Metal Meets Country

Can metal and country music mix?

A new CD tries.

Check out your humble blogger's review by clicking here.

Country Radio Dissing Dixie Chicks

The new CD from the Dixie Chicks is being ignored by country radio because of the famous nasty comment about George Bush.

Read more here.

Springsteen Awesome at Tweeter Center

Bruce Springsteen was awesome last night at the Tweeter Center. He's touring with a huge band in support of his new CD of songs associated with folk legend Pete Seeger.

Instead of being a quiet, introspective concert (as I feared) it was a high energy celebration, filled with the over-the-top stuff that Bruce is a master at. It was a ball!

Rick Massimo at the Projo has a different view. Read his review by clicking here.

Heading to Springsteen on the Off-Weekend

No music this weekend at the Narrows, so your humble blogger is heading to the Bruce Springsteen concert tonight at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, MA. He's touring in support of his Pete Seeger tribute album.

Stumbled across this write up about Bruce's folkie doings.

Elana James Fiddles For Dylan

Coming to the Narrows Center for the Arts is Elana James, formerly of Hot Club of Cowtown.

The show is Saturday, June 24.

She recently worked with Bob Dylan, as is chronicled in this article in a New Haven paper.

Tickets are still available!

A Singer/Songwriter Weekend

We've just wrapped up a singer/songwriter weekend at the Narrows, although the two are very different performers.

Friday night it was David Wilcox, above, who might be described as having a James or Liv Taylor approach.

Saturday night it was the brooding "trance" bluesman Otis Taylor.

We try to offer variety at the Narrows!

Paul Simon Review Posted

Thanks for the two readers who provided input earlier on this blog as I worked on my review of Paul Simon's new CD.

You can see the review by clicking here.

Cool Mammals Photo

Thanks to John T. for emailing this very cool photo of The Mammals at the Narrows last week.

Yes, There Are David Wilcox Tickets Available

Pre-show ticket sales have been healthy for David Wilcox Friday night at the Narrows--but there still are plenty of tickets.

Marshall Crenshaw Coming!

Not yet posted on the official schedule at the Narrows:

September 23: Marshall Crenshaw Trio.

Marshall Crenshaw has a strong following in our area, so you might want to get your tickets early on this one.

Don't Know T Bone Burnett? Yes You Do!

T Bone Burnett has been integral to what some call Americana music.

For an interesting write up about him, check out an article on Boston.com by clicking here.

The Mammals' Return To The Narrows Photos

The Narrows Center for the Arts booked The Mammals a couple or 3 years ago, before they were well known.

These days the group is a hot entity. We welcomed them back Saturday night!

Yes, There Are Tickets For Mammals Tonight

Yes, there are tickets to see The Mammals tonight (Saturday) at the Narrows.

Their latest CD, Departure, has been on the national Americana radio chart for awhile!

So you'll be seeing one of the hottest groups in the Americana genre!

See ya tonight?

Little Charlie and the Nightcats Photos

A good crowd showed for Little Charlie and the Nightcats' first visit to the Narrows Thursday night.

Little Charlie is the guitarist, though he's pretty much low-key except when he's playing some scorching guitar.

The center of attention is lead singer/harmonica player Rick Estrin who rapped and raved through a couple of hours of jumpin' blues.

Paul Simon Samples, Streaming Available

You can sample the new Paul Simon album, which came out Tuesday, at www.paulsimon.com. I understand it's being streamed on AOL for the next few days as well.

I've listened to it a few times--and it's quite different. There ain't no "You Can Call Me Al."

As noted below, I'm in the process of writing a review for www.americanaroots.com and would love to include your comments if you've had the chance to listen.

Tickets Still Available for Tonight's Show

It's Little Charlie and the Nightcats tonight (Thursday night) at the Narrows.

Little Charlie and his crew come to us from the land of AAAhnold, playing a hoppin' brand of hip and jivin' jump blues.

Tickets are still available.

See you tonight?

Help Me Write the Review of Paul Simon's New CD

Did a first listen to Paul Simon's first CD in years--it's called Surprise, and is a collaboration with electronic music guy Eno, who was a member of Roxy Music and, if memory serves, has produced U2.

Anyway, after a first listen, there's no question that this isn't your father's Paul Simon record. I couldn't hum a single melody, which is unusual since Paul specializes in catchy tunes.

On the other hand, it is very much a Paul Simon record. His voice and guitar playing are prominent. The other playing on the record is fairly restrained--including keyboard work from Herbie Hancock.

But, for better or worse, every song consists of what Paul Simon has called "soundscapes" from Brian Eno.

Congrats to Paul Simon for challenging himself artistically. It will be interesting to see listener response.

I'm planning to write a full review for americanaroots. com over the next few days. Those are, however, my initial thoughts for what they're worth.

Anybody else hear the new Paul Simon CD? Please leave comments. Help me write the review!

Richie Havens Meets and Greets Top Narrows Volunteer

After Richie Havens' show at the Narrows Saturday night he spent a lot of time with his fans.

But he wasn't too busy to meet one of the Narrows' top volunteers, Benjamin Norton.

Benjamin, and his younger brother Owen, may be few in years--but they've seen so many concerts that they're sophisticated way beyond their youth.

It looks like Benjamin liked Richie's show. Guess we'll invite Mr. Havens back!

New Paul Simon Album This Week

Paul Simon is releasing his first album in six years on Tuesday.

It's called "Surprise" and is a collaboration with Eno.

Sunday's New York Times has a nice write up, which you can access as long as the link lasts by clicking here.

Joy to the Narrows: Richie Havens

A true American idol, Richie Havens, played to a sold-out crowd Saturday night at the Narrows.

Songs included Maggie's Farm, Love Is Alive, Freedom, and Here Comes the Sun. Richie brought his energy and joy to these and many others in a generous performance that lasted well beyond 90 minutes.

Since the place would be bathed in flashes constantly, photographs were limited to after the show, which is why there are only a few shots.

Richie graciously sat and signed CDs and posed for photos for a long line of admirers after the concert. If you have photos to share, please email them to slouishug@comcast.net.

Sample Slaid Cleaves' New Album

Narrows fave Slaid Cleaves has a new album coming out in late May.

To sample the sounds, click here.

Slaid is coming to the Narrows in September.

Dan Hicks Photos

Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks scooted and scatted at the Narrows Thursday night. Songs included "I Scare Myself," "The Piano Has Been Drinking," "Barstool Boogie," and, yes, "How Can I Miss You When You Won't Go Away."

Plenty of Tickets for Dan Hicks Tonight

If you'd like to see Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks--you can!

He's playing the Narrows tonight, and there are plenty of tickets left.

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to see this finger-poppin', jive talkin' legend.

For more info, go to www.ncfta.org.

Richard Julian Review

A few weeks back, Richard Julian played a bang-up show at the Narrows. As you may know, he's part of one of the hottest groups in Americana, the Little Willies, along with Norah Jones.

But he's got his own CD out (which also features Norah Jones btw), and I wrote a little review of it for americanaroots.com.

You see read the review by clicking here.

Dan Hicks, Richie Havens Tickets Still Available

A couple of MONSTER shows this week: Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks on Thursday, and Richie Havens on Saturday.

At this writing, many tickets are still available.

Don't miss this opportunity to see at least one of these legends!

Get yer tickets at www.ncfta.org.