Great Music at Bargain Prices

Your very humble backstage blogger, with a little time on his hands because of the break in the Narrows' schedule, stumbled across a find the other day at Newbury Comics in Attleboro.

It was The Blasters reunion DVD from 2003.

Although not really up-to-speed on the group (Narrows' prez Patrick Norton is a big fan, though), I did dig guitarist Dave Alvin's gig opening for James McMurtry at the Narrows last year. The DVD features Dave, his brother Phil and the other original members of the group, except for one who has passed.

Now get this: the unused DVD was something like $4. New.

Which got me thinking: isn't it cool to know that the good stuff isn't always pricey? Narrows patrons know this for the most part. Compare our prices to the big venues.

Which reminds me: the latest Rolling Stone reports that "Gas Prices, Economy Shake Sales for Summer Tours." The magazine reports that Bonnaroo didn't sell out, Springsteen tickets aren't moving like before, and tours for Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson, Maroon 5 and George Michael "are struggling."

Which is why the Narrows is your best musical investment. Chances are, you don't have to travel as far to get to the Narrows, and our tickets, while not dirt cheap, are very affordable when compared to these huge venues.

So as we struggle with $4+ gas prices, don't "blow your wages for a snuggle and a peck on the cheek" (to quote Ray Davies), come to the Narrows, where the talent is the finest and the parking is free.

Sound from Greg Brown

The nice folks at WMVY radio recorded Greg Brown's recent visit to the Narrows. It's now on the station's website. Here it by clicking here.

David Lindley Booked for August 28

Don't think it's on the Narrows official schedule yet, but David Lindley is booked for August 28th at the Narrows. You might know him from his work with Jackson Browne and Ry Cooder.

Also, word is that Donna Jean and the Tricksters, Eilen Jewell and Sarah Borges have been booked for the fall.

Keep an eye on www.ncfta.org.

Get your tickets pronto!

Photos of Dickey Betts at the Narrows

Your humble backstage blogger was taken ill last week, so he missed Dickey Betts'  sold-out debut at the Narrows.

However, we've got some photos, thanks to photofan CJ.

Respect the Uke Man

A nearly full house dug the ukelele sounds of the amazing Jake Shimabukuro Saturday night at the Narrows.

With all due respects to our personal fave, the late Tiny Tim, Jake took the instrument into a new realm, riffing and strumming with the best axe god.

All the while keeping a twinkle in his eye as he showed us "Going to California" by Led Zepplin could sound cool on this instrument more associated with Don Ho than Dave Davies (although we hear the late George Harrison and the very much alive Paul McCartney enjoyed the uke--and didn't Queen use the instrument on a song or two?).

Apparently there were a number of "parrot heads" in the house as Jake had done a stint opening for Jimmy Buffett, adding to his fan base.

By the way, this was no novelty act.  Jake is a true artist who, no doubt, earns the respect of all who see him.

And for all you Jake fans who visited the Narrows for the first time--hope we see you again real soon!

Nice Weekend Coming Up But Blogger Sick

Starting tonight (Thursday) there's the fab Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey at the Narrows. Friday it's the sold out Dickey Betts Show, and then Saturday it's ukelele sensation Jake Shimabukuro.

Unfortunately, your humble backstage blogger has been felled by a very nasty sore throat that he hasn't been able to shake for a week. I hope I'm back in the saddle for Saturday night's show with Jake S., but we'll play it by ear (or, in this case, by throat).

If you take photos of these shows, if possible please leave a link to your photos in the comments section.

Thanks. And if you have a favorite treatment for a sore throat, please leave a note in the comments section.

Greg Brown Made It Through The Rain

The word we got is that Greg Brown almost didn't make it from the flooded fields of Iowa to play Friday night's gig at the Narrows.

Which, perhaps, is why he started the show with watery songs, including Randy Newman's "Louisiana."

By the way, the show was recorded by WMVY radio, which may be streaming it on their website over the next few days.  Their website: www.mvyradio.com.

Gandalf Murphy Photos

Thanks to an intrepid photographer--who more or less filled in for your humble blogger--the recent Narrows' visit by Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams has been captured on film.

If anybody ever takes photos of any shows at the Narrows and would like to share, please leave them in the "comments" section.

To get to the photos, please click here.

Local Perspective on Bo Diddley

Phillipe and Jorge's article on Phillipe's dealing with Bo Diddley back in the 1970s is particularly well done and moving for your humble blogger. Kudos to them and the Providence Phoenix.

Take a look here.

The Radiators Rock

Out of the swamps of New Orleans, The Radiators are not only funky, but are straight ahead rock artists as well.

They showed their versatility Friday night at the Narrows, starting out with a Funky Meters kind of feel, easing into a smart cover of the Zombies "She's Not There" before breaking out into full-fledged rock.

A large dancing crowd showed up, jammin' themselves right up to the stage to better view the musicians.

Sarah Borges & Broken Singles Back In Studio Soon

The word we got is that Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles hope to start recording a new record later this summer.

 

In Case You Missed It: Bo Diddley Passes

It happened a few days back, but rock 'n' roll pioneer Bo Diddley has died of heart failure.  

He's in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, of course, and you can read the Hall's profile of him here.

You Think $4 Gas is Tough!

This was spotted by your humble blogger at the corner of Thurbers Avenue and Eddy Street in Providence, RI today.

New Orleans Heat

New Orleans keyboard cat Henry Butler  (above at the Narrows piano) brought Crescent City warmth with his sometimes rollicking, sometimes progressive jazz-like, sometimes this-side-of-Mozart performance to the Narrows Friday night.  

From the start he showed that, in addition to his boogie-woogie capabilities, he could bring classical and "prog" stylings  to tunes like the Beatles "Eleanor Rigby."

At the same time, he praised New Orleans songwriters for their poetic lyrics like "I'm waitin' for my ya ya" that he suggested, tongue-in-cheek, ranked up there with Yeats.  My guess is more people understand (and appreciate) "waitin' for my ya ya."

Below: some of the crew at the Narrows that truly adores Henry and wanted a personal keepsake of his performance.  Here's to you guys! Suitable for framing!

Ex-Byrd Chris Hillman Returns

He's coming in August.  Tickets soon to be available at www.ncfta.org.

Need we say more?  Other than he pretty much founded country rock. Chris was an associate of Narrows' patron saint Gram Parsons and WAS THERE when country western & rock 'n' roll realized there was common ground on which to build.  Corny country and the Rolling Stones weren't that far apart.

The rest is history.

British Folk

U.K. balladeer, singer and guitarist Steve Tilston charmed the Narrows Friday night.

It was his first visit to the venue, though he was familiar to some from his playing New Bedford's Summerfest.

Sonny Landreth Review

Came across a nice review of the latest CD from Narrows alum Sonny Landreth.

Check out the write up right here.

Blues Ballet

Lil' Ed was on his toes playing the blues with his band the Blues Imperials Thursday night at the Narrows.

It was an electric, slide guitar blues night, starting off with "Dust My Broom."

Slaid Cleaves & Mary Gauthier in June

Not yet posted on the Narrows official schedule yet, but it will soon be. Visit www.ncfta.org.

June 11
Slaid Cleaves
Mary Gauthier

Two of the strongest singer/songwriters in the genre today. Slaid Cleaves has graced the Narrows stage many times, traveling to our shores from Texas, although he's originally from Maine.

Mary Gauthier--who once lived in the Boston area but now lives down south--has played the Narrows before, but not nearly enough. She won huge acclaim for her "Mercy Now" CD a couple years back; even Bob Dylan played a song from it on his radio show! If you like tunes that are about something, this show is for you.

www.slaidcleaves.com and www.marygauthier.com.

$20, $23

Clapton On New Landreth Release

Narrows alum Sonny Landreth is releasing a new one, called
From the Reach.

It features Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Vince Gill and
others!

“It’s the classic dream come true,” said Sonny in a press
release. “I wrote these songs with these guests in mind,
as a tribute to their influence on me. Inviting them
to come aboard led us down some amazing paths.”