Roots Review 9

Roots Review 9
American Roots 9 was another exciting musical celebration with stand out performances by many of the biggest names on this area's music scene.Special mentions have to go to JR Bradfield for his solo entertainment to kick the night off, then his inspiring rendition of the Star Spangeled Banner played on a guitar he built himself from an old tree stump in his back yard. JR Bradfield's dedication and enthusiasm for our roots movement is inspiring in itself.John Powers, the young standout guitarst, vocalist and drummer was amazing and, I'm happy to say he will be my American Roots guest host partner again next week. John Powers is someone you need to make an effort to come out and see folks so you can at least say, "you knew him when" because I'm telling you, JP is going somewhere. Many thanks to him and his band the Arturos for their huge efforts in helping keep the roots alive.We also celebrated Tommy Fuller's 60th birthday at roots 9 with a cake and song and although he only came out that night to listen and enjoy the music he could not ignore the pleas from the crowd of fans for him to play so he took the stage like the professional entertainer that he is and put on the performance of his life. If you've ever seen this consumate performer do his thing before - you can imagine how GREAT Tommy Fuller was this night.So many awesome players did their thing that night I would like to thank them (in no particular order) and hope I don't leave anybody out: Johnny Charles, Ed Pampani, Mike Caruso, Snakeman Runyan, Rotten Robert, Pat Mullen, Jim Somma, Tommy Haze, Brad Sicotte, Kate Weber, Bones Sandford, Alan Rogoff, Len De Piano, Sal Cheech, Todd Lanka and good 'ol BB; Bernie Brauswetter - all awesome people - thank you.Many special thanks again go to The Rail ownership, management and staff, Mike, Lynn, Sarah, Amanda, Jessica, Byron, and especially my American Roots compadre Nick Wasco for bending over backwards for our American Roots movement. Nick is a visionary and sees the big picture - for this and more - we all love him.And don't forget the American Roots BB King Steak dinner special at The Rail. It's a 20 oz. porterhouse steak with baby field green salad and skewered red potatoes seasoned just right, and it's only available on Roots night.So folks please make sure you come early and get a great seat, enjoy the awesome food - then the awesome music.Very special thanks to Eddie Ray of Computown Technologies in South Bound Brook for his tireless efforts and Ed Pampani and Win.Please continue to help keep American Roots music alive for the next generations. I thank you.See you Thursday at American Roots 10 - then I'm off for a few days of blues in the rainforest with our good friend Duane Chez in Puerto Rico (so posting Roots Review 10 may be delayed a bit) but I'll be back for American Roots 11 for another night of our exciting, ongoing American Roots celebration.And remember, you never know who you're going to meet down at the station.Keeping it real,Ned