Kris Delmhorst CD Review

Kris Delmhorst is coming to the Narrows on Friday, May 13. She and some fellow Narrows alums Jeffrey Foucault and Peter Mulvey put together a collaborative effort called "Redbird."

Here's a review that I grabbed from Dirty Linen magazine. I'm sure Kris will be selling copies at her concert.


RedbirdRedbird
Signature Sounds SIG 1291 (2005)

Send three talented American solo performers off to tour Europe simultaneously and something special is bound to happen. Such was the case when Kris Delmhorst, Jeffrey Foucault, and Peter Mulvey found themselves far from familiar surroundings with time on their hands. The artists explored their common love for Americana music during daily informal song circles throughout the tour; the result, to no one's surprise, is an album. Redbird (which is also what the trio called itselves) is a diverse collection of songs ranging from the traditional to the contemporary.

Among the album's 17 tracks are songs from across the vast expanse of the American musical landscape. Greg Brown's "Ships," Bob Dylan's "Buckets of Rain," and (lest they take themselves too seriously) Willie Nelson's "I Gotta Get Drunk" are all covered on Redbird.

Highlights of the album include "You Are the Everything," sung by Foucault; "Patience," sung by Delmhorst; and "Lovely as the Day is Long," sung by Mulvey. Redbird is a folk album in the truest sense. It is inspired and heartfelt, genuine and undeniable, simple and free of clever trappings.
-- Annette C. Eshleman (Lancaster, PA)

Who is Chip Taylor and Why Should You Care?

Friday, June 10th marks the return to the Narrows of singer/songwriter Chip Tayor, with his partner, the beautiful and talented Carrie Rodriguez.

Chip who? you might ask. Besides being Angelina Jolie's uncle and actor John Voight's brother (they kinda look alike too), Chip may have written some of your favorites songs. For example:

--Wild Thing. That's right, "Wild thing, you make my heart sing." It was a big hit for the Troggs, and was recorded by Jimi Hendrix and others.

--Angel of the Morning. That's right. The one recorded by Merrilee Rush and Juice Newton. You know the song, don't you? "I'm just your angel of the morning..."

--Janis Joplin, Frank Sinatra, The Pretenders, Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash, Fats Domino, Linda Rondstadt, Ike & Tina Turner, and Shaggy have recorded Chip Taylor songs.

This guy is a historical figure in the history of rock music, and he's still going strong with his new collaboration. Don't miss this show! And get him to autograph your Jimi Hendrix album, too!

Gram Parsons: Our Patron Saint

We unearthed a little nugget from the No Depression magazine archive that may be of interest to those who consider the late Gram Parsons the patron saint of Americana music (we also consider Parsons the patron saint of the Narrows).

This Gram is not to be confused with Graham Parker, who is British and very much alive. Gram Parsons was a rich kid out of Florida who went to Harvard but then threw it all away in the late 1960s and early 1970s to merge country and rock. He was a member of the Byrds for a few months, contributing to the "Sweethearts of the Rodeo" album, played a big role in discovering Emmylou Harris (though Narrows alum Chris Hillman actually saw her perform first, we understand), was a member of the Flying Burrito Brothers and paved the way for the Eagles, Pure Prarie League and others. Parsons died of a drug overdose out in the desert in California, and is buried at a lonely gravesite in New Orleans, we hear.

Anyway, if you dig Gram Parsons, or want to learn about him, click right here

We Interview Graham Parker!!!!

Backstage at the Narrows now features ORIGINAL interviews, starting with this one.

Graham Parker is returning with his band The Figs to the Narrows on Thursday, June 9th. Get your tickets ASAP, because, particularly since this will feature a full band and Graham at his rocking best, we expect tickets to begin moving out the door quickly.

Here's our interview with the legendary Graham Parker:

BATN (Backstage at the Narrows): Graham, tell us how you hooked up with The Figgs.

GP (Graham Parker): I was in Atlanta in the early '90's, doing a sound check at a venue called the Point, when the Figgs came in and introduced themselves. They were due to play the graveyard shift at the same club later that evening. They seemed to be big fans of my work, especially guitarist Mike Gent. They gave me one of their CDs and finally, somewhere around 1996, after I'd made"Acid Bubblegum," I gave them a call and invited them to be my road band for a tour to promote the album. I've toured with them a few times since then, and now I've got them backing me on my new release, "Songs Of No Consequence."

BATN: Who are the players in The Figgs and how do they affect your music? How do they compare with The Rumour?

GP:The Figgs are: Mike Gent on guitar/backing vocals, Pete Donnelly on bass/backing vocals, and Pete Hayes on drums. We'll also be bringing a young guitarist named Brett something or other on tour with us so that I'm not nailed to the guitar for the entire show and will be free to shimmy around in a most provocative manner. I've used many different combinations of musicians since those Rumour days and I'd say that for sheer energy and gnarliness the Figgs come closest to that outfit.

BATN: When you play the Narrows in June, what kind of show should people expect? Do you plan to do the Ramones' "Sheena is a Punk Rocker" like on your official bootleg, and, if so, will Frank Black suddenly join you onstage?

GP:Right now, the songs we will rehearse are still being decided upon, and I rarely repeat cover tunes from tour to tour (on my last tour with the TwangThree, for instance, we covered the Stones number "Tell Me."). Now what are the chances of Frank Black being in the vicinity of Fall River on that particular day? One, two, three in a trillion? If he is, and happens to pop in at sound check time, we will most assuredly whip up a version of "Sheena" for your listening pleasure! All the best and see you at the Narrows.

Dan Hicks Interview

As we await the triumphant return of Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks to the Narrows on Thursday, June 16, we'll have to satisfy our desires with Dan being interviewed.

Here's one from not too long ago on WNYC.

Dan's got a new CD out called "Selected Shorts," and he'll be revved up more than ever when he comes to the Narrows.

Get your tickets ASAP for this one. They sell fast!

Narrows Artists Top Americana Radio

Narrows' alums Mary Gauthier, Ray Wylie Hubbard, The Duhks, Jimmy LaFave, and Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion continue to top the Americana radio chart.

Jphn Doe is hanging in there, and newcomer Sarah Borges, who is coming to the Narrows May 21, is doing alright.

Narrows Alum Jason Ringenberg's No Depression Article

Narrows alum Jason Ringenberg was featured in "No Depression" magazine, considered one of the finest Americana publications.

Very little of their content is on-line. However, they do occasionally post old articles. Here's one about Jason Ringenberg. Click right here.

Is This for Real?

Friday at the Narrows we'll have the group Dynasty, which promises to be a wildly different show for us.

But Dynasty may have a run for their money in the "out there" department.

The opening act is Heloise and the Savoir-Faire Dancers. Here's what the Boston Globe said about them:


"Sexier than Telly Savalas in a Speedo? Smoother than a shaker of Molly McButter? You may think such a combination is impossible (and highly unnecessary). But we have discovered an ensemble that manages to be both these things, and a bag of sour-cream-and-onion chips. It's the swinging Heloise and the Savoir-Faire Dancers... Heloise is a new wave New Yorker, and her dancers are members of Boston's hoi polloi dance company. (Who says we can't play nice with New York?) Two great tastes that taste great together? Indeed. Just like Telly Savalas coated in Molly McButter."

NPR Reviews Greg Trooper CD

National Public Radio has weighed in on Greg Trooper's new CD, with sound samples. Greg is coming to the Narrows on Saturday, June 11th, and his CD is hot, hot, hot!

Here's the word from NPR.

Review of Professor Louie and the Crowmatix CD

Professor Louie and the Crowmatix has been a Narrows fave for a long time, and they're returning on Saturday, April 30th. For your reference here's a review of their latest CD "A Century of the Blues." The review was published on BluesBytes on-line magazine.

It's generally a positive review, but the writer offers some observations that we may or may not agree with:

The title of the 44-minute CD from Prof. Louie & the Crowmatix, Century Of The Blues (Woodstock Records), contains the word blues but its a stretch to classify the disc or the band as blues. According to bandleader Aaron L. Hurwitz (AKA Prof. Louie), "The theme (of this CD) is different styles of the blues and different influences on me." At the core, this Woodstock, New York-based band is made up of Prof. Louie (vocals, organ, piano, accordion, songwriter, producer), Miss Marie (vocals, percussion), Bobbie Van Detta (guitar), Gary Burke (drums) and Frank Campbell (bass). They are joined by eight additional musicians, including Tom "Bones" Malone (trombone, trumpet and saxes) from the original Saturday Night Live band and currently of the David Letterman band. You can’t help notice the similarities The Crowmatix have with The Band. Many of The Crowmatix worked with former members of The Band. Prof. Louie produced their three 1990s releases and also produced albums for Rick Danko and Garth Hudson. The title track of the Crowmatix fifth CD, deals with the history of the blues. Here, Lou’s robust vocals sound like a cross between Neil Young and Levon Helm. This is not a blues tune in the traditional sense. It is more complicated than that. The horns on this soul/rock number create a brass fiesta while Lou flies on the keys. Malone’s arrangements are impressive throughout, but they carry the most impact here and they absolutely shine on Al Green’s classic Memphis soul "Ain’t No Fun To Me." "Some Bad News" is soul/blues at its best and is the album’s highlight. With ultra-emotion, Lou delivers moving lyrics such as: "I see you sitting down and cryin’ but I can’t help you at all / I’m gonna find my way and disappear." Don’t be surprised if Bobby Bland or someone of his caliber covers the song in near future. The group delivers the most eclectic version of "Clouds In My Heart" you will ever hear. In fact, you’ll only recognize the words of this Muddy Waters song as the music has been completely re-arranged. Louie’s tasteful accordion and Dave Cook’s eccentric jaw harp give the song uniqueness and new life. Drunken sailors will be envisioned when you hear the music of the sea shanty called "One More Day." The chorus and main rhythm repeats a few times too many but the slide guitar is dazzling while the piano rocks like a storm tossed ship. "I wanted to do something that reflected the horrible thing that happened in Africa. About stealing people away to make them slaves," says Louie as to why he included the song. The group’s versatile ways continue on the rockin’ boogie "Sirens In The Night" which "is about the blues labels that started in the ‘40s and ‘50s from people who were originally not from this country." Compared with the other nine songs on the disc, it is too harsh and its 1970s-style rock opera organ seems out of place. "Sittin’ In My House" is an old Bessie Smith tune that features melancholic trumpet. Here, Miss Marie steps up from background vocals to the forefront but she sounds out of her comfort zone. "Out To Lunch Eyes" contains hints of Cajun and zydeco music set to Ed Sanders’ novelty lyrics. "Shake Your Money Maker" contains the blues of a master, rocked up like the bands of the late ‘60s. "Ballerina" is the sole ballad. It comes across as if they are trying too hard to make the song a hit. The sound on this track is hallow and the constant, crashing cymbals sound too tinny. The tune ends in a psychedelic rock haze reminiscent of Hendrix. Louie’s production is good but the sound quality isn’t always crisp. That’s just what he wants and it comes from using a spontaneous process to record. Louie told me, "Every time I try to make more sophisticated records, I don’t like it." This band does not perform the same old blues but rather focuses on roots Americana. They cover a lot of ground which was all inspired by roots music. This is a group of incredibly talented musicians. The deep, in-the-pocket drums and the richly-textured organ are exceptional. Best described as a party of musical mixology. For additional info, see www.woodstockrecords.com.

Jonathan Edwards Tickets Available But Going Fast

The inside word I've received is to stop by the Narrows between Noon and 5 p.m. on Saturday to make sure you get your Jonathan Edwards tickets. That is, if you don't like to buy on-line.

Tickets are moving swiftly, but are still available as of tonight (Friday night). You might want to call ahead between Noon and 5 p.m on Saturday: 508-324-1926 before stopping by.

JP Jones opens for Jonathan.

Learn more at www.ncfta.org

Theatre at The Narrows

As they say, "now for something completely different..."

Coming up Friday May 6 and Saturday May 7, the Narrows presents an exciting blend of theatre and rock & roll: "Growth."

The production follows two guys through a maze of sex, drugs and, of course, rock & roll and how they become better people because of it.

Huh? That's not supposed to happen! Or is it?

The show was developed by one of the Narrows' volunteers, David Splinter, a graduate of the UMASS Amherst theatre program. The book (Is that the right term?) was written by Duncan Sarkies of New Zealand.

Learn more at www.ncfta.org

Greg Trooper CD Review

Greg Trooper returns to the Narrows on Saturday, June 11th with a brand new CD that is creating a buzz across the country.

Your humble emcee penned a review for a new website for Americana music called www.americanaroots.com.

Click on the link above to get to the review.

Katahdin's Edge Profile

Katahdin's Edge plays the Narrows Friday night, and we thought you might want to learn more about them. Here's an article in today's Projo.

Jon Dee Graham Update.

Came across this update on Jon Dee Graham, a Narrows alum who's been away too long.
Check it out here.

News from the Record Companies & Artists

From the record companies & artists:

Signature Sounds: Narrows alums Kris Delmhorst, Lori McKenna and Amy Rigby to be on a special show on XM radio. For details, click here.

Donna the Buffalo: New CD out in a few days. Details here.

Deke Dickerson: The Dekester is putting the finishing touches on a new album!

Tom Russell: His Hotwalker album, released in March, is getting kudos!

Cheryl Wheeler: Hear an hour-long podcast featuring Cheryl. Click here!

Guy Clark: Hear a 10-minute podcast featuring Guy Clark. Click here!

Kris Delmhorst:DIY

One of the first shows I ever worked at the Narrows was the Kris Delmhorst show about three years back. I didn't know much about her at the time, but I had listened to her CD "Five Stories." It was outstanding, and I told her that I thought it could lead to a big record contract.

She didn't seemed interested.

Recently, I picked up Boston Globe folk writer Scott Alarik's book "Deep Community, Adventures in the Folk Underground," and found Kris saying pretty much the same thing.

"People think a record deal is everybody's goal...I just haven't seen any evidence that would make it an appealing thing for me to do. The number of nightmare record-company stories I've heard vastly outnumbers the happy stories of people actually having a career encouraged and maintained by a record company on any kind of long-term basis. What it comes down to is that I really can't imagine giving that much control of my music and my records, which matter so much to me, to a record company."

Be sure to catch this uncompromising, intelligent musician at the Narrows on Friday, May 13.


Submitted by Steve the Emcee, who is, once again, hiding out in his CT retreat.

Jonathan Edwards Tickets Still Available For Saturday Night

Nothing better than hangin' round the Narrows on a Saturday night! Especially with Jonathan Edwards!

Tickets are moving at a good pace, but they're still available at this writing!

Visit www.ncfta.org for details!

Narrows Alums Dominate Americana Music Chart

Narrows alumni are dominating the latest Americana Music Chart, including Mary Gauthier, Ray Wylie Hubbard, the Duhks, Jimmy LaFave, Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion, Greg Trooper, Tish Hinojosa, Tracy Grammer, Tony Furtado and John Doe.

Check it out here.

Hear Katahdin's Edge

This Friday, the Narrows presents jazz combo "Katahdin's Edge," which has been receiving some acclaim of late.

Want to hear some of their work? Click here.