Those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end...

Play Me, I'm Yours- NYC...

SEE HIGHLIGHTS

Looking for music -Grumpy's Pub in Falmouth...

Welcome to Grumpy's Pub. The last dive in town.
We have the best damn music on the planet or at least on the Cape. Including the most eclectic jukebox in New England. You'll be sure to find something you like. Grumpy's also has food, but right now we wouldn't suggest eating it.

Revisiting James Hunter Tuesday night at the Iron Horse with Keith 'n Sharie...

I discovered James Hunter (for myself, I'm only taking credit for a small band of his followers) a number of years ago after reading his bio on the Rhythm & Roots website.  Didn't see him at that annual Rhody Labor Day fest, but started listening to his music and was blown away by his just-released People Gonna Talk.  I wore that album out, became a James Hunter evangelist.  Part James Brown, part Sam Cooke with Chuck Berry influences, a bit retro for some, I suppose, but I was hooked.  I first saw him live back in 2006 (see post) at the Iron Horse, where he confirmed my original impressions of him with a marvelous show.  Next time around at The Horse, Keith & Sharie, now huge fans (of him) accompanied me, but our boy sounded quite hoarse from a sore throat and it affected his performance.  Very disappointing.

But Hunter's music has remained a favorite and we booked tickets for Tuesday's show (after much procrastination by me).  Weekday concerts are tough, especially Cafe Nine shows that start after 10PM, but the 7PM show times at the Iron Horse, even with the hour drive back from Northampton, get us home around ten.  Doable.  A seminar in Cromwell means a late start up I91, but we (again, Keith 'n Sharie; The Reet opts out, feeling out of sorts) arrive at the Center Street hole-in-the-wall around six, giving us time to get settle with some food and drink. We opt for a balcony table to the right of the stage and ordered some food (went for the black bean burritto) and drink (white wine for Sharie, Guinness for me and some unmanly brew for Keith).  Looks like a pretty full house.  But as the hour approaches seven, Keith comments that we'll never get started on time.

7PM SHOW TIME!  Right on the dot, as if to chuckle at the 2nd place-matching cards-guy in the balcony.  Dark sharkskin suit (who knows?) with dark, open collar shirt.  James is looking sharp, backed up with two saxes, keyboards, upright bass and a guy named Dave Mason on drums.  Keith is hoping for a Van the Man guest appearance.

Band name scrawled on bathroom wall- The The The Stutterers

In pictures, Rolling Stone's top 40 songs of all time...

View complete set here

Play Me, I'm Yours starts today in NYC...

 

NYC to plunk down pianos at ferry, Brooklyn Bridge (AP) 
NEW YORK – Consider them keys to the city: Anyone who gets a sudden itch to tickle the ivories will be able to play free public pianos in 50 places throughout New York City, from the Coney Island boardwalk to the Metropolitan Museum. An art installation touring the world is making its first U.S. stop beginning Monday. For two weeks, players can play tunes on pianos all over New York City, at famous landmarks like the Lincoln Center, the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Staten Island ferry terminal and Central Park's bandshell.  The concept, devised by British artist Luke Jerram, has put more than 130 pianos in parks, squares and bus stations since 2008 in cities including London, Sydney and Sao Paulo. And now it's New York City's turn to play, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Thursday.

"There's going to be a huge amount of talent here," Jerram said in an interview. "The piano's actually a blank canvas for everyone's creativity, really, so I just hope that the city enjoys it."  The New York installation will be the largest in the project. It is double the size of the previous largest — 30 pianos in London last year.  Each of the 60 pianos to be installed throughout New York has its own attendants responsible for its care. That involves unlocking the keyboard at 9 a.m. every day and deploying a heavy tarp over the instrument if it rains.  The pianos were donated for the cause and have been painted and decorated by artists.  They will be delivered to 27 locations in Manhattan, 10 in Brooklyn, five in Queens and four each in Staten Island and the Bronx. - (complete story) - streetpianos.com

Monday, Monday, can't trust that day...

Lady Gaga still welcome at Yankees after amusing clubhouse visit

Pop diva Lady Gaga reminded the New York Yankees — no, all of Major League Baseball — that the spirit of rock 'n' roll trumps their stuffed-shirt rules every time.  Due to questionable behavior as reported in the New York Post, Gaga was said to be "banned" from the Yankees clubhouse after infuriating club executive killjoy Hal Steinbrenner on Friday night.
She had become "Persona non Gaga," as George King III triumphantly wrote.  But it's not such a bad romance, after all.
The Bronx Bummers backtracked — uh, clarified — their Gaga position on Sunday, saying their only issue regarding Madame du Poker Face was that she stopped by after a loss (the Mets had blanked the Yanks 4-0).  Clothed up top in a half-buttoned, bra-exposing Yankees jersey, with fishnet stockings and bikini bottom down low, Lady went gaga over the Yankees while deep within their sanctum.

Cyndi Lauper featuring Allen Toussaint on Letterman...

Cyndi Lauper realizes longtime dream with "Blues" 
NEW YORK (Billboard) – Best known for her '80s-era pop hits, Cyndi Lauper veers off in a new direction with "Memphis Blues."  Out Tuesday (June 22) on Downtown Records, the album is a big change from 2008's dance-oriented "Bring Ya to the Brink." The set features 12 classic blues covers, recorded in Memphis under Lauper's direction with such legends as Allen Toussaint, B.B. King and Charlie Musselwhite and veteran Stax Records session players including Lester Snell and Skip Pitts.  Lauper spoke with Billboard about her vision for the album, her new record deal and her recent appearance on Donald Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice."  Billboard: After all these years as a pop star, why did you decide to record a blues album?
Cyndi Lauper: Years ago, I had a dream that (jazz pianist) Oscar Peterson came to me and said, "You know, Cyn, I really like your version of (Marvin Gaye's) 'What's Goin' On' (from her 1986 album, "True Colors"). Then he just looked at me and said, "I think you should do some old songs, and make them modern, the way (Janis) Joplin did." So for years, I've wanted to go back and make a blues record. - (complete article)

SBBS tour blogpost...

Tuesday morning (please be gone I'm tired of you) trail mix...

Abbey Road, 40 years later?  

(Suite: Judy Blue Eyes)

Let's Get Away For the Weekend (Al Anderson) After Hours

If Dreams Come True (Nancy Wilson) Something Wonderful

Trouble In Mind (Mose Allison) The Prestige Collection

From Clare To Here (Nanci Griffith) Other Voices, Other Rooms

Rouge (Miles Davis) Birth of the Cool
Ontario, Quebec and Me (Mary Lou Lord) Live City Sounds
Empty Bed Blues (Maria Muldaur) Sweet Lovin' Ol' Soul
Stop This Train (John Mayer) Continuum
Gimme Some Truth (John Lennon) Imagine
Woncha Come Home (Joan Armatrading) Show Some Emotion

Conan O'Brien rocks out with Jack White for live vinyl album...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Conan O'Brien may have missed his calling.  The once and future late night television host laid down a scorching rockabilly-flavored set Thursday night at Jack White's Third Man Records and plans to release a vinyl album of the show.  "This is probably the most fun I've had in show business," a sweat-soaked O'Brien told a crowd of about 300 before launching into a fiery finale of Eddie Cochran's "Twenty Flight Rock" with White.  O'Brien has been riding a bus around the country with his band on "The Legally Prohibited From Being Funny On Television Tour," a music- and comedy-filled variety show, while waiting for his new hosting gig at TBS to start. He left "The Tonight Show" earlier this year after NBC reinstalled former host Jay Leno.  O'Brien ripped through a rockin' set with his ace band behind him and The Cocettes singing backup. White, the leader of The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, introduced O'Brien as "a rockabilly legend in the making." White's Third Man Records has a concert space as well as reel-to-reel recording equipment.  (complete article)

For the boys in Bay Ridge this Summer- Celebrate Brooklyn...

Celebrate Brooklyn is "a program of BRIC Arts|Media|Bklyn, (that) has brought over 30 summers of music, dance, theater, and film to the Prospect Park Bandshell."  (The 2010 season schedule) Too late to see Allen Toussaint, who headlined last night.  Called G-man's cell to inform him, but the call was ignored.

Still awaiting reports from the Pool Hall Studs about the Memorial Day road race down in Jersey with hosts Mark 'n Lisa.  Also awaiting report from the Gumbo on his VIP event with the New Zealand Navy brass.

And, of course, make sure to support Plantsville's own, the Sawtelles!.... Holly Golightly & the Brokeoffs tonight at Cafe Nine.  Great show last time, but can't go because Doc Rivers said to stay ready just in case....James Hunter Band at the Iron Horse in Northampton on June 22.  We're there with the Andersons......  Sarah Borges returns to Cafe Nine on Saturday, July 24.  Anyone in?  I've been accused of being a stalker, but have only caught them once (in New London last summer) in about two years.

You know when it's real - Racy lyrics lead Wendy's to pull CD from kid meals (story)

LOUISIANA MUSIC FACTORY JAZZFEST IN-STORE PHOTOS 2010 - PT 2 ...

Back from the Cape...

Four days of golf and male bondage....congrats to Keith for grabbing the golf title, while The Rick and I captured the more important setback championship......Vin captured the hearts of all with his stellar play (I think).... missed the Blackeyed & Blues Fest at Bushnell Park last Thursday; anyone go?...The Reet finally booked us for Robert Hunter at the Iron Horse in Northampton on June 22.....Monica to sing anthem at Game 3 of NBA Finals

Another sleepy, dusty delta day...

Black-eyed & Bluesfest 2010
The annual Hartford Advocate Black-eyed & Blues presented by Red Hook Longhammer IPA and Bud Light returns to Bushnell Park for its tenth year of sizzling food, ice-cold beer, and hot Blues music! Rain or shine, from 5-11 PM on this Aetna First Thursday in June, thousands of fans will enjoy a healthy dose of Blues music with renowned national and regional artists Ryan Hartt & the Blue Hearts, River City Slim & the Zydeco Hogs, Larry Garner Blues Band, Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles and Jeff Pitchell & Texas Flood.

Hartford Advocate Black-eyed & Blues 2010
Thursday, June 3th, 2010, 5 PM-11 PM
Bushnell Park Pavilion,  Downtown Hartford, CT

Admission Absolutely Free!!!