsoir Catin, Burnside Exploration, Mem Shannon & the Membership, Rockie Charles, John Rankin, Imagination Movers, Kenny Bill Stinson & the Ark-LA-Mystics, Patrice Fisher & Arpa with guests Marcelo Cotarelli & members of the Ilhabela Big Band of Brazil, New Orleans Klezmer Allstars, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, VisionQuest Chorale of Dillard University, Second Nazarine Gospel Choir, Crown Seekers, Higher Dimensions of Praise, Zulu Gospel Male Ensemble, Local International Allstars, New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra, Gregg Stafford & the Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Dukes of Dixieland, George French, Jean Knight & Knights' of Rhythm, Rosie Ledet & the Zydeco Playboys, Maggie Warwick & the Louisiana Hayride Band, Jesse McBride & the Next Generation, Xavier University Jazz Band, NewBirth Brass Band, Mahogany Brass Band, Theresa Andersson Group, Bluerunners, The Bingo! Show, Robert Lowery & Virgil Thrasher, Lil Ray Neal Blues Band, Guitar Slim, Jr., Bruce Flett & the Bluebirds, Bamboula 2000, Henry Turner, Jr., Fredy Omar con su Banda, Vivaz!, Topsy Chapman, The Johnson Extension, St. Joseph the Worker Gospel Choir, Rocks of Harmony, Val & Love Alive with the Dimensions of Faith, One A-Chord, Jo "Cool" Davis, Chris Clifton, Lars Edegran & the New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra, Hot Club of New Orleans, Kidd Jordan, Julliard Jazz Ensemble, Hot 8 Brass Band, Happy Talk Band, Grayson Capps & the Stumpknockers, Bryan Lee & the Blues Power Band, Reggie Hall & the Twilighters feat. Lady Bee, Big Al Carson, Li'l Freddie King Blues Band, Swamp-Blues Summit with Lil' Buck Sinegal and Rudy Richard, Don Rich, Judy Spellman, Panorama Jazz Band, AsheSon, Beyond Measure, McDonogh #35, Wimberly Family, Shades of Praise Choir, Lyle Henderson, Single Ladies, Nine Time Men and New Look SAPCs, Olympia Aid - YMO, Big Nine, Bon Temps Roulez and Popular Ladies SAPCs, Furious Five, Untouchables and Dumaine Gang SAPCs, Tulane Jazz Ensemble, SUBR Jazz Ensemble, NOCCA Jazz Ensemble, New Orleans Modified Drum Circle, Monsieur No of France, David & Roselyn, Mount Pilgrim & Morning Star Youth Mass Choir, Javier Juarez, Johnette Downing, The RRAAMS Drum and Dance, Basin Street Sheiks, Palmetto Puppet Theater, Black Seminoles and Carrollton Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Big Chief Peppy & the Golden Arrows, Golden Star Hunters and the Red White & Blue Mardi Gras Indians, Yellow Jackets and Creole Wild West Mardi Gras Indians...

SECOND WEEKEND
Harry Connick Jr., Steely Dan, ZZ Top, John Legend, Allen Toussaint, Counting Crows, New Edition, George Benson, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Allman Brothers Band, Better Than Ezra, Joss Stone, Stephen Marley featuring Jr. Gong, Taj Mahal, Cowboy Mouth, Branford Marsalis, Dottie Peoples, Tony Joe White, Roy Hargrove, Galactic, The Holmes Brothers, The Radiators, Chuck Leavell, Irma Thomas' Tribute to Mahalia Jackson, Clarence "Frogman" Henry, Elder Baab & the Madison Bumble Bees of Winnsboro, The Dixie Cups, Anders Osborne, Nicholas Payton, John Mooney & Bluesiana, Darrell McFadden, Snooks Eaglin, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Judith Owen, John Boutte, Franz Jackson, Lil' Band o' Gold, Luther Kent & Trickbag, Bob Wilber & the Soprano Summit tribute to Kenny Davern, Martha Redbone, Papa Grows Funk, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Eric Lindell, World Saxophone Group, Danilo Perez, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Deacon John, Ivan Neville, Ellis Marsalis, Donald Harrison, Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Elysian Fieldz, The Iguanas, Buckwheat Zydeco, Terrance Simien, Danza feat. Evan Christopher & Tom McDermott, Jeremy Davenport, The Jazz Jam, The Woodshed feat. Roland Guerin and James Singleton, Poncho Chavis & Boozoo's Dog Hill Stompers, D.L. Menard, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, Sherman Washington & the Zion Harmonizers, Clive Wilson & the Original Camelia Jazz Band feat. Butch Thompson, Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders, Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots with guest Al "Carnival Time" Johnson, Germaine Bazzle, Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band feat. Thais Clark, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, Benjy Davis Project, Twangorama, Morning 40 Federation, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Kevin Gordon, Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band, The Revealers, Banu Gibson & New Orleans Hot Jazz, Higher Heights, Paulette Wright, Rumba Buena, Julio y Cesar Band, Wanda Rouzan & a Taste of New Orleans, John Lee & the Heralds of Christ, Coolie Family, Unstoppable Gospel Singers, Dynamic Smooth Family, Mount Hermon BC Choir, Gospel Inspirations of Boutte, June Gardner, Lionel Ferbos & the Palm Court Jazz Band, Mark Braud, Last Straws, Batiste Brothers Band, Herman Jackson, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Sharon Martin, Groovemasters, Smitty Dee's Brass Band, Creole Zydeco Farmers, Brian Jack & the Zydeco Gamblers, Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys, Willis Prudhomme & Zydeco Express, Rotary Downs, Ernie Vincent, Jumpin' Johnny Sansone, Ingrid Lucia, Henry Gray & the Cats, Beth Patterson & Kalafka, Johnny Angel & the Swingin' Demons, Leah Chase, the Plowboys, Percussion Inc., Michael Skinkus & Moyuba, Franklin Avenue BC Mass Choir, Melody Clouds, Providence BC Choir, Voices of Distinction, Treme Brass Band, New Orleans Jazz Vipers, Gov't Majik, Storyville Stompers Brass Band, Pinstripe Brass Band, J. Monque'D Blues Band, Washboard Chaz Blues Trio, Benny Grunch & the Bunch, Lil Nathan & Zydeco Big Timers, Betsy McGovern & the Poor Clares, Nouveau String Band, 007, Rick Trolsen & Gringo do Choro, Watson Memorial Teaching Ministries, Greater Antioch Full Gospel Choir, Tim Laughlin, New Orleans Spiritualettes, The Golden Wings, Chris Burke, Louis Ford with guest Barbara Shorts, Maurice Brown, Tornado Brass Band, Paulin Brothers Brass Band, Lady Sequence, New Generation and Lady Rollers SAPCs, Original CTC, Lady Buckjumpers and Undefeated Divas SAPCs, Big Seven, Westbank Steppers and Prince of Wales SAPCs, The UNO Louis Armstrong Jazz Quintet, Loyola University Jazz Ensemble, Heritage School of Music, Racines, Louis "Gearshift" Youngblood, Po' Henry & Tookie, Coco Robicheaux & Spiritland, Rufus "Rip" Wimberly & the Dreamers, Fi Yi Yi Mardi Gras Indians, New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Rhythm Section, Chops Funky 7, Wild Apaches Mardi Gras Indians, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles, Curtis Pierre Samba Man, Guyland Leday, Stax Music Academy Revue with Stephen Foster, Kayla Woodson, KidsmArt Performers, Jonno & the Cajun Experience, Guinoleros UAS of Culiacan Mexico, N'Kafu African Dance Ensemble...

Wolfgang's Vault answers critics...

Several artists, including members of the Doors and the Grateful Dead, have threatened to sue wolfgangsvault.com for playing old concerts from the catalog of the legendary concert promoter, Bill Graham. Now, on his site, Wolfgang has posted a response to the charges that he is unfairly profiting from these concert tapes:

Some common questions have surfaced recently that we would like to answer: First, and most importantly, when we broadcast these songs on Concert Vault, we pay the artists, through their respective Performing Rights Organizations (BMI, ASCAP and SESAC), in the same manner they would be paid if their songs were played on the radio. We pay on time and in full. Second, we spent a significant amount of money to purchase the assets (and all of the intellectual property rights associated with these assets) that you find on our website, including, in particular, the recordings of all the concerts we make available. Lastly, we invested millions more to transfer these very old tapes into a digital format and then repair, mix and master these recordings to prepare them for streaming. We will continue to invest in our website, streaming system and network architecture to deliver high quality music for free. - wolfgangsvault.com

Featured concert from weekly email outling concerts available at Wolfgang's Vault:

Elvis Costello Winterland (San Francisco, CA) 06/07/1978
On the heels of This Year's Model and backed by his tough new band the Attractions, Elvis Costello stopped by San Francisco to deliver a versatile and sardonic set. For only $6.50, Winterland's concert patrons were treated to a signature string of tunes by one of punk's most eloquent artists.

Other new concerts available:

Jon Anderson at Asbury Park 08/06/1982

Aum at Avalon Ballroom 04/06/1969

Clarence Clemons and the Red Bank Rockers at Ripley's Music Hall 11/25/1983

Janie Fricke at Nashville 06/06/1985

Stevie Ray Vaughan at Montreal 08/17/1984

Sunday morning, praise the dawning....

Listening to the Velvet Underground's "Banana" album as I try to get some work done.....

I was planning to venture north to Framingham on Friday night to see the Mercy Brothers, featuring Barrence Whitfield, but lack of stanima prevented me from doing so. Peter went anyway and emails "...As I feared, the atmosphere in a deserted shopping mall with an audience of 25 or 30 and no beers....actually a few people did BYOs...is just not good for listening to blues. I said hi to the man, watched the first set, and then went in to Toad to get some loud rock and roll, a couple of beers, a crowd, and found Kay there. Much more like it. BTW, the other half of the duo plays at Toad with variious people, and also with Dennis Brennan, Jake Brennan's dad, at Patty O'Brien's (rough approximation of the name) in Somerville. Kay and her friends all agreed that the Somerville bar is a real dive.....sounds good to me. On Wednesday night I went to the Danforth Museum for a concert of 16th century lute music. Again, a small crowd, but nice music, a nice setting in the main gallery. Good for chamber music, not so good for blues. Tonight it's Sarah Borges in Marlborough....let's hope the suburbanites are not sitting on their hands." -Peter

Keith got us tickets for Lucinda Williams at the Calvin Theatre in Northampton on Sunday, March 25th. Can't wait. Also eagerly awaiting the new album release on February 13th.

As if you need another reason to go to the Southington Rotary's 2007 Mardi Gras Night, here's a testimonial from blues aficionado, Dineen - "Johnny K: You picked the absolutely best blues band in CT...have followed D. Smith for years! Can't wait until Fat Tuesday...see you at Anthony Jack's!" - MB's Sister "Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance."

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY, JOHNNY GUMBO!

And what costume shall the poor girl wear To all tomorrow's parties A hand-me-down dress from who knows where To all tomorrow's parties And where will she go and what shall she do When midnight comes around She'll turn once more to Sunday's clown And cry behind the door (or not....)

norah, norah, fo-forah........

Interesting interview/article by NY Times' Jon Pareles today describing Norah Jones' life in the NYC music scene, where she frequently plays anonymously with musician friends in various locations and lineups. Then Pareles runs Jones through her new album, Not Too Late, which debuts this month.

On “Not Too Late” the instruments are still mostly unplugged, and the tempos stay moderate; its first single, “Thinking About You,” is a soul-flavored love song Ms. Jones had hesitated to record because it was “too pop.” Yet her newer songs don’t always provide the comforts of her first two albums. The change is clear in the album’s first song, “Wish I Could.” It’s a gentle guitar waltz, and as it begins, the singer frets about how she can’t bear to go into an old favorite place “without you” — the kind of situation listeners might expect in a Norah Jones song. But then a girlfriend pulls her in, grieving that her man, a soldier, has been killed in the war. The song deepens from plaintiveness to irrevocable sorrow. Ms. Jones wrote it, she said, while thinking about a soldier she dated soon after she arrived in New York City in 1999. She recently tried to find information on him, with no results. “I’m worried about him,” she said. Norah Jones, Now in Her Own Words by Jon Pareles

And I suppose John Lennon & Elvis have been booked too.....

On the heels of the announcement that Harry Connick Jr will close 2007 Jazzfest, rumor-monger Johnny Gumbo whispers that Jerry Lee Lewis will appear and also be the subject of the official festival poster. Gumbo has always claimed to have an unsurpassed network of inside information and last year boasted the news that U2 would appear. They did not. So......

In any event, let's give the old bastard three cheers since he will officially turn 60 years depraved on Sunday. Tell him you love him here.

Guns don't kill people, over-the-hill redneck rock stars with machineguns do....

Governor Rick Perry of Texas celebrated his second term in office this week. Like most elected officials, he wanted to celebrate this achievement with a black-tie gala, surrounded by those who mean the most to him: his rich friends. It must have seemed fitting to have a politically friendly musician like Ted Nugent perform for the Governor, though this time around the evening just didn’t quite gel for everybody. The 58-year-old singer of "Wango Tango" and "Stranglehold" appeared on stage with prop machine guns and sporting a confederate flag styled t-shirt. That in itself was probably enough to startle the snooty crowd, yet Nugent opted to share his candid views about minorities and non-English speaking people. complete article CB Music

Connick, not Nevilles, closing Jazz Fest...

By STACEY PLAISANCE, Associated Press Writer

The Neville Brothers, the closing act for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for more than a decade before Hurricane Katrina, will miss the musical fete in their hometown for the second year in a row. Like last year, the Neville Brothers have decided not to perform, in large part because of singer Aaron Neville's concerns about aggravating his asthma, festival producer Quint Davis said Friday.

At the time festival organizers needed confirmation of whether the Nevilles would perform, Aaron Neville was also dealing with the illness and eventual death of his wife, Joel Roux-Neville, to lung cancer, Davis said. "They'll be back," Davis said. "People should not think the Nevilles will not come back to New Orleans. They will be back." Like last year, Davis said it was important to have a New Orleans artist for the festival's closing act, and singer Harry Connick Jr. was "the natural choice." "His heart and soul has always been with New Orleans," Davis said.

Since Katrina, Connick has returned to New Orleans regularly. He still has family here, and co-founded one of the city's famed Carnival groups, the Krewe of Orpheus, which this year rolls on Feb. 19, a day before Mardi Gras. - complete article

California Dreamin' on such a Winter's day...

More bad news on the doorstep. Denny Doherty of the Mamas & Papas died of liver failure, the third of the group to pass away. Mama Cass Elliot and Papa John Phillips pre-deceased Doherty, leaving Michelle Phillips as the only living member.

John and Mitchie were gettin' kinda itchy
just to leave the folk music behind
Zal and Denny workin' for a penny,
tryin' to get a fish on the line
In a coffee house Sebastian sat,
and after every number they passed the hat
McGuinn and McGuire's just a-gettin' higher,
in L.A. you know where that's at
And no one's getting fat except Mama Cass.
Creeque Alley

"What made the group special was their haunting and sumptuous harmony singing," according to "The Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock & Roll." "Everybody used to think that John Phillips, who wrote the songs, was also the main voice of the group, but it wasn't — it was the angelic voice of Denny Doherty," said Larry Leblanc, Canadian editor of Billboard Magazine. "He was often overlooked but it was really his voice that carried the group." - complete AP article

Fordham University's WFUV 90.7 listeners' top albums/songs for 2006...

City Folk complete listeners' poll

ALBUMS Bob Dylan, Modern Times Bruce Springsteen, We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions Gomez, How We Operate Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris, All The Road Running James Hunter, People Gonna Talk Rosanne Cash, Black Cadillac Josh Ritter, The Animal Years Ray LaMontagne, Till The Sun Turns Black The Decemberists, The Crane Wife Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint, The River in Reverse

SONGS Gnarls Barkley, "Crazy" Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris, "This Is Us" Gomez, "See The World" James Hunter, "People Gonna Talk" Bob Dylan, "Thunder on the Mountain" KT Tunstall, "Black Horse and The Cherry Tree" Rosanne Cash, "Black Cadillac" Corrine Bailey Rae, "Put Your Records On" Ray LaMontagne, "Empty " The Raconteurs, "Steady As She Goes"

A reminder from Johnny Gumbo....

100 days til Jazzfest!

And I'm gonna cry 96 tears.....

Too many teardrops for one heart to be cryin'
Too many teardrops for one heart to carry on
You're way on top now, since you left me
You're always laughin', way down at me
But watch out now, I'm gonna get there
We'll be together, for just a little while
And then I'm gonna put you, way down here
And you'll start cryin', ninety-six tears
Cry, Cry

Before The Artist Formerly Known As Prince, there was ?. Now we hear that ?'s house burned down and he had no insurance. The stories of the fire refer to the lead singer of 1960's one hit wonders ? & the Mysterians as Question Mark. WHAT? Anyway, why didn't he have any insurance? Great song, though - simple and catchy beyond belief, reaching #1 in the fall of 1966. It seems there will be benefits galore to help our boy out, so it's all good. But what's up with the no insurance, dude?

AMG song review by Mark Deming:
America in the mid-'60s was a truly grand time and place to be alive; where else could five greasy-looking teenagers who sounded like they were still learning their instruments cut a record in someone's living room and not only see it win nationwide release, but hit number one on the Billboard singles charts? Rock & roll doesn't come much more gloriously dumb than "96 Tears"...complete review

Country music hot 17 countdown....

I'm not sure if this is the OFFICIAL CMT countdown, but here goes:

17. I Hate Every Bone In Her Body But Mine
16. It's Hard To Kiss The Lips At Night That Chewed Your Ass Out All Day Long
15. If I Can't Be Number One In Your Life, Then Number Two On You
14. If The Phone Don't Ring, You'll Know It's Me Who's Not Calling.
13. How Can I Miss You If You Won't Go Away
12. I Liked You Better Before I Got To Know You So Well
11. I Still Miss You Baby, But My Aim's Getting Better
10. I Wouldn't Take Her To A Dogfight 'Cause I'm Afraid She'd Win
9. I'll Marry You Tomorrow But Let's Honeymoon Tonight
8. I'm So Miserable Without You It's Like You're Still Here
7. If I Had Shot You When I First Wanted To, I'd Be Out Of Prison By Now
6. My wife Ran Off With My Best Friend and I Sure Do Miss Him
5. She Got The Ring and I Got The Finger
4. You're The Reason Our Kids Are So Ugly
3. Her Teeth Was Stained But Her Heart Was Pure
2. She's Looking Better After Every Beer

And the Number One Countdown song is...

1. I Ain't Never Gone To Bed With an Ugly Woman, But I've Sure Woke Up With A Few

Sharie does the D Smith Blues Band....

Sharie loves loud, sleazy bars. She just does. The relentless noise, the greasy food, the beer-stained stools and booths discovered to be such just after one sits, big-gutted guys hitting on underdressed chicks with the confidence only too many beers can create. Sharie revels in that atmosphere. So when Keith heard that I was planning to shoot over to Legends Sports Bar in Bristol to check out the D Smith Blues Band on Saturday night, Sharie wanted in. The Reet was less enthusiastic, but so long as UConn-St. John's is on the big screen, she's in too.

The band is slated to play at 9:30, so we show up to get some food around eight, grabbing a booth, ordering up some beers/burgers/fries/onion rings, the usual health food fare. We look around. It's typical sports bar, lots of TVs blaring, blinking; dart boards placed strategically near the front door where the unsuspecting can walk into a badly aimed missile; generous open spaces for easy maneuvering; a few booths scattered about; a rambling bar to one side, pool tables and his/her heads to the other. Legends has a band stage against the back wall surrounded by a u-shaped counter with an open area in the middle for dancing. D Smith and the boys have already arrived and are busy setting up. I introduce myself to Tom Ethier, with whom I have been dealing for their upcoming appearance at Southington Rotary's Mardi Gras Night at Anthony Jack's on Fat Tuesday, February 20. Tom thanks me for thinking of them and says they are looking forward to it.

The D Smith Blues Band is:
Robert Orsi - lead vocals, harmonica & slide guitar
Don Smith - guitar
T-Bone Piazza - drums
Tom Ethier - bass
Joe Ethier - guitar & slide guitar

The band's 'mission statement' per their website bio: "With a harp and slide guitar dominant sound, The D. Smith Blues Band repertoire is heavily skewed to the Chicago-style sound of the fifties and sixties. They pay homage to the Chicago masters such as Howlin' Wolf, Elmore James, Muddy Waters, and Little Walter by offering interpretations of their music that seeks to preserve it, not change or update it."

The focal point of the band is clearly Robert Orsi, a bespectacled, diminutive, crewcut gent whose expressive vocals and red-hot harp playing kick start each song. He has seemingly limitless energy; I was exhausted just listening. Tall and rangy Don Smith handles most of the lead guitar solos, but Joe Ethier gets his licks in too. Orsi will also strap on his axe on occasion and is pretty impressive with it. The understated, but solid Tom Ethier on bass and T-Bone Piazza on drums form the rhythm section. The dance floor is full and the band is hot; Huskies are up ten and the Saints are in a dogfight with the Eagles. But it's now 11pm as Orsi winds down the band's ninety minute first set. It's a wrap, although I think Sharie was eyeing that hefty guy in the bike-repair shop leather jacket. Next time, Sharie.

A couple important jazz losses....

Grammy-winning saxophonist Brecker dies by NAHAL TOOSI, Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK - Michael Brecker, a versatile and influential tenor saxophonist who won 11 Grammys over a career that spanned more than three decades, died Saturday. He was 57. Brecker died in a hospital in New York City of leukemia, according to his longtime friend and manager, Darryl Pitt. In recent years, the saxophonist had struggled with myelodysplastic syndrome, a cancer in which the bone marrow stops producing enough healthy blood cells. The disease, known as MDS, often progresses to leukemia. Throughout his career, Brecker recorded and performed with numerous jazz and pop music leaders, including Herbie Hancock, James Taylor, Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell, according to his Web site. His most recently released recording, "Wide Angles," appeared on many top jazz lists and won two Grammys in 2004. complete story

Alice Coltrane, 69; Performer, Composer of Jazz and New Age Music; Spiritual Leader - by Jon Thurber, LA Times

Alice Coltrane, the jazz performer and composer who was inextricably linked with the adventurous musical improvisations of her late husband, legendary saxophonist John Coltrane, has died. She was 69. Coltrane died Friday at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center in West Hills, according to an announcement from the family's publicist. She had been in frail health for some time and died of respiratory failure. For much of the last nearly 40 years, she was also the keeper of her husband's musical legacy, managing his archive and estate. Her husband, one of the pivotal figures in the history of jazz, died of liver disease July 17, 1967, at the age of 40. A pianist and organist, Alice Coltrane was noted for her astral compositions and for bringing the harp onto the jazz bandstand. Her last performances came in the fall, when she participated in an abbreviated tour that included stops in New York and San Francisco, playing with her saxophonist son, Ravi. complete article

Saturday morning minutiae....

Effective for sales or exchanges in taxable years beginning after 5/17/06 and before 1/1/11, taxpayers may elect for the sale or exchange of musical compositions or copyrights in musical works created by the taxpayer's personal efforts to be treated as the sale or exchange of a capital asset.

And what's the big deal, you say. Great question (although ALL questions are now GREAT). Well, curiously, such favorable tax treatment (the capital gains rate is significantly lower than ordinary income rates) is not given to literary or artistic compositions! Hmmm, that seems strange; why would that be? Interestingly, the senator sponsoring the tax provision was none other than Bill Frist of Tennessee, the capital of which just HAPPENS to be the songwriting Mecca, Nashville. Coincidence? Oh, you cynical bastards.

Caught Lindsey Buckingham on CMT Crossroads playing with Little Big Town, who apparently (forgive my country music ignorance) have an album, Road to Here, that went gold. In 2006, Buckingham released his first solo album, Under the Skin, in 14 years to a 4.5 stars review by AMG. They played a mix of Buckingham's new material, LBT material and (who'd have imagined!) some old Fleetwood Mac songs including a rousing version of Go Your Own Way. Enjoyable listen.

Planning to catch the D Smith Blues Band at Legends Sports Bar in Bristol tonight with Reet, Sharie and Keithie. The band is scheduled to play on February 20th at Southington Rotary's Mardi Gras Night at Anthony Jack's in Southington.

Still searching for the reason why Sweet Home Alabama is the theme music for Kentucky Fried Chicken advertisements. Inquiring minds.

Apple Computer reported today that it has developed computer chips that can store and play music inside women's breasts. This is considered to be a major breakthrough because women are always complaining about men staring at their breasts and not listening to them.

Vince Gill concert review via email from Thomas in Minnesota....

I went to Vince's show a few months ago in Saint Paul. Here is my review:

The show was composed of 4 distinct segments corresponding to the 4 CD box set Vince had released a little over a week prior.

Mr. Gill came out to much applause. The first song he sang was "One More Last Chance". There were about 15 people on stage (VG, 2 backup singers, 3 guitar players, pedal steel boy, a horn section, piano player, keyboard player, drums, and even someone on the bongos! Take that, Matt McConaughey!) Next was "Don't Let Our Love Start Slipppin' Away". The horn section really jazzed these familiar songs up. The place was almost completely full except for a few rows in the upper nosebleed section of the balcony.

After the first few songs, Vince launched into some of the new stuff from his Country & Western record (He noted that he hates to say that he has a new CD out. He prefers to call them records). Before each song, he would usually tell a little story about how a particular song came to be. He did an impression of John Anderson whom he had done a duet with on the song, "Take This Country Back".

After about 45 minutes of traditional country, the big guy moved on the next part of his show, ballads from his Groovy record. In this portion, he performed his new single, "The Reason Why" as well as a real jazzy number that he had recorded with Diana Krall called, "Faint of Heart". He said he wrote the track, "These Days" for his wife, Amy Grant. He made many references to Amy throughout the show. The crowd seemed to enjoy this. He said Amy is basically the kindest person he has ever known. He also mentioned their five-year old daughter, Corinna (Vince performed a song written for her, "Sweet Little Corinna"). At about 9:30, Vince said that he would be back to perform some more after an intermission.

After about 20 minutes, Vince came out by himself and told several amusing stories about his late father. How his dad's favorite outfit to wear was a cap and overalls with no shirt. How he smoked several packs of cigarettes a day. We're talkin' a real redneck here. He mentioned how as a 15-year old, he was praying that his mom would teach him how to drive since his dad had such a short fuse. However, his dad came home one day and told him to get in the truck. After a few minutes on the quieter streets, his dad told him to pull out onto the busiest street in town. Vince was shaking (this was his first time driving, after all). His dad yells at him to go. So he pulls out in front of a GTO whose driver swerves to miss them and then flips them off. His dad then says, (and you're not gonna believe Vince said this, but he was simply repeating what his dad had said) "Follow that son of a bitch!" They did catch up to GTO boy. With both cars now stopped, the guy in the GTO comes out of his car with a tire iron. His dad asks, "Are you gonna use that tire iron in this fight?" GTO boy says, "Yes" and then Vince's dad said, "Then this fight is over." He must've talked about his old man for a good 10 minutes. Everyone was enraptured. His dad passed about 8 years ago and Vince wrote a song for him called "The Key to Life". He then sang it for all to enjoy (I remember seeing him perform it on the CMA's many years ago and breaking up near the end of it).

After that, a few of his band members (banjo player, fiddle player, etc.) came out to play selections from his acoustic (bluegrass) album. Vince sang about a lady named "Molly Brown" and about how he's "All Prayed Up". He also sang a song that he wrote for Amy called "Sweet Augusta Darlin". He said she loves that song. All enjoyable stuff, but I was looking forward to the last segment. Vince introduced it by saying in a British accent, "Now it's time for the Rockin' portion of our show".

Yes, indeed. It was now time for Vince to rock out. He sang quite a few songs from his "Workin' On A Big Chill" (rockin') disc. Like the country portion of the show, there were about 15 musicians playing with Vince during this stretch.

Inspired by the proliferation of erectile dysfuntion ads that ran when he watched sporting events, Vince wrote the song, "Cowboy Up" (he sings it with Gretchen Wilson on the CD). The title character in the song is an African-American woman named Levitra.

It was during one of these rockin' songs that I experienced a feeling of transcendence. The band was totally rockin' and jammin' and a blissful feeling came over me. That's the power of music.

The last song Vince sang in the rockin' set was a jazzed-up version of "What the Cowgirls Do". Vince thanked everyone for coming. The audience stood up and he exited. The crowd cheered and Vince came back out a couple minutes later. Vince launched into the title track of his '03 album, "Next Big Thing". Then came "Whenever You Come Around" followed by the barn burner "Liza Jane". The last song Vince played was from his new album(s) and it is a doozy. Check out these lyrics:

You read the business page
See how you did today
You live up on the hill
You've got a view that kills
Never wonder why

After you've counted everything you saved
Do you ever hit your knees and pray?
You know there's gonna be a judgment day
So what will you say?

(Chorus) No matter what you make
All that you can take
Is what you give away
What you give away

There's people on the street
Ain't got enough to eat
You just shake your head
The measure of a man is one who lends a hand
That's what my father said

No matter what you make
All that you can take
Is what you give away

You know it's not too late
It's all for Heaven's sake
What you give away

With the backup singers hitting all the right notes, the song was a powerful spiritual hymn and a fantastic finish for a incredible show. The crowd gave one more standing-o as Vince and the band exited for the last time.

This was the 4th Vince concert I've been to and my favorite by far. I am looking forward to experiencing it all again next month in Wisconsin.

From Thomas' blog, Minnesota Meanderings: Part I Part II Part III

Owen McNally recommends.....

Monteiro at Long Wharf By OWEN McNALLY, Special To The Courant

Shawnn Monteiro, an expressive, swinging vocalist noted for her deep commitment to her craft, is accustomed to being treated like jazz royalty in Europe.Customarily, she plays with her working trio or with stars like bassist Buster Williams to young, enthusiastic audiences in packed venues ranging from clubs in remote burghs to elite entertainment centers in Rome and Paris.But back home in the United States, the Rhode Island resident, despite having a trunk full of great notices for her five CDs and innumerable stateside concerts, finds herself working at what she calls the less-than-regal "middle sphere" of the jazz-vocal profession. - complete article - longwharf.org

Lucinda announces tour dates....

Lost Highway Records just sent out an email announcing Lucinda Williams' latest tour dates to support the release of her new album, West. The Calvin Theatre in Northampton has GOT to be more comfortable than standing for five hours at Toad's Place (but, alas, a more sterile atmosphere!). Here are the area stops:

3/23/07 Radio City Music Hall in NYC
3/24/07 Orpheum Theatre in Boston
3/25/07 Calvin Theatre in Northampton, MA

Billboard review

Sneaky Pete Kleinow dies...

Former Flying Burrito Brother Sneaky Pete Kleinow has died of Alzheimer's disease at age 72. Kleinow, a reknown petal steel guitar player who also played with the Byrds, was equally talented as a special effects artist, winning an Emmy award in 1983 for his work on the miniseries, "The Winds of War." His latest music project was Burrito Deluxe, an alt-country band that included Garth Hudson of The Band.

wikipedia
Flying Burrito Brothers

Songs on trains...

(from G's blog)

One of the most classic aspects of New York City is songs played on the trains. I’m not referring to everyone’s Ipods that have now replaced the New York Times or Mitch Albom’s new inspirational yet not really inspirational at all book – or whatever reading material that riders used to use to avoid staring at all the other riders. I’m talking about the bum that walks on the train who has no grasp of our reality anymore, but has the guitar strapped to his back – and starts singing “Nowhere Man” (Song #1). Now, I know I just called him a bum, but singing a song about me was just straight-up rude. Here I am on my way to the interview stage of NYC Teaching Fellows –

“Oh, Garrett, you’ve gotten an interview to teach…good for you…what are you gonna teach?”…-“No…no…not a real interview…interview to get into……well, who really cares…I’m trying to tell a story here.”

…I am on a train to my future of being a History teacher and by the voice of this here writing you can tell I’m pursuing this career with vengeance. People say to not dwell on the past, but I can’t help it. I’m very nostalgic and I want to teach History! So, MC Bum is playing “Nowhere Man” and he asked, “Isn’t he a bit like you and me”, and the person next to me and I look at each other, shook our heads, smiled in agreement like the losers in the audience of a comedy club that clap and shake their heads at each other instead of fucking laughing… - complete article

Stooges, you're not good enough....

Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame voting is final. story

In: Patti Smith, REM, Van Halen, The Ronettes, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five
Out: The Stooges, Joe Tex, Chic, Dave Clark Five

johnnykmusic poll:
1.REM (12 votes)
1.Van Halen (12 votes)
3.The Ronettes (11 votes)
4.Joe Tex (8 votes)
5.Patti Smith (6 votes)
5.Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five (6 votes)
7.The Stooges (5 votes)
8.Dave Clark Five (4 votes)
9.Where the hell is Neil Diamond? (3 votes, not official)
10.Chic (1 vote)

Giving Vince Gill a try.....

Gill's Good Days, Mega-Size Album Turns Into Mega-Size Success For Country Star
By Thomas Kintner, Special to the Hartford Courant

Vince Gill became one of country music's best stories in 2006, thanks to the same sort of music he has been making for years. The only difference this time around was that he made so much more of it. His October release These Days, four discs of new material that showcase his versatility across a quartet of distinct styles, was an ambitious move from an artist who has in recent years sold considerably fewer records than he did during his lengthy commercial peak in the 1990s. Speaking from his home outside Nashville, the 49-year-old Oklahoma native, who performs tonight in a sold-out show at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, notes the counterintuitive quality of the project with a laugh. "The way music's becoming so single-oriented, so download-oriented, it's hard to get somebody to listen to 11 songs on a record, so I said I'm going to be a genius and put out 43."

Doing so has paid off in critical acclaim, a Grammy nomination and strong sales. The collection broke 250,000 (which make it a platinum record because each sale is credited four times) last month and was in short supply as his label struggled to keep up with holiday demand. Gill shrugs off the situation, saying, "I'm just grateful for people responding to it the way they are. I've never had kinder things said about any record I've ever made." Gill's original vision was three separate albums released over the course of a year, but his label head thought enough of his results to ask for a fourth disc and combine all of them into one package of unprecedented scale. By sheer virtue of its size, the collection demands more commitment and attention from listeners than a typical album, particularly given that Gill can't count on radio support to get people familiar with its tunes.

One way Gill has been getting the word out is by touring with a 17-piece band that brings the majority of the new set to life on stage. "I think that at some point the fan base gets a little tired of the 15 hits, a couple new songs, buy a T-shirt, and we'll see you in a year-and-a half. I think this record has a great opportunity of longevity, and a show that's about 70 percent its songs gives me a chance to showcase its diversity." The album's most impressive accomplishments are its remarkably consistent quality and confident style. The subtly eclectic ballads that populate "The Reason Why" provide a delicate counterpoint to the rowdy good times that fill the rock disc "Workin' on a Big Chill," and stout country music of every shade fills the traditionally styled "Some Things Never Get Old" and the bluegrass-filled "Little Brother." Windsor-raised Al Anderson, formerly of the Wildweeds and NRBQ, co-wrote 14 of the songs. - complete article

Valentine from Lucinda....

Word is that Lucinda Williams' new album, West, is set for a February 14 release. The following is the track listing:

1. Are You Alright? 5:18
2. Mama You Sweet 4:45
3. Learning How to Live 5:11
4. Fancy Funeral 4:14
5. Unsuffer Me 5:40
6. Everything Has Changed 3:38
7. Come On 4:52
8. Where Is My Love? 5:22
9. Rescue 5:34
10. What If 5:41
11. Wrap My Head Around That 9:06
12. Words 3:33
13. West 5:44

Lost Highway #0000693802 - sign up as member and hear some new clips here

Brass City Records....

I recently became aware of this record store/tool shop on Meadow Street in Waterbury and had a chance to stop in for a look/see. Lots of esoteric stuff, old hard-to-find CDs, vinyl, EPs, etc. Picked up three:

Breakloose (The La's)- Lost La's from 1984-1986

Sock It to Me (Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels)

The Layla Sessions (Derek & the Dominos)

Brass City Records Intelligent music for interesting people... We also sell vintage stereo equipment, turntables & guitars.. turntable repair a specialty... It doesn't get any better in the Northeast than Brass City Records! Specializing in rare and out of print in addition to current imports, indie and alternative labels. We also have a large stock of R'nB lps 7" singles and 12" ; jazz albums and progressive titles. No title is too obscure and no request too small. We have the largest collection of albums (yes, actual vinyl lps) in the state...new and used all fully guaranteed. We are the largest ,best and cheapest indie record store in Connecticut. I know music inside and out, I've been selling music for over 38 years. I do not sell on e-bay or the other on-line venues so I don't expect my customers to have to pay top dollar plus. Sadly a lot of small shops figure it differently.

January jazzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

Terrasson, Corea And Burton To Jazz Up January
By Owen McNally, Special To The Courant

With concerts by the Jacky Terrasson Trio and the Chick Corea and Gary Burton Duo, the first month of the new year sets the bar for Connecticut jazz concerts in 2007 at a lofty level.Terrasson, one of the most exciting pianists of his generation, leads his trio Jan. 27, in the 10th annual Juvenile Diabetes Benefit Concert at West Hartford Town Hall, 50 S. Main St., West Hartford. Corea and Burton - two towering figures in jazz - will perform Jan. 26 and Jan. 27, at the University of Connecticut's Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on the Storrs campus. - complete article

Hartford Courant Jazz Riffs
Szechuan Toyko jazz calendar
New Britain Museum of American Art First Friday jazz

Fat Tuesday at Anthony Jack's

The Rotary Club of Southington is proud to announce its 3rd annual Mardi Gras Night to be held on Fat Tuesday, February 20, at Anthony Jack's Wood-fired Grill. The proceeds of this fundraiser have been designated for the Southington Science/Math Initiative (benefitting all students in the Southington School system) and other Rotary charities.

Chef Barry DePaolo has promised to again serve up some very tasty cuisine (check back here for details). Tickets to the event are $65/person, which includes your meal, beer, wine, entertainment and the feeling of satisfaction for supporting a very worthy cause. Tickets can be obtained by calling Anthony Jack's (860)426-1487, John Ryan at (860)628-1766, John Kennedy at (860)276-8025 or from any other Southington Rotary member. If you were there the last two years, you know what a great night it will be.

Entertainment will be by the D. Smith Blues Band, who wowed the crowd at this year's Apple Harvest Festival. Per their bio, the band, "...winners of the Connecticut Blues Society's "Talent Search 1998," formed in November of 1989 as the D. Smith Blues Project. Finalists at the Connecticut Blues Challenge in 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2004, these fixtures on the Connecticut blues scene made their first public appearance back in June of 1990 at Water Street Station in Torrington, and their first Hartford appearance at The Muni in October of that year.

With a harp and slide guitar dominant sound, The D. Smith Blues Band repertoire is heavily skewed to the Chicago-style sound of the fifties and sixties. They pay homage to the Chicago masters such as Howlin' Wolf, Elmore James, Muddy Waters, and Little Walter by offering interpretations of their music that seeks to preserve it, not change or update it. In their live shows the band captures the spirit of the powerful and soulful sound that signified Chicago-style Blues of that era. Along with cover songs, the band has a number of original songs that blend in well with traditional blues numbers."

Mardi Gras 2006
Mardi Gras 2005
Jazz 'N Ribs 2002

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

From the management and staff of johnnykmusic