Like It Loud. Like It Blue.

 A loud, bluesy Friday night at the Narrows, that started acoustic with master blues picker Mark T. Small, playing some Charlie Patton, some Robert Johnson, some Mark T. Small.  Then the air got electric with Coco Montoya (above) and his group, sporting a new CD.

All kicked off a blues weekend that features Ronnie Earl on Saturday night.  Blues fans--take note! James Cotton, Taj Mahal, Savoy Brown, Jimmy Vaughn and Johnny Winter coming up in the months ahead!

A Jesse Winchester Kind of NIght

A lovely Friday night at the Narrows.  The weather kind of understated.  

The performer, Jesse Winchester, kind of understated, too.  Except with fabulous songs.

Kevin Connolly, who recently played the Kerrville Folk Festival, was the opener and received a more than enthusiastic response.

The Wolfa Guffa Cares

Midnight Souvenirs--Peter Wolf--The former J. Geils frontman is working hard for the money. This is a finely crafted recording that shows, despite decades on stage and in the studio, the Wolfa Guffa Mamma Tuffa still cares.  For example: he wrote more than half the tracks with song doctor Will Jennings--which may bother some purists (Hell, Jennings wrote with freakin' Barry Manilow!  But, hey, with Clapton too.) I suspect he wanted the best and was willing to bring in the talent.  It paid off--the tunes are the absolute bedrock of this CD.  

Lots of Narrows connections, including a duet with Narrows alum Shelby Lynne on the opener, "Tragedy" (the photo was taken of Wolf at the Narrows' Shelby Lynne concert in November, 2008); Narrows alums Kris Delmhorst and Catherine Russell sing back up, and the CD was co-produced by Kenny White, who's performed at the Narrows as Cheryl Wheeler's pianist.  And Narrows fave Chuck Prophet helped in the writing chores for "Overnight Lows," lest I forget.  

Midnight Souvenirs deserves the light of day.  Nice job.

Slim News and More

Narrows alum Watermelon Slim has released a new CD. It's called Ringers, and you can read a write up here.  That's him in the photo at the Narrows in 2008.

In other news:

--Jimmie Vaughan is debuting at the Narrows in October. 

--A second show has been added to Richard Thompson's late summer return to the Narrows.

--Should be up on the website any minute now: the Narrows will be holding a golf tournament! 

--Speaking of golf, Seth Walker, who played the Narrows Saturday night, is a huge fan of the game.  Word was he was slated to hit the links before his Sunday show in Boston.

--Nice recent article about the Narrows in the Herald News. Read it here.

Let the Four Winds Blow!

There was a tornado watch or warning or something Saturday night.

But the Seth Walker show blew some cool blues into the atmosphere and the show went on as scheduled!

Bettye LaVette Interpretations Machine Rolls On!

Narrows fave Bettye LaVette seems to be everywhere--doing a Tiny Desk concert on NPR, getting her new CD "Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook" reviewed in Entertainment Weekly etc.

It's paying off: She's debuting at #56 on Billboard's Top 200.  She debuts at #1 on Billboard's Blues Chart.

No more Bettye who?  Congrats to the new Queen of Soul!

The Storyteller

Tom Russell brought his songs, his stories, his reflections, and his hot recent CD Blood and Candle Smoke to the Narrows Thursday night.

If you missed the show, you can watch him on Letterman here.

It Ain't Coming Easy: Bettye LaVette Channels Ringo Starr

Narrows alum Bettye LaVette continues taking the nation by storm--this time with an NPR "Tiny Desk" concert in which she completely reworks Ringo Starr's "It Don't Come Easy."  Ms. LaVette has just released a CD of her interpretations of a variety of British rock songs.

"Tiny Desk" concerts take place in the NPR offices, literally at a desk with minimal accompaniment.  Ms. LaVette is backed only by an acoustic guitarist.

See the brief concert by clicking here.

Darrell Scott Travels a Crooked Road

Narrows alum, and fab hit songwriter, Darrell Scott has a new CD, a double set in which he reportedly plays all the instruments.

If you're unfamiliar with him, learn more here.

If memory serves he last played the Narrows about 5 years back, but was one of the first artists who played our beloved venue in the early years, teaming up with bluegrasser Tim O'Brien.  By the way, in July Darrell will be touring in Robert Plant's band.

The new release is called A Crooked Road, and you can read a review right here.

Congrats and best wishes to a wonderful talent, brilliant songwriter and musician, and good guy.

Bettye Interprets

Narrows alum Bettye LaVette's new CD is now out.  

It's called "Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook."  She covers The Beatles' "The Word," Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed," George Harrison's "Isn't It a Pity," Ringo Starr's "It Don't Come Easy," Led Zep's "All My Love," and others.

Congrats to a great lady!  More info here.

Jimi

Valleys of Neptune--Jimi Hendrix--Not sure if there's a need for another Jimi Hendrix release--he kissed the sky 40 years back--but if there's going to be one, Valleys of Neptune is most worthy. A project of Janie Hendrix, Jimi's stepsister, and Experience Hendrix, Valleys of Neptune consists of recordings mostly made a year or so before his death in 1970, a time rock 'n' roll was becoming rock--the post-Sgt. Pepper era, when solos got long and guitarists became gods. Valleys of Neptune, for those who are more mainstream listeners, has alternative takes on familiar Hendrix work, such as "Stone Free" and "Red House" and a reading of Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love." But it's the groove, the feel that make this release special and remind all who care that this is where a lot of the jam bands, or more closely, stoner rock groups such as Kyuss, Fu Manchu and Monster Magnet or, to an extent, Queens of the Stone Age, got their mojo.  The world has changed plenty since Jimi left us, but his music, forever frozen in the late 1960s, sounds like he could have recorded it yesterday.

New Stuff from Narrows Artists

Some recent releases from artists who have played the Narrows, in addition to the much blogged Crooked Still release Some Strange Country. Release info from allmusic.com and other sources.

Susan Cowsill--Interesting little story on this new release, Lighthouse, the 2nd solo from this daughter of Newport and the singing Cowsill family, and a particular fave at the Narrows, because she's a hugely talented singer and songwriter and too often gets overlooked. This release is on Threadhead Records out of New Orleans. The organization is less a record label, and more a vehicle by which New Orleans musicians affected by the great flood can fund recording projects. Susan has long been associated with New Orleans, and she lost a brother in the disaster.

Mary Gauthier--She's a former Boston restaurant owner who sold the establishment as things picked up musically. That's only part of a backstory that no doubt informed her latest, The Foundling. Your humble blogger is particularly fond of her 2005 CD Mercy Now and suggests you check that one out too. BTW, she just played the Narrows in April.

Crooked Still's O'Donovan: "We're Not Playing Bluegrass"

Crooked Still's leader Aoife O'Donovan talks about their new CD in an interview with No Depression.

As you may know, Crooked Still is a Narrows fave roots group, playing our beloved venue from their earliest days.

Find out why Crooked Still is not playing bluegrass here.

Passionate Paula Cole

The North Shore's Paula Cole--Grammy winner, hitmaker, Berkley-trained, Peter Gabriel protege, Dawson's Creek theme song writer, pianist--brought her passion to the Narrows Friday night for the first time.

Backed simply by an acoustic guitarist and a drummer, her sound was nevertheless rich, empowered by her strong vocals and depth of emotion in every note.

Still--she knew how to have a bit of fun too, rapping "Oh Mickey you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey" over the rhythm lead into her late '90s smash "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?"

She closed the night out with an inspired version of Dolly Parton's "Jolene."

The show was streamed live on mvyradio.com and should be in their archives soon.

Jimmy Buffett Digs Jesse Winchester

Jimmy Buffett's latest Buffett Hotel has a song from Jesse Winchester, coming to the Narrows June 11.  It's called "Rhumba Man," and Buffett has some commentary about it on his website.

"In my little corner of the universe, I am blessed with many wonderful comets which pass through my orbit. When it comes to songs and songwriters, it seems the region from which my melodic meteors arrive is just across the border in Canada, where when album creation time comes due, the words and melodies of Jesse Winchester and Bruce Cockburn come flashing my way.

Rhumba Man, like several other 'song comets' from Jesse Winchester orbited around me for a long time, since I first heard it on his 'Nothing But A Breeze' album. If a song can make you dance and have you singing the chorus half way through the first time you hear it, then you have a pretty damn good song and that is what Rhumba Man does for me and I hope will do for you.'

Cheryl Wheeler in October

Fab local songstress, and very funny person, Cheryl Wheeler, returns October 8.  We think of her as a local 'cause she lives a stone's throw from the Narrows, but as you probably know she's celebrated nationally and beyond.

Jonathan Edwards also on deck in October.  He lives on some island.

More at www.ncfta.org.

Feeding Our Souls

The fabulous Holmes Brothers returned to the Narrows Friday night, in support of their cool new CD Feed My Soul.

Wendell Holmes, left on guitar, seemed especially jazzed, perhaps because of his success battling cancer. Can't remember his playing the guitar so energetically!

It was soul, gospel, rock, even a bit of country. These guys do it all, with God-fearing harmonies too. Can you imagine turning the Beatles' "And I Love Her," and "I'll Be Back" into soul? The Holmes Brothers did Friday night.

Richard Thompson Coming End of August

Just added: Richard Thompson, August 29. Tickets are already moving. More info at www.ncfta.org.

So Runs the World Away: Josh Ritter's Latest

Narrows alum Josh Ritter--horsing around with fans at the Narrows in 2006 (photo left)--has a new CD out. It's called So Runs the World Away, and for a Paste Magazine review, click here.

Jim Lauderdale's Got Another New One!

Our guy, Grammy winner Jim Lauderdale, has a new CD, Patchwork River. It hits the streets Tuesday, May 11.

Jim collaborates with legendary Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter on this one.

As you may know, Jim has performed at the Narrows several times, including playing at the Narrows Festival of the Arts.

A good guy, well liked at the Narrows. By the way, he seems to pop up on television every now and then backing Elvis Costello or Willie Nelson. This past week he was on Letterman and "The View" with Willie.

What can you say? Little Feat at the Narrows on a mild Friday night in May. Does it get any better?

Crooked Still's Some Strange Country

One of the most exciting young roots groups you'll hear, Crooked Still, has a new album out May 18th.

It's called Some Strange Country, and features special guests Ricky Skaggs and Narrows alum Tim O'Brien. The word is it will feature mostly traditional tunes, some originals and a cover.

NPR will have a sneak preview starting May 10 at www.npr.org/firstlisten.

Congrats to the group!

Get Better Soon Mick Taylor

Former guitarist for the Rolling Stones, Mick Taylor, was rushed to an area hospital shortly before tonight's show at the Narrows.

Unofficial word is that he's suffering from pneumonia.

Last year, his scheduled appearance at the Narrows was postponed--although that time well in advance-due to illness.

We wish him the best and look forward to his complete recovery, as well as his performance at our fabled venue.

Mick Taylor joined the Stones after Brian Jones' death in 1969 and remained with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts until the mid-1970s. That means his guitar is on the albums Sticky Fingers (featuring "Honky Tonk Women" and "Brown Sugar"), Exile on Main Street ("Tumbling Dice," "Sweet Virginia," "Happy"), Goat's Head Soup ("Angie,""Heartbreaker," "Star Star"), and It's Only Rock 'n' Roll (Title cut, a great cover of "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," and "Time Waits for No One").

Mick Taylor quit the Stones after It's Only Rock 'n' Roll for reasons that have never been clear. Speculation includes not getting along with Keith, issues about songwriting credit, the lifestyle of being a Rolling Stone, and a desire to have a solo career.

He was replaced by the Faces' Ronnie Wood, who has been a Stone ever since.

Liv Taylor's New CD

Courtesy of allmusic.com, we just learned that Narrows alum Livingston Taylor has a new CD.

It's called Last Alaska Moon, and you can learn more here.

Have You Heard? Get Some Churchin'!

Religious music--particularly that associated with Christianity--appears to be going through a resurgence. A couple very different approaches:

Here I Am--Marvin Sapp--At this writing, this recording is #27 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, a couple places south of a Taylor Swift CD and a few north of Rihanna. That's right. Not the gospel chart or some other religious list. The Billboard Top 200, where The Glee soundtrack is #1. Who is Marvin Sapp? He's Senior Pastor Marvin Sapp, of the Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He's a traditional gospel performer, but with modern beats and production values. For example, although he performs live on the recording there's a lot of electronic wizardry--including the flawless impeccably mixed sound of a backing choir that has to be the stuff of studio magic, as the singers flawlessly wrap themselves around the pastor. Still, that old-time gospel vibe survives. Sample lyric: "He saw the best in me, when everyone else around me could only see the worst in me..." Note: This is the second CD of his finding mainstream success, so this is no one-hit accident like the great Edwin Hawkins Singers' fabulous record, "Oh Happy Day," a big hit when the world was young.

The World is a Thorn--Demon Hunter--This band from Washington State is best described as "metalcore," so it's not likely they'll be topping any charts soon. Still, this Christian group is regularly reviewed in some of the mainstream metal press, e.g. Revolver magazine, metalreview.com, and not totally marginalized because of their proselytizing (some metal sites, though, still do not write about them). This is loud, growling, and aggressive--a sound you might associate with the Infernal One rather than the pearly gates. But perhaps that's the point: devout Christians can be mosh pitting headbangers or whatever headbangers do. Sample lyric: "Won't bow to government, Won't trust in a failed system of self-fulfilling lust, Won't love a world where my God is mocked..." Demon Hunter will have to leave metalcore to experience the mainstream success of big hair metal band Stryper back in the 1980s, but, considering that in metal integrity is everything, that's unlikely. A gutsy group not afraid to take chances in their work for the Almighty.

Young At Heart

Popular tribute group Forever Young drew a strong crowd to their energetic show celebrating the music of Neil Young Friday night.

This Providence-based group has worked hard to develop a following, winning recognition in Motif magazine polls and beyond.

Check out the band's bios. Chances are, if you've followed the Rhode Island area music scene, you'll recognize their names.

The concert was streamed live on mvyradio.com, so it should be posted in their archives soon.

Sky Guys

Narrows unsung hero, Brian Shriver, (left) and his partner in photography, Chris Blake, have opened at the Narrows a compelling photo display.

Their company, called Aerial VR, creates photo content on websites that feature bird's-eye views of property, virtual tours, maps etc. It's surreal while being very real and informative.

Brian, by the way, is a longtime Narrows' volunteer who has used his practical and creative skills to heighten the Narrows' physical plant. He's also run the sound board for many concerts.

So if you're visiting the Narrows over the next few weeks, be sure to take a look at Brian and Chris's work.

Have You Heard? Volume II

Couple of recordings that are the 2nd--either the second CD called "Mountain Soul" or the second CD the group released:

Mountain Soul II--Patty Loveless--This former mainstream country chanteuse, a member of the Grand Ole Opry, has released a lovely bluegrassy CD that salutes the old timey sound of the Stanley Brothers without sounding old fashioned. (She thanks Narrows alum Ralph Stanley for being the father of Mountain Soul.) The CD kicks off with a cover of "Busted," most associated with Ray Charles from way back, but sounding strikingly contemporary given the economic times. Guests include Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Del McCoury. Tasteful production and arrangements. A winner!

Volume II--She and Him--When is retro so retro it's progressive? Well, maybe not progressive but there's not much around these days that sounds like She and Him, actress Zooey Deschanel and guitarist Matt Ward. They've captured the folk pop of We Five (remember "You Were On My Mind"?) and Friend and Lover ("Reach Out of the Darkness"), and The Mamas and The Papas (particularly when Michelle Phillips sang lead). It's soft, it's sunny, it's shimmering. Ms. Deschanel, who played the older sister in the movie "Almost Famous," wrote most of the songs. Fun!

More New Narrows Artist Releases

Some stuff that just came out from some Narrows alums, according to lists published at allmusic.com.

Jonathan Edwards--Rollin' Along: Live in Holland--He's returning to the Narrows in October. Can't go wrong with a concert by this guy.

Mark Hummel--Retroactive.

The Infamous Stringdusters--Things That Fly.

Shelby Lynne--Tears, Lies and Alibis. She tore the house down at the Narrows a couple years back. That's her in the photo. Can't wait to hear this one!

Psychedelic Seeger

When one hears the name Seeger, one may conjure up images of singalongs, banjos, more singalongs, and even more banjos.

Pete's grandson Tao seems to be working to change that, as shown Thursday night at the Narrows where he and his band were unafraid to rock pretty hard.

What can you say when the grandson of Pete

Seeger--who mythically took an axe to Bob Dylan's power supply at the Newport Folk Festival--aims his electrified banjo at his amplifier and twists and turns it to create feedback like Jimi Hendrix?

The times, they are a-changin'.

By the way, you may have seen Tao with his grandpa and Bruce Springsteen at the Obama inauguration singing Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land." On another note, Tao and his group were very nice folks, winning kudos from the Narrows crew.

Denver-based Paper Bird opened, with a mixture of two-sister plus harmonies, horns and more. Don't know how they fit all those folks on stage without bumping into one another!

Have Your Heard? Soul!

Feed My Soul--The Holmes Brothers--These guys can do no wrong for those of us at the Narrows who have worked with them over the years. You might call their rootsy sound soul or rhythm & blues. But even when they're singing about loving a woman--e.g. on this recording, "Pledging My Love," a tune associated with Johnny Ace--the sound is church'd up. And why not? Ain't love divine? So without preaching the cleansing feeling of gospel pervades--even when they cover the Beatles' "I'll Be Back," an odd choice perhaps, but not a total surprise since this is the trio that covered Cheap Trick's "I Want You to Want Me" as a touching ballad. Not to mention taking on Nick Lowe's "What So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love and Understanding?" The CD was produced by Joan "If God Were One of Us" Osborne and recorded in part at beautiful Longview Farms Studios, North Brookfield, MA. For Narrows alumni trivia fans: Ollabelle's fab keyboardist Glenn Patscha and jazz/blues vocalist Catherine Russell lend a hand. Catch brothers Wendell (above, at a Narrows Festival of the Arts) and Sherman Holmes and Popsy Dixon May 14 at the Narrows.

Only Everything--David Sanborn--The saxophonist who has pretty much sat in with everybody has put out a delightful CD, even, I submit, for those having difficulty listening to instrumental recordings. The sound is jazz, but the melody remains through the riffing--and passionate 23-year-old British R & B tigress Joss Stone and nice guy flexible folkie James Taylor break it up nicely at the microphone. The theme is that Sanborn is getting back to his

roots--namely Ray Charles--featuring tunes written and/or recorded by The Genius, including "Hallelujah, I Love Her So," given the JT treatment and "Let the Good Times Roll" fronted finely by Stone (this is not the hit for Shirley and Lee in the 1950s, but rather a song associated with Louis Jordan in the 1940s). Feature of note: Soulful Hammond B3 all over the place. Pop this one into your vehicle's sound system and cruise.

New Releases From Narrows Artists

With so much music floating around, it's difficult to wade through all the information. That's why, as a public service, your humble blogger is listing selected releases over the past week or so from artists who have performed, or will be performing at, or we would love to have perform at, the Narrows. The information is gleaned from allmusic.com and other sources. So if you're a fan of the music presented at the Narrows, this might be a good starting point in tracking down a recording you may enjoy.

Jeff Beck--Emotion & Commotion (Nice story in Rolling Stone a few months ago featuring Jeff Beck & somewhat historic rival Eric Clapton. Worth tracking down to see how Mr. Beck views his relative anonymity compared to Clapton's celebrity.)

Chris Farlowe--a couple releases are listed: Art of Chris Farlowe, as well as Best of Chris Farlowe. Mr. Farlowe was a protege of The Rolling Stones, a British soul singer who's version of the Stones' "Out of Time" is a favorite of your humble blogger.

Jefferson Airplane--Thirty Seconds Over Winterland/Early Flight. (Hey Jorma fans!)

B.B. King--On Stage with Lucille

Kaki King--Junior (We did a show or two with her a few years back. She was respected at that time; she's much more famous now, I think. In an email from Rounder Records announcing the release, the company says she's Rolling Stone's first-ever female guitar god.)

Tom Lehrer--Tom Lehrer Collection (Your humble blogger is a huge fan.)

Janiva Magness--Devil is an Angel Too. (She's coming May 15 to the Narrows. Been digging on this CD for a few days.)

Carrie Rodriguez--Love and Circumstances. (That's her on the right at one of the Narrows' Festivals of the Arts.)

Catherine Russell--Inside this Heart of Mine. (Great show the other night at the Narrows.)

Ravi Shankar--Nine Decades, Vol. 1. (I know we have some 1960s fans who come to our concerts. So who is more 1960s than Norah Jones' father?)

Please feel free to add other releases or make corrections.

It Swings

Jazz/blues song stylist Catherine Russell showed, Friday night at the Narrows, how it was when jazz and blues were the same, and her dad, Luis Russell, was working with Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong in the 1920s and '30s.

Dinah Washington, Fats Waller--and even Sam Cooke's younger brother L.C. Cooke were on the agenda.

Catherine's tasty back-up of keys, stand-up and electric guitar with even a bit of banjo was stellar support.

Narrows Best Folk Venue

You knew it already, but now so do the readers of the Providence Phoenix: The Narrows is "Best Folk Venue."

Thank you to all who voted for us!

Merle Haggard Streaming

Merle Haggard's new CD, his first in several years, is streaming until its official release later this month on NPR.

New Furniture!

New furniture at the Narrows! Comfy!

The Voice

What can you say about a group that can go from Bill Monroe to the Moody Blues ("Tuesday Afternoon") to Led Zepplin ("Going to California") to Frank Sinatra--and make it work?

The John Cowan Band did, Saturday night at the Narrows, in a progressive bluegrass/jazz style.

Bassist Cowan, who is perhaps best known for being part of the Newgrass Revival (along with Sam Bush and Bela Fleck) way back when, demonstrated why he has been for decades the vocal go-to guy for folks like John Prine, Rosanne Cash, Steve Earle, Garth Brooks, Hootie and the Blowfish, the Doobie Brothers, Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, the String Cheese Incident etc. Magnificent vocals--and pretty darn good bass playing as well. His version of "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning," a song Frank Sinatra made a classic in 1955, could have won a Grammy. He dedicated it to his late father, who died in 1974, who he said was a talented singer and a vocal influence, though confining his talents to church and a barbershop quartet.

On guitar, Jeff Autry, one of the best you'll here (he cited jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery as one of his idols). On fiddle, the magnificent Shad Cobb.

Check out mvyradio.com in a few days. The show was streamed live on their website and should be in their archives very soon. Absolutely worth finding!

Adrian Belew Coming in June

Guitarist Adrian Belew, perhaps best known for his guitar work with King Crimson, is coming to the Narrows in June.

More here.

Little Brother Jimmy

Chip Taylor brought his charming show to the Narrows Thursday night, featuring guitarist John Platania (you heard his guitar on Van Morrison's "Moondance") and fiddler Kendel Carson.

His new CD Yonkers NY tells of growing up with two older brothers, actor Jon Voight and geologist Barry Voight, with a golf pro dad who thrilled his sons with stories of his supposed life as an undercover FBI agent.

Chip, whose given name is James Wesley Voight, is best known for composing "Wild Thing" a hit for The Troggs and covered by Jimi Henrix (and others), and "Angel of the Morning," a hit for Merrilee Rush and Juice Newton.

Local fave, singer guitarist Louie Leeman, opened.

Have You Heard? Claire Lynch & Chick

Whatcha Gonna Do--Claire Lynch-Bluegrass and folk music from a voice as clear as a bell--the kind that makes you look up and pay attention. Reminiscent of Dolly Parton. Great song choices too, including Jesse Winchester's "That's What Makes You Strong," which features a vocal by Jesse, who is making a return visit to the Narrows June 11. Ms. Lynch seems to be a talent who hasn't received just recognition over her many years of performing. This CD deserves to win her new fans.

Five Peace Band-Live--Chick Corea & John McLaughlin--"I decline to attempt to describe this music or give it a name. But I will say that it's a music that's made by five musicians who don't care about what it's called or where it comes from or what its 'influences' are," writes jazz keyboard great Chick Corea in this 2-CD set's booklet. But since Corea and guitarist McLaughlin worked with Miles Davis creating Bitches Brew you know it has to be adventurous. And it is. Still, melody matters more than would be apparent at just a cursory listen to this winner of the 2010 Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental. Includes Kenny Garrett on sax, Christian McBride on bass, and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums--guys who have worked with Miles, Zappa, etc. Guest spot by Herbie Hancock on piano.

LWIII

Recent Grammy winner Loudon Wainwright III brought his topical songs to the Narrows Saturday night.

Earlier this year he won the Grammy for his two-CD set High Wide and Handsome, the Charlie Poole Project, his first Grammy win. He noted that he had been nominated for two Grammys in the 1980s, but was beaten both times by his friend Steve Goodman, who had passed away a year or so before the Grammys were awarded. He was concerned that since he was once again up against a deceased person, that he would be shut out!

Believe it or not, he already has a new CD out, 10 Songs for the New Depression, featuring a song that was a sing-a-long during the show, "Cash for Clunkers."

Our longtime friend Kerri Powers (below) opened the show, ending her set with a stunning version of the Barry Gibb (BeeGees) song "To Love Somebody," which, she explained, was written by Barry Gibb for Otis Redding but was recorded by Gram Parsons.

New Mose Allison CD Reviewed in Rolling Stone

Narrows alum Mose Allison (left, exiting the Narrows' stage a couple years back) has a new album, his first in some time. And Rolling Stone is singing his praises.

Be sure to catch the guy whose fans include Ray Davies, The Who and Eric Clapton. He'll be at the Narrows again in June.

I'm Just a Singer in a Rock 'n' Roll Band

"My name is Rhett Miller and I'm a rock 'n' roll singer!"

So kicked off the solo gig of the Old 97s' Rhett Miller before a devoted audience at the Narrows Thursday night. It was his Narrows' debut.

Boston-based David Wax (below), doing a gig apart from his band The David Wax Museum, opened.

If you missed the show, it should be in the mvyradio.com archives in a few days

Have You Heard? Church and Screams

Downtown Church--Patty Griffin--Various types of church music in this release, with Hank Williams' "House of Gold," the much covered "Wade in the Water," and "All Creatures of Our God and King," a familiar hymn to Catholics and perhaps those of other faiths, with lyrics apparently written by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century (Griffin's father was once a Trappist monk). But the reverence doesn't get in the way of making this an upbeat, interesting and entertaining recording with some surprises, including (!) a cover of a Leiber and Stoller's "I Smell A Rat," ("You won't tell me where you been, Whiskey running all down your chin") which has no religious message that I could find. Griffin's singing is stellar, as is the backup which includes Narrows alum Jim Lauderdale, as well as Emmylou Harris, Raul Malo, and Julie Miller. Produced by Buddy Miller, with the recording partially done in a Presbyterian church in Nashville.

Screamworks:Love in Theory and Practice, Chapters 1-13--HIM--This Finnish band calls its sound "love metal," but these ears hear creative power pop with a metal edge. It's probably impossible not to at least like this album: the songs are hooky and radio friendly for the most part, the production is smooth as are most of the vocals. And it's about love: "Let fall apart together now zipping cupid in a body bag..." go the opening lyrics. What's not to like?

Coco,Richie, Ralph II Others Added to Schedule

Coco Montoya, Richie Havens, Ralph Stanley II, Jonathan Edwards, Red Molly, Tom Rush, Tao Seeger added to the schedule.

Check it out here.

Aloha from the Narrows

Hapa brought the sounds of Hawaii and Polynesia, particularly slack-key guitar, to the Narrows Friday night, featuring inspired and technically incredible musicianship and even a hula dancer!

Interesting to note that the show attracted a lot of new people to the Narrows--as a center for the arts we're always interested in opening our doors to more and more friends with diverse artistic interests. Certainly Polynesian folk music is different for us!

If you're one of our new friends, thank you for visiting with us! Tell your friends! We hope to see you again soon.

Angels We Have Heard On High

The powerful harmonies of Angel Band resounded at the Narrows on a warm March Thursday evening.

Box Tops, Big Star's Alex Chilton Dies

The guy who sang "The Letter" in the 1960s when he was a teenager, and then went into cultish obscurity with Big Star, Alex Chilton, has died of a heart attack. Details here.

Have You Heard This One?

The Bright Mississippi-Allen Toussaint--If you don't know his name, you haven't been paying attention. Pianist Toussaint, based in New Orleans, has been an important composer, producer and musician for a long time. His songs include: "Yes We Can Can," a hit for The Pointer Sisters; "Southern Nights," a hit for Glen Campbell; "Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley," covered by Robert Palmer and the name of one of his albums; and "Play Something Sweet (Brickyard Blues)," a hit for Three Dog Night. And he produced "Lady Marmalade (Voulez Vous Coucher Avec Moi), a hit for LaBelle. I could go on. The Bright Mississippi was not produced by Toussaint (it's a Joe Henry project), nor are there any Toussaint songs--the tunes are by Duke Ellington, "Jelly Roll" Morton, Joe "King" Oliver, Django Reinhardt, and others. Producer Joe Henry writes in the CD's booklet that he'd been wanting to do a "covers" CD with Toussaint after he heard Toussaint, for fun, play a Fats Waller song between takes in a Los Angeles studio. "I was stunned," writes Henry. "It was a revelation to hear this music...interpreted through Allen's very unique point of view...'Have you ever considered making a record like that?' I quickly asked him over the talkback. 'Never,' he said with a slight grin, and kept playing by way way of assuring me that he most certainly had." The Bright Mississippi is almost entirely instrumental, except for one track on which Toussaint sings. Musicians include Narrows alum Marc Ribot on acoustic guitar, along with Joshua Redman and others. Since this is pretty much all instrumentals, it's important to CRANK IT UP so it's not just background music. This is classy and classic, and not to be missed especially if you're interested in the roots of American jazz. It was a 2010 Grammy nominee.

My One and Only Thrill---Melody Gardot--Move over Diana Krall! This 25 year old out of New Jersey has one of the hottest CDs on the Billboard Jazz Chart. She's an excellent chanteuse, with a hint of the great Peggy Lee, plays piano and guitar, and wrote or co-wrote all the songs, except for her bossa nova cover of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." The CD has a lush sound, but also a bluesy "after hours" feel that takes it to a hipper place. The artist has an interesting backstory: although a child piano prodigy, she didn't plan on becoming a professional musician as an adult. Then she sustained serious injuries after being hit by a car, and had to use music as therapy. She learned to play the guitar and started writing songs. Today, she has to wear shades day and night due to light sensitivity, but the accident didn't hurt her voice. If you enjoy musical excellence, check this one out.

The Wolf Was Back!

Thanks Herb Tracy for this photo of Walter "Wolfman" Washington at the Narrows Saturday night!

Holmes Brothers New One #1 On Billboard Chart

Our guys The Holmes Brothers, coming to the Narrows in May, have the number one record on Billboard's Blues Chart. See more here.

A Touch of Whimsy in the Night

Leon Redbone once again graced the Narrows stage bringing his whimsy, his guitar and a piano player to perform before a sold out audience Friday night.

Your humble blogger had the good fortune to chat with Mr. Redbone before the show. He provided some valuable photography tips that led to the photo above.

Comedian Smokin' Joe Holden, above, opened the show, getting laughs and setting a light-hearted tone for the evening.

Have You Heard This One? Humble Blogger Suggests:

The Ballad of John Henry--Joe Bonamassa--Strutting bluesy hard rock, in the very best sense of those words. Testosterone-soaked big fat riffs from Bonamassa, of Utica, New York, fill the speakers, backed by horns and pounding rhythm, with vocals from the guitarist himself. Some guitar heroes have trouble being the lead singer. Not him. And some don't write or choose strong songs, relying on virtuosity. Again, not him. He writes 'em, and picks selections from Tom Waits and Tony Joe White, and even Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse! This CD came out in 2009--and he's releasing a new one March 23. Busy guy.

A Friend of a Friend--Dave Rawlings Machine--Recorded in part at RCA Studio B, a now historic site for being the cradle of 1,000 + big hits and 150 Elvis Presley tracks, A Friend of a Friend will no doubt add to its legacy. Rhode Island's Rawlings, folk and bluegrass icon Gillian Welch's partner, may have himself the 2010 Folk Record of the Year. The aura is stark "folk goth" with a sweetener at times from strings arranged by the legendary Jimmie Haskell. The songs are mostly composed by Rawlings, with help from Welch (who is all over the record), Ryan Adams and others, with tunes also by Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst, the late bluesman Jesse Fuller and Neil Young. Essential listening for anyone following the contemporary folk scene.

By A Thread--Gov't Mule--If you enjoy the early to mid-seventies classic rock/southern rock sound (I do--hey, that's when I was in high school!), this will be instantly likable. Led by Allman Brother/Dead member Warren Haynes, Gov't Mule mixes riffing and tasteful tunesmithing with a sprinkling of psychedelia. The arrangements are compelling, and the lead vocals, provided by lead guitarist Haynes, fit the overall sound perfectly, recalling Bob Seger and/or Gregg Allman. By A Thread is an excellent rock 'n' roll record that clearly was put together with care and creativity. It may not win a Grammy, but it deserves to be considered for a nomination. Well done.

Bookends

Aztec Two Step, Rex Fowler and Neil Shulman, brought their Simon & Garfunkel show to the Narrows Saturday night to a sold out house! The fans were psyched too! Great vibe!

The show featured their interpretations of "Sounds of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," "Hazy Shade of Winter" and others. Their 2nd set focused on their originals.

Before the show, Rex visited the resident artist studios, purchasing a pendant at Annie's Artifax. That's Annie checking out her creation around Rex's neck.

Let's Radiate!

New Orleans funk rockers The Radiators packed the house Thursday night at the Narrows. Above is guitarist/vocalist Dave Malone.

Your Humble Blogger Recommendeth...

Your humble blogger listeneth, and therefore writeth:

Sounding Point--Julian Lage--First CD. First Grammy nomination. This twenty-something former child prodigy--he performed with Narrows alum David Grisman when he was 10 years old--has released an interesting collection of tracks, mostly original compositions, featuring Bela Fleck and Chris Thile, that crosses genres, but mostly remains in the jazz realm. This is all instrumental, so to ensure you don't miss the artistry you need to CRANK IT UP! While Mr. Lage is a guitar guy, the recording benefits from the prominence of pianist Taylor Eigsti, particularly on the last track "All Blues," written by Miles Davis. Mr. Eigsti is also a twenty-something former child prodigy by the way. If you appreciate instrumental music as more than background buzz, this CD should be to your liking.

Splendor in the Grass--Pink Martini--Jazzy, campy and fun, Pink Martini is an Oregon-based group, more an orchestra, with ties to Massachusetts, specifically Harvard University. That's where the founder, keyboardist Thomas Lauderdale (relative of Narrows fave Jim Lauderdale??) and singer China Forbes hooked up and started exploring their diverse musical passions. The result is this interesting, somewhat nostalgic collection of tracks that sound like post-World War II pop, or something from a 1966 James Bond film, or maybe the New

Seekers--sometimes they sound about about two notes from breaking into "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" or Astrud Gilberto's "Girl from Ipanema"! One more Massachusetts tie: they cover Fall River native Joe Raposo's "Sing," a hit for the Carpenters and featured on Sesame Street. (The Narrows has honored the late Raposo with a commemorative display.) Open your ears and maybe your mind, and you'll get a kick out of this CD! Currently on Billboard's Jazz Chart.

Holmes Brothers Get Picked by USA Today

Our guys the Holmes Brothers, returning to the Narrows in May, had a track from their brand new CD, "Feed My Soul," make the "playlist" at USA Today. The chosen track is a Beatles' tune "I'll Be Back." More here.

The CD was a pick on Lime Wire.

Alejandro Escovedo Returns in April

Narrows fave Alejandro Excovedo returns April 9. More here.

Blues and Bluegrass for Haiti Raises $4,500!!

The Blues and Bluegrass for Haiti fundraiser, held Sunday at the Narrows, raised $4,500!

Many thanks to all who participated!

Big kudos for Gayle from Back Eddy Bluegrass for organizing the event!