Hot Doggin' with Deke

It was good rockin' on a rainy Tuesday night at the Narrows!

California rockabilly guitar cat Deke Dickerson and his group cruised in with their high octane rhythms and riffs.

Local heroes the Cobra-Matics set the roots rockin' stage with a kickin' opening set.

RIP Kenny Edwards

Very sad to note the passing of Narrows alum Kenny Edwards, founder of the Stone Poneys ("Different Drum" was a hit for them in the late 1960s with Linda Ronstadt at the vocals), musical associate of Linda Rondstadt during her prolific 1970s period, and longtime musical associate of Narrows alum Karla Bonoff as well as Andrew Gold ("Thank You For Being a Friend").

The LA Times reports he was suffering from cancer and a blood disorder. He collapsed in Denver while on tour with Karla, the paper reported, and hospitalized, dying Wednesday in California.

I know the crew at the Narrows who worked with him liked him and enjoyed working with him. A great talent and fine gentleman.

Karla Bonoff posted this message on her website, marking his passing: "I want to thank him for being my teacher, my musical partner and my best friend for the last forty-three years." Linda Ronstadt called him a "beacon to me" in an extensive remembrance of Kenny in an LA Times blog. To see that remembrance, click here.

For all of the entries about Kenny I've blogged, please click here.

Retro's Reality

I Learned the Hard Way--Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings--When is retro a retread? With a number of retro acts on the scene, it's worth exploring. Hmm. One of the more over-the-top retros is the Chesterfield Kings, sounding like the Rolling Stones. I've got their Psychedelic Sunrise CD, and I like it, although it's "name the riff" when I listen. ("Doesn't that part sound like 'Ruby Tuesday?'") The group that invented retro in the rock era--if such a claim could be made--was the Flamin' Groovies. They're fun, although to these ears they covered songs that didn't need it--like "Kicks," and, with all due respect, "Tallahassee Lassie."

There are others. And then there's Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, who just played the Newport Folk Festival. A friend who saw them said he didn't care if they sounded like old Motown--what's original these days anyway? His bottom line: he likes 'em.

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings' I Learned the Hard Way, recorded, like in the olden days, on an Ampex 8-track tape machine according to the group's website, does sound like Diana Ross and the Supremes and maybe the Superfly soundtrack. But--and here's the important point to me--it's not an imitation. This is not a tribute group; rather, these musicians are embracing a sound, a niche, yes, a gimmick, that works for them. Sharon Jones is a talented, soulful singer who gets it done. The instrumentalists--clever and cool! The songs: as far as I can tell they're all of recent vintage, mostly written by the listed performers.

Deep in my heart--I can't help myself here--I believe the world would be a better place if the music of Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings (and blue-eyed soul singer/guitarist James Hunter, too) was blasting out of radio stations targeting the younger set, and their iPods and smartphones.

T Bone Fixes Willie's Guitar (and Voice)

Country Music-Willie Nelson-Is it me, or is Willie Nelson's trademark guitar sound grating? And his voice--man, I don't ever again want to hear him sing "To All the Girls I've Loved Before," or "Always on My Mind." Enough with "On the Road Again." And that "Baby It's Cold Outside" duet with Norah Jones is, to me, offensive. Stop it, I say. You've gone karaoke! You're an outlaw, for goodness sake.

That said, Mr. Nelson's new one, aptly titled Country Music, produced by roots tastemaker T Bone Burnett, is about perfect. The songs are country classics, so that helps. Gotta like "A Satisfied Mind" no matter who records it. But T Bone mixes Willie's distinctive singing and guitar in a way that complements the other instruments, instead of dominating them. Narrows alum Jim Lauderdale does a lot of harmonizing, which perhaps takes away the boring karaoke edge I've noticed in some of Willie's stuff.

In short: Country Music is the Willie Nelson album for non-Willie Nelson fans, few we may be.

Trimmed

A couple from Rhode Island's South County said they came to the show because they hear her on WUMB radio, and think she sounds like Dusty Springfield.

Understandable, since Shelby Lynne (left) did a tribute to the iconic Springfield a couple years back called Just a Little Lovin' that included Dusty classics "Anyone Who Had a Heart" and "Wishin' and Hopin'."

Another couple, this time from across the Taunton River from the Narrows, Somerset, MA, attended because she has a unique sound, a great voice.

It was clear and strong Thursday night at the Narrows, as Ms. Lynne made her 2nd visit, this time in support of her new recording Tears, Lies and Alibis.

Last time she had a band, and longer hair too. J. Geils' Peter Wolf was in the audience--we think because he was working with her on his CD Midnight Souvenirs, or recruiting her to appear on it (she's on the first track, "Tragedy"). This time she simplified her approach as she trimmed her tresses. No tour bus; no drummer; no bass; no Peter Wolf; just one side player, guitarist John Jackson, who worked with Bob Dylan for 6 years. A good choice, you think? And of course Shelby on guitar. She's not afraid to strum.

A quiet performance overall, though not laid back, as she's too intense for mellow. She set aside her guitar to do an intimate, pleading reading of Dusty's "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me," from A Little Lovin'. If a pin dropped it would have sounded like a bowling ball.

Some news she announced: She and her sister, alt country's Allison Moorer, will tour together later this year. Can we bring the sisters to the Narrows?

Watch this space.

Ain't No Grave for Johnny Rebel

Was driving home from doing historic site-seeing in Lincoln and Concord, MA, towns of the first shooting of the Revolutionary War.

Saw the Old North Bridge, where townsfolk stood tall against the Redcoats, even killing a couple still buried nearby, Union Jacks on their graves. Within a musket shot is the Old Manse; "manse" means home of a clergy person, and this was the home of Rev. William Emerson, the grand-dad of writer Ralph Waldo Emerson. Rev. Emerson was a fiery rebel who died not long after the April, 1775 action at the bridge. Ralph, at the Old Manse, helped create the rebellious American transcendentalist movement; funny thing, writer Nathaniel Hawthorne, who lived there for a few years and hung out with transcendentalists, goofed on 'em. Even rebels have their critics, sometimes their best buds. Down the road is where rebel silversmith and horseman Paul Revere got nabbed by the King's soldiers in the wee, wee hours as he was passing the word that they were coming--although I wonder how historians pinpointed precisely where such an encounter took place. Even with

our modern technology, we still don't know the facts, Jack. Think of the woman in the agriculture department who recently lost her job due to people messing with the truth, and then was offered it back, receiving a presidential apology. Oops.

So, driving back from all this I popped into the car's CD player Johnny Cash's Ain't No Grave, a recording released a few months back that features his final vocals before his 2003 exit. Johnny was a farm boy, a country performer, a troublemaker and troubled guy, and, in recent times, prince of the punks. After being immersed in history as I was, the CD particularly struck me as a conscious fade into history by someone who was counting down to his final moments. With titles like "Ain't No Grave (Gonna Hold This Body Down)," and "Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm Bound," producer Rick Rubin and associate producer John Carter Cash (Johnny and June Carter's only child) were certainly making this a farewell tour (Johnny didn't know there would be such an album). But the closer is what nailed me: "Aloha 'Oe," a Hawaiian tune, an odd choice for a guy born in Arkansas, and a seemingly quirky way to end the recording. "One fond embrace/A hoi ae au/Until we meet again." A tired sounding Johnny Cash doing what sounds like a song for a luau. Sad, maybe a little silly. I wonder what The Man in Black was thinking as he sang it. That crazy Rick Rubin! The guy who was more or less one of the Beastie Boys--is he messing with me?

After the last notes, the car fell silent. Hmm. Seemed about right.

Hot Chording for Beginners

So let's say you know how to play the G, C and D chords. Can you dress 'em up without getting too complicated?

“It just would be kinda fun to learn two or three different versions...the major chord, and the 7th chord and then you mix it all up," said the soft-spoken Whit Smith, guitarist/vocalist for the internationally touring western swing/swing jazz trio called Hot Club of Cowtown. He spoke as he warmed up "backstage," strumming his 1946 Gibson guitar, before the group's appearance Friday (July 23, 2010) at the Narrows. "Maybe learn a diminished chord or an augmented chord to slide between them. And so you’re still playing pretty simple music basically but you’re making it kind of ornate. Makes it fun to play and it sounds cool.” The fleet-fingered Connecticut native, now based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has created an instructional DVD, "Chordination," to offer such tips to would-be pickers and grinners.

Mr. Smith has earned a living with his "axe" for a couple decades, choosing to focus on swing styles associated with American fiddler Bob Wills and French "Gypsy jazz" guitar icon Django Reinhardt. “I cannot stop watching that clip on YouTube of him. I love Django Reinhardt clearly." I'm not sure which YouTube video of Reinhardt he's referring to, but perhaps it's this one apparently from 1939. “His interpretation of American hot jazz and then culminating in when he discovered Louis Armstrong...you add that to the Gypsy and the European mix...I think that’s what gives him the edge," Mr. Smith said.

But with all that fancy chording, never forget the blues. "Everything about blues--you want to include that in your playing..." He likes to spice things up with scales from classical or jazz, "but there's always blues tucked away in there."

Self-Critical: Crooked Still's Vocalist Working To Improve

"I’ve gotten totally slammed for my horrible diction in the past in reviews," said New England Conservatory-trained vocalist Aoife O'Donovan, 27, of the alternative bluegrass ensemble Crooked Still.

We were chatting "backstage" at the Narrows about 45 minutes before show time Thursday night (July 22, 2010), and I had complimented her on being a disciplined vocalist. "I think that I tend to mumble when I sing," she said. Some of her former teachers attend Crooked Still shows and provide her criticism afterwards. "And I encourage it from friends who I respect as well." She said she's working hard to improve. This from one of the finest young singers on today's roots music scene. "It all comes down to Aoife O'Donovan's vocals," wrote the Washington Post in May, 2010. "Sure, the music...owes much to the players' mastery, but it's O'Donovan's vocals that set it apart."

Ms. O'Donovan's upbringing, in West Newton, Massachusetts, was filled with music. Both her parents are musicians, and her father, Brian O'Donovan, from West Cork, Ireland, has a long-running Celtic radio program on public broadcasting powerhouse WGBH in Boston. You would, of course, think she grew up immersed in the culture of the Emerald Isle. Maybe, but when she and her parents would sing together at home it would be songs from Bob Dylan and Richard Thompson, and she was "into" Joan Baez. "I wasn't really singing that much Celtic music." She spoke fondly of her time as a student of the Newton (Massachusetts) North High School music department.

We can only hope her "poor" diction--not evident to these ears during Crooked Still's concert Thursday night---continues to be overlooked by the public, since she claims she has no other skills that will enable her to earn a living. That's the danger of going to music school, she said. "I'm not really equipped to do anything else at this point."

Girls Just Wanna Have The Blues

Memphis Blues--Cyndi Lauper--Well, you may ask, does she pull it off? Can quirky, perky Cyndi Lauper sing the blues? Yes she can! Passionately and authentically. Clearly, she did her homework. What may strike some listeners more, though, is the work of her backing group and guest stars Allen Toussaint on the piano, B.B. King and Jonny Lang, guitar and vocals, nearly forgotten singer Ann Peebles, and Narrows alum Charlie Musselwhite (in photo, Narrows, 2009), harmonica. And the song choices: Muddy Waters' "Rollin' and Tumblin'" (with Narrows alum Amy Lavere on bass), Robert Johnson's "Crossroads," and other lesser known but inspired choices. "I was very careful to pick songs that were blues but had a soulful, joyful journey, too. They were very human and really depict the times we live in today," she told Elle.com. Recorded in Memphis in March of this year--a quick turnaround for a project by a major artist--Memphis Blues proves this fifty-something girl can still have fun. And so can we.

Heritage Dance

Why play zydeco? "It think it's because I grew up listening to this type of music," Louisiana's Rosie Ledet, the "zydeco sweetheart," says, relaxing on a couch before she and her group Rosie Ledet and the Zydeco Playboys hit the boards at the Narrows Friday night.

"My parents were always singing it and playing it around the house," she says. "I'm Creole French, you know, so it's heritage music."

Not a way to get rich, but "I'm just glad I'm not a shrimper from home now," she adds, referencing the BP oil disaster.

No doubt the audience Friday night also felt glad she's not a shrimper, as they stepped smartly to Rosie's heritage.

Ignore Your Better Instincts

I Am Ozzy (book)--Ozzy Osbourne--Seems like every time over the past few weeks I mentioned I was reading Ozzy's book, people rolled their eyes. Why? they ask. He's a clown, druggie, etc., etc. And who listens to him anymore, anyway?

Let's start with the last point: His latest recording, Scream, made it up to #4 on Billboard's Top 200 chart. So somebody, including me, bought the CD (which is pretty good, by the way). And the book I Am Ozzy made it to the upper echelons of the NY Times bestseller list. Aside from all that, yes Ozzy is a clown and was a druggie. He's also lived an interesting, funny, tragic, ridiculous life, if you believe even half of I Am Ozzy. And did I mention funny? This is an outrageously funny book.

He writes how his dad said he'd be "big" one day--or he'd go to prison. Dad was right, he points out, because he was in jail before turning 18! From there Ozzy and co-writer Chris Ayres take the reader on an F-bomb-replete road rage defined by abject poverty in post-war England; dyslexia; loving but dysfunctional parents; trips to jail, sometimes in bizarre garb; terrifying, violent death; waking up in unusual places; rock & roll, and an abiding love of The Beatles; booze and drugs and even more booze and drugs; loads of dough and even more loads of dough; and, we hope, permanent sobriety. Note: The part about Ozzy's employment at a slaughterhouse is worth the price of the book.

So ignore the advice of friends, co-workers, and family, as well as your better instincts. Read I Am Ozzy. It's vile, scatological, offensive and a scream.

What's Old Is New

Black Rock--Joe Bonamassa--If you wonder why they don't make records like they used to, take heart: Joe Bonamassa hears you. This thirty-something upstate New Yorker has taken British blues guitar rock and trademarked it. Do you dig Jeff Beck, Rory Gallagher, Steve Marriott, Ritchie Blackmore, Jimmy Page, and Kim Simmonds (coming to the Narrows soon leading Savoy Brown)? Add Joe Bonamassa to the pantheon. He comes a-roarin' at you from track one, with thick riffs, recalling the past but no way retro, and guitar idol vocals. And the tunes? He mixes more than sturdy originals (check this out) with the Jeff Beck/Rod Stewart/Ron Wood penned "Spanish Boots," and Leonard Cohen's "Bird on the Wire," famously and agonizingly recorded decades back by Brit Joe Cocker. (Everybody's covering Leonard Cohen these days, aren't they? Not a bad thing!) If Clapton is god, then this is his American son. Hasn't played our beloved Narrows, but one never knows. In the meantime, get some tea and crumpets and listen to Black Rock.

On Her Own

Tears, Lies and Alibis--Shelby Lynne--"I like this record a lot. I spent a year making it and made a lot of decisions and changes during that period," Ms. Lynne writes on her Facebook page.

"It was fun at times, not fun sometimes. But in the end, this is the record I wanted you to hear and the one I thought you would love."

She's celebrating her independence these days because she's created her own label, called Everso Records.  "I finally have the creative control I’ve needed to get my vision out there..."

Her vision on Tears, Lies and Alibis is one of heartbreak and, oddly enough, Airstream trailers:

"When the sun hits her right/She'll blind you with her light a beacon of royalty, ooooh/Yeah, she's like a Van Gogh or an old Picasso oh what a sight to see."

This recording, produced by Ms. Lynne herself, won't knock you over at first, like her last project, a tribute to Dusty Springfield, produced by legend Phil Ramone and sporting classics "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me," "Breakfast in Bed," and "How Can I Be Sure."  Her vocals, of course, are right on from the first phrase, but the songs, mostly short--she doesn't waste our time--may take several listens before you connect.  That's a sign this is going to have a long shelf life--speaking of which, soul organist and songwriter Spooner Oldham backs her on Tears, Lies, and Alibis.  You probably first heard him on the 1960s' hit "When a Man Loves a Woman," performed by Percy Sledge.

Shelby Lynne returns to the Narrows August 5.  See her perform on the Late Late Show by clicking here.

Are There Ghosts at the Narrows?

Comedian Jim Lauletta--or as he called himself "co-medium"--thinks there is paranormal activity at the Narrows (especially after his mike made some inexplicable noise); he also thinks Don Knotts, of Andy of Mayberry TV fame, died before playing what could have been his greatest role: Batman.  

Mr. Lauletta headlined comedy night at the Narrows Saturday, as we featured standup, one of the most brutal of the performing arts.  

Steve Bjork (below) opened with a set celebrating

 married men at the supermarket, trying to understand what their wives mean when the shopping list says "c. cheese"--so they get Velveeta, a "man's cheese."

The Narrows plans to continue offering comedy shows in the months ahead.  So spread the word to comedy fans!

"Live from Las Vegas via Austin"

Trio Del Rio made their Narrows' debut Thursday night with the introduction "live from Las Vegas via Austin!"

Whimsical, sort of a Dan Hicks-like approach. Old timey, rootsy.  The woman in the photo with the sunglasses, Maryanne Price, was an early member of Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks and performed on the Kinks' Preservation Act II album!  That's a huge deal for your humble blogger.

The show was streamed live on mvyradio.com and should be available on that site's archives in a few days, so you can hear more of the group.

Chatted with guitarist Tanner Swain about our heat wave, figuring it was no big deal for a guy used to the torrid summers in the former Republic of Texas.  Seems, though, even he felt the discomfort we Northerners have been experiencing because of the record heat over the past several days.

Backlash?

Lifted Off the Ground--Chely Wright--Narrows fans may only be vaguely aware of Ms.Wright's work as a mainstream country artist, with some major hits, including Single White Female, back about 10 years ago.  In 2001, she worked with Narrows alum Dr. Ralph Stanley, appearing on his Clinch Mountain Sweethearts album, so members of our bluegrass community may be familiar with her through that.  More likely, you know her because in May of this year her autobiography was published, revealing she is leading a life that some think is outside the mainstream country norm.  If you want to read about that, here's a link.  Let's talk music, instead. Rodney Crowell, whom we hope to have play the Narrows soon, produced the disc, played some guitar on it, and co-wrote one of the tunes with Ms. Wright, who wrote the rest herself.  And they're well worth hearing, starting with the first track, a catchy number called I'm Broken: 

Why can't you just believe in me?/ Not everyone is the enemy/I'm trying hard I swear I am/I'm doin' the best I can/But I'm Broken.

She's a fabulous singer, the production is tasteful--sometimes even Beatlesque--and Ms. Wright knows how to write a song, which isn't surprising since she's been composing for herself and others for a long time.  The CD has apparently not been a success on mainstream country radio, but is picking up support from Americana stations.  So she might be getting backlash from the Nashville establishment.  Nonetheless, Lifted Off the Ground is a winner.  Their loss.

2

Ralph Stanley II, son of bluegrass and country pioneer Dr. Ralph Stanley, stepped out of dad's shadow while embracing his legacy as son and nephew of the fabled Stanley Brothers.

He and his group made their debut at the Narrows on Thursday night, although the 30-something Ralph had been on our stage backing his dad as one of the Clinch Mountain Boys in the wintertime. 

The show included Stanley Brothers tunes, a Fred Eaglesmith song saluting Carter Stanley, and an original or two or three.

Excellent musicianship, harmonizing and arrangements.  Note for note, one of the best shows of the year.  Look for it in the archives at mvyradio.com.

Merle Haggard: He Is What He Is

I Am What I Am--Merle Haggard--"What kind of music do you usually have here," asks Elwood Blues, in the 1980s movie The Blues Brothers.  "Oh, we got both kinds," says the waitress.  "We got country AND western."  That's what I Am What I Am is--both country AND western.  More specifically it reflects the Bakersfield Sound,  from Bakersfield, CA.  This is plain, down home C & W with few, if any, studio enhancements.  Mr. Haggard's voice is right up front, clearly articulating the lyrics so you don't miss his points.  The recording is dressed up a bit--with trumpet, piano, fiddle, backing vocals from his wife, and more--so this is far from rustic.  If you like Tom Russell, Dave Alvin or Gram Parsons but haven't listened much to Merle, I Am What I Am may be a fine introduction.

The Other Dylan

Women and Country-Jakob Dylan--Yes, he's one of Bob's kids, and, no, he doesn't sound exactly like dad (to the relief of many).  Or maybe he does a little.  More like a cross between his dad and Mark Knopfler.  And no, he's probably not going to be the "voice of his generation" like dad.  But he did make a darn good record with boutique roots producer T-Bone Burnett, with whom he worked as a member of The Wallflowers.  If you liked T-Bone's production of the Alison Krauss/Robert Plant pairing CD, Raising Sand, then you'll probably like Women and Country. Low-key rootsy hipness,  perfect for a hot summer day driving in your car with the AC on, or when you're sipping a latte at Starbucks.  The songs are likeable, hummable, not exactly memorable at first. But they grow on you. A CD worth listening to!  Narrows history fans: Narrows alum Marc Ribot contributes guitar work. 

Soul'd Out

It was blue-eyed soul night, and another sold-out show night, at the Narrows Friday as Englishman James Hunter brought his band and a sackful of catchy tunes that sounded like they could have been recorded in 1959 or yesterday.

If you're unfamiliar with his work, just stop by the Ruby Tuesday's in South Attleboro. Your humble blogger swears that he hears something from James Hunter in the soundtrack piped through the restaurant every visit.

A young fellow originally from Arlington, MA, Jesse Dee, opened the show doing his version of the retro soul man. After his set, audience members were asking us to have him headline his own show.

Nice job, Jesse (he's pictured right).

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.