folk music article in the New Yorker

In this week's New Yorker there is a lengthy and wide ranging article by Burkhard Bilger called The Last Verse about the history and preservation of folk music in this country. It touches on collectors, performers, archivists, - the well-known and the obscure. It focuses on the researches of Art Rosenbaum a folklorist, painter, and a professor of art at the University of Georgia, who has spent fifty of his sixty-nine years traveling around the south and the Midwest recording folk musicians. In the article Rosenbaum is traveling with Lance Ledbetter who is described as 31 and the owner of a small record label in Atlanta called Dust-to-Digital and with an encyclopedic knowledge of American Blues, country, and folk music, and what many consider to be the greatest gospel compilation ever made : a six CD set called Goodbye Babylon. Ledbetter's label has also released Art of Field Recording: Vol. 1 , a four CD retrospective of Rosenbaum's work. In this article Rosenbaum and Ledbetter were gathering songs for the second volume. The writer touches on everything from the several folk revivals, audio engineering, the Lomaxes and Harry Smith and a host of other interesting characters.. Rosenbaum is quoted as saying, "We're getting close to the time where there might not be any family or local music traditions, so I've concentrated on preserving those." A bit later the article goes on to say "In the early seventies, when he (Rosenbaum) was teaching art at the University of Iowa, he met a brilliant young songwriter named Greg Brown." He recorded him singing a Civil War Ballad with his grandmother.Great reading - look it up. April 23, 2008__._,_.___

Greens songs I have been missing.....

It occurs to me that I haven't heard "Drag Yourself Through the Day" lately at Greens shows. I miss the feller. It has been WAY TOO LONG since Truckstop Religion was part of the set list in my humble opinion. Also: There is Nothing to Fear. Beekeeper doesn't get the circulation it deserves also!!!! Pain Pill.

wondering how the Greens show in Pittsburgh PA went

I have failed the Greens miserably by not making the trek to Pittsburgh on my birthday to see their show at the Shadow Lounge. Flogging may begin. After the great Friday night show, and my own Benefit hosting gig Saturday night, where I am indeed the hardest working man in da bizness for those 8 hours or so, and needing to take care of some mundane household chores on Sunday, such as grass cutting, car washing, grocery shopping, I just couldn't muster the energy to seek out the Shadow Lounge in Pittsburgh. So if anyone can see it in their heart to give a po' boy a little sign of life.........................
Greens are in Morgantown the next two weekends, so we'll be eagerly awaiting the next Mid Ohio Valley shows..............

brief interlude of traveling music today

Today's work related trip was just a short jaunt to Harrisville (Ritchie Co.) and return. Barely enough time to hear a whole CD on each leg of the trip. I listened to Jason Wilber's "king for a day" on the way over. This is his 2004 release. He covers Sabu visits the twin cities alone (John Prine) and killing the blues. A solid selection of songs throughout, starting with a little story song about if you were elvis presley for a day; then a unique take on "don't be cruel"- then a little tribute to bo diddley and how he was robbed of his royalties for his songs. This CD includes: talk about 69 and In her veins, which are on other CD's of Jason's, so begin to become more and more familiar in his body of work.

On the ride back it was John Hartford's "the walls we bounce off of"- This is a recent re-issue (or something like that!) from his family website- its a 1994 release - its got some fun little ditties; the titles enough are intriguingly fun and convey his strong sense of humor. The one song where he reverts to childhood and makes all sorts of explosion noises (the all collision all explosion song)- is typical (if you can call it that) of John's humor and creative twists- it harkens back to "you want a boogie" from an early album- with its various grunting noises.

This made for an enjoyable short work trip for the day. Unfortunately these short road trips mean there is still a full day of work to pack in before and after......... sigh......................

Hank Williams tribute show recap

We had a fantastic evening of Hank Williams last night down at the Wheel HOuse. A deep, deep thanks to the great musicians who came out and put on a great night of music, solidly up and down the evening. Thanks to Jimmy C for hosting us, and hopefully having a decent night for the Wheel HOuse, with a pretty jolly crowd. Thanks to JT, Cory, and Tim for slaving over the sound and lighting equipment and hanging through the whole evening; even the extra sets at the end! Thanks to the folks who came out, your enthusiasm and enjoyment of the music and festivities is very humbling for me; but keeps me going.
That all being said, getting the thanks out there first; let's try to summarize the event! Besides the great folks that were there, I have to say I was disappointed by the crowd size; the rest of ya'll miss a great night of music; some real solid Hank tribute stuff, good musicianship, some of my goofy banter and plenty o' good door prizes. Come out next time; you don't want to miss these opportunities very much in life!
The musical line up was: Stephen Peck and his accompanist Arthur; setting things off to a great start with some solid selections of Hank and Hank Jr. A very good starting set - "I saw the light" starting it off. I was glad they had some friends they invited, to see Stephen perform. They had their own sound system and made 'em sound pro! Then we had Lisa and Jerry Queen, and the crack back up musicians they brought along as Neon Moon (for this event)- drums, bass and Jim Miller on pedal steel guitar. Wow, they blew everyone away with their excellent performance. They had not performed out since last fall, but were very smooth; great vocals, harmonies, and mixture of songs; fantastic pedal steel guitar work, solid back up instrumentation. The audience was entranced and pumped throughout. They had an easy banter and connection with the audience. I have to say some of the "regulars" couldn't believe where I might have got these folks to come participate; but Lisa Queen contacted me last year, and we stayed in touch, and they were very eager and generous to come play. I hope they got enough accolades to see the appreciation they so well deserved. They strayed a little from Hank (no one objected) and played CCR's Traveling Band. You should have seen Brendon dancing to that one (he knows CCR's catalog through and through)- he was really cavorting, as they say. Lisa can do a good Patsy Cline, et al, and Jerry looked like Fred Eaglesmith to me in that cowboy hat. He has some pretty impressive autographs on his guitar. They told of attending the Hank Williams events down in Alabama in the past, and the dedication of the stretch of highway near Oak Hill; so they have some great "cred" to be showcased at our humble little event.
Jonny Nutter was next, and his enthusiasm and dedication to these benefits is legendary. He had a sore throat and cold, etc. but kept coming up with more songs!
Todd Heslep was next, a very unique and solid set; sounding good on his new guitar! He knew the pedal steel player from 25 years ago, playing with some family members; a neat connection across the years.
1313 wrapped things up with a high energy frenetic paced rockabilly set; incorporating a lot of Hank III, and putting their all into it. Jonny's drumming was truly inspired and must have had him lose 15 pounds exerting himself. Shaun does a great job on guitar and vocals, and his haircut was looking especially grand. Dave was his usual great showman self; what he does with that bass is a must see if you haven't experienced it. They kept the tempo up solidly throughout their set, and gave the ones remaining a glimpse of the concept of "whole lotta hank" at its wildly diverse best.
The Hank Williams bobble head door prize was a big hit, as well as the yodeling electronic pickle. Brendon was very excited to win a CD; as were a number of others. Jerry Queen bought ALL the Hank Williams vinyl records; foregoing me needing to use them as door prizes that some folks might not have wanted/ needed; and kept me from lugging them back to the "big pile of dusty ol' vinyl" back here at the neighborhood center.
Thanks to Shauna for helping at the door/ table and keeping things organized on that front. Of course thanks to Bubba, too for taking money at the back door.
It was great seeing Ashlie out so soon after the baby; she is amazing! She is the true inspiration for the whole lotta hank concept; and we'll be looking forward to event III next year. I don't seem to get to some of the ideas of it (the jambalaya cook off, the look alike or song writing contest,etc. ) but maybe somebody can prod me, oh about January of next year..........
On to the next events!!! Thanks everybody who had a part in yet another great memorable event in the Americana Music Tribute series. (give me a sign of life; especially if I missed something!!)

Greens loyal fans deserve round of applause

Its hard in the thick of week after week of shows by the Greens to step back and just see what a fantastic, loyal, enthusiastic band of music lovers this is. Yeah Greens fans!!! When you go to shows in new venues (like Glenville last week) and go to a show when they haven't been in town for a few weeks, and suddenly you look around and there are so many familar happy faces, its a pretty cool phenomena. When you catch little posts on the Greens my space after shows, etc. you know this music and these shows mean a lot to a lot of people. That is something great.
Too many to attempt to rattle off names; you know how you are. You are a great tribute to the band, and a great bunch of folks. More and more all the time would continue to be nice! We are all pulling for the band to keep casting a wider net of contagious music lovin' fun.

trivia questions waiting in the wings if needed

I always have to see how the shows go...... if the music is flowing, that's mainly what keeps people happy, and less talk/ less banter between sets. But if it drags, or needs a little spicing up, or I need to give away more of the prizes at some point as the crowd is thinning, then a little contest can fit in. I think I have enough to conduct a little simple contest if I can get any takers. Especially when I stick in a little Hank Jr. stuff too. I have to admit I don't know enough about Hank III to include him much; I'd have to rely on one of my audience participation contests, where two contestants square off giving each other trivia questions to see who can stump the other. That's always a little wild and wooly and risky for total flop-dom.
As I said previously, I'm not super prepared; my best intentions often fall short of follow through, but there's always next time..............

some hank jr. trivia: who did he learn to play the piano from? (jerry lee lewis)
what kind of accident did he have in 1975? mountain climbing
first appearance on grand ol opry at what age? 11

how old when singing songs for songtrack to movie bio Your cheating heart? 15


hank sr. trivia

life size statue in what southern city? montgomery alabama
real first name: hiram
rock and roll hall of fame ? - true or false; if so what year? 1987
what state did he die in; back of his cadillac? wv- new years eve 1953

Jett Williams compelling story

Jett Williams, Hank Sr. daughter, was born 5 days after he died. She had an early life full of foster care, adoption, state custody, and such, making her story pertinent to our work at CHS, the recipient of the proceeds of the Hank Williams tribute show tonight in Parkersburg WV. She has a book: Ain't Nothin' as sweet as my baby," about the saga of her struggle. She has a website with bio and appearances, and such. She has been organizing a benefit for some tornado relief in Tennessee recently.

Hank Festival, June 7, 2008 Georgiana, Alabama

This event is the one the Queen's talked about attending last year. I will be eager to hear if they are returning to it this year. I'd like to hear about somebody else making the trip down that way.
I know I didn't capitalize on it between last year and this, but there's always hope for the future. Things that are meant to happen might just take a little gestation period. I hope we can hear more about this tonight. I presume one could find a website with details of this upcoming event.

Hankfest; in Chicago, Illinois

Visiting the website for hankfest.com; you get a little impression it hasn't been updated recently. This is a reminder that WV's own John Lilly won the songwriter contest in 2005 for a song Blue highway. They have a little event / jam called "hank's army" with some groundrules like: "bone up on your hank tunes"
"play nice"- with others; know how to tune your instrument; listen to those around you, know as many Hank tunes as possible
there is a jambalaya cooking contest.
These are the sorts of ideas I had wanted to include this year (from last year) but just never got around to it. I get a little over-ambitious with my ideas getting carried away beyond my follow through.

Greens review for Front Row 4/25/08

With Jeff in the drum kit subbing in for Nate, the Greens played to a packed Front Row, with lots of excitement and energy flowing. Ben entered the scene for the Greens set, while Jeff and Andy had played during the open set by Coal Canary; both of them putting in a hard working night of diverse music. The crowd was quickly into calling out requests which Andy worked hard to juggle into the set list- I'm sure making a shambles of any thing he had in mind! Lots of Greens requests so that's always hard to pass up, unlike the sometimes "out of the blue" cover requests, bands often have to wade through. It was a non-stop barrage of dance-able tunes with many folks out on the dance floor for hours at a time. The Greens give you a lot of different beats and opportunities to jump around in all different ways during the course of a show. Because of the opening act, a lot of songs get left out of a "half night" show, but it still represented a good cross section of their most crowd pleasing songs. The end of the night was prolonged by enthusiastic requests piled on requests- apocalypso was especially strong, and what is that smell? was well received right there at the end. I didn't keep a set list, as I knew there was going to be a break in my writing down the songs, and sure enough I missed Thunderwear and probably two more in there somewhere, right after big ol betsy. There get to be pretty big gaps in my visits to the Front Row, and that's too bad, because its a good atmosphere, and holds great Greens and Andy solo memories, as well as the GREAT national touring acts Bill manages to bring through there. Bill's got his May line up posted: Mike Morningstar and Rick Roberts on the 2nd, Jon Seymour and the Front on the 9th. Larry Neeley Band on the 16th (Susan sings with this ensemble, and we are definitely going to take in one of their shows, unfortunately it might not be able to be this one, as the Hocking Folk Festival is that weekend). We have our Bob Dylan birthday tribute at the Front Row on Saturday May 24th. Jason Ricci and New Blood is back in town on May 29th (THursday) and then the Greens finish up the month on the 30th. That's quite a May line up of live music there at the Front Row, come out and support live music (something you can't get at home!!!). I told Kelly I'd be in several times leading up to the benefit on the 24th.

Andy was headed back after the show, and the Greens play in Pittsburgh on Sunday- so follow up on that with them to see how it goes. I told Danny I just don't think I can make that trip- squeezed in between the Hank Williams benefit tonight, and MOnday morning work! I do squeeze in a birthday there somewhere.........

Coal Canary getting some good Mid OHio Valley exposure

Coal Canary opened for the Greens again for the second time in a month here in the Mid Ohio Valley. The Front Row was the venue following up on last month's visit to the Marietta Brewing Company. They played a solid set before a very decent crowd; folks who were repeat listeners from their two other appearances in the MOV, or Front Row regulars, or Greens fans. High energy; strong vocals; impressive guitar licks. They seemed to feed off the crowd energy and give it back in full. We'll expect to see/ hear more from them, as they have a great "mutual admiration" going with the Greens. They stayed around to enjoy the Greens set, and (hopefully) were getting some pats on the back and acknowledgement of some good music and showmanship. Visit their my space site for updates on shows and music!

going in to the week end

Apologies in advance: I don't have my full energy to post here going into the weekend. I am tired out. Hope to see some of you at the Greens tonight; hope to see lots of people at the Hank Williams tribute tomorrow night. I will work a little tomorrow on some Hank Williams stuff, nothin' to write today.
Stay tuned............................

two days countdown to Hank Williams Tribute

We're in the countdown to the Hank Williams tribute show; less than 60 hours away. There'll be a "whole lotta hank" as Ashlie would say. I was especially pleased to talk to one of the musicians last night and hear that he would focus on Hank Jr. since I think that's likely to be overlooked sometimes; that's the spirit we were looking for- someone enjoying the overall concept!
I have been incredibly busy and probably have not prepared my trivia contests adequately. Well, there's always Saturday during the day! Any suggestions would be gladly appreciated (for sources of quick and easy information). I will be bringing the "shakey" traveling trophy also. If this little tradition across the various Americana tribute shows can continue it will be a true miracle of fragile / flukish / fantastic / fun- it is such a delicate little thing, that its hard to imagine it can make it out of the Wheel House, to someone's home, and then return several months later.
I'm still kicking myself because I left my personal Greens tip jar in Glenville last week. This weird piece of pottery has been part of my collection of odd items for several years; I use(d) it for donations at the vinyl record shows, and as a tip jar at Greens shows early on. Maybe it will show up at some other mysterious moment in music history.

Nashville Scene - All the Real Girls

Nashville Scene - All the Real Girls

musicians confirming for Whole Lotta Hank

Getting some good confirmations for the musicians lining up for the Hank Williams tribute this Saturday. Things are shaping up right nicely.

Greens doin' some hard travelin'- I thought you'd know

The Greens are developing more specific plans for a tour in June- a reasonable little swing through VA, NC, Tenn, KY, IN, OH etc. I figure Marty will get to see them out of the deal (Louisville KY) Watch their sites for updates! There is also talk of a festival in August! and their own recording studio near Morgantown- solar powered!

This Friday: Greens at Front Row

The Greens will be back in Parkersburg this weekend on Friday for a show at the Front Row. Coal Canary will be opening for the Greens (with presumably Andy playing his exuberant bass) and then the drummer will sit in with Ben and Andy (as Nate is unable to be there)- so this will recreate the good show up in Marietta from a few weeks ago. This will give folks a solid evening of music in diverse veins, so come on out. I'll be bringing my first early flyers for the Bob Dylan tribute show which will be at the Front Row in a month (May 24th). I have to tactfully promote it elsewhere than at the Wheel HOuse.

Vinyl Records I will be bringing Saturday night

There have been a number of Hank Williams records coming in. With this post I will be recounting song lists from various "the very best of" / greatest hits, etc. In hopes that it will trigger some of the performers Saturday night to make sure a lot of these get included in set lists so the audience feels they are getting a good cross section of Hank songs.

From the MGM album "the very best of hank williams:
your cheatin heart
jambalaya
lovesick blues
half as much
cold cold heart
hey, good lookin'
why don't you love me
wedding bells
kaw-liga
so lonesome I could cry
ramblin' man
honky tonkin'

from1972 "blaine house records "the great hits of hank williams

i can't help it
you win again
cold cold heart
take these chains from my heart
i'm so lonesome I could cry
half as much
your cheatin' heart
there'll be no tear drops tonight
I could never be ashamed of you
may you never be alone
mansion of the hill
my heart would know
move it over
setting the woods on fire
hey good lookin'
why don't you love me
honkey tonkin'
howling at the moon
jambalaya
mind your own business
kaw-liga
nobody's lonesome for me
rootie tootie
I'll never get out of this world alive

24 of Hank Williams greatest hits

this album has when the various songs were recorded listed - its (obviously) a double set, too

your cheatin' heart
move it on over
i'm so lonesome I could cry
honky tonk blues
my heart would know
kaw-liga
cold, cold heart
lovesick blues
ramblin' man
honky tonkin'
there'll be no teardrops tonight
mind your own business
jambalaya (on the bayou)
wedding bells
hey, good lookin'
window shopping
settin' the woods on fire
I can't help it (if I'm still in love with you)
half as much
why don't you love me
you win again
may you never be alone
baby, we're really in love
take these chains from my heart

I've got 15 Hank Williams, and Hank Jr. records I'll be bringing down. Most of the Hank Jr. ones are when he was young and very clean cut looking; so that is something to browse through.
I hope folks have been working up some of these selections.

Countdown week for the Hank Williams tribute benefit

We're down to less than a week to the next event in the Americana Music Tribute series. This Saturday its the Hank Williams tribute. Help spread the word / thanks.
I'll try to stick some Hank Williams info on the blog this week as I can fit it in; or better yet, you can send me stuff of interest. I know Bill Poole has a collection of songs with references to Hank Williams in them. There is the stuff going around about trying to "reinstate" Hank into the Grand Ole Opry. There are things about Hank III that I'm sure folks could send me updates about. I'll do my best, but I've got a busy week..............
Saturday night; Jimmy C's Wheel HOuse, 406 Avery St. Parkersburg. 8 pm $5 cover/ donation. I'd love to see some new faces (and of course some loyal attenders, too!!)

Walter Trout and the Radicals -Front Row July 21

Bill Poole has lined up Walter Trout and the Radicals for the Front Row in July. There is a clip (you tube) Bill forwarded to me, of them playing a hot blues number (Dust My Broom) in Germany- gives a good indication of what we have in store in July from this blues band.

WV musicians webpage

Eric connected us to this web site for WV musicians- www.wv-music.com which seems to focus on bands, etc. from the central part of the state. Give it a look and see the possibilities it presents.

Greens report a good previous night at Gibbie's

The Greens seemed to make a new "band friend" with their opening act from the Pittsburgh (I think) area at Gibbie's Friday night. Both Andy and Danny told me about making a good connection with these guys. Look for further partnering to come of this. I'll have to re-visit the my space site of the Greens to recall their name- some kind of highway number reference!?!! (apologies in advance for my sloppy/ spontaneous post, without doing my research ahead of time)

vinyl record sale recap

Thanks to all the supporters for another successful vinyl record sale; we did get some rain toward the end so wrapped things up early. Thanks to the two college students who volunteered and help with the sale; they were enthusiastic helpers and even picked up a few records, though they didn't have a record player! They even expressed interest in volunteering at CHS, so it was all good. We sold a fair amount of records, not as many as last time, but still a decent amount. There are still plenty of interesting Americana / roots music selections left. Two guys will be coming over to look at the 45's, too. Thanks to the sound exchange; a friendly supportive business and kindred spirit in the love of vinyl and music of all genres. There were some nice conversations among the browsers and many repeat visitors, and ones eager for the summer sales when they get set up. This is stretching out into a pretty good "vinyl community" of folks connected around music, so that is nice to see. I get a little more information all the time. Mayor Newell stopped by! For interested folks, you can track me down to see about stopping by to look over the collection at your leisure; just making sure its a good time here at the neighborhood center (like not when the brownie/ girl scout troop is running around the place!) It was decided that the cover of the Porter Wagoner album when he is coming in on his girl friend on the couch with another man is the primo album cover of the day- a truly great staged album cover.

Greens well received in Glenville

The Greens' debut in Glenville appeared to be a grand success. The audience at Good Times Bar and Grille gave them a hospitable, warm, and enthusiastic response. I was sorry not to be able to stay for the full show (as normally I would)- but that long ride back was looming large. I hope it stayed rollicking right to the end!
The "two lane livin'" ride down was a reminder of rides of the past; the Red Bud blooming, and a misty rain as dusk approached. Spring time in Appalachia. Good Times bar and grille is a friendly place with intriguing decorations and a nice little set up for the band. Frank Zappa warmly greets you on the wall; Seals and Croft, too. A convivial group was ready for an enjoyable night of music.
The Greens launched into "Flipping through the pages" and What a Ride as some warm up songs. The requests started flowing, and the rest is history as a good night of music, and audience response, and eventual dancing by a large dance floor filling crowd. The one guy (dancer) ranks up there with the top 4-5 memorable dancers from around the state of WV for a first time Greens Show. I recall a similar dancer at Jabberwock in Elkins, and a few others over the years. I got a little nervous when the one guy jumped up on the low wall, and his buddy banged his head on the dangly light fixture, but no harm / no foul.
The Nicholas' brothers were our gracious hosts to their "neck of the woods" and hopefully they came away happy with a good night of music and camraderie. I always hate not to stay till the very end, but I had an uneventful trip back to the 'Burg, so was glad to make the trip and discover a nice venue.

wonderin' how the Greens show went at Gibbies

I am wondering how the Greens show went at Gibbie's last night. Seeking a sign of life from a Morgantown fan. Wonderin' if the summer tour plans are developing any further, too.

I might get a little rain on the vinyl record sale

I have never been rained out yet on an outdoor vinyl record sale, but its looking pretty gloomy this morning. I hope I can get a little help today, and then if we have to dismantle the set up quickly there will be more hands to make lighter work. Even a couple of good hours is worth something; just trying to get these records into the hands of music lovers. I'll report back on the flip side!
I'm wearing my Todd Snider t-shirt again today; with the long list of dusty ol' vinyl records he had in his collection (on the back of the shirt)- willie, waylon and woody guthrie....... etc. I haven't made any progress on the more obscure ones on the list since last year, when I was making a pitch to have folks help me out. I made the one trip to Haffa's in Athens, and could probably have picked up a few there, but didn't feel like forking over the money at that time, until I had a more committed game plan. Had a good conversation last night with some vinyl enthusiasts who mentioned a number of cool record stores around the country- Philedelphia, SF, etc. And remembering when Athens had three stores......
I definitely suffered a set back when I couldn't get the newspaper to run my story about a writing contest. I have to think this one through; how to start a little earlier, get some help from some more eager and aggressive promoters. I guess I do get spread a little too thin.

Going into the weekend

Well, its probably a little premature to say I am looking ahead to the weekend, being it is 9:30 am and I have a full day of details to take care of here at work before shifting gears to the weekend. But I may not have other available time to write this Post. There is a songwriter night at the Blennerhassett tonight, which I may not make it to, but it has the usual good line up of songwriters that Todd pulls together. Tomorrow (I am, for the first time, anxious about the weather) there is the vinyl record sale from 10 am to 3 pm in front of the Sound Exchange. I will be lugging heavy boxes of records from the neighborhood center over there. They are an exciting, intriguing selection of records, thanks to the recent generous donation. I have not even really been through all the stacks, so this will provide me much amusement and entertainment tomorrow during the lulls in action. I always get a chuckle out of the mass rush at the beginning of the day.
Then tomorrow night, the Greens are playing down in Glenville. I don't know what kind of day of rest Sunday will be.
At least the Free Time listed the vinyl record sale this week, lumping in the Whole Lotta Hank show next Saturday into the same article. That will be next week's big push; getting some more buzz generated for that show.
Bill Poole has announced a new show in July; a touring act coming through. July 21st. Stay tuned for more details. The Hock Hocking Folk Festival- Nelsonville Arts and Music Festival are coming up in a few weeks. Will Kimbrough at Fur Peace Ranch is coming up on May 3rd.

please help get word out about upcoming events

Since the Parkersburg News seems to be boycotting my event announcements for whatever unknown and bizarre reasons (they have not printed hardly any of the announcements I have sent in during the last month, month and a half about either the Hank Williams tribute, or the vinyl record sale), I appeal to anyone who reads this to try to help me get the word out about these two events. The record sale is this Saturday, April 19 from 10- 3 in front of the sound exchange. Now I know there is a chance of rain; I've never had rain for any of the outdoor vinyl record sales so far. I have some great recently donated records; plenty of Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, etc.
Then, speaking of hank williams, the 2nd annual whole lotta hank tribute is next Saturday, April 26th at 8 pm at the wheel house in downtown parkersburg. I'll be checking in with the musicians over the next week to make sure everything is lined up. I hope you can help get the word out, since the newspaper has been my main general public means of getting the word out. After these two events, I will find out what the deal is. If I have to creatively work around their boycotting of announcements for the Bob Dylan tribute show in May and other future shows, I'd like to know what I'm working with. Thanks for any support.

traveling music today

I drove to Charleston and back today. In the CD player:

start of trip: Fred Eaglesmith: Tinderbox. Finally, a good listen (captive audience in the car is always best). I had only listened to it as "background music" at work, so didn't get to really get into it yet. He's got a duet with Mary Gauthier on there. I like the song where he is having visions, and the female voice is narrating concern for the old feller losing his senses. There is some wide ranging musical instrumentation on this album.
Second up: Jason Wilber's Lazy Afternoon. I caught the reference to Aurora Illinois (and the aurora borealis) liked all the songs on deeper listening (captive audience once again serves me well). I'm starting to be able to line up some songs to request when Jason is here in June.

Bringing me on back to Parkersburg: Todd Snider's Peace Love and Anarchy. Can't get enough of Todd fer shur. Jealous that Beth got to see him recently in St. Louis. Waiting on a review from Missouri!! Love having a Jerry Jeff Walker cover from Todd; reminder that he has a whole album's worth of covers from Jerry Jeff, recorded anyway. Adding a brainstorm of playing East Nashville Skyline for some neighborhood kids, and asking them to create a similar set of images for Mid Town Parkersburg.

Jason Wilber coming to the 'Burg for a house concert

Jason Wilber, a Bloomington Indiana singer songwriter, who also happens to be the fabulous lead guitar player for John Prine, is coming to Parkersburg to play a "house concert" / coffee house setting at my community center on St. Mary's Ave on Sunday June 8th at 7 pm. Jason will be in the area, performing Saturday night in Marietta at the Theater (Mid OHio Valley Players) across from the Colony, as part of an all day songwriter event. He has graciously agreed to stay over to Sunday to perform in Parkersburg. Tickets are $15, and there will be limited seating, so I am selling tickets in advance. I'll probably be limiting it to 40. Jason has a great body of work; about 6 CD's worth. He has a great voice, obviously excellent guitar work, a very refreshing variety of song styles, a good sense of humor, insightful lyrics about the human condition. He has songs that will stay with you even after one listen, they are that solid. I have his "complete" collection of CD's and will be glad to lend them out for a listen; and then I hope you'll come out and see him live and in person in an intimate setting, and buy some CD's yourself!
He has an intriguing schedule; playing all over the place most weekends with John Prine, playing before adoring audiences in fairly large venues, and then squeezing in his own schedule to play at a wide variety of settings, also around the country. He also has a radio show there in Indiana where he does interviews. He has a great interview with Todd Snider for instance, recently, recorded around the time Todd was playing in Bloomington. They have a very nice mutual admiration through their connections through John Prine, and many others.
Obviously, I will mention this in the blog many times before June 8th, but get it on your calendar. I will have some tickets printed up shortly. I will be getting some nice promotion materials from Jason shortly too.

Greens in Glenville this Saturday

The Greens venture to a new part of WV for their music this Saturday. After playing in the familiar haunts of Morgantown Friday night at Gibbies, the Greens will trek across the middle part of the state to Gilmer County for Saturday night. Caena Joy will play the hostess I suppose, as she must have some roots and connections in that neck of the woods. Andy Nicholas got excited hearing they were coming to his stompin' grounds, too. The Greens are guaranteed to bring their enthusiasm and sense of adventure to this new venue for them, and will give the audience a satisfying night of original music. The Greens bring their intriguing ability to move through genres and styles of music through the course of a 4 hour evening and love playing before a new audience. They may start with a few songs in mind, but can go in many directions depending on factors such as their "muse" or inspiration, or the audience's reaction or a random request. Any long time fan can recall being amazed with the direction the set list could go on any night; or even two nights in a row- practically a completely different set list. If the audience wants a Hendrix mini-set, or Cream, or Pink Floyd; they might get it. If they want a Johnny Cash / Carter family seque, they just might get it. If they want a full night of original music weaving through Soul, blues, jam band, latin, rap, they might be awed by the creative uniqueness. You can be guaranteed you will know they have left themselves on the bandstand by the end of the night, as they always pour themselves out for any audience, anywhere. Come on out and see them in Glenville!

The 2 week countdown to the Whole Lotta Hank show

We're within two weeks of the Whole Lotta Hank tribute show; April 26th at 8 pm at the Wheel HOuse. $5 donation to Children's HOme Society of WV as a benefit fund raiser. I've got the solid line up of musicians that are dedicated to entertaining the audience with Hank Williams music. I've got some prizes. Tell your friends and acquaintances, since I can't seem to get any publicity out of the gall-dang newspaper. They're boycotting me for some reason at the Free Time. I have been getting lazy about getting the flyers around the last few events, too. I'll have to pick it up somehow.

vinyl record sale this Saturday

Come on down to the Sound Exchange this Saturday between 10 am and 3 pm, and check out the fantastic new collection of used vinyl that I have available. This is a fund raiser for Children's Home Society of WV. I sell the records for just a straight $1 a piece, to keep it simple. A very nice and generous donor gave me a huge collection of what I will classify as "Roots" music; mostly in the country vein, but with solid Americana roots. He has 'em alphabetized through most of it; so you have your big sections of Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, etc. Then there is a eerie eclectic mix of 60's pop and rock, and some novelty stuff, comedy, etc. Heck, you can stop by early this week and browse if you want. Just track me down.
I fizzled in my promoting it as the national record store day, so I'll have to pick that up again some other time; just a straight out sale like usual, with some great new stuff to search through.
(April 19th!)

lots o' travelin' music

Washington DC and back over the weekend: some of the music:
Steve Earle (sidetracks)
paul simon (surprise)
sarah lee guthrie and johnny irion (exploration)
greg brown (if I had known)
bob dylan and the band (basement tapes) both CD's - several times!!!!
Jason Wilber- lost in your hometown, and behind the midway)
Holly Long (leaving kansas)
Mary Gauthier (between daylight and dark (two times!!!)

probably a few more- lots of music..........

blind alfred reed tribute CD (WV music hall of fame)

Greens show Friday night at the Wheel HOuse

WHHOOO BOY! I have been on a whirlwind sequence of excursions, so this is a little belated and probably a little fuzzy. The Greens headed down to Jimmy C's wheel house after their opening act gig out at WVU-P Friday night. It was a slightly different crowd; I can't put my finger on what seemed different, but there was something. It ended up being a good rollicking night of music as always of course. This following set list is pretty sloppy and vague so apologies in advance. I give it my best effort, but I know it falls short. There are definite lapses!
it started with (quasi sound check?) a led zeppelin song
a Pink Floyd song (we discovered Ben is an avid Pink Floyd afficianodo)
Chinaski
come on back to me
ring of fire (and early audience request!)
walk the line
Lodi
Its not enough (restlessness)
Down
an instrumental (coined "bah dass")
10-4 good buddy
Tuck's Riff
Flyin' Solo
Heavy Mentals
Something is wrong with me
lovely/ ugly
Part II
Apocalypso
?
LA Woman (Doors)
the media
conversations with the lunatic in the mirror
quirky turkey
Sunshine of your Love (Cream)
swamp queen
mary jane
("here I am signed, sealed, delivered")
Midnight Hour
We got that Funk
the latin interlude
kenya dig
oily rags
Funk Smell
All over everywhere
she's a busy girl
tunesmith jones
go down slow (?)
cross roads
?
"Y"
a medley for the finale:
should I stay or should I go? (Clash)
moving picture
big ol' betsy
little warrior

This was a solid night of music; lots of jamming interludes / segues; lots of responding to requests and dance transitions.

I was sorry to miss the following night at 6 pence due to traveling to Wash DC. Someone want to give me a review?

Greens at WVU-P

The Greens opened for a touring country band, the Drew Davis Band tonight. The Greens looked fine up on the stage, with the stage lights, etc. slightly reminiscent of the battle of the bands in Morgantown last year. The set list:
flippin'
little warrior
mercy
all over everywhere
west virginia dream
tide turn again
10,000 days
she's a busy girl
big ol' betsy

Nate was sequestered behind a plexiglas shield, I guess to give a certain sound to the drums for the main act. We took in the first two songs of the main act, and then headed back to town, to head down to the wheel house for the "real deal."

Andy worked up a good sweat under the lights. The Greens seemed to get a good reaction from the somewhat smallish crowd. Who knows what it takes to bring crowds out........

Greens approaching

Its two days till the Greens are in town for some weekend shows. I will look up this Drew Davis Band for some info on them. The Greens open at 7 pm out there at WVU-P. Then they move on to the Wheel HOuse, leaving the main act to carry on! Saturday its back to 6 Pence Pub for some rockin' out.

traveling listening music

I have not had many journeys lately for drivin' music. Today I did. I listened to Mary Gauthier (between daylight and dark) on the first stretch. This is such great music. I think her stories and characters and capturing descriptions is fantastic. Her New Orleans voice is also great. Then it was on to Jason Wilber (lost in your hometown). I will be listening to a LOT of Jason Wilber over the next month and a half, leading up to his arrival in the mid Ohio Valley. I am working up a concept to do something with the title song- a little creative multi-media project for some neighborhood youth. Then it was Sarah Guthrie and Johnny Irion (exploration) and finishing up with Jason Wilber again (lazy afternoon).

Be Blogged- Andi Roberts review of Kat Coffee

Be Blogged

Great performance last night

Kathleen Coffee came to Parkersburg yesterday and put on an amazing performance (well actually two performances!) and got my coffee house concept off to a great start. She is a very exciting performer; she is so into her creative process it is contagious. We had a good turnout; a very intriguing mix of people. The set up and arrangement of the room "worked" and people seemed comfortable and able to relax and enjoy. Kathleen played a long evening of original music, with much variation, intensity and engagement of the audience. She has a great style of guitar playing, her voice is captivating (quiet and strong at the same time), and her lyrics are very personal and yet reach out to the audience. She captured a new set of appreciative fans, who will be eager to follow her musical path.
The second performance was an impromptu short set at the shelter where she quickly engaged several of the girls there with not only her music but her kind, enthusiastic personality. It will be a solid impression on these neat, eager young women.
Thanks Kathleen for trekking up to Parkersburg; we will try to bring you back some time.

Tonight: Kathleen Coffee in Parkersburg

Tonight we are hosting an exciting musician here in Parkersburg. At our store front neighborhood center at 1739 St. Mary's Ave., at 7 pm Kathleen Coffee will be performing original songs in a coffee house atmosphere. I'll be spending the day juggling among several things, trying to get the room ready; get some refreshments organized, going to a 1 year old's birthday party, hosting Kathleen on a visit to the shelter, having a delicious vegan meal prepared by Kim, and doing some sound check stuff, and then hoping we get some music lovers to come out for an enjoyable evening of music.

another take on national independent record store day

Celebrate Record Store Day
April 19th, 2008


When Neilsen Soundscan releases their sales data regarding vinyl records, did you know that they do not count hundreds of ‘indie’ vinyl record shops in their totals? So when you read ‘vinyl sales have risen….such and such a percentage,’ that these numbers woefully underestimate the true sales of vinyl.
But local independent and national record stores want to be counted and included in the vinyl sales figures because it is at these smaller record stores where vinyl records are selling the best.
So to help bring attention to this dilemma and to help celebrate the record store culture, hundreds of independently owned music stores across the country will celebrate the first annual “Record Store Day” on April 19th.
I spoke with Eric Levin, who owns Criminal Records (www.criminal.com) a independent record store in Atlanta about the concept and celebratory plans of Record Store Day (www.recordstoreday.com).
“We came up with the concept at the annual Noise in the Basement convention in Baltimore, a gathering of independent record stores hosted by the Music Monitor Network (www.monitorthis.com). It is similar to “Free Comic Book Day (www.freecomicbookday.com), in that we decided to help bring attention to our stores by saying- we are out here, enjoy what we have to offer,” said Eric. “So on this day, all of the stores that choose to participate will simultaneously link together and act as one with the purpose of celebrating the culture and unique place that they occupy both in their local communities and nationally.”
“We have over 200 independent record stores that have signed up for the event, with more signing on each day. Each store will be doing something different to celebrate Record Store Day. Some stores may opt to have an ‘in store’ performance, special sale events, demonstrations, dances, swap meets or ‘an afternoon at a record store’ promotion as well as provide a ‘goodie bag’ that promotes new formats, new releases and exciting information about music, theatrical and gaming releases. Everything that makes an indie store unique should be on display,” related Eric.
Music stores have been part of our culture for decades and it is important to note that, while there may not be as many of them as there used to be, there are still those unique music shops that continue to thrive and are still part of our local and national music culture.
In fact, many music related entities have signed on to be part of Record Store Day as Eric explains:
“We have many groups involved including the Coalition of Independent Music Stores (www.cimsmusic.com), the Alliance of Independent Media Stores (www.thealliancerocks.com), Newbury Comics (www.newburycomics.com) & The Music Monitor Network (www.monitorthis.com), where one can find links to some of the best indie record shops around the country; with many more organizations signing up each day.”
“In fact, all indie record stores are invited to participate by making April 19th, 2008 a day of celebration at their place of business. Some music labels are getting involved as well by releasing special editions marking the day and the celebration of the music and the record store,” said Eric.
Moreover, many famous musicians are chiming in and doing their best to, not only promote Record Store Day, but the culture that encompasses it. Here are a few quotes:
Paul McCartney - “There’s nothing as glamorous to me as a record store. When I recently played Amoeba in LA, I realised what fantastic memories such a collection of music brings back when you see it all in one place. This is why I’m more than happy to support Record Store Day and I hope that these kinds of stores will be there for us all for many years to come. Cheers!"
Norah Jones - “It’s important to keep indie record stores alive because their unique environments introduce music lovers to things in a very personal way.”
Chuck Berry - "Music is an important part of our culture and record stores play a vital part in keeping the power of music alive."
Joan Jett - “The indie record stores are the backbone of the recorded music culture. It's where we go to network, browse around, and find new songs to love. The stores whose owners and staff live for music have spread the word about exciting new things faster and with more essence than either radio or the press. Any artist that doesn't support the wonderful ma and pa record stores across America is contributing to our own extinction.”
Ziggy Marley - "Record stores keep the human social contact alive it brings people together. Without the independent record stores the community breaks down with everyone sitting in front of their computers"
Ben Watt (Everything But The Girl) - "It is hard to underestimate the role of independent retail in the music industry. As the world continues to try and cram every purchase they make onto their computer, turning music into binary digits and artwork into pixelated packshots, we can only sit and wait for them to wake up from their dream and realize that ultimately human interaction in shops, with informed good people, handling cherishable artefacts is good for the soul. In the meantime we need to support the people who keep this world alive for the moment we all realize we need it again."
Sam Phillips (A&R/producer for Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and many others) - “There would be no Elvis. There would be no Johnny Cash. There’d be no B.B King. There’d be no Roscoe Gordon. There’d be no Carl Perkins. There would be no Jerry Lee Lewis. There would be no Roy Orbison. I can just tell you. We owe all of that to the independents and the independent people that work so hard for us to have something that could be accepted through their efforts,hard work, and desire to keep a personal feeling in every record..”
So as you have just read, the passion that these musicians have for the independent record shops is immeasurable. These are the professionals who know a little something about the music industry and embrace the concepts, culture and meaning of Record Store Day. Let’s make Record Store Day a national celebration of the independent record store, the musicians who love them and the historical culture that each individual store brings to each and every one of us.
That’s all I have for Feb and March, I will try and be more’on top’ of this in the future. I appreciate your loyalty and hope you have a great spring!
Best Regards,
Robert Benson
www.collectingvinylrecords.com
www.bandt-shirts.net
www.ezshoppinghere.com
www.recordalbumframing.com

raspier voice poll

Most Raspier/ gruffer voice:


Tom Waits Fred Eaglesmith

vote now

I'll link to the new vinyl record newsletter- some great stuff

I don't have time this morning before leaving for an all day meeting, but later I will link to this great vinyl record newsletter with some great stuff on it about records. This e-newsletter is a great find. I think I mentioned it before.

fred eaglesmith's new CD

I am excited to be the receiver of Fred Eaglesmith's new CD Tinderbox. I will be squeezing in listening to it today when I can. I have listened to the first three songs at least!!! Pumped up already.