AMERICAN ROOTS LIVE WITH NASTY NED ARL ROOTS REVIEW 86 BY NASTY NED

ARL Roots Review 86

American Roots Live 86 and Writers in Raritan in the week leading up to this Christmas holiday was full of comfort and joy, new and old friends - and lots of love.

Perhaps as close as we'll get to living inside a Courier & Ives print in this year of 2007.

Our new friend "E" from Miami, Florida was the center piece in this holiday tapestry. "E", (above, pic:win) exuded brotherhood and goodwill during his showcase performance and had us riveted as he sang of warmth and love, rivers of honey, forgiveness and tolerance in his tremendously rich and authentic blues voice. Except for the muted bling-tone of some one's pocketed text messenger, it was "E's" heartfelt performance and a silent night.

If you weren't there - you should have been.

Many made the pilgrimage to ARL and WiR this week as if filled with anticipation of tiny hoofs on a roof-top or just filled with party spirit and seeking an outlet to let loose. What ever you came looking for - we had it.

Down to the mini marshmallows for your hot cocoa.

John Powers revved us up with his unforgettable songs, Kerry Anderson held the whole world in her hand, Corey Small thumped and hammered home his wonderful creations, Dennis Macarone reminded me of sharing the stage with the Chiffons in 1966, Joe Cerisano of Trans-Siberian Orchestra sang of fathers and sons, Mace Gill gave us Blind Willie Johnson, Mimi Nowak brought the house down, Johnny Charles ripped us all a new one, JR Bradfield smiled and accommodated, John Breen sang Christmas carols with his ukelelee... I think the only thing missing was the partridge and the pear tree.

Our playlist recognizes: JR Bradfield, Ed Pampani, "E", Mace Gill, Corey Small, Robert Zee, Johnny Charles, Kim Brewer, Tommy Toye, Hershall Dow, Mordechai Jones, Carlo Trentacosta, Keith Autoncunas, Randy Marinelli, Doug Ivey, Tim Ludwig, Johnny Thompson, Joe Cerisano, Randy Smith, Chris O'Sullivan, Mimi Nowak, Bob Giglio, Ed Avilia, Ron Seibert, John Breen, Snakeman Runyan, The No Names, JW & the Honky Tonk Buicks, Gene Goodman, Carl Marcantonio, Rich Keorner, Roy Macanamara, Dennis Macarone, John Powers, Kerry Anderson and Peter Prasa.

As we revel in the spirit of this holiday season and reflect back on a year of circumstance and accomplishment let us look forward toward the future. Our future together as friends, our future as individuals, as a society, as a world and let us be happy, thankful and joyous, and please, let us never forget the glue that holds us all together - the music, sweet music, let there be music everywhere.

Thanks to all who give it life and longevity. Thanks to Win and EP. And bless you all.

Merry Christmas to us all - everyone.

Keeping it real,

Ned