Remember When Rock 'n' Roll Stood for Something?

Streetwise New York rock 'n' roll at the Narrows Friday night as Garland Jeffreys made his Narrows' debut.

Lou Reed, John Cale, John Peel, the Brecker Brothers, Dr. John, some of his early colleagues. Gerde's Folk City, the Bitter End, some of the venues.

"Wild in the Streets" his best known track.

Remember when it all meant something? Maybe it still does.

Two, Count 'Em, Two in a Row

Wow, the line-up of shows is amazing. Go to www.ncfta.org to see everything, but just a few new ones that that particularly caught my eye:

• In January--I know that's a long way off--Americana star (and Narrows discovery we like to think) Eilen Jewell will be performing for 2 nights in a row. Who else has done this in Narrows history? Maybe Richard Thompson? She's become a Narrows sell-out, so we're going for two to warm up one of the most depressing times of year.

• One of my faves Karla Bonoff has had a rough couple years--colleagues Kenny Edwards and Andrew Gold passed away. She's put on several fabulous shows at the Narrows, and she'll be on-deck in September, this time without Kenny, who performed with her last time. Great songwriter and performer.

• Her last album was fab, she's got a book out, and she likes to Twitter--Rosanne Cash makes her Narrows' debut in November as part of our 10th anniversary celebration.

Gotta run. Writing this just before the Garland Jeffreys show and it's almost time to hit the stage.

Sometimes Cutting Your Hair Like Keith Richards Helps

Just Kids (book)--Patti Smith--Poet/rocker Patti Smith's book Just Kids had been sitting on the shelf at the Seekonk public library just waiting for somebody to read it. Not me, I thought. I liked some of her work, but figured I wasn't interested. I caved, and I'm glad I did.

Just Kids--which doesn't need my approval since it has already won a National Book Award--is one of the more enjoyable books I've read. First, it's well written and the story is paced nicely, not getting bogged down. Second, it's a compelling tale of Ms. Smith's years getting to know, live with, leave, and then mourn controversial artist Robert Mapplethorpe, who died of AIDS in 1989.

But it's about rock 'n' roll too--mid-to-late 1960s into the 1970s. She's hanging out with Janis Joplin, Kris Kristofferson, Tom Paxton, Todd Rundgren and Narrows alums Roger McGuinn and Eric Andersen. She tells of watching Kris Kristofferson playing 'Me and Bobby McGee' for Janis Joplin, apparently for the first time. Ms. Joplin went on to have a hit with the song after her untimely death.

A big career breakthrough, though, happened when she cut her hair like Keith Richards. She heads to a favorite club, Max's Kansas City, where people go wild. Suddenly, she's offered new career possibilities. Figure that!

Don't pass Just Kids by if you're a music fan. And the next time you get your hair trimmed, maybe you should think about Keith...or maybe, since it's 2011, Lady Gaga...hmmm.

Tie-Dye Thursday

Possibly the most colorful show we've seen in a long time at the Narrows Thursday night as the 7 Walkers brought their Grateful-Dead-meets-New-Orleans vibe.

The backdrop and the fans were tie-dye, and the music was "swampadelic," a description drummer Bill Kreutzmann uses on their website.

As you may know, Mr. Kreutmann was the Grateful Dead's drummer from the beginning until their end in 1995. That's him in the photo along with guitarist Papi Mali.

A bit oomp-pa-pa, a bit jam band.

The Dead's wordsmith Robert Hunter, by the way, contributed lyrics to the 7 Walkers' first recording, released last fall.

During the show's break I chatted with a guy who came down from the Burlington, VT, area specifically for the show. Wow.

Narrows Alum Offers Richly Textured Refuge

City of Refuge--Abigail Washburn--A beautiful recording from a Narrows alum who combines her banjo artistry with experience living in China. Even the CD package is gorgeous! Narrows audiences know her from her former membership in Uncle Earl, a celebrated string ensemble (Narrows photo above from 2006; Ms. Washburn is 2nd from left) that famously had a recording produced by Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones. City of Refuge's sound is bluegrass mixed with a lushness that suggests China; supporting players include two members of a group from Mongolia called Hanggai. Vocally, she reminds me of Narrows alum Kris Delmhorst with a dash of Dusty Springfield. Bottom line: City of Refuge is a rootsy yet richly textured and well produced listening experience. Suggestion: Check out her "making of" video.

Summer Simmers in with the Blues

The first day of the 3 day Memorial Day Weekend kicked off with the electric blues styling of former John Mayall guitarist Coco Montoya.

Mr. Mayall made his debut at the Narrows just a few days ago (check out an earlier entry in this blog), but Coco has been a Narrows' mainstay for years.

Traffic from New York City caused a show delay, quickly minimized by our lightening fast crew along with Coco and his band. A big salute to the fans for their patience!

Dig These New Shows

Just added...wow!

CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band, August 6.

Carl Parlmer--yes that Carl Palmer--celebrating the music of Emerson, Lake and Palmer. October 22.

Girlyman, November 12.

Shemekia Copeland, November 17--She did a heck of a show at last year's Narrows Festival of the Arts, didn't she?

www.ncfta.org.

The British Blues Had a Daddy

A tremendous honor to host the gent from across the pond who was doing the British blues before all the greats from the 1960s, and fostered the careers of Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor, John McVie, and others.

We're talking John Mayall, and he played the Narrows to a sold out house Thursday night.

Thanks Dad!

Meet Kenny White

A guy whose name keeps popping up at the Narrows is Kenny White. He's a musician's musician, and though the photo (taken as he opened for Judy Collins the other night) has him playing guitar, he's particularly celebrated for his keyboard skills.

If you've seen a Cheryl Wheeler, Peter Wolf or Judy Collins show either at the Narrows or elsewhere, there's a chance Kenny's been involved. And if you're a fan of Peter Wolf's CDs in recent years, you can thank Kenny White, who produced 'em.

So go to his website and get to know more about this huge talent. Chances are if you visit the Narrows on a regular basis, you'll bump into him--and will consider yourself lucky!

Don't Wait So Long Next Time

Low Country Blues--Gregg Allman--The voice and writer of the longtime Allman Brothers classic "Whipping Post" has put together, with the help of producer T Bone Burnett, an enjoyable collection of atmospheric blues tracks, including Muddy Waters' "I Can't Be Satisfied," a personal favorite of mine. "On a gritty 1959 afternoon at a B.B. King concert in segregated and grimy Nashville, Tennessee, two white kids were caught in a sonic explosion that would change their lives..." say the CD notes, referring to legendary and late Duane Allman and his younger brother Gregg, both not even teenagers. "We gotta get into some of this," said Duane. They did, and one of the great voices in blues and rock continues although Duane passed decades ago. It's been nearly 15 years since Gregg's last recording of new material. He shouldn't wait so long for his next. Get this. It's great.

Narrows Alums in Rolling Stone

Not that it really makes a difference, but it is nice to see mentions of Narrows alums in Rolling Stone magazine. Just perusing the April 28th issue I noted that:

• Richie Furay, who played the Narrows in 2009 (check out the blog post about the show here) is officially back with Neil Young and Stephen Stills for Bonnaroo and other tour dates.
• David Johansen, who played the Narrows in January (blog post here), will be touring as a member of the New York Dolls with Motley Crue and and Poison. I'm a huge metal fan, so I'm probably digging this item more than you are.
• Jake Shimabukuro, who played the Narrows in 2008, is Rolling Stone's "Best Ukulele Hero." The magazine writes "One of the hottest axemen of the past few years doesn't actually play guitar..." Jake returns to our stage in July.

Roomful Debuts at the Narrows

It's been a long wait, but we were proud to host Roomful of Blues for the first time in our history on Friday night. And it was a sell out!

And get this: the Narrows is announcing that Roomful will be playing for FREE at our annual Festival of the Arts, Sunday, September 11. Mark it down!

Of course, Roomful filled our Friday night with lively and loud jump blues! Our friends at mvyradio.com streamed it live, and we hope the performance will be posted in their archives soon.

Tuesday is for Total Relaxation

Ottmar Liebert and his group Luna Negra brought their soothing sounds to the Narrows Tuesday night.

Quiet, yet at times lively flamenco guitar and accompaniment soared through the performance area, underscoring, no doubt, that the Narrows can't be topped as a listening room.

The 5-time Grammy nominee may be the first Zen Monk ever to perform at the Narrows. He's also probably the first musician to have opened for Miles Davis AND performed on recordings by Diana Ross, Celine Dion and Kenny Loggins!

Congrats to Andrea! On to Bonnaroo!

Congrats to Berklee student Andrea Belanger on being chosen for Bonnaroo!

Details courtesy of the Herald News here.

Andrea is a true "daughter of the Narrows." Congrats to her mom and dad as well!

Learn more about her music here.

It's Summer and the Livin' is Rhythmic

How does one describe Entrain's sound? Rhythmic, for sure. Jam band? Yep. Rock 'n' roll? Works for me. Funk, R & B? Could be. World? At times and maybe even jazz.

Most of all, they sound like summer.

They've been around since the early 1990s after drummer and founder Tom Major returned from a trip to West Africa where he sampled the local sounds. As he writes on their website, he came back more determined than ever to start a rhythm heavy band.

Friday night at the Narrows they showered us with their rhythms, energy, musicianship and, yes, joy.

Welcome to summer!

Winning

• This week's Providence Phoenix published the annual "Readers' Picks," and guess what? The Narrows is, once again, "Best Folk Venue." Won it last year and 2008. The Phoenix writes: "It's sizable but intimate. It's rustic to a degree. And best of all, it has a homey vibe." We're just regular folks here, see, looking to spread music that matters throughout the world--or at least our little part of it. Thanks Phoenix readers!
• Have you seen Patrick Norton's blog? He's the Narrows' executive director, bookings guy, etc. He brings a unique viewpoint on the music world. Check out his write up about record stores here. Kinda choked me up. I love hanging out in record stores, and am sad when one closes its doors. I like the Newbury Comics in Attleboro and the Providence Place Mall, FYE in the Swansea Mall too. And, almost forgot, the Time Capsule on Route 6 in Seekonk.
• At this writing, Roomful of Blues is close to a sell-out. They're coming Friday, May 6. First time at the Narrows, believe it or not. Long overdue.
• Yes, Judy Collins is sold out.
• But Rickie Lee Jones isn't. Michelle Shocked tickets still available.
• Don't forget, John Popper makes his Narrows debut April 28. Blues Traveler guy.
• Really like the new Narrows t-shirt. Grabs the eye.
• I don't care what you think. I like American Idol, and enjoy seeing Steven Tyler on the show. Plus, interesting performance tips from Jimmy Iovine.

Groove

Morphine was an alt-rock band based in Boston led by Mark Sandman, who collapsed on stage in Rome, Italy and passed away from a heart attack in 1999.

Since then former members have pursued various projects, with the latest involving Narrows' regular Jeremy Lyons and Morphine members Dana Colley, on baritone sax, and Jerome Duepree on drums. They created a groovy, dark, bluesy vibe Thursday night.

Looked at that big old baritone sax! Puts a real bottom on the sound.

Learning the Truth

Above all there's the voice--compelling, on the note, with feeling. Janis Ian, a pro in the finest sense.

An accomplished guitarist. A musician.

The songs, "Society's Child" etc. Etc. understates, of course.

Her personality, her humor, her stories--about playing "Society's Child" in concert as a teenager and being attacked with vile taunts; leaving the stage before the show was over; crying, then returning after the promoter told her that he couldn't believe that the writer of that song was a coward.

If you missed Janis Ian this time round, you can check the archives at mvyradio.com and see if the recording of the show is posted. Better yet, catch her live, preferably at the Narrows.

Poignant.

All That Jazz

Gretchen Parlato, a rising jazz presence with the current #1 jazz album on itunes, brought her voice and talented group--piano, bass, drums--to the Narrows Wednesday night, helping us through the mid-week hump.

It was a kinda CD release party, although she's already succeeded chart-wise in the world of Apple, for her new recording The Lost and Found, which was released Tuesday. Our esteemed stage was the first performance in support of the disc.

Spread the word: the Narrows is the premier listening room for jazz--and everything else, come to think of it!

RIP Melvin Sparks

Was reading the Providence Phoenix this morning when I noticed that the Cool, Cool World column noted the passing of Melvin Sparks. Here's the NY Times obit with more details about Mr. Sparks. As far as I can remember, the Narrows did at least one show with him--a Google search found a performance in 2004, which is why I couldn't find anything in the Backstage at the Narrows archives, since this blog started in 2005. If my memory is correct, the house was empty for Mr. Sparks' concert. Too bad, since he was a celebrated session and jazz guitarist. Perhaps with our new emphasis on cultivating jazz at the Narrows we might have booked him in the months ahead. And since we're much better known than back in 2004, Mr. Sparks may have drawn the audience he deserved. If you saw Mr. Sparks perform at the Narrows or elsewhere, please leave your thoughts in the comments section. RIP.

No Foolin'

It may have been April Fools, but it was no joke that the Narrows showed it's growing as a comedy venue, based on Friday's draw.

Who doesn't need a laugh during these tough times?

Mike Koutrobis, Paul Keenan and headliner Joe Yannetty (photo) took the edge off the world for awhile with their observations.

Comedy fans don't have to wait too long for the Narrows' next comedy night. The word is it's May 13. The performers will soon be announced.

Narrows Artists on the Billboard Charts

--Nice to see that new Narrows alum Al DiMeola's brand new CD entitled Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody is number 4 on the latest Billboard jazz chart. Hear selections here.

--The Avett Brothers have a couple on Billboard's folk chart, I and Love and You, as well as a live recording.

--Abigail Washburn has something new out called City of Refuge, and it's at #7 on the bluegrass chart. She's played the Narrows as a member of Uncle Earl, who had a recording produced by Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones.

Name That Genre

We're trying to feature more jazz at the Narrows, and Tuesday night with Al DiMeola's World Sinfonia reflected this commitment.

Of course, defining what is and isn't jazz is the subject of debate, and Al DiMeola's performance was jazz, world, rock, classical--depending how one wants to frame a musical genre.

Mr. DiMeola, from New Jersey, brought with him a new CD, out just a few days, called Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody. He played numbers from this recording as well as selections from earlier in his career.

Your humble blogger urged the audience to spread the word to their friends who enjoy jazz that the Narrows is the place to check out for jazz, in addition to folk, Americana, blues, bluegrass, country and what have you. And why not? It's the best listening venue in the area, is it not?

Fab Week Ahead

Not exactly sure, but I think this is the first time that every day of the week (except Sunday if you're getting technical) has a Narrows show. Some tickets still available:

Monday--Peter Wolf. This is sold out, which may be surprising since we hosted Mr. Wolf not long ago. But his latest CD, Midnight Souvenirs, is terrific, and he's a great showman too. Good for him!

Tuesday--Al DiMeola. The jazz guitar great's debut at the Narrows.

Wednesday--George Winston, another debut. His shows benefit a local food bank. Bring in canned food! The Greater Fall River Food Bank, the recipient. Here's an article about him from the Herald News. Never met him, but sounds like a good guy.

Thursday--Leon Redbone. A big favorite in these parts!

Friday--Aztec Two-Step. Another big favorite. 40th anniversary show with friends Buskin & Batteau.

Chely Wright--Narrows alum Rodney Crowell produced her latest CD, which was one of the best recordings in 2010. This is her debut at the Narrows, but she's a longtime country performer. Check out this video.

Wild

What do you call a performer with big fat riffs, well written tunes, strong vocals, and monster energy? You call him Anders Osborne and he made his debut at the Narrows Friday night.

It was a classic rock sound, even from the openers, the Blue Ribbons out of Boston and featuring our old friend Mike Castellana on guitar, formerly in Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles.

Anders, with his full Viking beard, offered almost a fearsome presence on the stage--and, baby, the amps were turned to "11."

Fab Stuff Coming to the Narrows

Wow, 2011 is turning into a heck of a year.

For example, next week we've got Peter Wolf, Al DiMeola, George Winston, Leon Redbone, Aztec Two Step, Chely Wright.

Some recent adds to the schedule for later this year:

Coco Montoya May 27

James McMurtry June 16 (Been a few years, hasn't it?)

Jake Shimabukuro July 9 (Amazing ukelele player! Don't miss this!)

John Gorka July 30

And much more. Check 'em out: www.ncfta.org.

Storyteller

It was music and book readings on Saturday night at the Narrows, as Rodney Crowell made his debut.

He's touring in support of his memoir Chinaberry Sidewalks, which came out in January. Excerpts he read during the show included the story of when his mother, an epileptic, was "exorcised" because some religious folks felt her condition was the result of being possessed by a devil.

A representative from Dartmouth, MA's Baker Books sold Chinaberry Sidewalks at the Narrows. Rodney noted he's using the tour as an opportunity to not only sell the book but to support independent booksellers. Nice.

BTW, Rodney produced Chely Wright's terrific latest recording. She's debuting at the Narrows March 26.

Bare Bones Soul

Joan Osborne made her Narrows debut Thursday night, accompanied only by herself and soulful pianist Keith Cotton.

She explained she normally performs with a band, but wanted to get back to the bare bones a bit.

Her fabulous vocal abilities during her soundcheck were already the talk of the Narrows crew even before the show commenced.

It was a soulful night at the Narrows--her hit "One of Us" works great just with piano--not surprising for the person who discovered our guys The Holmes Brothers and appeared in the movie "Standing in the Shadows of Motown." While talking about touring New Zealand with The Temptations, Martha and the Vandellas etc., she and Mr. Cotton broke into an ad libbed "Heard It Through the Grapevine."

A special moment in a special night, which also saw the debut of the Narrows new t-shrt, with the Narrows' new tag line: Music that Matters; Art that Inspires.

Joan Osborne's concert mattered and inspired!

20 Years Never Sounded So Good

The California Guitar Trio--guys from Japan, Belgium & the USA--brought their 20th anniversary tour to the Narrows Friday night.

Just when you think they're way out there with ethereal, otherworldly sounds, they switch gears and play surf rock.

It's an approach that's kept this unique group of super players on the road, in the studio and at the Narrows for years.

If you're a serious guitar listener, check these guys out on-line if you missed the show.

Neil Young LOUD

The Providence-Fall River corridor loves Neil Young--more specifically Neil Young tribute band Forever Young, as a sold-out crowd brought their coolers on Friday night to hear this Rhode Island ensemble.

They've played the Narrows a time or two, and the crowds seem to continue to build.

Guess they know how to do Neil Young right!

Songs included "Heart of Gold," "Down by the Riverside," "Mr. Soul" and many other favorites, particularly those with piercing guitar, often courtesy of Mark Cutler. This group, and their fans, like it"Neil Young LOUD."

Well all right!

Robert Cray. Wednesday, February 23, 2011. 'Nuff said!

Solo Sarah: The Voice, The Songs w/ A Sense of Humor

Sarah Borges, longtime backed by The Broken Singles, is now solo, no doubt due to the economics of keeping a band on the road along with her ensuing motherhood in July.

She opened Saturday night for Los Straitjackets at the Narrows, armed with nothing more than her guitar. I figured she'd be backed by her husband, guitarist--and Broken Single--Lyle Brewer. He was otherwise engaged, so it was up to her.

The Taunton native more than pulled it off. But not surprising, really, considering she has a powerful voice, a vault of terrific songs she wrote or covered (add to that Ricky Nelson's "Travelin' Man"), and a saucy sense of humor that might earn her recognition as "the Bette Midler of acoustic music."

Plus, she's a road-hardened and talented guitar player in her own right.

In short: Sarah Borges 2.0 seems to have found its footing quite nicely. We look forward to more shows, and more recordings too, in the years ahead. Welcome, Solo Sarah!

England Swings

Former Van Morrison back up singer James Hunter made the room his own Friday night at the Narrows.

It was a sellout! Thanks to all who made it possible!

It was soul from the 50s and 60s updated through the voice, guitar and songs of Mr. Hunter, who came to us from "across the pond," where I think R & B has always been better appreciated. England swings America better than we do.

Bostonian Jesse Dee opened and received a standing O for his R & B interpretations.

Narrows Hits Historic Mark: Six Days A Week

From what I remember it's never been achieved in the Narrows' 9 year history: MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday.

Monday, March 21: Peter Wolf. Sorry sold out. Good for him. He's worked hard over the past couple years recording and promoting his music. He's better than ever!

Tuesday, March 22: Jazz guitar great Al Di Meola makes his Narrows' debut. Me and my rock 'n' roll friends used to say back in the 1970s when we heard a high level local guitarist: "He's like Al Di Meola."

Wednesday, March 23: Pianist George Winston, the Windham Hill records guy, makes his Narrows debut. I was browsing at a record store the other day and came across a George Winston tribute to The Doors. Never knew that.

Thursday, March 24: Leon Redbone. Last time he was here, I was "backstage" with him taking his photo. No flash, he told me. I said, hey, my camera needs flash or the picture won't come out right. He said don't worry, it will be fine. He was right. Came out cool, didn't it?

Friday, March 25: Aztec Two Step, along with Buskin & Batteau: Despite never really having a big hit, Aztec Two Step are a strong draw in these parts. That's because they're some of the hardest working folks you'll run into. Good guys too.

Saturday, March 26: Chely Wright. To my ears, she had one of the best recordings of 2010. Here's my write up.

Our Grammy Winners

Below are the Narrows' artists who won a Grammy on February 13, 2011. Congrats!!!

Best Americana Album

Mavis Staples "You are Not Alone."

Best Traditional Folk Album

Carolina Chocolate Drops "Genuine Negro Jig."

Best Compilation for Movie...

Our guy, the late Stephen Bruton along with T Bone Burnett for "Crazy Heart."

And The Grammy Goes To....

Sunday night, it's the Grammys, and artists who have played the Narrows are on the docket. Here's who:

Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals

Leon Russell & Elton John's "If It Wasn't For Bad." Leon Russell has played the Narrows a couple of times, if memory serves. This recording is kind of a "hand up" from Elton to his idol who has fallen on tough times particularly health wise.

Best Rock Instrumental Performance

Los Lobos "Do the Murray."

Best Country Instrumental Performance

The Infamous Stringdusters "Magic #9."

Darrell Scott "Willow Creek."

Best Americana Album

Los Lobos "Tin Can Trust."

Mavis Staples "You are Not Alone."

I should mention that our Darrell Scott is a member of Robert Plant's "Band of Joy," which is up for a Grammy in this category.

Best Bluegrass Album

Peter Rowan "Legacy."

Best Traditional Blues Album

James Cotton "Giant."

Charles Musselwhite "The Well."

Jimmie Vaughan "Plays Blues, Ballads and Favorites."

Best Contemporary Blues Album

Bettye LaVette "Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook."

Hubert Sumlin "Live! In Chicago." This is actually a Kenny Wayne Shepherd album featuring our guy Hubert.

Best Traditional Folk Album

Carolina Chocolate Drops "Genuine Negro Jig."

Maria Muldaur "Maria Muldaur."

Best Contemporary Folk Album

Richard Thompson "Dream Attic."

Best Compilation for Movie...

Our guy, the late Stephen Bruton along with T Bone Burnett for "Crazy Heart."

Friday Night Blues

Mid-winter blues with former Muddy Waters guitarist Luther "Guitar Jr" Johnson backed by The Magic Rockers, Friday night at the Narrows.

Not only was the music hot, Mr. Johnson and the band spiffed up for the occasion. We like that.

It's going to be a bluesy late winter & spring at the Narrows. Robert Cray February 23; Joe Louis Walker February 26; Tommy Castro March 19; Joe Moss April 15.

Not to mention blue-eyed British soul man James Hunter February 18, and Blues Traveler front man John Popper April 28.

Did I miss anyone?

Check Out Patrick Norton's Blog

Narrows honcho Patrick Norton has created a blog!

He brings a serious insider's knowledge of the doings of the Narrows' artists. Plus he has a passion for music.

You can access his blog through www.ncfta.org or by clicking here.

JTE Keeps Getting Better

Harlem River Blues--Justin Townes Earle--When we booked him in 2008 at the Narrows, we expected someone special and probably out there alone on the edge. Heck, he's the offspring of the fabulous and famously troubled Steve Earle. Something probably rubbed off. We saw it in his performance--and in his world-weary eyes--and we hear it in this latest recording. Harlem River Blues is a project we suspect Springsteen strives for when he's pursuing his inner Woody Guthrie. A touch of Woody, Johnny Cash, and some gospel too. Check out this performance on David Letterman's show--it's got all 3! And Paul Shaffer on organ too!

A practical note: Justin is a likable singer, so you can play him in the car when you're with those who don't appreciate rough hewn vocals. You know--they roll their eyes when they hear Bob Dylan or Woody Guthrie, or come to think of it, Justin's dad, Steve. "He can't sing," they tell us. "Yes, but it's a great song, and it's authentic," we reply. "Yes, but why can't he sing?" Maybe a good question, but not one that needs directing at Justin's work, although he's not Bing Crosby either.

Great songs (all originals), fine performances, understated production values and Americana lyrics like "I was wastin' my night, calling in my favorite songs on the local radio" that warm this old deejay's heart. See him sing those in a record store performance, which includes his dad getting a call on his cell phone just before his son starts playing. Cool.

BTW:I took the photo above shortly before he played the Narrows in 2008. He was hanging around, alone, outside on Anawan Street, drinking coffee (I presume) and apparently chain-smoking. Man, he had an edge. BTW part two: Justin is active on Twitter. You can follow his shenanigans if social networking is your thing.

A Welcomed Melting

We put away the ice picks for at least a little while!

Jeffrey Gaines' warm vocals and songs raised the temperature for the audience Friday night, despite the glazing of the region in seemingly interminable ice.

It was his Narrows debut, and he attracted a good number of new faces to the Narrows. Welcome! We hope you'll visit us on a regular basis.

Boston-born Mieka Pauley opened with a strong set that attracted new followers.

Changing the Rules!

Comedy in a center for the arts?

As usual, the Narrows Center for the Arts is changing the rules!

Over the past months, the Narrows has been building its audiences for shows featuring comedians.

Just as when the Narrows brings in new, usually young musicians. Few may attend. Then more. Then more. Then the artist--for example Eilen Jewell--sells out shows!

We think that's what centers for the arts should do! Nurture talent. Maybe change the rules for nurturing talent.

Last Friday, we changed the rules again with another comedy show, this time featuring (in the photograph) Joey Carroll, who has extensively entertained our troops overseas, Joe Holden and Jack Lynch. A good sized audience was there, maybe our largest for comedy.

We're serious about laughter, and people seem to be loving it.

The next comedy showcase will be in the spring, and we hope you'll join us! Watch this space.

Six Years Blogging

A note to thank everyone following Backstage at the Narrows since it launched in January 2005, or who joined in over the six year journey. That means you.

The backstory: I was reading the paper in early 2005 and saw that "Blogger" was providing the opportunity to blog for free. So I fired up the computer and checked out how it worked. Since it wasn't too difficult, I figured I'd add it to my volunteer duties at the Narrows Center for the Arts. Back then there weren't many of us, and we'd do one or two shows a week, with some breaks in-between. A slower pace than today.

It was fun, and I appreciate the hard work of Patrick and Maggie Norton, Bert Harlow and others to keep the music playing even when things were a bit tight. Got to hang out with stars, haul equipment like a rock 'n' roll roadie, emcee and generally enjoy the sounds and talk music with my friends.

With the blog, it became even more fun--though I remember asking people from the stage if they knew what "blog" meant. Most didn't for a few years. Not sure how many were reading it; still not sure, frankly, although people tell me they do. There's probably some way to electronically track how many are checking it out, but I've never gotten around to figuring out how to do it.

I hope you enjoy perusing Backstage at the Narrows as much as I enjoy writing and taking photos for it. There are more than a thousand entries which constitute a permanent on-line, easy-to-reference "first draft" of the Narrows' history. Proud to have provided it, and consider myself fortunate.

No biggie, though. Did it, and continue doing it, just for fun.

Power Pop for the People

It was shake some action night at the Narrows with power popsters The Spampinato Brothers leading the charge.

Led by an NRBQ founder, Joey Spampinato, the group played in the grand tradition of The Raspberries, Cheap Trick, and yes The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.

Covers included "Out of Time" from the Stones, and "You're Gonna Lose that Girl," and "You Can't Do That," from, of course, the Fab Four. But The Spampinato Brothers are far from being a cover band. But if they were, they'd be one of the best.

You may have seen bass player Joey Spampinato in the "Hail Hail Rock 'n' Roll" movie with Chuck Berry, Keith Richards, Linda Rondstadt and just about everybody else.

Totally fun night.

Should Count Toward Church Time

You Are Not Alone--Mavis Staples--Narrows alum and soul singer supreme Mavis Staples continues to mix the secular and sacred, in the tradition of the Staples Singers, this time with Wilco's Jeff Tweedy in the producer's chair. Recorded at the Wilco Loft in the Windy City, You Are Not Alone is currently in the top twenty in the Billboard Gospel Album chart, even though it contains secular tracks like John Fogarty's "Wrote A Song for Everyone," which appeared on Creedence Clearwater's Green River LP in 1969, and Randy Newman's "Losing You," from the eye-twinkling pianist's Harps and Angels project a few years back. This is, in fact, a rock 'n' gospel album, featuring sometimes-stinging guitar and a more mainstream rock feel. Ms. Staples' flawless and powerful vocals are the show, of course, and it goes without saying that she could sing the phone book and make it scriptural. "I don't know where Tweedy's been all my life," she says in the promotional video. She's right. You Are Not Alone works and is a quality listen.

Note to Narrows history buffs: while Wilco has never played the Narrows, Jay Bennett, who had a nasty split from Tweedy and the group, did. Those of us around in the Narrows' early years remember Bennett as a fabulously talented yet troubled guy who seemed to regret his falling out with his former musical partner Tweedy. He died accidentally in 2009, in part because he couldn't get the medical treatment he needed. Learn more about him and download a free posthumous release here.

Boston Songwriter Night

Boston songwriting night. Ellis Paul, left, and Meg Hutchinson below. Friday night was warm and relatively low-key at the Narrows. Both Paul and Hutchinson are based in the Boston area, though Paul (who was celebrating his birthday btw) is originally from Maine and came to Boston College to run track. Ms. Hutchinson hails from the snows of the Berkshires.

David Johansen Unplugged

New York Dolls front legend David Johansen kept it simple with simple guitar accompaniment as he did his "Funky But Chic" or John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom Boom Boom" at the Narrows Thursday night.

Of course, those who have followed his career weren't surprised since the razor thin vocalist, still sporting skinny jeans and leather, has various personas, including folk/bluesman, jump jazzer Buster Poindexter, Sirius radio jock, and actor.

One persona, perhaps not widely known, is his down-to-earth friendliness. Narrows staff loved working with him.

Let's Talk Spring and Summer, Shall We?

Some great shows just added at the Narrows.

On March 18th Anders Osborne will make his debut, originally scheduled for New Year's Day. A blizzard earlier in the week messed things up. Although we can't be sure, we think we have a better shot this time because it will almost be spring! By the way, if you're unfamiliar with Mr. Osborne--as was your blogger--his sound is along the lines of classic rock, even though he wrote a number one hit for country artist Tim McGraw ("Watchin' the Wind Blow By"). Learn more here.

May 21 it's Jesse Winchester. Enough said.

And August 20 (wow, we're already talking late in the summer), it's singer/songwriter David Wilcox, whose photo, taken at the Narrows in 2006, is above. If memory serves that 2006 show was a sell-out so it might not be too early to get your tickets for that one.

Life on the Road

The snow that didn't hit Fall River Friday evening did hit parts of Connecticut, slowing travel to a crawl for Po' Girl, as they raced on the highways to make their Narrows debut.

A plane delay earlier in the day didn't help.

Group member Benny Sidelinger flew in for the gig separately, and had the fun (!) of performing as the opening act while we waited for the rest of the group--who were actually not that late as it turned out. Guitarist/banjoist Benny sees himself as a sideman, and didn't cherish being the center of attention, although his mom, dad and fiancee in the audience seemed delighted. Area musician Louie Leeman, who performed at the Narrows on New Year's Day, kindly brought in his guitar for Benny, whose own guitar was with the rest of the group.

Despite the stress (and lack of food), Po' Girl enchanted with their mixture of folk, jazz and what have you--some call it "urban roots"--performing a strong set.

Unfortunately, after the gig some of the group was facing a 45 minute drive to their sleeping quarters in Plymouth (oops, they didn't know it wasn't exactly next door).

Life on the road.

Sometimes These Are The Best Shows

Your humble blogger was a little disappointed that the Anders Osbourne show didn't happen Saturday night because the blizzard messed up travel. (I've been enjoying his latest American Patchwork recording.)

But I shouldn't have been because the substitute show was special--at a special price of only $10!

Curtis Prince (left), scheduled as the opener for the Anders Osbourne show, blues guitar wizard Mark T. Small, singer/songwriter Louie Leeman, and frequent Narrows opener Jeremy Lyons joined together to put on an intimate show of songs, stories and even lightning fast riffs.

And a sense of history, particularly from Mark T. Small, who pointed out that "without John Lee Hooker, ZZ Top would have been playing Zippity Do Da."

Your humble blogger suggests for future reference: when you see the Narrows pull together a show at a special price, consider attending as did the folks who attended this show. It will no doubt be a sound investment of your entertainment dollar and will enrich your life too.

Wow, Great New Shows Just Added

Got the weekly notice from Kathy at the Narrows that in a few weeks we'll be hosting the New York Dolls' frontman David Johansen January 13. You may know him as Buster Pointdexter or his solo song "Funky But Chic."

PLUS

Luther "Guitar Jr." Johnson February 11.

PLUS

Robert Cray February 23.

PLUS

Ralph Stanley March 5.

PLUS

Tommy Castro March 19.

PLUS

Chely Wright March 26.

PLUS

Neil Innes (remember The Rutles?) May 14.

PLUS

All the other great performers already scheduled like Judy Collins, Eilen Jewell, Aztec 2-Step, Rodney Crowell and many more.

Visit www.ncfta.org.

Good Cookin' with a Camino

Congrats to the Narrows' new fave Elizabeth Cook for having one of Rolling Stone mags top songs of 2010, "El Camino."

The track is from her Welder recording, and tells the story of a liaison with a mulleted guy who drives a 1972 El Camino, a guy who wears shirts "trippin' on LSD," and whose car "is creepy man, not in a gangster kind of way, but in a perv kind of way."

She and her group played the Narrows special show for donors in November. On the right is Ms. Cook with Narrows treasurer Tom Murray during the show's intermission.

See the Rolling Stone brief write up.

Yule Grass for Y'All

Darol Anger's Republic of Strings brought the season's cheer to the Narrows on Friday night. Mr. Anger, on the right in the photo, and his ensemble melded bluegrass and classical and spun it into a Christmas "yule grass" show.

Mr. Anger was a longtime member of the acclaimed Turtle Island String Quartet, and played in the David Grisman Quintet and other groups. If you've listened to NPR's "Car Talk," you've heard Mr. Anger's music. He plays on the theme song.

Rock's Greatest Generation

A representative of what is arguably rock 'n' roll's Greatest Generation, Ian Hunter, made his Narrows debut Saturday night.

Hunter, 71 years young, was Mott the Hoople, the glam rock band from the 1970s. Their hits include All the Way from Memphis ("You look like a star but you're really out on parole"), a cover of Lou Reed's Sweet Jane ("Standing on the corner, suitcase in his hand"), and David Bowie's All the Young Dudes, which gave Mott the Hoople a career after they were on the verge of being the next big thing that never was.

After Mott, Hunter went on to a solo career and songwriting. His greatest commercial successes were his Cleveland Rocks (the theme song of the Drew Carey Show, recorded by the Presidents of the United States), Ships, sung by Barry Manilow, and Once Bitten Twice Shy, covered by Great White. Did I miss anything, fans?

Saturday night he was in great voice, with plenty of energy, spurred on by former Wings member Steve Holley on drums and guitarist extraordinaire Andy York.

Hunter is one of the oldest of Rock's Greatest Generation, but Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bob Dylan, Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman, Paul McCartney, David Crosby, Dan Hicks, Steven Stills, Grace Slick, Jorma Kaukonen, John Sebastian,Pete Townsend, Ray Davies, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Jeff Beck, Leon Russell, Van Morrison, Judy Collins, Donovan, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, etc. aren't far behind. And many still pack venues, despite being on the scene for 40 or more years. To put that in perspective, if you were living in the 1960s, it would be like performers from the 1920s still competing in the concert halls and on the record charts. With the exception of Louis Armstrong, I don't think that was happening much if at all.

So Hail! Hail! Rock's Greatest Generation. Long may you live. Hope to see you, like Ian Hunter, at the Narrows soon.

Nanci Griffith Makes Her Narrows Debut

What can one say? Nanci Griffith warmed us on a frosty December night.

Top Shows of 2010

It's getting to be that time of year again.

What were your favorite shows at the Narrows?

Some of mine in no particular order:

J. D. Souther

Ralph Stanley

Ralph Stanley II

Hapa

The Holmes Brothers

Paula Cole

James Hunter

Hot Club of Cowtown

Shelby Lynne

Carolina Chocolate Drops

How 'bout you?

Tickets Moving Swiftly

Hmmm...let's see...

Last I checked there were 25 tickets to the Nanci Griffith show left.

Several dozen for the 7 Walkers/Bill Kreutzmann, George Porter etc. show.

And we're starting to run out of tickets for Ian Hunter and Johnny Winter, but there should be some available if you move pretty soon.

Be sure to check out the 2011 schedule, and maybe get a Christmas present or two. Marshall Crenshaw, Eilen Jewell, James Hunter, Buckwheat Zydeco, Leon Redbone, Steve Forbert, Dave Mason and many more.

www.ncfta.org.

Shake Some Action

Keeping Time--Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents--Remember the line "you had me at hello"? Boston's Jen D'Angora and her group had me at their version of the Flamin' Groovies tune "Shake Some Action," which, as posted on the Jenny & company site, has won the endorsement of co-writer Cyril Jordan. (You may be familiar with the Flamin' Groovies' version from the movie "Clueless." ) Keeping Time, though, is mostly filled with her original songs performed "retro," recalling 60s "girl" groups like The Shangri-Las. "I've been a fan of that music since I was really young and my interest was rejuvenated as I started getting into Blondie and the New York Dolls--their interpretations of songs by The Shangri-Las and other groups fascinated me," she writes on her website. Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents come to the Narrows January 21, opening for the Spampinato Brothers. Get warmed up by this video of the group performing "Shake Some Action" last year in the UK. And, I couldn't resist, a video of The Flamin' Groovies too.

Quirky Cool Country

Welder--Elizabeth Cook--She's got a voice like Dolly Parton's and she's played the Grand Ole Opry. She's country as heck, and funny too. And she's got the looks of a supermodel. So how come you (and formerly me) don't know her? Maybe it's because she's quirky, and sometimes, you know, people don't appreciate that kind of thing. Quirky people's brains are, ahem, different.

Some of her lyrics as evidence of her sublime quirkiness:

"If I wake up married, I'll have to annul it/ Right now my hands are in his mullet." (From "El Camino." Also from that song "I told him your car is creepy man/And not in a gangsta kind of way/But in a perv kind of way.")

"She stripped for awhile in Connecticut/Got married at least 5 times/Everyone of them men was crazy about her/So she married a couple of 'em twice." (From "Heroin Addict Sister," in which she also writes "She's a certified underwater welder/She can cook, clean and crochet/She can flash a smile from her sweet weary soul/That'll melt all your doubts away.")

"When you say yes to beer, you say no to booty." (From "Yes to Booty"--you get the picture.)

"Likes to talk about Elvis, but only in the Sun years." (From "Rock N Roll Man," in which she also writes "He's got sheets over the windows and records on the floor/A poster of Jimi Hendrix on his bedroom door." I don't know about you, but I've known people like that.)

Welder was produced by Don Was (who's produced The Rolling Stones, among many others). Buddy Miller, Dwight Yoakam and soon-to-be-Narrows alum Rodney Crowell contribute assorted background vocals.

Unless you've got something against quirky cool country, you'll love Ms. Cook, as did the Narrows audience when she made her debut earlier this month (that's her in the photo signing).

Say no to beer, but yes to quirky.

Boogaloo Dudes

What do you call the sound of the subdudes. Hard to put a name to it, but rock, folk for sure. And, being from New Orleans, one can hear The Big Easy. Heck, I even thought Doobie Brothers.

Guitars, accordion, lots of harmonies, gentle toe-tapping rhythm.

What's safe to say is that people love it--witness the sold out show Friday night at the Narrows! Might be awhile before we see them again. Their website says they're cutting back touring in 2011 to focus on side projects.

You might see them on HBO: They just did filming for Treme.

9 Years! What A Rush!

Saturday night the Narrows marked its 9th anniversary with a sold out Tom Rush concert. Can you believe it? Nine years!

Thanks to Bert Harlow, Patrick Norton, Deb Charlebois, Peter Belanger, Brian Shriver, Congressman Jim McGovern, Sam Shapiro, and so many others--especially our patrons.

Your humble blogger for the first time missed the anniversary concert but Narrows volunteer Herb Tracy was there, took the above photo and writes:

"Tom was in fine voice and his playing was stellar. At times during the show you could hear the proverbial pin drop or roars of laughter at his banter. But it was a rousing rendition of Galveston Flood as an encore that brought the audience to its feet. As those who've seen him before know, he makes a personal connection with his audience while on stage and off. Last night was no exception. During the break and after the show Tom spent times with fans genuinely enjoying the stories they brought to him about what his music means to them.

"He introduced us to his first song for children--about a child's experience with a magic fish. Tom has an 'interactive' coloring book to go with it. And, as he said, 'I'm the author and the child is the illustrator.' What better collaboration could you want? Will a children's album follow? We'll have to wait and see."

Nice job Herb. Thanks! Anybody else at the concert want to add to Herb's observations?

We Salute Our Donors with Quite a Cook!

Funny. Who knew Elizabeth Cook was that funny?

Maybe we should have suspected since she's well known for her song "Sometimes It Takes Balls to be a Woman."

Friday night was an exclusive concert for the Narrows' donors, and Ms. Cook was the perfect match. Great songs, fabulous singing, great playing by her husband, guitarist Tim Carroll and bassist Bones Hillman (remember Midnight Oil?).

And funny. Her mom, she said, is from West Virginia. "50 million people and 5 last names." Elizabeth is from Central Florida, which, she said, is part of the south. Once you get to Orlando though, "it's New Jersey then Cuba."

If you're a Sirius satellite radio subscriber, you might be familiar with her show "Elizabeth Cook's Apron Strings" a mix of music, recipes and household tips.

Speaking of radio, the concert was streamed live on mvyradio.com, which should have it posted in its archives soon.

Yer Bonerama

It hit 75 degrees in New Orleans today, and despite the 40-something temperatures in the Spindle City, NOLA's Bonerama chased the chills at the Narrows.

Kicking off with The Star Spangled Banner on this Veterans Day, Bonerama fused rock, trippy prog, jazz, and whatever, even doing the rarely if ever covered (from the Beatles' White Album) Yer Blues ("My mother was of the sky/My father was of the earth/But I am of the universe/And you know what it's worth"). At times they reminded your humble blogger of the old Blood, Sweat & Tears, with the emphasis on electric guitar (Remember Steve Katz?) despite being a horn-dominated ensemble.

Generous

Above are the wonderful group Red Molly, who performed a lovely bluegrassy show at the Narrows Friday night. I took this photo "backstage." If you missed them this time, be sure to keep an eye on the Narrows schedule, because no doubt they'll be returning in 2011.

Many groups sell CDs at their performances, usually at around $15 apiece. Red Molly, however, let people decide how much they wanted to pay. As they joked on-stage, the more people who have their music, the more likely they'll be invited on "Oprah." They're probably right. Anyway, knowing the generosity of Narrows patrons, chances are at least some paid more than the standard $15.

Red Molly's kindness to their fans got me thinking.

By coincidence, I'm reading You Are Not A Gadget, a book by Jaron Lanier, one of Time magazine's 100 people in 2010 who most affect the world. He's a guy who knows computers, the Internet etc. He describes himself as a "digital technologist." He is also a musician who is worried about what the Internet is doing to the earning potential of people paying the bills based on "mental activity," such as musicians, filmmakers and writers.

Over the course of my 9 years at the Narrows, I have spoken to musicians--some well known across the country and beyond--who are barely getting by as they create the soundtracks of our lives. They make us tap our feet and laugh. They comfort us in bad times, and help us enjoy good times. They encourage us to think, to love, to live life. They help us survive jobs we may not enjoy, and, even worse, unemployment. They hold our hands when a loved one passes, and provide the songs we sing with our children. They enrich us with their life's work.

So, in this light I respectfully suggest that those of us who partake of "free" downloads might reconsider such actions. Am I wrong?

Remembering

The Narrows crew continues to mourn the loss of longtime Narrows supporter Ronnie Brandt, who passed away recently.

We thought we'd post his photo, since many knew his smile but maybe not his name.

"Tries To Be Good"

"I'm glad I found Slaid Cleaves, because my life would have been poorer without him."

--Stephen King

A good crowd enriched their lives Thursday night at the Narrows, as singer/songwriter Slaid Cleaves brought his bag full of story songs to our stage for the first time since 2006, according to our records. You can look it up.

We're particularly fond of Slaid because he was one of the first performers ever to play the Narrows back about 9 years ago. He was at the Narrows before the Narrows was cool!

Through the years, his motto has remained the same: "Grew up in Maine. Lives in Texas. Writes songs. Makes records. Travels around. Tries to be good."

Too Cool to Miss

Praise & Blame--Tom Jones--Powerful vocals. Powerful songs. Tom Jones, who turned 70 this year, has tossed the tux to get into a rootsy wrassle with John Lee Hooker's "Burning Hell" (watch TJ do it on Jools Holland's show), Bob Dylan's "What Good Am I?" and other gospel-like tunes. Jones "reinvents himself but is always the same guy," says producer Ethan Johns in this clip about making Praise & Blame. Which is about right--remember when he did--who would have thought?--Prince's "Kiss"? And it was perfect! (Note for history buffs: Johns is the son of famed producer/engineer Glyn Johns, whose name you may have spotted on a Stones or Beatle album.) Backing musicians in addition to Johns include Gillian Welch and Rhode Island's Dave Rawlings, Stax legend Booker T. Jones and Tom Petty associate Benmont Tench. This is a keeper that may not get its due because roots fans will overlook a bump and grinder. Resist the urge. This one's too cool to miss.