Susan Cowsill

Susan Cowsill, formerly of Newport, RI and now of the Big Easy, brought her hook-filled, pop-injected songs and voice to the Narrows Thursday night.

Susan is a terribly underappreciated talent who has no doubt benefited and been cursed by being one of the singing Cowsills, chart toppers in the 1960s with "Hair," "The Rain, The Park and Other Things," (performed at the concert) and "Indian Lake"--pretty darn good pop records, in your humble blogger's opinion. Later she was a member of an underappreciated group, "The Continental Drifters," which was one of the first groups to perform at the Narrows.

Now 50 years old, she seems dedicated to her art, despite the tough times she's endured (most lately, Hurricane Katrina and the death of siblings). Her voice remains strong--with more than a dash of world-weariness--and her songs, memorable.

Local heroes Louie Leeman and his band (below) did the opening honors.

Rediscovering Nick Lowe

To many people I'm sure, Nick Lowe's career began and ended with "Cruel To Be Kind," a hit single that provided some rock 'n' roll on the radio in the late disco era.

Your humble blogger discovered Nick Lowe with "I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass" earlier in his recording career. But like many, I lost touch after about 1980.

Still, he continued to write and record, and many of the fans attending Thursday night's show at the Narrows probably have most of those recordings.

It was him, his acoustic guitar, and his songs. One after the other as he did a retrospective of his career, which includes "What So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding" (Elvis Costello did a well known cover of the song), and "The Beast in Me," covered by Johnny Cash.

Former Commander Cody guitarist Bill Kirchen, now a longstanding collaborator with Nick Lowe, opened with a clever set, and sat in with Nick for a song.

If you missed the show, keep an eye on this space. We're sure to have Nick and Bill back next time they're available.

How Can We Wish You'd Go Away If You're Never Here?

It's been too many years since Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks have played the Narrows. Your humble blogger is a big fan, not only of "How Can I Miss You When You Won't Go Away" and "I Scare Myself," but newer classics such as "First I Lost My Marbles, Then I Lost You," "Barstool Boogie," and "C'mon to My House."

As you might expect, your blogger is somewhat jaded when meeting famous musicians: Roger McGuinn, done that; Richie Havens, many times; Chris Hillman, interesting guy; Richie Furay, salt of the earth, etc. All very much an honor for yours truly, but, heck, they're just regular folks when you come right down to it.

A this point there are a few that leave me nearly speechless, and Dan Hicks is one of them (Jonathan Richman is another; and Ray Davies would be another, if he ever plays the Narrows).

Details on Dan's return here.

Hometown Hero

Cheryl Wheeler got to play a gig close to home Saturday night, performing before a hometown crowd that lined up around the corner from the Narrows' entrance waiting to get in.

Marc Cohn Returns in November

We had such a great time with Marc Cohn earlier this year, we've got him returning on November 21.

Visit ncfta.org for more.

Way Out

Prog jazz quartet Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey kicked of the weekend with an approach that had room for Lennon as well as Monk.

Narrows Alum Tom Russell on Letterman

One of the first artists ever to play the Narrows was Tom Russell. Not many folks showed up then, but we hope more will when he returns in June. One of the more interesting singer/songwriters you'll hear. Your humble blogger particularly enjoys his song "Everything's Gone Straight to Hell Since Sinatra Played Juarez."

Friday night he played David Letterman. See the performance here.

Grassy

A packed house on a rainy Saturday night welcomed new grass pioneers Peter Rowan (l) and Tony Rice to the Narrows.

Kicking off with Peter Rowan's "Panama Red" (made famous by The New Riders of the Purple Sage), the guys picked and grinned, told stories about the old days, and just generally delighted the crowd with playfulness mixed with musicianship.

Chad & Jeremy Bring Back Yesterday

Chad & Jeremy, vets of the British Invasion, delighted a Wednesday night crowd at the Narrows. It was the first visit for the whimsical duo, who, you may remember, appeared on the Batman television show, along with the Patty Duke Show and the Dick van Dyke Show.

"Yesterday's Gone" and "A Summer Song" were their big USA hits.

They told stories of the old days, working with Paul Simon (they were slated to record Simon's "Homeward Bound" just before it became a hit for Rhymin' Simon and his pal Art Garfunkle), having their voices held for ransom by Catwoman, and lounging on the Left Coast with Dean Martin, Ursula Andress, Lucille Ball and Frank Sinatra.

Beausoleil

Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet (left) appeared to be a major draw for the Narrows Festival of the Arts on Sunday.

This Louisiana-based group certainly seem to have a horde of devoted fans in these parts.

Weather, Music Combine for a Fab Festival

The annual Narrows Festival of the Arts brought perfect weather with it Sunday, along with such performers as Hot Club of Cowtown (above) and Dirty Dozen Brass Band (below). More photos coming soon.

Kicking Off a Fab Weekend

The Old Blind Dogs Thursday night kicked off a weekend that will feature Tom Rush (Saturday night), and Beausoleil, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Hotclub of Cowtown and more (the free Narrows Festival of the Arts on Sunday).

The Dogs--who last played the Narrows about 3 years ago--performed their high energy Scottish folk music to an enthusiastic crowd of fans.

One highlight from their last visit was their purchase of a bass guitar hanging on the wall of a liquor store across from where they were staying in Somerset, MA. Since they had forgotten to bring a bass to the states, they bought the instrument (for $40)--later raffling it off and donating the money to charity. From then on they have been raffling off one of their instruments at the end of a tour. This time they are raffling off a guitar.

Last we checked there were just a handful of Tom Rush tickets available. And, of course, this Sunday is free.

Country Comfort

Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer Richie Furay reminded us why country rock is one of the most enjoyable genres, particularly when played well with a lot of simple harmonies.

He and his band (featuring one of his daughters as back-up singer) brought the house down at the Narrows Saturday in his first visit to our fab listening pad.

He played tracks from his former bands Buffalo Springfield and Poco, and new material.

By the way, these days his full-time gig is as a pastor of a church near Denver. Your humble blogger, in fact, walked into a prayer session with the pastor and his band backstage shortly before they started the show.

The prayer worked!

And Now for Something Completely Different...

It was kinda 3 chords and the truth at the Narrows--well, maybe not.

Our beloved stage featured the masked and mysterious surf masters Los Straitjackets doing the instrumental rockabilly sound on a rainy Friday night. It was the 2nd visit for the group, which speaks Spanish on-stage and never appears without their Mexican-wrestling inspired disguises--although your humble blogger saw them uncovered before the show. But I'm sworn to secrecy regarding their true identies. Let's just say let sleeping masks lie.

Openers were Providence 's Mericans, with a Byrds-like flyte that gave the crowd delight.

Club Helsinki in Great Barrington Closing

A number of Narrows' artists--Eilen Jewell and Sarah Borges immediately come to mind--also have regularly played Club Helsinki in Great Barrington, MA, way out there in the Berkshires.

Club Helsinki is closing the end of the month; your humble blogger knows not the reason.

Maybe something on their website although I didn't see details.

Red Molly Makes Narrows Debut

A group your humble blogger has been hearing great things about, Red Molly, made their Narrows debut Friday night. And they did not disappoint, with their rootsy sound, beautiful harmonies, and gentle sense of humor.

And, for their debut, they also drew a nice sized crowd!

It was broadcast on mvyradio.com and should be posted in their archives soon.

Cowtown to Our Town

Because the Narrows is dedicated to everybody in the area and is committed to sharing the arts, the annual Narrows Festival of the Arts will take place once again--this year, Sunday, September 13.

Yep, it's free.

One of the highlights is the return of the internationally loved Hot Club of Cowtown, pictured above.

If memory serves, we hosted these folks a time or two, then they split up, with vocalist/fiddler Elana James starting her own group, which also played the Narrows.

We're glad to see they're back as a unit with their modern take on Western Swing, Dawg Music or whatever one wants to call it.

Pencil the Narrows Festival into your calendar. Starts at 11 a.m. and goes until the sun goes down.

On the Waterfront with the Duke

Your humble blogger, felled by a sudden back ailment, didn't make the free Duke Robillard show last Friday sponsored by the Narrows outside down the street at the Gates of the City.

Fortunately, a sharp-eyed Mike Moran took this shot of the Duke looking quite dapper.

The Dapper Duke!

Founder of the New Riders Passes

John Dawson, who founded Narrows fave New Riders of the Purple Sage, died recently. He founded the group with Jerry Garcia.

More here.

Maria Muldaur Works with Narrows Alums

Maria Muldaur, who makes her Narrows debut on October 31, has a new CD coming out featuring Narrows alums John Sebastian and Dan Hicks.

And she's returning to the old jug band sound.

More here.

The Waybacks from Way Back

Took the above shot during Friday night's show at the Narrows from progressive roots speedsters The Waybacks.

The band was recording the show for a possible future CD.

See the mikes hanging from the ceiling?

Got My Mojo Workin'

No question:one of the top shows of 2009. The fabulous Nighthawks and Howlin' Wolf guitarist Hubert Sumlin (above) at the Narrows Saturday night.

The nearly 80-something Mr. Sumlin was "the star" according to the Nighthawks, but this celebrated roots group brought star-power energy and prowess to the stage all by themselves.

Mr. Sumlin, who influenced Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and others with his riffin' for The Wolf, was like their beloved dad who was sitting in just for the fun of it. And was it fun!

On a personal note: you couldn't find a nicer group of folks than the Nighthawks and Mr. Sumlin. Lots of positive energy and smiles! Hope to see them again soon.

Forgotten African American Music Celebrated

Most people probably think that African American music pre- and post-Civil War was spirituals, blues, gospel, ragtime.

How about CLASSICAL?

Brilliant pianist John Davis brought his show to the Narrows Thursday night that showed us that a slave named "Blind Tom" and a son of a slave, "Blind Boone," wowed audiences across the US with keyboarding wizardry that owed more to Mozart than to the Mississippi Delta.

It was a one-of-a-kind performance that was recorded by our friends at mvyradio.com and should be posted on that site in a few days.

"Gordon" of Peter & Gordon Passes

British popsters from the '60s Peter & Gordon were known for "A World Without Love," written by Paul McCartney (he almost married Peter's sister) and other tunes.

One half of the duo has died. Details here.

Newport Jazz and Folk Festival Head Interviewed

George Wein, of Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival fame, was interviewed on Buddy Cianci's show on WPRO in Providence.

Hear it here.

First Gates of the City Concert Features CJ Chenier

It was a beautiful night for an outdoors concert, and the Narrows obliged by taking its CJ Chenier concert Friday night outside down the street to what's known as "The Gates of the City." And it was free.

Zydeco sounds brought out the dancers, but, interestingly enough, not the mosquitoes. Not too warm or cold, nor too humid. Had to leave early; lucked out since I was typing this in Barrington when the rain hit.

Another one coming up later in the summer. Check out www.ncfta.org.

Guilty

Dave Alvin & the Guilty Women took to the Narrows stage Thursday on a warm, but fairly comfortable July evening.

To the best of your Humble Blogger's memory, this is the first headlining appearance by Mr. Alvin. He opened for James McMurtry a couple years back.

Along with the women in the picture opening this article was award winning steel guitarist Cindy Cashdollar. You may remember her during her many years with Asleep at the Wheel.

Cruel To Be Kind

Fab Brit Nick Lowe debuts at the Narrows October 15.

You may remember his song "Cruel To Be Kind."

More here.

Crooked Still Live!

Young rootsy favs Crooked Still have released a live CD, featuring their new line-up. Learn more here.

New Chris Smither CD Out in Sept

Narrows fave Chris Smither has a new one out in September.  More here.

Slide Wayzz

Slipping and sliding trombones were the order of the night Friday as Bonerama brought its New Orleans heat to the Narrows stage.

Three trombones, bass, drums, organ and guitar made a thunderous sound--but, with kudos to our sound dude, the dynamics worked well in the room.

If you're old enough--think Blood, Sweat and Tears after David Clayton Thomas departed, with more than a sprinkling of Fats Domino.

The show was streamed on mvyradio.com, where it will likely be posted in a few days.

The Narrows is taking its 4th of July break. Plenty of great shows on tap for the 2nd half of 2009.

Meet Vic Chestnutt

He's worked with Emmylou Harris, R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe and others.  On Friday night he opened for Jonathan Richman, doing a quirky set with songs with one might describe as off-beat lyrics.

Learn more about Vic Chestnutt here.

If I Were A Richman

Your humble blogger went to talk to Jonathan Richman "backstage" at the Narrows about a half hour before showtime Friday night. There he was--a musical hero to your humble blogger, asleep on the couch.

I left, resisting the urge to snap a photo.

We chatted later, working out how I was to introduce him and his drummer Tommy Larkins.

He put on a quirky performance, picking up his guitar then putting it down constantly, picking up bells and dancing, wandering away from the microphone, re-arranging where the audience was sitting, etc. And the quirky crowd positively adored him.

Guitar Man

Leo Kottke, one of the finest 12-string acoustic guitarists in the world, made his annual trip to the Narrows Saturday night. In addition to the finest playing one could ever see, we learned from Leo's between-song patter:

• He looks exactly like a German female classical pianist named Kottke who died in 1911;

• He once shot a pistol at light bulbs tossed into the ocean while standng on the deck of a surfaced submarine;

• While doing the above his hearing was impacted when the guy next to him fired a loud machine gun at the light bulbs.

• Pete Seeger is a one-of-a kind instrumentalist.

• And, as documented in the photo above, he likes to carry his guitars off the stage once the show is over.

Taking It Back to the Yanks

The guy who pretty much founded British blues/rock, Kim Simmonds and his group Savoy Brown made another lively appearance at the Narrows on Friday night to a large and enthusiastic crowd.

Despite cranking out the riffs since the mid-1960s, Mr. Simmonds (unlike some aging rockers) seems to have his speed and his chops with him. And he didn't have to sit in a chair to play (an increasingly common sight).

Whatever he's doing, it seems to be keeping him healthy!

National Public Radio Reviews Sarah Borges' Latest

Narrows faves Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles and their new CD gets National Public Radio's attention.

Hear the review here.

A Haven on a Rainy Night.

Richie Havens, right after his Friday night performance at the Narrows. It rained like Woodstock forty years back.


Opener Emily Elbert, Texan and Berklee student.

Ridin' Old School Freight Train for Free

Sunday afternoon marked the first of a number of freebies being provided by the Narrows with various partners this summer.

Jam banders Old School Freight Train performed under the big tent at Bristol Community College on Elsbree Street in the Scholarship City. They've had a shuffle in personnel and are leaning toward the jam sound more than before.

Check out the Narrows' schedule for more upcoming free concerts at www.ncfta.org.

Wall of Sound Producer Behind Walls For A Long Time

19 years to life for producer Phil Spector--who produced John Lennon's "Imagine" and "Instant Karma," George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord," the Beatles' "Let It Be" album, the Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost that Lovin' Feeling"(he co-wrote that one too) and many more incredible records.

More from Rolling Stone here.

Amy LaVere was Here

Musician and actress (she was in "Walk the Line") Amy LaVere ("Like Paul Revere,"she told me before the show) made her Narrows debut Friday night.

She and her band have a quirky pop-rock sound that combines her innocent, nearly girlish vocals with maybe-banging-a-little-too-hard drumming and aggressive electric guitar.

You should be able to hear the show soon by checking out the Narrows' archives at mvyradio.com.

Mick Taylor Plays the Narrows in August

Former Rolling Stone Mick Taylor makes his Narrows debut in August.

That's right, the guy who replaced Brian Jones and was replaced by Ronnie Wood. Of course, Mr. Taylor played on "Sticky Fingers" and other Stones' albums before departing.

Visit www.ncfta.org and get your ya ya's out!

The Greencards:American Roots from the British Empire

Thursday night at the Narrows marked the 2nd visit for the celebrated group The Greencards, featuring two Aussies and a Brit showing us Yanks how roots is done.

Soaring harmonies, snappy melodies and the strong vocal stylings of bassist Carol Young illustrated why these newcomers to our shores deserve, well, their green cards!

Local Berklee student Andrea Belanger opened the evening with a set filled with strong vocals and a developing stage presence.

Our partners mvyradio.com streamed the show live and will likely be posting the concert on their site in the near future.

Jay Bennett Dies Suddenly

Narrows alum Jay Bennett died apparently on Sunday. Details here.

Livingston Taylor at the Narrows--Round 2

Continuing from the previous blog entry about Liv Taylor at the Narrows on Sunday night--above Liv listens like a proud teacher as his student Liz Longley charms the crowd during his show. He brought her on stage for 3 of her songs and then, as the night's encore, a rendition of "Over the Rainbow."

Ryan Montbleu, below got the evening started. He'll be returning to the Narrows soon for his own gig.

Below, Dallas-based artist Richard Nunez paints a portrait of Liv Taylor during the concert, which was a benefit for mvyradio.com.

Cheers for MVY Radio!

Sunday night was benefit night for the archives of mvyradio.com, the Narrows broadcast partner. Funds raised help keep the archives available on the website of many past shows at the Narrows.

Livingston Taylor was the headliner. That's him above relaxing in the Narrows office before the show. Below he's getting down with one of his students at Berklee (he teaches performance) Liz Longley.

Liv Taylor is not only a great musician, singer and songwriter, he's a wonderful physical performer. He's always interesting to watch--whether he's telling a story or performing a tune.
So, your humble blogger tomorrow will feature more shots from the show.

Oh, and check out the mvyradio.com archives in a few days to hear the concert. Well worth a listen!

Don't Miss Susan Cowsill in October!!!!!!

You humble blogger was delighted that Susan Cowsill has been added to the Narrows schedule. The photo is her at the Narrows in 2006.

Yes, she's a member of the fabled, and tragic, Cowsill family. Yes, she was very little when she sang on their hit records.

She's grown into an accomplished songwriter and singer. If you take time to listen to her music, you will absolutely enjoy it. This show has your humble blogger's personal guarantee. Something I haven't offered for a long time. This show is a lock.

She's coming in late October, so there's plenty of time to get some dough together and get tickets.

Even though you may not be familiar with her work as an adult, do not miss this show!!!!

www.susancowsill.com

Riffing

Dickey Betts and Great Southern brought their Dixie rock sound to the Narrows Friday night. They also brought to the stage a monster load of equipment, just like in the old days! Mr. Betts was in fine form, demonstrating that he truly was the core of the Allman Brothers Band.

Youngsters out of Berklee in Boston, the Luke Mulholland Band, below, opened the show with their stoner rock meets southern vibe, led by 20-something guitarist/singer/songwriter Luke Mulholland, who hails from Canada. These guys burned up the stage, earning the honor of being your humble blogger's favorite new band.

I should note that they chose to cover an often overlooked Beatles' rave up, "Hey Bulldog." An inspired choice!

Narrows Alum Stephen Bruton Passes

One of the first musicians to play a concert at the Narrows, Stephen Bruton, has died of cancer. He was a fabulous guitarist and worked with some of the greatest.

Details here.

Master Skinsman

Fab drummer Tom Major, above, and his group Entrain, brought their Bo Diddley-inspired rhythms to the Narrows Friday night.

Jazzy brass collided with rock guitar, keyboards, bass and all sorts of rhythm instruments--all quarterbacked by the amazing Tom Major.

It's not surprising that Tom pounds out that Bo Diddley sound: he was a mainstay when the recently passed rock pioneer toured.  He also worked with Southside Johnny, Carly Simon, Blood, Sweat and Tears, and Chuck Berry.

If you missed the show, it will soon be available at mvyradio.com.

Narrows Alum Bennett Sues Wilco Leader

Narrows alum Jay Bennett, formerly of Wilco, is suing Wilco chief Jeff Tweedy.

More here.

Truckin'

Keith Richards’ campaign manager (okay, it's Narrows prez Patrick Norton) and Steve Parrish, Jerry Garcia’s roadie and personal assistant for 30 years. He is now the manager for Moonalice, which played the Narrows Saturday night.