Would You Come To See The Chesterfield Kings?

Your humble blogger is always looking for the latest thing, even if it's retro.

The Chesterfield Kings, hailing from Rochester, NY, apparently were instrumental in fostering the 1980s' neo-garage band movement. Lately, they've been making noise with their first release on Little Steven Van Zandt's Wicked Cool Records, "Psychedelic Sunrise." They appeared on Conan O'Brien's show a few days back.

Question: Would anyone from our loyal Narrows audence (or otherwise) come to see them?

Henry Butler & Leo Nocentelli at the Festival

The Big Easy was a big time part of the Narrows Festival of the Arts. Pianist Henry Butler & guitar whiz Leo Nocentelli teamed up for a set to prove it.

Festival Fotos Part Deux

More photos from the Narrows festival of the arts. This time jazz songstress Cassandre McKinley (we love her tribute to Marvin Gaye CD, btw) and folk singer/songwriter extraordinaire Slaid Cleaves.

If you have photos you took at the festival and would like to share, please leave a comment and a link below.

Narrows Festival Fotos

It was a helluva day, Sunday. The Narrows Festival of the Arts went on without a hitch--despite sometimes threatening skies--playing to a packed crowd who turned Anawan Street, just outside the Narrows doors, into a zydeco dance party.

At least at the end, which is where we'll begin. Buckwheat Zydeco wrapped up the day beginning about 5:45 p.m. with music that brought the crowd to its feet for most of the the hour and a half performance.

Buckwheat and his group were determined to make everybody smile, including the kids!

More fotos of other performances will be posted soon. If you have any to share, please leave a comment with a link.

Congratulations to Narrows president Patrick Norton and all the volunteers for putting on a celebration that will be long remembered.

Dickey Betts, Leo Kottke & More

Not yet on the official schedule:

February 15
Ollabelle
$18, $20

February 29
Dickey Betts and the Great Southern
$50, $55

March 7
James Cotton
$25, $28

April11
Leo Kottke
$40, $45

April 12
Sonny Landreth
$22, $25

Ghost Hunters Van

With the Narrows on a bit of a hiatus, your humble blogger has been doing different things to pass the time.

Labor Day your humble blogger swung by the Ghost Hunters' office in Warwick, RI...the front of the office looks different than on the TV show (it's been remodeled and there's no TAPS sign), but we went behind the office and spotted the familiar TAPS van from the SciFi Channel show "The Ghost Hunters." TAPS, I believe, stands for "Trans-Atlantic Paranormal Society" or something like that.

For more on the Ghost Hunters:

http://www.scifi.com/ghosthunters/

CBGB Guy Joins Joey Ramone in Heaven

More here.

Phil Spector in the Men's Room

Very cool article in Vanity Fair by the enduringly cool Dominick Dunne who bumps into Phil Spector in a men's room at a courthouse where the "Wall of Sound" madman is on trial for murder.

Dig it here.

Glam Gal Lori McKenna Photos at Newberry Comics

Narrows alum, now Faith Hill/Tim McGraw adopted daughter, Lori McKenna did a recent in-store appearance at the Newberry Comics in Avon, MA.

See the photos here. By the way, we think that's Narrows alum Mark Erelli backing her on mandolin.

Good things sometimes happen to very nice people. She's getting positive reviews on her major label debut. Good luck to her!!!! The music business is a tough one, and she deserves this recognition!

Mekons Review

The Mekons are coming back to the Narrows in October. Thought you might like to see a review of their new CD. See it here.

Found another review as well. See that one at this long address: www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/45020-natural

Cassandre McKinley For Free Sept. 9

Jazz vocalist Cassandre McKinley will be featured at the Narrows Festival of the Arts Sunday, Sept. 9, right outside the Narrows building.

Uh, oh...your humble blogger used the word "jazz." Jazz is dead, right?

Frankly, we love jazz but it's tough to draw an audience for it.

Nonetheless, come to the Narrows Festival of the Arts and dig Cassandre McKinley...you don't even need a ticket! It's free.

Read a write up about her here.

John Hammond and Mary Ann Rossoni/Al Basile Coming

Soon to be posted on the official Narrows schedule:

October 5
John Hammond
He's back! And he'll be banging his foot on the stage and shaking the room as before! John Hammond has spent forty years performing intense solo-acoustic blues. A Grammy Award winner and four time nominee, Hammond is also a multiple W.C. Handy award winner who has shared the stage and/or recorded with many of the masters, including Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker and Howlin' Wolf. John's passionate commitment to traditional blues made him the natural choice to host the BRAVO TV special The Search for Robert Johnson. His latest album, Push Comes To Shove was released to glowing reviews from the Washington Post, American Songwriter and others. http://www.johnhammond.com/.
$25, $28


November 8
Mary Ann Rossoni
Al Basile

Mary Ann Rossoni's new CD Timber and Nails comes out a few weeks before the show. She's a mainstay in the Providence folk/rock/alternative scene, but has earned airplay and recognition across the country. Her songs are tuneful, interesting and sometimes very funny! http://www.rossoni.com/. Al Basile is a former trumpet player for Roomful of Blues and still works with Duke Robillard, formerly of the group, on occasion. http://www.albasile.com/.

$12, $14

When We Weren't Looking...

Eilen Jewell: Sitting pretty in her very young career

When we weren't looking...

Narrows alum Eilen Jewell soared to damn near the top of the Americana radio chart. Check it out at http://www.americanaradio.org/...

Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles began making plans to head back into the studio...

The Narrows went on an extended break...next stuff is free. Visit http://www.ncfta.org/...

And the Narrows kicked off a fundraiser to pay off the elevator installation....See above for website...

Narrows alum Lori McKenna became a glamour girl and a big star. Good for her! Saw a big poster of her at Newberry Comics in Attleboro recently. Don't remember much of a crowd coming to her show at the Narrows way back when....

Your humble blogger brought together the music for a free concert at the end of September in Providence's Kennedy Plaza. Featuring Mary Ann Rossoni and Folks Together and others. Watch this space for more...

The new No Depression magazine came out...cover has Narrows alum Josh Ritter....

New Revolver magazine came out too...cover features Atreyu...metal forever, baby...

Your humble blogger has begun, once again, dreaming of a metal show at the Narrows...but it has to fit...how about the band Clutch? Sort of a bluesy jam band sort of thing...would you attend?

Bob Dylan is not playing McCoy this year...

Your humble blogger has been listening to Steve Earle's Guitar Town CD...fab songwriter...like the way he mumbles when he sings...

Your humble blogger also listening to Keith Jarrett CD called The Impulse Story...is jazz dead?

And...when we weren't looking the summer began slipping away...

All hail to cooler temps!

Blogger to Blogger

One of our Narrows regulars has a blog about the various musical festival she and her husband attend.

Check it out:

http://festiveliving.blogspot.com/

Robert Fripp Coming November 2

Just added--Robert Fripp on November 2.

Should be up on the official schedule soon.

Visit www.ncfta.org and take a look.

Sunday at Celebrates

The Iguanas (at least some of them) If you look to the right of the bass player, you'll see guitar great Mike Castellana from Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles watching the proceedings from the back.

The Narrows Center for the Arts provided a stage on Sunday evening to wrap up Fall River Celebrates America.


Sarah is clapping her hands, not praying (though it looks that way).

It marked the homecoming of Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles after being on the endless highway across the country and then some. Your humble blogger spent time chatting with some of the members, getting up to date with what's happening, including talk of video work and getting back into the studio.


The Iguanas, from New Orleans, returned to Fall River and ended the night with their combination of funk, Latin, Cajun, and who knows what.


This year's Fall River Celebrates America marked the first time the Narrows and the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce, which produced Celebrates America, joined forces for the arts. In addition to Sunday night's performances, The Narrows brought in Duke Robillard, Los Lobos, Dave Mason and others.


Your humble blogger thinks it was a great beginning! Congrats to Narrows prez Patrick Norton and the volunteers, along with Peter Kortright and the other folks at the chamber.

Arlo Guthrie Featured in Projo

Today's Projo carries a Boston Globe story about Arlo Guthrie turning 60, and what he's been up to, including getting cited for being a public nuisance again.

See it here.

Friday's Fotos

Prof. Louie and the Crowmatix

Some photos from Friday night at the Narrows tent at Fall River Celebrates America.

Duke Robillard

Toni Lynn Washington

Narrows Alum John Cowan Featured

Narrows alum John Cowan is featured at folkalley.com.

See the stuff here.

Narrows Kicks Off First Stage At Fall River Celebrates

It was a soggy Friday night, but the Narrows kicked off its stage at Fall River Celebrates America in a fine manner.

The stage is located in a tent to the right if you're facing the Heritage State Park visitors' center from the Carousel/Battleship parking lot. Have you got that?

Professor Louie and the Crowmatix kicked things off with their Band-like sound (Professor Louie used to produced The Band), followed by blues singer Toni Lynn Washington, and capped off by Duke Robillard.

Pictures will be posted soon. Watch this spot!

Your humble blogger will at Sunday's Sarah Borges show at 6 p.m. and the Iguanas show right after. See you there.

For more details, visit http://www.ncfta.org/.

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss Team Up

Led Zep singer Robert Plant and bluegrass honey Alison Krauss have collaborated on an album due out in October on Rounder.

Read more here.

Dead Head Alert!

Well, well, well. Donna Jean Godchaux--who did time with the Grateful Dead--and her crew have changed their name.

Last visit they were called Kettle Joe's Psychedelic Swamp Revue. Now they're called Donna Jean and the Tricksters.

She's joined, as before, by Mookie Seagal (Phil Lesh and Friends), and members of the Zen Tricksters.

It's a psychedelic stew of rock, soul, and jam band.

They're coming in November. Visit www.ncfta.org for more.

Elevator Work Moving Forward--Fiscal Help Needed!

The photo is that of the temporary enclosure around the work being done to install an elevator at the Narrows.

Your fiscal support of this project is still needed!

Details here.

The Award

Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock Wrap Up Summer

Trad country Texans Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock wrapped up the Narrows summer concert season Friday night. The next shows in the facility are in September.

But the Narrows will have several stages at this year's Fall River Celebrates America. Visit www.ncfta.org for more information.

Anyway, it was the first visit of these legendary performers to the Narrows. Jimmie Dale graced us with his country soul vocals and his cosmic, almost childlike take on the world. Butch Hancock was more down-to-earth; the two balanced each other nicely.

Tickets Still Available for Tonight's Show

As of right now there are still a good chunk of tickets available for tonight's (Friday) Jimmy Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock show, so showing up at the door should be no problem.

This is the first time we've hosted these folks, and response has been good.

See you tonight at the Narrows?

Tony Trischka & Savoy Brown Added to Fall Schedule

Not yet posted.

November 23
Tony Trischka's Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular
$20, $23

November 30
Savoy Brown
$18, $20

Some photos of last year's Savoy Brown show available in the December, 2006 section of this blog.

RI Monthly Hitting The Streets

Your humble blogger has already received his copy of the new issue of RI Monthly (August 2007) in which the Narrows gets a "Best of RI" award for being the best place to hit the road to see a concert.

Page 74.

I'm sure I'm speaking for Patrick Norton and all of the volunteer staff, management and board of directors in saying that it was only possible through the willingness of our patrons to come to the shows over the past 5 years, to make donations and to spread the word about the Narrows.

This is a big win for all of us who love the Narrows!

Slaid Cleaves Song Used For Car Commercial?

Was it me, or was that a Slaid Cleaves song I heard on a car commercial yesterday?

Can't seem to find any info. Anybody know?

Narrows Gets "Best of RI" Award

Narrows president Patrick Norton accepted a "Best of RI" award from RI Monthly earlier this week. (In case you didn't know, the Narrows is located just over the line in MA.)

We assume that the next issue of the publication will have a write up of some sort; this was available this week from the magazine:

"Sure, there’s plenty of good music in Rhode Island, but sometimes a good melody –inspired road trip is in order. When the urge hits, head to The Narrows, a Goldilocks-sized (not-too-big, not-too-small at 280 seats) performance space in a renovated mill overlooking the water. Roots music is centerstage here- bluegrass, blues, folk and country by musicians ranging from big names like Richie Havens to talented up-and comers like Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles. An added bonus: you can bring your own food and alcohol, a sure sign this is as far away from the corporate produced concert scene as you can get."

Jerry Missed The Gig

While Jerry Garcia fulfills other commitments, Buddy Cage did the honors

The New Riders of the Purple Sage, once a side project for the Dead's Jerry Garcia, brought their cosmic Americana country approach to the Narrows for the first time Friday night.

Original members David Nelson (who was once a candidate to replace Bob Weir in the Dead) noodled with steel guitar whiz Buddy Cage, as members of the crowd danced.

New Shows Include First Visit By Rodney Crowell

Not yet posted:

October 6
Rodney Crowell
$25, $28

Jan 11
Old School Freight Train
$15, $17

Jan 18
Jorma Kaukonen
$30, $35

Newport Folk Festival Film on Concert TV

If you subscribe to Cox or Comcast cable, chances are you can see a 45 minute film about the Newport Folk Festival, 1963-1966.

See Bob Dylan ask "Does anybody have an E harmonica?" People throw several on stage.

See Peter Yarrow--of Peter, Paul and Mary--with a healthy head of hair.

See Howlin' Wolf, Son House, John Hurt and Fred McDowell live.

See Joan Baez and Judy Collins.

See Narrows' alum Odetta sing with Pete Seeger about "studying war no more."

Humble Blogger Seeks Rejuvenation at Fountain of Youth

Your humble blogger is reporting live from FLA, a center for death metal, Jimmy Buffet and the Bellamy Brothers.

And, of course, the Fountain of Youth, located in St. Augustine.

It's in a park that your humble blogger suspects is run by a commune of hippies.

Pete Seeger & Bruce Springsteen Record Together

It was a natural, after Bruce Springsteen's CD and tour recognizing the pioneering music of Pete Seeger.

Bruce and Pete have done a couple of tracks together.

Details here.

Emmylou Harris Plans Releases

Came across this info about what the Queen of Alt.Country Emmylou Harris is up to.

Lori McKenna, Mark Erelli, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

It's nice to see when nice people do good.

Narrows alum Lori McKenna (that's her in the photo) has been kinda "adopted" by country superstars Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. And Narrows alum Mark Erelli ain't doing badly himself.

Read more in this article from projo.com.

Bryan Ferry Croons Dylan

Style-driver Bryan Ferry has just put out a new CD--this time covering the songs of Bob Dylan.

It's called Dylanesque, and it's worth checking out.

For more click www.bryanferry.com.

Did You Work With Loudon Wainwright III In RI?

In a fab article in the latest No Depression magazine, it's noted that Louden Wainwright III (coming to the Narrows later this year; visit www.ncfta.org) "worked for a time in a Rhode Island boatyard..." in the late 1960s.

No other details, but perhaps You know a bit more, or maybe even worked with him!

Leave a message if you have info.

See Earlier Version of Songs Covered by Sarah Borges

One of your humble blogger's favorite tracks on the new Sarah Borges' CD is "Stop and Think It Over," written by a fairly obscure garage rocker named Greg Cartwright.

Turns out he's not so terribly obscure. He produced a new CD for Mary Weiss, former lead singer of the '60s girl group "The Shangri-Las" (one of their big hits was "Walking in the Sand").

On that CD is "Stop and Think It Over."

Mary Weiss did it on Conan O'Brien and you can see her performance here.

Also, Sarah covers "False Eyelashes" which you can see Dolly Parton in the 1960s sing right here.

Aztec Two-Step: Feel Good Music

Aztec Two-Step's Rex Fowler provides the visual as the duo sings about "velvet Elvis."

A satisfied patron was heard saying after the concert that it was a night of "feel good music."

A great description of the show, as Aztec Two-Step had the house humming Saturday night with their poppy folk approach that was serious, but didn't take itself too seriously.

It was a nice send-off for the Narrows, as it takes a few weeks off (hopefully to get the elevator project going). Next show is July 12. Learn more at www.ncfta.org.

"Backstage at the Narrows," however, is not expecting to take a hiatus. Please continue checking this space for news, reviews and more.

Walter Wolfman Howls At The Narrows

Walter Wolfman Washington and the Roadmasters made a triumphant return to the Narrows Friday night, bringing the soulful and jazzy sounds of New Orleans.

The Wolf, although an understated guitar hero, nonetheless unleased some tasty riffs, as did his horn section (trumpet and sax), drummer and bass player.

The Wolf is a pretty fair vocalist, too. He reminds your humble blogger of an understated (like his guitar playing) Al Green.

The show was an official "lock," as declared by your humble blogger, who was nearly moved to tears when a member of the audience came up to him and noted that he had picked another great one.

A "lock" is a show from a lesser known artist that your humble blogger guarantees as excellent, throwing the full force of his tremendous influence and insight so people will buy tickets.

Keep an eye on this space for the next "lock."

Mekons, Bill Morrisey, Peter Case and Others Coming

Not yet posted:

October 4
The Mekons

October 13
Pendragon

October 19
Beausoleil

October 20
Bill Morrissey &
Peter Case

Narrows Prez Talks Importance of Arts to Commerce

Narrows president Patrick Norton spoke to a large chamber of commerce audience at the Venus de Milo in Swansea Thursday night and urged them to recognize the importance of the arts to the economy.

Narrows patrons, for example, usually come from outside the immediate area, and spend dollars on food, gas and lodging, he pointed out.

His message was particularly relevant since the Fall River area routinely gets left behind during economic recoveries and feels the hurt the worst during recessions. And despite plenty of arts opportunities being available through the Narrows Center for the Arts and other organizations, he noted that he still hears "there's nothing to do in Fall River." Not true.

Patrick made his remarks during ceremonies in which he was awarded a John S. Brayton, Jr. Memorial Community Service Award for his volunteer service to the community. The award is made annually by the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

As noted in the event's program booklet, Patrick was born and raised in Fall River. After high school he was a performing musician, gigging with various bands across New England. He later graduated from UMASS Dartmouth.

Patrick and Maggie Norton: The First Couple of the Arts on the SouthCoast

He's been a volunteer at the Narrows for a decade, and previously served as vice president. He developed the Narrows' concert schedule and co-founded what's now known as the Narrows Festival of the Arts. He's served the past couple years as Narrows president, overseeing all aspects of the operation, from events to whether the plumbing works. He is also a youth soccer coach, serves on the board of directors of People, Inc. and was recently elected vice president of the newly formed Arts United.

His paying gig is as district representative for Congressman Jim McGovern. He's married to Narrows volunteer Maggie and they have two kids (who also volunteer at the Narrows): Ben, who's ten years old and at one time sported a Mohawk haircut; and seven year old Owen, who digs bands with drummers.

Congrats to Patrick and the Norton family, including his proud dad, former Senator Thomas Norton, who looked spiffy in his tux.

Ruthie Foster Reviewed

Your humble blogger is once again writing for americanaroots.com based down there in the Lone Star State.

His latest offering is a review of Narrows veteran Ruthie Foster's latest CD. Read it here.

No Depression Magazine Should Be Called "Narrows Magazine"

The new No Depression magazine might be called the "Narrows Magazine" as it has sizable features on Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles and Eilen Jewell, both Narrows mainstays.

No Depression writer Lloyd Sachs calls our adopted daughter Sarah "a dark-haired beauty"--hey, watch it fella, stick to the music and keep your eyes off the prize! "What Borges is," he writes, "...is a bright, unaffected fully charged artist with a knack for casting upbeat light even on the 'sad and pissed off' songs she says she is most comfortable doing."

Scott Brodeur writes about our other adopted daughter, Eilen Jewell--"Whether they're her own compositions, or tunes from the likes of Bob Dylan...Eric Andersen...or Charlie Rich, Jewell's achingly charming voice convinces you these characters exist, and that she has tossed back at least a few whiskeys with them."

There's also an article about a guy no stranger to the Narrows--he's played at our beloved mill space as Chip Taylor's guitarist--John Platania. John, by the way, was Van Morrison's guy before he worked for Chip--that's John's playing on "Into the Mystic," "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Moondance." John's got a solo CD out.

New York Doll

If your cable system has the Sundance Channel on-demand, you might want to check out the movie "New York Doll," about the post-rock star life of New York Dolls' bassist Arthur "Killer" Kane.

Patrick Norton, Narrows' president, turned your humble blogger on to this offering, and I wanted to share this info with you.

Watched it Sunday afternoon. Very cool!

For an in-depth write-up on the film, click here.

New New Riders' CD Getting Noticed

Thought the New Riders of the Purple Stage was all about the past?

Hold on there, bucko, the New Riders have a new CD--and it just got noticed by one of the "bibles" of the radio industry, Friday Morning Quarterback.

Check this out. It's for the Triple A format (in this area, WBOS in Boston), which is more mainstream than your Americana format (I guess WUMB in Boston is Americana; WMVY on Martha's Vineyard is perhaps one too.)

The New Riders are coming to the Narrows very soon. Visit http://www.ncfta.org/ for more.

Led Zep Bassist Jams with Narrows Alums

Narrows alums Uncle Earl jammed with Led Zepplin bassist John Paul Jones at the Bonnaroo festival the other day.

See the photo and story here.

Sarah Borges Rocks This Town....Oh Yeah!

Assuring the crowd, which included her mom, dad and grandma, that she was wearing shorts under her go-go minidress, Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles kicked total ass at the Narrows Friday night. That's the only way to describe it!

Sarah and bassist Binky get down on the stage, nearly rockin' through the boards! Love those tattoos!

It was the hometown record release party of her first release on a major label, Sugarhill Records, and she and the boys were certainly up to the task of bringing the crowd to its feet and dancing in the aisles. "Diamonds in the Dark" is a strong release, and is already garnering attention at radio stations and newspapers across the land.

Sarah and the crew, by the way, are an official Narrows discovery. She noted that she opened for Grace Potter and the Nocturnals a couple years back, and she had dreamed of filling the place herself. She pretty much did that Friday night. Your humble blogger remembers that show a couple years back, thinking that Sarah and her guys gave Grace a run for her money. Sarah was fairly unknown at that point. Your humble blogger, though, thought that her first CD "Silver City," was one of the best records he had heard in a long while.

Jimmy Ryan and his very hot band Hayride, opened the night with Sarah's guitar guy, Mike Castellana, filling in on guitar and Sarah, herself, getting in on the fun. Kudos to Jimmy for a solid, rocking opening.

Guitar whiz Mike Castellana (of the Broken Singles) sits in with Jimmy Ryan for his entire set while Sarah contributes vocals to a tune.

Sarah Borges Getting the Press

Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles do their hometown record release party at the Narrows Friday night.

And in anticipating the show she's gettin' some good press.

Here's something in The Patriot Ledger.

And how about this in the Providence Journal.

Tickets are still available. See ya Friday night?

Addendum: Check out this story in the Boston Herald.

Sarah Borges Gets Thumbs Up on USA Today Blog

"Pop Candy," a blog for USA Today has praised "Diamonds in the Dark," Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles' new CD (being released Tuesday).

Read more here.

See Sarah and the guys this Friday at the Narrows.

Monkee Throws Banana Peel At Rolling Stone Head

Narrows alum, and ex-Monkee, Peter Tork says the head of Rolling Stone magazine is keeping The Monkees out of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.

Read more here.

Little Steven Saving Rock 'n' Roll

Tonight Little Steven Van Zandt wraps up his role on The Sopranos, but he continues his roles as Bruce Springsteen's guitarslinger, as host of radio's "Little Steven's Underground Garage," one of the hippest radio shows ever, and as a columnist for Billboard Magazine.

The show is carried Sunday mornings on 94.1 WHJY from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. (Disclosure: WHJY is owned by Clear Channel, which your humble blogger works for part-time.) Last I checked, all of the shows are carried as podcasts on the website as well, plus there's a whole underground garage channel on one of the satellite services.

Anyway, Salon.com has an interview with Little Steven, which touches on the fact that rock 'n' roll ain't happen' like it use to. You might have to scroll down a bit to read the interview if you're checking this out after Sunday.

Meet Walter Wolfman Washington

New Orleans blues/soul guitarist Walter Wolfman Washington is playing the Narrows on Friday, June 22.

Your humble blogger has declared this show a "lock"--meaning that even if you've never heard of The Wolf you will enjoy this show.

But perhaps you need more info.

Well, I found an interview with him done last year. Check it out here.

Fan Fotos From Fairport Convention

A nice person emailed your humble blogger with some additional shots from the Fairport Convention (acoustic) show.

See 'em right here.

Thanks for sharing!

Ronnie Earl Takes It To The People

World-renowned Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters brought their energetic take on blues and soul to the Narrows Friday night.

Ronnie spent a lot of the time in the aisles, giving personal solos to members of the audience.

Is that a B3 organ there?

B52s To Release New Album

The folks from Athen, GA who seemed to have taken Yoko Ono's sound and made it commercial--the B52s--are slated to release their first album in a good number of years.

More details here.

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.