Narrows Artists on the Billboard Charts

--Nice to see that new Narrows alum Al DiMeola's brand new CD entitled Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody is number 4 on the latest Billboard jazz chart. Hear selections here.

--The Avett Brothers have a couple on Billboard's folk chart, I and Love and You, as well as a live recording.

--Abigail Washburn has something new out called City of Refuge, and it's at #7 on the bluegrass chart. She's played the Narrows as a member of Uncle Earl, who had a recording produced by Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones.

Name That Genre

We're trying to feature more jazz at the Narrows, and Tuesday night with Al DiMeola's World Sinfonia reflected this commitment.

Of course, defining what is and isn't jazz is the subject of debate, and Al DiMeola's performance was jazz, world, rock, classical--depending how one wants to frame a musical genre.

Mr. DiMeola, from New Jersey, brought with him a new CD, out just a few days, called Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody. He played numbers from this recording as well as selections from earlier in his career.

Your humble blogger urged the audience to spread the word to their friends who enjoy jazz that the Narrows is the place to check out for jazz, in addition to folk, Americana, blues, bluegrass, country and what have you. And why not? It's the best listening venue in the area, is it not?

Fab Week Ahead

Not exactly sure, but I think this is the first time that every day of the week (except Sunday if you're getting technical) has a Narrows show. Some tickets still available:

Monday--Peter Wolf. This is sold out, which may be surprising since we hosted Mr. Wolf not long ago. But his latest CD, Midnight Souvenirs, is terrific, and he's a great showman too. Good for him!

Tuesday--Al DiMeola. The jazz guitar great's debut at the Narrows.

Wednesday--George Winston, another debut. His shows benefit a local food bank. Bring in canned food! The Greater Fall River Food Bank, the recipient. Here's an article about him from the Herald News. Never met him, but sounds like a good guy.

Thursday--Leon Redbone. A big favorite in these parts!

Friday--Aztec Two-Step. Another big favorite. 40th anniversary show with friends Buskin & Batteau.

Chely Wright--Narrows alum Rodney Crowell produced her latest CD, which was one of the best recordings in 2010. This is her debut at the Narrows, but she's a longtime country performer. Check out this video.

Wild

What do you call a performer with big fat riffs, well written tunes, strong vocals, and monster energy? You call him Anders Osborne and he made his debut at the Narrows Friday night.

It was a classic rock sound, even from the openers, the Blue Ribbons out of Boston and featuring our old friend Mike Castellana on guitar, formerly in Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles.

Anders, with his full Viking beard, offered almost a fearsome presence on the stage--and, baby, the amps were turned to "11."

Fab Stuff Coming to the Narrows

Wow, 2011 is turning into a heck of a year.

For example, next week we've got Peter Wolf, Al DiMeola, George Winston, Leon Redbone, Aztec Two Step, Chely Wright.

Some recent adds to the schedule for later this year:

Coco Montoya May 27

James McMurtry June 16 (Been a few years, hasn't it?)

Jake Shimabukuro July 9 (Amazing ukelele player! Don't miss this!)

John Gorka July 30

And much more. Check 'em out: www.ncfta.org.

Storyteller

It was music and book readings on Saturday night at the Narrows, as Rodney Crowell made his debut.

He's touring in support of his memoir Chinaberry Sidewalks, which came out in January. Excerpts he read during the show included the story of when his mother, an epileptic, was "exorcised" because some religious folks felt her condition was the result of being possessed by a devil.

A representative from Dartmouth, MA's Baker Books sold Chinaberry Sidewalks at the Narrows. Rodney noted he's using the tour as an opportunity to not only sell the book but to support independent booksellers. Nice.

BTW, Rodney produced Chely Wright's terrific latest recording. She's debuting at the Narrows March 26.

Bare Bones Soul

Joan Osborne made her Narrows debut Thursday night, accompanied only by herself and soulful pianist Keith Cotton.

She explained she normally performs with a band, but wanted to get back to the bare bones a bit.

Her fabulous vocal abilities during her soundcheck were already the talk of the Narrows crew even before the show commenced.

It was a soulful night at the Narrows--her hit "One of Us" works great just with piano--not surprising for the person who discovered our guys The Holmes Brothers and appeared in the movie "Standing in the Shadows of Motown." While talking about touring New Zealand with The Temptations, Martha and the Vandellas etc., she and Mr. Cotton broke into an ad libbed "Heard It Through the Grapevine."

A special moment in a special night, which also saw the debut of the Narrows new t-shrt, with the Narrows' new tag line: Music that Matters; Art that Inspires.

Joan Osborne's concert mattered and inspired!

20 Years Never Sounded So Good

The California Guitar Trio--guys from Japan, Belgium & the USA--brought their 20th anniversary tour to the Narrows Friday night.

Just when you think they're way out there with ethereal, otherworldly sounds, they switch gears and play surf rock.

It's an approach that's kept this unique group of super players on the road, in the studio and at the Narrows for years.

If you're a serious guitar listener, check these guys out on-line if you missed the show.