A Pleasant Symmetry: 12.03.2006

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Roots Review 35 by Nasty Ned

American Roots Live 35 at the Bluetone kicked off to the strains of Jimi Hendrix's recording of the national anthem - then took off for the stars.

Hosted by Billy K & the Pocono Players, ARL 35 kissed the sky.

First up was our young friend, solo performer, Michael Lopresti with his wing and a prayer improvisational original songs. Then Carl Van Camp, backed by Billy K, Ed Moore and Chip Bush, brought down the house with his vocal performance of "Folsom Prison Blues", "Little Sister", "It's Now or Never", "Blue Christmas" and then, encouraged by an enthusiastic audience, came back to encore with "Good Hearted Woman."

Chris on harp and Brian from Big Daddy & the Wildcats playing guitar then joined the headliners on stage with Brian commencing to tear things up, leaving Bluetone owner, Joe Karam to comment, "I really like that young guy on guitar."

Indeed, Brian is one hellova guitar slinger.

Then it was Sonny Young's turn to raise the bar with his guitar and vocals. He did so with Arlene Schar on violin, our old friend James Supra on harp and vocals, Chip Bush playing bass and the ever effervescent Jaimo Flynn tappin' the tubs - a truly inspiring performance!

Chris & Dave took the stage and delivered a tasty, dueling guitars performance accompanied by James Supra's superbly soulful harmonica. Also in the mix was our man Vern Mobley wailing on drums with Don playing bass.

Next it was Roman's turn to tear it up with his guitar and vocals and army of players consisting of Keith on guitar, Don on bass and a special guest appearance by Dave Hollingsworth from Todd Wolfe's Band playing drums.

Nick T shined with his guitar on Neil Young's "Down by the River" with Ed Moore and Chip Bush along for the ride and then Billy K & the Pocono Players closed it out just the way they started - with a firey, crowd pleasing performance.

Lots of new faces in the house this night and especially encouraging was all the young people in the room diggin' them roots. Thanks to Carol and Sue who vow to bring their friends to ARL 36, to James Flynn's posse and to Carl Van Camp's entire entourage.

It was a great night for sure and my very special thanks go out to a very special guy and talented musician; one Billy K. Thanks for the report Billy - my only regret is that I was not able to attend ARL 34 at the Bluetone in Easton as I was in NYC at a "must attend" Eagle Rock Entertainment/Elmore Magazine Gala.

But, I really can't complain because I had the distinct honor of jamming with Mark Naftalin
from the original Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Jeff Simon of George Thorogood & the Destroyers, Jake Walker, Collin John and also on the same stage that night; Chaz DePaolo, Roger Earl from Foghat and the legendary Nick Gravanities, another original member of Butterfield's band who actually wrote the song "Born in Chicago".

Oh what a night! I'll look for you all soon and please take note that ARL is no longer at Crossroads in Garwood, but very happy to announce our return to The Rail in Bound Brook, NJ every Sunday night at 7pm starting December 10.

Keeping it real,

Ned
posted by Ned at 12:23 PM 0 comments links to this post

Friday
Roots Review 34
My last week in Arizona ended on a high note when HoneyBoy Dupree and I joined Paris James, Mikel Lander, Jack Straw, Arizona Blues Hall of Famer, Hans Olsen and others at the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation Benefit Concert at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix, hosted by Paris.

A great time was had by all who packed the room on a Sunday night to hear great roots music from some of Arizona's hottest performers and one snowbird.

Earlier in the week - Wednesday, night before Thanksgiving - Dupree and I celebrated American Roots Live 34 with some awesome musicians at hot-spot, Bobby C's Jazz Lounge and Grille downtown in the shadow of the Arizona Diamondback's baseball stadium.

I blew some harp, but man there were some great pro performances by Paris James (pic) playing guitar and singing his heart out, Dupree on bass, Adam Clark; drums, the renowned Raul Yanez on Hammond B3 organ and piano. Raul Yanez has serious chops and his music deep, deep soul. Javier Yanez on bass, Tony Valensuela; congas, Duwall Davis; drums, 18 year old, Ryan Dingess; keys and other players and rooters from all around the country.

Everyone had a great time and left for the their holidays with an Elmore Magazine and the spirit of the music in their hearts. Many thanks to Bobby and Joy Clayton for their interest and genuine hospitality.

Then it was off to Nogales, Mexico Thursday for a Thanksgiving dinner of cheese enchiladas, beans and rice.

But it all started Sunday, the 26th, when HoneyBoy Dupree & the Smokehouse Players walked away with another Arizona Music Award for their knock-out performance at the Rhythm Room. Dupree was a crowd favorite that day and I had a blast joining him on stage to do a little blowin' and shoutin' of my own.

There where many stand-out performances including (now on his way to Memphis) Mikel Lander, a 25 year old, lefty guitarist and singer who does a great, original Robert Johnson thing, Arizona Blues Hall of Famer, Tommy Dukes, a 13 year old guitar phenom named Kevin KC Blues and many more. KC is sure to carry the roots torch into the future for generations to come. This was the Phoenix Blues Society's biggest day of the year.

Our many thanks to the Rhythm Room's Bob Corritore (pic), harp player, producer, radio show host and blues historian - for his interest, generousity, hospitality and spirit.

Thanks to Rich Brydle, manager of Cold Shot & the Hurricane Horns - another of Zona's hottest acts - for his energy and vision - and special thanks to Paris' manager, Evan "Arizona" Mills for his humor and for spreading the word.

All in all, whether it was sizzlin' on stage or in the 90 degree dessert sun, my time in Arizona was hot, hot, hot!

Now do yourself a favor and get a subscription to Elmore Magazine so you can read about HoneyBoy Dupree in the January issue and Paris James in the March. Go here right now Elmore Magazine "Saving American Music".

A subscription to Elmore Magazine, with their well written, in-depth articles, award winning photography, and cool T shirts will make great Christmas gift packages for those special on your list this year - and while you're at elmoremagazine.com, click into their "links" page.

Hope to see you soon.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Roots Review 34 by Nasty Ned

My last week in Arizona ended on a high note when HoneyBoy Dupree and I joined Paris James, Mikel Lander, Jack Straw, Arizona Blues Hall of Famer, Hans Olsen and others at the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation Benefit Concert at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix, hosted by Paris.

A great time was had by all who packed the room on a Sunday night to hear great roots music from some of Arizona's hottest performers and one snowbird.

Earlier in the week - Wednesday, night before Thanksgiving - Dupree and I celebrated American Roots Live 34 with some awesome musicians at hot-spot, Bobby C's Jazz Lounge and Grille downtown in the shadow of the Arizona Diamondback's baseball stadium.

I blew some harp, but man there were some great pro performances by Paris James (pic) playing guitar and singing his heart out, Dupree on bass, Adam Clark; drums, the renowned Raul Yanez on Hammond B3 organ and piano. Raul Yanez has serious chops and his music deep, deep soul. Javier Yanez on bass, Tony Valensuela; congas, Duwall Davis; drums, 18 year old, Ryan Dingess; keys and other players and rooters from all around the country.

Everyone had a great time and left for the their holidays with an Elmore Magazine and the spirit of the music in their hearts. Many thanks to Bobby and Joy Clayton for their interest and genuine hospitality.

Then it was off to Nogales, Mexico Thursday for a Thanksgiving dinner of cheese enchiladas, beans and rice.

But it all started Sunday, the 26th, when HoneyBoy Dupree & the Smokehouse Players walked away with another Arizona Music Award for their knock-out performance at the Rhythm Room. Dupree was a crowd favorite that day and I had a blast joining him on stage to do a little blowin' and shoutin' of my own.

There where many stand-out performances including (now on his way to Memphis) Mikel Lander, a 25 year old, lefty guitarist and singer who does a great, original Robert Johnson thing, Arizona Blues Hall of Famer, Tommy Dukes, a 13 year old guitar phenom named Kevin KC Blues and many more. KC is sure to carry the roots torch into the future for generations to come. This was the Phoenix Blues Society's biggest day of the year.

A Pleasant Symmetry