Christmas Afternoon Musings

Your humble blogger is working his way through Christmas afternoon with some musings and some news related to upcoming performers.

--Back Eddy Bluegrass kicks off 2010 with a CD release party at the Narrows January 8. Back Eddy is a local group of nice folks we've hosted a bunch of times over the years. True devotees of bluegrass. Which is why they probably will be coming to the Ralph Stanley show, as we all should be! See the next item.

--Grammy-winner Dr. Ralph Stanley, performing January 22 for his first time at our fabled venue, has an autobiography that came out recently, telling about the founding of the Stanley Brothers in 1946 and much more. Apparently the 80-something Stanley isn't famous for talking much. Did you see him perform "O Death" in "O Brother Where Art Thou" starring George Clooney?

Steve Forbert, who has played the Narrows a number of times, comes January 23 with a new 2-CD set featuring 39 new studio and live recordings. Steve is famous for "Romeo's Tune" but your humble blogger especially enjoys his version of Ray Davies' "Starstruck."

--J.D. Souther, a Narrows newbie coming January 30, also has a new CD, his first in 25 years. He's associated with writing hits for The Eagles and James Taylor, but one reviewer called his new CD one of the best jazz albums he's heard in a long time. Hmmm.

-Peeking ahead to February, on the 5th--just added--is first-timer Commander Cody of "Hot Rod Lincoln" fame. Opening are our friends Professor Louie and the Cromatix, which is kind of an offshoot of The Band. This under-appreciated group out of Woodstock, NY, has released several excellent CDs, and is outstanding in concert, especially if you appreciate quality musicianship. We haven't had Professor Louie at the Narrows for several years, and your humble blogger is delighted that they're returning.

--Question: anybody interested in seeing the Turtle Island String Quartet at the Narrows? They're not booked or even on the horizon as far as I know, but it strikes me that folks might enjoy seeing them. You may have heard them on Prairie Home Companion, like I have. By the way, they've shortened their name to the Turtle Island Quartet.