a word from nasty ned

4/20/2006
More hot-blues, raw-country, roots-rock-jammin' and sultry-balladeering down at the station made American Roots Open Mic the place to be if you were anywhere near the northern hemisphere last night.We had talented players, from as far away as New York City in one direction and Philadelphia in the other, making music for local music aficionados and one who arrived by train from Puerto Rico - not sure which route he took to get to Newark's Penn Station, but once there it's a short train ride down the Raritan Valley Line to our little station - as word of the American Roots celebration continues to spread. (Click into any of the links here marked "Friends" in the lower right column to see some of what I'm referring to.)Many thanks again to Duane Chez for his inspired playing, dedicated attitude and tireless efforts in helping keep the roots music flame flickering bright for the generations to come. Players ages 20 to 60 stood side by side and entertained a very receptive audience as the stage beneath their feet; if you closed your eyes, could have been from anywhere in New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville, Austin or Chicago.Memorable performances by Hunterdon County's favorite blues diva Lori V, Jersey guitar legends Johnny Charles and Bernie BB Bruaswetter, guit slingers Jim Mosca and Jeff Page and the spirited presence of Tommy Fuller, who sang and played like a man possessed, made for an awesome night of music and mayhem in Bound Brook, NJ.New comers Case Newcomb tore it up on his '59 Les Paul. Joe Cassady & the West End Sound laid it down like it was a family tradition. Kate Weber dished it out to the guests and an all-star supporting cast made sure it all went down so smooth.Great efforts by Todd Lanka, Tyler Penn, Steve Decker, JR Bradfield, Arnna Wendt, Mark Weber, youngsters from Dirty Brown Sound and Dexterity, and on and on - all are applauded.There were so many quality players getting on and off the stage, I'm sure I missed somebody here - forgive me if I have, but thank you for your support non the less.Kudos to Rail ownership, management and staff; Eddie Ray from Computown, Ed Pampani, Win, Jessica, Byron and the train conductors who step down, wave with a smile, and then have get back on the train knowing how much fun we're having at this station.Last night's lucky ticket holders won cool T shirts and hot live CD's from Gus Bardaji, a Nasty Ned Hohner harmonica and concert tickets to see Marshall Tucker Band and Ten Foot Tall on stage together at Starlands.The No Cover Charge at American Roots Open Mic means you can come down to the station even if you're light in the pocket - while stuffing the optional donation jug means you get opportunities to win groovey prizes later in the night.I've got to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you all who continue to make this American Roots celebration bigger and better each week - and "something" very well worth my turning down a steady gig in Austin, Texas to stay and host.