FREE

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

January 2005 www.sandiegotroubadour.com Vol. 4, No. 4

what’s Nickel Creek: inside Living the Dream

Welcome Mat ………3 Mission Statement Contributors Tales from the Trails Full Circle.. …………4 Eugene Vacher Recordially, Lou Curtiss Front Porch …………6 KKSM’s Joan Rubin Tom Boyer Parlor Showcase... …8 Nickel Creek Ramblin’... …………10 Bluegrass Corner Zen of Recording Hosing Down Radio Daze The Highway’s Song... 12 Al Kooper Of Note. ……………13 Griffin House The Taylor Harvey Band Itai ickles the horse chews February 1981, also a home grown Sean and Sara when the surf is good, Rookie Card contentedly in the prodigy raised in the Idylwild moun - and one can feel the excitement in Tom McRae small backyard pasture tains a couple of hours from Vista, it the house as they prepare for one of ‘Round About ...... …14 as the three young - is the mandolin. The three friends are their regular surf safaris to Carlsbad. January Music Calendar sters on the back already creating quite a stir at blue - Mom Karen happily shows the latest porch play their instru - grass festivals and contests. photos of the body board exploits, The Local Seen ……15 ments. It’s peaceful and Life is good in those early days. and Sean and Sara both expound on Photo Page Pbucolic in rural Vista during the mid School at home, church and church the great rides, and “getting pound - 1980s for these three home- activities, surfing, skiing, camping with ed” on the bigger days. Chris is way schooled youngsters who already the family, snowboarding, baseball, and into baseball and is a star kid pitcher.

show prodigious talents on their music fill the days. Some call them Continued on page 8. musical instruments. For Sara “hothouse kids” because of the way Watkins, born in June 1981, it is the their parents home school them and fiddle, almost too big to fit under her insulate them from the vagaries of chin, that lights up the magnetic smile the outside world, but it is undeniable on her face. For older brother Sean, — these are not just great musicians, born in February 1977, it is the man - they are great kids. Normal, happy dolin and guitar. And for their pal and kids doing normal kid stuff. Body musical playmate Chris Thile, born in boarding at Tamarack is a must for RSAN ODUIEGBO ADOUR Alternative country, Americana, roots, folk, Tblues, gospel, jazz, and bluegrass music news

MISSION CONTRIBUTORS To promote, encourage, and provide FOUNDERS an alternative voice for the great local Ellen and Lyle Duplessie music that is generally overlooked by Liz Abbott the mass media; namely the genres of Kent Johnson alternative country, Americana, roots, folk, blues, gospel, jazz, and bluegrass. PUBLISHERS To entertain, educate, and bring Liz Abbott together players, writers, and lovers of Kent Johnson these forms; to explore their founda - EDITORIAL/GRAPHICS tions; and to expand the audience for Liz Abbott these types of music. Chuck Schiele For advertising rates, call 619/298- ADVERTISING 8488 or e-mail [email protected]. Kent Johnson San Diego Troubadour DISTRIBUTION P.O. Box 164 Kent Johnson La Jolla, CA 92038 Brenda Villegas E-mail: [email protected]. PHOTOGRAPHY John Baldi SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR, the local Steve Covault source for alternative country, Americana, roots, folk, blues, gospel, WEB MASTER jazz, and bluegrass music news, is Will Edwards published monthly and is free of WRITERS charge. Letters to the editor must be Lois Bach signed and may be edited for content. Lou Curtiss It is not, however, guaranteed that they Phil Harmonic will appear. David Lang All opinions expressed in SAN DIEGO Frederick Leonard TROUBADOUR, unless otherwise stat - Jim McInnes ed, are solely the opinion of the writer Tom Paine and do not represent the opinions of Sven-Erik Seaholm the staff or management. All rights Chuck Schiele reserved. José Sinatra Tim Woods ©2005 San Diego Troubadour. D. Dwight Worden Anita York WRITE TO US! We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments, feedback, and suggestions The San Diego Troubadour is by email to: [email protected] dedicated to the memory of or by snail mail to: San Diego Ellen and Lyle Duplessie , whose Troubadour, P.O. Box 164, vision inspired the creation of this La Jolla, CA 92038-0164. newspaper.

Coming in February

Special tribute to San Diego Troubadour founders Ellen and Lyle Duplessie. CALL FOR ARTICLES Do you have a story to share about Ellen, Lyle, or both? Please contact Liz Abbott at [email protected] to submit your story in written form. Articles can be funny, serious, short, or long. We intend to include as many different stories as space will allow. Submission deadline: January 15. San Diego Troubadour • January 2005 wweellccoommee mmaatt

by Chuck Schiele state of the art. From this t’s funny where life takes you. They studio Sam say when one door closes, another Phillips not I door opens. This is always true with only precise timing. I live by it. After a crazy brought a new league year, one of my doors closed and it was of musicians to the world, including B.B. suggested that I “hit the trail,” so to speak. King, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee And in the next instant, my new door opened. Lewis, Carl Perkins, T. Bone Walker, and a I was recently hired for an art gig on the whole bunch more, he also ushered in a mod - East Coast, specifically upstate New York, an ern music revolution, a new “sound,” a new opportunity with too many blessings to “thing.” Several years ago U2 recorded forego, so I went. And with little fussing, and “When Love Comes to Town” here with B.B. great unforeseen irony, I furthered my pur - King. I got to talking with the engineer and pose by making it a music trip as well. Early managed to book a recording session in each side by an angel playing a harp and the in a coffeehouse setting. (Imagine going to plete departure from the famous take we last November I began my drive across January as part of an eventual solo release. devil playing the fiddle, sort of a gargoyle church at Claire de Lune and then playing a know so well. Way out there — America, choosing my route to include as On Beale Street I ate bodacious ribs for sconce thing. There was an old-school gig there that night). The sound system was HeavyHeavyHeavy Hip-hop. I thought it was many music cities and landmarks along the lunch then took a cruise Molson export beer sign flickering in the win - great, the stage was huge, and a giant tree, so cool that we’re so dissimilar yet were still way as I could. By the time my journey is through B.B. King’s bar and dow. I liked it already. It was surreal inside, which was part of the architecture, served as able to collect our differences into art. And over, I will have visited Las Cruces, El Paso, Isaac Hayes’ restaurant on mysterious, unpretentious, and yet unbeliev - a stage prop. Way cool. Bands play for free how the Beatles reached a kid two genera - Dallas-Ft. Worth, Austin, Little Rock, Peabody Place. ably cool. Inside a dark and cavernous room and for $3 they record your set. The staff tions away from the day they mixed it. Memphis, Nashville, Louisville, Cincinnati, Hollywood is famous for loaded with locals, there was a unique vibe includes congregation volunteers who also FIRESIDE SESSIONS AT SPINDRIFT Columbus, Cleveland, Buffalo, Syracuse, New its Walk of Fame fea - to this room, unlike any I’ve felt thus far at work for free. Proceeds go to charity and help For me, spending the winter in a New York City, Detroit, Indianapolis, and turing sidewalks with any gig. New Yorkers stand at the bar differ - keep the church running. Probably one of the York apartment is almost equal to being on Minneapolis-St. Paul. Highlights of my trek stars commemorating ently somehow. most wholesome settings I’ve ever played in. the moon. One of the things I do to cope with are dinner at a quaint Southwestern restau - the heroes of American Since closing time isn’t until 4 a.m. in AL-EE-OOP being away from home is to write music arti - rant in Los Cruces called La Poste. I tried a film. Memphis pays tribute to its New York, gigs start late. And the later it I had a great time cles. Most of the time I’m overtime busy. The sopapilla and, of course, a real-deal chile rel - wealth of musicians in the same way, only gets, the more crowded it gets. I was up third here. Although I was other thing I do is play music. I brought my leno, which was worthy of driving a full day with eighth notes. The Gibson guitar factory and hit it at around midnight. After the first supposed to play 15 portable studio with me and as many lit - through the Mars-like terrain of Arizona and is only two blocks form Beale St., so I had to song, a friendly drunkard approached me, minutes during an tle goodies I could stuff into my suitcase. New Mexico. On the next day, after driving go there too, which was half thrill and half insisting that I play a song I never heard of so open mic, which was I’ve been working on a few songs since through the flatness of Texas, I saw my folks frustration because I am never able to avoid he could sing along. “Nope. Sorry, bro....” So basically an audition I’ve been here. One is a tune I heard, while on my Dallas-Ft. Worth stop. Then, after coveting more sexy guitars to add to my col - he suggested the Beatles. Oddly, while this for a better slot on driving, blowing across Lake Ontario from spending a pretty Tuesday morning cruising lection. was going on, his buddies at the bar were all a better night, they Toronto, a thing called “Crabbuckit.” Oh man, through Arkansas, I hit Memphis. looking me straight in the eye shaking their made me stay up I flipped. I like a lot of tunes. But every now November 15/Buffalo, N.Y. heads as if to say, “No, don’t let him.” I got there for over an and then a song truly reaches me on an November 9/Memphis, TN NIETZSCHE ’S out of it by dedicating a Beatle selection to hour. And every - entirely different level and it has to do with My favorite stop so far has been Gotta start somewhere. him, whereby he returned to his seat with his one sang with me “soul.” I learned that it was a local Toronto Memphis. I had the opportunity to visit the Picked up a local arms triumphantly in the air. I thought to when I played familiar stuff. (I dis - artist called K-OS. I found a copy, learned it, Memphis Recording Service, which was ArtVoice magazine, myself how life is like a cartoon at times. It covered the most effective way to win a bar and will bring this thing home. Two other founded by Sam Phillips and eventually which caters to Buffalo was an entirely odd evening. But I made a over is to play “Folsom Prison Blues,” hands songs have affected me in the same way. became world- culture. I jumped into an music buddy or two, wrote down the names down. Bingo!) “Snapshot,” by Dave Howard, has always had famous Sun open mic at this cool, of some places to play, and enjoyed my About five songs in, three guys from the my attention but I recently took another spin Studio. It still seedy Bohemian place Molson. audience stood up at the same time and through it and fell completely in love with it. holds most of in the art district, kind of kinda single-filed onto the stage — first a If anyone were to write the song that I am the antiquat - a cross between the November 21/Buffalo, N.Y. bass player, then a conga guy, and another trying to write myself, this is the song. I took ed equip - Rhythm Lounge and the Belly HIGHER GROUND guitarist who knew the backing vocals. By it and raised the key to G to accommodate ment that Up, only trippier. Upon entry I noted that the Higher Ground is a pretty cool place to verse two they were “in,” and we had a my vocal range and recorded it one snowy was once weathered Nietzsche sign was flanked on play. The strip mall venue serves as a church band. There we were, playing stuff we didn’t Sunday morning as the fireplace was blazing know. I had a great time and wound up in the and I was overdosing on coffee. “I Need Saturday groove. Love” by a lady named Sam Phillips (great serendipity!) is another song I flipped over November 24/Syracuse, N.Y. when I heard it and another lyric that not only RECORDING SESSION AT DUTCH BEETZ WITH speaks to me but also represents the ground M80 T YLER WALTON on which I stand as a soul. And that is some - This was a different kinda gig for me thing, I just might record at Sun Studio, when altogether. It wasn’t really about guitars as I head back home. much as it was beats, grooves, raps. Nevertheless, Tyler asked me to lay a few December 16/San Diego, CA guitar tracks on some of the ones he was HUMPHREY ’S working on. At 19 years old he’s brilliant, raw, The middle of and spends all day, everyday, working on beat my trip was music. His instincts and concerns about com - marked by a few position, sound, and mixing are so different days home to from mine that I found it irresistible. With a play the annual few connections from my old Syracuse neigh - Christmas borhood, I was set up with several guitars Benefit and some gear goodies, along with a few Concert at Humphrey’s things of my own. with 21 Grams, which was a grand evening. “So, whaddya want?” I asked. We raised a lot of money for homeless teens, “I dunno, Dawg. Just do your ‘do,’” he and I got to have a toddy with my friends. replied. Ironically, 21 Grams will be visiting Buffalo “Okay, blow,” as I saddled the guitar into for the holidays and we will, once again, my body right where I like it. party and maybe get a little work done on our “MIles,” he said (his way of say - forthcoming CD (interrupted a third of the ing “...and do it good!”). way through by this trip). I thawed a little, let We the sun hit me good, handled some busi - played ness, and had breakfast, lunch and dinner for a with friends on the beach. Another delight while of my trip home was to discover that the and he Gandhi Method (of which I am one filed the third), released its new CD. takes for a This tour has reached the later mix. I halfway point, and I have logged over 4,000 have no idea miles, more than a dozen cities where I what he’s gonna played gigs in each, recording sessions in do with it, but I was happy and he was some, four recording projects, and I’m still happy, so, well... okay. Then he turns around incurring momentum. and said, “Do you know this?” as he dialed My next journal installment will cover up “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” The further episodes from the road, from this next thing I knew, I was copping the the lead moment to my return to San Diego. lick. But what I was playing over was a com - www.sandiegotroubadour.com 3 January 2005 • San Diego Troubadour ffuullll cciirrccllee

Music Lover Stays Young at Heart Eugene Vacher’s Story Continues . . . by Lois Bach group, which was managed, coinciden - the summer conductor while Vacher Horton Plaza, the band performed at tally, by Willis. and DeGuide handled regular conduct - the city’s important and official func - Living in a housed filled with musi - ing positions. The next few years saw tions, including opening day for the PART TWO cal instruments acquired over the several transitions for the mandolin San Diego Cable Railway in 1890 and hen Eugene Vacher retired years, Trepasso admits that collecting orchestra, including being split into the Cabrillo Celebration in 1892. The from his teaching career in them is his passion. two separate orchestras. But eventually, band also led a procession through W 1972, he and his beloved “I was four or five years old when I following DeGuide’s death, Trepasso downtown ten days before the declara - wife, Mary, returned to the same prop - bought my first piano, which I still and Vacher took over as conductors tion of the Spanish American War. In erty in El Cajon where he grew up. But have,” he laughs. What’s his most and arrangers for the San Diego 1915 the City Guard Band became the Vacher needed another career, and he prized instrument? “I have a bass trum - Mandolin Orchestra. official band for the Panama-California wanted to make certain that music was pet that my great grandfather played in Exposition. When the United States a major part of it. Mary was the one the Italian Army band.” entered WWI in 1917, the band lost who led him there. Originally from Crystal Falls, most of its members to the Army and As a teenager Mary was an accom - Michigan, Trepasso performed in the the City Guard Band dissolved. Most of plished pianist. When the couple lived Northwood Symphony Orchestra while the union musicians left in the area Eugene Vacher in Europe, Mary bought a couple of in high school as well as in a combo were absorbed by Coronado’s Tent City mandolins in Germany. In 1974, while called the Swinging Gentlemen, whose Band. and old time band music. attending a social event, the couple leader sang with Glenn Miller. In 1966 “When I first started playing with “We play a lot of marches by Sousa, heard a mandolin orchestra perform - he entered Northern Michigan the symphony in 1927, quite a few of Pryor, and Key,” Vacher says. ing. One of the players invited them to University, majoring in music educa - the union members had begun in the “Our library contains music that tion. Although he was set to begin his City Guard Band,” Vacher remembers. was cast off from schools; music from sit in during a practice, and while Mary San Diego Mandolin Orchestra joined in with one of her mandolins, first teaching position right after grad - Don Harrington is a former member the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. There are Vacher decided that sitting on the side - uating in 1970, Trepasso was drafted Today, the mandolin orchestra’s play of the Bonham Boys Band, a group he 2,000 marches in our collection and lines wasn’t for him. It wasn’t long into the Army. Things were looking list varies from traditional ethnic music joined while still in school and that about 2000 concert pieces,” Warnock before he joined his wife. Having pur - good when he auditioned for and was and show tunes to classical pieces. Vacher had been in charge of while in adds. chased an octave mandolin in Belgium accepted into the Army band. Although most of the folks who join college. Anxious to reorganize the City Andrea Anderson, another member, years before for about $10, he tuned it However, after his orders came, and the mandolin orchestra have experi - Guard Band after such a long hiatus, started playing clarinet with the band up and began playing mandola parts before he was shipped off to Vietnam, ence playing another instrument Harrington teamed up with Ed Ortiz, in 1982 after she left the military. with the orchestra. the band he was to join hit a mine (many are former violinists), some who had once been part of the Before she settled in San Diego, Victor DeGuide, conductor and field on their way to a job; all were newcomers join so they can learn. For National Guard Band, and George Anderson performed in symphony founder of the mandolin orchestra, killed. Trepasso was sent to Hawaii example, concertmaster Ted Scafidi, Wheeler, a retired Navy officer and orchestras in Hawaii and Michigan. was originally from Chicago where he instead. who had been playing the mandolin donor of the Bonham Boys Band’s “Some of the music I’ve played in studied violin and viola as a child and by ear since he was 13 years old, was entire music library, in 1981. Together this band has been more challenging later performed with the Chicago not able to read music when he joined the three men resurrected the new City than symphony music I played,” she Symphony. After moving to San Diego in 1990. Guard Band. Vacher was asked to join contends. in 1949, he began playing viola with Bill Lee, who plays informally with soon afterward. Bringing his alto horn One of their more interesting gigs the San Diego Symphony and taught Irish musicians, says that getting to the first practice he attended, he was was playing at the Parade of Lights on music in the city schools. In 1968, as involved with the orchestra helped asked to conduct one of the numbers. the Star of India, which they did for an extension of a fretted-string instru - improve his sight reading. By the second practice Vacher was con - several years. When the fog came in, ment class for adults at Patrick Henry Theresa Cooper joined in 1982 after sidered for the conductor’s position the mist would get their music so wet High School, DeGuide founded the hearing a concert in Seaport Village. which he ultimately accepted. that they could barely turn the pages. mandolin orchestra, calling it The She remembers, “From the gazebo The band currently performs in the Singing Strings. The orchestra per - came this wonderful Italian music from center of Old Town at 2 p.m. on the formed regularly at the Organ Pavilion my childhood. So each week I’d come fourth Saturday of each month begin - in Balboa Park and at Squibob Square to the practice, just playing one note ning in April. in Old Town, “until the square got in each measure at first. I just love it. These days the band, which fluctu - eaten by termites,” Vacher laughs. We’re like a family here.” ates between 20 to 40 members, is all Seaport Village was also a regular con - Jim Trepasso Although the average age of the volunteer and that includes the direc - cert site on Saturdays. orchestra’s members is in the mid-six - tor, which Anderson claims is highly Soon after joining the mandolin “Fort Shafter, Pacific Command,” ties, their ages range from 41 to 95. unusual for most groups in town. New orchestra, Vacher began writing new Trepasso remembers. “Our performance “Playing music keeps you young,” members of all ages, including wind arrangements for its library. In 1977 uniforms were Army-issue Hawaiian says orchestra member Dolores Miller. instrument and percussion players, are the band acquired a new member by shirts, white shorts, and white shoes.” And, apparently, so does listening. welcome. They practice every Tuesday Vacher conducting the City Guard Band the name of Jim Trepasso, who had During the three years he spent Some of the group’s favorite perform - evening 7-9 p.m. at the Rehearsal Hall at the Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park recently been hired to teach music in teaching beginning band in the ances are those held at retirement in Balboa Park. the Coronado school system. When Coronado elementary schools after homes where the audience enthusiasm Richard Warnock, who plays clarinet “Our youngest is still in high school Imel Willis, the principal who inter - serving in the Army, he met his wife, is unmistakable. when he’s not fulfilling his duties as and our oldest is probably Mr. Vacher. viewed Trepasso, told him he had the Carolynn, a speech and language spe - In 2003 the orchestra hosted the the band’s associate conductor, became He played the horn until just a little job, he jokingly added that he’d also cialist. At the time Trepasso joined the Classical Mandolin Society of America a member in the early 1980s. He fond - bit ago,” says Anderson. have to play bass mandolin in the mandolin orchestra he played a Gibson convention in San Diego, the largest ly remembers going to Balboa Park as a Mary Vacher played with the man - mando-bass. That June he took over as gathering of mandolin players in child to attend concerts in the Organ dolin orchestra for nearly 25 years and North America. Participants travel from Pavilion. routinely attended City Guard Band throughout the world to attend. “I never imagined that I’d actually concerts until her health began to fail. The San Diego Mandolin Orchestra be playing there one day,” he laughs. Sadly, she passed away in 2002. is open to new members who play With an emphasis on turn-of-the- mandolin, mandola, mandocello, and century band music, the band general - guitar. Practices are at 6:30 p.m. each ly sticks to orchestral transcriptions Wednesday at the Nazareth House, 6333 Rancho Mission Rd., San Diego. For information, call 619/435-0837.

THE CITY GUARD BAND Back in the 1880s San Diego was a booming little city that loved its brass bands. One of the city’s most popular was the City Guard Band, established in 1880. The band practiced in an area next to the City Guard headquarters, which was the state militia, and got its name when asked by one of the sol - diers to play in their parade. In addi - Eugene Vacher playing in the mandolin orchestra tion to Saturday night concerts in

4 www.sandiegotroubadour.com San Diego Troubadour • January 2005 ffuullll cciirrccllee

Recordially, Lou Curtiss Lou’s Hit Parade NATHAN ABSHIRE LOUIS JORDAN LEE MORSE Pine Grove Blues Beware Tain’t No Sin to Take Off Your Skin n shop, I know there are music collectors o and Dance Around in Your Bones s FRANK CRUMIT HARRY “T HE HIPSTER ” G IBSON d r with a much wider range of musical tastes. a There’s No One with Endurance Like Zoot Gibson Strides Again THE MERRY MACS h c i May I recommend a few artists that people

R the Man Who Sells Insurance Ashby de la Zooch

l ONNIE OSWELL l C B i ought to include in their lists and some of B

THE SONS OF THE PIONEERS : Martha Ah So Pure JOHNNY MERCER o

t the songs they wrote or recorded. My rec - o Blue Prairie h IMMIE ODGERS I Lost My Sugar in Salt Lake City P ommendations, in no special order, are list - J R ROY HOGSED ed on the right. Hobo Bill’s Last Ride KING COLE TRIO Let’s Go Dancin’ The Frim Fram Sauce There are 102 songs (lists of an even BILLY MURRAY JOE TURNER 100 bother me). If you find all of these and Waltz Me Around Again,Willie GROUCHO MARX T.V. Mama Lydia, the Tattooed Lady listen to them, I’ll give you another list ARTHUR “G UITAR BOOGIE ” S MITH RUTH ETTING next year that won’t contain anything you’ll Foolish Questions JIMMY DURANTE read about in Rolling Stone or any of the Ten Cents a Dance I’m the Guy What Found the Lost mainstream media. This is roots music, HOMER & J ETHRO JACK TEAGARDEN She Made Toothpicks of the Timbers Chord much of which can be found on 78 rpm One Hundred Years from Today of My Heart YOGI YORGESSON Lou Curtiss recordings, but a lot of it is available on VALAIDA SNOW Real Gone Galloot PEGGY LEE vinyl LPs or even reissue CDs. At any rate, I Wish that I Were Twins Dear George Varga, Rolling Stone, it takes some looking to find these, which Black Coffee MADDOX BROTHERS & R OSE BILL MONROE Fried Potatoes and Other List Makers: is part of the whole song catching experi - CARSON ROBISON Footprints in the Snow ence. Catch some or all of these and mix Prosperity Is Just Around the Corner GEORGE FORMBY ’ve been reading various “best song” lists them in with your other top 100 lists. THE CARTER FAMILY Mr. Wu DOCK BOGGS that have been sent in recently. I don’t You’ll find it’s a good mix and if you don’t, Give Me Roses While I Live Down South Blues HOAGY CARMICHAEL think I’d want to make a list of my well, try again next year. The search for I HARRY MCCLINTOCK Baltimore Oriole RILEY PUCKETT favorite songs because the list would good songs is an endless one but you The Trusty Lariat change every day I’m on this earth. What should always try to include some kind of Wal, I Swan MILDRED BAILEY BESSIE SMITH Georgia on My Mind bothers me is that the song lists are usually music that you’ve never heard before. You ERNEST TUBB My Kitchen Man all rock and pop oriented with nothing might find that you like it. Blue Eyed Elaine HOWLIN ’ W OLF GENE KRUPA WITH ANITA O’D AY 300 Pounds of Heavenly Joy much older than 1960 with a few top 40 TED LEWIS ORCHESTRA Recordially, Let Me Off Uptown excursions into the 1950s. Egyptian Ella ELMORE JAMES As the owner of a collector’s record Lou Curtiss WOODY GUTHRIE Something Inside Me SIX JUMPING JACKS (If You Ain’t Got the) Do Re Mi There’s a Trick in Picking a Chick SWAN SILVERTONES CLIFF EDWARDS Chick Chicken Today Mary, Don’t You Weep Paper Moon SLIM GAILLIARD REV . J.D. J ARVIS BING CROSBY Jumpin’ at the Record Shop Take Your Shoes Off, Moses I Found a Million Dollar Baby (in a FRANK QUINN ZEKE MANNERS 5&10 Cent Store) Patty McGinty’s Goat Blow the Whistle (Ring the Bell) HANK WILLIAMS PATSY MONTANA HANK SNOW Lost Highway The She Buckaroo Let’s Pretend BILLY MURRAY HEZIKIAH JENKINS FATS WALLER When the Grown-Up Ladies Act The Panic Is On Abercrombie Had a Zombie Like Babies THE HAPPINESS BOYS WINGY MANONE FRED ASTAIRE She Knows her Onions Stop that War (Them Cats Are Killin’ I’m Puttin’ All My Eggs in One Themselves) Basket HELEN KANE He’s So Unusual DILLY & H IS DILL PICKLES HARRY CHOATES Lye Soap Jole Blon WESLEY TUTTLE & M ERLE TRAVIS It’s Rainin’ on the Mountain Now, STUART HAMBLEN TEX WILLIAMS My Love Sheep Skin Corn and a Wrinkle on a Who? Me? Horn SOPHIE TUCKER BO CARTER Old King Tut FRANKIE MARVIN You Got the Whisky, I’ve Got the Gin Ridin’ on the Elevated Railway ANNETTE HANSHAW LOWE STOKES ’ N ORTH GEORGIANS Am I Blue? PHIL HARRIS Sailing Down the Chesapeake Bay Some Little Bug (Will Get You UNCLE ECK DUNFORD BOB WILLS & H IS TEXAS PLAYBOYS Lily Monroe Someday) Osage Stomp GIL TANNER & THE SKILLET LICKERS LEE WILEY OZZIE NELSON ORCHESTRA (We’ll Have) Manhattan Who Broke the Lock on the I’m Looking for a Guy who Plays Henhouse Door? Alto and Baritone and Doubles on a HANK THOMPSON A Six Pack to Go TOMMY DUNCAN Clarinet and wears a Size 37 Suit Beneath a Neon Star in a Honky CHARLIE POOLE & THE NORTH CAROLINA SISTER ROSETTA THARP Tonk RAMBLERS Jonah Gypsy Girl SKIP JAMES CAL STEWART Devil Got My Woman DUKE ELLINGTON ORCHESTRA Ticklish Reuben Creole Love Call JIMMY MARTIN GENE AUTRY Truck Driver’s Queen DINAH SHORE That’s How I Got My Start Mood Indigo WANDA JACKSON MOON MULLIGAN Right or Wrong MUNROE MOE JACKSON I’ll Sail My Ship Alone Go Away from My Door MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT JELLY ROLL MORTON ’S RED HOT PEPPERS Richland Woman Blues MUDDY WATERS Hello Central, Give Me Dr. Jazz Mean Red Spider EDDY ARNOLD HOBO JACK TURNER Cattle Call JOHNNY OTIS ORCHESTRA The Deacon and the Parson Harlem Nocturne BUCK OWENS THE CAROLINA TARHEELS I’ve Got the Hungrys for Your Love FRANKIE “H ALF PINT ” J AXON The Train Done Left Me (and I’m Waitin’ in Your Welfare How Long Blues ROLLO & B OLIVER Line) ETHEL WATERS Mildred, Our Choir Director CLIFF EDWARDS You Can’t Stop Me from Loving You NOEL COWARD When You Were the Daughter of a ELLA MAE MORSE & F REDDIE SLACK Mad Dogs and Englishmen Buttercup and I was the Son of a Bee Cow Cow Boogie

www.sandiegotroubadour.com 5 January 2005 • San Diego Troubadour ffrroonntt ppoorrcchh

by Anita York

t is no small secret that the radio business has evolved into nothing KKSM: The Little Station That Could more than that – a business – with Ino regard for the quality or diversity of what is sent over the airwaves. You can Palomar College Radio Showcases Independent Artists with Locals Live channel surf and be pretty much guar - anteed to hear the same thing on each station. What’s the listening audience to do? We have no choice but to take well as perform some of their own Diego-based soldier stationed in Iraq our ears elsewhere, be it the emerging music. The guests bring a playlist of who said she loved the mix of music satellite radio or that bastion of free music to share, usually songs you and that it made her feel connected to speech and independence: college won’t hear on commercial radio. She home. radio. doesn’t see the playlists beforehand KKSM could be just another We’re fortunate to have KKSM and is just as surprised as her listening Internet radio station, but its outreach Palomar College Radio, where music audience while the show unfolds. No to the local community through the director Joan Rubin believes that their holds barred (but within FCC guide - regular airwaves is too important. job, other than playing CMJ artists, is lines), you’ll hear everything from Local high school football games are to give exposure to the usually over - songs from Macedonia and speculation broadcast, as are announcements of looked local music scene through her on the Freudian meaning behind Ella events important to the region such as weekly show, Locals Live . Fitzgerald’s “A Tisket, A Tasket,” to Tiny benefit concerts and fundraisers that Rubin doesn’t purport to be a music Tim’s version of a Beatles tune. Says might go unnoticed by the mainstream expert. What she is, however, is an former guest Sue Palmer, “Joan’s show media. No event is too big or too small unabashed fan of all music and an is a blast and allows one to go in any for KKSM. ardent supporter of those who dedicate and all directions with the concept of This mighty little independent 500 their lives to making it. In 2003 she musical taste. I loved it !” Watt AM station survives because of was hosting a show called The Eclectic Rubin continues to be amazed at passionate supporters like general Mix , when a friend suggested she give a the wealth of talent here in San Diego manager Meg Banta, program director Curtis Peoples with Joan Rubin at the KKSM radio station listen to up-and-coming singer-song - and affectionately refers to her new - Zeb Navarro, and, most important, determined to see KKSM and writer Curtis Peoples. Rubin had him found music friends as “her peeps.” Palomar College’s dean, Pat Locals Live succeed by serving as both music direc - on the show a few times and the rest, One of her early guests, Peter Bolland, Schwerdtfeger. Despite funding cuts tor and sales manager. As she tells it, 2005 brings changes to Locals Live . as they say, is history. immediately became one of Locals Live ’s that continually threaten the $20,000 she was taking a photography class at Starting January 18, it will air an Peoples explains, “ hap - biggest promoters and began to spread AM transmitter budget, Schwerdtfeger Locals Live Palomar College and happened by the hour later from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., pened because Joan has the type of the word about this new show spot - and Banta believe it is critical to main - KKSM studio one day when she was Pacific Time, every Tuesday. The trust in her artists and the instinct to lighting local musicians. So far the tain the necessary revenue for the radio immediately bitten by the radio bug for time change will allow Rubin to allow people to be creative. I threw the guest list includes such notables as Tim station and the campus newspaper, The which there is no known cure. Her pro - host a brand new show during the idea at her not knowing if she’d really Flannery, Chris Klich, fellow deejay and Telescope , to continue. Most of the rev - gram director says, “Joan is just amaz - go for it at all, or maybe she’d let me singer-songwriter Anya Marina, Tyler enue is generated from advertising, but preceding hour called The Screening ing… In order to put on such a monu - play a few songs I wanted. Instead, she Hilton, Berkley Hart, Eve Selis, Lowen unlike commercial radio, there is no Room . She’ll be playing new music mental show, she needs to be part told me to fill the whole two hours. She and Navarro, Earl Thomas, and “pay to play” here. The deejays, who submitted to the station as well as booker, part engineer, and part inter - let me do what all musicians dream of Candye Kane among others. Shows fea - are mostly students, choose what is playlists from the listening audi - viewer. She pulls it off successfully doing, control the radio!! I felt it was a ture live performances from solo heard, much like in the early days of ence. If you’re a loyal every week without breaking a sweat.” Locals Live great way to get a stronger insight into acoustic artists such as Mary Dolan to popular radio. Rubin also credits sound engineer listener or music lover, send a CD who an artist is... Not just hear their the full blown band sound of Danielle Banta feels there remains a need Mike McCabe who volunteers at the of your 10-12 song playlist to the own songs and the stories behind them, LoPresti and the Masses, who raised for what can be best described as “old station. He donates untold hours help - following address. Please include but hear the artists and songs that more than just the consciousness of school radio,” that is radio of days ing out and upgrading the equipment. the song title, artist, album, and inspired them, that they love listening professors in nearby classrooms. gone by when AM was the only game McCabe’s goal is to create a studio per - year. to.” He then smiles and says, “It was Locals Live can be heard in North in town and disk jockeys scouted the formance space for KKSM guests. really just an excuse for me to hear County on 1320 AM, county wide at music scenes, introducing previously If you’re an artist who’d like to Navarro best sums up the KKSM myself, Michael Jackson, and Counting Cox Digital Music Channel 958, as well unheard of artists to their audience. be a guest on Locals Live, send your experience with this thought: “As prob - Crows all in the same hour on the as streaming over palomar.edu/kksm. She says, “ Locals Live is everything press kit and CD to: ably San Diego’s only true independent radio.” Extending its reach worldwide via the radio should be — the sharing of ideas radio station, I think our support for Locals Live on KKSM The premise is simple. Each week Internet, KKSM receives emails from all and influences from the people who local music gives us a more unique Attention: Joan Rubin Rubin invites a different artist from the across the U.S. as well as from Moscow, know music. Musicians love the show offering than other radio stations in the P.O. Box 2223 Southern California region to be her Peru, and Germany. One of the most as it gives a voice to the artist, and lis - area; where else are you going to find Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 guest and play deejay for two hours as rewarding messages came from a San teners love the show because the expe - deejays working for free and for the rience provides a rare glimpse into the love of music and radio?” www.palomar.edu/kksm inspirations behind the music.” Indeed. Rubin echoes that sentiment and is

6 www.sandiegotroubadour.com San Diego Troubadour • January 2005 ffrroonntt ppoorrcchh

Peers Pay Tribute to Local Master by Tim Woods honing his skills has served him well. expect and, when he takes the stage Each year Tom performs at the Chet and starts to play, the looks on their om Boyer gets tremendous Atkins Appreciation Society gathering faces are best described as ones of awe. enjoyment from playing guitar in Nashville and also participates in Guitar players especially appreciate his in church; however, his view of the Taylor Guitar demonstration at the repertoire, which can run from Atkins T annual NAMM Show, which features and the Beatles to Ray Charles. It’s not heaven may differ somewhat from the church’s. You see, Tom is absolutely top notch players. unusual to see a young man bring sev - certain that at God’s left hand sits Chet I met him at a party about ten years eral friends with him the next week to Atkins. One of his most prized posses - ago. Someone said, “Oh, Tom plays the witness “this great guitarist I discov - sions is a guitar that the man himself guitar.” When I actually heard him ered.” Tom is always glad to take time (Chet, not God) signed for him. It has play, it was like, “uh yeah, no kid - with an aspiring young musician, been one of Tom’s life missions to ding!” I’ve had the privilege of playing answering questions and giving advice. spread the word according to Atkins, alongside him at church for several What makes it all so special is that although over the past few years he years; his musicianship is so amazing Tom Boyer is such a nice, down-to- has been penning his own composi - that it’s always a shock to realize that earth, approachable guy. If someone tions and defining his own sound. His each year he just keeps getting better. else is singing or playing and he thinks growing friendship with international He is always raising the bar for himself, he might have something to add, he’ll recording artist Tommy Emmanuel has striving to improve his seemingly flaw - politely ask whether he can join them also had an influence on his playing, less skills. and play along. It’s pretty cool to have but don’t expect to see him using the He may be serious about his music, someone of Tom’s caliber playing on but don’t let that mislead you. As Carol your set. top of his Taylor guitar as a snare drum Tom Boyer playing at his benefit in November anytime soon. Paton, music director at Foothills Local singer-songwriter and author Tom credits D.R. (Don) Auten with United Methodist Church can confirm, Patty Hall is one who benefited from Chris wanted to involve as many of emceeing the event, adding his own giving him his first Chet licks and pro - Tom is mischievous at heart. Growing meeting Tom at the Just Java open mic. Tom’s close friends from the local inimitable performance to the show. viding guidance over the years. As a up is not high on his priority list. It’s a He subsequently played with her at the music community as he could. So, Although Tom wanted to perform young man he had taken the usual gui - sure bet his teachers had to keep him Adams Avenue Roots Festival and con - together with mutual friend Suzy Reed, with all of his friends that day, he was tarist’s route — playing in rock bands at a front desk so they could keep him tributed to the CD she is currently they contacted more people than nec - so sick from the therapy that there — before Don took him under his wing out of mischief. Even during life’s dark working on. Although a veteran folk essary, knowing that not everyone were doubts he could attend, let alone and introduced him to the style that times, his sense of humor is always singer, Patty hadn’t heard anything would be available. They received an play. At about 10 a.m. that morning, became his touchstone. present. quite like Tom’s fingerstyle technique. overwhelming response; those asked to he called, instructing, “Set up my Tom has a gift. His fingers dance Tom often performs just for the love When she asked him how he learned play went to great lengths to juggle equipment, I’m trying to get there.” across the strings with an unbelievable of it. One of my great joys is to hear to play with such skill, he credited sev - their itineraries to make it happen. As When he arrived during sound checks lightness that redefines the word him play at Just Java’s open mic night. eral hours of practice every day. Tanya a measure of his tremendous populari - a collective cheer went through the finesse. His tremendous dedication to People come in not knowing what to Rose, publisher of the Folk Song ty, so many players wanted to be group. After greetings from everyone, Society newsletter recalled that the first included that each performance had to Christopher Dean came up to him, sat time she heard Tom was with Patty at be limited to 10 minutes. It didn’t mat - him down, and presented him with a the Roots Festival where he also played ter to them how long they played, they copy of the CD. It took a moment to some solo numbers. She said the depth just wanted to be there for Tom. grasp what he was looking at but when of feeling his playing evoked, clearly One of the first artists to respond was it hit him, the enormity of it all over - from his soul, touched her that day. Brian Baynes who owns a recording whelmed him. There wasn’t a dry eye Upon meeting him, his open studio. He suggested compiling a CD in the house. demeanor made her feel an immediate for Tom that included a track from The whole event went off like clock affinity for him. each performer who was taking part work and was highlighted by Tom’s Celtic fingerstyle guitarist and selling it at the concert. Though it performance; he played masterfully. Christopher Dean admits that, while was a monumental task to accomplish If you weren’t there, you should he and Tom play different genres of in the short time available, he and have been. If you were there, I’m sure music, Tom’s dedication and constant Christopher made it happen. you will cherish the memory as I do. quest for growth has been an inspira - The CD project was kept secret from Sometimes great things come together tion to him. As Johnny Cash and Ricky Tom, although other artist friends of for deserving people. This was one of Skaggs alumni Jim Soldi commented, his heard about it and asked to play on those times. Great music was played, “Tom Boyer just plays his music the CD, including prominent recording money was raised for a good cause, unapologetically and with homage to artists Doyle Dykes, Edgar Cruz, and and everyone went home feeling great. Chet Atkins.” Pat Kirtley each of whom provided It’s wonderful to see how the San Reflecting on Tom’s contribution to cuts. The resulting CD offers a great Diego music community comes togeth - the local music scene, the general con - and varied listening experience. See the er to support one of their own. sensus is that the man, in addition to December issue of the San Diego CDs are available on line at his devotion, commitment to learning, Troubadour for a review. www.cairneyhill.com and at local and humility, has served as an inspira - The benefit concert took place on stores listed on the website. tion to anyone who has met him. November 20 at Foothills United While his music is world class and his Methodist Church in La Mesa (Tom’s skills enormous, he is the type of per - church) and was well attended by sev - son who would touch you even if he eral hundred people who gathered to weren’t a performer. lend their support. Those who attend - Several months ago Tom was diag - ed were treated to an impressive dis - nosed with cancer of the neck and had play of San Diego’s musical talent. The to undergo a brutal regimen of therapy. stellar list of performers included fel - One of the first to hear of Tom’s illness low fingerstyle guitarists D.R. Auten, was Christopher Dean, who immedi - Brian Baynes, Christopher Dean, Jim ately recalled a benefit concert the two Earp, Richard Glick, Mike Nelson, and of them had played for a young man KEV — who put on an amazing display who was at an emotional low point in of fretboard finesse as well as an occa - his fight with cancer. sional vocal foray. Sprinkled through - Remembering how the concert had out the afternoon were performances transformed the boy’s spirits, Chris by pianist and songstress Marion Law determined that this would be a good and singer/guitarists Suzy Reed, Patty thing to do for Tom, who gave his con - Hall, and Greg Campbell. A good por - sent to go ahead with the project. tion of the Eve Selis band — Jim Soldi Since Tom had adequate insurance, he and his wife Sharon Whyte, who plays asked that the proceeds go to the piano and wields a mean accordion — Oncology Department at San Diego was also on hand. Former San Diegan Children’s Hospital. Bob Boerner did a masterful job of www.sandiegotroubadour.com 7 January 2005 • San Diego Troubadour ppaarrlloorr sshhoowwccaassee

by Dwight Worden

music of John Moore, Dennis Caplinger, Byron Berline, and others. John and Dennis (continued from front cover) took the youngsters under their wings and But, it’s not all play; there is always the soon had them on the stage; Sara sang her overriding dedication to music. As a young first song on stage at age four. At the pizza teen Sara, on more than one occasion, came parlor, besides drinking in the music, the home in tears from her violin lessons with three kids formed a friendship that has last - Dennis Caplinger, but she always went back. ed almost two decades. Nickel Creek, the To this day Sara remembers her lessons band, has been together almost 15 years, NNiicckkeell CCrreeeekk:: with Dennis with great fondness and nostal - even though its members are all still only in gia. An accomplished player in his own right their twenties. How many bands can say and also a Vista local, Dennis gets the bulk that? of credit for teaching Sara the violin and Nickel Creek cut a western music tape instilling in her good work and practice called A Nickel’s Worth as well as their first habits that she maintains to the present. CD, Little Cowpoke, in the late ’80s when the threesome were still pre-teens. The singing LLiivviinngg tthhee DDrreeaamm sounds like chipmunks doing country and western, but you can already hear their hot And there were jam sessions with Mark morning show among other, ever higher The proof is in that first Alison Krauss- instrumentation. During that time they O’Connor, Luke and Jenny Bula, Bluegrass profile, appearances. To the extent there was produced Sugar Hill CD, released in 2000, began performing, including an appearance Etc., and Byron Berline, and experiments one fateful event in the rapid rise of Nickel which was by far their best musical product at the Gene Autry Museum in Los Angeles, with Celtic music, jazz, rock, and other musi - Creek, it might well have been their appear - up to that time. The production is excellent, which led to the early recording sessions. cal forms. The three teenagers were verita - ance at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in the instrumentation stunning, and the vocals The two sets of parents, Chuck and ble sponges, unafraid to try and absorb at a much higher level than their previ - Karen Watkins and Kathy and Scott Thile, anything and everything musical. ous recordings, thanks to Krauss’ were, and still are, very supportive of their There were classical violin les - tutoring, arranging, and coaching. The kids’ musical undertakings, share the same sons, a trophy or two, an Arizona new CD also showcased the song -

Chris and Sean n values and lifestyle, and are close friends. The state fiddle championship at age 16, a writing talents of Chris and Sean, m d and music theory classes at Mira l which contained several of their orig - Likewise it is John Moore, then a local parents are taxis when necessary, counselors e F

Costa Community College for Sara. r inal pieces. and an outstanding guitar and mandolin when needed, good for a new set of strings e t e

There was success at San Diego P Titled simply Nickel Creek , this player, who cultivated the budding talents of

in a pinch, and always fans and supporters : o t

Sean and Chris through regular lessons on who encourage their talented kids to chase State in guitar competitions and o CD all but broke the mold for this h guitar and mandolin. John made sure that their musical dreams. Scott played bass with music classes for Sean, who, at the P kind of music. It has Chris’ original Chris’ mandolin technique was learned early the group during its early years and acted as tender age of 18, was a finalist in the instrumental “Ode to a Butterfly,” a and correctly, as he did with Sean. If you’ve chaperone at gigs. They were talented kids, 1993 national flatpicking champi - dazzling, melodic, and complex tune ever heard Bluegrass Etc. play, you’ve experi - no doubt, but without the early nurturing onships on both guitar and mandolin. that well earned the Grammy nomi - enced the fireworks that Caplinger and and support from their families they well I still have a copy of a beautiful little nation and recognition it culled. Moore can generate, and these two fine might not be the Grammy Award winners classical piece that Sean wrote for a There was also Chris’ original and players and teachers played major roles in they are today. class project. He recently wrote a popular love ballad “The Lighthouse shaping what we know today as Nickel Serious recording began with Chris’ first classical sonata, which will be record - Tale” about a lighthouse keeper who Creek. Sean, who started on piano at age solo album, Leading ed in the near future. For the band watches from his tower as his true six, played mandolin in the very early days Off , which was there was victory in the Southwest love is dashed to death on the rocks of Nickel Creek, complemented by Chris on released in 1994 Regional Division of the Pizza Hut Sara, Chris, and Sean in 1991, with Scott Thile on bass and then jumps to his death to join guitar and Sara on fiddle. Sean and Chris are when he was 13. In it International Bluegrass Band her. “The Lighthouse Tale” would later still known to rip off an occasional mandolin he introduced a Championships as early as 1994. 1998. The Ryman is a storied old perform - be featured in one of Nickel Creek’s music duet. baseball theme that There seemed no limit to where Chris ance hall that for years was home to the videos. There was also Sean Watkins’ com - For Chris, his commitment to excellence would stay with him could, and did, go with his mandolin, includ - Grand Ole Opry and still presents some of pelling and original “Reasons Why,” co-writ - in all activities as well as his musical talent into his second album, titled Stealing Second , ing an appearance with the San Diego the top bluegrass and country concerts. It ten with David Puckett (who was the was apparent so early that it was almost released in 1997. Chris, a star pitcher as a Symphony in which he wowed the orches - so happened that one Alison Krauss was in Watkin’s meter reader), featuring hauntingly spooky — one of those once-in-a-genera - kid, maintained an impressive baseball card tra and a packed house with both classical the audience that night to hear her band - beautiful melody and poetic lyrics, more tion combinations of raw talent, dedication, collection and, in typical fashion, was 100 and Nickel Creek pieces. In addition to mate, Dan Tyminksi, who was appearing after subtle and metaphorical than anything yet and hard work percent into the sport. Both his early solo music classes at Murray State University, Nickel Creek. She was “blown away” by how recorded by the group. that produces CDs showcase his impressive skills, including including classical violin, he also garnered good Nickel Creek was. After the show, “Reasons” was the song around which spectacular the original tune “Shipwrecked,” which he several nominations while still a teen for Krauss went backstage, talk was had, and the Nickel Creek produced its first of six music results. If he wrote at age eight, as well as “Trail’s End” Mandolin Player of the Year from the next thing you know she’s agreed to bring videos, shot mostly locally in San Diego’s played golf, his and “Chris Cross,” penned when he was 12. International Bluegrass Music Association her formidable talents to the table as pro - North County, with lots of shots inside the name would be The songs’ intricate melodies and changing (IBMA), the bluegrass world’s highest award, ducer of Nickel Creek’s next record, its first La Paloma Theatre, on the local beach, and Tiger, if it were time signatures are a challenge for even the and won the award in 2001 at age 20. It is for Sugar Hill. in the oak trees inland. The band’s “cute classical music it most accomplished player. It was already no exaggeration to say that Chris’ mandolin First, however, Krauss “put them through kids” image is nowhere to be seen, replaced would have been apparent that Chris was one great mandolin playing at that age redefined the limits of school.” Krauss knows a thing or two about by a sultry and sexy Sara and Sean and Wolfgang. At age player though barely in his teens. the instrument. child prodigies, because Chris looking very hip. The video did well on Sara in 1990 four Chris offered As a band Nickel Creek produced its In short, during this late teen period all she was one herself. And the Country Music Television charts. This to trade his entire own first CD Here to There in 1997. three immersed themselves in all varieties of she knows more than a first video even appeared on airlines as part collection of quarters (10) for a mandolin Recorded in Murray, Kentucky, in the Thile’s things musical, all taken in with bright eyed thing or two about suc - of in-flight entertainment! and started lessons with Moore. Soon the bathroom for its good acoustics, the music is enthusiasm. Their musical progress was cess in the acoustic Thile family bought a camper, spending time solidly in the bluegrass category, true to the indeed something to witness during this music business. Trivia on the road and making the bluegrass festi - roots of this young period, but they also remained very down- question: Which female val scene. Young Chris was thriving band, but one can to-earth, unpretentious normal folks. vocalist has won the musically — jamming like a pro and winning already hear the Everyone who knew them then agree that most Grammy awards contests at age seven. interest in musical their talents swelled but not their heads. Alison Krauss in ever? Hint: She just passed For Nickel Creek, it all started in the adventure and inno - With his family’s guidance, Chris signed 2004 with Grammys Aretha Franklin for the early to mid-’80s when the Thile and vation that would with Sugar Hill Records in 1993-1994, and lead. Answer: You guessed it, Alison Krauss Watkins families began visiting That Pizza broaden as the band the family moved to Kentucky, not far from with 17 awards. Place in Carlsbad to listen to the bluegrass matured. Many of the tunes were penned or Nashville, where his father took a job at Krauss loved the Nickel Creek band and co-penned by Sean or Chris. As with their Murray State University. This expanded the its three talented members, whom she had lives, a Christian thread is apparent through - opportunities for Chris considerably known for some time, but she was not so out this first CD, i.e., “Found Soul” by Caleb although, for the first time, it split the three impressed as she was in awe. This super tal - Reinhart and Chris Thile and “He Will Listen bandmates geographically. Nickel Creek ented kid band had, up to this point, experi - Nickel Creek’s first CD for Sugar Hill to You” by Mark Heard. At that time band remained intact, though, and the friendships enced nothing but well deserved success One can hear and see in the “Reasons” members included Chris, Sean and Sara, flourished over distance, and so did the par - and acclaim for their talents. Recognizing this music video and in much of the other music with Chris’ dad, Scott Thile, on bass. ents’ phone bills, as they traded tapes and talent, notwithstanding, Krauss ordered them on the Nickel Creek CD, the band’s stretch As Nickel Creek gained recognition and musical ideas by mail, computer, and phone. all to her place for several weeks of inten - beyond traditional bluegrass and the projec - respect, there were gigs at Encinitas’ La Soon Sean and Sara signed with Sugar Hill sive vocal training before she would take tion of a hip, popular image that appeals to Paloma Theater and at other local and too, and the band was ready to kick into them to the studio to record the new CD. the youth music market, all a foreshadowing regional venues, including performances for high gear. This was hard work, but with typical enthusi - of their music to come. Backed by lots of the San Diego Bluegrass Society. There was There were appearances on Garrison asm Chris, Sean, and Sara dove in, worked touring and a second and third strong video, an eye opening trip to Japan in the mid-’90s. Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion radio show hard, learned from a true master, and Nickel Creek has gone gold, selling more and on San Diego television, including KUSI’s absorbed it all. than 800,000 copies to date, netting the

8 www.sandiegotroubadour.com San Diego Troubadour • January 2005 parlor showcase

Photos courtesy of the Watkins family

went out and bought Dulcinea . I used to mow doesn’t need another partner. So one needs instrumentals as the lawn at my parents house, and I would lis - to do a little looking to see who plays bass “palette cleansers.” ten to these records and sing harmony. If there in the various Nickel Creek projects. For Sean, there is his wasn't a harmony vocal, I'd make it up. I imag - On This Side the bass players are among new 26 Miles solo ined singing with Glen, and it totally made the best in the business. Byron House is CD, described as lawn mowing bearable.” there, who frequently plays with Nickel contemporary alter - Creek and who the band finds especially nate pop. Not only compatible not only musically but in his does Sean present Christian outlook as well. As with all of the his superb guitar band’s bass players, he contributes a great playing but also jazz deal to the Nickel Creek sound without tak - and classical-based ing any of the spotlight off the three stars. music with key - Edgar Meyer, who also plays on This Side , is a boards, horns, and top classical bass player, a musical genius, and drum loops. For Sara, an innovator in his own right, having part - there are her contri - nered with Yo-Yo Ma and Mark O’Connor butions to the track Glen Phillips, Sara and Sean Watkins, and on the genre bending Appalachian Waltz and “Higher Ground” on Chris Thile are the Mutual Admiration Society Appalachian Journey CDs, among other the Republic of Strings endeavors. This month Chris Thile and Edgar album, released by Sara reports that the band had a great Meyer will go on a 12-city tour together, Darol Anger and the time traveling with Jones and Thomas, whom melding acoustic mandolin and classical bass American Fiddle Ensemble in addition to she describes as sweet, nice people but with into something truly their own. Derrick several tracks on Ray LaMontagne’s new some serious stories to tell. For example, Jones has also played bass for Nickel Creek, release Trouble . when Nickel Creek and these English gentle - as has well respected Mark Schatz who has The band has appeared at the Kennedy men were guests at a Seattle radio station handled bass duties for the past few years Center, the Hollywood Bowl, and other big the deejay asked Jones if and who now plays bass time venues. The band found the Hollywood he was staying at the on their current studio Bowl experience tremendously exciting but Edgewater Hotel. Jones project. These fine bass also humbling to be playing where the Nickel Creek: Sara Watkins, Chris Thile, and Sean Watkins Showered with laughed and said, “not players appear as Beatles and other greats had performed. The this time.” Well, the guests of Nickel Creek. first half of the program featured the L.A. band two Grammy nominations, an IBMA awards from the Country Music Association success so rapidly, much younger Nickel When you have a Philharmonic followed by Nickel Creek in award for Emerging Artist of the Year in in 2002 in the vocal group and horizon cat - Creekers later learned threesome that has the second half; their final four songs were 2000, not to mention Time magazine’s egories. Some of the bandmates still about Led Zeppelin’s worked together suc - backed by the entire orchestra, down to the recognition of the band as one of five music their early, hard-core legendary stay at the cessfully for almost two marimbas! This was an experience they will innovators for the new millennium. Not bad bluegrass fans may remained approachable, hotel back in the day decades there is no never forget. for those who are still in their teens and have been disap - when Jones and the need to bring in anoth - In November and December Nickel early twenties! pointed that the kids down to earth, and others fished out the er partner. Creek went back to the recording studio This time period also saw the band’s they had watched so hotel window with raw genuinely nice people. Defying categoriza - once again. Sara reports they recorded first appearance on the nationally televised fondly at bluegrass steak, hauled in mud tion, This Side contains every day from noon until midnight or later, Grand Ole Opry and on Jay Leno’s Tonight festivals and contests sharks, and put them in music that is definitely and they are very excited about their new Show . Thanks to their music videos, appear - were playing music the bathtub. One thing led to another, and not bluegrass, even for a moment. Yes, it is CD. The three are now in Los Angeles, living ances at the Opry and on Prairie Home that was definitely soon groupies were everywhere and refrig - acoustic, with some electronics stirred in as together in the “band house” near the stu - Companion , and their performances at some not bluegrass. It’s not erators were floating in the bay. The next well as orchestral string contributions, pro - dio. Sara says that Sean and Chris stay up of the top music festivals, the band took on that the threesome time Led Zeppelin came to Seattle, they ducing an overall effect that is, in the best until all hours yammering on about all sorts national name recognition as it continued its lost interest in blue - were required to post a deposit before unclichéd sense, new and exciting. Even if of topics, and she falls asleep eavesdropping climb in popularity. grass; they just saw so much more in music entering the town! you listen to a lot of acoustic music, trust from her bedroom. Many young musicians would have just to pursue. Rather than play the traditional The next band project was the second me, you have not heard this stuff before. ridden the wave and produced their next stuff over again, they took the roots of that with Alison Krauss: a CD for Sugar Hill titled Some of the tunes are achingly beautiful and CD as a clone of the Nickel Creek CD, music, the magnificent sound of acoustic This Side , which went melodic. Others are fiery and heavy on choosing what appeared to be a safe and instruments and technical pyrotechnics and gold in sales as of late smokin’ instrumentation; others are offbeat prudent route to further success. Showing applied them within new contexts. 2003. The lead-off and quirky, but all are done well. The materi - surprising acumen, no doubt aided by good For years the band had been fans of track is their award al shows real range, from “House management and advice, the band had the Glen Phillips and Toad the Wet Sprocket. winning and hugely Carpenter,” a traditional tune done simply courage to move on and do something The three Nickel Creekers soon met Phillips popular “The and beautifully by Chris and Sara’s wispy, sul - new. Perhaps accurately recognizing that the at Café Largo in L.A. when Sean invited him Smoothie Song” writ - try vocals on “Sabra Girl” to the band’s Nickel Creek Noir core of what is appealing about this three - to sing on Sean’s solo CD. Learning that he ten by Chris. That and the CD’s other tunes cover of alternative rock band Pavement’s some is their innovation and the excitement was a Nickel Creek fan, a friendship and reflect a major step in the evolution of “Spit on a Stranger.” Most of the tunes are The CD is being produced by top line of their youth, talent, uncommon vision, and musical collaboration was born. One can Nickel Creek’s music. The instruments are originals by Chris Thile and Sean Watkins. rockers Eric Valentine and Tony Berg, who fearlessness to tackle the new, the band hear Phillips’ beautiful singing on Sean’s won - still the traditional acoustic bluegrass stal - This is the CD that really grabbed the youth produced Smash Mouth among other lead - took the leap into new musical waters. derfully melodic piece “Let It Fall” on Sean’s warts: mandolin, fiddle, acoustic guitar, and market and left the rigid bluegrass world ing acts. The Nickel Creek project is being While the band seemed to recognize that first solo CD of the same name. The group bass (no banjo, never has been). However, behind. done all analogue on two-inch tape, focusing this leap might alienate some of their audi - soon took to the stu - stirred into the mix are bouzouki and Was the direction taken in this CD a on live recording whenever possible rather ence, it was nevertheless a musical impera - dio and recorded strings, along with electric bass. The produc - deliberate marketing attempt by the band than overdubs. Word has it that the band tive. what would later be tion is stunningly warm and beautiful, the and its team of advisors? Who knows for finds this process very inspiring and exciting, Showered with success so rapidly, the released as Mutual vocals as clear and strong as can be. This is sure? I am convinced that, by and large, it and that the music is rich and warm. I am bandmates still remained approachable, Admiration Society, a one great listening record. Once again the reflects where the musical “heads” of Chris, told we’ll likely see a cover of a Bob Dylan down to earth, and genuinely nice people. CD that was band had successfully broken the mold. Sean, and Sara were at the time. They play song and a Gillian Welch tune, although no For example, you see, among the many rehearsed, recorded, A note about Nickel Creek’s bass play - what interests and excites them, which hap - final decisions have been made; the remain - thanks on the back of their Nickel Creek CD, and mixed in just six days! MAS went on ers. Who are they, you may ask, since they pens to market well. And that it did, garner - ing 18 tunes on the CD are originals. thanks from Sean to Manta whose body tour in 2004 with Led Zeppelin’s multi- are not pictured in the band photos? Ever ing a Grammy in 2003 for best contempo - Before entering the studio the three - boards he likes. He was like a kid at instrumentalist John Paul Jones and drum - since Chris’ dad Scott Thile left the band as rary folk album, besting efforts by Johnny some spent time together as a group writ - Christmas when they sent him a free one. mer Pete Thomas (from Elvis Costello and bass player, Nickel Creek, the band, has been Cash, the Chieftains, Steve Earle, and Patty ing, discussing, and working on their new Likewise, while the three were performing in the Attractions). Glen Phillips had this to say marketed as the three wunderkinds, Chris, Griffin. material, preceded by a week or so of pre- the ASCAP Café at the prestigious about Nickel Creek: Sean, and Sara. To be sure, the bass players Chris Thile and Sean Watkins recently production when they made demos and Sundance Film Festival, it was their experi - “When I heard their first album, I was are credited on recordings and represent an released new solo CDs. For Chris, there is worked with their new producers before ence pounding through the snow banks on most impressed with their willingness to be important part of the music in live perform - his mandolin tour de force album with man - starting the “real” recording project. Thus, snowmobiles that reminded us that, aside beautiful. Not pretty, which is easier to achieve, ances, but you won’t see the bass players’ dolin giant Mike Marshall, who among other they came prepared with good material from playing music when they are anything but beauty, which requires a depth of soul and photos and bios on the Nickel Creek web accolades was a member of the original already in hand and developed a comfort - but normal, these are typical fun loving kids. a willingness to open up. The way their vocals page or in the photos of the band, in their David Grissman Quartet. Titled Into the able relationship with the producers before And at the Wintergrass Festival Chris Thile sounded together amazed me, and their musi - posters, videos, or other marketing devices. Cauldron, it does all things mandolin, from beginning the serious studio work, all of could be found at a vendor’s booth jamming cianship speaks for itself. They had such a No doubt, the William Morris agency, one of traditional fiddle tunes to classical pieces, which make a significant contribution to the and smiling with a talented young kid who huge technical vocabulary, but they also under - the top PR companies in the country helped played stunningly well. Chris also released collaborative, upbeat tenor of this newest he later brought up on stage. stood that music is all about emotionally con - the band realize that the band’s major “mar - his Deceiver album in Nickel Creek undertaking. Although we Forward was where they went. For Sean necting. Both of those talents have only deep - ketability” is defined by its three young stars. October of 2004, don’t know what the finished product will and Chris, solo albums were soon released ened with time.” Although still in the their 20s, one must which dives head on sound like, you can bet it will be different to considerable acclaim. For Sean there was Returning the compliment, Chris had remember that Nickel Creek has been into rock territory, and first rate. Let It Fall , released in 2001, and for Chris this to say about Phillips and Toad: together for almost15 years, and they have featuring, as the CD Not All Who Wander Are Lost was released “I got into Toad the Wet Sprocket right worked out a creative process together that puts it, two mandolin continued on page 12. the same year. Meanwhile the band earned after Coil . I listened to it, fell in love with it, and

www.sandiegotroubadour.com 9 January 2005 • San Diego Troubadour rraammbblliinn’’

Bluegrass

CORNER active musician and roots music affi - cionado, he was referred to by his by Dwight Worden by Sven-Erik Seaholm friends and SD Troubadour compatriots Liz Abbott and Kent Johnson as WHO IS LANG SYNE , AND Keeper of the Vision. It is to their credit The new year there were several bands comprised of WHAT MAKES HIM SO OLD ? that his musical legacy continues, via Sven-Erik Seaholm looks to be a the brothers and various other notable this publication. great one for players while Clarence developed and I was awarded the sad honor of cent of it (I did mind the scent of it bluegrass expanded his guitar style as the groups Well, I sure will remember 2004. though.) music in San progressed. I made records with Manuok , Via eulogizing one of the truly great musi - Diego. On In 1962 the brothers formed the Satellite , Flathead , The Shrines , Dave cal artist of the modern era, Ray I have no idea how much time I am January 8 Kentucky Colonels , one of the seminal Howard , butterFace , The Coyote Charles . How I found the words then, to be here on this earth, but each of The Virtual Strangers Virtual bands in early to Problem , Michael Tiernan , Carol I’ll never know. They certainly fail me these things I’ve mentioned has served Strangers , one of San Diego’s top blue - mid bluegrass Ames , and Hudson/Rider . now. to remind me of what I consider to be grass bands, will appear in concert at history. The Other notable music-related pass - my singular purpose: To make a better the old Templar’s Hall in Poway. Fresh out Colonels record - Somehow I also managed to play world through better music . of the studio from working on their first ed Appalachian all over the place with The Gandhi ings included original MTV veejay J.J. CD, it should be a great show. The show Swing in 1964 Method , who (as chronicled in this col - Jackson , Zombies’ guitarist and music That is what truly drives me starts at 7 p.m., so come on by. Opening (re-released in umn) also made a cool album, made producer Paul Atkinson , former onward. for the Strangers will be Poway’s Baja Kentucky Colonels (Clarence 1993), which vocal contributions to Christopher Crickets guitarist Niki Sullivan , John Sure, ego always plays a part in any Blues Boys , playing some fine blues. White on far right) showcases Dale ’s record, and received a San Diego Peel (The Peel Sessions), Syreeta endeavor that strives for recognition of January 14-16 brings the annual some of Clarence’s exceptional guitar Wright , film composer Jerry both creator and creation, and I’d be Blythe Bluegrass Festival in Blythe, playing. A couple of years earlier, Music Award nomination for Best lying if I said I didn’t like compli - California, to which many San Diegans Clarence had heard Doc Watson for the Acoustic Artist. Goldsmith , Jan Berry (Jan and Dean), make an annual first time in a live performance at L.A.’s As if there were any more time left Rick James , Laura Branigan , cine - ments… or awards… or applause… or pilgrimage. This Ash Grove and, in his own words, was in the day, I also reformed The Wild matographer David Myers (Woodstock , even that little light bulb picture of me year’s line up “blown away.” Following this experience, Truth with my good friends Charlie The Last Waltz , Rust Never Sleeps ), that accompanies this column. looks great and Clarence decided that even in bluegrass Loach , David Ybarra , and Bill Ray , Johnny Ramone , Elliott Smith , What gets me out of bed in the includes the U.S. music the guitar could be a lead instru - Buffalo Springfield bassist Bruce morning (other than a really hard Navy Bluegrass ment, and he pioneered with incredible spending much of the year writing and shove and a hot cup of coffee) is the Band , Country skill and adventure playing the type of rehearsing in preparation for a new Palmer , and producer Terry Melcher . John Reischman and Currents , the dazzling flat pick leads that are now an album and a busy gigging year. Amid all this sadness, a couple of opportunity to help myself, my clients the Jaybirds Kenny and accepted part of bluegrass music. I also played several solo/acoustic my closest friends (and damn fine gui - and my readers make the best possible Amanda Smith Band , John Reischman Clarence’s playing can also be heard shows like BruceFest, NeilFest, and the tarists as well) Wayne Preis and Jim recordings of the best possible music. and the Jaybirds , and more. on Dobro Country released by Tut Taylor Acoustic Alliance showcases, and was Wyndham had beautiful baby girls This is not an advertisement for On January 31 Ralph Stanley , the one in 1964. Following this recording session (well, okay, their lovely wives did). My me, my business, or how bitchin’ I am. and only, will appear at the La Paloma the Colonels went on an extended East subsequently introduced to the won - It is a call for all of us out there to be Theatre in Encinitas in what is sure to be Coast tour with Jerry derful work of Simeon Flick , Matt son Drew Andrews lived with my wife a great show. Regular readers of this col - Garcia in tow, who Silvia , Christian Knudsen , Steph and me when he wasn’t touring the active in whatever our chosen pursuits. umn will recall that last month’s column was an unabashed Johnson , Annie Bethancourt , world with The Album Leaf and his To further our craft through a never- was devoted to the life and times of Clarence White and Matthew Stewart , Deadline Friday , own band, Via Satellite . ending quest for excellence and the Ralph and Carter Stanley, the famous Kentucky Colonels fan. Marcia Claire , and The Troubadours I watched my country choose its unquenchable thirst to learn more, so Stanley Brothers . For more info and tick - Clarence and Doc leader in direct contradiction of my that we may improve the human con - ets go to www.lapalomatheatre.com Watson put on a guitar of Divine Bliss , to name just a few. dition by enriching the human spirit. I Great bluegrass music will continue Clarence White workshop together at My heart fell into sadness many heart and conscience. into February with a SDBS-sponsored the famous 1964 Newport Folk Festival, times as I bid farewell to several friends: I wrote songs with my friends in hope to lead by example, and It is my concert by Lost and Found , one of the which astonished those who heard Jessica Treat , a champion of local San Clemente, while gazing out over deep desire that you will join me in great traveling bands, at the First Baptist Clarence’s playing. Clarence’s perform - music who sang like a sparrow, organ - the Pacific Ocean. this journey. Peace on Earth, and a Church of Pacific Beach. Go to the San ance with the Kentucky Colonels at at ized multitudes of music events, and I wrote songs alone in my kitchen. happy and prosperous 2005 to you and Diego Bluegrass society web site in the that festival was later released as The I was whiffled by Canadian Llamas. yours. near future for details: http://members. Long Journey Home (Vanguard 1991). remained both politically and socially aol.com/intunenews/main.html. February After returning to L.A., Clarence active until succumbing to cancer in I fell in love several times with the Love, 20 brings Perfect Strangers , an Arizona appeared regularly at the Ash Grove; July. same woman, my beautiful photo-snap - Sven band, for a performance at the Normal some of these sessions can be heard on Ellen Duplessie , founder of this ping wife, Gaily . Heights United Methodist church, hosted The Kentucky Colonels with Scotty magazine and another hero to the I reached higher than I thought I by Acoustic Music San Diego and SDBS. Stoneman: Live in L.A. (Sierra, 1978). scene whose profound love for music was able to. For details and tickets, go to From 1968 until his death, Clarence’s I worked, played, practiced, fought, www.acousticmusicsandiego.com. And flatpicking style continued to evolve, and and God guided her formidable contri - so, 2005 will continue to be chock full of he began to explore butions to heightening the exposure of and tried as hard as I could. great bluegrass music and events and electric music as well, local and national artists alike. She also I recorded in the studio 308 days. this column will keep you in the know. playing with the Byrds , fell to cancer after a very long battle. I turned in this column four to five CLARENCE WHITE Gene Parsons , and To the shock of everyone who days late, on average. many other top guitar Last month we reviewed Ralph and knew him, Ellen’s husband Lyle I lost a total of $160 playing poker players. Along the way Carter Stanley and their influence on Duplessie died a few months later. An with my friends and never regretted a bluegrass music. This month we take a he and Parsons look at Clarence White, who was invented the B-Bender undoubtedly, one of the most influential for electric guitars, still very popular flatpick guitar players of all time. For The B-Bender sure, he was the most innovative and today, which allows creative and today is still greatly revered the player to bend the guitar neck of an by all who take the study of flatpicking electric guitar and change the pitch of the guitar seriously. Sadly, in the early the B string. 1970s Clarence was killed while still a While Clarence’s name was not as young man by a drunk driver who hit him well known by the general public as other great guitar players, he was highly Phil Harmonic Sez: while he was loading instruments into his car following a gig in the desert outside respected by his peers in the guitar of Victorville. His brother, famous man - world. For example, once when Clarence dolin player Roland White, was also seri - was playing at the Whiskey on Sunset ously injured but survived and is still per - Blvd., a large African-American in a big forming today. hat pushed his way up to Clarence after To leave the old with a burst of song, Originally from Maine, Clarence and the show and said, “Hey man, I think his brothers Eric and Roland and his sis - your guitar playing is the greatest.” To recall the right and forgive the wrong; ter Joanne all played music with their Afterward Clarence asked his bandmates French Canadian dad. The family moved who the guy was. The reply: Jimi To forget the thing that binds you fast to Burbank in 1954. Fame came early Hendrix! when the brothers’ band won a talent If you like guitar music, and if you contest in 1956 at a Pasadena radio sta - haven’t heard Clarence’s playing, do To the vain regrets of the year that’s past. tion. Their first prize was an appearance yourself a favor and go get some of his on a TV show called Ralph T. Hicks’ music right now. Country Barn Dance Jubilee , a show on — Robert Brewster Beattie which they also made several later appearances. Over the ensuing years

10 www.sandiegotroubadour.com San Diego Troubadour • January 2005 ramblin’ s n e v e t S

e k n i

Hosing Down r Radio B

: o t o

by José Sinatra went to bed. h The above actually happened. It’s P Don’t count your blessings before thrilling only because I happen to be a they’re hatched. Just a warning. celebrity. Now everyone wants to know Daze The optimist sees the glass half full, what the movie was. Admit it. Go on, the pessimist says it’s half empty. The admit it. by Jim McInnes realist doesn’t care (since it’s all poison See? It’s true. I told you so. anyway), and the President of the I remember when I used to consider United States decrees that the glass Rolling Stone to be pretty authoritative, I Got Dem Blues, nearly unassailable. I miss those times. The scintillating Mr. Sinatra Baby! doesn’t even exist. Jim McInnes As for myself, I use the glass to Someone (it doesn’t matter) showed me check out my own reflection, if only to the recent “500 greatest songs” issue player!” Robby Robertson’s brief lead-in hedonism scene. t's Saturday night, a week before once more verify the existence of glow - and I got angry enough to really miss Christmas and I just watched a doc - to that song changed my life. That would be fabulous. Better still if ing beauty in a world gone berserk. those times. No, not because there umentary about the great blues I started learning how to play the gui - the magazine had a really great, evoca - I And as a new year begins, I poignantly were no entries featuring José Sinatra singer Howlin’ Wolf. Now, I have on a tar. I thought, “Well, I’ll play the blues. tive title like Singing Hoses or some - vow anew to share that beauty with all and the Troy Danté Inferno. (Actually, I DVD of the recording sessions of Eric How hard can it be? Hell, it’s just varia - thing and the publisher happened to be tions on ‘Louie Louie.’” Thirty years later of those in need. had emailed Jan Wenner last April Clapton’s Me and Mr. female, with long legs smooth as a I play with more enthusi - Face it, it’s what I do. Sue me. demanding that he keep us out of con - Johnson , his tribute to warmed speculum and a face to drool asm than anything else. But get the facts straight or risk tention in order to give so many worthy country blues legend on. I could really get into that, if you dig Sure, the blues structure annoying me seriously. Like that others their own chance to shine.) Robert Johnson (I had my departure site. is dirt simple, but coax - “quote” when I was on the cover of Entries in the “poll,” which con - dismissed E.C. as a Both will likely be similar to several ing licks from my guitar Time . “Yep, I’m God” in big red letters, cerned the Beatles (the only ones I schlockmeister many others. Like 1645, or possibly 1996. that fit with the chord which led to all that controversy and thoroughly read) contained a stunning years ago, but this is I see supreme entertainment value structure while simulta - several of my records being burned in number of factual inaccuracies. And awesome!) in two items scheduled for January’s neously emoting is like Santee. I needn't set the record this is Rolling Stone , dude. I wondered Listening to this final two days: the elections in Iraq and brain surgery for me! I straight, since what I had really stated how many other artists were having stuff made me remem - the start of Michael Jackson’s . . . out - ber just how much I wanna be David was (remarkably) accurately reported historic misinformation disseminated ing. Come to think of it, that second one love the blues. Gilmour! I wanna be in the cover story itself: “‘I’m a bit tired about them in the same issue. Truth is will just end up being the beginning of I grew up in Peter Green before he of always being referred to as “that being raped (or at least dry humped), jury selection; the actual start of the Chicagoland, aka the went crazy! I wanna play God-like singer,’ Sinatra casually history is being rewritten, and the idiots Howlin’ Wolf pillory may still be eons away. Still, the suburbs, when AM radio was like San Diego’s Joey Harris groans, while his concupiscent, raven- at the magazine don’t even realize it or thrill of witnessing such an unprece - king, and the legendary Top 40 stations, or Steve Wilcox or Don Story or Buddy haired attendant continued with his care. dented wealth of incredible obfusca - WLS and WCFL ,were locked in a head- Blue. And those are just the white guys I bikini wax. ‘I’d much prefer being It is because of that that I am com - tions and diversions by the defense is to-head battle for the ears of the kids. admire. I’ve given up on being Buddy thought of as a singer who just hap - pelled now to offer publicly the follow - almost within reach, and it smells heav - That’s where I was exposed to the Guy, Robert Cray, Jimi Hendrix, and B.B. pens to be God-like.’” Now that was ing statement: enly. Beatles, Stones, and Beach Boys. But I’d King. indeed accurate. But with that exploita - I, José Sinatra, refuse henceforth to But just as in elections, we shouldn’t occasionally tune away from those two B.B. King says more with three notes tive cover blurb, the damage had be interviewed, reviewed, or written expect justice in our courts anymore. 50,000 watt giants and try to hear the than I’ll ever accomplish but I’ll never already been done. Thank God people about in Rolling Stone . We live in times in which truth is often low powered inner city stations at the stop trying, no matter how ham-fisted I in Santee have short memories. Okay? Sorry, but you won’t likely more fragile than glass. And if it hurts upper end of the dial where they played am...because I love the blues. I studied extensively the meaning of ever see my name mentioned in that us, let’s be sure not to clean our the weird stuff, the “jungle” music. the word “reality,” discovering that it once-great journal. And that’s the truth. Hear Jim McInnes weekdays on The Planet 103.7 wounds with poison. Man, that was something else! 2-7pm and then again on Sunday nights 6-8pm evolved from the word “real,” which is (Just watch their sales start sliding Cheers. It wasn’t until I was in college that I for his show The Vinyl Resting Place ®. concerned with truth, or something like now, folks. They’ll wonder what hit found out that the jungle music I’d been that. Then I had a drink and went on a ‘em.) listening to was called the blues. bike ride. I’m sorry. I know how you feel. What Dick Schroeder, who later became A couple of weeks later, I saw a fab - consolation can I offer you? the banjo player for the Monroe ulous movie, after which I ran into an Perhaps it’s time for some enterpris - Doctrine bluegrass band, lived across old friend, who invited me to a party ing publisher who possesses a bit of the hall from me in the dormitory. One she was going to have in January on integrity to create a new, trail-blazing day he pulled me into his room and the very day you’re reading this. Then I bible about the music/entertainment/ said, “Jim, you gotta listen to this!” He played the intro to “So Many Roads,” from the album of the same name by John Hammond. “Listen to this guitar

www.sandiegotroubadour.com 11 January 2005 • San Diego Troubadour tthhee hhiigghhwwaayy’’ss ssoonngg

Nickel Creek, continued from page 9.

Has all the fame and glory changed Al Kooper : A l egend these three nice San Diego kids? I don’t think so, nor do they, at least not in any negative way. Sure, they have changed; they have traveled, they have become by ny tAndArd more savvy about the business of music, A S and they have enjoyed many new experi - ences. But their values, friendships, and by David Lang “noir” feel. He also composed music for the loyalties remain pretty much the same. Emmy Award-winning miniseries, The Drug They still get as excited about music as Wars , as well as produced some of the they did when they started, and they are f you’ve listened to any radio over the soundtrack for the John Waters film Cry still all grounded in family, home, and past 45 years, you’ve heard a lot more Baby . of Al Kooper than you realize. Sit back strong Christian values. Chris got married I In the latter part of the ’80s, Kooper last year to Jessie, who is in San Francisco and follow the amazing career of a man took a vacation from the music business who will perform solo in concert on pursuing a degree in fashion and is as but returned in 1991, playing keyboards January 14, his first San Diego appearance dedicated to her profession as Chris is to and guitar as a member of Joe Walsh’s Al Kooper today in more than 30 years. his. The band reports that they have Ordinary Average Guy Tour. That fall, he To pique your interest, here are but a Kooper also played organ for the Sunday these years? Someone simply contacted accepted her into the band family and served as musical director for Ray Charles’ few of the highlights: morning gospel set at Woodstock II. him and asked if he’d consider, on his next that the bandmates remain close. Sean 50th Anniversary television special. In • The organ — arguably the signature Ironically, he was asked to appear at the trip to the West Coast, playing a gig here. and Sara remain single. 1992, he became music director for the sound on Dylan’s “Like A Rolling original Woodstock, but blew it off. The timing was impeccable: Kooper comes Chris, Sean, and Sara know they have Rock Bottom Remainders, a touring musi - Stone.” In early 1994, Kooper gathered musi - West once a year, in January, and was actu - cal assembly of authors, including Dave achieved a lot, but they also know how • Founder, primary song writer, and cians together from his various albums of ally working on his travel schedule at the Barry, Stephen King, Dave Marsh, Amy much more can be done. As Sara once lead vocalist of Blood, Sweat & Tears’ the previous 30 years together for a series time he was contacted by Carey Driscoll, Tan, Barbara Kingsolver, Matt Groening, said, “I still can’t play the fiddle the way my first album of concerts held over three consecutive who figured he had nothing to lose by ask - and others. heroes can, and I still can’t get the music • Discovered and produced Lynyrd nights to celebrate his fiftieth birthday. The ing Kooper if he’d consider playing for his out of my mouth that I hear in my head.” Skynyrd recordings from these shows resulted in a series, AcousticMusicSanDiego.com And, with uncommon insight for those still Okay, now for some of the details. magnificent double CD titled Soul of a Man , A professional musician since his early a live career retrospective. quite young, they realize that they are teens, Al Kooper joined the Royal Teens, Seemingly as tireless as the Energizer lucky; there are many talented musicians who had a Top Five hit with the novelty bunny, Kooper even answers all his fan e- who, with a few breaks, could be bathing tune “Short Shorts” (“Who Wears Short mail from his website. “It’s great to be one- in the same light of success illuminating Shorts?”) in 1958. From that point on, he on-one with my supporters and answer any Nickel Creek. Hard work, companionship, played guitar on an untold number of questions they may have on a daily basis!,” and the courage to move forward musi - recording sessions in New York City, which he says. A Kooper hologram also appeared cally are likely to keep Nickel Creek on inspired him to learn how to read and on the Bob Dylan CD-ROM, Highway 61 the climb. write music. In addition to session work, Interactive , explaining how the two met The Blues Project, Al Kooper second from right Quoting from Sara’s November 2004 he apprenticed as an audio engineer. and recorded “Like A Rolling Stone.” journal, her words tell you that the band’s Kooper made his first foray into songwrit - In an issue devoted to the 500 greatest They struck a deal, and Kooper’s priorities are still well grounded. ing as the co-writer of “This Diamond recordings of all time, Rolling Stone maga - January 14 concert will be the series’ first When we were really little and spending Ring.” Written as a soul ballad and intend - zine included 12 albums with significant of the year, which, since its late 2003 the night at the Thile house in Idylwild, if I ed for the Drifters, it instead became the participation by Al Kooper. He scores films beginnings, has presented well over 60 was having trouble sleeping, I’d sometimes vehicle that launched the musical career of and works almost daily in his home studio. concerts, including by such well-known go into the hall outside of the boys room so one of “Jerry’s Kids,” that is one of his bio - A young Al Kooper in the late ‘50s. He relocated to Boston in the fall of ‘97 to performers as John McEuen (Nitty Gritty logical kids – Gary Lewis — and his band, teach at the Berklee School of Music, Dirt Band), David Wilcox, Eric Andersen, I could hear Sean and Chris talking, and I'd “It was hilarious and wonderful,” he the Playboys. which has subsequently bestowed upon and Billy Joe Shaver — as well as equally fall asleep with my head resting on the laughs. “They are terrific people. It was Not long afterward, Kooper was invit - him a Doctorate of Music. talented but lesser known musicians. steadily breathing side of Gretel (the Thile’s great to meet them and I’ve become close ed to watch a Bob Dylan recording session. Unfortunately, his teaching was prema - Among the 2005 bookings for the series is very sweet, three-legged dog). I love thinking friends with many of them. We ended up By the end of the afternoon, Kooper had turely cut short in 2000, when a debilitat - mandolin wizard Mike Marshall with his back on those scenes and am scared to putting on a very entertaining show. I found his way to the studio’s organ and ing condition permanently robbed him of group Choro Famoso (January 22), guitar death of losing them as the years peal back think it was a nice change of pace for played the signature riff on the song that, two-thirds of his sight. With concerts and masters Beppe Gambetta and Dan Crary the layers of accessible memory files. them, too.” arguably, took Dylan from folk icon to lecture appearances, Kooper is “finally get - (February 13), and return engagements by Nickel Creek’s new CD, as yet untitled, The ’90s included Bob Dylan’s 30th Rock God status. ting to do a whole bunch of things I always many of the performers who appeared dur - will probably be out in March or April. Keep Anniversary Tribute at Madison Square In addition to numerous sessions with wanted to do, but never actually got ing the first 18 months. Garden in addition to joining Dylan in your eyes and ears on this exceptional Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, and many around to.” England in the summer of ’96 at the young band, if for no other reason than to others, the mid-60s saw Kooper join the What brings him to San Diego after all Prince’s Trust Concert in Hyde Park. see what they cook up next. Blues Project after which he founded Blood, Sweat & Tears. The album Super Session , featuring Steve Stills and Mike Bloomfield, soon followed, as did sessions with Hendrix ( Electric Ladyland ), the Rolling Stones ( You Can’t Always Get What You Want ), the Who ( Who Sell Out ) and others, as well as solo albums. In the early ’70s, Kooper discovered Lynyrd Skynyrd. He formed his own label to put out their records, the first three of which he produced. His career continued in ways suggesting that Mr. Kooper had more angels on his shoulder than any pin head could ever hold! His autobiography, Backstage Passes , was revised 20 years later and retitled Backstage Passes and Backstabbing Bastards . In the interim, he continued producing, playing, and arrang - ing, including projects with George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr. In 1980 he produced a record with country rocker Joe Ely, and in 1981 he toured with Dylan and the reunited Blues Project in addition to releasing a new solo album. As the West Coast Director of A&R for PolyGram Records, he was instrumental in signing Richard Thompson. He also met producer/director Michael Mann ( Miami Vice ), who used Kooper to score his televi - sion series Crime Story . Kooper’s original music and the source music for each episode, which was culled from his vast record collection, gave the show its ’60s

12 www.sandiegotroubadour.com San Diego Troubadour • January 2005 ooff nnoottee

Griffin House The Taylor Itai Rookie Card Tom McRae Lost & Found Harvey Band Now Near Mint Just Like Blood by Frederick Leonard A Place to Call My by Frederick Leonard by Phil Harmonic by Tom Paine Nashville is well-noted for its The first thing I notice about When Igor Stravinsky, the It might be time for a new sound, its “thing.” So many have Own this CD is the dedication: This composer who helped revolu - genre: Ice Pop. And if Ice Pop defined its signature sound and album is for my mother. Thus the tionize meter and rhythm in the Town needs a mayor, I nominate here comes yet another mix from by Frederick Leonard tone is set for a soft and dreamy twentieth century, was asked Tom McRae. Gavel to gavel, his Music City. However ... eight-title drowse centered around how he came to write his music, newest release Just Like Blood You wouldn’t really guess that If this were a car, we’d be talk - Itai’s guitar and voice. That center he replied, “I stole everything proves he’s the leader of the pack, this CD is a product of Nashville. ing about a slightly forward-tilting is surrounded – no, bathed – in I’ve ever written.” Of course, we vying for Tim Buckley’s prema - There’s something more here. I ‘72 Pontiac GTO with slicks and surreal scapes via programming, know what he meant was that turely vacated throne. hear regional instincts in a tech - flames on the side. And these are piano, Rhodes, organ, drums, he was a product of those who Sounding like Radiohead meets nique or two, a now-and-then the guys leaning on its side, talk - electric guitar, Ebo, synthesizer, influenced him. I wonder if he David Grey, McRae uses dreamy slide, but it’s somehow too nou - ing to chicks in the parking lot. chimes, pedal steel, special effects, had as much diverse input as soundscapes to frame his plaintive veau and languid to call it “a Steve Langdon’s able production legato vocal techniques, and, Adam Gimbel and Rookie Card. voice and lost-love lyrics. In the Nashville thing.” Maybe I’m way got the machine tuned, the boys most interesting, the way Itai Like Stravinsky, Gimbel and mix of guitars, bass, and occasion - off, but this music is also curious , tight, and the chrome polished. selects the next chord. I enjoy this Rookie Card have blended and al drums are hypnotic, repetitive and elegantly dark , a little like a It’s a soundtrack to a fun little very much, as it lends an exotic stirred their many influences keyboard figures, cello, and even Lou-Reed-if-he-weren’t-such-a- spin during the summer. Turn it quality by offering slight refer - together to create a sound that a smattering of banjo and dobro. city-boy record. Its sound up, rev it up, come on over. ences to a different time and place is highly distinctive and all their Recorded last summer and arrangements are modern. It From La Mesa springs a classic in a slo-mo, deja vu sort of way. own. Gimbel’s songs, once released in the fall on Nettwerk takes a refreshingly original rock quartet format in songwriter The CD cover is night blue. enhanced and embellished upon Records, Just Like Blood is McRae’s approach, yet it’s sparse; only the Taylor Harvey on guitars and Rather than his photo on the by Rookie Card, become pretty strongest work yet. Out of necessary makes the mix. vocals, Jason Lyon on drums, Tim cover Itai favors an understated special. Their latest CD, Near Sheffield, England, McCrae is a I spent the first two minutes Edwards on lead guitar and one-name ID and a one-name Mint , is as good as anything hard working artist who just com - suspended on the edge of “I like vocals, and Steve Campana on title. You can find him on the played on the radio today. For pleted another year of relentless it” and “maybe I don’t” only to bass. The sound is no-frills inside, but he’s looking away, so me, I can’t help but like catchy touring across Europe and the realize I liked the suspense. It was Americana not far from the you really don’t see him. This tunes with clever lyrics. Using U.S. Like his label mates arpeggiated, delay soaked, and BoDeans at times, the Georgia makes sense because, in fact, tongue in cheek and satire, Barenaked Ladies, Sarah exotic, like a Deep Forest record. Satellites at others. The first song Itai’s singing is handled in the you’ll laugh, you might even cry. McLachlan, and Dido, McRae Then it kicked in and rocked with has a “Hootie” thing going for it. same way, i.e., the opening “2/29,” using a concept that makes smart, thoughtful music a minute to go. These boys best describe them - instrumental track makes me hear is pure genius, is about a leap better suited for grown ups than These fellas deliver a pretty selves in “Roadhousin.’” “...We’re a movie soundtrack in my mind. year birthday. In another song, kiddies (like his other label mates intelligent and soulful set of lyrics, just an old-school rock band On the second song he takes a how can you not like lyrics that Sum 41 and Avril Lavigne). mainly centered around the idea comin’ atcha, t’nite!” whole verse to enter, which is state, “The sun always shines on The icy sheen of the music is a of relationships — with lovers, “Tease” bears a Tom Petty cool because it’s so different. Christmas in California. Got a perfect context for his deft with drugs and alcohol, with the meets Angus Young hybrid, and His voice is a velvet whisper, lover, and he’s lovin’ her. Got a imagery and pleas of aching long - road, and with the author’s own although I hear this likely refer - delivered privately and softly. The Nazi for a governor.” Rookie ing. His effortless falsetto shines self and his band. Through per - ence, I dig it anyway. Fun guitars. vocals are unlike anyone else, the Card sneaks in a tribute to the through the dark gray clouds like sonal accounts, one after another, And that’s what this CD is all closest thing being perhaps Cars in “After the Beep, which a high northern sun. Nothing says something universal is communi - about. These guys aren’t pontifi - Parisian recording artist Vanessa may be just what I needed. One sadness clarified like a cello over cated. And that’s good. cating about the mystery of life. Daou. You never know whether of my favorites is “Too Pretty,” muted fingerpicked guitar and There are moments the surprise They just say it like it is. No pre - they are whispering in your ear or because it reveals a vulnerability single note piano. But underneath slips away, however. “Liberty tending. Taking rock and roll’s daydreaming to themselves as the and insecurity that just about all all the ice is a warm, powerful, Love” seems a little obvious, but I true form – the bars, the garage, voice seems to slither between men have felt around women at constant beauty, still and strong, think it’s maybe just a matter of summer parties, a few brews, vol - the two sensibilities. one time or another. The pedal like a goddess slumbering personal preference, because ume, and fun – to a new polish. Producer, engineer, and guest steel, violin, and mandolin add beneath the surface of a cold “The Way I Was Made” is the one “One of These Days” is a kick- artist Steve Peavey contributes by nice touches as this song flows mountain stream in some Anglo- that slaps me in the chops so far. ass-cracker-jack-little shuffle that stirring things up and creating sit - exceptionally well. Gimbel has Saxon myth. The promise of her “Why Don’t You Believe?” leans kicks itself through four minutes, uations to support Itai’s guitar established himself as a talented kiss pulls us closer and as we feel nicely on an old Wurlitzer crawl - suiting this band just fine. and stories. The music feels nos - lyricist with his own innovative the cold surround us we discover ing sweetly through melancholy Sporting great guitar work, it’s talgic and retro at times yet style. You’ll hear shades of the the hidden warmth. McRae has changes, a beautiful tune with an the finest representation of the incredibly metro-cool. European. Beatles, the Cars, Talking Heads, done something magical here. acoustic guitar running around in overall vocal mix. Solid perform - Urban. Whimsical, even. With its Tom Petty, the Byrds, and many This is baptism by ice water. He’s the dark like a shadow. ance and exciting capture of the jazz trio handling, I can imagine it more, but nothing is stolen, as made sorrow feel like a gift, the Listening to this CD harkens performance. “Victim of the played in a downtown martini Stravinsky says, and you’ll appre - gift of our own transcendence. subtle shades of U2, Eno, and a Moment” hints at Gordon bar, slow dancing in a surreal stu - ciate Rookie Card as fresh and McRae doesn’t waste a word or foggy mountain thing, managing Lightfoot yet remains beautifully por of splendor. utterly genuine. a note. His precision and econo - to rest comfortably in an unlikely executed on acoustic and slide Itai hears his own music and Near Mint is available at my are like a tall drink of water for “middle.” Overall, this is a collec - guitar. In the thick of a tremolo, goes for it, unaffected by the www.11345.com and www.not - those of us lost in the desert of tion of smart songs, smartly Tim Edwards rips a pretty slick popcorn popping away in pop lame.com. overwrought singer songwriters underdressed. It’s not perfect, but tele-lick in “Absolutely Nothing to culture. He slows down and takes who try to beg, cow, or threaten that’s part of the charm because Complain About Blues.” “I the time to savor every drop of us into feeling something. McRae it’s generally well executed. It is Thought I Knew You” comes on what’s going on in his mind. practices the fine art of attraction. naked, truthful, deeply felt, and strong with a rippin’ guitar and Every sultry quarter note saunters He asks you in. He leaves room for thoughtfully communicated, mak - gravelly voice like Bob Dylan in its way through the music, result - you. And as you draw near the ing a perfect soundtrack for peo - his Traveling Willbury days. ing in an artfully beautiful record - fire he has lit, the cold grows dis - ple with a lot on their minds — If you like good ol’ rock and ing. It has a personal distinction tant and you feel the warmth like those times when every song roll, these guys will see to it you that changes the mood of the pouring through you like blood. reminds you of someone or some - get your partying done right. moment without being too far Available at www.tommcrae.com thing in your life. out on a limb in listenerland. and at www.nettwerk.com www.sandiegotroubadour.com 13 January 2005 • San Diego Troubadour ‘‘rroouunndd aabboouutt

january calendar WEEKLY

Rookie Card , North Park Vaudeville/Candy The Joey Show , Tio Leo’s, 5203 Napa, 9pm. saturday • 1 Shoppe, 2031 El Cajon Blvd., 7:30 & 10pm. saturday • 15 Robin Henkel , Lestat’s, 9pm. Berkley Hart/Coyote Problem , Dizzy’s, 8pm. Mt. Egypt/Itai/Kyle Phelan , Lestat’s, 9pm. San Diego Record Show , 3909 Centre St., every sunday Martin Storrow/Hugh Gaskins/Will Hillcrest, 9am-2pm. Edwards/Terra Naomi/Just John & the Sue Palmer w/ April West/Deejha saturday • 22 7th Day Buskers /Gully on alt. Sundays, sunday • 2 Dude , Twiggs, 8:30pm. Marie/Pete Harrison/Sharon Shufelt , SD Mike Marshall & Choro Famoso , Acoustic Farmers Market, DMV parking lot, Hillcrest, 10am. Carl Saunders w/ Joe Marillo/Mikan The Blazers , Tio Leo’s, 5203 Napa, 9pm. Multicultural Festival, downtown San Music San Diego, 4650 Mansfield St., Zlatkovich/Bob Magnusson/Bob Weller , Diego, 12:10pm. 7:30pm. 619/303-8176. Connie Allen , Old Town Trolley Stage, Twigg José Sinatra & the Troy Danté Inferno/ St. & San Diego Ave., noon-5pm. Dizzy’s, 7pm. Arman Augusto , Lestat’s, 9pm. Cici Porter , San Dieguito United Methodist The Chieftans , California Center for the Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas, Arts, Escondido, 8pm. Traditional Irish Music , Tom Giblin’s Pub, Blue 44 , Lestat’s, 9pm. Whiskey Tango , Java Joe’s Pub, 6344 El 7:30pm. 858/566-4040. 640 Grand Ave., Carlsbad, 3pm. Cajon Blvd., 9:30pm. Andrew Norsworthy/Jennifer Lee , Twiggs, tuesday • 4 Berkley Hart , Burke House Concert, 8pm. 8:30pm. Irish Dance , Dublin Square, 554 Fifth Ave., Email: [email protected]. Gilbert Castellanos Quartet , Dizzy’s, 3pm. Patty Hall , NCFBS meeting, Roundtable sunday • 9 Peter Sprague Quartet , Dizzy’s, 8pm. 8:30pm. Celtic Ensemble , Twiggs, 4pm. Pizza, Washington St., Escondido, 7pm. Greg Laswell/Andrew Foshee , Lestat’s, Concept: Bravery/Matt Costa/Vavak/Jen Uncle Jesus & Guest , Tio Leo’s, 5203 Napa, Traditional Irish Music , R. O’Sullivan’s, Jennifer Lee , Twiggs, 8:30pm. 9pm. Knight/Ashley Matte/Borne , Twiggs, 9pm. Grand Ave., Escondido, 4pm. 8:30pm. Jenn Grinels CD Release/Trevor Davis , Traditional Irish Music & Dance w/ wednesday • 5 wednesday • 12 Eve Selis , Lestat’s, 9pm. Lestat’s, 9pm. Cobblestone, 5-6:30pm/Boxty Band, 6:30- 10pm., The Field, 544 Fifth Ave. Mike Wofford Trio/Holly Hofmann Quartet , Hot Monkey Love 11th Anniversary Party , Alex Esther/Grandpadrew/Radio Free Tio Leo’s, 5203 Napa, 9pm. SD Museum of Art, Balboa Park. 619/298- Earth , Lestat’s, 9pm. sunday • 23 Jazz Roots w/ Lou Curtiss , 8-10pm, KSDS 5255. (88.3 FM). Mandolin Workshop w/ Mike Marshall , Annie Dru , Lestat’s, 9pm. sunday • 16 Acoustic Expressions, 2852 University Ave., The Bluegrass Special w/ Wayne Rice , 10- thursday • 13 midnight, KSON (97.3 FM). Steph Johnson/Aaron Bowen/Flathead , 10am-1pm. 619/280-9035 for info. thursday • 6 Teresa Storch , Twiggs, 8:30pm. Lestat’s, 9pm. John McCutcheon , San Dieguito United Jump Jones , Tio Leo’s, 5203 Napa, 9pm. Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, every monday Alex Esther/Kim DeVincenzo , Twiggs, Amy Shamansky/May’s River/Jackie Daum , Encinitas, 7:30pm. 858/566-4040. Connie Allen , Old Town Trolley Stage, Twigg 8:30pm. Lestat’s, 9pm. wednesday • 19 Saba/Dave Doobinin/Ashley Matte , St. & San Diego Ave., noon-5pm. Pete Thurston Night , Lestat’s, 9pm. Jay Farrar , Belly Up, 7pm. Lestat’s, 9pm. Tango Dancing , Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., friday • 14 California Guitar Trio , Dizzy’s, 8pm. 7pm. Steve Poltz , Lestat’s, 9pm. Open Mic Night , Lestat’s, 7:30pm. friday • 7 Al Kooper , Acoustic Music San Diego, 4650 tuesday • 25 Angela Patua , El Sol de Plata, 2604 Adams Mansfield St., 7:30pm. 619/303-8176. Matt Hopper , Twiggs, 8:30pm. every tuesday Ave., 7pm. Harvey Reid , Carlsbad Village Theatre, 2822 thursday • 20 Larry Robinson/Dave Sawyer , The Packing State St., Carlsbad, 8pm. 760/720-2460. Connie Allen , Old Town Trolley Stage, Twigg House, 125 S. Main, Fallbrook, 8pm. Dakota Dave Hull , Acoustic Music San wednesday • 26 St. & San Diego Ave., noon-5pm. Jim Earp , Bookworks, Flower Hill Mall, Del Diego, 4650 Mansfield St., 7:30pm. 619/303- Zydeco Tuesdays , Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., Ted Ehr/Aaron Bowen/Terra Naomi/Dave’s mar, 8pm. 8176. Steve White & Louise , Lestat’s, 9pm. Son , Twiggs, 8:30pm. 7pm. Mr. Pease , The Packing House, 125 S. Gabriella LaLicata , Twiggs, 8:30pm. Bad Habit , Tio Leo’s, 5203 Napa, 9pm. Traditional Irish Music , The Ould Sod, 7pm; Main, Fallbrook, 8pm. Billy Watson , Tio Leo’s, 5203 Napa, 9pm. thursday • 27 Annie Bethancourt/Tim Mudd/Ron Franklin , Blarney Stone, Clairemont, 8:30pm. Collin Elliott/Tim Mudd/Teresa Storch/ Acoustic Underground , Lestat’s, 9pm. Brett Michael Wiesman , Twiggs, 8:30pm. Lestat’s, 9pm. Cheeky Monkey , Twiggs, 8:30pm. Comedy Night , Lestat’s, 9pm. Rip Carson , Tio Leo’s, 5203 Napa, 9pm. Blue Rockit/Michelle Lundeen , Tio Leo’s, wednesday saturday • 8 5203 Napa, 9pm. friday • 21 Billy Shaddox , Lestat’s, 9pm. every Angela Correa CD Release , Lestat’s, 9pm. Steve Morse Band/Dixie Dregs , Sycuan Joe Rathburn , The Galley, 550 Marina Pkwy, Virtual Strangers/Baja Blues Brothers , Chula Vista, 6:30-9:30pm. Templar’s Hall, Old Poway Park, 7pm. CasinoTheatre, 8pm. friday • 28 858/566-4040 Western Continentals , The Packing House, Pride of Erin Ceili Dancers , Rm. 204, Casa The Band in Black (Johnny Cash tribute) del Prado, Balboa Park, 7pm. Jim Earp , Borders Books & Music, 159 125 S. Main, Fallbrook, 8pm. Cask & Cleaver Restaurant, 3757 S. Mission Fletcher Pkwy., El Cajon, 7pm. Ryan Blue CD Release/Regina , Twiggs, Rd., Fallbrook, 8pm. High Society Jazz Band , Tio Leo’s, 5302 8:30pm. The Coyote Problem , The Packing House, Napa St., 7pm. 125 S. Main, Fallbrook, 8pm. Sue Palmer Supper Club w/ Deejha Marie Berkley Hart , Burke House Concert, 8pm. & Sharon Shufelt , Caffe Calabria, 3933 30th Email: [email protected]. St., 6-8pm. Lauren DeRose , Twiggs, 8:30pm. Open Mic Night , The Packing House, 125 S. Main St., Fallbrook, 8pm. Big Daddy Orchestra , Tio Leo’s, 5203 Napa, 9pm. Open Mic Night , Twiggs, 8:30pm. The Shambles/Sugarplastic/Mark Decerbo/ Highland Way , Tom Giblin’s Pub, 640 Grand Dave Humphreys , Lestat’s, 9pm. Ave., Carlsbad, 8:30pm. Pat Molley , Egyptian Tea Room, 4644 saturday • 29 College Ave., 9:30pm. Ronny Cox , Acoustic Music San Diego, every thursday 4650 Mansfield St., 7:30pm. 619/303-8176. Irish Music Class , Acoustic Expressions, Blues Night w/ Nathan James/Ben 2852 University Ave., 7-8pm. Hernandez , Dizzy’s, 8pm. Sue Palmer , Martini’s, 3940 4th Ave., 7pm. Robert Cray Band , Ca. Ctr. for the Arts, Escondido, 8pm. Open Mic Night , Just Java Cafe, 285 Third Ave., Chula Vista, 7-10pm. Kim DiVincenzo , Twiggs, 8:30pm. Open Mic Night w/ Timmy Lee , The Blue Largo , Tio Leo’s, 5203 Napa, 9pm. Packing House, 125 S. Main, Fallbrook, 8pm. Anya Marina CD Release , Lestat’s, 9pm. Traditional Irish Music , Acoustic Static Halo , Honey Bee Hive, 1409 C St., Expressions, 2852 University Ave., 8:15pm. 9pm. Joe Byrne , Blarney Stone, Clairemont, 8:30pm. (also Fri. & Sat.) sunday • 30 Swing Thursdays w/ Hot Rod Lincoln , Tio Sounds Like San Diego w/ Berkley Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., 9pm. Hart/Gregory Page/Lou & Virginia Curtiss/ Brehon Law , Tom Giblin’s Pub, 640 Grand Derek Duplessie/Chuck Schiele/Billy Ave., Carlsbad, 9pm (also Fri. & Sat.). Shaddox/Four Eyes/Shambles/Wild Truth/José Sinatra/Phil Harmonic , Dizzy’s, every friday 7pm. Connie Allen , Old Town Trolley Stage, Twigg Gregory Page CD Release/Tristan St. & San Diego Ave., noon-5pm. Prettyman , Lestat’s, 9pm. California Rangers , McCabe’s, Oceanside, 4:30-9pm. monday • 31 Irish Folk Music , The Ould Sod, 9pm. Ralph Stanley & his Clinch Mountain Boys , Open Mic Night , Egyptian Tea Room & La Paloma Theatre, Encinitas. Call for info. Smoking Parlour, 4644 College Ave., 9pm.

every saturday Connie Allen , Old Town Trolley Stage, Twigg St. & San Diego Ave., noon-5pm. Talent Showcase w/ Larry Robinson & the Train Wreck Band , The Packing House, 125 S. Main St., Fallbrook, 8pm. Christian/Gospel Open Mic , El Cajon. Info: J.D., 619/246-7060.

14 www.sandiegotroubadour.com San Diego Troubadour • January 2005 the local seen

oliday O r H pen d Annu ou H ir a d t l T ouba l h r o u

T a

u v o s P h C

e o e t v o e : t

S S

t : e i o v d t e l o

a C h B P o

v n a h u o J l

t : o t o h P

Robin Henkel, Steph Johnson i d l a B Derek Duplessie n h i o d J l

: a o B t

o n h h P o J

Anna Troy : o t o h P t l u a v o C

e v e t S

: o t o h P i d l a B

n

Jim Wakefield h o J

Phil Harmonic & Duplessie grandbaby Vega : o t o t h l P u a v o C

e t v l

e Patty Hall u t a S

v : o o t C

o e h v P e t S

: o Dwight Worden, Jack Johnson, Patty Hall, Kenny Wertz t o h P P h o t o :

S t e v e

C o v a u

l Kent Johnson, Liz Abbott, Dwight Worden t i d Christian Knudsen l a B

n h o P J h

: o o t t o o :

h J P o h n

B a l d i

Neverly Brothers Mark Merrill & Steve Roche Jeff Berkley And els e P

w h o t

h o :

J

e o h n

r e B a l d . i . . Greg Gohde, Anna Troy, Steve Roche P h o t o :

P a u l

G r u p p

Jack Johnson, Dave Easton t l

Tom Russell @ Acoustic Music SD u a v o C

e v e t S

: o t o h P

Jane Liu at Lestat’s

Kent Johnson, Joe Rathburn Burrito Deluxe plays to sold out house at Acoustic Music SD www.sandiegotroubadour.com 15 WE CAN HELP YOU

deliver your message promote your business give your cd exposure publicize your event sell your product advance your cause make an announcement

we’ll save you a space

Advertise three times with the San Diego Troubadour beginning in February and get a bonus distribution in April call or email for info: 619/298-8488 • [email protected]