Please Send Your Thoughts and Prayers Out

Jeff Olson, one of the greatest musicians and gentlemen I've ever known, is in very serious condition and is in intensive care at an area hospital.

His wife Donna called me and asked that everyone send out their thoughts and prayers for his recovery. He was stricken a few days back with what appeared to be pneumonia, but turned into a more serious situation.

Jeff is a member of the folk group Folks Together, which has played the Narrows a number of times.

See For Free Nominee for Artist of the Year

The Narrows Festival of the Arts is coming up September 7 and will feature a nominee for Americana Artist of the Year--our guy Jim Lauderdale.

Above is a photo of Jim performing at the Narrows.

See him live--for free!

Tell your friends and bring the kids, too.

Sarah Borges Guitarist Gone

Fab guitarist with Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles, Mike Castellana (far left in the photo at the Narrows), leaves the band in mid-August.

Mike has been incredibly important to the group's sound and will be missed greatly.  No word on why he's leaving or who is replacing him, as the group prepares to head to the studio to record their 3rd CD.

Mike really could do no wrong, as far as your humble blogger is concerned.  He knew when to play, when to pause, and when to let loose.  Very tasteful and a nice guy too.

Best wishes Mike from your friends at the Narrows!

Hear Walter Trout and Greg Brown

We are very proud to note that mvyradio.com has posted the Narrows' Walter Trout show and the Greg Brown show on their website, for your listening pleasure.

Your humble blogger's voice makes a very brief appearance at the beginning of both.

Check the shows out here.

Asylum Street Spankers: Uniting Roots with Theater

The wild and wacky Asylum Street Spankers, from deep in the heart of Texas, paid a visit to the Narrows Thursday night, expounding on the evils of weed wackers and demonstrating that roots music and theater can co-exist on the same stage.

Waybacks on the Web

Left Coasters The Waybacks brought their high-spirited rootsy sound to the Narrows on Sunday night, accompanied by rain and lightning.  And was that thunder, or their drummer?

Our friends at MVY Radio streamed it live on their website mvyradio.com.

If you heard the show on the Internet, let us know!  Please leave a comment.

Ronnie Earl Does What Ronnie Earl Does

A packed house at the Narrows Friday night were treated to the blues stylings of Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters.

Ronnie, in the photo above, looked almost scholarly as he played the electric guitar to standing ovations almost from riff number one.

Your humble blogger noticed something about Ronnie's playing that he hadn't noticed before: While he's a blues player, his choices within the blues are usually non-traditional, uniquely his own.  

Any other thoughts about Ronnie's choices on the guitar?

Streaming Live Sunday Night

The Narrows Sunday night show starring the Waybacks will be streamed live at mvyradio.com.

They recently streamed the Walter Trout show live, and the quality was fab.

The stream will start when the show starts...about 8:10 to 8:15 usually.

This is a groundbreaking collaboration between the Narrows and WMVY radio, out there on Martha's Vineyard.

Thanks to the support of our audiences and donors, the nice folks at WMVY, and the Narrows' leadership and volunteers (most importantly Prez Patrick Norton and manager Deb Charlebois), the Narrows continues to break new ground to increase accessibility to the arts.

Watermelon Slim Review

With blues cats Watermelon Slim and the Workers making their Narrows debut in a few weeks, your humble blogger presumed you may wish to browse a review of their latest disc.

If so, click here.

Narrows Crew Makes Due With Lighter Schedule

While the Narrows has been having a lighter schedule in July, the Narrows crew has been creeping to other music events, trying to satisfy our sometimes insatiable musical appetite.

For example, your very humble blogger went and saw Billy Joel.  Yes, yes we realize that many of us hipsters don't fully embrace the Piano Man.  Nonetheless, it was a great show.  So there.

Narrows Prez Patrick Norton headed west to the Green River Festival in Greenfield, MA, which featured several Narrows alums, including Mavis Staples and Crooked Still.

Above is a photo of the vivacious Mrs. Norton at the festival with Brad Madison of Mongrel Music, which books many of the Narrows' musical artists.

  

Dates for Shelby Lynne, Crooked Still, Others

Soon to be posted on the Narrows schedule:

October 17

The Iguanas 

Some call their music "roots rock." But those who have grooved to the sound of these New Orleans fixtures call their music "fun." Another taste of the "Big Easy" at the Narrows. www.iguanas.com. $18, $20  

November 7 

Kris Delmhorst 

Note for note, song by song, Kris is one of the finest singers, instrumentalists and songwriters ever to grace our stage. She's particularly well known in the Boston area, but is building a following in our neck of New England. Get to know her: www.krisdelmhorst.com. $13, $15  

November 13 

Shelby Lynne 

She was supposed to be part of Nashville's star-making machinery--but it wasn't her. She switched gears and eventually got herself a Grammy, but not a hit. Lately, she's done an album of Dusty Springfield covers that's won acclaim and an appearance on The Tonight Show. This will be a truly special evening, with a truly special artist. www.shelbylynne.com. $35, $40  

November 22 

Kelly Jo Phelps 

A Narrows fave, singer songwriter Kelly Jo Phelps keeps getting more and more fans of his music--including the likes of Steve Earle and others. Find out why we like him so much at www.kellyjophelps.net. $15, $17 

November 28 

Crooked Still

One of the hottest young roots groups around. Their last appearance at the Narrows was fab. Don't miss them this time. www.crookedstill.com. $20, $23

Shelby Lynne Coming to Narrows

Shelby Lynne is coming to the Narrows in November.  Soon to be on the official schedule.

Radical

Thursday night at the Narrows was radical.

First, electric blues madman Walter Trout and his group the Radicals pushed the pedal to the metal, playing fast and loud, kicking the blues to the extreme. Trout's fingers were some of the fleetest ever to digitize a fretboard on our stage.  And the bass, drums and organ drove him even further. BTW--his cover of Hound Dog Taylor's "Give Me Back My Whig" was one of your humble blogger's favorites. Another BTW--Trout is a better-than-average-singer too.

Second, the concert streamed LIVE on mvyradio.com.  Another first, and the beginning of more live streams courtesy of WMVY (based in Martha's Vineyard) from the Narrows.  Your humble blogger and other Narrows' volunteers listened to some of the show on-line in the Narrows' office.  Cool.  Keep an eye out for more on-line action very soon.

Radical.

Narrows Alum Featured in Newsweek

Banjo player Abigail Washburn, who performs with Uncle Earl, is written up in the latest issue of Newsweek.

Abigail, in the photo (with the banjo) in 2006 performing at the Narrows as a member of Uncle Earl, is profiled due to the release of a CD with her group the Sparrow Quartet and her interest in China.

Read the article here.

Narrows' Open Mic on My Space

Your humble blogger should have posted this awhile ago.  The nice folks who run the Narrows weekly open mic have a myspace page featuring recordings of the performers.

Check it out here.

Hither and Thither

Just some random stuff re: the Narrows--

• Chuck Prophet left a comment on a blog entry about his show Thursday night.  I think that's the first time an artist has checked in.  Thanks Chuck for taking the time!  Great show.

• Don't know if it's a secret or not but an upcoming Narrows concert will be streamed live on the Internet via our good friends at WMVY.  Another first.

• The Infamous Stringdusters are coming to the Narrows in late October.  Read a review of their new CD here.

• Some new plumbing has arrived at the Narrows.  First the new sound system, the elevator, the ceiling fans, then this. Congrats Narrows prez Patrick Norton and manager Deb Charlebois.

• Did you know Narrows alum John Sebastian played harmonica for The Doors?

• The radio station for folkalley.com is pretty darn good.

• No Depression magazine died, as you may know.  I'm supposed to get some issues of Paste Magazine as a replacement, courtesy of No Depression.  Finally read a hard copy of Paste the other day (although I'm still waiting for it to come in the mail).  Pretty good.

• One of my swimming friends worked at Woodstock (the original event) helping flipped out concert goers make safe landings. He went to the concert as a fan (he says he still has his ticket), but was recruited because he was studying social work stuff in college.  He makes a living these days selling balloons and such at parades and he's an expert on the history of the Alamo.  What a long strange trip!

• Currently reading the book Hip Hop Matters: Politics, Pop Culture and the Struggle for the Soul of the Movement, by S. Craig Watkins.  I know, I know.  You think because your humble blogger emcees at the Narrows that he only likes folk music, jazz, jam band and all the politically correct stuff.  Not rap or metal.  Well, you'd be wrong.  Keep an open mind and set of ears.  Remember: the kids are alright.
  

Return of Jim James

It may be a bit of trivia, only of interest for long-time Narrows fans and volunteers: Thursday night marked the return of the Jim James Band.

Well, not exactly.  The opener for Chuck Prophet was Brad Huff, who played guitar for that band and seemed to be its leader (there was nobody named Jim James in the group).  They played the Narrows a time or two or three way back in the beginning, probably opening for somebody or another.

Then they were gone.  Too bad, because your humble blogger thought they had a lot of promise.

Welcome back Brad.  This old time Narrows guy remembers.

Beyond the Blackboard Jungle

Alt-rocker Chuck Prophet and his band brought their San Francisco groove to the Narrows Thursday night--kind of a Tom Petty meets The Beatles meets roller rink organ.  Very cool.

Your humble blogger chatted with Chuck before the show regarding Chuck's dad being in the breakthrough rock 'n' roll film Blackboard Jungle in 1955.  Chuck says his dad was an extra in several classroom scenes--sitting next to actor Vic Morrow (remember Sgt. Saunders in the TV show Combat!?).  His dad was a student at USC at the time.

Chuck attracted an enthusiastic crowd, larger than when he last played the Narrows about 4 years ago.  We're delighted to see the growth in his fan base here on the East Coast, and hope to have him back soon.

Chuck was backed by his wife on keys and harmony vocals, as well as a drummer, bassist and guitarist.  Chuck, himself, played some mean lead guitar, by the way.

Shindell Couldn't Make Summerfest

As reported earlier, Richard Shindell had an untimely accident with an axe, affecting one of his fingers.

Although the initial word was he was going to tour anyway, a reader has posted that his appearance at Summerfest in New Bedford was cancelled.

And now his website is canceling more shows and providing more details on the accident.

Click here.

Chuck Prophet Gets Thumbs Up

This coming week's Narrows show with Chuck Prophet is a pick for the editors at The Providence Phoenix.

Your humble blogger mentions this because Chuck Prophet is not exactly a household name in these parts, even though his last show at the Narrows a few years back was fab.

Check out the Phoenix write up here.

Steve Earle's Son Coming to Narrows

We hate to do this to any son of a famous performer, but, heck, you'd figure it out anyhow.

So here goes: Steve Earle's son is coming to the Narrows.

His name is Justin Townes Earle (yep, Townes is for Mr. Van Z), and he's coming September 25.

It should be posted very soon.

Give a listen to this young man by clicking here.

Richard Shindell: Don't Axe Me

For those of you who follow the health issues of those who perform at the Narrows, here's a tidbit about Richard Shindell:  Over the weekend his left index finger got hurt by an axe (no other details).  The finger is out of action for a couple months, but he will continue to tour despite it.

He claims it's the second stupidest thing he's ever done.  "Never mind about the first."

Great Music at Bargain Prices

Your very humble backstage blogger, with a little time on his hands because of the break in the Narrows' schedule, stumbled across a find the other day at Newbury Comics in Attleboro.

It was The Blasters reunion DVD from 2003.

Although not really up-to-speed on the group (Narrows' prez Patrick Norton is a big fan, though), I did dig guitarist Dave Alvin's gig opening for James McMurtry at the Narrows last year. The DVD features Dave, his brother Phil and the other original members of the group, except for one who has passed.

Now get this: the unused DVD was something like $4. New.

Which got me thinking: isn't it cool to know that the good stuff isn't always pricey? Narrows patrons know this for the most part. Compare our prices to the big venues.

Which reminds me: the latest Rolling Stone reports that "Gas Prices, Economy Shake Sales for Summer Tours." The magazine reports that Bonnaroo didn't sell out, Springsteen tickets aren't moving like before, and tours for Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson, Maroon 5 and George Michael "are struggling."

Which is why the Narrows is your best musical investment. Chances are, you don't have to travel as far to get to the Narrows, and our tickets, while not dirt cheap, are very affordable when compared to these huge venues.

So as we struggle with $4+ gas prices, don't "blow your wages for a snuggle and a peck on the cheek" (to quote Ray Davies), come to the Narrows, where the talent is the finest and the parking is free.

Sound from Greg Brown

The nice folks at WMVY radio recorded Greg Brown's recent visit to the Narrows. It's now on the station's website. Here it by clicking here.

David Lindley Booked for August 28

Don't think it's on the Narrows official schedule yet, but David Lindley is booked for August 28th at the Narrows. You might know him from his work with Jackson Browne and Ry Cooder.

Also, word is that Donna Jean and the Tricksters, Eilen Jewell and Sarah Borges have been booked for the fall.

Keep an eye on www.ncfta.org.

Get your tickets pronto!

Photos of Dickey Betts at the Narrows

Your humble backstage blogger was taken ill last week, so he missed Dickey Betts'  sold-out debut at the Narrows.

However, we've got some photos, thanks to photofan CJ.

Respect the Uke Man

A nearly full house dug the ukelele sounds of the amazing Jake Shimabukuro Saturday night at the Narrows.

With all due respects to our personal fave, the late Tiny Tim, Jake took the instrument into a new realm, riffing and strumming with the best axe god.

All the while keeping a twinkle in his eye as he showed us "Going to California" by Led Zepplin could sound cool on this instrument more associated with Don Ho than Dave Davies (although we hear the late George Harrison and the very much alive Paul McCartney enjoyed the uke--and didn't Queen use the instrument on a song or two?).

Apparently there were a number of "parrot heads" in the house as Jake had done a stint opening for Jimmy Buffett, adding to his fan base.

By the way, this was no novelty act.  Jake is a true artist who, no doubt, earns the respect of all who see him.

And for all you Jake fans who visited the Narrows for the first time--hope we see you again real soon!

Nice Weekend Coming Up But Blogger Sick

Starting tonight (Thursday) there's the fab Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey at the Narrows. Friday it's the sold out Dickey Betts Show, and then Saturday it's ukelele sensation Jake Shimabukuro.

Unfortunately, your humble backstage blogger has been felled by a very nasty sore throat that he hasn't been able to shake for a week. I hope I'm back in the saddle for Saturday night's show with Jake S., but we'll play it by ear (or, in this case, by throat).

If you take photos of these shows, if possible please leave a link to your photos in the comments section.

Thanks. And if you have a favorite treatment for a sore throat, please leave a note in the comments section.

Greg Brown Made It Through The Rain

The word we got is that Greg Brown almost didn't make it from the flooded fields of Iowa to play Friday night's gig at the Narrows.

Which, perhaps, is why he started the show with watery songs, including Randy Newman's "Louisiana."

By the way, the show was recorded by WMVY radio, which may be streaming it on their website over the next few days.  Their website: www.mvyradio.com.

Gandalf Murphy Photos

Thanks to an intrepid photographer--who more or less filled in for your humble blogger--the recent Narrows' visit by Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams has been captured on film.

If anybody ever takes photos of any shows at the Narrows and would like to share, please leave them in the "comments" section.

To get to the photos, please click here.

Local Perspective on Bo Diddley

Phillipe and Jorge's article on Phillipe's dealing with Bo Diddley back in the 1970s is particularly well done and moving for your humble blogger. Kudos to them and the Providence Phoenix.

Take a look here.

The Radiators Rock

Out of the swamps of New Orleans, The Radiators are not only funky, but are straight ahead rock artists as well.

They showed their versatility Friday night at the Narrows, starting out with a Funky Meters kind of feel, easing into a smart cover of the Zombies "She's Not There" before breaking out into full-fledged rock.

A large dancing crowd showed up, jammin' themselves right up to the stage to better view the musicians.

Sarah Borges & Broken Singles Back In Studio Soon

The word we got is that Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles hope to start recording a new record later this summer.

 

In Case You Missed It: Bo Diddley Passes

It happened a few days back, but rock 'n' roll pioneer Bo Diddley has died of heart failure.  

He's in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, of course, and you can read the Hall's profile of him here.

You Think $4 Gas is Tough!

This was spotted by your humble blogger at the corner of Thurbers Avenue and Eddy Street in Providence, RI today.

New Orleans Heat

New Orleans keyboard cat Henry Butler  (above at the Narrows piano) brought Crescent City warmth with his sometimes rollicking, sometimes progressive jazz-like, sometimes this-side-of-Mozart performance to the Narrows Friday night.  

From the start he showed that, in addition to his boogie-woogie capabilities, he could bring classical and "prog" stylings  to tunes like the Beatles "Eleanor Rigby."

At the same time, he praised New Orleans songwriters for their poetic lyrics like "I'm waitin' for my ya ya" that he suggested, tongue-in-cheek, ranked up there with Yeats.  My guess is more people understand (and appreciate) "waitin' for my ya ya."

Below: some of the crew at the Narrows that truly adores Henry and wanted a personal keepsake of his performance.  Here's to you guys! Suitable for framing!

Ex-Byrd Chris Hillman Returns

He's coming in August.  Tickets soon to be available at www.ncfta.org.

Need we say more?  Other than he pretty much founded country rock. Chris was an associate of Narrows' patron saint Gram Parsons and WAS THERE when country western & rock 'n' roll realized there was common ground on which to build.  Corny country and the Rolling Stones weren't that far apart.

The rest is history.

British Folk

U.K. balladeer, singer and guitarist Steve Tilston charmed the Narrows Friday night.

It was his first visit to the venue, though he was familiar to some from his playing New Bedford's Summerfest.

Sonny Landreth Review

Came across a nice review of the latest CD from Narrows alum Sonny Landreth.

Check out the write up right here.

Blues Ballet

Lil' Ed was on his toes playing the blues with his band the Blues Imperials Thursday night at the Narrows.

It was an electric, slide guitar blues night, starting off with "Dust My Broom."

Slaid Cleaves & Mary Gauthier in June

Not yet posted on the Narrows official schedule yet, but it will soon be. Visit www.ncfta.org.

June 11
Slaid Cleaves
Mary Gauthier

Two of the strongest singer/songwriters in the genre today. Slaid Cleaves has graced the Narrows stage many times, traveling to our shores from Texas, although he's originally from Maine.

Mary Gauthier--who once lived in the Boston area but now lives down south--has played the Narrows before, but not nearly enough. She won huge acclaim for her "Mercy Now" CD a couple years back; even Bob Dylan played a song from it on his radio show! If you like tunes that are about something, this show is for you.

www.slaidcleaves.com and www.marygauthier.com.

$20, $23

Clapton On New Landreth Release

Narrows alum Sonny Landreth is releasing a new one, called
From the Reach.

It features Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Vince Gill and
others!

“It’s the classic dream come true,” said Sonny in a press
release. “I wrote these songs with these guests in mind,
as a tribute to their influence on me. Inviting them
to come aboard led us down some amazing paths.”

Brothers and (Musical) Sister

Chris Wood, Pieta Brown, Oliver Wood--backstage

The fab Wood Brothers--guitarist Oliver and  stand-up bassist Chris--brought their version of folk-rock-whatever to the Narrows Thursday night.

With Chris' jam band credentials (Medeski, Martin and Wood) and his laying down much more than a boom-chick foundation, the guitar may sound folk but the bass line is Mingus.

Opening for the gentlemen was songstress Pieta Brown, who also sang on the Wood Brothers' new CD.  Her dad, Greg, plays the Narrows soon.

Our 7th Anniversary Show: Taj Mahal

Though we still have a spring and summer full of great shows, we are very pleased to announce that Grammy Award-winning roots pioneer Taj Mahal, will play the Narrows' 7th anniversary show on Saturday, November 8th.

Tickets available right now at www.ncfta.org.

Janis Missed the Gig

Have we worked together before? asked Big Brother guitarist (and one of the group's founders) Sam Andrew (below right) just before being introduced on-stage at the Narrows by your humble Backstage Blogger.  You look like somebody, he said.

Your humble blogger, flattered that this musician WHO WAS THERE even took notice I was alive, replied "I look like a lot of people." We chatted a bit when it hit upon me that this guy, who played with Janis Joplin, was a certifiably nice gentleman.  In fact, all of Big Brother and the Holding Company's members playing the Narrows Saturday night were warm

and friendly.  That's important to the crew at the Narrows.  And for the audience, too.  After the show the band spent quality time with them, always a wonderful gesture, since band members are sometimes exhausted after a performance.

Two other original members--David Getz and Peter Albin--joined Sam along with fab singer Lynn Asher (filling in for Janis) and a young guitarist (filling in for guitarist James Gurley, who apparently no longer works with the band) who looked like he was being mentored by Sam, although he had terrific chops.  That's Lynn and Peter in the photo above.

Yes, they did the hits, including Summertime, as well some new songs, too.  

Opening the night was Louie Leeman and Cheap Sneakers, who got the ball rolling with their stellar musicianship, impeccable musical taste, and gentle humor.

Fred Eaglesmith's Latest CD

Narrows alum Fred Eaglesmith's latest CD is reviewed here.

Narrows Alum's CD on Four Billboard Charts

Narrows alum James McMurtry (photo of him above taken at the Narrows in 2007) has a new CD and it's a MONSTER, baby.

Called Just Us Kids, it's near the top of the "Heatseekers," "Tastemaker," "Indie Label," and "Top 200 album sales" charts at Billboard Magazine.

And it's numero uno on the americanaradio.org chart as well.

Not bad, huh?

New Crooked Still CD Coming In June

Narrows alum Crooked Still, whose debut album is considered by your humble Backstage Blogger as a roots classic, is releasing CD number 2 on June 24th.

It's called "Still Crooked," and, according to the latest missive from the group, features songs by Mississippi John Hurt and others, including a couple originals.  The group has changed its lineup a bit; hence, we would surmise, the CD's title.

The group's Aoife O'Donovan, touring with side project Sometymes Why, just played the Narrows.

Glam Roots?

Aiofe, Ruth & Kristen

You've heard of Glam Rock--is it time for "Glam Roots?"

Three lovely young talents playing hooky from their usual groups--Crooked Still, Uncle Earl, and The Mammals--glammed up the Narrows' stage Saturday night.

Aiofe O'Donovan (Crooked Still), Kristen Andreassen (Uncle Earl) and Ruth Unger Merenda (The Mammals)--calling themselves "Sometymes Why"--mixed minimalist instrumentation with lush vocalizing, charming the audience and trying to avoid waking Ruth's 3 month old baby boy back in the "green room."

Listen to the Prophet

Chuck Prophet returns to the Narrows in July!

Who is Chuck Prophet?

Click here.

Photo by Jeremy Harris

Blow Your Face Out!

It was blues harmonica night, as Mark Hummel led his latest grouping of harp hotshots to the Narrows Saturday.

Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton associate Jerry Portnoy, above, former Robert Cray, Santana and Roomful of Blues harmonicat Curtis Salgado and Rick Estrin (you might know him from Lil' Charlie and the Nightcats), did the honors, making up the latest version of Mark Hummel's Blues Harmonica Blowouts.

That's Lil' Charlie's J. Hansen on the drums, by the way.

Asylum Street Spankers Return

They're rootsy, wacky and wild--The Asylum Street Spankers.  Coming in July for their second appearance ever at the Narrows.

photo by Todd Williams

Take It On Blind Faith: Read Slowhand's Tell-All

It you're like me, you don't jump every time Eric Clapton releases a record or goes on tour. Clapton, of course, is fabulous but hasn't captured your humble blogger's imagination much. I would rather get my blues from Sonny Landreth, Paul Geremia, and newcomer Mark T. Small, or from the originators like Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Elmore James etc.

But Mr. Clapton's autobiography, which he apparently truly wrote himself, is a terrific book about music and how he spent most of his life messing up personally. I picked it up at the Providence Public Library, where they have a bunch of copies.

Fun facts in Clapton: The Autobiography: Clapton owns a house in Columbus, Ohio, where his wife is from; he thinks Stephen Bishop is one of the greatest singer/songwriters; his friendship with George Harrison has been overstated; and he's not really into the "guitar hero" thing.

Springsteen Associate Passes

In case you missed it, Danny Federici, who played with Bruce Springsteen as a member of the E-Street Band, died a few days back.

The story from the New York Times is here.

Narrows Fave Wins Guitar Player Award

Our guy Pierre Bensusan--who played the Narrows a mere few weeks ago--has won a reader's choice award from Guitar Player magazine.

It's in the May issue, which might not yet be out.

Congrats to Pierre!  The photo above is, left, Narrows prez Patrick Norton with Pierre taken moments before the concert.

To read a Guitar Player article from last year about Pierre, click here.

Getting Proggy

Jazz guitar guy Charlie Hunter brought his crew to the Narrows Friday night, playing, for the most part, understated instrumental improvisations.

We counted 7 strings on his guitar and two cables leading to a couple amps--one for his bass strings and one for the rest.

Charlie literally was playing bass and lead at the same time, accompanied by a fab jazz skinsman and a funky keyboard guy often playing an organ that sounded like it would be at home in an old roller rink or on a surf record.

Though you might call it progressive jazz, the trio slipped into an extended version of Duran Duran's "Hungry Like A Wolf" which somehow transformed into Donovan's "Sunshine Superman."

And unless we're mistaken, we heard Charlie slip in the riff of the Beatles' "In My Life" in one of his noodlings.

Marcia Ball Debuts

R & B singer/keyboardist Marcia Ball brought her New Orleans joy to the Narrows on Thursday night. It was the first appearance for this beloved performer, who pretty much sold out the place! 

She noted that Fall River, Massachusetts--the Narrows' hometown--has long been in her thoughts because she was educated as a young girl in Louisiana by the Sisters of St. Joseph "from Fall River, Massachusetts." 

She is touring in support of her new CD "Peace, Love and BBQ."  But she pointed out that she's been touring, for all intents and purposes, "since 1981."

19-year-old Berklee student Emily Elbert opened the show, winning the crowd with her singing, guitar and songwriting chops.  That's her below.

I

Providence Phoenix Poll: Narrows The Best!

It hit the street today: the Providence Phoenix "best of" results.

Thanks to the votes of our loyal supporters, the Narrows has been named "Best Folk Venue."

This is more than a stroke to our egos.  It helps us get the word out that the Narrows is worth checking out.  The more we build our audience the more likely we'll survive for years to come.

On behalf of Narrows president Patrick Norton, administrator Deb Charlebois and all the volunteers: Thank you!!!

The Other Kennedy Family

Not yet posted: husband-and-wife folk-rock duo The Kennedys return to the Narrows in September.  Visit www.ncfta.org for the listing soon.

The above photo is from their 2006 visit to the Narrows.

Raw Blues Meets Electric Nirvana

Interesting night, Saturday night at the Narrows.  An unknown opener scratching and pawing on acoustic instruments, in homage to Son House, Bukka White et.al.  And then the featured act taking blues into the electronic stratosphere--while scratching and pawing too!

The young performer Samuel James (in the photo above) set the roots tone, mixing off-beat originals and hard-to-find folk blues with a youthful, very new century perspective.  

The sold-out night's star, Sonny Landreth, plugged in the roots, added drums and bass and blasted off toward another planet, breaking the sound barrier with his fingers.

Clearly, one of the best concerts of 2008 at the Narrows and probably around the world.

The Mind of Leo Kottke

Britney Spears and I have a lot of similarities, said Leo Kottke, Friday night at the Narrows.  "But the differences are profound."

And so it went during the sold-out show, winding between intricate fret work and off-beat stories involving woodpeckers, Stevie Winwood and jazz great Dizzy Gillespie loading a car with a drum set at dawn in Milan, Italy.

The photo above was taken about a half hour before the concert, in the Narrows "green room."

Can I take your picture?  I asked.  "As long as I don't have to move," said the thoroughly relaxed Leo, who was reading the writings of Samuel Beckett.

Experiencing the War in Iraq

Thursday night saw the grand opening of the multi-media exhibit "Experiencing the War in Iraq."  Music provided by Haale.

Karla Bonoff & Patty Larkin Coming!

Karla Bonoff is coming to the Narrows September 12. Patty Larkin, October 3!

Fricke Picks Donna Jean

Narrows alums Donna Jean and the Tricksters have gotten a big thumb's up from David Fricke of Rolling Stone.

Donna Jean, as you may be aware, was a member of the Grateful Dead for a good long time.  

Anyway, Fricke writes "Fricke's Picks" and he picked her and her crew.

Read more here.

The photo is from a visit to the Narrows in 2007.

Northern Lights Brighten the Night

The Narrows, on Saturday night, was pleased to host the celebrated New England bluegrass group, Northern Lights.  Above them are flags representing American casualties in Iraq as part of a new multi-media exhibit at the Narrows.

Experiencing the War in Iraq

Your humble Backstage Blogger had the honor of taking some photos before the opening of the dramatic new art exhibit at the Narrows "Experiencing the War in Iraq."

It's a multi-media exhibit that opens April 10 and continues through May 3.  It includes thousands of flags representing American casualties.

Review of Wood Brothers' New CD

The Wood Brothers, coming to the Narrows in May, have a new CD out.  To read a review from Paste Magazine, click here.

Cool YouTube Video from Pierre

Acoustic guitar master Pierre Bensusan, who played the Narrows recently, has uploaded a new performance video onto YouTube.

It was recorded live in Paris shortly before he headed for his current tour of the USA.

The video, by the way, is a close up of his fretwork, etc. so it's particularly interesting.

See it here.

Kris Delmhorst is the "Shotgun Singer"

Narrows alum Kris Delmhorst has released a new CD called "Shotgun Singer."  Your very humble Backstage Blogger caught a track off of it on WUMB this afternoon.  Sounded very lush, which is Kris' approach on record in some instances.

More here.

Over there is a photo of Kris at the Narrows in 2007.

By the way, WUMB sounds pretty much the same, despite the announcement that they're going to "brighten" their sound and drop the "folk radio" moniker.

Sarah Borges & Broken Singles Demo for New Record

Got word that Narrows faves Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles are demo-ing songs for their NEW RECORD!!

Also, this summer they head to the U.K. and Germany.

As well as the Narrows soon.  Visit www.ncfta.org for details.