Coming To The Narrows June 15

Jimmie Dale Gilmore & Butch Hancock Coming Soon

Not yet posted: Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock coming to the Narrows--for the first time ever--July 27.

And Then There Were 2

Fairport Convention (acoustic), knocked down from 3 to 2 due to a last minute illness, kept the folks smiling at the Narrows on Saturday night.

Introduced as the "Rock Gods from Oxfordshire, Fairport Convention," founding member Simon Nichol, on the electric, and fiddler Ric Sanders bounded upon the stage enthusiastically, although they said they were worried about performing as a twosome (Chris Leslie (fiddle and mandolin) was sick back at the hotel.)

A large and appreciative crowd responded to the change without missing a beat, roaring with laughter at (usually) Simon's comments such as "if you don't recognize this song, maybe we should be back at the hotel too."

Put Our Patron Saint Into the Hall of Fame!

There's a petition out in cyberspace to put Narrows' patron saint Gram Parsons into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Your humble blogger just signed it.

To see the petition, click here.

Green Day's "Working Class Hero" Video On-Line

Check out Green Day's version of John Lennon's "Working Class Hero" by clicking here.

Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh Show Cancelled

This coming Saturday's concert with Danu's Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh has been cancelled.

The word your blogger got is that she's having throat issues.

No word if it will be rescheduled.

Your humble blogger has been listening to her CD. It's a good 'un!

Eilen Jewell Returns

Eilen Jewell and her crack band returned to the Narrows Friday night with a new CD and a new set of songs. Officially the CD is not getting released for another month, but it was nonetheless for sale.

Narrows fave Ryan Fitzsimmons, backed by a band, opened the evening with an energetic set.

Bad news for all those with a crush on Ryan: he announced that he's engaged!

Handle With Care: The Wilburys Return

The record "Handle With Care" was one of the more enjoyable hit singles over the past couple decades.

As you probably know, it was performed by a kind of loose supergroup of Beatle George, Jeff Lynn (mastermind of Beatlesque group ELO), Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison. Roy died not long after the first record, which was a shame since he was on the comeback trail around that time (his hit "You Got It" produced by Jeff Lynne was fab).

Of course now, George is gone too.

But there's a release of some Wilbury stuff that's just happening. Read about it here.

Avett Brothers Have New Record

Narrows faves the Avett Brothers have a new record out. Read a review here.

James Cotton Coming

Another first for the Narrows:

September 21
James Cotton Band

I Wanna Be Sedated--Joey Ramone Photos!

Yesterday (Saturday) was the late Joey Ramone's birthday. And there was a birthday bash in the Big Apple!

Came across this photo blog with some cool shots of the Ramone's lead singer as well as a poster of the event, which had the New York Dolls as headliners.

Ga Ba Ga Ba Hey!

It's The Song

It was a night of powerhouse songwriters at the Narrows on Saturday night. But headliner Kris Delmhorst showed that not only is she an imaginative tune weaver, she's one of the best vocalists you'll hear anywhere. Kris, who lives in Western Massachusetts these days, has been playing the Narrows on a fairly regular basis over the past five years, and we hope she'll be stopping by for at least another five.

Narrows newcomer Ana Egge (below) opened the night with warmth and an enjoyable set of songs. She had to split before the evening ended because she had to drive to New York.

Ah, the life of a musician!

Leadbelly Faked It?

Inauthenticity makes great popular music, so says a new book. And Leadbelly knew how to fake it.

Details here.

Different Drummer

Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem brought their fun-loving string band sound to the Narrows for the first time in a long while on Friday night.

What can you say about a group whose drummer keeps the beat with things like a suitcase, a box and other non-musical items? But it's more than an interesting visual. On stage it adds the right sound to the ensemble.

Bo Diddley Has Stroke

One of the guys who started rock 'n' roll is in rough shape.

Read more.

The Slip Reach New Heights

Our buddies The Slip--another official Narrows' discovery--play live Thursday night on MTV Canada. It's to promote the Canadian release of their latest studio album EISENHOWER.

Congrats to the guys! Watch out for the polar bears up there!

Paul McCartney's Latest "Pretty Great"

Rolling Stone has weighed in on Paul McCartney's latest, being released June 5.

It's called "Memory Almost Full." Read their thoughts here.

Odds and Sods: Dar, Louden, Shipyard, Paulie

A little hither and thither:

--Anybody have any photos from our Dar Williams show? Your humble blogger was out of town that night (hey, sometimes even I have a life). If you have some and it's okay to put on this blog, please email me at slouishug@comcast.net.

--Some artists of interest releasing CDs this week: Louden Wainwright III (coming to the Narrows!); and the Avett Brothers, who have played the Narrows. Click here for others.

--Our faves from New Bedford, Shipyard Wreck, have a Fox 25 performance from October on YouTube. Nice camera work by the crew up there in Boston. See it here.

--Paul McCartney recently got a mandolin. Read more.

Barry & The Remains Album Being Released

Barry & The Remains, that legendary Boston band that toured with the Beatles in 1966, is re-releasing its sole album.

As you may or may not know, "Barry" is Barry Tashian, who backed Emmylou Harris for years. He also hung out with Narrows patron saint Gram Parsons.

Would anybody come to the show if we booked Barry & The Remains?

Anyway, the Boston Globe has a neat write-up.

Old Friends Drop By

Paul Rishell and Annie Raines hadn't played the Narrows since January, 2006, so there was some catchin' up to do when they hit the stage Saturday night.

First of all, they got married!

Then, they moved into her parents' house--"But they aren't there," noted Paul.

But--wait this is a music blog.

Their first set was just Paul and Annie, playing the acoustic blues. Paul showed his expert finger stylin' and even Annie, playing what appeared to be a mandolin, showed that she's been working on pickin' and grinnin' in addition to her harmonica duties.

The second set had 'em playing the Chicago blues, backed by a drummer, bass player and another guitarist.

This "first couple of the blues" was one of the first acts to play the Narrows way back when. Nice to have them drop by again!

Apparently the Providence Phoenix Cares

Big write up about Wilco in the latest Providence Phoenix.

See it here.

Wilco Streaming Live/Does Anybody Care?

Don't know if we have any Wilco fans around here (when the Narrows had a couple concerts with former Wilco mover-and-shaker Jay Bennett (photo) hardly anybody showed), but if there are they might want to listen to their soon-to-be-released CD.

It's streaming live right here.

Is Wilco only a Midwest fave? Inquiring minds want to know.

A Look At Books

Stumbled across some short book reviews you might find interesting.

Books are about Sister Rosetta Tharpe, whose music the Narrows celebrated with a special concert a couple years back; Townes Van Zandt; Jimmy Page; rockabilly; and other subjects.

Read more here.

Jimmy LaFave Has A New One Out

Texan Jimmy LaFave, who has played the Narrows a time or two, has a brand new CD out.

Learn more here.

He's currently not on the Narrows' schedule in 2007.

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.