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SAN DIEGO ROUBADOUR Alternative country, Americana, roots, Tfolk, gospel, and bluegrass music news

June 2003 Vol. 2, No. 9

what’s inside

Welcome Mat………3 Mail Box Mission Statement Contributors

Full Circle..…………4 Bart Mendoza Lou Curtiss

Front Porch…………6 Owen Burke Los Alacranes Deborah Liv Johnson Cotton Patch Gospel

Parlor Showcase...…8 Dead Rock West

Ramblin’ …………10 Bluegrass Corner Radio Daze José Sinatra Paul Abbott

Of Note.……………12 Dan Connor Crystal Yoakum Sven-Erik Seaholm Kentucky Mountain Music Clarence White AD ‘Round About ...... …13 DE Ranthouse The Firehouse K June Music Calendar ROC The Local Seen……15 Photo Page T WES

Happy Father’s Day! Phil Harmonic Sez:

new quote to come You grow up the day you have the first real laugh . . . at yourself.

— Ethel Barrymore San Diego Troubadour • June 2003

welcomewelcome matmat

SAN DIEGO ROUBADOUR Alternative country, Americana, roots, MAILBOX Tfolk, gospel, and bluegrass music news Dear Troubadour, going to play guitar I needed to MISSION CONTRIBUTORS Thank you for the article on be able to sing. When I showed To promote, encourage, and Indian Joe Stewart. It was great some interest in writing my own provide an alternative voice for PUBLISHER to see him get a little credit for songs, he helped me take my the great local music that is Lyle Duplessie all he has done in and for the jumbled high school thoughts generally overlooked by the mass media; namely the genres EDITOR local music scene. When I was in and turn them into something of folk, country, roots, Ellen Duplessie high school, I took guitar worth listening to. Today, This book is dedicated to Americana, gospel, and blue- singing and writing songs are “Indian Joe” Stewart. You lessons from Joe. Somehow, it grass. To entertain, educate, and GRAPHIC DESIGN taught me to play, insisted doesn’t seem right to call them such a huge part of my life that I bring together players, writers, Liz Abbott that I sing, and encouraged just “guitar” lessons though can’t imagine what I’d be doing and lovers of these forms; to because he taught me much if I hadn’t had Joe’s encourage- me to write. you gave me explore their foundations; and to PHOTOGRAPHY more than that: he taught me to ment. the tools for a life in music expand the audience for these Mildred Moreno and I am forever grateful. be a musician and he helped me I’m not the only one that ben- types of music. DISTRIBUTION keep my head screwed on efitted from Joe’s instruction. In Thanks again for sharing Joe’s To receive advertising rates and Kent Johnson high school, most of my music- straight during some turbulent stories with your readers. Keep information, call 619/298-8488 or playing friends took Ellen Duplessie years. up the good work! e-mail [email protected]. Every week Joe would arrive at lessons from Joe. Some of them ADVERTISING my house right on time, dressed got into songwriting like I did, Sincerely, San Diego Troubadour P.O. Box 164 Kent Johnson and others took off on different Steve Denyes from head to toe in leather, with La Jolla, CA 92038 Ellen Duplessie hair down to his waist and his musical tangents. A few years E-mail: [email protected]. eyes still watering from the back, I was included on a Belly WRITERS E motorcycle ride from Ramona. Up local music compilation Paul Abbott For the next hour (or longer, if album. Talking with the other Lou Curtiss WRITE TO US! SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR, the we got into something really musicians at the release party, local source for alternative Ellen Duplessie good) we’d work on we figured out that about half of We want to hear from you! country, Americana, roots, folk, Lyle Duplessie us had taken lessons from Joe at guitar, bass, singing, or song- Send your comments, gospel, and bluegrass music Phil Harmonic one point or another. feedback, and suggestions to: news, is published monthly and writing. Joe would also give me Paul Hormick hints on how to get gigs, deal Today, it has all come full [email protected] is free of charge. Letters to the Dave Ish with flaky band members, and circle. I have some young or to San Diego Troubadour, editor must be signed and may Frederick Leonard how the music business worked. students of my own. We work P.O. Box 164, La Jolla, CA be edited for content. It is not, No matter how lazy I’d been or on the basics of playing guitar, 92038-0164. however, guaranteed that they Jim McInnes will appear. burned out I was before my singing, and songwriting. José Sinatra lesson, I was always fired up by Whenever I can, I try to pass on All opinions expressed in SAN Gus Williker the time our hour was up. those pearls of wisdom that I DIEGO TROUBADOUR, unless Robert Woerheide One of the things that I can’t got from Indian Joe. otherwise stated, are solely the D. Dwight Worden opinion of the writer and do not thank Joe enough for is the I recently wrote a book about John Philip Wyllie represent the opinions of the encouragement to sing and the lives of working musicians. staff or management. All rights In fact, it is at the printer as I am write songs. He told me from reserved. our first lesson that if I was writing this letter. The dedica- tion page reads as follows: ©2003 San Diego Troubadour.

DARK THIRTY PRODUCTIONS IS PROUD TO PRESENT

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l l Bart Mendoza: o Keeper of the Sound by Lyle Duplessie there he learned guitar. But his Bangles, Jellyfish, and other interest in music goes as far back as glitterati of the day would make it art Mendoza is a local boy his memory will take him. As their business to be a part of the and mighty proud of it. He Mendoza recollects, he has always action. These concerts became a loves this town and is driven been surrounded by music. The much anticipated yearly event right B radio or record player was up through1998. He too was to tell its musical stories. His knowledge of San Diego music, constantly on in his boyhood home. the integral person behind the both past and present, not to His parents were quite fond of Staring at the Sun compilation mention rock/pop history in Bobby Darin, Sinatra (that’s Frank, albums and annually works general is encyclopedic. He’s been not José), Dean Martin, and all the with Kevin Hellman on the writing about our local music for pop classics of the ’40s and ’50s. San Diego Music Awards. more than 20 years. If you’ve been Coming from a Spanish-speaking He is currently involved in following S.D. music for that long home and raised bilingual, he had an ambitious project to you’re sure to have read his reviews, the added benefit of listening to and compile and catalog all, Every square inch of Mendoza’s apartment is stuffed with music commentaries, observations, and learning from Latino music. repeat all, music artists who memorabilia, photos, CDs, books, 45s, and music posters. recommendations in the Union Having read his articles and ever came out of San Diego! Tribune, Kicks, Slamm, or countless heard his music I wanted to spend Touring has played a other English and even Spanish some time with the man. I corralled major part in Mendoza’s life since publications. Mendoza has an him in his hip Hillcrest flat one entering the music fray. He proudly amazing grasp of facts and details dreary Friday afternoon. Out front states that he’s been a road warrior on all eras of rock/pop history. was parked his very cool Vespa, a from Tijuana to London and Though barely two years old when bold statement to one and all that beyond. His bands have shared the Ed Sullivan introduced the Beatles his sympathies still lie with the bill with such notables as the to America on February 9, 1964, he Mods. His place is adorned with Bangles, General Public, the is a bona fide authority on the Fab musical trophies of all varieties — Romantics, and the Untouchables. Four and the countless groups, both records, posters, pins, pictures, His performance highlights even American and foreign, that followed clothing items, toys, momentos. include a gig at London’s premiere in their wake. One giant bookcase We’re not talking clutter — rather, Marquee Club. Mendoza currently in his living room is devoted solely his home is a veritable museum of plays guitar, sings, and writes music to the Beatles. He confesses, documented, catalogued, rock and with the Shambles. If you haven’t however, that he only first saw A pop historical artifacts. Moreover, had the opportunity to experience Hard Day’s Night in 1972. But being he can relate a colorful rock ‘n’ roll the Shambles live or on disc they’re introduced to the group at this rela- story about each item in his a must, particularly if you’re into tively late date has only given him a collection. classic Beatlesque sounds. But true greater desire to go back in time Mendoza began writing in to the old adage that prophets aren’t Manual Scan in 1983 (l to r): Mendoza, Brad Wilkins, Kevin Donaker, Tony Saurez. and learn more about the band and 1980 out of a sense of frustration welcome in their own town, the its immeasurable influence. with all the factual inaccuracies in Shambles have received much more with a local connection from the Bart Mendoza remains an Bart Mendoza is a very so many of the articles he had read. recognition abroad than at home. In past four decades, performed by a extremely busy San Diego music complex, accomplished, and multi- He soon began his own publication, fact so popular are the Shambles in diverse mix of local artists including man. Though his interests might faceted character. There’s Mendoza Sound Effects. The publication ran Europe that a tribute album is in José Sinatra, Gregory Page, the rest with San Diego’s past and the learned musical historian and through ten annual issues. Factual the works, with songs from their Royaltones, Rachael Gordon, Mark present music history, one thing is musicologist; the gifted player, integrity had to anchor every article four CDs, translated into languages Decerbo, Derek Duplessie, Stellita certain — his continual contribu- musician, singer, and lyricist; the that he put his pen to, and that as diverse as Spanish to Lindgren, the Shambles, Rookie tions are sure to earn him a future phenomenally perceptive, insightful remains the trademark of Mendoza’s Czechoslovakian. Card, the Stereotypes, the Truckee place among this town’s music interpreter of popular musical taste; writing. This month Mendoza is put- Brothers, and more. Catch this atar- notables. the sociologist who can see social If he’s not writing about music, ting together a Tribute to San studded show on June 27, 8pm, at meaning behind rock’s many faces Mendoza is usually busy making Diego Music, featuring hit songs Dizzy’s, 344 7th Ave., San Diego. and phases. Then there is the more music happen. He was a key figure practical nuts and bolts Mendoza — in creating the retro-’60’s renais- the show promoter and publicity sance music scene in San Diego man; the producer/production man- during the mid-’80s. Bands like the ager; the product distribution per- Tell Tale Hearts and Manual Scan son. He’s been up to his ears in were at the vanguard of this very every aspect of the music business hip, underground So-Cal move- for years. Mendoza is one writer ment. Also in ’84, Mendoza initiated who has earned his credibility and the New Sounds benefit concerts. knows of what he speaks. Up to 35 bands would play on two Mendoza graduated from La stages at these happenings. When Jolla High School in 1980. While word got out about these concerts, bandmates from the Smiths, the

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e’re going to tune from had to spin at 78 people attend the Folk W dwell a little bit rpm. Ballad collectors insist Heritage ROOTS music this time around that a variant of the song events, the bluegrass music on this ROOTS thing. I use be in Francis James Child’s events, and the times a it a lot. I do a Jazz Roots collection of ballads (1840s) ROOTS artist gets into one radio show. I do an Adams or Cecil Sharp’s Folksongs of of the bigger clubs, it’s usu- Avenue Roots Festival. the Southern Appalachians, ally pretty successful. Mostly you can surmise Theaters have been success- what ROOTS is all about if ful with ROOTS music- you just attend or based plays (like San listen, but in case Diego Rep’s Fire you want it on the from the Mountain mule’s mentioned mouth, above here’s and the Lou Curtiss what I recent answered play ROOTS artists play regularly except for three years. If the last about at the Adams Avenue Roots you appreciate what I do in time some blues Festival, but there isn’t a putting the festivals folks asked. singer club in the Adams Avenue together, I’d sure appreciate That was at a Alberta area that features a ROOTS your help in getting the gathering of San Hunter). So why music night or books record of those three festi- Diego Rep support- isn’t there more regular ROOTS artists. Why vals for our archives. From ers, introducing the play ROOTS music performed in hell not? Why doesn’t the festival in 2000 I need Fire on the Mountain, which in San Diego clubs and bars someone open a club called Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Alice is a lot about ROOTS music or Vance Randolph’s Ozark and coffee houses? I get so ROOTS that features all Stuart, Paul Geremia, D.L. and thought. My answer is Folksongs. Fortunately, most tired of dumb lyrics and kinds of ROOTS music Menard, Big Jim Griffith, pretty simple because it’s song collectors aren’t that bad accompaniment. (cajun, blues, old-timey, and anything else you about all kinds of music, rigid and a lot of good There’s so much good Irish, bluegrass, western might have. For 2001 I but mostly it’s about where ROOTS music survives music out there. A lot of swing, honky-tonk country, need most anything and that music’s been. For because someone hears it, ROOTS music is even in the Tejaño, Norteño, Native likewise for 2003 (especially some, ROOTS is what was likes it, learns it, and sings it public domain, so don’t let American, traditional folk, Mark Spoelstra, John popular last year or five, 10, to someone else who passes anybody sell you on this old-time jazz, vaudeville, Adams, Faith Petric, and or 100 years old. I know it along. “you’ve got to do your own ethnic world music, and lots Mike Seeger). Please help if old-time fiddlers who won’t Okay, we’ve got ROOTS stuff” crap. Now, don’t get more). At least some of the you can (on VHS). play a tune unless it’s older me wrong. Locally, a lot of established. We know what Roots Festival attendees Thanks, than 1900 and they make a it is. We know that 75,000 people write and perform would support it, I’m sure. Lou Curtiss point of finding out. I know to 100,000 people turn out really good stuff, but so Come on, high rollers, give others who insist that the for the Adams Avenue Roots many who seem to work ROOTS a chance! recording they learneda Festival every April, and regularly are really mediocre, while some of Recordially, the really good musicians Lou Curtiss only work occasionally. I A Note from Old guess that’s because some Brother Lou Curtiss! are really pushy and know how to get gigs (maybe For 30-odd years, I’ve that’s their God-given kept a tape record and, talent) while so many more recently, a video others care more about the record of the Adams music they play than where Avenue Roots Festival. I they play it. Several fine have almost everything

5 June 2003 • San Diego Troubadour frontfront porchporch Owen Burke Takes Bass Evolution a Giant Step Backward

by Lyle Duplessie and stringed-instrument makers of ments is when recently the past 500 years. Using many of someone unwittingly t Java Joe’s old Ocean the same time-tested methods, as remarked, “ I didn’t Beach digs on Bacon well as some tools of over a know they made Street hung some century old, Burke is crafting the instruments like Adrop-dead gorgeous bass guitars finest, distinctive, and playable this two adorning the walls adjacent to the instruments around. hundred years stage. If you were there, you Burke credits his passion for ago!” would have seen them. To the making his bass guitars to his par- All casual eye they were very ents. Though interior decorators, basses attractive wall hangings. But these not instrument builders, they nev- appear to instruments were more than mere ertheless instilled in him a love for be on the decoration. They represent fine old-styled wood working short-scale functional art at its finest. These design and building techniques. side but are designed basses are the work of Owen Maybe it was because there were to use readily available Burke (a.k.a. Buddy Pastel, Junior) always piles of furniture-design long-scale, flat-wound strings. the steady, sardonic drummer in magazines all over the house. This They are made fretless, semi-fret- Troy Dante’s Inferno. Besides same love has transferred over ted (fretted to the fifth fret), and shaped basses are referred to as being a craftsman behind the into his instrument building. fully fretted. Moreover, they are Stradavincis or Strads for short, skins, Burke is also a craftsman These basses have to be “bowable” if you want that classic while all other shapes are part of behind the workbench. examined up close and handled to string ensemble sound. The bass- the La Jolla series. At first glance Burke’s basses be fully savored. From afar they es he works on currently are con- Burke describes himself as a are reminiscent of the famous appear as delicate creations. In structed from exotic tropical hard- “compulsive re-designer.” He Hofner violin-bodied “Beatle” reality they are very sturdy and woods, but a more affordable searches the marketplace for bass guitar. That is where the built well enough to become a model built from north American what’s not there and then attempts similarity ends. Burke isn’t copying treasured family heirloom for gen- hardwood is in the works. All to fill the void. Indeed, nothing like that classic design. Rather he is erations to come. Hand-carved instruments can be quickly Burke’s basses currently exist, trying to capture that sense of scrolling around beautifully converted for left-handed players. while their hand-built quality and old-world craftsmanship in each designed headstocks, graceful In time Burke envisions producing one-of-a-kind uniqueness is of his wonderful creations. The bodies, and aged finishes give instruments for the most discrimi- downright captivating. As Burke man has done his homework, each bass an antique appeal. In nating customers while designing puts it, “The musical instrument is having researched the techniques fact, a compliment paid to the a line that’s accessible to kids in such a great product to redesign used by Europe’s legendary violin design and quality of these instru- junior high school. Burke’s violin- since you can go up and down the evolutionary scale.” Burke has had one of his beauties accepted for judging, and hopefully for display, at the Los Alacranes Mission upcoming Del Mar Fair. He’s also in the process of finding a new Spawns New CD shop that can accommodate walk-in customers. He is currently narrowing down dozens of by John Philip Wyllie labored to gain respect in this country. designs to end up with four Sanchez channels his feelings into his standard production models. ack in 1976 when Ramon music. Burke wants his basses to “Chunky” Sanchez and his “It has been a struggle [to stay brother Ricardo broke away together for 27 years],” Sanchez have a magical quality all their from the band they had been a part of explained. “People have their everyday own. As Burke puts it, “I want my toB form Los Alacranes, neither of them lives and their families. We have given instruments to trigger in the had any idea they might still be people breaks over the years, but they musician’s mind a new pocket of performing together some 27 year eventually come back. This is a part of inspiration for hearing and doing later. But like a majestic river, Los their lives and something they feel Alacranes keeps flowing along. they have to do. It’s like our mission,” things musically that had never “Los Alacranes (which released its he added. Miguel Lopez, “Chunky” Sanchez, Ricardo Sanchez,, and Don Guero Knapp occurred to them before.” fourth album In Good Company last Sanchez’s brother Ricardo (guitar, If you’d like to check out month) has always been based on accordion, and backing vocals) and drew a large crowd and held its finish it in English without even think- Burke’s basses a few prototypes music directed at our (Barrio Logan) bandmates Don Guero Knapp (gui- attention with a combination of skillful ing.” To Sanchez’s way of thinking, it is are on display at Muzik Muzik in El community and the things that were taron and backing vocals), and Miguel musicianship, soothing vocal like having the best of both worlds. Cajon. You can also visit his web happening around us,” said the band’s Lopez (harp) keep coming back for the harmonies, and an amusing stage “There is nothing like having site lead singer and principal songwriter, same reason that many of the band’s presence. Los Alacranes entertained choices and the beauty in living here (http://owenburke.tripod.com/burk “Chunky” Sanchez. “Cesar Chavez was local fans have remained supportive: the crowd with cuts from their new on the border is the advantage in being estringedinstruments.html) or active at that time and so was the the music. CD as well as selections from their bilingual and bicultural. You can e-mail him for an appointment at MEChA student movement. There “I prefer playing live,” Sanchez previous three. express yourself in more ways than were a variety of different political said. “That way you are dealing direct- Sanchez feels fortunate to have one and you can understand people’s [email protected]. activities going on then and they all ly with the people, but recording is spent the majority of his life living in suffering in more ways than one. You influenced our music.” important because you need to docu- bilingual and bicultural San Diego. take that, put it into a song and shout Chavez, of course, is no longer ment what you do. When the audience “There was a time when we it back to the people and they can see with us and Sanchez is many years is into it, they feed energy back to you. couldn’t speak good English and we themselves in the music. Hopefully, it removed from his adolescence when It makes you perform more vibrantly.” mixed up some of the words, but low will give them some inspiration to he lived in Blythe and toiled as a farm Vibrantly is exactly how Los and behold those (“Spanglish”) words continue the struggle to better their worker. His heart, however, still burns Alacranes performed at the Adams are still used today in the barrio as a lives.” For additional information visit for the causes that he has always held Avenue Roots Festival in April. Singing means of communication. People will www.losalacranes.com. dear and for the people who have in both Spanish and English, the band often begin a phrase in Spanish and

6 San Diego Troubadour • June 2003 frontfront porchporch

Deborah Liv Johnson Runs Her Own Show by Paul Hormick sparse arrangements, so I’m are there, but hold on to your completely exposed. There is seat during the barnburner s she sits among the nowhere to hide.” She thought “Chickenbone.” As with her boxes, labels, and that a small audience, maybe other disks, she chose some of A envelopes of her one- only her parents, would be San Diego’s top musicians to woman enterprise, Deborah interested in this disk, but it join her. Henkel plays all the Liv Johnson rues the work has become her most success- funky slide guitar, Duncan needed for her independence. ful to date. “There is a great Moore is on drums, and Kevin “I spend 90 percent of my time source of comfort in these Hennessy is on bass. Dennis on the business end of it,” she songs,” she says. Fans buy this Caplinger plays a number of says, regretting that she can’t recording by the handful at instruments, Peggy Watson spend more time on her music. her concerts because it makes sings harmony, and Dave She heads her own business, an appealing gift. Curtis adds piano and guitar. handling production, distribu- For The Good and Bad of It, As far as the future is con- tion, and marketing of her Johnson says, “I wanted to cerned, Johnson sees herself music, because large record have something with more of branching out to include more companies are uninterested. a blues flavor.” She asked international sales and per- They can’t fit her into a Robin Henkel, local blues leg- formances. The disk of hymns She sees herself working in America is listening, even prepackaged, homogenized, end, to co-produce the disk, sells well in Taiwan. Johnson Europe, where, she says, “they Europe and Taiwan. Why not “safe” product for sales. and much of it has a gritty, says the Taiwanese appreciate are more inclined to listen to the record labels? “When I perform a con- funky flavor. The sweet ballads the hymns’ beautiful melodies. and appreciate singer-song- cert, it’s really eclectic. I like to writer material.” do originals. I like to do jazz standards. I might throw in a hymn or two. I mix it up so it’s interesting for me and the audience,” says Johnson. Her Cotton Patch Gospel: recordings reflect this eclectic mix. Among the originals on her second disk, The Cowboys A RIP-SNORTIN’ VISUAL AND MUSICAL FEAST of Baja Have Stolen My Heart, is a soulful cover of Hoagie original compositions. He has great fun for the Buskers as it pro- Carmichael’s “Georgia on my opened shows for Dizzie Gillespie, vides a chance to really hone their John McLaughlin, Bonnie Raitt, Dr. singing skills within a different Mind.” The Beatles’ “Let It Be” John, Roy Rogers, Arlo Guthrie, context. In addition, they faced closes her most recent disk, and a host of others. the challenge of creating a dobro The Good and Bad of It. Don Hickox is considered by score for Robin Henkel, since the Johnson says that people many to be one of the area’s top original Harry Chapin music had enjoy her mix of music, but bluegrass fiddlers, having played no dobro. “the record promoters hate it; with San Diego’s foremost blue- The show is directed by the record labels hate it.” grass bands. His innovative phras- Deborah Gilmour Smyth, with Record companies have ing and hard-driving bluegrass musical direction by Vanda knocked on her door, but approach to the instrument are Eggington. These two have the “they only wanted my voice,” sure to get your toe-tapping, while chops and experience to weave she says. She is unwilling to be his singing stands out with the together a production that allows Buskers and in the play. As the the actors and the music to soar pigeonholed into a product, so Scene from Cotton Patch Gospel only veteran of a prior Lambs and really grip the audience. Mike she goes to her office, opens up the room with energy, out- Players performance of Cotton Buckley’s set design is authentic as the mail, sends out the pack- by D. Dwight Worden standing instrumentation, and Patch Gospel, Hickox brings a depth are costumes designed by Jeanne ages, and makes a living. June 4 through July 20, compelling vocals. of experience that adds solidity to Reith, with lighting by Nate As a songwriter, Johnson rom San Diego acoustic music Those who attend the show the musical portion of the show. Peirson completing the package for has no definite composing fans will have the opportu- will be treated to some fine three- Steve Peavey, the youngest an experience that draws the audi- process. She says, “There are nity to experience a great, toe-tap- and four-part harmony singing in band member at 24, is the Buskers ence into the spirit of the times. songs where it all comes at pingF musical play presented by the addition to their usual outstanding wunderkind, whose talent is prodi- Cotton Patch Gospel features once, and there might be other Lambs Players Theatre. The show is instrumentation. Many San Diego gious. Peavey placed in the finals some of San Diego’s top acting tal- times where I may work on a a riveting Southern-style retelling Troubadour readers know the mem- of a national guitar competition, ent, including Ryan Drummond, piece of music for some time.” of gospel stories set in rural bers of the Buskers as some of the playing finger-style guitar and his Mark Christopher Lawrence, and own fretless guitar, and with equal Rick Meads, veterans who deliver She develops her own arrange- Georgia, spiced with unforgettable region’s finest musical talents. virtuosity he plays mandolin, elec- top-of-their-game performances. If ments by ear. “I don’t think songs and music by the late, great Ken Dow has played both the upright and electric bass for more tric guitar, acoustic guitar, key you like great acoustic music, you about it; it just comes,” she Harry Chapin. It’s an upbeat, down-home country good time than 20 years, having graduated boards, and anything else with will love the way this play and says. And it comes from her that rocks with acoustic drive. from UCSD’s music program where strings. Peavey is also a talented these actors and musicians bring roots, which go back to the fif- The music is delivered with he studied with world-renowned flamenco and Irish music player. these timeless stories to life. teenth century. Her father was infectious energy by San Diego’s bassist Bert Turetsky. Dow has In Cotton Patch Gospel he proves he Cotton Patch Gospel a Lutheran minister, and she 7th Day Buskers, comprised of toured all over Europe and the can sing as well as play. Keep your June 4-July 26 spent her youth listening to bandleader Shawn Rohlf on vocals, U.S., playing jazz, classical, funk, eye on this young man! Lamb’s Players Theatre A veteran of many prior 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado the hymns of the church, banjo, harmonica, and acoustic folk, hip-hop, soul, blues, blue- 619/437-0600 musical plays, including among some of which echo Bach, guitar; Don Hickox on fiddle and grass, rock, and music that defies www.lambsplayers.org Handel, and their contempo- vocals; Ken Dow on vocals and conventional classification, work- others the Lambs Players produc- tion of Smoke on the Mountain, raries. She is not surprised upright bass; Robin Henkel on ing with a vast array of distin- Shawn Rohlf’s talents include when people tell her that they dobro and vocals; and Steve guished artists that include Brian May and Roger Taylor (Queen), songwriting as well as acting and hear the melodies and har- Peavey on guitar, mandolin, and vocals. The critically acclaimed Peter Sprague (Chick Correa, Al performing (he is an award-win- monies of hymns and church Buskers, who have two successful Jareau),two-time Tony Award-win- ning vocalist), with a variety of music in her songs. CD releases under their belt, are ner Des McAnuff, and others.Withowsshenginepr i Busheofs ngbutfst notkeronlhwelhisvoi yass. ce, sl odif . l ousgil kisbas s musical endeavors under his belt. She recorded an entire CD known for their innovative and Robin Henkel has been a San He leads the Buskers, supplying of hymns, titled Softly and compelling brand of acoustic Diego blues and dobro legend for much original material for the Tenderly. Johnson says, “It was music. These seasoned, talented years. Last year he played with the group, and plays an excellent gui- the most vocally challenging musicians have developed into a San Diego Symphony, presenting tar, banjo, and harmonica. For thing I’ve ever recorded. I did tight, well-oiled group that lights classic delta blues and one of his Rohlf, the play is a challenge and The 7th Day Buskers

7 June 2003 • San Diego Troubadour parlor showcase

full circle by Robert Woerheide

istening to Dead Rock encounter that had implications West’s first self-titled EP, it’s beyond what either could guess. L hard to believe that the Frank recalls, “I heard Cindy’s songs on it were little more than voice and . . . there’s just some- experimentation “to see,” as Frank thing about it. It’s feminine and Drennen put it, “if we dug what masculine at the same time: it’s we heard.” It’s pretty hard strong, yet feminine.” They not to dig what you hear only had to sing together when you listen to their once to realize their united music. Technically the potential. This genuine EP is only a demo, but musical moment makes me in reality, it’s an album think of the first time in its own right: it glows Crosby, Stills and Nash sang with unpretentious emotion and together in the kitchen of Mama superb musicianship. Even on a Cass’ Laurel Canyon home one first listen, it’s easy to see that sunny southern California day. Dead Rock West has a lot to offer Some singers are meant to be together it seems. Cindy and Frank are no exception. For their own part, each is an accomplished musician, trained by experience as much as theory. Cindy was a member of Starbelly, and Frank a member of the Troubled Sleepers, Loam, and the Hatchet Brothers (the latter of which he is still a member) when music today. There’s absolutely no the two singers combined ranks. doubt about it. Cindy is an accomplished session “Dead Rock West is all about singer: performing on Rickie Lee good songs and good singing,” Jones’ upcoming album, as well an article [whose] title was ‘Dead and listen to the words and what Frank tells me as we make our as on Tom Brosseau’s; recording Rock West,’ and the whole article we’re talking about—we’re talking way down Adams Avenue for an vocals for popular television was slagging the whole West about real struggle with daily liv- evening interview. Still, there’s shows on the Warner Coast music scene. And just say- ing. We’re not bullshitting you; a lot more to their story Brothers network; and ing how miserable it is. In the we’re not trying to pull the wool than just that. Together, working regularly with back of my mind I went, that’s a over your eyes. We’re just trying Frank Lee Drennen and Gregory Page. Although really cool name. But let’s face it, to talk about real emotions.” Their Cindy Wasserman have they alone are Dead the West Coast is the birthplace of vocals aren’t bad either. In fact, managed to create some- Rock West, they are bands like the Buffalo Springfield listening to their demos, the thing altogether unique in proud to work often with and Neil Young and the Byrds and vocals seem flawless, which is not Dead Rock West. What’s more, bassist David Carpenter, drummer X. There are so many bands that an easy thing to accomplish when they’ve managed to do it while Evan Stone, and musician Gregory come from here. And you know, you have two lead singers. “It’s a maintaining the kind of artistic Page. They adapt, performing Cindy and I are both California difficult thing to do,” Frank integrity that is so difficult to sus- comfortably as an acoustic duo or natives—and we’re proud to be.” admits. Yet they manage to do it, tain these days. And yes, in the as part of a full rock ensemble. At times, California even to combine harmonies that are in end it is about good songs and “We’re doing everything we serves as inspiration for good singing. can,” Frank tells me as the them, and the western They were each members of early summer light begins theme—while not their own groups when they met to fade from the sky. Our forced—is often part of one another—a chance singing group has the outdoor patio their music. “The music to ourselves—a little corner has references to the of Karma—and I barely notice desert and to the west coast . the change in light. . . about living out here.” “Tell me about the name, Dead So what is it that makes Dead Rock West. What’s that all about?” Rock West stand out from the I ask. crowded music scene today? “Our Frank grins. “There’s an inter- songs have real blood and guts to esting story,” he says “and I’m them,” Frank says, and it’s hard going to tell you the truth. A not to believe him. “You can sing number of years back I read . . . along [to our songs], but if you sit

8 San Diego Troubadour • June 2003 parlorparlor showcaseshowcase

DEADDEAD

away as New York City. “We’re not going to wait around for a record company to say, ‘Okay, ROCKROCK make some music.’” Dead Rock West is doing something worthy of attention. “We just put [the music] out there and let the listener decide. We’re WESTWEST not reinventing the wheel,” Frank says. Perhaps not, but they cer- tainly are reexamining it. In the process, they’ve managed to grow from roots of punk, rock ‘n’ roll, Seeks the Mother Lode folk, and classic country—to take those roots and to make music that transcends all such cate- gories. In the end it is about good songwriting and good singing. Their music does more to commu- around. What was it that made ple feel that way. It used to be nicate on a personal level than performing worthwhile to them? about saving the world because most polished, record-label music “For me, it’s about the cama- that’s what I wanted to do,” Frank today. Maybe it’s the quality of raderie of music,” Cindy says. “I continues. “Now I know that the their music, or maybe it’s the love all the people that I meet. world’s going to hell in a hand- warm spirit they bring to that There’s that feeling that you can’t basket, so I might as well just music. Whatever it is, Dead Rock describe . . . when you touch deal within my own sphere.” It’s West has got it right—amazingly someone, connect with someone a bold statement in a world where right. and have someone [respond to it’s easy to get caught up—and that]. It becomes bigger than even get bogged down—by poli- and of themselves melodies. It’s a yourself, you’re connecting to tics. But Dead Rock West isn’t talent that adds unexpected something and it’s a boomerang unsympathetic to the political dimension to their music, effect: it goes to the audience realm and the impact it has on complimenting their style and kind of comes back to people today. Frank explains, “I without dominating it. you.” don’t want to say that politics Somehow, nothing “It’s the same for aren’t important. They just sounds contrived. me,” Frank agrees. “The haven’t found their way into our For two people camaraderie is a really songs. We certainly feel for the who have been great thing—especially world and what’s going on, but involved in performing when you’re a struggling [we’re about] changing the music for so many years, musician, just struggling world one person at a time and who still consider themselves to get by. At a certain as opposed to making struggling musicians, I was curi- point, when the ‘sex, broad statements.” ous about what kept them coming drugs and rock ‘n’ When I ask about roll’ thing wears off, future albums in the you know, if there’s works, Franks explains, not something deeper in “We’re looking for a you that’s satisfied by mak- record deal, and in the ing the music and playing live, meantime, we’re doing it all our- you’re going to stop. And a lot of selves.” It seems to me the record people do. But for me it’s hugely deal should be looking for them. satisfying to do what people that I For now, they play shows when- looked up to [did], how they ever they can: in San Diego, Los made me feel, to make other peo- Angeles, San Francisco, and as far

9 June 2003 • San Diego Troubadour

ramblin’ramblin’

Radio Daze Bluegrass Corner by Jim McInnes One Night at an Arkansas Roadhouse

y wife, Sandi, is a native by D. Dwight Worden San Diego Repertory Theater, Horton www.local1000.com/pdf/carryon.pdf San Diegan, but most of Plaza. This great play from America’s and download a copy of the TSA BLUEGRASS MUSIC her relatives are heartland presents great acting and directive, put it in your case, and show M Southerners, primarily from Arkansas. Bluegrass music is characterized acoustic music while telling the story it to the next airline person who tries A dozen years ago we went down by “high lonesome” singing, usually of Appalachian coal miners. For tick- to insist that you must check your to Fayetteville, Arkansas, so I could with a strong lead voice singing the ets and information, go to: instrument. While the TSA does not meet the family . . . and they were melody, complemented by a high tenor http://www.sandiegorep.com/. say which instruments can be carried (third above the lead) and a baritone MUSICIANS! Sandi’s dad, Warren, August 22-24: Summergrass San on, presumably guitars, fiddles, ban- (third below the lead), or perhaps by a could croon with the best of them. Diego: Pickin’ in Paradise bluegrass jos, mandolins, and the like qualify, Jim McInnes “high baritone” (the third below the Cousin Dave, who had a big old festival, Antique Gas and Steam while upright basses do not. My inter- lead, boosted up an octave to be high- Gretsch hollow-body electric guitar, extremely rare jam session. I brought Engine Park,Vista. This will be San pretation is that if it fits in the over- er than the lead), and sometimes by a knew jazz and how to swing it. Her up Cousin Dave, age 70, with his gui- Diego’s first real bluegrass festival, head bin, it qualifies as a carry on. bass voice (singing root notes an Uncle Steve was a sax player who tar, and Uncle Steve, 60, who’d complete with camping, vendors, octave lower than the lead). This com- BLUEGRASS RADIO could honk at least as well as then- brought along his sax. Picture the workshops, and great bands, including bination of voices creates a driving, Want to hear bluegrass on the Governor Clinton. I felt right at home scene . . . Saturday night at Laurie’s — the reunion of California, Bluegrass lonesome sound filled with depth and radio? Try KSON’s (97.3 FM) Bluegrass with my new in-laws as we jammed three big ol’ boys with beer guts and Etc., Ron Spears and Within Tradition, tension. Bluegrass instruments Special with Wayne Rice every into the wee hours, fortified with Jim ten-gallon hats; one San Diego radio Cliff Wagner and Old #7, The 7th Day accompanying the singing are tradi- Sunday night, 10pm-midnight, a great Beam and beer. deejay wearing a Hawaiian shirt, Buskers, Bluegrass Redliners, Virtual tionally guitar, five-string banjo, man- show that presents an outstanding The next day, Warren took us all up shorts, and a hat; and two senior citi- Strangers, and more. For info and tick- dolin, fiddle, and bass, played with selection of classic, modern, and local to the Ozark Mountains. We paid a zen old-school jazz afficionados, all ets go to: www.summergrass.net. great speed and virtuosity. Songs of bluegrass, hosted by the dean of local visit to Toad Suck, Arkansas (I am not squeezed onto a tiny stage in the cor- And all the regular monthly love, work, and life are the main bluegrass and banjo-playing leader of making this up!), a town seemingly ner of a cement roadhouse, miles from events: first Tuesdays at Round Table themes, typically alternating between Lighthouse. made up of discarded automobiles. We nowhere, in the Ozark mountains. It Pizza in Escondido, second Tuesdays went down to the levee where some was like a scene from The Blues sung verses and instrument solos. And, try Bluegrass on the web at at Fuddruckers in La Mesa, third youngsters were playing and saw the Brothers minus the chicken-wire fence Often regarded as “old” music, World Radio Bluegrass Central Tuesdays at Fuddruckers in Chula banjo-playing kid from the movie in front of the stage. BUT . . . when I bluegrass is actually fairly young com- http://www.worldmusicwebcast.com/p Vista, and fourth Tuesdays at Shirley’s Deliverance (I am still not making this lurched into the opening notes of pared to folk music, the blues, and rograms/bluegrass/main.htm. Hosted in La Mesa. For more information, go up!). I was wearing (what else?) one of Chuck Berry’s signature song, the other genres of acoustic music. by SDBS’s Mike Tatar every Sunday, to the Bluegrass Central Web site at: my LOUD Hawaiian shirts and a KGB place came alive! Two hefty ladies a Bluegrass as a separate musical form 11am-1 pm, this show presents some www.worldmusicwebcast.com/pro- Skyshow hat (this is where the RADIO couple of rows from the stage stood is generally considered to have been of the best bluegrass you will hear grams/bluegrass/bgsandiego.htm or part of this column comes in). We up, kicked back their chairs, got up on originated by Bill Monroe and his anywhere, with the tasteful The InTune web site at: http://mem- stopped at a roadside fireworks stand, the pool table, and started whoopin’ Bluegrass Boys, who played it for the commentary of SDBS bers.aol.com/intunenews/eventsr.html. and the proprietor looked at my hat and a-hollerin’ like they were at a first time in the 1940s. The acknowl- President Mike Tatar, banjo edged father of bluegrass, Monroe and exclaimed, “Wow! KGB! You guys revival meeting! We sounded like a TRAVEL WITH YOUR INSTRUMENT player and vocalist for was influenced by the Delta blues have a great fireworks show out there radio tuned somewhere in between Some good news for a change on the Virtual Strangers. sound and Appalachian mountain in San Diego!” I agreed. He had been two different stations. The three guys the travel front. The Transportation music growing up in Kentucky; howev- Until next month! stationed here while in the Navy. We from the country band were right on, Security Agency has negotiated an er Monroe and his band were the first then drove to a real southern road- but after several beers, I was having agreement with the American to forge them together to create the house called Laurie’s. Laurie’s was a trouble focusing on the fretboard, Federation of Musicians, resulting true “bluegrass sound.” While many of cement box, way the hell out in the while Cousin Dave played his Gretsch from a TSA directive to all airlines that the players came and went over the Ozarks, miles from anything resem- just like Barney Kessel doing “Mood allows musicians to carry their instru- years, the configuration generally con- bling a town. The only beverage they Indigo,” and Uncle Steve sounded like ments on all flights in addition to the sidered to be the “gold standard of served was Busch beer in cans, or in he was doing “The Girl from Ipanema” number of carry-on bags otherwise bluegrass” was the 1940’s combina- six-packs, but just about everyone who on the sax. Despite the cacophony, we allowed. If you travel by air with your tion of Bill Monroe on mandolin, went to Laurie’s kept a fifth of “Old were all smiles and chuckles, because instrument, go to Chubby Wise on fiddle, Earl Scruggs Sweatsock” in their trucks, anyway. we were a hit! Which just goes to on banjo, and Lester Flatt on guitar. One corner of Laurie’s had a cement show you: Pick up a CD or two of their music stage, upon which four good ol’ boys 1. Everyone in Laurie’s was –you won’t regret it! with good ol’ bellies cranked out good shit-faced Next month we’ll learn more about ol’ country and western tunes. Warren 2. Everyone in Laurie’s this great music called bluegrass. knew these cats and had set it up so witnessed the birth of a that I, and my new band of in-laws, new style of music BLUEGRASS HAPPENINGS could sit in for a couple of tunes. They 3. Bad music plus humor is Get ready for a great bluegrass asked what we’d play and I suggested better than good music with none and acoustic summer! Here are a few the musician’s common denominator, 4. All of the above great activities: “Johnny B. Goode.” They said okay. Damn, I love the Ozarks. Good June 29, 3pm: David Grier solo guitar One of the guitar players handed me people and beautiful scenery. concert, Museum of Making Music, his Strat and went to grab a beer and Y’all come back now, ya hear? Carlsbad. Acclaimed as the greatest a seat for what was obviously an and most innovative flat picker since Clarence White, Flatpicking Guitar magazine says “David Grier is the best player out there today. His variations and improvisations are endless.” Tickets are $15 at the door, $12 in advance, and $10 for museum and SDBS members. Call the museum at 760/438-5996 or Betty Wheeler at 858/481-2609. June 4-July 20: Cotton Patch Gospel, Lambs Players Theater, featuring the music of the 7th Day Buskers. For information and tickets, go to: http://www.lambsplayers.org/what- splaying/cotton/cotton.html. May 3-June 8: Fire on The Mountain, Hee Haw in Arkansas

10 San Diego Troubadour • June 2003 ramblin’

Hosing Down DO-IT-YOURSELF by José Sinatra CONSIDERATIONS A word of warning: this month I shall touch upon matters of per- by Paul Abbott pared to mixes coming from sonal decorum that are essential tape machines. That being said, stepping stones on the path that the hard-disk generation really must be trod if you, moist reader, As the cost of home-based doesn’t have a reason — other strive for celebrity. While consci- recording continues to decline, than personal preference — to entiously avoiding a journalistical- “traditional” recording studios use analog tape or “traditional ly fatal free-fall, I shan’t mince have to become more creative studios” due to extreme costs words that are better served to keep clientele. Or do they? and severe editing limitations, skewered on a petulant pike. As Just as it takes more than a and the new generation of Paul Abbott always, if my candid truths of stethoscope to be a doctor, listener is slowly but surely being human functions are distasteful to many musicians find there’s “conditioned” to accept digitally you, read no further. Instead, just more to making great recordings project for one fee no matter compressed audio formats as the stare at my unretouched portrait The inimitable Mr. Sinatra than just purchasing the latest how long the client takes. There “standard.” The one percent has to the right for 10 or 12 minutes gear. With that in mind, I are some restrictions of course, big checkbooks and a desire to and be content to finally have to this, even if I can’t grasp it.) contacted Fred Helm from San but we are finding that artists have tape saturation and analog encountered the true meaning of Suddenly she was anything but a Diego’s Armageddon Studio love this method of payment signal paths for their tones. love. superstar to me. She was more with a few questions. and so far we have not had a Recently a date of mine awkward and unseemly than I Armageddon’s platform is Pro client leave before their project explained that her late arrival to could ever be; her own lips had Tools. We have an installed was ready for broadcast. betrayed her as a liar! “Daily 888/24 system, a mobile HD our clandestine encounter was We try and accommodate all bath”?! Even pigs know that true system with all the break outs due to her maid’s inability to requests. Very few clients use stars rarely have a need to bathe, custom fitted on the outside of properly heat and scent her “daily San Diego studios for big dollar having attained natural cleanli- the rack, and dedicated analog bath.” This was a major star; I’ll projects like movie post-produc- ness along with their fame. preamps for front-end tones and protect her privacy here by call- tion or final mixes for major acts. Whadda loser! Totally ashamed a 32/8 analog board for mix ing her Refinnej Zepol. The antici- We fill the needs of the musician now, Ms. Zepol sprinted out of our down. Our mix-downs are pation of our well-planned first who has a good day gig and can suite at the Tubs, saving me the hybrid in that we keep all vocals, meeting had, quite honestly, spend $3,000-$10,000 on a indignity of having to toss her out keyboards, and sterile tracks in caused me to actually pant and project without hesitating. We myself by her hooves. PT and send drums, guitars, and drool. While I was prudently doing don’t rely that much on bands D.H. Lawrence insisted that bass out to the analog board for what I could to collect my pre- and “demo tapes.” It’s a losing nothing that comes from the Control room at Armageddon Studios. some added phasing. The entire cious lip water in little vials for proposition for the artist and we passionate soul is or can be bad. mix is then sent to Focusrite future sales on e-bay, wondering have done that many times as where in the world she was, I I, for example, need feel no mastering units and either P.A. Given the proliferation of players over the years began to feel less like a Casanova shame for my urge at this very pre-mastered to CD or final hard disk-based recording equip- and more like a rabid animal. A moment to suck the tongue of mastered to CD. Sometimes a P.A. Any advice for musicians ment, why would a musician still striking, terribly attractive one, Kelly Ripa. And I don’t, since I pre-master is used to dump back interested in making a profession- go to a “traditional” recording but beastly nonetheless. I became want to groom that urge with into Pro Tools uncompressed to al-sounding recording? studio to make an album? scared. How could a true artist — dignity. Lawrence overlooked edit down further. F.H. Know how to play, play role model for millions of young passion’s essential requirement of F.H. Nine-nine percent of us P.A. What is Armageddon’s core good instruments, and use good boys throughout the world — decorum — an atypical, haunting have no need for tape-based competency? microphones. When we get have his dignity defiled by this mistake that perhaps explains recording anymore — although I young players in, we usually end shortness of breath, this carpet- why he hasn‘t written anything F.H. Our claim to fame is project will argue with anyone, any- up over sampling pretty hard, spotting, this uncontrollable sali- new in decades. price. We usually don’t charge where that hard-disk fidelity is which is time consuming. If the vating? Proper conduct, if not by the hour. When a potential far worse than even low-grade artist has insufficient support A bit of important history: I Passion’s very heart, is at least its client comes to us we evaluate two-inch tape machines. Even from a band, we have our staff have been an active animalist (I gall bladder. Without it, for exam- the needs and ability of the artist Pro Tools HD at 192 kHz is sterile track their stuff and sort of act as think that’s what they call it) since ple, many male celebrities (as and offer a broadcast quality and dimensionless when com- studio cats for them. This is a fateful incident that occurred well as all average, straight men) expensive, though, as you can when I was a three-and-a-half- would be in trouble were they to imagine, but the studio has year-old child. My family had act upon their natural instincts 25-year veteran musicians on discovered Balboa Park; I wan- when encountering an attractive staff who can do it all. dered into the Children’s Zoo female. Chronically chafed nose, where I inadvertently slaughtered social ostracism, jail time . . . and partially devoured a young yuck. It’s already hard enough goat. A stranger who witnessed dealing with all the nasty this accident pulled me away and, reminders of our animalistic while wiping off my face and nature in the popular arts. A well- fingers, explained to me the defi- read book’s dog ears. Clay Aiken’s nition, etymology, and importance cowlicks. Songs by Sheryl Crow. of the word “decorum.” Elaina and her camel toe. The list That stranger’s name was is ending. Now. Bob Barker. What remains, then, is the “Decorum” derives from the eternal challenge: to successfully Greek decoru, meaning, approxi- integrate one’s primal passions mately, “you rock head” if read with a grace that can only stem backwards with a Cockney from the Divine. The challenge accent, and m, a diminution of the can (and must) be met. Just be mantra-like sounds females are sure your bridle is strong and your wont to make after a pleasurable wings anointed before you charge coupling. toward the cliffs. Salivation is but Anyway, before even my a prayer away. fourth birthday, I was banned Sooo-eee for now. from the zoo for life. Satisfaction of future animal urges would require inventiveness and decorum. Oh yes, back to my tardy “starlet.” (I swear there’s a point

11 June 2003 • San Diego Troubadour ofof notenote

Dan Connor Sven-Erik Crystal Various Clarence Writes of Passage Seaholm Yoakum Artists White by Phil Harmonic Upload Demo CD Kentucky Mountain Tuff & Stringy I am just amazed at the amaz- ing number of talented musi- by Frederick Leonard by Frederick Leonard Music Sessions 1966-68 cians in the San Diego area. I first heard Dan Connor, with his There are basically, two kinds You know, this is one hell of a by Lou Curtiss by Lou Curtiss sidekick Dan Byrnes on harmoni- of musicians. There are those demo. In a nutshell, I’d say ca, at Claire de Lune as “Dan who operate on the notion that everything about this self-titled This seven-CD boxed set con- Here is a collection of 26 rari- and Dan” over a year ago and the music is there to serve the release by Crystal Yoakum is tains more than 150 recordings ties from this brilliant and influ- was quite impressed. Connor, artist. And there are those that pretty close to country perfect. taken from both commercial ential guitarist whose work has also Jimmy Duke’s sound man at strive, as artists, to serve the It’s concentrated and focused in recordings of the 1920s and ‘30s inspired musicians in the coun- Dark Thirty Productions, has music. its production. It’s well balanced and field recording of the 1930s try, bluegrass, and rock ‘n’ roll released a 14-song CD appropri- Sven-Erik Seaholm’s Upload is with the appropriate variety of and ‘40s. Lots of emphasis here fields for a long time. The collec- ately titled Writes of Passage. a case whereby this Master of so material contained within that on the great variety of fiddle tion features his session work on While listening I concluded that many things musical (from focus. From the gorgeous art- music that made kentucky old- country and folk-rock recordings this guy had obviously paid his songwriting to recording and work and photography of the time traditions stand out. The from the mid-’60s and includes dues. The accomplished song- producing, to band leading, to packaging right down to the set shines with a 32-page book- vary rare singles, demos, and his writer and arranger has the designing CD art...) still chooses very last deadly quarter note. It let of photos and notes by Rich first recordings as a soloist. It cream of the crop of area musi- to serve the music. shouldn’t be a “demo.” It nevins and Charles Wolfe. They includes performances with Gary cians adding their bag o’ tricks There is something modest exceeds, in fact, most post- incorporate a great amount of Paxton, Wayne Moore, Dennis to this excellent production by about this CD. It’s not preten- demo “releases.” research done years ago by the Payne, Jack Reeves, the Connor and friend Peter tious. It bears the quality of the The first thing I dig about this late Guthrie Meade. Spencers, the Sanland Brothers, Sprague: Bob Magnussen, Jeff matured writer who listens to little spin through the hills is A lot of work and a lot of and others. It also includes two Berkley, Dani Carroll, and Billy the heart of his instincts rather that she’s “goin’ for it” — with years in the making, it’s amazing recently discovered demos of Thompson to name a few. than gives in to the ego of pre- no stops, no excuses, and a that so many original recordings the Kentucky Colonels, which This is not just another guy cocious whims. There is also complete responsibility for her have been found and brought are probably the earliest exam- singin’ and playin’ guitar here. something kinky about this place in music. Its obvious she’s together in such good condi- ples of White playing electric. Connor creates an essence and recording. Yep. Kinky. While the got the goods. She’s a hottie at tion, especially when so many of For Clarence White collectors, feel that words can’t describe. writing and production often the age of 20. She’s got a killer them are so doggone rare. this one is a must, but for His simple lyrics on “Eternity” refers to the influences Sven so voice and handles it like she’s Among those represented are almost anyone who likes stuff transform into a profound mes- proudly wears on his sleeve, he been around twice as long. Her Taylor’s Kentucky Boys, Burnett from this era, it’s certainly worth sage about our existence of also injects his innate sense of band, which in the case of this and Rutherford, the Crockett a listen. unpredictability and the com- anarchy into the mix in a way demo is, pretty much, Jewel’s Family, Pete Steele, Shortbuckle plexity of human emotions and that salutes his heroes while band. Ms. Yoakum certainly has Rourke and Family, Lonesome how love and caring for some- grabbing the wheel in terms of that goin’ for her (along with a Luke and his Farmboys, Hack’s one can help us face the fear of where its all careening from lovin’ shove from the Jewel String Band, Asa Martin, Green living and dying. Connor is real- here. woman, herself). Bailey, J.W. Day, Jimmie Johnson, ly a poet, like another San “Shadytown” sports a vocal This CD was recorded in Buell Kazee, Fiddlin’ Doc Diegan— Tom Waits. In “Family arrangement that would make Nashville, so it’s got that smoky Roberts, and a whole lot more. If Reunion” he writes: Brian Wilson spit and try harder and slick thing all at the same you are a fan of old-time music, next time. I have yet to locate time. Way cool. The writing is especially fiddle, then you need But now you stalk me for the truth the words to express how much terrific, with efforts from a tal- to have this set. I can’t see how and then you rage against the sound; Embrace your old illusion I dig “Modern Times,” a freaky- ented team of contributing writ- you could be without it. ‘til it takes you down sexy drum-loop rocker. But it ers. I can’t really say that there is has made my top-20 all-time a smash number one hit present His combinations of love favorite song list. “Listening” here. Rather these are the kind songs, folk songs, people songs, artfully beckons the Bic-flicking of songs that grow on you, and jazzy, up-beat rockers are arena gig. “Sister Mary Jane” is more so with each listen. Still, delightful to listen to as well. I appropriately trippy, but by per my instincts, this young lady could go on mentioning every looking at the title I already of a contender is down to only song by this multi-instrumental- knew what it was about and one thing and just that: the girl ist and thinking man’s writer, how it was gonna sound, so I needs the hook. With one ripe, but I want to leave the reader rolled up “Modern Times” again infectious, sassy little hook ... with some surprises. The instead. and this Crystal will have the last strength of Connor’s solid guitar remaining bullet she needs in work accompanying his crystal Upload CD Release with Sven- her pistol to hit her country clear, pure voice indeed reach Erik Seaholm and friends, June 5, chart target. And she can shoot. the epitome of what we singer- 7pm at Dizzy’s, 344 7th Ave., songwriters all are attempting to San Diego. achieve. Look for Connor’s trio called Little Big Men with Byrnes and Bob Goldsand. What a para- dox Dan Connor is; just like the last song, “Good-bye to the Moon,” a bouncy, light melody juxtaposed with lyrics about dying, this little guy is just about as BIG as you can get.

12 San Diego Troubadour • June 2003

‘round‘round aboutabout

RANTHOUSE THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE (WELL, MOSTLY) by Gus T. Williker Maybe you and a bartender were over his Western bacon cheese- deejay each Thursday. To me, it was the only ones to see Sonic Youth burger, and I don’t want to hear you almost like volunteering, but I want- IT’S ABOUT YER MOUTH play the Live Wire in ‘86. Maybe you brag about how much better you are ed to get back to the deejay booth. Hey, 94.9 . . . we’re all really proud convinced Stephen Malkmus to than 91X, when the truth is yer The very first nite I got them Deke that yer deejays don’t talk over the name his band “Pavement” instead playlist ain’t much different. Dickerson and the Ecco-Fonics, and music, but howz about shutting up of his first choice “Assfault.” Maybe Yes, 94.9 is the best alternative a live shot on the KUSI News at Ten Gus and his trucker hat. (Look closely. You can see a signed nudie girl photo that whiney promo guy, eh?! I’d you possess the only surviving copy station in San Diego, but it can git a (free TV exposure on your first of the Three Mile Pilot/Eve Selis split nite!!! Hello?!!!). I was working on in the background. What a frickin’ rather hear Harvey Fierstein sing LOT better. This was painfully obvi- perve!) “Frère Jacques” over an intro than 7-inch. ous to me one day when you segued getting media from the Union- yer cooler-than-thou craptalk. I don’t care. from 311’s “Come Original” (amazing Tribune, City Beat, and Fox Rox, but it was determined that my consulta- Our corporate execs leave us the hell alone. Yes, I understand marketing strate- that a crappy reggae rip-off band tion fee was a bit too pricey, and I L.A. wouldn’t get this station, gies, but it’s more annoying than the would write such a horribly ironic Hairitage, or Hairphnailia Salon? I was let go. Oh well, the rockabillies but that’s okay, it’s for San Diego! mouth smackin’ Carl’s Jr. ads. I don’t tune, but anywho), to Jeff Buckley’s don’t even know what the hell were probably wonderin’ where Maybe we’re the sanest people you know. want to hear Jim Bob slobberin’ all “Last Goodbye” (a brilliant song that they’re talking about now. How does should NOT share the same air- Incahoots was hiding the free chips the name Hairitage have ANYTHING waves with such asscrack). ‘n’ salsa. Tio Leo’s still reigns rocka- to do with cutting hair?!!! Are all billy supreme! If it’s about the music, then show words beginning with “H” fair game . . . hair game? Please tell them to me, don’t tell me (over and over and RANDUM RANT La Jolla’s Hot New Music Venue stop. Thank you. over and over and over again). But I We all want clever names fer our don’t know, that’s just me talking. (And finally, the crème de la chuck, by Dave Ish that offers a wide variety of art, businesses, but haircut salons are Wish You Were Hair) music, dance, and theater classes KAPUT CAHOOT way out of control. Sure, I can as well as a performance venue choose to not read yer sign, but why Located in the middle of the And here’s a double “soo prize” xoxo, vicinity populated by La Jolla’s sought out by artists and do you hafta make a vomitus word- Gomer: Incahoots pulled the plug on Gus T. Williker trendy restaurants and glitzy audiences alike. play on hair? I can’t have a nice The concert series kicked its Thursday nite rockabilly shows. boutiques is the Firehouse. Built walk around Pacific Beach without in the mid-1930s, the building off in May with performances by Gee, what with that aggressive stumblin’ into Head or Nails or A Cut was home to San Diego’s Engine the Duo-Tones who are Paul every-other-week advertising and Johnson and Gil Orr, two found- Above. Okay, maybe that doesn’t Company 13. It also housed a all, how could this happen? Oh yes, ing fathers of the instrumental make yer bile creep, but what about police substation and had a jail. I’ve got a personal bias here… they The jail, which is still evident in surf guitar genre; one-man blues The Hairem, Head Quarters, or band Steve White; and tradition- agreed to pay me $50 a week to help the lobby, was most noted as a Shear Paradise? No? Hairisma, pick-up point for parents whose al country western singer book bands, promote shows, and “wild” youngsters were rounded Cowboy Jack. up by the local constable for The initial response has curfew violations. been enthusiastic from both Now, thanks to the La Jolla audiences and musicians. The YMCA, music lovers of all ages line-up for June, July and August can hear some of the best and is shaping up to ensure that brightest regional and nationally downtown La Jolla’s only live touring musical acts in an music venue could very quickly atmosphere that is surprisingly become a popular location for well suited to both artists and performing and listening to audiences. some great music. Converted in the late ’80’s Artists interested in being to house a teen nightclub, the considered for booking at the high-ceilinged engine room was Firehouse can send a press outfitted with a powerful sound packet with photo, bio, current system, lights, and professionally performance schedule, and CD installed sound baffles. to: The Firehouse, c/o Dave Ish, “The set up is great for a 7877 Herschel Avenue, La Jolla, listening room type of venue,” CA 92037. said Peter Ballantyne, the new For a current schedule of director of the Firehouse music, call the Firehouse at Community Center. (858)459-1640 or visit Ballantyne, a musician www.daveishpresents.com. This himself, envisions turning the month’s performance schedule is entire facility into a community listed in the calendar, page 14. arts and entertainment center

13 June 2003 • San Diego Troubadour

‘round‘round aboutabout

JUNE MUSIC CALENDAR sunday • 1 sunday • 8 sunday • 15 tuesday • 24 Chris Isaak, Coors Amphitheatre, Fiesta del Sol, Solana Beach, 3:30- John Stewart, Dark Thirty Al Green/Average White Band, WEEKLY Chula Vista. 4:40pm. Productions, 11132 Pinehurst Dr., Viejas Casino Concerts in the Park, Lakeside, 7:30pm. 7:30pm. Alasdair Fraser/Natalie Haas, San Berkley Hart, Cannibal Bar outside Dieguito United Methodist Church, on the Bay, Mission Beach, 2-6pm. Adam Gimbel, Whistle Stop, 2236 Bayou Brothers, Patricks II, 428 F every sunday 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas, Fern St., 9pm. St., 9pm. Mose Allison/Gunnar Biggs, Dizzy’s, 7th Day Buskers, Hillcrest 7:30pm. Call 858/566-4040 for info. 344 7th Ave., 7 & 9pm. $20 cover for Farmer’s Market/DMV parking Shadowdogs, Lestats, 8pm. each show. wednesday • 18 wednesday • 25 lot, 10am-1pm. Bayou Brothers, Patricks II, 428 F Mark Jackson Band, Golden Goose Steve White, Elijah’s, La Jolla, Lighthouse, Golden Goose James Brown, Del Mar Fair, 7:30pm. 11:30am. St., 9pm. Coffeehouse, 10001 Maine St., Coffeehouse, 10001 Maine Ave., Lakeside, 8pm. Lou Reed, 4th & B. Call for info. Moody Blues, Humphreys Concerts Lakeside, 7pm. Celtic Ensemble, Twiggs, 4pm. by the Bay, Shelter Island, 9:15pm. Vince Gill, Humphreys Concerts by Extreme Country, hosted by tuesday • 10 the Bay, Shelter Island, 7:30pm. thursday • 26 Mike Vlack, 7-10pm, KSON (97.3 FM). monday • 2 Les & Lou Anne Preston, Bluegrass Derek Duplessie/Desert Poets, Society meeting, Fuddrucker’s, La Finish Line Stage, Del Mar Fair, Jazz Roots, hosted by Lou Mark Jackson Band, Bailey’s thursday • 19 Mesa, 7-10pm. 7:30pm. Curtiss, 9-10:30pm, KSDS (88.3 Barbecue & Roadhouse, Julian, Sage Gentle Wing, Claire de Lune, FM). 8pm. 2906 University Ave., 8pm. wednesday • 11 friday • 27 The Bluegrass Special, hosted Moody Blues, Humphreys Concerts Peter Sprague w/ Jennifer Lee/Bob by Wayne Rice, 10-midnight, by the Bay, Shelter Island, 9:15pm. Lisa Sanders, Lou’s Records, 434 N. Magnussen/Tripp Sprague, Dizzy’s, Sage Gentle Wing, People’s Natural KSON (97.3 FM). Coast Hwy, Encinitas, 4:30pm. 344 7th Ave., 8pm. Foods, Ocean Beach, 5:30-7:30pm. wednesday • 4 Angela Correa, M-Theory, 3004 Susan Tedeschi/Shemekia Juniper St., South Park, 8pm. Copeland, Humphreys Concerts by every monday Lucinda Williams, Humphreys friday • 20 the Bay, Shelter Island, 7:30pm. Swing Dancing, Tio Leos, 5302 Concerts by the Bay, Shelter Island, Mean Nothings/This Project Called Bayou Brothers, Zydeco Dance/ Janet Rucci Band, Metaphor Cafe, Napa St., 6-8pm. 7pm. Anyway/Angela Patua, Lestats, 9pm. Concert, Mission Hills Park, 6- 258 E. 2nd Ave., Escondido, 8pm. 7:30pm. Tango Dancing, Tio Leos, 5302 Tribute to San Diego Music w/ José Napa St., 8pm. thursday • 5 thursday • 12 Chris LeDoux, Del Mar Fair, 7:30pm. Sinatra/Truckee Brothers/ Dixieland Jazz, Metaphor Cafe, Sven-Erik Seaholm CD release w/ Baja Blues Boys, Firehouse, 7877 Sue Palmer & her Motel Swing Shambles/Derek Duplessie/Mark 258 E. 2nd Ave., Escondido, Chuck Schiele, Dizzy's, 344 7th Ave., Herschel Ave., La Jolla, 8pm. Orchestra, The Firehouse, 7877 DeCerbo/Stereotypes et al., Dizzy’s, 7pm. 7pm. Herschel Ave., La Jolla, 8pm. 344 7th Ave., 8pm. Open Mic Night, Lestats. Call Moody Blues, Humphreys Concerts friday • 13 Garrett Thomas, Twiggs, 8:30pm. Ledward Kaapana, Hawaiian slack- 619/282-0437 for info. by the Bay, Shelter Island, 9:15pm. key guitarist, Firehouse, 7877 Big Sandy & his Fly-Rite Boys/ Jack Tempchin/Jerry McCann/Peter Herschel Ave., La Jolla, 8pm. Berkley Hart/Patrice Pike, Bolland/Shadowdogs, Bob Burton Golden Hill Ramblers, Casbah, Humphreys Backstage Lounge, Ctr. for Performing Arts, 2400 S. 8:30pm. Joe Rathburn, Twiggs, 8:30pm. every tuesday 9:30pm. Stagecoach Lane, Fallbrook, 8pm. Berkley Hart/Crystal Yoakum, Zydeco Tuesdays, Tio Leos, Sue Palmer & Friends, saturday • 21 Croce’s Top Hat, 9pm. 5302 Napa St., 6:30pm. friday • 6 Bookworks/Pannikin, Flower Hill Berkley Hart, Summer Solstice Open Mic Night, Casa Picante, Mall, Del Mar, 8pm. Sanderling School Benefit w/ All- Concert, Bamboo, 127 Loma Ave., saturday • 28 10757 Woodside Ave., Santee, Star Guitar Concert/Silent Peter Sprague & Bob Magnussen Coronado, 8pm. 7:30-9:30pm. Lisa Sanders, Old Poway Park, Auction/Dinner , St. Peter’s Ki’s, 2591 S. Hwy 101, Cardiff, 8pm. Sue Palmer Trio, Martini’s, 3940 7:30pm. Comedy Experiment, Lestats, Episcopal Church, 334 14th St., Del Rob Corona, Twiggs, 8:30pm. Fourth Ave., Hillcrest, 8pm. 9pm. Mar. Call 760/635-3747 for info. Mark Jackson Band, Fallbrook Lee Rocker/Buddy Blue, Tio Leos. Jose Sinatra/Troy Dante Inferno, Americana Series Concert, Hilltop Tony Lasley, Twiggs, 8:30pm. Call for info. Claire de Lune, 2906 University Ave., Center, 331 E. Elder, Fallbrook, every wednesday Rugburns/Anya Marina, Casbah, 8:30pm. 7:30pm. Call 760/723-7255 for info. Bayou Brothers, Patricks II, 428 F 8:30pm. Open Mic Night, Metaphor St., 9pm. Doria Roberts, Twiggs, 8:30pm. Joel Rafael Band, Canyonfolk House Cafe, Escondido, 8pm. Lisa Sanders, Current Affairs Concert, 7:30pm. Email canyon- Celticana, Patricks Irish Pub, Bookstore, 2536 University Ave., [email protected] for information. Open Mic Night, Twiggs. Poway, 8:30pm. North Park, 9pm. saturday • 14 Sign-ups at 6:30pm. Steve Winwood, Humphreys Sage Gentle Wing, Cafe Crema, Carlos Olmeda, Lestats, 9pm. Taylor Street, Sipz Cafe, 5501 Concerts by the Bay, Shelter Island, Hatchet Brothers, The Ould Pacific Beach, 9pm. Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Call 858/279- 8pm. Sod, 9pm. 3747 for info. Bayou Brothers, Kahuna’s Bar & Peter Sprague & Pass the Drum, saturday • 7 Grill, 873 Turquoise St., P.B., 9pm. Bayou Brothers, Galley in the Dizzy’s, 344 7th Ave., 8pm. City Heights International Village Marina, J St. Marina, Chula Vista, every thursday Zoë, Twiggs, 8:30pm. Celebration, University Ave. at 6pm. sunday • 22 Will Edwards’ Music Show w/ Fairmount, 10am-5pm. Deborah Liv Johnson, First Lutheran Derek Duplessie/Desert Poets, Rock Zoë, Twiggs, 8:30pm. Peter Sprague Group, Coyote Bar & San Diego Blues Festival, Church, 1420 Third Ave., 7:30pm. Call On Stage, Del Mar Fair, 9pm. Grill, 300 Carlsbad Village Dr., Bitty Bums Showcase, Lestats, Embarcadero Marina Park, 11am- 619/595-1620 for info. Carlsbad, 5pm. Modern Rhythm, Tiki House, 1152 9pm. 9pm. Dan Connor & Little Big Men, Old Garnet, Pacific Beach, 9pm. Cecilio & Kapono/Tim Flannery, Hot Rod Lincoln, Tio Leos, 5302 Taylor Street, Cafe Elysa, 3076 Poway Park, 7:30pm. Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, Napa St., Call for info. Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad. Call Sci-Fi/Horror Movie Festival, Shelter Island, 8:30pm. sunday • 29 760/434-4100 for info. Sue Palmer & Friends, Calypso Metaphor Cafe, 258 E. 2nd Ave., Charlie Musselwhite, Rock On Chris Klich Jazz Quintet, Coyote Bar Restaurant, Leucadia, 7:30pm. OMBAC Coming Out Party w/ Escondido, 8pm. Stage, Del Mar Fair, 9:30pm. & Grill, 300 Carlsbad Village Dr., 5pm. Modern Rhythm/Paul Revere & the Dixieland Jazz, Metaphor Cafe, Peter Sprague, Dizzy’s 344 7th Ave., Raiders & more, Mariner’s Point, Lisa Sanders/Patrick Dennis, 258 E. 2nd Ave., Escondido, 8pm. Mission Beach, 1-10pm. monday • 23 Alpine, 6pm. See atomorr.com. 7pm. Kelly/Josh Hall, Twiggs, 8:30pm. Billy Midnight/Toria/Saba, Twiggs, Tracy Chapman, Humphreys Steve Winwood, Humphreys 8:30pm. Chris Klich Jazz Quintet, Claire de Concerts by the Bay, Shelter Island, Concerts by the Bay, Shelter Island, Lune, 2906 University Ave., 8:30pm. 8pm. Berkley Hart, Wesley House 7:30pm. Concert, Rancho Bernardo. Call for Sage Gentle Wing, Claire de Lune, info. 2906 University Ave., 8pm. Want to be included in our monthly calendar? monday • 30 Email the dates, locations, and times your band is Taj Mahal & the Hula Band, playing to: Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, [email protected] Shelter Island, 7pm. 14 San Diego Troubadour • June 2003

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