Cool new spin on a Bangles classic...

KT Tunstall "Walk Like An Egyptian" @ Glasgow on December 28, 2007:

Gumbo's back in town....

Despite comments from tall, crew-cut Will Farrell types that this blog has become too negative lately, there was a lovely reunion to welcome the one and (thankfully) only Johnny Gumbo, up from New York, New York for the evening, at Bonterra Italian Bistro Saturday night. The Pool Hall Studs were there, but did not perform any hits from their latest album, Where the Hell Did the Gumbo Go?

A new species of beetle that appears as if wearing a tuxedo has been named in honor of the late rock 'n' roll legend Roy Orbison and his widow Barbara. Entomologist Quentin Wheeler of Arizona State University announced the discovery and naming of the beetle, now dubbed Orectochilus orbisonorum, during a Roy Orbison Tribute Concert on Jan. 25. complete article

MUSH, YOU HUSKIES!

UConn 68, Indiana 63 story

New product from Willie getting raves....

MOMENT OF FOREVER- Willie Nelson (rumor has it that this album was originally to be titled One For the Gumbo, but was changed at the last minute because of contractual issues with Johnny Gumbo's people)

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Willie Nelson has created so many classic albums during the last 40-plus years that it's almost preposterous to suggest that his latest is one of his best ever -- but it is. Kenny Chesney recently told Billboard that in co-producing the legend, "I wanted to push him"; he succeeded in spades. While the album features plenty of what Nelson does best, particularly on the touching Kris Kristofferson/Danny Timms-penned title cut and the remorseful "Over You Again," he also connects on the curves that Chesney and co-producer Buddy Cannon threw at him, like Dave Matthews' "Gravedigger" and Bob Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody." "The Bob Song," an at-times psychedelic testament to independence (written by Big & Rich's Big Kenny Alphin), fits Nelson to a T and is another example of Chesney's guiding hand.

WESTERN HORIZONS- The Johnny Gumbo Party Band
Musicblogs-R-Us- After playing endless shows in the scumy coffee houses of Whocaresville, Washington in the 1960's, The Johnny Gumbo Party Band found themselves at the top of the the folk scene in 1969 with their debut album, This Thang Too Spicy For Ya?. The band's latest album, Western Horizons, hijacks Gumbo's poignant vocals with delicate finger-picked guitar to evoke simply stunning compositions. With standout tracks like "Accidents, I've had a few, but then again, too few to mention," and "Intersections are so confusing" dominating radio airwaves far and wide, The Johnny Gumbo Party Band is an essential addition to any music lover's library.

Here it is, y'all....

2008 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Music Lineup, April 25 - 27 & May 1 - 4 - article

Friday, April 25
Buckwheat Zydeco, Sheryl Crow, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Burning Spear, Ozomatli with Chali 2na, Lizz Wright, Tab Benoit, Anders Osborne, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Terence Simien & Zydeco Experience, Leo Nocentelli’s “Rare Gathering” feat. Bernie Worrell, Doug Wimbish & Will Calhoun, Doyle Bramhall with C.C. Adcock & the Lafayette Marquis, Ellis Marsalis, Paul Porter of the Legendary Christianaires, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers, Barbara Lynn, Theresa Andersson Group, Banu Gibson & New Orleans Hot Jazz, The Iguanas, The New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Twangorama, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Zydepunks, Vivaz!, Shamarr Allen, Zion Trinity, Otra, Kim Carson, Moov of Martinique, Kustbandet of Sweden, Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Leah Chase, Kumbuka African Drum and Dance Collective, Rosalie “Lady Tambourine” Washington, Jesse McBride, Bonsoir Catin, J. Monque’D Blues Band, Bamboula 2000, Paky Saavedra’s Bandido, Jamil Sharif’s New Orleans Jazz Professors, Voices of Distinction, Pastor Sean T. Elder & the Mt. Hermon BC Mass Choir, Creole Wild West and Semolian Warriors Mardi Gras Indians, Joe Hall, Rufus “Rip” Wimberly & the Dreamers, Brice Kapel of the Togo, Amina Figarova Group of The Netherlands, Jonno & Bayou Deville, Andrew Hall’s Society Brass Band, Real Untouchables Brass Band, June Gardner, Val & Love Alive Fellowship Choir with the Dimensions of Faith, Teatro Alpargata of Argentina, Family Ties and Big Nine SAPCs, Hazel & the Delta Ramblers, Smitty Dee’s Brass Band, McDonogh #35 Gospel Choir, Gregg Martinez, Keep N it Real and Single Ladies SAPCs…

Saturday, April 26
Dr. John, Billy Joel, Keyshia Cole, O.A.R., The Count Basie Orchestra feat. Patti Austin, Cowboy Mouth, Cupid, James Cotton, Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Trinitee 5:7, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Walter “Wolfman” Washington & the Roadmasters, Harlem Blues and Jazz Band, The Imagination Movers, Ponderossa Stomp Revue feat. Tammy Lynn, Archie Bell, Roy Head, and Dennis Binder, Big Jay McNeely, Warren Storm w/ Willie Tee & the Cypress Band, NewBirth Brass Band, Astral Project, Davell Crawford Singers, Rosie Ledet & the Zydeco Playboys, DJ Bomshell, Eddie Bo, Benjy Davis Project, Paul Sanchez & the Rolling Road Show, Tricia "Teedy" Boutté & Ytre Suløens Jass-Ensemble of Norway, Mahogany Brass Band, Germaine Bazzle, Bobby Lounge, Tribute to George Lewis feat. Dr. Michael White and Tommy Sancton, Tribute to Wilson “Willie Tee” and Earl Turbinton, Big Chief Peppy & the Golden Arrows, Sonny Bourg, Big Blue Marble, PJ Morton Band, Hadley Castille, Jeremy & the Zydeco Hot Boyz, Po’ Henry & Tookie, Rockie Charles & the Stax of Love, Carol Fran, 101 Runners, The Original Last Straws, Tyronne Foster & the Arc Singers, Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Berklee College of Music Jazz Ensemble, Nine Times and Single Men SAPCs, The Electrifying Crown Seekers, Golden Comanche and Chief Iron Horse & the Black Seminole Mardi Gras Indians, Xavier Jazz Ensemble, Connie Jones’ Crescent City Jazz Band, Kayla Woodson with Louisiana Lightning, NORD Crescent City Lights Youth Theater, First Emmanuel BC Choir, The Worship Squad, Unstoppable Gospel Creators, NOCCA Jazz Ensemble, The RRAAMS Drum and Dance, Lady Jetsetters, Dumaine Gang and Divine Ladies SAPCs, Red White & Blue Mardi Gras Indians…

Sunday, April 27
Irma Thomas, Tim McGraw, Al Green, Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint, Cassandra Wilson, Delbert McClinton, Del McCoury, Pete Fountain, Byron Cage with Kim Burrell, Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars, Jeremy Davenport, Rockin’ Dopsie & the Zydeco Twisters, Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue, Hot 8 Brass Band, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles, Roy Young, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Nicholas Payton, Davell Crawford’s New Orleans R & B Orchestra, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone's Harmonica Revue, The Throw Back Jamm feat. Joe Blakk, UNLV, MC T. Tucker, Dolemite, BustDown, and Cheeky Blakk, Rob Wagner and Hamid Drake, New Orleans Klezmer Allstars, Tim Laughlin, Jo “Cool” Davis, Mamadou Diabate of Mali, Little Freddie King, Jambalaya, Leroy Jones, Willis Prudhomme & Zydeco Express, Wilberforce University Choir, Kenny Bill Stinson, Paulette Wright, Golden Star Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Egg Yolk Jubilee, Midnite Disturbers, David Egan, Lars Edegran’s New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra, Furious Five, Untouchables and Big Steppers SAPCs, UNO Jazz Ensemble, Shades of Praise, Michael Ward, Paulin Brothers Brass Band, Lionel Ferbos & the Palm Court Jazz Band, Carrollton Hunters and Flaming Arrows Mardi Gras Indians, Gregg Stafford’s Jazz Hounds, Nineveh BC Choir, Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys, AsheSon, VisionQuest Chorale feat. Maurette Brown Clark, N’Fungola Sibo West African Dance Company, Percussion Inc., Patrice Fisher & Arpa feat. Angel Rios of Honduras, Craig Adams & Higher Dimensions of Praise, Olympia Aid, New Look and The First Division SAPCs, Kilts of Many Colours, Percussion Inc., Ninth Ward Navajo and Cherokee Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Colleen Salley…

Thursday, May 1
Randy Newman, Widespread Panic, Tower of Power, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Bettye LaVette, Gene “Duke of Earl” Chandler, Deacon John, Donald Harrison, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Ruby Wilson, Luther Kent & Trickbag, Porter- Batiste-Stoltz, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, The Lee Boys, Fredy Omar con su Banda, Maurice Brown, Lafayette Rhythm Devils, Kirk Joseph’s Backyard Groove, Creole Zydeco Farmers, Walter Payton & Filé Gumbo, Music Makers’ Relief Foundation’s Blues Review featuring Boo Hanks, Macavine Hayes and Eddie Kirkland, Hot Club of New Orleans, Topsy Chapman’s Tribute to Dinah Washington, John Ellis feat. Jason Marsalis, New Orleans Rhythm Conspiracy, Philip Manuel's tribute to Nat King Cole, Dukes of Dixieland, Dillard University Jazz Ensemble, Ernie Vincent & the Top Notes, Panorama Jazz Band, Mighty Chariots of Fire, Kerry Grombacher, Codac, Dizzy, Betsy McGovern & the Poor Clares, John Lee & the Heralds of Christ, Mark Braud, Joe Torregano, God’s House Westbank Cathedral Choir, Billy Iuso & the Restless Natives, The Melody Clouds, TBC Brass Band, Tony Bazley, Heritage School of Music, Small Souljas Brass Band, The Golden Wings, Red Hawk and Geronimo Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Culu Children’s Traditional African Dance Company, Charles Jackson & the Jackson Travelers, Bon Temp Roulez and VIP Ladies SAPCs, Olayella Daste, David & Roselyn, Second Mt. Carmel Gospel Choir, Basin Street Sheiks…

Friday, May 2
Art Neville, Stevie Wonder, John Prine, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Richard Thompson, John Butler Trio, John Hammond, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave., Marva Wright & the BMWs, Terence Blanchard & the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Papa Grows Funk, Sunpie’s Tribute to Clifton Chenier, Zigaboo Modeliste, The Jackson Southernaires, The Lee Boys, Bonerama, The Bad Plus, John Boutté, Soul Rebels, Ingrid Lucia, Coco Robicheaux & Spiritland, Theryl “Houseman” DeClouet, Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Bluerunners, Wanda Rouzan, Driskill Mountain Boys, Ann Savoy’s Sleepless Knights, New Orleans Jazz Vipers feat. Sophie Lee, Stoney B & Grampa Elliot, Gina Forsyth & the Malvinas, Clive Wilson & the New Orleans Serenaders feat. Butch Thompson, New Wave Brass Band, Tuba Woodshed feat. Matt Perrine and Kirk Joseph, Belton Richard & the Musical Aces, Eve’s Lucky Planet, Larry Garner with Henry Gray, Ritmo Caribeño, New Orleans Jazz Ramblers, Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble, Betty Winn & One A-Chord, Lyle Henderson & Emmanuel, Kid Simmons’ Local International Allstars, Pinettes Brass Band, D.L. Menard & the Louisiana Aces, Legacy – the students of Alvin Batiste, Greater Antioch Gospel Choir, New Orleans Mardi Gras Rhythm Indian Section, Ebenezer BC Radio Choir, Loyola University Jazz Ensemble, Casa Samba, The Smooth Family, Eulenspeigel Puppets of Iowa, Original Big Seven and Original Four SAPCs, McMain High School Gospel Choir, Fi Yi Yi & the Mandingo Warriors, New Orleans School of Circus Arts and ISL, Gospel Inspirations of Boutte, Rosedean Choir of South Africa, Scene Boosters and Old N Nu Fellas SAPCs…

Saturday, May 3
Marcia Ball, Jimmy Buffett, Diana Krall, Steel Pulse, The Roots, Bobby McFerrin and Chick Corea, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bishop Paul S. Morton Sr. & the Greater St. Stephens Mass Choir, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Henry Butler, Aaron Neville’s Gospel Soul, John Mooney & Bluesiana, the subdudes, New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra, Ruthie Foster, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Savoy Center of Eunice Saturday Cajun Jam, Charmaine Neville, The Dixie Cups, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas, James Andrews, Dr. Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band feat. Thais Clark, Lillian Boutté, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, Stephanie Jordan, War Chief Juan & Young Fire, Pine Leaf Boys, Bionik Brown, Treme Brass Band, New Orleans Blues Serenaders, Spencer Bohren, Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders, Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars, Lil’ Buck Sinegal feat. Rudy Richard, Feufollet, Pinstripe Brass Band, Storyville Stompers Brass Band, Tribute to Max Roach feat. Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis, and Shannon Powell, Tondrae, Chappy, Danza feat. Evan Christopher and Tom McDermott, Beyond Measure, Lil Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers, Rumba Buena, Rocks of Harmony, Guitar Lightnin’ Lee, St. Joseph the Worker Mass Choir, Big Chief Ke Ke & Comanche Hunters and White Cloud Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Leviticus Gospel Singers, Tulane University Jazz Ensemble, Secondline Jammers, New Generation and Undefeated Divas SAPCs, Trouble Nation and Mohawk Hunters Mardi Gras Hunters, Archdiocese of New Orleans Mass Choir, Bester Singers, Donald Lewis, Young Guardians of the Flame, Stephen Foster’s Mid City Workshop Alumni Ensemble, Westbank Steppers, Valley of the Silent Men and Pigeon Town Steppers SAPCs, Golden Blade and Wild Tchoupitoulas Mardi Gras Indians…

Sunday, May 4
The Neville Brothers, Santana, Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, The Raconteurs, Dianne Reeves, Galactic, The Radiators, The Derek Trucks Band, Keb’ Mo’, Rebirth Brass Band, Sonny Landreth, Snooks Eaglin, John P. Kee & the New Life Community Choir, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Tribute to Mahalia Jackson feat. Irma Thomas, Marva Wright and Rachelle Richard, Vernel Bagneris: Jelly Roll & Me, Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, DJ Captain Charles, Abigail Washburn & the Sparrow Quartet feat. Bela Fleck, Kenny Neal, Sherman Washington & the Zion Harmonizers, Bob French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, Elysian Fieldz, The New Orleans Bingo Show!, Benny Grunch & the Bunch, Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys, Jonathan Batiste, Rotary Downs, George French, Chris Ardoin & Nu Step, Guitar Slim Jr., Grupo Fantasma, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Ovi-G & the Froggies, The Revealers, Pfister Sisters, Salvador Santana Band, William Smith’s Tribute to Kid Sheik, Eddie Boh Paris aka Chops, SUBR Jazz Ensemble, Chris Clifton, Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Ensemble, New Orleans Spiritualettes, Zulu Male Ensemble, The Jazz Jam, Tribute to Tuba Fats, Highsteppers Brass Band, Black Eagles, Hardhead Hunters and Apache Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Lady Rollers and CTC Steppers SAPCs, Guyland Leday with Family & Friends Zydeco Band, Young Traditional New Orleans Brass Band, Watson Memorial Teaching Ministries, Wild Apaches, Young Magnolias and Black Feathers Mardi Gras Indians, Original Prince of Wales and the Original New Orleans Lady Buckjumpers SAPCs, Tornado Brass Band, Judy Stock, Minister Jai Reed…

http://www.nojazzfest.com/

No word yet on whether Pool Hall Studs will perform

More notes on the Farquahr

More notes from Ned
I saw these guys many times at a place called Charlie Bates Saloon, around 78th and 1st in NYC. They were great. Their love song was "My Eggs Don't Taste the Same Without You". Dennis MacGowan was "The Barnswallow". Frank was "Flamingo". I think Doug was "Hummingbird". I actually have their 33 lp album. We hired them to put on a show at my college, CCNY Downtown (now Baruch College). There is even a spread in my 1968 yearbook from this concert. They were really great, and had tons of personality. Dennis and Frank were really fun. They did a great version of The Beatles "With a Little Help From My Friends".

PS Correction....Dennis was "Condor Farquahr". The rest will come to me. - previous notes

Email from Belfrey
I bought the Fabulous Farquahr album back in 1973 (I loved the story on the back cover, about how their family's recipe is now an antifreeze), but I have lost it in my many moves. I wish to God I still had it. I checked the music download services and file sharing and nobody has any of the songs. Also checked for that CD, but no luck. I would love to hear the songs again. If you know anyone who has it, can you send me their email address? - email

Today is yer birthday....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,

JOHNNY GUMBO!

Other famous January 21st birthdays:

Emma Bunton (Baby Spice of the Spice Girls) is 32.

Blues singer Snooks Eaglin is 72.

Folk singer Richie Havens is 67.

Singer Mac Davis is 66.

Singer Rod Stewart is 63.

Singer-keyboardist Donald Fagen of Steely Dan is 60.

Singer Pat Benatar is 55.

Andy reports from the Lizard Lounge...

Sarah was fantastic. Really very good. Ken and I sat at the bar, hoping/waiting for people to leave so there would be room to go downstairs. Finally, maybe 3 songs into her set, the door-girl found us upstairs at the bar and sold us tix. We gladly paid and went downstairs at 11:40pm. The lounge was crowded, but not too much, and I comfortably saddled up to the bar to order Guinnesses and Heinekens. Did not move much after that. Sarah was looking very beautiful, summer print dress, cut-off/frayed a few inches above the knee, that is her signature style...oh, and her music was great as well.

The band was tight (as if i know what that means), sounded very good, Binky was center stage with sarah and they rocked. She invited some girls, whom she dubbed the 'lizard lounge dancers', to dance on stage. These ladies were dressed up and 'looking good'. Had the crowd going pretty wild. She ended with the classic "turn your lights down low, open up your back door", with some guys prodding each side of the lounge to out-sing the other, it was spirited and fun as the chorus was sung a number of times.

Always fun with sarah....can't wait for next homecoming.- Cheers, Andy

Yeah Pats!! Let's go GIANTS!!

Late Saturday afternoon at Brass City records...

It's late on a lazy Saturday afternoon and nothin', I said nothin', is goin' on. What the hell, it's been ages since I visited Brass City Records, that dusty, messy second-floor hideaway over in The 'Bury. G-Man, you in? Sure.

A climb up the creaky staircase deposits you into the middle of....organized chaos. CDs, vinyl, photos, other rock stuff everywhere. Okay, G, dig in. We go for the $2 used/promo bin first. It's work here, though, because you might not recognize many of the offerings in this collection. It takes focus, and G does seem very interested. Some old Neil Young plays on the store sound system while, up front, a young teen is showing off his knowledge of rock, vinyl, etc to the store owner, who nods politely, but probably wants to smack the little shit. As I try to ease into the back room, where there is a performance space (the Sawtelles have played here, I think) along with more cheap CDs (ten for $10!!!!), I'm trapped into football talk by an unkempt, inebriated, but harmless gent. Giants fan, Hendrix fan. Had a huge Hendrix collection that he sold after losing his house. G overheard him say he had been homeless for two years.

Finally settle on the following, but still have plenty of work left for another day:

Antenna ZZ Top

Believe What I Say James Hunter

Other Voices/Other Rooms Nanci Griffith

Hoopling Furiously Mott the Hoople

Only Everything Juliana Hatfield

Total bill- $12.19

New Cat Power released...

Cat Power: Jukebox by Pete Paphides (London Times)

Long before Chanel declared an interest in her, the denim-clad elders of the music press fell hard for the woman known to her divorced, dysfunctional parents as Chan Marshall – and you can see why. Her drink problem is apparently behind her, as is the heroin-afflicted peer group she left behind in her native Atlanta to start afresh in New York. The backstory does no harm, but neither would it serve that much purpose were you not somehow able to hear all that autobiography in the grain of Cat Power’s voice.

Eight years after her first covers album and two years after she hooked up with Al Green’s old session men for The Greatest, Jukebox suggests that the rarefied company she keeps has compounded her belief in what she can bring to a song. The growth in confidence is illustrated by a version of her own Metal Heart that dresses the original’s emotional wounds in the sort of rich soulful blues she may have been too timorous to attempt a decade previously.

There’s no underestimating the empathy her current band, the Dirty Delta Blues, bring to the picture – in particular, sometime Delta 72 keyboard player Gregg Foreman, whose electric piano work brings a body-temperature ambience to Hank Williams’s Ramblin’ Man and George Jackson’s Aretha, Sing One For Me that calls to mind Joe Sample’s work with the Crusaders. - complete review

From Matador Records: Today we announce the final sequence for Cat Power’s upcoming ‘Jukebox’ album, to be released on January 22. The names below indicate the best known performer of the original songs, who are not necessarily the songwriters:
1. New York (Frank Sinatra)
2. Ramblin’ (Wo)man (Hank Williams)
3. Metal Heart (Cat Power *)
4. Silver Stallion (The Highwaymen)
5. Aretha, Sing One For Me (George Jackson)
6. Lost Someone (James Brown)
7. Lord, Help The Poor And Needy (Jessie Mae Hemphill)
8. I Believe In You (Bob Dylan)
9. Song To Bobby (Cat Power **)
10. Don’t Explain (Billie Holiday)
11. Woman Left Lonely (Janis Joplin)
12. Blue (Joni Mitchell)
* original version on the ‘Moon Pix’ album - ** first appearance of this song

In addition, there will be a limited-edition silver foil deluxe package with a bonus disc containing the following 5 songs:
1. I Feel (Hot Boys)
2. Naked, If I Want To (Moby Grape)
3. Breathless (Nick Cave)
4. Angelitos Negros (Roberta Flack)
5. She’s Got You (Patsy Cline)

Johnnyk: Ordered the deluxe version from Matador Records.
Cat in the studio- Part I Part II Part III - NY Times interview

Sarah's home....at the Lizard Lounge tonight...

Sarah Borges: On the road and on the rise by Jonathan Perry (Boston Globe)

Only her band's van comes close to logging the miles Sarah Borges has put on her songs during the past year. Good thing they're as strong and sturdy as her wheels. After months of nonstop touring in support of her sophomore album, "Diamonds in the Dark," Borges and her band, the Broken Singles, return home for a pair of shows tonight and tomorrow night at the Lizard Lounge. For the Taunton native, the cramped but cozy Cambridge club is where it all began. Borges held the CD-release show for her first album, "Silver City," at the Lizard Lounge in 2005. Since then, she estimates her ensemble - which includes bassist Binky, drummer Rob Dulaney, and guitarist Mike Castellana - has logged about 100,000 miles in the band's van.

"It's been a good year with lots of new experiences," says Borges. "But it's good to be home. Life is bizarre when you live in a van and then you come home and try to have a regular life." This weekend's homecoming shows will also double as a video-release party for the final single being released from "Diamonds" ("Stop and Think It Over," written by the Reigning Sound's Greg Cartwright).

Borges and the Broken Singles even filmed a video for the song at both the Lizard Lounge and the Regent Theatre in Arlington, using a new multimedia company called Hobnox, where a team of Boston-area musicians (among them her boyfriend, singer-songwriter Jake Brennan) happen to work. Borges says she watched dozens of vintage videos on YouTube to get the right feel for her own debut. - complete article

Live at the Lizard Lounge 1/18/08:

Bettye LaVette is coming!...

Artistic Justice Served- 35 Years After She Was Poised For Superstardom, Bettye Lavette Finds Deserved Recognition by Eric Danton (Htfd Courant)

There's nothing allegorical about the title of Bettye LaVette's latest album, "The Scene of the Crime." It's a cold case now, and some of the principles have since died, but she is certainly the victim of a musical felony committed some 35 years ago.

Her story traces its roots to Muscle Shoals, Ala. That's where LaVette, then 26 with a smattering of hit singles to her credit, spent four days in 1972 recording what became a lost classic, "Child of the Seventies." It was the album that was supposed to vault her into the upper reaches of the R&B stratosphere, alongside icons such as Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and Etta James. Instead, for no particular reason, Atlantic Records shelved the album. - complete article.

BETTYE LAVETTE performs Wednesday at the Iron Horse Music Hall, 20 Center St., Northampton, Mass. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are $25 in advance, $28 at the door. Information: 800-8438425. LaVette performs Jan. 24 with Mavis Staples at the Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $58, $48, $38 and $30. Information: 860-444-7373.

In -store performances at the Louisiana Music Factory...

Tab Benoit:


Pick from over 50 performances from 2007 JazzFest here
Little Freddie King
Jon Cleary
Ingrid Lucia
Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys
Theresa Andersson

Shit....Ike Turner's death tied to cocaine....

By Chelsea J. Carter (AP)

SAN DIEGO - Rock 'n' roll pioneer Ike Turner's death last month at age 76 was caused by a cocaine overdose, the San Diego County Medical Examiner's office said Wednesday. "We are listing that he abused cocaine, and that's what resulted in the cocaine toxicity," said Paul Parker, chief investigator at the medical examiner's office. The medical examiner's office also listed hypertensive cardiovascular disease and pulmonary emphysema as "significant and contributing factors" to Turner's death, Parker said. - complete article

Buddy, can you spare me a museum...

Today's mail trumpets the arrival of Thee Sawtelles' latest, Dime Museum:

The new disc is done. Eleven songs with one of them being Frank Critelli's words (couldn't help it) w/P's tune. We're starting up the eastern bloc diningroom table cd factory. These discs will be sold way cheap to undercut our other disc price. Wanna pay a dollar for it? No problemo. Want to pay a fiver? Ditto. Wanna pay six? No way man! We were only going to make like 3 of them for our 3 semi-interested fans, but if you are interested let us know so we can make one just for you too.

The title of the disc is "dime museum", which if you look up you will find that Dime Museums were the lowest of the low entertainment options in Houdini's time. They had such high-brow things to look at like: magicians, acrobats, freaks and THEE SAWTELLES.

The Sawtelles are Peter Riccio on various guitars and vocals, Julie Riccio on standup drum kit and backup vocals. Check out Sawtelles myspace page for updates and concert information.

Yes, we're going to a party, party....

A HAPPY 105th BIRTHDAY (combined) to PETER (65) & ANDY (40)!

There's a girl, in this harbor town, who works laying whisky down...

I'm in the checkout line (well, it was empty, but if there were a line there, I would have been in it) at FYE at Westfarms, picking up some post-Christmas presents (Feist's The Reminder, a 4-disk set of 50's gospel), when I hear two gents brainstorming over who sang the song Brandy. I guess one was trying to locate the album, so the other offered authoritatively that it was Dennis Yost and the Classics Four. What?? The store manager looked on with no clue. After checking out, I walked past them and casually whispered to the manager, "If you really need to know, Brandy (You're a Fine Girl) lyrics is by Looking Glass," and walked out. -hear it.

Interestingly, Sarah Borges, on her wonderful 2005 debut album Silver City, does an 'answer' song to Brandy titled Same Old 45.

Sorry to scare you like this, but...

Amy Winehouse has a new haircut, but still looks like a trainwreck. Sad.

Interesting take on Amy in this recent review of her first album, Frank

Some tasty Beehive Queen live at Cafe Nine...

Video clip of Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez at Cafe Nine on September 14, 2007 courtesy of imagin2020. "Saturday Night Live Band vocalist Christine Ohlman, the Beehive Queen, rocks New Haven with her R&B soul's passion. The band had just returned from a tour of France and I was lucky enough to witness the live performance at Cafe Nine September 14, 2007. Sharing it with you..." - complete text/video.

Note: According to her website, the Queen rocks the main stage of the 30th annual Meriden Daffodil Festival, Hubbard Park on April 26 with headliner Eric Burdon & The Animals. Burdon still has great blues chops, so it shouldn't be one of those crappy nostalgic shows. Looking forward to that pairing.

The Supersuckers

Roberta Moore Patterson somehow has my email and sent johnnykmusic the following about a band called The Supersuckers. I don't know them, but apparently Eddie Vedder does, so that gives them some credibility. Checked them out on youtube with mixed reactions (see clip at bottom)- they are an acquired taste. Rough, bad, cool- you get the picture. Lead singer Eddie Spaghetti's voice seems a little shot. They appear at Toad's Place on Tuesday, February 5. Heeeeeeeere's Roberta:

Known as the "greatest rock and roll band in the world," the Supersuckers reveal new details of their upcoming album plus confirm more tour dates. Read on! Media Contact: Roberta Moore Patterson 919-321-8246, Roberta@romopr.com

SUPERSUCKERS ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM DETAILS AND CONFIRM JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2008 TOUR DATES

Supersuckers kick off 2008 with announcing details of their new full-length album and adding more live dates. Singer, Eddie Spaghetti, will perform a special solo set backed by Jordan Shapiro on these dates and the full Supersuckers band will join them starting on January 24, 2008 in Hillside, IL.

The band is currently finishing their new album (to be released later in Spring 2008 on their label, Mid-Fi Recordings) and will be previewing new songs as well as performing their classics. Currently untitled, the new album will, be the band's first full length recording since 2003's "Motherf^ckers Be Trippin." Since then, Supersuckers opted to release music through the EP format.

Eddie Spaghetti explains, "Yeah, I pretty much thought we were done making full length records. But the somewhat anemic response to our 'Paid' EP sort of got me to re-think the whole EP concept. So when we got into the studio this last time, we just threw everything we had at the tape machine and we saw that we had enough for a full length.”

Eddie Spaghetti continues, “It's a little different that our previous records. I almost hate to say this, but it's a little bit more mature. An ugly word to use to describe what we do but I think it fits this time around. But it's an awesome record and I'm really proud of the way it's turned out. Now if I could just come up with a title for the damn thing..." Titled or not, look out for this rock-n-roll juggernaut to be released in the spring of 2008 followed by extensive touring by the band well into 2009. Here are a few of the song titles to look forward to:

Something Good For You
Listen Up
When I Go, I'm Gone
She Is Leaving
What It Takes
I'm A F^cking Genius
Anything Else
Sunset On A Sunday

as well as...
Paid
Breaking Honey's Heart
I Like It All Man

Supersuckers spent 2007 touring all over North America playing clubs, three motorcycle rallies, extreme sports events at ski resorts, and outdoor festivals like Farm Aid (NYC), Summer Strummer Festival (Santa Barbara), and Hootenanny (Irvine). They also performed 62 shows throughout Europe during that year and filmed "Supersuckers Fan Club DVD #2," a live DVD recorded in Belgrade, Serbia in March 2007. This DVD will be made available to fan club members – over 1000 members strong – for free in January 2008. A clip from this performance featuring “Evil Powers of Rock and Roll” can be viewed here.

The last fan club release was "Fan Club #6" CD and featured demos from 1999’s "Evil Powers of Rock and Roll" release. The band finished 2007 with a three-night stand at Los Angeles’s Viper Room, which included a New Year’s Eve show.

Fusing the love for both rock and country, Supersuckers scratch out a musical hybrid all their own while earning a ballsy live reputation. The Seattle band’s (by way of Tucson) latest release is the “Paid” EP. Audio clips of Supersuckers and Eddie Spaghetti’s solo albums can be heard through the online jukebox by clicking here.

Photos and bio information can be located here

Defiantly independent, Supersuckers have successfully been releasing music through their own label, Mid-Fi Recordings, since 2002 after leaving Sub Pop who released six albums by the band. Since then, the band has sold over 100,000 CDs in an otherwise dismal market, released DVDs, and have toured all over the world, playing festivals like Reading & Leeds to honky-tonk dives in the South. Supersuckers have also played numerous benefits and have donated the proceeds from the digital EP, Supersuckers Live at the Whole Foods Market at Arabella Station to the New Orleans Musicians Clinic who provides health care services to musicians. Check out the song “Paid” here.

Supersuckers have backed Willie Nelson on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and have collaborated with Eddie Vedder, Steve Earle, Kelly Deal of the Breeders, and the list goes on. Their music has been licensed to commercials (Mountain Dew), movies Baseketball, Hype), TV shows (most recently, Discovery’s Deadliest Catch) as well as countless snow and skateboarding video compilations.

Supersuckers are:
Eddie Spaghetti / singer, bass
Dan “Thunder” Bolton / guitar
Rontrose / guitar
Scott Churilla / drums (formerly Rev. Horton Heat’s dummer)

TOUR DATES
* Eddie Spaghetti solo without Jordan Shapiro
# Eddie Spaghetti solo with Jordan Shapiro
^ Eddie Spaghetti solo with Jordan Shapiro + Supersuckers

Thur 1/10/08 Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern *
Sat 1/12/08 El Segundo, CA @ The Tavern #
Sun 1/13/08 San Diego, CA @ Casbah #
Mon 1/14/08 Long Beach, CA @ Blue Café #
Tue 1/15/08 Hollywood, CA @ Safari Sam’s #
Wed 1/16/08 Las Vegas, NV @ Bunkhouse Saloon #
Thu 1/17/08 Park City, UT @ Spur Bar and Grill #
Fri 1/18/08 Salt Lake City, UT @ Bar Deluxe #
Thur 1/24/08 Hillside, IL @ Brauerhouse ^
Fri 1/25/08 Hillside, IL @ Brauerhouse ^
Sat 1/26/08 Parma, OH @ Jigsaw Saloon ^
Sun 1/27/08 Ferndale, MI @ Magic Bag ^
Tue 1/29/08 Mechanicsburg, PA @ West Shore Hardware Bar ^
Wed 1/30/08 Providence, RI @ Living Room ^
Thur 1/31/08 Philadelphia, PA @ Northstar Bar ^
Fri 2/01/08 New York City, NY @ Blender Theater at Gramercy ^
Sat 2/02/08 Asbury Park, NJ @ Asbury Lanes ^
Mon 2/04/08 Allston, MA @ Harper’s Ferry ^
Tue 2/05/08 New Haven, CT @ Toad’s Place ^
Wed 2/06/08 Virginia Beach, VA @ Jewish Mother ^
Thur 2/07/08 Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar ^
Fri 2/08/08 Pittsburgh, PA @ The Alter ^
Sat 2/09/08 Covington, KY @ Mad Hatter ^
Mon 2/11/08 Sauget, IL @ Pop’s ^
Tue 2/12/08 Kansas City, MO @ The Record Bar ^
Wed 2/13/08 Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre ^

Great lyrics- "She used to be pretty, now she's pretty fucked up."

Sarah & the Singles make some noise in '07....

Night After Night Conspicuous consumption of music, live and otherwise, in New York City.

Top Ten Non-Classical Recordings of 2007:
1. Suzanne Vega- Beauty & Crime (Blue Note)
2. Tyshawn Sorey- that/not (Firehouse 12)
3. Radiohead- In Rainbows (W.A.S.T.E.)
4. Robert Glasper- In My Element (Blue Note)
5. Battles- Mirrored (Warp)
6. Muhal Richard Abrams- Vision Toward Essence (Pi)
7. Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles- Diamonds in the Dark (Sugar Hill)
8. Exploding Star Orchestra- We Are All from Somewhere Else (Thrill Jockey)
9. Brakesbrakesbrakes- The Beatific Visions (Worlds Fair)
10. Sam Sadigursky- The Words Project (New Amsterdam)

Roger Clemens' favorite song...

Lies by The Knickerbockers

The Knickerbockers were an American pop/rock music group best remembered for their 1966 hit, "Lies." The band was formed in 1964 in Bergenfield, New Jersey by Buddy Randell (vocals, sax) (birth name: William Crandall), previously of the Rockin' Saints and the Royal Teens, who had a hit with "Short Shorts" in 1958. They took their name from Knickerbocker Avenue in their hometown.

The original (and "classic") line-up consisted of Randell, drummer Jimmy Walker (previously the drummer with Messina, New York based Atco Records act The Castle Kings), and brothers Beau Charles (guitar/vocals) and John Charles (bass/vocals) (birth names: Robert and John Carlos Cecchino respectively). They were spotted by producer/singer-songwriter Jerry Fuller playing a teen dance in Albany, NY, and he subsequently signed them to Los Angeles-based Challenge Records.

Get some discipline in your lives, people!...

A history of hip-hop icons: Pool Hall Studs...

Rising from the street corners of Hell's Kitchen, Pool Hall Studs blew up the hip-hop scene in 1985 with their debut album, We're Outta This Lame Town. The band's latest album, Where the Hell Did the Gumbo Go?, melds MarkyMark's heavy flow with Barry D's soulful bass lines to create a solid record chock full of slammin' joints. With standout tracks like "Bruised Bad At Ryan's Pub", "Quarter Up, Boyz" and "Condom Rainsuits Are Tres Cool" dominating radio airwaves far and wide, Pool Hall Studs is an essential addition to any music lover's library.

Bumbershoot band bio generator

It's back, don't miss it!...

Fat Tuesday, February 5, 2008, SAVE THE DATE!!!!

Tell all your friends. If you have no friends, tell anyone else you know. The 4th annual Southington Rotary Mardi Gras Night will feature the D Smith Blues Band in response to the overwhelming feedback from last year's performance.

Just the facts, Ma'am:

Date/time: Fat Tuesday, February 5, 2008 from 6:30pm to 10:00pm

Where: Anthony Jack's Wood-fired Grill, 30 Center Street, Southington, CT 06489 - directions

Cost: $65/person, includes hors d'oeuvres, food stations, beer, wine, entertainment

Why: To support the programs/scholarships of the Southington Rotary Club with a portion of the profits to benefit the Bread For Life soup kitchen.

Reservations: John Kennedy @860.276.8025, Trish Walden @860.378.1226, Anthony Jack's @860.426.1487 - email BE THERE, ALOHA!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! (is it New Year's in Spokane yet?)...

Shufflin' iPod - First tunes of the year while walking the 'hood this morning:

Good To Me As I Am To You (Aretha Franklin) Lady Soul

Omotepe (Joe Strommer) The Future Is Unwritten

Floater (Bob Dylan) Love & Theft

Moutains O' Things (Tracy Chapman) Tracy Chapman

Other People's Lives (Ray Davies) Other People's Lives

Fountain (PJ Harvey) Dry

Nervous Breakdown (Eddie Cochran)

What's The Matter With Me (Ella Fitzgerald) The Early Years, Part II

The Sky Is Crying (Eric Clapton) 461 Ocean Boulevard

Mick and Paul Were Different (Joe Strommer) The Future Is Unwritten

Born Enchanter (Fleetwood Mac) Heroes Are Hard To Find

Trane's Slo Blues (John Coltrane) Lush Life

Gunshy (Liz Phair) Exile In Guyville

Willie (Cat Power) The Greatest

Girl Is On My Mind (The Black Keys) Rubber Factory