You saw me standing alone, without a dream in my heart, without a love of my own (but, perhaps, with an orange slice in my beer)...

Rare New Year's Eve 'blue moon' to ring in 2010 (AP)
LOS ANGELES – Once in a blue moon there is one on New Year's Eve. Revelers ringing in 2010 will be treated to a so-called blue moon. According to popular definition, a blue moon is the second full moon in a month. But don't expect it to be blue — the name has nothing to do with the color of our closest celestial neighbor. A full moon occurred on Dec. 2. It will appear again on Thursday in time for the New Year's countdown. "If you're in Times Square, you'll see the full moon right above you. It's going to be that brilliant," said Jack Horkheimer, director emeritus of the Miami Space Transit Planetarium and host of a weekly astronomy TV show. The New Year's Eve blue moon will be visible in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America and Africa. For partygoers in Australia and Asia, the full moon does not show up until New Year's Day, making January a blue moon month for them.- complete AP article

Blue Moon
"Blue Moon" is a classic popular song written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1934. The first crossover recording to rock and roll came from Elvis Presley, but the version that really stirred things up came from The Marcels, a doo-wop group. In 1961 the Marcels had 3 songs to record and needed one more. Producer Stu Phillips did not like any of the other songs except one that had the same changes as Heart and Soul and Blue Moon. He asked them if they knew either, and one knew Blue Moon and taught it to the others, though with the bridge or release (middle section - "I heard somebody whisper...") wrong. The famous introduction to the song ("bomp-baba-bomp" and "dip-da-dip") was an excerpt of an original song that the group had in its act. The record reached #1 on the Billboard Pop chart for three weeks and #1 on the R&B charts. [3] The Marcels version of "Blue Moon" sold a million copies, and is featured in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. - (from Wikipedia, so it must be true)

Marcels 1961:


Early Ray Thomas and John Lodge were in a band called El Riot and the Rebels before they joined the Moody Blues. Blue Moon/Down The Line was a 78 RPM demo recorded by the band.


And, of course, Billie Holiday:

A dynasty in the making?...

Three wins in a row!

Oakland Raiders 9
Cleveland Browns 23

Harrison leads Browns to 3rd straight win

The List...

Each year, the Kennedy-McGowan-Inverson-Flynn Christmas yields an impressive array of recorded music. Here's some of the 2009:
Dirt Don't Hurt (Holly Golightly & the Brokeoffs)
Break Up (Pete Yorn w/ Scarlett Johansson)
The Essential George Jones (George Jones)
After Hours (Big Al Anderson)
Yonder Is the Clock (The Felice Brothers)
The EP Collection (Freddie "Boom Boom" Cannon)
Lungs (Florence & the Machine)
Sea of Tears (Eilen Jewell)
Hillbilly Voodoo (Barrence Whitfield)
Plastic Seat Sweat (Southern Culture On the Skids)
Blackroc
Murdering Oscar (Patterson Hood)

From the staff and management of JOHNNYKMUSIC...

PEACE ON EARTH and GOODWILL TOWARD MEN
(and any women and children you might choose)

Email from SBBS - IT'S ALIVE!.....

Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles to record live CD and DVD!!!
First off, we'd like to wish all of you a happy and healthy holidays from SBBS. We are so grateful for all of your support this year, and we wish you and yours well. We wanted to let you know that as a result of overwhelming demand, we have decided to record a live record, as well as a live show DVD. The LIVE RECORD will be recorded on New Year's Day (1/1/10 and 1/2/10) at the club where we got our start, the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, MA. Tickets are still available, but it's a very small venue, so we urge you to get them now (last minute Christmas gift anyone?) We will be recording a full length album, culled from the performances over these two days. Wouldn't it be great to say you were then when? The live record will be available at performances and on our online store upon completion, in the early part of 2010. You can buy tickets here for the January 1 & 2 shows.
The Lizard Lounge
1667 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA

Ruthie's coming to Jazz Fest again!...

Buddy, can ya spare me a dime?...

An NYU chemistry department employee came up with a formula for trouble: submitting $409,000 in bogus expenses using receipts fished out of liquor-store trash cans. John Runowicz, a former budget coordinator, was charged Wednesday with duping school beancounters for more than five years with receipts from Warehouse Wines & Spirits. Runowicz, a music buff who fronts a doo-wop band under the name John Michael Hirsey, pleaded not guilty in Manhattan Supreme Court to grand larceny and falsifying business records. As a musician, Runowicz has performed with the R&B group Speedo & The Cadillacs, and released a solo CD titled "How Am I Here?" He could be singing a mournful tune. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of grand larceny. - complete article

Wednesday afternoon trail mix...

Saturday Night Fish Fry (Louis Jordan) Artist's Choice-Joni Mitchell
Cold Blooded Old Times (Smog) High Fidelity Soundtrack
Glad Rag Doll (Johnnie Ray) A Proper Introduction to...
Kiss In the Night (Ben Sidran) That's Life I Guess
Small Fry (Hoagy Carmichael) Best of...
Store Bought Bones (The Raconteurs) Broken Boy Soldiers
Mr. Wilson (The Jayhawks) Smile
Crazy Love (Van Morrison) Moondance
Brand New Cadillac (The Clash) London Calling
People Grinnin' In Your Face (Ruthie Foster) The Phenomenal
Yesterday (Milt Jackson) Early Modern
Concious Evolution (Donna the Buffalo) Live From the American Ballroom
Let Them Knock (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings) 100 Days, 100 Nights
Saint Louis Blues (Django Reinhardt) Nuages

What to get that picky-ass music snob...

All Music Guide's 2009 Favorites:

AllMusic’s Favorite Indie Albums of 2009, Pt. I

AllMusic’s Favorite Soundtrack Albums of 2009

AllMusic’s Favorite Rock Albums of 2009

AllMusic’s Favorite Reggae Albums of 2009

AllMusic’s Favorite Jazz Albums of 2009

AllMusic’s Favorite Pop Albums of 2009

AllMusic’s Favorite Country Albums of 2009
AllMusic’s Favorite Reissues of 2009

Christmas gift from The Gumbo!...

A cheerfully gift-wrapped bottle of Pickled Green Beans from Parker Pickles, eminently suitable for late morning Bloody Marys at Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar, appeared at the office this morning with a Merry Christmas note from expatriate Johnny Gumbo! Cheers, buddy, next round is on the Pool Hall Studs!

On a related note, it appears that Mother's has retaliated against Gumbo's 2009 Jazzfest tirade by coercing the Staybridge Suites into banning us from accommodations for next year's Fest! So, what do we do now? Last time we left it up to Gumbo to choose, the results were not well received.

Blue Christmas - Ann Wilson, N...

Hey, I got the vids up!....

Holly Golightly & the Brokeoffs at Cafe Nine, Tuesday December 8th:


Nick DiMaria Quartet at Integrity n Music, saturday, December 12th:

Snowbound Sunday morning mix.....

Vinegaroon (Calexico) The Black Light
Sleight of Time (Cassandra Wilson) Glamoured
Breakfast in Bed (Dusty Springfield) Dusty in Memphis
Dem Dat Know (Maria Muldaur) Louisiana Love Call
Just Can't Lose the Blues (George Guitar Baker) Mojo Lady
Good Old Funky Music (The Meters) Best of the Meters
Red Cadillac & Red Moustache (Brian Setzer) Rockabilly Riot
Bad Boy (Doug Sahm) The Last Real Texas Blues Band
Wonderful Life (Felice Brothers) The Felice Brothers
Perfect Circle (R.E.M.) Murmur
EuroTrash (Dropkick Murphys) The Singles Collection
Those Good, Good Old Days (Jimmy Cliff) Wonderful World, Beautiful People
You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling (Righteous Brothers) Phil Spector- Back To Mono
One Morning in May (Hoagy Carmichael) Best of Hoagy Carmichael
Kick It Around (James Hunter) People Gonna Talk
Shake a Hand (Lou Ann Barton) Read My Lips

Whatcha doin' New Year's Eve?

Big Al Anderson with The Shinolas @ Tapas in Hartford
From Courant's Eric Danton - Word is that Anderson is keen to play a long show full of rarities, NRBQ tunes, some Wildweeds oldies and, of course, his solo work. Seating is limited, and the cost is $75, which includes food and sets by the Shinolas and Anderson. Tapas: Mediterranean Cuisine Posted using ShareThis For reservations, call 860-525-5988 Monday through Friday between 2-4 p.m.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM VIA TANIA...

Well, thank you, Via....or Tania. I'm not sure if she personally sent this email to me (perhaps not):

What's Next for Tania in 2010:
Stay tuned for all the exciting things coming up with Via Tania in 2010.
Recently joining the Windish Family, Tania will be performing dates in the new year, as well as at SXSW - watch out for new additions to Tania's live band set-up. New single "Fields" will be announced, as well as an exciting music video shot by none other than our favorite Aussie production team Moop Jaw (The Temper Trap, The Presets, The Golden Filter, Peaches, Miami Horror, Neon Indian) who will be taking Tania into the beautiful, rural mountain lands of Mount Buller, a spectacular locale known for its sunsets and breathtaking landscapes. Many more exciting things to come with the lovely Via Tania. Free Download of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" (Nina Simone Cover) here.

===============================
I checked out the download - it starts off promisingly, but I got bored with it eventually. Viewed a couple of her videos on youtube. Here are two- the first is her normal persona, while the second is a strange, but quite good tribute to Amy Winehouse.

Via Tania playing her song Howcome in Newtown for Shoot The Player, 2007-


Tania's tribute to Amy Winehouse, live @ Via in Canal Street, Manchester:

angelheaded hipsters burning for the ancient heavenly connection to the starry dynamo in the machinery of night . . .

Ten years of songs, poems and good times: Beatnik celebrates No. 500 (New Haven Register)
For something that got canceled after one night, Beatnik 2000 has done pretty well for itself. The modified-open-mic event that happens every Monday night at Cafe Nine will host its 500th show Saturday. Creator Edward Leonard would have never thought that possible back in 1999. “It started as a monthly thing, but nobody showed up for that first show,” recalls Leonard. “So (former Cafe Nine owner) Mike (Reichbart) canceled it. We were going to do the second show though. And that one had a really good turnout. Mike said let’s keep doing it, and people kept coming and, at some point, we made it every week. I’m just floored it’s been so popular.” As folks who inhabit the New Haven music scene may know, Saturday night’s Beatnik was scheduled to be the series’ finale. Leonard decided last year, around the time of the 450th episode, to put an end to the event at 500. “It seemed like it made sense,” explains Leonard. “It makes 10 years. And there was the nine thing: 1999 to 2009, Cafe Nine. It seemed like the right thing.” Luckily for the many, many people who make a Beatnik a weekly destination or the dozens upon dozens upon dozens of local musicians who have got their start at the series, Leonard changed his mind a couple weeks ago and decided to keep it going. - complete article

Come on, baby, let's start anew, 'cause breaking up is hard to do...

Dom dubi du dom dom.....

Tiger Woods update - Elin Nordegren set to divorce golfer: report (Daily News)
Embattled golf great Tiger Woods is now on the brink of losing his most important endorser: his wife. Elin Nordegren, Woods' wife of five years, is reportedly planning to divorce the fallen icon - named the Associated Press' "Athlete of the Decade" on Wednesday. "She's made up her mind," a source told People magazine. "There's nothing to think about. He's never going to change." Nordegren, 29, has remained silent since the car crash last month that touched off Woods' sensational sex scandal. Speculation over the fate of their marriage reached a fever pitch this week when the Swedish knockout was photographed without her wedding ring. A source told MSNBC.com Nordegren went ringless to send her cheating hubby a message. "She knew what she was doing when she stepped out and pumped gas without her wedding rings," the source said. - complete article

Have a Johnny Gumbo Christmas!...

Jazz Fest Announces Music Lineup!...

2010 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

APRIL 23 - 25 (1st WEEKEND)
Artist TBA, Lionel Richie, Allman Brothers Band, My Morning Jacket, Anita Baker, Dr. John, Darius Rucker, The Black Crowes, Steel Pulse, Jonny Lang, Band of Horses, The Levon Helm Band, Drake, Keely Smith, Baaba Maal, George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic, Imagination Movers, Ledisi, King Sunny Ade & His African Beats, Better Than Ezra, Blind Boys of Alabama, Elvin Bishop, funky Meters, Sax for Stax featuring Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, and Jeff Lorber, Marcia Ball, Shawn Colvin, Pastor Smokie Norful, Terence Blanchard, Cowboy Mouth, The Campbell Brothers, Chocolate Milk, Sam Bush, The Voice of the Wetlands Allstars, Joe Lovano Us Five, Donald Harrison, Lena Prima, Tab Benoit, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Bonerama, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Deacon John, Walter “Wolfman” Washington & the Roadmasters, Davell Crawford and One Foot in the Blues with special guests Dr. John and Jon Cleary, The Bounce Extravaganza feat. Big Freedia, Sissy Nobby, Katie Redd, Magnolia Shorty, and DJ Poppa, Bob French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band 100 Year Anniversary Celebration, Jon Cleary: Piano, Bass & Drums, Irma Thomas’ Tribute to Mahalia Jackson, The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong feat. Wycliffe Gordon, James Andrews, and Victor Goines, Papa Grows Funk, Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, Theresa Andersson, Jewel Brown with the Heritage Hall Jazz Band, Joe Krown Trio feat. Walter Washington & Russell Batiste, New Orleans Klezmer Allstars, The Radiators--Pre-War Blues, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Grayson Capps, Kenny Neal, Treme Brass Band, Dr. Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band feat. Thais Clark, Jeremy Davenport, Maurice Brown Effect, James Andrews & the Crescent City Allstars, Storyville Stompers Brass Band, Glen David Andrews, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars, Honey Island Swamp Band, OTRA, Leah Chase, Bill Summers & Jazalsa, Savoy Center of Eunice Saturday Cajun Jam, Mia X, Cheeky Blakk, and Ms. Tee, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Rotary Downs, The New Orleans Bingo! Show, Little Freddie King Blues Band, Andrew Duhon & the Lonesome Crows, Rumba Buena, Spencer Bohren, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, Louisiana LeRoux with Tab Benoit, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, Red Stick Ramblers, Guitar Slim, Jr., Kipori Woods, Kim Carson Band, Ivoire Spectacle feat. Seguenon Kone, The Revealers, Shades of Praise, Lionel Ferbos & the Palm Court Jazz Band, Sammy Rimington, The Electrifying Crownseekers, Tribute to Juanita Brooks feat. Betty Shirley, Germaine Bazzle, and Leah Chase, The James Rivers Movement, Leo Jackson & the Melody Clouds, Susan Cowsill, David Egan, Panorama Jazz Band, George French & the Storyville Jazz Band, New Orleans Night Crawlers, Midnite Disturbers, Ninth Ward Navajo Mardi Gras Indians, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers’ Tribute to Rockin’ Dopsie, Sr., Frankie Ford, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Reggie Hall & the Twilighters, Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue, Mas Mamones, Lil’ Buck Sinegal Blues Band, Jesse McBride presents the Next Generation, Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Septet, Michael Ward, Bleu Orleans, Mahogany Brass Band, Untouchables, Furious Five, and Big Steppers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Creole Wild West and Golden Star Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Mark Braud’s New Orleans Jazz Giants, Gospel Soul Children, Blessed, Watson Memorial Teaching Ministries, Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble, Clive Wilson’s New Orleans Serenaders feat. Butch Thompson, N.O.C.C.A. Jazz Ensemble, Judy Spellman, Leroy Jones, Olympia Aid, New Look, and The First Division Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Golden Comanche, Golden Blade, and Wild Mohicans Mardi Gras Indians, Free Agents Brass Band, The Wiseguys, Jambalaya Cajun Band, Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys, D.L. Menard & the Louisiana Aces, The Revivalists, Rockie Charles, Robert “1 String” Gibson, Beth Patterson, Patrice Fisher & the Honduran Connection, Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Tommy Sancton Quintet, UNO Jazz Allstars, Smitty Dee’s Brass Band, Comanche Hunters, Semolian Warriors, and Black Feathers Mardi Gras Indians, Willis Prudhomme & Zydeco Express, Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys, Marc Stone Band, Betsy McGovern & the Poor Clares, Alexis Marceaux, Julio y Cesar, Sonny Bourg & the Bayou Blues Band, Chris Clifton, Miss Sophie Lee, June Gardner, The Guitar Woodshed feat. Steve Masakowski, Todd Duke, and Jake Eckert, Mount Hermon BC Mass Choir, Tonia Scott & Anointed Voices, Resurrection Baptist Church Mass Choir of Schertz, TX, Brass Bass Ensemble, Jai Reed, Loyola University Jazz Ensemble, Real Untouchables Brass Band, Divine Ladies, Dumaine Gang, and Ladies of Unity Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Young Pinstripe Brass Band, Johnette Downing, Kat Walker Jazz Combo, Guardians of the Flame, Single Ladies, Keep N it Real, and Nine Times Men Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Voices of Distinction, Nineveh BC Mass Choir, Kevin Thompson & the Sensational Six, Red Hot Brass Band, Lindsay Mendez, God’s House Westbank Cathedral Choir, The Gospel Stars, Da Souljas Brass Band, Single Men, Family Ties, and Big Nine Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Delgado Community College Jazz Ensemble, Natasha Richard of Canada, Culu Children’s Traditional African Dance Ensemble, Jacquelyn Mayfield, Golden Voices Community Choir, John Lee & the Heralds of Christ, Greater Antioch Full Gospel Mass Choir, Black Mohawks, Seminoles, and Red, White & Blue Mardi Gras Indians, Archdiocese of New Orleans Mass Gospel Choir, The Bester Singers and the Dynamic Smooth Family Gospel Singers, New Orleans Young Traditional Brass Band with the Heel to Toe Steppers, Franklin Avenue Baptist Church Mass Choir, Carrollton Hunters Mardi Gras Indians…

APRIL 29 – May 2 (2nd WEEKEND)
Pearl Jam, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Widespread Panic, The Neville Brothers, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, Irma Thomas, Gipsy Kings, The Dead Weather, Elvis Costello & the Sugarcanes, Teena Marie, Allen Toussaint, Gov’t Mule, Average White Band, Jose Feliciano, Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers, Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, Kirk Franklin, Wayne Shorter Quartet, Gil Scott Heron, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Clarence Carter, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band, Tye Tribbett, Juvenile & DJ Mannie Fresh, Take Six, Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players, Galactic, Stanley Clarke Band feat. Hiromi, Old Crow Medicine Show, Richie Havens, Marcus Miller, Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars, Pete Fountain, The Radiators, Blues Traveler, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Anders Osborne, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Rebirth Brass Band, Sonny Landreth, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Martin Sexton, Bernard Allison, Ruthie Foster, Jimmy Johnson Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Cyril Neville & Tribe 13, Dee Dee Bridgewater – A Celebration of Lady Day, Ellis Marsalis, Buckwheat Zydeco, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Louis Prima, Jr., Henry Butler, The Roots of Music Marching Crusaders, Selvy Singers of Arkansas, Aaron Neville, Chris Thomas King, Dala, Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band, The Davell Crawford Singers, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Inspirational Souls of Chicago, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, John Mooney & Bluesiana, subdudes, Iguanas, DJ Captain Charles, The Dixie Cups, Sherman Washington & the Zion Harmonizers, The Jon Batiste Band, Nicholas Payton, The Four Freshman, Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys, Russell Batiste & Friends feat. Jason Neville, Pine Leaf Boys, Eric Lindell, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs, Banu Gibson with Swing Out & Tap!, Tribute to Juanita Brooks feat. Wanda Rouzan, Barbara Shorts, and Topsy Chapman, John Boutté, Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Luther Kent, Astral Project, Germaine Bazzle, Soul Rebels, New Birth Brass Band, Big Chief Bo Dollis & the Wild Magnolias, Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, PJ Morton, New Orleans Spiritualettes, The Johnson Extension, Orange Kellin’s New Orleans Deluxe Orchestra, Bobby Lonero’s Tribute to Louis Prima, Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders, The Allen Toussaint Jazzity Project, Charmaine Neville, MyNamesIsJohnMichael, Kirk Joseph’s Backyard Groove, Paul Sanchez & the Rolling Road Show, Bobby Lounge, Big Al Carson, Lynn Drury, Vivaz!, Nova NOLA feat. Sasha Masakowski, Topsy Chapman & Solid Harmony, Coco Robicheaux & the Swamp Monsters, Fredy Omar con su Banda, Loose Marbles, Heavenly Melodies, Betty Winn & One A-Chord, Kent Jordan, Shannon Powell’s Organ Combo feat. David Torkanowsky and Charlie Gabriel, Forgotten Souls, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, TBC Brass Band, Westbank Steppers, Valley of Silent Men, and Pigeon Town Steppers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Apache Hunters, Wild Red Flame, and Mohawk Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Jockimo’s Groove feat. War Chief Juan and Billy Iuso, Elysian Fieldz, Feufollet, Creole Zydeco Farmers, The Hadley J. Castille Family & the Sharecroppers Band, GROUPA – Nordic Folk Fusion, Tin Men, R. Scully Rough 7, Creole String Beans, Ernie Vincent & the Top Notes, Margie Perez, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone & the XL Band, Kristin Diable, Jimmy Robinson, Kenny Bill Stinson & the ARK-LA-Mystics, Mem Shannon & the Membership, Bamboula 2000, Kora Konnection feat. Morikeba Kouyate of Senegal and Thierno Dioubate of Guinea, Papa Blue Viking Jazz Band of Sweden, Onward Brass Band, Dukes of Dixieland, Tim Laughlin, Val & the Love Alive Fellowship Choir, Jo “Cool” Davis, Zulu Male Ensemble, Phillip Manuel, Roderick Paulin, SUBR Jazzy Jags, Pinstripe Brass Band, Original Prince of Wales and Original Lady Buckjumpers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, New Orleans Indian Rhythm Section, Fi Yi Yi & the Mandingo Warriors, 101 Runners, Evan Christopher & Tom McDermott, New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra, Pfister Sisters, Walter Payton with Snapbeans and Filé Gumbo, Brother Tyrone, Driskill Mountain Boys, Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots, Thomas “Big Hat” Fields, Mark Adam Miller, Benny Grunch & the Bunch, J. Monque’D Blues Band, Mia Borders, Lars Edegran & the New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra, Classie Ballou & the Family Band, John Rankin, Jonny Frishberg & Bayou DeVille, DJ Soul Sister, Zion Trinity, AsheSon, Los Po-Boy-Citos, Kumbuka African Drum & Dance Collective, Donnie Bolden, Jr. & the Spirit of Elijah, Ebenezer Mass Choir, Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band, Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Voices of Peter Claver, Sean Johnson & the Wild Lotus Band, Mario Abney Quintet, Lady Rollers, Original C.T.C. Steppers, and Nine Times Ladies Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Baby Boyz Brass Band, Geronimo Hunters, 7th Ward Creole Hunters, and Young Magnolias Mardi Gras Indians, Lafayette Rhythm Devils, Joe Hall & the Cane Cutters, Eddie “ChopChops” Paris, Hot Club of New Orleans, Connie Jones & the Crescent City Jazz Band, Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Lady Jetsetters Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Ladies Sing the Blues feat. Gina Brown, Angela H. Bell, and Tereasa B., Julliard Jazz Ensemble, Craig Adams & Higher Dimensions of Praise, McDonogh #35 High School Gospel Choir, O. Perry Walker Charter High School Gospel Choir, Warren Storm, Willie Tee & Cypress, McMain High School Gospel Choir, Blodie’s Jazz Jam, Xavier University Jazz Band, Tulane University Jazz Ensemble, Pinettes Brass Band, Scene Boosters, Ole & Nu Style Fellas, and Secondline Jammers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, New Wave Brass Band, Red Hawk, Black Seminoles, and Black Eagles Mardi Gras Indians, Dwight & Connie Fitch with the St. Raymond/St. Leo the Great Choir, N’Fungola Sibo West African Dance Company, Marisa y Mariachi Agave, Grupo Sensacion, Dee-1, Lucky 7, Franklin IV, Mardi Gras Indian Orchestra, Ray Abshire, Bonsoir, Catin, Dillard University Jazz Ensemble, Jamil Sharif & the Jazz Professors, Rocks of Harmony, Some Like it Hot, Kid Simmons’ Local International Allstars, The Wright Brothers, Tyronne Foster & the Arc Singers, St. Joseph the Worker Music Ministry, Heritage School of Music Band, New Generation, Undefeated Divas, and VIP Ladies Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Highsteppers Brass Band, Trouble Nation and Wild Apaches Mardi Gras Indians, David & Roselyn, Paulin Brothers Brass Band, Morning Star BC Mass Choir, Arthur Clayton & Purposely Anointed, Gloria Bell & the Revelation Gospel Singers, First Emmanuel Baptist Church Choir, White Cloud Hunters and Wild Tchoupitoulas Mardi Gras Indians, Tornado Brass Band, Lyle Henderson & Emmanuel, Pastor Terry Gullage & the Greater Mount Calvary Voices of Redemption Choir, Gospel Inspirations of Boutte, Ayla Miller, Original Four, Original Big 7, and Bon Temps Roulez Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Golden Sioux and Cherokee Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Nashville Children’s Choir, Claudia Baumgartner, Saltimbanqui Puppet Theater of Mexico, Stephen Foster’s Foster Family Program, Hazel & the Delta Ramblers, N’Kafu African Dance presented by Young Audiences, O. Perry Walker Kuumba Players, Jazz Fest Residency Showcase feat. Seva Venet and KIDSmART…

Norah redux?...

Hi guys, Norah Jones is coming to MGM at Foxwoods on March 26th (Friday). Tickets go on sale 12/18 and are $40, $50, or $60. We want to go. Any other takers? - Sharon

THE REET says we're in, Sharie!

Back To Manhattan - Norah Jone...

FLASH from Marcia (Marcia, Marcia):
Hi John, went to see Spyro Gyra and Jane Monheit at the Lyman Center at SCSU Friday Night. Great concert and tremendous venue. Tickets were $30 each for an entertaining 2+ hour concert. Apparently, SCSU has a jazz concert series each year and it appears to have a great following. Need to keep your eyes open for this one.

Tonight! For our Beantown friends...

Rock ‘n Soul Holiday Concert - Music Museum Of New England
Regent Theatre in Arlington MA - $28(preferred)/$18(the rest of you slobs)

Many great musicians and performers will present a concert to raise funds to support the Music Museum Of New England’s mission of preserving New England music history with the first annual Rock ‘n Soul Holiday Concert at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, MA on Sunday December 13, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. The Music Museum of New England is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Massachusetts, documenting the music history of all 6 states in New England on the Internet at www.MMONE.org, and currently involved with the Bostonian Society to place markers for a Boston Music Trail of musically important historic locations funded in part by a grant from Ernie Boch Jr’s “Music Drives Us” Foundation.

Reaching out to many of New England’s finest performers to come sing a song, play a tune and revel with the fans and other musicians at a concert and sing-along. The diverse lineup taking the stage will include punk legend Willie Alexander, rock star Charlie Farren, rockers Ernie & The Automatics featuring Sib Hassian and Barry Goudreau (formerly of Boston), ‘60s-style “girl group” Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents, R&B/soul/garage-rock Andrea Gillis Band, singer-songwriters John Powhida and Ramona Silver, guitar stylist Mike Gent, and pop musician Brian Charles. Other surprise guests are expected to drop by and join in the revelry as two generations combine for a fun concert.

Famed vocalist and performer Barrence Whitfield will be serving as Musical Director, and accompanied by a super group of local talent, The Rock ‘n Soul Holiday All Stars led by Jim Haggerty, with Charles Hansen, Andy Plaisted, Allan Scheinfeld, Mario Perrett and Paul Ahlstrand supporting the talented stars gracing the stage. More special guest performers will be announced on the www.MMONE.org website.


The price of admission will be $18.00 for Reserved Seating to the 500 seat intimate showplace, with a very limited amount of Preferred Seating available for only $28.00 ($3 facility fee included in each ticket). The Music Museum Of New England is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is offering blocks of tickets to corporate sponsors, supporters and others which may be tax deductible.

The Regent Theatre is expected to sell out early and make this an annual event that allows the music community of New England to gather for festive holiday cheer, camaraderie and to support the mission that commemorates all music styles. Classic artists share the stage with talented new comers in a musical union worthy of the holiday spirit.

The Rock 'n Soul Holiday Concert will take place at the historic Regent Theatre, on Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 8:00 pm. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. The Regent Theatre is located at 7 Medford Street (off Mass. Ave.) in Arlington, Massachusetts, and is MBTA and handicap accessible, with free parking across the street.

For tickets and more information, call 781-646-4849 or visit regenttheatre.com. For information contact:
Gary Sohmers wexrex@aol.com 508-788-5474
Steve Nelson steve@mmone.org
Leland Stein lstein@regenttheatre.com

Saturday afternoon at Integrity 'n Music....

Nick DiMaria Quartet
Nick Di Maria--Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Andrew Kosiba--Fender Rhodes
Dan Biancini--Bass
Dane Scozzari--Drums

Picked Up:
Trinity (Tal Farlow)
Everybody's Boppin' (Lambert, Hendricks & Ross)
Down Home (Zoot Sims)
Track Record (Joan Armatrading)
Green Light (Bonnie Raitt)

Have a happy, happy Hanukkah...

So drink your gin-and-tonic-ah, and smoke your mara-juanic-ah, If you really, really wanna-kah, have a happy, happy, happy, happy Hanukkah¡­¡­

In case you missed it...

Pittsburgh Steelers - 6
Cleveland Browns - 13

Information you need...

"It's all fun and games until somebody crashes their Escalade into a tree." --Roody

From Golf Digest's Top 100 in Music:
(Rank/Name/Hdcp)

2. Kenny G - 0.0 4. Vince Gill - 0.8 11. Alice Cooper - 5.3 12. Huey Lewis - 5.8 15. Justin Timberlake - 6.0 18. Dweezil Zappa - 6.6 25. Michael Bolton - 9.0 28. Dariius Rucker - 9.3 31. Branford Marsalis - 9.4 34. Tab Benoit - 10.0 34. Glen Campbell - 10.0

48. Bob Seger - 11.1 52. Tony Joe White - 12.0 64. Glen Frey - 14.0 65. Smokey Robinson - 15.0 73. Willie Nelson - 16.0 79. Celine Dion - 18.0 86. Meat Loaf - 19.0 86. Steve Miller - 19.0 90. Harry Connick - 28.6 96. Kid Rock - 36 100. Shakira - 40.0

We hate Tuesday nights, but at least we're not in Omaha...

I put out an all-points bulletin to buds Vin, Keith and the Pool Hall Studs (longtime partner Gumbo is no longer available, having dissed us for better things out in the Great Northwest) about Holly Golightly & the Brokeoffs at Cafe Nine Tuesday night, but it went unanswered. The Reet was not thrilled at my midnight adventure, but I'd passed up Sarah Borges (AND the Broken Singles) last Saturday night and I was determined to get back on my concert tour, which takes me to various small, sleazy bars at God-awful hours to see really cool performances. So out into the cold, dark December night I venture. My motto for these things is "you can never be too late," meaning the performers NEVER come close to starting on time and if you show up on time, you're in for a long, long night. Showtime is slated for 9pm, so that's the time I leave the house for my forty-five minute ride down I91 to New Haven.

Cafe Nine>>> Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs; w/ Baby G • former member of the all-girl garage band Thee Headcoatees, the female incarnation of the Billy Childish group Thee Headcoats. For her solo career, she draws from rhythm and blues, rockabilly, and sounds of the 1960s or earlier. She has released thirteen studio albums of her own and has collaborated with other artists, such as Billy Childish and Rocket From The Crypt, and most notably The White Stripes; she is featured on the track "Well It's True That We Love One Another" from their album, Elephant.

There's some kind of free parking arrangement with the lot directly behind Cafe Nine, but it's too complicated for me and I luckily find an empty spot just off State Street. At the front door right next to the small stage, the disinterested girl with the Lady Gaga eye makeup takes my eight bucks and stamps my hand. No live music going on, but two gals were fiddling around with guitars on stage, so I assume Baby G hasn't started their set yet. One of them must be Leila Crockett (I find she's the younger, taller lead guitarist), who (perusing the band's MySpace page) seems to be the leader of the pack. Sparse crowd. I grab a cool one, nod to Cardboard Elvis and grab an empty table along the outer wall with a good view of the stage as the female duo commence playing. They're not bad at all, one lead guitar, the other bass. They alternate lead vocals and harmony on Crockett's bluesy compositions. As a duo, they are calling themselves The Potholders, since they don't have their full compliment of players tonight. As they wind down their set, I look up to see Ms. Golightly and partner Lawyer Dave standing next to my table taking in the final few numbers.

Break time. Call The Reet to update on the time situation. Grab another cold one for the second set. Holly & Dave exchange pleasantries with The Potholders while one group tears down, the other sets up. Cardboard Elvis gets bumped a few times as guitars get shoved into temporary corner storage, but the King remains upright. The place has filled in a bit more, so there's more energy as we approach show time. Finally!

Holly Golightly & the Brokeoffs is really just she and Lawyer Dave, Holly on guitar, Dave on guitars/drums/various percussion ("We were once a full band.....but there was this horrible accident and.....we had to eat them."). Not to worry, they are plenty good with the remaining deuce. Loved the show's relaxed pace. Holly's thin voice delivers the goods in a quirky, interesting way and Lawyer Dave can play and sing! I find myself wishing there were others here to appreciate these guys. They played most of the fan favorites and seemed to be enjoying themselves ("Thanks for coming out on a Tuesday night. We hate Tuesdays, but at least we're not in Omaha."). Hung around afterward to grab a nifty chocolate HG&B tee shirt, but HG apologized for running out of all sizes above women's medium. Promises more when they come back in March. Picked up a CD for a Christmas present. Hmmmm, for whom?

(note: I've got a video, but it's not uploading correctly to YouTube; I'm working on it.) GOT IT!

'Til Tuesday...

Holly Golightly At Cafe Nine In New Haven Dec. 8
If not for "Devil Do," the four-song EP she and Lawyer Dave, the sole member of her latest backing band, the Brokeoffs, released in October, Holly Golightly would have gone an entire year without putting out new music. That would have been a first for the British singer, guitarist and songwriter, a punk-turned-country songstress who, in the 10-plus years since breaking with the all-girl garage group the Headcoatees, has released more than a dozen albums of her own. Formed in Medway, England, the Headcoatees were one of the countless bands led by the eccentric, comically prolific punk icon Billy Childish. While Golightly credits her mentor with influencing her recording habits, she says her prodigious release schedule has more to do with the do-it-yourself spirit of her hometown. "It's about believing you can, more than anything. That's something that was really encouraged where I came from," Golightly says by phone, days into a tour that stops Tuesday in New Haven. - complete Htfd Courant article

Clarence Clemons interview on The Daily Show...

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Clarence Clemons
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

Tiger Woods' theme song!...

"Bad Day" Named One-Hit Wonder Of The Decade (Stop the Presses)
Billboard has named Daniel Powter, whose song "Bad Day" topped the Billboard charts for five weeks in 2006, the one-hit wonder of the decade. The magazine defined a one-hit wonder as any act whose second song didn't reach the top 25. To be fair, it only considered the years 2000-2007, because last year's hit-makers might still have another one up their sleeves. Anyone old enough to remember 2006 should remember the ubiquity of "Bad Day." In addition to massive radio play, it served as the song American Idol used each week for the goodbye montage that played after a contestant was voted off the show. "Bad Day" was also popular overseas: The BBC News reported that "Bad Day" was the most-played song in the U.K. between 2003 and 2008. A cover version of the song opened the movie Alvin & The Chipmunks.

Powter, a Canadian singer-songwriter who said he has battled drugs and dyslexia in the past, took two years off after "Bad Day" made him famous. He returned last year with the album Under The Radar, which failed to mimic the success of "Bad Day." Coming in at number 2 on Billboard's one-hit wonder list is the Terror Squad for "Lean Back"; number 3 is Crazy Town with "Butterfly"; number 4 is MIMS with "This Is Why I'm Hot"; and number 5 is D4L's "Laffy Taffy."

It's beginning to look alot like Chris Smith...

70 degrees to snow on the ground in 3 days??????
SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Apple Inc has acquired digital music service Lala, as the dominant online music retailer explores new models for selling songs. - story

Father Christmas - The Kinks

Christmas - The Who

Christmas Wrapping - The Waitr...

Christmas - Jackie DeShannon

Christmas Blues - Canned Heat

A Christmas classic...

Christmas Card From a Hooker in Minneapolis
One of the saddest Christmas songs ever (some in the audience just don't get it)...

Ho, Ho, Ho....

No, not another Tiger post (but how 'bout his dream of walking in on his mistress screwing Jeter! Another reason for those Beantowners to hate Jeet.)....I have to hear Snoop Dogg with my Sportcenter now? Well, I'll drop it like it's hot - jez say'n ...Off to get the Christmas tree, always a stressful family event; I guess I got the (Christmas Blues) ...missed Sarah at Cafe Nine last night; nice piece on the band (Sarah's Got Soul) in New Haven Advocate. They're at Johnny D's in Davis Square tonight ...NYC Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex in Soho (you didn't even know it was there?) is closing on its 1st anniversary- nice commitment! story .....(aside) nice kitchen, Nancy... family XMas party tonight a sister Mary Agnes' house; here's hopin' I wind up with my own grab gift (shhhhh- it's an ipod docking station/snooze alarm)...

na na na na na na, they say it's your birthday...

Freddie "Boom Boom" Cannon is 73 - Palisades Park
Chris Hillman (Byrds, SHF Band, Desert Rose Band) is 65 - Sin City
Southside Johnny Lyon is 61 - You Mean So Much to Me Baby
Cassandra Wilson is 54 - Harvest Moon
Jay-Z is 40 - Empire State of Mind
Beach Boy Dennis Wilson is dead (would be 65) - Only With You
John Cale (Velvet Underground) is 69 - Hallelujah
Burt Bacharach is 81 - This Guy's In Love With You
Marisa Tomei is 45.....no reason to list her, just because On Seinfeld

Stay Thursday, my friends....

Okay, okay, I'll admit it. I'd rather you hear it here than on TMZ. I TOO HAD AN AFFAIR WITH TIGER WOODS! Hey, we were together in Vegas and .....Speaking of waking up in Vegas, UCONN was beating the shit out of BU last night in front of what looked like 150 people, so I switched over to the Palladia channel and caught the last 45 minutes of Katy Perry on MTV Unplugged (trailer). Yes, her. I was prepared for a bunch of shallow pop, but was pleasantly surprised to find that she's got some chops and some soul. I really liked her performance. Go figure ......Cool duo at Bonterra Sunday for the DePaolo Family Foundation Jazz Brunch to benefit breast cancer awareness. Ken McKinnon on sax/various wind instruments accompanied by an unknown, gravelly-voiced, acoustic guitar-playin' gent who did an amazing take on Tom Waits' Invitation to the Blues ....Keith says he can't go to see Sarah at The Nine Friday night, so I have to decide if I go it alone. I'm planning to go down there on Tuesday night to catch Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs (see below) .....FLASH! Just in, email from Marsha about a performance this Friday at La Paloma Sabanera Coffee House (whoa!) in Hartford- December 4, Friday, 7:30pm String Theorie returns for an encore performance. They are an instrumental folk/jazz/worldbeat/neoclassical/indie band from Central Connecticut that brings together fingerstyle acoustic guitar, modern bass technique, and a wide variety of world percussion to forge a sound that can't really be described in words. $5 suggested donation.

Little Richard is hip again...

AP: Little Richard released from hospital
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Little Richard is out of the hospital following hip surgery, promising to perform again. He's recovering at his home near Nashville. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, who'll be 77 Saturday, tells The Associated Press that he plans to work hard to complete his recovery so he "can get back on the road as soon as possible." He says when he returns to the stage next year, he'll "be shouting 'Shut Up' and rocking like the old days." Little Richard said Tuesday that he could feel the prayers of his fans and is thankful they care enough about him "to take time to pray." A family friend had said that Little Richard had been in some pain before the surgery last week but continued his rigorous performing schedule.

Sarah back at The Nine on Friday...

Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles will return to New Haven's Cafe Nine this Friday night before returning home to play at Johnny D's in Davis Square, Somerville on Saturday. The gig is the first at the Musicians' Living Room since last year's opening for the Blasters (which I missed due to unforeseen circumstances). Not sure who is opening- The Nine lists SBBS w/The Manchurians, while the SSBS website says opening for the Manchurians. It's my hope that it is the latter (those 11:00 showtimes are tough for this old cowboy).

The Atlanta Music Guide gave a favorable concert review to SBBS for their show (co-billed with Eilen Jewell) at Eddie's Attic on November 22:
"....Borges has a vocal style like that of Dolly Parton without a southern accent, mixed with the laid-back air of a girl who could dig a five-star dinner or a ballpark dog at Fenway just the same. Sarah is fun, upbeat and witty on stage. She and her crew - Lyle Brewer on lead guitar, Binky on bass, and Robert Larry Dulaney on drums, along with Borges on rhythm guitar - deliver stories about their time on the road, what inspired Sarah to write the songs she plays, and jokes too. Sarah wears her dancing shoes in every performance (worn-in cowboy boots) and encourages the audience to join in the dancing."

Mystery continues- did Tiger score an ace on the wrong golf course?

And just where is Steve Williams when you need him? Trees, water hazards, wives with 4-irons (was it too much club?). Was he playing on the front side or back? Was he hitting it long and straight, getting up and down? Did someone click a camera just as he was ready to drive? Was he just going out to get an early starting time at Bethpage? I can sympathize with you, bro, 'cause just last week I was driving out of the driveway and The Reet slammed a 6-iron through the back window. Why? The damn doors were locked! Tiger, leave us a comment below.


It's the Eye of the Tiger, It's the thrill of the fight
Rising up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor, Stalks his prey in the night
And he's watching us all, With the Eye of the Tiger
(God, this song sucks!)

Got reservations at one o'clock. See you there...

The DePaolo Family Foundation presents A Sunday Jazz Brunch with The Ken McKinnon Band for Breast Cancer Awareness Sunday, November 29, 2009 11:00am - 2:30pm All You Can Eat Brunch Buffet - $14.95 At Bonterra Italian Bistro 98 Main Street Southington, CT

If you've got the time, here's over 4 hours of listening for you...

If you have not already joined wolfgangsvault.com (it's free), you are missing some wonderful files of great concerts. I think they can do this by hawking posters, tee shirts, etc. and have managed to withstand some legal roadblocks. Enjoy.

THE LAST WALTZ
Date- 11.25.1976 (Thanksgiving Day)
Tracks- 42
Total Time- 4:02:43
Site- wolfgangsvault.com

Following nearly 18 years of live performing, as both backing musicians and eventually as headliners, the Band had reached a crossroads in 1976. The group's seemingly effortless virtuosity, Robbie Robertson's literary gift for writing cinematic songs that captured a deep sense of Americana (despite being Canadian), and a wonderfully organic sound had made the Band one of the most admired and respected musical institutions on the planet. Having created some of the most gloriously rich and influential music of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Thanksgiving of 1976 would become both a celebration and a fond farewell from one of the most revered rock groups ever.

Elaborately staged by Bill Graham, the Band's farewell concert was christened "The Last Waltz" and presented on Thanksgiving Day at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom, the same venue they first debuted as the Band nearly eight years prior. Five thousand lucky attendees would enjoy turkey dinners served at 5pm, followed by ballroom dancing with music provided by the Berkeley Promenade Orchestra. Poets Michael McClure and Lawrence Ferlinghetti would also give readings prior to the 9pm show time. Needless to say, the Last Waltz was the hottest ticket in town and the Band's farewell would go down as one of the most spectacular events in rock history.

The Band:
Rick Danko - bass, fiddle, vocals / Levon Helm - drums, mandolin, vocals / Garth Hudson - organ, piano, accordion, synthesizers, soprano saxophone, violin / Richard Manuel - piano, organ, drums, clavinet, dobro, vocals / Robbie Robertson - guitar, piano, vocals

Horn Section:
Richard Cooper - trumpet, flugelhorn / James Gordon - flute, tenor saxophone, clarinet / Jerry Hay - trumpet, flugelhorn / Howard Johnson - tuba, baritone saxophone, flugelhorn, bass clarinet / Charlie Keagle - clarinet, flute, saxophone / Tom Malone - trombone, euphonium, alto flute

Guests:
Paul Butterfield - harmonica, vocals / Bobby Charles - vocals / Eric Clapton - guitar, vocals / Neil Diamond - guitar, vocals / Dr. John - piano, guitar, congas, vocals / Bob Dylan - guitar, vocals / Ronnie Hawkins - vocals / Joni Mitchell - acoustic guitar, vocals / Van Morrison - vocals / Larry Packer - violin / John Simon - piano / Ringo Starr - drums / Stephen Stills - guitar / Muddy Waters - vocals / Ronnie Wood - guitar / Neil Young - guitar, harmonica, vocals / Bob Margolin - guitar (for Muddy Waters) / Pinetop Perkins - piano (for Muddy Waters) / Dennis St. John - drums (for Neil Diamond) / Carl Radle - bass (on second encore Jam)
Samples:

Well I'll be darne. Didn't know about this. Question: Did the Beach Boys' "California Girls" get a Grammy when it was made? I don't THINK so!...

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Nov. 24, 2009) — The Recording Academy® announced the
newest additions to its GRAMMY Hall Of Fame®, adding 25 recordings to a timeless list that now includes 851 titles. The Hall Of Fame serves as a celebration and reminder of the triumphs and achievements of the recording arts. Selections are drawn from all categories of music, acknowledging the diversity of musical expression for which The Recording Academy has become renowned. The list and recordings now reside as a collection on display at the GRAMMY Museum®.

2010 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Inductees
"AS TIME GOES BY" Dooley Wilson, Decca (1944), Traditional Pop (Single)
"BIRDLAND" Weather Report, Columbia (1977), Jazz (Single)
"CALIFORNIA GIRLS", The Beach Boys, Capitol (1965), Pop (Single)
CATCH A FIRE, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Island (1973), Reggae (Album)
CLASS CLOWN, George Carlin, Little David (1972), Comedy (Album)
"CRAZY HE CALLS ME" Billie Holiday, Decca (1949), Jazz (Single)
"DIPPER MOUTH BLUES" King Oliver & His Jazz Band, Okeh (1923), Jazz (Single)
"DON'T GET AROUND MUCH ANYMORE (NEVER NO LAMENT)" Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, Victor (1940), Jazz (Single)
"ELLA AND BASIE!" Ella Fitzgerald/Count Basie, Verve (1963), Jazz (Album)
"FELIZ NAVIDAD" Jose Feliciano, RCA Victor (1970), Latin (Single)
"FOR ME AND MY GAL", Judy Garland & Gene Kelly, Decca (1942), Traditional Pop (Single)
"HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW" Mahalia Jackson, Columbia (1958), Gospel (Single)
"I FEEL LIKE GOING HOME" Muddy Waters, Aristocrat (1948), Blues (Single)
"IT'S A MAN'S MAN'S MAN'S WORLD" James Brown, King (1966), R&B (Single)
"JAZZ SAMBA" Stan Getz/Charlie Byrd, Verve (1962), Jazz (Album)
"KANSAS CITY STOMPS" Jelly Roll Morton, Victor (1928), Jazz (Single)
"LAZY RIVER" Louis Armstrong, Okeh (1931), Jazz (Single)
"LOUIS ARMSTRONG PLAYS W. C. HANDY" Louis Armstrong & His All-Stars, Columbia (1954), Jazz (Album)
"MR. BOJANGLES" Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Liberty (1970), Pop (Single)
"PEARL" Janis Joplin, Columbia (1971), Rock (Album)
"RIDERS ON THE STORM" The Doors, Elektra (1971), Rock (Single)
"TWIST AND SHOUT" The Isley Brothers, Wand (1962), R&B (Single)
"WHO DO YOU LOVE?" Bo Diddley, Checker (1956), R&B (Single)
"YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU (I DIDN'T WANT TO DO IT)" Harry James & His Orchestra, Columbia (1941), Traditional Pop (Single)
"ZIP-A-DEE-DOO-DAH" Johnny Mercer, Capitol (1946), Pop (Single)

Wonder if Bob ever announced, "Now batting for the Red Sox, number 9, Ted 'Fucking' Williams, number 9."? .......

NEW YORK (AP)—Bob Sheppard has no intentions of returning to his longtime job as the public address announcer at Yankee Stadium, MLB.com reported Thursday. Sheppard, who is 99, hasn’t worked a game since late in the 2007 season due to illness. “I have no plans of coming back,” Sheppard told the Web site in a telephone interview. “Time has passed me by, I think. I had a good run for it. I enjoyed doing what I did. I don’t think, at my age, I’m going to suddenly regain the stamina that is really needed if you do the job and do it well.” When contacted by The Associated Press, Yankees spokesman Jason Zillo said the team had no announcement or comment at this time. Famous for his distinct and resonant tones, Sheppard became the PA announcer at the old Yankee Stadium in 1951. Decades later, Reggie Jackson gave him the nickname “The Voice of God.” - complete article

I don't want to go all Field of Dreams on you, but baseball has been an important connection in my lifetime to my dad, my brothers, my sons, and the now-fanatic baseball fan, Reet. Check out The Baseball Project's wonderful CD, Frozen Ropes and Dying Quails, of baseball rock songs. Some samples below. The Baseball Project is Peter Buck of REM and Minus 5, Scott McCaughey of Young Fresh Fellows and Minus 5, and Linda Pitmon & Steve Wynn of The Miracle 3.

They perform their tribute to The Splendid Splinter "Ted Fucking Williams" live at Philadelphia's World Cafe Live on September 15, 2009:

Past Time:

Harvey Haddix (I love this song about Harvey Haddix' 12 inning perfect game that he then lost in the 13th inning! Sounds a little like Jonathan Richman):


10.01.09: 36 Hours in New Orleans (steve wynn tour diary)
The original plan was to play our show in New Orleans and then spend the following day off driving to Austin. In theory, that plan would make good touring sense. It's a nine hour drive to Austin and nobody likes a long drive followed immediately by a show. But this was a different story. This was New Orleans. And we, like many of you out there, love New Orleans. It's a city ruled by good food, good music, good nightlife and a place where the clock is of almost no importance. We knew that New Orleans was the place to spend our day off, long drive to Austin be damned!

We checked into the Omni Royal Orleans hotel on Tuesday night at 7pm, just a few hours before our show at One-Eyed Jack's. The hotel had previously been known simply as the Royal Orleans and that indeed is the same name as the Led Zeppelin song from "Presence." The band used to stay at the hotel and one look at the rooftop pool and adjoining bar suggests a suitable site for very debauched archetypically 70's adventures. It's impossible to compete with the Zep (and that, my friends, is how we have outlived John Bonham) but 2am did find me, Linda, Andre and our local pal Rich trying to break into the pool area which had closed a few hours earlier. We did not succeed.

Now, the décor at One-Eyed Jack's would also suggest debauchery. Something between a whorehouse and a speakeasy, the club has a very nice gold velvet curtain behind the band and a wonderful bar up front. Linda and I had seen Rudy Rae Moore (a.k.a. Dolemite) there a few years ago when the club was called the Shim Sham. It was one nasty show. Let's put it this way: "Ted Fucking Williams" would have been the cleanest song in his set. I have to be tired. We were exhausted. But we soldiered through one long set and entertained both the audience and ourselves.

But you want to hear about food. I can hear you cry, "tell us about the food." Okay, everybody, back it down. We all slowly came to life around noon on Wednesday and it was time to enjoy a day of leisure, gluttony and commerce. We began at the Napoleon House, thankfully just a few strides from our front door. The table was covered with muffalettas (a local sandwich specialty featuring various cold Italian cold cuts and an olive spread), roast beef po-boys, shrimp remoulade and a cocktail called a Pim's Cup (gin, 7-up and cucumber). The food and libations put us in the mood for a stroll through the Louisiana Music Factory, one of my favorite record stores in the US. Almost everything they carry is local and you won't find a better selection of New Orleans music anywhere in the world. (they have a great website-check it out). I picked up volumes 4 and 5 of the great "Funky Funky New Orleans" series. Andre got a John Fred and the Playboys compilations that I need to check out before this drive is over.

Long naps followed. I hate to sleep for even an hour in such a great city but we'd had a pretty intense pace in the last week. And the main event lied ahead: dinner at Cochon, a favorite of Peter, Scott and Chloe from previous trips in town with REM. The restaurant is a spin-off of Herbsaint, one of the highest rated of the newer restaurants in town. It was amazing. We spent almost three hours there, telling stories, having some laughs, trying almost everything. You should go there when you're in town. That's all I can say. Everything was good. Go online and check out the menu. We ordered most of it. And it was all good. My personal favorite was probably the paneed pork cheeks with goat cheese arugula and beet rosti.

At that point Peter and Andre and Chloe had had enough and retired to the hotel. It was the right thing to do with an 8am wakeup call and the long drive and Austin show ahead. But Scott, Linda and I were on a mission to have the last drink at Donna's, a club on Rampart Street that features some great local music far off the tourist circuit. Sadly, the club was closed but we ended up at Laffite's Blacksmith Shop, bellied up to the piano bar where we were entertained by a woman who had made a jazz folk rock record in LA (and I have been using all of my Google skills to find her name to no avail-all I could find was a mention of the "slightly sad piano player" on one review site) in the 1970's. She played a few of her old songs, told some interesting and often bitter tales of her adventures in the music business (two words that really shouldn't go together, if you ask me) and played some tearjerking renditions of "Deacon Blues," and "This Masquerade" among many others, investing more emotion in lines like "they've got a name for the winners in the world, I want a name when I lose" than you will normally hear in a piano bar. It was a perfect, poignant end to the evening.

After all that, morning came much too quickly but I acted on the advice of my friend Mary Herczog (check out her various guides to New Orleans before your next trip-you couldn't have a better adventure planner for your trip) and went to Johnny's Po-Boys to load up for our trip. And now I am looking at a bag containing crawfish, catfish and turkey po-boys (not all mixed together-you think we're nuts?) and a muffaletta as well as some bread pudding. And that means it's time to stop typing and move into lunch mode. Gotta stock up on the fuel for our last show tonight in Austin.

THIS JUST IN-Scott just found our piano bar late night serenading queen. Her name is Angelle Trosclair and sure enough she did make an album in the mid-70s and we did hear several of those songs last night. Here's the cover: