Parallel Musical Universe

Okay, I admit it, I have no idea what they're talking about over on the other music thread. Occasionally someone will toss in the Cranberries, Tom Petty, or They Might be Giants but mostly when someone mentions one of my old bands its in an historical context so to quote my old US History 2 Prof "I'm taking you guys up to WW2, cuz after that it ain't history its life." So in the spirit of that, I give you the Parallel Musical Universe.

At this moment I'm listening to Acoustic Hot Tuna- Live in Japan
Its a really fine jam album that starts out with the Hesitation Blues and keeps rolling from there.

On the Bluegrass front I downloaded Muleskinner (A David Grismann project taped for PBS) off the emusic web site last week. Really good cover of Orange Blossum Special very tight band.

Hello.....who's there? I thought I was alone in here!? Well hey Griff. I can dig it.

Yah, I don't know if a second thread is a good idea or not. But, to me Linkon Park is in Chicago and used to be spelled differently. So what are the warchs listening to these days? We've been trying to expand our listening lately so I dug up some jazz guitar by Django Reinhardt, it just may catch and continues my trend of getting into the music of dead folks (at least I assume Djangos checked out),... always jumpin on the train a little late.

Django has passed, but he can still swing! Who needs all 10 fingers?!

I'm quite fond of a swing trio out of Texas called Hot Club of Cowtown. They tour a lot-check it out at http://www.hotclubofcowtown.com/ and if they're headed nearby, its a road trip recommend. Fun will be had.

Rotating currently here is much greasy B3 organ jazz- Jimmy Smith, Bill Doggett and Jack McDuff under the hand of Mr. Warch. Its the Blue Note stuff that counters the academic arty jazz with bluesy, gospelly, honkey tonk stuff- the guitarists are Grant Green or Kenny Burrell.

What can ya tell me about bluegrass? any recommended listens? I like strings and harmonizing.

The R n B Boys are a hot band with free MP3s of some of the best covered songs on their site, if you're into it.

The first band that comes right to mind are the Johnson Mountain Boys. My brother-in-law gave me a copy of their Live at the Birchmere album. They have the full package, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and harmonies. I'm gonna pick up more of their stuff at the next opportunity. They even thow in a little bluegrass gospel.

You'll never go wrong with the Del McCoury Band (which recently backed up Steve Earle) or Alison Krause and Union Station. I believe the mandolin picker from Union Station is Dan Tyminski who did the singing while George Clooneys character hides behind the mic emoting in O Brother Where Art Thou?

Thanks, Alison Krause I've heard a bit. I'll check the others out.
Have you heard any Peter Ostrusko on mandolin? He played here at a benefit I was involved in and blew me away. He's done alot in the folky world I guess- but it was pretty bluegrass too. very cool.
I love a house full of music. Its important to get all get those kids dancin'.

That Hot Club of Cowtown stuff was really cool! Very smooth trio there. I'll have to look for Peter Ostruski.

I was getting an absurdly long download estimate at the RnB Boys site, I'll have to try again when I'm not already downloading something (Los Mocosos -their hype says they are a fusion of ska salsa and punk).

Kraus has been getting a lot of love lately from the CandW crowd as folks get tired of the hats. Ricky Skaggs has a bunch of bluegrass out now, having escaped the evil clutches of his antibluegrass label he's set up his own shop and is making up for lost years under an inflexible pop country contract. As I'm typing this I'm listening to Bela Flecks Bluegrass Sessions. Bela is simply an awesome banjo picker who has done a ton of work in jazz, probably because bluegrass is too easy for him. I think I'm hearing Jerry Douglas' dobro in the background so in stream of conciousness writing I should mention Jerrys appearance on the Transatlantic Sessions album blending bluegrass with celtic along with too many other artists to mention. Oh no! Now I have to mention Dan Ar Bras a spectacular acoustic guitarist from Brittany who plays in the celtic style, the album I have of his has a wonderful cover of Sheebeg an Sheemore. enough! gotta go

Bella Bela!
I've been hearing that name alot lately- connected with some great stuff on the radio. I love it when great players break across styles, its all good.
OK Griff, can I get a consultation?
There is a venue here that has lots of touring stuff. My plan is to pay closer attention and get out and see more.The place is really near my house and I have no excuse. Here's their site.http://www.thecedar.org/ If you have a minute, check out the calendar and tell me if you see anything I really ought to catch...I know the Lounge Lizards and Trout Fishing in America. Recognize any other names? Is there a best bet?

One of the players in Fiddlers Three is Michael Doucet from Beausoleil (sp?), the cajun band. He also appears on that Transatlantic Sessions album I mentioned before. Thats probably a can't miss. Their web site says Darol Anger was hooked up with David Grisman Quintet (saw them last summer with a different fiddler, simply awesome) yah gotta trust Grisman (Bela played with him as well), thats the show to see, of course you'll have to review it here.

Whats the story on Trout Fishing?

Whats the story on Trout Fishing?

I've heard a song or two, Its a duo that augments themselves as desired and much of their repertoire is geared for kids and families. Like the Lounge Lizards, fun novelty-type songs, good musicians. Content that young families can relate to-like a baby who hides truck keys and the frenzied hunt in the morning... I'm sure they have more serious stuff, but I've only heard the funny.

Thanks for the tips...I will let you know what goes down at the Fiddlers show.

Butch Baldisari. He plays about the cleanest bluegrass mandolin music you will ever here. His precision reminds you that these F-5s were original meant to be orchestral instruments. I'm three tunes into his tutorial and am quite impressed with his ability to explain technique. He actually teaches some of his best music. Very cool.

I'm downloading Mustang Sally off the RnB Boys site we'll see how that comes off. The Los Mocosos (bilingual stutter) music I downloaded the other day is really something else, I'd call it latin ska very fun stuff.

Whoops download complete... crisp band! Great vocals needs a human drummer, and a rougher guitar maybe a blues injection... but I'd go see 'em.

"Smoke from a Distant Fire" is my favorite of the RnB Boys' mp3s on the link above ... a must download imho.

I miss Chet Atkins.

Yah, Chet was excellent. That was the music my parents filled our house with. Chet Atkins, Floyd Kramer, Johnnie Cash, etc...that sax player? Yakety Sax what was that guys name? Chet got some love from the next generation before he moved on, I think he did an album with Mark Knofler (Dire Straits) a few years ago.

Atkins used to come to the TwinCities fairly regularly to do spots on Prairie Home Companion. He could play/pick any style -not unlike Bela Fleck. But the swing country stuff is the best.

One of the most amazing performances I ever saw was Johnny Cash in Austin as part of SXSW a few, ? 5+ years back. He was in this small club, with all the history coming through his quavery deep voice and obviously just having fun playing- Enjoying his rediscovery by a younger crowd. There are moments when you just need to hear "Ring of Fire" or "Folsom Prison Blues"- good for the waning hours, sun down part of a road trip, through really rural Kansas- Any Sun Studio stuff works well.

I'd love to see Cash. I suprised my Mom by swiping her copy of Johnny Cashs' live album from San Quentin when I went to college. Boots Randolf was the sax player I was thinking of, kinda forgetable really. Merl Haggard goes on my list of favorites from that generation.

Other than a greatest hits collection, the only Cash recording I own is "American Recordings," which is pretty good. The Reverend Horton Heat did Cash justice when he did a cover of "Folsom Prison Blues" on his "Holy Roller" compilation.

I don't remember how I got into Cash, but the man just oozes cool...and life.

My review of the Fidders concert(Michael Doucet, et al)will not be forthcomming cause I didnt go. Boo.I meant to...just missed it. BUT

I will get my butt to see Junior Brown on May 8th at First Avenue. Mr. Brown is not to be believed and will give you his best live. He invented his own instrument, a guitsteel- hybrid guitar and lap steel. I've seen him before and he's what I love, a musician who defies categorization. Sure he's country, and then he throws you some Hendrix, Slack key, and Segovia, what the..?! He's gotten play for his goofy songs- "My Baby Won't Dance to Nothin' but Earnest Tubbs", "Venom in Denim", "Cagey Bea of the KGB", "Hillbilly Hoola Gal", but he's not faking it for laughs, the country gentleman is a player and having fun. His lyrics are masterful and his bass voice a classic.
Junior and his spare and talented band (bass,snare, and rhythm guitar) head toward California from here, then maybe east in the summer/fall. hes got a web site http://www.juniorbrown.com
Big, I mean BIG, Fun.

tsk...tsk...tsk... You're gonna get a pay cut. ;)

A Celtic band which has played our local Irish Fest a couple times is hoping that their big break is on the horizon. The band called Kilbrannon is out of Buffalo. They are a whole lotta fun and way more talented than your average celtic bar band should be. They are not afraid to go on a metal riff ala Metallicas Whiskey in the Jar but really shine when it comes to drunken sing a longs. On 8:00 May 24, 2002 they'll be playing the Riviera Theatre (in Buff me thinks) but it will be available in 90 million homes in the US and Canada on cable. Its their big shot. Good luck Scotsmen maybe you'll show North America that you only wear what God gave yah undernearth those kilts.

http://www.kilbrannan.com


Actually North Tonawanda.... http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?city=North%20Tonawanda&state=NY

Here's a really neat site with all kinds of new and used instruments, with a very high drool factor.

http://www.elderly.com

If you don't live near a big city its quite a chore sometimes to dig up the right instrument or accessory. You're definitely taking a chance buying an instrument without playing it so... let the buyer beware. I bought my wifes vintage fiddle from them and she's very happy with it.

Mr. Warch can be found with a drool bucket under his gob at the following site:
http://www.gruhn.com/catalog/index.html
He's the musician in the family and a Gibson fan, but I don't think he'd have the juevos to buy long distance. I'm glad your fiddle was a keeper.

Junior Brown was a ton of fun. A perfect venue for him. Big enough club, but not too huge, with a good stage and sound. He'll tune his guitsteel down to match his bass voice, very cool. And his understated backup band was great. The concert and the refreshing Newcastle almost made me forget that Detroit is still in the playoffs. Damn the octopi.

Cool, I can't wait for our local summer music fest to publish their schedule, keeping my fingers crossed. They've done well...Grisman, Seamus Eagan (of Solas and Riverdance fame plays every instrument you can think of at a level that you'd think it was his only one), Barrage (crazy fiddle troup from Canada), Neville Brothers, Clancy Brothers, Cherish the Ladies, many many others...

I've been listening to Alpha Blondy lately. He's a spectacular reggae artist from the Ivory Coast, unfortunately, I don't speak any French so for all I know I could be endorsing a kill whitey artist. But what the heck its beautiful, great rythyms, great riffs, great vocals...

I've listened to some of Blondys English recordings now and happily report they're very positive peace between the races cuts. Bunny Wailer has been on high rotation here as well. I just got an album of 70s dub reggae which has the Skatalites horns backing different Jamaican artists, very cool.

Sound like de warm weather has arrived in North Eastern PA, Ya Man.

Ha! It finally stopped raining and there are signs of life in my new asparagus patch. I'm in a mood.

Me too! No asparagus to harvest (Mary Washington), still too young, so I'll wait till next year. But the rhubarb is superbarb. The heirloom tomatos are in the ground- Brandywines and zebras. And I just picked up some blooming regent serviceberry plants. Now if I can only get the berries before the birds do.

Going to hear the BelAirs tonight. Another terrific traveling band that I'm sure hits Dinosaur BBQ. Excellent musicians. We caught them a few years back in St Louis, they played a nice club called Off Broadway with Johnny Johnson on piano. Johnson played in the 50s with Chuck Berry. It was very cool and even Mr. Warch was moved to dance- a very rare siting indeed. Learn more about them here: http://www.belairs.com
Looks like they are mostly midwest in the near future, though.

But if you are in Syracuse June 4, you can catch Gary Primich at the Dinosaur- they are at the Rochester Dinosaur on June 5th.

Originally posted by warch
Going to hear the BelAirs tonight. Another terrific traveling band that I'm sure hits Dinosaur BBQ. Excellent musicians. We caught them a few years back in St Louis, they played a nice club called Off Broadway with Johnny Johnson on piano. Johnson played in the 50s with Chuck Berry.

Whoohoo! I have something to contribute to this thread again! Heh. :)

The BelAirs are great. Saw them play at the Blue Note in Columbia, MO in late 1995. They've been around forever, it seems.

Johnny Johnson is the granddaddy of rock and roll...although there are many argued as such. IIRC, he was a bus driver for senior citizens when he was "rediscovered" a few years ago (8-10 years ago). He now does regular gigs in St. Louis, and has a star on the Walk of Fame in University City (a St. Louis suburb). Apparently, there was some rift between he and Chuck Berry that has still not been mended. *shrugs*

Chuck Berry still plays a once a month gig at Blueberry Hill, also in University City.

Off Broadway is a nice club, although it's in a bit of a rough area. At least it's close to Cherokee St.'s Antique Row.

Hey Syc,
Have you ever been to BB's Jazz, Blues and Soup in St Louis?
I haven't yet, but its on the list for the next parent visit. What a great name. They seem to have great music and apparently... soup! You gotta love that, comfort all around.

You know what? I never did head down there while I lived there. My friend and I always talked about going there, but never did before I moved. It has been highly recommended though.

The one place I did go to a lot was a place called Bobby's. It's at 7401 Manchester Road in downtown Maplewood (just west of the city)...primarily a creole restaurant and bar. I used to go down there almost every Friday night after work. On Fridays and Saturdays, they have free jazz and blues performances in the bar. They used to serve free red beans and rice on Fridays, although that might have changed in the 3 years since I've left St. Louis. The artists play (or at least used to) on this really tiny stage above the bar. Good stuff.

Originally posted by warch
Me too! No asparagus to harvest (Mary Washington), still too young, so I'll wait till next year. But the rhubarb is superbarb. The heirloom tomatos are in the ground- Brandywines and zebras. And I just picked up some blooming regent serviceberry plants. Now if I can only get the berries before the birds do.

I put two varieties (purple passion and supermale) in the ground this spring, so I won't harvest for 2-3 years. The old German lady we're hatching goslings for has been harvesting from the same patch for something like 25 years so I'd say its worth the investment. What do you use to protect your tomatoes? Mine are still in flats. We got 2 inches of snow Sat night and a hard freeze last night, I had to cover the peas and put mason jars on the potatoes brrr...

Something to warm up with... Theres this slide guitarist named, believe it or not, Roy Rogers... He plays high energy blues and you can tell there is absolute joy there. He has played with Bonnie Raitt (yah!) John Lee Hooker (all right!) and Keith Richards (shoulda retired). His album is Slideways and was actually recorded by EMusic so I assume its an internet only deal.

BelAirs report: Wow! The boys can sing, and the drummer was deeply dug into his groove. Great musicians. You could not not dance. In a rare siting, even the spousal unit was spotted moving his feet. And further, the gripping heartbreak of a rainy Twins 14th inning loss to the damn Yankees was soothed.

The BelAirs still have the genie figurine lamp on stage, I had forgotten about that atmospheric touch. Apparently they have been traveling with the lamp for about 15 years- it has undergone many bumps and major repairs. The beacon still shines. Well worth the $5 cover charge. Find them in your town if you can.

And what goes with fine music? Why, tomatos. I buy seedlings, as I only put in a few plants. Mine are about 6 inches tall- plant them deep.
I protect my babies with faith, hope, pep talks and pragmatic darwinism. "Alright tomato, you gotta want it. Show me what you're made of."
We seem to be past the spring freezes, (but you never know up here) I am in an urban lot, with some protection from wind, some heat sinkage microclimate action.

See, we can multitopic. Roy, eh?

Originally posted by sycamore on 5/17/2002
Johnny Johnson is the granddaddy of rock and roll...although there are many argued as such.

You know, I completely forgot about this...and I HAVE heard this before.

From Ike Turner's induction plaque at the St. Louis Walk of Fame: "His band's 1951 single 'Rocket 88' is often regarded as the first rock & roll record."

I got a little country itch so I've been listening to The Flying Burrito Bothers. Its 70s-80s country rock with a lot of pedal steel plus the occasional fiddle/banjo riff to keep the folkies in line. They even cover some Bob Wills not bad stuff if country doesn't make you physically ill.

I wonder how many acts thought they were first? Some of the older country acts try to lay claim to that first rocker apellation. I think I heard someone argue it was Waylon Jennings but he's not old enough... Probably really belongs to an older bluesman, pretty subjective, depends where you want to draw the line... Bo Diddley might be close but still a little young I think....? We'ed need criteria, do you need a percussionist? How is rock and roll defined?

I think you can thread it back to the singing breakman- Jimmy Rodgers in the 20s. Blues and Yodeling- Now that's a rockin' combination! then thars all that rockabilly. Dang, thats good stuff. Rauchier than the touring swing bands from the 30s and 40s- When the white country bands really integrated the blues. Rock came right out of jump blues. Memphis' Sun Studios in the 50s- Carl Perkins was a groundbreaker.

But I would say a defining criteria would be the lead electric guitar and strong, driving rhythm section. And some obvious country/folk element- yodeling optional.

When country music is good, it is very very good. When it's bad, it's horrid.:)

Joke:
Q: How many female singers does it take to sing a Patsy Cline tune?
A: Apparently all of them.

Ok, this just in. Comming attractions (or repulsions?) Country-Bluegrass Pink Floyd. I admit its intriguing.

As I understand it, Muddy Waters invented electricity so...

That PinkFloyd stuff as covered by Luther Wright is awesome. It goes well beyond the silly bluegrass covers everybody does, maybe even standing on its own.... tempted to pick up the album.

Hmm... Luther Wright is tomorrow night...If I can force my attention out of the garden, maybe I'll check it out.(my garden is the great time vacuume from March to October).

And you're right, the mud man plugged into Chicago and made some new kinda blues that directly impacted rock. How about Howlin' Wolf? There's some raw wires. Yikes! Definitely a key contribution. Funny that it took the Brits revering these guys to wake America up.

Does seem that everything comes back to blues- its primal from the heart. Like with jazz- if jazz loses the simplicity, rhythm and emotion brought by blues, in my opinion, it deteriorates to empty chromatic exercizes. Over playing. dweedle dee dweedle dee- it doesnt express anything. Same with rock dogs- you need that true blue foundation. I suppose its like any art that chooses form over content.

I heard recently that Bill Monroe the father of bluegrass music is the one who actually coined the phrase rock and roll.

So I got this package in the mail with all this awesome classic Texas swing and blusey stuff on it but some butt head misplaced the card with the band names on it. So I'm wondering which cuts are the Cowtown and Lester Browns? Is that Bob Wills doing Moonlight Serenade (I think thats the instrumental tune) ? Gorgeous! I gotta change stereos in the pickup it really wasn't doing music justice but now that its on my home system I'm really pleased. Thanks much!

How is the other fair use material working out?

Groovy! I bet you mean Jr. Brown. If its a deep baritone and steel, thats Brown. Cowtown's guitar-fiddle work sounds remarkably like Wills- do you mean Stardust? That's Cowtown. Best song ever.

I'm diggin' the honky tonk classics...but you knew that!
Here I reveal further wierderness, (perhaps not quite parallel, a bit diagonal in track)- I have been curious to find zither music. I love the haunting theme from "The Third Man" Its akin to mandolin, the string thing, but has that old world connection. There is more to hear...Tales From the Vienna Woods, Strauss I think, also has this haunting zither passage...Any ideas for some good zither music? I think it calls for a good record store safari. Its like a craving for Thai food.:)

I'm not overly familiar with Bill Monroe, but I saw him on Jay Leno not too long ago and I was digging it. I wouldn't mind checking out his new CD.

He is dead, deceased, not among the living, toes up, extinguished, pushin daisys, feedin worms, de-composing so to speak. ;)

link

link2

C'mon Griff! You didn't see him perform? It was the day after Hendrix and Lennon did a duet. ;)

Now that you mention that Griff, I remember reading about Monroe's death in Rolling Stone. The performer's name who appeared on Leno escapes me...Earl Stanley? Ralph Stanley? Scruggs? Time for Geritol for me. :)

I bet it was Ralph Stanley, he's been all over with the O Brother tour and stuff. I had never heard anything by him till that big soundtrack. And he's haunting when he sings. It was cool he got a grammy.

What I think is interesting is how similar bluegrass form is to jazz quartet- there's the instrumentation, the improvisation, and the turns going around. Just kinda interesting. That music can be made at all is sort of magical to me.
I tried to play instruments as a kid, but sucked in a big way, thankfully I had a kind music teacher who took pity, gave me all the wierd instruments to try- bass clarinet, baritone, bassoon, maybe one would click. He basically allowed me to sit in the midst of the real players, surrounded by the music if I promised to play very softly. It was great. I still remember going to Lebanon Valley College with the high school orchestra. We were playing Dvorak's New World Symphony and the acoustics were new and perfect. We did the first two notes and it echoed like mad. Everyone stoped and just went, whoa. Pretty primal stuff. Like laying on the floor with your head between two big speakers. Rock on.:)

Yep...it was Ralph Stanley. I did a google search just to make sure. :)

Thats pretty cool. Bluegrass on the Tonight Show, who'da thunk it?

Duh! Stardust. Anyway great stuff there.
Wither to zither? That is the question.

I downloaded some Lightnin' Hopkins the other day. Its a two disc set called Fishing Clothes. Apparently Lightnin' wasn't to forth coming with information. He let his guitar do the talking. The name of the cut was actually Insufficient Clothes but the folks in the studio couldn't understand him. I think we had a thread on misinterpreted lyrics a while back but I assume that usually the producers knew the songs. This album is in Texas country blues style, and has really nice, simple riffs delivered with authority set against his country voice.

Originally posted by Griff
Thats pretty cool. Bluegrass on the Tonight Show, who'da thunk it?

Like Warch said, "O Brother" gave him a boost. His latest album hit number 1 on the country charts and I imagine it made a nice dent in the Billboard Top 200 as well. Of course, Jay Leno is good about bringing talent on that you probably wouldn't have seen during the days of Carson.

There is a cool film about Hopkins, its older I think like 60s, I just remember great shots of him playing on his porch and making the neighbors dance. The Mr. may have it on tape somewheres...

I liked Roy Rogers (!), and just learned of a crazy (now dead) guy named Speedy West. Guitar players from outerspace. The disc is titled "Stratosphere Boogie". Its rocka jazza billy.

Sunday morning, Sukay (Andean music) to Grosse Point Blank Soundtrack to Alpha Blondie. Now if I can just isolate that smell in the kitchen, we'd have a perfect day. :)

Gross Pointe Blank- its right in that 80s wheelhouse, eh? John Cusack. (girlish sigh)

I need to correct myself- Speedy West aint dead! I was getting him mixed up with Jimmy Bryant who is. both worked together on the Stratosphere Boogie- Jimmy was guitar and Speedy pedal steel.I had them crossed till I read the CD book more closely.

This Labor day AM- it may as well be Sunday- Dave Brubeck-Take Five to Van Morrison -Celtic Heartbeat to Dwight Yokam - Hillbilly Deluxe! And this years current winner for summer meal: fresh from the farmers market- sweet corn and BLTs with purple and gold meaty heirloom tomatos, lettuce with a bit of basil, and thick cut bacon on crusty bread. Dang.

We're still getting tomatoes!

Big music news Nickel Creek is coming to Bingo!

I've got nasty urban crows the size of large cats that pecked holes in some of my biggest tomatos. They were really late to set fruit. Grrr. Picked most everything left- and the loot is getting red on the windowsill. We've had the threat of frost this week already but its only dropped into the low 40s. I'm gonna put in for a small allotment next season to grow produce- the sunny bits of my yard arent enough to do much more than herbs.
BEST APPLE TIP: "Honeycrisp" - find 'em, buy 'em, eat 'em.

In the musical universe...Are you gonna go see Nickel Creek? Ya better, what I've heard sounds great. Whats the Bingo venue like?

I just saw a poster today announcing R&B legend Bobby "Blue" Bland is going to play at a smallish club here in Oct. Tickets are a bit steep, well, I'm a bit cheap, but it a rare gig so I will go if possible. These guys arent going to be around much longer, the real deal.

We're suddenly getting rain here so some of our 'maters are splitting. No threat of frost here yet but the clock is ticking. I'm moving my garden closer to the house next year so we can't ignore the weeding.

Nickel Creek is going to play the new hockey arena at Broome Community College. To my knowlege, its not completely built yet so I'm crossing my fingers. Yah baby, I'm going, no way I'm missing Chris Thile. We almost road tripped to see them over the summer so this is especially sweet.

Heard something today that just might get Sycamores juices flowing. Johnny Cash, the man in black, has a sweet cover of Depeche Modes Personal Jesus. Right in the ole wheelhouse eh?

My sprained finger is coming back a little so I've started a new tune, Rayleens Reel by Siobhon Egan (sister of Seamus of Solas) of Cherish the Lady. Here is the scorch version. The transitions are just beautiful and it feels like I'm gonna catch it!

Get out of here! Seriously?! Is he recording again? I hadn't heard anything out of him since the Storytellers album with Willie Nelson.

Here it is. Johnny as Trent

I'mma have to buy that.

Wow...me too.

Dear God...Nick Cave and Johnny Cash together...talk about morbid. :)

Men in Black unite.

This new Beck CD Sea Change is really, really nice. I'm not sure to or from which universe its drawn. The more I listen to it, the more I like it. Its sad, lush and mellow...am I a mellow lush? Nah. He's in concert here soon- sold out though.

We went to see Nickel Creeklast night at the new Ice Center at BCC. If we were bluegrass purists we would have been disappointed. We're not and we were not. They're really some kind of jazz/bluegrass fusion band. Chris Thile (mandolin), Sara Watkins (fiddle), Sean Watkins (acoustic guitar), and Some Guy (stand up bass) were all excellent musicians. They played two and a half hours without a playlist doing mostly there own music with the occasional nod to musical influences like the bit of speed Dylan they covered and a quick Cobain flyby. Thile has been spending time with Bela Fleck and Jerry Douglas and has been positively effected. They ended the night with a wonderful version of an 8th century Celtic folk hymn called Slane, which we occasionally butcher at Mass. They noodled around classic Celtic tunes like As I Roved Out and Saint Annes Reel. I can play both these tunes (badly) but never conceived the variational possibilities they rolled out, it was wonderfully mind expanding and a little humbling. The musicians had fun, you could feel it in the music, see it in their interplay, and hear it in their chit chat. Very funny bunch of extremely talented kids. If you like acoustic music you must see this band.

Great! I'm glad you went. Sounds like a terrific show- they made the tunes their own, and the fun was contagious. (Particularly with Guy on bass. he's my favorite. Related to Buddy, right? He sure gets a lot of gigs these days.:) )

I need to scan the calendars for a fun show. Maybe NC is heading west (?).
Although lately, most entertainment has centered around Wild hockey.(See this segue works because of the BCC ice arena connection.) Last week it was an emotionally exhausting 2 overtime wins within 3 days, Avs and Sharks no less. For an expansion team, these are the highs. They come early in the season.

This just in: I'd like to know how to play the accordion. I think it would be a handy skill.

Well looky what I found!

Nickel Creek will play Dec 8 Minneapolis, MN: The Quest, 110 North Fifth Street
What kind of venue is that?

I see they're playing Portland ME, gotta call my bud up there.

Accordian!? :)

Well cool. The quest is a big multiplex kinda place, main stage is a large but not too large room, and I think a smaller (more for acoustic) venue inside. Its right downtown in a converted warehouse. I will investigate.

Portland! I spent a great week of my 20th year there eating lobster and hiking rocks.

The accordion thing may get hung up on my lack of musical ability. or maybe it can work for me.

No talent worked for Weird Al but listeners may prefer you going the Flaco Jimenez route.

So I'm doing a little scouting ..I'm not just talking accordion here, I'm almost taking action. Learning an instrument, like a language is good for the aging brainpan. (even if it may jeopardize the domestic calm!) Anyway, I'm surfing around for lessons and find that my Minneapolis accordion headquarters is in a classic, reused White Castle. (I thought it would pull at Syc's heartstrings, the vending of sliders is still intown but has moved to more modern facilities).

Then I found my timing perfect for the big Nord East Accordion Festival, which is scheduled this weekend at Kramarczuks, the famous house of sausages and smoked pork treats, blocks from my home. :)

One of the best things about accordion is the many styles possible- yes Cajunto, but also celtic, cajun/ zydeco, swing, tango. Lets see if I can find a cheap squeeze box...

Sweet! I haven't seen an old-school White Castle like that since they tore the last one down in St. Louis back in the mid-80s.

So Warren T lays down the rhyme, warch carries the mood and I make a killing in the black beret market. nice

edit dulp rhymn? and jag gets job checking the copy fer spellin

What is your choice of weapon? Is it 'round midnight when the market is bustling with the sale of illegal hats?

When did this turn into a crime drama?

Originally posted by warch
What is your choice of weapon? Is it 'round midnight when the market is bustling with the sale of illegal hats?

When did this turn into a crime drama?

Bravado. I suppose so.

Second stanza.

Made me think of the tune "Stone Cold Dead in the Market". (calypso beat)

Does Mr. Warch live in fear of the frying pan?

"My girlfriend's mad...she's got the frying pan..."--The Urge

I'm a happy guy as the miles go by
there aint too much that I'm missin'.
But I gotta wife with a fryin' pan
and when she talks I listen.

- Jr. Brown - Broke Down South of Dallas:)

Junior Brown, Wednesday at First Ave. I'm there.:)

Cool! The Guy Brothers backin' him?

Some Guy is on rhythm guitar and Another Guy is on drums, but that sweet old dog Jonny Penner is on bass!

Last night it was Jonny on bass, Pete Something on drum (great with just a snare and cymbal) and That Guythatwillnotbetherenexttime on rhythm guitar. Jr. was his usual freak genius, but the performance wasnt as tight as last time. That Guythatwillnotbetherenexttime got some looks and words shot at him, the end of a long roadtrip I think. Still a lot of fun, and when we got out, it was nice to walk through a light snowfall with our ears ringing.

Made me hanker some late night Texas fun. Like a 3:00 am run to Taco Cabana for some greasy chips and queso, plus 17 mini cups of fire roasted salsa :)

Last weekend came and went- I didnt catch Nickel Creek- I blew out my back and was a pretty gimpy, whiny baby all weekend. But this weekend, Sat and Sunday Acoustic Hot Tuna is at the Cedar Cultural Center. The Mr. works all weekend nights, so I may venture on my own. :)

Originally posted by warch
Last weekend came and went- I didnt catch Nickel Creek- I blew out my back and was a pretty gimpy, whiny baby all weekend. But this weekend, Sat and Sunday Acoustic Hot Tuna is at the Cedar Cultural Center. The Mr. works all weekend nights, so I may venture on my own. :)

Ow sorry bout the back. Acoustic Hot Tuna! Very Cool!

Originally posted by Griff
Okay, I admit it, I have no idea what they're talking about over on the other music thread. Occasionally someone will toss in the Cranberries, Tom Petty, or They Might be Giants but mostly when someone mentions one of my old bands its in an historical context-

Hope you don't mind me asking, Griff but when you said one of "your" old bands is that from the view and standing point of a performing artist or a fan? I conceived and recorded alot of those vocals while stoned and wearing headgear. Petty is my tribute to my impression of the personae of Bob Dylan.
They might be giants was nothing more than a brain fart for me actually, and I requested that my sister-in-law fill the position as the "stage" performer for the cranberries. I used to use the term stage "puppet" quite frequently, but that does seem such cruel and unusal punishment after the fact of the stress these individuals must have to endure while merely working for peanuts.

It's really not such a serious question matter for me after what I have been through just to hold the title, just curious that's all. I wouldn't die without a reply from you.

We are not so different, you and I.

Even Rob Zombie is a mutherf'kin lip syncing idiot- Brian. Griff is your DADDY, boy. GRIFF GRIFF GRIFF!!:p

I caught an article on Alpha Blondy in our paper the other day. He has a new album called Merci. I guess he's become increasingly distressed with the state of the Ivory Coast. The revolution there was attributed in part to the frustration which he expressed in his music. Some soldiers threw a coup and as is common with revolutions it was time to "meet the new boss, same as the old boss." Do I have a point, not really, I've just been thinking of my own idealism and how it sometimes gets in the way of living life...

I think I know what yer saying, but how so?

Apparently, the revolt in IC became known as the Reggae Revolution when one of the first acts of the revolutionaries was taking a radio station which featured Blondys socially aware music. The soldiers wheeled around the country with Blondys music cranking in their Jeeps. Now the IC is teetering on the brink of total meltdown and Blondy is thinking maybe he should have been more circumspect.

As it relates to me (barely) its far less dramatic. I've got an inside track for a teaching position, which I need to decide if I want to pursue, while at the same time, I just don't like the idea of living on tax dollars. I'm in a much better place intellectually and emotionally to teach now than I was way back when I graduated, so I'm going to check it out, just to see if I can still bring it in the classroom.

Hmm. What are your views on/about teaching? What do you think you'd personally get out of it beyond tax dollars.(You hint at the creative challenge but you could maybe get that in another way.) What would you bring? (knowing the humor and intelligence of the cyber Griff, that could be considerable)

I find tax dollars funding public education to be a valid, essential, I dare say, noble expenditure. But then, I am on the dole. ;)

Okay... I dumped my first reply accidentally so lets try to get back to that place.

First, making money is never the issue with me. I have everything I need. Taxation is how education gets done, so I need to set that aside. I have a passion for the material and do bring "a quiet humor" to quote my observing prof, to the classroom which I was known to use to de-fuse potentially messy situations. What I need to discover about myself is, do I have a real desire to teach or is another creative outlet good enough? I have projects but most involve my holeing up in a woodshop, over a notepad, or another isolated place around the farm. I love those things but am I missing a place in the greater society?

There will be levels of bull to contend with but if I enjoy the staff that will be fine. I like teenagers with their certainties where uncertainty should reign and uncertainty where there should be no doubt. I want to open minds without following up with the ideological brain washing. I have a passion for living that I know is sometimes missing from a school enviroment. I've been the lazy student who at all costs, even of a decent education, just wants to skim through without making a ripple. One thing I don't like to feel is that I'm coercing someone. I need to prove that my enthusiasm can surmount reluctance.

I've found a good building with a solid principal, rural kids, and a positive first impression. So I'll sub for a while, gauge the impact on my emotional health, and we'll see if its something I should be doing. Will I miss my solitude? Can I maintain a reasonable level of energy at school and still be a solid Dad/hubby? Can I keep drinking the Black Bush I was just handed at this pace? Well, I have one answer tonight.

Hey who hijacked my thread?

Thanks for making me think on e-paper. g

I can relate. I came to teaching reluctantly. I was doing the self-employed solo art thing. My business was a living, but hard, and getting to feel like sweatshop production. Generations of teachers in my family,it was what I was expected to do, so I think I avoided it for those reasons.

I can do old school stuff like weave. Run looms, spin, dye, the works. So I started to get these requests to teach. I did it for $, but I found it was fun, and I felt comfortable. I would pick up teaching gigs at schools, museum, festivals, shops. Finally that led to school for teaching licensure, art K-12 and a teaching job, at a school I later realized was amazingly supportive and cool.

What I need to discover about myself is, do I have a real desire to teach or is another creative outlet good enough?

For me teaching is socially, hothouse creative, very different than the lone pursuit, and can charge up batteries in an unexpected way. But like anything it can also drain ya dry. I found I go in cycles, but the creativity is all connected and cross-pollinates freely.

One thing I don't like to feel is that I'm coercing someone. I need to prove that my enthusiasm can surmount reluctance.

There's the rub. At least for me. Later I got into a particularly bad school situation, and had to face that I was no match for the chaos. Way beyond reluctance, it was physical violence. My ideals said to take the job, my intestines wouldnt let me stay. I did learn where my strengths were and weren't. You sound far more aware of your potential situation that I was.
Surmounting the reluctance, thats where the creativity gets addictive, when you find a way to engage. One thing I take great satisfaction in is getting to know and really like students- those relationships.Thats why I dig it and that is what I would miss terribly.

My job now is the best balance Ive ever had between working with students (all ages), getting energized with new material, supporting for my own learning, and down time. I'm having urges to do more solo stuff, and It feels like it will work.

Subbing is a good idea, get the inside view and a feel for the demands. I would imagine there could be all sorts of partial contract possibilities... maybe?- community based learning, enable you to find a balance, rather than the FT deal? Interesting. All the best, man.
:)

Music! Oh yes.
Do you like the Meters?

The FunkyMeters? I just googled that since I had no idea but check out these funky tunes! funky New Orleans sound

Dats dem babe. With the cold cabin fever it gets you moving, or rather, chicken strutting. This is what we've been listening to, Funkify Your Life . I'm particularly fond of Disc 1, the Josie Years. Its just greasier. So in sites and places with technology I can only dream of these tunes flow for free.....

These guys are very Neville Brothers, huge organ work complex rythms FUNKED UP! Going on the wish list.

Okay I'm confused about the cross-pollination situation her.

From e-music description of a Cryril Neville album-

"This record really cooks. Cyril Neville definitely has the right recipe." - Fats Domino.

Having performed as a sideman on albums by Bob Dylan, Jimmy Buffett, Willie Nelson, Robbie Robertson, and Daniel Lanois, Cyril's roots can be traced to the legendary Meters. While the Meters never broke into the mainstream, their sound influenced much of the funk and hip-hop of the '80s and '90s. In 1976, the Meters disbanded, but along with their brothers Aaron, Art and Charles, they once again joined forces to form the internationally renowned Neville Brothers, the "Uptown Rulers" of New Orleans funk and R&B.

In a tribute to the Patron Saint of New Orleans R&B, Professor Longhair, the youngest of the Neville Brothers has created a masterpiece of classic New Orleans tunes. These songs, originally recorded by legends such as Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Benny Spellman, Chris Kenner and Eddie Bo, New Orleans Cookin' features some of the Crescent City's finest player. Allen Toussaint, Eddie Bo, "Mean" Willie Green, Marva Wright, and James Andrews join Cyril to create the best New Orleans tribute album since Dr. John's Gumbo.

There is much continuous pollination, or is it file powder?

Here is the official bio, but it may be helpful for more visual folks to create their own diagram.

Of all the various Nevilles, Art is the senior Meter. Here is some history from a site about George Porter, the funky bassist:

In 1967, George was the bass player for Art Neville and the Neville Sounds. The band also featured Neville Brothers Aaron and Cyrill, and Leo Nocentelli. Art dropped his brothers from the band, added drummer Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste, and they played a steady gig at the Ivanhoe club in the Quarter for a couple of years. It was at the Ivanhoe that Allen Toussaint contracted the band to be the house band for his Sansu record label. They
scored a contract with Josie records, but changed the name to the Meters to shorten it a bit. George continued to play with the Meters until the breakup of the band in 1977. The Meters cut eight albums during that period, but were not successful commercially. Art, George and the band were an overwhelming critical success, however, and they were in hot demand as studio musicians. As a live band, they became ambassadors of New Orleans Funk, even touring with the Rolling Stones.

Perhaps we should all just head down to the New Orleans Jazz Fest this May for some extended research.

Oohh, my first stab at resurrection!

I thought of this thread yesterday as Nickel Creek received mainstream air play on a Mpls "adult contemporary" radio station with an instrumental. They are also one of the headliners at a major 2 day outdoor concert here in July. Nice to see that talent can blur the music categories. Maybe they'll break it wide open.

Speaking of Bluegrass, Longwood Gardens is mixing in a lot of Bluegrass acts this summer. Last week was the Tuesday Mountain Boys and tommorrow (Thursday) is Dean Sapp & Harford Express.

It's my son's last day of school and I'm taking him to the Chadds Ford Hooters on 202 and the Bluegrass concert.


Bluegrass Concert: Dean Sapp & Harford Express, traditionally-based band with Dean Sapp, guitar, vocals; Dan Curtis, mandolin, vocals; Darin Hirschy, bass, vocals; Ben Sapp, banjo, vocals; original music, old favorites, tight harmonies, hot pickin’, and a good dose of fun, 7:30 pm

Longwood Gardens Bluegrass and Old-Timey Music Schedule

What a great place to see a concert!

In honor of the successful resurrection, how about some Stan Rogers.

She went down last October
in the poring driving rain.
The skipper he’s been drinking
and the mate he felt no pain.
Too close to Three Mile Rock
and she was dealt her mortal blow
And the Mary Ellen Carter sitting low.

There was just us five aboard her
when she finally was a-wash.
We worked like hell to save her
all headless of the cost.
And the groan she gave as she went down
it caused us to proclaim
That the Mary Ellen Carter’d rise again.

Instrumental break

Well, the owners wrote her off,
not a nickel would they spend.
"She gave twenty years of service,
boys, and met her sorry end.
but insurance paid the loss to us,
so let her rest below",
They laughed at us and said
we’d had to go.

But we talked of her all winter,
some days around the clock,
She’s worth a quarter million,
a-floating at the dock.
And with every jar that hit the bar
we swore we would remain
And watch the Mary Ellen Carter rise again.

Refrain:
Rise again, raise again,
Let her name not be lost
to the knowledge of men,
For those who loved her best
and were with her to the end,
We’ll make the Mary Ellen Cater, rise again.

All spring, now, we’ve been with her
on a barge lent by a friend.
Three dives a day in a hard hat suit
and twice I’ve had the bends.
Thank God it’s only sixty feet
and the currents her are slow
Or I’d never have the strength to go below.

But we’ve patched her rents,
and stopped her vents,
dogged hatch and porthole down
Put cables to her ‘for and aft
and girded her around
And tomorrow, noon, we hit the air
and then take up the strain
And watch the Mary Ellen Carter rise again.

Refrain

For we couldn’t leave her there,
you see, to crumble into scale.
She’d save our lives so many times,
living through the gale,
And the laughing, drunken rats
who left her to a sorry grave,
They won’t be laughing in another day.

And you, to whom adversity
has dealt that final blow
With smiling bastards lying to you
everywhere you go
Turn to, and put out all your strength
of and heart and brain
And, like the Mary Ellen Carter, rise again!

(Last refrain only) 2x
Rise again, rise again,
Thou your heart, it be broken,
your life about to end,
No matter what you’ve lost,
a home, a love, a friend,
Be like the Mary Ellen Carter, rise again.

First off, Is Chads Ford "Hooters" part of the the bar/restaurant chain noted for hiring young girls servers with,...ah hem, big eyes?

Longwood Gardens looks great! I'd like to hear some Dean Sapp, He's definitely got the look. I was hoping his site would have a snippet.

Looks like I need to come to Longwood. Music, yes, but I want the plants! (drooling) 62 Chamaecyparis, 67 Cornus, 98 Pinus,...! When that next career shift comes I can get my Masters in Public Horticulture through their program at the U of Delaware, then go to work weeding, watching the fountains, and grooving to the music.
OH MY! What a great venue to have nearby. Lucky duck.

This is the gig that features Nickel Creek. It started as a concert to save the old Basilica and has grown to a big two day event. One band I really want to see is The Thorns.

More time at the Longwood site: The Carillon restoration project and concerts are fascinating. Its like, so how does someone get into mastering a carillon? Such a specialization. Ok I really want to go now.

Originally posted by warch

This is the gig that features Nickel Creek. It started as a concert to save the old Basilica and has grown to a big two day event. One band I really want to see is The Thorns.

I like the Jayhawks as well... we're going to have to dig up some live music 'round here.

Yeah, I like the Jayhawks too. They're hometown guys. Theyve been around ferever and really anchored the alt country kinda thing for many a year.

Originally posted by warch
First off, Is Chads Ford "Hooters" part of the the bar/restaurant chain noted for hiring young girls servers with,...ah hem, big eyes?

Longwood Gardens looks great! I'd like to hear some Dean Sapp, He's definitely got the look. I was hoping his site would have a snippet.

Just wrote a long reply, tried to load too large an image file, and lost it all. Created this reply and clipped a copy to notepad when the upload seemed to drag and Explorer crashed. This is my third try.


We had a great time tonight. Jeffrey just finished classes today. Jeffrey is 18 years old, but he is autistic and will be attending school until he is 21, so this was a year-end graduation.

The Chadds Ford Hooters is at routes 1 & 202. It is so new you can literally still smell the sawdust.

We got there at 6:15. This is significant becuase from 3 to 6 pm, wings are 20 cents each with a beverage (or was it fries). Anyway, this did not apply to us.

Jeffrey had 20 wings, 1 order of fries, and a soda. She also brought celery and blue cheese dressing, which costs an extra dollar. I had a cheeseburger with fried onions and nothing else. This all cost $22. (ouch).

Anyway, Jeffrey was checking out the waitresses and had a great time. I brought my digital camera and got a picture of him and the waitress.

Hartford Express was great. The show was moved into the indoor pavillion which is an enclosed permanent tent-like structure. The thunderstorm rolled through during the performance and added some drama to their rendition of 'The Long Black Veil'.

They were selling their CD's for $10 (most artists at Longwood charge $15 or $20) so I got Jeffrey two as a graduation present.

They permitted still and video photography, so I took pictures and video with my Canon A70. Unfortunately, even the 30 second video clips are close to 2 meg, so I cannot share them with our foreign visitors. If I upload them to my personal site I will provide a link.

I cut down one of the images to 20-something kbytes.

Sounds like you had a really good time ... and getting out of a Hooters for $22 is really not that bad. Heck, that's my bar tab! ;)

Is it in what used to be that cute little shopping center that got remodelled into a megaplex with the theater, or did it take over the space that used to be the nightclub and is actually a hair further south on 1 from the intersection?

Originally posted by richlevy

We had a great time tonight. Jeffrey just finished classes today. Jeffrey is 18 years old, but he is autistic and will be attending school until he is 21, so this was a year-end graduation.

Not to hijack so close to ressurection but do you have any thoughts about Jeffrey's educational experience? Its looking like I'm going the special education route for my masters and I'd like to hear what a Dad thinks of the system as it is now and how well its served your son. I've been impressed with its development since I was in school when the kids were separated from the rest of the population.

Long Black Veil is a personal favorite of mine whether covered by Johnny Cash, Sting, or [your Irish bar band here]. Just googled it, I was thinking it was a traditional tune but this page attributes it to Wilkens and Dill.

Well now I'm hungry for hot wings and blue cheese dressing...
Good pic Rich. I commend your posting dilligence. Now I am curious to see Jeffrey and the waitress!

I went out last night and this silly place charged $6.20 for a pint of Newcastle. Geez. I'm not racing back there.

I'm glad the show was good. So youre headed back next week?

and to add to the special ed topic: cool, Griff.

Originally posted by warch
Well now I'm hungry for hot wings and blue cheese dressing...
Good pic Rich. I commend your posting dilligence. Now I am curious to see Jeffrey and the waitress!

I went out last night and this silly place charged $6.20 for a pint of Newcastle. Geez. I'm not racing back there.

I'm glad the show was good. So youre headed back next week?

and to add to the special ed topic: cool, Griff.

Well, it all depends on the show. The concerts are Tue, Thu, and Saturday. I'm partial to bluegrass, folk, and world music. I like some jazz and classical, but I am indifferent to band music.

I don't know if I want to post Jeffrey's picture, but here is the waitress.

Since you're a jazz fan ... do they still do the live jazz nights at Vincent's in West Chester? I haven't been there in a number of years, but it always used to be a very good, very relaxing time, with astonishing food.

Originally posted by wolf
Since you're a jazz fan ... do they still do the live jazz nights at Vincent's in West Chester? I haven't been there in a number of years, but it always used to be a very good, very relaxing time, with astonishing food.

Actually, I don't get out much for music except for Longwood Gardens and some Celtic/Irish/British shows sponsored by The Green Willow

West Chester, for some reason, has always been an in-and-out destination for us. We only do there if we have to go to a specific store, maybe grab a quick bite to eat, and leave. Maybe its the traffic and parking that seem to make it a chore.

I'll have to see about Vincent's. My biggest problem is finding something my wife will want to see, or deciding to go alone.

I am considering the Train concert in July. It's on my birthday.

My! she does have big eyes!;)
Definitely looks like fun was had.

I went out to a local park today and couldnt believe that I got to hear the Paladins from San Diego under the clear blue sky. Lots of fun- Rockabilly trio: drums, standup bass, with guitarist/vocalist Dave Gonzales who is so f**king good. It was a not very promoted concert and I was glad I heard a tip. The Paladins have been playing hard for a long time and are high energy fun. I recommend looking for them touring some club or festival near you, I bet they'll be by your way.

Oh I forgot to mention, I picked up the Thorns new album and they do a great great cover of my favorite Jayhawks song, "Blue". And with the exception of Mpls they are opening for the Jayhawks on tour this summer.:)

Blue is one of those tunes that seems like its always been out in the ether, somebody just had to play it.

I love that ether. One listen and love.

Ether you do or you don't.
I'm sorry.:blush:

Went to see both the Thorns and Nickel Creek last Friday- Outdoor concert, the sound was a bit challenging but both put on a good show.
The trio of the Thorns (Sweet, Mullins and Droge) must have brought 67+ guitars and various other stringed things, and all changed instruments after each tune. The harmonies were great to hear, see who's singing where. Shawn Mullins is the anchor voice. Matthew Sweet had a serious early Peter Fonda look going. All tunes and firmly stuck in my head. As they were closing their set, they heaped lots of praise on the upcoming Nickel Creek.

Nickel Creek was the headliner, (The night was beautiful and clear) and they seemed to be having a blast. There was a core of followers, but most there, like me, had never really heard them. They tore it up. They are all major scary players that can really sing. And the tunes were wonderfully all over the map, bluegrass, celtic, jazz, folk, rock. Sarah the fiddle player really reminded me of Rickie Lee Jones when she sang. And Chris on mandolin was explosive- (had his own screaming teen girl section of the crowd) They did originals, instrumentals, and some souped up covers that drew the skeptics in- Beatles, Dylan, Cold Play, Mozart.
Very very fun. Thanks for the tip Griff!:)

Originally posted by richlevy


I am considering the Train concert in July. It's on my birthday.

Rich,

Where and when is said Train concert?

Dagney

Originally posted by warch
Nickel Creek was the headliner...They tore it up.

I've been following these kids since they were barely teenagers, and even a bit younger. All are former national junior champs at one instrument or another, and they are truly, truly amazing. They were truly amazing even back seven or eight years ago when I first saw them at Winfield, doing straight bluegrass.

Originally posted by warch
They did originals, instrumentals, and some souped up covers that drew the skeptics in- Beatles, Dylan, Cold Play, Mozart.
Very very fun. Thanks for the tip Griff!:)

Excellent! I figured you'd go for them. I'm with Patrick, those kids are"truly amazing." Hopefully they are playing some venues with better acoustics (I saw them in a hockey arena).

STATE THEATRE
107 West State Street
Ithaca, NY 14850

Wednesday, October 15, 2003 at 8:00pm/Doors at 7:00pm. Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.

I'll hafta check my class schedule but this looks pretty inviting.

Cool! Bela and crew are playing here tomorrow night, at the zoo, but I just can't do the zoo fer music. Theyre back at the Fitzgerald theater in December. I can do the Fitz!

(slight hijack) So are you taking a teaching gig? Special Ed? Or are you taking grad classes yoself? Oh yeah, and happy birthday some time near here. Have you broken the 40 (gas) mark yet?:)

Gotta do the Bela deal, although I may have a class that night depending on what happens. I believe I'll be in grad school this fall for special ed. I'm just waiting for all the paperwork to clear and some kind of official notification. In the mean time, I'll try to focus my sub gigs in that direction. I'll be driving some serious miles, which creates an excuse for more music! I'm also looking for productive road stuff books on tape etc...

I'll wake up as a 39 year old tomorrow morning! Thats a lotta gas marks. Isn't yours coming around pretty quick?

Cheers laddie! I passed my 41st mark last Sunday, I believe you can still see the trail over western Wisconsin.

Cool on the school. Are you going in Binghamton?
Can you do CDs in your commuter vehicle? I have the technology now. Perhaps a swap II? hmmm?

Hey! Thanks for the sponsorship. I've been very slow to get moving on it this year so muchas gracias.

I decided to go to a PA school, Mansfield, which should simplify my certification situation. I'm going to try to get certified in both states. Another thing in Mansfields favor is they are building up their on-line capacity so I may eventually be able to catch a class or two from home. Right now they offer a few undergrad classes and I believe their library science degree is completely on-line.

I'm still rolling tape in the truck but I'm willing to copy from cd. Lets do it, give me a week or so to think about the playlist though... fun stuff!

Groovy.
What made you decide the Special Ed focus? (for me, some of the best and toughest teacher moments Ive had have been working with special ed kids.)
Are certification requirements similar in NY and PA? I had life certification in TX,and in MN its a 5-10 yr licensure set up.

Legal music is on. I'll start thinking too. Something to keep you rolling.

Many many reasons... I started subbing again to see if I still had the itch. I took all the assignments so I could look at the whole system and found that my best moments were working with individuals and small groups of kids in the resource rooms. PA and NY are at odds when it comes to special ed. PA is an inclusion (the sp ed teacher assists the classroom teacher) state and NY leans toward pulling kids out as necessary, although I did some classroom work at the middle school. I find it easier to empathize with the sp ed kids than kids with all the tools who don't use them. I also had a couple of crazy moments that I really didn't understand with an emotionally challeged kid and I'm just intrigued.

I'm not absolutely certain that I'll stick with the kids though. I did a semester of volunteer work in college with adults trying to get their GEDs and I found it to be very rewarding. That opens up prison work and a bunch of other areas. Right now, I need to find out how people with disabilities learn and how to assess disabilities. The program will be applicable to learners of all ages so this is where I'll start.

NY has a screwier certification system than PA. In NY its more about jumping through hoops because of the incredible bureacracy. PA is tougher in terms of classwork but the requirements are related to learning to teach. My temporary cert in NY will run out just before I get my Masters completed so I'm going to get my PA cert with my degree and try to play the NY system at the same time. All the rules will be rewritten before I graduate but thats where I am now.

I wrote you a jumbled reply last evening then zapped it somehow. Now revived, I'll keep thinking on it.

Working with special ed has the great advantage of being more intimate. Youre in small classses or even one on one. I think that's what I like most- the opportunity to build a relationship- cause thats what teaching is, really. And the stuff that has grinded me the most is the volume, classes pushing 35 students. For the record: all 2-12 focused instruction classes should be limited to 18 or less. PreK-1 should be 10-15 max.

And I'm teaching art which has, what I love, the capacity to engage everyone at some level. And for kids or adults with any communication barrier, I've experienced some moving stuff.-from a kid with multiple severe physical disabilites working up the nerve to even touch clay without flipping out to amazing savant level stuff, and then the more usual sincerety, confidence, discovery, frustration, and joy. And art is messed up with emotion and voice, there's the therapy aspect, whether you call it that or not. Kids have been able to express, vent, and have some measure of success. For most of the e d kids its been about building some basic trust and resiliency. Thats tough. Stuff that breaks your heart.

Youre in small classses or even one on one. I think that's what I like most- the opportunity to build a relationship

Thats tough. Stuff that breaks your heart.

I would think those two statements would go hand in hand, all too often.:(

When its good, its very very good.:)

I'm gonna throw these in here b/c I think Griff and Warch will dig these artists...

I've been a total Rhapsody whore since signing up a month or so ago. Been listening to a lot of good stuff that I just don't own...everything from metal to hip-hop to blues. Been going down the bluesy/rootsy path quite a bit this week:

Keb' Mo'--Keb' Mo' and Just Like You: Good modern bluesman. Haven't heard anything out of him in a while.

Wilco--A.M., Summerteeth, and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot: I've owned Being There for ages now, but just never bought any of their other stuff. I'm always happy to see St. Louis-area musicians do good. Still haven't seen the movie about them (I Am Trying to Break Your Heart) yet. Just fantastic musicians. Hard to categorize them.

Uncle Tupelo--Anodyne: Didn't care much for them when they were actually around, but I dig them now. Though the animous split into Wilco and Son Volt might have been the best thing to happen to them.

I have all of Son Volt's CDs queued up...maybe I'll listen to them tomorrow...haven't heard any of their stuff since Trace came out 50-11 years ago.

Muchas Gracias Sycamoro.

We did a reload of the cd carousel today to weed out the tired stuff and put in some goodies.

Some of what went in:
Johnny Cash -American IV -The Man Comes Around Caught Pete getting weepy during Bridge Over Troubled Water, album contains Hurt and Personal Jesus as well

Taj Mahal -The Best of from 1971 replaces my vinyl he's done a lot since then but it is sweet stuff.

Bela Fleck & The FleckTones -Little Worlds This is the 3 cd set they are touring for now. Its a must see concert if its your kinda music.

Red Hot Chili Peppers -Californication and -By the Way

The next live show for me will be Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. I'm taking my old man out in public to catch this early bluegrass master.

Alan Lomax--Popular Songbook: Lomax could be best-described as a music chronicler. Among the work he did was a series of recordings for the Library of Congress in the 1930s and 40s, featuring blues and folk music from the South. Younger peeps might know the music via Moby, who sampled some of the above-mentioned recordings for his 1999 album, Play.

This happened to pop up on Rhapsody last week as a featured selection, so I quickly downloaded it for a listen. Great stuff...highly recommended.

I've been listening to some newer stuff from Steve off the Jeruselum album and some live. Rockin stuff, anti-war, anti-death penalty, pro-union (in the UMW sense not the NEA)...

Emusic's catalog is expanding and they've changed their pricing structure. They are adding lots of live stuff. Picked up some live Taj Majal... nice sounds