tuck's music journal

I write about local music stuff in West Virginia and nearby Ohio. I post lots of information about the Greens and musical benefit events I organize for my non profit organization. Americana music focused.

Monday, May 29, 2006

andy takes up the bass

Andy has taken up the bass to play in another configuration up around Morgantown. This combo plays some funky music that more or less forces you to dance (at least in your seat). I couldn't remember the name of this new band if there is really even a name. Andy played a solo show at the Brew PUb in Morgantown Saturday night. He and Brandy drove over to P-burg for Brendon's graduation party; Andy scarfed up the two Black Sabbath records I had (recent donations to the on-going vinyl record sale).

Sunday, May 28, 2006

running around in your thunderwear

Well, the Parkersburg contingent of the Greens fan, "will be running around in their thunderwear": on June 9th (wheel house); front row (june 16th) and Marietta brewing co (July 1st) with possibly a bogies thrown in there for good measure. The dangerous miscreants will be out in force. The starving artists will be watching out for Catherine Zeta JOnes. We'll see how many diehards can pick out: dos mundos or 10-4 good buddy. We'll be needing some of that truck stop religion by the end of June. A barber with bad hair; the girl who justs sits there. And now, the trivia answers to what is the name of the song about "there will be a time when real soul music comes back." and the other song: a k a - "jones-ing" - tunesmith jones.

Friday, May 26, 2006

No Greens sightings in P-burg that we know of

The Greens aren't playing in town this weekend. We were trying to lure andy over from MOrgantown with his brother and sister being in town; but he does an awful lot of traveling. There are dates in June, so we'll come out of the holiday weekend with an update of sorts. I need further technical assistance to keep burning some "Broken Science" CD's- I got my listen in - and its good stuff. Fans attending recent shows will recognize all the songs, but its good to get it recorded and available to listen to on-going. I don't know what kind of manufacturing plans there are, but keep asking.

June 3rd's vinyl record sale

I've put out word I'm looking for a "few more good records" for this month's record sale; I picked up a batch wednesday, and got a call today. I have another batch I hope to get next week; after the holidays, and some out of town visitors pass through. These will be 80's type/ music/ era. I'll still be pitching my Americana Music Tribute series stuff, and trying to tie it all together. I will likely be stopping the record sales for the summer after this one, so any encouragement/ words of wisdom will be appreciated. I hope to have a modest little on-going "shop" of turntables/ records when my office space expands over the summer- a listening room if you will.

Woody Get together

I put a little blurb in the Free Time of the Friday paper about the tuesday May 30th 7 pm music get together in preparation for the JUly 15th tribute. Pass the word. Todd Burge committed to playing on the July 15th show. Bring instruments if you want; we intend to have some song playing going on; not just listening. Call me with any questions- 485-0650 days; 422-3625 evenings.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Greens demo CD- Broken Science

Andy gave me a copy of the demo CD- Broken Science, I am going to have someone burn a few copies to begin to get it around. I don't know if Nathan has plans to get a batch made up, but I will be making a few at a time, for family and friends distribution, until its figured out.
songs:
crazy thomas
moving picture
mercy
tuck's riff
penny
she's a busy girl
tunesmith jones
mary jane, mary jane
kenya dig
thunderwear

"my" copy has a few more songs- just guitar and drums; these were prepared for Jan to work on the bass parts. These include some very recent songs, obviously. For regular fans, they will be familiar from recent shows, as works in progress.

We talked briefly about the "book" manuscript, but mostly just brainstormed the self-publishing concepts. MOre on that later.

Hock Hocking Folk Festival

Wendy and I attended the Folk Festival in Nelsonville- a great sunny day after a week of cold and rain. It was fantastic; lots of good music; some good crafts, food, other activities- well organized; and a good spirit to the whole thing. Saw Chris Hogsett, doing sound all day at the main stage. The acts were all good and solid; Todd Burge played early in the day; a Celtic group from Columbus was good; and then the late afternoon brought: Stacie Earle and Mark Stuart; then Fred Eaglesmith and finishing up with Greg Brown. I had heard of Stacie Earle and Mark Stuart, read some reviews in some of the magazines I get, but hadn't seen them- they were very enjoyable- I'll be touting them enthusiastically to everyone I can. Fred Eaglesmith, quickly becoming a "must see" for me, when he is within a 2-3 hour radius- had a trimmed down band, but was as good as ever. They seemed to like to festival atmosphere; and stayed on, mingling with the crowd. We talked with the drummer (who also does the merchandising)- and Willie P. Bennett (mandolin and harmonicas) did a few songs with Greg Brown. Greg Brown sang a mix of old and new, and played some deep and weighty songs. We took in some fiddle contest contestants, the story telling, visited the crafts and browsed the food options.
I'll be a booster for this event on into the future; they really work hard to put on a good event, and are building it up with an upbeat attitude for the future.

Greens weekend show updates

The Greens (just two) played friday night at the Wheel House; a decent size crowd; pretty enthusiastic- there was an opening act, who obviously had a "following" there for the early show- we wish them well!
Andy had lots of "technical difficulties"- broken strings, cords static, etc. But they persevered to some pretty good stuff late into the sets. I liked the Tom Waits song; a new thing for me to hear.
Andy reports Saturday night (with Jan) went well in Marietta- Brewing Co. Graduation after-parties for Marietta College.
A couple of further dates in the area are being arranged: Bogies, FRont Row, back to Marietta- stay tuned.

Friday, May 19, 2006

Woody Guthrie tribute build up

I've scheduled another woody guthrie musicians get together for May 30th 7 pm at the 1739 St. Mary's Ave. location. Bring instruments, and plan to play a selection or two. We'll try to swap a few songs, and try out a few harmonies, etc.
Further borrowing of CD's and exchanging ideas will be done also. From there, I'll probably switch it around some, pick up a weekend time to get together; try a few different things like that. Keep spreading the word. The tribute is July 15th- keep checking for details or ask me. I keep selling t-shirts for the full four event series; and raffle tickets for a guitar drawn at the November neil young event.

Vinyl Record sale build up

June 3rd is the next vinyl record sale scheduled. I need to build up my supply of worthy records; so if anybody knows anybody who will donate some records have them get in touch with me. Otherwise, I will have to resort to "gag" sales; smoke and mirrors. I am trying to get up to $1000 in sales from the three events. Send folks my way- I will be putting out the publicity starting monday. If you've got anybody who wants to browse the current collection, send them my way, too; several have taken advantage of that offer, and come away with some nuggets.

Hock Hocking Folk Festival

Saturday, May 20th the nelsonville college (Hocking) will be the site of the good folk festival; stuff going on all day- liars contest, different instrument contests- banjo, fiddle, etc. songwriter workshops, craft stuff for the kids. Greg Brown in the evening; Fred Eaglesmith in the early evening. Todd Burge in the afternoon.
Good stuff; good event to support.

Greens tonight

The Greens are playing at the Boreman Wheel HOuse tonight at 9 pm. Ask them about the new CD- Broken Science. We know there is "competition" in town: the Relay for Life; the bob dylan birthday; the wet t-shirt contest at the Front Row; but the Greens are the prime entertainment.
Tomorrow night they are at the Marietta Brewing Co. I already know of someone opting for that show.

Monday, May 15, 2006

Broken Science- the Book

I've read through Andy's condensed version of the book he sent me. I'm helping to look into publishing options. He has now sent me the full version to look over. I'll be talking to him about getting it out to a few others to review, critique.

Vinyl Record Sale updates

I may have really come to the end of the market for the records I have; I had two more "special audience" browsers last week, who each bought about 30 more records; I will be trying to generate some new donations by June 3rd; otherwise, I may be needing to get creative to make it interesting for browsers in June. I'll keep folks updated for the next few weeks; I'll be doing some "fine tuning" sorting when I can get around to it. I 'm up to about $780 in sales in this push.

greens upcoming shows

The Greens have two new "late breaking" shows this coming weekend. Friday at the Wheelhouse in Parkersburg; Saturday at the Marietta Brewing Co. (The 19th and 20th are the dates)- the times are usual for these venues; 9:30 ish for the wheel house; 10 pm for the Brewing Co.
I know Friday conflicts with the Bob Dylan birthday bash at the 6 pence pub, with Todd Burge and Mike Morningstar et al; but I'll go for the Greens. Saturday I must choose Fred Eaglesmith and Greg Brown in Nelsonville; don't know if I can get back for a late night stop in in Marietta.
I hope there will be at least a few new copies of Broken Science around this weekend, please be patient.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Andy's book- Broken Science

I've printed off a copy of the manuscript andy sent me, to read while I'm away for the next few days- i'll be arranging to make it available to any one else who's interested when I return. Its "working title" is broken science. That is also the working title of the new CD by the Greens.

Woody Guthrie music night

Thanks to the folks who came by; we've got a start on some musicians interested in the event in July. We played a few cuts on the CD player; Don played a few snippets of songs; we discussed the general format. All in all folks showed enthusiasm - we'll try another get together May 30th; unless I notify otherwise. Fred, Greg, Don, Dave, Shawn, Wendy- thanks!

Monday, May 08, 2006

Greens completed work on a CD this weekend

The Greens completed work on a CD this weekend in Wheeling- Broken Science. Production will be another step; and the loyal fan base will likely have heard a lot if it. Keep asking about it! and spread the word.

Sunday, May 07, 2006

Tuesday night geetar pull and listening room

This Tuesday evening at 7 pm is when I am hoping to get a few musicians together for the first of several Woody Guthrie tribute (july 15th) "rehearsals" - "auditions" (ha ha) - song swappin.' I will have probably 10 CD's to listen to songs off of; and loan out if you're trustworthy. I'll have one or two guitars there, but bring your own if you want. I'll have some (small amount) of song lyrics/ chords to get people started. I'll have a list of the songs I tentatively would challenge someone to play (or learn by July)- and tell a little about what I have in mind- I'd like there to be plenty of story telling in the tribute- how Woody worked between his songs and his life and the times he lived in- and how singers/ songwriters since then have been doing that, "under his influence" even if they didn't know it was his influence. Where it is: 1739 St. Mary's Ave., Parkersburg.

Vinyl Record Sale # 2 wrap up

Yesterday's 2nd spring vinyl record sale is officially deemed a success; some good browsers, knowledgable record lovers, good encouragement. Thanks to: Andy for hauling the tables; Kim for spelling me to get a sandwich at Tim Horton's; the Sound Exchange for hosting us, and being encouraging. The widening out to include some of the jazz/ classical "worked" in that there was some interest and purchasing there; my poor old classical rock is thinning out majorly. June 3rd is the next date; I've got my work cut out for me, to dredge up some good stuff.

Greens recording

Saturday afternoon the Greens were doing some recording up in Wheeling of some of the recent songs: Tuck's Riff; Starving Artist, Without Mercy, etc. Andy's hoping to do some solo recording also soon.
June 16th is a scheduled return to the Front Row in Parkersburg for the Greens.

Saturday, May 06, 2006

Greens show last night

The Greens had a fine show at 6 Pence Pub; digging back into the archives for a few older songs; doing an 8 song "mini set" of Hendrix songs somewhere in the "3rd set." A "fair to middlin'" crowd; probably in a little competition with other cinco de mayo wing dings. Andy bounced back very well from the previous late night with Project/Object. He's planning to see them up in Pittsburgh the end of the coming week. Good to see Jameson back around; calling out for Whipping Post. Fred Shreve came out to see the Greens; Ashlie and Johnny (finally) got to see the "full" band. Dave sounded excited by his trip to Philly to see a car show/ music fest.
Once again, I'm at the end of my knowledge of upcoming Greens shows; in the Parkersburg area. I'll ask about upcoming shows, and get them posted.
Getting ready to set up the Vinyl Record sale.

Friday, May 05, 2006

Vinyl Record Sale tomorrow

Saturday May 6, 11 am to 4 pm is the second "first saturday" sale to benefit children's home society in front of the sound exchange on Murdoch in Parkersburg. Be prepared for a pretty eclectic mix; there won't be the good selection from last month; you'll want to come with an open mind. I will have some 78's this time. I sold all my 45's yesterday to an advance buyer. I will be really try to pitch the connection/ continuity between the record sales and the tribute shows. "Enjoying Music...... Helping Kids" is the combined theme. The kids in the after school program made some buttons with that slogan; available for a donation tomorrow, and on-going- pick one up to encourage the kids. I'll report after the sale if I made any good connections about future music events; and if I sold any wacky LP's. I'm already formulating some off-beat ideas/ promos for the June vinyl record sale (the 3rd). I've gotten the word out to a decent number of people about the first musician's get together for the Woody Guthrie event (This coming Tuesday, May 9th, at 1739 St. Mary's Ave; suite 3- call me, steve at 485-0650 for info)

Project Object last night at the Empty Glass

Andy, Andy, and i saw Project Object with Ike Willis last night at the Empty Glass in Charleston- Andy has seen them before; WOW they can put on a show! Excellent instrumentalists, and tight harmonies and timing. 4 hours of music- everybody taking their turn to shine. I was exposed to lots more Zappa than I have been; an intense/ appreciative crowd- many people singing along to many of the songs. Andy Andy Andy and Andy were there- Hall and McVey to add the other two- Pat Whited and Allan Smith there too.

Greens tonight at 6 Pence Pub.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

FZ tribute show tonight

We are trekking to Charleston to see project object the Frank Zappa tribute show tonight; I'll give a report over the next few days.

The Greens play Friday night at the 6 pence pub in Parkersburg at 10 pm; cinco de mayo, and all.

The 2nd Vinyl Record sale of the year is this saturday in front of the sound exchange from 11 am to 4 pm; I don't know what to expect- I'll be having an odd assortment of records for sure. A little flurry of donations of records, but not much "good stuff."