Friday, February 26, 2010

Friday, need a pie....

Picked up G-Man in New Haven during today's 'blizzard' and decided it was cause for a noontime Pepe's tomato pie over on Wooster Street.  Ordered a large (for leftovers) bacon & peppers and a small pitcher of Genesee.  Governor-to-be (if she's deemed qualified) Susan Bysewicz cruises in talking on her cell.

Saw Vin-Dave this past week and was shocked to find him looking like he'd been slashed across the forehead by a couple of cigar-smoking, beer-guzzling Canadian women hockey players.  Rumor has it that he actually was attending the UConn-West Virginia game at the Hartford Civic Center, when a deranged Mountaineer mistook him for departed football coach Rich Rodriquez and slammed him head-first into the curb.  Undaunted, Vin-Dave took his place in the student section as a bare-chested "N" in UCONN for the nationally televised contest.  The blue painted 'N' mixed with the bright red blood for great college hoops.

Westie Punk Gus reports:
STORRS - UConn senior center Jonathan Mandeldove, who has not played this season because of academic issues, will redshirt and return for the 2010-11 season.  "I lost focus in a couple classes, which basically put me in a hole," said Mandeldove, from Stone Mountain, Ga. "Being a political science major, those classes are really hard and once you fall behind you're just trying to dig out of a hole. I am going to prove vocally and on the court that I am the guy they wanted to keep. Because if I don't do that, be the person they wanted, they'll look at me as just another failed experiment."  Mandeldove, a 7-footer who averaged 0.5 points and 0.7 rebounds his first three seasons, has practiced all season sitting on the bench in street clothes at home games..  (Gus wonders why he needed to practice sitting on the bench - was it the street clothes?)

From Yahoo Steve (former best friend of Tiger)...

Top Ten Country & Western Songs
10. I Hate Every Bone In Her Body But Mine.
9. I Ain't Never Gone To Bed With an Ugly Woman; But I Woke Up With A  Few.
8. If The Phone Don't Ring, You'll Know It's Me.
7. I've Missed You, But My Aim's Improvin'.
6. Wouldn't Take Her To A Dogfight 'Cause I'm Scared She'd Win.
5. I'm So Miserable Without You, It's Like You're Still Here.
4. My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend And I Miss Him.
3. She Took My Ring and Gave Me the Finger.
2. She's Lookin' Better with Every Beer.
And the number one Country & Western song is...
1. It's Hard To Kiss The Lips At Night That Chewed My Ass All Day.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Tuesday's Wintry mix...

Lou Reed (Little Willies)  The Little Willies
Perfect Blue Buildings (Counting Crows) August & Everything After
Down Here Below (Abbey Lincoln) A Turtle's Dream
There You Go (Chuck Mead) A Tribute To Johnny Cash
Say (Cat Power) Moon Pix
The Quietude (Manhattan Transfer) The Offbeat of Avenues
Rhythm-A-Ning (Ellis Marsalis Quartet) An Open Letter To Thelonius
Same Kooks (The Hold Steady) Boys & Girls In America
Hanging On Too Long (Duffy) Rockferry
One For the Road (Bob Dylan) Genuine Basement Tapes 1
Worried Life Blues (The Animals) The Complete Animals
Shake (Otis Redding) The Very Best of...

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Be my baby...

Ronnie Spector Bits- upcoming month
Ronnie and her band will perform at the historic Irvington Town Hall Theater (85 Main Street, Irvington, NY 914-591-6602) Saturday, March 6th. Ronnie's band includes Jeremy Chatzky-bassist-20 years with Ronnie (also member of Springsteen's Seeger Session's Band), Daniel Rey-guitarist-14 years (Producer: Ronnie Spector, Ramones, Misfits), Danny Obadia-keyboards - 16 years, Anne Husick - guitar/vocals/percussion-13 years, Liberty Devitto -Drummer (Bill Joel). If the weather doesn't clear up Ronnie may dust off 'Frosty the Snowman' one last time this year.

Rumor has it, Ronnie will be performing a tribute for a dear friend of hers on this years Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony broadcast on March 15th. Wonder who that could be?

Ronnie will be part of the Heart and Soul benefit for "Save The Children" at the Westport Country Playhouse (25 Powers Court, Westport CT - 203 227-4177) hosted by film and TV actress Melissa Joan Hart on Thursday, April 1st at 8:00 pm. Joining Ronnie will be Saturday Night Live Band singer, Christine Ohlman among others.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Mush, you HUSKIES!...

Take those Mountaineers back home, Johnny! The Huskies are back (on the bubble)!

Live from Daryl's House- Toots & the Maytals...

About this month's episode:
Daryl Hall took his groundbreaking web series to sunny Jamaica this month, where he hooked up with legendary reggae group Toots and the Maytals for the 28th and most recent edition of Live From Daryl's House, available starting Feb. 15. The shoot took place at the home of famed reggae DJ "Native" Wayne Jobson in Ocho Rios, where Daryl and Toots Hibbert teamed on an incredible eight-song set that featured Toots and the Maytals classics like "Time Tough," "Reggae Got Soul," "Funky Kingston," "Sweet and Dandy," "Dog War," "Monkey Man" and "54-46 Was My Number," a song Toots wrote after serving a prison sentence for marijuana possession in the mid-'60s, along with a rock steady take on Hall and Oates' "You Make My Dreams Come True," recently popularized by its use in the film (500) Days of Summer. As on all episodes, there was a chef preparing food for everyone, in this case, Suzanne Couch, who joins Daryl and Toots for "Sweet and Dandy."

Frederick "Toots" Hibbert grew up singing gospel in the church choir, moving to Kingston, Jamaica, when he was 13, where he eventually formed the Maytals, who recorded for legendary Studio One producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd, accompanied by the famed studio band the Skatalites. The band went on to work with Prince Buster, Byron Lee and Leslie Kong.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

The strange boys are coming!...

No, relax, it's not Johnny Gumbo and the Pool Hall Studs, it's the Strange Boys from way down there in Austin, about to release their new album, Be Brave, on February 22.  Vin, Keith and The Rick just couldn't get enough of The Boys and Girls Club last June on our annual Cape golf extravaganza, so I know they can't wait for the new stuff.  Cafe Nine, are you on this?
(From Wikipedia, so it must be true)- In late 2009 the band underwent some line-up changes, with drummer and founding member Matt Hammer being replaced by Seth Densham, originally of Mika Miko (who disbanded in October, 2009). Jenna Thornhill-DeWitt, also a former member of Mika Miko, was added as saxophonist and backing vocalist, and Tim Presley, of Darker My Love, also joined to contribute backing vocals.


Around the same time, the newly outfitted line-up of the Strange Boys signed a deal with UK record label, Rough Trade, to distribute their material outside of the US, as well as announcing details of their sophomore release, Be Brave, which is due on February 22, 2010 (UK) and February 23, 2010 (US) and preceded by a single release of the title track, 'Be Brave', on January 25 (UK) and January 26 (US). The group also announced details of a brief supporting slot throughout November with Julian Casablancas of The Strokes for some of his solo US tour dates.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

What's on Tiger's iPod...

I'm Sorry (Brenda Lee)
Almost Sorry (Scissor Sisters)
You Give Love a Bad Name (Bon Jovi)
Cause We've Ended As Lovers (Jeff Beck)
Demolition Lovers (My Chemical Romance)
Two Lovers (Mary Wells)
Can We Still Be Friends? (Todd Rundgren)
Crawling King Snake (John Lee Hooker)
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (ACDC)

Saturday afternoon pre-Huskies (need this one badly) trail mix...

What'd I Say (Ray Charles) Dean's Top 100- 1959
Satisfied Mind (Lucinda Williams) Ramblin'
Candy (Manhattan Transfer) Anthology: Down In Birdland
Just Out of Reach (Rob Stone & the C-Notes) Just My Luck
Deception (Miles Davis) Birth of the Cool
Metal Heart (Cat Power) Jukebox
His Latest Flame (Mary Lou Lord) Live City Sounds
The Bug (Mary Chapin Carpenter) Come On Come On
How a Resurrection Really Feels (The Hold Steady) Separation Sunday
All the Things You Are (Erroll Garner) The Complete Savoy Master Takes
Monday Morning Blues (Ryan Hartt & the Blue Hearts) Empty Wallett
I Am Bound For the Promised Land (Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez) Strip

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

In the middle of a dream I call your name...

Yoko revives Plastic Ono Band with Clapton as guest (Reuters)
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Yoko Ono revived the Plastic Ono Band for a concert on Tuesday night that was part tribute, part vanity project and all irresistible fun. The show belonged as much to her son Sean Lennon, 34, as to Ono, 76. Looking and sounding like his famous father, Sean Lennon pulled together an all-star lineup that included Eric Clapton, Paul Simon and Bette Midler as special guests. Plastic Ono Band was the name of the conceptual supergroup that recorded John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance" in 1969 and one Ono had not used artistically since the 1970s.

The succession of stars led to the inevitable sing-along of that anthem for the encore at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Clapton played with fellow rockers Klaus Voormann and Jim Keltner -- all members of the original Plastic Ono Band. Ono held the stage for the first act, building up from an a cappella opening number to a standard rock lineup to a 7-piece backing band that found its stride with funk-inspired rhythms. The second act, though disjointed at times and largely unrehearsed, gave the adoring audience what it wanted: guest artists including Scissor Sisters, Justin Bond, and Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, all playing Ono songs.

Midler sang "Yes, I'm Your Angel," a light-hearted number Ono said she wrote for Lennon when he was growing anxious about turning 40. Lennon was shot dead by a deranged fan outside his New York City apartment two months after turning 40 in 1980. Other artists dipped into Lennon's repertoire. Gene Ween's version of Lennon's love song "Oh Yoko" was touching, with Sean Lennon playing along. Simon and his son Harper Simon -- a childhood friend of Sean Lennon's -- played in guitar duet, providing an acoustic warm-up to Clapton's blazing lead guitar on "Yer Blues" from the Beatles' White Album, on which Clapton played as a session guitarist. Clapton, Voormann and Keltner energized the hall without speaking a word, setting up the emotional farewell sing-along of "Give Peace a Chance," which many audience members were still humming as they made their way to the exit.

Monday, February 15, 2010

It's Mardi Gras Time!...

Tell all your friends. If you have no friends, tell anyone else you know. The 6th annual Southington Rotary Mardi Gras Night will be held on Fat Tuesday, February 16th at Anthony Jack's Wood-fired Grill. In addition to fine food and interesting people (only if YOU come, of course), you will be thoroughly entertained by Dr. Ya Ya's Gumbo Party. To quote New Orleans' own Dr. John - SUCH A NIGHT! Just imagine, all this and support for this year's designated beneficiary, the Southington Education Foundation, and other Southington Rotary Club community programs, too!

Just the facts, Ma'am:
Date/time: Fat Tuesday, February 16, 2010 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Where: Anthony Jack's Wood-fired Grill, 30 Center Street, Southington, CT 06489 - directions
Cost: $65/person, includes food stations, beer, wine, entertainment
Reservations:
Co-chair John Kennedy @860.276.8025,
Co-chair Trish Walden @860.378.1226,
Anthony Jack's @860.426.1487

Saturday, February 13, 2010

The Olympics are here!...

From AMG -  The Olympics were one of the great L.A.-based acts who managed to score regional hits on the West Coast by balancing upbeat and often humorous novelty R&B tunes with those about popular dances of the day (some of the other West Coast groups who fit this description were the Jay Hawks, the Cadets/Jacks, the Marathons, and the DooTones). They are perhaps best remembered for their Coasters-derived "Western Movies," but their other L.A.-area hits include the popular dance number "Baby Hully Gully," "Big Boy Pete" (which stalled out at number 50 pop, but went to number ten R&B), and "Mine Exclusively." - more




The Olympics perform Good Lovin' (with Billy Preston on organ) on Shindig in the mid '60's:

Friday, February 12, 2010

Friday morning frozen trail mix...

Great pies, pre-Bobcats v SFNY Terriers at Ely's (formerly Bimonte's), last night while relating the news of former PC legend Johnny E's re-emergence in PA (no, surprisingly, not in Leavenworth) after ten years.  Also, is there ANY doubt that Gus P is THE LIFELINE for anyone stuck on a trivia question?  The answer is NO.  When asked if there was a chance the legendary Westie Punks would regroup at some point, the Gusman coyly replied that he may have something for us in the future (possibly reunite for next year's Super Bowl show?).  Off to the TD Bank Sports Center (a nod to famed sportscaster/golf tour director Bill Mecca for tickets) to see Steve the Bod work his magic (not to be confused with Ater Majok, who has yet to work his majok) on the 35 second clock.  HOF-er Gino Zorolly not in attendance because Thursday is his night to piss off a whole gym of over-the-hill Cheshire hoopsters by shooting EVERY time he touches the ball.  Controversy!  Game officials overruling STB on 35-sec reset (STB arguing the "two hands on the ball = possession" while zebras say not).  In any event, Bobcats win to go 11 up, 2 down in the Northeast Conference (17-7 overall) to stay one game behind Robert Morris.  Out.

The mix:
Stairway to the Stars (Glenn Miller) Carnegie Hall Concert
400 Years (Bob Marley & the Wailers) Soul Rebels
What Do You Want the Girl to Do? (Allen Toussaint) The Allen Toussaint Collection
Something Happens to Me (Nancy Wilson) Something Wonderful
I Need Your Love Tonight (Elvis Presley) Dean's Top 100- 1959
Me and My Chauffeur (Lucinda Williams) Ramblin'
After Hours (Rickie Lee Jones) Rickie Lee Jones
Broken Drum (Cassandra Wilson) Glamoured
Call Me Up in Dreamland (Van Morrison) His Band And the Street Choir
Walkin' (Nat King Cole) The Billy May Sessions
Me and Bobby McGee (Janis Joplin) Super Hits
Girl From the North Country (Bob Dylan/Johnny Cash) Nashville Skyline
Brooklyn Owes the Charmer In Me (Steely Dan) Can't Buy a Thrill
Kick It Around (James Hunter) People Gonna Talk
Ramblin'Woman (Cat Power) Jukebox
Gullible's Travels (Holly Golightly) The Main Attraction
St. Stephen's End (The Felice Bros) The Felice Brothers
A Gal In Calico (Manhattan Transfer) Anthology
My Innocence/Sophia (Laura Nyro) Live: The Loom's Desire
Love and Affection (Joan Armatrading) Joan Armatrading

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Johnny Mayer from the hardscrabble streets of Greenwich, CT has been a bad boy...

John Mayer apologizes for Playboy interview (AP)
NEW YORK – John Mayer is apologizing for his mouth. The Grammy-winner took to his Twitter page to make amends for his latest inflammatory comments — this time, in the March edition of Playboy. In it, he calls former girlfriend Jessica Simpson "sexual napalm" and says Jennifer Aniston is a technophobe who wishes she could go back to her career prime in 1998. He also uses the N-word. On Twitter Wednesday afternoon, he apologized for the racial epithet and said he has to stop "trying to be so raw in interviews."

The racial comments were hardly the only explosive comments in the interview. He said he still loved Aniston, but then noting their age difference (she just turned 41), he said: "I can't change the fact that I need to be 32." He also said she didn't appreciate new technology: "The brunt of her success came before TMZ and Twitter. I think she's still hoping it goes back to 1998. She saw my involvement in technology as courting distraction. And I always said, 'These are the new rules,'" he said. Of Simpson, he talked about her sexual ability, and said: "That girl, for me, is a drug ... That girl is like crack cocaine to me." In the interview, he also explained why he didn't date black women, comparing his genitals to "a white supremacist." Mayer — known for his loose tongue — has made a habit out of outlandish comments. Last month, he gave an interview with Rolling Stone where he talked openly about his love life, including sex with other women — and himself. - (complete article)
Here's over an hour of live stuff:

Barbara is coming (or is she?)!...

Barbara (Dennis Wilson)
Barbara             The Temptations : 1960 
Barbara Ann         The Regents : 1961 
Barbara Ann         Jan & Dean : 1962 
Barbara Ann         The Beach Boys : 1966 
Bye Bye Barbara     Johnny Mathis : 1964 
Lady Barbara        Herman's Hermits : 1970 
 
 

Sunday, February 07, 2010

(The) Who Dat?...

Hey, they weren't too shabby (though Roger can't hit even the mid-range anymore and I thought I was listening to a CSI Marathon).  Great game!  But don't tell Johnny Gumbo, 'cause he's just beginning to watch the second half out there on the left coast.

Who's Past Their Shelf Life? And Other Super Bowl Music Miscues
...Unfortunately, there was more punk-rock in Carrie Underwood's climactic missed final note of the National Anthem than there was in anything about the Who's 12-minute "Stars on 45" set. -(complete article)

Super Bowl Sunday morning with Plantsville's own, The Sawtelles...

 It's been my bad, but I've not yet caught up with the Sawtelles since seeing them a few years ago at  Meriden's annual Daffodil Festival.  You (and I) can catch them at the Meriden Borders (the book store, not the edges of town) on March 5th at 7:30.  Here's a little background:

(From their myspace page)- Husband and wife duo the Sawtelles are a balance of four elements, alternate tuned guitar, stand up drum kit( ala Velvet Underground's Mo Tucker) and two voices. Sparse but intricately arranged pop that is as lush as it is threadbare makes what is played as important as what isn't. .........................................................................

The Sawtelles, Dime Museum (myspace.com/thesawtelles). The Sawtelles are a spare duo, but remarkably complete: Just a drummer and a guitarist manage to fill out a whole spectrum of sound. What’s more, Dime Museum strikes a great balance throughout its 11-song length. The tunes are pretty and soothing without being soporific. The chords and playing styles are just familiar enough and just fresh enough. The singing is competent and varied and the lyrics are interesting, but neither dominates or overpowers the overall feel of the album. Part pop, part “indie”—whatever that means these days—The Sawtelles have found a satisfying mixture all their own. —Vivian Nereim, New Haven Advocate







Saturday, February 06, 2010

Late Saturday afternoon trail mix...

Stand Up Comic (Ray Davies) Other People's Lives
Keep On Dancing (The Ronettes) Back to Mono
Came a Long Way (Heartless Bastards) All This Time
Syrup & Honey (Duffy) Rockferry
The Engadiner Suite- Winter (The Ahn Trio) Groovebox
Jacqueline (James Hunter) The Hard Way
Please Read the Letter (Robert Plant/Alison Krauss) Raising Sand
Too Little, Too Late (Nat King Cole) The Billy May Sessions
Bridge Over Troubled Waters (Aretha Franklin) Live At the Fillmore West
Most Likely You Go Your Way (Bob Dylan) Blonde On Blonde
I Love You Baby (Johnny & the East Coast Rockers) Live And Swingin'
Night Time Is the Right Time (Ray Charles) Dean's Top 100-1959
C-Sri 8:25 (Joanne Brackeen) Invitation
Shakedown (Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels) Sock It To Me
CC Rider (Ray Charles) Blues Is My Middle Name
Keep Walkin' (Eddie Jefferson) Letter From Home
Hit the Road To Dreamland (Dr. John) Nercernary
There Ain't a Girl Alive (Joan Armatrading) Into the Blues
Hard-Headed Woman (Cat Stevens) Tea For the Tillerman

Can the Huskies get a win? Do I hear an AMEN?...

Is anyone else intrigued by Ray Davies' booking at the Webster Theatre in Hartford on Saturday, March 6?  One of the truly iconic songwriters.  True, as is the case with many, his voice is not what it once was, but it's still serviceable and he's recently put out some wonderful albums that I listen to constantly.  Alas, perhaps I'm the only one.  Try him. - (Ray Davies' myspace)

Friday, February 05, 2010

Ow, she's a brick hoooouse....

 

Massive Mansion May Mean $100,000 In Taxes To West Hartford 

WEST HARTFORD — - Think your house taxes are high?  Try $100,000.  That's the estimated July 2010 tax bill for millionaire businessman-philanthropist Arnold Chase's just-completed 50,800-square-foot home on Avon Mountain, the biggest in town and probably in the state.  It will be the largest single-family residential tax bill ever sent out here, Tax Collector Helene Lefkowitz said.  Two-thirds of the Chase home is in two underground levels, making the structure like an iceberg, with most of its mass below the surface.The 4 1/2 -story home took more than three years to build on its 33-acre ridgeline parcel off Albany Avenue. It includes a 3,000-square-foot exhibit hall, a 4,700-square-foot game room and a movie theater with more than 100 seats. - complete story

Thursday, February 04, 2010

It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City...

Springsteen wants name off royalty lawsuit against NYC bar (AP)
NEW YORK – Bruce Springsteen wants his name off a lawsuit demanding licensing fees from a Manhattan bar where a band played his songs. A statement on Springsteen's Web site Thursday said he didn't know about the lawsuit that was filed Wednesday in federal court and wouldn't have agreed to be a plaintiff if he had been asked. It says Springsteen's representatives demanded the immediate removal of his name Thursday morning after learning about the lawsuit filed by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. ASCAP didn't immediately return a telephone call seeking comment Thursday night. The suit claims Connolly's Pub violated Springsteen's copyrights by letting an unidentified band perform two of his songs for profit. A man who answered the phone at Connolly's said the pub had no comment.

Born to run over you (45th Ave Freezeout)....

'Boss' strikes sour note: Bruce Springsteen sues midtown bar Connolly's for copyright infringement (Daily News)
Bruce Springsteen is showing a midtown bar who's The Boss. The rocker slapped Connolly's Pub & Restaurant on W. 45th St. with a copyright infringement lawsuit Wednesday. He claims the bar hosted a band on Aug. 9, 2008, that performed three of Springsteen's hits - and charged customers a cover fee. Venues that host live performances are supposed to pay an annual licensing fee to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, which doles out royalties. Springsteen had no comment, but ASCAP officials said the point of the action was to protect all songwriters.

"It's not about him as a recording artist," said Vincent Candilora, ASCAP senior vice president for licensing. "In this instance, he's simply a songwriter with rights." The band, which was not identified, allegedly played three songs that night: "Growin' Up," "Because the Night" and "You're No Good," which was written by Clinton Ballard Jr., a co-plaintiff in the case. Connolly's, which did not return calls for comment, could face a $30,000 fine for skipping out on what would have been a $2,700 licensing fee, Candilora said. He said the suit was aimed at leveling the playing field for other bars in New York that do pay the licensing fee, which is based on occupancy. - complete article

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Tony, baby, who knew?...

Legendary performer and 15-time Grammy Winner Tony Bennett graced the stage at the New Orleans Jazz Festival in 2009 to the delight of fans that attended that exhilarating performance. This year the singer, who paints under his family name Benedetto, will participate as the official visual artist of the Festival by painting the image to be displayed on the Festival’s annual poster. Bennett’s portrait of his friend and colleague, the late Louis Prima, a New Orleans native, will be reproduced as the 2010 New Orleans Jazz Festival poster in honor of the centennial anniversary of Prima’s birth, which is celebrated in December of this year.  Bennett’s silk-screened poster is the first edition in a new generation of poster series for Jazz Festival, “Performance Art: The Musical Artist As Visual Artist,” which will showcase the visual artistry of musical performers.



Monday, February 01, 2010

Quick pre-dinner trail mix...

Her Mind Is Gone (Professor Longhair) A Proper Introduction to...
Mister Magik (Esther Phillips) Jazz Moods - Hot
Ghost Train (Counting Crows) August & Everything After
Come Rain Or Come Shine (Dr. John) Mercernany
Girl Put Your Records On (Corrine Bailey Rae) Corrine Bailey Rae
I Wish You Love (Nancy Wilson) Something Wonderful
Over the Rainbow (Erroll Garner) The Complete Savoy Master Takes
Shaking Through (R.E.M.) Murmur

Yes, I watched and lived to tell about it...

Couldn't stay up until the end, but I did enjoy some of the performances, notably Leon Russell sitting in with the Zac Brown Band, Lady Gaga opening with Elton John, Bridge Over Troubled Water coupling Andrea Bocelli/Mary J. Blige,  and whatever the Jamie Foxx, T-Pain & Slash hip-hop thing was.  On the other side, Beyonce (well, her music) doesn't do it for me, Taylor Swift was just okay with Stevie Nicks (I always liked Christine Perfect-McVee better, anyway), and it's hard to be inspired by a dead pedophile's love for the planet. Actually, that would be a GREAT punk band name - The Dead Pedophiles (latest release= Out of Touch).- grammy.com
Htfd Courant's Eric Danton

Winners in selected major categories at Sunday's 52nd Annual Grammy Awards:
Record of the Year: "Use Somebody," Kings of Leon
Album of the Year: "Fearless," Taylor Swift
Song of the Year: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On it)," Beyonce Knowles
New Artist: Zac Brown Band
Pop Vocal Album: "The E.N.D.", The Black Eyed Peas
Female Pop Vocal Performance: "Halo," Beyonce Knowles
Male Pop Vocal Performance: "Make It Mine," Jason Mraz
Rock Album: "21st Century Breakdown," Green Day
Rock Song: "Use Somebody," Kings of Leon
R&B Album: "BLACKsummers'night, "Maxwell
R&B Song: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," Beyonce Knowles
Rap Album: "Relapse," Eminem
Rap Song: "Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West
Country Album: "Fearless," Taylor Swift
Female Country Vocal Performance: "White Horse," Taylor Swift
Male Country Vocal Performance: "Sweet Thing," Keith Urban,
Latin Pop Album: "Sin Frenos," La Quinta Estacion
Contemporary Jazz Album: "75," Joe Zawinul & The Zawinul Syndicate
Classical Album: "Mahler: Symphony No. 8; Adagio from Symphony No. 10"
Traditional Gospel Album: "Oh Happy Day," various artists
Dance Recording: "Poker Face," Lady Gaga
Electronic Dance Album: "The Fame," Lady Gaga
Alternative Music Album: "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix," Phoenix
Spoken Word Album: "Always Looking Up," Michael J. Fox
Comedy Album: "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!" Stephen Colbert

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Whoa (not for the faint of heart)!...

Brisk Sunday morning post-Huskies meltdown trail mix...

Rosalee (The Pretenders) Break Up the Concrete
His Latest Flame (Mary Lou Lord) Live City Sounds
I'm In Love Again (The Animals) The Complete Animals
Got My Mojo Working (Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown) Genuine Houserockin' Music
Dixie Chicken (Little Feat) Dixie Chicken
Baby You Got What It Takes (Van Morrison/Gail Lewis) You Win Again
Let's Get Lost (Diana Krall/Terrance Blanchard) Let's Get Lost
Stormy Monday (Allman Brothers Band) Live At the Fillmore
Give Me a Chance (Marcia Ball) So Many Rivers
All Of Me (Johnnie Ray) A Proper Introduction To...
Dear Doctor (Rolling Stones) Beggars Banquet
Teach Me Tonight (Nancy Wilson) Something Wonderful
Lafayette Railroad (Little Feat) Dixie Chicken
Seasons Change (Corrine Bailey Rae) Corrine Bailey Rae
Because It's Not Love (The Pipettes) We Are the Pipettes
The Grand Tour (George Jones) 16 Biggest Hits
No Matter (Cat Power) Dear Sir
Baby Won't You Please Come Home (Ray Charles) Blues Is My Middle Name
Roll On Arte (Felice Brothers) Tonight At the Arizona
Puzzles (The Yardbirds) Over Under Sideways Down
Chapel of Love (Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers) Roadrunner

We'd like to introduce our friend, Neil Young...

Neil Young Honored by Wilco, Chili Peppers, Dave Matthews and More at MusiCares Gala (Rolling Stone Rock & Roll Daily)
In what was a staggering display of star power and rock & roll might, dozens of music luminaries gathered on Friday night to celebrate Neil Young as MusiCares Person of the Year. The pre-Grammy dinner and tribute concert, which starts at $1,250 per plate with proceeds going to musicians in need, boasted the best attendance yet since the annual fete had its first seating in 1989 (honoring Young’s longtime friend and bandmate, David Crosby, appropriately enough), and featured 20 performances by heavyweights such as Wilco, John Mellencamp, Jackson Browne, Dave Matthews, Elvis Costello, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow and several supergroup combos, most notably, an all-star jam of Crosby Stills Nash and Young’s “Helpless” comprised of Sir Elton John, Leon Russell, T Bone Burnett, Neko Case and Sheryl Crow that was, in a word, inspiring. - complete story

I'm trying to find some clips of the performances, but no luck so far. Of particular interest are Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Patty Griffith singing (not sure what song) and Ben Harper, backed by three female singers, doing Ohio.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Dreadful Huskies....

Brother Joe stopped by the house, after visiting Mom K, while the Huskies were struggling with a bunch of undersized golden eagles this afternoon.  He, having matriculated at Northeastern, is of the opinion that they are the REAL Huskies.  He may be correct, but there is also a case for those Huskies up in Washington.  Keith/Vin (see previous entry) came up small today.  Very disappointing, boys.

Dined with the LaBellas at Bonterra Italian Bistro tonight (excellent crab & corn chowder), and host Barry D mentioned the Infinity Music Hall way up in Norfolk, CT as a possible future road trip. Reputed to be a great venue with a tasty mix of blues, folk, jazz artists. Noticed Jesse Colin Young will be there on 4/30, but we'll be down in the Crescent City at Jazz Fest. Saw some great Jesse shows at Toad's with Steve (The Bod) in the 70's. Also of note:
02/11/10 • Buckwheat Zydeco • 08:00 PM 
02/12/10 • Greg Brown • 08:00 PM 
2/14/10 • John Mayall • 08:00 PM 
02/26/10 • Cyril Neville • 08:00 PM 
03/07/10 • Dave Mason • 08:00 PM 
03/14/10 • Joe Krown Trio feat. Walter "Wolfman" Washington and Russell Batiste, Jr. • 08:00 PM
03/19/10 • Jane Monheit • 08:00 PM 
04/01/10 • James Cotton • 08:00 PM

Alumni duo seeks to revive dying Huskies...

"We shoulda made the trip to the Dunkin' Donuts Center (which, by the way, is a curious name because Dunkin' Donuts have no center) Wednesday night for the Providence game," sighed a deeply disappointed Keith Friday afternoon at my office as he handed me a copy of the new Nora Jones CD, ironically titled The Fall. "Me and Vin were so psyched after our performance at the Texas game that we thought the Husky Bastards would cruise past the lowly Friars, despite the fact that legendary Friar alum Johnny (love 'em large) E might be in attendance."  I asked if the twosome would be reprising their NO/ON roles of the previous Saturday, he replied that his nipples were still too sensitive to again expose them to the elements.  "Anyways, it's at the Civic Center, so the chicks won't be all over us like at Gampel.  Marquette's going to be a tough matchup because they used to be Warriors, but are now Golden Eagles and they have a Hall of Fame coach, too!"  Well, I retorted, that last fact should be a push because Al McGuire won't be much help either, seeing that he's dead and all.  "Oh, I thought I saw him on TV last week, but maybe not.  By the way, who would win a fight between a golden eagle and a husky?"  Not sure, but I'll guess we'll find out at noon.

Notable Marquette hoopsters:
Dwayne Wade, Dean "The Dream" Meminger, Earl Tatum, Glenn 'Doc' Rivers, Jim Chones, Bo Ellis, Butch Lee, Maurice Lucas

With apologies to Seton Hall:

Friday, January 29, 2010

Hey, you're where it's at....aren't you?



And while you're there:
Mikey got with Sharon, Sharon got Sheriee
She was sharin' Sharon's outlook on the topic of disease
Mikey had a facial scar and Bobby was a racist
They were all in love dyin' they were doin' it in Texas
Tommy played piano like a kid out in the rain then he lost his leg in Dallas he was dancin' with the train
They were all in love with dyin' they were drinkin' from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche coming down the mountain
I don't mind the sun sometimes the images it shows
I can taste you on my lips and smell you in my clothes
Cinnamon and sugar-y and softly spoken lies
You never know just how you look through other people's eyes

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Jazz Fest daily schedules announced...

Johnny Gumbo likes the final Sunday's lineup (and I agree):
nojazzfest.com
Van Morrison (yes, you cynical guys, he'll even bring his timer)
B.B. King (hoping the thrill has not gone)
Ruthie Foster (The Phenomenal!)
The Dead Weather (Jack White's latest project; saw the Raconteurs there two years ago) - Will There Be Enough Water
Wayne Shorter Quartet featuring Brian Blade, John Patitucci and Danilo Perez
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
The Radiators
Neville Brothers (passed on them as finishers last year)
Clarence “Frogman” Henry
Richie Havens (long time since seeing him at Wesleyan with Jan/Chris/Reet in 70's)
Tribute to Juanita Brooks feat. Wanda Rouzan, Barbara Shorts, and Topsy Chapman
Mia Borders

Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue

The Reet gets the heave-ho from 'da judge...

The Reet 'failed' her jury duty interview this snowy afternoon, dashing her hopes to be in a real live Law & Order. She's big-time bummed.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Sunday afternoon Jets-hanging-on-at-the-half trail mix...

Let's Get Lost (Diana Krall/Terreance Blanchard) Let's Get Lost
Rollins (Sonny Rollins) Silver City
Icculus (Phish) Junta
Stormy Monday (Allman Brothers Band) Live at the Fillmore
Give Me a Chance (Marcia Ball) So Many Rivers
All of Me (Johnny Ray) A Proper Introduction To ...
Dear Doctor (Rolling Stones) Beggars Banquet
Teach Me Tonight (Nancy Wilson) Something Wonderful
Lafayette Railroad (Little Feat) Dixie Chicken
Seasons Change (Corrine Bailey Rae) Corrine Bailey Rae
Baby Won't You Please Come Home (Ray Charles) Blues Is My Middle Name

Aging UConn alumni pair power husky bastards over longhorns...

Sure, the years have not been kind to their once buff, cut, bronzed, athletic physiques, but, for this stark January afternoon at Gampel, they were BACK! Keith and Vin have held season tickets for quite some time, but, with the Huskies reeling (in the years?), it was time for drastic action - student section, painted faces, bare chests with a large blue 'O' on one and 'N' on the other. Yikes, not a sight for the timid!

I posed the question: what's up with the letters, because the national television coverage was constantly shooting to these two old guys in the student section spelling 'NO' in the first half, then 'ON' in the second? "We switched seats." No, you idiots, what was the meaning? "Ohhhhhh, I guess it was time to take the bull by the horns," giggled Keith. "(Wives) Sharie and Marcia were going to be the 'U' and 'C' but they chickened out at the last minute, so we persevered without them." But, guys, you needed another 'N' to spell UCONN.

Vin looked at Keith with contempt, "I TOLD you I was pretty sure there were two 'N's', but you wouldn't listen! We could have gotten Rick, or that intoxicated co-ed over there.  Anyway, we didn't take spelling in college, it was an elective. The crowd had to be energized today if our beloved Huskies were to triumph without our beloved Coach Calhoun. Our nipples froze on the way in from the parking lot, and they still hurt like hell, but it was worth it." When I mentioned they could have worn sufficiently warm clothes until they got inside Gampel, they just looked confused.

"I think this is the BEST day of my life," blurted a teary-eyed Vin, oblivious to the curious stares as we made our way out of Gampel. "Hey," yelled out Keith as we parted ways outside, "Can you give us a ride out to our car? My nipples are KILLING me!"

Friday, January 22, 2010

Friday, never hesitate...



Dressed up to the eyes,
It's a wonderful surprise
To see your shoes and your spirits rise
Throwing out your frown
And just smiling at the sound
And as sleek as a sheik
Spinning round and round
Always take a big bite
It's such a gorgeous sight
To see you eat in the middle of the night
You can never get enough
Enough of this stuff
It's Friday, I'm in love

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Thursday morning huskies-finally-get-a-win trail mix...

Call me when you get this (Corrine Bailey Rae) Corrine Bailey Rae
All Hands Against His Own (Black Keys) Rubber Factory
Where Is My Love (Lucinda Williams) West
Bacon Fat (Sir Douglous Quintet) She's About a Mover
Gray (Heartless Bastards) Stairs And Elevators
One Night Called Love (Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez) Radio Queen
Love Song Too (Naomi Sommers) Flying Through
Here I Am (Al Green) Greatest Hits
The Wanderer (Dion) The Wanderer
Let Me Know (James Hunter) Believe What I Say
Relator (Pete Yorn/Scarlett Johansson) Break Up
Diablito (Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles) Diamonds In the Dark
Goddamn You, Jim (Felice Brothers) The Felice Brothers
Caroline (John Butler Trio) Grand National

Lived in bars and danced on tables - Happy Birthday, Johnny Gumbo!...


January 21st
Wolfman Jack (1939)
Jack Nicklaus (1940)
Billy Ocean (1950)
Cat Power (1972)
Edwin Starr (1942)
Richie Havens (1941)
Placido Domingo (1941)
John Ryan (????)

You may not be the greatest, buddy, but you sure crack the top 100 every now and then. Since you've indeed lived in bars and danced on tables, this song is for you. Great song for a great American (I LOVE Cat Power). Cheers!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

They told me I had to go to rehab, but I said....


Sex-addicted Tiger trying hard to pull out of it
"Sex rehabs also require patients to sign a celibacy contract that includes a pledge not to have sex with anyone, or to [NSFW -- let's just say "serve as one's own caddy" --JB], while in treatment."- story

This is too funny! The dude, Slam, thinks he's the Gil Scott-Heron of love (perhaps the revelation will be televised):

The original Gil Scott-Heron:

Sunday, January 17, 2010

See ya later, alligator....

From AMG: R.I.P. Bobby Charles
Among the rash of musical deaths recently, one threatened to be overlooked. Bobby Charles, the Louisiana songwriter and singer, passed away on Thursday the 14th after collapsing at his home. Even the few obituaries that appeared said more about the great songs he wrote for Fats Domino and Bill Haley rather than his own recordings — which, admittedly, were few. Standing head and shoulders above the rest is his self-titled album from 1972. It’s a roots-rock classic, leading off with a loose-limbed funky joint called “Street People” that the Band would have appreciated. (They actually did appreciate it; both Rick Danko and Music from Big Pink producer John Simon worked on the record.) Unlike most early-R&B songwriters, Charles had changed with the times since the ’50s, writing gritty, world-wise songs that were much more closely drawn portraits of life than “See You Later, Alligator.” “Street People” begins like this: “Hangin’ out with the street people, driftin’ from town to town,” then channels more than just a little of Randy Newman’s dry wit with the finisher — “Some people would rather work. We need people like that.” - complete article

Watch out, the world's behind you...

Today's picks:
Huskies over Michigan (if not, this season is in BIG trouble!) (0-1)
Cowboys over Vikings (screw you, Brett Favre) (0-2)
J-E-T-S over Bolts (not likely, but...) (1-2)



Nico: An Underground Experience is a seedy documentation of one of the most important icons of subculture. She is caught on suitably grainy video footage doing what she did best, performing in an underground club. Shot in the early 80's with punk rock as an audience the film is hardly stunning, yet this somehow enhances its authenticity. Nico's presence is both powerful and at times moving especially during the interview section. (cherryredgroup)

Sunday morning Huskies-better-be-careful-with-Michigan trail mix...

Chips Ahoy! (The Hold Steady) Boys and Girls in America
Lazy (Heartless Bastards) Stairs And Elevators
Diablito (Sarah Borges & Broken Singles) Diamonds In the Dark
Empty Bed Blues (Maria Muldaur) Sweet Lovin' Ol' Soul
Happiness (Allen Toussaint) The Allen Toussaint Collection
Do I Love You (Ronettes) Phil Spector-Back To Mono
Timeless Melody (The La's) The La's
Those Three Days (Lucinda Williams) Live @ the Fillmore
Metal Heart (Cat Power) Jukebox
Playhouses (TV On the Radio) Return to Cookie Mountain
In This Hole (Cat Power) The Covers Record
Born to Be Blue (Gary Burton & Friends) Departure
Crazy Arms (Van Morrison/Linda Gail Lewis) You Win Again
All She Wrote (Ray Davies) Other People's Lives
Be So Happy (Heartless Bastards) The Mountain
Ruby Mae (The Felice Brothers) The Felice Brothers
Til the End (James Hunter) The Hard Way
Heaven (Talking Heads) Best of...
Enchantment (Corrine Bailey Rae) Corrine Bailey Rae
Strange Times (The Black Keys) Attack & Release

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Another standout session at Daryl's House...


I know I've been nagging you all for awhile to check out his monthly internet show, but, dammit, it's GOOD! The setting is intimate, the guests unique, the supporting musicians outstanding and Daryl Hall really knows his shit and can back it up. This month he has Boston's own Eli 'Paperboy' Reed as the main man, with bassist Alan Gorrie from the Average White Band. In fact, the first song they perform before bringing in Reed is AWB's Pick Up the Pieces.

Live From Daryl's House- Episode 27: Eli "Paperboy" Reed and Alan Gorrie
"...Both Daryl and Eli are stone soul music freaks, with Reed's odyssey taking him from a preternaturally mature teenage R&B shouter from a Boston high school to a Mississippi Delta juke joint, from Sunday morning gigs behind the organ at a tiny South Side Chicago church to headlining the coolest clubs in Brooklyn with his red-hot band, The True Loves.

In this episode Daryl and Eli collaborated on a set that includes a cover of Hall and Oates' "It's Uncanny," from their 1977 No Goodbyes "hits compilation" for Atlantic Records and legendary Philly street corner band The Volcanos' "Storm Warning," an H&O outtake originally intended for the 1990 album, Change of Season, now included on the recently released Sony Legacy box set, Do What You Want, Be What You Are. The performances also includes the Reed originals, "Take My Love With You," "I Found You Out," "Pick a Number" and "You Can Run On," and covers of AWB's "Pick Up the Pieces," Don Gardner and Dee Dee Ford's "I Need Your Loving Everyday," The Falcons featuring Wilson Pickett's "I Found a Love" and Chicago soul duo Mel and Tim's "Starting All Over Again," a song covered by Daryl and John for their 1990 Change of Season album."

Don't let me down. Check it out here.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Lookin' like a fool with your pants on the ground...

Show's not over yet for Idol Internet sensation - here


"Pants On The Ground": The Cover Versions!
Jimmy Fallon as Neil Young:

Friday morning trail mix...

Ain't What You Used To Have (Maria Muldaur) Sweet Lovin' Ol' Soul
Ain't Nothin' You Can Do (James Hunter w/ Van Morrison) Believe What I Say
After the Fall (Ray Davies) Other People's Lives
After It All (Cat Power) The Greatest
After Hours (Rickie Lee Jones) Rickie Lee Jones
Aeroplane Blues (The Black Keys) Rubber Factory
Achin' Breakin' Heart (George Jones) A Collection of My Best Recollection
Accident (The Sawtelles) Banjo Tunes
6060-842 (The B-52's) The B-52's
60 Feet Tall (The Dead Weather) Horehound
40 Miles to Vegas (Southern Culture on the Skids) Plastic Seat Sweat
3 Times (Cat Power) Dear Sir
Your Touch (The Black Keys) Magic Potion
Your Little Hoodrat Friend (The Hold Steady) Separation Sunday

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Now we've booked hotel rooms all over New Orleans!...

The Mother's/Johnny Gumbo Curse has taken a strange twist. I believe that our Jazz Fest room bookings now rival Tiger Woods' mistress count due to some monumental lack of communication amongst the foursome. We will be trying to pare them back to a manageable number in the next few days. Anyone need a room?

Simon and Garfunkel to perform at Jazz Fest (AP)
NEW ORLEANS – Simon and Garfunkel have been added to the lineup for this year's New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The singing-songwriting duo of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel will join the previously announced Jazz Fest lineup that includes Pearl Jam, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, The Neville Brothers, Lionel Richie, the Allman Brothers Band and Anita Baker. The festival is scheduled for the weekends of April 23-25 and April 29-May 2 at the Fair Grounds Race Course. Simon and Garfunkel will be on stage on April 24. While Simon has performed at Jazz Fest before, this will be the duo's first time together. Festival organizers say it is also their only planned U.S. appearance for the year.