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.

Friday, August 29, 2008

live music this weekend in MOV

Liz Pennock is in the area tonight, at the Marietta Brewing Company. Mary Mary and Aaron Whited, and Mary's son Eric are at the River City Grille in the Comfort Inn in Marietta tonight. Ellery, who have been at the Blennerhassett Hotel at least twice, winning the new song regional contest last year, will be at the Blennerhassett hotel tonight. Tomorrow night there is a songwriter event there at the Blennerhassett with many of the local stalwarts on the singer songwriter front. So this is some pretty decent prospects for live local music. Mountain Stage Sunday night in Charleston at the Cultural Center (Janis Ian is a headliner in my book). Greens are at 123 Pleasant St. tonight in Morgantown. Get out and see/ hear some live music!!!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

When Love Is Lost at the Jim Dandy - Arts - Nashville Scenepage 1

When Love Is Lost at the Jim Dandy - Arts - Nashville Scenepage 1

This isn't per se about music; but since I think highly of Minton Sparks, and it is a review of a book she has written; I include the link to the review of her book.

JOHN PRINE BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE BENEFIT

Friday October 10 at the Fifth Street Pub and Eatery, Downtown Parkersburg
Show Starts @ 8:00 PM

Live Music & Door Prizes!
Tickets Only $5!
Local fans and musicians gathering to celebrate the music and spirit of JOHN PRINE at a benefit for the Children’s Home Society of WV.

Call 304-485-0650 for more info

Reeda has the announcement on the main home page of the JPSHRINE web site: thanks to her for her tireless good work to keep the John PRine fans happy and informed!!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

The Greens festival on Sept. 20

The Greens have a special my space site for their festival on Sept. 20 in Farmington PA- "Greens Acres" - some of the bands who will participate are getting the word out and getting things pretty pumped up. This will be fun to see how it goes for a first time event- I wish 'em luck, and hope everything comes together well. You can get to this my space site from the Greens regular my space. Keep checking back for updates!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

oops; missed a good-sounding event today in Athens

Swap a CD or LP at ARTS/West
August 21, 2008
Athens-based music and art collective Aquabear Legion is holding its first-ever Record Swap this Sunday in the basement of ARTS/West from 1-6 p.m.
Local merchants and bands will be selling and swapping their LPs, CDs, tapes, 45s, and more. Admission is free, with donations encouraged.
Records will be playing all afternoon, and you can feel free to bring some food to share.
As of Tuesday, there were still tables left for people interested in selling some music, with the table fee set at $10. The fees and donations will support Aquabear Legion and ARTS/West. If you’re interested in setting up a table, e-mail contact@aquabearlegion.com.
For more information visit www.aquabearlegion.com.

www.nodepression.net

I wrote several months ago about the unfortunate demise of one of my favorite music magazines; No Depression. Well, its good to re-visit their website and see some developments; its still a very vibrant source of good information on the kind of music I like; reviews, editorials/ blogs; archival stuff, too. They will be looking to get some supporters (financial) to allow them to upgrade their website these next months, and there will be a bookzine coming out in the fall, too.

A Greens collage from recent homecoming pix


Bill Poole put together this nifty collage of Greens pictures from the recent homecoming show. Good for promo stuff in the upcoming months- nice to see them in the sunlight and fresh air!!!!!
No reports yet on the Huntington show last night, or the "audition" for the event planners at Canaan Valley last week. Be on the lookout for details of the Greens festival on September 20th in Pennsylvania (just north of Morgantown)-

Thanks to Don Baker

Thanks to Don Baker for being willing to come out and play as a contribute to a benefit. Its great to have musicians willing to play just for their love of getting out and playing. I know its also nice to get some compensation for your skills and craft, too! I try to create different kinds of opportunities to get people together for music, and every experience builds a little more of a picture of what clicks; what works.
This reminds me to thank all the musicians over the years who have contributed to the Americana Music Tribute Series shows, because they create the memories and buzz that hopefully will keep them going. As the venues struggle, these live music shows are attractive, because there is no risk for the venue. We'll keep working on the concept(s), and eventually it will gel.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Don Baker's songwriter night

Don played us a lot of the songs he's worked up for the song pulls that John Radcliff puts on. He's got a great way of conveying a story/ images, and a nice variety in his guitar playing and melodies. It was nice having the "between songs" conversations in the relaxed atmosphere. He told about the bluegrass festival he was involved in last week in Belpre, and Chase Brady playing mandolin with him. He also talked about a possible upcoming recording session with Todd Burge. I imagine it will be a lot of the songs he performed tonight; they will become familiar! Watch for Don playing at some upcoming songwriter events around town, or in a solo spot at one of the "listening room" venues around. I hope he can participate in the John Prine birthday tribute on October 10th.

jp shrine re-visited

I haven't mentioned the great John PRine fan website, the www.jpshrine.org lately- I will be visiting it frequently in the lead-up to the 6th annual John PRine tribute show October 10th. I encourage others to visit it also, if you haven't for some great John Prine news and info. I sent in an announcement of the tribute; the last few years, they have posted an announcement along with many other John Prine birthday celebrations around the country, so that's always fun to see.

Friday, August 22, 2008

a dream line up for a benefit..... hhhmmmmmm...

Robert Earl Keen, Greg Brown to play concert to help high school sports Posted: Monday, Aug 18th, 2008BY: TODD GUILDWhen Watsonville High principal Murry Schekman took a look at the massive cuts facing Pajaro Valley Unified School District sports programs, he decided he would tackle the problem head on.He enlisted the help of KPIG disc jockey “Sleepy” John Sandidge, who founded Snazzy Productions, a music promoting organization.Snazzy was in the midst of planning its 25th anniversary celebration, and Sandidge had lined up Americana Music powerhouses Robert Earl Keen and Greg Brown for an October show.“We’re pretty proud we survived for 25 years,” Sandidge said.After negotiations between Schekman and Pajaro Valley High principal Frank “Pancho” Rodriguez, a portion of the proceeds from the show will now go to sports programs at Pajaro Valley and Watsonville High schools.Schekman spearheaded the “$86,000 Committee,” to help raise the amount cut from PVUSD school sports programs last spring after the board of trustees was forced to cut about $8 million districtwide.If not somehow funded, the cuts could force the schools to lose their assistant coaches and curtail some sports programs“We’re not going to stop until we’ve raised $86,000,” Schekman said.Schekman joked that he is considering singing a song in the show with Rodriguez, possibly with one of the performers.“Pancho is a good singer, and he’s concerned about singing with me,” laughed Schekman. “But too bad.”The concert will mark the first time Brown and Keen have played together, virtually guaranteeing the show will quickly sell out, organizers say, despite a sluggish economy that Snazzy’s organizers say has been slowing ticket sales.“It was sort of a miracle they were both available on the same day,” Sandidge said.Brown, who on Friday was traveling to Lyon, Colo., to perform in a folk festival there, said he is excited to share the stage with Keen.“I’ve never played with Robert, but I think it should be a good show,” he said during a phone interview.Brown said that when Sandidge asked him to do the show, he readily agreed. He hadn’t heard the funds would be going to high school sports, but the news pleased him. Instead of discussing the upcoming show, however, he wanted to talk politics. He had strong words for the Bush administration, which he blamed for schools across the U.S. being under-funded“Hopefully we’ll get someone else in there,” he said, in his mellow, lilting baritone voice. “Their level of stupidity has been astounding.”Brown has performed in the Santa Cruz area several times over the years, and said he usually gets a place by the beach, where he walks and writes.Brown added that he is currently working on a new album that combines songs and the distinctive storytelling for which he’s known.“I’ve got several things on the stove,” he said. KPIG is also gearing up to celebrate the 499th broadcast of its live Sunday show, “Please Stand By.” The show will be open to the public in the station’s parking lot on Oct.12.Why celebrate the 499th show?“We’re KPIG,” laughed Sandige. “We don’t celebrate the way everyone else does.”•••••••••••••••••••••••••••(Published in 8/18/08 edition)

10-4 good buddy

This is titled 10-4 good buddy, because I noticed this was post number 1040; and I didn't want to refer to the IRS form of the same name; so I chose a Greens song (instrumental) title.
I have graciously loaned out 4 Weedhawks CD's; and will eagerly await their return next week. The Greens play in Huntington this Saturday night. Todd Burge and Joseph Henry play in Morgantown this weekend. Don Baker is coming to do a coffee house Saturday night here at our storefront. I will be setting up the coffee house atmosphere tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon from about 4 -5 pm on, if anyone wants to help out. There are two good Mountain Stage shows coming up in Charleston the next two Sunday nights. When they go on the road in the fall, Todd Snider is supposed to be in the line up for one of those. The vinyl record sale has wound down, with a sigh of relief from my back, shoulders, elbows- with lots of lugging albums around. Maybe the next one in October? John Hiatt has been getting "around the town" CD playing time on the car stereo, along with the Angel Band.
AND NOW: I have settled on a venue for the JOhn Prine birthday tribute on October 10th; at the 5th Street Pub and Eatery in downtown Parkersburg. Stay tuned for details; and I hope you can help me begin to get the word out about this new location, and the fun we will have.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

coffee house Saturday night: Don Baker

Come out to see a fine local singer songwriter Saturday night, August 23rd here at our storefront at 1739 St. Mary's Ave. Parkersburg (come to door number 3, humbly tucked away along the plaza) Don will be performing original songs, with maybe a John Prine cover thrown in, just priming us for the 6th annual John Prine birthday tribute in October. Don sings of International Harvester trucks, the tough times when gas hits $4/ gallon, and keen observations of everyday life and times. The time is 7 pm. HOpe to see you there.

Monday, August 18, 2008

FINALLY got to listen to some Weedhawks today

I haven't had a work-road-trip for a good long while. Drove to Clarksburg and back, and listened to Weedhawks the whol' gol-dern way back and forth. It was a fantastic musical experience. These are some great songs; great music, great spirit and spunk. I will do more justice in a more detailed post at some point, but just wanted to extol the virtues of the Weedhawks music!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Greens at Parkersburg Homecoming











I thought the Greens did a great job of performing before the main stage crowd at Parkersburg's Homecoming last night. They had a great song selection to expose folks to their diverse talents and styles; they delivered a good solid sound, gave off a great energy and vibe. I hope they caught some new ears, and fans. They worked through a set with the most tried and true songs- tunesmith jones, kenya dig, little warrior, hey horse why the long face, big ol bessie, heavy mentals, all over everywhere, what a ride, tide turns again, a few more showing the versatility.




Bill Poole and Steve Wells took the pix shown above.




Saturday, August 16, 2008

vinyl record sale going on now (as we post!)

Things are already underway here on St. Mary's Ave. for the vinyl record sale. The half marathon is going on just feet from the parking lot, folks huffing and puffing at the 12 mile mark.
There is a big parcel of records to browse through for sure. Its cool, there's plenty of comfortable couches to rest on; some fellows brought some records in themselves and have set up a table.
I've got the record player warmed up and playing selections from a wide eclectic mix of music styles. We just heard the Carter family singing Lulu Walls from 1935 for instance. Come on by during your Saturday errands, or before hitting the Parkersburg homecoming festivities later today.

Greens at Marietta Brewing Co. last night

As part of the 3rd annual Marietta Brewing Music Festival, the Greens had an 8 pm time slot in the main building. There are going to be something like 30 bands/ acts over 3 days - so that place will be bustling with music (and sound checks, equipment set ups!). The Greens, playing in an event like this, with a fairly short time span to play, are masters at condensing down their extensive play list to a fun-loving "short set" that portrays their versatility and variety (the double "V"s). They were in fine form- bringing out Crazy Thomas (which I hadn't heard for a while), Drag Yourself through the day, Hey horse why the long face, Tuck's Riff, a couple of instrumentals, and a new song or two. Since their set was on the early side, they could sit back and relax and catch a few other acts. Then its on to the Parkersburg Homecoming this evening.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Greens weekend details

The Greens will be part of the Marietta Brewing Co. Fest this Friday night. These are sets of about 1 and 1/2 hours by many performers. Check out the schedule for details - I'm thinking the greens are on at 8 pm tomorrow night, till about 9:30. Saturday, the greens are on the Main Stage at the parkersburg homecoming, at 7:30 pm. This is at the corner of 2nd st. and Avery. (Think: two blocks down from the wheel house, toward the flood wall, past the new Bureau of public debt building, etc.) This is a great opp to play before a whole lotta folks.

Joseph Henry is playing later that night at the Galley in Marietta. I don't know what else is going on; a Jimmy Buffett tribute band is following the Greens at the Main stage at the homecoming.
The Greens add a Huntington gig the following weekend.

Vinyl Record Sale - two days from now

I don't have a really catchy thing to write, right now, about the vinyl record sale, since I am tired out at the end of a long day at work, but I feel I should write something to keep the hype going. I got a Van Halen record right in the middle of some Andy Williams, Manteovani, Christmas records and such. It never ceases to amaze me, how this stuff gets cross connected. I will have to do a whirlwind job tomorrow afternoon and first thing Saturday to get this room set up for a bang-up record sale display. I have a fellow coming in, bringing his own records to try to sell, which is something I have always encouraged but haven't had too much takers on. I am amazed at the large volume of 45's that have also amassed over the last 6 months. I will set up the record player for people's listening enjoyment and to sample some of the novelty records that mill about. I've generated some new interest in helping me gather a few new records off my dusty ol' pile of vinyl records list (from the Todd Snider song of the same name>>>>>>) I will spend an inordinant amount of time amassing my Herb Alpert collection, since I have additions now. I will further brainstorm my skeet shooting (paint ball gun) concept. I will try to research and connect with others around the country hopefully still celebrating National Vinyl Record day, on the closest saturday to Aug. 12, which is when Edison invented the phonograph. I will try to "ghost write" a story to submit somewhere after the event and try to generate further dialogue among music lovers. Is that enough?

tom waits interviews tom waits (ahem, great minds run in the same direction......)

Tom Waits Interviews Tom Waits
by Robin Hilton
We get a lot of promotional press releases from labels, and normally don't run a word of them. They are, after all, promotional and full of an often comical amount of untethered praise for an artist. But when Anti Records sent us this interview Tom Waits did with himself, we had to pass it along.
Tom Waits' True Confessions
by Tom Waits
I must admit, before meeting Tom, I had heard so many rumors and so much gossip that I was afraid. Frankly, his gambling debts, his animal magnetism, coupled with his disregard for the feelings of others... His elaborate gun collection, his mad shopping sprees, the facelifts, the ski trips, the drug busts and the hundreds of rooms in his home. The tax shelters, the public urination... I was nervous to meet the real man himself. Baggage and all. But I found him to be gentle, intelligent, open, bright, helpful, humorous, brave, audacious, loquacious, clean, and reverent. A Boy Scout, really (and a giant of a man). Join me now for a rare glimpse into the heart of Tom Waits. Remove your shoes and no smoking, please.
Q: What's the most curious record in your collection?A: In the seventies a record company in LA issued a record called "The best of Marcel Marceau." It had forty minutes of silence followed by applause and it sold really well. I like to put it on for company. It really bothers me, though, when people talk through it.
Q: What are some unusual things that have been left behind in a cloakroom?A: Well, Winston Churchill was born in a ladies cloakroom and was one sixteenth Iroquois.
Q: You've always enjoyed the connection between fashion and history...talk to us about that.A: Okay, let's take the two-piece bathing suit, produced in 1947 by a French fashion designer. The sight of the first woman in the minimal two-piece was as explosive as the detonation of the atomic bomb by the U.S. at Bikini Island in the Marshall Isles, hence the naming of the bikini.
Q: List some artists who have shaped your creative life.A: Okay, here are a few that just come to me for now: Kerouac, Dylan, Bukowski, Rod Serling, Don Van Vliet, Cantinflas, James Brown, Harry Belafonte, Ma Rainey, Big Mama Thorton, Howlin Wolf, Lead Belly, Lord Buckley, Mabel Mercer, Lee Marvin, Thelonious Monk, John Ford, Fellini, Weegee, Jagger, Richards, Willie Dixon, John McCormick, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Robert Johnson, Hoagy Carmichael, Enrico Caruso.
Q: List some songs that were beacons for you.A: Again, for now... but if you ask me tomorrow the list would change, of course. Gershwin's second prelude, "Pathatique Sonata," "El Paso," "You've Really Got Me" (Kinks), "Soldier Boy" (Shirelles), "Lean Back" (Fat Joe), "Night Train," "Come In My Kitchen" (R.J.), "Sad Eyed Lady," "Rite of Spring," "Ode to Billy Joe," "Louie Louie," "Just a Fool" (Ike and Tina)," "Prisoner of Love" (J.B.), "Pitch a Wing Dan Doodle (All Night Long)" (H. Wolf), "Ringo" (Lorne Green), "Ball and Chain," "Deportee," "Strange Fruit," "Sophisticated Lady," "Georgia On My Mind," "Can't Stop Loving You," "Just Like A Woman," "So Lonesome I Could Cry," "Who'll Stop The Rain?," "Moon River," "Autumn Leaves," "Danny Boy," "Dirty Ol' Town," "Waltzing Mathilda," "Train Keeps a Rollin," "Boris the Spider," "You've Really Got a Hold On Me," "Red Right Hand," "All Shook Up," "Cause Of It All," "Shenandoah," "China Pig," "Summertime," "Without a Song," "Auld Lang Syne," "This Is a Man's World," "Crawlinking Snake," "Nassun Dorma," "Bring It on Home to Me," "Hound Dog," "Hello Walls," "You Win Again," "Sunday Morn' Coming Down," "Almost Blue," "Pump It Up," "Greensleeves," "Just Wanna See His Face" (Stones), "Restless Farewell," "Fairytale of New York," "Bring Me A Little Water Sylvie," "Raglan Road," "96 Tears," "In Dreams" (R. Orbison), "Substitute," "Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues," Theme from Rawhide, "Same Thing," "Walk Away Renee," "For What It's Worth," theme from Once Upon A Time In America, "Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing," "Oh Holy Night," "Mass in E Minor," "Harlem Shuffle," "Trouble Man," "Wade in The Water," "Empty Bed Blues," "Hava Nagila"
Q: What's heaven for you?A: Me and my wife on Rte. 66 with a pot of coffee, a cheap guitar, pawnshop tape recorder in a Motel 6, and a car that runs good parked right by the door.
Q: What's hard for you?A: Mostly I straddle reality and the imagination. My reality needs imagination like a bulb needs a socket. My imagination needs reality like a blind man needs a cane. Math is hard. Reading a map. Following orders. Carpentry. Electronics. Plumbing. Remembering things correctly. Straight lines. Sheet rock. Finding a safety pin. Patience with others. Ordering in Chinese. Stereo instructions in German.
Q: What's wrong with the world?A: We are buried beneath the weight of information, which is being confused with knowledge; quantity is being confused with abundance and wealth with happiness. Leona Helmsley's dog made $12 million last year... and Dean McLaine, a farmer in Ohio, made $30,000. It's just a gigantic version of the madness that grows in every one of our brains. We are monkeys with money and guns.
Q: Favorite scenes in movies?A: R. De Niro in the ring in Raging Bull. Julie Christie's face in Heaven Can Wait when she said, "Would you like to get a cup of coffee?" James Dean in East of Eden telling the nurse to get out when his dad has had a stroke and he's sitting by his bed. Marlena Dietrich in Touch of Evil saying "He was some kind of man." Scout saying "Hey Mr. Cunningham" in the scene in To Kill A Mockingbird. Nic Cage falling apart in the drug store in Matchstick Men... and eating a cockroach in Vampire's Kiss. The last scene in Chinatown.
Q: Can you describe a few other scenes from movies that have always stayed with you?A: Rod Steiger in Pawn Broker explaining to the Puerto Rican all about gold. Brando in The Godfather dying in the tomatoes with scary orange teeth. Lee Marvin in Emperor Of The North riding under the box car, Borgnine bouncing steel off his ass. Dennis Weaver at the motel saying "I am just the night man," holding onto a small tree in Touch of Evil. The hanging in Oxbow Incident. The speech by Rutger Hauer in Blade Runner as he's dying. Anthony Quinn dancing on the beach in Zorba. Nicholson in Witches of Eastwick covered in feathers in the church as the ladies stick needles in the voodoo doll. When Mel Gibson's Blue Healer gets shot with an arrow in Road Warrior. When Rachel in The Exorcist says "Could you help an old altar boy, father?" The blind guy in the tavern in Treasure Island. Frankenstein after he strangles the young girl by the river.
Q: Can you tell me an odd thing that happened in an odd place? Any thoughts?A: A Japanese freighter had been torpedoed during WWII and it's at the bottom of Tokyo Harbor with a large hole in her hull. A team of engineers was called together to solve the problem of raising the wounded vessel to the surface. One of the engineers tackling this puzzle said he remembered seeing a Donald Duck cartoon when he was a boy where there was a boat at the bottom of the ocean with a hole in its hull, and they injected it with ping-pong balls and it floated up. The skeptical group laughed, but one of the experts was willing to give it a try. Of course, where in the world would you find twenty million ping-pong balls but in Tokyo? It turned out to be the perfect solution. The balls were injected into the hull and it floated to the surface; the engineer was altered. Moral: Solutions to problems are always found at an entirely different level; also, believe in yourself in the face of impossible odds.
Q: Most interesting recording you own?A: It's a mysteriously beautiful recording from, I am told, Robbie Robertson's label. It's of crickets. That's right, crickets. The first time I heard it... I swore I was listening to the Vienna Boys Choir, or the Mormon Tabernacle choir. It has a four-part harmony. It is a swaying choral panorama. Then a voice comes in on the tape and says, "What you are listening to is the sound of crickets. The only thing that has been manipulated is that they slowed down the tape." No effects have been added of any kind, except that they changed the speed of the tape. The sound is so haunting. I played it for Charlie Musselwhite, and he looked at me as if I pulled a Leprechaun out of my pocket.
Q: You are fascinated with irony. What is irony?A: Chevrolet was puzzled when they discovered that their sales for the Chevy Nova were off the charts everywhere but in Latin America. They finally realized that "Nova" in Spanish translates to "no go." Not the best name for a car... anywhere "no va."
Q: Do you have words to live by?A: Jim Jarmusch once told me, "Fast, Cheap, and Good... pick two. If it's fast and cheap, it won't be good. If it's cheap and good, it won't be fast. If it's fast and good, it won't be cheap." Fast, cheap and good... pick (2) words to live by.
Q: What is on Hemingway's gravestone?A: "Pardon me for not getting up."
Q: How would you compare guitarists Marc Ribot and Smokey Hormel?A: Octopus have eight and squid have ten tentacles, each with hundreds of suction cups and each with the power to burst a man's artery. They have small birdlike beaks used to inject venom into a victim. Some gigantic squid and octopus with 100-foot tentacles have been reported. Squids have been known to pull down entire boats to feed on the disoriented sailors in the water. Many believe unexplained, sunken deep-sea vessels and entire boat disappearances are the handiwork of giant squid.
Q: What have you learned from parenthood?A: "Never loan your car to anyone to whom you've given birth." - Erma Bombeck
Q: Now Tom, for the grand prize... who said, "He's the kind of man a woman would have to marry to get rid of"?A: Mae West
Q: Who said, "Half the people in America are just faking it"?A: Robert Mitchum (who actually died in his sleep). I think he was being generous and kind when he said that.
Q What remarkable things have you found in unexpected places?A: 1. Real beauty: oil stains left by cars in a parking lot.2. Shoeshine stand that looked like thrones in Brazil made of scrap wood. 3. False teeth in pawnshop windows in Reno, Nevada.4. Great acoustics: in jail.5. Best food: Airport in Tulsa, Oklahoma.6. Most gift shops: Fatima, Portugal.8. Most unlikely location for a Chicano crowd: A Morrissey concert.9. Most poverty: Washington, D.C.10 A homeless man with a beautiful operatic voice singing the word "Bacteria" in an empty dumpster in Chinatown.11. A Chinese man with a Texas accent in Scotland.12. Best nights sleep: in a dry riverbed in Arizona. 13. Most people who wear red pants: St. Louis.14. Most beautiful horses: New York City.15. A judge in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1890 presided over a trial where a man who was accused of murder and was guilty -- convicted by a jury of his peers -- was let go, when the judge said to him at the end of the trial, "You are guilty, sir... but I cannot put in jail an innocent man." You see, the murderer was a Siamese twin. 16. Largest penis (in proportion to its body): The Barnacle
Q: Tom, you love words and their origins. For $2,000, what is the origin of the word bedlam?A: It's a contraction of the word Bethlehem. It comes from the hospital of Saint Mary of Bethlehem outside London. The hospital began admitting mental patients in the late 14th century. In the 16th century, it became a lunatic asylum. The word bedlam came to be used for any madhouse -- and, by extension, for any scene of noisy confusion.
Q: What is up with your ears?A: I have an audio stigmatism whereby I hear things wrong -- I have audio illusions. I guess now they say ADD. I have a scrambler in my brain and it takes what is said and turns it into Pig Latin and feeds it back to me.
Q: Most thrilling musical experience?A: My most thrilling musical experience was in Times Square, over thirty years ago. There was a rehearsal hall around the Brill Building where all the rooms were divided into tiny spaces with just enough room to open the door. Inside was a spinet piano -- cigarette burns, missing keys, old paint and no pedals. You go in and close the door and it's so loud from other rehearsals you can't really work, so you stop and listen. The goulash of music was thrilling. Scales on a clarinet, tango, light opera, sour string quartet, voice lessons, someone belting out "Everything's Coming Up Roses," garage bands, and piano lessons. The floor was pulsing, the walls were thin. As if ten radios were on at the same time, in the same room. It was a train station of music with all the sounds milling around... for me it was heavenly.
Q: What would you have liked to see but were born too late for?A: Vaudeville. So much mashing of cultures and bizarre hybrids. Delta Blues guitarists and Hawaiian artists thrown together, resulting in the adoption of the slide guitar as a language we all take for granted as African-American. But it was a cross pollination, like most culture. Like all cultures. George Burns was a Vaudeville performer I particularly loved. Dry and unflappable, curious, and funny -- no matter what he said. He could dance, too. He said, "Too bad the only people that know how to run the country are busy driving cabs and cutting hair."
Q: What is a gentleman?A: A man who can play the accordion, but doesn't.
Q: Favorite Bucky Fuller quote?A: "Fire is the sun unwinding itself from the wood."
Q: What do you wonder about?A: 1. Do bullets know whom they are intended for?2. Is there a plug in the bottom of the ocean?3. What do jockeys say to their horses?4. How does a newspaper feel about winding up papier-mache?5. How does it feel to be a tree by a freeway?6. Sometimes a violin sounds like a Siamese cat; the first violin strings were made from cat gut. Any connection?7. When is the world going to rear up and scrape us off its back?8. Will we humans eventually intermarry with robots?9. Is a diamond just a piece of coal with patience?10. Did Ella Fitzgerald really break that wine glass with her voice?
Q: What are some sounds you like?A:1. An asymmetrical airline carousel creating a high-pitched haunted voice brought on by the friction of rubbing; it sounds like a big wet finger circling the rim of a gigantic wine glass.2. Street corner evangelists3. Pile drivers in Manhattan4. My wife's singing voice5. Horses coming/trains coming6. Children when school's out7. Hungry crows8. Orchestra tuning up9. Saloon pianos in old westerns10. Rollercoaster11. Headlights hit by a shotgun12. Ice melting13. Printing presses14. Ball game on a transistor radio15. Piano lessons coming from an apartment window16. Old cash registers/Ca Ching17. Muscle cars18. Tap dancers19. Soccer crowds in Argentina20. Beatboxing21. Fog horns22. A busy restaurant kitchen23. Newsrooms in old movies24. Elephants stampeding25. Bacon frying26. Marching bands27. Clarinet lessons28. Victrola29. A fight bell30. Chinese arguments31. Pinball machines32. Children's orchestras33. Trolley bell34. Firecrackers 35. A Zippo lighter36. Calliopes37. Bass steel drums38. Tractors39. Stroh Violin40. Muted trumpet41. Tobacco auctioneers42. Musical saw43. Theremin44. Pigeons45. Seagulls46. Owls47. Mockingbirds48. Doves
The world's making music all the time.
Q: What's scary to you?A:1. A dead man in the backseat of a car with a fly crawling on his eyeball.2. Turbulence on any airline.3. Sirens and search lights combined.4. Gunfire at night in bad neighborhoods.5. Car motor turning over but not starting; it's getting dark and starting to rain.6. Jail door closing.7. Going around a sharp curve on the Pacific Coast Highway and the driver of your car has had a heart attack and died, and you're in the back seat.8. You are delivering mail and you are confronted with a Doberman with rabies growling low and showing teeth -- you have no dog bones and he wants to bite your ass off.9. In a movie, which wire do you cut to stop the time bomb, the green or the blue?10. McCain will win.11. Germans with submachine guns.12. Officers, in offices, being official.13. You fell through the ice in the creek and it carried you downstream, and now as you surface you realize there's a roof of ice.
Q: Tell me about working with Terry Gilliam.A: I am the Devil in the Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus -- not a devil; The Devil. I don't know why he thought of me. I was raised in the church. Gilliam and I met on Fisher King. He is a giant among men and I am in awe of his films. Munchausen I've seen a hundred times. Brazil is a crowning achievement. Brothers Grimm was my favorite film last year. I had most of my scenes with Christopher Plummer (He's Dr. Parnassus). Plummer is one of the greatest actors on earth! Mostly I watch and learn. He's a real movie star and a gentleman. Gilliam is an impresario, captain, magician, a dictator (a nice one), a genius, and a man you'd want in the boat with you at the end of the world.
Q: Give me some fresh song titles you two are working on.A: "Ghetto Buddha," "Waiting For My Good Luck To Come," "I'll Be an Oak Tree Some Day," "In the Cage," "Hell Broke Loose," "Spin The Bottle," "High and Lonesome."
Q: You're going on the road soon, right?A: We're going to PEHDTSCKJMBA (Phoenix, El Paso, Houston, Dallas, Tulsa, St. Louis, Columbus, Knoxville, Jacksonville, Mobile, Birmingham, Atlanta). I have a stellar band: Larry Taylor (upright bass), Patrick Warren (keyboards), Omar Torrez (guitars), Vincent Henry (woodwinds) and Casey Waits (drums and percussion). They play with racecar precision and they are all true conjurers. I'm doing songs with them I've never attempted outside the studio. They are all multi-instrumentalists and they polka like real men. We are the Borman Six and as Putney says, "The Borman Six have got to have soul."
Tags: 5:08 PM ET 05-20-2008 permalink

this is the link to the tom waits interview yourself

http://www.npr.org/blogs/allsongs/2008/05/an_interview_with_tom_waits_by.html?sc=emaf

I still don't get things right sometime- try to take this link for you to retrieve, somehow I messed it up. but here it is, if you can hunt it down.

Tom Waits interviews himself. That's a pretty creative idea. Good stuff.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Vinyl Record Sale this Saturday

Tell your vinyl record enthusiast friends about a great opportunity to browse a stupendously eclectic array of vinyl records this Saturday, at 1739 St. Mary's Ave. (door number 3) at the Children's Home Society of West Virginia. Will be in air conditioned comfort, to keep those vinyl records from warping into creative, pieces of art. Have anyone give me a call at 485-0650 if they have any questions. I have been having these vinyl record sales for several years, and enjoying the chance to meet music lovers from around the area this way. Of course, I have amassed an unbelievably uncontrolled inventory of weird, unsellable vinyl in amongst the great finds and popular ones. This current batch will still allow some great finds for the collector, young and old.
As the week goes on, I will try to give some updates as to what is in store; its a definite work in progress to manage this big selection. I got some weird Beatles record the other day; some Elvis stuff Friday; still have a pretty decent "classic rock" amount from that major donation a few months back. I still have remnants of a primo country music archives from the spring. I know that folks are clamoring for turntables and record players, so the best I can say, is come out, and "network" with others who may help connect you. I gave away the last of the "stuff" (turntables, old record players) a few months back, 'cause we couldn't make 'em work. I still haven't broke out my brand new converting vinyl to CD gizmo, so hopefully this week sometime. I'll be printing off the copies of the national newsletter for vinyl record buffs, with many intriguing website connections. I gave up about a year ago (disappointed by the lack of response!!!) on my efforts to amass a record from all the names that Todd Snider mentions in his song "dusty ol' pile of records" but its always lurking their in the background if anybody wants to help me revive it. I ventured over to that record store in Athens, and could have whittled a few off my list from there, but I was feeling stingy on spending the money, hoping for some trades. Maybe I could have even got Mojo Nixon over there. Or the New York Dolls.

Parkersburg Register article about the Greens

Parkersburg Homecoming Music Profile: The Greens



Written by James Maddox
Tuesday, 05 August 2008
By James MaddoxThe Parkersburg Register Calling themselves one of the best bands you’ve never heard of, blues band The Greens are certainly gaining a following in the region.In a sea of country and bluegrass, this band has stood out among the West Virginia crowd as seriously talented and vibrant with stage and character appeal, and now they’re coming to the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival.This area is not unknown to The Greens, which originated and continues to be headquartered in Morgantown. On Friday, August 1 - marking their return to the area after about a month - the band played a show at the Marietta Brewing Company to an enthusiastic crowd. Bringing an experience that fuses funk, soul, jazz, and - of course - the blues, The Greens produce some of the most artistically fun and creative music that has taken a spotlight in this area for quite some time. “We write original songs that people can feel and relate to,” says the band’s website, and this fact is backed up in their music selection. Simply put: The Greens Rock!With lyrics and songs that are as engaging as they are driven, The Greens are one of those bands that are instantly enjoyable. Unique, quirky, but overly enticing, this band conquers the ears and hearts of the venues they play. The Greens fans are out there, thousands of them, millions of them; the only problem is a lot of these people haven’t yet been introduced to the band’s sounds. But this only takes time and effort. At the pace they’re going, there would be no surprises if The Greens doubled their following by this time next year, especially if they keep the original music coming. With the release of their fifth CD in 2007, Broken Science, Vol. 2, band members Andy Tuck, Nathan Yoke, and Ben Sweeney have delivered an album that showcases their range of musical skill. Just recently, The Greens had gone back to the recording studio and had finished putting down tracks for a new album, and those in the know are curious if any of these new tracks will be played at the Homecoming festival.Regardless, the simple fact that The Greens are on the festival’s schedule knocks the potential “Good times to be had” scale up a few notches.If you haven’t been properly introduced to the sounds of The Greens, stop by their website at http://www.thegreensmusic.com and have a listen. Then, when the time comes, head down to the Parkersburg Homecoming Main Stage on Saturday, August 16, and enjoy some fantastic modern music.

Saturday, August 09, 2008

Greens pix yesterday at the WC Central Credit Union show






















These pictures are compliments of Bill Poole, photographer par excellence, and capture some of the enjoyment of having the Greens play outdoors in a beautiful weather setting (especially for August) and spreading their musical good cheer.

Greens review in the Parkersburg Register

The recently new free newspaper (weekly) around town, the Parkersburg Register (available at local convenience stores, and restuarants, etc.) has a review of the Greens, as a lead up to their performing on the main stage Saturday night. Check it out; see what you think. Before posting this note, I didn't look up to see whether you could access it on the Register's on-line version, probably so. It might be nice for someone to send in a letter to the editor giving feedback for the article, to keep them aware we like coverage like this, and to support the live local music scene in their early months.
It was good to see some of the new version of a Greens t-shirt selling the last few times they've played. Pick one up from Danny at one of the shows, and give him some feedback!

Mountain Stage New song contest/ festival

I hadn't heard much about the new song festival this year. If you recall, a regional contest was held right here in the MOV. This year, the "closest" two are Athens Georgia, and Ann Arbor MIch. Some regional finalists are two folks from Huntington WV in the Athens GA regional this week, and Wes Casto from Marietta OHio in the Ann Arbor Mich. regional finals. The culminating event this year is in Charleston at the Cultural center, on October 11, with the winner performing as part of Mountain Stage on Oct. 12. visit the newsongfestival.com website for more information.

Greens Friday night at the "Row"

The Greens' show at the Front Row Friday night saw the Greens reuniting with a familiar crowd of Greens fans for some fun and frolic. The Greens were in high energy, despite 4 shows in 3 days, and gave the crowd some fun. The Greens get to play around with some songs tempos, etc. when its a familiar audience, and do some off shoot covers, for the fun of it. People enjoying the "stream of consciousness set list" kind of show, lots of dancing and carrying on.
Got to hear a little about the North Carolina gig, and the previous night's 123 Pleasant St. and about some of the details of upcoming shows from Andy and Danny in a pre-gig rest and relaxation. Saw some very nice video footage from 123 Pleasant St. show, that Danny had recorded. Look for its availability sometime.

Friday, August 08, 2008

Greens in the fresh air, nice breeze, and all

The Greens played on a beautiful afternoon with clouds but no threat of rain, breeze enough to keep it fresh; no sweltering august heat- this was a little promotional event for a local credit union "back to college" promo. (West Virginia Central Credit Union). They played an hour set, running through songs like Flippin' thru the pages, 10,000 days, mercy, tunesmith jones, good outdoor, all ages kinds of songs. A steady stream of buddies flowed through, some not knowing about the event, but driving by, etc. The Greens said the show down in North Carolina was fun. Caught up ahead a little with Danny about some upcoming things.
The Greens will be at the Front Row tonight. Back to Marietta Brewing Co. next Friday as part of a long three day event (I think their time slot is 8 pm Friday, but this should be confirmed) and then I also believe their time slot at Parkersburg Homecoming is 8 pm on Saturday.

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Greens on road to NC and back; then on and on

Greens are in NC tonight. Back to Morgantown tomorrow; two shows in Parkersburg Friday.
Andy will likely have a hoarse voice by Saturday morning.
Bill Poole is trying to get them connected up with Intrepid Artists, who book/ promote many of the recent acts coming through the Front Row; Jason Ricci, Walter Trout, Watermelon Slim. Bill must have had a decent conversation with a fellow who stated what they are looking for in acts. Bill was able to pass this on to Andy.

Last Waltz Ensemble

There is this group called Last Waltz Ensemble, who do Dylan and the Band. How did I come upon their my space site? It humbly reminds me (anyone) that any good idea you have, probably someone out there has had. Oh well, if it was still an original idea when you had it, that's still pretty cool. I have become distracted by my lack of a home venue, even for the JOhn PRine birthday tribute and the Neil Young birthday tribute, so I haven't been able to brainstorm my Band tribute concept.

I didn't get to listen to music while traveling today, I had traveling companions and there was full conversation during the whole trip. I want to listen to those Weedhawks CD's sumpin' fierce. I am afraid I NEED a private road trip to listen to them; maybe not................

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Nick Barry at the Woody Guthrie children's music show




Here are a couple of pictures of Nick Barry performing at our Woody Guthrie children's songs show at the CHS store front. I've got some other good ones of Don Howerton and some kids, too, which I'll post soon. These are two of my favorite folks from the younger generation, who are obviously being brought up to appreciate live local music.

a cool looking Mountain stage this sunday night

Mike Gordon, Carrie Rodriguez, Crooked Still and more at Mountain Stage this Sunday evening in Charleston. I haven't been for awhile; been missing it! They are off to Tennessee the following week (Bristol)- I apologize for not having the complete lineup in my mind - if you track me down and ask me in person, I'll know by then.

pictures from our Americana show last week- weedhawks an' all
















Some great shots compliments of Bill Poole; capturing the great night of music from (starting at the top) Todd Burge and Joseph Henry, Nick Barry, and three shots of the weedhawks.
Thanks again to all the musicians for creating a memorable evening of fantastic music; thanks to Bill for arranging the venue; thanks to the sound guys for hanging in their on a tough assignment - especially Todd who was called into extra duty beyond performing!!!
Joseph Henry has a video of "going to columbus" on his my space site- so check that out, too!!!!!

Honky Tonk house concerts

Regular readers know of my intrigue with the house concert phenomena. I stumbled on this link through Jason Wilber's playing some house concerts. It led to a wideranging bunch of good links; which when I was browsing didn't have time to get all the way I wanted with them; but enthusiastically pass this on, for others to follow up on: acousticohio.com
cuervoacres.com misslana.com honkytonkhouseconcerts.com see where these take ya.

john Hiatt's greatest hits the a & m years 87-94

Fred Shreve gave me this CD as a gift from one enthusiastic John Hiatt fan to another. I have been listening to it around town, and enjoying it immensely. Its a little harder with the start and stop of driving around town, instead of a work related road trip. Hiatt has such a great way with words; turns of phrases, observations, images. The music is varied and as always suits him however he wants to take it- a long history of solid delivery. Fred tells of a show he saw in Athens OH where John stole the show from the headliner. Fred was shouting out lines, when no one in the audience knew them.

A new and intriguing development... stay tuned....

The Greens
September, 19 2008 at The Greens Acres Wine & Jam Festival @ The Woodland Zoo Harold Standard Pavilion 3400 National Pike, Farmington, Pennsylvania 15437Cost : TBA
The Greens hosting our very own festival!?! Details TBA... Stay tuned!!!

Greens THIS Friday at the Front Row

Confused yet? The Greens will be playing at the Front Row this Friday: 8/8/8 instead of the 22nd. I guess I'll stop conveying info, since its constantly changing, and I am only serving to confuse people I guess.

Monday, August 04, 2008

Don Baker's August 23 show

August's installment of the "coffee house" is going to see Don Baker performing here at CHS on St. Mary's Ave. Don has played at several of the JOhn Prine birthday tributes, and I have seen him a number of times at local songwriter events that Todd Burge leads. Don writes some songs keen with observation and insight. His voice is enjoyable to listen to, and his guitar playing is smooth. The time of the show is 7 pm; I hope you'll tell some friends, and come see this nice "listening room" atmosphere.

Vinyl Record Sale August 16th

August 16th is national vinyl record day (I think!) So I am having a vinyl record sale here on St. Mary's Ave. in Parkersburg. from 10 am to 3 pm. I will have a big collection to browse through, and since its been awhile, I'll be listening for what kinds of stuff people are looking for. This is an indoor sale, in the air conditioning. 1739 St. Mary's Ave., Parkersburg is the exact location.

Glimmers of possible future music shows at the Front Row

I still can't get a definite read on the dynamics, but I was lead to believe that the Front Row will still consider live music shows into the future. I believe the Greens show on Aug. 22nd is still on the books for instance. I'll have to have Andy or Danny confirm this.

The Greens, by the way, or off to a mid-week trip down to North Carolina this Wednesday the 6th. It will be fun to hear about that whirlwind trip; I think its back in Morgantown the following night, and here in Parkersburg during the day on Friday the 8th.

Watermelon Slim - enthusiastic audience

Watermelon Slim and the Workers gave the audience a great show last night, and the audience responded in kind, with an enthusiastic appreciation. The Front Row (for a Sunday night) saw a good crowd of blues lovers, and those supporting the groups holding the show as a benefit. Watermelon Slim made several references to being a Vietnam Vet, and his rootedness and deep, intriguing set of life experiences comes through strong. He's a captivating performer for sure, with a solid band. They seem to mostly play festivals through this time of year, so a small club must be a major change of pace venue. This was a fine gathering of music lovers for the mid OHio Valley.

Saturday, August 02, 2008

Last show at the Front Row, doncha know......

Tomorrow, Sunday August 3rd, Watermelon Slim returns to the Front Row, for a benefit show with opening acts. Watermelon Slim is slated for 8 pm; Mike Morningstar and the other opening acts start at 5 pm. This is a benefit for the Iraqi veterans, and the mid ohio valley peace initiative. This will be a nostalgic moment remembering the good music over the last years at the Front Row. Look for Bill to stay involved in the local music scene in some way or other.

still relishing the fine Benefit show Thursday night

i'M STILL getting rave reviews for the weedhawks, nick barry, todd burge, joseph henry performances at the americana music series benefit Thursday evening at the Front Row. I think we done good, pulling together a good show for the folks who ventured out. I hope they will still be talking about it long into the future. I got a nice acknowledgment from Bobby Lane. Nick headed off to New Hampshire the day following the show, so it will be a while to thank him, and hope he got a boost toward recording some, and maybe playing a few shows. Todd followed up the next night at the Blennerhassett hotel. The weedhawks are in Athens OH this evening at Jackie O's. I have been too busy with work and such to listen to the CD's I got; I've got a little traveling this week, so I hope I'll be able to give a listen and review as the week unfolds.
Todd had a nice version of "way over yonder in the minor key" (from the Mermaid Ave. work of Billy Bragg and Wilco) at the show. It was amazing the way Nick's songs took people back and were well received, including his encores. Todd and Joseph's back up of Nick on some songs was a nice touch, too.

Tony C "delivers"

I said I'd put that title on a post. Tony Castillo, long time part of the Greens music; video maker, instrument variety expert, etc. is doing his ob/gyn rotation in medical school. He delivered three babies yesterday afternoon, prior to making the trip to Marietta to "deliver" some strong guitar and bass work with the Greens. He used surgeon precision with his instruments.

Greens at MBC last night

The Greens played at the Marietta Brewing Company last night. Tony Castillo joined Andy and Nathan with Ben's absence to attend a wedding. Tony proved versatile, handling both the bass work, and some 6 string electric. There were a few creative excursions where Tony and Andy switched instruments in mid song, trading guitar and bass, keeping the jam going. A new song was introduced during the course of the evening, and because it has been awhile, the set list was very fresh and diverse from the Greens song list. There was an especially strong run with Mercy, Anon, Moving Picture, Thunderwear, somewhere there in the middle, which made an intense run. Country Maestro came near the end, part of a last drive that kept the crowd calling for more. THE Greens are part of a three day blitz of music at the MBC on the 15-17- with a long list of music performers- stay tune for details, of when the Greens are on- this is also the weekend of Homecoming in Parkersburg.

Friday, August 01, 2008

Greens tonight at Marietta Brewing Company

HOpefully there will be a nice turnout to see the Greens return to the Mid OHio Valley tonight, up in Marietta. There should be some eager Greens Fans after a "hiatus" of over a month from the area. Come on out and see the Fellahs, before they are all moved up to the Morgantown area; Nathan is moving up there after this weekend.

New Parkersburg area Greens show announced


Thanks to Sara for letting me know about this afternoon outdoor Greens opportunity in the Parkersburg area, at the Credit Union where she works (the one on Murdoch near the Big Sandy furniture store)- next Friday, the 8th at 2 pm the Greens will be playing as part of a college back to school thing.

Weedhawks prolific CD action

Bobby gave me 5 of the Weedhawks CD's- so look for some reviewing over time. These self produced CD's are so ridiculously packed with music you can hardly believe it. They've got 28 songs, 19 songs, 15 songs, 22 songs, and 16 songs on them! They played a lot of these last night, but there are so many more one's head will be a spinnin'. Go out and see them tonight in MOrgantown, tomorrow night in Athens, Ohio; and check out their myspace for future shows.

2 great live music shows last night; one at a time

We had two GREAT live music shows last night for Children's HOme Society of WV. I'll just have to feed out some reviews of them a little at a time- kinda tired out this morning!!! Lots of people to thank and all that, too. Thanks to the musicians most of all: Don Howerton for the children's show, Nick Barry for both shows, Todd Burge and Joseph Henry, and the Weedhawks, Bobby and Ruby Jean. They all poured their heart and soul into the music, and created a great evening for all the attendees. Thanks to Corey and JT (and Bill and Todd) for the sound work; it was a grueling night for them, but they mastered it, and pulled it off. Thanks to the CHS staff who worked so hard on the children's show here at the office. And thanks yet again, to the Front Row for hosting the evening show.
Thanks to all who came out to enjoy live music, and support our agency's work. I think we gave you a great bargain!!! That was a night of music for the ages- when Todd, Joseph, Nick, and the Weedhawks cranked out some great music. The kids music was a great hit, we had a big crowd of families enjoying some food, music, games, and it came together well.