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SAN DIEGO ROUBADOUR Alternative country, Americana, roots, folk, Tblues, gospel, , and news

December 2008 www.sandiegotroubadour.com Vol. 8, No. 3

what’s inside

Welcome Mat ………3 Mission Contributors HAT Awards 2008 Songs of Peace Benefit Concert Full Circle.. …………4 Roger McGuinn & Recordially, Lou Curtiss Front Porch... ………6 Slide Jim Hinton Celia Lawley Spreckels Organ Pavilion Parlor Showcase …10 Gilbert Castellanos Ramblin’... …………12 Bluegrass Corner The Zen of Recording Hosing Down Radio Daze Stages Highway’s Song. …15 Kelly Joe Phelps Of Note. ……………17 Laura Roppe Laura Kuebel Fiffin Market Chris Stuart Plow ‘Round About ...... …18 December Music Calendar The Local Seen ……19 Photo Page PHIL HARMONIC SEZ:

“The chief stress of Jesus’ teaching was not laid upon poverty and humility. … The thing He taught mainly, first and last, was simple goodwill between man and man – simple friendliness, simple decency” — H.L. Mencken DECEMBER 2008 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR welcome mat

Special Benefit Concert Celebrates Peace and Raises Funds for the Peace Alliance and RSAN ODUIEGBO ADOUR for a Department of Peace Alternative country, Americana, roots, folk, Tblues, gospel, jazz, and bluegrass music news by Sue Trisler rate functions and charity events. 2008 HAT Award Winners Sandi Kimmel is a singer-, music healer, and inspirational speaker, ISSION ONTRIBUTORS special benefit concert in support of M C called “a lifeguard in a sea of negativity.” To promote, encourage, and provide an the Peace Alliance and its San Diego FOUNDERS San Diego acoustic music is entirely unique Sandi writes positive songs intended to uplift alternative voice for the great local music that chapter, Americans for a Department Ellen and Lyle Duplessie and we all know someone who is active in the A and inspire, heal the heart, and soothe the is generally overlooked by the mass media; Liz Abbott of Peace (AFDOP), will be hosted by local namely the genres of alternative country, soul. She uses her words, voice, and songs to Kent Johnson music scene – , , photog - , Joe Rathburn, on Thursday, Americana, roots, folk, , gospel, jazz, and support the spirit-seeking journey toward raphers, designers, promoters, etc. The San December 4, at Milano Coffee Company in bluegrass. To entertain, educate, and bring PUBLISHERS wholeness and wellness. Mission Valley from 7-10pm. together players, writers, and lovers of these Liz Abbott Diego H.A.T. Awards follows the local music Award-winning songwriter/performer Kent Johnson The line-up for this inspirational event forms; to explore their foundations; and to scene closely and each year, a very special Joe Rathburn has released three CDs of expand the audience for these types of music. includes Joe Rathburn, Peter Bolland of the EDITORIAL/GRAPHICS original positive folk/pop and garnered high event is held, celebrating our great local tal - Coyote Problem, Cahill and Delene, John Liz Abbott praise by the press and his peers. He has SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR, the local source for Chuck Schiele ent. Foltz, Sandi Kimmell, and James Lee Stanley. alternative country, Americana, roots, folk, earned an international reputation though his These legendary musicians are donating their blues, gospel, jazz, and bluegrass music news, ADVERTISING Best Acoustic Group CDs and performances. He hosts a weekly is published monthly and is free of charge. Kent Johnson time and extraordinary talents to this event in Thursday night songwriter showcase called Letters to the editor must be signed and may be The Wrong Trousers support of the Peace Alliance and AFDOP. BUSINESS CONSULTANT the Folkey Monkey, featuring local and tour - edited for content. It is not, however, guaranteed This is a pro-peace concert, not any kind of that they will appear. Joanna Schiele Best New Acoustic Artist ing performers, which has become the Go To anti-war affair. It will be an evening filled DISTRIBUTION destination for those seeking quality acoustic All opinions expressed in SAN DIEGO Matt Haeck with peace and purpose. TROUBADOUR are solely the opinion of the Kent Johnson music in the area. Best Performer Singer-songwriter Peter Bolland heads writer and do not represent the opinions of the Dave Sawyer Renaissance man James Lee Stanley is up the Coyote Problem, multi-award winning staff or management. All rights reserved. Indian Joe Stewart Veronica May a singer-songwriter, hailed as one of the few Dan Long alt-country Americana mainstays. Layering ADVERTISING INFORMATION all-time greats and undisputed geniuses. He Paul Cruz Best Songwriter thoughtful introspection and heartfelt truth- For advertising rates, call 619/298-8488 has been recording and performing since he Joe Rathburn telling over a straightforward backbeat is the or e-mail [email protected]. You can also find STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER was 14. He is a remarkable vocalist and com - information on our website: singular trademark of this disarmingly simple Steve Covault Best Alt. Country poser. His songs, coupled with his outra - www.sandiegotroubadour.com band. For this show, Bolland takes the stage WEB MASTER geously entertaining repartee, make for an SUBSCRIPTIONS are available for $30/yr. Grand Canyon Sundown as a solo artist, highlighting the stark power Will Edwards evening of both happiness and tenderness. Send check payable to S.D. Troubadour to: Best Americana of his songwriting craft. WRITERS Funds from this benefit concert will sup - San Diego Troubadour Husband and wife Barry Cahill and Michael Alvarez The Coyote Problem port the Peace Alliance and AFDOP. Proceeds P.O. Box 164 Delene St. Clair perform as a duo and with Peter Bolland to AFDOP will help purchase outreach sup - La Jolla, CA 92038 Best Instrumentalist the Hot Pursuit Band, sing songs that center E-mail: [email protected]. Lou Curtiss plies and entrance fees for events, including Paul Hormick Aaron Bowen on important and meaningful topics. While WHERE TO FIND US Can’t find a copy of the expenses for teens and adults to attend con - Tammy Lin working for Tony Robbins, Cahill learned a lot San Diego Troubadour? Go to Best Vocalist ferences and trainings, as well as speaker Jim McInnes about personal growth, motivation, and self- www.sandiegotroubadour.com and click and event expenses. Proceeds to the Peace on FIND AN ISSUE for a complete list of Andy Robinson Josh Damigo discipline, which had a major impact on his Alliance will be used for lobbying and publici - locations we deliver to. Terry Roland Best Audio/Visual life and music. Delene has been performing Chuck Schiele ty training as well as helping to maintain SUBMITTING YOUR CD FOR REVIEW since she was seven. As full-time musicians, Steve Covault their Washington, D.C. office. This grassroots If you have a CD you’d like to be considered for Sven-Erik Seaholm their original music inspires and reaches out José Sinatra campaign is supports the establishment of a review, please send two copies to: San Diego Best Backup Musician to that fully alive humanity that resides deep Troubadour, P.O. Box 164, La Jolla, CA 92038. Allen Singer cabinet-level U.S. Department of Peace and Dave Sawyer (Doktor Dave) within everyone. Steve Thorn Nonviolence and a Secretary of Peace. SUBMITTING A CALENDAR LISTING Singer-songwriter-keyboardist John Foltz Email your gig date, including location, address, D. Dwight Worden Best Open Mic began his musical journey at the tender age and time to [email protected] by John Philip Wylie Additional information about the legislation Jimmie Lunsford/Lestat's of three. After working the Orange County the 22rd of the month prior to publication. Cover photo & design: Chuck Schiele currently before Congress (H.R. 808) can be ©2008 San Diego Troubadour. Best Support & Promotion coffee shop circuit, he played with other found on both AFDOP’s website at The San Diego Troubadour bands and then went solo when he moved to www.afdop.org or by visiting the Peace The San Diego Troubadour is dedicated to the memory of Ellen and Lyle Duplessie , San Diego. John has performed at over 100 Alliance site at www.thepeacealliance.org. whose vision inspired the creation of this newspaper. venues and has played at numerous corpo -

www.sandiegotroubadour.com 3 DECEMBER 2008 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR full circle

The San Diego Troubadour Talks to Roger McGuinn & John Sebastian by Steve Thorn Find any dictionary’s definition of troubadour , and a choice for the word will be “a singer, especially of folk songs.” Appearing monthly on the masthead of Sebastian’s shoulders. And he rose to the challenge, writing songs of grace, wit, and this publication is the following statement of purpose: a source for “alternative country, Americana, roots, folk, blues, gospel, and bluegrass.” charm, including “You Didn’t Have to Be So ROGER MCGUINN Roger McGuinn and John Sebastian are not only poster boys for troubadours but they have also participated in the above musical genres for four Nice,” “Daydream,” “Did You Ever Have to While his peers were contemplating summer decades. The two members of the Hall of Fame will be performing an intimate evening of music at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts Make Up Your Mind?,” “Summer in the City,” employment or college, Chicago native on Saturday, December 6. “Rain on the Roof,” “Nashville Cats,” and McGuinn already had a gig lined up with the As the founding members of (McGuinn) and the Lovin’ Spoonful (Sebastian), the two music veterans made 1965 one of the greatest artistic “Darlin’ Be Home Soon.” Limeliters in California. The recent high years during the second half of 20th century popular music. The mainstream media named both bands as “America’s answer to the Beatles.” It was flatter - The successful run went up in smoke – school graduate had already made inroads ing commentary for the time, but in hindsight 43 years later, it detracted from the unique characteristics of both groups. Neither the Byrds or the Spoonful literally – when Yanovsky and Boone were into the Chicago music scene, where he stud - really sounded like the Liverpudlians, nor did the West Coast Byrds attempt to duplicate the style of the East Coast Spoonful. Energized by McGuinn’s busted for pot in a well-publicized Bay Area ied at the Old Town School of . Rickenbacker 12-string guitar, the Byrds brought a vibrancy to the folk music catalog of and , culminating in 1965 with Dylan him - raid in 1967. Traumatized by his arrest, McGuinn is featured on the Limeliters’ self jumping on stage at Ciro’s Nightclub in Hollywood to jam with the group. Back East in , the Spoonful built up a loyal following, hip - Yanovsky returned to his native and Tonight in Person (1961) LP. He also provided reinvented himself as a successful restaura - sters entranced by the band’s penchant for music, folk, blues, and lyrical content filled with wry humor. backing for the Chad Mitchell Trio on the teur and award-winning chef. of On his current website, Sebastian reflected with amusement on the “America’s Answer” tag created by the press so many years ago, “We were grateful to 1961 Mighty Day on Campus . the was brought into Another important contact for McGuinn the Beatles for reminding us of our rock ‘n’ roll roots, but we wanted to cut out the English middlemen, so to speak, and get down to making this new music replace Yanovsky, but the band, which once was , when the latter was making as an ‘American’ band.” sang about “the magic in the music,” had lost the transition from a pop vocalist to a folk their magic. Sebastian remained onboard for singer. McGuinn was contracted by Darin as one “post-Zal” album, , a songwriter for hire for Darin’s TM Music With Clark, Crosby, Hillman, and Clarke poses. It has even been adopted by the school We have our roof covered with 30 PV panels before embarking on a long and successful Publishing Company, located in the famed departing the Byrds at various intervals, system in Kyrgyzstan. generating 5.7 kw of electric power. We run solo career, which included a number one hit Tin Pan Alley shrine, the , in McGuinn dutifully kept the Byrds flying SDT : Americana is a term we hear a lot these washing machines, dishwashers, a (1976) with the Spoonful-sounding City. In 1963, McGuinn would through several different lineups into the days. To me, Sweetheart of the Rodeo may be microwave, big screen TV, and computers “Welcome Back,” the theme song to the have been rubbing shoulders with the likes of early ’70s. McGuinn was involved with the quintessential album of this genre. It was exclusively on solar power now. We’re work - Welcome Back Kotter TV sitcom, which and Gerry Goffin, and numerous solo projects over the next three such a contrast from the psychedelia and spe - ing on getting completely off the grid. launched the career of John Travolta. Ellie Greenwich, and and decades. (1976) was a strong cial effects of the previous album, The In more recent times, Sebastian has . McGuinn honed his songwrit - effort notably enhanced by ’s Notorious Byrd Brothers . Any memories from JOHN SEBASTIAN released a well-received series of instructional ing craft, learning to write for a number of production, and (1990) boast - the Sweetheart sessions you wish to share? videos for the budding musician and record - different markets (including a surf music sin - ed an all-star lineup including Elvis Costello As with McGuinn’s career before the Byrds, RM : and I had dabbled in ed an CD with old Even Dozen Jug Band pal gle, “Beach Ball”) under deadline pressure. and an artist who might have been a Byrd (in John Sebastian had also as early as the Turn! Turn! Grisman, now a The Byrds’ era of McGuinn’s career began a Shirley MacLaine metaphysical sense) in been a musician in Turn! album but hadn’t thought of recording world-renowned when Gene Clark caught McGuinn’s set as an another time and universe: . demand. He was a an entire album of it until Gram Parsons player. opening act for Hoyt Axton at Doug Weston’s Over the last ten years, McGuinn has member of the Even came along with his contagious love of that The San Diego Troubadour nightclub in West Hollywood. returned to his roots with his ambitious Folk Dozen Jug Band, whose genre. Troubadour talked Another L.A. folk singer with a gift for har - Den project, a musical journey through the 1964 LP on Elektra We went to Nashville and got some of the with Sebastian by monic blend, David rich waters of Records is something of best musicians there to help us with the ses - phone from his Crosby, teamed up American folklore. a collector’s Item. The sions. During the day we played poker and upstate New York with McGuinn and McGuinn was out on group was founded by sang country songs at the hotel. We were home. Clark. San Diegan the road when he guitarist Stefan really sincere and treated the music with San Diego Chris Hillman, a man - recently participated Grossman and guitarist- great respect. Troubadour : How’s dolin player with the in an online chat with producer Peter Siegel. When the album came out it was a disas - life on the road, Scottsville Squirrel the San Diego Joining Sebastian in the ter both in terms of sales and critical acclaim. touring around the Barkers and the Troubadour . jug band were musi - The rock fans thought we had gone right country with Roger Hillmen, was recruit - cians who would later San Diego wing and the country people felt invaded by McGuinn? ed to play bass, and make major contribu - Troubadour : The Gate hippies. We appeared on the Grand Ole Opry John Sebastian drummer Michael tions in American : of Horn was one of to a chilly reception. At one country radio Clarke (who was ini - music: guitarist Steve My time on the your early folk music station, I noticed the Sweetheart album cover tially brought into the Katz (Blues Project; road has been haunts when you pinned to a bulletin board. I was elated – John Sebastian fold due to his strik - Blood, Sweat and Tears), great! I’ve been started out. Is the cur - until I got closer and saw DO NOT PLAY. ing resemblance to mandolin strummer (Earth able to avoid a lot of air travel; I’ve been driv - rent tour with John THIS IS NOT COUNTRY! written across the Brian Jones of the Opera), arranger (greatly ing from show to show, and I’ve actually Sebastian allowing cover. Rolling Stones) kept responsible for the Scott Joplin revival in the enjoyed the driving. Roger and I probably you to reconnect with Ironically, 40 years later, Sweetheart of the the beat. ’70s), and a beguiling female vocalist named met for the first time in a club around 1963 the old days? Rodeo is probably the most revered of all Aficionados of the Maria D’Amato, who would later be known as or ’64. We’ve been running into each other Roger McGuinn : John Byrds’ . group – dubbed “Byrd Roger McGuinn. Photo: John Chiasson of “Midnight at the Oasis” for years. Touring with Roger McGuinn is an Sebastian and I first Watchers” in their SDT : In the Byrds’ classic, “So You Want to fame. enjoyable experience. met in Greenwich Village around 1963 heyday – looked favorably on the first four Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star,” you sang about sell - The Lovin’ Spoonful began to gel when through our mutual friend, producer Paul albums ( Mr. Tambourine Man (1965), Turn! ing your “soul to the company who are wait - Sebastian teamed up with , for - Rothchild, who would go on to great success Turn! Turn! (1965), Fifth Dimension (1966), ing there to sell plastic ware.” Now, in the merly of the Mugwumps, a quartet that fea - with the Doors. John was rooted in the jug and Younger than Yesterday (1967) as the Internet age, you are allowed to sell your own tured Cass Elliott, , and James band side of folk music and I was more in the group’s golden era. Time has shown that ware. How has that experience been for you? Hendrick. Elliott, Doherty, and John and Pete Seeger camp, but we enjoyed playing opinion to be inaccurate; The Notorious Byrds RM : We started April First Productions back Michelle Phillips became the Mamas and the together at the same coffeehouses in the Brothers (1968) and Sweetheart of the Rodeo in the ’80s, mainly for recording demo ses - Papas; the story of the Mugwumps, the Village. Working with John brings back great (1968) are as essential as the earlier quartet sions. After recording with CBS/SONY, Arista Spoonful, McGuinn and Barry McGuire (“Eve memories. of records. In retrospect, the Byrds provided and indie Appleseed, we got tired of being of Destruction”) became public knowledge their loyal listeners worldwide with six mag - SDT : What was the mission behind the Folk victimized by record companies’ relatively when John Phillips composed the autobio - nificent discs. Den project? low percentage. graphical “,” a huge hit for the RM : In 1995 I was listening to a Smithsonian We decided to record Limited Edition and Mamas and the Papas. Folkways record of traditional music and it release it through our production company Bassist Steve Boone and drummer Joe struck me that I wasn’t hearing much of that label. It was a great success, recouping the Butler provided the rhythm section for the anymore. The new crop of folksingers were investment within the first month of its the Spoonful. “Good Time Music” was an singer-songwriters and were doing their own release. Since then we have released the four- early song the Spoonful performed for Elektra material exclusively. CD box set The Folk Den Project, Live From Records, the influential folk label that would The Internet had just opened up to “civil - Spain and 22 Timeless Tracks with equal suc - embrace the rock counterculture by signing ians” and it occurred to me that it would cess, even turning down recording contracts Love and the Doors. The Spoonful’s time with make publishing and promoting folk songs from two other indie labels, citing that their Elektra was a fleeting moment; instead, the The Lovin’ Spoonful, mid-1960s: (clock - around the world pretty easy. I recorded “Old business model was badly broken. group signed a major contract with the Kama wise from bottom right) John Sebastian, Paint” in my home studio and put it up in SDT : You have a well-earned reputation for Sutra label, a subsidary of MGM Records. For Zal Yanovsky, , Steve Boone the Folk Den along with a picture of a cow - spotting the latest technology. You were the the next three years, the Spoonful were very SDT boy on a horse as well as the lyrics and first person I read about who had a car seldom out of the top 40, with the euphoric : I was 11 years old in 1965 when I first chords, and a story about the song. Every phone. What new invention are you enjoying “Do You Believe in Magic?” making believers heard the opening chords of “Do You Believe Original Byrds: (top row, l to r) Gene month I promised to put up a “new” tradi - these days? out of American teenagers and, yes, even the in Magic?” over the airwaves of KCBQ-AM in Clark, Roger McGuinn, Michael Clarke tional song. I haven’t missed a month in 13 Beatles. San Diego. I thought it had a terrific guitar RM : The invention I’m enjoying the most (bottom row, l to r) Chris Hillman, David years. One journalist, Percy Keegan, has com - sound. I was shocked when I first saw the these days isn’t really new. It’s an electric Crosby The Folk Den is a Global Community pared Sebastian’s compositions with the Lovin’ Spoonful on TV and the “guitar” Vespa-style scooter that I charge with solar Service sponsored by the University of North Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson and the Kinks’ Ray panels. I use it for local errands and save Carolina at Chapel Hill. People tell me they Davies. Like Wilson and Davies, the burden about a gallon of gas a day when I’m home. like it and use it for fun and educational pur - of the follow-up hit record was always on continued on page 16 4 www.myspace.com/sandiegotroubadour DECEMBER 2008 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR full circle n o s d r a h c i R

l l i

Recordially, Lou Curtiss B

: o t o h OF RECORDS AND THE COLLECTING OF 1950s and shortly after that I met my (who owned the records) from the that collecting rare and obscure records P THE DAMN THINGS first real bonified record collector: Ken Devil. She gladly led him to several would be a must. How anyone into Swerilas and his buddy Stan Turner. homes where records were removed British folksongs could not want one or ’ve been in the collectible record I’d heard an old blues tune called and some money left. I remember two of those old Riverside Records by business for 42 years. I’ve been a “James Alley Blues” out at SDSU sung when he left, the woman told him he A.L. Lloyd or Ewan MacColl is beyond collector myself for nearly 60 years I by fellow folkie Wayne Stromberg who ought to have some gospel records to me. Folksong records by Paul Clayton, (since I bought a 78 record by Jimmy knew it was from the singing of listen to and Nick said well okay but Ray Bogaslav, Dick Weissman, Logan Rodgers and his Rocking Four on the Richard Rabbit Brown and I was on the he didn’t want anything new. Just one English, Frank Robinson, Robin Chess Label of “Out on the Road” and trail. Well, one of the places I checked of those old ones that maybe you didn’t Roberts, Hedy West, Hally Wood, or Ed Lou Curtiss “The Last Time,” which I later found out was Vintage Music”on E Street like so much (she hadn’t played it a lot McCurdy are all good sources for out was recorded in 1951. Muddy Vaudeville and old time show business, between 4th and 5th, which is where I so it was in better shape). He got away songs; tons of international stuff on the Waters played second guitar on it. I Celtic music of all sorts and kinds, met Ken and Stan. They not only with two Blind Willie Johnson records Nonesuch Explorer series or Monitor bought it for nine cents at the Imperial novelty songs and all kinds of pop looked up “James Alley Blues” and along with some fine blues and jazz . I are also good sources for all kinds of Beach drug store thinking it was the vocals. Then there are folks who collect Richard Rabbit Brown in a discography remember questioning his methods and stuff. Specialty labels like Folk Legacy old blue yodeler Jimmie Rodgers and records because pretty girls are on the by R.M.W. Dixon and J. Godrich called he said, “Most of those people hardly (which in its early days recorded a lot that my dad would like it. Well, it was - cover, or because weird stuff is happen - Blues and Gospel Records 1902-1943 ever play those records anymore, pre - of traditional guys like Frank Profitt, n’t. It was Chicago Blues, which he did - ing on the cover, or because a famous (the first such old time record listing ferring the newer gospel and R&B. Hobart Smith, Lawrence Older, the n’t care for, but I did and I was on my artist did the art work on the cover, or I’d seen), they also played me some They’d have wound up in the trash in a Beech Mountain Recordings, and Sara way). because you can dance to it (I’ll give it vintage blues, jazz, and western swing few more years. Sometimes a little Cleveland), labels that dabbled in folk It’s easier to tell people about my a four). There’s no good reason not to from Ken’s collection, which to this day deception is needed to save a lot of this and old timey like Elektra Records first 45 because they’ve heard of that be a record collector (people that don’t remains one of the finest on the West good music.” I guess he was right. A (, the String Band Project, one (“Shake, Rattle and Roll by Big Joe listen to music really irritate me). Coast and maybe the country. Stan few more years later Nick started Yazoo the Old Time Project, Tom Paley Turner), but I’m don’t necessarily want People that make a point of collecting wasn’t a collector of records but rather records and created a label that he and and Peggy Seeger, etc.), Vanguard to talk about myself here. I’m talking only one thing are kind of sad. I a listener and documentarian of what his successor Richard Nevins have (Almeda Riddle, Mike Seeger, and about record collectors in general, the remember a person who used to come he heard. Stan could listen to a trum - managed to keep around and keep reis - Hedy West), Prestige (Bill Keith and folklore behind record collecting, and into my store who collected nothing pet or clarinet solo and tell you who it suing some of the finest blues and Jim Rooney, the Charles River Valley some of the things I’ve seen in a fairly but Patula Clark and he had everything was 90 percent of the time. He knew other old time stuff around. Boys, Bonnie Dobsen, Jean Ritchie, long time of being around sound of all the woman did, yet he’d still come more about which old time labels were Who collects records today? Well Scrapper Blackwell, Baby Tate, etc.), sorts and kinds. around trying to find something by her. out there and what was on them than surely rock ‘n’ roll people do and jazz Davis Unlimited (Bill Cox, Clark I guess the first real record collec - I’d try to turn him on to other British anyone I ever knew. Later, after I had and blues people do. Other kinds of Kessinger, the Perrfy County Music tors I met besides myself and my Dad ladies like Cilla Black or Dusty opened my own store and got into the music seem to run in spurts. Country Makers, etc.). Elektra and Vanguard (who collected mostly old country Springfield or even Gracie Fields, Elsie 78 record business, Stan would become music has its collector folks but a lot of have concentrated more on their pop music on 78s and sort of quit collect - Rudolph, or Vera Lynn, but he wasn’t an important part of what I knew (he the time they collect only one artist or oriented artists, Prestige on its blues ing after we came to California in having any. It was Patula or nothing. I was my teacher, or at least one of them one genre, such as honky tonk, rocka - and jazz, Folk Legacy on mostly mod - 1951, when I started) were guys like lost track of him, but I’ve met others in this record collecting business). billy, the Bakerfield sound, bluegrass, ern day folksingers, and Davis me who were into the new kinds of like him and they are always kind of In the late 1960s (shortly before I western swing, cowboy and western Unlimited went out of business. Many music coming in at that time, i.e., sad. opened my shop) I went on some songs, or old timey. Most of the time of those LPs are still out there to be R&B, city blues, country boogie woo - I’ve always told people to go see or extended record collecting hunts with they are happy to collect CDs had. Some may be reissues but not all gie and honky tonk, and later rockabil - listen to some kind of music they’ve some of the more high profile collec - (although with so much stuff unavial - of them. The originals have to be ly and rock ‘n’ roll). Nobody I knew never seen or heard before because tors (Nick Perls, John Fahey, etc.) and able on CD, that’s hard to understand). found and collected. Thats what I do was a serious collector like I was. I they might find that they like it. although I never got any real rare ones, Folk music hasn’t really developed a and what a lot of other record collec - haunted places like Rattners at Eighth I was able to view close up how rascal - record collector base here in San Diego, tors do. You should be doing it, too. Recordially, Ave. and downtown, Two ly the collecting business can be. I which is even harder for me to under - I’m leaving out other collector Lou Curtiss Leslies down at the foot of 5th Ave., remember Nick going up to a woman stand. With the folk music community folks. There are those who collect Lloyds Music City on lower Broadway in the black part of a small town in made up of folks who like to sing and movie soundtracks, original casts of downtown. When the great folk scare Louisiana and first determining if she learn both new and old songs, I’d think shows (Broadway and otherwise), came along in the late ’50s, the place to was church oriented. Finding out that find folk music was Wright’s House of she was, he asked her if she knew Hi Fi on El Cajon Blvd. Whenever I about anyone in the area that had any could, I went out to El Cajon and visit - of those sinful Satan-spawned blues ed Smokey Rogers places (Rogers and jazz records and when finding out Record City or Valley Music). In addi - that several people did, he told her he tion, Arcade Music opened at 7th and F was doing a raid to save these souls Streets downtown sometime in the late

www.sandiegotroubadour.com 5 DECEMBER 2008 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR front porch The Magic and Mystery of

were built in the 1920s, and no one to give a player a wide range of tuning really knows how many are still in exis - and chordal possibilities, is given its tence today. With their earthy tone, own section. There are also National eye-catching designs, and resonant and Dobro resonator , a splendid “hollow-arm” necks, Weissenborns are group of art deco-looking Gibson lap considered a collector’s “dream guitar.” steels, a couple of C.F. Martin’s Weissenborn popularized the con - Hawaiian models, and various instru - cept of expanding the sound chamber ments built by other makers who of a lap guitar by building out its neck, hopped on board the huge Hawaiian but the idea may have been patterned music craze sparked by live perform - after the harp guitars created by ances at the Panama-Pacific Norwegian-born Chris J. Knutsen International Exposition in 1915. (1862-1930). Some of Knutsen’s instru - If there is anything slightly disap - ments are also on display in the exhibit, pointing about The Magic and Mystery and it is fascinating to learn about the of Side Guitar (besides there being no similarities and differences between the mention of George Harrison’s super- two builders’ work and career trajecto - melodic slide playing!) it’s that, for ries. practical reasons, the different install - The slide exhibit offers some curiosi - ments are spread throughout the muse - Bob Brozman presents the world of slide by Andy Robinson exhibit’s success. “This is a one-of-a- ties, such as the double-necked Electric um rather than being centralized in one and rhythm in concert on January 10. kind exhibit, thanks to their help. Special lap guitar, built by W.G. room. This is a very minor quibble, think slide guitar is one of the most David Lindley opened a lot of doors, Greenfield of Alberta, Canada, in 1926. though, because you’ll love meandering expressive, emotional-sounding enabling us to borrow rare and histori - I won’t spoil the surprise, but I will tell through the entire museum, checking ways to make music. Slide playing cally significant instruments from peo - you that the deep-chambered Electric out all the exhibits. Give yourself plen - I Special not only had a tremendous ty of time, especially if you intend to involves a guitarist sliding a bar of glass ple’s private collections, and Henry or steel or some other smooth material Kaiser produced the museum’s first- sound, it also provided what, at the catch one of the evening concerts, over the strings of a guitar with the ever compilation CD, a fantastic collec - time, passed for great special effects. because the museum won’t be open hand ordinarily used to fret the notes. tion of slide music created by the artists One particularly interesting graphic after the concert ends. Many people assume this technique in our concert series.” tells the story of Joseph Kekuku (1872- Magic and mystery, indeed. The slide originated with the blues, and they are The scope of the exhibit is impres - 1934). According to legend, Kekuku guitar exhibit, the concert series, and partially correct. “Bottleneck” playing sive and all encompassing. A video run - invented Hawaiian . It is the CD, all evince some very real magic was indeed born in the American ning on a flat-screen monitor just likely that he was influenced by – that of human beings in diverse cul - South, but the slide technique itself inside the museum entrance shows Japanese and Indian musicians who tures and widespread geographic loca - predates American musical forms con - musicians performing in a wide range traveled to Hawaii, playing their exotic tions who are thoroughly connected by siderably. I learned this at the Music of of genres – from blues, jazz, rock, west - instruments with cylindrical tubes. the powerful thread of musical inspira - Making Music’s excellent exhibit, The ern swing, and bluegrass to folk, The museum has a proper section tion. Be sure to pick up a copy of the Magic and Mystery of Slide Guitar. sacred, and progressive music. You’ll devoted to bottleneck style, in which a compilation CD while you’re there. In fact, I’m jotting notes for this arti - see well-known players, such as Bonnie player holds the guitar upright and Special kudos must go to Henry Kaiser cle at the Museum of Making Music Raitt and Ben Harper, but you’ll also be wears a slide on a finger of his fretting for producing this terrific CD. It’s an hand. Various materials are used for the enjoyable, eclectic sampler of music by while enjoying a concert of classical introduced to a few obscure ones, Austin-based Dobro and steel guitar play - slide, but the necks of glass bottles some of today’s finest slide players. Indian music, which is part of a special including one fellow who wails his way er will present the country side of slide series running concurrently with the through a rollicking good-time tune were probably handiest at the time. The Magic and Mystery of Slide Guitar guitar in concert on February 7. exhibit. Master musician N. Ravikiran holding his slide of choice – a spoon – Many of the Mississippi Delta’s most and its concert series run through March is coaxing quavering moans and light - in his mouth. revered bottleneck players probably 2009. Museum admission is $5 for adults; ning-fast ululations from a navachitrav - Of course, guitars are the main focus learned their first licks on a homemade, $3 for seniors, students and active mili - ina , a modern-day version of a 2,000- of the exhibit, and you’ll see plenty of one-string instrument called a “diddly tary. Concert tickets are $20 ($15 for year-old slide instrument from India them, including teardrop-shaped bow,” and you can see a photograph of museum members) and include museum called the chitravina . The name chitrav - Weissenborn lap guitars made of rare a diddly bow at the museum. admission. Visit www.museumofmaking - ina means block instrument, in refer - Hawaiian koa wood. Approximately Country pickers are well represented music.org for more information. ence to the ebony block used for a 5,000 Weissenborn lap-style acoustics in the exhibit. The pedal steel guitar, slide. Before launching into his current with its multi-neck variations designed number, Ravikiran explained to us that he uses a block of teflon instead, a material he prefers for its requisite slip - periness. The sound is mesmerizing, and, interestingly enough, despite the unusual time signatures and relatively unfamiliar musical context, some of Ravikiran’s licks occasionally sound a bit like… the blues! This is apropos, since the concert series and exhibit are both meant to reflect the musical, his - torical, and cultural connections among slide players around the world. Besides Ravikiran, the eclectic concert roster has already included noted rock players David Lindley and Sonny Landreth as well as one of traditional music’s finest interpreters, . Over the next few months, the museum will present concerts by the remarkably diverse world music/blues player Bob Brozman in addition to pedal steel/ Dobro player extraordinaire Cindy Cashdollar and blues star Freddie Roulette, with “avant guitarist” Henry Kaiser and friends sitting in. Museum director Carolyn Grant says that besides appearing in concert, Henry Kaiser and David Lindley have both played important roles in the

6 www.myspace.com/sandiegotroubadour DECEMBER 2008 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR front porch Jim Hinton: This Music Veteran Is as Vibrant as Ever

mix when he performs, but he does so Hinton has been involved in Rathburn’s “I am always writing, so this one will be much so well that he hates to fixate com - Folkey Monkey presentations on several more of the same type of songs included on pletely on any one thing unless the situa - occasions, both as a guest artist and as a Things I’ve Always Known. When I write I tion calls for it. guest host. He loves the concept. try to draw upon my own experience. These “I made a living at playing folk music “Presenting music in that sort of way are songs that talk about the things that I for over 30 years and it was kind of makes every night something special. Not have been through. I take a humorous look exhausting playing in Irish pubs. It was only is there a different guest artist each at things with some of them.” great in that I was able to feed myself and night, but there is a different theme. You’ve Hinton previewed some of these new play great music, but at the same time the got something to talk about. The conversa - songs at Milano’s and one of them, “The work involved was [often late night and] tion that goes on is sometimes as informa - Rare Old Beatles Times,” made a huge exhausting. Ultimately, when I had a chance tive as the music. It is a chance for people impression on this baby boomer. to relax a little bit from it and get quiet to share what is really special to them. I am “I think I was in seventh grade when inside, the basic inspiration returned. Folk really happy that Joe has been successful in the Beatles first came out and I was in col - Jim Hinton alongside the River Liffey in Dublin music has a quality to it that is both conver - promoting it and making it work. The array lege when they split up. That was such a sational and connecting. It is not all about of people that he gets there is just phenom - profound part of my life.” flash and technique. It is about people talk - enal.” Reflecting back over his long and suc - by John Philip Wyllie Celtic music is just one of the many things ing in a musical way about the important In addition to Milano’s, Hinton regularly cessful career he has a lot of great memories Jim Hinton does well. Such versatility is a things in their lives.” appears at Spanish Village in Balboa Park. and very few complaints. on’t you just love it when a friend real asset. The inspiration that Hinton refers to is In the past he has frequented Cosmos “So many people look back at our gen - turns you on to a talented per - “What got me started back in the ’60s evident on Things I’ve Always Known. Ten of Coffee Cafe in La Mesa, Camelot Inn in San eration and see only the things that were Dformer? Such was the case last was an overwhelming connectedness that I the 12 songs on it are originals and all of Marcos, and Twiggs in University Heights. going wrong, but there was a lot going month when Troubadour publisher Liz felt with music,” Hinton said in a recent them display very solid songwriting skills. He has gotten away from performing in right.” (Hinton brings this out in his elo - Abbott offered me the opportunity to do a phone interview. “Through all sorts of dif - His deep soothing voice is somewhat remi - pubs and focuses now primarily on coffee quent song “Hippies.”) “I think we have to feature on veteran singer/songwriter Jim ferent career changes and phases, that has niscent of another favorite of mine, Cat houses. You will also find him frequently value our experience in this life and not Hinton. While Hinton has been performing never changed. It has always been the most Stevens. And something about his songs doing benefits. For seven years he served as deny it. We need to embrace these times in pubs and coffeehouses since the ’60s, his vital thing in my life. Staying interested take me back to the ’60s and the acoustic a choir director at a Presbyterian church. that we have been through and connect November sixth gig at Milano Coffee Co. leads you to persist and it is important to guitar songs of Donovan. Through it he became involved in perform - with the people and the experience. Life provided me my initial introduction to his stay true to your feelings.” “I don’t really think that I sound like ing for the benefit of the AIDS Chaplaincy comes at you fast and age gives you the per - music. That splendid Thursday night guest Like many songwriters of the time, he the people that I admire,” Hinton said. “But Fund. One who has always sought out new spective to look back and see what was of artist performance as part of Joe Rathburn’s was influenced by ’60s icons Bob Dylan and there were times when I wanted to. I’ve ways to help, Hinton has also performed at value with the people you met and the ongoing Folkey Monkey series marked my Simon and Garfunkel. He often covered been steeped in all the American folk influ - various senior homes over the years and at experiences that you had. I think my great - first Hinton show. It won’t be my last. their songs when he wasn’t trying out his ences from the blues to folk ballads and the benefits for kids. est satisfaction is the connections I have In Hinton and Rathburn the audience of own early compositions. Another favorite pop folk music from on Hinton’s trip to Ireland last summer made with people. Whenever you feel like about 25 benefited from a combined 80 was the Edinburgh-based Incredible String through Bob Dylan and others. But I have inspired him to produce the aforementioned you have been able to bring some of the years of songwriting experience. Selecting Band. also added to it that Celtic perspective and soon to be released CD of Irish music. magic that music can do into someone’s life the theme of storytelling songs, the pair “They were not nearly as well known, the kind of storytelling that comes from the “We had a wonderful trip to Ireland last and bring them something valuable, it is a traded songs and stories back and forth, but they were a really eclectic group. I liked Irish ballads.” summer and I am trying to channel that huge satisfaction. As for frustrations, there which showcased their individual songwrit - their songwriting and their poetic style. One What he has is a style that draws from experience into this CD. I have been work - was a lot that I wanted to accomplish that I ing talents. Hinton played several songs of their members, Robin Williamson, ended many sources and one that is uniquely his ing on it in every spare moment and I am didn’t. I should have made some different from his excellent recent CD, Things I’ve up moving to California in the ’70s. I saw own. His gentle warmth shines through in looking forward to having it released. I decisions at certain points in time, but the Always Known . Among the most notable him numerous times and I even ended up the current of optimism running through hope to have it out in the next couple of frustrations don’t amount to much com - were the reflective “Hippies,” “Highway to opening for him a few times after I got to his songs. weeks or at least by the start of the new pared to the satisfaction. [Performing and Taos,” and “Suburban Blues,” Rathburn know him,” Hinton said. “There is always a story unfolding and year.” writing music] is a wonderful thing to do countered with a combination of originals Around the same time he found himself while it will often take you to some difficult While the songs will be largely familiar with your life.” and covers. He created one of the evening’s opening for such well-known acts as Linda places, it is a journey that we need to make to fans of Celtic music, Hinton’s take on For additional information about high points with his poignant Katrina Ronstadt, Dave Bromberg, and Leo Kottke. and one that will [eventually] take us to a them will be unique. A second CD is in the upcoming performances and CD release Trilogy, three recent songs that are among By the mid-’70s Hinton was supporting good place.” works as well. dates please visit: www.jimhinton.com his very finest. himself in pubs playing primarily Irish I was eager to accept this assignment music. when I learned that Hinton had a reputation “I have always had a sense for Celtic for performing Irish music. I was not disap - music since I do have some Irish ancestry in pointed when he trotted out Celtic songs my family. I read a book in high school such as “Donegal Danny Was Here” and called The Crock of Gold by the Irish writer “The Frog Song” as well as another one James Stevens and that really stimulated my with bawdy lyrics whose title I didn’t quite interest in all things Irish.” catch. His treatment of the traditional Irish Hinton hasn’t gotten it out of his system songs “Spancil Hill” and “Carrick Fergus” to this day. His next CD, expected to be from his aforementioned album further released within the next few months, will be cemented his status as a gifted interpreter of filled entirely with Celtic music. His shows Celtic music. It turns out that performing generally include a few Irish songs in the

www.sandiegotroubadour.com 7 DECEMBER 2008 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR front porch e i f f E

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Meet the : P Jamming in a Jiffy

by Paul Hormick musical she sings and plays eight differ - sizing music and musicality initiate their ent instruments. children into playing an instrument. Lawley came up with the Meet the Lawley gives the example of the Gypsies, f you’re an aspiring Isaac Stern or feel Celia Lawley teaches children at the Performance Academy that, despite being daunted by music Fiddle program because she recognized who give their children small pieces of Iteachers and obscure music instruc - that people desire to have to an experi - wood so they can pretend that they are tion books, you want to release your ence with an instrument. Their immedi - making music along with their elders as inner Paganini, or even if your four-year- ate concern isn’t learning scales or notes family, friends, and neighbors play their old child shows some interest in the vio - on a page, but to hear a tune when they horas and waltzes. lin, Celia Lawley has the program to put their fingers on a keyboard or Lawley bases her approach to instruc - jumpstart things in a jiffy. She promises, have a chance to pick up a . “When tion, which she calls the Progressive “In my ‘Meet the Fiddle’ program I will I perform, the number one question I get Method, on this more traditional process teach people to play a tune on the violin is ‘Can I play your instrument?’ The ques - of absorption. She says, “What I try to do 15 minutes.” tion always comes from children, with the Progressive Method is to create Fifteen minutes? Just like that? although there are a lot of adults who are an environment in which it’s more like Learning a song in less time than it takes thinking the same thing but aren’t forth - learning music when someone grows up to boil an egg may sound too good to be coming enough to come out and say it,” in a musical family.” Although most of true, the musical equivalent of a sub she says. The Meet the Fiddle programs her years of classical music study were in prime loan, but Lawley knows a thing or are likewise intended for children, but all the “focus isolation” approach, she loved two about music, quite a bit about the ages are encouraged to participate. The the Suzuki method, which started her life fiddle, and has been teaching music for programs are scheduled at various local in music when she was a small child. years. libraries and at People’s Organic Food Lawley incorporates some of the Suzuki A graduate of USC’s Thornton School Market in Ocean Beach. approach in her Progressive Method. The of Music, where she studied with Alice In each session five or six individuals Meet the Fiddle Program is a streamlined Shoenfield and earned her degree in vio - will pluck and bow on donated by version of the Progressive Method. lin performance, Lawley has spent a life - Hammond Ashley, the local violin shop And for Lawley, music is only the time as a violinist and musical instructor. where Lawley teaches. Those wishing to starting point. “What I do is not about Under her umbrella organization called take part should sign up early, as time is the music. It’s about making a better High Energy Productions, Lawley per - limited. Lawley estimates that she will be world,” she says. “With my music I try to forms in ensembles of almost any musical able to teach about 20 people in an hour. foster community. I try to bring about style in which one might fit a fiddle. The Lawley calls her teaching style the old positive social change.” Lawley believes bands range from rock ‘n’ roll, to zydeco, school method, where a student takes one that creativity and music decrease the to blues, and bluegrass, with a number of lesson a week, then practices in his room amount of violence in a society. And her other styles in between. She often per - by himself, what Lawley calls “focus iso - efforts to help people play music and forms a one-woman musical, Gold Hill , lation.” It removes the musical student release their creativity is her contribution which is based on the story of our moun - from interacting with others who are to making the world a better, more peace - tain town Julian’s gold rush. During the making music. This approach stands in ful place. contrast to the way that societies empha -

8 www.myspace.com/sandiegotroubadour DECEMBER 2008 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR front porch The Spreckels Organ Pavillion History and Harmony in Balboa Park by Paul Hormick ing their music on a Sunday close to their birthdays. unday afternoons in Balboa Park Williams has been the organist and have many familiar sights and artistic director since 2001. Originally Ssounds. Psychics foretell the from Wales, she played the piano at prospects of love and fortune, while the age of five and read music before buskers play saxophones and guitars she could read schoolbooks. “When I behind the upturned hats that collect was seven years old I decided that I their tips. Folks stop for photographs wanted to be a concert performer,” she and cyclists wheel around the crowds. says. “I’m lucky like that, knowing so And at two o’clock the great pipes ring well what I wanted to do. It made out “Oh Beautiful for Spacious overcoming hurdles and obstacles a Skies…” It’s another afternoon concert lot easier.” Williams fell in love with at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. the organ when her aunt bought a Perhaps it’s an oversight of the Hammond organ, and she spent much companies that print the tourist of her youth playing jazz organ. She brochures for San Diego, or maybe it’s studied at the prestigious Royal the tendency of San Diegans to refrain Academy of Music and holds a doctor - from bragging much about their ate in musical arts from the hometown. Why ever it may be, it’s School of music. not common knowledge that the Williams did not want to be a Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa church organist, so she is pleased to The Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park Park holds the largest outdoor pipe be performing in the park. Besides the organ in the world. That’s right, the Sunday afternoon performances, her largest outdoor pipe organ in the schedule includes more than 75 con - world. There is another organ in an certs a year on organs all over the will appear to be waltzing or dancing age of tycoons and top hats. dome he designed for the West Baden open-air amphitheater in upstate New a gig as her feet press the organ ped - He grew up in San Francisco, but Springs Hotel in Indiana remained the York that is actually larger, but it has a als. Her fancy footwork can be seen on moved to San Diego after the great largest free-spanning dome in America roof. For Spreckels, the organ, organ - her website, http://melcot.com/ in earthquake devastated the city by the until the construction of the ist, and audience are all outside. The which her toes and heels dance over bay in 1906. Inheriting a great deal of Astrodome in 1964. pipes, however, are housed in the the pedals of the organ at West Point’s wealth from his father’s sugar busi - Albright moved to Southern building at the center of the colon - Cadet Chapel in a performance of ness, the young Spreckels branched California. After his successful designs nade. They range in size from that of a “Flight of the Bumblebee.” out into other money-making ven - for the San Diego Hotel, Spreckels pencil to a colossus that stands 32 feet Although it was built as part of the tures, including newspapers and rail - Theatre Building, the U.S. Grant tall. There are 4,530 pipes in all. 1914 Panama-California Exposition, ways. He owned the San Diego Union Hotel, and the Spreckels mansion, he Needless to say, all those pipes can the organ pavilion does not share the and bought the city’s trolley system, was chosen to design the organ pavil - generate a lot of volume. With the bel - Churrigueresque architecture of the which he modernized from horse to ion. Architecture critics universally lows really pumping (the organ ver - rest of Balboa Park. Rather, the pavil - electric power. He also owned the San panned the pavilion at the time, point - sion of going up to 11) the buskers in ion’s architect, Harrison Albright, Diego and Arizona Railway Company ing out the disparity of the design the park sometimes have to compete chose to build the pavilion in an and the Coronado and San Diego with the rest of the exposition. Many with the organ’s afternoon program of Italian Revival motif, a style that was Ferry. It’s difficult to imagine anyone simply dismissed the structure as “too Bach and Gershwin. On quiet days popular during the late Victorian era. similarly wielding as much financial ornate.” Today, most folks don’t seem some of the forté passages can even be Besides the Sunday organ concerts, and political power in one city today. to care or notice that the pavilion is Artistic director and organist, Carol Williams heard beyond the boundaries of the the pavilion is also used for other A native of Philadelphia, the pavil - unlike the rest of Balboa Park. When park. musical events. Summer concerts fea - ion’s architect Harrison Albright the organ is quiet and there are no The concerts are held every Sunday world. Her husband, Kerry Bell, is a ture everything from big band, to moved to West Virginia, where he was other concerts, people mill around at two in the afternoon and are jointly videographer, and the couple has pro - salsa, to mandolin orchestras. In the named the official state architect. His and enjoy the structure’s ornate sponsored by the Spreckels Organ duced a series of DVDs in which they days before the Sports Arena and impressive structures served and still nymphs and filigree. It is one of the Society and the city’s Parks and take viewers on tours of the world’s Coors Amphitheater, the pavilion was serve as handsome focal points for the most popular settings for photogra - Recreation Department. As was men - most famous organs. “Each organ is used as a public event area. Social pro - small cities and towns of the phers to pose brides and grooms for tioned earlier, every concert begins different,” says Williams. “Some have gressive William Jennings Bryan spoke Mountain State. Built in 1902, the their wedding pictures. with “America the Beautiful.” “The two manuals, others will have as many there. After they had both left office, 200-foot diameter steel and glass Star Spangled Banner” ends each con - as five. And you have to adjust your presidents Theodore Roosevelt and cert. The tradition of performing the playing to the acoustics of each hall or William Howard Taft addressed patriotic tunes at the organ concerts church.” crowds there as well. After the discov - goes back to 1917, when the United Although the organ faces north to ery of relativity brought him interna - States entered World War I. protect it from the sun and the ele - tional fame, Albert Einstein appeared The rest of the concert program can ments, weather does affect its per - at the pavilion and spoke of peace and be just about anything. Carol formance. Williams says, “The Santa progress. Williams, artistic director of the Anas can affect the intonation. And More than a century ago, San Diego Spreckels Organ Society and the very cold weather will send the instru - civic leaders had been advocating for organist who performs the Sunday ment out of tune as well.” Overall, her the construction of a music pavilion concerts, says, “These are free concerts complaints are few. “Because the and an organ in Balboa Park. The in the park, so I’ll try to play music weather here is so mild, if you’re 1915 exposition gave them the oppor - that most people know and stay away going to have an outdoor organ, San tunity to realize their project. San from way out music. You don’t want Diego is the ideal place for one.” Diego’s wealthiest businessman, John to play compositions that are too long Cold weather can affect the per - D. Spreckels, financed the pavilion’s either. There are often a lot of tourists former as well as the instrument with construction. The organ cost him who are just strolling through; they’re stiffening joints and cramping mus - $33,500, and he paid an additional not going to want to sit for a long cles. Williams relies an exercise regime $66,500 for the construction of the time.” to combat the cold. “When it’s chilly, I pavilion. In today’s dollars that total of Williams notes that the tunes the do a lot of working out, mostly cardio $100,000 would come out to around audiences respond to will be repeated exercises to increase circulation,” she $2.1 million. in future programs. Among the most says. “The Monday night performanc - Born in South Carolina seven years popular tunes are Scott Joplin’s rags es can be really chilly and I’ll make before the breakout of the Civil War, and the marches of John Philip Sousa. sure to do some cardio work on the John D. Spreckels was the eldest of “Of course I have to keep things fresh day of the performance.” eleven children born to the sugar mag - for myself as well and play different Besides her hands, an organist also nate Claus Spreckels. Almost a genera - music,” says Williams. “Playing the engages her feet to play the keyboard tion removed from the great titans of same music is sort of like eating the of pedals at the bottom of the organ. American industry, 20 years younger same food all the time. You need to “I wear ballet shoes when I perform. than Andrew Carnegie and 13 years give yourself a little variety.” She My feet need to be as supple as my younger than the other John D., keeps a musicians’ calendar that notes hands,” says Williams. During some Rockefeller, Spreckels was still of the the birthdays of great composers, play - compositions or passages Williams www.sandiegotroubadour.com 9 DECEMBER 2008 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR parlor showcase

Guadalajara, Mexico. I started playing when I Story & photos by Chuck Schiele was six years old; I didn’t have much of a social life because my father had me practicing hen the assignment of cov - three hours every day. He was a musician, too, ering Gilbert Castellanos and therefore very encouraging about playing. came up as a notion with No baseball. No hide and seek with the other this publication, I grabbed kids. By the time I was done practicing on any it. I told Liz, “Let me do given day, it was too late to go out and play this one, I want it.” with friends. And he leaned on me about it, WA few days later my band, the Grams, were too. He was generally listening in from the playing downtown at a jazz festival. Gilbert other room as he went about his day. For was playing next door at the Onyx room. I instance, if I started to play something I had remember whacking Craig [Yerkes] (who, just played yesterday, he’d stick his head in the among other things, was my jazz fan buddy…) room and say something like, “No, no, no. You on the arm at break time, saying, “Gilbert’s played that yesterday. Play something else, next door; let’s run over there and check him now.” out.” We did and I remember clearly how CS: I suppose that makes him your first much fun we had in those several available mentor in music. moments. Our own set breaks were a little GC: Yes, among other things. the privilege. This is my altar. what concerns you regarding this balance longer than usual that particular day. Knowing between the two approaches. I had this future assignment, I introduced CS: He must be very happy and proud to see CS: What does jazz mean to you? myself to Gilbert, stating my Troubadour mis - how that factored into your future. GC: Life. GC: Everything is written out very clearly, and sion. That was in March. my band at this point knows what to expect GC: Yes. CS: I’ve noticed over the years that some play - We caught up a few weeks ago at a coffee from my original compositions. This is the CS: How ‘bout you? Are you happy that you ers play music in a sort of “spectator” fashion, shop in Ocean Beach on a typically gorgeous beauty of having an organization that works supplanted the little league experiences with a in that they work and become comfortable and day. The tourists had gone home and we had together all the time. disciplined piano practice schedule? complacent within their boundaries with no the neighborhood seemingly to ourselves with intention of seriously exploring what’s outside Man, did that ever strike a chord in me! a few other locals. Ocean Beach is an extreme - GC: Yes, I am very happy. I am fortunate. of these boundaries. For instance, I know CS: What do you think about the state of jazz ly charming paradise on days like this – free of CS: Who are some of the other mentors you many musicians who’ve played for years but right now? the rap that comes along with visitors from the worked with along the way. still don’t know what it means to sing a outside. GC: It definitely has improved over the past 10 GC: Dizzy Gillespie was probably my biggest “third.” It’s not the third that kills me, it’s the We were comfortable in the low-key envi - years, and I have noticed a younger listening influence, because he was responsible for me lack of intention that does; meanwhile, they ronment of the Jungle Java patio. I don’t ever audience attending live jazz concerts. This is going to college to pursue music. are usually the ones closing the bar, preferring remember starting the interview; rather, we exactly what we need. the fantasy of the rockstar lifestyle. Then there simply began visiting and talking as soon as we CS: Wow. What a thing to be able to say. Was are those musicians that wake up in the key of CS: Amen. What are your thoughts on jazz in shook hands. I remember that the manner in he a nice man? Dm and it drives them crazy until they get up San Diego and our music scene in general? which we conversed was along the same lines GC: Very. Another great influence, John and sort it out. Between your facility for music Without hesitation or forethought, Gilbert responds of what a jam is. After all, as a six-year-old boy Clayton, pushed me to become a better a and your inventiveness about it, you, Mr. with: explained, upon witnessing jazz for the first person – not only on the music side, but also Gilbert, strike me as very much the latter – ver - time, “It’s like the instruments are all talking GC: San Diego is very lucky to have a thriving on the business end. He taught me to show ified by what you’ve told me so far. But this is to each other. jazz scene, mainly because we have an excel - respect to all musicians, regardless of level. only my impression from across the city. In Our chat was just like that. Our conversa - lent resource for our music and community… Also, he preached that performing on stage is fact, you appear to approach jazz with a tion didn’t wander as much as many inter - I’m referring to KSDS and like going to church. It is the “altar of joy.” responsibility for it, and its views do. And there was no uncomfortable other jazz supporters. CS: Tell me an example of how this factors future, which is entirely dead space, trying to figure out what to say. There are also many world- into your performance. refreshing to me. How do We just hit it and then went with it, and I “I am just a messenger class musicians that call you see your role as a jazz found that our conversation was “advancing” GC: First thing we do is to play every day San Diego home. musician? What’s your pur - of the music. I have to rather than wandering. I received this opportu - regardless of whether we’re healthy or down CS: You’ve been around the pose? How do you fit in? nity as a blessing – my jam with Gilbert. with a flu. Whatever. I put my hands on my continue the tradition block, around the world – Gilbert smiles slyly and takes I considered this to be special, since I have instrument every day without fail. So does my of America’s classical best jazz town in your enormous respect for his art and the work band. If I miss a day of practice, I can tell. Two a slow swig of his coffee, opinion? ethic that goes into that art. I privately consid - days and my band can tell. Three days and the looking me straight in the music: jazz.” GC: New York is the mecca er Gilbert to be a future jazz Hall of Famer. audience can. One day while I was playing eye, probably thinking about for jazz and any other art Much of what we talked about I will keep with Dizzy, he stopped the take. And in front what he’ll gracefully exclude — Gilbert Castellanos form. as my gift from the experience because it was a of the whole band he looked at me and said, in his forthcoming answer. special coffee chat for me. Therefore I scroll “You didn’t practice yesterday, did you?” And After a few moments…. We chat for a while about the arts in general, since we seem to share the same down to this point in our conversation…. “uh, gave me a short lecture on the subject. He was GC: I am just a messenger of the music. I have general subscriptions for it and what it means to one, two, three, fo…” right, and I haven’t missed a day since then. to continue the tradition of America’s classical both of us. The topic of the technical revolution as Gilbert is explaining how his new project CS: Inspiring…. music: jazz. I respectfully incorporate the tradi - begins with traditional Mexican folk music – applied to the arts comes up and we both concur GC: This is also why I always insist on my tion – the roots – into my playing, along with like Folklorio. On that basis, his compositions that we are witnessing in a new “renaissance.” band wearing suits, looking sharp. It’s a matter fresh new ideas to keep the music moving for - expand to include world music ideas and clas - Namely the computer’s influence on the arts – the of respect for the idea that the stage is our ward. sical traditions with a heavy dose of bop. I’m new “brush” or “hammer,” so to speak. “altar.” I remember times when the guys in my CS: Hmm. Pretty modest for a man who will talking with an inventor! CS: What are your thoughts on the computer’s band would say, “Well, we play in jeans and be remembered as a pioneer of jazz and of – or technology in general – effect on music. Chuck Schiele: How did you begin in music? flip-flops on so-and-so’s gig…” I simply music in general. Tell me a story. GC: I have mixed feelings, good and bad. It’s explained how I feel about what I learned from Gilbert cracks an involuntary giggle, amused with good because it facilitates the arts by new Gilbert Castellanos: We were still living John. This is why we wear suits. Respect for my quip. means and opportunities. I don’t always like GC: I don’t know about that, but, this is just the mechanical “scrub” that can allow a band what I choose to do. to sound fantastic on a recording. You go to But, his eyes lit up with the prospect of this see them live, and then it’s a different thing eventuality. altogether. CS: If somebody were new to jazz, such as a CS: I always ask this because it’s so much fun: kid who listens to Britney Spears and singing what is the craziest, weirdass story you’ve wit - boy bands, what would you suggest as a first nessed from the stage? You know, like the time album as a means of introduction to jazz? some crazy chick dressed in aluminum foil GC: ’ Kind of Blue … head-butted the bass player and stole his drink.... CS: Woah! That would be my first choice, too. He thinks for a second while observing the young GC: ’s Giant Steps and Lee lady at the table next to us, working on some sort . Morgan’s The Sidewinder of art project. CS: Where do you mine or find your GC: I was playing a gig with my group in Los inspiration as a composer? Angeles, and Les McCann came in to hear the GC: From everyday life experiences. And even group. He sat close to the bandstand and kind - sometimes from my dreams. It’s out there. ly asked a couple to keep their conversations Some of it comes to me. I do that. And there - down. Unfortunately, they kept talking, so he fore, I am just the messenger. screamed at them to “shut the f@*& up,” the CS: I notice that some of your compositions couple immediately got up and left the club. I are tightly written, meaning that you and your ended up recording with McCann a couple of band play a lot of heads and kicks together , and weeks later... then you let ‘em go .Describe how you make CS: I would have paid money to witness that. Gilbert Castellanos and Chuck Schiele this work and please explain the criteria and 10 www.myspace.com/sandiegotroubadour DECEMBER 2008 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR parlor showcase

musicians in our midst. And it’s improving with incredible momentum because of guys like Gilbert. I’m not saying this as a fan. I am saying this because it’s not just exciting and important to the fabric of the culture in our city – it’s also GOOD FOR YOU to see the real deal at such a high level of brilliance. It’s right here in front of you. And I’m not just talking about Gilbert, specifically, even though his Wynton story inspires me to cheer you listeners on to see a show. We San Diegans have dozens and dozens of truly great jazz musicians right here in our back yard. There are so many folks out there who complain that we have a sub- par music scene. I wholeheartedly disagree. Get out there. I sure would hate for you to miss it. CS: Are you going to take Wynton up on the offer? GC: No. I live here and love it. I go to New York a lot anyway. And even Wynton tours a lot, so it makes sense to live here and tour there. CS: What’s your ax? GC: My trumpet is a custom Paris Selmer 80J. My flugelhorn is a Flip Oaks Wild Thing, which I’m proud to play because it was made by a local in Oceanside. CS: Cool. My own dad used to work with Flip back in the day. I’ve never met him, actually, but used to answer the phone when he’d call my pop about gig stuff. Ironically, I met him the same night we came down to see you at the Onyx. After your show, we stopped at Croce’s to see Shep Meyers [another GREAT jazz treasure in San Diego and close friend of my pop]. On his break he introduced me to his flugelhorn player, Flip Oakes. How serendipi - tous. GC: Small world. CS: What would be your advice to budding musicians? GC: Believe in yourself, practice, and be pre - pared to dedicate your entire life to the music. CS: Is there a question I should ask that I haven’t? GC: What is the etiquette of listening to live music? I ask it. GC: If you are coming out to listen to live music, expect to do just that – listen and respect the artist[s]. CS: You refer to the Onyx Room as your “home.” Why? GC: Come down and experience it first hand. It will be our jazz jam’s eighth year anniversary on December 2. You wanna sit in? CS: I’d love to, but no, I’m a better jazz fan than a player. Right here, he encourages me, anyway, innately demonstrating his respect for musicians of all lev - els. Using his “respect the altar” analogy, I explain to Gilbert that to me, jazz is the supreme path to musical enlightenment above all the other music forms. My respect for this means that I should pre - pare for that eventual baptism. I’ve been visiting jazz “real books” more and more ever since. CS: What do you listen to when it’s not jazz? GC: I am open to all types of good music. I enjoy listening to soundtracks in my record collection. Also, my girlfriend has been turning I take a moment (a whole-note rest) to think about GC: I’ve played on 50-something recordings, me on to some great classical music. what it’s like to have Les McCann stick up for you from rappers, to jazzers, to classical. This We’ve been blabbing for an hour and a half by at your gig. includes artist releases and things like movie now. And with that, we look at our watches. We soundtrack work. CS: Ummmm, you have an impressive list of down the last gulp of our now-cooled coffees, friends, sir. Who else have you met or worked And then, Gilbert tells me how his buddy Wynton because it’s almost 3pm, and we both have to get with along the way? Marsalis, who lives in , routinely to the rest of the day. We say hello to the art proj - GC: Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Benny encourages him to move to Manhattan. If I under - ect girl at the next table, curious about what she’s Golson, Charles McPherson, Curtis Fuller, stand this right, Wynton asked Gilbert why he been working on. While walking back to our cars Wynton Marsalis, Nancy Wilson, Joe doesn’t move there. Gilbert’s reply was, “I’m happy along Newport Avenue I couldn’t help but think Henderson, Poncho Sanchez, Natalie Cole, in San Diego and besides, I don’t have a job in how Gilbert’s “person” is of the same quality as Diana Krall, and others… NYC.” Wynton’s reply to that was a succinct, his music. He’s a class act just as a guy. He is “Yes, you do.” (meaning Gilbert can play on about his music, more than his music is about Author’s note: This is a short answer, emblematic Wynton’s gig, with equal billing, any ol’ day of him. (This to me shines like a bright beacon in the of Gilbert’s modesty. Google Gilbert Castellanos for the week.) otherwise darker world of “bogus” celebrity.) And the complete version. At this point in my interview, I am prompted to this reminds me how the yin and yang of this is CS: You’re probably on your way to playing on take a sidebar and address YOU, the reader. We why successful people are so successful. everybody’s stuff by now. have a great, GREAT music scene with world-class www.sandiegotroubadour.com 11 DECEMBER 2008 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR ramblin’

Bluegrass CORNER

by Dwight Worden BLUEGRASS HOLIDAY SHOPPING in Sorrento Valley a few years ago. The shop TOP TEN ALBUMS OF 2008 Neil Finn of Crowded House and Looking for that great bluegrass holiday gift, offers an outstanding selection of , Split Enz fame and the apple hasn’t hhh, yes. The end of another or just wondering where to get bluegrass violas, and basses at all price levels, and the fallen all that far from the prover - year. The time we reflect back Sven-Erik Seaholm instruments and supplies? As the holidays store has extensive teaching facilities with bial tree stylistically. However, this is upon the events and happen - an amazingly energetic, catchy and approach, here are some tips on where you private and group lessons, featuring a very A ings that have affected us directly or yes unique album filled with all and approaches in support of some can find great gifts for your bluegrass music nice performance space as well. Top luthiers indirectly. Perhaps lists of resolutions kinds of sonic craziness (Optigan, of his better songs in a long while. friends, a special new instrument for your - are onsite to address your repair and set up are checked and rechecked in the hope anyone?) and heartfelt, well-crafted He comes almost uncomfortably self, a set of strings, picks, and other neces - needs. Hammond Ashley has recently moved that we have somehow moved closer lyrics. This album makes me happy close to his Mac-era achievements sities. San Diego has an outstanding collec - to a larger location but is still in the Sorrento to our ideal of how our lives should be every time I put it on. Check out: on a couple of them, so it’s a good tion of local stores that carry all caliber of Valley area: 6255 Ferris Square, Suite E , San going, what we’ve accomplished, and “Better to Be,” “Second Chance,” “Fire thing they were great songs in the bluegrass instruments and supplies, as well Diego. Phone: (858) 623-0036; website: where we’ve still fallen short. in Your Belly.” first place. Check out: “Time Precious as providing a full range of luthier and repair www.hammondashley.com. Perhaps it is this same hopeful 4. T Bone Burnette Tooth of Crime Time,” “Wait for You,” “Love Runs services. The following run down, in alpha - Dwight’s Take: Nice people, great luthier inventory that fills the pages of myriad This man has been a hero of mine Deeper.” betical order, presents what, in my opinion, service; great selection of instruments. One music publications with “Best of”s and since his early ’80s solo work and 8. My Morning Jacket Evil Urges are some of the best local options, with a of the few places with full service for bass - “Worst of”s, so that we might, as active has always been a great record pro - Kentucky’s greatest export since “Dwight’s Take” on each with my personal es. music listeners and creators, assess our ducer. This year he has been lauded horses and whiskey gets its sexy on opinion on that store’s strong suit. Happy for his work on albums by B.B. King for this one. As usual, the lyrics are MOZE GUITARS: collective progress and point ourselves shopping! and John Mellencamp, but it is this poetic and at times nonsensical Located in La Mesa, as a culture toward our ideals with release, based around songs he (“peanut butter pudding surprise,” THE BLUE GUITAR: Moze is a full service even finer precision. anyone?), but there is no denying More likely, it’s just way too much wrote for a Sam Shepard play years The Blue Guitar is acoustic and electric ago that may be his finest work yet. the cinematic power of the band’s fun to say what we like and why. one of the oldest and store with a full range Snarky, jagged, and menacing in as arrangements nor the supple and 1. Radiohead In Rainbows most complete shops of supplies and services. Prices are generally gentle a fashion as possible, this is a impossibly sublime vocals of main I can’t accurately describe the that cater to acoustic good and the staff is friendly and helpful. tour de force of tasteful restraint. man Jim James throughout. Co-pro - excitement I felt when I realized this musicians in San You will find Moze at: 8415 La Mesa Blvd. Check out: “Dope Island,” “The duced by John Chiccarelli of Tape- was officially released on January Diego. You will find Suite 1, La Mesa, CA 9194. Phone: (619) 698- Slowdown,” “Swizzle Stick.” Op fame. Check out: “Evil Urges,” first of this year. Easily, in my opin - a range of guitars and other instruments as 1185; website: www. Mozeguitars.com 5. Al Green Lay It Down “Highly Suspicious,” “Librarian.” well as top quality luthiers, including one of ion, the strongest release among all Dwight’s Take: A great place to shop or contenders, this could very well The words “triumphant return to 9. Jamie Lidell Jim the few certified Martin Guitar luthiers in have repairs done. turn out to be the band’s best ever form” have been unfortunately That Stevie Wonder hasn’t made a town. Strings, picks, and as well, which is saying quite a lot overused with regard to the soul record that lives up to his creative accessories are also available. The Blue OLD TIME in the face of such classics as The icon’s recent output, but this album peak’s impossibly high standards is a Guitar is located at 5959 Mission Gorge MUSIC: Bends and Ok, Computer . From start proves to be the exception. shame, but who would’ve ever Previously called Road Suite 101, San Diego, CA 92120. to finish, this is an amazing combi - Reverentially produced with James guessed that a white dude as geeky Phone: (619) 283-2700; website: www.blue - Acoustic nation of great songs and staggering Poyser and the Roots’ Ahmir “?uest - looking as this guy could? guitar.com. A number of quality teachers can Expressions, this production . Check out: “15 Step,” love” Thompson, Green has truly Whatever. Just enjoy this for what it be accessed through the Blue Guitar as well, shop was pur - “Nude,” “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi.” regained his trademark sound, and is, a great, fun, and timeless sound - teaching all styles of music including blue - chased by the owner of Buffalo Bothers a his singing has never been, ahem … ing R&B album. Check out: “Another 2. Randy Newman Harps & Angels few years back and has been greatly sexier. Check out: “Lay It Down,” “No Day,” “Out of My System,” “Little Bit grass. That the ever inscrutable Mr. improved. Old Time Music now boasts strong One Like You,” “Just Take Your Time.” of Feel Good.” Dwight’s Take : The Blue Guitar’s strong suit Newman is an American songwrit - is guitars, luthier services, and repairs. collections of guitars, , , ing institution is at this point a fore - 6. Sam Phillips Don’t Do Anything 10. Weezer Self-titled Red Album speciality instruments, violins, and acces - gone conclusion. The fact that he is The former Mrs. T Bone Burnette Rivers Cuomo is one of those guys BUFFALO BROTHERS: sories. The shop also has an extensive affili - still capable of such transcendent has always been a talented and eco - so alternately brilliant and frustrat - Buffalo Brothers has by ated teaching school that offers lessons on a work is a refreshing surprise. This is nomical song crafter, and her hus - ing that you become almost afraid far the largest selection variety of instruments and in a variety of a flat-out amazing record, chock full band-produced albums are all out - to listen to the newest Weezer of guitars in San Diego styles and has on site luthier and repair serv - of some of his greatest songs yet. standingly avant garde in their sonic record for fear of disappointment. and one of the largest ices. Prices are good and, as a bonus, the The Mitchell Froom-produced signature. Choosing to produce her - Fear not, for Rivers and Co. have selections in the coun - store has a performance space in the rear arrangements utilize an all-star core self this time out, Sam proves it was - lifted themselves back up to near try. All calibers of acoustic and electric gui - where it hosts regular jam sessions and band and a full orchestra to stun - n’t all his doing after all and does so greatness with this sprawling, mus - tars are present with very competitive prices. presents acoustic music concerts. Old Time ning effect, running from New with the wicked effortlessness of a cular collection that hits so many of Mandolins, banjos, and other instruments Music is located at: 2852 University Avenue Orleans-flavored lilt to gospel-tinged straight razor to the jugular. Check their touchstones; it requires multi - are available as well, along with a full selec - in North Park. Phone: (619) 280-9035; web - ballads to Kurt Weil-styled romps out: “Can’t Come Down,” “Flowers,” ple listens to take it all in. Check out: tion of strings and accessories, repair, and site: www.sdoldtimemusic.com. with ease and aplomb. With Harps & “Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us.” “The Greatest Man That Ever Lived,” “Everybody Get Dangerous,” “Cold luthier services. Buffalo Brothers also boasts Dwight’s Take: Good all around shop, good Angels , this legend shows exactly 7. Gift of Screws why he is one. Check out: “Losing Folks like me who wish Lindsey Dark World.” of its “100% upgrade” policy whereby you selection of affordable violins. are allowed to trade in an instrument pur - You,” “A Few Words in Defense of Our would just grab his guitar and start Sven-Erik Seaholm is an award-winning inde - chased from them for the full price you paid VALLEY MUSIC: Valley Music can be found Country,” “Potholes .” ripping the way he did at the end of pendent and recording artist. He against a more expensive instrument at any in downtown El Cajon and offers a good 3. Liam Finn I’ll Be Lightning ’s “Go Your Own is also a huge fan of music. Find him on the time. You can find Buffalo Brothers at 4901 selection of acoustic instruments, CDs, music Okay, so I AM a huge fan of his dad, Way,” among others, will love this web at svensongs.com, kaspro.com, and treasure trove of great guitar tones myspace.com/svenseaholm El Camino Real in Carlsbad. Phone: (760) books, and supplies. Valley Music also hosts 434-4567; website: www.buffalobrosgui - an occasional in-store concert or workshop, tars.com. Instruction is also available at so if you live in the area get on their list. Buffalo Brothers on a variety of instruments This store is an institution in the El Cajon and in a variety of styles. area, having been in business since 1952. Dwight’s Take : Buffalo Brothers has the Stop by at 530 E. Main Street, El Cajon. best prices and selection if you are shopping Phone: (619) 444-316. for a medium to high end guitar. You can’t Dwight’s Take: Nice people, nice store. beat their 100% upgrade policy. Finally, a word about the “biggies” and shop - ping online. Yes, there are several Guitar CLASSIC BOWS VIOLIN SHOP: If you are Centers in the San Diego area, a Guitar looking for violins, violas, bows, and acces - Trader, and Best Buy will soon be carrying sories, as well as a great selection of spe - instruments. Sometimes you can get things ciality music related gifts, you will enjoy at a better price by shopping the web. And, Classic Bows. The shop has a nice selection there are music stores in San Diego that of instruments as well as bows and offers have some acoustic instruments and sup - top quality luthier, bow re-hairing, and repair plies, but that don’t really cater to the blue - service. During the holiday season you will grass music sector, which I have not men - especially enjoy the specialty gift products tioned. There is nothing wrong with any of available. The owner also offers appraisal these shopping options. But, if you can shop services, and the shop is involved in a variety locally and support your local music store of student violin/viola programs. You will supporting the local bluegrass community, I find Classic Bows at 2721 Adams Avenue. predict you will have a better experience and Phone: (619) 282-2010; website: www.clas - for sure get better follow up if you need it.. sicbows.com. You will also help support bluegrass in San Dwight’s Take: Strong selection of bows Diego. Tell them I sent you! and violins; nice people and service. Great specialty gifts for the violin enthusiast.

HAMMOND ASHLEY: Hammond Ashley Violins, the acclaimed violin, viola, and bass store out of Seattle, opened a satellite store 12 www.myspace.com/sandiegotroubadour DECEMBER 2008 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR ramblin’

Hosing Down Radio Phiillosophy,, Art,, Cullture,, & Musiic STAGES by José Sinatra Daze STAGES

by Peter Bolland missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work,” HARD WORK said Thomas Edison. Squeamish about work? Then don’t complain about the lot of people think art is all about gulf between you and your dreams. inspiration. They think people Stop looking for the magic formula or who accomplish great things are A the right self-help book. You’ve read carried there on a magical cloud of divine enough. You’ve prayed enough. You’ve intervention. It’s not true. Inspiration is thought enough. Now get to work. “Every overrated. “I always thought inspiration habit and faculty is preserved and was for amateurs,” says eminent visual increased by its corresponding actions,” artist Chuck Close, “the rest of us just said Epictetus in the first century. “The show up and get to work.” Inspiration is José Sinatra completes a self-portrait habit of walking makes us better walkers, the refuge of the undisciplined. Waiting regular running makes us better runners.” JUST NUTS, ROASTING – OPEN FIRE! — Ludacris’s Puttin’ Da “Cris” Back in around on the sidelines for inspiration to Jim McInnes Want to write better songs? Write songs Crissmiss (MoPimp) is mostly a misfire, a suddenly strike is a formula for failure. He has more impersonators than Elvis everyday. Want a better gig? You know step backward for Mr. L. There’s a lot of Of course, inspiration is real and pow - Presley and Jack the Ripper combined. by Jim McInnes what to do. Want to break the cycle of bluster and blasphemy, and when you sink erful and important, but it does not occur He’s had more songs written about him addiction? Act like a sober person. Want low enough to rhyme “Kris Kringle” with in a vacuum. Before inspiration visits you, than anyone but Jesus Christ and the mys - to overcome fear and cultivate compas - “Dis Tingle,” you should be shot. But Pardon My Face! three preliminary stages must be crossed. terious, still-unidentified “Laydeh.” He sion? Ask yourself, what would a coura - brought more joy into young people’s lives there’s near-redemption in one song, the First comes love, then comes thought, andi and I went to Las Vegas on geous, compassionate person do, and than their own parents and more anguish startling “The Three Wise N-----s,” which then comes hard work. What use is gaso - November first. My birthday was then do that. Feel the fear and do it any - and psychological damage than Miley imagines a modern Nativity in a nameless line if you don’t have a car to burn it in? two days away and we had not way. Aristotle, Judaism, and Cyrus (when the Truth was revealed…). ghetto. Instead of offering the Newborn S Let’s build the car, then look for a gas sta - Confucianism all make this point loud Babe pagers, weapons, and drugs as been out of San Diego since the Idyllwild tion. The death last week of Santa Claus hit and clear: action precedes internal trans - expected, the Child receives free cable wedding (see last month’s article.) Sandi The first step is love. Only do what the particularly hard and formation. Fake it ’til you make it. Act as installation, a box set of Rachmaninoff booked us a room for a couple of nights you love. Don’t confuse this with enslave - will likely require an event such as the if. Act as if you were talented, fabulous, concertos, and a lifetime subscription to at Mandalay Bay. I’d wear my new ment to base appetites or superficial upcoming Presidential Inauguration to gifted, creative, powerful. It’s one of life’s Gentlemen’s Quarterly . Homer Simpson shirt with the words desires. Instead, give the soul what it is even partially offset its tragic sting. Then, most delicious paradoxes. Yes, thoughts “Woo-Hoo” next to Homer’s face. asking for. “Follow your bliss,” Joseph in the ensuing months, will come made- — In Cher’s A Time for Cher-ing (Geffen), and intentions give rise to actions and I thought, “Yeah, Vegas! Why not?” In Campbell told his students, and don’t let for-TV movies, the “tell-all” biographies, she’s up to her usual trick of stretching behaviors. But actions and behaviors also retrospect, I’m asking myself, “Why?” anyone or anything throw you off the the song by Steve Vaus, the false paternity one-syllable words in twos (“Say-un Ta!” shape consciousness. It’s a never-ending I began celebrating my latest birthday beam. Following your bliss changes you. claims, and the endless legal battles over “What a May-uln!”), but the lush produc - feedback loop. Thoughts give rise to at the airport in the early afternoon, fol - And it opens doors you didn’t even know commercial rights and representation. tion by Wayne Newton gives things the actions and behaviors in turn transform lowed by a couple more “pops” on the were there. In the Bhagavad Gita Krishna “When one’s true nature is so hated aura of a really funny LSD trip, and the consciousness. That’s how we become plane. After we checked into our room, told Arjuna, “You become what you love.” and vilified,” read the suicide note, “‘tis cover shot of the diva (I’m speaking of what we do. we went to a nearby liquor store for In other words, love is a particularly better for all if one boogies off, ho-ho-ho.” Cher) as a very nude angel on a crowded And, finally, when we fully engage in a party supplies. More celebratory toasts effective form of focused consciousness. Thus was confirmed, it seems, the long- subway platform is a keeper. In all, her life of action, that’s when the inspiration in our room preceded an evening of Thoughts have transformational power. standing rumor of Claus’s “unnatural” rela - best in months as well as a potential cash hits. Inspiration can never be the goal. casino hopping. It’s natural for our thoughts to swirl tionship with the most…uh… flamboyant cow for independent retailers – Target, Inspiration just happens when we show In Vegas, as long as you’re playing incessantly around the things we care of his reindeer, Prancer, whose body was Walmart, Goody’s, Best Buy, and Toys R Us the universe that we are willing to do our something, they’ll keep your drinks com - deeply about. That’s normal. That’s why also discovered at the scene. all refuse to carry the disc because of that part. We pay our dues. We show up pre - ing...free. I took advantage of that, you it’s important to care about the right “It appears to be a case of murder-sui - cover, and Cher, bless her heart is stickin’ pared. We do our homework and learn betcha. things – true things, real things. When we cide,” says an investigator with the case, to her gazongas. Unfortunately, I was also having back our craft. We demonstrate our readiness requesting anonymity. “Yes, it’s tragic and do, our thoughts become intentions and — Mercy, how did this get here? It seems problems. Even in the best of times, in our everyday actions. Writers write, tawdry and all that,” detective Munson affirmations and they begin to manifest in I’ve just done a Christmas record too, walking for me is difficult. I’ve had two singers sing, lovers love, painters paint, continues, “but not really as sick as it the material world. The universe has no which I’ll give you if you ask me. I play and failed spine surgeries and suffer from creators create. And in the abundance of seems, since Prancer, as it turns out, was choice but to respond to powerfully sing it all by myself, to the tune of that severe sciatica and leg numbness when I our fully-realized commitment, miracles actually female.” focused conscious intentions. Thoughts supremely treakly anthem, “The Rose.” walk or stand for more than a few min - happen. “Genius is one percent inspira - What we’re getting this month, folks, is may not manifest in the way you think The lyrics come from the surface of my utes. I take two strong prescription pain tion and 99 percent perspiration,” said the last honorable batch of Christmas/ they will, but they will manifest. “All that heart – may they unite us in the Spirit of killers every day, but on that Saturday in Edison. Stop searching the sky for that Santa songs by artists who recorded them we are is the result of what we have the Season as our country, beaten and Vegas, I took a third one while I was bolt of lightning. Keep your eyes on the before the tragedy, and thus are quite thought,” said the Buddha in the bruised, forever swears off spiking its egg gambling. Whooooops! Big mistake! work in front of you. Let the universe immune from any charges of being greedy Dhamapada . “Our life is a product of our nog ever again with greed, hatred, or intol - After about 15 minutes, I no longer make miracles through the work of your vultures. (Mark my words: next Christmas mind.” It is a grave error to underestimate erance: cared that I was hemmorhaging money. own hands. In the end there’s only one will be insane .) the capacity of consciousness to construct I kept dropping my wallet. My hands felt thing that delivers us to the life we long A brief tally, then, of the more notable ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through reality. “Nothing can stop the man with the house just like two balloons ( Pink Floyd- for and so richly deserve: hard work. stocking stuffers just out or due shortly: the right mental attitude from achieving Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse ”Comfortably Numb” ). I tried to stand his goal,” said Thomas Jefferson, “and Peter Bolland is a professor of philosophy and – The Rocking Mountain Oysters make an The children were nestled in Michael but my legs now had no feeling whatso - nothing on earth can help the man with humanities at Southwestern College and singer- songwriter-guitarist of the Coyote Problem. You auspicious debut with their two-sided sin - Jackson’s bed ever. So I stumbled, not able to find my the wrong mental attitude.” For Henry can complain to him about what you read here gle on Inbred Records. RMO is comprised And they heard a Christmas story through lips so gravitational center. I tried to talk to my Ford it was this simple: “If you think you moist, so red: at [email protected]. www.thecoyoteprob - of four Kentucky siblings – Jim Bob, wife but all that came out of my mouth can or think you can’t, you’re right.” Shorty, Ellie Mae, and Velma Skinner, lem.com is the ethereal home of the Coyote Long ago the world was different, everyone was were bellows, grunts, and insults. It was From thoughts come actions. Actions Problem. along with their equally talented (though oh-so-sad like an attack of Tourette’s syndrome. It’s repeated become habit. And habit con - sadly retarded) offspring. “I Saw Momma And they wanted one to help them, bring them called being really eff’d up! structs character. Our lives are the results Hogtyin’ Santy Claus” begins nearly like a joy and make them glad A couple of security gorillas came of our thoughts and actions. We become nursery rhyme but swiftly evolves into Who would guess a newborn infant would arrive over and told Sandi to get me out of what we love, we become what we think, to do the trick? much more than its amusing title sug - there...or else! My wonderful wife basi - we become what we do. Our choices set gests. In fact, it becomes an ecstatic hymn Sliding out a magic chimney plopped the cally had to hold me up and drag me bearded babe, Saint Nick. into motion complex webs of causation praising the Human Struggle against outside to the taxi stand. When we got that interface with the lives of countless oppression, insanity, and flatulence. “Don’t With the Christmas season on us, to those there, several couples were ahead of us others and the consciousness of the uni - never gone let go/Git that thang under who hear our song in line, waiting for cabs. I bellowed, “We verse itself – what some people call God. control” chimes the elegant chorus repeat - To the dead, the hard-of-hearing, to the yucky don’t gotta wait in no stinkin’ line!” One-pointed love, conscious intention, edly during the song’s 2 1/ minute climac - 2 and the less fortunate Pulling away from Sandi, I took one half and disciplined action are an unstoppable tic refrain. This coda seems destined to In December late one evening, all aglow from step forward and the ground reached up force. Cultivating the habit of hard work Rudolph’s nose eclipse both the Beatles’ “Na, na, na and slapped me across the right side of is the single most important element of nananana/Nananana, hey Jude” and Even jolly old Saint Nicholas, in his way, my red, cross-eyed face. becomes the Hose. success in any endeavor. “Opportunity is Jumpjizzy Flip’s “Slap da bitch/Nome I’d never, ever seen so much blood. sayne?” as the prevailing melodic mantra If I’ve been able to bring you a smile or And it was all mine! Some young punk of the era. And as for the public to accept two this year, just consider it my strolled by, remarking, “Hey, I remember a Santa who says “yee haw” rather than Christmas gift to you, and you alone. It’s my first beer, pops!” “ho ho ho,” it shouldn’t be as much of a so wonderful to share! None of the other people on hand so Radio Daze continued problem as one imagines – haven’t we all Now, what are you gonna get me? much as moved a muscle to help. No had just about our fill of ho ’s by now? The one said a word until Sandi screamed, tors.” Naturally, one paramedic added, flip side, “Moonshine and Mistletoe,” con - “Somebody get some help here!” “Well, partner, what happens in Vegas tains a memorable hook that is so vibrant Finally a couple of paramedics arrived, stays in Vegas.” Not now. I’ve learned my and infectious, you’ll want to start two- stopped the bleeding and made sure I lesson. stepping and line dancing and kissing the hadn’t broken anything. They asked how I’m never gonna wear that Homer dude next to you. As I said, you will. I I felt and I replied, “I am so embar - Simpson “Woo-Hoo” shirt to Vegas don’t go that way. rassed, I’ve even offended my ances - again! Merry Christmas ‘n’ Happy New Year, friends. continued adjacent www.sandiegotroubadour.com 13 DECEMBER 2008 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR highway’s song

14 www.myspace.com/sandiegotroubadour DECEMBER 2008 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR highway’s song s e m a J

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Kelly Joe Phelps o h The Phantom Monk of Folk-Blues P

by Terry Roland same can be said of his songwriting abili - all his own, beginning from his early jazz ty. Phelps has his own voice, but it’s true roots to his most recent folk-based blend. n 1995, I had the pleasure of spend - listening comfort to find strands of the His vocal style draws from most of the ing an evening with Townes Van river of music we call classic roots artists of the past, but his IZandt at McCabe’s Guitar Store in running through his work. I can’t help phrasing is most closely compared to Ry Santa Monica. There was a a certain but wonder if the muse that flowed Cooder. He has a casual drawl that sug - magic that night, watching this old trou - between them that night at McCabe’s gests Mississippi more than Portland. His badour still hanging on to his life, came to reside in the core of the music of voice becomes an instrument equal to his singing off key, sometimes rambling, but Kelly Jo Phelps. guitars, crafted carefully to bring focus to always conjuring up the image of an old His first album, Lead Me On , enhanced the songs. blues singer sitting on his front porch, Phelps’ love for the lap slide guitar and His 2006 album, Songsmith Retrograde , sipping whiskey and telling stories in the brooding, gospel-based is his transition into a gentle folk-ballad song. That same night a young, clean-cut with a simple one-man acoustic sound that could easily pass for early musician from Portland, Oregon, ambled approach. Future recordings, like Celtic but then has those jazz-blues out and proceeded to do what so many Slingshot Professionals , found him enlarg - sounds around its edges. “Crows Nest” young blues musicians do: he played his ing his musical travels with more opens the album with a contemplative heart out. He was in his 30s but sounded acoustic instruments. Listening to each invitation to join him on his troubadour’s like he was centuries old. That night he recording released between 1995 to 2006, journey. The instrumentals lean on his performed the nearly forgotten genre of something rare for any artist begins to past blues picking style but add a fine blues spirituals. He was like an angel happen. Each album builds on the other, folk melody with the complexities. holding court with one of the true saints developing a distinct style that is drawn Lyrically, these songs bring into focus lit - of the surviving wild-eyed, whiskey-driv - from such influences as early Bruce tle pieces of the life around us that some - en singer-songwriter movement slowing Cockburn, (of times go unnoticed, filled with well-worn fading away into an alcoholic mortality. Nebraska fame), Lyle Lovett, and Leo trails, crying babies, shoestrings on a Kelly Joe Phelps was like a witness to a Kottke. nether wind, old men whining, and so passing, fading comet as it seemed His picking style, while derived from many illustrative threads that run Kelly Joe Phelps inevitable that Van Zandt was in his final early urban blues, familiar to the era of through our lives. years. But, just by his presence, Phelps Piedmont and even with some ragtime Of the many pleasures of Retrograde , assured us all that the music would influence, he also brings a ’50s-era jazz what stands out is Phelp’s use of the rewarding the journey is, even though as Kelly Joe Phelps will perform on endure – as it always does. That night he feel into his structure and arrangements, banjo, which he bends into a Celtic, this vital artist continues to grow, the Saturday, December 13 at Acoustic sat in on the encore “The Banks of the allowing enough space for the music to blues instrument that goes against the destination remains a mystery. Music San Diego, 7:30pm. The address Ohio,” and Phelps hesitated to start, just breathe and create a life of its own. The usual ironic cheerful bluegrass sound As I listen to his music, the ghost of is 4650 Mansfield St., San Diego quietly sitting there. Eventually, Van pitfall here is the danger of genre hop - into a near apocalyptic haunt of some the troubadour, Townes Van Zandt, 92116. Phone: (619) 303-8176. Or Zandt looked over at him and said, “Man, ping. However, Phelps manages to learn folksinger’s nightmare. “Red Light still seems to be out there smiling, laugh - visit www.acousticmusicsandiego.com are you playing?” Phelps looked up and the lessons of the style and then bring Nickel” brings us to a midnight shanty ing, singing along, and maybe, just falling for ticket information. with all humility said, “I was listening to them into his own work. Unlike many feel, an unusual use for a banjo. This silent for a moment or two at the majesty you, man!” It was a moment of continu - other artists in this genre, he doesn’t seek song is a testament to his creativity and of the music he hears from his lap slide ity and grace. to imitate, re-create, or even preserve so imagination. playing partner… as Kelly Joe Phelps did Troubadours like Kelly Jo Phelps seem much as bring to bring a new vision to So, if you’re willing to take a ride that long ago night in Santa Monica. to have tread a thousand rivers of blues the music. down the many rivers traveled by Kelly to find the right waters for their sound. If This approach complements both the Joe Phelps, it will be a reminder of how the blues are many rivers flowing into artist and the music. The earliest roots of one sea, Phelps has certainly followed blues provided a soil rich enough to be more than one of them. His beginnings in adapted to many forms. Phelps is inven - music were the blue jazz of Miles Davis tive and imaginative enough to be able to and John Coltrane. Phelps soon found take other styles like country, folk, and the country blues of Fred McDowell and jazz and merge them with his own artis - Robert Pete Williams. He followed this tic voice, creating a unique sound, both stream to learn lap slide guitar and a dis - original and universal. So, as he contin - tinctive finger-picking style sounding ues to add to the style mix, each album eerily close to Townes Van Zandt. The changes into a distinctive sound that is

www.sandiegotroubadour.com 15 DECEMBER 2008 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR highway’s song

writer and motion picture music composer, Roger McGuinn & John Sebastian, you now have the the title of music teacher. continued from page 4. How did the idea of the instructional DVDs come about? sound I loved was actually you playing an JS : The instruction videos are released on autoharp through an amplifier. Were you the Homespun Video.The company is owned by first to do so? Happy Traum and luckily, I live in the same JS : I think I probably was. It was hooked up little town (near Woodstock) he does! Happy in the same way you would “mic” a ukulele. I is the brother of Artie Traum, who recently think the popular commercial success of the passed away. He was an influential folk music Spoonful made it possible for the develop - figure in this area. ment of new autoharps that could be played The first instructional video was on play - through amplification. ing the autoharp. It went very well and now we have several videos – blues harmonica, SDT : One of my favorite Spoonful songs is finger picking (blues) guitar. “Jug Band Music.” What is jug band music? SDT : Your current music projects? JS : It was African-American music; it was regional music in its pre-electric stage. Jug JS : I recently did a CD with David Grisman band music would evolve into what is now called Satisfied . This was recorded simply on considered the blues. It reached a point of two-track. I was preparing to work on the interaction with so many different Americans mixing but was told we were done. No mix - – African-Americans, Irish – Americans, so ing...this was new for me. Apparently, this is many people. the way Grisman has been recorded for years, and we actually got on the bluegrass charts! SDT : I first had the opportunity to talk with you during the ’80s. At that time you were A limited amount of tickets remain for the receiving lucrative offers for the original Poway concert with McGuinn and Sebastian. Spoonful lineup to reunite and tour. You were Visit www.powayarts.org for details. adamant that you weren’t going to unless Zal Yanovsky was on board. He declined and the tour never materialized. Yanovsky died of a heart attack in 2002. What would you like our readers to know about Zally? JS : Zal was really the instrumental heart of the Spoonful. He had style, he provided the excitement, he expanded the boundaries of folk music. Zal was at the center of our sound. It must be said that the Spoonful were great when Zal was in the group. We weren’t so great after Zal left the group. And I left the group a short time after that. SDT : Adding to your titles of singer-song - John Sebastian, 1970

16 www.myspace.com/sandiegotroubadour DECEMBER 2008 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR of note

Laura Roppe Laura Kuebel Fiffin Market Chris Stuart & Plow Girl Like This Along for the Ride Lost at Sea Backcountry by Allen Singer Plow’s new self-titled CD is a har - by Mike Alvarez by Tammy Lin by Mike Alvarez Crooked Man vest of old and new traditional There’s a lot to like about Laura San Diego has a tradition of While I enjoyed listening to Fiffin American roots music. The band tills new ground and uses the music’s old Roppe’s new CD, Girl Like This . It’s a acoustic singers with storytelling Market’s album Lost at Sea , I must by Dwight Worden collection of catchy and upbeat lyrics to be more than just pretty confess that it had me scratching my roots styles to build new musical songs delivered by an attractive voices. Laura Kuebel follows this tra - head. There’s a very unique take on San Diego native Chris Stuart has directions. Everything new here is old singer with a big voice. Overall, it dition of San Diego-based singer- Irish music that could only have sur - released a new, and stellar, CD of again! Plow is a trio of musicians stays positive, even when it tends songwriters. We live in an age where faced in a cultural melting pot such fine acoustic music. Stuart’s roots are who bring a variety of different per - toward the melancholy. It doesn’t try everything can be sold individually as we have here in San Diego. While in bluegrass, and his roots show sonalities and musical styles to the to get too heavy or deep. The main and music is now no different than based on traditional melodies and through in this great record, lending joyous harvest heard on this fine CD. point of this CD is fun, and on that buying individually packaged 100- instrumentation, they bring in unex - support to a fine collection of his all Chris Clarke is a young, good old score it delivers. The songwriting calorie oreos and cheese nips. pected influences like folk, modern original music. Supported by his out - Virginia boy raised in the heartland leans heavily in the direction of mod - Anyone can go online and buy a sin - rock, blues, and even a healthy dose standing band BackCountry, there’s of roots and traditional American ern country but like most music in gle without really knowing the quali - of punk. The surprising thing is that Janet Beazley on banjo, penny whis - music. Clarke ’s voice and sweet low- that genre, you can expect it to bor - ty of a full CD. Along for the Ride is it generally works. It’s brash, ener - tles, lead and harmony vocals; who key picking style on guitar and man - row generously from pop, rock, best enjoyed when you have the getic, and highly infectious. sings beautiful harmony with Stuart dolin provide the musical backbone. R&B, and other popular forms. Ms. time to sit down and play it from The opening title track is a dra - on many of the numbers, multi-tal - Dave Bandrowski’s banjo style comes Roppe does so with a good sense of start to finish, which means it’s a matic narrative complete with back - ented Eric Uglum on lead guitar, from New Orleans, the birthplace of taste and discrimination. quality EP. ground music and sound effects that rhythm guitar, mandolin, and har - blues, Dixieland, jazz, and gospel Lyrically, she favors subject matter Laura Kuebel has a gorgeous gets the ball rolling. And roll it does mony vocals; and two outstanding music. Bandrowski’s playing style is that centers around the joys and tri - voice but it’s when you really pick as they blast into their rendition of young brothers, Austin Ward on bass creatively eclectic with a mix of syn - als of everyday life. Obviously aiming out the story that a theme emerges “The Wild Rover,” which sounds like and Christian Ward on fiddle and copated rhythms and solo style that at a specific audience, she tries to from the EP. “Nowhere” is a track Green Day got their hands on it and viola. This is one great recording fits Plow really well. John Mailender is paint pictures of situations that they that hits the nail on the head about threw it around some. The vocalists project worthy of any serious collec - the band’s youngest member, but he can relate to, be it the need for a the emotions that fluctuate in a per - jump in full of sass and attitude and tion of fine acoustic music. plays like an old swinging, seasoned housewife to blow off steam (“Mama son when there’s a decision and they are joined on the chorus by a The 13 original tunes range from pro. Somewhere in Mailender ’s Needs a Girl’s Night Out”), a soft desire to leave their current life. tavern full of rabble rousers. The level the lead off, “Crooked Man,” musical DNA there are traces of Joe ballad to a child (“Little Daughter”), “Start making plans, working your of intensity doesn’t let up on “Old through ballads, the up tempo “I Venuti, Stuff Smith, Stéphane or playfully teasing pop songs (“You hands to the bone. Save up all your Brown’s Daughter” and “City That Remember Memphis,” to the classic Grappelli, and Vassar Clemens. He’s a Don’t ASK,” “Sing a Love Song”). money, sell everything you own. We Love.“ In fact it seems to have fiddle and banjo tune with a modal one-of-a kind musician who’s found There is even a flirtation with light Pack up what matters, say goodbye been kicked up a few notches, pro - sound titled “Silverton.” Stuart is at the key to the essence of swing and jazz on the last song, “Can’t Take It to all your friends. Glamorize what pelled as they are by a his best when putting forth story heartfelt playing. This CD is alive Back.” It’s an airy number that calls never was, what may never be rhythm section and Celtic fiddling. songs like “The Crime at Quiet Dell” with feeling, creative juices, humor, to mind the Maria Muldaur classic again.” San Diego is such a transito - Things take on a decidedly more and when telling heart tugging sto - and a beating musical heart that “Midnight at the Oasis.” Every tune ry city that I feel like we’ve all been romantic turn with the acoustic waltz ries with moving melodies like his drives its three members and touches is crafted with catchy melodic hooks there: sitting in that car traveling or “My Dream.” It’s on material like this “13 Steps.” the listener. and easily digested chord progres - leaving the city unsure of the road that the band drops all attitude and Stuart was a winner of the presti - The CD’s sound is clear, crisp, sions. The arrangements are spot on, ahead. And according to Kuebel, pretense, and just plays for all they’re gious MerleFest songwriting contest and full. You experience each song as capturing the exact moods that the “where nowhere feels like home.’ worth. It makes for a welcome lovely several years ago. Not bad, especial - if it were played live and just for you. lyrics need to convey. From “Nowhere,” “Along for the interlude, which occurs again later ly when you recognize that Gillian Plow recorded 12 songs – some old Artistically, the songs play things a Ride,” “Run,” and “Scar,” the story on “Wave Over Wave” and their Welch took second place behind traditional, some original, and some little safe, coming as they do from of the journey is all about the aspect earnest interpretation of “Molly him. Stuart has also had several of instrumentals. Clarke opens with his the standpoint of a person with a of leaving, finding your way, and the Malone.“ The arrangement for his songs picked up by national acts. own tune “Goin’ Down to family. They remain firmly rooted in hope but scariness it seems of ever “Galway Bay” would qualify it for this So, there is no doubt that the man Richmond.” Immediately, you feel territory that is easily relatable, and finding your way. By the time you’re category were it not for its humorous has chops as a songwriter. The real invited to share in the joy, creativity, oftentimes Roppe can get halfway through the EP, the music lyrics about a bickering couple. pleasure in this record, however, is and discoveries of Plow’s musical unabashedly sentimental. What mirrors what happens in life. You In between these quiet moments to hear the man himself render his adventure as it rolls through Clarke ’s keeps the proceedings from becom - start feeling secure in your situation. are some raucously bombastic num - music and to do it so well. The pro - home town. His “Tonapah Station” is ing completely bland is the tension Kuebel’s songwriting gets more bers like the rockabilly flavored duction is stunning in its clarity and a deep, well-written tune filled with between those values and the yearn - lighthearted with “Rocky Road,” “Berry Picking Time,” the Bo Diddley- simplicity. This is one record that is pathos that could have been written ing to cross a few lines. It’s delightful even though the story at heart is influenced “Donkey Riding,“ the likely to find a high place in the rota - in the late 1920s. Clarke reflects on to watch the battle between these about missing someone. “Some days punk reel “All For Me Grog,” and the tion of any serious collector of those times by playing the tune in a facets of her personality. If you’re are just plain vanilla, and some days big singalong number “Rant and acoustic music with a roots flavor. minor key that cuts to heart of the anything like me, you might find are rocky road. Baby you could be Roar (San Diego Version).” listener. “Sunday Sadir” is a yourself occasionally rooting for her the sprinkles on my ice cream cone.” Interestingly enough, they end on a Bandrowski original tune that lets to just give in and have a little fun. This was my favorite song on the EP soft note with the retro-psychedelic you know he’s still got a hand in the My favorite song is “Crazy About because it put a smile on my face ballad “Autumn Forever,” a song that Big Easy, with hints of Preservation You and Me” because the lyrics are a when I listened to the lyrics. In the might have been sung by someone Hall and the old cats back in little bit darker, fuelled as they are by second half of the EP, love (“Perfect like . It’s surprising Storyville. Mailender’s fiddle playing a tinge of jealousy. It also has one of Stranger”) and dreams (Kuebel’s ver - but somehow appropriate. throughout is his gift, showing how the most unique arrangements on sion of “Over the Rainbow”) seems I still haven’t figured out whether a young musician can capture the the album, bordering on the Beatle- to overshadow earlier emotions of Fiffin Market is a band with its essence of the past and the wonders esque with its mellotron flute chords the ride. Along for the Ride is the tongue firmly in cheek. Are they pok - of future discovery. He plays with the and big guitar hooks. soundtrack of a journey to some - ing fun at the material or is this a hand of a seasoned musician It’s all recorded with a profession - thing scarily unknown but hopeful in serious attempt to fuse Irish music touched by the many musical styles ally produced sheen. Roppe’s vocals the end. And each song really works with modern rock? In the long run, I he’s studied, experienced, and are strong and confident, often remi - toward this theme and was definitely suppose it doesn’t matter. It sounds learned so far in his young life. niscent of Helen Reddy in tone and meant to be heard as a whole, not like they’re having an awfully good This terrific CD offers a musical delivery. The musicians on the record sold individually. time and so will you. I bet this stuff is bridge across time and styles. “Train are local stalwarts, many of whom great in a live situation. 45,” the last cut on the CD, leaves us are accompanists of San Diego with an old traditional song to reflect favorite Eve Selis. They lay down the true genesis of Plow’s journey. tracks that perfectly complement the You just know the boys had fun cut - vocal performance. Perhaps a little ting this CD. It’s serious, it’s innova - too perfectly. After hearing every tive, and it’s very approachable. note in its place, one sometimes Plow’s new CD covers new yearns for a little more abandon, a ground and replants old seeds. Plow little less precision, and a little more is a joy to hear and the CD itself is in fire. Regardless, this album is a light, an environmentally clean, beautifully fun romp that accomplishes exactly designed “eco-wallet.” Clarke, what it sets out to do. Bandrowski, and Mailender have real - ly plowed some old ground and grown a great new crop of music for us. www.sandiegotroubadour.com 17 DECEMBER 2008 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR ’round about ARDS AW Haute Chile , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. ANN T DECEMBER CALENDAR The Blokes , Hensley’s Flying Elephant Pub, 850 WEEKLY D UAL HA Tamarack Ave., Carlsbad, 7:30pm. R Billy Midnight , Ruby Room, 1271 University David Patrone , Clay’s @ Hotel La Jolla, 7955 monday • 1 Ralph Alessi , Athenaeum Studio, 4441 Park Ave., 8pm. every sunday La Jolla Shores Dr., 7pm. 3 Blvd., 8pm. Chuck Richards/Heidi Hughes/Megan Combs , Shawn Rohlf & Friends , Farmers Market, Scandinavian Dance Class , ClaFolk Dance Meet the Fiddle w/ Celia Lawley , Tierrasanta Kenny Eng/Taran Gray/Tyler Mounce/Stasia Across the Street @ Mueller College, 4603 Park DMV parking lot, Hillcrest, 10am. Center, Dancing Unlimited, 4569 30th St., 7:30pm. Library, 4985 La Cuenta Dr., 4pm. Conger , Across the Street @ Mueller College, Blvd., 8:30pm. Bluegrass Brunch , Urban Solace, 3823 30th 4603 Park Blvd., 8:30pm. Lisa Sanders & Friends , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams St., 10:30am. Folk Arts Rare Records Singers’ Circle , Celtic Thunder , S.D. Sports Arena, Time TBA. Kadan, 4696 30th St., 6pm. Ave., 9pm. Daniel Jackson , Croce’s, 802 5th Ave., 11am. Blue Monday Pro Jam , Humphrey’s Backstage Gregory Page , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Tomcat Courtney , Turquoise Cafe Bar Europa, Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7pm. The Blokes , O’Sullivan’s, 640 Grand Av., Ste. A, Celtic Ensemble , Twiggs, 4590 Park Blvd., 873 Turquoise St., 7pm. 4pm. Palomar Big Band w/ Steve Steinberg , Dizzy’s Carlsbad, 9pm. Open Mic , Thornton’s Irish Pub, 1221 sunday • 14 Traditional Irish Session , The Field, 544 5th Broadway, El Cajon, 7pm. @ SD Wine & Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 7pm. Ave., 7pm. S.D. Folk Society Mtg. , Old Time Music, 2852 Open Mic , Across the Street @ Mueller sunday • 7 Open Mic , Hot Java Cafe, 11738 Carmel Mtn. College, 4605 Park Blvd., 8pm. University Ave., 2pm. Rd., 7:30pm. tuesday • 2 Open Mic , Dublin Square, 544 4th Ave., 9pm. Coastal Communities Concert Band , California Barbara Nesbitt/Astra Kelly/Dan Hammer , Joe Mendoza (the Spring Collection) , Surf & Bondi, 333 5th Ave., 3pm. Saddle, 123 W. Plaza St., Solana Beach, 8pm. Meet the Fiddle w/ Celia Lawley , Rancho Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Penasquitos Library, 13330 Salmon River Rd., Escondido, 2pm. Sue Palmer & her Motel Swing Orchestra , Jazz Roots w/ Lou Curtiss , 8-10pm, KSDS every thursday (88.3 FM). 4pm. Meet the Fiddle w/ Celia Lawley , Del Mar Kate Sessions Park, 3:30pm. Open Blues Jam , Downtown Cafe, 182 E. Library, 1309 Camino Del Mar, 3:15pm. José Sinatra’s OB-oke , Winston’s, 1921 Main, El Cajon, 6pm. Lighthouse , NCBFC Mtg., Round Table Pizza, Daniel Jackson Benefit w/ Marshall Bacon St., 9:30pm. 1161 E. Washington Ave., Escondido, 7pm. Mar Dels , Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros, Solana Hawkins/Mikan Zlatkovich/more , Dizzy’s @ SD Wood ‘n’ Lips Open Mic , Friendly Grounds, Wine & Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 5pm. The Bluegrass Special w/ Wayne Rice , 9225 Carlton Hills Blvd., Santee, 6:30pm. Eva Emingerova w/ the Bonita Jazz Band , Beach, 7pm. 10pm-midnight, KSON (97.3 FM). Acoustic Alliance w/ Christopher Dale/Matt Joe Rathburn’s Folkey Monkey , Milano Dizzy’s @ SD Wine & Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Jake’s Mountain , Dark Thirty House Concert, Coffee Co., 8685 Rio San Diego Dr., 7pm. Dr., 7:30pm. Lakeside, 7:30pm. 619/443-9622 Silvia/Jeff Berkley/J. Turtle/Lisa Sanders/Scott Wilson/Thomas Lee/Michael Tiernan/Simeon every monday Open Mic , Turquoise Coffee, 841 Turquoise Tuck & Patty , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. St., P.B., 7pm. Flick/Sven-Erik Seaholm/Zachary Goode , Brick Open Mic , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 7:30pm. by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., 7pm. Moonlight Serenade Orchestra , Lucky Star monday • 8 Pro-Invitational Blues Jam , O’Connell’s Pub, Restaurant, 3893 54th St., 7pm. 1310 Morena Blvd., 8pm. wednesday • 3 Dave Mason/Jack Tempchin , Belly Up, 143 S. Traditional Irish Session , Thornton’s Irish Sue Palmer , Julie Warren Art Opening, India Cedros, Solana Beach, 8pm. Pub, 1221 Broadway, El Cajon, 8pm. Street Gallery, 2165 India St., 6pm. Meet the Fiddle w/ Celia Lawley , Mra Mesa every tuesday Open Mic/Family Jam , Rebecca’s, 3015 Library, 8405 New Salem St., 3pm. Meet the Fiddle w/ Celia Lawley , Carmel Traditional Irish Session , The Ould Sod, 3373 Juniper St., 8pm. Megan Combs/Alyssa Jacey/John Trefola/ Mountain Ranch Library, 12095 World Trade Dr., monday • 15 Adams Ave., 7pm. Open Mic , Skybox Bar & Grill, 4809 Eben Brooks/Sirens Lure/OB Chuck/Jeff 6:30pm. Clairemont Dr., 9pm. Blue Monday Pro Jam , Humphrey’s Backstage Open Mic , Cosmos Coffee Cafe, 8278 La Berkley/Bass Clef Experiment/OB Jason’s Steve White , Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, Jazz Jam , South Park Bar & Grill, 1946 Fern Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7pm. Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, 7pm. Afrodrum Circle , OB Farmers’ Market, Newport 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7pm. All Pro Blues Jam , The Harp, 4935 Newport St., 9:30pm. Ave., 4pm. Jingle Bell Jazz w/ Mesa College Big Band , Ave., 7:30pm. Stepping Feet , RT’s Longboard Grill, 1466 Lighthouse , Friendly Grounds Coffee House, Dizzy’s @ SD Wine & Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor tuesday • 16 Jack Tempchin & Friends , Calypso Cafe, 576 Garnet, PB, 10pm. 9225 Carlton Hills Blvd., Santee, 7pm. Dr., 7:30pm. N. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 7:30pm. Tuck & Patty , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. Latanya Lockett Band , Dizzy’s @ SD Wine & Open Mic , E Street Cafe, 125 W. E St., every friday Encinitas, 7:30pm. Sue Palmer & her Motel Swing Orchestra w/ Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 7pm. Sam Johnson Duo , Cosmos Coffee Cafe, 8278 tuesday • 9 Open Mic , Channel Twelve25, 172 E. Main St., La Mesa Blvd., 3pm. Steve Wilcox , Croce’s, 802 5th Ave., 8pm. Spyro Gyra , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. El Cajon, 7:30pm. Blue Rockit , Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, 145th Street Blues , Humphrey’s Backstage California Rangers , McCabe’s, Oceanside, Meet the Fiddle w/ Celia Lawley , Solana Open Mic , The Royal Dive, 2949 San Luis Rey 4:30-9pm. 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 8pm. Beach Library, 157 Stevens St., 4pm. Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 8pm. Rd., Oceanside, 8pm. West of Memphis , House of Blues, 1055 5th Patrick Norton & Aren’t They Something , Meshell Ndegeocello , House of Blues, 1055 5th Patrick Berrogain’s Hot Club Combo , Prado Ave., 6pm. Restaurant, Balboa Park, 8pm. Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Ave., 7pm. wednesday • 17 Acoustic Mayhem w/ Sven-Erik Seaholm & Brenda Xu/ , Hennessey’s, 704 4th Shep Meyers , Croce’s, 802 5th Ave., 8pm. Jesse LaMonaca , Bondi, 333 5th Ave. 6pm. Ave., 9pm. Open Mic , Portugalia, 4839 Newport Ave., David Patrone , Bing Crosby’s, 7007 Friar’s Rd., Laura Kuebel/Mike Eric/Jefferson Jay/ O.B., 9pm. wednesday • 10 Brooklyn/Astra Kelly/Julie Mack/OB Chuck/ 7pm. Danielle LoPresti/Anna Troy , OB Farmers’ The Blokes , Hennessey’s, 2777 Roosevelt St., Tomcat Courtney/Jazzilla , Turquoise Cafe Bar Jason Ott/Fourt Flats/John Miller/Chelsea Flor/ Carlsbad, 9pm. thursday • 4 Market, Newport Ave., 4pm. Europa, 873 Turquoise St., 7pm. Peter Hall/Coco & Lafe/OB Chuck/Joey Harris/ Jazz Night , Rebecca’s, 3015 Juniper St., 7pm. Meet the Fiddle w/ Celia Lawley , La Jolla Phil Harmonic & Tipsy Holiday , OB Farmers’ Meet the Fiddle w/ Celia Lawley , Carmel Valley Library, 3919 Townsgate Dr., 5pm. every wednesday Open Mic , Egyptian Tea Room & Smoking Library, 7555 Draper Ave., 4pm. Market, Newport Ave., 4pm. Parlour, 4644 College Ave., 9pm. Spyro Gyra , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. Music at Ocean Beach Farmer’s Market , Barbara Nesbitt , Indulge, 4550 La Jolla Village Meet the Fiddle w/ Celia Lawley , OB People’s Newport Ave., 4-7pm. Food Market, 4765 Voltaire, 5:30pm. Sue Palmer Quintet , Croce’s, 802 5th Ave., 8pm. Dr., 6pm. Christopher Dale & Friends , Handlery Hotel, every saturday Paragon Jazz Band , St. Paul’s Villa, 2340 St. John Bosley , Serra Mesa/Kearny Mesa Library, Soul Persuaders , Humphrey’s Backstage 950 Hotel Circle N., 5pm. Paul’s Villa, 6:30pm. 9005 Aero Dr., 6:30pm. Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 8pm. Acoustic Tribute , Bully’s, 5755 La Jolla Blvd., Paul Nichols’ Pro-Am/Pro Jam Invitational , 7pm. Songs of Peace w/ Joe Rathburn/Michael Alanis Morissette/O.A.R./Justin Nozuka/ Chuck Schiele/Coco & Lafe/Blackbirdz/ Downtown Cafe, 182 E. Main St., El Cajon, 5:30pm. Blues Jam , South Park Bar & Grill, 1946 Fern Tiernan/Cahill & Delene/John Foltz/Sandi Safetysuite/Buckcherry , Anthology, 1337 India Shamey Jays/True Stories , O’Connell’s, 1310 St., 9pm. Kimmel/Karl Anthony/James Lee Stanley , St., 6:30pm. Morena Blvd., 8:30pm. Milano Coffee Co., 8685 Rio San Diego Dr., 7pm. Sue Palmer Trio , Bing Crosby’s, 7007 Friar’s Rd., Keaton Simons/Leila Broussard , Lestat’s, 3343 Sue Palmer Trio , Bing Crosby’s, 7007 Friar’s Rd., 7pm. Adams Ave., 9pm. 7pm. John Foltz/Steve White/Jim Earp , Milano Peter Sprague , Escondido Library, 239 S. Coffee Co., 8685 Rio San Diego Dr., 7pm. tuesday • 23 tuesday • 30 Kalmia St., Escondido, 7pm. J.D. Souther , Acoustic Music SD, 4650 thursday • 18 Stunt Double/Rob Deez/FortyOneSixty/The Mansfield St., Normal Heights, 7:30pm. Meet the Fiddle w/ Celia Lawley , Miramar Kalido-Skopio , Dizzy’s @ SD Wine & Culinary Maldonado CD Release , Anthology, 1337 India Riders/SweetEverAfter , Back Stage @ the Soul Persuaders , Humphrey’s Backstage Library (military ID needed), Miramar Way Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 7pm. St., 7:30pm. Bitter End, corner of 5th Ave. & F St., 8pm. Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 8pm. Bldgt. #5305, 4pm. Missy Anderson , Humphrey’s Backstage Carlos Olmeda/Forest Sun , Lestat’s, 3343 Paragon Jazz Band , St. Paul’s Villa, 2340 St. Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 8pm. Adams Ave., 9pm. Paul’s Villa, 6:30pm. friday • 26 wednesday • 31 Sue Palmer Trio , Bing Crosby’s, 7007 Friar’s Rd., Grand Canyon Sundown , Wynola Pizza New Year’s Motown Eve Party , Anthology, 1337 friday • 5 thursday • 11 7pm. Express, 4355 Hwy. 78, Julian, 6pm. India St., 5:30 & 9:30pm. Joe Rathburn & Calman Hart , Milano Coffee John Foltz , La Costa Coffee, 6965 N. El Camino The Rugburns/Steve Poltz , Casbah, 2501 Co., 8685 Rio San Diego Dr., 7pm. Meet the Fiddle w/ Celia Lawley , Scripps Jaime Valle/Holly Hofmann/Bob Magnusson/ Real, Carlsbad, 7pm. Kettner Blvd., 9pm. Ranch, 10301 Scripps Lake Dr., 4pm. Duncan Moore , Mingei Int’l Museum, 155 W. Venice/Charlie Vaughn & the Daily Routine , Sinatra & Martinis , Anthology, 1337 India St., The Blokes , O’Sullivans, 640 Grand Ave., Ste. A, Faultline w/ Harry Joe Reynolds , Wynola Pizza Grand Av., Escondido, 6pm. Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros, Solana Beach, 8pm. 7:30pm. Carlsbad, 9pm. Express, 4355 Hwy. 78, Julian, 6pm. Los Lobos , House of Blues, 1055 5th Ave., 7pm. Barbara Nesbitt Band , Handlery Hotel, 950 Barbara Nesbitt & Tim Flannery , Star of India, Hugh Gaskins & the G String Daddies , Bill Evans & Megan Lynch , Old Time Music, Hotel Circle, 8pm. Thorton’s Irish Pub, 1221 Broadway, El Cajon, Embarcadero, 7pm. 2852 University Ave., 8pm. friday • 19 Alan Silva , Across the Street @ Mueller 9pm. Epiphany Project , Acoustic Music SD, 4650 Ruby & the Red Hots , Humphrey’s Backstage Holiday Hoedown w/ Sara Petite & the Sugar College, 4603 Park Blvd., 8:30pm. Mansfield St., Normal Heights, 7:30pm. Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 8pm. Daddies , Wynola Pizza Express, 4355 Hwy. 78, Tom Brosseau , North Park Vaudeville & Candy Ernie Haiter/Pat McGee Band/Tony Lucca , Julian, 6pm. Sue Palmer & her Motel Swing Orchestra , Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., 9pm. Shoppe, 2031 El Cajon Blvd., 8pm. Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Robin Henkel , Chateau Orleans, 926 Turquoise EJP/Rob Deez/Mod for Marq/Tommy Dahill , St., 6:30pm. The Blokes , O’Sullivans, 640 Grand Ave., Ste. Across the Street @ Mueller College, 4603 Park Paragon Jazz Band , La Messa Adult Center, A, Carlsbad, 9pm. Blvd., 8:30pm. friday • 12 8450 La Mesa Blvd., 7pm. Hugh Gaskins & the G String Daddies , Aimee Mann/Patton Oswalt/Nellie McKay/ Happy Hour w/ Candye Kane , Belly Up, 143 S. Bob Giesick , North Chapel, 2881 Roosevelt Rd., Gallagher’s Irish Pub, 5046 Newport Ave., 9pm. Grant Lee Phillips/Morgan Murphy , Belly Up, Liberty Station, 7pm. 143 S. Cedros, Solana Beach, 9pm. Cedros, Solana Beach, 5:30pm. Glen & Jennifer Smith , Wynola Pizza Express, Gilbert Castellanos Quintet , Dizzy’s @ SD Wine Billy Midnight , The Ould Sod, 3373 Adams & Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 8pm. saturday • 27 Ave., 9pm. 4355 Hwy. 78, Julian, 6pm. Joey Harris & the Mentals , Tio Leo’s, 5302 The Blokes , Gallagher’s Irish Pub, 5046 The Predicates , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., Robin Henkel , Chateau Orleans, 926 Turquoise Napa St., 8pm. Newport Ave., OB, 5:30pm. 9pm. St., 6:30pm. Turtle B , Across the Street @ Mueller College, KEV , Wynola Pizza Express, 4355 Hwy. 78, The Blokes , Hennessey’s, 708 4th Ave., 9:30pm. Paragon Jazz Band , Casa de Oro Cafe, 9809 Campo Rd., Spring Valley, 6:30pm. 4603 Park Blvd., 8:30pm. Julian, 6pm. Novamenco , Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, Young Dubliners/Bad Haggis , Belly Up, 143 S. Rosie Flores , Heritage East House Concert, saturday • 6 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7pm. Cedros, Solana Beach, 9pm. Grossmont College area, 7pm. Chris Williamson , Acoustic Music SD, 4650 The Blokes , O’Sullivan’s, 640 Grand Ave., Ste. [email protected] Meet the Fiddle w/ Celia Lawley , Rancho Mansfield St., Normal Heights, 7:30pm. A, Carlsbad, 9pm. Steve Poltz & Friends , 4th & B, 345 B St., 7pm. Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Dr., Citizen Band , Handlery Hotel, 950 Hotel Circle Ralphene/Rob Deez , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., Josh Damigo , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. 10:30pm. N., 8pm. 9pm. Saxophone Choir , Museum of Making Music, Katy Wong/Bryan Bangerter , Across the Street 5790 Armada Dr., Carlsbad, 1pm. sunday • 28 @ Mueller College, 4603 Park Blvd., 8:30pm. saturday • 20 Robin Henkel , Plaza de Panama Stage (near Hugh Gaskins & the G String Daddies , Museum of Art), Balboa Park, 1pm. Robert Vincelli Band , Anthology, 1337 India St., Thorton’s Irish Pub, 1221 Broadway, El Cajon, The Blokes/Gary & Clay Colton , Coyote Bar & 7:30pm. Meet the Fiddle w/ Celia Lawley , Poway 9pm. Grill, 300 Carlsbad Village Dr., 2:30pm. Library, 13137 Poway Rd., 1pm. Staring at the Sun VII CD Release , Casbah, Jane Lui/Atom Orr/Greg Friedman/Nathan Shirt House Bluegrass Band , Wynola Pizza 2501 Kettner Blvd., 8pm. Meet the Fiddle w/ Celia Lawley , Cardiff James , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Express, 4355 Hwy. 78, Julian, 6pm. Library, 2081 Newcastle Ave., Cardiff, 4pm. Lady Dottie & the Diamonds , Belly Up, 143 S. Peter Pupping Band/Jim Holcombe , Carlsbad Robin Henkel Band w/ Billy Watson , Cedros, Solana Beach, 9pm. Village Theater, 2822 State St., Carlsbad, 8pm. monday • 29 Miramonte Winery, 33410 Rancho California Curtis Peoples , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Rd., Temecula, 5:30pm. The Blokes , Hensley’s Flying Elephant Pub, 850 Plow w/ Chris Clarke , Wynola Pizza Express, saturday • 13 Dennis Jones , Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, Tamarack Ave., Carlsbad, 7pm. 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 9:30pm. 4355 Hwy. 78, Julian, 6pm. Barbara Nesbitt , Calypso Cafe, 576 N. Coast Trails & Rails , Templar’s Hall, Old Poway Park, Annual One-Day Sale , Taylor Guitars, 1700 Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 8pm. Gillespie Way, El Cajon, 10am-2pm. 14134 Midland Rd., 7pm. monday • 22 Michele Lundeen , Humphrey’s Backstage KEV , The Living Room, 2541 San Diego Ave., Old The Blokes , O’Ireland Gifts Street Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 9pm. Town, 7pm. Performance, 575 Grand Ave., Carlsbad, 11am. Robin Henkel Band , Humphrey’s Backstage Roger McGuinn & John Sebastian , Poway Ctr. Trails & Rails , Wynola Pizza Express, 4355 Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7pm. for the Arts, 15498 Espola Rd., 8pm. Hwy. 78, Julian, 6pm. The Jazz Ensemble , Dizzy’s @ SD Wine & Tim Flannery , Rock Valley House Concert, Rebecca’s Christmas Party w/ KEV/Tom Baird/ Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 7pm. University City, 8pm. 858/452-1539 Jim Earp/Jody Graham , Rebecca’s Coffee House, 3015 Juniper, 7pm. Kelly Joe Phelps , Acoustic Music SD, 4650 Mansfield St., Normal Heights, 7:30pm. 18 www.myspace.com/sandiegotroubadour DECEMBER 2008 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR RDS the local seen

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Greg Douglass @ Belly Up Peter Yarrow @ B&N booksigning/concert Don Story w/ Modern Rhythm @ Pal Joeys Templar’s Hall, Old Poway Park www.sandiegotroubadour.com 19