Josh Ritter: Somewhere in the UK

I happened to be perusing mog.com when I came across a write up by a UK mogger, as it were, about a Josh Ritter show apparently in the UK (I didn't see a mention where).

The celebrated Josh Ritter, as you probably guessed, is a Narrows alum.

Without further ado, here's the concert review.

Fotos: Greencards and Tripping Lily

Thanks to Herb T. for stepping up to the plate and emailing some photos in from Saturday night's show starring the Greencards with openers Tripping Lily. Your humble Backstage Blogger forgot his camera.

A couple of the Greencards up top, and pretty much all of Tripping Lily down below.

Nice to see young 'uns making roots music, huh?

Featurette on Eliza Gilkyson

Came across a little featurette on Narrows alum Eliza Gilkyson on folkalley.com.

She's played the Narrows a time or two but is not on our current schedule.

Of course that changes all the time.

For all you oldies fans, her dad Terry wrote "Greenfields," which I think was a hit for the Brothers 4 or somebody. He also wrote "The Bare Necessities" for Disney.

Anyway, the feature on Eliza is here.

Random Ramblings from Your Backstage Blogger

Your humble Backstage Blogger, aka BSB, has been nosing around a bit, looking for scraps of info to pass along to the readers.

Here we go:

• The guitar auction benefiting the Narrows should begin on Wednesday on Ebay. A wonderful benefactor has donated many beautiful guitars for this auction, which is likely already creating a buzzzzzz among guitar aficionados. If you've attended a Narrows' concert recently you may have picked up the flyer so you can purchase a guitar at the minimum bid price. Keep an eye on http://www.ncfta.org/, the Narrows website, for more information over the next 48 hours or so.

• While your BSB missed the Friday night show with Donna Jean, formerly of the Dead, I did emcee the Greencards' show on Saturday night. Good crowd showed for the first-time appearance of this highly acclaimed Aussie/Brit roots ensemble. The opener was a Cape Cod group of youngsters called Tripping Lily, who charmed the audience with their songs and personalities. Both the Greencards and Tripping Lily look to be folks in their twenties, more or less. It's great to see that today's roots movement is being driven by young musicians (Think of Ollabelle, Uncle Earl, the Mammals--all kids in the eyes of your BSB).
  

• But the old guys (and women) get the job done too. Tony Trischka, coming to the Narrows on Friday, has a terrific new CD out this year. Your humble BSB has toiled at his real job with "Tony Trischka's Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular" on the CD player a time or two. Very tasty stuff. Your BSB believes one doesn't have to be a bluegrass fan to dig it.
  

• Parking for a visit to the Narrows is usually not a big deal. It was a bit challenging on Saturday night because--we hear from a reliable source--that our friends at the Battleship Massachusetts held a sleep-over on the Battleship for youngsters.

• Don't forget the elevator fund. Last I checked we raised about $15,000 for the $40,000 last-stage-of-the-project. Go to http://www.ncfta.org/ for more info.

• New suggestion: If you bring it in, please take it with you. A member of the audience suggested this awhile ago. If you bring bottles etc. to the Narrows, kindly take them with you for final disposal. You don't have to--we have trash barrels etc. But, remember, clean up (and everything else except for the music and art) is performed by volunteers.
  

• Our buddies Louie Leeman and Cheap Sneakers are opening for Savoy Brown in the final hours of November. Make sure you arrive early enough to catch Louie and the crew. Solid musicians who know how to entertain. Special salute to the group for helping your BSB at a charitable event put on by the Providence Rotary back in September.
  

• From our "Would Hank Have Done It This Way?" Department--Bob Dylan, Jack White and others have put music behind Hank Williams Sr. lyric sheets that may have been with the Hankster when the 29-year-old "stepped on a rainbow" (as Kinky Friedman would put it) more or less on January 1, 1953 in the back of a Caddy. More info from Paste magazine.

• Nice to see Kinky on Robert McNeil's "Do You Speak American?" on PBS. Kinky was on a segment about talk deep in the heart of Texas. Btw, I notice some people call Robert "Robin." Anybody know what's up with that?

• A belated farewell to Porter Wagoner, who died recently. He never got the respect he deserved from us hipsters until the very end of his life. We elites embraced his last CD which came out earlier this year. Your BSB has yet to get an earful, though. It's called "Wagonmaster." When your humble BSB was growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Wagoner's show used to come on to the TV. We, of course, got up from our chairs and changed the channel. Mostly because he dressed in rhinestone outfits and slicked his hair back in a rather odd way to our eyes. Porter, btw, helped make Dolly Parton a star.

• Speaking of opening acts, don't miss Mark T. Small opening for Johnny Winter in January at the Narrows. He puts on an energetic show and is very swift with his fingers on the fretboard.
  

• Wanna work off the turkey and stuffings? Come to the Sarah Borges show Saturday after T-Day. An energetic time is guaranteed for all!

That's it for now. Hope to post some photos from the Greencards show soon.

Read All About It!

Eilen Jewell Releases EP

It's already starting to get added onto Americana format radio stations across the nation: A 5-song EP from Narrows' fave Eilen Jewell called Heartache Boulevard. Her most recent full-album release, by the way, Letters from Sinners and Strangers, did extremely well on the Americana chart.

For more info about the EP, click here.

Donna Jean Musical Photo Montage

This Friday Donna Jean and the Tricksters come to the Narrows for their--kind of--2nd visit.

Donna Jean, formerly of The Grateful Dead (and a back-up singer for Elvis), came to these shores awhile back with a different band set-up.

Interesting factoid: Donna Jean sang back up on Percy Sledge's "When A Man Loves A Woman."

Anyway, a nice fan put together a musical photo montage of Donna and the group. Might be a nice way to get a feel for what they do, if you're unfamiliar.

Click here.

Crooked Still Worth A Mil

Saturday night the Narrows welcomed roots youngsters Crooked Still for the first time.

It was a packed house, maybe a sell-out, which we were surprised at since the group really hadn't worked the area much, other than playing at Summerfest in New Bedford a couple years back.

But Crooked Still showed why a lot of the crowd was willing to travel from Boston--some even attending the group's show the preceding night in Beantown--to hear them play.

They were charming, funny and experts at their instruments. Most of all the evening was just good-old-fashioned entertainment, roots-music style.

Some Crooked Still news: their fab cellist(above, left)--the only string player to ever get a full scholarship from Berklee College of Music--is leaving to focus on another project. So the group is being re-configured over the next few weeks.

Cowtown's Elana Returns/So Do New Riders

Not yet posted:

January 12
Elana James

This show is a lock! Guaranteed to warm up a January evening. Violinist Elana was in the fabled string jazz group "Hot Club for Cowtown" that played the Narrows and toured with Dylan. Is it folk? Is it jazz? Is it Western Swing? The answer is: yes, all those and more. www.elanajames.com.

$18, $20


January 25
Bettye LaVette

USA Today says "LaVette's chill-inducing performance is without question one of the finest you'll hear all year." She's recognized as one of the finest soul singers. Learn more by going to her website: www.bettyelavette.com. By the way, we've spelled her first name correctly. It is Bettye.

$22, $25

January 26
Roots of Creation

Jam banders unafraid to let their freak flag fly as they boogie through all sorts of funky rhythms. Every time we have these folks in, we love them even more. www.rootsofcreation.com.

$10, $12


February 8
New Riders of the Purple Sage

A seminal country rock band that used to be a Jerry Garcia side-project. Get your tickets early for these psychedelic space cowboys! www.nrpsmusic.com.

$25, $28

Sheryl Crow Album Due Out In February

Sheryl Crow has a new album coming out in February. While Sheryl has never played the Narrows, we know there are Sheryl fans who go to our shows.

A musician on one of her albums, Jay Bennett, has performed at the Narrows. He used to be in Wilco.

More on Ms. Crow's stuff here.

Death in the Family

As you may have heard, tonight's show with Iris Dement has been moved to December 1.

The word is there was a death in her family.

Our condolences to her and her family. We look forward to seeing her December 1.

For more info regarding tickets, please visit www.ncfta.org.

The Eagles Whip Britney Spears (On the Chart)

Yes, they're only selling it at Wal-Mart, but The Eagles latest CD "Long Road Out of Eden" is pretty darn likeable. Some of your Backstage Blogger's friends refuse to go into Wal-Mart--but your blogger dares to venture where many will not in pursuit of music.

Quick story: I'm in Wal-Mart looking for the CD, which wasn't in the regular location for CDs from The Eagles. So I bump into a gentleman who asks "You looking for the new Eagles' CD? Me too."

Together, almost arm-in-arm, we paraded around the Wal-Mart in Seekonk until we--aha!--came upon a special display. My feelings that I had found a kindred spirit, however, were shattered when the guy asks "Do you like Chicago, too?"

Being the snob I am I, of course, replied, "I liked their early stuff, when Terry Kath played guitar for them." (Kath lost his life in an apparent accident with a gun early in Chicago's career.)

By the way (and the real reason for this blog entry): The Eagles beat out Britney Spears on the latest Billboard chart. Details here.

What your very humble Backstage Blogger wants to know: wasn't Britney's career pretty much over for now?

Maybe Britney is smarter than we think.

Ex-Ramones Manager Murdered

The news continues to be sad from the Ramones' camp...their ex-manager, who went on to a prolific career as a real estate agent "to the stars," apparently was murdered.

Interesting life, interesting career. Tragic end.

More here from Newsday.

1949 Woody Guthrie Performance Now Available

The Guthrie Archive has released a 1949 performance of Woody Guthrie, father of Arlo, grandfather of Narrows alum Sara Lee Guthrie, role model for Bob Dylan, and composer of "This Land is Your Land" among many other tunes.

To see the write up by the Guthrie folks go here.

To read a review that is somewhat critical of the release, click here.

IWAY Opening Cuts Travel Time to Narrows

The long-awaited opening of the eastbound IWay took place today.

In short, it means folks traveling 95N to 195E to, of course, the Narrows from south of downtown Providence will be shaving some time from their trip.

Your humble blogger traveled the new ramp and bridge today to get a firsthand look.

Currently, it's only for the eastbound hookup to route 195.

New England Bluegrassers Make Narrows Debut

Not yet in the schedule, but here on this very humble blog:


January 10
Judith Owen
British folk-rock guru Richard Thompson was so impressed by this Welsh folk-jazz chanteuse and songwriter that he invited her to perform on his tour, “1000 Years of Popular Music.” She's gotten rave reviews from the New York Times, the Boston Globe and others, and has performed on The Today Show. And she's married to funny guy Harry Shearer, with whom she's performed as well. www.judithowen.net.

$13, $15

Feb 9
Eric Lindell
The Washington Post calls him "a rock-'n'-soul man in the tradition of Van Morrison and Southside Johnny but with a twist: Lindell has spent the past seven years in New Orleans." Learn more at
www.ericlindellband.com.

$15, $17

April 5
Northern Lights
If you've followed the bluegrass scene over the past 30 years, you've heard of this group, which has received widespread recognition across the nation--even recording with Alison Krauss and Peter Rowan! Learn their history and who's in their latest version by visiting their website www.northernlightsband.com.

$15, $17

Vote In The Boston Music Awards

Narrows faves Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles and The Slip are up for Boston Music Awards, along with Narrows alum (she played at the Narrows just once we think) Lori McKenna, who had her major label debut this year, thanks to Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

Anyway, there are a bunch of categories, including metal (your humble blogger digs Killswitch Engage), and YOU can vote.

We, of course, urge you to support Sarah and her crew, The Slip and Lori McKenna (one of the good folks who has worked many years for her success).

Don't know why Narrows-most-recent-discovery Eilen Jewell wasn't nominated, since her latest CD did extremely well on the national Americana chart.

For more click here.

Eagles' CD Brings Back 70s' California Cool

Your humble blogger picked up the Eagles new CD--their first full studio recording in nearly three decades--at Walmart, which is the exclusive distributor at this point at least. It became available on Tuesday.

If you enjoy the Eagles laid back, kinda out-in-the-desert sound, this CD won't disappoint. Trademark harmonies and a country rock feel abound.

Read more from Rolling Stone here.

Priest Co-Wrote "Hello Mary Lou"

If you're an oldies fan, you're probably familiar with Ricky Nelson's "Hello Mary Lou."

Did you know that a Dominican priest has a co-composer credit along with Gene Pitney?

Details here.

California Guitar Trio

While the Red Sox were doing their thing in the World Series, the California Guitar Trio were doing their thing--fabulous guitar virtuosity--at the Narrows on Saturday night.

These guys are graduates of Robert Fripp's League of Crafty Guitarists (coming this Friday), and showed that they must have graduated with "straight A's" as they wowed the crowd with intricate melodies and complex musical interplay among the three guitarists.

Above is a photo of them closing the show with a beautiful instrumental version of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody."

If you missed this show, be sure to catch them the next time--especially if you have any interest in fine guitar work.

Guitar Auction to Benefit Narrows

In just a few days, the Narrows will have its first-ever guitar auction. Details will be up on www.ncfta.org in early November.

Proceeds will benefit the Narrows, of course.

Minimum bids range from $300 to $7,500, according to info provided today to your humble blogger.

Guitars were generously provided by Matthew Brown, a guitar collector living in Europe.

Porter Wagoner Battles Lung Cancer

Longtime country star Porter Wagoner, who released a critically acclaimed CD in 2007, is battling lung cancer.

He's also known by we folkie/Americana types for fostering the career of Dolly Parton, who--despite her "over the top" image--is a talented songwriter and musician now celebrated in the folk/Americana community.

For more info on this story, click here.

Jug Band Music Movie Featuring Narrows' Fave

A movie called "Chasin' Gus' Ghost" recently debuted at the Woodstock Film Festival.

It's a history of jug band music, and features Narrows alums John Sebastian (pictured), Jim Kweskin, Geoff Muldaur, Charlie Musselwhite, and Paul Rishell and Annie Raines. Also featured: Bob Weir and David Grisman.

Learn more here.

The Artwork of Richie Havens

Narrows fave Richie Havens will be performing at the Narrows in December, but his artwork will arrive about a month before his appearance and be displayed in our gallery.

To see more of his artwork, click here.

Escovedo Returns Right After Christmas

Here's a new addition to our schedule:

December 27
Alejandro Escovedo

Escovedo's acclaimed 7th album, The Boxing Mirror (produced by Velvet Underground guy John Cale, who has produced Patti Smith, Jonathan Richman and others) finds the artist mixing rock 'n' roll, pop-rock, Mexican-American and more as the songs trace his recovery from severe illness. Rolling Stone critic David Fricke has asked "What does it take to make this man a star?" He's already that for many of us. Visit http://www.alejandroescovedo.com/.

$20, $23

Du Cafe?

Beausoleil is the first group your humble blogger ever worked with that had a coffee urn in the dressing room. The smell of fresh-brewed coffee filled the Friday night air--a nice change!

They mentioned that they had a rather enjoyable dinner at a local restaurant just before the show, so perhaps they wanted to make sure that the great food didn't make them feel too content.

And judging from the dancing, the coffee did the trick!

Timber & Nails

Mary Ann Rossoni is an incredibly dedicated songwriter. Your humble blogger goes way back with her, playing coffee houses and sitting in on songwriting critique sessions with her.

Nobody respects the song more than Mary Ann, and nobody respects the fact that songwriting is more than inspiration--it's a craft, like woodworking or acting, that requires the honing of skills.

Mary Ann has been unafraid to workshop her songs with other songwriters, listening to their praise and criticism and acting accordingly. And when she and her musical partner went their separate ways about a decade ago, she knew she had to improve her guitar and singing skills because she could really only lean on herself on-stage to deliver those precious songs.

Your humble blogger remembers that when she was approached by a record company who wanted to sign her, instead of--like many other artists--jumping at the chance, she brought in professional representation to ensure it was a fair relationship. Like with her music, she knew that good things come from hard work.

And she's not just focused on her career, she cares about others bigtime: Your humble blogger should note that when he put together compilation CDs to benefit good causes, Mary Ann was always one of the first artists to say "yes." In fact, she specially wrote one song, Emma Lee, for one of the CDs, a song she has now refined and placed on Timber & Nails, her latest release.

The Narrows welcomes her on Thursday, November 8, and we hope you'll come to the show and hear the fruits of her labors.

Read the Providence Journal's review of her new CD here. If you go here, scroll down a bit for a write-up by the Providence Phoenix.

Italy Comes to the Narrows

Beppe Gambetta

Couple of new shows being added to our spring line-up:



Friday March 28
Beppe Gambetta

He lives in Italy, but much of his musical heart lies in the USA, where many of his influences--including Narrows alums Leo Kottke and Tony Rice--call home. He also cites Gypsy jazz guitar icon Django Reinhardt as an influence and often collaborates with Dawg music great David Grisman. This is a must show for serious students of the guitar. Hear what he sounds like by visiting his myspace page. Also, visit beppegambetta.com.

$15/$17

April 3
Greg Brown

He's a huge presence on the Americana/folk scene as a performer and a songwriter (Willie Nelson, Carlos Santana, Shawn Colvin and Mary Chapin Carpenter have covered his songs), and is likely to sell out the Narrows again. Get your tickets early for this one. http://www.gregbrown.org/.

$28/$31

Pendragon: Celtic Before It Was Cool

Rhode Island area treasures Pendragon did their annual October show at the Narrows Saturday night.

As you may know, Pendragon was onto the Celtic thing back when people said "sell-tic" as opposed to the hard "c" sound. A few fotos from Saturday night.

Karla Bonoff Debuts at Narrows

Friday night marked the debut of LA singer/songwriter Karla Bonoff at the Narrows, and it was a heck of an introduction. Producer/side guy Kenny Edwards kicked things off with several tunes from his first ever solo CD--he's made a ton of records (he's Bonoff's producer) but never got around to his own.

(As noted in an earlier entry in this blog, your humble blogger is a big fan of Mr. Edwards--to the point when I was introduced to the multi-instrumentalist-producer-former Stone Poney before the show I showed uncharacteristic enthusiasm, like a "fan." This apparently was unnerving to witnesses, according to other Narrows' volunteers. Your humble blogger pledges never to show an emotional crack in his professional music armor ever again.) BTW--for more info on the Stone Poneys, click here.

A youngish 56-year-old Bonoff played the tunes that made her fame as a songwriter, including "Somebody To Lay Down Beside Me," covered by Linda Ronstadt, and "Tell Me Why," a hit for Wynonna Judd. Ms. Bonoff noted that her song "All My Life, " a big hit for Ronstadt and Aaron Neville, is apparently popular at weddings "though I wouldn't know."

Despite being a night of ballads and mid-tempo numbers, the quality of the songwriting, Bonoff's stellar vocals, and the understated-yet-solid musicianship from Bonoff, Edwards and guitarist Nina Gerber engendered the energy to bring the crowd to its feet.

A quirky aside--Ms. Gerber brought her dog on stage for the show. Tootsie Gerber, unlike the appreciative audience, seemed to sleep through the music. It's the first time a dog has "performed" on the Narrows' stage.

Springsteen's "Magic" Is

Yeah, I know we're all too cool to admit we like Bruce Springsteen...but, hell, the guy has taken artistic risks--specifically The Seeger Sessions--and challenged himself in other ways. Bruce is a true artist.

Your humble blogger did not have one single Springsteen CD (Wait a minute--I might have the Seeger Sessions CD; can't remember) in his collection, until he heard the first single off of the "Magic" CD, called "Radio Nowhere." Since your humble blogger has had too many years behind a radio microphone not to take notice of a song with the word "radio" in there, he went and purchased it (with a Newberry Comics' coupon, for under 11 bucks). I'm also a big fan of Little Steven, who, with the other E Streeters, has rejoined Bruce for the recording and a tour.

Other than the fact that the CD is a bit too bassy (part of the way Bruce gets that immense "Wall of Sound" anthemic quality to his stuff), it's fun, interesting and clearly showing a guy at the height of his powers.

As for its political commentary, you can read about that here if you'd like. Yeah, yeah, I agree with all the sentiments on the record--but the world according to Bruce is of less interest to me than whether the record is--as a sum of all its parts--worth my time.

It is.

Stone Poneys Founder Backing Karla Bonoff

Friday, October 12 the Narrows welcomes singer/songwriter Karla Bonoff for the first time--but since your humble blogger is a man who reads the liner notes, he'd like to announce that Kenny Edwards will be backing Ms. Bonoff.

Kenny who?

Didn't you ever read the credits on a Linda Ronstadt album? He helped found The Stone Ponys, baby (Remember "Different Drum?") with Linda. He'd done much more over the years, of course.

Check him out here.

Dark Horse Documentary

Beatle George, sometimes known as the Dark Horse, will be the subject of a documentary that will be shown in movie theaters.

More here.

Mistrial for Wall of Sound Guy

It's a mistrial in Phil Spector's murder trial.

More.

Meet Mountain Girl

Grabbed this from a radio trade paper known as Friday Morning Quarterback:

The University of Massachusetts already has one graduate and one undergraduate course that focus on Grateful Dead, and now the school will take it a step further with a university conference on the enduring legacy of the Dead experience.Unbroken Chain: The Grateful Dead in Music, Culture and Memory will be held from November 16 to 18 at UMass Amherst and will bring together more than 50 presenters for 20 panel sessions ranging from music composition and improvisation to an examination of the band’s business model, as well as a musical performances, gallery exhibits, movie screenings and other presentations. Panelists will include “Mountain Girl” Carolyn Garcia, first wife of guitarist Jerry Garcia; David Gans, host of Grateful Dead Radio Hour for the past 20 years; Dead midi wizard Bob Bralove; and Dan Healy, who designed and built the “Wall of Sound,” famed enabler of the Dead’s improvisational style. There also will be a keynote address by Dennis McNally, longtime Dead publicist and author of Long Strange Trip: The Inside History of the Grateful Dead. “The academic world is not as removed from so-called reality as people think, especially those in the academic world,” said McNally. “In the Rock & Roll world, there are pockets of meticulous intelligence and literacy, people like Jerry Garcia and (bassist) Phil Lesh.” The weekend also will include performances by American Beauty Project and Dark Star Orchestra, whose rhythm guitarist Rob Eaton and keyboardist Rob Baracco will take part in several of the panel discussions.

Boys Weekend At The Narrows: The Photos

We started with Mark T. Small and Paul Geremia on Friday night...then Richard Shindell on Saturday night.

Above, there's Paul Geremia not long after we coaxed him out of the dressing room where he was making sure his 12-string guitar was tuned. He tuned because he cared! Next to him is guitar wunderkind Tony Medeiros, of the Chili Brothers and other collaborations, who sat in a bit with Paul. By the look on Tony's face, what do you think he's thinking? Maybe we should have a caption contest!

Down below is fleet-fingered blues cat Mark T. Small, who gave away his debut CD on Whaling City Sound to everyone who wanted one. It is fab, by the way, and not because it was free!

Above, Richard Shindell proves why he's the "thinking person's" folk musician on Saturday night, with lyrics that make you ponder without being ponderous.

CBGB's Guy Loaded, Not Broke

The Village Voice is reporting that the late Hilly Kristal--thought to be broke--was worth millions.

He was the guy behind legendary NY punk rock club CBGB's.

More here.

Pierre & Chris Coming

Not yet posted on the regular Narrows' schedule at http://www.ncfta.org/.

March 15
Pierre Bensusan

If you dig acoustic classical guitar with a strong dose of pop and jazz, this show is for you. Pierre is from France but is known and loved in the USA and across the globe for his interesting tunings and different approach. Steve Vai says "Listening to Pierre Bensusan is rejuvenating. Beside his extraordinary touch and tone, the notes and melody appeal directly to the tender side of our human nature." Leo Kottke: "Pierre’s music gives me the shakes. No other guitarist shares his strange gifts of sophistication, accessibility and downright joy. Even at its most complex, Pierre’s music only needs ears to be enjoyed." George Winston: "One of the truly gifted musicians of our time - he plays the guitar as if it were the very soul of himself." Most importantly, the volunteers at the Narrows love Pierre for his kindness and his willingness to share a glass of wine with everybody! www.pierrebensusan.com.
$20, $23


May 2
Chris Smither

Rolling Stone named his song "Origins of Species" in its top 100 songs for 2006. Jazz diva Diana Krall covers his "Love Me Like A Man" on her latest album. Get your tickets early for this one, as this folk/blues legend is hotter than ever! www.chrissmither.com.

$22, $25

Money Don't Get Everything It's True

Old guys The Rolling Stones continue to rake it in...so does Bon Jovi...

What can a poor boy do, but play in a rock 'n' roll band?

More here.

Phil Spector: More Than A Nut

With the Phil Spector verdict just hours away, it's probably appropriate to bring up the fact that despite clearly being nuts, Phil Spector was a heck of a producer and a force in rock music.

I've been reading Tearing Down the Wall of Sound by Mick Brown, and thought you might enjoy some stuff about Phil.

--Phil Spector is an accomplished jazz guitar player. In his early years, he played on recording sessions with the Drifters and the Coasters.

--While Phil adopted several children, he's had biological children as well. On Christmas Day, 1991, nine-year-old Philip Jr. died of leukemia.

--Phil loved the Ramones. He thought they were the best rock and roll band in America. He produced "End of the Century" which came out in 1980, their most commercially successful album.

--The Beatles recorded Spector's "To Know Him Is To Love Him" on a demo for Decca Records--and were rejected by the label. The song, by the way, was based on the epitaph on his father's gravestone: "To Know Him Was To Love Him." Spector's father, Ben, committed suicide in 1949. Phil idolized his father, and apparently has never gotten over his death. Phil's mother, Bertha, would tell him when he was a kid: "Your father killed himself because you were a bad child."

--Sonny Bono worked for Phil Spector as a gofer, promotions person, back-up singer (along with Cher) and what-have-you.

--Narrows' alum Leon Russell played keyboards on a number of Phil Spector's productions.

--Phil's actual first name is "Harvey," which is what his family called him when he was growing up.

--Want more? Click here.

Happy New Year From The Duke and The Drunk (stuntmen)

Nothing says lovin' than the holidays at the Narrows.

These shows are not yet on the official schedule:

Friday December 28
Drunk Stuntmen

When we last checked in on these Narrows' faves, they were touring in support of their terrific CD "Trailer Life," one of the best rock 'n' roll records you'll hear. The Drunk Stuntmen's music is kind of Southern rock, kind of country (they do a terrific revved up version of "Whiskey River"), kind of Tom Petty-ish, kind of rootsy--but 100% fun. Come to this one even if you've never heard of them. A great New Year's present to yourself. You'll love 'em! www.drunkstuntmen.com. By the way, they're working on a new CD!

$12, $14



Saturday December 29
Duke Robillard

He's the guitarman for many in the Rhode Island area and in faraway places as well. Not only is he a master bluesman (he founded Roomful of Blues), he's a master entertainer who'll have you smiling and tapping your feet. If you have a spouse, partner or friend who's not necessarily a roots fan, this is a good "date night" concert, because the Duke knows how to put on a show for everybody. www.dukerobillard.com. Total class with sass, baby.

$18, $20

The Faces to Tour

The Faces will tour the US & UK next year--yeah, the Rod Stewart/Ronnie Wood faces.

More here.

Festival Fotos--Emptying The Vault

Just emptying the photo vaults from the recent Narrows Festival of the Arts. Above it's Ryan Fitzsimmons and his rockin' band--a rare sight, since Ryan is mostly known by Narrows patrons as a solo act.

Down below it's Louie Leeman and Cheap Sneakers along with Jeri Karam. And finally, Biz Nazo puppets lead the children's parade at the festival.

photos.

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.