The Flatlanders Debut

The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll says that Jimmie Dale Gilmore’s first demo recordings, back in 1965, were paid for by Buddy Holly’s father. Whew! That’s the kind of Friday night it was at the Narrows as The Flatlanders, Joe Ely (below), Jimmie Dale and Butch Hancock (above, left to right), took our beloved stage.

A feeling of the historic, a feeling of dust, a feeling of Lubbock. The lines in the faces of guys who’ve been there and back and then there again.

Your humble blogger got himself in the mood in the afternoon by watching You Tube clips from the semi-cult film The Big Lebowski, in which Jimmie Dale makes an appearance. Then followed that up with a listen to The Flatlanders first recording in five years, Hills and Valleys.

Newcomer Joe Pug, the young guy down below, opened with a strong set.

The show was broadcast on mvyradio.com. Should be posted soon.

Sea of Tears

Eilen Jewell's new CD "Sea of Tears" is being released about the same time she and her fab band are playing the Narrows.

For more info visit www.ncfta.org.

By the way Eilen--nice new 'do.

Coco Sells Out!

Coco Montoya and his fab band rocked the sold out Narrows with the electric blues Saturday night. It was loud, fast and soulful, just like we like it. Tall King Blues, below, opened.

Thunder Harp

Kim Wilson's Blues Revue rocked the Narrows Thursday night. Kim, of course, is in the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Recently his harp was heard in the movie Cadillac Records.

If you missed the show it will soon appear in the archives of mvyradio.com.

Richard Shindell's Finger is OK

Richard Shindell, who whacked his finger with an axe about a year ago, seems fully recovered from the incident, which led to the canceling of some shows.

Your intrepid humble blogger, following up on the not-quite-exclusive story reported on this blog last July, inspected said finger in the Narrows "green room" Friday night and took the above photograph before Shindell's entrance upon the stage. At first, Richard thought I was just going to photograph his now healed finger, which would have been weird, but I assured him I was looking to include his visage as well.

A large enthusiastic crowd attended the show, which was so good that nobody thought about bringing up the damaged digit. One of the best concerts of the year at the Narrows!

Blues guitar princess Danielle Miraglia (below) opened with a strong set.

Jonathan Richman Coming in June

Oh my my! One of your humble blogger's favorites, Jonathan Richman, will make his Narrows' debut in June.

Mr. Richman, who originally hails from Boston's western 'burbs (where your humble blogger once resided), wrote such great tunes as "Roadrunner" (covered by Greg Kihn) (Roadrunner once. Roadrunner twice. We're in love with rock 'n' roll. So let's stay out all night), "Pablo Picasso" covered by John Cale (Pablo Picasso never got called an -sshole), "Ice Cream Man" (I love your chimes. They reel and they rock), "I'm a Little Dinosauer" (I'm a little dinosauer, and I'm planning to go away), "I'm a Little Airplane" (I fly in the dark, over the baseball park), and many more.

As you can tell, I really dig Jonathan; but I've never seen him live.

Oh, abominable snowman in the market. Ooooweeee!

Sarah Borges Reviewed in Rolling Stone

Taunton native, and Narrows fave, Sarah Borges and her guys, the Broken Singles, have their new CD reviewed in the latest issue of Rolling Stone.

Your humble blogger, who subscribes to the magazine, was delighted to come upon their 3-star review on page 83.

It's on line too right here.

It's Spring

Retro popsters The Spring Standards opened for Glenn Tilbrook Thursday night at the Narrows. The youngsters clearly listened to their parents' record collection and probably thumbed through high school yearbooks circa 1970.

That said, they are talented vocalists, songwriters, arrangers, and multi-instrumentalists who brought the crowd to their feet. Keep an eye on these Big Apple-based up-and-comers!

Squeezing in a Fab Show on a Thursday Night

Glenn Tilbrook, the guy from Brits band Squeeze, tore into the Narrows Thursday night for the first time, showing that he's more than capable of making our now fabled stage all his own.

He played Squeeze hits, e.g. Tempted, but mostly performed more recent stuff. His band featured several members of the current version of Squeeze, by the way.

Viva Los Lobos!

What can you say? It was the Narrows' 600th show--and what better way to celebrate than bring in one of the finest bands in the land--Los Lobos!

They started off acoustic, playing several songs from the album "Kiko" and other tunes. After a break they came back strapped to their electrics.

It was yet another sold-out show at the Narrows (thank you folks!) and another step as the Narrows continues to broaden its offerings.

Viva Narrows!

Ana Egge Gets 3 Stars from RS

Another rather obscure Narrows alum has gotten recognition from Rolling Stone. Read the write up on Ana Egge (in photo), who played the Narrows in 2007, right here.

Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles' New Video

Narrows fave Sarah Borges and her guys have got a new video.

Check it out here.

Stimulus

Your intrepid blogger caught the Infamous Stringdusters in the act of stimulating the Fall River economy before their show Wednesday night at the Narrows. Above you see the group waiting for their grub at the Battleship Brewhouse, about a mile north of the Narrows. Let's see, how many guys at that table, ordering how much food and drink apiece...hmmm...of course that doesn't count the food your blogger chowed down on at a nearby Chinese restaurant, or the food, drink, gasoline and who knows what the pretty-good-crowd for a Wednesday night purchased before and after the show.
The arts...more than pretty songs and pictures. You can take it to the bank!

Narrows Alum Earle Gets 4 Stars

Narrows alum Justin Townes Earle (photo above outside the Narrows last fall) has received 4 stars from Rolling Stone for his new album. More here.

Rickie Lee Jones Coming in April

Just added--Rickie Lee Jones at the Narrows Tuesday, April 14. More info here.

Photo by Lee Cantelon, c. 2007

Narrows Alum's Song on Kelly Clarkson's New CD

Keri Noble, who opened for James Cotten Saturday night at the Narrows, did not mention that one of her songs--"No One Will Listen"--is on Kelly Clarkson's brand spanking new CD All I Ever Wanted.

Probably not surprising--After Keri finished her set at the Narrows, there was a long line to purchase her own new CD and get it autographed. People recognized a star, even when she's a rather obscure opener for a blues performer!

Congrats to Keri. Your humble blogger was chatting with her before the show and found her very friendly and quite thankful that she was opening for James Cotten.

A Day in the Life...

He played with Muddy Waters for more than a decade. He played with Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, Janis Joplin, Paul Butterfield, Johnny Winter, etc. But no matter where he's played, with whom he's performed, like everybody else a blues icon needs to arrive at the gig, do his thing on stage, and interact with the fans on some level. In the case of superharp James Cotton, he spent loads of times with his fans.

He sold out the Narrows Saturday night, had a crack backing band that was worth the price of admission by itself, and signed and signed and signed after the show. Not bad for somebody 70-something years old.


The Narrows loves you James Cotton! Stay well, 'cause we want you back as soon as possible.

Narrows Alum Low Anthem Featured in RS

Rhode Island group Low Anthem, who played at last year's Narrows Festival of the Arts, was featured in Rolling Stone recently.

Check it out here.

Oh Baby!

It was darn near Martha Scanlan and Ollabelle Friday night at the Narrows, as the ego-less group members not only had Ms. Scanlan filling in for member Amy Helm, but celebrated her own music!

Amy, with a new baby and involvement in her dad's rejuvenated musical career (Amy co-produced dad Levon's Grammy-winner "Dirt Farmer"), was missed but the group, nonetheless, impressed with their rootsy musicianship and winning personality.

Above in the photo you see Martha taking the lead while the lovely and very pregnant Fiona McBean has a deserved breather and Byron Isaacs works the slide.

Ms. McBean said she should be delivering next month. Ollabelle drummer Tony Leone (Lorne Entress of Ronnie Earl's band filled in for him at the gig) is the daddy.

Monkee Peter Tork Fighting Cancer

Monkee and Narrows alum Peter Tork is fighting cancer.

Details here.

Apple Users!

If you have an Apple computer, you may have had trouble listening to Narrows' archived concerts on mvyradio.com.

Probably no more.

Your humble blogger has had a load of problems--but just found that the site apparently made some adjustments for Apple users.

Try it again. Go to archives at mvyradio.com and go to "Narrows."

I-Man Chats with Van

Van Morrison, who is been on tour doing his "Astral Weeks" album, did a rare interview the other day. Don Imus had the honor.

It's posted on the WABC site. Visit it here.

Polly Wolly Doodle!

It sold out 3 weeks before the date--a record at the Narrows, according to memory. Leon Redbone brought his old timey understated performance to our loft Friday night, holding the crowd in the palm of his expressive mitts from the get-go.

It was "Polly Wolly Doodle," "Shine On Harvest Moon," "Diddy Wah Diddy," and more.

Accompanied by a pianist, Mr. Redbone, of parts unknown, expertly picked his guitar, never breaking a sweat, and never losing a beat as he chatted back and forth with his fans during the show. At times you could hear a pin drop as he quietly pondered if he had already done a song.

Although looking rather stand-offish in his trademark shades and hat, he was quite talkative and pleasant, never "breaking character" if, indeed, he is playing a character.

We salute you back, Leon, and look forward to Polly Wolly Doodling with you soon!

Duke's Axes

Duke Robbilard and his fabulous group combined serious artistry with good times Saturday night before a packed house at the Narrows.

I know guitar aficianados read this blog, so I was hoping that they would leave the make of Duke's guitars in the comments section. Your humble blogger, while a guitar player himself of limited reach, does not specialize in the knowledge of guitars--but was curious about Duke's choices. Is that one a Telecaster or a Strat? Inquiring minds want to know!

Wagonmaster, Kurt Cobain, Richie Havens, Led Zep

--Take a listen to glitter country guy Porter Wagoner's "Wagonmaster" CD. It was produced by Marty Stuart and features nice and twangy country the way it's supposed to be. It came out a couple years back and got acclaim from the hipsters--quite a change from when we used to giggle at the guy who wore Nudie suits and slicked-back golden hair and discovered Dolly Parton. At the end of the CD Marty Stuart interviews Mr. Wagoner about the old days. Anyway, a lovely, listenable CD if you like twang. Porter "stepped on a rainbow" (to use a Kinky Friedman saying) not long after the CD came out.

--Record dude Danny Goldberg's book "Bumping Into Geniuses" is a great read if you like behind the scene stories about Led Zepplin, Stevie Nicks, Kurt Cobain and Warren Zevon. I just returned it to the Cranston library.

--Speaking of the Cranston library, I'm typing this there, where I just picked up Richie Havens' latest "Nobody Left to Crown." I haven't listened to it yet, but I noticed it's got a version of The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again." Richie performed that during his last visit to the Narrows. He's coming again soon.

--A friend of mine who is a big ELO fan just let me know that the band's former bass player has stepped on a rainbow. More here.

Spankin' Good

Narrows alums Asylum Street Spankers have a new CD out. Read a review here.

The Man Who Taught George Harrison To Play Slide

Delaney Bramlett, who worked with Eric Clapton and George Harrison, has joined George in the sky.

Read Rolling Stone's write up here.

Chawin' on Some Wood

Friday night saw the return of The Wood Brothers--Chris on bass and Oliver on guitar--to the Narrows. Your humble blogger has seen these guys several times, but this had to be their most energetic performance. Chris's fingers were chewing into the wood up and down the body, finding notes never heard before, and Oliver was sliding on his guitar, clanging and banging.

A dedicated group of would-be flower children grooved to the side like they were twisting to the Grateful Dead or Phish.

Andrea Belanger (below), a Berklee College of Music student, opened the evening before a hometown crowd of parents and assorted relatives and friends.

The show was streamed live by our buddies at mvyradio.com, and will no doubt be archived on that site for your pleasure very soon.

Bromberg

The rather reclusive David Bromberg brought his show to the Narrows Saturday night. It was his first time at the Narrows, and probably one of the few times in the area in recent years. As you might expect, the show was a sell-out.

Up above, Mr. Bromberg relaxes between sets (he's a side man for the opener Angel Band). The ladies of Angel Band hang out with the Narrows' Herb, who was helping them sell stuff.

Special thanks to Fred and Friends for bringing some wonderful weirdness to give away during the show.

mvyradio.com broadcast the concert and should be posting it soon.

Tickets In Your Ear

Just a note to remind you that you can pick up Narrows tickets at In Your Ear in Warren, RI.

Check it out here.

Michelle Shocked Rocked

Michelle Shocked debuted at the Narrows Friday night, playing her quirky, spirited folk alt.rock mix to a packed house. Your humble blogger stopped by to see her before the show and she was just rarin' to go.

She took that energy to the stage where she chatted, played some pretty mean guitar, sang the heck out of tunes, and even called her main squeeze David on her cell (below) to sing him a song.
As part of her encore, she left the stage and walked over to the Narrows' piano, which was quickly miked for her performance. She played a new song, at first not quite remembering how it went. But then she kicked into gear.

Because she was debuting so much new material, not to be released on CD until April, she asked the crowd not to record her. That's probably why the show was not carried live on mvyradio.com as many of our concerts are.

First New CD for Tom Rush in 3 Decades

Tom Rush is releasing his first recording of new material since forever toward the end of February.

Your humble blogger heard a selection from it on the Saturday folk program on WGBH radio. Dug it!

Tom, a Narrows fave (that's him signing autographs during his September, 2008 visit), is one of the good guys in addition to being a fab performer.

Learn more about his new recording at www.tomrush.com.

Practice Makes Perfect

Maybe you think a rock guitar whiz like Sonny Landreth doesn't have to practice. Well, above is a photo of Sonny practicing a riff "backstage" at the Narrows, about 15 minutes before Friday night's show. Your humble blogger came upon Sonny by accident--and couldn't help noticing that he expressed verbal frustration apparently for not playing something the way he wanted. "Shoot" or "darn" or perhaps something a bit more emphatic.

Practice makes perfect as the crowd saw during the concert. Flawless sliding and riffing, and a tight bass and drum behind him, brought the packed house to its feet. After the show many people expressed, sometimes almost tearfully, how much they appreciated the performance.

Lovely blues songstress and picker Danielle Miraglia (below) opened for Sonny, and knocked the crowd out with her singing, songs and mastery of the guitar. People pounded their feet for an encore--a rarity for an opening act--and the only thing preventing it was the lack of time. Great job for this promising artist from Revere, MA!

Why Jon Bon Jovi?

If you saw Narrows' fave Bettye LaVette at the Inaugural event at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday, you might have wondered why she had to share the stage with Jon Bon Jovi.

They sang "A Change is Gonna Come," and Mr. Bon Jovi looked like he was put on the bill because he's famous, not because he was a good match for the song.

As we know, Bettye could have killed with that tune, if she didn't have to step aside for Mr. "I'm A Cowboy on a Steel Horse I Ride."

And speaking of cowboys, who dug up the "Anti-Hank" Garth Brooks? (Kinky Friedman has dubbed Garth as the "Anti-Hank" btw.) And why did Herbie Hancock apparently play in the wrong key? And did you see Narrows' alum Tao Rodriguez-Seeger up there with his grandad?

If you get HBO, you can see the show on demand and maybe come up with some answers.

Paul Geremia Paws the Piano

Master acoustic guitar blues dude Paul Geremia kicked off his show Friday night at the Narrows by tickling the ivories! Photo above.

Blues cat Russ Mello--who bears a striking resemblance to Doobies' guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter--opened the evening.

Bettye LaVette Sings at Inaugural Event

Narrows fave Bettye LaVette, who performed at the Narrows a few days back (see below), is performing Sunday at the Lincoln Memorial event in DC as part of Barack Obama's inauguration celebration.

More here.

Kicking Off 2009 Bigtime with Bettye LaVette

The Narrows kicked off 2009 with soul sensation Bettye LaVette Friday night to a packed house.

It was Bettye's 2nd visit ever to the Narrows and our first show in the new year.

The night was carried live on mvyradio.com and should be available in their archives soon.

Bettye recently wowed Pete Townsend and Roger Daltry at a Kennedy Center tribute to The Who. She performed "Love Reign O'er Me" for the event, which ended up on youtube.com. Your humble blogger asked her fab band before the show whether they were going to play the tune. Turns out they haven't had a chance to learn it. Chances are they will!

Nonetheless, Bettye and her band cooked a cool night to a sizzle with sweet soul, blues and damn-near-The Rolling Stones-rock 'n' roll! One patron beamed to your humble blogger that this show may go down as the best of 2009! And we're just getting started with a line-up that features David Bromberg, Michelle Shocked, Richie Havens, Sonny Landreth and many other greats.

Opening Friday night's show was spunky Erin McKeown who charmed the crowd with her "out of the box" approach to folk singing, as you might guess from the photo below.

Aztec Two Step Steps Up To Help

Narrows favs Aztec Two Step are stepping up to help those who may have lost their job. Here's an announcement from their website:

For you folks who’ve lost jobs or have suffered other calamities and are concerned about paying your rents or mortgages, your car payments or utility bills, with nary a thought about purchasing an Aztec Two-Step CD in the coming months, write to me at rex@aztectwostep.com and we will send you a free CD of your choice to help lift your spirits in these difficult times. And for those of you who can hardly afford a tank of gas let alone come see us play, we'll do our best to get you in to see one of our shows in 2009. Keep the faith.

Best of 2008--The Nortons Weigh In!

As your humble blogger awaits the thawing of his pipes, he decided to post the top concert lists of a prominent family at the Narrows--The Nortons.

Patrick is the president and the booking guy; his wife Maggie helps at the door and wherever she is needed; and their two sons, Ben and Owen, pitch in, sometimes helping their dad with the equipment on the stage or engaging in some other task for youngsters who still haven't even reached high school age! These guys are growing up surrounded by the likes of Odetta (RIP) Richie Havens and other musical icons. Not a bad way to help your children learn about the arts!

All are volunteers. So here are their thoughts on the best shows of 2008, in no particular order, except as noted:


Patrick Norton's picks:

Bettye LaVette
Eric Lindell
Sonny Landreth
Marcia Ball
Chuck Prophet
Justin Townes Earle
Narrows Arts Fest
Shelby Lynne
Eilen Jewell (Dec)
Johnny Winter (Dec)


Maggie Norton's picks:

Bettye LaVette
Johnny Winter (Jan)
Marcia Ball
Mavis Staples
The Radiators
Watermelon Slim and The Workers
Narrows Arts Fest
The Iguanas
Taj Mahal
Crooked Still
Eilen Jewell (Dec)

Ben Norton's picks

10 Narrows Fest
9 Coco Montoya (Hey Ben, come to think of it, I liked that show too!)
8 Los Straightjackets
7 Surprise Me Mr. Davis (Ben, a creative choice)
6 Mavis Staples
5 Eric Lindell
4 Taj Mahal
3 Bettye LaVette
2 Dickey Betts
1 Johnny Winter (Dec)

Owen Norton's picks

Bettye LaVette
Eric Lindell
Entrain
Johnny Winter (Jan)
Narrows Arts Festival
Taj Mahal
Mavis Staples
Sarah Borges
Drunk Stuntmen (Hey Owen--thanks for remembering the Stuntmen!)
Graham Parker