Shawn Colvin Debuts

It was a long time coming, but Shawn Colvin finally made her Narrows debut on Friday night.

The Grammy-winner performed for a sold-out house, as you might expect.

Narrows-fave Liz Longley opened.

Candidate for Record of the Year

Revelator--Tedeschi Trucks Band--Narrows alum and Massachusetts native Susan Tedeschi has teamed up with husband Derek Trucks--current Allman Brother and nephew of original Allman Butch Trucks--to create a blues/rock/soul masterpiece.

Imagine if Bonnie Raitt were fronting the Allman Brothers, who brought in as special guests The Meters and a 70's soul horn section. That's the sound, although Ms. Tedeschi is an edgier singer than Ms. Raitt to these ears. (Off the record tidbit--a Narrows crew member told me the other day that he was, if memory serves, traveling in an elevator with Ms. Tedeschi during her visit to the Narrows in 2009 (photo), and she referenced how hard she works on her vocals.)

Hard work seems to be key to Revelator's success. According to the Tedeschi Trucks Band website, both put their solo careers on hold to make it happen. Says Mr. Trucks, "We spent a whole year putting a band together, with different lineups, different approaches, different mindsets, and during the same time began songwriting. After about six months we had over 30 songs to choose from." Success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration, said Thomas Edison. Clearly, Ms. Tedeschi and Mr. Trucks lacked neither in making Revelator.

This recording deserves a shot at a Grammy and to be in your CD player/computer/smart phone. Here's a video taste:

That's Entertainment!

What show features one of the hottest guitarists on the scene; a drummer, named "Sugarballs," who gets held upside down by a couple audience members while he plays guitar; and, on bass, a member of the nationally known cowpunk band Social Distortion?

Just another night with Deke Dickerson and his crew.

And these guys turned a soggy Friday night at the Narrows into a rockabilly, smilin', toe-tappin' experience.

One of the funnest shows of 2011. These guys get it done!

A Singer and Her Songs

Karla Bonoff graced the Narrows stage Thursday night with her crystal clear vocals, side guitarist Nina Gerber, and, of course, stellar songs.

Her compositions include "All My Life," a Grammy-winner for Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville, and "Tell Me Why," a hit for Wynonna Judd. She had her own top 20 hit with "Personally" in the 1980s.

She has been closely associated with Linda Ronstadt, who covered a number of her tunes. And they shared Kenny Edwards, a member of the Stone Poneys (remember "Different Drum"?) with Ms. Ronstadt. Kenny worked for years with both artists, touring with Ms. Bonoff, including a show or two at the Narrows, until his passing last year.

A Day in the Life of a Narrows Performer

Canadian icon Bruce Cockburn made an impressive Narrows debut Friday night, replete with chimes and a customized backdrop.

This after a busy day in which, we hear, he went to a Fall River laundromat to do a load or two. One of the many ways the Narrows brings dollars into the city to benefit business.

You'd be surprised what some of the artists do when they roll into town. Blues guitar great Robert Cray, for example, purchased shoes on Plymouth Avenue in Fall River during a visit. Greg Brown bought a guitar in Swansea. Eric Lindell bought a bass cabinet over there too. And, of course, local eateries regularly host the Narrows performers.

On a more serious note, with the thousands upon thousands of people that the Narrows draws to the city every month maybe we ought to change our name: the Narrows Center for Economic Development.

Narrows Jazz

Jazz trumpeter Christian Scott, accompanied by a fabulous pianist, bassist and drummer, wowed the crowd Thursday night at the Narrows.

Not even 30 years, he's already been up for a Grammy and even appeared with George Clooney in a movie (Leatherheads)! His--what might one call--"progressive" or maybe "fusion" stylings put me in the mood to listen to Miles Davis' Bitches Brew.

His appearance reflects the Narrows' commitment to bringing more jazz to the local stage, recognizing that jazz has some of the finest musicians in the world. Their artistry deserves to be heard, though filling a room for a jazz performance is challenging.

That's why we're asking all our jazz devotees to help us spread the word. When we have a jazz show, Facebook it, Twitter it, call up your friends. Then be here!

Our next jazz show is October 7 with Ben Allison.

Pass the word.

Narrows Festival 2011: Thanks for the Memories

It was Liz Longley's tears as she sang an a capella "Amazing Grace" recalling the 9/11 tragedy; the cool psychedelic country of the New Riders of the Purple Sage; and the rootsy Girls, Guns and Glory doing an energetic medley of Johnny Cash songs.

It was the many Narrows volunteers who not only made the event flow, but this year, through their work, honored the spirit of the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.

It was Amy Black (photo) who tore up the stage as she sang the traditional-- and covered by Johnny Cash--"Ain't No Grave"; the Dino Govoni Organ Trio Plus One and their instrumental jazz adventures; the classic folk photos, courtesy of the New England Folk Music Archives, on the Narrows' exhibition space walls, sporting a young Tom Rush, Phil Ochs, Joan Baez, Richie Havens and many others.

All of this and much more (including picture-perfect weather) made the 2011 Narrows Festival of the Arts one for the history books. Hope you were there!

A Rush for the Weekend

Looking like a very dapper Mark Twain, Tom Rush brought us into Friday night with a sold out show, and into a weekend filled with fabulous free music!

Will you join us this Sunday just outside the Narrows? It's the annual Narrows Festival for the Arts!

On the indoor stage (inside the Narrows) starting at 11:30 it's Rocky Roberts and Friends, Narrows fave Liz Longley, the Dino Govoni Organ Trio plus One, and the Amy Black Band.

On the outside stage, it's Girls, Guns and Glory starting at noon, Bill Kirchen, New Riders of the Purple Sage, and then Roomful of Blues.

Also, starting at 11 a.m. there will be entertainment and arts and crafts celebrating "music in motion," presented by the Children's Museum of Greater Fall River.

This is a rain or shine event, but we're hearing the weather will be perfect Sunday.

Hope you're there!

Your Next Door Neighbor Who Happens to be a Blues Guitar Phenom

Blacks, Whites & The Blues--Mark T. Small--Want to get a feel for blues history without chasing down records from scores of artists? Getting Blacks, Whites & The Blues by Narrows fave--and guitar wunderkind--Mark T. Small should be on your to-do list. "Blues is a 20th century music with roots in the 1880s and 1890s," he writes in the recording's notes. "My intention is to highlight various pieces and styles that have shaped my guitar playing," pieces and styles that, in fact, include songs not usually associated with the blues e.g. a Scott Joplin composition.

Some of the more familiar influences are "Bang Bang Bang Bang" by John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon's "Little Red Rooster," and Robert Johnson's "Sweet Home Chicago," all included. For those interested in the tunes' history, Mark has helpfully included write ups about the original version e.g. noting that Roy Hawkins was the first to hit the charts--back in 1951--with "The Thrill is Gone," usually associated with B.B. King. By the way, Mark does an adventurous and surprising interpretation of this classic, which Mr. King had success with about 1970.

Blacks, Whites & The Blues feels like your next-door-neighbor, who happens to be an under-appreciated guitar wizard and blues scholar--stopped by for pickin' and conversation.

If you've never seen Mark, check out this video from a festival out in Arizona:

Pre-Hurricane Blues Blowout!

Friday night, August 26, 2011, was tense as the area prepared for Hurricane Irene, which, at the time, looked like it might hit us squarely between the guitar strings.

Folks needed to to relax--and our therapists were (photo left) Tommy Castro and the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Review--guitarist Joe Louis Walker, harpist Rick Estrin, saxophonist/keyboardist Deanna Bogart and a rocking band.

This was Tommy Castro's show and band, but he was more than generous in showcasing his colleagues who showed why they're stars on their own.

Check out this video from a 2010 blue cruise to get a feel for the evening:

Dude

Tommy Malone, of the subdudes, playing without the group this time, Thursday night at the Narrows.

The subdudes, out of Louisiana, should be back touring next year. No doubt they'll be at the Narrows, since they have a strong fan base around these parts.

He kicked off a Narrows three show weekend, which includes the Holmes Brothers and David Wilcox.

Long Ago Sounds Today and Vice Versa

Carolina Chocolate Drops/Luminescent Orchestrii (EP)--Carolina Chocolate Drops & Luminescent Orchestrii--An energetic collaboration that at times merges roots with rap. Both groups are new traditionalists who--one might say--make long ago sound today and make today sound long ago. The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Narrows alums (photo from September, 2010 visit) and purveyors of the black string band tradition, and the Luminescent Orchestrii, who describe themselves as "Romanian Gypsy Punks from NYC," may be serious musicians, but they never forget to entertain on this recording. Check 'em out performing a song from the EP, "Short Dress Gal." Recorded live and lively, this EP is an exciting pleasure. The Drops, who just performed at the Newport Folk Festival, return to our stage in March. Get this and be there.

What Did the Dow Do Today?

So Late It Hurts--the 'Mericans--These old ears hear the 'Mericans as sounding like the Byrds--harmonies, jingly-jangly--without the optimism. Maybe not much to be optimistic about. Gee--ya think? What did the Dow do today? Any other city besides Central Falls file for bankruptcy? Did your brother get a job yet? At the Narrows we're spotting a trend among some of the younger performers--volume down. Perhaps waiting to hear the next shoe drop? In person, the group's prime mover Chris Daltry (photo, August 4, 2011 at the Narrows) doesn't seem particularly depressed. He shouldn't be. This recording is to be proud of. And he and his group--who can rock pretty good live--have a spiffy interview in August's SOCO magazine to boot, and positive reviews for So Late It Hurts, including this one. They're based in the Providence area, so if you live in these parts you can likely easily catch 'em live at the Narrows or another nearby venue.

Outlaw Songwriter

We were honored to have one of the Texas country outlaws perform at the Narrows, Ray Wylie Hubbard. It was his second appearance over our 10 year history.

He, of course, enlivened Friday night with his songs, such as "Drunken Poet Dream" which he co-wrote with Narrows fave Hayes Carll. And "Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother," made famous by Jerry Jeff "Mr. Bojangles" Walker.

But his between-song patter was entertaining as well, telling stories of how he admired his grandfather's guitar (on the stand in the photo above), though grandpa wouldn't let him play it--and sold it to Ray on his deathbed ("I wrote him a hot check"). And being whacked by his grandmother at something like eleven years old for smoking a corncob pipe behind the smokehouse. Even then he understood the irony of the situation, he said.

Hope Ray will come back and visit soon.

Listening

Marc Cohn showed how a singer-songwriter can be entertaining as well as thought-provoking during his Narrows' performance Monday night. Tunes to contemplate, yes; but he didn't forget to rock either, with the help of extraordinary guitarist Shane Fontayne.

Marc's highly entertaining last CD was called Listening Booth: 1970, covering "The Letter" and other songs from that year. It was released in 2010, and chart-wise has been his most successful.

Did a little write up on it here.

Hoppin' Thursday Night

A beautiful Thursday night in July turned hoppin' as rockabilly's Kim Lenz and the Jaguars made their Narrows debut before the local sock hoppers.

Is it retro? Is it nostalgia? (Hey, she writes a lot of her tunes, so they're not really oldies.)

No matter. Whether it's Big Sandy, Deke Dickerson (coming in September) or Kim Lenz, the bottom line is "fun."

Serious Fun

He's a serious artist who doesn't take himself too seriously.

For decades the ukelele was defined for many as a novelty instrument. Tiny Tim, a beloved act in the 1960s (and no stranger to Fall River, btw, playing this area frequently until his passing), had a ukelele hit with the campy "Tiptoe Thru the Tulips," warbling the tune in falsetto.

Now Hawaii's Jake Shimabukuro is defining the instrument worldwide, and others, like Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, who recently released a ukelele recording, are in his shadow. And he showed why Saturday night at the Narrows.

Aside from his instrumental prowess--which is in the same league as another Narrows fave, the California Guitar Trio--he's an entertainer, mixing artistry with amusing stories about growing up and going to high school.

A fabulous night and a sold out show (featuring two openers Tripping Lily and Jimmy Buffet discovery Ilo Ferreira) streamed live on mvyradio.com. Should be in their archives soon.

I leave you with a must-see: Jake and his version of George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Nearly 1.4 million views on YouTube.

Classic

It could have been WZLX at the Narrows Thursday night.

And why not?

Hall of Famer Dave Mason was on the bandstand!

Traffic, the Stones, George Harrison, even Fleetwood Mac--he jammed with 'em all.

He wrote "Feelin' Alright," a monster for Joe Cocker, and a rock 'n' roll staple. "We Just Disagree" was a hit for him solo.

Classic.

New York Across the Water

Dancing Backwards in High Heels--New York Dolls--Narrows alum David Johansen, along with the other original Doll, Sylvain Sylvain, and other players gathered recorded this in Newcastle, England and mixed it there and in California.

But from note one it sounds New York, circa 1966, in the lyrics, in the noisy reverb-soaked production, and as they show their devotion to girl groups like the Shangri-Las, particularly in their backing vocals. Check out the video for "Fool for You Baby (Dom Dom Dippy). "

At this writing they're touring with hair metallers Motley Crue and Poison, two groups who borrows their looks if not their sound from the Dolls. A quick comparison: the Dolls in 1973. Fast-forward a decade and a half for Poison.

A clangy, goofy recording (lyrics like "Mello like a cello like Pablo Casals" and "I'm so fabulous, you're Las Vegius") that, in parts, sounds straight from a soundtrack of a "hip" 1960s movie. Garage rock, replete with a farfisa organ. Nobody makes records like this.

Buy This Now

KMAG YOYO--Hayes Carll--Narrows alum Hayes Carll's latest is one of the funnest recordings you'll hear, somewhere between a John Prine and a John Anderson record--twangy, goofy, poignant, and thought-provoking.

First, the name of the project: KMAG YOYO, which, I learned, is military slang for "Kiss My Ass Guys, You're On Your Own." It's the title of a stream-of-consciousness tune a la Dylan about...well, let Hayes tell it:

Put me in the Army on the day that I turned seventeen

Here I am standin' in the desert with a gun

Thought of going AWOL but I'm too afraid to run

But it's the song "Another Like You," a duet with Cary Ann Hearst, that may be up there with Mr. Carll's previous "hit" "She Left Me for Jesus." Check out this video, featuring a cameo from political couple James Carville (operative for the Democrats) and his wife, conservative icon Mary Matalin.

Another fab outing for Hayes, who last played the Narrows in 2009. Hope we get him back soon.