Eilen Jewell Has New Record Out?

One of our discoveries, Eilen Jewell, returning to the Narrows in June, apparently has a new CD out or coming out.

Difficult to tell from her record company's home page. They're still promoting the first one, Boundary County. Huh? What's up with that? Anyway, here's a review we found while perusing Eilen's home page. See the review here.

Sarah Borges Getting Airplay Across Country

Sarah Borges' soon-to-be-released CD "Diamonds in the Dark" is already making waves in radio across the country.

Sarah's having her hometown record release party at the Narrows in June. Tickets are available by visiting www.ncfta.org.

Here are the stations that are playing stuff from her new record (I copied this from Sarah's website):

WBOS 92.9 FM Boston, MA - Boston Music Sunday
KCUV Denver, CO
WMNF Tampa, FL
WXPN Philadelphia, PA
WFUV New York, NY
WYEP Pittsburgh, PA
KRSH Santa Rosa, CA – New Music Thursday
KRCL Salt Lake City, UT
WYSF Birmingham, AL “Reg’s Coffeehouse”
WFPK Louisville, KY
Sirius New Country
KJJY Des Moines, IA
WLHK Indianapolis, IN
KUT Austin, TX

New Adds To Our Calendar

Not yet posted:

July 21
Porter Batiste Stoltz
New Orleans comes to the Narrows once again via "PBS" and their funky sound. These guys have been part of the Funky Meters, and each band member has a resume that reads like Who's Who: They've worked with Dr. John, Paul McCartney, Robbie Robertson, Robert Palmer, the Neville Brothers etc. http://www.porterbatistestoltz.com/.


September 14
Sugar Ray and the Bluetones Big Band
Sugar Ray Norcia was the front dude for Roomful of Blues in the early to mid-1990s, also playing harp and writing tunes. So you got the drift. The "Bluetones Big Band" consists of members of the Bluetones plus piano and horns--making sounds great to swing dance to. We're talking jump blues with a solid down beat, baby. http://www.sugarrayandthebluetones.com/.


November 17
The Greencards
Kind of an Australian/British Invasion in the folkie/americana music scene, as this trio brings America's own music to our shores and makes it their own. Huh? Anyway, they've toured with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson and have been creating quite a buzzzz. They're hot, baby! http://www.thegreencards.com/.

Horns Up For The Drunk Stuntmen!!

Western Mass. road warriors the Drunk Stuntmen brought a different look (well, Steve the frontman got a haircut and shaved his beard) and a leaner sound to the Narrows Friday night.

Instead of a 3 guitar attack, they are down to two, with a bass, keyboards and drum.

Chief lead singer Steve Sanderson (the guy with the haircut) seemed to be playing more lead guitar noodles, showing that he's able to step in and fill the void.

The Stuntmen also exhibited more jam band characteristics, even venturing into a bit of space jazz with a whiff of metal.

Drunk Stuntmen Make the Projo

Friday night the Narrows hosts one of our faves, the Drunk Stuntmen, who'll be playing their wild and fun-loving version of southern rock & country. Tickets are still available.

The Projo's Rick Massimo did an article in today's paper. See it by clicking here.

Wolfman Show A Lock

Are you familiar with the work of Walter "Wolfman" Washington? Probably not. Yet his show last year at the Narrows was terrific! Which is why your humble blogger/m.c. has declared his June 22 show "a lock," just like the recent Holmes Brothers show was.

Don't worry whether you know his stuff--this is a guaranteed good time! Heck, he's from New Orleans!!

Meet the Wolf at his website: www.walterwolfmanwashington.com.

Then go to the Narrows website, www.ncfta.org, and get your tickets!!

Holmes Brothers Sanctify the Narrows

The Holmes Brothers kicked off their show at the Narrows Friday night with--believe it or not--a slow, soulful, damn near religious version of Cheap Trick's ode to teen lust "I Want You To Want Me."

The Holmes Brothers' version is on their new CD, and the track caught the attention of the editors of Rollingstone.com, who picked it as one of their faves.

But the night was still young. They did their excellent version "What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding," popularized by Elvis Costello and written by Nick Lowe. Intertwined were gospel numbers, some good old rock 'n' roll (Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On) and much, much more.

Your humble blogger, who also is the humble m.c. at the Narrows, had given his personal guarantee on the show, proclaiming it a "lock" so folks who didn't know the Holmes Brothers would come anyway.

And come they did! Many thanks to all who attended and especially those unfamiliar with the Holmes Brothers but trusted my (and the Narrows') commitment to quality.

Monster Mash Guy Dies

Bobby "Boris" Pickett has died. His record "Monster Mash"--featuring Leon Russell on keyboards--continues to be dusted off every Halloween, despite being over 40 years old.

Read more in the Boston Globe by clicking here.

Cracker Semi-Acoustic

It was "Cracker Semi-Acoustic" night at the Narrows Thursday night, as Cracker co-founder David Lowery strummed a folkie guitar and co-founder Johnny Hickman played his harp and Les Paul electric.

It was their first visit to the Narrows.

Drunk Stuntmen Lead Singer Cuts Hair

One of our faves, Drunk Stuntmen, has a new look.

Well, at least their lead singer does.

See the video at www.drunkstuntmen.com.

Day Trippin': Museum of Bad Art

No, it's not just because this photo was taken by a cell phone. The art is truly bad.

Your humble blogger used the beautiful Sunday weather to search out cheap and illuminating artistic experiences within an hour's drive from the Narrows.

Lo and behold in the basement of a movie theater in downtown Dedham, MA, next to the men's room, is the Museum of Bad Art (MOBA).

Many of the works were retrieved from the trash in the Boston area, only to breathe new life on the walls of MOBA.

Think we're kidding? Learn more here.

Graham Parker Sets Off Sparks

An enthusiastic crowd called Graham Parker and his band back for TWO encores on Friday night.

It had been awhile since the British pub rocker had plied his trade at the Narrows, and the locals were hungry.

Although Graham has been courting the folkie crowd--with ads in No Depression magazine for example--he and his band rocked out bigtime.

Our Guy Duke Robillard Getting Arts Excellence Salute

Our guy Duke Robillard is one of this year's winners of the Pell Awards for Excellence in the Arts.

Duke did a heck of a show awhile back at the Narrows, his first one, and he brought the house down. And, most important to the crew at the Narrows, he's great to work with behind the scenes. A gentleman and solid pro.

Learn more about the award by clicking here.

Congrats, Duke!

And the Hits Keep Coming...

Not yet posted on the schedule:

July 12
Boris McCutcheon and the Salt Licks

December 7
Richie Havens

December 8
Allison Brown Quartet

Alternative Sounds at the Narrows

Alt. rock pioneer Kristen Hersh brought her muses to the Narrows for the first time ever (if memory serves) on Thursday night.

She was backed by an expert bass player and drummer.

It was the second stop on a cross country tour.

Check out her set list and show comments by clicking here.

Article on David Lindley

We're honored to welcome David Lindley to the Narrows on Saturday, April 21.

Here's an article about him you may want to read, particularly if you are unfamiliar with his work.

Click here for more.

We're Not Worthy!

Narrows prez Patrick Norton with the guy who backed George Harrison in the Concert for Bangladesh

Patrick Norton, head honcho at the Narrows, and your very humble blogger and Narrows emcee are huge fans of Leon Russell, who played to a sold out crowd Saturday night. In fact, despite our hipness and being totally blase about the whole star thing, we were frankly overwhelmed by the presence of Leon in our very own freight elevator. Dare we ask for photographs?

Your humble blogger with the guy who was the musical guru in Joe Cocker's "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" tour

"I live for photographs," mumbled Leon, who had just completed banging out some Jerry Lee Lewis on the keyboards, wrapping up the concert.

So your humble blogger snapped Patrick and Leon. And Patrick snapped your humble blogger and Leon. As you can see by the photos, Leon was really paying a lot of attention. In fact he was more or less in a conversation with his bass player about whether he could see out of his nearly omnipresent shades very well.

Oh, and about the concert: Leon did what Leon does. Opener Adam Hood, out of Alabama, was excellent and bears watching. Solid songwriter, guitarist and singer. Keep an eye on Adam!

Soon we won't be worthy for him!

'Bama Boy Adam Hood had never played in the Narrows' hood before. He's been touring with the guy who wrote "This Masquerade," "Lady Blue," "Delta Lady," "Tightrope" etc. and played in the "Wrecking Crew," studio cats who played on records by the Byrds all the way to Bing Crosby.

Fer-Get-About-It: Jorma's Show Sells Out

Told ya.

Got Goths?

Thursday night was Goth night at the Narrows, thanks to the incredible cello-rockers Rasputina and their opener, the Bowmans, below.

Leon Russell Sells Out

We're pleased to announce that the Leon Russell show for Friday night has SOLD OUT!!

Tickets still available for Rasputina on Thursday night, and Jonathan Edwards on Saturday night.

Visit www.ncfta.org.

The Waybacks Impress Hardened Crew

Friday night The Waybacks drew an impressive-sized crowd, despite this being only their second visit to the Narrows--and their not exactly being a household name. Yet.

Tickets were moving pretty good for the show on-line, but they had a strong walk up which put them over the top as far as the Narrows' crew was concerned.

Your blogger knows that's talking "inside baseball" in the concert biz, but nonetheless it bears noting.

Oh, and by the way, The Waybacks put on a helluva show, with pickin' and grinnin' that caused the audience to give them TWO encores.

Unfortunately, they did not play their cover of the Kinks' song "Motorway," which your humble blogger just adores. It's on The Waybacks latest CD.

Maybe next time. They owe me!

Duhks Lead Singer Paddles Away

Sad to hear that Jessee, the Duhks lead singer and chief image of the group, has left to pursue other opportunities.

The Narrows hosted the Duhks a few years back before they became a celebrated group in the Americana world. We were knocked out by the show!

To read the group's statement on the change, click here.

Rasputina On YouTube

Rasputina, coming to the Narrows this week, can be seen on YouTube.

They're an act that deserves to be seen, not only heard!

Police: Billy Joe Shaver Shoots A Man

Legendary country songwriter Billy Joe Shaver has been charged in a shooting down in Texas.

His lawyer says it was self-defense.

More details by clicking here.

Karla Bonoff Coming

This just in: Songwriter/performer Karla Bonoff is coming to the Narrows October 12.

You might associate her with Linda Ronstadt because Karla wrote "Someone to Lay Down Beside Me."

We're honored to have her come to the Narrows for the first time ever!

Visit www.ncfta.org for ticket info soon!

Sarah Borges New Single Available On Web

Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles' first release from their upcoming CD is now available on her website by clicking here.

The song continues their in-your-face, high energy style. It might be called country-meets-punk or cowpunk.

It's their second CD, but the first on Sugar Hill Records, which is a major label in the Americana field.

Sarah is from the Narrows' neighborhood, so we're hosting her hometown record release party in June. Check out www.ncfta.org.

Leon Russell Being Inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame

Leon Russell, playing the Narrows in a few weeks (tickets are going fast) will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with Ray Davies, Lou Reed, Jackson Browne, Leonard Cohen, Robbie Robertson and others.

Details by clicking here.

Elana James Makes Narrows A Hot Club

Elana James and her crew made the Narrows smile Saturday night with their take on Western Swing, upbeat country and what might be termed "dawg music" (see David Grisman and Django Reinhardt).

She charmed the fans from the stage and one-on-one, taking time to sign CDs and converse with her admirers.

Her guitarist, Whit Smith, wowed the crowd with his jazzy soloing, as did stand-up bass guy Beau Sample.

By the way, they had just returned from a State Department good-will tour of some (for us, at least) unpronounceable nation near Russia. Hey, take the gig where you can get it!

Check Out Clutch

Don't know if we'll ever have them play the Narrows, but your humble blogger has been digging Clutch's new CD "From Beale Street to Oblivion."

They come out of heavy metal, but really never quite fit in that category, due to their bluesy influence.

Lots of riffing, organ and a strong rock 'n roll vocal.

Your humble blogger recommends to you Clutch.

Jeff Pitchell Suffers To Play The Blues

Bearing down early in the gig

Looking like a wedding singer grooving after hours, electric bluesman Jeff Pitchell hit the ground running from note one on Friday night at the Narrows. Within a few bars of the first tune he hopped off the stage and took his guitar to the seats.

No question--he and his band, Texas Flood, were making sounds perfect for a Friday night!

Elana James Profiled in Projo

Tuesday's Providence Journal had a feature on Elana James, playing the Narrows on Saturday. To see the story, click here.

Tickets are still available. Go to www.ncfta.org for details.

Attention Kinks Fans!

Kinks fans may want to take note that The Waybacks, coming to the Narrows on April 6, cover the Kinks song "Motorway."

The Waybacks included it on their 2006 CD "From the Pasture to the Future."

The Kinks originally included the Ray Davies' composition on their "Everybody's in Showbiz" album in 1972.

God Save the Kinks!

Women Rule The Weekend

Friday night--Mary Gauthier (above) and Eliza Gilkyson.

Saturday night--the pheee-nominal Ruthie Foster.

Hope you were at the Narrows!

Buck Jones Killed

One of your humble blogger's favorite CDs over the past few years is singer Buck Jones' "Lucky Star."

Buck never played the Narrows (not sure if he traveled out of Texas much).

Anyway, click here to see a brief story and a performance of his song "You Only Call Me When You're Drunk" from YouTube. I'm not wild about the performance, but the CD version is terrific.

Harmonica Night at the Narrows

Magic Dick, Charlies Musselwhite, Kim Wilson, Mark Hummel share center stage

Kim Wilson, Charlie Musselwhite and Mark Hummel entertained a sold-out Narrows Saturday night playing the blues harp every-which-way-you-can.

And for good measure, Magic Dick, of J. Geils Band fame, dropped by and lent a hand.

Kim Wilson, shoeless, taking it to the seats!

Magic Dick in his trademark shades makes the Narrows scene

Johnny Winter, Cracker Coming

These have yet to be posted on www.ncfta.org, so your humble blogger is giving you a big heads up.

April 26
Cracker (acoustic)
$18, $20

October 19
Johnny Winter
$35, $40

October 27
California Guitar Trio
$18, $20

Are You Tuff Enuff? Fab T-Bird Frontman Coming

Remember the song that was all over the video channels and the radio waves--Tuff Enuff?

The guy who wrote and sang it is Kim Wilson, who will be at the Narrows this coming Saturday night with Charlie Musselwhite.

Tickets are still available, but moving quite well. Don't wait much longer on this one.

Go to www.ncfta.org

John Cowan Band Survives Drive From New Jersey

Despite an aggravating drive from New Jersey to the Narrows, a voyage your humble blogger hates with all his heart, the John Cowan Band delighted a good-sized crowd Saturday night at our establishment.

John is a heck-of-a-singer and his crack band of banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and him on bass was a solid back-up. As one fan told your humble blogger, the group is "overburdened with talent."

This was the first time that John and the boys brought their bluegrass to the Narrows, and we were happy with the strong turnout to see the show.

Backstage, despite the horrid commute from the so-called Garden State, the group was in good spirits and easy to work with.

Loudon Wainwright Coming in September

Yes, it's the "Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road" guy. Loudon Wainwright III. He's coming to the Narrows for the first time ever on September 28. Tickets should be available shortly. Visit www.ncfta.org often.

Also coming in September is the wonderful Cheryl Wheeler, who has played our space several times, and in November it's the rootsy, sexy group Crooked Still. They had one of the best damn roots CDs in 2006.

We Join the Dukedom

Duke Robillard reigned supreme Saturday night with his first appearance ever at the Narrows!

Playing to a packed house, the Duke showed why he's been an internationally acclaimed blues guitarist since his days with Roomful of Blues.

Plus, the Narrows crew has given a thumbs up to Duke and his band on a personal level.

Let's do it again real soon!!

Here, There and Everywhere

--Yes, Lucy Kaplansky did bring her new CD to the gig, even though it's not officially released until later this month.

--Our buddies The Slip got a distribution deal with EMI up in Canada. Let's hope the cash registers ring a lot up there and everywhere. The Slip deserve it!

--Don't forget that The Holmes Brothers show in April is an absolute lock--meaning that even if you don't know the group, buy tickets to the show because there's no way you won't like them. Visit www.ncfta.org for details.

--I know it's not you, but some people who go to the Narrows talk too loud during the show, disturbing their neighbors. When we get complaints, we ask people--nicely--to lower their voices or take it outside. If you need to engage in a long conversation, we have plenty of space outside the performing area to take care of business.

--I hate it when people shout out requests to performers. Some artists ask the crowd to do this, but I still hate it. Let the performer do his or her job without a hassle. They ain't a jukebox, baby. They usually have a planned set; let 'em stick to it.

--In the back of the Narrows, near the bathrooms, there's a book exchange going on. Take what you need and bring something in for others. I sometimes leave CDs there, too. Take 'em, but bring something in, too!

--Yes, bring your kids to the Narrows if you think they'll like the show. Understand, though, that although we don't sell alcohol, people can bring in their own. Still, the Narrows is far from having a barroom or nightclub atmosphere. All we ask is that you keep your little ones under control.

--We hope to have the elevator in place later this year.

Musings on Musselwhite

In mid-March we're bringing in Mark Hummel's Blues Harp Blowout featuring Charlie Musselwhite and Kim Wilson. Visit www.ncfta.org for more info.

Anywhooo, it just so happens when I was still writing regular reviews for www.americanaroots.com (I'm on a hiatus right now--writing reviews can wear you down, even though I think it sharpens your ears) I reviewed Charlie Musselwhite's latest CD. If you care to read it, here is the link:

http://www.americanaroots.com/content/written-reviews/hugs-misses-charlie-musselwhite.html

By the way, if you've been to the Narrows over the past week or so you may have heard the CD over the speaker system.

Will Lucy Kaplansky Be Bringing Her New CD?

Lucy Kaplansky at the Narrows in 2006

Lucy Kaplansky is coming to the Narrows this Friday for her second big visit. Her new album, called "Over the Hills," won't be released until March 13.

Will she be bringing copies to the concert this Friday, several weeks before the official release? At this point, we're not sure if it's ready for sale, but we have had artists sell CDs at concerts before their official release, so it's possible.

See you Friday?

Jazz with Pizzazz

Cassandre McKinley jazzed up the Narrows Friday night with a swingin' three piece band and right-on-the-mark vocals.

She particularly focused on her latest CD in which she covers Marvin Gaye tunes--but she did a great version of the Beatles' "Yesterday" that these furry ears thought sounded like a hit.

This was a jazz show, something we rarely do at the Narrows, in part because we don't get the audience. Cassandre had a healthy draw, particularly considering the fact that she's new to the scene, but she deserved a full house.

Is jazz dead? Artistically it's not. But do people really want to come to the Narrows and listen to jazz? We hope so, because as a center for the arts we're interested in bringing the finest talent doing a range of music. We wouldn't mind doing a classical show, either, by the way.

How about we take a poll. Please leave a comment about whether you would consider coming to a jazz show at the Narrows, and, if so, what artists you'd come to see.

Boston Pops Pianist, Emmy-Award Winner Plays Narrows

He didn't even get a star billing--but playing keyboards for jazz diva Cassandra McKinley at the Narrows Friday night was a guy who tours with the Boston Pops Orchestra and received an Emmy last year for a song used in the "Young and the Restless." And that's just the beginning for this keyboard cat.

His name is Brad Hatfield. Visit his website to learn more.

You never know who you'll bump into at the Narrows.

New Riders of the Purple Sage

Wow--this one snuck by us. The New Riders of the Purple Sage coming in July.

Check out the schedule at www.ncfta.org.

Sarah Borges' New Record: Diamonds in the Dark

The first official Narrows' discovery to go bigtime, Sarah Borges, has her new record coming out in June. It will be on Sugarhill Records, a well-known national label.

The name of the new CD: Diamonds in the Dark.

By the way, we'll soon be announcing a June show with Sarah and her band. Hope you'll be there!

Watch this space!

Rory's Bus Cool

Sort of strange photo to put on a music blog, but humor your humble blogger on this one.

Blues woman Rory Block and her husband Rob bring the comforts of home with them when they hit the road, as you can see by the pictured vehicle parked outside the Narrows Saturday night. The side of the bus springs out for extra room. Very groovy.

Rory was "teachin' the blues" during this visit--talking about how to find strange tunings on the guitar, and the brilliance of Robert Johnson and how she got to know his family. Did Robert Johnson sell his soul to the Devil at the crossroads so he could play the guitar better? Rory didn't think so, even suggesting that Johnson was a "godly" man. Take a look at the lyrics to "Crossroads": "I went to the crossroads, fell down on my knees....I asked the Lord above, have mercy, save poor Bob if you please."

No question: Rory Block takes her music damn seriously, and also deeply appreciates the opportunities she has had in her life to meet Robert Johnson's son and grandson, and to meet the likes of Son House, Rev. Gary Davis, Skip James and Mississippi John Hurt.

But she also enjoys meeting her fans, which she did after her show.

Rory is a "godly" woman.

April Showers Bring Kristen Hersh

Not yet posted:

April 6
The Waybacks

April 12
Rasputina

April 19
Kristen Hersh

Rory Block Back Saturday

Don't miss our annual visit from blues woman extraordinaire Rory Block this Saturday night. That's her in the photo at the Narrows last February.

Don't know her? Well, doggone it you've got to click right here.

Local Guy Wins Grammy

Bill Harley, whom your humble blogger has done a project or two with, won a Grammy yesterday.

Bill is a children's performer, who, if memory serves, was a prime mover for Stone Soup in Providence. He lives in Seekonk.

I spotted Bill at the Narrows last year sometime and we had a nice chat.

Congrats good guy Bill Harley!

Rick over at the Projo did a piece, which you can read here.

The other local guy up for a Grammy, Duke Robillard (coming to the Narrows in March), did not win.

Jim Lauderdale On Tonight Show

Jim Lauderdale playing the Narrows in October, 2006

If you were watching Jay Leno last Friday (2/9/07) you might have spotted Narrows' alum Jim Lauderdale backing Solomon Burke on guitar.

Solomon Burke did Jim's song "Seems Like You're Gonna Take Me Back."

For more info, click here.

Wearing of the Green: Paul Brady at The Narrows

Narrows' volunteer Jennifer poses with Paul Brady after the show

Irish singer/songwriter Paul Brady worked the guitar and piano, as well as an enthusiastic crowd that called him back for two encores (very rare), at the Narrows Saturday night. It was his debut performance at our esteemed listening venue.

He's best known here for writing tunes covered by Bonnie Raitt, Joe Cocker, Tina Turner and others, but we understand he's huge on the Emerald Isle, which he still calls home--though he confessed to living a few months in Perryville, Rhode Island (part of South Kingstown) with folksinger Patrick Sky in the late 1960s or thereabouts. (Patrick Sky, by the way, was a wild man, though he's sort of gone legit these days.)

Duke's Next Local Stop The Narrows; But First The Grammys

Duke Robillard, whose next area show is at the Narrows in March, is out in LA for the Grammy's tonight. He's up for one.

Rick over at the Projo wrote a nice piece in today's paper. Check it out here, and good luck Duke!

See ya in March!

That Doesn't Sound Like No Banjo

Canadian Harry Manx brought his guitar wizardry to the Narrows Friday night.

Or perhaps it was stringed wizardry, since his banjo sounded like--well, we're not quite sure, but it worked well when he played Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Chile," which blended into B.B. King's "The Thrill is Gone."

One of his guitars (see farther down) was strung like a sitar and sure enough it sounded like a sitar.

It has something like 20 strings and, he said, "it takes four hours to tune."

New Website Looking Cool

Congrats to Patrick and Deb and everyone who has been working on the new website. As I write this, it is up and running.

In case you came to this blog through other means, the website I'm talking about is www.ncfta.org.

Aztec 2 Step, Shindell & Delmhorst Return

These haven't been posted yet on the official schedule at www.ncfta.org but will be soon.

May 19
Kris Delmhorst--Great songwriter, singer. She's got a following across the country, particularly in the Boston area. She's still building an audience in the Fall River/Providence area, so you might not know her, even though she's played the Narrows several times as well as one of our outdoor events. That's her in the photo, by the way.

June 23
Aztec Two Step--These guys are a solid draw. We had them play the Narrows for the first time about a year ago. Drew a large crowd and they put on a heck of a show. They've been working musical venues in this area for decades. Might be a sell out, so don't wait too long for this one.

September 14
Richard Shindell--Wow, we're talking September already. This will be his second visit. He's a national, perhaps international, legend to those following the serious singer/songwriter types.

Grateful Dead's Donna Jean Makes Narrows' Scene

She's not the first former member of the Grateful Dead to play the Narrows, but she probably has had a higher profile than the late Vince Welnick.

Donna Jean Godchaux brought her new crew, Kettle Joe's Psychedelic Swamp Revue, to the Narrows Friday night.

Although your humble blogger is far from being a rabid Grateful Dead fan or expert, there certainly was a Dead vibe, with extended guitar solos, layered vocals where there really wasn't a lead singer, and a general friendly groove.

Click her name to learn about Donna Jean.

Sneaky Pete Dies

Pedal steel guitar god Sneaky Pete died in early January; and your humble blogger missed the notice!

In case you did, I've dug up some info about his death and his career.

In short, Sneaky Pete was in the Flying Burrito Brothers with Americana saint Gram Parsons and underappreciated Narrows vet Chris Hillman, and did session work for John Lennon, Joe Cocker and many others.

Grabbed this from the Mercury News. Click right here.

See the Flying Burrito Brothers on youtube, featuring some fuzzy, psychedelic pedal steel from Sneaky Pete, by clicking here.

Sugar Hill Records Signs Sarah Borges

Roots label Sugar Hill Records has signed Narrows "discovery" Sarah Borges.

"We're very excited to have Sarah on Sugar Hill," says Kevin Welk, president of the Welk Music Group. "We are eager to expand on her already enthusiastic base and bring her music to a larger audience."

"I'm so happy to become a part of the Sugar Hill roster," says Borges. "The band and I are excited to be introduced to folks who are already fans of Sugar Hill artists, and we're looking forward to bringing our brand of rock'n'roll to the label's vast catalog of exceptional music."

Artists on Sugar Hill include Nickel Creek, the Duhks, James McMurtry, Dolly Parton and Tim O'Brien.

"I know I can speak for everyone at the Narrows in congratulating Sarah and her band on this accomplishment," said Narrows' emcee and blogger Steve Hug. "When Narrows president Patrick Norton first brought her to the Narrows a couple years back as an opening act, we didn't know what to expect. We were blown away from the start!"

Sugar Hill will release her label debut this year. Borges will go back into the studio with Paul Q. Kolderie, the Boston-based producer of her acclaimed 2005 album, Silver City (Blue Corn). Kolderie has more than 300 records under his belt as producer and engineer, including acts like Hole, Radiohead, Morphine, and scores of others.

Borges says the new record will be "a take-home version of our live show - full of energy and heartfelt songs, with a nod to the music that's come before us and an eye on our indie rock heritage."

Sugar Hill Records is owned by the Santa Monica-based Welk Music Group, who also owns the prestigious and historical Vanguard Records.