Backstage at the Narrows

8th Anniversary Features Guitarist/Vocalist Susan Tedeschi

2009-11-08T11:47:00.002-05:00

Saturday night was the Narrows 8th anniversary celebration, and we did it up big with Susan Tedeschi and her band, their first visit.

Of course, the show was sold out!

In honor of the event patrons were given an official Narrows commemorative mug. And the official commemorative t-shirts and sweatshirt were available for purchase, listing every artist, including openers, who have performed at the Narrows over the past 8 years.

Of course, Ms. Tedeschi--whose dad and brother were in the audience--charmed the crowd with her bluesy chops, impressive singing, and kickin' group of musicians performing with her.

Kansans Moreland & Arbuckle opened the show with a set of blues rock that won them fans bigtime (You should have seen the line to buy their CDs after the performance!).

Mvyradio.com streamed the show live on its website and two radio frequencies. Chances are the show will be archived on the site in a few days.

Eagles Collaborator Coming in January

2009-11-06T20:54:00.003-05:00

This just in--one of the best California cool songwriters, J.D. Souther, is coming to the Narrows for the first time Saturday, January 30.

He wrote a number of hits for the Eagles, including "Heartache Tonight" and "Best of My Love."

You may remember his duet with James Taylor "Her Town Too" or his solo hit "You're Only Lonely."

Hipper readers may remember his work with Narrows' alums Chris Hillman and Richie Furay, the Souther Hillman Furay Band.

This is a special treat. More info at www.ncfta.org.

8th Anniversary Commemorative T-Shirts, Sweatshirts

2009-11-05T22:04:00.004-05:00

Just in time for our 8th anniversary show Saturday night, the Narrows has begun selling t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts that feature the names of every act, including openers, that have played the Narrows.

Your humble blogger (above) modeled the shirt (only $15 for the short sleeve version) in the Narrows office.

This is a great way to celebrate 8 fab years only made possible through your support, the hard work of our many volunteers, our corporate, government and foundation sponsors, and the multitude of artists who have graced our stage and gallery over the years, including: Adam Carroll, Adam Hood, Adam Sweeney, Adrian Legg, Adrienne Young, Al & the Transamericans, Al Basile, Alejandro Escovedo, Alice Peacock, Alison Brown, Allysen Callery, Alvin Youngblood, Amun Ra, Amy Correia, Amy LaVere, Amy Rigby, Ana Egge, Anais Mitchell, Asylum Street Spankers, Atwater Donnelly, Averi, Avett Brothers, Aztec Two Step...

Susan Cowsill

2009-10-23T00:23:00.001-05:00

Susan Cowsill, formerly of Newport, RI and now of the Big Easy, brought her hook-filled, pop-injected songs and voice to the Narrows Thursday night.

Susan is a terribly underappreciated talent who has no doubt benefited and been cursed by being one of the singing Cowsills, chart toppers in the 1960s with "Hair," "The Rain, The Park and Other Things," (performed at the concert) and "Indian Lake"--pretty darn good pop records, in your humble blogger's opinion. Later she was a member of an underappreciated group, "The Continental Drifters," which was one of the first groups to perform at the Narrows.

Now 50 years old, she seems dedicated to her art, despite the tough times she's endured (most lately, Hurricane Katrina and the death of siblings). Her voice remains strong--with more than a dash of world-weariness--and her songs, memorable.

Local heroes Louie Leeman and his band (below) did the opening honors.

Rediscovering Nick Lowe

2009-10-18T05:58:00.002-05:00

To many people I'm sure, Nick Lowe's career began and ended with "Cruel To Be Kind," a hit single that provided some rock 'n' roll on the radio in the late disco era.

Your humble blogger discovered Nick Lowe with "I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass" earlier in his recording career. But like many, I lost touch after about 1980.

Still, he continued to write and record, and many of the fans attending Thursday night's show at the Narrows probably have most of those recordings.

It was him, his acoustic guitar, and his songs. One after the other as he did a retrospective of his career, which includes "What So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding" (Elvis Costello did a well known cover of the song), and "The Beast in Me," covered by Johnny Cash.

Former Commander Cody guitarist Bill Kirchen, now a longstanding collaborator with Nick Lowe, opened with a clever set, and sat in with Nick for a song.

If you missed the show, keep an eye on this space. We're sure to have Nick and Bill back next time they're available.

How Can We Wish You'd Go Away If You're Never Here?

2009-10-13T20:20:00.003-05:00

It's been too many years since Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks have played the Narrows. Your humble blogger is a big fan, not only of "How Can I Miss You When You Won't Go Away" and "I Scare Myself," but newer classics such as "First I Lost My Marbles, Then I Lost You," "Barstool Boogie," and "C'mon to My House."

As you might expect, your blogger is somewhat jaded when meeting famous musicians: Roger McGuinn, done that; Richie Havens, many times; Chris Hillman, interesting guy; Richie Furay, salt of the earth, etc. All very much an honor for yours truly, but, heck, they're just regular folks when you come right down to it.

A this point there are a few that leave me nearly speechless, and Dan Hicks is one of them (Jonathan Richman is another; and Ray Davies would be another, if he ever plays the Narrows).

Details on Dan's return here.

Hometown Hero

2009-10-11T00:13:00.001-05:00

Cheryl Wheeler got to play a gig close to home Saturday night, performing before a hometown crowd that lined up around the corner from the Narrows' entrance waiting to get in.

Marc Cohn Returns in November

2009-10-10T07:48:00.004-05:00

We had such a great time with Marc Cohn earlier this year, we've got him returning on November 21.

Visit ncfta.org for more.

Way Out

2009-10-09T00:13:00.000-05:00

Prog jazz quartet Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey kicked of the weekend with an approach that had room for Lennon as well as Monk.

Narrows Alum Tom Russell on Letterman

2009-10-04T13:17:00.003-05:00

One of the first artists ever to play the Narrows was Tom Russell. Not many folks showed up then, but we hope more will when he returns in June. One of the more interesting singer/songwriters you'll hear. Your humble blogger particularly enjoys his song "Everything's Gone Straight to Hell Since Sinatra Played Juarez."

Friday night he played David Letterman. See the performance here.

Grassy

2009-10-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

A packed house on a rainy Saturday night welcomed new grass pioneers Peter Rowan (l) and Tony Rice to the Narrows.

Kicking off with Peter Rowan's "Panama Red" (made famous by The New Riders of the Purple Sage), the guys picked and grinned, told stories about the old days, and just generally delighted the crowd with playfulness mixed with musicianship.

Chad & Jeremy Bring Back Yesterday

2009-09-16T21:44:00.002-05:00

Chad & Jeremy, vets of the British Invasion, delighted a Wednesday night crowd at the Narrows. It was the first visit for the whimsical duo, who, you may remember, appeared on the Batman television show, along with the Patty Duke Show and the Dick van Dyke Show.

"Yesterday's Gone" and "A Summer Song" were their big USA hits.

They told stories of the old days, working with Paul Simon (they were slated to record Simon's "Homeward Bound" just before it became a hit for Rhymin' Simon and his pal Art Garfunkle), having their voices held for ransom by Catwoman, and lounging on the Left Coast with Dean Martin, Ursula Andress, Lucille Ball and Frank Sinatra.

Beausoleil

2009-09-14T18:20:00.002-05:00

Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet (left) appeared to be a major draw for the Narrows Festival of the Arts on Sunday.

This Louisiana-based group certainly seem to have a horde of devoted fans in these parts.

Weather, Music Combine for a Fab Festival

2009-09-13T18:41:00.004-05:00

The annual Narrows Festival of the Arts brought perfect weather with it Sunday, along with such performers as Hot Club of Cowtown (above) and Dirty Dozen Brass Band (below). More photos coming soon.

Kicking Off a Fab Weekend

2009-09-11T02:37:00.000-05:00

The Old Blind Dogs Thursday night kicked off a weekend that will feature Tom Rush (Saturday night), and Beausoleil, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Hotclub of Cowtown and more (the free Narrows Festival of the Arts on Sunday).

The Dogs--who last played the Narrows about 3 years ago--performed their high energy Scottish folk music to an enthusiastic crowd of fans.

One highlight from their last visit was their purchase of a bass guitar hanging on the wall of a liquor store across from where they were staying in Somerset, MA. Since they had forgotten to bring a bass to the states, they bought the instrument (for $40)--later raffling it off and donating the money to charity. From then on they have been raffling off one of their instruments at the end of a tour. This time they are raffling off a guitar.

Last we checked there were just a handful of Tom Rush tickets available. And, of course, this Sunday is free.

Country Comfort

2009-08-30T00:12:00.000-05:00

Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer Richie Furay reminded us why country rock is one of the most enjoyable genres, particularly when played well with a lot of simple harmonies.

He and his band (featuring one of his daughters as back-up singer) brought the house down at the Narrows Saturday in his first visit to our fab listening pad.

He played tracks from his former bands Buffalo Springfield and Poco, and new material.

By the way, these days his full-time gig is as a pastor of a church near Denver. Your humble blogger, in fact, walked into a prayer session with the pastor and his band backstage shortly before they started the show.

The prayer worked!

And Now for Something Completely Different...

2009-08-29T01:33:00.004-05:00

It was kinda 3 chords and the truth at the Narrows--well, maybe not.

Our beloved stage featured the masked and mysterious surf masters Los Straitjackets doing the instrumental rockabilly sound on a rainy Friday night. It was the 2nd visit for the group, which speaks Spanish on-stage and never appears without their Mexican-wrestling inspired disguises--although your humble blogger saw them uncovered before the show. But I'm sworn to secrecy regarding their true identies. Let's just say let sleeping masks lie.

Openers were Providence 's Mericans, with a Byrds-like flyte that gave the crowd delight.

Club Helsinki in Great Barrington Closing

2009-08-23T20:43:00.002-05:00

A number of Narrows' artists--Eilen Jewell and Sarah Borges immediately come to mind--also have regularly played Club Helsinki in Great Barrington, MA, way out there in the Berkshires.

Club Helsinki is closing the end of the month; your humble blogger knows not the reason.

Maybe something on their website although I didn't see details.

Red Molly Makes Narrows Debut

2009-08-22T02:41:00.000-05:00

A group your humble blogger has been hearing great things about, Red Molly, made their Narrows debut Friday night. And they did not disappoint, with their rootsy sound, beautiful harmonies, and gentle sense of humor.

And, for their debut, they also drew a nice sized crowd!

It was broadcast on mvyradio.com and should be posted in their archives soon.

Cowtown to Our Town

2009-08-20T18:19:00.003-05:00

Because the Narrows is dedicated to everybody in the area and is committed to sharing the arts, the annual Narrows Festival of the Arts will take place once again--this year, Sunday, September 13.

Yep, it's free.

One of the highlights is the return of the internationally loved Hot Club of Cowtown, pictured above.

If memory serves, we hosted these folks a time or two, then they split up, with vocalist/fiddler Elana James starting her own group, which also played the Narrows.

We're glad to see they're back as a unit with their modern take on Western Swing, Dawg Music or whatever one wants to call it.

Pencil the Narrows Festival into your calendar. Starts at 11 a.m. and goes until the sun goes down.

On the Waterfront with the Duke

2009-08-19T17:56:00.003-05:00

Your humble blogger, felled by a sudden back ailment, didn't make the free Duke Robillard show last Friday sponsored by the Narrows outside down the street at the Gates of the City.

Fortunately, a sharp-eyed Mike Moran took this shot of the Duke looking quite dapper.

The Dapper Duke!

Founder of the New Riders Passes

2009-08-12T19:36:00.001-05:00

John Dawson, who founded Narrows fave New Riders of the Purple Sage, died recently. He founded the group with Jerry Garcia.

More here.

Maria Muldaur Works with Narrows Alums

2009-08-02T08:12:00.003-05:00

Maria Muldaur, who makes her Narrows debut on October 31, has a new CD coming out featuring Narrows alums John Sebastian and Dan Hicks.

And she's returning to the old jug band sound.

More here.

The Waybacks from Way Back

2009-07-31T22:07:00.003-05:00

Took the above shot during Friday night's show at the Narrows from progressive roots speedsters The Waybacks.

The band was recording the show for a possible future CD.

See the mikes hanging from the ceiling?

Got My Mojo Workin'

2009-07-26T12:48:00.008-05:00

No question:one of the top shows of 2009. The fabulous Nighthawks and Howlin' Wolf guitarist Hubert Sumlin (above) at the Narrows Saturday night.

The nearly 80-something Mr. Sumlin was "the star" according to the Nighthawks, but this celebrated roots group brought star-power energy and prowess to the stage all by themselves.

Mr. Sumlin, who influenced Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and others with his riffin' for The Wolf, was like their beloved dad who was sitting in just for the fun of it. And was it fun!

On a personal note: you couldn't find a nicer group of folks than the Nighthawks and Mr. Sumlin. Lots of positive energy and smiles! Hope to see them again soon.