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

April 2010 www.sandiegotroubadour.com Vol. 9, No. 7

what’s inside

Welcome Mat ………3 Mission Contributors Souls on Fire Full Circle.. …………4 Arlo Guthrie & Family Recordially, Lou Curtiss Front Porch... ………6 G String Chronicles, Part 2 Hutchins Consort Postcard from Nashville Parlor Showcase …10 Shawn Rohlf Ramblin’... …………12 Bluegrass Corner The Zen of Recording Hosing Down Radio Daze Stages Highway’s Song. …14 Tornados Of Note. ……………16 Jon Swift Ringo Jones Gregory Page Coco & Lafe Tim Easton Mike Quick Valhalla Hill ‘Round About ...... …18 April Music Calendar The Local Seen ……19 Photo Page

APRIL 2010 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR welcome mat Music to Set Your RSAN ODUIEGBO ADOUR Alternative country, Americana, roots, folk, Tblues, gospel, jazz, and bluegrass music news this demanding vocal style will be Soul on Fire! demonstrated by singer-composer Jesus Montoya. Gypsy by birth, Montoya was MISSION CONTRIBUTORS born and raised in Seville, Spain, but now makes his home in Long Beach. To promote, encourage, and provide an by Paul Hormick Ahmadand’s rock Junoon for the FOUNDERS He is the artistic director of the well- alternative voice for the great local music that Ellen and Lyle Duplessie Summit for Sustainable Development. is generally overlooked by the mass media; After the disintegration of the renowned Montoya Flamenco Dance Liz Abbott efore the conquistadores set sail namely the genres of alternative country, Kent Johnson Roman Empire, the Moors – Arabs and Music Company. Americana, roots, folk, , gospel, jazz, and for the New World, before First played by the Gypsies of PUBLISHERS from – ruled Spain for bluegrass. To entertain, educate, and bring Cervantes wrote of Don Quixote northern Spain during the 18th century together players, writers, and lovers of these Liz Abbott B over 800 years and left their mark on thrusting his lance at the windmills on Kent Johnson the country’s language and culture, and using the Moorish as its forms; to explore their foundations; and to the plains of southern Iberia, before the expand the audience for these types of music. EDITORIAL/GRAPHICS which still survives centuries after heartbeat, flamenco is the result of Great Armada met its defeat by the Liz Abbott Ferdinand and Isabella – yes, that melding Moorish, Jewish, and Gypsy SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR, the local source for English, Spain was an altogether differ - Chuck Schiele Ferdinand and Isabella – expelled them. music. Engaging the body, mind, and alternative country, Americana, roots, folk, ent country and perhaps a place diffi - ADVERTISING Their legacy can be seen in the arches spirit, flamenco is passionate yet ele - blues, gospel, jazz, and bluegrass music news, cult for us now to think of as is published monthly and is free of charge. Kent Johnson and minarets of the La Mezquita in gant. It can be raucous, with hands “Spanish.” For centuries, while the rest Letters to the editor must be signed and may be BUSINESS CONSULTANT Cordoba, the Alhambra, as well as clapping and heels loudly stamping on edited for content. It is not, however, guaranteed of Europe torpidly endured the Middle Joanna Schiele other 13th and 14th century mosques the floor. Sending the sparks flying that they will appear. Ages, North Africans, Jews, and DISTRIBUTION and palaces. Their musical contribution with flamenco dance will be Lakshmi All opinions expressed in SAN DIEGO Gypsies came together in the Iberian Kent Johnson to Spain, and indeed the rest of the Basile Pekarek. American by birth, the TROUBADOUR are solely the opinion of the Dave Sawyer Peninsula and left a legacy of arts and writer and do not represent the opinions of the world, is the guitar. The sounds of young dancer makes her home in Spain Mark Jackson learning that still reverberates more and is regarded by her adopted country staff or management. All rights reserved. Indian Joe Stewart Segovia or even U2’s Edge can be traced than 500 years after that halcyon age as one of the finest flamenco perform - ADVERTISING INFORMATION Dan Long back to the Moors who played a four- Paul Cruz came to an end. In a concert titled ers, an accomplishment for an outsider For advertising rates, call 619/298-8488 Souls on Fire: Music of the Moors, stringed instrument called the oud, an or e-mail [email protected]. You can also find STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER instrument that can still be found in who is neither Gypsy nor a native Gitanos and Jews of Medieval Spain , Yale information on our website: Steve Covault the Middle East. From the oud the Spaniard. www.sandiegotroubadour.com Strom and an eclectic ensemble of per - WEB MASTER Moors developed the six-stringed gui - formers will celebrate this rich and SUBSCRIPTIONS are available for $30/yr. Will Edwards tar. Accordingly, the word guitar comes Send check payable to S.D. Troubadour to: often overlooked period of European from the Arabic guitarra . WRITERS history and culture. San Diego Troubadour Peter Bolland The Jews of Spain predate even the P.O. Box 164 Currently an artist in residence at Jennifer Carney Moors, having been brought there as La Jolla, CA 92038 Lou Curtiss SDSU in Jewish Studies, Strom is a E-mail: [email protected]. slaves by the Romans. For centuries Will Edwards world-renowned ethnographer who has they retained their music, with its WHERE TO FIND US Can’t find a copy of the Paul Hormick chronicled and written about the lives San Diego Troubadour? Go to Frank Kocher Middle Eastern modalities. They also of east European Jews. His numerous www.sandiegotroubadour.com and click Jim McInnes have a legacy of language from their on FIND AN ISSUE for a complete list of Bart Mendoza books describe their foods, culture, and time living in Spain. Just as Yiddish is locations we deliver to. Patric Petrie music. He completed a great deal of his Charlie Recksieck the language of East European Jews, SUBMITTING YOUR CD FOR REVIEW work in the 1980s – before the fall of Terry Roland Ladino is the language that Jews spoke If you have a CD you’d like to be considered for the Berlin Wall and collapse of the Sven-Erik Seaholm in Spain. Schwartz will sing Ladino review, please send two copies to: San Diego José Sinatra Soviet Empire – and was thus able to Troubadour, P.O. Box 164, La Jolla, CA 92038. songs that can be traced back to the Steve Thorn witness and record much about the Jews’ time in Moorish Spain. She will SUBMITTING A CALENDAR LISTING D. Dwight Worden east European Jews before their legacy Email your gig date, including location, address, Cover photo: Dennis Andersen also sing selections of Arabic melodies, and time to [email protected] by was swept away by history. Cover design: Chuck Schiele musical relics of Spain’s Moors. the 22rd of the month prior to publication. Strom is also a performer of the The Gypsies, or as the Spanish call east European Jewish known as ©2010 San Diego Troubadour. them, Gitanos, arrived in Spain some - One of the world’s greatest flamenco klezmer. His wife, Elizabeth Schwartz, time during the sixth century. Like the and classical guitarists, Los Angeles- often sings with Strom and is also Jews, the Gypsies were – and still are – based Adam DelMonte, will be joining The San Diego Troubadour is dedicated to the memory of steeped in klezmer’s traditions and a people without a homeland. the ensemble and performing flamenco Ellen and Lyle Duplessie , whose vision inspired the creation of this newspaper. techniques. Recognized internationally, Originating in what is now and selections. As an Israeli who grew up in the couple will be performing the con - Pakistan, the Gypsies brought to Spain Spain, DelMonte is particularly attuned cert of medieval music after an almost music and modalities of the Asian sub - to the cultural mix of Iberia. In 1997 he two-week tour of Hong Kong and Japan continent. They also brought with them was the first prize winner of the that includes klezmer lectures, perform - a certain type of passionate singing. If Stotsenberg International Classical ances, and workshops. Always open to you were lucky enough to see Latcho Guitar Competition. Also a composer, exploring new musical experiences as Drom , a film that follows the music of he has written a flamenco guitar con - well as the traditional, February saw the Gypsies from the Middle East and certo, which he premiered with the Strom in New Delhi, joining forces with throughout Europe, the Spanish Modern Orchestra Project; the Pakistan’s version of Sting – Salman Gypsies conclude the movie with this Los Angeles Guitar Quartet commis - Ahmadand. The two performed with strong, driving singing. At the concert sioned him to write a flamenco piece for them as well. He has recorded with the Symphony for the Deutsche Gramophone label. The bassist for this evening’s per - formance will be Lakshmi’s father, Jeff Pekarek. At age 17, Pekarek was the youngest musician to perform as a member of the San Diego Symphony. He has enjoyed a 35-year musical career in which he has performed with everyone from Sarah Vaughn to Sergio Mendez. Pekarek has led a number of ensembles. Many long-time San Diego residents will remember his ensemble the Electrocarpathians, which filled the old Better World Galleria and other performance spaces with the songs and melodies of Eastern Europe. Completing the rest of the rhythm sec - tion is Persian-American Marko Emtesali, who will play percussion on the cajon. Souls on Fire! Music from the Golden Age of Spain, Tuesday, April 13, Smith Recital Hall, SDSU Campus, 5500 Campanile Dr., 7pm.

www.sandiegotroubadour.com 3 APRIL 2010 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR full circle Arlo, Sarah Lee, and Family Ride Into San Diego

SDT: How did you come to live there? plays on it. We even have two and three- SARAH LEE: My dad’s always searching year-olds on it. We’re planning some for something real. You know, he was a shows with just the kids. I’m excited monk for a while and into Christianity. about it. It was voted the number one Parent He met this guru, Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati kid’s in magazine over and he said he had found something real. Elmo! Be sure you print that. It was And she’s from and Jewish, so it number one over Elmo! was perfect! But, it’s an interfaith Don’t miss the performance of The Guthrie ashram. Primarily Hindu, but there’s a Family Rides Again, featuring Arlo Guthrie Christ garden and a Zen garden.... with Abe, Cathy, Annie, Sarah Lee Guthrie, Johnny Irion…and the kids on Wednesday, Arlo Guthrie and Family SDT: How does your music and this faith April 14, 8pm at the California Center for experience work together? Performing Arts in Escondido. For more Sarah Lee: I just heard, from Tom Petty, information, go to www.artcenter.org/per - by Terry Roland said, “What we’re really trying to show is some people have a religious experience formances/10april/index.html that music’s a part of the family life. and they preach the rest of their lives. he speaks in a voice that rings with Some of it might be better than others. Sara Lee Guthrie with husband, Johnny Irion They go to church. For , it’s the generations of American folk But it’s all fun, and we like playing music. It’s my religion, my church, it’s Smusic. If you listen to her youthful together, and we like traveling around what keeps filling me up. enthusiasm, you can hear the essence of together. So, that’s what we’re doing. It’s SDT: One of the songs that has been a her grandfather, ’s dust - pretty special to have four generations of stand-out for me this last year is bowl and train-riding songs and tales. Guthries represented in some way on the “Kindness.” You may hear her father – humorist, tour. You start to notice things about the Sarah Lee: Thank you. That was written , and philosopher Arlo Guthrie family. Like even though my children are by Johnny [Irion]. He’s such a good with his tales of , Alice, and a into different kinds of music, there’s a songwriter. He’s more of a songcrafter. He passenger train called the City of New certain humor and political sense that works at it everyday and takes the song Orleans. But, mostly, you’ll hear the voice runs through it all. I love being able to through from start to finish, carefully. of Sarah Lee Guthrie, Arlo’s daughter. As see that. All the kids all doing great on When I write it’s more like something is she talks and sings, her voice brings up a their own. I didn’t think the majority of moving through me, but you never know folksinger as American as those waving my children were going to get into when that’s gonna happen. Johnny will wheat fields her grandfather once wrote music. They have their own styles of get up in the middle of the night and about. So it is only natural that she has songwriting, their own way of doing start working. Usually, for me, it’s hard to been appointed the spokesperson for the things. I figured before they all get too get up out of bed. But, I’ve learned so new Guthrie Family Rides Again popular, let’s get together to do a family much from him. American Tour rolling into town this tour.” Family patriarch Woody Guthrie SDT: What is folk music? month at the California Center for the Arlo Guthrie in the 1960s Talking about traveling with genera - SARAH LEE: It’s the music of the people Performing Arts in Escondido. tions of kids, Arlo said, “Having all the that has survived for thousands of years. On the morning of our phone con - played the mandolin before. children on tour is like herding . You know, it’s just recently we’ve started versation from Florida, over the hum of SDT: So, when did you first become They were told over and over again, ‘You making recordings. Before that, it was her Mom’s cappuccino machine and the aware that your dad and grandfather don’t have to do this. If you don’t want to always the music people would play in were these great icons of American folk sweet sound of children’s voices in the be there, just say so.’ And on some given their homes. It’s the underlying melody music? background, we traveled to the land of nights, if they’re getting grouchy or of our lives. You know, it has no bound - her childhood raised in an ashram; her something, they don’t show up. It’s a zoo Sarah Lee: It was because of overzealous aries. It’s blues, gospel, . newly discovered connection with her up on stage. There are dozens of us at teachers during elementary school. I was Phil Harmonic Sez SDT: How about rap, hip-hop? iconic grandfather; the spiritual example this point – some of the younger grand - just a kid in this small town in Sarah Lee: Yes, of course, it’s folk music. her parents have set for her; the passion - kids may even come on stage for a bit Massachusetts. The teacher would make The only thing I’d say that is not folk is ate skill of her husband, Johnny Irion’s before heading behind the curtains to a big deal and talk about it. Even stand me up in front of the class. Also, when classical, which takes some actual disci - musicianship and songwriting; and the have some fun. We obviously don’t have I’d come home from school there would plined skill. But, with folk music, every - joys of the music she’s been making with some of the littlest ones on stage all of be people like the Dillards or Ramblin’ body can do it in one way or another. her recent Grammy-worthy Waggaloo, a the time because they would fall asleep, Jack Elliot. That’s pretty unusual. But Everybody can be a part of it. collaboration of friends and family writ - like the ones in the audience at that age. that’s only surface. It really hit me when I SDT: Who are some of your favorite ing original songs for children. Her col - Basically, what we are working on at the laborators, like the upcoming tour, span started playing music. Then I started groups or artists? moment is seeing how long they can thinking of Woody. He’s like this endless generations, including Woody through Sarah Lee: I grew up loving punk. Of stand up...” well. I go to the archives and I keep find - his archives of unpublished lyrics, Pete course, I love the Drive-By Truckers. Both Sarah and Arlo agree folk music ing more. And I haven’t found the bot - Seeger, Arlo, Johnny Irion, and more Patterson Hood is great. I love Wilco. has no boundaries in style or substance tom. There just seems to be more and family members than it’s possible to and both artists carry Woody’s legacy and more. Then I meet people who knew SDT: Tell me about your approach to count. even more so, America’s treasure of folk Woody. It makes my life richer. But, it’s songwriting. Arlo, the storytelling forever-song- music, with ease, humor and a celebra - really when I’m out there in front of peo - Sarah Lee: Well, I’ve taken a lot from my singing folk legend in his own right, has tion of joy. ple, I can feel Woody. During this tour, dad. I’ve always written in some way – insights into his own journey over the when we sing the familiar songs Woody essays, poems, and it just seems like the last few years that shows how the INTERVIEW WITH SARAH LEE: wrote, like “Plane Crash at Los Gatos,” I words come through. It’s like they come folksinger can’t be bound by any tradi - San Diego Troubadour: Tell me about the cry. I get deep into the meaning. in like a breeze. Dad always says it’s like tions or expected preconceived notions. Guthrie Rides Again Tour. SDT: And how about Arlo? fishing. You gotta catch the songs. Guthrie Rides Again follows last year’s Johnny is a songcrafter. His songs keep Sarah Lee: It’s just that it fits into this Sarah Lee: My dad? He has been so Solo Reunion Tour, titled in Arlo’s typical getting better and better. I tend to wait space and time. It may not ever happen important to me. Like my spiritual “I can feel guilty absurdest humor. For this tour he’s hand - for inspiration, but Johnny’s at it every again. But it’s just great to be the Guthrie teacher. He’s so in touch. He’s taught me ed the reins to a new generation of family day. You gotta figure, you might write 20 family and feel Woody’s spirit. He comes to be in touch with the big things, all about the past, musicians led by Sarah Lee and her posse bad songs to get one good one, but at to visit us each every night we play – like things much bigger than us and to not of children, cousins, nephews, nieces, least you got that one. I’ve really become an extended visit. You can feel him there. worry about the little things. He’s also apprehensive about brothers, and sisters. And I have a feeling more about performing though Johnny’s SDT: I read there are a lot of new songs my teacher in what I do. The music. He Arlo would agree to a special guest in really the songwriter. This question has so much energy on stage. He keeps the future, but only by Woody. would really be answered better by spirit, Woody Guthrie. For the past 40 everyone together. He never divides peo - Sarah Lee: We’ve been singing a lot of Johnny. He’s the one who does the hard years Arlo has carried two legacies with ple. It’s really good. I’m his student. in the present can I grace, humor, and dignity: Woody’s as the new songs. We’ve been singing a lot work at it. We have a home studio, SDT: He’s a great storyteller. well as his own misadventures that began of what others have recorded, the new which makes it easy. We have another act. The ability to in the ’60s with the counter-culture epic, lyrics....you know, Billy Bragg, Wilco, SARAH LEE: Yes. He can do things on record ready. We’re shopping it around “Alice’s Restaurant.” But, while he occa - Janis Ian. It’s been my dad’s way of the spot. He tells a little story and he’ll right now. thanking these artists for the songs of be in the present sionally resurrects the 22-minute opus, get all wrapped up in it...[laughs] SDT: How did you meet Johnny? Woody’s they have recorded. the point of the song and his career has SDT: What about the spirituality behind Sarah Lee: I was 18. I met him in moment is a major been one of a talented teller of stories, SDT: And the family is all with you? the music? California. Chris Robinson of the Black both tall and short, large and small, true Sarah Lee: We have the entire family – Sarah Lee: For 20 years I grew up in an Crowes introduced us. component of and well, maybe a bit exaggerated. Be it kids, grandkids, and they’re all getting up Ashram in Florida. We lived there with SDT: You have a new album for children? his mythical motorcycle adventures, on stage in one way or another. We’ve the guru. I took it for granted. The differ - Sarah Lee: Yes. Go Waggaloo . We put mental wellness.” bringing questionable substances into been inspired by the . My ence didn’t hit me until I left. I didn’t together all of these songs. Three of them Los Angeleees, or singing an old Elvis sister’s even playing the autoharp. My know what the world was like out there. were songs of Woody’s with no music. Go — Abraham Maslow tune somewhere in Eastern Europe.’ niece Serana, Abe’s daughter, is playing So, being there has been so rejuvenating. Waggaloo Regarding the tour, Arlo recently . I’m playing mandolin. I’ve never is one of those. 4 www.facebook.com/sandiegotroubadour APRIL 2010 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR full circle t l u a v o C

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Recordially, Lou Curtiss : o t o h SOME STUFF ABOUT OLD many years, as “the first & His 12 Clouds of Joy on March 16, Boyd’s Cowboy Ramblers on June 12, P RECORDS AND WHEN THEY solo.” Now, I remember talking to Sam 1939, and did a session with Mildred 1937 and with the Light Crust GOT MADE McGee at the 1975 San Diego State Bailey on the same day. Lawrence Lucie Doughboys on June 12, 1937, Robert Folk Festival about why he never took played electric with on “Curly” Nichols recorded with Bob et’s start with the electric guitar. up the electric guitar. He told me that May 14, 1936 and didn’t care for it, so Skyles & His Skyrockets on Feb. 25, Every week, on Sunday nights, I he had gotten a hold of one around he put it aside until a 1941 session with 1937, all of those BC (before Charlie). Lgo down to KSDS and do my 1934 when a lot of folks were starting . The winner (at least the winner I’ve “Jazz Roots” show; I come on right to use them on recording sessions and A bunch of other jazz guys were been able to find is Jim Boyd with Roy after T (or a worthy substitute, he tried it but just wasn’t satisfied with playing electric and might have record - Newman & His Boys playing a session although many may say there is no one how it sounded for him. I got to think - ed something before Charlie did. The with several solos on Sept. 27, 1935. A completely worthy) and “The Guitar ing about what Sam said and, more suspects include Everett Barksdale who little bit earlier Leon McAuliffe put Hour.” Now, considering that I’m com - important, the year he was talking I know recorded electric with Una Mae down his steel guitar for some straight ing up next with old timey stuff, they’ll about and decided to do a little digging. Carlisle in Nov. 1940; William Lewis out electric guitar work with Bob Wills go out with Charlie Christian (most Now I don’t have all the answers here was playing electric with Texas Playboys on Sept. 23, 1935 but I often “Flying Home” because that was but I do know that “Flying Home” was - in 1941; Johnny Collins was playing don’t know if he soloed. his first one with Benny Goodman) and n’t the first electric guitar solo. In fact, the same with that Now there were lots of electric lap make the statement that this was the it wasn’t even Charlie Christian’s first same year, Al Hendrickson with Artie steel solos by guys like McAuliffe, Bob Lou Curtiss first “electric guitar solo” because that’s on record. That would be a session he Shaw in 1940; Ulysses Livingston Dunn, and others that I’ve left out of what Columbia Records said in the did with Lionel Hampton on Sept. 11, recorded with Helen Proctor on Oct. this list. I’m sure some blues pickers WHATS COLLECTABLE ON 78s? liner notes to most every Charlie 1939. Here are some other jazz folks 13, 1939, Frank Newton Apr. 12, 1939, were plugging in (I know T Bone Big books have been written on this Christian reissue they’ve ever come out who played electric guitar prior to Benny Carter June 29, 1939, and Blue Walker was recording as subject but mostly it’s the stuff that’s in with. It happened again last Sunday Charlie. Lu Barker Aug. 30, 1939 (some of those early as 1940). Also I’m sure that other the books I mentioned above that are and I got to thinking (fully aware that backed up Lewis dates are before Charlie but I don’t kinds of music (like Hawaiian pickers) most of what to look for. Especially album liner notes are right up there Powell on March 23, 1938, and Merline know if he soloed. I suspect he did on experimented with the wall socket. stuff from the early Depression years with the most sacred holy scriptures as Johnson April 7, 1938. He also did at least some of them). Others who This is where I’ll stop it for now. My (1929-1935). Those books will tell you truth personified). What would we do, backup for singing cowgirl Patsy might be in this group of electric pick - sources, as always, are Brian Rust’s great what’s what and when, too. how could we survive, if our liner notes Montana on Sept. 25, 1939. Ceele ers include Nappy Lamarr , Carl Kress , books: Jazz Records: 1897-1942 , Tony were somehow wrong ? Burke did a session with on Freddie Greene , Bernard Addison , Russell’s Recoreds: A Recordially Well, that Charlie Christian version Dec. 16, 1937 and Slim Gailliard did Teddy Bunn , Austin Powell , Al Casey , Discography 1921-1942 , and R.M.W. Lou Curtiss of “Flying Home” with the Benny one with Frank Newton on Apr. 15, Roy Smeck , Tiny Grimes , and Ikey Dixon and J. Godrich’s Blues and Gospel Goodman Quintet was recorded Oct. 2, 1937. Floyd Smith did his famous Robinson . Records: 1902-1943 (The Trilogy that 1939. A date marked by some, lo these “Floyd’s Guitar Blues” with Andy Kirk Now we get to the country and everyone who cares about old records pickers. Start with should own). You Can add Brian Rust’s Eugene “Johnny” Beaudoin who Complete Entertainment Discography recorded with Hank Snow’s band as and Dick Spotswoods nine-volume set Alex Chilton early as Nov. 6, 1937, Muryel “Zeke” on Ethnic records and you’ll be set for Campbell who recorded with Bill old time pre-war stuff for all time. 1950 – 2010

Alex Chilton, circa 1973 returns to he John Lennon of , unappreciated artists, and free San Diego, Friday, April 23 Tspirits passed away on St. Patrick’s Day. Alex Chilton, a gifted songwriter and cult hero to musicians half his age (and Saturday, April 10 even younger) died of a heart attack at age 59 in . His death was only days www.acousticmusicsandiego.com/ before an anticipated performance at the South by Southwest festival in Austin. Alex was a musical prodigy, first gaining international attention in the ’60s as the 16- year-old lead singer of , a Memphis group who scored Top 40 AM radio hits with “The Letter,” “,” “Soul Deep,” “,” and “Sweet Cream Ladies.” What separated the Box Tops from other teen groups of the era were the quality of the singles and Alex’s extraordinary deep, soulful voice, which sounded more like a black singer from than a white kid from the Memphis suburbs. After a failed attempt at a solo career in New York, Alex returned to his home town and in the early ’70s formed , a quartet that also featured Chris Bell, , and . I recalled reading an ecstatic review of their debut LP, #1 Record , in Magazine . I made a failed attempt to find the record. It turns out I wasn’t alone. The album was released on the Ardent label, a Memphis record company distributed, ironically, by Stax. By this point, the glory days of Stax were in the past; Big Star’s were not properly released – it was more like they escaped – only to find a home on the shelves of a few lucky vinyl collectors. In 1974, I finally found #1 Record – in a cut-out bin at the old Arcade record store in Continued on page 16. www.sandiegotroubadour.com 5 APRIL 2010 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR front porch

I spend the next week apologizing to degenerated into total farce. Months our lawyer, mourning my loss, and later, when the defendant is facing sen - envisioning the entire haul making its tencing, Mr. Riley asks to make a state - The G String Chronicles: way south of the border. But instead, ment before the court. At that time he that Friday night as I finish my gig offers to drop all charges against the around midnight, I get yet another call defendant if he will only reveal what from the stalwart gentlemen of the San has happened to the contents of said noTeS from The road Diego Police Department with the star - vehicle, including the “mini-kilts, and tling information that the missing vehi - hooker boots.” The court convulses cle has been located! In Clairemont! Of with laughter. all places! The man, however, chokes at the by Patric Petrie Of course, there’s the slight problem demand and refuses to reveal the of the driver crashing through a fence, whereabouts of the precious cargo and After a weekend spent playing fast and plowing down a couple of trees and is currently residing in a California furious music at an Irish festival in Los scaring the heck out of a Vietnamese State prison (for at least the next few Angeles, our heroine returns triumphant to San Diego with a car lighter in CDs but family (not to mention the inhabitants years) and has been ordered to pay stacked to the rafters with assorted odds of the koi pond in which the vehicle is back more than $2,000 in additional and ends. Imagine her surprise, therefore, currently resting) just before the car’s restitution. when she gets up in the morning and stag - axle cracks. The insurance company, meanwhile, gers out to the drive, only to be greeted by a The Nyguen’s teenaged son valiantly compensated the loss of the Ford vast expanse of empty space .... chases down the driver of the vehicle, Explorer. who is tackled in the street sporting And I only paid $10 bucks for the THE TRAVELING HOOKER BOOTS, soggy trousers to above the knee, and silly boots on sale! LOL. Thus ends the PART II who protests his innocence long saga of the Traveling Hooker Boots. enough for the police to point out that Patric Petrie claims it’s all true and only ow wait a sec. I scan my front whoever drove the Ford Explorer into the names have been changed to protect yard from left to right, like said koi pond would by necessity be a the innocent. She gets endless amusement something will magically bit on the damp side as they exited the N (and the occasional morning after appear in my driveway. Wasn’t a car vehicle. Oooops! And once again, the detectives of San headache) from performing with her there only a couple of hours ago? Celtic/World Beat band Skelpin’, where Diego get quite a laugh hauling our WITH ALL MY STUFF! she plays fiddle (really fast) and sings lawyer out of bed and asking him to It’s just about this time I whip out my (not so fast). Skelpin’ tours in the U.S. as identify the vehicle and any of his cell phone and place a call to our well as abroad, mainly in Japan; just fin - “friend’s” performance gear that might lawyer and the owner of the afore men - ished a San Francisco gig for Microsoft, tioned vehicle. be littering its insides. Sadly, only odds plus a 22-1/2 hour gig for St. Patrick’s “Ummm, Mr. Riley, good morning, and ends are strewn about the car. The Day; and believes airlines should stop lovely weather, no? By the way, please boots have disappeared, along with the charging for instruments. tell me that you picked up your car this mini-kilts. morning with your spare key?” By this time the entire situation has Alas, no such such act has occurred and I am forced into a rather long litany of somewhat forceful (and unre - peatable) exclamations while I wait for the police to take my statement. “Yes sir, the car was in front of my house when I went to sleep; no, I did not give the car to someone or give them per - mission to remove said SUV. Describe the contents of the car? Well ... “ By the time I finish describing said cherished professional performance attire (various mini-kilts and my beloved black leather knee-high boots), the detective is in convulsions of laugh - ter. Patric Petrie wearing her hooker boots “Really? Hooker boots, you mean they stole your hooker boots? “ Blah, blah, blah. Whatever.

6 www.facebook.com/sandiegotroubadour APRIL 2010 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR front porch The Hutchins Consort: An Unusual Family of by Paul Hormick ly found in a string ensemble. ment inferior, she determined to make a A few composers have written music for better one. She spent hours with books and These are marvels of engineering,” says the new violins. Composer Gordon Jacobs blueprints, and two years later she produced Joe McNalley. He points not to semi - composed a piece called “Aphorisms” for her first instrument. “conductors or the workings of an the octet, and a recent concert included She met luthier Karl Berger and showed engine, but to the violins of his ensemble. “Octet Comparsas,” written for the consort him the viola she had made and the McNalley is the founder and artistic director by Kevin Walczyk. The consort’s bassist, improvements that she had made to the of the Hutchins Consort, the ensemble he Fred Charlton, whose influences go from design. He took her interest seriously; the founded to perform on the New Bach to Zappa, also composes pieces for the two started a period of work and study that The Hutchins Consort, current lineup of players Family, developed by the late Carleen ensemble. The consort’s 2004 season saw lasted five years and produced 35 instru - Hutchins. the premier of his ments. Hutchins The New Violin Family is a series of composition for the then made the eight violins ranging in size from a behe - New Violin Family ... the consort is acquaintance of after. She produced over 200 violins, violas, year Hutchins brought out one of her octets moth bass violin that is about a third larger and the Native Frederick A. and cellos, and more than 100 instruments for a meeting at UCSD of the Catgut than a normal concert double bass, to the American flute. A Saunders, a Harvard of her octet family. She published over 100 Acoustical Society, the organization she treble violin, which is so small that it is great deal of the rest “like an organ made physicist who had articles about her violins and research, some cofounded to further violin research. After hard not to think of as a toy. These new vio - of its repertoire are started researching of which have appeared in the pages of the meeting, the octet stayed at UCSD with - lins are made of the same kinds of wood transcriptions, much of strings, like one the acoustics of Physics Today and Scientific American . Her out an ensemble to play them. McNalley and other materials as traditional violins, of what you might stringed instru - work earned her four honorary doctorates. recognized their potential and often used and, at first glance, resemble the familiar expect from a cham - ments in the 1930s. Her dedication and determination never the octet’s contrabass for his orchestral instruments of the violin family, with ribs, ber ensemble, of super instrument.” The scientist had wavered; in 2004, at the age of 93, she work. In 1999 he approached other string F-holes, and scrolls, but they are a depar - compositions by run hundreds of talked about planning the next ten years of players who were playing in the southern ture from the violin tradition in a grand Bach, Haydn, Dvorak, and Brahms, and instruments through an analyzer that would her work. Hutchins passed away in August California area to form the consort, choos - way. modern compositions from Arvo Pärt and record the amplitude and frequency of the of last year. ing members for their personal strengths Compared to other instruments, the vio - others. McNalley transcribes about 80 per - instruments’ harmonics. Speaking decades The Hutchins instruments are an and backgrounds as well as their musician - lin has been around almost forever. When cent of the material, with the rest taken up later, Hutchins traced the beginnings of her advancement of sorts for the violin, but they ship. Stradivarius and Guarneri were crafting by Charlton. Charlton says that because octet to the research that Saunders had also present their own challenges. Normal The consort members think of their their masterpieces in the early 1700s, what there are eight voices he adds lines when he done. violin strings broke under the tension need - instruments as an addition to the string we think of as the violin had already been transcribes from a quartet composition. “It’s Saunders continued his work with vio - ed for the tuning of the highest string on family, not new models to replace the old. played in the cities and villages of Europe like Ravel’s orchestral version of lins, but his research was restricted to the the treble violin. For a solution the consort They are nonetheless excited about their for almost 150 years. In the 18th century Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures at an Exhibition,’” he violins that musicians would bring him. turned to Bell Laboratories; the scientists work in the consort and anticipate a grow - some modifications were made, most says. “You have to think of it as creating an Hutchins carved wood and instruments there developed a very strong string out of a ing audience for themselves and their notably in the angle and length of the neck; entire new piece.” specifically for his experiments. She fash - titanium alloy just for the high-voiced vio - instruments. The ensemble is also reaching gut strings were replaced with metal to Although clearly in the classical tradi - ioned a “Swiss Cheese Violin,” an instru - lin. Igor Tchetchko, on soprano violin, says out to the next generation. With newly con - increase the volume of the instrument. tion, the Hutchins Consort doesn’t see itself ment with a number of holes in the ribs that that it is sometimes difficult adjusting to the structed instruments the ensemble is on the Besides these modifications, violins, violas, as a bunch of stuffed shirts who play high - could be plugged and unplugged for range of his instrument. The music is writ - verge of creating the first student ensemble and cellos have remained unchanged over brow music. Their repertoire includes tran - acoustic tests. ten for a regular violin but played a fifth to perform on the Hutchins Octet. “We’re the decades and centuries. The stringed scriptions of Ennio Morricone film music In 1957 the composer Henry Brandt sug - higher. “It can get confusing because the really working on awareness,” says instruments that premiered the works of and jazz interpretations, such as Dave gested the idea of an octet of violins to pitches are not where they should be,” he McNalley, as he plans more seasons and Beethoven and Schubert are not much dif - Brubeck’s “Blue Rondo à la Turk.” Many of Hutchins. Building on her and Saunders’ says. The increased responsiveness and tours for the Hutchins Consort. ferent than the ones found in today’s con - the consort members have backgrounds in work, Hutchins took up Brandt’s suggestion capacity for greater volume of the octet Don’t miss the Hutchins Consort play live cert halls. So for a violin maker such as jazz, and this material gives them a chance and commenced a campaign that would mean that the musicians need to be careful. on Saturday, April 10 at the Hutchins to create a whole new kind of vio - to use their chops and improvise. Bridging involve over 200 researchers, musicians, Soft passages can sometimes come across Neurosciences Institute, 10640 John Jay lin, a whole family of new violins, is all the that gap between classical and pop is the and sponsors. The first complete set of the louder than intended. Hopkins Dr., La Jolla, 7:30pm. more striking. octet’s interpretation of Queen’s “Bohemian New Violin Family premiered in 1972. The genesis of the consort goes back to Certain problems have always remained Rhapsody,” which they perform with a Hutchins continued tirelessly with her 1983, when McNalley was a student at with the violins. For the lower-voiced soprano singing the part of Freddie instruments and research for decades there - UCSD studying under Bert Turetzky. That instruments of the family – the viola and Mercury. cello – projection and volume have been The only ensemble to perform with the difficult at times. Additionally, the voices instruments of the New Violin Family, the and timbres of violins, violas, cellos, and consort is presently involved in a five-con - basses were not developed to have an equal cert series at the Neurosciences Institute in voice or to blend as a single unit. Hutchins La Jolla, as well as other concert venues in designed her octet of strings to project bet - Southern California. They also put on a free ter and be acoustically balanced throughout concert every second Saturday of the month the entire musical range – all the instru - at the Encinitas Public Library to crowds ments having equal timbre and volume. The that fill the facility’s auditorium. Touring instruments are balanced with each other has taken the consort to the Midwest and throughout the entire musical range. The Italy. Most recently the U.S. State lowest voiced of the eight instruments is the Department sponsored the consort as they contrabass violin, which is tuned the same took part in an extremely successful musical as double bass. Following is the bass violin, festival in the old colonial town of Alamos tuned a fourth higher. The baritone violin is Sonora, Mexico. tuned as a cello; thereafter all the violins are Often with performances of other string graduated in half octaves up to the treble ensembles the music is chosen from a single violin, which is tuned an octave above a musical period, but a performance by the standard violin. The deeper voiced instru - Hutchins Consort might be titled “A Big ments retain the same body shape of the .” A recent program includ - violin. Their shoulders are not narrowed or ed a selection of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” a sloped, as on a cello or bass, and their ribs new composition from Charlton, and tran - are noticeably shorter. Despite being about scriptions of compositions from jazz icono - the length of a small guitar, violists have clast Charles Mingus. And they aren’t afraid played Hutchins alto violin under the chin. of having some fun and encouraging the Cellists who have played the instrument audience to join in. During the performanc - place the instrument between their legs and es at the library, it is not unusual to find rest it on a long endpin. children dancing in front of the ensemble or Hearing the instruments, most people are to see Chris Woods, the treble violinist, surprised as to the volume produced by the clowning around with the kids. They will eight instruments. The octet’s mezzo violin, often throw in a few surprises, too. What which corresponds in tuning to a regular starts off as Mozart’s “Eine Kleine violin, can be as loud as three of the tradi - Nachtmusik” can turn into the theme of the tional instruments. An ostinato played on TV show “Mighty Mouse,” with the consort the contrabass can give the impression that members chiming in with “Here I come to timpani is doubling the line behind the save the day!” stringed instrument. And the compatibility The New Violin Family is the work of a of timbre increases the overall voice of the former science teacher and woodworker ensemble, blending to produce a choir-like who, at the age of 40, may not have imag - richness. McNalley says the consort is “like ined that her life’s work lay ahead of her. In an organ made of strings, like one super her mid thirties, married with a family, instrument.” With just eight instruments Carleen Hutchins joined some friends to the consort can achieve the volume of a play . She bought a viola, chamber orchestra, with the soprano and because her was unsuited for the treble violins adding brightness not normal - small ensemble. Thinking her new instru - www.sandiegotroubadour.com 7 APRIL 2010 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR front porch

better than staying home and watching ing quality of ’60s Rolling Stones 1000 CDs pile up in your garage. records would get slammed on magpie Seeing Nashville again really makes sites like Garage Band and Broadjam. In me reëxamine San Diego as a ground many ways we’ve come to expect and Postcard from Nashville for musicians. I think bands and prefer professionalism to artistry. singers here think that San Diego really But on a smaller scale, individual do- is a destination for music career. It ain’t. it-yourselfers and aspiring singer-song - by Charlie Recksieck In fact, it’s more in limbo than playing writers do have a chance to get a few someplace else. If you’re gonna succeed people to listen to a record or a song. coming out of San Diego, it’s gonna be And in Nashville, more than in San was recently in Nashville for a because you’ve built up a following Diego, songwriter nights really are week; it was a day-job work trip there. You can do the same thing in San appreciated at legitimate spots like the (God help me if I tried to keep my I Antonio, Spokane, Pittsburgh, Tampa – Bluebird Café. People have some love standard of living and the Fortress of perhaps more likely so because San for the original song, without having to Relaxation running just off music Diego is lousy with bands. Your be told that they’re supposed to love it. money). For those of who here plugged chances of being “the man” are much From a casual outside glance, Nashville into the San Diego music scene, I figure better in another city. seems to give a shot to a good song - I’d compare the two cities musically. I honestly have no idea how writer, so that’s why people still keep Nashville truly does earn its nick - Nashville is or is going to find its way showing up. If you want to make a name of “Music City.” It’s arguably the through the digital era of music. But it good living in San Diego, you’d better only place I really would call a music is still Music City. Music Row (the vari - be brush up on your Jimmy Buffett city, though from the meals I was eat - ous small music labels, studios, agen - songbook or be prepared for lots of ing, “Gravy City” would seem appropri - cies along 16th and 17th Streets) is audiences under 20 people. Then again, ate as well. Though Los Angeles and simultaneously impressive and quaint. maybe that’s a great weeder: if you don’t New York are higher up on the music I’m glad it’s there, yet it’s populated by enjoy the trying part of a music career, conglomerate food chain, both of those nice music-loving folks holding non- you shouldn’t have a music career. metropolitan areas have music as just creative jobs. They need to be sustained one part of the larger entertainment set her journal entries to music? maybe it’s a slightly better performing by extraneous money in music, which Charlie Recksieck is a San Diego singer industry, among myriad other “real” By the end of my trip it became like situation than here. doesn’t really exist in reality. and songwriter with the Bigfellas. industries. What does Nashvegas have the “Twilight Zone” hitchhiker episode Overall, I’d have to say that the qual - Working in music does seem kind of www.bigfellas.net if not the music? where anywhere and everywhere the ity of the music at these Nashville ridiculous to me. One of my best Strangely enough, in the current woman drove, the hitchhiker was there. showcases is maybe about 10-20 per - friends used to work for a management 2010 environment, most record compa - No matter where I went that last night cent better than San Diego. Sorry, San company of several major country nies, and the music industry in general, – a sushi bar, a pizza place, even a Diego, I know you don’t take criticism artists in Nashville. She would vent and are floundering, yet Nashville still liquor store – I was shoulder to shoul - well. There are just so many people tell me stories of meetings where ten seems basically the same as it was 10- der with nervous hopefuls holding gui - that got sucked into Nashville’s gravita - grown adults with college degrees 15 years ago from a visitor’s perspec - tar cases, hearing the same storytelling tional pull for aspiring musicians that would discuss, for two hours, the mer - tive. There are still publishers, record patter from a guy onstage about how he the best folks in smaller towns now its of a ripped vs. non-ripped pair of companies, agencies, promoters, stu - used that song to get over a relation - help populate all of the open mics and jeans in a . At that point dios, everything involved with the busi - ship six years ago. Seriously, this hap - hotel bars. If you really do like local you couldn’t be further from the act of ness of music … everywhere. Music pened in a liquor store. I’m just trying music and unknown , being in a creative field; there’s more Row is alive and well. It’s a company to get some Dr. Pepper to take back to Nashville is fairly rich territory for a lis - artistry in logging a forest. town, all of which makes it seem like it the hotel before settling in for Olympic tener. Lots of stuff like that seem counter - would be exhausting to live there. curling, then in the chips aisle I’m get - Similarly, New York is a fantastic intuitive about the “music industry”; Sometimes you want to just go to the ting knocked in the knees by a kid with place for a comedian to start out. You it’s way more industry than music. dry cleaners, Cracker Barrel, or Target a guitar case rushing to sign up for the can get on three to five open mic stages Nashville and country music in particu - without talking about or hearing about showcase. per night if you’re really motivated. It’s lar can be severely formulaic. I’m not aspiring musicians. Most of these showcases are about as kind of like that for musicians in saying that as a knock, there are literal - I love songwriter nights in bars; San populated as similar ones in San Diego. Nashville. Just be prepared for your ly rules for songwriting. If you’re an up Diego could use a little more of it. But If you feel like performing for an audi - audience to be mostly fellow musicians and coming songwriter getting some - in Nashville seemingly every bar and ence of four or five fellow musicians is waiting for their turn to go on. where in Nashville, you don’t come up every hotel has at least a stage set up. beneath you, then maybe you just don’t Everybody’s onstage patter is the with something in the shower and It’s too diluted (and deluded, but I’ll get like playing music. Which is fine, but same as it is here in San Diego. write it down. Your publisher schedules to that later); those folks interested in as much as Nashville embraces song - Everybody has a CD. Everybody men - you for a “writing session” with an hearing live local music have too many writers, it’s still not a magic place where tions their website. Everybody sucks up established Nashville songwriter and places to go. So, for both performers people throw themselves at your feet to each other. Everybody has some sort perhaps an established recording artist and listeners, what’s the point of going because you’re pleasant, can sing on of quid pro quo worked out for seeing (who often phones it in, getting a co- to an empty songwriters’ night at the key, and know how to play a guitar. each other perform. Let’s face it, it’s writing credit in exchange if using his Best Western or listening to another girl You’ll get at least a little respect, so pretty sad. But that’s what we do; it’s name for credibility). It’s a near-must for songs to tell a story. Three verses, same chorus, but the third verse puts a twist on the story that gives a clever new meaning for the chorus. Personally, as a songwriter, I find it a little nauseating or at the very least cal - culated. When you add that to the performer side and the influence of “” on music decision-makers but also on the general listening public; it’s all a little sad. Who knows if a young Johnny Cash would ever get anywhere in contemporary Nashville. The record -

8 www.facebook.com/sandiegotroubadour APRIL 2010 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR front porch

www.sandiegotroubadour.com 9 APRIL 2010 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR parlor showcase by Dwight Worden

had and nobody knew how to play the bass). Shawn named the group Void Where Prohibited and they in Crystal were off and running playing the local party scene. Rapid, one of A sad note entered Shawn’s life as he was gradu - the most Drowning ating from high school and preparing to enter com - feared and munity college when two of his close friends took dangerous rapids on the Colorado River, seemed real their own lives. Sadder, but wiser, he started a to Shawn Rohlf as a huge wave flipped him, the raft group called the Shifters. After losing a coin toss it Shawn Rohlf he was guiding on a river trip, and its passengers was Shawn who had to evict their weak drummer, into the turbulent waters. Even as he struggled in after which they recruited a great drummer and the roiling waters, Shawn couldn’t help but worry became 99 West. They played for dances, weddings, about his in its watertight river bag. “I guess and in some of the better clubs in town as turnover I’ll die a true musician, worried about my instru - in and practice upgraded their quality. He ments to the end” was one of the many thoughts remembers that they packed the two premier dance that tumbled through Shawn’s head. Fortunately for halls in town with Shawn as lead singer and rhythm Busker Branches Out Shawn and his passengers, everyone, including his guitar player. banjo, made it safely to shore and the trip was suc - A reclusive but talented Twin Cities musician of cessfully completed. that time period, Grubb Thomas, surprised Shawn by It is but one of many facets of the fascinating asking him to play bass in Grubb’s band. Shawn was life of Shawn Rohlf – serving as a Colorado River experience in the employment office turned into active at the Hillcrest Farmers’ Market, who brought eager and ready to go, except he did not know how guide for many years, affectionately dubbed the something good when the El Tovar kitchen manager Shawn to the Farmers Market and suggested that to play bass. So, in typical fashion he dove in head - “Singing Boatman.” Aside from river rafting, pulled them aside, mentioning that he remembered maybe he could play music there. This was 1997 and first and soon mastered the art of bass-playing for Shawn’s life has filled the roles of rock and roll how rudely they had been treated, and immediately Shawn has been performing there every Sunday ever Grubb’s band, the Sons of the Sweethearts. Even musician, international busker, musical play per - gave them promotions and raises. since. after the group disbanded he and Shawn remained former, composer and writer, bandleader for San Shawn stayed in the Grand Canyon for three At first it was Shawn solo, then San Diego close. In fact, Shawn credits Grubb as being the key Diego’s award winning 7th Day Buskers, key band months and met Ben Johnson (lead singer for San Bluegrass Society president Liz Burkett began to sit influence who encouraged him to leave Minnesota to member for Tim Flannery and Steve Poltz, and Diego’s Long and Short of It) who suggested that in as did this writer and a handful of others. Soon pursue his musical dreams. leader of the regular Sunday gigs at the Hillcrest Shawn tag along with him to Santa Cruz. A train Shawn had formed his first Farmers Market band During this time Shawn was a regular traveler Farmers Market, which he’s done for going on 15 trip took Shawn to Santa Cruz, California where he called Sockdolage” after one of the rapids in the from rural Elk River to the bustling music scene in years. And, oh yeah, Shawn is also a sought after lived in what he calls a “gutter punk house” log Grand Canyon. This group featured Greg Carpenter the Twin Cities. Punk and bluegrass had captured and respected music teacher who runs a band rock cabin commune in the Redwoods. Among others, on bass, Par Andreassen on drums, and they were his imagination, and looking to learn as much as he camp, writes and performs solo, is a recording Matt Resovich of “Album Leaf” and “Blackheart soon joined by Don Hickox playing twin fiddles with could about the music world, he entered broadcast school graduate, and owns and operates his own Procession” hung out at the commune. This gang of Dwight Worden and all-around super talent Steve school at the Brown Institute. It was here that recording studio. He plays electric and acoustic gui - misfits, including Shawn, made their own instru - Peavey. Shawn first met Choice Pickens (yes, that’s his legal tar, bass, mandolin, harmonica, and banjo, and he ments out of junk and played “industrial music.” As the group solidified, folks began to notice name) with whom he formed the Hillwilliams band, also sings. Shawn is, indeed, a musical “multi-man.” Experimentation was the obsession of the moment that Shawn had more than a pickup band. Soon, the a group influenced by Prince, the Replacements, Shawn grew up in rural Elk River, Minnesota, in for Shawn, along with improv acting and driving a name 7th day Buskers was adopted, which reflected Soul Asylum, and other prominent Minnesota bands the 1970s and ’80s. His earliest music memories are Goodwill truck to pay the bills. the fact that the band formed busking the Farmers of the era. Shawn’s vision was for the band to be a watching the Johnny Cash and Glen Campbell TV The next phase of Shawn’s life brought him back Market on the seventh day of every week. The group “ band,” but the Hillwilliams soon broke shows of that era; he also combed his hair to look to the Grand Canyon, this time as a well-paid river released its first CD Long Live the Caboose in 2001, up, leaving Shawn a bit depressed and adrift. like Glen Campbell. He remembers learning to play guide on the Green and Colorado Rivers, which also which received excellent reviews and sold well ( it is After reading a help wanted ad Shawn considered Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” over and over on the included a memorable river trip in Alaska. Shawn now sold out). This first edition of the 7th Day going to Alaska to work on a fishing boat, but family record player by moving the needle while says, no doubt, it was his musical skills that got Buskers band was comprised of Shawn Rohlf on lead under the influence of Grubb and his new pal Choice playing air guitar on a tennis racket. The family liked him hired by Colorado Rivers and Trails Expeditions guitar, banjo, harmonica and lead vocals singing a Pickens, Shawn and Choice decided to take off for , Johnny Cash, and musicians of that whose company owner thought he was great around combination of his original tunes and bluegrass- the Grand Canyon instead. (The urge to fish Alaska ilk, with Shawn’s uncle playing the harmonica and the campfire with his banjo. For the next eight Americana classics, backed by Don Hickox and might still be there, since Shawn is currently addict - his grandfather playing the concertina. Music was years Shawn worked summers as a river guide while Dwight Worden on twin fiddles, Steve Peavey on woven into Shawn’s family fabric from an early age. spending several of his winters in Amsterdam where mandolin and guitar, and Greg Carpenter on bass. t l he began his street busking career, along with play - Flat pick phenom, the late Hideo Chino, Liz Burkett, In fourth grade Shawn tried out for the music u a v

o ing local Irish and acoustic clubs, including backing and Laurel Worden made guest appearances on this program at his elementary school where he scored C

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v up Robin Nolan (who now plays with the John record. very high on drums. Unfortunately, the program was e t S

: Jorgenson Quintet). Shawn also became infatuated Funny things happen at the Farmers Market. canceled for budgetary reasons before it even began, o t o

h with Amsterdam’s “foot bag” (hacky sack) communi - Shawn has been a lifetime fan of , devour -

but as a consolation Shawn’s mother steered him P toward guitar lessons instead. Shawn borrowed his ty and became an adept foot bagger and juggler. ing his music and waiting in breathless anticipation uncle’s nylon-string guitar, attended group lessons, When it comes to busking Shawn is “the real for each new release. At the Farmers Market Shawn and, at age nine, began a love affair with music that deal” with a proven track record of busking is, of course, extremely popular and many people has never stopped. In those early days he learned to throughout Europe and Canada, including in the want to chat him up. He tries to be nice to every - play John Denver and songs by memoriz - snow, to make his living. When not wintering in one and generally succeeds, although rest and a bit ing them to the note. In an interesting side note, as Amsterdam, Shawn could be found in San Francisco of quiet is often what he seeks on his musical bandleader of the 7th Day Buskers many years later where he continued his musical experimentation. He breaks. One older couple seemed intent on chatting Shawn met A.J. Croce, Jim Croce’s son, who invited formed Shawn Rohlf and the Canadian Honkers, a with Shawn on Sundays while munching their pop - Shawn to play the Gibson guitar on which Jim Croce San Francisco band that performed all Shawn Rohlf corn. Shawn was tolerant and polite but often had written many of the tunes Shawn had learned originals. This endeavor led to his “Rusty Clunk” looked for an excuse to break away. One day the as a nine-year-old fourth grader. phase, a series of originals performed and recorded couple noted that their son, too, plays music (a Shawn learned to sing while in the acclaimed to showcase some of Shawn’s newer music. statement Shawn heard dozens of times per week). Land of Lakes Choir. With the choir he toured the Shawn carries many wonderful memories from To be polite Shawn asked what their son’s name U.S., appeared on radio and television, and can be this era of his life. He recalls playing music in the was, and when they replied “ Tom Waits” Shawn’s heard on three of the group’s recordings. (Shawn was Grand Canyon’s Red Wall Cavern where, for some rea - jaw hit the pavement. also recruited by the nuns to play in his local son, he found himself playing predominantly The Buskers, as they were now called, were soon catholic church, which he did, although he says he Johnny Cash tunes late into the night only to learn joined by Robin Henkel on dobro and Ken Dow on hated it.) Alas, when Shawn’s voice changed, his the next day that Johnny had died that night. He bass with Don Hickox (fiddle) and Steve Peavey choir career ended, but not his passion for music and recalls his other brush with death on the Westwater (mandolin) rounding out the group, and Dennis ed to Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch,” which singing. Perhaps inevitably, as he entered junior section of the Colorado River where Skull Rapid Caplinger playing guest fiddle on a couple of tunes. documents the dangers of Alaskan crab fishing in high school, he got his hands on his first electric almost took him down for the count. And, of course, A more polished second record Born to Pick was the Bering sea.) guitar – a Fender Bullet – and swung to the rocker he carries many memories and musical influences released in 2002 and the band won the San Diego A three-day Greyhound Bus trip landed Shawn side of music. and Tom Petty cap - absorbed from his world travels and from the many Music Award for Best Americana Band in 2004. Tours and Choice on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. With tured his imagination along with their musical soul. passengers he guided on river trips who became life - to California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, little money, no place to stay, and no local contacts, Under their influence Shawn began writing music. long friends. and Texas followed as the band steadily climbed in they camped illegally while they looked for work. Shawn learned a few electric guitar licks and was When his river guiding career came to an end proficiency and stature. All the while, Shawn con - Shawn reports that he was told to “get lost” when introduced to the pentatonic scale and bar chords by Shawn came to San Diego to visit his old friend tinued to hone his writing skills as evidenced by the he entered the Grand Canyon Job Center, to which an older kid; his electric guitar chops began to take Choice Pickens who had become a San Diego trans - numerous originals on this second album. he replied, “No thanks, I’m already lost.” After two shape. His first rock band was formed during this plant. As Shawn put it, he planned to leave again The Buskers released their third album, Fool’s weeks they were finally assigned to clean rooms and period with several of his buddies (who all played that winter 15 years ago, but is still waiting for a Grass in 2004 featuring Shawn, Ken Dow (bass), wash dishes at the South Rim’s posh El Tovar Hotel. guitar through one amp because that was all they reason to leave the town he has come to love. It was Weiser champion Melissa Harley (fiddle), Robin But, as life is sometimes inclined to do, their bad Choice, at the time an organic mushroom farmer Henkel (dobro), and Steve Peavey (guitar and man - 10 www.facebook.com/sandiegotroubadour APRIL 2010 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR parlor showcase

one day, then two the next in Austin, after which the tour is off to more Texas and mid-western states, having already appeared in Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. From Austin, following a “Video Ranch” appearance, the group is off to Athens, Texas, then Kingwood, then three stops in Kansas, then Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana with multiple stops in most states, and all in two weeks! Shawn says he has never worked so hard or had so much fun. Amidst all this, the Buskers continue to evolve. The current configuration includes Jef Kmac (bass), Alex Watts (guitar), Richard “T Bone” Larson (key - boards), and Dave Berzanski on pedal steel. This new version of the Buskers has been recording some red hot new music, featuring many of Shawn’s origi - nals. The music is electric, in contrast to the earlier Buskers releases that were predominantly acoustic, but the same drive and texture is present that Shawn brings to all of his music. Young Shawn with his dog As Shawn puts it, there are two versions of the Buskers: the original non-electric Buskers who still appear occasionally to play a special acoustic show, and the new version of the Buskers who are actively recording and playing hard-driving electric music. As Shawn also notes, he has, on occasion, tried to change the name of his new band but, as testimony to the esteem with which the Buskers are held by their fans, his fans won’t let him do it. No matter what new name he tries to promote, he and his group are still called the “Buskers,” so with a smile, he has given in. You can hear the new Buskers band at the Farmers Market in Hillcrest every Sunday from 10am to 2pm. And, the current edition of the Buskers has completed the live recording of the group’s next CD release, which will be released soon. You can check the Busker’s website at www.7thdaybuskers.com for updates on the CD release and where you can hear the band playing locally. With regard to his rather prodigious songwriting skills, Shawn says that he writes all the time and Shawn as the Singing Boatman on the Colorado River that he has done so for decades. He’s not sure what motivates his writing – sometimes an experience, a thought, or perhaps a comment will capture his imagination. He always carries a writing pad for jot - ting notes, tunes, lyrics, and melodies, and he usu - dolin). Fool’s Grass was a nominee that year for Best entire 7th Day Buskers band not only provided all ally carries or has handy a small recorder for captur - Americana CD. Shawn’s writing is prominent and the the music for the play but appeared in the produc - ing odd sounds. Sometimes he fusses over certain music is fresh and exciting. tion as well. In a tribute to the caliber of this pro - tunes or melodies for years before recording them. Thereafter bass player Ken Dow left for New York duction, several years later the whole show, includ - Others emerge quickly, born ready to go. to perform in the musical Jersey Boys and Melissa ing the entire band, was shipped to Indiana for an As far as instruments go, Shawn plays a 1963 Harley went with him, while Steve Peavey departed encore performance. Martin D-21, a Martin 1967 000-18, a Collings man - to Nashville. For a time Dan Broder stepped in on Perhaps the most challenging aspect of Shawn’s dolin, a Deering pot with a Vega No. 2 neck banjo, guitar and mandolin, Jim Austin took on the bass theater career occurred when he was retained to an Epiphone long-neck banjo, a 1983 standard duties, Beth Mosko took over fiddle duties, and the write and perform all the music for a stage play of Fender Telecaster, and a variety of harmonicas. He The Buskers in O’Berkley Where Hart Thou? group continued to play. The 7th Day Buskers, in The Grapes of Wrath . Some of his original music from owns and operates a recording studio behind his one configuration or another, have appeared in this undertaking has been recorded by Shawn with house, which he calls the House of Burlap because n e

the interior is decorated with, among other things, s

every one of the acclaimed “O’ Berkley Where Hart Buskers Dan Broder on guitar and mandolin and r e classic burlap coffee bags. d Thou” programs and has played the top local and Beth Mosco on fiddle, with Nashville guest artist n A

s

For the future Shawn envisions putting out a lot i

regional venues, including opening in the greeting David Grier sitting in. Look for some of this material n n

of new material, reporting that he feels he has a e area as part of the Down From the Mountain Tour at to be released in the future. D

: o

five-year backlog on hand. In terms of his personal t

the Coors Amphitheater in Chula Vista (the touring Shawn was also engaged to play the lead role in a o h performance from the film O’ Brother Where Art documentary film about the life and times of Edward goals, he wants to continue to improve, identifying P Thou? ) and appearing with the San Diego Symphony Abbey, acclaimed writer of the southwest ( Desert some of the musicians he currently plays with as big directed by Marvin Hamlisch. Solitaire and The Monkey Wrench Gang , among oth - influences and inspirations, including Doug While all this music was unfolding Shawn started ers). For this project he traveled to Arizona where Pettibone, Dennis Caplinger, and Steve Poltz. his local San Diego theater career in 1999. He film footage was shot and interviews were undertak - Teaching, solo performing, disc golf, an occasional answered an ad to audition for Song en with many old timers who knew Edward Abbey. river trip, and family life (Shawn and his longtime and got the part as Pete Seeger. Thereafter, he per - Shawn also did some recording with La Jolla life partner have two children) round out Shawn’s formed in numerous musical plays for the Lambs Playhouse director Des McAnuff during this time. current life. Not bad for a young choirboy from Elk Players and others, including performances at the As we approach the present we find Shawn play - River, Minnesota. North Coast Repertory Theater, the Belly up Tavern, ing with Tim Flannery’s band as a key member of Sushi Gallery, Southwest College, and elsewhere. that entourage; Shawn plays banjo and mandolin Shawn describes his acting career as a lot of work and contributes on vocals. He is also actively but great fun. appearing with Steve Poltz (Cynics, the Rugburns). As the word got around that Shawn was talented As we go to press Shawn is, literally, Steve’s “right and available, the acting calls increased. He played hand man” because, since Steve broke his hand ski - the part of uncle Stanley Sanders in the well- ing, Shawn is playing all of Steve’s guitar parts. In received production of Smoke on the Mountain at addition, a month-long multi-state tour with Steve the Escondido Center for the Arts in which Shawn Poltz is underway, including appearances at South acted and played four instruments. by Southwest in Austin, Texas. In some respects, Shawn notes, his performance Shawn reports that playing and trying to keep up Shawn at the Sunday Farmers Market in Hillcrest Choirboy Shawn in the Cotton Patch Gospel was the most fun as the with Steve Poltz is a whirlwind challenge, with four www.sandiegotroubadour.com 11 APRIL 2010 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR ramblin’

Bluegrass CORNER

by Dwight Worden

FYI ON DIY MASTERING ices to. It would appear that he feels (YOUR ACTUAL MILEAGE I am trespassing; that I’ve traversed BLUEGRASS AND MORE BLUEGRASS National Bluegrass Survey (February 2010). MAY VARY) the boundaries from my domain into Sven-Erik Seaholm The Del Mar powerhouse is a beautiful, inti - March was a great month for bluegrass his and that I damn well ought to mate concert location bordering the ocean. together, but make the low-midrange in San Diego. The Temecula Bluegrass s a working music profes - know better. In fact, I would go so Coming events in April include the far as to imagine that my self-master - frequencies too chunky. Widening Festival was sional, one question that I’m annual ing actions (ahem) are even seen by the stereo field can bring out ambi - held in Old Bluegrass Day at the Carlsbad often asked is “What exactly A some as reckless . ence and shimmer, but can pull the Flower Fields to be held Saturday, April 10, is mastering, anyway?” Town bass and lead vocal down too far from 12noon to 4pm. As we go to press Essentially, it’s the process by Fair enough. Perhaps you could Temecula over into the mix. Sometimes, it all just bluegrass bands are being booked. Contact which audio mixes are optimized for indulge me, as I relay how I arrived the weekend sounds totally different at the mas - Corky Shelton for information at: consistent playback across a variety at my current personal perspective of March 20- tering stage. [email protected]. Your admission to the of listening environments. Through and rule-breaking working method. 21. The Often, the only choice is an alter - flower fields includes the bluegrass music. skilled and judicious use of eq, com - My first experiences with record - weather was ing came through dubbing what nate mix, but how can one accurate - Also coming in April is the annual pression, and limiting, final mixes beautiful, the ly anticipate which elements will be are “sweetened” so that they are seen later became known as mix tapes. Spring Bluegrass Campout . This year's affected by mastering and by how hills were (or heard in this case) in their best Just basically compiling the songs I event is being held at 1000 Trails Pio Pico in much? green, the possible light. Projects with multiple liked, but really paying attention to Jamul from Friday, April 23, to Sunday, April Mastering my own projects gives food was tasty songs are compiled into albums and how the songs worked together … 25. For information or to reserve a site, con - me that feedback and allows me to Alan Munde and the music EPs by sequencing the songs into a the pacing…the transitions…how tact Phil Levy at (619) 743-1442. These cam - make those adjustments and audi - was outstand - complimentary order and edits, different keys, feels, and tempos all pouts are always great fun with good com - tion the results right then. Granted ing. Headlining the festival was Alan including fade-ins, fade outs, and interacted. I discovered there is an pany, lots of informal jamming, great food, it’s getting easier to accomplish these Monday and the Alan Munde Gazette . spaces between songs are subse - overall rhythm and structure to and a chance to get away and relax. work-arounds via ftp, but it can still Those who follow bluegrass know Alan as a quently applied. The project is then albums, just as there are in songs. The Adams Avenue Roots Festival require several revisions to achieve founding member of super group Country ready for burning to a replication- Each has its own distinct vibe or will be held over the weekend of April 24 - the desired result. Those can be Gazette in the 1970s. Alan has also played ready digital master or submitted for mood that the listeners exists within 25 on Adams Avenue. This annual event expensive. with a variety of other top bands and stars online delivery. and is left with after listening. features folk music, traditional roots music, The added benefit that most mas - and, for many years, ran the bluegrass pro - It is a crucial final step before pre - I did not start out as a one-stop Appalachian folk songs, bluegrass, shop. I worked as a graphic artist and tering professionals overlook are the gram at South Plains College in Levelland, senting your music to the world. It is creative options. Many are obsessed Americana, blues, Cajun, , and the point at which your project is spent eight years intensively study - Texas. His current band lives up to his repu - with making it sound “perfect.” I like more, all presented on multiple stages. transformed from a collection of ing recording and production tech - a lot of different kinds of music and Visit: http://adamsavenuebusiness.com for songs into an actual listening experi - niques before I ever charged a nickel recording styles and many are not all the details. Over 40 acts are planned for ence . for those services. It was another considered to be audiophile quality this year in addition to the traditional ven - Traditionally speaking, it’s also a eight years before I started my own or even hi-fidelity. Sometimes these dors, scrumptious foods, and arts and crafts. highly specialized field. The engi - business, offering record production imperfect renderings are exactly On the longer range horizon mark your neers and technicians who perform and art design services. CD replica - tion and web design were eventually what’s called for in bringing the calendars for the 50th annual Topanga these tasks have spent years honing truest representation of an artist’s their craft and developing skills spe - added, as they were closely related to Banjo and Fiddle Contest coming up on May music to their audience. cific to these tasks and they generally things I was already doing. Bluegrass Etc. 16 at Paramount Ranch in Los Angeles. And, Not that meeting or exceeding the have no problem spelling this all out My policy for the first dozen years make a note that the annual Bluegrass Day highest standards of quality are not for you if required. or so was to get a project the best at the Fair is scheduled for Saturday, June an issue. I have always been one to tation and presented some outstanding They will rightfully explain to you mastering it could afford. 12. Following not too far after that is the audition mixes on more than just music to the fans at Temecula. the need for objectivity and the ben - Additionally, I enjoyed the perspec - outstanding Huck Finn festival on Father’s my studio monitors. I’ll listen to any Also headlining the Temecula Festival efits of hearing your project outside tive presented by hearing it in a new, Day weekend in June. More information car’s stereo (I love that they’re still was perennial favorite Bluegrass Etc. This your present recording environment but somewhat specialized environ - about these coming events will be present - referred to as stereos, by and large!), trio of top-notch performers never ceases to alongside a trained professional. ment, alongside a seasoned profes - ed in future columns. any one’s home setup, iPod, or lap - dazzle with their skill and humor. John Conceptually and philosophically, sional. As a closing note, the entire San Diego top and for sure any large club or Moore (guitar and mandolin) and Dennis I completely agree. Over the years I have been fortu - bluegrass community wishes Dennis venue. I have been known to listen Caplinger (banjo) have played together for Having said that, I have done vir - nate enough to have enlisted the Andersen well as he moves to Panama to to playback on every boom box, decades and have to be among the very tually all of my own mastering for services of some great mastering start a new chapter in his life. Dennis is a engineers: Bernie Grundman, Paul clock radio, and home theater system best on their instruments. Bluegrass Etc. is the last 10 years, as well as provided on display when I can, if I think that truly outstanding photographer and person. dedicated mastering services for hun - Tavenner, Brian Gardner to name a rounded out by long-time standout Bill will help me sleep better at night. He has photo documented many of San dreds of domestic and international few...and some not so good ones Bryson, contributing on bass and vocals. Maybe I just know my room. Or Diego’s bluegrass concerts and activities. If releases. Many have even won who worked out of studios, mostly. The local San Diego bands were well my frequencies. Or my own ears. Or you have not seen his work you can take a awards and accolades. The good ones cost a lot of money represented by Gone Tomorrow (Dwight how music sounds best to me and look at: Now, I know this guy. He’s a mas - and the bad ones were a waste of Worden, bass; Richard Burkett, mandolin; hopefully, my clients who in the end http://www.actionsportsphoto.smugmug.co tering engineer whose work I truly both time and money. Dale Desmuke, guitar; and Don Hickox, fid - always have the final say. Regardless, m/Music. respect. He has laid out this case to But something happened to my dle) and Highway 76 (Chris Beucler, banjo; I record and produce records and me several times, both directly and door along the way. Dan Sankey, mandolin and fiddle; Becky whenever possible I master them through clients he’s pitched his serv - I am referring to my studio’s con - Green, bass; Given Harrison, guitar; and trol room door. The one that sports a myself to ensure that the shared Steve Toth, dobro). Gone Tomorrow was huge Spiderman poster on it for two vision of myself and the artist is reasons: 1. Spiderman is cool. 2. adhered to. There’s a huge hole from when I put Many professional mastering engi - my hand through it. The latter hap - neers may well have the skills, pened (quite surprisingly; I’m not so insight, and perspective to do an physical, but it’s not a great door, even better job than I. I’ve always either) as a direct result of being dis - been more than willing to investi - appointed one too many times with gate this whenever a client wishes to the mastering that was currently and where budgets allow. available locally, as well as the Rules be damned, the proof is The Gibson Brothers increasing costs of traveling else - always in the proverbial pudding: where to do it. With the permission When it sounds right, it is right! joined by fiddler extraordinaire John of my next several clients, I began to Mailander for their Saturday afternoon set Yes, Sven-Erik Seaholm provides master - do some test mastering at the con - ing services in addition to his recording at Lumpy's barbecue and they had the house clusion of our productions. and production work, and, yes, he also rockin'. John was home for spring break Surprisingly, I did all right. offers design and replication services. Visit him online at www.kaspro.com, or from the Berklee School of Music in Boston. I say “surprisingly” because I was call 619-287-1955. Sunday, March 21, featured an out - always so fanatical about NOT doing standing concert at the Del Mar it oneself, for all of the aforemen - Powerhouse on the beach in Del Mar, fea - tioned reasons, but as time pro - turing the Gibson Brothers . Eric and broth - gressed, I began to realize that mas - er Leigh Gibson began playing together in tering myself kept me in even deeper 1983. By 1994 they had recorded their first touch with the song throughout the album, which was followed by a showcase post-production process. at IBMA in 1995. This was followed by I noticed through my experiences seven well received albums, with their cur - that there are often several things rent release Ring the Bell (Compass Records that can interactively result: com - 2009) charting at number one on the pressing the mix can glue things

12 www.facebook.com/sandiegotroubadour APRIL 2010 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR ramblin’

Hosing Down Radio Philosophy, Art, Culture, & Music by José Sinatra Daze StAgeS

by Peter Bolland

TEN STEPS TO A GREAT 5. On Big Decisions, Everyone Has Veto MARRIAGE Power t’s coming up on wedding season. Many Respect your spouse and believe with all young and not so young couples are your heart that this person really does have Iplanning their summer nuptials. your back. Trust their judgment. Honor Everyone loves a great party, and while it is their opinion. On the really big decisions, sensible to put some thought and energy everyone has veto power. What are the real - into all of the details surrounding catering, ly big decisions? To have kids or not, to décor, and bridesmaid gowns, it is far more have a dog, where to live, major expendi - important to think deeply about what mar - tures, vacations, religion, money. Again, all riage itself actually means. A lovely wedding of this should be fully explored before you Jim McInnes does not a marriage make. shove wedding cake into each other’s faces. The piercingly incisive José Sinatra I am no expert on marriage, although And, by the way, don’t shove wedding cake by Jim McInnes Lori and I will be celebrating our twenty- into each other’s faces. That is so over. DARLING DARLA I made notes as Darla itemized the dis - fifth anniversary this June, and I suppose 40 Years 6. Let Your Spouse Be Who They Are I abandoned traditional modes of cele - coveries – notes that are surprisingly legi - that counts for something. Along the way Naturally, you both need to put the mar - ble and that I have subsequently verified we’ve gotten a few things wrong and a lot of brating St. Patrick’s Day after sixth grade, t was 6:59pm. The record was cued riage before your own childish desires. with her. So, if it hasn’t all gotten out by things right. It really isn’t that mysterious. when our teacher had us decorate our - up and ready to play. It was Jeff Foolish obsessions that pull you out of the now, you, my honey bunch poopykins read - As a wedding present to all of you soon-to- selves in green clothes and paper sham - Beck’s version of “Jailhouse Rock,” marriage are to be avoided. You might have ers, may be among the first Yanks and I be newlyweds, please allow me to share rocks and dance around the classroom and featuring a young Rod Stewart on the to let go of those World of Warcraft all- Wanks to learn the details. Please save some of the things I’ve learned. Let’s call playground like a bunch of drunken lep - vocal. The engineer in the studio across nighters. But this most certainly does not your thanks until the next time I happen to rechauns. Watching adults behave similar - from me held up 5 fingers, then 4, 3, 2, this Ten Steps to a Great Marriage. mean you are a slave to the other. Set your feel needy. ly every year lost its power to even mildly 1 and pointed at me. That meant the spouse free to be who they really are. Not Tape #1 begins with several start-and- 1. Never Stop Being a Girlfriend/ amuse me at least three decades ago; automation was turned off and all of your interests have to align. In fact, it stop versions of what would become Boyfriend since then my annual rite consists of stay - ready to rock. I turned on the micro - would be weird if they did. A good marriage “Yesterday,” with no strings but all of the I’m often shocked at the utter contempt ing clear of all streets and freeways and phone, opened my mouth, and said, is a safe place to be true to yourself. To fabs playing along, John on organ. It ends some married people display toward each devoting myself to Walt Disney’s Darby “Uh…..” I was petrified ! I couldn’t say with three complete versions, each slightly other. They act as if their spouse is the least some extent, have separate lives. O’Gill and the Little People . Or, as I some - anything until my boss gave me the evil different from the song as we know it. In important person in the world, little more 7. Avoid Danger times refer to it when drowning in a tide eye, no doubt thinking, “Has this guy fact, the word “yesterday” appears than an annoying roommate, sibling, or co- We’re only human. Be smart about situa - of political correctness, Darby O’Gill and got what it takes to be a ?” nowhere at all. Here, it’s “find a way” or worker. This is easily remedied. Remember tions and environments that erode loyalties. the Diminutive Ones . After what seemed like an eternity but “why is she” and once, yes, on the first how you acted when you were dating? Do This is controversial, I know, but it’s pretty Generally, I’ll start off by reading was only a couple of seconds, I take, “scrambled eggs,” a near complete that. Put your best face forward. Call them risky for married people to have close Scripture from the old Dell novelization squeaked, “You’re listening to WIBA-FM run-through that ends only when on the phone for no reason. Put erotic notes until I begin to trance out to the day in in Madison, and this is Radio Free friends of the opposite sex. Intimacies McCartney messes up the bizarre phrase in the pockets of their coats. Pack them a 1959 when I first encountered the film. Madison.” I started the record and my develop. Attachments form. Secrets are “pickled Liverpool” and the lads exhaust lunch. Bring home their favorite candy bar. The reading continues until a pervasive radio career was off and running. shared. Pretty soon, lines get blurred. Good themselves in laughter. Take care of your self, keep the weight emptiness creeps upon me – an aching Thatís how it started back in April of people go bad. A world of suffering can be Reel #2 is take after take of an unrec - down, dress nice, bathe. Look them in the void caused by my still-unsatisfied longing 1970. avoided by simply avoiding certain situa - for the movie’s female lead, Janet Monro. ognizable, embryonic “She’s a Woman,” eye. Listen. Act like you care, because you This month, I am celebrating 40 tions. Some married couples have one My first sight of her on the screen at which here is actually about Dr. Robert! do, don’t you? years(!) as a professional radio personali - shared email address. Not a bad idea. the Fox Theatre downtown at the age of (Doctor Robert will understand/Dr. Robert ty. (Despite Raul Sandelin’s flattering 2. People Don’t Change – Choose Wisely 8. Sex Is Not an Option seven stunned me into instant knowledge will take your hand ) and there are some two-part article last year in the Don’t marry a musician, then complain This just in from the Obvious of the power of Romantic Love. I felt close jazzy horns in the background. Troubadour , I’ve only been on San Diego because they’re gone ten nights a month. Department: sex is an essential, profoundly to Heaven as I surveyed her perfect form, Reel #3 contains several complete ver - 36 Don’t marry an artist, then resent their her hypnotic face, the balletic motions of sions of a remarkable song that has never radio for years!) transformative experience. Open and honest poverty. Don’t marry an ambitious go-getter, her modest haunches as I sighed and been released; no one recalls ever reading I have seen a lot of changes over sexuality between committed partners then complain that their career always whispered softly to my own heart, “I or hearing about it. Probably destined to those four decades. cements bonds in ways that no one really seems to come first. Don’t marry a momma’s wants me some of that.” be called “Pink Ivory Waterfalls,” it too is I remember the thrill the WIBA-FM fully understands. Regular and frequent sex boy, then act surprised at his weakness and Early evening this year found me again sung by John with gorgeous backing by staff of six people felt in 1971 when the creates an atmosphere of trust, celebrates indecision. Don’t marry an assertive man, enthralled in her perfection, watching my Paul and George. Overlaid with mellotron station switched to stereo ! And an even generosity, concretizes love, bolsters self- then whine to your friends that he’s too con - own 16mm print of Darby , seeing her sur - and strings, it is a thing of beauty and cer - bigger thrill when Radio Free Madison acceptance, and heals wounds you didn’t prise Sean Connery with a longed-for-kiss tain to make some major waves. expanded to a 12-hours-a-day operation trolling. Don’t rescue a damsel in distress, even know you had. Sex makes everything (the only other perfect pair of lips for hers Reel #4 (and the real reason Darla had in 1972, following a power boost from and resent her for not being a powerful, better. A sexless marriage is a three-legged to touch, surely, have always been mine). called me in the first place, believe it or 15,000 watts to 50,000 watts. That’s competent life partner. Don’t marry a quiet dog – it still gets down the road but it isn’t Seeing her eyes sparkle while mine not ) has nothing to do with the Beatles, when listeners started to notice us. Calls man, then complain because he never talks, pretty. And here’s a surprise you don’t hear watered, singing along with her on the but contains the entire recording session came in from Northern Illinois, Iowa, or a talkative woman, then complain much in popular culture: married sex is way delightful song “Pretty Irish Girl,” receiving of Janet Monro and Sean Connery on sev - Milwaukee, and parts of North-Central because she never shuts up. Those traits better than single sex. It is. And if your sex eral versions of “Pretty Irish Girl” from during the change of reels a phone call Wisconsin. Later that same year I was were there in full display the first day you life starts to lag there’s a simple reason: Darby O’Gill ! that wrenched my thoughts away from my promoted to program director, the BIG met. Perhaps they were hard to see through you’re lagging on steps one through seven. need for Janet Monro’s drool in my own Before I even thought of asking her, the fog of your own denial, desperation, or CHEESE of the station! My air staff was 9. Men and Women are Different mouth. sweet Darla offered to send me CDs of all fantasy, but you chose this person out of the made up of hippies, bartenders, Men and women have different needs The call came from London and lasted four reels. billions of people on earth. There was some - mechanics, pot dealers, and musicians. It and different ways of doing things. Wise nearly two hours. It was from Darla “Can you?! Will you, Darla?” thing about those traits you wanted, even “I know you’ll keep it to yourself, dar - was all about the music back then. We women know that men are simple – if a Pinkett, the terribly sweet amour of my didn’t care about, nor did we have any needed. Try and figure all of this out before cousin Fowle N. Faraday. Both of them are ling, won’t you?” man knows that he is loved and admired by ratings. the wedding bells chime. involved in the British recording industry, “Absolutely,” I said with all the honest his woman, he will do anything for her. In 1973 I came to San Diego to work 3. Be Kind he as head of a promotions agency, she as conviction I could conjure with all ten of Wise woman also know that men show for the original KPRI. Some great folks on No matter what’s happening, find a way a secretary at Abbey Road Studios (yup, my toes crossed. affection by mowing lawns, washing cars, that staff, including PD Mike Harrison, to be gracious and kind. Your anger is your that one), where she’s been employed for The package arrived days later. I had and painting mailboxes. Wise men know who’s now a big shot in the Talk Radio problem. Try to avoid using your spouse as nine years. called soundman/Beatle maniac Scott that women are complicated and that satis - Darla wanted to let me know well in Munson and musicians Bob Tedde and world; Jeff Gelb; and the late Greg a garbage disposal, a convenient place to fying them is a mysterious art requiring advance of the official press release Mark DeCerbo (of Rockola) about this dis - Faulkner, aka Adrian Boult. KPRI was all dump all your darkness and bile. This is the intelligence, awareness, vigilance, and an (which is set now for either April 12th or covery and they rushed over to share in about the music until January of 1974, one time when it makes sense to treat your almost preternatural sensitivity to the sub - 19th) regarding a recent major find in the the unveiling. They were all entirely when Harrison gutted the library and spouse like a stranger, that is, restrain your - tlest of non-verbal cues. Husbands, pay studio’s vaults. She made me promise not stunned. No doubt Mark and Bob have imposed a playlist of about 400 songs. self. Courtesy and decorum pave the way attention. Get out of your head and into to reveal this to anyone and I did so, with already added “Pink Ivory Waterfalls” to That’s when I decided to go elsewhere. for genuine bonding. your heart, then feel your way. You’ll be their immense repertoire after only hearing my fingers crossed. (I mean come on , it’ll On May 1 of 1974, I was hired by 4. One Bank Account fine. hit the Internet sooner than that, won’t it? it once. (They are that good.) KGB. I worked there for almost 29 years Real intimacy has nothing to do with 10. Mindfulness in Action Doesn’t everything?) But dear, sweet Darla somehow didn’t with scores of terrific talents like Jeff taking your clothes off. Real intimacy is Marriage is a microcosm of the whole The four reels of four-track recording include anything from the fourth reel, the Prescott, Digby Welch, Bob Coburn, pooling all of your resources and blending world. The same energies and actions that tape were discovered among the pre - Darby O’Gill stuff, and I was shattered. In Gabriel Wisdom, Steve Crowley, Bill your fates into one. Only when you know create a great marriage create a better world. served masters of singer Shirley Bassey’s frustration I kicked the CD player as if it Hergonson, and my late ex-wife Linda. were Carl Rove’s head, breaking it, the you are responsible for the whole damn Cultivate the sensitivity to hear what the mid-sixties recordings. Several more were (I’ve left out many names for the sake of thing do you rise up out of your childish found among the Matt Monro masters, disks, and my heart. other is saying as well as what they’re not brevity. Sorry.) Those decades are well- selfishness and become a full grown man or which turned out to be blank and unused. Darla’s a blonde, so I did the right thing saying. Ask questions. Say what you mean documented in Sandelin’s article. woman, someone who practices good com - But the “Bassey Batch” were all filled to and I forgave her. And I can’t stop feeling without drama and embellishment. Ask for I spent a couple of years doing the munication and is intimately acquainted 90% of their capacity. They were primarily entirely like a Fool myself as I begin my what you want, but keep it simple. Be will - afternoon show on 103.7 The Planet with prudence, restraint, and generosity. If forgotten sessions by the Beatles and happy through April. ing. Stop saying no all the time. When you can’t let go of control, you aren’t ready were likely recorded in 1965 and 1966. continued on page 16. continued on page 16. to be married. www.sandiegotroubadour.com 13 APRIL 2010 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR highway’s song The : On the Road Again by Bart Mendoza son, Shawn Sahm. A neat historical sidebar: . They would go on to consider - father and son were pictured together on a able success with the he words “legendary” and “super - 1968 cover. and their hits “She’s About a Mover” (#13, group” are bandied about so much The Texas Tornados official beginnings go 1965) and “Mendocino” (#27, 1969). Tthese days, they’ve almost lost their Ironically, the latter was a much bigger hit in meaning. However, on rare occasions, as Europe, where the pair would go on to score with the Texas Tornados, who will appear at again in the 1980s, particularly with their Viejas’ Dreamcatcher Lounge on May 1, single, “Meet Me in Stockholm.” Proving to those words barely touch on the historic be a smash in Sweden, they earned a plat - Texas Tornados (front row): Flaco Jimenez, , Shawn Sahm; (back row) Ernie significance of the group. inum single. Meanwhile, Fender is likely best Durwa, Speedy Sparks, Michael Guerra, Louie Ortega The band formed officially in 1990, fea - known for his 1975 hits “Before the Next turing the team of guitarist/singer Doug Teardrop Falls” (#1) and “Wasted Days and Sahm and keyboardist Augie Meyers, plus Wasted Nights” (#8), but that’s just the tip of peppers. “It’s from something that happened since before he was born; I knew his father guitarist/singer and accor - the iceberg. A major, if under-rated country when were first working on the album,” that long. With the original backing band dion player Flaco Jimenez. A huge hit from star, he placed 20 singles on the Billboard Meyers recalled. “Freddy asked me for also going back decades, well, we’re like the go, the band won a Grammy in 1990 for Top 100 country chart, including four #1’s, something funny for the album. Later on, I brothers,” he noted. He’s also pleased their their debut album, scoring hits with songs for a total of 16 Top 40 hits. Finally, Jimenez had eaten some jalapeño peppers, pretty hot. music has now spanned generations. “We like “Is Anybody Going to San Antone?” Tornados’ original lineup (from left, clock - is a five-time Grammy Award winner, who My wife asked me how I was feeling after - get all ages at our shows, but its great when and their classic, “(Hey Baby) Que Paso.” wise ): Freddy Fender, Augie Meyers, Flaco can be seen in such films as Tin Cup and wards,” he laughed. “And I said, “Tie-Win- you get a 19 or 20-year-old that comes up at Sadly, Sahm passed away in 1999, bringing Jimenez, Doug Sahm Picking Up the Pieces . An icon of Mexican- o” (Esta Bueno). I kind of had to come up a show and says, ‘When I was growing up, the bands first era to an end. Fender passed American music, Hohner instruments recent - with a song about that. By the time we got my mother and father played your music.’ away in 2006. back to 1973, when Sahm released a solo ly issued a Signature Jimenez accordion. It’s back to the studio, the song was written.” One generation introducing music to the Though it was almost too much to hope album under the title, Texas Tornado , which no coincidence that, among many others, of the band’s revival were next.” The band is now taking on a larger for, the surviving members, Meyers and included performances from Meyers and Jimenez, Sahm, and Meyers have all worked sown at a Las Vegas concert featuring presence on the Internet as well. Indeed, the Jimenez, have put together a new version of Fender. Of course, their roots go back with . Fender and Meyers. Obvious interest in the day before our conversation they had taped the Texas Tornados, honoring their friends’ decades before that. Sahm and Meyers had Speaking with Meyers on a Sunday after - Tornados’ hits and sound inspired the pair a virtual online concert. However, even that legacies and continuing to make great new been close friends since they were 12 years noon, it’s clear how happy he is to have the to pursue the idea further, regroup with foray into the world of new technology had music. Though they use the same backing old, releasing, in 1955, their first music Texas Tornados on the road again and, espe - Jimenez, and bring back their band. its roots in the past. The project was helmed musicians, Doug Sahm’s spot is taken by his together, “A Real American Joe” by Little cially, recording again. According to him, the According to Meyers, Sahm’s son was the by video pioneer Michael Nesmith, an old title to the Texas Tornados new album, Esta perfect choice to fill in. “Shawn has been friend of Meyers since the days of the Sir Bueno , loosely translated as “it’s all good,” around this music, and us, his whole life; he Douglas Quintet opened for the Monkees. comes from a song he wrote about jalapeño knows the sound, knows the feel of the Are there plans for further Texas songs. It was a natural choice.” Tornados activities? “Oh yeah,” Meyers The album itself ended up evolving over remarked. “We’re already talking about time. Unfortunately Fender’s ill health pre - another album and touring Europe later this vented them from completing the record - year.” Pausing to reflect on almost 60 years ings. “We started doing the album about in music, it’s clear he couldn’t consider not two years before Freddy passed,” Meyers recording or touring. “What else would I recalled. “When he got sick and couldn’t do?” he laughed. tour anymore, we put it aside. Out of www.thetexastornados.com respect we didn’t go back to it for awhile.” The remaining band members eventually reconvened in the studio to polish off what would become Esta Bueno , the album ulti - mately featuring 13 tracks. It’s a winning mix of old and new material, including three new tunes from Fender and a previ - ously unheard Doug Sahm composition, “Girl Going Nowhere,” taken from 1990s’ Texas Tornados demos. Meyers turns 70 years old on May 30. “People ask me all the time if I still play music for fun. I always say, ‘no, I do it so I don’t starve,’” he joked. Meyers considers that it’s “still a lot of fun to tour and travel, except for things like going to airports, with all the new security measures.” For Meyers, the best part of the Texas Tornados is obvious. As great as the music they make is, in a way it’s almost secondary. “It’s just being with the guys,” he said. “I’ve Doug Sahm and his son Shawn on the known Flaco since the 1960s and Shawn cover of Rolling Stone in 1968

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The songwriting team of lyricist “I Ain’t Got Nobody,” and Sam H. Stept and composer Harry Warren are repre - and Sidney Clare’s “Please Don’t Talk sented by the bluesy “Lulu’s Back in About Me When I’m Gone.” Leon Redbone Town,” a concert showstopper for Mel So successful was Mr. XYZ that Feld “the Velvet Fog” Torme over several and Redbone collaborated on another pro - decades. duction, Paper Tiger , a ballet involving 11 The final song on is Redbone-performed numbers. Feld Enigmatic yet Charismatic credited as public domain. Although there revealed to Los Angeles Times writer are several theories on the origin of “Polly Elizabeth Zimmer that he “adore[d] Leon Wolly Doodle,” it has delighted Americans Redbone. The interpretation of music is by Steve Thorn – particularly children – since the 19th very important to me. How Leon sings century. There’s a memorable version by these songs gives them a world, a uni - ustin Powers has nothing on Leon Shirley Temple in the film The Little Rebel . verse. He’s a tragic clown.” Redbone told Redbone. Redbone’s version appeals to the child in Zimmer that the feeling was mutual. “I A us all: was quite fascinated by the whole thing,” Powers, the fictional, testosterone- Fare thee well, fare thee well, said Redbone. “I have a visual sense for motored ’60s British spy made famous by fare thee well, my fairy Fay the music; it has to stay true to a certain Mike Meyers, is the “international man of for I’m off to Lou’siana for to see my sense of period. I rely on a sense of colors mystery.” Redbone is the enigmatic yet Susyanna and mood in my approach to the arrange - charismatic performer who has succeeded sing Polly wolly doodle all the day ment… I was surprised to see all those in keeping his personal life off the radar Double Time , the sequel to On the things I think of when I put the music screen for more than three decades. Track , actually made an appearance on the together actually represented.” Leon Redbone isn’t even his real Billboard Top 40 charts, a remarkable One of the more unique Redbone per - name. No revelation there; the music achievement in 1977, the year was formances in recent years was privy to a industry is filled with performers who at its peak and the growling of chosen few. On June 22, 2003, comedian have hidden behind a nom de guerre . And was rising from the underground. For his Adam Sandler and actress Jackie Titone while many blues enthusiasts know that follow-up record, Redbone polished up were married in Malibu and Redbone was Howlin’ Wolf’s actual birth name was another collection of neglected musical requested to a perform a few songs for the Chester Burnett, most Redbone devotees gems. Standouts included Jelly Roll happy couple. It was one member of the still don’t know the name of the immacu - Morton’s “Winin’ Boy Blues” and SNL alumni saluting another. lately dressed entertainer with the deep “Nobody’s Sweetheart,” a Gus Kahn col - The Redbone discography shows that well of a voice. laboration with songwriters Billy Meyers, the last CD release was 2005’s Live at the Redbone isn’t throwing out clues. He Elmer Schoebel, and lyricist Ernie Olympia , and that’s actually a recording of won’t even tell you where he grew up and Erdman. (There’s a particularly riveting a 1992 concert. In truth, the last studio the decade in which he was born, The mysterious Mr. Redbone version from the 1930s by the never-was- work was 2001’s Any Time . There’s no although more inquiring minds of the bashful .) indication that a new recording project is Fourth Estate have narrowed it down to It wasn’t long before Redbone took his in the works, but it will occur when least the Toronto area. His birthdate? Sometime along well with regular cast members but I’m out on the road is how many people guitar, bow tie, and sunglasses and expected. He’s a man of mystery, you in the late ’40s. He first showed up on the also found favor with the man calling the are familiar with the songs and are gen - explored other mediums. Situation come - understand. shots: producer Lorne Michaels. Redbone uinely in love with them.” television screens of America when he was dies “Mr. Belvedere” and “Harry and the (There’s no mystery to the news that Leon appeared on three additional SNL The 1976 release of the On the Track the musical guest on “Saturday Night Hendersons” both featured theme songs Redbone will be appearing – in the flesh – episodes: May 29, 1976 (with guest host album demonstrated that the Redbone Live” February 28, 1976, the night actress crooned by Redbone. He also had the April 24, 8 p.m. at the Poway Center for the Elliot Gould); November 19, 1977 oeuvre could survive the sometimes was hosting. “ ‘Hectic’ opportunity to act on “Life Goes On,” Performing Arts. Visit www.powayarts.com) comes to mind,” said Redbone, contacting (screenwriter Buck Henry); and March 12, impersonal confines of a modern record - portraying a guardian to Corky, one of the the S .D. Troubadour by phone from the 1983 (actor Bruce Dern). ing studio. Released by Warner Brothers, regular characters on the show. Corporate East Coast leg of his current American Media pundits and unapologetic rock the home of “Loony Tunes” cartoons, the pitching for Chevrolet and Budweiser tour. “I remember it involved a lot of sets snobs didn’t quite know what to make of album features a Chuck Jones illustration allowed Redbone to collaborate with the being moved around for the skits. I wasn’t the Redbone persona in the early years. of a bullfrog, a creature obviously plucked more creative minds from Madison in any of the skits, I was the musical Was his schtick totally focused on irony? from the world of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Avenue advertising agencies. The “Bud” interlude that night.” Was Leon so out of contemporary music Duck, and Elmer Fudd. On the Track ad was particularly noteworthy for special To have a returning invitation to that he was “in?” In hindsight 34 years remains an excellent introduction to the effects that were advanced for the time. for the coveted musi - later, the Leon Redbone concert experi - Redbone catalog and a blueprint for Ballet might seem light years away cal guest slot meant the artist not only got ence – which touches ground in Poway numerous discs to follow. No less than from the Redbone solar system, but in the this month – remains, on the surface, two songs by the “Singing Brakeman,” ’90s New Yorkers responded warmly to a intentionally amusing. But what is no Jimmie Rodgers, grace the disc; “Sweet collaboration between the singer and laughing matter is Redbone’s scholarly Mama Hurray Home Or I’ll Be Gone”; and famed choreographer Elliot Feld. Feld pursuit of songs from America’s past; his “Desert Blues (Big Chief Buffalo Nickel).” first wowed audiences with his athleticism concerts provide an outlet for which they There are also two compositions by Irving when he earned a part at age 16 in the can be heard and appreciated. Berlin (1888-1989), a man who nearly Broadway production of West Side Story . Think of dusty fairgrounds. Gospel lived to see the entire 20th Century – “My He later portrayed gang member Baby revivals in a tent. Riverboats teeming with Walking Stick” and “Marie.” John in Robert Wise’s screen adaptation of card sharks. A romantic ride in a canoe. 2009 marked the 100th birthday of the play, which starred Natalie Wood as Illustrations from a Currier and Ives cata - Savannah, Georgia’s favorite son, Johnny Maria. log. These and other iconic images leap Mercer. A Mercer collaboration with Feld created two dance productions from the pages of faded sheet music and Hoagy “Stardust” Carmichael, that featured Redbone’s music and inter - old 78 rpm discs to find their spots on the “Lazybones,” appears on On the Track . national ballet star Mikhail Baryshnikov. welcome mat of Redbone’s stage. “I have Other great songs allowed to shine are The critically acclaimed Mr. XYZ featured the opportunity [in concert] to perform Fats Waller’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’,’’ Shelton Redbone’s first CD cover with illustration innovative choreography by Feld, the these wonderfully crafted songs,” said Brooks’ “Some of these Days,” and by Chuck Jones finesse of Baryshnikov, and Redbone’s Redbone. “What I’ve also noticed when William Crawley’s “Big Time Woman.” unmistakable vocals on Spencer Williams’

www.sandiegotroubadour.com 15 APRIL 2010 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR of note

tic self-destruction. But even at the lowest casting, has brought the radio business Alex Chilton, continued from page 5. ebb, bands as diverse as REM, Teenage Fan to its knees. Clear Channel, in particular, Club, the Replacements, Wilco, and the snapped up more than 1,000 radio sta - Jayhawks championed his cause. It’s not tions by over-paying for them. The com - many artists who can appear in the bible of pany is crippled by a staggering debt alternative country, No Depression , and a load and has begun selling off properties punk rock blog on the Internet. Alex did. and dumping popular high-priced talent. Judging by recent YouTube posts of his We’ve seen this recently here in San live shows, Chilton had eliminated most of Diego with the demise of the “Dave, his demons. Physically, he looked better Shelly and Chainsaw Show” on KGB and than a many his contemporaries, sang great, The Box Tops, 1967 the “Jeff and Jer Showgram” on Star and seemed to have a renewed respect for 94.1. downtown San Diego. Believing I had found his years with the Box Tops and Big Star. All There’s now a generation of young rock’s equivalent of the Excalibur Sword, I of which makes his death that more painful. people who don’t listen to the radio at stayed in my house for days and heard Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee recently all! something new with each listening session. shared his thoughts on Chilton with Had anyone ever captured the awkwardness Congress. It was nice to hear a politician I think there will always be a need for Jon Swift Ringo Jones of adolescence better than Chilton on the speak from the heart and not from a radio and radio personalities…for that “Thirteen”? Won’t you let me walk teleprompter. disembodied voice traveling through Pathway The Vulture City you home from school?/Won’t you let me “He is an embodiment of Memphis space and coming out of a speaker to meet you at the pool?/Maybe Friday I can music,” said Cohen. “Hard, different, inde - keep you company. get tickets for the dance/and I’ll take you. pendent, brilliant, beautiful. We’re lucky he I want to work another few years by Jennifer Carney Bank Robbery Then, there was “The Ballad of El Goodo,” came our way.” before I hang up my microphone. Then and its four minutes of Roger McGuinn- I’ll have spent my entire career doing Artists like Jon Swift exemplify the – Steve Thorn by Joshua David Saposnekoo inspired wonderment. “When My Baby’s what I love…and getting paid for it, too. quality of singer/songwriters attracted Beside Me” was the obvious single, but, like You can’t beat that. to San Diego of late. Whereas some When Reese introduces “Miss Holly the album, it too crashed before lift off. “native-made” music can be accused Rain,” he does so in a southern country There were wheels within wheels turning of being too sunny, Swift evokes the fashion. Ironically, a conservative and rugged California instead – a land of in Big Star’s group dynamics. It was a south - Peter Bolland, continued from page 13. strong woman is introduced to Jones, ern drama worthy of the writing talents of mountains and desert, relentless surf, since he was previously looking for Tennessee Williams, Lillian Hellman, and you’re feeling lonely and misunderstood, and rainy weather. some easy ladies. Ringo Jones empow - Pathway , Flannery O’Connor. Tension was growing come out of yourself and give. When you Swift’s latest, is a song - ers women by announcing Holly Rain between Bell and Chilton; Bell would soon wake up in the morning, ask yourself, what writer’s triumph. Its arrangements are as “not the kind of girl you think, I’m leave the band, continue to make brilliant are three concrete, specific things I can do full-sounding, yet delicate: acoustic respectable.” It is a fun little tune with and electric , mandolins, vocals, music on his own, and die tragically in a car today to make my spouse’s life easier, better, country and reggae style bass lines. pedal steel, harmonica, maraca or tam - crash in 1978. and more beautiful? Then do those things – “Victorio” shows off Jones’ most Chilton, recent photo bourine here and there, or a light The Big Star discography was originally a and watch your own joy increase. That’s the structured pop tune and its shortest. It remarkable triumvirate. Radio City was the brush of a snare drum. Swift’s voice is most beautiful thing about a great marriage is sung as a duet for the most part but boisterous followup to the first album, with smooth and a bit smoky, like a peaty – you realize that your well-being and hap - sounds really fun and surf like. Amber the anthem “” raising the Jim McInnes, continued from page 13. scotch whisky. His poignant lyrics Plasters voice sounds happy go lucky piness are forever intertwined with the well- bar for great singles. The final appear honed from a poetic sensibility on this track. Strange as it is if the being and happiness of others. Loving is an and a mind rooted in the beautiful Big Star album, released four years after the (KPLN), again working with a great lyrics about Native American Indians action that does not know the difference mathematics of astrophysics. (A disci - group disbanded, packed an emotional wal - bunch of men and women like Greg were exchanged for general sunny pop Third between giving and receiving. Giving and pline in which Swift has a PhD.) lop. Originally titled and in later re- Wood and Steve Wilcox (now stars in lyrics, there would be no trouble in releases Sister Lovers , the album is in essence receiving are two names for one circle. Pathway is chock full of elegiac pas - Alaska!), Cindy Pace, Mike Dawson, and imagining this would be charted onto a Chilton solo record, with only drummer These are the ten steps to a great mar - toral descriptions and analogies. Jeff J.T. Stewart. top college radio. “Victorio’s” bridge is Stephens on board from the band. Other riage. Share them with your fiancé and have “Invisible Highway” is a strong about as high and fun as the album I now find myself simultaneously musicians contributing to the album were a nice long talk. Then after that you can get opener – folk-country with smart har - reaches courtesy of its “bop ba’s”. working three radio jobs. I am the night - Memphis legends and Jim back to the important things, you know, monies. “Ode to O’Rourke” follows, a Dreamy and bright sounds high - time news anchor for Talk Radio 760 Dickinson. An expression of immense disap - napkin rings or linen origami? loping, echo-y ballad with a nice pedal light “Getaway.” Robert Smith would KFMB, the afternoon traffic comedian for pointment over the failure of Big Star, the Have a wonderful wedding. But have an steel break. Swift first paints a forbid - be proud to have crafted together the 100.7 JACK-FM, and Saturday morning album is as brutally honest as Lennon’s even more wonderful life. ding city landscape, then an inviting lead guitar on this track, while Albert host on KSDS Jazz 88.3. Everyone I cur - Plastic Ono Band, Neil Young’s “Tonight’s the Peter Bolland is a professor at Southwestern rustic one – water, mountains, boats Hammond Jr. might approve of the Night” and Richard and Linda Thompson’s rently work with is wonderful. I am College where he teaches eastern and western phi - gliding in, sunshine. “Ballad of Big very chill and Spanish rhythm guitar. “I Want to see the Bright Lights Tonight.” blessed. losophy, ethics, world religions, and Sur” is an escape ballad that begs for A visually stunning “Red Sunset Over the last four decades I have mythology. After work he is a poet, singer- the natural usurpation of the loud and Having failed to connect Big Star with a songwriter, and author. He has a band called the Silhouette” showcases Reese’s ability to mainstream audience, Chilton led his sup - experienced the birth and ascent of FM Coyote Problem. He also leads an occasional sat - artificial. “All Is Untied Again” is a jan - take the listener into Jones’ world. With porters through an unpredictable and often rock radio and the inevitable co-opting sang at the Unity Center and knows his way gly, faraway song. The slightly out-of- descriptive lyrics such as “Ringo rode bewildering solo career for several decades, by big business. The Communications around a kitchen. You can write to him at tune guitars work perfectly as Swift into Mexico. With a red sunset and his [email protected] seemingly charting his own course for artis - Act of 1996, which deregulated broad - explores the theme of destruction and silhouette cast as he goes,” it is a erosion as renewal. breeze to envision where the listener “We Are the One to Blame” speaks goes. Jones becomes a hero by the end to the complexities of love, where feel - of the album, and it might be fun lis - ings are easier expressed in song. ten if you are in the mood for a good “True Love” could have been a very old cowboy western with a splash of sappy song, but Swift treats it lightly California vibe produced into the and rewards the listener with an album. unusual perspective. The double-time Guitars are played acoustically, and waltz, “You and Me,” features a wan - surf clean. Bass lines chill rhythmically dering that intertwines with across the album in a southern man - Leah Thompson’s ethereal vocals for ner. Surf and cheery drums outline the something truly special. skeleton of most of the songs on the The bucolic imagery picks back up album. Country vocals grace each track with “No 100 Miles” and “Stand with with the taste of California, licking its Your Lover.” The former describes hills, concept. Organs add to the mysterious wind, geese – recalling images that mask of Ringo Jones. “…ain’t no hundred miles away.” The The Vulture City Bank Robbery is a latter brings us (figuratively) to the little bit of Country, Surf, Southern edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean, with pop hooks. This album goes well and includes some tender electric gui - with some hot chocolate and an out - tar licks. “Listen to the Falling Rain” is ing to Old Town. John Peter Reese full of wistful remembrances as the might even want to consider trying to pedal steel swirls around the melody. make Ringo Jones a series for a play - “Death Valley Serenade” is a rather write. The Vulture City Bank Robbery dis - buoyant little song in the spirit of Neil plays a beautiful story and soundtrack Young’s “Deep Forbidden Lake.” to Ringo Jones. Reese showcases his The album closes with “There May musicianship cleverly and stays true to Be No End,” an upbeat tune about rid - his fantasy, which is to become Ringo ing the rails “…north from LA, golden Jones. hills behind me.” It speaks of the price and thrill of freedom: the hard work, the risk of being forgotten, and the wide-open future. The song crescen - dos into a – a tri - umphant end to a wonderful album. Jon Swift’s songs seek companions, shelter from the pleasantness. According to his website, his next album will be borne from a barn somewhere in San Diego. If Pathway is any indication, Swift will be writing thoughtful, idyllic tunes for a long time to come.

16 www.facebook.com/sandiegotroubadour APRIL 2010 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR of note

Gregory Page Coco & Lafe Tim Easton Mike Quick Valhalla Hill Heart Strings Uncovered Porcupine Rain Go With What You Got by Frank Kocher by Jennifer Carney by Frank Kocher by Frank Kocher

A few years and albums ago, in At first blush, Coco Kallis and Lafe One of the defining discs of the six - Mike Quick follows a tradition of by Will Edwards 2006, prolific ex-Rugburn Gregory (rhymes with “waif”) Dutton look like a ties was Bob Dylan’s Bringing It All Back storytelling folk singer-songwriters Page released Love Made Me Drunk , an pair of genial baby boomer troubadours Home , in which the influential folkie springing out of the Midwest, in the Valhalla Hill opens their debut EP album of songs that musically trans - who play at elementary schools from managed to turn the musical world footsteps of , Tom Paxton, Go With What You Got with a catchy ported the listener to a European café time to time to teach kids folk music. around in the space of one record flip and the late . He is a acoustic guitar hook that mimics the for a set of his retro pop tunes. The But Coco & Lafe are quite a bit and an electric amp jack. That monu - Wisconsin native who has performed vocals. It’s an effect that causes a songs were arranged with a small more than that. mental album not only made some of all over the country and recorded a delayed reaction. On my first listen, backing group-accordion, jazzy key - Barely a year since their feature in the best contributions to the new folk- country-rock disc with a full band these songs kind of rolled along, but boards, and French titles to give just the San Diego Troubadour (March , it also contained some of before 2004’s Down Bullfrog Road , the second time through it was a dif - the right touch of exotic class as Page 2009), these bi-costal farmers’ market his most intriguing folk songs. After which focused on spare arrangements ferent story. Simple musical phrases crooned about relationship problems balladeers are back with an album of four folk-dominated discs spread out of folk and blues built around Quick’s repeated and matched between instru - as a man on the steets of Paris. their most requested covers (and two over a eight years, including striking voice. His latest, Rain , contin - ments started to send roots into my On his new disc, Heartstrings , Page is originals) titled, appropriately enough, Ammunition from 2006, Tim Easton ues in the same vein, with plenty of musical memory. I started to pre-hear back with a sound that builds on this Uncovered . Those familiar with Coco takes a similar departure on his new gospel in the mix as well. these melodies in lockstep with the earlier music, while differing in impor - and Lafe know that part of what makes one, Porcupine . While Ammunition had The music throughout is a subdued pulsing, ambient rhythms that are tant ways as well. The London-born San them so engaging is the way they a few hints of Dylan in his mid-’60s canvas of tastefully picked acoustic characteristic of Valhalla Hill’s sound. Diego performer has released numerous interpret timeless and familiar tunes. folk-rock transition, Easton’s new guitars, piano and organ, light percus - It’s a kind of branding on all their albums and seems capable of writing The spare production – guitar, vocals, record moves a step further, adding sion, and excellent background vocals songs. I liked the result! and singing everything from folk-rock to harmonica – delivers their essence and blues-influenced, hard-edged roots that complement Quick’s worn and “Grace for my Brother,” the open - classical piano. The focus on Heartstrings strips their talent bare before the lis - rock on many tracks while not aban - weathered, but comfortable, singing. ing track, uses rhythm and melody to is evident on first listen; instead of a trip tener, conveying their remarkable doning the pop and folk tunes that The production and mixing by quickly build a musical house – defined to France, it is a trip back in time several chemistry with every song. got him to this point. It’s a winning Michael Jerling is first rate. It also helps by sonic qualities that harkens to their decades to a dim, relaxed jazz club that A straightforward take on John combination. that Quick changes the musical pace Seattle roots. Washy, sustained guitars could be anywhere. Prine’s tune “Unwed Fathers” opens The 12 songs are all Easton origi - enough to keep things interesting. and long reverb tails adorn the music To accomplish this, Page enlisted the album. Both take turns singing nals, pristinely recorded in Nashville The title tune opens the disc with a and create a “watery” sound (not to some help from co-producer Jeff lead and harmony on this spurned with a crack band, prominently featur - distinct gospel vibe, a message of imply watered-down). The rhythm is Berkley, pianist Sky Ladd, and a cadre father’s lament. A rather upbeat ver - ing guitarist Kenny Vaughn. The bluesy transformation with a revival-style cho - open and has a pulsing, “native” sound. of San Diego’s top session players. sion of Tom Waits’ “Long Way Home” opener “Burgundy Red” tells the listen - rus. “Penny Arcade” manages to softly I imagine this CD is what one might Ladd’s grand piano is out front, but follows, sounding almost Springsteen- er right off that Easton can handle transport the listener to a county fair, a hear if a Joshua Tree-era Brian Eno pro - Gilbert Castellanos’ hatted trumpet like. Next is the first of two originals – wearing rock boots, both as a writer calliope-like keyboard in the back - duced an album for Sky Cries Mary. accents and Randy Hoffman’s vibes “Praying for Rain” – a prayer narrative and a singer. A grinding, heavy guitar ground as the words tell of carousels, Rory Corbin, the band’s main have their moments. The sound, like about drought and desolation, evoking lick leads the way over pounding roller coasters, and costumes. For the vocalist and songwriter, sings about some of Page’s other recordings, is the Lord over and over in a country- drums as he howls about how “you excellent “Get Right With Your heartbreak and tragedy based on expe - soaked in nostalgia, and his unforced, fied mantra. It’s a perfect allegory for woke up this morning with an old Church,” it is more gospel-inspired riences in his own life and death situa - crooning vocals feel right at home. the current economic climate when song in your head/ spilled wine glass blues, as Quick fires pulpit lyrics over tions. Occasionally, when the lyrical The first three tracks take the desperation welcomes any relief. and a stranger in your bed.” The rock the top of a rocking beat and nice message and emotional power of relaxed listener back to a musically Their “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” and roll continues as the title tune pro - organ riffing. Hurricane Katrina is the Corbin’s personal experience interlock, simpler time, when all the songs had pays homage to ’s ver - pels itself on an acoustic, three-chord inspiration for “ Is what you get is a raw and emotive catchy melodies, the microphones sion; the honest and sweet melancholy boogie riff that isn’t easy to forget, Missing,” which relates a story about musical style that is very compelling. were huge chrome behemoths, there is drawn out by the depth of Coco’s with Jew’s harp accents adding to the the events “while the storm blew New Corbin showcases one of his strongest weren’t any big amps crowding the vocals. “Hallelujah” follows; Lafe has a fun. Both “The Young Girls” and Orleans away,” with some New performances on “Meet Me by the stage, and all of the singers sounded a turn at Cohen’s original and he deliv - “Stone’s Throw Away” are rooted in Orleans touches by the backing band. Bridge.” The soaring, heavily layered little bit like Rudy Vallee. ers. His dusky lead is strong and - the country-blues, with slower, haunt - “Get Me to Nirvana on Time” pushes chorus pushes through the music and “Promise of a Dream,” the opener, tive without being melodramatic, and ing melodies that draw the listener in. the beat and stands out, an acoustic surfaces in an exceptionally powerful is one of the seven Page originals and Coco adds gorgeous harmonies. The second half of the disc has rocker that has ear-catching lyrics and and urgent crescendo. The title song, sounds like a standard, or Coco takes the lead on the other more of a pop-folk sound, though a punchy arrangement featuring “Go With What You Got,” employs the maybe a song from a ‘40s musical – as original song, “Mexico (A Song for Easton steers away from framing him - superb acoustic guitar breaks. same effective use of guitar hooks that do many of his songs on the disc. A Lance),” which is a fine self in the stripped-down troubadour Quick has a kind of easy way with a we see elsewhere on the EP. The music combination of Page’s gift for captur - inspirational/cautionary travel ballad. format. The best of the softer songs folk melody and familiar voice that mimics the vocal hooks and again the ing the sound of the era, the melodi - That this song precedes Townes Van here is “7th Wheel,” which is pure draw comparisons to Gordon Lightfoot chorus forces the listener to pay atten - ous song structure and lyrics, and the Zandt’s cowboy ballad, “Poncho and radio pop, nothing deep-but a disc – especially on songs like “Honey to tion. One thing that struck me was that instrumental flourishes crystallize this Lefty,” is apt. Coco and Lafe’s interpre - highlight anyway. “Get What I Got” My Soul,” which sounds like a lost Corbin’s voice has a curious dual per - nugget, and it works again on “Don’t tation is more wistful than the original, follows, a hard-rock misfire that some - Lightfoot B-side. While his singing sonality. On more intimate tracks he Cry,” and the title tune. This song, an evoking the loneliness of the open how blends Beatles-like background lacks the Canadian tenor’s depth, can sound extremely fragile and deli - unforgettable highlight, has an airy, range as seen by these two characters. singing with a “dueling” lead guitar Quick seems to share Lightfoot’s ability cate as though he may give out any upbeat lyric about “a brand new Coco gives “Hard Times Come break that sounds edited from an early to smoothly move from the soft folk minute. Alternately, he musters intense, sunny day,” sung over one of those Again No More” a very nice turn, but Led Zeppelin disc. The singing and idiom into more country-rock, blues, long-held notes that gather tremen - scales of notes that lock the listener in. a standout is “Corrina, Corrina.” The playing aren’t bad, but don’t match and gospel forms, both as a writer and dous and unexpected power. He’s nei - “Tuesday Night at Croce’s” is a soft, famous 12-bar blues standard – here the earlier rockers and this isn’t the singer. ther under-utilized nor over-used. solo jazz piano piece by Ladd, one of amalgamated from Bob Dylan’s folk- kind of disc for six-string flash. “Vampires” is a solid example, a To their credit, Valhalla Hill is a two on the disc that add to the club blues version and the more straightfor - Not to worry, the rest of the disc blues-rocker that tackles a familiar folk four-member band that sounds like a date feel. ward blues of – is cut stays sharp in folk and country forms, topic: civil rights. A lyrical story,, based six-member band. Guitar layers, intelli - Page the crooner is in top form on loose as a rollicking porch-stomper. especially on “Baltimore.” Here, Easton on the disappearance of three civil gent and subtle use of percussion, and “One and Only Love,” and “Rewind “Five Hundred Miles” follows, a and the band sound like a Steve Earle rights workers in Mississippi, is told to smooth vocal melodies fill every corner Me Back to You.” These both have plaintive dirge that their fellow outtake with outlaw lyrics, a country- minor chords and powerful electric of your ear buds. If you’re not a fan of that old-time flavor, and “Rewind” Boomers may recognize as a Peter & swing vibe, and a foot-tapping slide guitar. The storytelling on this ambient styles you may not get as makes no bones about reminiscing Gordon tune. Coco and Lafe take J.J. rhythm. The quiet, dignified “Goodbye song is outstanding, using a nice much from the music. The lyrics are about the good old days: “Life looked Cale’s shuffle, “End of the Line,” and Amsterdam” is the last of a trio of folk- metaphor to peg racists as bloodsuck - strong, but can easily blend into the bright in black and white.” If the rest slow it down to a crawl, harmonica inspired tunes that wrap the music up. ers, quoting “America the Beautiful” arrangements. of the disc were not so effective, to wheezing and squeezing like a train With Porcupine , Tim Easton plugs in, and observing “God save us from our - I recommend popping this CD in close with a smooth cover of Edith whistle. Uncovered ends all too soon rocking up his sound and it works. He selves at last.” when you’re ready to take a long, Piaf’s ‘40s classic “La Vie En Rose” with Steve Earle’s “Goodbye,” an is an excellent writer and singer-the Rain gives folk music fans a chance winding road through the northwest. might be risky, but Page manages to unfussy yet expressive tune that songs here bounce around in the lis - to hear Mike Quick in a batch of songs Those who like “driving music” will make it fit the mood of the other rounds out a superb album. tener’s head. This great listen is sure to that demonstrate his considerable tal - enjoy the combination of redeeming songs. Or, he actually made them to fit Coco and Lafe are returning to San expand his audience. ent as a songwriter. His best songs are lyrical content – influenced by Corbin’s it, and succeeded. Diego (cocolafe.com for details), which tales and sermons, which capture the personal tribulations and victories over Heartstrings is a great listen. It is exciting news for anyone who loves listener’s attention the way any good tragedy. It is rare for a band that can, shows that many of the things that evocative, American songcraft. San tale or sermon does. at an early stage in their career, lay out made good music 70 years ago still Diego is lucky to have Coco and Lafe their best strengths right off the bat. work. It also stands up as a consider - for part of the year, but perhaps we This CD has its imperfections and the able statement of Gregory Page’s tal - can entice them to stay longer? After band has room for improvement, but ent and musical direction. all, our farmers’ markets never stop. in the end there’s much more to like. www.sandiegotroubadour.com 17 APRIL 2010 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR ’round about

APRIL CALENDAR WEEKLY every sunday every wednesday Shawn Rohlf & Friends , Farmers Market, Chuck Schiele & Friends , Farmers Market, thursday • 1 Irving Flores Latin Jazz Quartet , Dizzy’s @ S.D. Berkley Hart , Rock Valley House Concert, DMV parking lot, Hillcrest, 10am. Newport Ave., Ocean Beach, 4-7pm. Wine & Culinary Center, 200 Harbor Dr., 8pm. University City, 8pm. 858.452.1539. Ronnie Seno , Lion Coffee, 101 Market St., Lou Fanucchi , Romesco Restaurant, 4346 The Rhythm Jacks , Sunset Market, Tremont St. George Svoboda , Pannikin/BookWorks, Flower Veronica May , Java Joe’s @ Cafe Libertalia, 10am. Bonita Rd., 6pm. & Pier View Way, Oceanside, 5pm. Hill Mall, Del Mar, 8pm. 3834 5th Ave., Hillcrest, 8pm. Bluegrass Brunch , Urban Solace, 3823 30th Your Mom (Suzanne & Mike Reed), Ciao Old Tyme Fiddlers Jam , Old Time Music, 2852 The Gregory Page Show , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Paul Seaforth w/ Mo’ Sax , Dizzy’s @ S.D. Wine St., 10:30am. Bella, 5263 Baltimore Dr., La Mesa, 6:30pm. University Ave., 7pm. Ave., 9pm. & Culinary Center, 200 Harbor Dr., 8pm. Daniel Jackson , Croce’s, 802 5th Ave., 11am. Jerry Gontang , Desi & Friends, 2734 Lytton Peter Sprague , Roxy Restaurant, 517 S. Coast Kofi Baker Cream Tribute , Anthology, 1337 Open Blues Jam w/ Chet & the Committee , St., 7pm. Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 7pm. India St., 9:30pm. Downtown Cafe, 182 E. Main St., El Cajon, Sunshine Brooks Music Series , Sunshine Joe Rathburn & Gregory Page , Milano Coffee Clay Colton & the Blokes , Molly Bloom’s, 2391 sunday • 18 2:30pm. (no jam on March 28) Brooks Theatre, 217 N. Coast Hwy. 101, S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 10pm. Co., 8685 Rio San Diego Dr., 7pm. Honky Tonk Jam , Old Time Music, 2852 Celtic Ensemble , Twiggs, 4590 Park Blvd., 4pm. Oceanside, 7pm. Beausoleil w/ Michael Doucet , Anthology, University Ave., 2pm. Original Music Modern Jazz Series , South Scandinavian Dance Class , Folk Dance 1337 India St., 7:30pm. saturday • 10 Peter Sprague Trio , Bernardo Winery, 13330 Park Bar & Grill, 1946 Fern St., 6pm. Center, Dancing Unlimited, 4569 30th St., Robin Henkel , Wine Steals, 1243 University Paseo Del Verano Norte, 2pm. Traditional Irish Session , The Field, 544 5th 7:30pm. Ave., 8pm. Bluegrass Day @ the Flower Fields , Carlsbad Tony Bennett , Pala Casino, 35008 Pala Ave., 7pm. Open Mic , Across the Street @ Mueller Gregory Page/Cindy Wasserman , Java Joe’s @ Flower Fields, 5704 Paseo Del Norte, noon. Temecula Rd., Pala, 7:30pm. Open Mic , E Street Cafe, 125 W. E St., College, 4605 Park Blvd., 8pm. Cafe Libertalia, 3834 5th Ave., Hillcrest, 8pm. Dave Humphries CD Release w/ Folding Mr. Encinitas, 7:30pm. Open Mic , Skybox Bar & Grill, 4809 Bad Blokes , Killarney’s Irish Pub, 32435 Hwy. 79 Lincoln/Tornado Magnets/Joey Harris/Regina Jazz Roots w/ Lou Curtiss , 8-10pm, KSDS Clairemont Dr., 8:30pm. South Temecula, 8pm. Leonard/Hector Penalosa/Bart Mendoza , monday • 19 (88.3 FM). Open Mic , South Park Bar & Grill, 1946 Fern Cowboy Jack , Hennessey’s, 2777 Roosevelt St., Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, 2241 Shelter Open Mic w/ Happy Ron , Java Joe’s @ Cafe St., 9pm. Carlsbad, 9:30pm. Island Dr., 3pm. Tommy Gannon , Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Libertalia, 3834 5th Ave., 8pm. Plaza, noon. Sunrise Highway , Wynola Pizza, 4355 Hwy 78, José Sinatra’s OB-oke , Winston’s, 1921 every thursday Julian, 6pm. Bacon St., 9:30pm. Happy Hour Jam , Winston’s, 1921 Bacon St., friday • 2 A.J. Croce , Lawrence Family Jewish Comm. The Bluegrass Special w/ Wayne Rice , Center, 4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla, 7:30pm. tuesday • 20 5:30pm. The Rhythm Jacks , Patrick’s II, 428 F St., 5pm. 10pm-midnight, KSON (97.3 FM). Peter Sprague & Fred Benedetti , San Dieguito Poway Bluegrass Jam , Templar’s Hall, Old Chet & the Committee Open Blues Jam , Jake’s Mountain , Wynola Pizza, 4355 Hwy 78, United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd., 6:30pm. Downtown Cafe, 182 E. Main, El Cajon, 6pm. Julian, 6pm. Magdalena, Encinitas, 7:30pm. Bluegrass Jam , Old Time Music, 2852 every monday Wood ‘n’ Lips Open Mic , Friendly Grounds, Mark Jackson Band , Museum of Making Hutchins Consort , Neurosciences Institute, University Ave., 7pm. Ukulele Society of America Jam , Old Time 9225 Carlton Hills Blvd., Santee, 6:30pm. Music, 5790 Armada Dr., Carlsbad, 7pm. 10640 Hopkins Dr., La Jolla, 7:30pm. Music, 2852 University Ave., 6:30pm. Lou Fanucchi , Il Fornaio, 1333 1st St., Tizer , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. Jeff Diamond/Tim Flood/Reid Albright , Bella Patric Petrie & the Bad Blokes , O’Sullivan’s, Coronado, 6:30pm. Chase Morrin , Pannikin/BookWorks, Flower Hill Roma, 6830 La Jolla Blvd., 7:30pm. wednesday • 21 640 Grand Ave., Ste. A., Carlsbad, 7pm. Joe Rathburn’s Folkey Monkey , Milano Mall, Del Mar, 8pm. Jimmy Webb , Acoustic Music San Diego, 4650 Open Mic , Kirin Sushi, 4111 Voltaire St., 7pm. Coffee Co., 8685 Rio San Diego Dr., 7pm. Charlie Chavez & his Afrotruko , Dizzy’s @ S.D. Mansfield St., 7:30pm. , Balboa Theatre, 868 Open Mic , Turquoise Coffee, 841 Turquoise 4th Ave., 7:30pm. Open Mic Banjuke Jam , Queen Bee’s Art & Wine & Culinary Center, 200 Harbor Dr., 8pm. Kelsea Raelittle , Java Joe’s @ Cafe Libertalia, Cultural Center, 3925 Ohio St., 7:30pm. St., P.B., 7pm. Victoria Vox CD Release , Dizzy’s @ S.D. Wine Carlos Olmeda , Java Joe’s @ Cafe Libertalia, 3834 5th Ave., Hillcrest, 8pm. Open Mic , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 7:30pm. Moonlight Serenade Orchestra , Lucky Star 3834 5th Ave., Hillcrest, 8pm. Richard Thompson w/ Tripp Sprague & Rob & Culinary Center, 200 Harbor Dr., 7:30pm. Restaurant, 3893 54th St., 7pm. Pat Metheny , Spreckels Theatre, 121 Pro-Invitational Blues Jam , O’Connell’s Pub, Ari Herstand/Christan Cuff/Skyler StoneStreet , Thorsen , Dizzy’s @ S.D. Wine & Culinary 1310 Morena Blvd., 8pm. Traditional Irish Session , Thornton’s Irish Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Center, 200 Harbor Dr., 8pm. Broadway, 8pm. Pub, 1221 Broadway, El Cajon, 8pm. Songwriter’s Showcase , Larry’s Beach Club, Bad Blokes , O’Sullivans, 640 Grand Ave., Big Sandy & his Fly Rite Boys , The Casbah, 1145 S. Tremont, Oceanside, 8:30pm. Open Mic/Family Jam , Rebecca’s, 3015 Carlsbad, 9pm. 2501 Kettner Blvd., 8:30pm. thursday • 22 Juniper St., 8pm. KPRI Homegrown Fridays w/ Sheila Lisa Sanders & Friends , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Open Jazz Jam , South Park Bar & Grill, 1946 Sondergard/Medicine for Madison/The Grass Ave., 9pm. Peter Sprague , Roxy Restaurant, 517 S. Coast every tuesday Fern St., 9:30pm. Heat , Anthology, 1337 India St., 10pm. Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 7pm. Lou Fanucchi , Paesano, 3647 30th St., 5:30pm. sunday • 11 Earl Thomas , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. Traditional Irish Session , The Ould Sod, 3373 every friday Adams Ave., 7pm. saturday • 3 Gilbert Castellanos Quartet presents Open Mic , Lion Coffee, 101 Market St., 6pm. S.D. Folk Song Society , Old Time Music, 2852 Gladstone H.S. Jazz Band , Dizzy’s @ S.D. Wine Open Mic , Beach Club Grille, 710 Seacoast University Ave., 2pm. & Culinary Center, 200 Harbor Dr., 7:30pm. Dr., Imperial Beach, 7pm. John Kopecky Trio South Park Bar & Grill, Spring Harp Fest w/ /Nathan 1946 Fern St., 7pm. James/Billy Watson/Johnny Mastro/Dan Singchronicity , Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Nanci Griffith/Ashleigh Flynn , Belly Up, 143 S. Chet & the Committee All Pro Blues Jam , Gage/John Frazer & more , Harry Griffen Park, Dr., 2pm. Cedros, Solana Beach, 8pm. The Harp, 4935 Newport Ave., 7:30pm. Open Mic , Bella Roma Restaurant, 6830 La 9550 Milden St., La Mesa, 11:30am. Jolla Blvd. #103, 8pm. Peter Pupping Quartet , Avo Playhouse, 303 Gregory Page , Java Joe’s @ Cafe Libertalia, Open Mic , Second Wind, 8515 Navajo Rd., Sara Petite , Wynola Pizza, 4355 Hwy 78, Julian, Main St., Vista, 4pm. 3834 5th Ave., Hillcrest, 8pm. 8pm. Open Mic , L’Amour de Yogurt, 9975 Carmel 6pm. Mountain Rd., 8pm. Elvis Costello , Balboa Theatre, 868 4th Ave., Chi McClean/Steelwells , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Open Mic , The Royal Dive, 2949 San Luis Rey Perfect Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll Blues Band , 8pm. Ave., 9pm. Rd., Oceanside, 8pm. Open Mic , Egyptian Tea Room & Smoking Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30&9:30pm. Parlour, 4644 College Ave., 9pm. Patty Griffin/Scott Miller , Belly Up, 143 S. Patrick Berrogain’s Hot Club Combo , Prado Jack Tempchin , Oasis House Concert, Sorrento Cedros, Solana Beach, 8pm. Restaurant, Balboa Park, 8pm. Valley, 8pm. www.OasisHouseConcerts.com friday • 23 Open Mic , Portugalia, 4839 Newport Ave., every saturday Gilbert Castellanos New Latin Jazz Quartet , O.B., 9pm. Dizzy’s @ S.D. Wine & Culinary Center, 200 monday • 12 Candye Kane , Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros, Solana Ronnie Seno , Lion Coffee, 101 Market St., 10am. Harbor Dr., 8pm. Beach, 5:30pm. Open Mic (last Saturday of the month), Valley Gregory Page CD Release & Movie , Java Joe’s Poway Folk Circle , Templar’s Hall, Old Poway Heloise Love , Wynola Pizza, 4355 Hwy 78, Music, 1611 N. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon, 6pm. @ Cafe Libertalia, 3834 5th Ave., Hillcrest, 8pm. Park, 14134 Midland Rd., 6pm. Julian, 6pm. Blues Jam , South Park Bar & Grill, 1946 Fern The Eleonor England Show , Lestat’s, 3343 Carlos Olmeda/Folding Mr. Lincoln/Joe St., 9pm. Adams Ave., 9pm. Rathburn , Solana Beach Library, 157 Stevens tuesday • 13 Ave., 6:30pm. Judy Collins , Acoustic Music San Diego, 4650 Lou Curtiss Song Circle , Kadan, 4696 30th St., Mansfield St., 7:30pm. sunday • 4 6pm. Allison Adams Tucker/Jaeryoung Lee/Evona Gregory Page , Java Joe’s @ Cafe Libertalia, Bayou Brothers , Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros, Yale Strom Music Ensemble: Music from the Wascinski/Jeanette Kangas/Jamie & Chloe tuesday • 27 3834 5th Ave., Hillcrest, 8pm. Solana Beach, 4:15pm. Golden Age of Spain , Smith Recital Hall, SDSU Feoranzo , Dizzy’s @ S.D. Wine & Culinary Avett Brothers , House of Blues, 1055 5th Ave., Campus, 5500 Campanile Dr., 7pm. Center, 200 Harbor Dr., 7:30pm. Lou Curtiss Song Circle , Kadan, 4696 30th St., 8:30pm. Boxcar Bandits/North Texas Skunkgrass , 6pm. Dream Street Live, 2228 Bacon St., OB, 7:30pm. Benny Golson Quartet , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. Sue Palmer & the Blue Four , Patrick’s II, 428 F St., 8:30pm. wednesday • 14 Zzymzzy Quartet , Claire de Lune, 2906 friday • 30 monday • 5 University Ave., 8pm. Lisa Sanders , Fallbrook Library, 124 S. Mission Mountain Tribal Gypsies , Wynola Pizza, 4355 Rd., 6pm. A.J. Croce , Oasis House Concert, Sorrento wednesday • 28 Hwy 78, Julian, 6pm. Blue Monday Pro Jam , Humphrey’s Backstage Valley, 8pm. www.OasisHouseConcerts.com Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7pm. Blue Monday Pro Jam , Humphrey’s Backstage Eddie Palmieri , Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7pm. Joe Rathburn , Fallbrook Library, 124 S. Mission University Ave., 7pm. Sue Palmer & the Blue Four , Patrick’s II, 428 F Rd., 6pm. St., 8:30pm. Chris Acquavella & Nate Jarrell , Carmel Valley saturday • 24 Chris Hassett , Acoustic Music San Diego, 4650 Library, 3919 Townsgate Dr., 7pm. Songwriters Meetup Collaboration , Old Time Mansfield St., 7:30pm. Music, 2852 University Ave., 7pm. Songwriters Meetup w/ Jeff Berkley , Old Time Roots Fest on Adams , Adams Avenue & Raul Midon , Anthology, 1337 India St., tuesday • 6 Music, 2852 University Ave., 7pm. Hawley Blvd., Normal Heights, 10am-8pm. Sue Palmer Quintet , Croce’s, 802 5th Ave., 7:30&9:30pm. 7:30pm. Sue Palmer Quintet , Croce’s, 802 5th Ave., Robin Henkel , ArtWalk, 1536 India St., 11am. Billy Watson , Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros, Solana SDSU Jazz Ensemble/Salpointe Catholic H.S. 7:30pm. John Mayall w/ Robin Henkel & Nathan James , Beach, 8pm. Jazz Band , Dizzy’s @ S.D. Wine & Culinary Your Mom (Suzanne & Mike Reed), Art Walk, Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros, Solana Beach, 8pm. Center, 200 Harbor Dr., 7pm. Anthony Wilson Trio , Neurosciences Institute, Little Italy, 11am. Peggy Watson & David Beldock , Java Joe’s @ 10640 Hopkins Dr., 7:30pm. Tomasz Stanko Quintet , Anthology, 1337 India Kev’s QuickStart Guitar Series , Old Time Cafe Libertalia, 3834 5th Ave., Hillcrest, 8pm. St., 7:30pm. Bill Frisell , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. Music, 2852 University Ave., 2:30pm. thursday • 29 Molly Jenson , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Riddle the Roar/Greg Friedman/Nate Donnis , Arlo Guthrie Family , California Center for the Joe Rathburn , La Mesa Library, 8074 Allison Chet & the Committee , The Harp, 4935 Newport Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros, Solana Beach, 8pm. Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., 8pm. Ave., 3pm. Peter Sprague , Roxy Restaurant, 517 S. Coast Ave., 9pm. Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 7pm. Kasey Anderson , Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., A Night of Belly Dancers & Music , Lestat’s, Shirthouse Bluegrass Band , Wynola Pizza, Grand Canyon Sundown , The Leucadian, 1542 8:30pm. 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. 4355 Hwy 78, Julian, 6pm. John Foltz w/ Seaholm-Macintosh , Milano N. Coast Hwy. 101, Leucadia, 9:30pm. Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. Band , Coffee Co., 8685 Rio San Diego Dr., 7pm. Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. wednesday • 7 thursday • 15 Jim Earp & Friends , Rebecca’s, 3015 Juniper St., 7:30pm. High Society Jazz Band , Ca. Center for the Old Tyme Fiddlers Jam , Old Time Music, 2852 University Ave., 7pm. Norah Jones , Spreckels Theatre, 121 Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., 4pm. Broadway, 8pm. Kenny Werner & Mike Wofford , Birch North Robin Henkel , Wine Steals, 1243 University Ave., 8pm. Leon Redbone , Poway Center for the Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave., 7pm. Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Rd., 8pm. Richard Smith , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Peter Sprague , Roxy Restaurant, 517 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 7pm. Candye Kane w/ Charlie Imes , Tango Del Rey, Mark Knopfler , Pechanga Casino, 45000 3657 Del Rey St., Pacific Beach, 8pm. thursday • 8 Pechanga Pkwy., Temecula, 7pm. Azucar Azul , Dizzy’s @ S.D. Wine & Culinary Gregory Page/Get Back Loretta , Java Joe’s @ Center, 200 Harbor Dr., 8pm. Charlie Imes/Marie Haddad , Encinitas Library, Cafe Libertalia, 3834 5th Ave., Hillcrest, 8pm. Chet & the Committee , La Costa Grill, 6996 El 540 Cornish Dr., 6pm. Camino Real, Carlsbad, 8:30pm. Peter Sprague , Roxy Restaurant, 517 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 7pm. friday • 16 Muldoon w/ Jamie Kim , Anthology, 1337 India sunday • 25 St., 7:30pm. Neck & Neck , Ocean Beach People’s Co-op, 4765 Voltaire, 5:30pm. Roots Fest on Adams , Adams Avenue & Jaeryoung Lee plays Astor Piazzolla , Dizzy’s @ Hawley Blvd., Normal Heights, 10am-6pm. S.D. Wine & Culinary Center, 200 Harbor Dr., Glen & Jennifer Smith , Wynola Pizza, 4355 Hwy 7:30pm. 78, Julian, 6pm. Robin Henkel , ArtWalk, 1536 India St., 11am. Gregory Page/Jason Fry , Java Joe’s @ Cafe Peter Sprague , Roxy Restaurant, 517 S. Coast Bonita Chili Cookoff , Bonita Rd. & Billy Casper Libertalia, 3834 5th Ave., Hillcrest, 8pm. Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 7pm. Way, 11am-4pm. Aaron Beaumont/JT Spangler , Lestat’s, 3343 Dave Humphries CD Release , Java Joe’s @ Wayne Riker’s Fretbook Guitar Workshop , Old Adams Ave., 9pm. Cafe Libertalia, 3834 5th Ave., Hillcrest, 8pm. Time Music, 2852 University Ave., 2pm. Rio Peligroso , Hensley’s Flying Elephant Pub, Nicole Torres , San Marcos Library, 1 Civic 850 Tamarack Ave., Carlsbad, 8:45pm. Center Dr., 4pm. friday • 9 Aaron Bowen/Nick Jaina Band , Lestat’s, 3343 The Rhythm Jacks , Patrick’s II, 428 F St., 9pm. Adams Ave., 9pm. Frank Lucio , Wynola Pizza, 4355 Hwy 78, Julian, 6pm. monday • 26 Tom Smerk , Friendly Grounds, 9225 Carlton saturday • 17 Hills, Santee, 7pm. Chicago Six , Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St., Colin Hay , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. Peter Sprague & Kevyn Lettau , Founders Hall Pacific Beach, 5pm. Randy Phillips , Rebecca’s, 3015 Juniper St., UUFSD, 1036 Solana Dr., Solana Beach, 7pm. S.D. Youth Symphony Jazz Band , Dizzy’s @ S.D. 7:30pm. Houston Jones , Acoustic Music San Diego, Wine & Culinary Center, 200 Harbor Dr., 7pm. Peter Sprague & Blurring the Edges w/ Fred 4650 Mansfield St., 7:30pm. Rory Block , Acoustic Music San Diego, 4650 Benedetti , Rm. 220, Fine Arts Hall, Grossmont Tracy Grammer , San Dieguito United Methodist Mansfield St., 7:30pm. College, 8pm. Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas, Michael Tiernan , Stellar Cellar, 28636 Old Town 7:30pm. Front St., Temecula, 8pm. Tom Baird & Friends , Rebecca’s, 3015 Juniper St., 7:30pm. 18 www.facebook.com/sandiegotroubadour w C Photo: Steve Covault R Photo: Steve Covault o Photo: Bob Page y T T

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