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.

Gibson Brothers Photos

The Gibson Brothers and their group delighted bluegrass fans at the Narrows Saturday night with their creative pickin' and light-hearted approach.

But don't let the frivolity fool you--these guys have one of the hottest CDs on the Americana chart, and they have a video on the CMT website.

Josh Ritter Pleases His Fans

It was a sellout crowd Friday night as Josh Ritter and his band charmed the Narrows with their musicality and personality.
By the way, the crew at the Narrows was impressed by the fact that not only were Josh and his folks nice on stage, they were a pleasure to work with!

Sometimes nice people do win!

If you have some photos from the evening you'd like to share, email your humble blogger at slouishug@comcast.net.

Cheryl Wheeler, Slaid Cleaves and Susan Cowsill Coming

At this writing they're not yet on the official schedule, but we thought you'd like to know:

July 22
Susan Cowsill

September 8
Slaid Cleaves

September 16
Cheryl Wheeler

Projo Piece on Ritter

Josh Ritter, at the Narrows tonight (Friday), was featured in Rick Massimo's column in the Providence Journal yesterday.

Read it as long as the link is alive by clicking here.

Josh Ritter Featured in No Depression Magazine

Josh Ritter, playing the Narrows Friday night, is featured in the latest No Depression magazine.

In the article the magazine notes that, believe it or not, Ritter is a major star in Ireland.

In 2003, readers of an Irish magazine voted him the best international male performer, best international songwriter, and fourth-best international live act. He beat out the likes of Jack White, Ryan Adams and Justin Timberlake for these honors.

In fact, in Ireland a "tribute" band formed playing Ritter's music.

See you Friday night?

Keep An Eye on this Jewell

Eilen Jewell, who opened for Sarah Borges on Saturday night, electrified the crowd with her countrified soul. It was the second appearance at the Narrows for Eilen (pronounced with the same sound as reelin') and her fab band, who are based up in Boston.

After her performance, she sold a lot of CDs to her new fans. We'll certainly be bringing her back to the Narrows in the future! Watch this space!

Gorgeous Sarah Borges Getting It Done

A glammed-up Sarah Borges and her band--now known as The Broken Singles--rocked and countrified the Narrows Saturday with a huge crowd; her largest since she first appeared at the Narrows last year.

That's a good sign, because it means this young artist is growing her fan base.

There's no question, she's been working hard--recently playing the legendary South by Southwest event deep in the heart of Texas, getting her CD way up on the Americana charts last year, getting her lovely mug on the cover of at least one magazine that we know about, setting up a thing on myspace.com, doing interviews and generally doing the stuff to build a following for her art. Including standing on amplifiers with her bass man Binky!

Here's Sarah's master guitar-man Mike Castellana, who not only is a great technician but has the artistic sensibility for knowing when to play aces and when to leave spaces.

If you were at the concert and have photos to share, email me: slouishug@comcast.net

New Shows Include the Return of Ollabelle, Greg Brown

Not yet on the official schedule yet:

June 25
Elana James and the Continental Two (formerly Hot Club of Cowtown)

June 30
Entrain

November 18
Ollabelle

November 30
Greg Brown

Sarah Borges on Puremusic.Com

Sarah Borges, who's playing the Narrows Saturday night, was interviewed for Puremusic.com.

Check it out by clicking here.

We Give You The Slip

Saturday night The Slip played until the wee, wee hours to a passionate crowd of young fans at the Narrows.

Drummer Andrew Barr clearly was prepared for the best and the worst, wearing protective eye gear that's sure to create a new fashion sensation.

Brother Brad seemed less concerned as he sang and turned his guitar into an extension of his soul.

Bassist Marc Friedman played some 6-string guitar and we think he snuck over and played some piano, though we couldn't see over the heads of the fans crowding the stage.

Although The Slip are progressive, they still practice family values. Brad's dad sat in on drums and le pere Barr showed his guitar chops.

If you have photos to share with readers of this blog from this memorable evening, email them to
slouishug@comcast.net.

Drunk Stuntmen's Trailer Life Review

Your humble blogger writes a review column for americanaroots.com, which is a pretty good folk/alternative country webzine.

Recently your lowly blogger wrote a review of Trailer Life by the Drunk Stuntmen, who played the Narrows in April.

Read the review, if you dare, by clicking here.

Merle Haggard Interview

Merle Haggard, who's been touring with Dylan and has one of the hotter Americana CDs of 2006, was interviewed by GQ.

To go to the interview, click here.

Sample The Slip

The Slip, returning to the Narrows Saturday night, have got the my space thing going on.

Listen to them by clicking here:http://www.myspace.com/TheSlipmusic

Interview with Pierre Bensusan, Guitar Master

Pierre Bensusan, who plays the Narrows Friday night, was interviewed by Frets magazine.

It's a nice way to get to know this guitar master before you go to the show. Many tickets are still available.

Read the interview by clicking here.

Digital Blues

Tools of the bluesman. The bluesman. John Hammond sanctifying the Narrows Saturday night.

They Ain't Pretty, But Drunk Stuntmen Get The Job Done

They may not be the most dashing bunch of guys, but musically the Drunk Stuntmen get the job done!

An appreciative crowd Saturday night at the Narrows whooped and yelped as the energetic group did a Southern Rock kind of thing, with a bit of Elvis Costello's "Radio Radio" and their bass player honking on a trumpet thrown in for good measure.

By the way, their brand new CD, Trailer Life, is fab. Your humble blogger thinks it's one of the best CDs he's heard in 2006.

Yes There ARE John Hammond Tickets

As of this writing there are a good chunk of tickets to see John Hammond tonight (Saturday) at the Narrows.

Walk ups should be no problem, at least between 7 and 8 p.m.

See you tonight?

David Wilcox Coming to Narrows May 19!

Singer/songwriter David Wilcox was recently booked at the Narrows for Friday, May 19.

Last time he played here it was a sellout!

Get your tickets today!

Clear Channel Goes Americana!

Your humble blogger, who does some work on the side for Clear Channel, was nonetheless surprised that Clear Channel has created an Americana radio station down there in West Virginia.

(If you don't know what Americana is, it's roughly folk music, usually with a bit of a country bent.)

Anyway you can listen on-line.

Here's the link: http://www.wtcramericana.com/main.html

New Shows Added

New to the Narrows' website over the past few days:

Saturday June 10 The Iguanas

Thursday June 15 Paul Barrere & Fred Tackett (guys from Little Feat)

Saturday September 30 Steve Forbert

3 Artists Display Their Wares at the Narrows' Gallery

As your humble blogger (too) often blabs from the stage, the Narrows' roots are in the visual arts. Music came later.

So, we continue to have a gallery...until April 23 featuring J.C. Lazarus, abstract artist; Michelle Lapointe-Morris, glass and metal artist; and Lori Bradley, ceramic and printmaker artist.

See if you know who's who in the photos below.

Prepping with Julian

Richard Julian, who had played the night before on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, graced the Narrows stage on Saturday night.

Instead of the usual performance shots, I took a few of Richard and his group getting the gear squared away. The guy above bending down adjusting the microphone stand is Narrows president/booking guy/sound man Patrick Norton. That's Richard Julian in the t-shirt on the left. Below, Richard starts strumming and checking his sound and monitor (a monitor is a speaker aimed at the performer so he/she can hear themselves better). Further down below, Tim the bass guy gets into the act and then ultimately the guys change clothes and are set for performance.

Richard Shindell's First Narrows Visit

Intense and serious singer/songwriter Richard Shindell wasn't as intense and serious as I've seen him in the past, although his artistry was the same Friday night at the Narrows.

In fact, he was trying out new material from his upcoming CD and is still in the "warm up" phase of this tour. It was only the second time he's played publicly in about 5 months, he said. He also noted that he's new to that 8-stringed instrument featured in the phot0 (I don't know what it's called) and has to take a minute to remember where the various positions are for the chords.

His honesty and modesty charmed the crowd.

Opener Anais Mitchell also charmed the crowd with her oh-too-short set, which she ended with Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time"--a perfect fit for her voice (which sounds a bit like Lauper's).