Sunday, March 30, 2008
Searching out the best in music, for you....
Unlike other, cheesier music resources, johnnykmusic strives to bring you only the best. Here's Sarah Silverman:
And, of course, Jimmy kimmel's response:
And, of course, Jimmy kimmel's response:
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Late night with Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles at Cafe Nine...
Stephen Curry was finished, polishing off yet another Goliath (a.k.a. U of Wisconsin Badgers) with a dazzling display of quick-release jumpers, entertaining the sellout crowd including invited Davidson guest, LeBron James. Stretching, yawning, flopped comfortably on the couch, I contemplated - Villanova v Kansas or some well-deserved shuteye in anticipation of my morning appointments. Let's give the game a quick look to see if the 'Cats can hang with the 'Hawks, then hit the hay. The telephone rings. It's Keith asking The Reet if Johnnyk has left yet. Seems Keith 'N Sharie have just exited the Bushnell after taking in Twelve Angry Men and Keith wants me to wait for him to go hear Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles at Cafe Nine in New Haven. Oh. I had told Keith that I was going. He was to accompany me, but found out that he and Sharie had theatre tickets. So, while I tried to muster the energy to go it alone, it just wasn't going to happen. Sure, Buddy, I'll pick you up in a half-hour. It's ten o'clock.
Keith is disappointed that I did not bring Diamonds in the Dark for the ride to New Haven; we listen to The Pipettes instead. Arriving at the tiny brick bar at the corner of State/Crown, and being unsure of the constantly changing parking lots policy, we look for a street space. Up Crown and around several blocks, we finally do a deft U-turn and cozy into a spot about two blocks away. Fourteen dollar cover for two. Keith graciously pays. Jesus, the opening act, Jim Aveni and his band, is still playing. We'll be here until dawn (go away, I'm no good for you)! It's good to see the place packed on this early Spring night. We push to the rear of the narrow, elogated room, then ease over close to the bar and order up two Pabst Blue Ribbons. Yeah, you heard it, buddy, Pabst Blue Ribbon.Opening acts get no love when it's after 11 o'clock and you have to get up early in the morning. I'm reminded of an impatient Johnny Gumbo yelling out to a tardy and listless opening act upon completion of their first number, "ONE MORE SONG!" But Jim finishes up his set in short time and SBBS start to set up on the tiny stage at the front of the bar. A quick howdy to bass player Binky as he makes his way to the head for pre-game relief. We make our way forward along the bar until we settle in about halfway. Keith even gets a barstool.
Sarah and the boys seem energized tonight, much more so than when we last saw them at the Iron Horse in Northampton, where the audience sits at tables. Sorry, no song listing out of this tired cowboy, but the set is a nice mix, with some tunes for a soon-to-be-started new album. Old songs are given some new twists. The tightly packed crowd loves it. Great atmosphere. For Open Up Your Back Door, Sarah leads a sing along from atop the bar, pitting (and mimicking) the boys vs girls. Mike Castellana's demeanor is understated, but his solos are sharp and tasty. Rob Delany is smiling and banging, while Binky is busy being Mr. Bassman and foil for Sarah's 'tween song quips. Everyone seems to be having a great time. Sarah gives some love to The Nine, relating that this is the sixth time she's played the Musician's Living Room.
Encore over. Very good show, guys. Loved the energy. Only complaint: omission of Tom Waits' Blind Love. Oh well, I'll just have to buy Scarlett Johansson's new album for my Tom Waits' fix. A quick hey on the way out and then into the chilly, early morning air. Keith, thanks for the call.
I always screw up when trying to video in concert and this time was no different, but here is the ending of one song on Friday night at Cafe Nine:
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Yes, it seems all Greek to me, but...
Received an email from Giorgos Baliotis at the mix grill music blog regarding a survey about American radio stations' music.
Dear Johnny,
We are a Greek music blog (mix grill) and this month we are researching "music radio" across the world. On this subject, we have already posted many articles about music radio in Greece within the last 25 years. We tend to believe that the current state in Greek radio is unsatisfactory , as you can see in our view below.
Furthermore, we would like to re search the state of radio in other countries and we hope to help Greek music radio, by posting articles, which show this issue.
For this reason, it would be very helpful if you could answer our questions, which follow. Please, feel free to express your opinion. Besides your answers, this will give our readers the chance to see your own site and get acquainted with you.
1. How would you describe your country's music radio stations? Are you satisfied in general?
(A) It covers me completely.
(B) Enough thanked! It informs me relatively fast for the new circulations, even if I have already learned them in the Internet.
(C) Neither cold, neither heat... I would like more, but am satisfied by what I take.
(D) I am not thanked! Continuous play lists, small until by no means briefing on the new things, retrospections in past.
(E) I am not satisfied at all. We have only 4-5 producers with opinion...! I prefer hearing foreigner radio or Internet radio stations...
(F) Other: Please write us your opinion.
Your answer>
2. What do you expect from a music radio station?
(A) Radio shows with different musical viewpoints and many researches about past music periods.
(B) Radio Shows with information about new albums.
(C) Both the above.
(D) Other: Please write us your opinion.
Your answer>
3. Are there mostly playlists or shows with different musical viewpoints in your country's radio stations?
(A) Radio shows with different musical viewpoints.
(B) Playlists.
(C) Other: Please write us your opinion.
Your answer>
4. Do you have many shows, in which the producers express their musical opinions freely, actually look into music and promote new albums, without being pressured by their sponsors?
(A) Yes, we have many of them.
(B) There are a few producers, who really have good shows, informing us about new stuff in music, researching the past and expressing their opinion freely
(C) Other: Please write us your opinion.
Your answer>
5. What kind of a relationship is there between record companies and music radio stations?
(A) They have a close co-operation, but the record companies don't demand things in radio shows.
(B) The record companies control the shows of a radio station
(C) Other: Please write us your opinion.
Your answer>
6. Do you prefer to listen to internet or traditional radios?
(A) Radio stations.
(B) Internet radio stations
(C) Both of them
(D) Other: Please write us your opinion.
Your answer>
In order to help you, you can see my own answers to the above questions below:
1. I'm not satisfied at all. We have many music radio stations, which have only a few producers and a continuous play list. You can find producers, who play dance music in one radio station for 3 hours and Greek modern music in another station for the next 3 hours, the two stations being owned by the same person. To me, they are professionals, not producers. As you can understand, we don't have many producers, expressing their actual musical opinions. They mostly promote their sponsors and talk about parties etc. Unfortunately, many good producers, who really love radio, don't have radio show anymore.
2. I expect shows with different musical viewpoints, information about new albums and songs – and not only about one specific record label albums – researches about past musical periods, co operations with other radio stations from other countries. Nowadays, we have very good information about music from many Web Sites. It would be perfect if the producers would listen to all the songs of every album (and not only their singles) and share their opinions with us. It is so simple, but we rarely have this information from most shows.
3. 90% playlists and maybe more.
4. I believe that there are only 4-5 producers, who really have good shows, informing us about new stuff in music, researching the past and expressing their opinion freely. Obviously, most of them belong to Public or Municipal radio stations. In most music radio stations, everything revolves around their sponsors and commercial spots. One could say that this makes sense, but I cannot believe that a music station could not have profit, if it is like the one I dream of, like some radios that we had in Greece in the past.
5. Some Greek radio stations belong to record label owners. How objective can they be?
6. Unfortunately, I would prefer to listen to radio stations in my old radio, but I can find better radio stations in Internet. Some of them are Greek and some not.
We assure you that you will be informed for our article, which shows your opinion and if you don't want to show your identity and your site, we will do it. Thank you very much in advance. We are looking forward to reading your answers and any other information about music radio in your country.
With our best regards, Giorgos Baliotis e-mail: gbaliotis@gmail.com
Dear Johnny,
We are a Greek music blog (mix grill) and this month we are researching "music radio" across the world. On this subject, we have already posted many articles about music radio in Greece within the last 25 years. We tend to believe that the current state in Greek radio is unsatisfactory , as you can see in our view below.
Furthermore, we would like to re search the state of radio in other countries and we hope to help Greek music radio, by posting articles, which show this issue.
For this reason, it would be very helpful if you could answer our questions, which follow. Please, feel free to express your opinion. Besides your answers, this will give our readers the chance to see your own site and get acquainted with you.
1. How would you describe your country's music radio stations? Are you satisfied in general?
(A) It covers me completely.
(B) Enough thanked! It informs me relatively fast for the new circulations, even if I have already learned them in the Internet.
(C) Neither cold, neither heat... I would like more, but am satisfied by what I take.
(D) I am not thanked! Continuous play lists, small until by no means briefing on the new things, retrospections in past.
(E) I am not satisfied at all. We have only 4-5 producers with opinion...! I prefer hearing foreigner radio or Internet radio stations...
(F) Other: Please write us your opinion.
Your answer>
2. What do you expect from a music radio station?
(A) Radio shows with different musical viewpoints and many researches about past music periods.
(B) Radio Shows with information about new albums.
(C) Both the above.
(D) Other: Please write us your opinion.
Your answer>
3. Are there mostly playlists or shows with different musical viewpoints in your country's radio stations?
(A) Radio shows with different musical viewpoints.
(B) Playlists.
(C) Other: Please write us your opinion.
Your answer>
4. Do you have many shows, in which the producers express their musical opinions freely, actually look into music and promote new albums, without being pressured by their sponsors?
(A) Yes, we have many of them.
(B) There are a few producers, who really have good shows, informing us about new stuff in music, researching the past and expressing their opinion freely
(C) Other: Please write us your opinion.
Your answer>
5. What kind of a relationship is there between record companies and music radio stations?
(A) They have a close co-operation, but the record companies don't demand things in radio shows.
(B) The record companies control the shows of a radio station
(C) Other: Please write us your opinion.
Your answer>
6. Do you prefer to listen to internet or traditional radios?
(A) Radio stations.
(B) Internet radio stations
(C) Both of them
(D) Other: Please write us your opinion.
Your answer>
In order to help you, you can see my own answers to the above questions below:
1. I'm not satisfied at all. We have many music radio stations, which have only a few producers and a continuous play list. You can find producers, who play dance music in one radio station for 3 hours and Greek modern music in another station for the next 3 hours, the two stations being owned by the same person. To me, they are professionals, not producers. As you can understand, we don't have many producers, expressing their actual musical opinions. They mostly promote their sponsors and talk about parties etc. Unfortunately, many good producers, who really love radio, don't have radio show anymore.
2. I expect shows with different musical viewpoints, information about new albums and songs – and not only about one specific record label albums – researches about past musical periods, co operations with other radio stations from other countries. Nowadays, we have very good information about music from many Web Sites. It would be perfect if the producers would listen to all the songs of every album (and not only their singles) and share their opinions with us. It is so simple, but we rarely have this information from most shows.
3. 90% playlists and maybe more.
4. I believe that there are only 4-5 producers, who really have good shows, informing us about new stuff in music, researching the past and expressing their opinion freely. Obviously, most of them belong to Public or Municipal radio stations. In most music radio stations, everything revolves around their sponsors and commercial spots. One could say that this makes sense, but I cannot believe that a music station could not have profit, if it is like the one I dream of, like some radios that we had in Greece in the past.
5. Some Greek radio stations belong to record label owners. How objective can they be?
6. Unfortunately, I would prefer to listen to radio stations in my old radio, but I can find better radio stations in Internet. Some of them are Greek and some not.
We assure you that you will be informed for our article, which shows your opinion and if you don't want to show your identity and your site, we will do it. Thank you very much in advance. We are looking forward to reading your answers and any other information about music radio in your country.
With our best regards, Giorgos Baliotis e-mail: gbaliotis@gmail.com
Sawtelles, twice on Saturday...
First, from 4-6p the Sawtelles will be down in Bridgeport for their last week of residency at Two Boots Pizza, located at Fairfield Ave. near the new Bijou Theatre construction and the Fairfield Weekly offices.Then later on the Slingslang/Thinman Music Fest in Bristol at the Franco-American club on Barlow Street. Admission is $10 in advance (get in touch with any band member) or $12 at the door. The lineup:
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
G not impressed with Jack 'n Brendan...
Raconteurs 2nd album - Consolers of the Lonely Daily Nuggets
14 new tunes, must be better than their debut Broken Boy Soldiers, later revealed as White Stripes’, solo-Benson leftovers, some decent songs, but didn’t appear to be much of a band effort (10 songs!?). Using my flawless CD unpacking technique (I still buy CDs!), I sit in Rockin-Rita’s Malibu with a week of anticipation built up for the Raconteurs new album Consolers of the Lonely. NME said the band wanted to release it without any notice, but their record company decided record shops needed notification that the revolution wrapped in plastic was on its way. Therefore, a week ago today, the band’s website announced the March 25th release. I did buy it, but a day early. Snooze ya lose Borders! – who lost my business, denying my early album request. Took my business elsewhere and listened to the first few songs in a mall parking lot, Malibu speaker system waking babies left in cars while mommies shop. - complete review
14 new tunes, must be better than their debut Broken Boy Soldiers, later revealed as White Stripes’, solo-Benson leftovers, some decent songs, but didn’t appear to be much of a band effort (10 songs!?). Using my flawless CD unpacking technique (I still buy CDs!), I sit in Rockin-Rita’s Malibu with a week of anticipation built up for the Raconteurs new album Consolers of the Lonely. NME said the band wanted to release it without any notice, but their record company decided record shops needed notification that the revolution wrapped in plastic was on its way. Therefore, a week ago today, the band’s website announced the March 25th release. I did buy it, but a day early. Snooze ya lose Borders! – who lost my business, denying my early album request. Took my business elsewhere and listened to the first few songs in a mall parking lot, Malibu speaker system waking babies left in cars while mommies shop. - complete review
Still more on the Fab Farq.....
From the johnnykmusic mailbag:
Would love to leave a comment about Doug Lapham, I still do one of his songs the Streets of Montreal. The Fabulous Farquahr were a wonderful group to see live. - Randy Burns of The Morning, Randy Burns and the Skydog Band
Tonight my wife and I were driving home and I said "Remember the Fabulous Farquahr?." We lived in Clinton, Ct for 7 years in the late 60's and had seen them at the Dock and Dine, together with her folks. We have lived in Tiverton,RI for 30 years, so it must have been in 1973 or 1974. I can still remember a stirring rendition of "The Eleanor Roosevelt Rag" It had style, a great melody, and sparkling lyrics. The music still haunts my mind. It was a wonderful evening. They were in the truest sense and with much honor - ENTERTAINERS! .I am sorry to hear of Frank McGowan's passing. I can still see him smiling and singing on the stage. It is nice to find some others who share a memory from so long ago. - Steve Jackson -Tiverton, RI
Would love to leave a comment about Doug Lapham, I still do one of his songs the Streets of Montreal. The Fabulous Farquahr were a wonderful group to see live. - Randy Burns of The Morning, Randy Burns and the Skydog BandTonight my wife and I were driving home and I said "Remember the Fabulous Farquahr?." We lived in Clinton, Ct for 7 years in the late 60's and had seen them at the Dock and Dine, together with her folks. We have lived in Tiverton,RI for 30 years, so it must have been in 1973 or 1974. I can still remember a stirring rendition of "The Eleanor Roosevelt Rag" It had style, a great melody, and sparkling lyrics. The music still haunts my mind. It was a wonderful evening. They were in the truest sense and with much honor - ENTERTAINERS! .I am sorry to hear of Frank McGowan's passing. I can still see him smiling and singing on the stage. It is nice to find some others who share a memory from so long ago. - Steve Jackson -Tiverton, RI
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Stuff...
Bailey Rae's Hubby Found Dead by Josh Grossberg (E!online)
Jason Rae, the musician-husband of soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae, was found dead Saturday in a London flat of a suspected drug overdose. He was 31. According to British media reports, police have arrested an unidentified 32-year-old man for allegedly "supplying controlled substances." He was subsequently released on bail. Rae, who played the saxophone, was scheduled to perform with his band, Haggis Horns, on Sunday night at the HiFi Club in Leeds. That gig has subsequently been cancelled. No word on his more famous wife's whereabouts or whether she was with him when he died. An autopsy was inconclusive and police are currently waiting on the results of toxicology tests before making a final determination on cause of death. article
The Raconteurs' second album, Consolers Of The Lonely, will be out on Tuesday. I'll be catching Jack White, Brendan Benson and the boys at Jazz Fest in May.
Planning to catch the return of Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles' return to Cafe Nine on Friday night. A pre-game nap would be a good idea for this cowboy in anticaption of the usual post-11pm showtime. The Reet and Sharie are passing, but Keith may suck it up and accompany me. The K&S concert tour, fresh from seeing Bruce Springsteen at HCC and Jersey Boys in NYC, has booked one of the nine Billy Joel shows at Mohegan Sun (if Piano Boy can drive from Long Island that many times without smashing into a tree). Sharie has refused to report to johnnykmusic about either event.
Jason Rae, the musician-husband of soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae, was found dead Saturday in a London flat of a suspected drug overdose. He was 31. According to British media reports, police have arrested an unidentified 32-year-old man for allegedly "supplying controlled substances." He was subsequently released on bail. Rae, who played the saxophone, was scheduled to perform with his band, Haggis Horns, on Sunday night at the HiFi Club in Leeds. That gig has subsequently been cancelled. No word on his more famous wife's whereabouts or whether she was with him when he died. An autopsy was inconclusive and police are currently waiting on the results of toxicology tests before making a final determination on cause of death. article
The Raconteurs' second album, Consolers Of The Lonely, will be out on Tuesday. I'll be catching Jack White, Brendan Benson and the boys at Jazz Fest in May.
Planning to catch the return of Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles' return to Cafe Nine on Friday night. A pre-game nap would be a good idea for this cowboy in anticaption of the usual post-11pm showtime. The Reet and Sharie are passing, but Keith may suck it up and accompany me. The K&S concert tour, fresh from seeing Bruce Springsteen at HCC and Jersey Boys in NYC, has booked one of the nine Billy Joel shows at Mohegan Sun (if Piano Boy can drive from Long Island that many times without smashing into a tree). Sharie has refused to report to johnnykmusic about either event.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Looks like Dorothy Malone, sings like Lulu...
I was watching a video on billboard.com recapping the SXSW Festival and was struck by the song, Mercy, being sung in a sultry, Aretha-style by a young woman named Duffy. So off to All Music Guide to discover that Aimee Anne Duffy is a Welsh 20-something who just released her first album, Rockferry. According to IGN.com, "...the British star of South By, and the woman who undoubtedly 'did a Winehouse' this year, was Duffy. Following her meteoric rise to the top of the UK charts last month, she played a monumental first set at the Mercury Records gig, then filled the sizeable Stubb's with her rasping yet soulful tones on Saturday night. Her debut album hits the US next month, and is surely set for Winehouse-style success. Let's just hope that the subsequent twelve months are a little less rocky for the talented Welsh songstress."
Rolling Stone observed that Duffy delivered..." a remarkable set at the Parish Friday afternoon with her six-piece band. The very cute twenty-three-year-old has had a Number One hit in the U.K. for the past month with “Mercy,” a dance-y go-go-style track that begs the Amy Winehouse comparisons. The songs that sealed the deal at her first U.S. gig, though, were the precise but powerful ballads: her other single Rockferry and the affecting Warwick Avenue started gentle and rose to belting, breathtaking crescendos. By the time Duffy ended her six-tune set with a pounding version of Mercy, the industry crowd was swaying on the club floor and entirely besotted."
So off to YouTube to discover this great video of the song, Syrup and Honey:
Chocolate Rain, the same crime has a higher price to pay...
Chocolate Rain claims a YouTube award by ERIN CARLSON (AP)
NEW YORK - And the winner for best music video: "Chocolate Rain." Tay Zonday morphed from an unknown musician to an Internet superstar who got booked on national TV shows after his song "Chocolate Rain" — an amateur clip of his baritone crooning — went viral last year. Now he's among the 12 winners of the second annual YouTube Video Awards, recognizing the top user-created videos of 2007. YouTube users voted on six nominees for each category: music, sports, comedy, instructional, short film, inspirational, commentary, creative, politics, series, eyewitness and "adorable." complete article
Monday, March 17, 2008
Happy St. Paddy's Day.....do you know where your gumbo is?
Top 5 biggest selling Irish acts of all time (from Wikipedia):Irish acts/Sold/Genre/Years active
1. U2 150 Million+ (Rock) 1976-Present (31 Years)
2. Enya 75 Million+ (New Age) 1986-Present (22 Years)
3. Van Morrison 55 Million+ (Soul) 1967-Present (40 Years)
4. The Cranberries 45 Million+ (Rock) 1990-2003 (13 Years)
5. The Corrs 43 Million+ (Pop) 1996-Present (11 Years)
Thursday, March 13, 2008
He's no John Oates, but...
I may be showing my uncool, but I've always liked Daryl Hall (even if it's a little creepy with John Oates hanging around all the time for no apparent reason). Philly Soul. Yeah, under that sometimes too-sweet sound is a very soulful soul, with roots in blues, Motown and even doo-wop. He and Oates even toured with Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin, the heart and soul of the Temptations, until those two doped themselves to death.
Well, it seems Hall is back, hosting a monthly internet show Live From Daryl's House, where he does a complete concert with his band and guests. KT Tunstall will join Daryl on March 15. Check it out.
Clip from Live From Daryl's House Episode 4 with Special Guest Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes:
Well, it seems Hall is back, hosting a monthly internet show Live From Daryl's House, where he does a complete concert with his band and guests. KT Tunstall will join Daryl on March 15. Check it out.
Clip from Live From Daryl's House Episode 4 with Special Guest Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes:
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Johnny Gumbo sez...
50 days, boys! Start gettin' in the mood.
The Gumbo 2008 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
(ed note: Trying NOT to picture Gumbo in that middle outfit below!)
The Gumbo 2008 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
(ed note: Trying NOT to picture Gumbo in that middle outfit below!)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
SB&BS @ SXSW...
Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles are headed to the annual South by Southwest festival in Austin, TX as we speak. Please find the complete schedule below:Monday, March 10, 9pm Continental Club w/ Dale Watson
Thursday, March 13, 9pm Opal Divine's- 3rd Coast Music Presents
Friday, March 14, 7:30pm Maria's Taco Express - Sin City SXSW party
Saturday, March 15, 4:30pm Jovita's -Twangfest party
Saturday, March 15, 9pm Opal Divine's -3rd Coast Music Presents
SBBS has started a video blog about their current tour. Check it out on her homepage, and keep checking back for more installments! Upon returning from SXSW, Sarah and the boys will make a stop at Cafe Nine in New Haven on March 28. Be there!
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Once upon a punk...
Speaking of whom, this note from Gus, one of the original Westie Punks:
I read where Mike Smith from the Dave Clark Five died recently. I always felt that he, Elvis, and Jackie Wilson had the best male singing voices in rock music (if you want to include Wilson in 'rock'). DC5 wasn't the most original band, but they did have some driving 1 minute and 57 second songs in their day. Whether they belong in the RnR Hall of Fame is for others to discuss. I liked them back in '63 - '65. The big questions are: Are they 'real' Yankees? What's the big deal with the rumor of Denis Paxton (sax) taking 'performance' enhancing drugs; weren't steroids and HGH legal in the early sixties? westies #1
Johnnykmusic>>> If you are unfamiliar with the Westie Punks, here is CyberMusicGuide's History of pop icons: Westie Punks
Finally, the cuts previously only whispered about in San Francisco bath houses and certain New England pro shops, culled from the unequalled collection of the legendary Stonehill College student activist/dorm rep (with a "smooth-as-a-prom queen's thigh" jump shot) Augustus (Gussy) Peverada (other legendary activities which took place in Gussy's dorm room were outside the scope of this project). Rising from the sleazy beaches, pool halls and roller coasters of West Haven, CT, Westie Punks soared to the top of the pop scene in 1967 with their debut album, The Legendary Gussy Tapes, Vol I. They followed quickly with All Youse Need Is Freakin' Love and finally the classic Coupla Dogs at Jimmie's (live at Savin Rock, 7/4/69) before disappearing into the disco-funk scene of the late seventies. But, despite their brief time in the limelight, their legend , curiously, continues to grow as the years pass - cult heroes to a whole generation. Why? No one with any musical taste has been able to answer that, but it seems that, to many, The Punks were shitheads, and they were Westie shitheads.
The band's latest album, You Can't Take the Punk Outta Westie, reunites Gussy Peverada's fizzy melodies with his mates' poppy singalongs to construct a disc overflowing with uber-memorable tunes. With standout tracks like "Who Blew Up Da Rock?," and "Still Not Quite Bristol" dominating radio airwaves far and wide, Westie Punks is an essential addition to any music lover's library. - bumbershoot band-bio-generator
I read where Mike Smith from the Dave Clark Five died recently. I always felt that he, Elvis, and Jackie Wilson had the best male singing voices in rock music (if you want to include Wilson in 'rock'). DC5 wasn't the most original band, but they did have some driving 1 minute and 57 second songs in their day. Whether they belong in the RnR Hall of Fame is for others to discuss. I liked them back in '63 - '65. The big questions are: Are they 'real' Yankees? What's the big deal with the rumor of Denis Paxton (sax) taking 'performance' enhancing drugs; weren't steroids and HGH legal in the early sixties? westies #1
Johnnykmusic>>> If you are unfamiliar with the Westie Punks, here is CyberMusicGuide's History of pop icons: Westie Punks
Finally, the cuts previously only whispered about in San Francisco bath houses and certain New England pro shops, culled from the unequalled collection of the legendary Stonehill College student activist/dorm rep (with a "smooth-as-a-prom queen's thigh" jump shot) Augustus (Gussy) Peverada (other legendary activities which took place in Gussy's dorm room were outside the scope of this project). Rising from the sleazy beaches, pool halls and roller coasters of West Haven, CT, Westie Punks soared to the top of the pop scene in 1967 with their debut album, The Legendary Gussy Tapes, Vol I. They followed quickly with All Youse Need Is Freakin' Love and finally the classic Coupla Dogs at Jimmie's (live at Savin Rock, 7/4/69) before disappearing into the disco-funk scene of the late seventies. But, despite their brief time in the limelight, their legend , curiously, continues to grow as the years pass - cult heroes to a whole generation. Why? No one with any musical taste has been able to answer that, but it seems that, to many, The Punks were shitheads, and they were Westie shitheads. The band's latest album, You Can't Take the Punk Outta Westie, reunites Gussy Peverada's fizzy melodies with his mates' poppy singalongs to construct a disc overflowing with uber-memorable tunes. With standout tracks like "Who Blew Up Da Rock?," and "Still Not Quite Bristol" dominating radio airwaves far and wide, Westie Punks is an essential addition to any music lover's library. - bumbershoot band-bio-generator
Friday, March 07, 2008
Returning from forever...
Austin dates raise curtain on Forever's return (Reuters)
Legendary jazz/rock fusion group Return to Forever will begin its summer reunion tour May 29 with a two-night stand at Austin's Paramount Theatre, Billboard has learned.
The act, which hasn't performed together in 25 years, will play North America throughout June before heading to Europe for a month's worth of shows in July. The classic lineup of keyboardist Chick Corea, bassist Stanley Clarke, guitarist Al Di Meola and drummer Lenny White returns stateside in August for an East Coast run that concludes August 7 at New York's United Palace.
After a handful of rehearsals in early February, Corea told Billboard, "It was thrilling getting together with the guys again," noting that "everybody's approach and sound was so much richer." The musicians haven't ruled out the prospect of recording new material as a group. "We all definitely want to," Corea said, noting that fans should expect a live DVD of the tour.
Legendary jazz/rock fusion group Return to Forever will begin its summer reunion tour May 29 with a two-night stand at Austin's Paramount Theatre, Billboard has learned. The act, which hasn't performed together in 25 years, will play North America throughout June before heading to Europe for a month's worth of shows in July. The classic lineup of keyboardist Chick Corea, bassist Stanley Clarke, guitarist Al Di Meola and drummer Lenny White returns stateside in August for an East Coast run that concludes August 7 at New York's United Palace.
After a handful of rehearsals in early February, Corea told Billboard, "It was thrilling getting together with the guys again," noting that "everybody's approach and sound was so much richer." The musicians haven't ruled out the prospect of recording new material as a group. "We all definitely want to," Corea said, noting that fans should expect a live DVD of the tour.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Hot news from Rusty Records...
Just got word that Dr. Rusty Camp has hired the Funk Brothers band from Detroit to be the recording band for "RUSTY RECORDS" new cd. Because the stakes are so high (the top four groups get recording contracts with Rusty Records), The "boss" has decided to go with the top pros in the industry. As mentioned previously, The Five Satins, The Squires, Rusty Rivets & The Rockets, and The Fabulous Showstoppers are already signed to do the cd. Now some new groups have been accepted to participate. They are ---- Johnny K. & The Heartbreakers (Southington's own John Kennedy with a revamped Heartbreakers), Susie Q & The QTs, and The DEE- LITES. But a persistant rumor has again crossed my desk. It seems that Woody "The Legend" Crosby has joined forces with Dick "Flash" Carlson to form a super group to try to wrest a recording contract from the sponsors. And this just in - Mike "Bogey" Boguslawski has agreed to not only write a new song for Johnny Kennedy's group - Mike will also lend his vocal expertise to the mix. Things are starting to heat up in Plainville - stay tuned to all the news!
Jim Kane
Jim Kane
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Sharie, Sharie baby......we're waiting....
Word is out from Keith that Bruce was fabulous at the XL Center last week, but Sharie has not yet come through with her promised review. While we wait for the real thing, here's Htfd Courant rock critic Eric Danton's take - Springsteen: A Somber Edge, With Moments Of Abandon.
Keith and Sharie also just returned from a funfilled day in NYC where they took in a matinee of Jersey Boys. How can we not, then, enjoy Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons paying tribute to Sharie (well, she spelled it Sherry back then):
Keith and Sharie also just returned from a funfilled day in NYC where they took in a matinee of Jersey Boys. How can we not, then, enjoy Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons paying tribute to Sharie (well, she spelled it Sherry back then):
Carol, you're the bottom of the barrel...
Found a couple emails in the johnnykmusic mailbag this week from Dan Hall regarding the Fabulous Farquahr that might be of interest to the Farquahr Nation:
My name is Dan Hall and in the 70’s I saw them many times in New Haven . I have been singing and playing their songs: Carol You’re the Bottom of the Barrel, Backseat of MY Car, Your Place or Mine (ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL LYRICS), for 30 years now. I had a tape of them recorded but in bad condition and will look for it. If you are interested contact me at dannyphall@yahoo.com.
I have the chords and lyrics for the songs I mentioned. So great to find someone who has an interest in this group. What was so special was their stage style of presenting songs. They did short take songs called El Homo and something about the Case I Gave To You. All part of a show that was fabulous.
My name is Dan Hall and in the 70’s I saw them many times in New Haven . I have been singing and playing their songs: Carol You’re the Bottom of the Barrel, Backseat of MY Car, Your Place or Mine (ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL LYRICS), for 30 years now. I had a tape of them recorded but in bad condition and will look for it. If you are interested contact me at dannyphall@yahoo.com.
I have the chords and lyrics for the songs I mentioned. So great to find someone who has an interest in this group. What was so special was their stage style of presenting songs. They did short take songs called El Homo and something about the Case I Gave To You. All part of a show that was fabulous.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
New Yorker article on our girl, Amy...
Amy’S Circus The strange power of junkie retro soul. by Sasha Frere-Jones
Is there anything surprising about Amy Winehouse’s being awarded five Grammys this month? A cynic might say that her ability to stay alive is startling, but Winehouse’s worrying series of relapses and collapses could simply be a trick of the light. Actors and singers were misbehaving vigorously before the advent of radio; Winehouse may seem like such a dedicated tearaway because the lens recording her movements is wider than anything a sixties celebrity would have encountered, doesn’t switch off, and continually feeds a twenty-four-hour newsstand.
....Winehouse’s self-destructiveness isn’t a plausible explanation for her popularity, or her awards, no matter how easily it converts into press. With the producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, she made a very popular album that looks firmly, and directly, backward. “Back to Black” is a deft and convincing pastiche of the girl groups of the sixties, the jazz singers of the forties, and a variety of rhythms from the seventies and the nineties. (The eighties get a pass.) It’s an entertaining, clever album that benefits from a strategy that makes everyone who isn’t Miles Davis look good: it’s only thirty-five minutes long (and closer to thirty without the bonus track). “Back to Black” is a modified sixties soul album, with one perfect single (the ubiquitous “Rehab,” which allows Winehouse to celebrate, make fun of, and justify her own substance abuse), sung and written by a twenty-four-year-old girl from Southgate, London, who says she has the musical taste of “an old Jewish man” and wears her hair in a vertical pile she refers to as “my hive.” - complete article
Is there anything surprising about Amy Winehouse’s being awarded five Grammys this month? A cynic might say that her ability to stay alive is startling, but Winehouse’s worrying series of relapses and collapses could simply be a trick of the light. Actors and singers were misbehaving vigorously before the advent of radio; Winehouse may seem like such a dedicated tearaway because the lens recording her movements is wider than anything a sixties celebrity would have encountered, doesn’t switch off, and continually feeds a twenty-four-hour newsstand.
....Winehouse’s self-destructiveness isn’t a plausible explanation for her popularity, or her awards, no matter how easily it converts into press. With the producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, she made a very popular album that looks firmly, and directly, backward. “Back to Black” is a deft and convincing pastiche of the girl groups of the sixties, the jazz singers of the forties, and a variety of rhythms from the seventies and the nineties. (The eighties get a pass.) It’s an entertaining, clever album that benefits from a strategy that makes everyone who isn’t Miles Davis look good: it’s only thirty-five minutes long (and closer to thirty without the bonus track). “Back to Black” is a modified sixties soul album, with one perfect single (the ubiquitous “Rehab,” which allows Winehouse to celebrate, make fun of, and justify her own substance abuse), sung and written by a twenty-four-year-old girl from Southgate, London, who says she has the musical taste of “an old Jewish man” and wears her hair in a vertical pile she refers to as “my hive.” - complete article
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Peter and Claire go to the Symphony...
Friday morning is snowy, but the streets are still black late into the morning. Andy calls from on the road somewhere in Connecticut, on his way from NYC, where there was four inches on the ground early. No big deal, looks pretty benign here.
I meet Claire in Somerville and we head for Symphony for our 1.30 performance. Brenda, Claire's nanny, comes along and we drop her off when we get to Symphony Hall.
The whole scene is so classic Boston. Snow falling quietly, elegant buildings around Symphony Hall. At the parking lot the attendant asks if we are going to the symphony. We look the part.
I don't think Claire has ever been to Symphony Hall....we walk around the ground floor level. The crowd is sparse now, and there are a couple of musicians on the stage. We decide to find our seats on the second balcony right. When we get there Claire is impressed that we are high up, but with a good view of the stage. You wouldn't want to fall over that railing. The lady next to us strikes up a conversation with Claire, who is confident and comfortable talking to adults.
It really is a grand setting, the high hall and the golden glow of the stage, the audience slowly gathering, the hum of noise. The orchestra...more of an ensemble, not the full orchestra for these pieces today...and the conductor comes out. Claire likes the conductor, James Levine. He's big and burly and active, but sits rather than stands, the result of injuries and chronic ailments.
The first piece is Mozart. It's accessible and listenable. I tell Claire there are four movements, so she can keep track of where we are. She likes my binoculars...good for seeing the stage and for people watching the audience.
The second piece is Berg, very difficult and inaccessible and long, with two soloists, piano and violin. The pianist has a page turner. I can see he is almost through the pages when suddenly he flips back. What the hell! Later I read there's an optional repeat in the music, and he picked up the option!
At intermission we have candy bar and a beer. Walking to the men's room I cross paths with the violinist, an intense looking young German woman. She's playing a 300 year old Stradivarius. Those things are worth millions I think.
After intermission they play a Brahms piece. It's lively and great to listen to and not too long, with five brisk movements.
After the snow is falling more thickly. We walk a couple of blocks back to the parking lot, talking to people about the performance, what we liked best, did you notice this. Then home through the snow. I hope we make this a tradition. It is fun to be the grandfather with the charming granddaughter.
Later to the Harvard Yale hockey game with Aidan and Ned.The Yale goalie has a disastrous night, 6 to 1, but the game is entertaining, with weird goals and fights and the Harvard band having a lot of fun.
I meet Claire in Somerville and we head for Symphony for our 1.30 performance. Brenda, Claire's nanny, comes along and we drop her off when we get to Symphony Hall.
The whole scene is so classic Boston. Snow falling quietly, elegant buildings around Symphony Hall. At the parking lot the attendant asks if we are going to the symphony. We look the part.
I don't think Claire has ever been to Symphony Hall....we walk around the ground floor level. The crowd is sparse now, and there are a couple of musicians on the stage. We decide to find our seats on the second balcony right. When we get there Claire is impressed that we are high up, but with a good view of the stage. You wouldn't want to fall over that railing. The lady next to us strikes up a conversation with Claire, who is confident and comfortable talking to adults.
It really is a grand setting, the high hall and the golden glow of the stage, the audience slowly gathering, the hum of noise. The orchestra...more of an ensemble, not the full orchestra for these pieces today...and the conductor comes out. Claire likes the conductor, James Levine. He's big and burly and active, but sits rather than stands, the result of injuries and chronic ailments.
The first piece is Mozart. It's accessible and listenable. I tell Claire there are four movements, so she can keep track of where we are. She likes my binoculars...good for seeing the stage and for people watching the audience.
The second piece is Berg, very difficult and inaccessible and long, with two soloists, piano and violin. The pianist has a page turner. I can see he is almost through the pages when suddenly he flips back. What the hell! Later I read there's an optional repeat in the music, and he picked up the option!
At intermission we have candy bar and a beer. Walking to the men's room I cross paths with the violinist, an intense looking young German woman. She's playing a 300 year old Stradivarius. Those things are worth millions I think.
After intermission they play a Brahms piece. It's lively and great to listen to and not too long, with five brisk movements.
After the snow is falling more thickly. We walk a couple of blocks back to the parking lot, talking to people about the performance, what we liked best, did you notice this. Then home through the snow. I hope we make this a tradition. It is fun to be the grandfather with the charming granddaughter.
Later to the Harvard Yale hockey game with Aidan and Ned.The Yale goalie has a disastrous night, 6 to 1, but the game is entertaining, with weird goals and fights and the Harvard band having a lot of fun.
Happy Birthday, Judi Housman!....
When you're older and no one wants to know ya?
I will look out for you,
If you will look out for me
I know I'm not as hard as you
But I think I can see right through you,
The Pipettes
Monday, February 25, 2008
Jim Kane (Bristol's oldies guru), what's your spin on this?...
In an Era of the Beatles, the Shags Ruled, Too by Tammy LaGorce (NY Times)
PUT the words “Connecticut” and “garage” together, and most people see visions of weed whackers and garden hoses, not long-haired guys with guitars. But chances are that’s about to change. On Feb. 19, the much fetishized reissue label Sundazed Music released “Don’t Press Your Luck! The In Sounds of 60’s Connecticut,” an album that reaches back to a time not everybody remembers, but that anyone with a fondness for fuzzed-up guitar and suburban psychedelia will want to get to know.
“Back in the 60s, each geographical area had its own sound — like in Los Angeles, it was the sound of the Byrds,” said Bob Irwin, the album producer and owner of Sundazed, based in Coxsackie, N.Y. “What came out of Connecticut were these super-great garagey cuts with killer guitar. You can hear the influence of blue-eyed soul from Long Island, threads of the Rascals and the Vagrants. But what’s in the water in a specific place comes out on a record when you do an excavation like this. It makes my heart pound.”
Music — freewheeling rock ’n’ roll represented by long-forgotten New Haven-area bands like the Shags, the Bram Rigg Set and the Wildweeds — is what got the hearts of the teenagers featured on “Don’t Press Your Luck!” pounding; something the CD, available at www.sundazed.com, puts across within the first few speaker-thumping tracks.
But corralling and guiding those heavy heartbeats, Mr. Irwin said, was a single player: Thomas “Doc” Cavalier, founder of the still-running Trod Nossel Studios in Wallingford. Before Mr. Cavalier died of pancreatic cancer in 2005, Mr. Irwin made a deal with him to secure the masters for hundreds of songs, including the 22 that landed on the CD. - complete NY Times article - Hftd Courant's Eric Danton's weekly music column of 2/28/08 features this CD here
Jim Kane's response, direct from Port St. Lucie, FL:
OK you asked - Back in the 60's the state was split in two. Wallingford south, especially, was all rock n roll (all trying to be the next Beatles, Kinks, or Animals). New Haven was a particular hot bed. North of Wallingford, heading into Hartford - Soul Music was the big thing. Clubs like Tony Romano's Hofbrau Haus, Brad Davis' Fling-O Clubs, & Shaker Park were the hot spots with many a sold out night. One of the great exceptions was Bristol's Squires (Formerly The Rogues). Mike Bouyea, Tom Flanigan, John Folcik, & Kurt Robinson were signed by Atlantic Records under the name Squires. You can find some of their songs On NUGGETS & Pebbles albums still being sold today. The Squires songs sold very well in Europe. Their biggest hit was "Going All The Way". Mike Bouyea later on in the 70s was a top Disc Jockey at WDRC in Hartford, going under the name Mike Holland. One of the best bands ever formed was The North Atlantic Syndicate Of Soul. A ten piece soul group, which just happened to win a 100 band - battle of the bands at The Eastern States Exposition in 1968. This group was the lead group to record a six group album, entitled Connecticut Soul.
Other prominent groups were Billy Hooker's Flames, Dutchess & The Paramounts, The Downbeats, Harrison Glover & The LTD's, Bristol's own - Variations. The Connecticut Soul album was recorded at Syncron Sound Studio in Wallingford, under the watchful eye of none other than Doc Cavalier. Al Anderson (first band was the Six Packs) was doing some studio work with Doc at the time. For my money the best band to come out of New Haven was Bobby Bennett's Realms featuring the Marque Revue. This was one hot group.
Now here are some other names that played almost every weekend somewhere in Connecticut - Van Treavor & The Saturday Nights, Pearline Gray & The Passengers, The Fugitives, The North Atlantic Invasion Force, Yesterday's Children, The Upbeats, The Classics, The Latins, & The Wildweeds. Connecticut had its share of great recording artists - The tops were The Five Satins & Gene Pitney. But the best Connecticut group ever (Great vocals, outstanding showmanship, and fantastic crowd appeal) was The Fabulous Farquahr. They were the ultimate crowd pleasers. This is just an old fart's opinion, but I thank God that I was part of this scene in the 60s. - Jim Kane
Anyone else want to chime in on this topic?
PUT the words “Connecticut” and “garage” together, and most people see visions of weed whackers and garden hoses, not long-haired guys with guitars. But chances are that’s about to change. On Feb. 19, the much fetishized reissue label Sundazed Music released “Don’t Press Your Luck! The In Sounds of 60’s Connecticut,” an album that reaches back to a time not everybody remembers, but that anyone with a fondness for fuzzed-up guitar and suburban psychedelia will want to get to know.
“Back in the 60s, each geographical area had its own sound — like in Los Angeles, it was the sound of the Byrds,” said Bob Irwin, the album producer and owner of Sundazed, based in Coxsackie, N.Y. “What came out of Connecticut were these super-great garagey cuts with killer guitar. You can hear the influence of blue-eyed soul from Long Island, threads of the Rascals and the Vagrants. But what’s in the water in a specific place comes out on a record when you do an excavation like this. It makes my heart pound.”Music — freewheeling rock ’n’ roll represented by long-forgotten New Haven-area bands like the Shags, the Bram Rigg Set and the Wildweeds — is what got the hearts of the teenagers featured on “Don’t Press Your Luck!” pounding; something the CD, available at www.sundazed.com, puts across within the first few speaker-thumping tracks.
But corralling and guiding those heavy heartbeats, Mr. Irwin said, was a single player: Thomas “Doc” Cavalier, founder of the still-running Trod Nossel Studios in Wallingford. Before Mr. Cavalier died of pancreatic cancer in 2005, Mr. Irwin made a deal with him to secure the masters for hundreds of songs, including the 22 that landed on the CD. - complete NY Times article - Hftd Courant's Eric Danton's weekly music column of 2/28/08 features this CD here
Jim Kane's response, direct from Port St. Lucie, FL:
OK you asked - Back in the 60's the state was split in two. Wallingford south, especially, was all rock n roll (all trying to be the next Beatles, Kinks, or Animals). New Haven was a particular hot bed. North of Wallingford, heading into Hartford - Soul Music was the big thing. Clubs like Tony Romano's Hofbrau Haus, Brad Davis' Fling-O Clubs, & Shaker Park were the hot spots with many a sold out night. One of the great exceptions was Bristol's Squires (Formerly The Rogues). Mike Bouyea, Tom Flanigan, John Folcik, & Kurt Robinson were signed by Atlantic Records under the name Squires. You can find some of their songs On NUGGETS & Pebbles albums still being sold today. The Squires songs sold very well in Europe. Their biggest hit was "Going All The Way". Mike Bouyea later on in the 70s was a top Disc Jockey at WDRC in Hartford, going under the name Mike Holland. One of the best bands ever formed was The North Atlantic Syndicate Of Soul. A ten piece soul group, which just happened to win a 100 band - battle of the bands at The Eastern States Exposition in 1968. This group was the lead group to record a six group album, entitled Connecticut Soul.
Other prominent groups were Billy Hooker's Flames, Dutchess & The Paramounts, The Downbeats, Harrison Glover & The LTD's, Bristol's own - Variations. The Connecticut Soul album was recorded at Syncron Sound Studio in Wallingford, under the watchful eye of none other than Doc Cavalier. Al Anderson (first band was the Six Packs) was doing some studio work with Doc at the time. For my money the best band to come out of New Haven was Bobby Bennett's Realms featuring the Marque Revue. This was one hot group.
Now here are some other names that played almost every weekend somewhere in Connecticut - Van Treavor & The Saturday Nights, Pearline Gray & The Passengers, The Fugitives, The North Atlantic Invasion Force, Yesterday's Children, The Upbeats, The Classics, The Latins, & The Wildweeds. Connecticut had its share of great recording artists - The tops were The Five Satins & Gene Pitney. But the best Connecticut group ever (Great vocals, outstanding showmanship, and fantastic crowd appeal) was The Fabulous Farquahr. They were the ultimate crowd pleasers. This is just an old fart's opinion, but I thank God that I was part of this scene in the 60s. - Jim Kane
Anyone else want to chime in on this topic?
Friday, February 22, 2008
A history of pop icons: Sharie & the Little Guy
Rising from the various youth centers and high school auditoriums of Rockin' Rockville, CT, Sharie & the Little Guy shot to the top of the pop scene in 1980 with their debut album, Songs For Sharin'. The band's latest album, Dinner With Elvis, mixes Sharie A's bouncy choruses with Keithie A's clean strumming to generate a disc overflowing with uber- memorable tunes. With standout tracks like Gene Pitney Was Overrated, Hangin' With Bernie, I Love Stanley Robinson and Big-Headed Drivers Should Never Be Borrowed don't be surprised if you find Sharie & the Little Guy at the top of the pop charts and beyond.
Hey, all you fuckers, you should check out the new Drive-By Truckers...
Can't get enough of Brighter Than Creation's Dark, the latest effort, and first without lead singer/songwriter Jason Isbell, of the Drive By Truckers. Kind of a cross between George Strait and Lynyrd Skynyrd (with a sly wink), DBT hooked me a few years ago when niece Kay gave me The Dirty South for Christmas.The Truckers will be in the area for shows in March:
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Latest news from Plantsville's own....
we're HEADLINING ** at Toad's Place! **and the only band at 9:15am(!) sunday march 2nd for the WPLR shamrock and roll road race. this year we won't be freezing our asses off at our fire marshal's station at the jct of prospect and edwards. come in for free, see us play, and then listen to Lappie give out the awards. or not.
we're going to be playing 9:15am-ish as soon as the runners start coming inside. check our MYSPACE/thesawtelles site for any updated info so we don't inundate you with emails.
not sure where you'll be able to park so plan accordingly. the finish line if I'm not mistaken is right at the door of Toad's. support us at our HUGE headling toad's place show EVER! how many other local bands can claim that?? do you want to??
maybe we can fire up the hottub downstairs. join us!!
You see, he's not just a pool hall stud after all....
Restaurant the second for couple —and maybe not the last by André Ward, special to the Record-JournalSOUTHINGTON — Husband and wife Barry De Paolo and Cheryl Moran are glad they own Bonterra Italian Bistro — it’s their chance to spend their days together. “If I weren’t a part of it I would never get to see him,” said Moran with a laugh. The two have very different backgrounds in the business — Moran got hooked while bartending her way through law school, and De Paolo got his start early. De Paolo was bartending at his father’s restaurant, Hitchcock Station in Southington, when he got his first taste of life as a chef. “My father threw an apron at me and said OK, you’re in the kitchen now,” he recalled. It didn’t take much more for DePaolo to fall in love with the industry, and 20 years as a chef would follow. He worked at Hard Rock Café and as the corporate chef for Planet Hollywood, opening up restaurants in London, Spain and Indonesia. “The travel was amazing,” De Paolo said. In 2001, the couple made the move to Southington and opened up Anthony Jack’s Woodfire Grill, which would quickly become one of the town’s most popular restaurants.
Last year, De Paolo was approached with an offer to open up another restaurant a stone’s throw away from Anthony Jack’s in a new space being made available. He and Moran were excited, but wondered what they could offer in a separate experience.
“If I did do it, what could I do that would be different?” DePaolo said. “So we decided that Southington could use another Italian restaurant.” Owning two restaurants in a span of 100 yards has offered unique challenges. “People seem to eat out 3-4 days a week now,” De Paolo said. “But if we do compete with someone, we hope we don’t compete with ourselves.” The two restaurants have many of the same customers, and De Paolo and Moran often spend their days going from one place to the other. Bonterra’s cuisine is Italian in name, but incorporates wider Mediterranean influences, offering dishes such as butternut squash ravioli and grilled scallop risotto. De Paolo is especially proud of the wine/private party room which offers audiovisual capabilities and always seems to be booked. When the summer comes, the two will open up the patio area for outdoor use, providing diners with a view of the town green.
Both De Paolo and Bonterra’s chef, Eddie Dwyer, lived in New York and were struck with the city’s progressive approach to sustainable foods. So they are trying to stay ahead of the curve with Bonterra, offering organic wines as well as beer and vodka. The restaurant’s pasta is also made in house, and almost nothing is frozen.
For most people, owning two restaurants would be more than enough, but De Paolo and Moran aren’t ready to cry uncle just yet. “We’ve thrown around some ideas for another one,” said Moran with a smile. “Never say never,” De Paolo said. “If we were to open up another restaurant, it would have to complement the other ones and be the right piece to the puzzle. But it’s fun to keep building the team.” “It’s like having kids,” Moran said. “The first one’s tough, the second one you get used to it a little more, and then after that it’s easy.”
Bonterra is located at 98 Main St. in Southington and is closed Mondays. It is open 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 4 p.m.-8 p.m. on Sundays. The restaurant’s chef, Eddie Dwyer, shared a recipe for parpadelle with us. (see Wednesday's R-J)
And you said taxes were boring...
Chrissie Hynde Takes Bus for Tax Increase Akron, Ohio by WebCPA staff
Chrissie Hynde, lead singer of the Pretenders, rode an Akron bus to show her support for a countywide sales tax increase that would bring increased revenue to the local mass transit system. The 0.25 percent sales tax increase in Summit County, Ohio, would raise the total sales tax to 6.5 percent. The tax would increase the budget for the Metro Regional Tax Authority by 62 percent, giving the agency an extra $18 million in revenue. Voters are set to vote on the proposal on the March 4 ballot.
Hynde, an Akron native, joined 15 members of the Greater Akron Partnership for Sustainability on a bus ride in support of the tax increase. Public transit is "what makes a city a city," said Hynde, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. "If you feel you have to have a car, you feel trapped," she added. The group also sees the added support for mass transit as a way to cut down on greenhouse gases.
Chrissie Hynde, lead singer of the Pretenders, rode an Akron bus to show her support for a countywide sales tax increase that would bring increased revenue to the local mass transit system. The 0.25 percent sales tax increase in Summit County, Ohio, would raise the total sales tax to 6.5 percent. The tax would increase the budget for the Metro Regional Tax Authority by 62 percent, giving the agency an extra $18 million in revenue. Voters are set to vote on the proposal on the March 4 ballot.
Hynde, an Akron native, joined 15 members of the Greater Akron Partnership for Sustainability on a bus ride in support of the tax increase. Public transit is "what makes a city a city," said Hynde, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. "If you feel you have to have a car, you feel trapped," she added. The group also sees the added support for mass transit as a way to cut down on greenhouse gases.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Someone from Spokane emails....
“My Pappy said, ‘Son, you’re gonna drive me to drinkin’, if you don’t quit drivin’ that Hot Rod Lincoln.’”
Remembering a rockabilly icon Doug Clark, Columnist
When a cowboy dies (and I’m talking about real-deal cowboys, here) it’s customary to paint a romanticized picture of the deceased cowpoke riding slowly off into the sunset astride a cherished pony. Not Charlie Ryan. In my mind he’s sitting behind the wheel of a souped-up, candy apple red Lincoln-powered Model A. There’s a white Stetson covering his head and a grin on his face. He’s got the pedal to the metal, too, burnin’ rubber all the way to those Pearly Gates.
That’s the way Charlie would have us remember him, too. The soft-spoken Spokane man who gave the world one of the best car songs ever written – “Hot Rod Lincoln” – passed away peacefully Saturday after a long struggle with heart failure. - story
Remembering a rockabilly icon Doug Clark, Columnist
When a cowboy dies (and I’m talking about real-deal cowboys, here) it’s customary to paint a romanticized picture of the deceased cowpoke riding slowly off into the sunset astride a cherished pony. Not Charlie Ryan. In my mind he’s sitting behind the wheel of a souped-up, candy apple red Lincoln-powered Model A. There’s a white Stetson covering his head and a grin on his face. He’s got the pedal to the metal, too, burnin’ rubber all the way to those Pearly Gates.
That’s the way Charlie would have us remember him, too. The soft-spoken Spokane man who gave the world one of the best car songs ever written – “Hot Rod Lincoln” – passed away peacefully Saturday after a long struggle with heart failure. - story
Monday, February 18, 2008
Is there worthy talent out there?...
THE DOCTOR’S STILL ROCKIN !
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: ATTENTION !
We, at Rusty Records, are looking to sign some local Connecticut talent. At this time we are putting out the call for any Connecticut recording artists to submit their work (past or present) for our consideration.
We will select the best recordings and make a CD for sale. We will then sign the top four recording groups to a long term contract(s), which could go into seven figures. The top four groups will be announced at a live television newscast. The intention is to put the four top groups on the road in a series of concerts next fall. The groups will then be traveling the European continent next winter in a series of live concerts.
Time is at a premium, so contact us as soon as possible. If you have material you wish to record, we will make our recording facilities available to you and your group. All recordings will become the property of Rusty Records.
Please contact us at: RUSTY RECORDS
C/O WORLD TOUR
359 Farmington Ave.
Plainville, CT. 06062
Sunday, February 17, 2008
NBA allstar music...
For the Saturday night allstar festivities in New Orleans (celebrity game, slam dunk contest, skills and 3-point contest), fans were treated to some fine music as well. Marc Broussard and his band played several numbers and Dr. John soloed on Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World.
For Sunday's main event, Nola trotted out the Rebirth Brass Band featuring Trombone Shorty and Kermit Ruffins for the player introductions, while Branford Marsalis, Stephanie Jordan, and Jonathan DuBose performed a wonderfully understated Star Spangled Banner. Finally, the halftime extravaganza featured Harry Connick, Jr., Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, Davell Crawford, Art Neville, Ivan Neville, Jonathan Batiste and Ellis Marsalis and a host of others (as I watched the Dukies get asswhipped by those Deamon Deacons of Wake Forest).
For Sunday's main event, Nola trotted out the Rebirth Brass Band featuring Trombone Shorty and Kermit Ruffins for the player introductions, while Branford Marsalis, Stephanie Jordan, and Jonathan DuBose performed a wonderfully understated Star Spangled Banner. Finally, the halftime extravaganza featured Harry Connick, Jr., Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, Davell Crawford, Art Neville, Ivan Neville, Jonathan Batiste and Ellis Marsalis and a host of others (as I watched the Dukies get asswhipped by those Deamon Deacons of Wake Forest).
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Mumbo jumbo from Johnny Gumbo.....
Advance talent scout extraordinaire Johnny Gumbo writes of promising lineups on the evenings of the 2nd weekend of JazzFest (after pounding the Pool Hall Studs, of course):
Maple Leaf Bar
THU 5/1- The Trio George P, Johnny V w/tba; Perrier Lounge Soul Party 2008 featuring DJLogic, Tony Hall, Renard Poche, Eric Bolivar, plus special guests
FRI 5/2- Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes
SAT 5/3- Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen
SUN 5/4- Joe Krown w/Organ Combo
Rock N Bowl
THU 5/1- Legends of Zydeco featuring Buckwheat Zydeco, Leon Sam, LiÃl Buck Senegal, Rockin' Dopsie Jr., and more
FRI 5/2- Bonerama and Kermit Ruffins
SAT 5/3- Rebirth Brass Band
SUN 5/4- Sonny Landreth and Tab Benoit
Maple Leaf BarRock N Bowl
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Who da Queen?...
Beyonce's "Queen" a Royal Pain for Aretha
There are plenty of divas. But there can only be one queen. Aretha Franklin has lashed out at well-intentioned comments made by Beyoncé Knowles during the latter's introduction of Tina Turner on the Grammy stage Sunday night. Franklin, 65, says she felt disrepected after Knowles referred to Turner as the Queen, while relegating Franklin to a brief name check in a long list of inspirational singers past, an act apparently tantamount to musical heresy.
"I am not sure of whose toes I may have stepped on or whose ego I may have bruised between the Grammy writers and Beyoncé. However, I dismissed it as a cheap shot for controversy," a clearly offended Franklin said in an unprompted statement issued by her publicist. - story
There are plenty of divas. But there can only be one queen. Aretha Franklin has lashed out at well-intentioned comments made by Beyoncé Knowles during the latter's introduction of Tina Turner on the Grammy stage Sunday night. Franklin, 65, says she felt disrepected after Knowles referred to Turner as the Queen, while relegating Franklin to a brief name check in a long list of inspirational singers past, an act apparently tantamount to musical heresy."I am not sure of whose toes I may have stepped on or whose ego I may have bruised between the Grammy writers and Beyoncé. However, I dismissed it as a cheap shot for controversy," a clearly offended Franklin said in an unprompted statement issued by her publicist. - story
Monday, February 11, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Showtime!!!!!!....
Excuse me, sorry about stepping on your feet. Nice shoes. Sorry, meant it as a compliment. Quiet, it's showtime. Gum?
Alicia Keys, fresh from the Super Bowl, and Frank Sinatra learning the blues. I'm looking up at that peek-a-boo thing. Here's to the next 50 years! American Idol Carry Underwood singing, pissed at her man, gonna trash his truck....drums are too loud for the song. Hope she doesn't key the wrong truck!
"Frank Sinatra looked good for 150, didn't he?" Prince, what a kidder! Lookin' red, presenting to winner Alicia Keys in her peek-a-boo thing. Shout out to God (does He watch these awards shows, 'cause it could give Him a big head).
The Time....and Rhianna....80's funk.....forgettable. Tom Hanks tells us about The Band....Lifetime Something recipients. And the Beatles. Never was a fan of Let It Be, but like the gospel take.
Amy wins #1 as Cindi Lauper accepts excitedly. Some guy outside wants us to vote by phone. Screw him. Damn, excuse me, got to go to the bathroom. Sorry, didn't mean to step on those great shoes again. I promise not to on the way back. Back. Oops, sorry. Kanye West is doing a Devo thing. He's up against Amy Winehouse in a few categories tonight. Will he tell us off if he loses? Doing the song about his Mama....pretty touching.
Fergie, forgot your Peas? Duet with John Legend. Finally.....over! Cher introducing Beyonce who shows off for a bit then brings out Tina Turner, who looks a little weird. No Ike Turner tribute? Well, maybe just a little one, with Beyonce doing Ike's part on Proud Mary.
Yikes, Andy Williams is still alive? Not sure, but he's up on stage right now. Amy wins #2! They send us back outside? Oh, we can just sit in here and watch the Foo Fighters sing outside with an orchestra....or something stupid like that. What? Maybe now's the time to sneak out to the lobby for a beer. Damn, not again!...Sorry, but you have big feet. Just kidding, your feet are fine, I'm just clumsy. Here, step on mine, then we're even. Jesus, lots of commercials!
Waiting for Feist or Amy Winehouse to perform, but get Brad Paisley instead singing I'd Like to Check Your Tics. Pretty awful.
Kanye West wins best rap album and tells the jerks who play that sendoff music to kiss off. Good for him. Now some gospel from Aretha and Bebe Winans, Clarks Sisters. A WHOLE LOTTA GOSPEL. Pretty cool. We always make sure to check out the Gospel Tent at JazzFest each year. Jeez, it's almost 10 o'clock. I mean, 7, 'cause we're, of course, out on the left coast.
1,2,3,4....Feist!....scaled down version, should have kept the gospel peeps around for the song.....Kid Rock and Keeley Smith sing Old Black Magic....then give some award to the Foo Fighters, who were apparently let inside to accept.
Boy, they are riding the Amy performance hard before each break. G hopes she's not "pre-gaming."
Alicia Keys is introduced by Stevie Wonder for her current hit.....out comes CT's John Mayer to accompany her on guitar at the end! Country album goes to Vince Gill's These Days, a wonderful four-album set that features some stuff by CT's Al Anderson of NRBQ/Wildweeds fame. Another break!
Joe Montana? Oh, not. Another Joe. Herbie Hancock and Someone Asian dueling pianos on Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue (what WAS that airline, anyway?). Hey, the White Stripes are here! Oh, fooled again. It's just a Crest Whitestrips commercial. Getting real tired, let's wrap this baby up. I've got to catch the red-eye back to CT in a couple hours.
Amy, live from London, where it must be like Tuesday by now. Waiting for the trainwreck, but she does funky versions of I'm No Good and Rehab. Throws out several references to her Blake in the songs. Then wins #3 for Song of the Year for Rehab. She thanks Mom, Dad and her incarcerated hubby, Blake.
Wait, I said QUIET, asshole! The Academy Prez is speaking! Wow, he's FANTASTIC, especially at 11 o'clock!
Now it's time for dead men scrolling. Ike Turner and Pavarotti. Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli sing to honor the Big Guy.
John Fogerty, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis! Fogerty does the lead in to Jerry Lee's Great Balls of Fire (Killer's balls aren't quite as firey as they once were, but cool to hear) and Little Richard's surprisingly energetic Good Golly, Miss Molly. Brings a little life to this place. Is it over yet?
Will.i.am (periods???) doing some kind of rap listing of old songs. Okay, I admit that I don't get it. Final award- Album of the Year. WHAT? Herbie Hancock for "River: The Joni Letters," a jazz album (with dreaded duets) of Joni Mitchell songs. Big surprise, but Kanye doesn't go postal on us.
Okay, gotta run. Damn, sorry. Actually, you do have kinda big feet. See you next year. Out.
Alicia Keys, fresh from the Super Bowl, and Frank Sinatra learning the blues. I'm looking up at that peek-a-boo thing. Here's to the next 50 years! American Idol Carry Underwood singing, pissed at her man, gonna trash his truck....drums are too loud for the song. Hope she doesn't key the wrong truck!
"Frank Sinatra looked good for 150, didn't he?" Prince, what a kidder! Lookin' red, presenting to winner Alicia Keys in her peek-a-boo thing. Shout out to God (does He watch these awards shows, 'cause it could give Him a big head).
The Time....and Rhianna....80's funk.....forgettable. Tom Hanks tells us about The Band....Lifetime Something recipients. And the Beatles. Never was a fan of Let It Be, but like the gospel take.
Amy wins #1 as Cindi Lauper accepts excitedly. Some guy outside wants us to vote by phone. Screw him. Damn, excuse me, got to go to the bathroom. Sorry, didn't mean to step on those great shoes again. I promise not to on the way back. Back. Oops, sorry. Kanye West is doing a Devo thing. He's up against Amy Winehouse in a few categories tonight. Will he tell us off if he loses? Doing the song about his Mama....pretty touching.
Fergie, forgot your Peas? Duet with John Legend. Finally.....over! Cher introducing Beyonce who shows off for a bit then brings out Tina Turner, who looks a little weird. No Ike Turner tribute? Well, maybe just a little one, with Beyonce doing Ike's part on Proud Mary.Yikes, Andy Williams is still alive? Not sure, but he's up on stage right now. Amy wins #2! They send us back outside? Oh, we can just sit in here and watch the Foo Fighters sing outside with an orchestra....or something stupid like that. What? Maybe now's the time to sneak out to the lobby for a beer. Damn, not again!...Sorry, but you have big feet. Just kidding, your feet are fine, I'm just clumsy. Here, step on mine, then we're even. Jesus, lots of commercials!
Waiting for Feist or Amy Winehouse to perform, but get Brad Paisley instead singing I'd Like to Check Your Tics. Pretty awful.
Kanye West wins best rap album and tells the jerks who play that sendoff music to kiss off. Good for him. Now some gospel from Aretha and Bebe Winans, Clarks Sisters. A WHOLE LOTTA GOSPEL. Pretty cool. We always make sure to check out the Gospel Tent at JazzFest each year. Jeez, it's almost 10 o'clock. I mean, 7, 'cause we're, of course, out on the left coast.
1,2,3,4....Feist!....scaled down version, should have kept the gospel peeps around for the song.....Kid Rock and Keeley Smith sing Old Black Magic....then give some award to the Foo Fighters, who were apparently let inside to accept.
Boy, they are riding the Amy performance hard before each break. G hopes she's not "pre-gaming."
Alicia Keys is introduced by Stevie Wonder for her current hit.....out comes CT's John Mayer to accompany her on guitar at the end! Country album goes to Vince Gill's These Days, a wonderful four-album set that features some stuff by CT's Al Anderson of NRBQ/Wildweeds fame. Another break!
Joe Montana? Oh, not. Another Joe. Herbie Hancock and Someone Asian dueling pianos on Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue (what WAS that airline, anyway?). Hey, the White Stripes are here! Oh, fooled again. It's just a Crest Whitestrips commercial. Getting real tired, let's wrap this baby up. I've got to catch the red-eye back to CT in a couple hours.
Amy, live from London, where it must be like Tuesday by now. Waiting for the trainwreck, but she does funky versions of I'm No Good and Rehab. Throws out several references to her Blake in the songs. Then wins #3 for Song of the Year for Rehab. She thanks Mom, Dad and her incarcerated hubby, Blake.
Wait, I said QUIET, asshole! The Academy Prez is speaking! Wow, he's FANTASTIC, especially at 11 o'clock!
Now it's time for dead men scrolling. Ike Turner and Pavarotti. Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli sing to honor the Big Guy.
John Fogerty, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis! Fogerty does the lead in to Jerry Lee's Great Balls of Fire (Killer's balls aren't quite as firey as they once were, but cool to hear) and Little Richard's surprisingly energetic Good Golly, Miss Molly. Brings a little life to this place. Is it over yet?
Will.i.am (periods???) doing some kind of rap listing of old songs. Okay, I admit that I don't get it. Final award- Album of the Year. WHAT? Herbie Hancock for "River: The Joni Letters," a jazz album (with dreaded duets) of Joni Mitchell songs. Big surprise, but Kanye doesn't go postal on us.
Okay, gotta run. Damn, sorry. Actually, you do have kinda big feet. See you next year. Out.
Outside on the carpet.....
Who am I wearing? Oh. Hmmmmm......I'm wearing something made just for the occasion by Mr. Dockers..... Hope everyone else isn't wearing him; don't want to be one of the crowd. Oh, and briefs by Jockey. What stain? Shit, that's from the burger I had over at the street vendor. Way to much catsup. I TOLD him! Got to run 'cause 60 Minutes is on.
HEY, Whitney, what's up! No, no, no. Can't do that, got sinus problems, but thanks for asking. Hey, Jay Z, when are the Nets moving to Brooklyn? Shout out to B for me! Yo, Will.i.am (did I get the periods right?), LOVE the Barack video!
Time to get myself inside, lest someone steal my FRONT ROW seat.
HEY, Whitney, what's up! No, no, no. Can't do that, got sinus problems, but thanks for asking. Hey, Jay Z, when are the Nets moving to Brooklyn? Shout out to B for me! Yo, Will.i.am (did I get the periods right?), LOVE the Barack video!
Time to get myself inside, lest someone steal my FRONT ROW seat.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Johnnyk goes to the Grammys....don't miss it!
I don't have a date yet for the Red Carpet (The Reet say no, no, no), but I'll be there to give you the lowdown. Very excited. Just touched down in Elay this afternoon and I feel just fab, can't wait to get going. grammy.com -
Album of the year candidates:
Foo Fighters "Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace"
Vince Gill "These Days"
Herbie Hancock "The River"
Kanye West "Graduation"
Amy Winehouse "Back To Black"
Aretha tribute launches Grammy weekend - story - Here's Lady Soul live on the Cliff Richards Show in 1970 singing Say a Little Prayer:
Album of the year candidates:Aretha tribute launches Grammy weekend - story - Here's Lady Soul live on the Cliff Richards Show in 1970 singing Say a Little Prayer:
Bristol oldies guru Jim Kane reports...
The powers that be at Rusty Records are keeping mum about their newest project. Just bits and pieces floating in. We do know that Dee Valerio, Linda D'Aprile & Lesley Montella have been in the recording studio.
We know that Johnny Kennedy has reformed his old group - The Heartbreakers. Out on the West Coast rumors have been flying about concerning Steve Petroff coming east to record some new material. Even more interesting is that Woody "The Legend" Crosby has not been heard from for a month. The word is that he has gone into seclusion to work on a project. Another strange happening - recently transplanted to Florida, Bob Beliveau has booked a flight back to Connecticut to join with some old buddies to rehearse some songs. Eileen Chase, Joan Delisle, and Liz Malley have been seen in Plainville coming out of Rusty Camp's dentist office, which we know is just a front for "Rusty Records". And here is the kicker - Bob Lindsay has been in touch with Fred Paris of the Five Satins, and it has reached us that they may collaborate on a couple of numbers. It is all adding up to a new CD! We will continue to dig deeper, and keep you informed.
Previously:
Southington based Blues Man - Johnny Kennedy has some info on the next CD from Rusty Records. It seems that Rusty Recorrds president - Dr. Rusty Camp will be stirring the rumor pot with a challenge to some very famous Bristol groups. Rusty has been in touch with Johnny Kennedy about Johnny putting his old group back together, for one last recording session. Not only that, but Rusty is also in heavy negotiations with Bristol vocal group - The DEE LITES. Dee Valerio spilled the beans the other day during a coffee break at Forestville Machine Co. Yep, We have our spies everywhere. Not only that but world famous rocker, Steve Petroff, has been in communication with some former Bristol friends. It seems that Steve is going to enter the fray. I'm going to contact Flash Carlson tonight to see if he has heard anything.. Whitey Dudzinski , from Bristol's Six Olde Fartz, has been contacted, but he has already forgotton why. What can be in the mind of Rusty Records - only time and the Shadow knows !
We know that Johnny Kennedy has reformed his old group - The Heartbreakers. Out on the West Coast rumors have been flying about concerning Steve Petroff coming east to record some new material. Even more interesting is that Woody "The Legend" Crosby has not been heard from for a month. The word is that he has gone into seclusion to work on a project. Another strange happening - recently transplanted to Florida, Bob Beliveau has booked a flight back to Connecticut to join with some old buddies to rehearse some songs. Eileen Chase, Joan Delisle, and Liz Malley have been seen in Plainville coming out of Rusty Camp's dentist office, which we know is just a front for "Rusty Records". And here is the kicker - Bob Lindsay has been in touch with Fred Paris of the Five Satins, and it has reached us that they may collaborate on a couple of numbers. It is all adding up to a new CD! We will continue to dig deeper, and keep you informed.
Previously:
Southington based Blues Man - Johnny Kennedy has some info on the next CD from Rusty Records. It seems that Rusty Recorrds president - Dr. Rusty Camp will be stirring the rumor pot with a challenge to some very famous Bristol groups. Rusty has been in touch with Johnny Kennedy about Johnny putting his old group back together, for one last recording session. Not only that, but Rusty is also in heavy negotiations with Bristol vocal group - The DEE LITES. Dee Valerio spilled the beans the other day during a coffee break at Forestville Machine Co. Yep, We have our spies everywhere. Not only that but world famous rocker, Steve Petroff, has been in communication with some former Bristol friends. It seems that Steve is going to enter the fray. I'm going to contact Flash Carlson tonight to see if he has heard anything.. Whitey Dudzinski , from Bristol's Six Olde Fartz, has been contacted, but he has already forgotton why. What can be in the mind of Rusty Records - only time and the Shadow knows !
Friday, February 08, 2008
Gumbo returns!...
What a surprise! Johnny Gumbo returned, if only in a larger-than-life photo, to celebrate Fat Tuesday at the Southington Rotary's annual Mardi Gras Night fundraiser at Anthony Jack's Wood-fired Grill. The former co-chair of the event has picked up his roots and moved out west where he has become involved with the Armed Forces & Aerospace Museum in Spokane.Guests feasted on Cajun favorites and were entertained by the very hot D. Smith Blues Band. Saxman John Smayda sat in for a few spirited numbers with the band. A portion of the night's proceeds will benefit the Bread For Life soup kitchen in Southington.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Carolyn goes to the Beehive...
You mean Carolyn B has gone to the Amy Winehouse look? No, no, no! Reporting from Beantown, our Big Four (or whatever the number is these days) accountant-in-residence gives us the headsup on places to go, people to see, things to do in the City of Imperfect Patriots:The Beehive is most definitely a hot spot and certainly something to try! Great tunes from the Nat Simpkins/Henri Smith Band included the Mardi Gras Mambo. Each table is adorned with masks, beads and gold coins. The place was hoppin! but my Tulane Alum fellow EY Staff Accountant Brigitte and I were able to squeeze into a table and try some of the delicious grub. Shrimp Etoufee was delicious - a couple shrimp over a biscuit with creamy gravy. Brigitte went with the Brie and Bacon Grilled Cheese - I had to snag a bite, most unique grilled cheese I've ever had. I was curious about the Gyro Salad with Shaved Lamb and Feta Yogurt Dressing. Scared at first, by the head of iceberg lettuce staring at me in the face, it was actually quite good and made me feel for a split second that I was swept off my feet by a Greek shipping heir who brought me home to meet the rents. Brigitte deems the hurricanes non-authentic, as they tasted more like a screwdriver than the famous Southern Comfort based cocktail. And instead of making them red, the bartenders instead served them in red plastic glasses. All in all, a great time in Boston's South End with lots of potential for success. Could be a spot for Herbie to entertain some Bostonians if he's ever in town!!
You'll be the first to know of any other jazzy places I try and feel the urge to review! Hope all is well! Carolyn B(eehive)
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
Gumbo reflections on Super Bowl XXXXII....
From his unique perspective up in Spokane, WA (I think the time difference is 2.5 hours), Johnny Gumbo offers his take on the Super Bowl, whether you want it or not:What about Danica Patrick?
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Johnnykmusic goes to the Super Bowl....
Alicia Keys is performing on the field for us idiots watching this early. She's hot and has a great voice, but I'm not a fan of her song style. She's showing off those thunderous thighs packed into some leopardskin pants. Is she really singing? I'm skeptical.
Ordered up some wings from the Cadillac Ranch....hot wings, Jack Daniels wings (very good) and peanutbutter wings.
I thought I heard that Jordan Sparks was singing the National Anthem (it's on FOX and it's her hometown). That will please The Reet. Wonder how she plans to show off; hope she doesn't take the 'durge' tempo, that's just torture. Do it and get the hell out of the way. - listing of previous performers. She did a pretty nice, understanded version, not toooo much grandstanding - BUT WAS SHE REALLY SINGING? Again, I thought I detected some phrasing missteps. You?
Who's the chick in the Doritos commercial? Kina Grannis
They told us to go to godaddy.com to look at Danica Patrick. So we did. Hey, lil buddy!
What's that odor coming from Tom Petty's dressing room? Oh, that's right, it's the Bridgestoned Halftime show. Not bad, Tommy Boy, got some of the hits in. American Girl, Freefallin'. No Mary Jane's Last Dance though. Oh yeah, Parents Going Bullshit would have cost Fox millions.
BILL, come back, there's still time!!!!!!!!
Ordered up some wings from the Cadillac Ranch....hot wings, Jack Daniels wings (very good) and peanutbutter wings.
I thought I heard that Jordan Sparks was singing the National Anthem (it's on FOX and it's her hometown). That will please The Reet. Wonder how she plans to show off; hope she doesn't take the 'durge' tempo, that's just torture. Do it and get the hell out of the way. - listing of previous performers. She did a pretty nice, understanded version, not toooo much grandstanding - BUT WAS SHE REALLY SINGING? Again, I thought I detected some phrasing missteps. You?
Who's the chick in the Doritos commercial? Kina Grannis
They told us to go to godaddy.com to look at Danica Patrick. So we did. Hey, lil buddy!
What's that odor coming from Tom Petty's dressing room? Oh, that's right, it's the Bridgestoned Halftime show. Not bad, Tommy Boy, got some of the hits in. American Girl, Freefallin'. No Mary Jane's Last Dance though. Oh yeah, Parents Going Bullshit would have cost Fox millions.
BILL, come back, there's still time!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the reminder, Johnny Gumbo....
A long, long time ago...I can still remember
How that music used to make me smile.
And I knew if I had my chance
That I could make those people dance
And, maybe, theyd be happy for a while.
But February made me shiver
With every paper I'd deliver.
Bad news on the doorstep;
I couldnt take one more step.
I can't remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride,
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music died. - American Pie by Don McLean
Today is the 49th anniversary of The Day the Music Died, immortalized by Don McLean's 1970 epic, American Pie. From Wikipedia: Charles Hardin Holley (September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959), better known as Buddy Holly, was an American singer-songwriter and a pioneer of rock and roll. The change of spelling of "Holley" to "Holly" came about because of an error in a contract he was asked to sign, listing him as Buddy Holly. That spelling was then adopted for his professional career.
Although his success lasted only a year and a half before his death in an airplane crash, Holly is described by critic Bruce Eder as "the single most influential creative force in early rock & roll." His works and innovations were copied by his contemporaries and later musicians, notably The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, and exerted a profound influence on popular music. In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Holly #13 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Dusting off Dusty...
Big fan of Dusty Springfield here, so my curiosity was piqued a few months ago by an article that Shelby Lynne, of whom I had heard, but had not heard, was doing an album of old Dusty stuff, suggested by Barry Manilow! Yikes! Lynne is a country singer who had some success a few years ago, starting with a duet with George Jones, "If I Could Bottle This Up", which became a top-50 hit in 1988 and her first album, Sunrise. (She is also sister to singer Alison Moorer, wife of Steve Earle, who I saw introduced at the 2005 Newport Folk Festival by an inebriated Lucinda Williams thusly: "Com'n, give it up for Steve Fuckin' Earle.") But I digress. Shelby Lynne won a Grammy in 2000 for the album I Am Shelby Lynne, but has flown under the radar in recent years. Now, out this week, is the Dusty Springfield disk, Just a Little Lovin', and it's getting some decent buzz. - AllMusicGuideShelby Lynne I Only Want To Be With You:
Dusty singing her first solo hit on Dutch TV on 23/1/1964:
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