American Roots Live 94 & 95 and Writers in Raritan

photo of Anir Ban by Ed Pampani

more pictures of American Roots at this link : http://www.american-roots.blogspot.com/

ARL 90 pics AMERICAN ROOTS LIVE WITH NASTY NED

Photo credit:
ARL & Wir, pic:win; ARL: Ed Pampani; Pic of Ed playing drums: Amy Franza

AMERICAN ROOTS REVIEW 88 & 89 BY NASTY NED

VIEW PICS @
http://american-roots.blogspot.com/

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

AMERICAN ROOTS LIVE WITH NASTY NED ARL REVIEW 84 BY NASTY NED

ARL Roots Review 84

Can't you see? Oh can't you see? How much fun lord, American Roots Live can be...

Six people who attended ARL 84 know exactly how much fun American Roots Live can be as they were recipients of the free Marshall Tucker Band concert tickets we gave away, compliments of Rick at Orphan Annie's. Hope you all enjoyed the MTB concert. We'll be giving away more tickets to another concert this Thursday so come and don't miss out!.

It was a great week of live music for us at ARL 84. We were entertained by many wonderful bands and musicians including Rock n' Daddy who played some very cool classic rock song choices. This is not your father's classic rock band - well, they are some body's fathers, but you know what I mean. (Frank Damelio, Rock n' Daddy, above pic by Ed Pampani)



We also heard the interesting and intelligent original sounds of the Mark Bodino Band, a real treat. MBB was our very welcomed showcase act Sunday night. (Mark, left pic: EP)



Well, it is all about LIVE music isn't it? And who knows more about live music than Orphan Annie's and American Roots Live? As matter of fact you are all invited to help us celebrate 30 years of live music this Sunday as the day marks Orphan Annie's 30th anniversary. Like the sign says, music starts at 4pm and goes til midnight. There will be 8 tremendous bands for you to groove, listen and dance to, including John Powers Band, The Congregation, Tony Santos and his Blues Conspiracy, The Wall, Eryn Shewell and so many more. There will also be a free hot & cold buffet all day and NO COVER CHARGE. Did I mention free food? See you Sunday.

See you Sunday that is, after we enjoy Wednesday night at Writers in Raritan and American Roots Live 85 on Thursday.

This week's Writers in Raritan will be another amazing spectacle of brilliance in songcraft featuring Gerry Perlinski, Sheli Aarden, Peter Prasa and Keith Monacchio. Another not to miss show.

If you have been to Writers in Raritan before you know how special an event this weekly singer-songwriter showcase is. Were you there last week listening to Tommy Fuller, Michael Brett, Chuck Schaeffer and Briz? I hope so because it was truely special. Tell your friends. WiR really is a cool thing.

American Roots Live 84's playlist read; Big Boy Kenny Nerbak, Corey Small, Ed Pampani, JR Bradfield, Robert Zee, Ron Seibert, John Sudia, Keith Autocunas, Mark Bodino Band; Mark, Jack & Bobby, Rock n' Daddy; Frank, L. Doc West, Bobby, Joe & Brian, Tommy Toye, Mordechai Jones and the myth, the legend, the man - American Roots Live All Star - good 'ol Hershall Dow (above pic EP)

Hey, also, don't miss me and the Roots Rebels; Michael Krizan and JR Bradfield as we tear up the Blue Moon Cafe in South Amboy this Saturday night starting at 9pm.

Check out the NN live gigs page for details - see the link here in the upper right column.

Looking forward to seeing you soon again. Be careful on the roads out there this time of year.

Thanks to all who keep live music live and for keeping our shows as exciting and successful as they continue to be.

Keeping it real,

Ned

AMERICAN ROOTS LIVE WITH NASTY NED ARL Roots Review 77 BY NASTY NED

ARL Roots Review 77
Your bed's on fire! Your bed's on fire!

That's what I've been saying to my friend Copa - the multi-instrumentalist best known as the keyboard player in my earliest bands, Shadowfax and R Band and a more recent Famous Chili Dogs - for as long as I can remember, because he played so hot. At least I think that's why I always said that.

Copa and I spent a lot of time together. In the late 70's we traveled to places like Houma, Louisiana and Hafuf, Saudi Arabia and almost everywhere in between - in bands that had little to do with us - then spent most of the early 80's writing songs and recording comedy skits in his home studio behind gallons of producer juice and piles of other stuff.

Well, Copa, who now lives about a hundred miles south of here, made it up to American Roots Live 77 at Orphan Annie's last week to play with us all. He brought his keyboards, but spent the night burning up the bass - I told you he was hot - and we loved it as much as he did, as he made many new friends. Thanks Cope.

Last week was full of great players as we welcomed back our old ARL friends Jimmy Somma and Tommy Hayes and Peter Malliss - and some old favorite regulars like Johnny Charles and Evil Dick of the Congregation.

And we gave away 6 pairs of tickets to see Johnny Winter and Edgar Winter in concert at the Starland Ballroom compliments of BluezKid. Everybody was smilin' big time!

We lit up the northern sky at 77 as we have many times at ARL and just as we'll do again this Thursday night and ALL DAY Sunday, October 21st at our "Roots Rockin' Riders, Bikers' Benefit for Autism. Doors open at 12N, music starts at 2pm and goes til midnight featuring Johnny Thompson at 2pm, Phil 'n the Blanks 3pm, The Congregation 4pm, Nasty Ned & the Dogs 5pm, The Jerry Lanza Band 6pm, Johnny Charles & the Straight 8 Blues Kings 7pm, Katmandu at 8pm and then an American Roots Live All Star Jam the rest of the way - and I'm pretty sure we're going to have some "girl power" coming!

77's playlist read: JR Bradfield, John Powers, Copa, Jimmy Somma, Tommy Hayes, Mimi Nowak, Ed Pampani, Ron Seibert, Bobby Z, Robert Zee, Hershall Dow, Mordichai, Dave Alles, Ed Avilia, Randy Marinelli, Keith Autocunas, Lisa Batruch, Joe Salerno, Frank Ceruli, Joe DeRogatis, Phil Leibergall, Sandra Lynne, Molly, Evil Dick, Dennis Grove, Tommy Toye, Jeff Frank, Sticks Obremski, Vinnie Capodice, Tim Ludwig, Peter Malliss, Amy Franza, Tony Prochilo, Bones Sanford, Johnny Charles, Johnny Thompson, Carlo Trentacosta, Gene Gagliardi, Retox, Carl Marcantonio, Chaz, Ron Michaels, Arlene Schar, Rob Bianco, Rich Keorner and Vinni Meleto.

Thanks to all who make American Roots Live work week after week: Orphan Annie's Rick, Karin, Joe, Bradfield, Powers, Mimi and Ed and Win for their support and photographs. (Due to a misfunction in Blogger today there are no pictures here, sorry)

See you soon again.

Keeping it real,

Ned

P.S. Tonight, Wednesday October 17th is opening night of Writers in Raritan, our new singer-songwriter show at DeCicco's featuring Robert Ross, John Powers, The Wiliamzboy, Bruce Jepson and Peter Prasa - please check it out at Writers in Raritan

Labels: American Roots Live with Nasty Ned, Edgar Winter, Jimmy Somma, Johnny Charles, Johnny Winter, Orphan Annie's, Roots Rockin' Riders, The Congregation

"WRITERS IN RARITAN" ARTICLE IN UPSTAGE MAGAZINE

THE SONG IS THE STAR AT "WRITERS IN RARITAN"

Special UpstageMagazine.com Online Only Article
(RARITAN, NJ) --

RARITAN, NJ) -- American Roots Live with Nasty Ned, the popular, weekly open-mic celebration of American roots music - currently in its 76th week - announced today, the creation of "Writers in Raritan", a singer/songwriter showcase series that will take place every Wednesday night, 8:30 pm at DeCicco's, 10 Anderson St. in Raritan, NJ starting October 17, 2007. No cover charge.

Featuring the area's finest veteran and upcoming singer/songwriters, Writers in Raritan is not an open mic event like its "American Roots Live" parent show. Instead, Writers in Raritan is a pre-booked by invitation event showcasing the most talented singer/songwriters available to play 30 to 40 minute performance sets every Wednesday night. Writers in Raritan will also feature irregularly scheduled songwriter's workshops conducted by the show's co-host, renowned performer and songwriter, JR Bradfield.

Writers in Raritan will be hosted by American Roots Live founder and promoter; performer/producer, Nasty Ned.The "roots" and "live music" proponent says, "we want this showcase series to help people better connect with live music by focusing on the song and the artist who writes it. We'll have no drums, no bands and no accompanying players. The song in its stripped down form is the star".


DeCicco's in Raritan offers an intimate music setting with cold beer, blue-collar prices and an earthy, worn-brick back drop reminiscent of a Greenwich Village venue. The show host adds, "With the train station two blocks away, connecting us to Hoboken and New York, DeCicco's is perfect for our series". The New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania tri state area is a hot-bed of songwriting talent. Writers in Raritan looks to create a new and much needed outlet for this talent to be heard and appreciated.


The New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania tri state area is a hot-bed of songwriting talent. Writers in Raritan looks to create a new and much needed outlet for this talent to be heard and appreciated.Opening night, October 17th will feature five of the area's most talented songwriting-story-tellers: Robert Ross, John Powers, The Wiliamzboy, Bruce Jepson and Peter Prasa. Please include Writers in Raritan in your regular calendar of events.


Artists BiosRobert Ross is a distinctive and soulful singer who knows how to sell a song. Rafael Alvarez wrote in Guitar World magazine, "Robert Ross is an imaginative writer with files of Twilight Zone tales", while Tom "Bones" Malone of Blues Brothers fame calls Ross, "the new Bob Dylan". Bill Carlton of the NY Daily News once wrote, "Robert Ross is a fine singer, a snappy lyricist, and an even better blues rock guitarist ... time after time Ross delivers the goods".Ross is an able guitarist indeed. His spine-tingling solos tell stories words alone cannot express. Blues legend Albert King once said of Ross' guitar playing, "He's so fast, lightning would have to get on roller skates to catch him". Robert Makin of the Aquarian once wrote of Ross, "If you closed your eyes you'd swear Ray Charles was playing Buddy Guy's guitar. In 1980 Johnny Winter recorded Robert's composition, "Sittin' In The Jailhouse" for Columbia then re-released the song on Legacy in 1994 as part of a "best of" CD entitled, "A Rock 'n" Roll Collection". Robert Ross is a NY Music Award winner for Best Blues Artist.Having performed on network television's "Alive at Five" and "Good Morning America" as well as the Chicago Blues Festival, Montreal International Jazz Festival and countless venues large and small across the U.S. and Europe, Robert holds the enviable distinction of having played on stage with Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Robert Ross lives in New York City, NY.



John Powers, at 28 years of age is already a veteran of the New Jersey music scene. Having spent a third of his life in recording studios and clubs across the northeast, he has built a loyal fan base of music lovers and fellow musicians. John taught himself to play guitar at age seven and by 15 had recorded his first EP in New York City. He is about to release his much anticipated, first full-length CD, "Highway Lines" in the coming weeks.John spent a year as co-host of American Roots Live with Nasty Ned and most recently opened for John Eddie at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. A young man with a special ability to communicate age-old human experience through music, John Powers writes and performs songs that get stuck in your head, your heart and your soul. There is no escaping them playing over and over again in your mind once you've heard them. John Powers lives in Bridgewater, NJ.


The Wiliamzboy is a regular performer at the House of Blues in Atlantic City, the Bitter End in New York and the Trocadero in Philadelphia. He is a singer/songwriter whose ferocious live performance and gritty original music has helped him garner acclaim and notoriety wherever he plays. Equally at home playing bar-room-blues, ramshackle folk, alternative country or acoustic funk, the Wiliamzboy's sound is timeless. Playing guitar and harmonica on a neck-rack, he sings soulful, moving songs that are uniquely his own. With sincerity in his voice and forthright truth in his music, his songs speak their own language. The Wiliamzboy lives in Philadelphia, PA.


Bruce Jepson, a multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter delivers songs that are well crafted and from the heart. A central New Jersey native, Bruce is a two-time finalist in The Chris Austin songwriting contest at Merlefest in Wilkesboro, North Carolina and has twice performed at the International Bluegrass Music Association's "Songwriter Showcase" during the "World of Bluegrass" festival in Louisville, Kentucky. Along with festival work Bruce has appeared at such venues as the Stone Pony, CBGB'S, Albert Hall, John and Peter's, Turning Point and many more. He is largely known in the tri state area as the lead singer and guitarist for bluegrass band "String Fever". Look for Bruce Jepson's first solo release, "I'm Still Blue" in the coming weeks. Bruce Jepson lives in Somerset County, NJ.


Peter Prasa says, he "wasn't born for these times", but everyone he's touched is grateful for his life at this time. Like many songwriters, he's taken life experience and put it to words. In his songs he displays melodic explosions of depth and level headedness with a dash of confusion. A multi-instrumentalist, he writes about lost love, found love, heaven, pain and even a recipe for Banana Bread. His father's first guitar, left in the basement of the family's home in Hillside NJ, where Peter spent his teenage years, became his first songwriting tool. Peter's song, "Angels Breath" gained an honorable mention from VH-1. Peter Prasa is a piano technician where while tuning pianos, some of his compositions are crafted. He says, "Everything has a song in it and every emotion creates a melody". Peter Prasa lives in Somerville, NJ.


JR Bradfield (co-host) is a singer/songwriter and guitar virtuoso who has logged over 100K skymiles during the 90's playing venues throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, North Africa, the Middle East and the U.S. He has entertained Governors and Officials of the British West Indies, the Royal Family of Qatar, played the Royal Palace in Abou Sofaine, Tunisia, and has entertained guests at Wyndham, Allegro, and Club Med Resorts. Bradfield's recordings showcase his comedic songwriting prowess. His repertoire features hilarious compositions like "Butt n' a Half" and the "Honky Blues". JR Bradfield lives in Piscataway, NJ.



Nasty Ned (host) has been performing and writing since 1966. He released his first recordings in 1981 and is best known as the singing, harmonica playing front man of Nasty Ned & the Famous Chili Dogs, and for his studio work and live performance with Johnny Charles and others. Ned is founder and host of American Roots Live with Nasty Ned and Writers in Raritan and is currently working to complete a cable television show entitled American Roots Live. Nasty Ned lives in Middlesex, NJ.


For more information please visit
www.american-roots.blogspot.com
www.nastyned.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/americanroots
www.myspace.com/writersinraritan
www.nastyned.com