Blue Sunday's best of 2006.....

megablues.com

Lord, we was born a ramblin' men.....

Red Stick Ramblers Amble Into Cafe Nine Tonight by Brian Slattery, New Haven Advocate

Traditional American music is easy to play, really hard to play well, and even harder to play in a way which can make modern audiences relate—and dance. The Red Stick Ramblers are the real deal. The band can keep it simple, but doesn’t just groove and rock. They form clear, strong melodies, whether tearing through a raucous fiddle ride or sneaking around a double-jointed jazz solo. At an August show in Clifftop, West Virginia, guitarist Chas Justus pulled down a guitar solo which consisted of one note, played maybe five times over sixteen bars. Every time, that one note was in just the right place.

Justus learned gypsy jazz and bluegrass in Baton Rouge. Linzay Young, who sings and plays fiddle, grew up in rural Louisiana and has played fiddle since he was 12. Chas Kevin Wimmer is a classical violinist who decided twenty years ago to dedicate himself to Cajun fiddle, and ended up playing in Balfa Toujours. The rhythm section—Eric Frey on upright bass and Glenn Fields on drums—are versed in a variety of styles. In one set, the band can switch from Cajun to blues to Western swing to old-time, and never seem as if they’re pretending. They also sound like they’re having a blast, fitting for a band that formed at Louisiana State University and got its chops playing parties and festivals. - complete article

BOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....

Triskaidekaphobia


13th Floor Elevators

G-Man checks out the Raconteurs....

Special report from G-Man:

THE RACONTEURS - Live 9/29/06 at the Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MA

Opening Act = Dr. Dog - we didn’t watch them, for drinking brewsky was more important....

Much of the following is the result of severe lack of sleep; however, I stand by every word!

FIRST REACTION Below was written the day The Raconteurs’ debut album “Broken Boy Soldiers” came out…

I give this album more like 3 1/2 stars. iTunes needs 1/2 stars; something I have always fought for...furthermore...

Today was the release date to Mr. Jack White's new band, The Raconteurs - as you all know, otherwise would not be reading this. However, I'm sure like many of you, my first impressions of the album came from mp3s on the internet. Future advice to myself -- wait for the damn album to come out. I screwed up the release date because I had already heard pretty much all the album online and that distorts a music lovers feel for an album when listened to in whole. The internet leaks made my expectations satisfied though -- for anything Jack White touches makes good music. “Steady as She Goes”, a solid first single that gets better with more listens. Try the acoustic version. And “Store Bought Bones”, not White's Mona Lisa, but a quick song to let us know better things are to come.

Now, when rating an album, one must put into account an artist’s past work, and their expectations. Mr. White is in the band - so it must be 5 stars and the result being iTunes gives us those 1/2 stars we all want because the album’s too good, right? Well, 30 minutes or so of Jack White is great. I don't care if it's his Zeppelin, Son House, or straight acoustics. But when u add “Alternative to Love”, Brendan Benson's latest album, which blew massive chucks, it takes away from White's airtime and reduces the album to more like 20 minutes. “Intimate Secretary”, a Benson vocal about his rabbit hopping and girl shopping doesn’t deserve that sophisticated music journalist lingo - it's simply corny ass lyrics and he needs some bass in his voice. However, Benson won me over with possibly the album’s best all around song, “Together”, and later “Call It A Day” is a solid song and for some reason should be put on when it's raining out (huh?).

The album concludes with all White vocals on “Blue Veins”, leaving his mark and telling fans to stick around. It's definitely a Jack White song and like many of his songs, they are so freaking cool that the audience will play it again and will be waiting for more the next time the Raconteurs hit the store. With more work together, White and Benson could become classic – hold your horses on the quick Lennon-McCartney comparison…please continue that band you began in your “Little Room”.

---

Let’s go see these guys in person - September 29, 2006 –

Beantown visit for the Kennedy brothers this past Friday because Jack White was in town, without MEG (or Dylan = shitburgers). Companying Mr. Jack was Brendan Benson (solo artist sharing vocals with Jack), and the Greenhornes drummer and bassist (another Detroit act that Jack met over the years of life). This makes up their new band, The Raconteurs, which means ‘skilled story tellers’. Jack and company have shared chuckles over this. People think the name fits them because they’re qualified lyricists; however, Jack chose this because he thought “Raconteurs” sounded “cool”…no need to seek Webster (the little black kid’s book of words; also known as a dictionary) for the meaning of “cool” because this is Jack White, he’s a rock star and they’re all cool, right? Especially, the Raconteurs bass player ??? – you can look up his name for your own useless knowledge, but to me he is Garth with a black wig. Where we sat, you couldn’t see him during the whole concert – it didn’t matter at all. We had a perfect view of Jack White and at this point it’s hard for me to see these dudes as a band; it feels more like Jack’s buddies from Detroit playing and waiting for Jack to take them to legend status.

Side bar: Garth lookalike slash Raconteurs’ bassist said, in my recent interview, at Jack’s Nashville house; “You didn’t tell them about my pubs, did ya?” – one of Garth’s most classy lines in Wayne’s World; bassist will deny he said this line, but believe me people, it is publish in an Oprah (strong black women; purposely spelled with the “E” because Oprah represents all black women) endorsed book.

It is hard to criticize anything Jack White does – because I know his opinions about critics and pretty much every song he’s touched I like. I also know Jack doesn’t want people to compare this to the White Stripes, and the Raconteurs is not a side project people – this is a band Jack has been waiting to start for a long time. Here’s the however…However, we are entitled to our favorite White songs and not one mine incorporates Brendan Benson, Garth & Co. It is impossible to not compare the Raconteurs to the White Stripes – it’s like trying not to compare Tyson chicken breast to KFC…and we all know what I mean.

I have tried not comparing these groups, but when the Stripes set the bar so high, well, it only sets up the Raconteurs for disappointment. Not failure though. This is respectable music, but falls short similar to how ladies say Irishmen do.

Jack White is the first true rock star I have seen in person. I got over that pretty quickly and realized these songs just aren’t that good. I denied this going into the concert because I hate criticizing musicians because I have never played a note in my life (Mary Had A Little Lamb with the Alto Sax in 3rd does not count Garrett!). And I am not criticizing. The Raconteurs just are not close to the White Stripes. But who is? Well, the answer is Dylan. So I suggest if you see the Raconteurs in person, see them when they’re touring with Zimmerman. When Bob and Jack perform I will be sure not to answer nature when it calls. I missed the Raconteurs best song, “Blue Veins”…fill in the blanks yourself…shitburgers.

Sarah Borges was better live…John Butler was the best I’ve seen live so far…Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is somewhere in the middle…I have yet to see the White Stripes live…what was I thinking missing them…obviously I wasn’t…ok, nature is calling…talk to you later, bloggers.

Cheshire's Bonnie Lee Panda...

by Ralph Hohman (Record-Journal)

Bonnie Lee Panda plans to get into the studio next year, backed by a band, to make a fully produced al­bum. For now, she’ll take “Live,” a disc recorded dur­ing her solo set (with a cou­ple of cameo accompani­ments) on April 29 at the Vanilla Bean Café in Pom­fret. “When I first recorded it I thought I might like two or three songs,” she says from her home in Cheshire, “but I ended up liking the whole thing. It had a great live feel.” The sound is smooth and consistent, especially for a live album. Panda and her composing partner, Erik Balkey, wrote most of the songs. They showcase the 27-year-old singer’s distinc­tive, yet classical country/folk singing and guitar playing. Panda has been taking singing lessons for a dozen years, she says, and teaches it, too. Her voice has matured. It’s fuller than it was a couple of years ago — a versatile, strong instrument. “I just like to keep learn­ing,” she says.

Pushing toward the next level, she plays out fre­quently and writes a lot with Balkey (who lives in Philadelphia) and on her own. “I’m in a songwriting cir­cle” in East Haven, Panda says, “where we meet once a month, and write a song a month.” Balkey, she says, also works as a music promoter, and Panda credits him with getting her music on the air in California, Texas, South Carolina and even Ger­many. In 2004, she was a re­gional finalist in the Nashville Star talent com­petition. She didn’t make it onto the TV show, but the contest did get her some notice, and a live perfor­mance on WWYZ, Country 92.5 FM. This year Panda was a fi­nalist in the Plowshare’s songwriting contest in Phoenixville, Pa. She’s played in New York City and throughout the North­east, and sung the national anthem at UConn basket­ball and New Britain Rock Cats baseball games, and for the Connecticut Special Olympics in 2004 and ’05.

The official release of “Live” comes Oct. 27, when Panda performs at 7:30 p.m. in the old train station as part of the Milford Fine Arts Council’s Performance Coffeehouse series. Tickets are $10; for reservations, call (203) 878-6647.

She also hosts open-mike programs on the first Fri­day of each month at the Vanilla Bean, and on Nov. 16 Panda is booked at The Space in Hamden. She has a road trip planned for December, with performances and ra­dio-station interviews in Philadelphia, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and New Jersey. It’s all listed at bonnieleepanda.com, the Web site Panda says will be revamped in a couple of days. Copies of “Live” will also be available on her Web site, and through CD Baby.

Panda, who has a bache­lor’s degree in psychology from UConn, works 20 hours a week at the Con­necticut Mental Health Center in New Haven, do­ing administrative work for a psychiatrist. “I have the best of both worlds,” she says. “I can tour on the weekends, or go for a four-day tour.”

Hump day.....

Johnny Gumbo emails us that we are a scant 200 days from Jazz Fest 2007.

From Sarah Borges' Myspace site: I was awarded the 2006 Boston Music Award for Best Local Female Vocalist last night (9/27) at Avalon, in a night that included lots of friends, a fairly number of drinks, and a 6ft. man in a bear costume. I swear it was due in part to my Grandma Phyllis's mobilization of her fabulous web-savvy bingo ladies. Thank you for voting! SB (Sarah and the Broken Singles appear tonight at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, opening for Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys)

John Fogerty will perform on December 1 at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. Tickets go on sale October 6 at 11:00 a.m. He will perform on December 2 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut; tickets go on sale October 14 at 10:00 a.m.

People who need people....

NEW YORK (AP)- The most riveting moment of Barbra Streisand's Madison Square Garden concert was one of the only unscripted ones. Streisand endured jeers as she interjected a political skit into Monday night's show, exchanging zingers with a celebrity impersonator playing George Bush as a bumbling idiot. Though most of the crowd offered polite applause during the slightly humorous routine, it went on a bit too long, especially for those who just wanted to hear Streisand sing.

"Come on, be polite!" the well-known liberal implored. But one heckler wouldn't let up. And finally, Streisand let him have it. "Shut the (expletive) up!" Streisand bellowed, drawing wild applause. "Shut up if you can't take a joke!" With that one F-word, the jeers ended. And the message was delivered — no one gets away with trying to upstage Barbra Streisand, especially not in her hometown.

country, bluegrass, blues & other music for uplifting gormandizers...

This is the last week that legendary punk club CBGB exists - at least in NYC. Sunday marks the final day as owner Hilly Kristal surrenders the premises after a lengthy, bitter lease dispute. But don't fret, Kristal plans to resurrect the club in Las Vegas, where middle-aged soccer moms and dads can make-believe they are on the cutting edge of punk.

Savage Brothers in Newport...

Attended Andy/Emily's wedding last evening at the Hotel Viking in Newport with entertainment by the Savage Brothers Band, which was voted 'Best Band in Hartford" for 2006 by Hartford Magazine. Saw them earlier in the year at Blackeyed Sallys in Hartford. They started out playing some very tasty jazz, then a nice mix of Van, Otis Redding, Al Green, etc and ending with dance music. Even got johnnyk out on the dance floor, a sight that could be harmful to your health.

Saturday night at the fest...

The line for apple fritters was an hour long, but not to worry, I wasn't getting any. Keith and I took in two excellent music groups this crisp Autumn afternoon/evening as our beloved Yankees curled up and died (periodic cell updates of gloom from The Reet) for yet another baseball year. With Johnny Fest running around in his organization mode, the AHF was clicking on all cylinders (as if I know what that means). Promptly at 5pm, Christine Ohlman, she of the sky-high platinum beehive doo, and her band, Rebel Montez, took the stage and gave us some serious 'hip shakin' rock/blues culled from their four albums and an announced album-in-the-making. Keith promptly requested copies of the three CDs that I have. Car baron and Tiger buddy Stevie P joined us for a few numbers and was also impressed by the Beehive Queen.

Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez

Set over, it was my duty (orders from Johnny Fest) to pick up the band dinners at AJ's an scurry them over to Park & Rec where the band 'hospitality suite' is located (no expense spared by FestMan). So I dragged Keith along; we had time while waiting for the dinners to have a beer and watch the Bombers slide into winter. Upon delivery, we chatted a bit with Christine and lead guitarist ??Goodwin about playing Cafe Nine, where musicians love to play despite its size. We told her we'd see her at The Nine in November.

Then it's time to catch River City Slim & the Zydeco Hogs (with Bill Walton playing accordian). After a bit of a slow start, Slim and the boys cooked pretty good. Sightings in the crowd - Jessica Lange, Robert Mitchum (well, we THINK they were).

River City Slim & the Zydeco Hogs

Weekend update....

Second weekend! Do NOT miss Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez at 5pm on Saturday at the Southington AHF followed by River City Slim & the Zydeco Hogs at 7pm!

Corrine Bailey Rae to be musical guest on SNL. A must-tape. Paste Magazine


OCTOBER FIRST FRIDAY IS A COSTUME PARTY at the New Britain Museum of American Art! Dezron Douglas Trio is the featured entertainment from 5:30-8 pm. A bass player, Dezron has studied under Nat Reeves, Jackie McLean and Steve Davis at the Hartt School of Music and has performed with Branford Marsalis, Rene McLean, Winard Harper, Eddie Henderson, among others. Dezron is the founder of The New Jazz Workshop of Hartford and has been heavily involved with gospel and blues music scenes from Hartford to Montana.

A GEM of a gig (which I must miss because The Reet and I will be in Newport for a wedding) is Jim Lauderdale at Cafe Nine in New Haven on Sunday evening at 7pm. Jim is a Grammy Award winner who has played with Lucinda Williams and Donna the Buffalo, among others. Treat yourself if you can get a ticket.

Killer on the airwaves....

Watching Jerry Lee Lewis playing/singing on Imus this morning. JLL is promoting his new album, Last Man Standing, looking a little long in the tooth, but his voice holds up quite well. Damn, got to pick up that CD today!

G-man picked it up for the old man!!!! I LOVE the duet Couple More Years with Willie Nelson's tasty vocal accompaniment and guitar licks, and, of course, Springsteen's Pink Cadillac. An interesting matchup is Killer and Little Richard doing the Beatles' I saw her standing there because LR always claimed that his fame was shortchanged by Elvis and his peers because he (Little Richard) was black.

50 years ago, Sam Phillips' legendary Sun Records in Memphis, TN was the home of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins and jerry Lee Lewis, the founding fathers of rock 'n roll - today, Jerry Lee Lewis is the 'Last Man Standing.'

Why don't we do it in the road.....

Caught up with Johnny Fest (aka Johnny Gumbo) while listening to Beatles tribute band Abbey Road (see photo) this afternoon at the Apple Harvest Festival. The band sounded good (even though I'm not a big fan of tribute bands) and the large crowd obviously enjoyed hearing their old favorites. The Fab Four was dressed in matching suits circa Ed Sullivan, but were to change into Sgt. Pepper era gear later. Didn't wait. Also of note, Paul now plays bass right-handed.

JF was raving about the performance the previous evening by the D. Smith Blues Band. The country/bluegrass band, Crossover, is slated for Sunday at 5:15pm (weather permitting).

Jim Kane in Heaven?....a scary thought....

Just kidding, Jim, kinda. Jim emails us from R 'n R Heaven South:

The ultimate "old fart" destination. Just north of Orlando is a place called "The Villages" , an over 55 retirement community. An "ACTIVE" community puts it mildly. They have almost 100,000 residents and activities abound. They even have their own 1000 seat softball "stadium"!!!!! But my favorite part of the villages is "Katie Belles" - a fantastic private restaurant, that seats about 400 and is for Villages residents only. Once a month "Rocky & The Rollers" play at this venue. This is an oldies premier rock n roll band. They are Bowser Bauman's "Rock N Roll Party" concert band. The Rollers have played all over the world. I met them many years ago when we were both performing at 'Little Darlins Rock N Roll Palace" in Kissimmee, Florida. One of my good friends in the rock n roll world is John Wagner, of "The Diamonds" (Little Darlin, The Stroll, etc.), will be our guest this evening at Katie Belles. We will be asked at some point in the evening to sing a couple of songs with The Rollers. (Lets hope the crowd has had enough Budweisers). The Villages is becoming our second home. This Wednesday night, we will journey back to The Villages to their elite concert center to see another good friend, Johnny Thunder (Loop DE Loop) and "The Duke of Earl"- Gene Chandler. If you like our music, then this is the place to be. Yes sir - Rock N Roll Heaven does exist - and it is "alive" and well at The Villages, in Florida!

Are you ready for the weekend?.....

Carolyn B, newly settled in Boston, is revved up for this weekend's 6th Annual Beantown Jazz Festival. G-man and JFK will be in town on Friday night to attend the Raconteurs' concert at the Orpheum Theatre. Another tasty offering is Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles at Johnny D's in Somerville.

This is also the opening weekend for the 39th annual Southington Apple Harvest Festival and host Johnny Fest has assembled a varied lineup of music for your enjoyment:
Friday- 7:00pm D. Smith Blues Band
Saturday- 4:30pm Abbey Road; 7:00pm The Kerry Boys
Sunday- 5:15pm Crossover

Jim Kane says johnnyk's all wet on the Beach Boys....

I've been taken to task for my less-than-admiring portrayal of the current and future versions of the Beach Boys (here) by good friend and Bristol oldies guru Jim Kane:

I beg to differ! I have recently heard Mike Love's version of The Beach Boys, with Bruce Johnston, and they were great. I saw them 2 months ago at EPCOT in Orlando, and they had a huge crowd screaming with delight. Sure its not the original Beach Boys, but the songs were still great, and their performance flawless. Jim Kane
PS - I should know, I've seen the Beach Boys back in the good old days of the 60s.

Jim, I respect your opinion on this, but the few times I've seen the Beach Boys in the last 20 years (granted, not in person), Mike Love's voice was shot. And maybe it's the old John Lennon/Paul McCartney thing, I always liked Brian Wilson more. However, my real point was that the beauty of the Beach Boys was in the gorgeous harmonies of the Wilson brothers, Mike Love, Al Jardine and that does not exist anymore. The Beach Boys put out some very good, though under-appreciated product into the mid-seventies (I love the Surf's Up album), but nothing of any creative consequence since. No, NOT Kokomo! I'm not saying one can't enjoy the current group(s), but, in my humble opinion, it's not the Beach Boys.

Turn It Up, one more once.....

Catch a Fire (Bob Marley and the Wailers)

Wonderful World Beautiful People (Jimmy Cliff)

Led Zeppelin II (Led Zeppelin)

Nashville Skyline (Bob Dylan)

Lou Reed...Live, In Concert (Lou Reed)

Diary of a Mod Housewife (Amy Rigby)

Lady Soul (Aretha Franklin)

Live at the Fillmore West (Aretha Franklin)

Soul '69 (Aretha Franklin)

A spectacular early autumn day to take a quick trip to Northampton to Turn It Up, wish-listing from G-man in hand (Beck, Marley, Lou Reed, Cat Power, Mos Def, Led Zeppelin, Dylan, TV on the Radio). Could not resist a great 3-CD set of Aretha for $15!!! Also picked up Amy Rigby's classic in anticipation of her visit to Cafe Nine on November 9.

From Alex Ross in 9/18/06 New Yorker....

FINAL THEME
“As I walked out tonight in the mystic garden / The wounded flowers were dangling from the vine.” As usual, it is the words that seize your attention first. “Ain’t Talkin’,” the last song on Bob Dylan’s deceptively mellow-sounding new album, “Modern Times,” places the listener in a landscape of sweet decay, as handsomely ruined as Dylan’s sixtysomething voice, populated by sick mules, blind horses, a missing gardener, nameless foes, some woman, and the walking, weeping, brooding, ironically smiling singer. The vocal line is threadbare: it consists of just five notes, the ancient pentatonic scale. But it is the unswerving sureness of the musical choices—guitars twisting like vines around plain chord changes, an intermittently keening cello, a steady pulse like dripping water—that holds you mesmerized. The protagonist seems to be searching for some sign of hope in the apocalyptic garden, and, at the last moment, he finds it: after eight minutes in the minor mode, and a sighing reference to the “world’s end,” a moonbeam falls in the form of a glowing major chord. — Alex Ross

Are you ready for some football?....

Surprising to see so much hype about tonight's football game at the Superdome. I think it's good for New Orleans, not quite the statement of renaissance that is being proclaimed; a milepost, perhaps, for the Superdome is way too recent to be of historical importance to this city. And the cost of $185 million is less than last Saturday's winning Powerball ticket! The bottom line is there are still too few people living there.

As far as the music goes, U2 and Green Day would be pretty cool to hear, but how long will they play and will television audiences be invited? By the way, I thought Hank Williams, Jr.'s opening song last week with Little Richard, Bootsy Collins, and Little Steven Van Zant was pretty cool. As for the football, I could care less - the Brownies blew a sure win yesterday as JFK and I watched in disbelief at Sliders Sports Bar.

AP story - Also, Is the Saints' future really secure here? story

Wouldn't it be nice....no, it wouldn't....

Pet Sounds was Brian Wilson's masterpiece, but news that Brian and Al Jardine will 'reform' the Beach Boys to play this music on a 40th anniversity celebration tour (see story) is scary. Given that brothers Dennis and Carl are dead (and, therefore, unavailable to tour)and that original lead vocalist Mike Love hates Brian and tours with his own pathetic oldies version (with Bruce Johnston) of the Beach Boys, it is blasphemy to call this tour a Beach Boys project. Just bill it for what it is - Brian Wilson with cousin Al sittin' in. The Beach Boys as a musical force have been dead since the early seventies.

Girl put your records on....

Note from the couch of Marsha V - "Thanks alot. I have copied them all (3 Lou Ann Barton, new Bob Dylan and Corrine Bailey Rae CDs) and will enjoy listening while I eat bon-bons and read trashy novels." Vin offered that he was unimpressed with Lou Ann Barton.

Fabulous Foreplay!....

Oh, I mean the Fabulous Four (Steve the Bod, Vinny, Keith, JK) play golf today in Richmond, RI at the seventh annual 65 Roses Golf Tournament to benefit cystic fibrosis. In the prior six events, we have finished third four times, once by matching cards and losing 1st and 2nd! Thanks for your support, we will try to be worthy. Dammit, we tied with two other teams for first and AGAIN finished third matching cards! But a good day for a good cause and we had great marguaritas at the Jimmy Buffett hole (see our hosts at left)

Christine Ohlman, slated to appear at the Apple Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 7th, will be performing in DC the previous week at an all-star charity concert where the Beehive Queen will be dueting with Nils Lofgren with Carmine Appice on drums and Will Lee of the Letterman band on bass.....

The Courant's Eric Danton has an interesting blog piece discussing the dirth of good radio and concerts in CT.

George Jones, the hard loving, hard living country legend who is name-dropped by many an aspiring musician, performed at the Durham Fair last evening.

Got a good, cheap NYC rent for G-Man?....

No Brooklyn apartment for G on Thursday; looked at one in Crown Heights and did a drive-by in the Red Hook section, but no luck. So G and I decided to drop by the 55 Bar on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village before heading home to CT. The bar is a small, below-street-level joint that features two jazz shows nightly. We finally found it and, subsequently, a place to park about three blocks away, and settled in around 7 o'clock, the slated time for Katie Bull and her supporting trio (keyboards, bass, drums) to start their set.

While we wait for Kate (snicker), we order up a Brooklyn Lager 'n a Sam and look around - G notices a print of A Great Day In Harlem that I gave to CB (along with accompanying CD)for her graduation in June; photos and album covers of jazz greats adorn the walls while, curiously, punk blares from the club's sound system; instruments are set up down in the front corner. No food.

A diverse crowd is filling in the dozen or so cocktail tables that take up the area from back to front opposite the bar; we slide from our barstool perches to grab one for the show. Kate beckons to a woman seated along the wall who we guess is Mom. Suddenly, at about 7:15, everything goes silent and it's show time. Kate starts off singing her band introductions, then launches into a scat-laced mix of standards and her own compositions. She has an interesting delivery, a great voice and she seems to enjoy work. According to her website, Katie will be appearing every six weeks on Thursdays exclusively at 55BAR.

With the completion of the first of Kate's two sets, we hit the head and then the pavement - it's a long ride back to CT. Neat place, good music. Try it.

Happy birthday, JFK....

Birthday CDs from G to his older brother:

The Greatest (Cat Power)

Never Mind the Bollocks (Sex Pistols)

Combat Rock (The Clash)

Flogging a Dead Horse (Sex Pistols)

Bought for himself:

Uprising (Bob Marley & the Wailers)

Brushfire Fairytales (Jack Johnson)

I'll learn to work the saxophone, I'll play just what I feel ...

Before his 2001 inauguration, George Bush was invited to a get acquainted tour of the White House. After drinking several glasses of iced tea, he asked Bill Clinton if he could use his personal bathroom. When he entered Clinton's personal bathroom, he was astonished to see that President Clinton had a solid gold urinal.

That afternoon, George told his wife, Laura, about the urinal. "Just think," he said, "When I am president, I could have a gold urinal too, but I wouldn't do something that self-indulgent!" Later, when Laura had lunch with Hillary at her tour of the White House, she told Hillary how impressed George had been at his discovery of the fact that, in the President's private bathroom, the President had a gold urinal.

That evening, when Bill and Hillary were getting ready for bed, Hillary smiled, and said to Bill...."I found out who pissed in your saxophone."

- Deacon Blues Steely Dan

Just beat it......

A quick howdy to Dan (good friend of jonathan k, whose birthday is today!) and good luck on his American Diabetes Associaton's Walk For Diabetes effort. Here is Dan's email if you wish to contribute:

Hello Everyone, As I'm sure most of you are aware, I am a diabetic. My father, who also suffers from the disease, recently had his right leg amputated below the knee due to year long foot complications. Don't worry, he is fine and getting along quite well with his new prosthetic, but that, along with my own diabetic issues, has caused me to be a little more pro-active about the situation. I have registered as a walker for the American Diabetes Associaton's Walk For Diabetes and I am looking for sponsors. All the money goes towards research to find a cure for diabetes. My goal is to raise 500.00 (at least) and I hope I can meet that goal with your help. There is no minimum if you wish to donate and I appreciate any amount that you are willing to offer. The link to the donation website is: - HERE When you are at the website, click on "sponsor a walker" then type in my name in the space provided. This will bring you to my personal webpage. I know not all of you live in Boston but if there is anyone who does and is interested in participating in the walk itself (which is anywhere from 1-7 miles) let me know. It's easy enough to change my registration from an individual walker to a team and I would love the company. Thank you and feel free to shoot me an email if you have any questions, -Dan- - EMAIL

Suggested iPod songs to play during the walk:

Walkin' To New Orleans (Fats Domino)

Walk, Don't Run (The Ventures)

I Walk the Line (Johnny Cash)

My Walkin' Shoes (Memphis Slim)

I Want To Walk You Home (Fats Domino)

Sleepwalk (Santo & Johnny)

These Boots Are Made For Walkin' (Nancy Sinatra)

Walk of Life (Dire Straits)

Walk On By (Dionne Warwick)

Walk Right Back (Everly Brothers)

Walk This Way (Run DMC/Aerosmith, you pick the version)

Walking After Midnight (Patsy Cline)

Walking In Memphis (Marc Cohen)

Walking On Sunshine (Katrina and the Waves)

Shocking! Willie Nelson Busted for Pot

E!Online article by Josh Grossberg

The country outlaw is back on the road again after a pot-powered pitstop early Monday. Nelson and several of his band mates received misdemeanor citations for marijuana possession after their tour bus was pulled over in Louisiana. The bust came just two days after Nelson called for the decriminalization of marijuana while stumping for Texas gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman.

According to Willie Williams of the Louisiana Highway Patrol, Nelson and crew were traveling along Highway 10 in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, when they were stopped for a routine commercial inspection. Officers on the scene caught a whiff of something suspicious emanating from the vehicle as soon as the driver opened the door. And BioWillie be damned, a search of the bus turned up about one-and-a-half pounds of marijuana and a small bag of psychedelic mushrooms estimated at two-tenths of a pound.

"No one aboard the bus gave any of our troopers any problems," Williams told E! Online. "When the search was conducted , they were very cordial and...subsequently admitted to being the owners of the narcotics." - complete article

I want a Sunday kind of love....

U2 and Green Day slated to perform at the New Orleans Saints home opener next weekend. And the Saints are 2-0 (granted against Browns/Packers)!!!

Surprised to find that today was St. Patrick's Day at John Harvard's Brew House after golf today. So we were serenaded with the likes of The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald and Me and Bobby McGee accompanied by guitar, fiddle and pennywhistle over the din of the Giants/Eagles overtime. Shepherd's pie and ale blended in nicely.

Sasha Frerer-Jones, music critic for the New Yorker, says Cat Power is a "must-see."

From Rolling Stone Magazine, an article by Andy Greene about Bob Dylan's Greatest Thefts, siting a half-dozen instances of Bobby pilfering lyrics from various literature sources. Everybody just relax: Bob Dylan is still, hands down, the most gifted and original songwriter of the last century. But yes, he did poach some lines from 19th century Confederate poet Henry Timrod for Modern Times. He’s been lifting lines from other people for his entire career — for one, huge chunks of his 1985 disc Empire Burlesque was based on Humphrey Bogart movies. It’s part of the whole folk music thing, as well as the whole “geniuses steal” thing...

New kid on the block....

Sweet Jane's Rock & Roll Eatery 88 Pratt Street, Hartford, 860-882-6754
by David Moran, Special to ctnow.com

The Vibe: Laid back, definitely. With almost 6,000 square feet of floor space split between upstairs and downstairs levels, Sweet Jane's is more than large enough to pack in the crowds, but the friendly, down to earth wait and bar staff seem like seasoned pros at making you feel, regardless of the crowd, as though you've actually stepped into a quaint, quite neighborhood pub. And the eight big screen TVs mounted behind the bar and at judicious locations around the dining area are usually kept tuned to the local area favorites, so you don't have to worry about missing the big game for a night out. Upstairs features two pool tables, a darts and video game area, and a jukebox.

The Music: Varies per day or night. Tuesdays are open mic night, so single acts or full bands are more than welcome to jump up on stage and jam. Wednesdays are reggae themed. A guest DJ typically spins 80's rock all night long on Thursdays. Fridays are a bit mellower in tone, devoted to live acoustic performers. And on Saturday nights Sweet Jane's hosts a local area band, most often featuring a nice mixture of original stuff and cover tunes. Story

New album soon for Lucinda; come back to CT Lu!!!!...

Lucinda Williams takes "Wheels" for a new spin by Jonathan Cohen (Billboard)

While Lucinda Williams puts the finishing touches on her next studio album, her Lost Highway label will on October 24 release a "deluxe edition" of her acclaimed 1998 disc Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. The set includes the previously unreleased studio tracks "Out of Touch" (later re-recorded for the 2001 album Essence) and the 1920s blues tune "Down the Big Road Blues" plus an alternate version of "Still I Long for Your Kiss."

A July 11, 1998, show in Philadelphia comprises the second disc of the set and includes nine tracks from "Car Wheels," as well as earlier selections such as "Something About What Happens When We Talk" and "Hot Blood." "Car Wheels" is the best-selling album of Williams' career, having sold 764,000 units in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It won the Grammy for contemporary folk album in 1999. Williams' next album, due before the end of the year, features contributions from guitarist Bill Frisell and drummer Jim Keltner.

She will head to Europe for a handful of fall shows, beginning October 31 in the northern Dutch city of Groningen.

A vote for Sarah is a vote for......Sarah!!!

Email from Sarah Borges - I'm grateful to announce that I've been nominated for a Boston Music Award in the category of Best Local Female Vocalist. Last year our record Silver City took Best Local Debut Album, so we'd love to extend the winning! You can vote online at nemoboston.com until September 22. It only takes a second, and it makes us very happy when you do it!

We're off on to Nashville next week for the Americana conference and then on tour again in October, this time with Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys, who we love, so check sarahborges.com for dates and info. See you then! Best, SB and the BS

Comment: Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles will be appearing at Johnny D's in Somerville, MA on Saturday, November 18 and at Cafe Nine in New Haven, CT on Saturday, December 9. Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys appear at Cafe Nine on Tuesday, October 10.

Wednesday morning at 5 o'clock as the day begins....

Dylan looks very cool and all stylin' with his cowboy hat and guitar in his new iTunes commercial, but he never came close to playing guitar during his concert at New Britain Stadium. What's with that, Zimmy?

Courtesy of theriffage.com, a headsup to more music lists than can be healthy for you from Wikipedia. Example - list of songs that retell a work of literature

Note to Marybeth's sister, Ryan Hartt & the Bluehearts won the 2006 CT Blues Society Blues Challenge Finals at the Hannon-Hatch VFW in West Hartford last weekend. They move on to compete in Memphis.

Who ARE you?.....

Do 75% of the shows on television now use The Who songs for their themes? Is it really The Who if only Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey show up for concerts (drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle are unable to appear because they, well, are dead)? Perhaps they should be called Who are Pete 'N Roger.

The Who launch tour with classic-laden show by Jon Hurdle

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - The Who kicked off the U.S. leg of their first world tour for more than 20 years on Tuesday with a two-hour set that included a full complement of classic hits, a smattering of new material, and some rough edges.

The legendary British rock band which came to prominence in the early 1960s with songs about youthful rebellion and alienation has only two of its original members -- singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist and songwriter Pete Townshend. The gray-bearded Townshend, 61, periodically pumped up the capacity crowd at South Philadelphia's Wachovia Center with his classic arm-twirling power-chord style while Daltrey, 62, looking younger in jeans and a plain blue T-shirt, belted out the lyrics of The Who's extensive back catalog.

The band, also consisting of Townshend's brother Simon on guitar, Ringo Starr's son Zak Starkey on drums, Pino Palladino on bass and John Bundrick on keyboards -- fluently delivered many crowd-pleasing anthems including "Won't Get Fooled Again," "My Generation," "Teenage Wasteland" and "Behind Blue Eyes". - complete article

Newsflash Update!!!!!!!!

It took only one day for Dan Heffernan to sign a couple of Bristol guys to a recording contract. Ever the innovator, Dapper Dan has signed Bristol's Whitey Dudzinski and Bobby Watson to a long term contract. "I recognized their talent when they recorded with their group (Bristol's Six Olde Fartz), and then I found a project worthy of their talents." Dan was quoted as saying. Dan came up with the idea a few months ago, and the search was on. A mix of cultures and music was the key. After seeing the success of Bobby Vinton, Dan decided to add his own twist to the mix. Hence - Polish Soul Music ! You heard it here first, Bobby and Whitey singing Polish Soul music. Not only is this a new and refreshing approach, but Dan believes it is a long time coming to the industry. Dan did tell us the titles to two of the songs being recorded on his DDH label. They are "Who Took The Garage Key" and "Searching, Searching For My Chitlins".

To add a little more Bristol flavor to the mix, Dan has added two other Bristol guys to produce this ground breaking CD. After thinking it over - Bristol record producer - Dick Carlson (Flash Carlson & The Cadillacs) passed on this project. But Dick did recommend Bristol's Father Tom Ptasynski and Eddie Whitehead, citing great knowledge of the subject. Father Tom, long time according player, along with long time soul vocalist - Eddie Whiethead were signed on for this upcoming challenge. Former Bristol St. Anthony High vocal standout - Johnny Kennedy has been hired to promote this endeavor. "Johnny, known for his worldwide blogging ability, will set in motion a marketing campaign never seen before on this planet," said Dan Heffernan.

So all I can say is good luck with this project. But once again, the great city of Bristol will remain in the forefront of musical genius. This should be one for the ages! Jim Kane

NEWSFLASH !!! ...from Bristol's oldies guru, Jim Kane....

After recording their last CD (Bristol Talent) in March of 2006, Dan Heffernan quietly retired from Heffernan-Roy Records and the label was put to rest. His long time partner - Clem Roy also opted for retirement. After a couple of decades of success, we all thought the Bristol rock n roll genius of Dan Heffernan had turned into becoming a tie-coon. He has also dabbled in real estate. It now appears that retirement is becoming shortlived for young Dan.

Rumor has reached me that Dan is launching a new label {DDH Records} . He might even revive some of the Bristol Talent artists for a whole new foray into the world of rock n roll. Two of Dan's mainstays - Woody "The Legend" Crosby & Dick "Mr. Doo-wop" Carlson have been summoned to Dan's new studio located in Southern Connecticut. I will let you know just how this plays out. There has been a rumor about a Holloween album, which I will check out. So long for now. Jim

johnnyk taken to the woodshed.....

Johnny K: I was at the Connecticut Blues Society Blues Finals and YOU WERE NOT! I was in total shock not to see you.

The bands were great; I had my favorite. But alas we had the Corvette with the T-tops removed and right after the final band the black clouds rolled in. We jumped in the car and "flew" home barely making it to the garage. So I never found out who the heck won. If you know, do tell. My favorite band was Eran Troy Danner & Hot Dallas. I also liked Ryan Hartt and the Blueharts. Mojomatics had the best guitarist, however.

Signed, Marybeth's Sister

P.S. Save me a ticket for that great Mardi Gras party...I wouldn't miss it for the world.

"Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance."

johnnyk response: Guilty as charged. Yes, I should be ashamed of myself, but I had a golf tournament this weekend and I wimped out. And your tickets to the 2007 Mardi Gras Night are saved.ctblues.org

A Pip-less Gladys Knight sang God Bless America at the U.S. Open Women's tennis finals Saturday (k)night.

G-Man made a Saturday dash to the mall and came back with:

Howl (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club)

Natty Dread (Bob Marley & the Wailers)

Revelations (Audioslave)

Blood Sugar Sex Magik (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

A killer on the loose.....

It's always a tough call when considering new albums or live appearances by aging rock legends (or one-hit wonders, for that matter). I recall going to see The Drifters (hey, I was being a team player) in the 70's at some hall in Higganum and finding one old guy who claimed he was one of the originals along with a bunch of young disinterested turks playing to about a dozen people (Get the picture? Yes, we see). And they were dreadful. That's been a sore subject among oldies artists and their fans in recent years as bogus groups posing as The U-Remember-Us's scam nostalgic baby boomers. Several states (including Connecticut) are considerating legislation requiring proof of original members in order to perform in the state under the old group names.

But even when you know the artists are the genuine article, are they worth seeing? I guess it depends on your perspective, but I was disappointed with Flo & Eddie as the Turtles at this year's Daffodil Festival, not because they couldn't sing anymore (a frequent problem with lifestyle challenged performers as they age), but because their act was silly. I don't ask that they take themselves seriously, but do take the music seriously - they acted like it was a Vegas act. Dylan, on the other hand, continues to reinvent himself, much to the dismay of some of his fans. And when I saw Wanda Jackson (with Rosie Flores) at Cafe Nine awhile ago, she was charming and very entertaining, yet, despite enthusiastic reviews, I wouldn't run out to buy her new CD.

It was with this in mind that I read AMG's Featured Review on Jerry Lee Lewis' new CD Last Man Standing, a duet-based album with Killer singing the songs of and playing with the likes of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, John Fogerty, Bruce Springsteen and Jimmy Page. Hmmmm, duet albums are getting a BIT tiresome, mostly better in concept than reality.

But, alas, Stephen Thomas Erlewine says no, this one is for real!
"It often seems like there are only two ways for rock, country, and blues veterans to launch comebacks when they're senior citizens: confront mortality head on or surround yourself with superstar guests to help carry you through a half-hearted stroll through your back catalog, scattering a few new tunes along the way. At first glance, Jerry Lee Lewis' Last Man Standing seems to fall into both categories: the title suggests that Jerry Lee is in the mood to take a long look back, and certainly the very concept of the album -- pairing Lewis with 21 other stars for a succession of duets, often on material that his guests either wrote or made famous -- seems like a typical superstar duet record. But the Killer has never been predictable, and nowhere is that truer than it is here, where Jerry Lee treats Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, John Fogerty, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Page, and 16 other stars as he treated the Nashville Teens at the Star Club in 1964 -- as game amateurs who have to sprint to keep up with the master. This is the only guest-studded superstar album where all the guests bend to the will of the main act, who dominates the proceedings in every conceivable way. Jerry Lee doesn't just run the guests ragged; he turns their songs inside out, too -- and nowhere is that clearer than on the opening "Rock and Roll," the Led Zeppelin classic that is now stripped of its signature riff and sounds as if it were a lost gem dug out of the Sun vaults. Far from struggling with this, Jimmy Page embraces it, following the Killer as he runs off on his own course -- he turns into support, and the rest of other 20 guests follow suit (with the possible exception of Kid Rock, who sounds like the party guest who won't go home on an otherwise strong version of "Honky Tonk Woman")."....... "This is a record that stays true to his music, and in doing so, it's not so much a comeback as it is a summation: a final testament from a true American original, one that explains exactly why he's important. But that makes Last Man Standing sound too serious, as if it were one of those self-consciously morbid Johnny Cash records -- no, this is a record that celebrates life, both in its joys and sorrows, and it's hard not to see it as nothing short of inspiring." - complete review

Do I hear an Amen? I'll let you know, 'cause I'm outta here to buy it! Opps, it hasn't been released yet!

Howdy, folks....

The New Haven Folk Festival is this weekend, featuring Bruce Cockburn, Eliza Gylkyson and the Arrogant Worms. Saw Mr. Cockburn at Toad's in the 80's with Steve the Bod, but lost track of him recently; the Arrogant Worms placed Christmas Turkey Blues on 2001's Johnny K's Got the Blues This Christmas CD. For more information - ctfolk.com

Preston, CT hosts the 1st annual Strawberry Park Folk Festival with Kris Delmhorst, Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem, the Kennedys, Richie Havens, Janis Ian and Jonathan Edwards (who may or may not be laying around the shanty, mama, putting a good buzz on).

Thanks to niece Kelly for this heads up:
Just in case you didn’t hear about it, there is a benefit concert this Saturday night at (Southington) Rec Park. It’s to raise money for lights on the soccer fields. The band that is a Beatles cover band called Number 9. They were practicing last night at the First Congregational Church. We were there last night for a preschool meeting and they sounded really good. I was thinking of you and Dad when I heard about it, but he works on Saturday nights. I’m not sure but I think that the concert starts at 5 and they are playing until around 10pm.

Yes, but I would not feel so all alone.....

Dylan tops worldwide charts with acclaimed album by Dean Goodman

Bob Dylan reached the top of the U.S. pop albums chart for the first time in 30 years on Wednesday, becoming the oldest living person to launch a new disc at No. 1. The 65-year-old rock poet's latest album, "Modern Times," sold 192,000 copies in the week ended September 3, his best sales week since tracking firm Nielsen SoundScan started using its point-of-sales data to collate the charts in 1991.

Johnny Cash and Ray Charles both had No. 1 albums in recent years, but they were released posthumously. "We couldn't be more thrilled that fans have responded to it so enthusiastically by putting Bob at No. 1, which is where he belongs" said Steve Barnett, the chairman of Dylan's Columbia Records label. Dylan last reached No. 1 in 1976 with his album "Desire," which led the field for five weeks. At the time, he was on his Rolling Thunder Revue tour and winning publicity for his protest tune "Hurricane." His other chart-toppers were the 1975 classic "Blood on the Tracks," and 1974's "Planet Waves." - complete article

Why we split up....

She told me we couldn't afford the beer I like at $35.00 a case and that I'd have to quit drinking.

Then I caught her spending $65.00 on make-up, and I asked her how come I had to give up stuff and she didn't.

She said she needed the make-up to look pretty for me. I told her that's what the beer was for!

I don't think she's coming back......

Vote! After all, it's your privilege and responsibilty....

You are having a Labor Day barbeque at your house this year and can have any entertainer you like. Who is it ? (you are not constrained by reality and may vote for more than one)
	The early 60's Beatles in a battle of the bands with the Rolling Stones
	Lucinda Williams (beware, though, that she will drink you under the table)
	Neil Diamond - what an entertainer!
	Elvis Presley, circa 1957 (unsullied by Vegas)
	The dreaded Vegas Elvis (you must provide giveaway scarves)
	Bob Marley & the Wailers (perhaps with Jimmy Cliff guesting)
	Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles with special guest Van Morrison
	Bob Dylan and The Band (ok, throw in Joan Baez, too)
	The Grateful Dead (with Bill Walton on backing vocals)
	Give it up, Johnnyk, no one cares about your stupid poll
	I'd love Bonnie Raitt, but only if Freebo comes along
	Ben Harper and the Blind Boys of Alabama
	Marcia Ball, Angela Strehli and Lou Ann Barton
	Phil Spector (on special leave) with all his 'girl' groups
	These guys suck. I've got my own special performers and I'll tell you in the 'comments' section!
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Our man Gumbo at Rhythm and Roots....

Not to be deterred by a little rain like the rest of us, Johnny Gumbo ventures southeast to Charlestown. Here is his report:

And then there was one........

A little undecided Sunday morning about heading to R&R but then the feet got the better of me, the sun was threatening to come out and so off I went around 1:00, sans my fellow music lovers who had enough rain at Bobby Zimmerman. Pulled into the parking lot around 3:00 and could hear Rosie Ledet's accordion wailing away and I knew I'd made the right choice. What a beautiful day it turned out to be. Plunked my chair down about 25 yds slightly right center of the main stage, refreshed myself at the beer tent and then headed to the Red Hook. If you like to dance, R&R is a great place to go. No matter what's on the main stage, the dance pavilion is always cookin' with zydeco, cajun 2-step and a little swing thrown in for good measure. It's really a dance festival as much as a music festival and people come from all over, danced with a lady from Florida who comes up every year.

Rosie & the Boys were great as usual. Tim O'Brien & Cornbread Nation turned out to be more folksie, not that that's a bad thing. Lots of string instruments and good rhythm, ala Bill Monroe. Enjoyed listening for awhile but then had to head back to the Red Hook. Came back to see James Hunter 'cause had to report to johnnyk. Thought he would be blusie but the tenor and baritone saxs and his lyrics gave off kind of an English James Brown flavor. I can never remember any of the songs in anybody's set like jk can so you'll have to look it up.

The rest of the day became a little blended together going back and forth between the Red Hook and the main stage with stops in between at the beer tent to keep hydrated. Did take a break and went to the workshop tent which I usually don't do but was pleasantly surprised. Listened to Steve Riley and the Mamous talk about who and what influenced them musically and answer questions from the small audience. Then they would launch in to some tune that they were talking about. Have to do that at JazzFest next year.

Spanish Harlem Orchestra very good, if you like Latin and salsa or just appreciate good percussion music but tough to zydeco dance to so back to the Red Hook. Scooted back to catch Dr. J who started out with a couple of songs from his Duke Ellington CD and then a couple from his new CD. Didn't recognize them 'cause I haven't heard it, but he said they were. Half way through, packed up the chair and went to finish out the night at the Red Hook with Steve Riley. Lots of dancers, lots of dancing, and a good time. Called it a nite around 11:30, packed up the Blazer and headed to Newport to stay at Barry & Cheryl's. That was a trip (literally the trip itself), but another story.

R&R is really a well kept secret. There's lots of room, easy parking (no charge), great music for all tastes, some great food, beer, and the atmosphere is really laid back. Lots of families and nobody gets bothered. Would be fun to put together a bunch of people next year for the day, Mother Nature be damned. - jg

---

Communications with Gumbo at R&R:
3:30pm - Phone call from Gumbo, who arrived about an hour ago and got in some dancing before settling in about fifty feet from the stage. Weather is presently PERFECT, but rains have kept the crowds sparse. Rosie Ledet and the Zydeco Playboys have just concluded and he is awaiting Tim O'Brien & Cornbread Nation. I requested a report on the Van Morrison-touted James Hunter.
6:00pm - Called Gumbo, no answer.
6:30pm - Gumbo calls back, fresh from the dancing to Rosie Ledet at the Red Hook Dance pavilion. Says that James Hunter was sort of an English mixture of James Brown and Little Richard with two great sax players backing him. JG then hung up, had to go bad. Forgot to ask him about Cornbread Nation (wondering if Tim O'Brien collaborated with former NC-Charlotte/Boston Celtic great Cedric "Cornbread" Maxwell).
9:00pm - Final check-in from Gumbo, shirt soaked from dancing (yuck), just before Dr. John commences his set. Spanish Harlem Orchestra was good, but played mostly salsa, which does not lend itself well to zydeco dancing. He also sampled the Rounder Records workshops for about an hour, listening to the performers discussing their craft. After Dr. John, he is off to Newport for overnight.

Plan B....took G to Northampton......

While The Reet watched Andre Agassi finish out his career with a fifth-set tiebreaker loss, G-Man and I shuffled north to Turn It Up to grab a few tasty discs:

Fight For Your Mind (Ben Harper)

Broadway Jungle (Toots & the Maytals)

Me and Mr. Johnson (Eric Clapton)

Daydream (Lovin' Spoonful)

Recovering the Satellites (Counting Crows)

High Tide (Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys)

Israelites (Desmond Dekker & the Aces)

Should I stay or should I go....

Sitting here early Sunday morning listening to Miles Davis' Ballads and Blues. It is raining cats and dogs, MUCH harder than Tuesday night for the Dylan concert. My enthusiasm for going to Rhythm and Roots is waning (The Reet's enthusiasm waned long ago). Keith & Sharie called with regrets, so it's a wrap on today's plans. What is Plan B?

From fairfieldweekly.com - Blues singer Scarlett Lee Moore has taken Fairfield County by storm over the past couple of years, winning the Weekly’s best blues artist award, and performing her heart out at various venues around the county—weekly open mic at Bobby Q’s , regular gigs at the Crab Shell, Bistro du Soleil and the Green Room, plus lots of outdoor concerts. Every year she thanks her followers by throwing a gala outdoor music festival on the grounds of Newtown’s Sticks and Stones Farm. This year’s party looks to be a barnburner, as the singer has announced that she’ll be celebrating a milestone birthday. All she asks is that guests bring some sort of side dish or dessert to help feed the masses. Sticks and Stones Farm, 197 Huntingtown Rd., Newtown. (203) 312-6366

Just in case you were thinking of messing around with The Boss or Patti, read this from Bruce's website: - "I hesitate to use this website for anything personal believing it should remain a place where fans of my music can come free of the distractions that occasionally arise with the rest of my job. However, due to the unfounded and ugly rumors that have appeared in the papers over the last few days, I felt they shouldn’t pass without comment. Patti and I have been together for 18 years- the best 18 years of my life. We have built a beautiful family we love and want to protect and our commitment to one another remains as strong as the day we were married." OK, Bruce, forget I ever mentioned going to a movie.

Report on the Onset Bay Blues Festival from Bill Ives' music/food blog – "Some Great Acts...A few weeks ago we went to the 14th annual Onset Bay Blues Festival in one of our favorite towns, Onset, MA. We saw three great acts on Saturday afternoon at the town band shell over looking the bay. There were many others but I doubt they could top these three. This is an event to attend next year when they do the 15th one." - complete article

Belly up to the bar...

Someone recommended this place in Greenwich Village, so I looked it up. The 55 Bar, "...a prohibition era dive bar with incredible live jazz, funk and blues nightly...", sounds pretty damn cool. Anyone wanna go?

Saturday night's alright for fighting....

Doesn't look good for a sunny day at Rhythm and Roots. Johnny Gumbo originally planned to go down today (Marcia Ball, Los Lobos) and stay over, meeting the rest of us there tomorrow. But one rain-soaking a week (Dylan) is apparently the limit for Gumbo.

If you have nothing planned out for this evening, treat yourself to a dose of the Soul Express with Dean Farrell. The Soul Express runs on WHUS, 91.7-FM, from the University of Connecticut at Storrs, on Saturday evenings from 9:00-midnight Eastern Time. It features the vintage soul rhythms of the 1960s and '70s, most of which you've either never heard before or haven't heard in 30-40 years. To hear WHUS live on the Internet, go here. Also, you can check out past playlists (including guest Christine Ohlman's) on the website.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Soul legend Ronald Isley, who sang such hits as "Twist and Shout" and "This Old Heart of Mine" as a member of the Isley Brothers, was sentenced on Friday to three years in federal prison for tax evasion. Isley, 65, was also ordered to pay about $3.1 million to the Internal Revenue Service, having engaged in "pervasive, long-term, pathological" evasion of federal taxes, according to U.S. District Court Judge Dean Pregerson. article It is not known if the IRS duo of JPK & NGK were involved.

The news from New Orleans continues to be depressing, but sometimes there are flashes of optimism. Here is a recent Rolling Stone piece about the bar music scene. It features the Maple Leaf Bar in the Carrollton section, where we saw Jon Cleary in 2005 during Jazz Fest. - article

Rhythm and Roots....'n rain?

For the past two Labor Day weekends, Gumbo and I have ventured over to Ninigret Park in Charlestown, RI to the Rhythm and Roots Festival, where we've seen Marcia Ball (twice- always wonderful), NRBQ (disappointing), Keb Mo (good, but we were tired), Rosie Flores (great, made me catch her at Cafe Nine later), Donna the Buffalo (twice-really good) and many more.

This year, we are picking Sunday to see Dr. John, but missing Marcia Ball and Los Lobos in doing so. Bought Mercernary, Dr. John's latest venture, a reworking of old Johnny Mercer songs. And we also get to sample James Hunter, whom Van Morrison calls "...one of the best voices, and best kept secrets, in British R'n'B and Soul. Check him out." We shall.

Keith, Sharie and The Reet are in this year; Vin has just informed me that Marcia broke her foot, sidelining them. Weather threatening not to cooperate.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 3 Schedule

MOHEGAN SUN MAIN STAGE 12:00 Savoy Family Cajun Band 1:15 James Hand 2:30 Rosie Ledet and the Zydeco Playboys 3:45 Tim O'Brien & Cornbread Nation 5:00 James Hunter 6:15 Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys 7:45 Spanish Harlem Orchestra 9:15 Dr. John ROUNDER RECORDS WORKSHOP STAGE 1:00 Music of Canray Fontenot: Ed Poullard 2:00 Fiddle: Greeley, Savoy, Poullard, Driessen 3:00 Accordion: Riley, Savoy, Legé 4:00 Music of Balfas: The Mamou Playboys 5:00 Get Myself Together: Danny Barnes 6:00 Real Deal: James Hand

RED HOOK DANCE PAVILION 12:00 Zydeco Dance Instruction: Jim Chistiansen 12:30 Zydeco Dance Styles: Li'l Anne 2:30 Cajun Dance Instruction: Michelle Kaminsky 3:00 Cajun Dance Styles: Magnolia and Poullard 5:00 Cajun Dance: Savoy Family 7:30 Zydeco Dance: Rosie Ledet and the Zydeco Playboys 10:00 Fais Do Do: Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys COCA COLA FAMILY STAGE 12:00 Dance for Kids & Adult Beginners: Erica Sigal 1:00 Concert: Fiddle Dee Dee 2:00 Story Telling: Mark Levitt and Len Cabral 3:15 Concert & Stories: Keith Munslow 4:00 Mask & Instrument Making Workshop 5:00 Concert: Toe Jam Puppet Band 7:30 Disney Film 9:30 Teen Film

You can fool some of the people....

While suturing a cut on the hand of a 75-year old Texas rancher, whose hand was caught in a gate while working cattle, the doctor struck up a conversation with the old man. Eventually the topic got around to former Texas Governor, George W. Bush and his elevation to the White House.

The old Texan said, "Well, ya know, Bush is a post turtle." Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him what a post turtle was. The old rancher said, "When you're driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that's a post turtle."

The old man saw a puzzled look on the doctor's face, so he continued to explain, "You know he didn't get there by himself, he doesn't belong there, he doesn't know what to do while he's up there, and you just want to help the dumb shit get down."

First Fridays at the New Britain Museum of American Art....

First Friday features live jazz music performed by local and nationally-known musicians, an opportunity to view the Museum’s premier permanent collection of 300 years of American art, a chance to mix and mingle with other art and jazz lovers, a selection of light hors d’oeuvres, and wine, beer, and soda. The cost is $7 for Museum members and $12 for non-members and includes two drink tickets with a cash bar thereafter.

Jen Allen Trio - Friday, Sept. 1 from 5:30-8 pm

The Jen Allen Trio begins the fall series on September 1 with Jen on piano, Adam Christgau on drums and Chris DeAngelis on bass. Jen Allen is a well respected jazz pianist and composer working in New England today. A native of the Boston area, Jen has studied music at the Longy School of Music, Berklee College of Music, and Hartt School of Music, where she graduated in 2000. Since then, her music has taken her around the world, as she has performed in Japan, Turkey, and many renowned American venues. Jen frequently performs in the solo setting, as the leader of her trio, and as a sideman with jazz luminaries such as Nat Reeves, Steve Davis, Charles Flores and Kris Allen.