october 30th mountain stage

Went to Mountain Stage last night at the cultural center in Charleston. The line up was: Abigal Washburn, Si Kahn, David Childers and the Modern Don Juans, Odetta and Nanci Griffith. Abigal is a banjo player, who plays with Uncle Earl. She had a cello player with her, and is getting ready for a tour of China. She has spent some time there, and sang a song in Chinese (specific dialect?- Mandarin?) This is an intriguing combination- as the american/ appalachian banjo does have the similar sound of Chinese instruments..... Wendy bought a CD, so that is an indication of being impressed. Si Kahn, who we had not seen, but knew quite a bit about, over 30 years of political activism, and social causes, sang without an instrument, having the mountain stage band back him up, except for one accapella number. Very good set of social commentary songs- diverse. We liked the one about how much the meat factory CEO makes an hour; and the one about the private prisons-
David Childers is from north carolina- he is an attorney "by day"- and a rock and roller by night. He had a funky little band, and they really pepped up the audience. They were going to play later at the Empty Glass which would be perfectly suitable. He was dressed like he just took off his tie from his day job, and strapped on his guitar and started playing in a club. There was an entourage that had come up from the Carolinas to support him. Brendan liked the drumming on that one; though they didn't have any CD's for sale out front after the show.
Odetta (at 75) was in great voice; sang with so much power, dignity, and sense of heritage. Nuf said.
Nanci Griffith had a very good band, and sang a good diverse set, mostly off a new CD- Hearts and Mind. Had her political perspective in several songs, with her credibility built on advocating for several causes internationally. Ties things together very well.
Saw a lot of people we knew there; next week's show is already sold out; then one in tamarack in two weeks; then I think they are on break through the end of the year. Jamie Hartford at the Clay Center next saturday (5th) with a tribute to his dad, John Hartford.

saturday night at the wheel house

Andy played a solo show at the Boreman Wheel house saturday night. There was a little going away party for Jason Nestor, who is moving his law office from the front of the Wheel House on Avery St. to Market St. I didn't write down a set list for this one; a good mix of originals and a few covers - usually at some sort of request. Midnight Special was the third song in. Now that "starving artist" and "Without mercy" are well mixed into the older ones, and there are other new ones thrown in, it always keeps fresh. Andy had me get up to sing a few in the middle, and we did Angel from Montgomery as a special request from Alisha. Ken Storey shouted out for a Johnny Cash song. I was testing the waters for a february benefit tribute for Johnny Cash, and look for that to solidify in the next few weeks. I am adding a raffle for a guitar as an idea for the 2006 line up of benefit musical tributes, so more information will be forthcoming.

review: greens show friday night at bogie's

The Greens played to an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd at Bogie's Friday night, October 28th. It seemed to be a pretty good mix of "fans" of the band from the Parkersburg area, and perhaps some new live music listeners.
Here's the set list as best as I can recreate it: I have never been too good at the official names of the songs (!) and then there are the new ones, which I wouldn't have known the names of anyway; Andy keeps cranking 'em out... pretty amazing.
Big Ole Bessie
10,000 Days (with a new verse about putting my foot right through the computer)
Don't You Worry Baby
[Without Mercy] (* title check needed!!!)
Jumpin Jack Flash (reference to seeing the Stones recently in Pittsburgh)
Anon
[starving artist] * title?
Heavy Mentals (I call it Let's Get heavy)
Jones'in'
Little Warrior
Cars and Horses
Truck Stop Religion
Nothing to Fear (andy says: "I like a good spiritual")
Country Maestro

Break

Bushwhacker
Confessin'
[Part Two] ? (I think this is it; its from the first CD- Strange Language)
LA Woman (quite an extended jam!)
She's a Busy Girl (with a few improv lyric changes!!)
"Booty" Shake
Cinnamon Girl
an instrumental that I could not recall a name.....
Sittin on the Dock of the Bay
Shakedown Street (a particular Parkersburg crowd favorite; that the Band played at a VERY fast tempo!!!!!!!)
"There will be a time when real soul music comes back" (does this have a shorter actual title?)
Beekeeper
**** A new song that I hadn't heard and don't even really have a hint of a title!

A SHORT BREAK!

a Blues improv
In Time
Psychedelic Sky
Rap Song - references to Carl; key lime pie, etc.
un recorded but familiar song about the car that was for sale
Voodoo Chile
Paint it Black
Apocalypso

Encores?
another Rap
Good Times/ Bad Times (title?)
Ray Charles' "what'd I say?"

As you can see, I kinda faded on the titles toward the end; the crowd was in to it, and the place was rockin'........... good job fellas......................

weekend music itinerary

The Greens are at Bogie's tonight. Maximum Jackson is at the Marietta Brewing Company Saturday night (Nathan drumming). Andy is playing at the Boreman Wheel House for a halloween party/ going away party for Jason Nestor; who is moving his law office from the front of the Wheel House to 941 Market St. Sunday night it is Mountain Stage at the Cultural Center in Charleston for: Nanci Griffith, Odetta, Si Kahn, Abigal Washburn and David Childers. See Michael Lipton's blurbs on these acts on the Mountain Stage website.
Very sorry to miss Tim O'Brien at Stuart's Opera House in Nelsonville, wednesday night. I was tending to a plumbing leak/ problem at the office and missed the critical travel deadline.
I got my "Daddy" CD the other day, and will be listening to it and reviewing it over the weekend hopefully.

greens at bogies friday night

Its good to see the ole familiar Bogie's advertising sign with "The Greens" on it; they do little advertising otherwise, but its amazing the number of people who must drive by there, as people often reference seeing it.

Front Row upcoming events (November)

The Front Row will have the Carpenter Ants on November 12th (unfortunately I'll be out of town)- but I want to put in the plug. Bill says he'd really like to see a good turn out. He was promoting the 'Ants to Marty Stuart last week; especially as Marty Stuart would be on Mountain Stage this past Sunday, and he could meet Michael Lipton.
Then, looking further ahead, the Greens will be playing their now traditional Thanksgiving night gig at the Front Row. I guess its been 3-4 years now? They began "packing them in" from the first time, with many young folks who live out of town, and are in for the holiday, and then after "family time" need to get out and see a few old friends, etc. So that is definitely something to look forward to, and build some holiday plans around. (Be prepared to hear the scientific explanation about "trip-ta-phan.")

morgantown radio show details

Todd Burge's songwriter night radio show is being broadcast this sunday, october 30th at 4 pm on 91.7 FM in Morgantown. You can go to this website, and get connected to the broadcast: www.songwriternight.com He is going to once a month for the Parkersburg song writer night at the Front Row; the next being this week: October 26th. Same web site for information. Don Baker (a supporter of the John Prine birthday benefits the last two years) is scheduled for the November 30th event.
Andy Tuck MAY be on the Sunday broadcast as he recently performed for the event. All taped performances are not necessarily on the radio version.

saturday night's show at the front row

Well, I "mis-spoke" yesterday to say it was a full Greens show last night at the Front Row; it was a solo acoustic night for Andy. Coming off the packed house of Friday's Marty Stuart show, Andy put on a good show for the "somewhat" smaller audience! There seemed to be some new listeners, as well as a few reliables. Early on, Andy showed his versatility by responding to a request for a Ray Charles song, by pulling one off. The new (newer) song, about the starving artist was a hit with the crowd also. I understand Andy played that as one of his three songs at the radio station singer/songwriter night in morgantown the night before. It was good to see Mike Chenowith (breezing in from Georgia)- he has been a staunch supporter of Andy's music for a long time. He said that "Little Warrior" is getting air time on a radio station in Athens Georgia. Knowing how Mike is (jokester) I had to asked repeatedly if he was kidding me. he maintained he was not.
Well, after Bushwhacker to end the show, we managed to get andy to come out and do an encore- truck stop religion, and then he picked the final final encore song: what is that smell?
There was a little friendly razzing for a few "out there" cover songs interspersed with the more general appreciation for original songs..................
Next Friday the Greens will be at Bogie's IN parkersburg, for what will be something of a halloween weekend show; and andy is playing at the wheel house saturday night.
His "day job" of rental unit demolition during the week is "harrowing" in its injury potential; so that keeps him hopping.

greens last minute gig at the front row

The Greens will be playing at the Front Row in Parkersburg tonight, saturday october 22. This was a last minute arrangement. Coming off the front row's big night of having marty stuart there last night. A great show, a great enthusiastic crowd, a good night for the Front Row. Eagerly awaiting the Greens show, too. It will be nice to have a seat! Last night was definitely standing room only. Bill Poole has some great pictures of the marty stuart show that he is circulating around. About the third song in, they played one of andy and my "standards" - you ain't going nowhere-

charleston and return road trip music selections

I'm a little late getting my CD selections for a recent trip to charleston and back. With the length of the CD's it was just one on the trip down, and one on the way back- Tom Waits Used Songs 1973-1980 on the way down. Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis was particularly compelling. On the return trip, it was Todd Snider's That Was Me 1994-1998. These are the songs from before his time on the Oh Boy label. Much more involvement by a band with the instrumentals.

marty stuart in parkersburg friday night

Bill Poole's Front Row is having Marty Stuart perform Friday night, Oct. 21, 2005. By now, the tickets are probably sold out (last friday there were only 16 left)- Bill agonizes over bringing these great national acts to the modest little p-burg; a fickle live music crowd-city, generally. But he has brought some great shows and there is such a great crowd feel to them, people really digging the musical talent, and the special feeling that this is going on in our humble little town.
We are looking forward to it!!! Since hearing about Marty Stuart coming, we've heard a good piece on NPR about him, and there is a good story in No Depression magazine. Stuart is a busy fellow these days!

music tip- will kimbrough and tommy womack

two musicians linked to some of my favorites have a new CD- they are calling themselves "Daddy" in this incarnation. Will Kimbrough and Tommy Womack have a live CD "Daddy at the Women's Club" - or somesuch. David Jacques (John Prine's bass player) is on it. You can track them down at www.daddymusic.net or will's label: www.waxysilver.com they are connected to several musicians I adore- todd snider, adrienne young, john prine, etc. etc. etc. They had previously teamed up for a short spell as the Bis-quits, and had a record out on Oh Boy. Bill M and I have seen tommy womack at least twice opening for todd snider; in lexington kentucky and in cleveland at the beachland. good stuff.

johnny cash's song- I've been everywhere

On WOUB "audio-syncracies" last night, they played the johnny cash song "I've been everywhere"- and parkersburg is mentioned among several other "burgs." Its a great song, rattling off town names. Its a woody guthrie throw back for sure. If you want the lyrics and can forward them to you!!!!!!!!!!

MVP quote from John Prine benefit

Well, ready to move on a bit; summarizing details of the john prine birthday tribute last week. The MVP quote is from Susan Wilson: (can you remember when you first heard John Prine's music) "a friend was listening to him, I was probably around 19-20. I just like his music, but once you go to one of his shows, you feel like he is your best friend when you leave."
We'll gather up the thoughts/ ideas / feedback and start working on next year's event- thanks for all the enthusiasm and energy from those who were there, and those who have given encouragement.

saturday night- jefferson school auditorium

We have heard about, and been curious about the bluegrass live music show on the 1st, 3rd and 5th saturday nights in Parkersburg, at Jefferson Elementary school's auditorium, so we went last night, with Brendan and Kim. Its free (they pass around a donation bucket, and try to sell 50-50 drawing tickets through out the evening). There are refreshments; coffee, hot dogs, chips, soda. I guess the set up is that musicians come around 6:30 pm and sign up, and then there is a random drawing for time slots; groups are given about 25 minutes each, there is a pretty quick turn around between acts, and there are about 5-6 acts per night. Demographically, its a pretty old crowd; probably 75% older folks; with some family groups, and a scattering of younger folks. Last night there were probably 80 people or so, while we were there, through the first three acts. Most musicians use a mike for their instruments instead of electric plug-ins; except for a bass player with the first groups. Last night (first timing being there)- there was more "standard" "classic" kind of country music than "purer" bluegrass. The crowd is very attentive and relaxed. A little bit of banter between the bands and the audience, as if there is quite a bit of familiarity with those regularly attending. Free music right there in the neighborhood. Dolly Parton's "coat of many colors" was a highlight. Kim cruised around the musicians set-up area, and said that several of the combinations were playing throughout the other acts' time in class rooms, etc. and this was where some pretty good pickin' was going on.
Wendy saw some folks who used to come out to play/ sing at the nursing home she worked at, about 10-15 years ago. Virgil Loscar was there, enjoying the music.

Follow ups on follow ups

I saw Ernie Douglas at Rubi's at lunch today, and told him his daughter had attributed her interest and first exposure to John Prine's music to his enthusiasm. He said he talked to someone who had gone to the austin city limits taping recently with JP.

trivia contest follow ups

Well, eh, only two people actually got all the 8 trivia questions right- Jeff Bowen, and Parrot Pam. Susan Wilson and Rick Terrant got 7 out of 8; Franni got 6, and then it kinda tuckered out from there. But the spirit was definitely there; remember, as many folks were rewarded for creativity and humorous answers, in keeping with the sly sense of humor and sense of the absurd of the honored songwriter/ singer.

concert central

An idea I had that came out of getting all those John Prine fans together the other night was:
some sort of way of connecting people/ getting the word out/ etc. when there were JP concerts within a reasonable distance; and connecting people around that. At our benefit show, there were an intriguing number of folks answering the questions of how many concerts they had been to: with similar answers: in Charleston in the mid-1980's with Arlo Guthrie; in wheeling; at the taft theater in cincinnati; in columbus at the zoo; cleveland, ashland kentucky, etc. Next year, when his tour is announced we will try to link people from this area together for information.

several days out- reflections on benefit event

I've been going over the various facets of the john prine tribute- and will offer some observations over several postings. Several people were obviously intrigued by the duets John did on IN SPITE OF OURSELVES- and I don't believe anybody was able to pull those off. The first year of the benefit, we had some guest/ phantom performers do ' in spite of ourselves' and several requests were made this year. along with:" Let's invite them over again." We'll work on getting somebody to work up a few of those songs off that duet album next year.
Several people were looking for someone to do: quit hollering at me; the sins of memphisto; and ain't hurting no body. Then someone had requests for sour grapes and ubangi stomp. And as previously noted, Let's talk dirty in hawaiian.
I think this is a helpful process, in looking ahead to next year. I've toyed with the idea previously but never pulled it off, of having an "audition" two months prior, so that people could actually WORK on some specific ones........ and as we get further along with this, that may be a good idea for next year. An audition also, basically, is a good opportunity / excuse to get people together even more often...................... right?

Prine event follow ups

Dave Gerber told a nice story of bumping into John Prine at a music store in Nashville and how kind and nice John was, striking up a conversation outside the store. He recalled being in the Marietta/ Parkersburg area. (Which we have previously stories corraborating....) Dave also referred to Buddy Wilson being a Parkersburg native now in Nashville, who can sing a bunch of Prine songs. He tried to call him on the cell phone from the wheel house to tell him about it on Saturday night. I am compiling some of the comments and impressions from some of the papers that were turned in; the number of concerts people have attended (and ones in common)- so we can try to keep informed when concerts come around close by in 2006, etc. And "how we did getting around to songs that people requested" - no one did "lets talk dirty in hawaiian" as far as I can remember.........

Houston Texas' John Prine birthday tribute

from the JP Shrine website: "local artists will be playing John's songs all night long because he has been such a great influence on many acoustic musicians/ songwriters, and through his songs has given much enjoyment and inspiration to folks throughout the USA and around the world. Our hope is to show a bit of our appreciation and respect for Mr. Prine through our performance of his songs. " from a tribute coming up Monday night (JOhn's actual birthday!) in HOuston Texas. visit www.jpshrine.org for details

first report - john prine tribute benefit

Welcome, if hopefully, some folks who got the announcement about the BLOG last night are visiting for the first time! This is going to be brief, though, as I am just getting out from under details following up the benefit. Thanks to all who came out, and especially the musicians and the Wheel House for hosting us. This was a gratifying event; with a lot of good enthusiasm from the folks who came; I really appreciate it. Please check back often; there will be some reflections and things to keep you informed about future events. I will be replying to some of the papers turned in, as I sort through them over the next few days; trying to recall connections etc. Please figure out how to add comments to my blog (you will have to "join", etc.) Once again, thanks to everyone who came out and made it a successful event, both in terms of enjoyment and raising over $700!

october 8th; morning of the john prine tribute

well, I listened to old cassette tapes last night to get in the spirit; the live ones, aimless love, german afternoons, and common sense. I was excited to see this morning downtown that the wheel house's electric sign had an announcement about the benefit tonight. I am gathering the prizes, the various trivia contests, etc. to keep the options open, depending on the type of audience (whether they want/ need that kind of participation) or are just content to listen to the musicians...... I am "rehearsing" in my mind, the various lyrics, as I have taken the preparation a little casually this year; I hope andy has brushed up on his renditions. I believe the Greens played at the brew pub in morgantown last night, and I am hoping that they got some CD's to promote for that, and that andy will bring some tonight. My other musicians lined up have been checking in, and I truly appreciate their generous willingness to help the event.

tomorrow night - 3rd annual john prine birthday tribute

saturday october 8, 2005 is the third annual john prine birthday tribute benefit of the mid ohio valley- parkersburg west virginia. 7:30 pm at the boreman wheel house. $5 donation to the children's home society of west virginia; live music, contests, prize giveaways. John Prine fans will gather to celebrate the music and spirit of a great american songwriter and performer.
we have 5-6 musicians lined up, and are always looking for phantom mystery singers to join us, like the first year when we had the duet on "in spite of ourselves" perform late in the show.
within a day or so after the show there will be a full report on this site, and the "kick off" of some greater public notice of the site. a flyer is ready for distribution at the event tomorrow night.

wednesday's music to morgantown and back

Drove to Clarksburg for a meeting and then on to Morgantown and return trip. Listened to : Kris Kristopherson on the first leg of the trip- I was wanting to hear his song "Jesus was a capricorn" (owed to JOhn Prine) as I had not ever heard it. And I have a 45 of that song from the vinyl record swap. I enjoyed it! And then Lucinda Williams live at the fillmore CD. As reviewed elsewhere, it is almost entirely songs from the last three albums, which are good, but probably don't do her full career justice. But good just the same. Then Townes Van Zandt a CD that is a combination of two early albums- mostly songs I haven't heard, until toward the end: pancho and lefty and if I needed you (recorded by several folks, and having a great potential for harmony singing). Then finished up with more Kris Kristopherson ( I know I'm butchering the spelling, but the case is still in the car)- he is very closely linked with some of my favorite lyric writers, so that is a good CD to have.

mountain stage at athens ohio sunday night

I went to mountain stage at Ohio University in Athens Ohio last night. The line up was Charlie Sexton (a teen guitar phenom in the 80's and then toured with bob dylan for a number of years and has produced albums for Lucinda Williams); Adrienne Young and Little Sadie; Over the Rhine; Eric Bibb and Son Volt. The surprise of the night was Eric Bibb who was excellent; the son of a folk singer, and now living in Europe he had a great voice, guitar style and very good songs. The song about BB King growing up was very cool. I was primarily interested in Adrienne Young and little sadie, and was of course not disappointed, they put on a great show, lots of enthusiasm and joy in performing. I have really grooved on her first two recordings. She has played at least twice at the Purple Fiddle, and so I am looking for a return date there, as that would be an excellent venue to see this band. Over the Rhine is from Cincinnati, a husband and wife team, with a drummer and bass player. Has a little touch of the Cowboy Junkies. An enthusiastic audience; good music appreciators. Will probably keep mountain stage coming back there as a "home away from home."

saturday night october 1

I went to see the New Relics at the Front Row, briefly, after working a 3-11 shift on a saturday night. Just watched part of one set, then they had a woman solo act fill in during their break. I realized I do not see many other bands besides the Greens locally!
We are gearing up for the John Prine birthday tribute this coming Saturday. Some of the notices are cropping up; so we'll make a push to get some flyers around this week, and continue word of mouth.
Hoping to go to Mountain Stage in Athens tonight (if being on call at work doesn't interfere....)