Ian Wallace drummer for King Crimson Bob Dylan etc passes

BEING A HUGE FAN OF KING CRIMSON THIS IS HARD FOR ME
EXCUSE MY LATE POST THIS ARTICLE IS POSTED ON LINE CLICK ON THE TITLE IT IS HYPERLINKED TO THE ONLINE ORIGINAL



Ian Wallace
Drummer of unusual versatility who played with King Crimson, Bob Dylan and Don Henley
Published: 28 February 2007
Ian Wallace, drummer, songwriter, producer and engineer: born Bury, Lancashire 29 September 1946; twice married (two daughters); died Los Angeles 22 February 2007.

In a career stretching over 40 years, Ian Wallace played with the progressive rock group King Crimson and its 21st Century Schizoid Band spin-off as well as touring and recording with Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Tim Buckley, Don Henley, Alexis Korner, Alvin Lee, Steve Marriott, Graham Nash, Bonnie Raitt and Warren Zevon.

One of the drummers most in demand in the rock era, Wallace could play any style of music, from rockabilly to jazz, and demonstrated his versatility when appearing on over 100 albums by the likes of Badfinger, Billy Burnette, Larry Coryell, Rodney Crowell, Johnny Hallyday, David Lindley, Stevie Nicks, Roy Orbison, the Quireboys, the Traveling Wilburys and Ron Wood.

Born in Bury, Lancashire, in 1946, Wallace was bitten by the rock'n'roll bug at an early age and formed the Jaguars, a four-piece beat group, with friends while still at Bury Grammar School. They played gigs around Bury and came across the Warriors, a six-piece band from neighbouring Accrington led by one Johnnie Anderson - who went to front Yes as Jon Anderson - and his older brother Tony.

Wallace had passed his GCE exams and got a job as a clerk with the NHS but, when the Warriors lost their drummer just after signing a recording contract with Decca in April 1964, and asked him to join them and turn professional, he jumped at the chance. They recorded one single entitled "You Came Along" and played gigs up and down the country and had long residencies at clubs in Germany and Denmark. "Six sets a night, every night, and nine on weekends. This is where I truly learnt to play the drums," recalled Wallace, who also spent several months in Copenhagen with Big Sound, a soul group from Manchester working throughout Scandinavia.

By 1968, he was back in the UK with Big Sound and living in cramped circumstances in London. "Six of us living in one room in the same house as some of Yes. I actually did a gig with Yes when their drummer at the time got sick, and they offered me the gig but I turned it down," said Wallace, who would later precede that very drummer, Bill Bruford, behind the kit in King Crimson.

In the late Sixties, Wallace backed chart acts such as Sandie Shaw, the Marbles, Billy J. Kramer and Lou Christie and toured with the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band and Viv Stanshall's Big Grunt:

Viv promptly had a nervous breakdown so I jumped ship and joined Neil Innes' band the World. We did one album, Lucky Planet, and were gigging when Robert Fripp asked me to join King Crimson.

After releasing their stunning In the Court of the Crimson King début and playing 80 concerts in 1969, the original line-up of King Crimson had broken up and Fripp and the lyricist Pete Sinfield had struggled to maintain any sort of cohesion through the next two albums, In the Wake of Poseidon and Lizards. In fact, King Crimson hadn't played live again until Fripp and saxophonist Mel Collins drafted Wallace and singer Boz Burrell - who picked up a bass guitar and never looked back, later joining Bad Company - to form the fourth incarnation of the group, which débuted with four gigs at the Zoom Club in Frankfurt in April 1971.

The following month, they toured the UK, and played Hyde Park in September, before going to the United States on two separate occasions, though the near-dictatorial behaviour of Fripp almost forced the other three musicians to walk out in January 1972, just after the release of Islands, the only studio album they recorded.

Wallace, Collins and Burrell did stay on for another three months but the tension between them and the band's leader can clearly be heard on Earthbound, the live album drawn from tapes of the US concerts they played in February, March and April 1972, which were recorded from the mixing board on a portable Ampex stereo cassette deck the drummer had bought. With Sinfield treating the group's live sound through a VCS3 synthesiser, the distorted version of "21st Century Schizoid Man" in particular was a portent of grunge things to come, while Wallace's solo on "Groon" - processed via the VCS3 for effect - shows why Phil Collins would later name him as his favourite drummer.

"After the restraints were lifted whilst we continued to fulfil our contractual obligations," recalled Wallace,

Mel and I and Robert too, were able to fly off in all kinds of weird and wonderful directions, knowing that Boz wouldn't move, anchoring our base, allowing us to always be able to return to the One. That is an essential part of improvisation.

When Earthbound was eventually issued in June 1972, Wallace, Collins and Burrell had already joined Alexis Korner and Peter Thorup in Snape. For the next four years, the drummer freelanced with Korner, Alvin Lee, Labi Siffre, Streetwalkers and Steve Marriott's All Stars.

At the end of 1976, after finishing a US tour with Marriott, Wallace stayed on in Los Angeles to further his career. Told by Joan Baez's manager that Bob Dylan was auditioning drummers, he went along and got the gig, playing on the Street Legal album and touring with the singer-songwriter throughout 1978, an experience documented on the At Budokan live album issued the following year:

It was a very hedonistic time. Bob hadn't quite found religion, it was the year before all that went down and we all partied hard! Plus we had our own plane in the States, and our own train in Europe. First class all the way.

Wallace had a second spell backing Dylan in the early Nineties and also drummed on the Traveling Wilburys' hit single "Handle With Care" in 1988, an occasion he loved recalling:

Jeff Lynne called me one morning to ask if I was available to do a session. Seems that he, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison and George Harrison were all hanging out at Bob Dylan's house in Point Dume and had written a song to use as a B-side for a European single for George. It had a drum machine on it but it needed spicing up with some drum fills and could I go over that afternoon to Quincy Jones' studio to play said fills. Of course I said yes and did that exact thing, playing tom fills on the song, "Handle With Care". Mike Campbell was also there adding guitar parts. The only person that wasn't there was Dylan. When George took the finished song to Warner Brothers, they said it would be ridiculous to waste this as a B-side and how about doing more and putting an album out? And so the Traveling Wilburys were born.

I never did get paid for that session. At least,

in cash. But I had spent part of my honeymoon at George's place in Maui and I do have a Traveling Wilburys platinum album on my studio wall, so I think that's payment enough!

In the late Nineties, Wallace relocated to Nashville, basing himself there for several years, and becoming one of the most popular British expats in Music City, USA. Looking back on his time in the music industry, which included tours and sessions with David Lindley and El Rayo-X, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Don Henley (for three tours), Jackson Browne and Procol Harum, and an unusual engagement as one of several drummers performing at the World Cup USA 94 final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Wallace reflected, "I think I've remained friends with just about everyone I've worked with."

He released his first solo album, Happiness With Minimal Side Effects, in 2003. That year, he replaced the drummer Michael Giles and joined the King Crimson alumni Mel Collins, Ian McDonald and Peter Giles, along with Jakko M. Jaksyk, in the 21st Century Schizoid Band.

A drummer with an unusual style since he was tall, left-handed and had long, powerful arms, Wallace was held in high esteem by everyone he worked with. Don Henley, in particular, told Modern Drummer magazine,

I like the way Ian plays. He plays simply, although he can get very complex. He can play jazz very well. He's one of the few drummers I know who doesn't rush. I just like his style. He's also very good at programming. He's a hell of a nice guy and a hell of a drummer.

Wallace loved cooking, keeping up with the results of Liverpool Football Club, and hanging out with other drummers such as Peter Erskine, Jim Keltner and Earl Palmer. When asked what was most difficult about playing so many different genres of music, Wallace said easily,

The ability to convey a musical idea with one note instead of a thousand. If you want something to be real, then it's all difficult unless you are in the "zone". And getting there is the hardest thing in the world because that's up to God.

Pierre Perrone

Roots Review 46, 47, 48

Roots Review 46, 47, 48
Well, I've been going a hundred miles an hour in every imaginable direction and do apologize for (this time) being three weeks behind on your Roots Review. The good news is, the dust is beginning to settle and we're gearing up for some great new American Roots Live open mic shows at the Rail and a brand new, long awaited, American Roots Live with Nasty Ned TV program that will air initially on Cablevision's channel 22 in Green Brook, Dunellen, Piscataway, Middlesex, Bound Brook, South Bound Brook, Manville, Raritan and Bridgewater, NJ.

I'll send an email with the air dates soon so you'll be sure not to miss it.

We have one more sponsorship spot left to fill so if you or someone you know would like to support American Roots Live and have your business message delivered on TV (very affordably to 40,405 central Jersey households) please contact me by email with your phone number at nastyned@att.net and I'll be sure to be in touch with you. Please mention a best time to call.

As for American Roots Live 46, 47 and 48, our open mic celebrations of American roots music at the Rail, we have had a blast and it's sure to get even better as the weather begins to break!

A few weeks back we were honored to have 12 year old Brent Meyers playing his guitar with us on stage. Brent is the young man we first met at the Bluetone Cafe in Easton. He has a natural gift with his guitar abilities and an interest in American Roots music. We are always pleased when his father Eric brings him to our shows because sharing the music with young people is what American Roots Live is all about.

What was so cool about the last time Brent performed with us is that he didn't want to go on stage early, opting to wait until a larger audience was assembled - I love that!

Many thanks to John Powers for steadfastly co-hosting American Roots Live for all these weeks and special thanks and appreciation to all the dedicated musicians who make it happen week after week, namely: JR Bradfield, Ed Pampani, Len DePiano,
Mimi Nowak, Robert Zee, Roy McNamara, Arne Englund, Walter Foot, Keith McGonigle, Josh Gebhardt, Johnny Charles, Jaimo Flynn, Vern Mobley, Bobby Malavenda, Jake Jar El, Chris Porto, Randy Marinelli, Bob Giglio, Gavin Lawrence, Eric Plotkin, Dave O, Mike Mastrianni, Dave Rivera, Carlo, Metal Bob, Chris O'Sullivan, Paul DeLoia, Tommy Fuller, Arlene Schar, Dexterity, Summer Project, Evan Coniglio, Steve Yadlosky, Rotten Robert, Jim Michaels and more.

We are approaching our one year anniversary of American Roots Live and will celebrate the milestone on Sunday April 1st at the Rail where we'll give away the ARL autographed guitar to one lucky winner in attendance. As you know the guitar has been being raffled off for the past several weeks with all proceeds going to our friend Harry Okie who lost his home and all worldly possessions in an ugly house fire just before Christmas.

There is still time to purchase a ticket or two or six or ten - just come to American Roots Live any Thursday night starting at 9pm or any Sunday night starting at 7 at the Rail in Bound Brook and join the fun.

Thanks to Bobby Malavenda of Manville Music for donating the guitar. Many thanks to Rail ownership; Lynn and Mike and special thanks to the infamous Byron J for the kit. Props to Win, Ed Pompano and Eddie Ray and all our volunteers, sponsors and supporters and thanks to Elmore Magazine and publisher Suzanne Cadgene.

See you all soon.

Keeping it Real,

Ned

american roots live with nasty ned review 45

ootRs Review 45
Back in April of '06 my brother from another mother, Mike Caruso, asked me if he could bring his 19 year old daughter to perform at American Roots Live saying she's really good and would like to sing in front of an audience - my answer was a no-brainer - yes, of course, I said. This is what American Roots Live is all about - involving young people with roots music.

Well, 19 year old Kelly Caruso came to the show with her dad and knocked us all out with her powerful, surprisingly disciplined voice signing some od-school R&B. Every body loved her and she kept coming back, quickly becoming a crowd favorite and, in the process; an American Roots Live All Star!

The rest is history.

We salute Kelly Caruso - now known as American Idol's Kelly Caruso - for passing three Idol auditions and hearing those coveted five words from Paula, Randy and Simon, "you're going to Hollywood, baby!".

American Roots Live 45 welcomed Kelly Caruso back to The Rail last Thursday night and once again she knocked us out! Come out and hear for yourself!

We now do two American Roots Live shows at The Rail in Bound Brook, NJ - one on Thursdays at 9pm and one on Sundays starting a little earlier at 7pm. If you haven't been to one of our ARL shows... what are you waiting for?

Pick a night - or both - bring some friends and enjoy a fantastic night of live entertainment, great food and exciting prized give-aways. There's no other show like it anywhere. And if you play an instrument or sing, you are welcomed to join us on stage.

Just come on down to the station (The Rail is located inside the historic Bound Brook train station where the trains still rumble in just 15 feet from our stage) see me to get on the play list; and maybe you will be on your way to becoming an American Roots Live All Star, too.

Props to all who performed at ARL 45: John Powers, Keith McGonigle, Josh Gebhardt, JR Bradfield, Ed Pampani, Kelly Caruso, Mike Caruso, Ryan Caruso, Tyler Penn, Bobby Malavenda, Walter Foot, Bones Sanford, Chris Porto from Exit Zero, Big Daddy and some of his Wild Cats; Jaimo Flynn, Brian Becklin; Len DePiano, ARL PA Ambassador Billy K, Grady Fletcher, Roy MacNamara, Robert Zee, Mimi Nowak, Bob DelRosso and more.
Special thanks to Rail ownership, management and staff, our sponsors, volunteers and supporters, Elmore Magazine and publisher Suzanne Cadgenne and especially you!

See you soon.

Keeping it real,

Ned

american Roots live with nasty ned Reviews 43 & 44

Roots Review 43 & 44

Thursday nights at American Roots Live at The Rail have been a blast. Lots of great music, awesome performances, lots of smiling faces, winning raffle ticket recpients and tons of fabulous food.

Ol' Nasty Ned is hurricane busy as usual - and now with production for American Roots TV in full swing (yes, we'll be on the air soon)- we're still playing catch up here.

Between ARL 43 and 44 we held a fun and very successful American Roots Live All Stars Benefit Concert for Harry Okie that raised $1,500 for him and his kids who lost everything when their home burned down just before this past Christmas - and the fund raising continues as Bobby Malavenda of Manville Music donated a guitar to be raffled off in hopes of raising even more money for Harry and kids.

The guitar is being signed by ARL All Stars and the raffle tickets can be had at every American Roots Live show - twice a week now - Thursdays at 9 and Sundays at 7 at The Rail as ARL is so much fun we now need two nights to enjoy it all.

Please stop in and join the all this fun and get in on the raffle. The ARL All Star autographed guitar will be awarded to one lucky winner at ARL 52, Sunday April 1st - that's our one year anniversary show. You must be in attendance to win.

Thanks go to all the wonderful Bands who participated in the benefit concert: The Country Westernaires, Tommy Fuller, The Wiliamzboy, Joe Cassady & West End Sound, Kate Weber & Bassboards Blues Band, The Congregation, John Powers Band, Big Daddy & the Wild Cats, Bad Monkey w/ Mimi Nowak, Tweed Schade & the Sugar Daddies, Nasty Ned & the Noo Dogs, Johnny Charles & Straight 8 Blues, Jimbeau & the Retrocasters and
Wiser Time.

Thanks go out to all musicians who have taken part in the regular open mic celebrations of American Roots Music, that's ARL 43 and 44: John Powers, Keith McGonnagle, Josh Gebhardt, Jr Bradfield, Len Depiano, Robert Zee, Ed PAmpani, Mimi Nowak, Bob Del Rosso, Mike Flynn, Dave Ambrosy, Lee Fink, NYC Firefighter; Brian Zaleski, Rotten Robert, Bob Giglio, The Doctor, Walter Foot, Bones Sanford, Mike Carrol, Roy MacNamara, Bobby Malavenda and more.

Kudos to The Rail's ownership; Mike and Lynn Ruane, management and staff; Byron, Sarah, Evan, phtographers Win and Ed Pampani, webmaster Eddie Ray, Elmore Magazine and pulisher Suzanne Cadgene, and all the ambassadors, sponsors, volunteers and supporters.

See you all soon down at the station on Thursdays and Sundays.

Keeping it real,

Ned

www.myspace.com/americanroots

Roots Review 41 & 42

Yes, I have some catching up to do. Sorry for the delayed Roots Review - and, that I'm combining 41 and 42 - but it gets that way sometime.

With juggling the American Roots Live Shows and all that goes with it, my duties for Elmore Magazine and arranging the Blaze Benefit for Harry Okie, I've been running in wet sand.

I hope you can join us Sunday, January 28 for the American Roots Live All-Stars Blaze Benefit Concert for Harry Okie starting at 1pm and running 'til midnight. Doors open 12N at The Rail.

15 ecclectic All Star acts will perform in an all-day benefit concert to raise money for Harry Zierdt and his kids who lost everything when their home burned down just before Christmas 'o6. Asking for a $10 donation at the door, we will graciously accept whatever you can afford, and will gladly accept any donations above $10. You can read Harry's story here and Up Stage Magazine's story about the benefit here. Complete line-up of acts here

It has been my pleasure and honor to host the American Roots Live shows each week and am so appreciative of our stead-fast, headlining co-hosts John Powers and Billy K. And it's so satisfying to be surrounded by the many talented musicians who have stepped onto our stage to tear us all a new one.

Recognition goes to Powers and K and all the particpating musicians at ARL 41 and 42: Johnny Charles, JR Bradfield, Mimi Nowak, Ed Pampani, Kieth McGonagle, Robert Zee, Bob Del Rosso, Randy Marinelli, Bob Giglio, Tommy Fuller, Walter Foot, Eric Plotkin, Bob Malevenda, Joe Braverman, Bones Sanford, Whiskey Tango, Len Depiano, Carlo, Mike Carrol, ATypical Situation, Bad Monkeys, Chip Bush, Ed Moore, Jimi Hendrix's Anthem, Frank, Doc Z, Leo, Frank Tapler, Steve, Wes, Mike, Bob, Laurie Razz, Kieth Pagan Sr. and Kieth Pagan Jr., Matt Roman, Don Howland, The Bluetone's Aaron, Michael Lopresti, Pocono Players, Mr. Deno, Nick T and Ross, especially for the Anthem.

Please Note: the current scheduling for American Roots Live Shows; every Thursday 9pm at the Rail in Bound Brook, NJ, and starting Sunday 7pm, February 11 and every Sunday there-after - just two weeks after the benefit concert - ARL will be one big show on two great nights. ARL and the Bluetone Cafe will be taking a winter hiatus and will look at a re-start date in the future. All ARL shows at the Bluetone have been postponed until notice.

Thanks to Joe Karam, Mike and Lynn Ruane, Byron, Evan Coniglio, Win, Elmore Magazine and Suzanne Cadgene and everyone else for their interest and support.

See you at the benefit.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 40 BY NASTY NED

Do you want to know what really makes an American Roots Live open mic show so special? It's the high caliber abilities of the musicians on stage, their lack of ego, their respect for each other, their willingness to accomodate and help each other for the sake of the show. And it's their professionalism and certain dedication to a cause.


Saving American Roots Music Live!

John Powers in New Jersey and Billy K, Chip Bush and Ed Moore in Pennsylvania get the job done week after week because of their dedication and because they love doing it and because they want to save the music.

We save the soundtrack of our culture by celebrating it each week and by bringing it to young people. Inviting young people on stage to play with the pros is an experience they'll never forget. And each young one more than holds their own each week. It's exciting to see them lighting it up and getting a feel for the stage. All of them, nine years old, 14 years old or 17 years old are wonderful.

This week American Roots Live 40 welcomed Sarah MacCombie, a talenetd 19 year old bass player whose interests are playing and listening to jazz and blues. She kept it in the pocket for guitarist Bobby Malavenda with Ed Pampani on drums. Sarah, by the way is Bobby's student at Manville Music.

What was cool was seeing Johnny Charles stay on stage for two songs with the youngster after his own incredible set with JR Bradfield to show his special interest.

I'm so proud of all of the musicians who step onto our stage each week.

Audiences at American Roots Live 40 at the Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA and the Rail in Bound Brook, NJ were treated to performances by a red-hot Johnny Charles in both venues, Sonny Young, Arlene Schar, Vern Mobley, Doc Z, Joe Matthews, Michael Lopresti. Bones Sandford in both venues, Laurie Vosburg, Nick T, Keith Pagam Jr., Evan Wismer Jr., Goerge Kokokous and the fabulous Rob Fraser on bass from Mike Dugan and Blues Mission. Also thanks to Don Mickel.

There was John Powers, Pampani, a smokin' Jimmy Somma, Gary Amarossa, Screamin' Mimi Nowak, stump pickin' Bradfield who also played bass for who ever requested him, Bob DelRosso, young Sarah, Randy Marinelli, Carlo, Gavin Lawrence, Malavenda and that steady poppin' south-paw, Walter Foot. Also thanks to Rotten Robert and Dave Becker.

There really is no show like American Roots Live anywhere.

And fortunately, for all who come to American Roots Live, the food is absolutely great, and affordable - at both showplaces.

The Bluetone Cafe in Easton serves up great hot and cold platters prepared by Aaron - and the best dang southern fried chicken 'round these parts. Order up some sweet potato fries and homemade cheese macaroni and you got yourself a delicious meal with plenty of jing left in your pocket.

The Rail in Bound Brook offers a great new menu including juicy burgers, pub fries, salds, wing specials and a DAILY 16 oz. Steak Special for $9.99 with seasoned red potatoes and fresh vegetables served up by Matt. It's down right delicious and you get your monies worth and more - and that can't be beat.

Bring more than just your love of music to American Roots Live. There's good eatin' to be had at every show. And always come early to enjoy your meal and get a great seat.

My grateful appreciation goes out to the folks who go the extra mile for our cause: Elliott "Win" Newcomb, Elmore Magazine publisher Suzanne Cadgene, LouMarc Signs, Computown Technologies, Evan Coniglio, BJ, the sponsors, supporters and volunteers.

And I also appreciate you.

Keeping it real,

Ned

AMERICAN ROOTS LIVE WITH NASTY NED

We're still on for this Sunday January 7th at The Rail with American Roots Live 40 - and what a show we have lined up for you starting at 7pm. Headliner: John Powers, with Johnny Charles. Mimi Nowak, JR Bradfield, Spiros Soukis, Bobby Malavenda and many more and very special surprises!!!

Then ARL moves back into it's original time slot every Thursday night at the Rail starting this Thursday January 11th at 9pm. Hope to see all the old faces for ARL 41 Thursday.

Make sure to come early to enjoy 25 cent wings and $2 drafts between 4 - 8pm And enjoy the Rail's delicious 16 oz. Steak Special (all day - everyday) including expertly prepared red potatoes and seasonal vegetables for only $9.95.

http://american-roots.blogspot.com - read new Roots Review 39
www.nastyned.com -- view American Roots Live photo gallery
www.myspace.com/americanroots - become a friend of ARL
http://nastyned.blogspot.com - complete Nasty Ned Live schedule

Remember this Sunday at the Rail...

American Roots Live 40 with Nasty Ned
...in 2 Great Locations - Bound Brook, NJ & Easton, PA

Sunday night at 7 pm
at The Rail
350 E. Main St.
Bound Brook, NJ
732 742-RAIL
www.therailonmain.com/

HEADLINERS: John Powers & Friends ...plus a huge star studded cast of your favorite American Roots All Stars!

... will you be among them?
Come to the Rail early and enjoy the $9.95 Steak Special from their delicious new menu and get a great seat for the show!

Thursday night at 9 pm
at The Bluetone Cafe
683 Walnut St.
Easton, PA
(610) 258-5812
www.bluetonecafe.com

HEADLINERS: Billy K & the Pocono Players and a star studded cast of American Roots All Stars from both sides of the river!

Come to the Bluetone Cafe early for the BEST southern fried chicken, cheese mac and sweet potato fries this side of the Mason-Dixon and get yourself a good seat for the show!

Don't miss American Roots Live. There is no other show like it anywhere !

Upcoming Live Shows w/ Nasty Ned
January 12, Friday - Nasty Ned & Noo Dogs The Bull, Piscataway NJ
January 13, Saturday - Nasty Ned joins Big Daddy & the Wildcats at Smoke House BBQ, Hackettstown, NJ


Attention: Acts wishing to showcase at American Roots Live can email Nasty Ned at nastyned@att.net

Please forward this email to a friend and help spread the word.

And please continue to support everyone who works hard to keep live music alive.

Roots Review 39

The kids are alright!

Last Thursday's American Roots Live was the epitome of what our movement is all about... the kids. In a packed Bluetone Cafe full of musician's and fans of all ages American Roots music was the focus from blues to country to rock to free style jam.

Billy & K the Pocono Players laid down a solid set of roots based classic rock then backed Carl Van Camp who tore through some Elvis, Johnny Cash and George Jones (pic). Fans young and old soaked in the sweet sounds of yesterday.

Billy K was joined on stage by his 14 year old son Dolan Kutzman on Drums and 17 year old friend Tim Beery on Bass. Nick T on guitar and vocals played with nine year old Brent Meyers who took center stage this week playing his own strat in front of Ed Moore on drums and Chip Bush playing bass.

Nancy Colletti aired out her amazing voice while her children listened and 21 year old Michael Lopresti rocked electric with Matt Roman. Roman then free styled quite interestingly with Billy K - deep.

Other stand outs were Clay Reilly on trumpet. Kevin Tracy , keys, Jaimo Flynn on drums, Joe Matthews, bass Brian Becklin, guitar Sonny Young, guitar & vocals, some guy named Ned blowin' harp and with Arlene Schar in the house, many others.

Thanks to Elmore Magazine and publisher Suzanne Cadgene for their continued support of the effort, the Bluetone's Joe Karam, Doug, Aaron, Katelyn and Christine and thanks to all the parents for recognizing that American Roots Live Shows are a good place to bring the kids to grab a piece of history and expand a mind. For learning to play their instruments better on stage - which is an ultimate form of artistic expression - builds confidence in young people.

We all had fun. We're all proud.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 37 & 38

Roots Review 37 & 38

The Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA and the Rail in Bound Brook, NJ have had a lot of incredible musicians grace the two stages since we've started American Roots Live.Our taleneted and accomodating co-hosts John Powers in New Jersey and Billy K in Rennsylvania, make American Roots Live the place to be every Thursday and Sunday nights where the roots rock like no place else.Our celebration of 20th century American roots music continues to draw new musicians and fans alike.


Parents are learning that ARL is a great place to introduce their kids to the music and for this we are pleased.Last Thusday at the Bluetone we had nine year old Brent Myers on stage playing Billy K's stratocaster along side Nick T with Ed Moore on Drums and Chip Bush on bass. The kid was good and had us all satisfied that this is in fact what ARL is all about - bringing it to the kids.Both venues have become destination rooms for musicians of all ages and all talent levels from amature to pro. We've been fortunate enough to jam with Brian Becklin, Doc Z, Johanna, Michael Lopresti, Jim Ruffi, John Kasper, Bernie Brauswetter, Vern Mobley, Kieth McGonagal, Johnny Charles, Kim Bierny, Robert Zee, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Mimi Nowak, Bob Del Rosso, Jaimo Flynn, Bones Sanford, Lorrie Millheim, Alan G, WDIY's Stew Brodian, Keith Pagam Sr., and Keith Pagam Jr., Craig Thatcher and more.We thank all the musicians who participate - all fans who come out to support the cause and our venue owners and managaement.


We thank our volunteers and photographers and hope to see you all again soon.Keep in mind that Christmas Eve and New Years Eve have pre-empted the Sunday shows at the Rail but we will be back in full swing in Bound Brook starting again on January 7th. In the meantime the Bluetone has not missed a beat all Thursday shows have, and will go on through the holidays.Here's wishing everyone a joyous hoiliday season and we look forward to seeing you again soon.Keeping it real,Ned

Roots Review 36 by Nasty Ned

American Roots Live 36 was tons of fun - both at the Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA on Thursday night and our re-opening at The Rail in Bound Brook, NJ on Sunday night.

I would like to thank our ARL headlining co hosts, John Powers (left) and Billy K (right) for their undying dedication to our cause - and for all their hard work.

I feel a need today to post our mission statement, so please read it and then check-out the American Roots Live 36 performers line up below. Thanks to all who participated in both venues. You were awesome and we hope to see and hear you again soon.


American Roots Live Mission Statement:

American Roots Live is a movement whose purpose is to promote and preserve the heartbeat of a culture - American roots music - Blues, Jazz, Rock, Country, Rock & Roll, Bluegrass, R&B, Soul, Gospel and all other hybrid rhythms and rhymes in-between.

This music, of a time period running roughly from the 1890's through the mid 1970's, makes up the genre our movement recognizes as American roots music. American Roots Live's purpose also includes reviving a "live performance scene" open to all who want to listen or play.

We are dedicated to sharing, encouraging and inspiring children and young adults to recognize and appreciate American roots music as the birthplace of today's music by getting involved at any of a growing number of American Roots Live open-mic locations - to play along-side a professional musician or just to come and listen.

The impetus behind the movement is significant as American roots music is no longer played on mainstream radio or showcased by mainstream media, forcing it into a narrowing niche away from mainstream American audiences.

As exampled by music venues originally opened as 'blues" or "roots" rooms now finding other forms of entertainment to pay their bills.

Disturbingly, this has become the norm for many venues around the country.

It is therefore the mission of American Roots Live to promote and preserve our American Roots heritage through live performance and all other media available, including television, radio, print, recorded media, internet and pod-cast so that grandchildren will pass it on to their grandchildren and so forth... and for this vital cause, we ask for your interest and support - musician and fan alike.

Founded in March of 2006, by Nasty Ned, American Roots Live functions as a dedicated volunteer group of regional American Roots Live Ambassadors; Duane Chez / Puerto Rico, John Powers / New Jersey, Honey Boy Dupree / Arizona and Billy K / Pennsylvania, Board members; Elliott Win Newcomb and Johnny Charles, E Team Director; Ed Pampani, Special Projects Manager; Arlene Schar, Audio/Video/Special Projects Producer; Bob Malavenda, Coordinators; JR Bradfield, Robert Zee, Amelia Lange, Len DePiano, Mimi Nowak, Photographers; Win, Ed Pampani, Eddie Ray and Don Shatto with Web Design and Hosting by Computown Technologies.

ARL 36 Roll Call:
John Powers
Josh Gebhardt
Billy K
Chip Bush
Ed Moore
Johnny Charles
The Congregation
Ed Pampani
Robert Zee
Mimi Nowak
Uncle Wayne
JR Bradfield
Bones Sanford
The Bixbys
Michael Lopresti
Nick T
Paul Berger
Jack Powers
Walter Foot
Bobby Malavenda
The Doctor
Nasty Ned

...and this comment was just posted today on Roots Review 33:

"Ned, you do a great job in trying to keep the roots of American music alive. In this day and age people are STARVING for the quality of all styles of song we grew up with and are forever in our DNA. There is a huge void in our current music culture that can only be filled by the American Roots music and legacy. Its great that dedicated musicians such as yourself carry on and when I grow up I want to be just like you!"
J'ai Guru Buck Bixby & Brandi.

ALSO NOTE


American Roots Live 37 with Nasty Ned
...in 2 Great Locations - Easton, PA & Bound Brook, NJ

Every Thursday night at 9 pm - 12/14
at The Bluetone Cafe
683 Walnut St.
Easton, PA
(610) 258-5812

http://www.bluetonecafe.com


HEADLINERS: Billy K & the Pocono Players and a star studded cast of American Roots All Stars from both sides of the river!

Come to the Bluetone Cafe early for the BEST southern fried chicken, cheese mac and sweet potato fries this side of the Mason-Dixon and get yourself a good seat for the show!

NEW Every Sunday night at 7 pm - 12/17
at The Rail
350 E. Main St.
Bound Brook, NJ
732 742-RAIL
www.therailonmain.com/

http://www.therailonmain.com/


HEADLINERS: John Powers & Friends ...plus a huge star studded cast of your favorite American Roots All Stars including Johnny Charles and, this Sunday, introducing Texas songbird Kim McBierney!

... will you be among them?

Come to the Rail early and enjoy dinner from their delicious new menu and get a great seat for the show!

Don't miss American Roots Live. There is no other show like it anywhere !

american roots live Returns to the Rail on Sundays!

American Roots live Returns to the Rail on Sundays!

Nasty Ned Hosts
American Roots Live

Every Sunday 7PM
The Rail
350 East Main Street
Bound Brook, NJ
732-748-RAIL

http://www.therailonmain.com



Then come join the fun @

American Roots Live 36 with Nasty Ned
...still in 2 exciting locations

Every Thursday night at 9 pm
at The Bluetone Cafe
683 Walnut St.
Easton, PA
(610) 258-5812
http://www.bluetonecafe.com

http://american-roots.blogspot.com/

http://nastyned.com

http://apleasantsymmetry.spaces.live.com/

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

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.

JAMES COTTON SUPER HARP WITH THE BOB LANZA BLUES BAND SAT NOVEMBER 25TH 8.00PM !

<----------------- Bulletin Message ----------------- From: a pleasant symmetry
Date: Nov 25 2006 1:32 PM







11/25/2006 08:00 PM - ORPHAN ANNIES
JAMES COTTON IN CONCERT
1255 Valley Road
STIRLING, New Jersey 07980
US
Cost: $40.00
JAMES COTTON IN CONCERT WITH BOB LANZA - SNAKEMAN RUNYAN
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25th 8:00PM AT ORPHAN ANNIE'S STIRLING NJ. 908-647-0138 http://oannies.tripod.com/ Limited seating - Only 150 tickets for sale - First come first serve Once in a life time to see a blues legend in an intimate setting! Advance tickets on sale at club $40.00 Call club to charge tickets, all credit cards accepted, 908-647-0138

http://oannies.tripod.com/

http://www.boblanzabluesband.com/


http://www.myspace.com/boblanzabluesband


http://www.myspace.com/snakemansblues

http://www.jamescottonsuperharp.com/#inx

Roots Review 33 by NASTY NED

Roots Review 33


As I'm writing this roots review, HoneyBoy Dupree is driving us through Organ Pipe Cactus National Park on our way to Mexico to buy cheap cigarettes and duty free apple juice concentrate. The scenery is spiritually inspiring and beautiful - a 360 degree postcard. BTW - Dupree says hello y'all!

Well last week's American Roots Live was another fun packed week of incredible music by some incredibly talented musicians!

ARL 33 at Crossroads in Garwood, NJ featured a solid line up of serious roots-passionate players including headliner and co-host John Powers, who, joined by JR Bradfield on banjo, put in a stellar set of his infectious, crowd pleasing originals.

Many thanks go to EJ Rice, Josh Gebhardt, Robert Zee, Bones Sanford, Mimi Nowak, Len Depiano, the young and awesomely talented Steve McIntyre, Jim Angelica, Mike Maino, Jeff Miller and Rob "Rock" Bianco among others - yes, even me, now that I'm wearing my new kryptonite belt!

We all appreciate the passion, determination and good will of Win, who has attended all 33 ARL shows since we started in April. Win, a talented photographer, brings his best 11 X 8 1/2 color prints and makes gifts of them to the deserving musicians he appreciates so much - well... we appreciate Win and thank him for his generosity, support and enthusiasm.

In Easton at the Bluetone Cafe Thursday, Billy K & the Pocono Players; Ed Moore and Chip Bush turned up the heat. There were dynamite performances by the Bigsbies, hot as fire picking by Doc Z and Roman, with Vern Mobley on Drums, Bones on bass, Paul Berger, the spirit of Jaimo Flynn, and our young improvisational friend, Michael Lopresti who all made for a great night of music in Easton.

I got home that night after the Bluetone at about 3:30 AM - and given the fact that I was being picked up at 6:30AM for an early flight out of Newark to Phoenix - and still hadn't pack, I decided to pull an all-nighter.

I caught a couple of Z's in the air and landed in Phoenix 2 hours before showtime at the Dessert Ridge Market Place in Scottsdale, AZ with HoneyBoy Dupree & the Smoke House Players. What a cool place. Dessert Ridge is a beautiful open-air mall - think Times Square with palms trees and large concert stage in the middle.

We performed for thousands of appreciative music listeners. The Dessert Ridge has over 30 restaurants mostly situated around the stage area with diners and partiers sitting in individual bistro style outdoor dining areas - with plenty of seats, tables and kiosks in a common area in front of the stage.

Most satisfying was the number of children crowding the stage dancing and reaching up to touch HoneyBoy's bass as he played.

No doubt our American Roots message was delivered and one lucky fan, Dave, a bass player from Chicago, took home the grand prize package of a HoneyBoy Dupree & the Smoke House Player's CD, an autographed picture of me and Dupree performing together at our TV shoot during his Jersey visit in August and the current issue of Elmore Magazine and Elmore CD sampler.

The Phoenix metro area is a great music place and I'll tell you more about my trip when I get back and in Roots Review 34.

Many thanks to our venues, ownerships, staffs, players, fans, sponsors, supporters and volunteers.

We wish Ed Pampani a speedy recoverey and hope to have him back with us soon.

See you at Crossroads on the 29th and the Bluetone on the 30th.

Please be aware that there are some major changes coming for ARL in the very near future so please keep your eyes right here for the latest - you won't want to miss it! Thank you.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Wed night @ the Crossroads 11/29/06 !

a pleasant symmetry




WE are off for thanksgiving,

but after the Turkey wears of were back 11/29/06 @9.00pm!


AMERICAN ROOTS LIVE 9.00 PM

IN GARWOOD , NJ !
Nasty Ned Hosts


American Roots Live

Every Wednesday @ 9.00 pm !

Crossroads
78 North Ave. Garwood, NJ
908 232-5666

http://www.xxroads.com/

An invitation to all musicians and music fans:

Please join Nasty Ned at CROSSROADS in Garwood, NJ (9:00pm) for the American Roots Live See and hear the biggest names on the Jersey LIVE circuit (and some great new ones, too) every Wednesday night as we continue to celebrate American Roots Music: Blues, Jazz, Rock, Country, R&B, Soul, Bluegrass, Dixieland and everything else in between at the American Roots Live open mic!

Crossroads in Garwood is perhaps the most popular blues and roots club in New Jersey and is known for showcasing hot local talent and national touring acts. Crossroads features 5 star dinning, a magnificent house-sound-system, a large concert stage and full concert lighting.

DIRECTIONS

Located at 78 North Ave (Route 28) in Garwood, Crossroads is easily accessible from the Garden State Parkway. Just get off the Garden Sate Parkway at exit 137 make a right at the traffic light onto North Avenue and head west for 1.5 miles. Crossroads is on the right. Phone 908-232-5666

prize give-aways are sweet - American Roots T shirts, the latest issue of Elmore Magazine featuring Little Richard, Charlie Musselwhite, Paul Oscher, Rod Piazza AND Elmore Magazine CD samplers and lots more.

http://american-roots.blogspot.com/

http://apleasantsymmetry.blogspot.com/

http://apleasantsymmetry.spaces.live.com/

http://www.nastyned.com/

http://www.myspace.com/xxroads

Roots Review 32

We love you Kelly Caruso! You GO girl.

We'll be watching.

American Roots Live 32 was nothing short of spectacular Thursday night at the Bluetone Cafe.Billy K & the Pocono Players headlined and, joined by special guest Carl Van Camp, ARL 32 was a blast.

We kicked off with new comer, Michael Lopresti, who performed solo with acoustic guitar singing and improvising some cool original songs.Stand-out performances by Johnny Charles, Bernie BB Brauswetter, Jaimo Flynn, Arne Englund, Vern Mobley, Dan Balde, George Kokolis, Sonny Young, Arlene Schar, Roman, Dave Becker, Leo, Billy K, Ed Moore, Chip Bush and Mike P & the Joint Chiefs of Funk made for an electrifying evening in old Easton town.It was a memorable evening for one 9 year old student guitarist, who (accompanied by his father of course), sat fixed on the stellar, pro-guitar performances of Johnny Charles, Arne Englund, Billy K and Sonny Young. We look forward to this young man bringing his guitar to American Roots Live in the near future to perform with us.

John Powers & friends, EJ Rice and Josh Gebhardt headlined Wednesday at Crossroads with stand out performances by Mimi Nowak, Bob Del Rosso, JR Bradfield, The Doctor, Ed Pampani, Bones Sanford, Robert Z, Walter Foot, more.They reminded us all why our American Roots Movement is so significant and why each American Roots Live show so important.I hope to see you at American Roots Live 33 at Crossroads and the Bluetone Cafe on the 15th and 16th then ask you to look for Roots Review 33 to be posted from Phoenix, AZ during Thanksgiving week as American Roots Live and Elmore Magazine will join our good friend HoneyBoy Dupree on stage at Dessert Ridge Market Place on the 17th and the Rhythm Room on the 19th and 26th - these are two of the hottest Blues venues in the Valley. HoneyBoy Dupree & the Smokehouse Players, already 2002 IBC Award Winners, go for the 2006 IBC crown again on the 19th and we'll both be performing with Paris James and others at the Rhythm Room on the 26th. I'll let you know all about it in Roots Review 34 then I'll look to see you see you at ARL 35 the week after the holiday. Remember, there will be no east-coast ARL shows on Thanksgiving and the night-before.Did you know HoneyBoy Dupree is also a 2004 Arizona Blues Showdown Award Winner?

He also wants me to say hello to all of his friends in Jersey... Many thanks to our venues, ownerships and staffs and all of the talented, dedicated musicians and singers who step onto our stage every week. Thank you to all American Roots volunteers and ambassadors, our sponsors, supporters and friends. And most of all our fans. We need fan support to keep our shows alive - so that we can keep the music alive. Please join us. Bring a friend or two, or an aspiring musician, young or old, and have yourselves a great time.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 31

Do you know what Muddy Waters, Hank Williams, John Lennon, James Brown, Merle Haggard and Tony Bennett have in common?

Not sure?

These notables are all part of our root system and have everything to do with the shape and color of the leaves on our musical tree today.And it all comes from the roots.Unfortunately, the lack of mainstream exposure of American Roots music today is sad. With the exception of some current TV commercials, trying to appeal to baby boomers, you just don't hear it unless you know where to look. How about Count Basie, Ronnie Van Zant, Bill Monroe, Prince, Bob Wills or Elvis?

Still don't know?Wes Montgomery? DeFord Bailey? George Jones? Sugar Hill Gang? Ray Charles? Not sure?The answer is simple, but complex, because they have little in common yet, they have everything in common. American Roots music.

Do your kids know the origins of their music?

Robert Z (pic) knows

- as does Mike Dugan, that if not for a bunch of young British musicians in the sixties, many of us American urban/suburban boomers wouldn't know Muddy Waters or Howlin' Wolf.So, we are drawn to the significant cause of promoting American Roots Music in an attempt to preserve the musical art-form for future generations.WC Handy equals American IdolLike Chris Daughtrey - the kid on American Idol last year who sang an arrangement of Johnny Cash's "I walk the line" that had Simon calling him genius - all right, maybe he was too nervous to admit in front of 100 million TV viewers that it wasn't his own arrangement, but his performance, none the less, illustrates my point.Daughtrey listened to Lyve's version of "I walk the line" who heard Johnny Cash's, who listened to Muddy Waters, who heard Robert Johnson, who heard WC Handy.As a musician and singer, everything I do is influenced by everything I've heard before - just like Robert Z - so like it or not WC Handy equals American Idol.That's why we invite singers, songwriters, musicians and music fans of all styles of American Music; Blues, Jazz, Rock, Country, Bluegrass, Rock & Roll, Dixieland, Rock-a-Billy, R&B, Soul, Funk, Folk, Be-Bop or Zydeco, to come together with us to celebrate this significant indigenous, musical art form.The birthplace of today's music; WC Handy, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Frank Zappa, James Brown, et al, spawned Jay-Z, R Kelly, Trisha Yearwood, Black Eyed Peas and Kelly Clarkson - no doubt.Whether your house smells like cigarette smoke or roses influences your decision to open the window... or your nostrils... or your mind... or your calendar to mark American Roots Live into your schedule - in either of two 2 great locations - twice a week.Please join me - Nasty Ned and, Robert Z, John Powers, Billy K, Johnny Charles, Bernie Brauswetter and some of the most talented players on the tri-state circuit as we come together twice per week to celebrate our American Roots hertitage.Check it out. And bring a friend or two - or your kids - for a musical history lesson and some great entertainment.Music is life.Do you see life as art?

Amelia Lange does,

JR Bradfield does, so does Robert Z - and so do I.

Come see for yourself?

Keeping it real,Ned

AMERICAN ROOTS 30 by nasty ned

(That's Nasty Ned (Left) with Even Coniglio picture (Right) at top left - sound tech at the Rail and one of the hottest young bass players in New Jersey.)

I've spent time of late... with doctors and bureaucrats
I can't relate.

Days got hard so I got harder...
but even honost effort weighs a heavy load.

I ain't dyin', I'm still tryin'
people I been down much harder roads.

But the show goes on thanks to

John Powers, (BELOW)










Johnny Charles, (BELOW)









Billy K and
Duane Chez... (BELOW)








Arne Englund,



Robert Z, (BELOW)








Big Boy Kenny, JR Bradfield and

HoneyBoy Dupree. (BELOW)









The show is real cause the people make it. EJ Rice, Josh Gebhardt, Bassboard Blues, Kate Weber and Sugarfoot Dengler - they don't fake itYeah I blew a gasket, got spastic, tried to mask it, health insurance bombastic,
but I will deal...And because of
Win (BELOW)









and Jaimo Flynn, I'll say it again... it's the people who make it real.

...and, from my heart, it has been everything I ever wished it could be. Thank you.Before we wrap up this review, I want to acknowledge the rockin', roots-gone-mad, back to back performances of Tweed Schade & the Sugar Daddies at American Roots Live 28 at the Crossroads, and ARL 29 at Bluetone Cafe. Easton will never be the same.
Tweed and Cochise (BELOW)







are an act not to be missed!

They honest to goodness American Roots rockin' maddness. Tweed Schade (ah it's a cool name) is a smoothe showman. He is sly, funny, witty and ah man, he's a cool ride!

(Copyright, Nasty Ned, USA 2006)


Keeping it real,


Ned

The Red Masque /Skeletonbreath

The Red Masque


Band: The Red Masque /Skeletonbreath
Date: Sat. November 4, 2006
Time: 8:00pm / Doors: 7:30pm
Venue: Old Franklin Schoolhouse Metuchen, NJ
Directions
Ticket Price:$20 (online orders) / $25 (door day of show)

Old Franklin Schoolhouse
491 Middlesex Ave (RT 27)
Metuchen, NJ 08840

The Red Masque :
Special Guests: Paul Sears (The Muffins) Drums
Dave Kerman (5uu's, Thinking Plague) Drums

Brandon Ross - bass guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboards
Lynnette Shelley - vocals, lyrics, noises & percussion
Brian (Vonorn) Van Korn - drums & percussion, keyboards, theremin, guitar & sundries
Andrew Kowal - electric & acoustic guitar, 12-string, mandolin, violin, hand drums



The Red Masque is an original avant rock band from the Philadelphia area. Part art, part alchemy, the group's experimental songwriting style is both angular and eerie, accented by freeform space rock improvisations, intricate acoustics, dark atmospherics and chunky riffs. Unconventional and eccentric in musical form, the sophisticatedly sinister The Red Masque fuses together such disparate musical references as horror movie soundtracks, rock-in-opposition, zeuhl, heavy rock, gothic, psychedelia and kraut rock.

Founded in February 2001 by bassist/keyboardist Brandon Ross and vocalist Lynnette Shelley, the Red Masque went through several lineup changes over the years, but its intent and integrity has always remained the same. The band's goal was, and is, to create original music that pushes the envelope of the listener's expectations. With such influences as Magma, King Crimson, Hawkwind, Gong, Pink Floyd, Bauhaus, Art Bears, and Van Der Graaf Generator, The Red Masque's compositions are as intense as they are unique. To subscribe to the band's email list and learn about upcoming events, or for further information, please email the band at theredmasque@theredmasque.com.

http://www.theredmasque.com/

American Roots Nooz

american roots nooz
Come join the fun TONIGHT!

American Roots Live with Nasty Ned
...now in 2 exciting locations

Tonight and every Wednesday night at 9 pm
at Crossroads
78 North Ave.
Garwood, NJ
908-232-5666 http://www.xxroads.com

Tonight's HEADLINERS: John Powers & Friends, Kelly Caruso & Friends
...plus a star studded cast of American Roots All Stars!

Come to Crossroads early for expertly prepared, mouth watering Cajun and American cuisine and get yourself a good seat for the show!

Tomorrow night and every Thursday night at 9 pm
at The Bluetone Cafe
683 Walnut St.
Easton, PA
(610) 258-5812
http://www.bluetonecafe.com

Thursday's HEADLINERS: Billy K & the Pocono Players w/ special guest, also Johnny Charles and a star studded cast of American Roots All Stars from both sides of the river!

... will you be among them?

Don't miss American Roots Live. There is no other show like it anywhere !

Come to the Bluetone Cafe early for the BEST southern fried chicken, cheese mac and sweet potato fries and get yourself a good seat for the show!


...enjoy reading the latest Roots Reviews at http://american-roots.blogspot.com
...view the entire American Roots Live photo gallery at http://www.nastyned.com and leave your email address to get your nooz.

There is never a cover charge at American Roots, but we do encourage donations of any amount... and your generosity will send you home with the current issue of Elmore Magazine "Saving American Music" and maybe an Elmore CD featuring great music by John Lee Hooker, John Mayall, Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, Hot Tuna and more!

We hope to see you there!

Attention: Acts wishing to showcase at American Roots Live can email Nasty Ned at nastyned@att.net

Roots Review 29 by NASTY NED

Alright. We are all having fun at the American Roots Live celebrations at Crossroads in Garwood, NJ and the Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA.

We've had the honor and privilege of hearing and playing with some of the most incredible, veteran musicians anywhere, like Johnny Charles, BB Brauswetter, Mike Caruso, Lee Fink, Gene Downin, Jake Jar el, Mike Flynn, Spiros Soukis, Roger Prieto, Michael Krizan, Rob Fraser, Tweed Schade & the Sugar Daddies, Rob Paparozzi, Todd Lanka, HoneyBoy Dupree, The Congregation, Alan Rogoff, Jimmy Somma, Dean Shot, Big Boy Kenny Nerbak, Duane Chez and the list goes on and on...

We've also had the enviable opportunity of being able to showcase new, upcoming stars like John Powers, The Wiliamzboy, Kelly Caruso, Kate Weber and literally hundreds of (if not more) enthusiastic and talented players and singers, young and old, too numerous to mention here.

Today I want to recognize someone, who from the behind the scenes, as well as from on the stage, has been instrumental in keeping American Roots ticking.

I first knew Ed Pampani (pic) as a photographer, but soon learned he was a good drummer, too, AND a wonderful human being.














I think it was BB, who commented after jamming with Ed one night,"man, this guy's a time piece." And that's what Ed Pampani is - a time piece - and just as steady.

Ed Pampani has helped spread the American Roots Movement message with his myspace, blog and other internet presences and along with Win and his camera, Ed Pampani and his camera have been to all of the American Roots Live celebrations from 1 thru 29.

When you come to an American Roots Live show, say hello to Ed. He is indeed a pleasant symmetry and I am proud to call him my friend. We should all be thankful that he is a friend of American Roots. Thank you Ed Pampani.

We'll talk more about Ed and other "behind the scenes American Rooters" like Win and Robert Z and others in coming posts, but for now, we hope to see you soon.

Keeping it real,

Ned

American Roots Nooz

American Roots Nooz
Come join the fun TONIGHT!

American Roots Live with Nasty Ned

at The Bluetone Cafe
683 Walnut St.
Easton, PA
(610) 258-5812
http://www.bluetonecafe.com

Tonight's headliner is Tweed Schade & the Sugar Daddies with Cochise, Jim Mosca and JR Bradfield - in addition, a cast of American Roots All Stars featuring Jaimo Flynn, Bernie BB Brauswetter, Billy K, Arlene Schar, Sonny Young and many more... will you be among them?

Don't miss it. They're is no show like American Roots Live anywhere!

Come to the Bluetone early for some great southern fried chicken, cheese mac and corn bread and get yourself a good seat for the show!


...enjoy reading the latest Roots Reviews at http://american-roots.blogspot.com
...view the entire American Roots Live photo gallery at http://www.nastyned.com and leave your email address their to receive your nooz

Remember American Roots Live with Nasty Ned is now in 2 Great Locations!

Every Wednesday night at 9 pm
@Crossroads
78 North Ave.
Garwood, NJ
908-232-5666 http://www.xxroads.com
with guesthost John Powers & Friends; EJ Rice & Josh Gebhardt

And then every Thursday night again at 9 pm at the Bluetone.

We hope to see you tonight.

Attention: Acts wishing to showcase at American Roots Live can email Nasty Ned at nastyned@att.net

A PLEASANT SYMMETRY BLOGS

http://apleasantsymmetry.blogstream.com/

Technorati Profile

JAMES COTTON IN CONCERT !

Blueskid Productions Presents














Blues Legend
JAMES COTTON
(PHOTO TAKEN BY ED PAMPANI AT ORHAN ANNIES IN STERLING NJ)

BOB LANZA - SNAKEMAN RUNYAN
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25th 8:00PM
AT ORPHAN ANNIE'S STIRLING NJ.
908-647-0138 http://oannies.tripod.com/
Limited seating - Only 150 tickets for sale - First come first serve
Once in a life time to see a blues legend in an intimate setting!
Advance tickets on sale at club $40.00
Call club to charge tickets, all credit cards accepted, 908-647-0138


http://www.boblanzabluesband.com/jamescotton.html

http://www.jamescottonsuperharp.com/#inx

Blues greats rock Central Jersey see the courier news for more info

By BOB MAKIN
Staff Writer

Three of living blues legends will perform through the end of the year in Central Jersey:
* Muddy Waters' pianist Pinetop Perkins on Nov. 10 at The Stanhope House, 45 Main St., Stanhope
* Harmonica great James Cotton, Nov. 25, Orphan Annie's, 1255 Valley Road, Stirling section of Long Hill
* Howlin' Wolf guitarist Hubert Sumlin, Dec. 29, also at Orphan Annie's.

One of Central Jersey's best guitarists, Billy Hector will share the stage with Sumlin,
while Orphan Annie's favorites Dave "Snakeman" Runyan and Bob Lanza will do the same with Cotton.

For ticket info, contact the Stanhope House at (973) 347-0458 or http://www.stanhopehouse.com and Orphan Annie's at (908) 647-0138 or http://www.oannies.com

SEE THE COURIER NEWS FOR MORE INFO THE COURIER NEWS

Roots Review 28 by Nasty Ned

How do you define "spirit"?
As a noun you could say spirit is someone's soul, but when you imply someone "has spirit," then defining spirit includes the measure of a person's positive energy, their will, strength, dedication, determination, humility, ability, motivation, inspiration, good sense, faith, humor, honor, decency, respect, respectability, and myriad other intangible character traits.

John Powers has spirit - and without which, American Roots Live would not be where it is today.

Wednesday night's American Roots Live 28 at Crossroads in Garwood, NJ, was like a cross between an Alan Freed's traveling all stars shows of the 50's and a music festival with 30 names on the bill and continuous music. ARL 28 didn't resemble an open mic, although, it was.

Quality act after quality act showed their spirit on our stage before an appreciative audience in an SRO house. And by the time individual musicians came together to play, they were all notable, accomplished performers that sounded like rehearsed bands.

There really is no other show like American Roots Live.

Getting us started and setting the tone for a great night of music was John Powers, EJ Rice and Josh Gebhardt, then The Wiliamzboy with his rhythmic, well crafted songs.(pic)




















Then Tweed Schade & the Sugar Daddies with Cochise, John, and Gar Francis had us rockin' down that Raritan Line.
Look out Easton, here comes Tweed Schade & the Sugar Daddies.

























Then it was Kelly Caruso's turn to take the stage with Daddy Mike on bass Johnny Charles, guitar, Walter Bordonaro, saxophone, Powers on drums and JR Bradfield, guitar.

Kelly (pic below) displayed strong, disciplined vocals as she performed like a star and looked even better than she does in this pic taken by Ed Pampani back in August.















Then came the ARL right hook, all the way from Athens, Greece via NYC, arriving by car with bassist Margery Peters, was Spiros Soukis - my friend from cyber roots. Spiros tore the house up with authentic, rockin' American blues guitar and Clapton-like vocals. Look out Easton, here comes Spiros.

















With BB in the house and OREO in the dim lit room, Dean Shot made his first visit to ARL and we were honored. Dean ripped it up with Jimmy Somma, Freddie Farrow and Walter Foot then invited Bones Sanford to play a little harp on one. We had the "Newark Hillbilly" Robert Z, Ed Pampani, Monsters of Mojo; Jorge, John & John, Bob Brienza, Brad Sicotte, Screamin' Mimi Nowak, Arlene Schar (pic), Soup Boy and more..."














I am so proud of our American Roots Movement and I'm so proud of you.

Then we Loaded the caravan on Thursday and moved American Roots Live 28 to the Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA. We tore it up again AND with "more "back to back" awards in order - this time for John Powers, Johnny Charles, Bernie BB Brauswetter and Robert Z - Bluetone was smokin'.

Another good crowd on hand eating Aaron's burgers, southern fried chicken, cheese mac and sweet potato fires served up by Christine and kickin back to listen to the incredible music swirling through the room by John Powers, Keith McGonigle, Hot Pat, Billy K, Jaimo Flynn from Big Daddy and the Wild Cats, Bernie BB Brauswetter, Rob "Rock" Bianco, Vern Mobley from Fussion Jazz Trio, Johnny Charles, Sonny Young, Robert Z, Jeff Bennison, Randall Smith, Ken Barry, Arne Englund, Rob Fraser from Mike Dugan's Blues Mission, Andy McGregor, Nick T, Roman, Paul Berger from Can't Stop Now, Keith Jr... Keith Sr.. we even had WDIY's Stewart Brodian and Arlene Schar in the house.

Thanks to Joe Karam, Lee Frankel, our sponsors, supporters, friends and volunteers and ambassadors Powers, Duane Chez and HoneyBoy Dupree.

We'll look for you at American Roots Live 29 nearest you, or maybe even see you back to back - that's double the fun!

Keeping it real,

Ned

american roots nooz

american roots nooz
...enjoy reading the latest Roots Review at http://american-roots.blogspot.com
American Roots Live with Nasty Ned

Come join the fun!

Tonight!
...and every Wednesday night at 9 pm
with guest hosts John Powers & the Arturos

Crossroads
78 North Ave.
Garwood, NJ
908-232-5666
http://www.xxroads.com

...Wednesday night will also feature Tweed Schade & Cochise and the Sugar Daddies,(CHECK THIS LINK http://www.rockabilly.net/ ) plus blues from Greece with Spiros Soukis and a whole host of American Roots All Stars! Don't miss it.

CHECK THE LINKS SECTION FOR TWEED SCHADE !

Thursday night!
...and every Thursday night at 9 pm

The Bluetone Cafe
683 Walnut St.
Easton, PA
(610) 258-5812
http://www.bluetonecafe.com

This Thursday's guest hosts are John Powers & the Arturos - back to back - and a great cast of American Roots All Stars! There is no other show like it anywhere!

Read Roots Reviews at http://american-roots.blogspot.com...or view the photo gallery at http://www.nastyned.com/
=====================================================================================

NOTE: The American Roots Movement needs volunteers to perform the following tasks:

1. Personal assistant to Nasty Ned. You must be well organized, have an easy going personality, love for music, proficiency in MS Word and Excel and a home computer. Willingness to travel from time to time would be helpful. This could turn into a full time, salaried position for the right person. Please send resume in body of email to nastyned@att.net No attachments please.

2. Volunteers in both locations to help with the raffle process and to greet patrons at the door with a smile.

3. Volunteer familiar with securing government grants for the performing arts.

Please send all volunteer inquiries to nastyned@att.net.

And please continue to support everyone who works hard to keep the Roots alive.

Subscribe to Elmore Magazine "Saving American Music" http://www.elmoremagazine.com/

Listen to the LOW BUDGET BLUES SHOW with Richard Skelly, every Thursday night at 8 PM on 88.7 FM, WRSU, Rutgers State University - and online at http://www.nj.com/wrsu/ as Richard spins your favorite new and old blues records including some from Nasty Ned!

Get hip to what the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation is doing. Visit them at http://www.jsjbf.com

...also visit the United Jersey Blues Network,VISIT THEM AT http://www.ujbn.com

AND the NY/NJ Blues Society and the Buck's County Blues Society.VISIT THEM HERE http://www.bucksbluessociety.com/

See how they're making a difference ...and how you too can Help Keep the Blues Alive!

Contact Nasty Ned... nastyned@att.net

American Roots Ambassadors:
Duane Chez... http://360.yahoo.com/duanechez
HoneyBoy Dupree... http://www.honeyboydupree.com
John Powers... http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.asp?epk_id=67238


FOR MORE LIVE EVENTS AND OTHER NEWS.....PLEASE VISIT apleasantsymmetry.spaces.live.com

Web Site Gives Struggling Musicians a Chance

By BRIAN ROONEY

BURBANK, Calif., Oct. 8, 2006 — While the old record companies with their roots in wax struggle to survive, a Web site that rocks tries to reinvent the business.

Rehearsals.com, operating out of warehouses and airplane hangars across the road from Burbank airport, tries to bring back diversity to the sound of popular music.

"The music industry right now is in a moment of arrested development," says Johnny Caswell, president of Center Staging Corp., and a founder of Rehearsals.com.

With the rise in unpaid downloading and the decline in music sales, record companies rarely take risks with unknowns. The way the surviving big record companies now do business, it costs so much money to launch a new act that they have to be certain they'll score millions in sales before they give someone a shot.

Rehearsals.com is trying to turn that upside down, giving music acts relatively inexpensive exposure on the net, generating sales.

Rehearsals.com gives free studio time to promising acts that allow themselves to be videotaped and put on the Web site.

The idea for the Web site grew out of Caswell's main business of providing rehearsal space and renting instruments and equipment to musicians. With some of the biggest acts in the world and some promising unknowns traipsing through his studios, Caswell got the idea to try to put their rehearsals on the Internet.

Caswell knows music. He's a veteran of the old Philadelphia music scene, with two records that hit the charts.

Echoing the current complaint that everything on radio these days sounds the same, Caswell and his partners work to find a way to launch new acts that can't get a break from the record companies, and to bring back old ones that will still connect with an audience.

Caswell compares the power of the Internet to FM radio, which saved music lovers from the monotony of short-playlist AM radio.

"Remember that?" the fast-talking Caswell asks. "FM radio came in and saved us from that short playlist. We're at that crossroads again."

The fare on his site is a mix of performances, rehearsals and appearances by legends like Tom Petty, Burt Bachrach and the Manhattan Transfer.

But the site also serves as a potential launching pad for acts that get no traction with the record companies
read more here



and here at rehearsals.com

I'M MAKING IMPROVEMENTS TO THIS BLOG

I AM MAKING IMPROVEMENTS TO THIS SITE AND MY MSN SITE

1 I SWITCHED TO A GOOGLE ACCOUNT

2 THIS IS THE NEW BLOGGER BETA VERSION

3 I'M USING TAGS AND MORE HYPERLINKING

4 TITLES LINK INTO MIRROR POSTS OR RELATED SITES



THIS WILL MAKE IT EASIER TO FIND MY SOURCES,TO GOOGLE AND TO FIND ME.

ALSO I HAVE UPGRADED TO A BETTER TEMPLATE ,FOR BETTER LOOKS, NAVIGATION, AND OTHER GOODIES .

I WILL ALSO POST MORE SUBJECT MATTERS HERE AS YOU NOTICED I POSTED ABOUT MA RAINEY AND I WILL EVEN PROVIDE SOME STREAMING MUSIC LINKS .

STAY TUNED MORE FOR NEWS

http://apleasantsymmetry.spaces.live.com

APLEASANTSYMMETRY'S MUSIC

"MA RAINEY"

Gertrude Pridgett was born into a showbiz family that performed in minstrel shows. She first appeared onstage in 1900, singing and dancing in minstrel and vaudeville stage revues. In 1902 she married the song and dance man William "Pa" Rainey and from then on became known as Ma Rainey. The couple formed a song and dance act that included Blues and popular songs. They toured the country, but primarily the South and became a popular attraction as part of Tolliver's Circus, The Musical Extravaganza and The Rabbit Foot Minstrels, where Rainey befriended a young Bessie Smith. In the 1920s Rainey was a solo star of the T.O.B.A. vaudeville circuit. It was not until 1923 that Ma Rainey signed a recording contract with Paramount. She was billed as the "Mother of the Blues", which wasn't far off the mark. Few historians can point to any real Blues singers before Ma Rainey. She ended up recording 100 songs between 1923 and 1928 on Paramount Records. During that time she was accompanied by many noted jazz musicians such as, Louis Armstrong, Tommy Ladnier, Fletcher Henderson and Coleman Hawkins. She continued working until 1935 and retired to Columbus, Georgia. Ma had been smart with her money and managed to build and operate two theaters; she also owned her own home in Columbus. Ma Rainey died in 1939, of a heart attack.
POST IS FROM REDHOTJAZZ CHECK OUT THIER LINK A LOT OF GOOD INFO AND MUSIC
SEE THESE LINKS ONE IS IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE SORRY I DON'T HAVE AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION YET PEACE ED
condevolney.blogspot.com

Ma Rainey

REDHOTJAZZ

LISTEN TO PROVE IT ON ME BLUES

Roots Review 27 BY NASTY NED

Roots Review 27


Here's an example of the American Roots Music system.



Listen to the earliest sounds of Son House and Charlie Patton, then the distinctive blues guitar of Hubert Sumlin behind Howlin' Wolf, the electrified slide vibrato of Muddy Waters, then, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn then, come to American Roots Live at Crossroads in Garwood, New Jersey or the Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA and hear Johnny Charles and Bernie BB Brauswetter whipping like two leaves on a tree in a hurricane - and you my friend have come full circle.

Two of them on stage together is an awesome experience indeed and one that you may have been fortunate enough to witness if you were at American Roots Live 27 Wednesday night down at the Crossroads. Yes, on stage together - shoulder to shoulder the two strat-masters rocked the house with JR Bradfield on bass and John Powers slappin' the skins.

Also, making their American Roots Live debut that night, and making their mark on our stage, was North Jersey's, The Congregation. We were mightily impressed by their musicianship, interesting material and arrangements and their professionalism. Playing witty, well crafted original songs, The Congregation's web site describes their music as a blending of blues, jazz, rock, soul and "cowboy themes" with a "distinctive flavor of pine trees and exhaust fumes"... they're right on - that's North Jersey, and that's The Congregation.

Thanks Evil Dick, Chuck, Sal and Rich. Hurry back!

Other inspired performances this night by Jukebox Jim Simino singing and playing his red Ovation double-necked guitar, Bones Sanford, Arlene Schar, Robert Z, Ed Pampani, Screamin' Mimi Nowak, Bob Del Rosso, Len De Piano, EJ Rice, Josh Gebhardt and John Powers who kicked off American Roots Live 27 with a crisp set of his original crowd pleasers including, Airplanes, Highway Lines and others.

On the Road

AR 27 saw three "back to back" performances this week. Bernie BB Brauswetter, JR Bradfield and Arlene Schar all made the drive to entertain audiences on back to back nights, Wednesday at Crossroads and Thursday at the Bluetone. They are the first to do so since John Powers did it for AR 24 and has committed to doing so again for AR 28.

Interesting things always happen when John Powers gets together with those musicians across the Delaware. Fan's should consider doing an ARLive "back to back" too.

Anyway, AR 27 at the Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA was the place to be Thursday night if you dig dem live roots.

Joining us for the first time at American Roots Live Thursday was Dawn "Sugarfoot" Dengler playing drums and rounding out our guesthost band with AR All Stars JR Bradfield on guitars and vocals and Big Boy Kenny Nerbak thumpin' the bass.

JR Bradfield did the honors this night by beautifully playing the Star Spangled Banner on "stumpy", a guitar he hand crafted from an old tree in his backyard. Come see stumpy one night, JR will be happy to show you how his stumpavarious was made...

Outstanding performances at the Bluetone beyond those mentioned above were put in by American Roots favorites Billy K, Arlene Schar, Vern Mobely, Lori V, Sonny Young, Nick T, Leo, Danny B, Jason, Baja Zero, Eric and Chuck, Jeff, Jim, Jen and Niwana, Rob and of course the legendary Bernie BB Brauswetter.

Many thanks to our venues, ownership and staffs, all of the talented, dedicated musicians and singers who grace our stage week after week, our sponsors, supporters and friends, and the American Roots volunteers and ambassadors Powers and Chez and HoneyBoy Dupree who is gearing up for his show on October 14 at Alice Cooper Town with the Phoenix Blues Society, equipped with Elmore Magazines and the American Roots Movement message.

Please do your part. Come to the American Roots Live show nearest you and encourage your friends to do the same.

Keeping it real,

Ned


http://www.nastyned.com/

american-roots.blogspot.com

american roots live repost from The Morning Call Online

Ablaze with roots music
By Dave Howell Special to The Morning Call Nasty Ned is dedicated to preserving American roots music. That's the idea behind ''American Roots Live,'' a weekly event he recently kicked off at Easton's Bluetone Cafe.

''American Roots Live'' is a cross between an open mike, where individual performers or small groups play according to the order on a signup sheet, and an open jam, where people take turns playing with an onstage band.

AMERICAN ROOTS LIVE' WITH NASTY NED
When: 9 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Bluetone Cafe, 683 Walnut St., Easton, 610-258-5812
Admission: Free; donations accepted
On the Net: http://www.nastyned.com, http://www.american-roots.blogspot.com
Also: 9:00 p.m. Wednesdays at the Crossroads, 78 North Ave., Garwood, N.J., 908-232-5666
Ned is anything but nasty as he encourages his audiences and asks for applause for performers, most of whom are regulars. Many of them also play Wednesday nights at the Crossroads in Garwood, N.J., where Ned began these shows in April. The first Thursday night event at the Bluetone was Sept. 14.

''It's not necessarily an open democracy,'' says Ned. ''I match musicians with other musicians according to style and how good they are. They don't even have to play an instrument.''

Singers are welcome to perform with the ever-changing house band. The house band might be players who are jamming or a band that has volunteered to host.

Ned, who prefers not to give his real name, says 50 to 60 percent of the performers do blues. But there's folk, gospel, bluegrass, and even comedic songs. What they share is passion.

Among those performing at the first Easton jam were John Powers, EJ Rice, Johnny Charles, Lori V, Sonny Young, Billy K, Chip Bush, Jamo Flynn, Brian Bridge of Dyer Weed, Brad Sicotte, Arne Englund, JR Bradfield, Gary Rivenson of Philadelphia Funk Authority and Gene Downin from the Noo Dogs.

''Roots music'' is a relatively new term. The Public Broadcasting System Web site states that it is what used to be called ''folk music.'' It also says, ''The term 'roots music' is now used to refer to this broad range of musical genres, which include blues, gospel, traditional country, zydeco, tejano, and native American pow-wow.''

Other descriptions are less inclusive, focusing on old-time country and blues. Ned calls it ''everything that has come before today's music. It's not just banjos and harmonicas on the back porch. It's W.C. Handy, Muddy Waters, Elvis Presley, Merle Haggard, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Beatles. Everything is based upon what we've seen and heard before.''

''Kids don't understand where their music comes from,'' he says. ''Historical societies have popped up everywhere. Music should be treated the same way. It's a part of who we are. American music has influenced music everywhere.''

He continues: ''As a working musician, I've seen that there are less and less venues to play. With technology the way it is, a club owner is more inclined to pay $150 for a DJ or karaoke than hundreds of dollars for a live band. But there needs to be a live music scene to preserve our musical roots.''

Ned is happy he found the Bluetone Cafe, known for its live blues and R&B. ''Joe Karam [the owner] gets it,'' he says.

Ned starts each show by playing ''The Star Spangled Banner'' on the harmonica, an instrument he has been using for 40 years. His first instrument was the saxophone. He played in the school marching band, but gave up the sax and the ''funny uniform'' when he heard the music of the British Invasion, which included the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

''I took up playing guitar, but I never progressed,'' he says. ''I still play the guitar like a teenager.'' Hearing bluesman Slim Harpo on the radio in 1964 encouraged him to pick up the harmonica.

In 1995 he recorded the CD ''Just Like Life'' as the leader of Nasty Ned & The Famous Chili Dogs. His current group is Nasty Ned & The Noo Dogs.

Ned is an enthusiastic talker, but unfortunately he does not have a good story about how he got his nickname. ''Ned'' was given to him in high school, and ''Nasty'' was added after a particularly blazing performance.

Ned has many plans to expand his roots shows. He expects to open a third venue in New York City on Tuesday nights. He is producing a TV show that will feature acoustic performance, monologues, interviews and record reviews. He has begun to present concerts of American Roots All Stars.

He also tries to whip up excitement with a blog that describes in detail what happens at each ''American Roots Live'' events. It's at
americanroots.blogspot.com.

jodi.duckett@mcall.com