Sponsors Kelley Martin Steve Roche Charles Schiele Creative Owen Burke Berkley Sound Dee Ray Groove House Records Chris Hassett Dennis Driscoll Taylor Guitar Special Thanks to Pam Reinagle Deering Banjo Michael Rennie Oasis House Concerts Carnitas’ Snack Shack Pete Bayard Steve Thorn Green Flash Wynola Pizza Chuck Schiele Ingrid Croce Jeff Berkley Hamilton’s Tavern Martha Sullivan Big Kitchen Ben McGrath & Sue Skala William McRae Bill & Shirlee McAndrews PRP Wine Frankie Frey Tim Flack Hanna Kirchenbauer Lori Saldana Veronica Graciano Jack Tempchin Moze Guitars Mission Bay Soccer Team Esta Browning Holy Trinity Concert Series Cathy Radcliffe Claire de Lune Classic Bows Violin Shop Buffalo Brothers Vision Center Harry Mestyanek The Blue Guitar New Expression Music OCTOBER 2011 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR welcome mat

RSAN ODUIEGBO ADOUR Look ing Back what’s inside Alternative country, Americana, roots, folk, Tblues, gospel, jazz, and bluegrass music news F ac ing For ward Welcome Mat...... 3 MISSION CONTRIBUTORS Mission Contributors To promote, encourage, and provide an

FOUNDERS P

alternative voice for the great local music that h Letter from the Publishers Ellen and Lyle Duplessie e here at the San Diego o t

is generally overlooked by the mass media; o

Liz Abbott :

namely the genres of alternative country, Troubadour wish to S Kent Johnson t e

v Full Circle...... 4

Americana, roots, folk, blues, gospel, jazz, and express our deepest e

bluegrass. To entertain, educate, and bring PUBLISHERS C W o Deering Banjo Liz Abbott thanks to everyone who is now, v together players, writers, and lovers of these a Kent Johnson u Recordially, Lou Curtiss l

forms; to explore their foundations; and to has been, or will be associated with t expand the audience for these types of music. EDITORIAL/GRAPHICS the San Diego Troubadour in some Liz Abbott Front Porch...... 7 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR, the local source for way or another as advertisers, writ - Chuck Schiele Troubadour Writers Stories alternative country, Americana, roots, folk, ers, columnists, former and current blues, gospel, jazz, and bluegrass music news, ADVERTISING What Is a Troubadour? is published monthly and is free of charge. Kent Johnson staff members, delivery people, and Allen Singer Letters to the editor must be signed and may be DISTRIBUTION to all of our readers, we are very edited for content. It is not, however, guaranteed Kent Johnson that they will appear. Dave Sawyer grateful. Parlor Showcase.....10 All opinions expressed in SAN DIEGO Indian Joe Stewart It doesn’t seen like ten whole TROUBADOUR are solely the opinion of the Dan Long The Troubadour Looks writer and do not represent the opinions of the Paul Cruz years have gone by, but in putting Back staff or management. All rights reserved. PHOTOGRAPHY this special anniversary issue ADVERTISING INFORMATION Steve Covault together, we see how much has Dennis Andersen Ramblin’...... 12 For advertising rates, call 619/298-8488 been packed into this particular Bluegrass Corner or e-mail [email protected]. You can also find WEB MASTER information on our website: Chris Clarke period of time. For us, 10 years is The Zen of Recording www.sandiegotroubadour.com Doug Walker not just a marker, it also represents Hosing Down SUBSCRIPTIONS are available for $30/yr. WRITERS Radio Daze Send check payable to S.D. Troubadour to: the Troubadour ’s ever-widening cir - Peter Bolland Stages San Diego Troubadour Lou Curtiss cle of supporters, friendships that Publishers Liz Abbott and Kent Johnson P.O. Box 164 Will Edwards have been made, a gradual increase La Jolla, CA 92038 Simeon Flick Highway’s Song...... 14 E-mail: [email protected]. in our readership, and the opportu - our traditional open mic session in Patty Hall Notes from a Truck Stop WHERE TO FIND US Can’t find a copy of the nity to be a part of San Diego’s addition to performances by sever - Paul Hormick Musings from Terry Roland San Diego Troubadour? Go to Kent Johnson unique music scene. To have al of San Diego’s most popular per - www.sandiegotroubadour.com and click Frank Kocher on FIND AN ISSUE for a complete list of watched the evolution of this pub - formers, including Peter Sprague Jim McInnes Of Note...... 17 locations we deliver to. lication from the first issue up and Leonard Patton, Berkley Hart, Bart Mendoza The Riders SUBMITTING YOUR CD FOR REVIEW Mark Pulliam until now – almost 120 issues to Robin Henkel, Steve Poltz, and A.J. If you have a CD you’d like to be considered for Terry Roland Sons of Edison review, please send two copies to: San Diego Croce. Watch for some surprise Raul Sandelin date – is indeed gratifying. Troubadour, P.O. Box 164, La Jolla, CA 92038. Chris Klich Elizabeth Schwartz Ten years is a milestone that artists as well. Taylor Guitars and SUBMITTING A CALENDAR LISTING Billy Watson Sven-Erik Seaholm calls for celebration and we are Deering Banjo have been good Email your gig date, including location, address, José Sinatra Melly Frances and time to [email protected] by enough to donate two wonderful Steve Thorn planning to do just that. On the 22rd of the month prior to publication. Jimmy “Diesel” White Sunday, October 9, friends of the instruments for an opportunity ‘Round About...... 18 ©2011 San Diego Troubadour. D. Dwight Worden drawing as well. Tickets can be Troubadour will gather together at October Music Calendar Sunset Temple in North Park to purchased online: http://www.sandiegotroubadour.co The San Diego Troubadour is dedicated to the memory of Ellen and Lyle Duplessie , recognize our accomplishments The Local Seen...... 19 whose vision inspired the creation of this newspaper. over the past 10 years and to raise m/10th-anniversary-celebration/ Photo Page a glass to the future of the paper. Come and join us! This fun-packed evening features

www.sandiegotroubadour.com 3 OCTOBER 2011 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR full circle Deering Banjo Brings Tradition into the Future

by Will Edwards ment that dominated popular music in this country from the late 19th century opular music has always been all the way up until the late 1930s. influential in our culture even as When Gibson started manufacturing Pthe popular musicians have amplified electric guitars and Charlie changed time and time again. Pop Christian brought the idea of amplified music has introduced the listening pub - guitar to the Benny Goodman sextet in lic to new political ideas and it has the late ’30s, the banjo fell by the way - even been the catalyst for important side and the electric guitar took its cultural movements in history. Today, Carolina Chocolate Drops place. Further guitar innovations con - popular music from bands like American-made banjos and is recog - tinued at Gibson, Fender, Gretsch and, Mumford and Sons and the Avett nized around the world as the premiere other famed guitar makers while the Brothers is present on the radio air - company to look to for innovations banjo was relegated to the field of “tra - waves across the U.S. But, it’s not just related to the banjo. Greg Deering start - ditional” music, rather than popular new music that these bands are intro - ed playing the banjo at the age of 12. music. But, once again the banjo is ducing. Among other things, they are Equipped with a love of building, espe - being heard… and even amplified! reintroducing the listening public to an cially machining and woodworking, Deering is the only banjo manufac - instrument with a long and influential Greg developed new manufacturing turer in the U.S. that makes all their history of its own: the banjo. techniques. Many of Deering’s inno - own parts in house (Greg has even vations are aimed at designed and built many making quality instru - of the workshop’s custom ments affordable for the tools). This do-it-yourself average person while approach is indicative of still meeting a a trend you can see for professional yourself at the player’s exact - Deering factory – ing standards. they feel compelled Ultimately, to improve all the Deering time. In a recent Greg and Janet Deering made a name for collaboration with Mumford and Sons Jeff DaRosa of the themselves, It is wise for any instrument manu - Learn more about Deering Banjo Drop Kick Murphys while remaining facturer to remain prominent in the online at Even though Mumford and Sons (a nationally recognized true to their own marketplace (especially if they’ve got a http://www.deeringbanjos.com. You can hail from distant shores (West London, Irish-punk band from roots and the traditional good product!). Deering Banjo partici - find them on Facebook England) and the Avett Brothers formed Boston) Deering devel - banjo community. pates in major music festivals all over (http://www.facebook.com/deering.banj 3,000 miles away, in distant Concord, oped dramatic The fact that a the U.S., trying to expand awareness of, o) and twitter (@Deering_Banjos). North Carolina, both bands have had advances in elec - Deering Banjo is and interest in, the banjo. Traditional their definitive sounds shaped by San tric-acoustic banjo the instrument of and contemporary players alike show - Diego. That’s because San Diego is pickup technology. choice over other case Deering Banjos at the RockyGrass home to Deering, “The Great American Anyone who has manufacturers for Festival, MerleFest, and Walnut Valley Banjo Company,” and it is Deering that played an acoustic many mainstream Festival in Winfield, Kansas. Deering designed and built the banjos used by instrument on an electri - musicians has helped also supports music in the schools and both bands. fied stage can attest to how encourage a significantly Greg and Janet’s daughter Jamie is Deering Banjo has a distinguished likely and horrid feedback broader interest in the spearheading efforts to cultivate even history of making the banjos that the can be. This problem was true banjo among pop music fans. more buzz in contemporary music cir - pros want. Bela Fleck has long relied on (if not also more likely) of In fact, 2011 is on track to be cles that focus on new banjo music and his Deering Crossfire banjo, which uses banjos as well. Deering’s new Deering’s best year ever based composition. Every Thanksgiving, the custom pickups and a special synthesiz - pickup technology allows the on dollars of sales. “People Lemon Grove factory has a special open er pickup. Currently, many modern banjo to retain the feel and are coming into stores asking house and, yes, you can find them on pros also use Deering. Taylor Swift, sound of an acoustic banjo, but for banjos.” says Dave Facebook and twitter. They also offer Keith Urban, Gillian Welch, the with a plugged in sound that Bandrowski, Deering’s direc - free newsletters (and email newsletters) Dropkick Murphys, and the Carolina stays more true to the real tim - tor of marketing. and online tutorials designed to help Chocolate Drops all rely on Deering bre of a banjo. The banjo was an instru - new banjo inductees get started. banjos when they compose or play live. Husband and wife team, Greg and Janet Deering founded Deering Banjo in 1975, here in San Diego. Over time they’ve had many successes. Deering has become the largest maker of

4 www.facebook.com/sandiegotroubadour OCTOBER 2011 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR full circle t l u a v o C

e v e t

Recordially, Lou Curtiss S

: o t o h LOOKING BACK (like that’s what As It turned out I got mine going in 1967 Rita Moss, Thomas E. Shaw, Louis Major, of FACEBOOK FORUMS (the Real Blues P I don’t usually do) and it was the early ’70s before they were and so many others. We talked about the Forum and the Real Country Music underway. I talked about earlier Folk places like the Bostonia Ballroom, the Forum). There’s also some mighty fine lis - ell for some 10 years I’ve pon - Festivals in San Diego like the one in 1965 Crossroads, the Honey Bucket, the tening to do on all three pages. I will get on tificated (and occasionally out at then Cal Western University (where Palladium (later the Pacific Ballroom), that record collecting piece and it’ll be in Wbitched and moaned) on the Pt. Loma Nazarene is today) and another Ward’s Jazzville, and that guy named these pages. pages of the SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR. festival called the San Diego Folk Festival Kennedy who owned seven or eight clubs Til then be real good to each other. I’ve told you stories about going to see that took place way back in 1944, which downtown that catered to Navy guys who ALLEN SINGER Hank Williams, meeting Bill Monroe and featured as its headliner the great Huddie liked various kinds of music (he had a rock Allen Singer, folk songster, songleader of the Roy Acuff, getting to know ROSE MAD - Ledbetter (Leadbelly). It was a benefit con - club, a blues club, a doo-wop place, a San Diego Folksong Society, on the board of DOX, CLIFF CARLISLE, WADE MAINER, cert for the Lincoln and International honky tonk country, and a country boogie San Diego Folk Heritage (and the guy who and a whole lot more fairly well. I told you Brigade vets of the Spanish Civil War and a rockabilly place, probably a jazz place seemed to get things done with that organi - about gathering seaweed from the Pacific In 10 years we’ve gone thru a lot of San too). zation), pivotal to the organization that Ocean for Harmonica Frank Floyd, my Dad Diego Music History. We talked about rock - Talked a lot about Folksong, Coffee brought about the Poway Train Song Lou Curtiss riding a freight train with Bob Nolan, abilly with Jody Reynolds, Johnny and Houses, Folk Festivals, banjo and fiddle Festival, and the Sam Hinton Memorial spending time back stage at TOWN HALL Dorsey Burnette, and Eddie Cochran at the contests, the Great Folk Scare (when folk - Folk Festival each year, suffered a major back to being involved with the Adams Ave. PARTY and HOMETOWN JAMBOREE College Inn in San Diego, about Smokey song tried to become pop). You all know heart attack Tuesday, September 13 and Roots Festival. He had set up a meeting to (where I, at 13 years old, was smuggled into Rogers, Roy and Don Hogsed, Slim Dossey, about my involvement with music festivals passed away the following Saturday. A lot of talk with Scott Kessler and other Adams Tennessee Ernie’s dressing room by Molly and Terry Preston (who would later change and concerts so I won’t dwell on them here. us who knew Allen and worked with him Ave. Business Association folks. I told him I Bee, who was also then 13). I’ve told you his name to Ferlin Husky) in the country Suffice to say it was a damned lot of fun on various projects here in town realize, or was trying to keep my big mouth shut on some about hunting for old records in the music clubs (add the Maddox Bros and Rose doing them and I’d like to do more. Some of are coming to realize that there is a very that subject and we talked about bringing South while at the same time I was doing to that list). Guys like Merrill Moore who the best music I’ve heard by local artists has large hole in the musical soul of this city San Diego Folk Heritage into the running of work for the Student Non-Violence fell somewhere in between with that hot been in coffeehouses like the Heritage in that’s going to be very hard to fill. His sup - that Festival which would suit me fine. This Coordinating Committee and about meeting piano. We’ve talked about the old time jazz Mission Beach, the Ballad Man in La Jolla port for me and the various projects I’m was a very special man that we lost. RIP Old up with the folks who would later get the guys, R&B, and blues guys. Slim Gailliard, (got to see Josh White there once), the involved with has always been top notch. Buddy. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Fro Brigham, Eugene Porter, Little Willie Upper Cellar, Circe’s Cup in the college area Just about a week ago he came by Folk Arts together while walking a picket line in New Littlefield, Joe and Jimmie Liggens, Teddy (the Candy Company, too, although it was a Recordially, Rare Records to talk with me about getting Orleans. I talked with them about doing a Picou, Ervin “Big Daddy” Rucker, Robert little farther out on El Cajon Blvd), the Lou Curtiss festival in San Diego and they talked with “Rock Me” Jeffery, Bonnie Jefferson, Les Land of Oden and the Bifrost Bridge in La me about doing a festival in New Orleans. Gumbs, Walter Fuller, Ella Ruth Piggee, Mesa (two incarnations of the same build - ing), and maybe best of all a little bookstore called The Sign of the Sun (on College Ave near El Cajon Blvd.) that did concerts for an all too short of a time. I got to see Mississippi John Hurt, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, the New Lost City Ramblers, Rev. Gary Davis, Skip James, Jean Redpath, Hedy West, Mike Seeger, Jean Ritchie, Bessie Jones, the Chambers Brothers, and lots more. Maybe of all the places I got to locally, this little bookstore was the most influentual on what I later came to do. Now I know I’m glitzing over a lot of stuff here, and there’s probably some of the things I wrote about that I should have mentioned (that’s for all you Troubadour archivists to start digging for). I’ve been promising a couple of readers that I’d do a column on serious record collecting. What to look for, how much it’s worth, and so forth. There’s a lot of that on my Facebook Page (Louis F Curtiss) and also on a couple Town Hall Party

www.sandiegotroubadour.com 5 OCTOBER 2011 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR front porch

rose at the same time. I slept on it one night the key factors in that. Unifying the area’s and on a basis of love for our/my music performers, they give a voice to many artists scene, called Liz the next day and told her, who might be overlooked by other local “No way we’re losing this voice. It’s too media, basically promoting the heck out of Troubadour Writers important to let it go; I have a background in the San Diego’s musicians (and others passing making publications work, so whatever you through). The fact that they cover both the need from me, I’ll do it. That’s what it means up-and-comers as well as current heroes and to me.” She took me up on it. I became make a point of showcasing San Diego’s Share Their Stories involved much more and have felt like part of amazing music history, ensures that anyone in the family ever since. It proved to be one of the future needing info will always consider the most satisfying things I’ve ever done. the San Diego Troubadour an indispensable Having said that a lot of people have been resource. friends whom I feel extremely gratified to involved – all of whom made the Troubadour The first ten years have been incredible, Simeon Flick have been able to serve with my objective-as- Chuck Schiele a must read every month in San Diego music. the next 100 should be amazing ! I-can-possibly-be “pen.” Then, prompted by I’m very happy to be part of all these gener - the temporary incarceration of Kent Johnson, ous, talented and super-creative people. Over Simeon the editorial assistant was called on to about eight years I’ve had the pleasure of meeting wonderful musicians and partaking help with various aspects of the Troubadour ’s Paul Hormick website assembly and maintenance. I can’t in some very special events. But mostly, I express enough gratitude to Liz Abbott and rejoice that being involved with the San Diego became a vehicle to stop com - the rest of the Troubadour staff – who are Troubadour good friends to this day – for all of these plaining about the way things are (as so many enriching professional experiences (I still folks do) and use that same energy to make miss – and will never forget – those great things better. And that’s what the San Diego morning meetings at Liz and Kent’s place in Troubadour has done for San Diego music: University Heights). They made things better. They gave us Remembrance of 9/11 also inspires hypo - acoustic guitar-based musicians a great big thetical imaginings of what our San Diego voice that, in turn, galvanized a buncha string plunkers into our own special scene. lives would be like without the Troubadour , first became acquainted with the San s I reflect on my involvement with the which, because of its unfaltering monthly IDiego Troubadour in 2002 when Phil And what a scene it is! San Diego Troubadour on its tenth Harmonic reviewed my CD. Upon reading Thank you San Diego Troubadour for being A longevity, I feel has made it easy to take for very time I write an article or profile anniversary, I can’t help but be pleased, in an that review, I remember feeling that finally there for us; and thank you for letting me be granted. There’d be no insightful, inspira - for the Troubadour I learn something offhand way, with the synchronous chronolo - there was a voice that spoke to the acoustic part of something so good. E tional, often humorous columns by the likes new. From the time I started writing for this gy we share, as San Diego has now been my guitar-based genres that are so abundant in of Peter Bolland, Sven-Erik Seaholm, and José paper in 2003, this is what I enjoy the most. home for a decade as well. The ten-year mark the San Diego music scene. I felt that my own ~Chuck Schiele is a songwriter/musician, record Sinatra, no professionally beneficial coverage In one of my most recent articles I profiled has also just come and gone for 9/11, and my music was heard and recognized for what it is producer, events producer, music writer, artist, of the gargantuan bounty of ridiculously tal - Martin Grusin, a prominent vocal teacher in remembrance of that hallowed day finds me – accurately – by ears that had affinity for the activist, and genuine fan of San Diego music. ented, criminally unrecognized artists we San Diego. While I visited with Martin, he even more grateful that, no more than a subject matter and a voice that knew how to have living and working here, and no expo - showed me a book on the vocal chords and month later in 2001, the Duplessies (RIP), responsibly tell about it. After all, it can be a sure for the large phalanx of symbiotic busi - singing. It looked like a medical school text - Kent Johnson and Liz Abbott independently great disservice to everyone including the nesses who advertise in the Troubadour every book, complete with diagrams and those published the inaugural issue of a free reader when a reviewer with, say… a pen - Bart Mendoza month and have subsequently allowed it to Gray’s Anatomy -type illustrations. What I had monthly paper that would give a localized chant for alternative music … reviews your expand and grow well beyond its initial expected to be an interview about breathing voice to predominantly eschewed musical music under his or her own frustration of parameters. Lastly, there would be no ulti - and voice control turned into a session that genres and artists (such as myself), and pro - your music not being alternative music. mate physical manifestation of this communi - touched on physiology and science, all of it vide a professional vehicle for non-vocational Over the course of the next year things ty unity the Troubadour has engendered in the about how the voice is created by the human writers (such as myself). started really working out for me within the form of the end-of-year Christmas party, body. Another interview, this one with tradi - 2004 was a pivotal year that would scene. I wanted to become more involved in where it’s respective denizens gather to cele - tional Celtic fiddler Jamie Laval, turned into a cement my involvement with the “Troub” contributing to a healthier scene, knowing brate by the hundreds. history lesson on Scottish history and (and its amiable grassroots staff and affiliates) that if we all did something to foster a better And so, on behalf of everyone reading Scottish music. on multiple levels. Simeon Flick the solo scene, we’d find ourselves in a better scene. this, I would like to toast Liz and Kent and I’m a long-time resident of San Diego, so artist got his first review, at the insistent At the same time I had befriended Liz and all my fellow contributors to the San Diego I’m always eager to learn what I can about behest of the late Jessica Treat, from the gra - Kent as well as the beloved Duplessies, sim - Troubadour for a decade of invaluable service local history and culture. For a story on the ciously laudatory pen of Frederick Leonard ply by being present in the same places a lot to the San Diego music community. Here’s to Granger Music Hall in National City I visited (aka Chuck Schiele) in the June issue. Shortly of the time. I was asked to write a review or many, many more years of superlative, indis - the National City Library. The librarians after that, in the September/October issue, two, and found out I really enjoyed it. Then I pensable alternative country, Americana, brought out volumes of old newspapers, budding journalist Simeon Flick was allowed started creating the artwork for the covers. roots, folk, blues, gospel, jazz and bluegrass scrapbooks, and historical records on the to pen the first of many CD reviews (and With the passing of Ellen and Lyle I learned coverage. Cheers! music hall. As someone who has always loved then articles and cover stories) on behalf of that the publications existence was threatened research and who goes back to the old days myriad fellow artists, many of them good in a conversation with Liz. My heart sank and when the Internet was but gleams in the eyes of an army of computer geeks, I was pleasant - ly overwhelmed to be surrounded by stacks of documents and card catalogues and doing old-fashioned research. hat I most appreciate about the For many of the persons that I’ve profiled WSan Diego Troubadour is that it’s in the Troubadour I’ve enjoyed their music about music. That’s it. Music. And everyone long before writing their profile, sometimes involved truly loves it and lives it. hearing their performances for years before I love the scope of what they cover, and I getting the chance to sit down and interview think that’s the key to its success and longevi - them. Though I think I might be familiar ty. Someone wants to read a story or review with these musicians and their music, there is on Bianca Paras, they’ll stumble across some - always something that they tell me that sur - thing on Joel Scott Hill. Meanwhile, someone prises me. Bob Magnusson loves to surf! Wes investigating the history of saxophonist Hudson, who spins the platters on Jazz Night Harold Land might be hipped to Gregory at El Take It Easy, has worked in real estate. Page. Or some such. Delle Arte Guitar’s Alain Cola started his life As a writer, I love the chance to spread out in business when he was a teen, installing a little, dig a little deeper, than the usual pub - security peepholes on the front doors of the lishing word count allows. The stated pur - houses of Toulon, his hometown. pose of the paper stands, but a bit of leeway We who write for the Troubadour talk to means interviews with Pete Best, Grace Slick, musicians, people who love what they do. It’s Rod Argent, and the Penetrators have also a lot of fun for me to hear the personal stories made it in. One really stands out to me: Nick these individuals share, how they first started Reynolds of the Kingston Trio. Some of my to play music when they were children, how earliest memories include their music – my they chose their instrument, and who their mother worked in Coronado during the early influences are. I’m always curious to find out sixties and to say their music was ubiquitous where songwriters get their ideas for songs, would be an understatement. They’ve always and I could probably talk for hours to jazz been held in the highest esteem, I remember musicians about theory and their approach to seeing them on flickering black and white TV. soloing. The musicians tell me about music My conversations with Mr. Reynolds are history as well. Charles McPherson spoke something I’ll always treasure. about how, decades ago, jazz styles had I’ve had the pleasure of working with both regional qualities, like accents that indicated founders Lyle and Ellen Duplessie as well Liz where a musician was from. A number of and Kent – I consider it a privilege to write singer/songwriters and folk singers have for such wonderful people (and good schooled me about the Great Folk Scare. friends). As long as my relationship with the It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since Troubadour continues, I know I’ll keep writing the Troubadour first hit the scene, but it and keep learning. would be even harder to imagine what San Diego’s music community would be like with - out them. Anyone who has followed local music over the past decade surely has noticed the marked upswing our little “scene” has had, and the San Diego Troubadour is one of 6 www.facebook.com/sandiegotroubadour OCTOBER 2011 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR front porch What Is a Troubadour?

by Kent Johnson & Raul Sandelin nowhere. Its origins are remarkable because especially when white minstrels performed they seem to have burst forth as an already s we celebrate the 10th anniver - the racist parody called blackface, wearing developed form with no antecedents. Its sary of the San Diego Troubadour , black makeup and mocking African- nature is also remarkable because its for - A it is only fitting that we dwell Americans with crude stereotypes and cari - tunes are so closely linked to the fortunes of upon the paper’s name and ask, “What does catures. its homeland in the south of France, known the word Troubadour really mean?” We However, the original troubadours date as Occitania. It is there in Southern France probably all have a vague conception of the back even further than the Dust Bowl, to that our tradition of the troubadour truly troubadour as some guy who stands up the12th and 13th centuries to be exact. The begins. alone in front of a mic and sings songs. But, word troubadour dates from the French The man credited with the genesis of the there must be some history behind that, verb trobar , which means alternately to troubadour is Guilem de Peitien (1071- right? explore, to invent, and to disturb. The 1126), ninth duke of Aquitaine and seventh When Lyle and Ellen Duplessie chose the English word troop is also an offshoot. To count of Poitiers, who was one of the most paper’s name back in 2001, they undoubted - apply a modern translation, we might say powerful feudal lords of his day. He was the ly must have thought of the Troubadour in that the troubadour was a trailblazer, some - inspiration for most later singer-poets who Los Angeles, the long-fabled club that one who explored new territory, composed were to follow in the troubadour tradition. showcased, first, the folk revival of the new songs, and poked fun at the establish - Perhaps, Guilem (English: William) was to 1950s then the Laurel Canyon set in the ment. The musical addendum is certainly the troubadour what Elvis was to rock and late-’60s before morphing into a cutting logical since the French word trobar ulti - roll. He was the first troubadour to achieve edge rock club by the mid-1970s. But, as mately derives from the Greek and Arabic national fame. And, compared to his con - world-famous as the LA Troubadour has words for melody and singing. temporaries, William was able to combine become, it is important to remember that its As one follows the development of the the highest compositional techniques of name too is derivative. (It started out as a word troubadour, one begins to understand stanza and rhyme with the vernacular lan - carbon copy of the London Troubadour that that a troubadour-like figure, a traveling guage and subject matter of the day. Part opened three years earlier in 1954.) singer-songwriter-poet has existed in many sublime, part popular, William was able to It is significant that the 1950s folk countries in different forms, perhaps as far express the loftiest, refined ideas in a way revivalists adopted the imagery and mys - back as Homer. In France, there was an that all classes could understand, much like tique of the troubadour because the word in early tradition of wandering musicians who William Shakespeare was able to do on a its modern, 20th-century usage seems to composed their own songs and were known different stage several centuries later.. These are recorded in 35 manuscripts ment, the troubadour’s songs often sang date back to the first wave of consciously as joglars , a term derived from the word joc - The troubadours were by their nature known as chansoniers . about the ideal, often unattainable lady who “folk” singers, such as Woody Guthrie, who ulatores. These joglars (precursors of mod - itinerant performers. They could come from Though love was often the main theme, belonged to someone else. Instead of writ - emerged out of the politics and hardship of ern jugglers) were circus-type performers either noble families or common stock, but social and political questions also found ing songs for his patron, the troubadour was the 1930s. The word “troubadour” was not who were mostly Romans who settled in neither would have an effect on their repu - their way into the troubadour’s stanzas. writing about his own feelings for the lord’s invented during the Great Depression to be Gaul and amused the common people by tation. But they were connected to aristo - Troubadours routinely satirized political and wife who was left alone at home. sure. But, the word was resurrected to day and the aristocrats at night after their crats and they used joglars to circulate their religious opponents, preached crusades, Eventually, the troubadour would be describe a certain type of Depression-era banquets. Later, with the rise of the actual poetry. But a good joglar could actually rise sang funeral laments, and supported princes immortalized and, unfortunately, in his singer: one who performed his own songs, troubadour, these joglars would provide a to the position of troubadour, whereas a and nobles involved in struggles. immortality, he would also be corrupted. At often politically motivated songs, while lower tier to the troubadour’s upper tier: troubadour who wasn’t so good could fall to Troubadour poetry dealt with war, politics, one time, there were nearly 500 known travelling with the large bodies of migrant The troubadours were the best of the best. the position of joglar. So the troubadour, personal satire, and other subjects. troubadours in France. By the time of the Americans desperately searching for work. The joglars became their more vulgar disci - although having a status of dignity, was Yet, the predominant theme to which the plagues in the 14th century, there were The politically left-wing troubadour of the ples. dependent on his patron’s bounty and need - troubadour returned was love. And because none. But, the figure of the troubadour was 1930s thus replaced the other lone singer- However, despite the rich etymological ed to constantly hone his skills. of the worship of the Virgin Mary in a incorporated into opera, literature, theater, songwriter of American music, the minstrel, roots of the word troubadour, the trouba - The troubadour ranks included all kinds Catholic country such as France, the rever - and, ironically, song. The troubadour who often engaged in reactionary politics, dour itself seems to have appeared out of and sorts of men, monks, churchmen, and ence bestowed on the virgin was extended became the medieval ages’ quintessential even women or female troubadours called to womanhood in general. At first trouba - bad boy, the anti-hero who everyone wanted trobairitz . The most famous female was dour love songs were mostly intellectual to be, but who ultimately lost in the end. It Beatrice, the Countess of Die. Some trouba - instead of emotional, written for a patron’s would take six centuries for the medieval dours were established as court poets under lady and void of the troubadour’s own feel - troubadour to resurface. Now, the trouba - a patron lord but most were wandering, ings. But, this changed during the Crusades dour was a homeless Okie escaping his traveling musicians who desired a change of because women were left behind to fend for hometown dust, a Jewish kid from scenery and eventually traveled far and wide themselves while the Lords and nobility Minnesota shuffling into a Bleeker Street throughout the known world of Western went out on campaign. The absence of hus - hoot, a Mexican-American goddess singing and Eastern Europe and all around the bands and sons could be as long as ten “Barbara Allen” on the Staten Island ferry. Mediterranean Sea area. years if these men returned at all. There is The troubadour who died in 1350 was From this original era, over 1,000 trouba - poignant evidence that illustrates the emo - reborn in the name of class struggle, civil dour songs have survived to this day and tional effect that the crusading men’s rights, and social justice. Now, the concept over 300 still have their musical settings. absence had on women. In this environ - was simple: All you needed was three chords and the truth. But, that truth was still a song. Woody Gutherie wrote over a 1000 of them. Bob Dylan wrote around 450. Joan Baez wrote many while also resurrect - ing many of the lost and forgotten folk songs from around the world. So, what is a troubadour ? A rootless wan - derer who writes and sings his own songs independent of other musicians or musical groupings. The troubadour is a hopeless romantic who longs for things he cannot have and longs for them in song. The trou - badour is always a bit mischievous, not con - tent with establishment politics and quick to disturb the status quo. So, it is quite accurate that our paper should call itself the San Diego Troubadour because that’s what we all are: explorers, songwriters, mischief makers. Gregory Page, Tom Brosseau, Jose Sinatra, Steve Poltz, Lisa Sanders, Mary Dolan, Steve White, Robin Henkel, Shawn Rohlf, Adam Gimbel, Dan Connor, Joe Rathburn, Derek Duplessie, Jeff Berkley, and Calman Hart are just a few of the trouba - dours in this wonderful music mecca of San Diego County. But, there are countless oth - ers who make this a city of troubadours. May we all wander, sing, and cause trouble for another 10 years! www.sandiegotroubadour.com 7 OCTOBER 2011 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR front porch t l u a v o C

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A Heart of Gold P Remembering Allen Singer by Patty Hall and Barry Cohen seemed always to be at the center of open mics, publications, concert series, everything, as a performer, a facilitator, and song circles, each with its own spe - a host, an all around friendly guy. His cial identity, mission, and devotees. ensch. That simple Yiddish presence was warm and welcoming, Through the years, Allen served as word says volumes: “…a per - and he was always full of news. We president, newsletter editor, and son of integrity and honor…a M looked forward to seeing him at these monthly song circle leader of the San decent, upright person…a “stand-up events, knowing that in addition to his Diego Folk Song Society. He worked as guy,” a person with the qualities one music, we’d usually get the most up to assistant booker and was on the Board would hope for in a dear friend or date “Allen scoop” on what was really of Directors (as co-vice chairfolk) of trusted colleague….” Allen Singer was up in the world of folk music. San Diego Folk Heritage. He was a reg - all these things. Allen Singer was a Allen’s music repertoire was broad – ular contributor to the San Diego mensch. folk, blues, country, traditional, old Troubadour , and frequently performed No one better embodies this fine old time, cowboy/western. And his musical at the many music festivals around Yiddish word than Allen, dear friend style was all his own, with deep nods to town. Most recently he was tapped to and fellow musician, who passed away the long-gone old bluesmen of the be the folk music leader on a Cruise on September 17. Deep South and Woody Guthrie, whose Jam. We first met Allen on a winter songs and style he unabashedly Allen’s biggest gift, it seemed, was evening early in 2005. A bunch of us admired. Like Woody, Allen was a con - communication. No doubt his skills as were sitting around a cluttered commu - summate soloist, his gravelly, no-frills a trained counselor and therapist (he nal table at Crossroads Café in down - voice best set off by his own guitar, and had worked for both Kaiser-Permanente town El Cajon, a shotgun storefront not hidden behind a band. His rendi - and Father Joe’s Mission) attuned him transformed into a old-time ’60s-style tion of “Stealin’” will forever be imbed - to differing sensibilities and group coffee house, complete with tie-dye ded in our memories, linking him to a dynamics, and Allen made it his busi - drapes, old rugs, and instruments hang - storied chain of folk and blues musi - ness to learn what made each assem - ing on the wall. It was Wooden Lips cians: Gus Cannon and the Memphis blage tick. Furthermore, he had an Open Mic night and, as recollection has Jug Band, Bob Dylan, Jim Kweskin, Taj uncanny knack for getting along with it, Allen was holding forth with stories Mahal, Pete Seeger, Jerry Garcia, and and forming cooperative bridges about being in Greenwich Village dur - David Grisman. between and among the various musi - ing the 1960s, during the Dylan years. Through the years, Allen turned in cal factions. In one of our last conversa - Somehow, we got on the subject of New some amazing and memorable perform - tions Allen confided (without divulging York neighborhoods, me (Patty) recall - ances, backed by harmonica whiz kid exact details) about a possible future ing past summers spent as program The ever-animated Allen Singer Dane Terry, and dueting with blues pro cooperative effort among several folk director of Hudson Guild Farm in New Robin Henkel. But he truly shined entities to produce a comprehensive Jersey, which served the Chelsea neigh - when delivering his music unadorned annual San Diego Folk Festival. Our borhood of New York. Turns out, Allen minced words. He spoke his mind, was hilarious. and rough-hewn, just him and his gui - thought at the time was if anyone can had grown up in Chelsea and knew at times comically opinionated, and As a writer, Allen was tireless. tar, turning out tunes that he flatpicked help facilitate this and pull it off, it’s many of the same people that attended always held fast to his own beliefs, be Besides being a regular contributor to and fingerpicked with great finesse. Allen. He’s the glue. the Farm. More stories emerged, most they about politics, music, or the this publication, he was a skilled poet And speaking of fingers, Allen man - Allen Singer knew how to nurture of them funny, and by evening’s end, I human condition. Sometimes we would (see sidebar). And, when he wrote, he aged to have all 10 of his in the multi - and champion; to encourage and sup - thought to myself, geeze Louise, I feel joke together about aging, our various did his homework. He was extremely ple “folk pies” in and around San port. If you were lucky enough to be a like I’ve known this guy my entire life! aches and pains, Medicare, and Social proud of his piece on Klezmer musi - Diego. The local folk scene here is com - friend of his, the friendship felt uncon - And that was Allen. Security. Allen always seemed to have cian, Elizabeth Schwartz (June 2011 plex, comprising different kinds of ditional. And yet, he was no pushover, After that, we saw him at almost the last word on these fascinating sen - issue), in which he not only captured gatherings, affinity groups, festivals, didn’t suffer fools gladly, and never every music gathering we attended. He ior citizen topics, and it was always Elizabeth’s luminous spirit and energy,

8 www.facebook.com/sandiegotroubadour OCTOBER 2011 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR front porch

Society. Gathered full circle in the down here, picking up the slack, trying Africa, brought to life again in those long upstairs room of New Expression Music to hold the folk scene together, no gone, ghost-inhabited Jewish communities in North Park, we were there to honor doubt having to job-share the myriad that still exist in our DNA.” Allen deeply the life and music of Ken Graydon, projects and events you seemed able to loved music, but intriguingly, he seemed to who had passed away only several handle effortlessly all by yourself. But love the stories behind the music even weeks prior. Before we began our do us a favor, will you old buddy? Save more. A conversation with him about round-robin musical tributes to Ken, us a seat up there, wherever “up there” klezmer and Yiddish music invariably Allen stood and talked for several min - is, in that ever-growing folk circle turned to the history of our people, to his utes about Ken and Tanya Rose (who where the angel band sings sweetly, New York boyhood and our favorite Jewish had also recently passed away) and everybody plays in time, and nobody’s foods. His appreciation for what I did went about what a tough year it had been for ever out of tune. Shalom, Aleichem. beyond quality – he genuinely loved and our circle, having lost these dear Peace be with you, dear friend. understood why I would play this music friends, and encouraged us to reach out and gave me the distinct respect of really to one another, live in the present, and ELIZABETH SCHWARTZ REMEMBERS listening. All musicians need that kind of savor our friendships. He also spoke ALLEN SINGER intense listening – it sustains and encour - about the 10th anniversary of 9/11, and ages us as much as money or applause (in asked us to take a few moments to The San Diego Troubadour has always been some ways more – we’re doing something reflect silently. As he stood before us an essential friend to the San Diego music intensely spiritual and personal, and we community and its writers our tireless sup - and talked, we couldn’t help but be need that validation). In the Troubadour’ s touched by his wise, comforting, and porters. Is it odd to think of the Troubadour pages, Allen didn’t just write about music, almost rabbinical presence – his prover - family as one big... ear? Maybe I should he wrote stories – stories about ghosts and bial heart of gold shining out to all of explain: Musicians contemplate ears all the about DNA, about the musicians and their us. In a word, a mensch. time. Our own ears, our bandmates’ ears, histories. In an age when too many people When Liz Abbott phoned, inviting and, obsessively, the ears of our audiences. think the pinnacle of musicianship can be this article, she ended the conversation Is our music penetrating past those ears – heard on “American Idol,” Allen wrote by saying, “What will we do without through the skull, to the mind and the about soul. If we read his words as insight - Allen?” Indeed, it is difficult to imagine heart? One hopes so. Our audiences are as fully as he listened to our music, we’ll find a world without Allen Singer – the diverse as the musicians in our roots music Allen’s. I’ll miss his sense of humor, livewire, curmudgeonly sparkplug community. And just like musicians, there his stories and most certainly not least, his whose large presence; warm bear hugs; can be virtuoso listeners. I’m specifically ears. Allen with good friend Dane Terry at the Sam Hinton Folk Heritage Festival and wry, dry commentary filled the referring to those individuals whose listen - room. His kind-yet-irreverent spirit, his ing is so intense, so exultant, so utterly but also presented extensively pen to paper. The result was Allen’s first upbeat attitude, and his forthright musical, that they grab our attention as THE OLD TRAIL HEAD researched background information original song, “High and Dry,” a spare observations touched so many wherev - deeply as we grab theirs. Allen Singer was about eastern European music and cul - and evocative parable about the pre - er he went. And we still keep thinking this kind of listener – and I don’t think it A poem by Allen Singer, dedicated to ture, giving this special profile a fasci - cious things we all hold dear. he’s going to be there at the next gath - was only because he was a musician him - Ken Graydon nating historical context. (see Elizabeth ering, greeting, joking, playing. How self. When I first met Allen at a typically Riding out one morning on an old trail Schwartz’s words about Allen at the end HIGH AND DRY could it possibly be otherwise? raucous Troubadour holiday party, I was head of this article. by Allen Singer Allen, you left us way too early and interested in getting to know him. Not Fresh dust in my teeth, smoky breath Allen loved spinning yarns and he far too unexpectedly. We wanted to because he’d given me a good review, but around my head didn’t need a campfire or spurs, or even My old boots got cracked heels, they’re because of how deeply he listened. Here’s a I saw rock angels falling, dancing a keepin’ me company hear more of your stories, read more of a guitar, to weave a good tale. In that your articles, hear more of your tunes, quote: “The CD sings to the six million lost, slow motion waltz, Always movin’, ridin’ along, never askin’ regard, he was a true urban cowboy, a and witness the creation of your next bringing them back to the rest of us still On old trails in old canyons, sage brush much of me quintessential Baby Boomer, nostalgic great original song. We wanted to come here who are alive and dancing to Borsht crowded draws for the salad days of the 1960s and Never gave it much thought, asked, or see you at your upcoming concerts. with Bread, Brothers …This is truly world Thinking time’s like a dried river, empty wondered why Camelot, a time of carefree innocence Most of all, we wanted to know you music, culturally created in Eastern Europe, and lonesome and youthful idealism. Some of his best My old boots kept me safe and warm, better and to grow old along with you. but cross-fertilized with sounds from as far And canyon walls told many tales of stories detailed his formative years in high and always dry Of course, we’ll do our best to carry on away as Turkey, the Middle East, and North tribes, long gone folkdom during the folk revival (which Ghostly story tellers, kept alive by the My old hat, brimmed and low, been sittin’ morning’s sun he referred to as the great “Folk on my head Scare.”) The epicenter was New York’s Chilled and kept peaceful under a new No matter which way the wind blows, it evening moon Greenwich Village, and Allen was lucky sits and points ahead enough to be there as a teenager, doing While sly coyote thrown quartz stars My old neck got burned some, the sun his share of hanging out in Washington lighted my way stayed out of my eyes Square Park, sharing runs and licks Bedding down for the night, bed rolled with the likes of John Herald, John My old hat kept me safe and warm, high on the ground, and always dry Sebastian, John Cohen, and Mike Eating some pemmican pushed along by Seeger. Whenever Allen would treat us My old well-worked saddle been holding camp fire coffee to these tales, should digression threat - up my hand(?) I remembered I’d ridden this dream trail so many times en, he would invariably rein himself On and on, like my old friend, through back in with a grin and his familiar dusty rain and wind Looking for something that was looking out for me aside, “…but that’s another whole It’s been there, on my trail, it’s followed story…” me many a mile Remnants of stories, reminders of Because writing was a part of Allen’s yesterday, old friends I rode with My old saddle kept me safe and warm, Down old Indian trails taken to find my DNA, it seemed puzzling that until high and always dry recently, he had, by his own admission, way Ahead of our troubles like rusty never written an original song. Then, The last time we saw Allen was on memories now slowly etched in time one day Ken Graydon became the Sunday, September 11, at the monthly proverbial burr under his saddle, chal - We go riding, recalling, searching meeting of the San Diego Folk Song Allen Singer interviewing Elizabeth Schwartz for the Troubadour podcast lenging him to sit down and put his memories on life’s old trail line We go riding, recalling, searching memories on life’s old trail line

www.sandiegotroubadour.com 9 OCTOBER 2011 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR parlor showcase

by Steve Thorn

Lyle and I first jammed together, I was at Java n 2001, a three-pronged attack on the Joe’s when Ellen mentioned to me that she East Coast – unprecedented in its wanted to start a music publication called the scope – numbed the nation and the San Diego Troubadour but didn’t actually world. Also in that year, Bob Dylan know how she was going to go about making made another strong album, Love and it a reality. I said, ‘Well, you’re in luck. My ITheft , and continued to play around the globe wife is a graphic designer and knows all on his “Never Ending Tour.” One of the top about publication layout. She is also an expe - best sellers was historian David McCullough’s rienced editor. I am a distribution expert, superb biography of President John Adams. It having delivered the Ken Cinema film calen - was during that intense year that the publica - dars for the past 20 years.’ Her eyes lit up. tion you are currently reading launched its “After introducing Lyle and Ellen to Liz,” inaugural edition: a joint September-October said Kent, “we talked about forming a part - 2011 issue. Cowboy Jack Johnson’s tribute nership, and the San Diego Troubadour show to Hank Williams graced the cover. become a reality. The four of us developed a Inside the Troubadour ’s “Welcome Mat” very special relationship over the next three page, publisher Lyle Duplessie presented his years and the newspaper we started evolved vision for the new publication. For anyone into a valid, respectable publication.” who had the opportunity to converse with In the same February 2005 issue, Liz Lyle (I did only once; I recall it being quite THe STory of THe San Diego TroubaDour echoed the sentiments of her husband, Kent, substantial), the word “ambiguity” didn’t exist describing the foursome as growing “more in the man’s vocabulary. He’d let you know excited as the pieces of the puzzle began to where he stood on a potpourri of subjects. come together. Ellen had already gotten print The following excerpt was the concluding estimates, had solicited various music-orient - paragraph to Lyle’s vision; ed businesses for advertising, and rounded up “The business of music is just that: a com - people like Lou Curtiss, Paul Abbott, and Russ petitive, cut-throat machine that is designed Bauder (aka Gus Williker) to write columns. to exploit what can be sold to a mass audi - She and Lyle would write the main stories. It ence. And after saturating the market with sounded so homespun, it reminded me of one the crap until it can’t give away its product, it of those Judy Garland-Mickey Rooney movies moves on to the next trend. Unlike the music in which they’re planning to stage a play in industry, this publication is dedicated to the barn or something and somebody pipes musicians and music lovers who know the up, ‘My Mom can sew the costumes!’ At any real stuff when they hear it. It is intended to rate, Ellen had done her homework. Now all facilitate the camaraderie among players, per - she had to do was figure out how she was formers, and songwriters whose vision it is to going to put it together and get it out there. make quality music, despite the trends, music She found her answer in Kent and me. With that they’re proud to share with others. For Lyle as head writer, Ellen’s vast network of long after the music industry merges, dis - local music connections, me as graphic solves, reorganizes, and eventually self- designer and editor, and Kent as distribution destructs, we’ll still be out here just pickin’ guy and advertising salesperson, our team and grinnin.’ “ was complete.” (The last sentence of Lyle’s vision para - Complete – and ready to let the presses phrases lyrics written long ago by Richie roll! With a motto below the masthead that Furay. The Buffalo Springfield-Poco-Rock and Ellen and Lyle at the home of Liz and Kent, celebrating the printing of the very first issue of the Troubadour. read, “alternative country, Americana, roots, Roll Hall of Fame member would no doubt folk, gospel, and bluegrass music news,” Lyle, have been pleased.) Ellen, Kent, and Liz provided a different cov - Lyle was part of a Fourth Estate quartet erage and perspective to the local music that included his wife and Troubadour busi - scene. Artists who appeared on the cover in ness partners Liz Abbott and Kent Johnson. the early years included Lisa Sanders, Berkley Kent was the first to meet the Duplessies. Hart, Sam Hinton, Chris Hillman, and one of “The first time Lyle and I got together and the most successful San Diego groups to jammed on Byrds’ songs, I related how much emerge from any musical genre: Nickel Creek. I loved Gene Clark’s music and Lyle told me The capacity to find advertisers, meet the how he met Gene out in front of his (La Jolla) monthly deadlines, and develop a core follow - house on Nautilus Street,” Kent recalled in the ing did not, however, prepare the Troubadour Jose Sinatra and Phil Harmonic do a Gary Lyle, Gene Clark, and Jim Wakefield backstage February 2005 issue of the Troubadour . Puckett medley at Dizzy’s, 2004. at the Belly Up, 1980s. family for a grief-stricken 2004. In that year, “Well, it turns out that Lyle got together with Ellen lost her gallant battle with breast cancer him a few times and got to on February 24. A few of the Troubadour . “Retroskate” to a Japanese entrepreneur), and know him. He even had a ... my parents originally months later brought an Currently enrolled in a Ph.D program at many other plans that never even made it off stack of photographs a foot wanted to model the paper incident that mourners Tulane University, Derek took time out from the storyboard. This new idea was no worse high to prove it. could express few words. his studies to look back at the newspaper’s than the others, but even more improbable “That was the beginning, after the iconic, if homespun, Families I know personally early years. “The Troubadour traces its roots considering that neither of my parents had although we didn’t know it Cosmic American Music who have gone through a back to something resembling a biblical reve - even an ounce of business sense or technical at the time, of a Byrds’ trib - newsletter, to which my similar episode use the pop - lation. I remember the morning that my mom know-how. ute band that included for - Dad had been a long time ular American slang of the sprung the crazy idea on us. It really must Derek continued, “Meeting Liz and Kent mer King Biscuit Blues Band “double whammy.” On June have occurred to her in a dream because, as was really the determinative moment both virtuoso guitarist Gene subscriber. 17, Lyle emerged from his far as I know, she hadn’t even considered the for my parents and for the nascent idea. Liz Rochambeau and drummer- — Derek Duplessie time of grieving and enjoyed possibility when she went to sleep the night had a great aesthetic vision for the paper’s percussionist extraordinaire a day of surfing with loved ones, only to die before. I call it a crazy idea, because this par - layout, and actually knew how to use a com - Randy Hoffman. Lyle played bass, Liz played on the sands of South Mission Beach from a ticular revelation came on the heels of a puter—more than could be said for my par - tambourine, I played rhythm guitar, and we heart attack after completing a ride. Ellen and string of slightly more plausible revelations, ents—and Kent had broad and deep connec - all sang. We named the band, aptly, Fowl Play. Lyle were the parents of three music fans: none of which had amounted to much. There tions within the San Diego music scene, expe - We had all been such avid Byrds fans since daughters Megan Duplessie DeLeon and was the coffee shop that my parents founded rience with distribution and a personality the ’60s that it was really a special time for all Jenna Duplessie Pabalate and son Derek and presided over for a whole five months, perfectly suited for rounding up advertisers. of us to be able to play our favorite songs Duplessie. Derek’s live shows and recordings the plan to start building and selling vintage If it wasn’t for them, the first – and probably from our youth. were prominently displayed in the early years skateboards (my parents ended up selling last – issue of the Troubadour would have “Call it fate, but a few nights after the day 10 www.facebook.com/sandiegotroubadour OCTOBER 2011 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR parlor showcase

Since the passing of Ellen and Lyle, the Troubadour has fulfilled the Duplessies’ vision. Liz recently mentioned that one of the newspaper’s greatest accomplishments was serving as a facilitating tool in getting the Scottsville Squirrel Barkers reunited in 2003, after not having played together since the early ’60s. The Squirrel Barkers provided an important foundation for the exploding The Desert Poets w/ Kevin Ryan, Dannie Cress, California country rock movement of the late Derek Duplessie & Lyle Duplessie ’60s and early ’70s. Ed Douglas (former pro - prietor of the Double Eagle guitar shop in Normal Heights), Larry Murray (Hearts and Flowers), future Byrd bassist Chris Hillman, Kenny Wertz (Country Gazette), and Bernie Leadon (the Eagles) were some of the Squirrel Barkers’ famous alumni. The band’s celebrat - ed reunion shows in Carlsbad and Normal Bart Mendoza jams with Derek and Lyle at a Troubadour Christmas Party Heights were covered in the pages of the Troubadour . Hillman was one of the three members of Early incarnation of the Byrds tribute band: (l the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame who have been to r) Derek Duplessie, Gene Rochambeau, Liz interviewed in the Troubadour ; the others Abbott, Jim Wakefield, Lyle Duplessie, Kent were Byrds leader Roger McGuinn and John Johnson Sebastian, the most prominent member of famed Greenwich Village folk-rockers, the Lovin’ Spoonful. The results were the same; like Chris, Roger, and John came off as thoughtful artists who still carry a passionate fire for their songwriting craft. Two other major American songwriters also participated in the Troubadour ’s Q&A forum: Jimmy Webb, the Oklahoma native who began writing songs in earnest as a San Bernardino college stu - dent; and Burt Bacharach, no stranger to the Del Mar community, particularly during the horse racing season. Eclectic artists were also Fowl Play (l to r) Gene Rochambeau, Randy given their space; long marching to the beats Hoffman, Lyle Duplessie, Liz Abbott, Kent of their own drummers were former National Johnson City pizza flipper Tom Waits, postman John Prine, and Fairport Convention founding member Richard Thompson. More often than not, cover articles were devoted to contemporary hometown talent. Poster for Scottsville Squirrel Barkers reunion Poster for Troubadour benefit at Portugalia in Songwriters have included Jason Mraz, Dave in 2003, in concert and at the Adams Avenue July 2006 Howard, Gregory Page, and Cindy Lee Roots Festival Berryhill, Joe Rathburn, and Sara Petite; jazz in Los Angeles, hunting for rare 78 rpm the Troubadour began delivering podcasts community standouts included saxophonists records in the rural south, soaking in the of the cover artists. Interviews were Joe Marillo, Charles McPherson, Daniel Greenwich Village atmosphere in the ’60s), recorded in the home studios of Jeff Jackson, bassist Bob Magnusson and guitarist and his current projects (foremost among Berkley. Gaslamp Quarter’s pioneering Liz, Lyle, and Kent sing Smokey Rogers’ hit Peter Sprague. “Gone” at Sounds Like San Diego, 2003 them, continued funding for the digitization entrepreneur Ingrid Croce was the first Concept albums were records where the of his massive archives). If you have not artist to sit in the interviewee’s chair. dozen or so tracks were connected by a com - tuned into his Sunday night “Jazz Roots” radio On the surface, the upcoming gala at the mon theme. Beginning with Frank Sinatra’s show on Jazz 88.3 or joined in his musical jam Sunset Temple to celebrate our tenth Only the Lonely and continuing with the Beach sessions or visited his record store (Folk Arts anniversary may seem an elaborate form of Boys’ Pet Sounds and the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Rare Records) in Normal Heights, you should the publication patting itself on the back. Lonely Hearts Club Band , the concept LP find time to do so. We at the Troubadour are Fair enough. But there is a larger mission at advanced the art of vinyl storytelling. The fortunate to have him as a fellow writer and a stake. This is a fundraiser as well as a cele - Troubadour took the concept album idea to mentor who makes sure we get our facts bration. This will be an opportunity for the heart by creating a series of issues devoted to straight – and he certainly is not afraid to tell newspaper to bring in greater advertising a theme. There was a women’s issue concen - us when we don’t! Along with Lou, the other revenue (the life blood of any paper, trust trating on San Diego females who were per - columnist from the premier issue who is me), to improve the website design, and to forming or were involved in the business side Ellen and Liz man the Troubadour booth at the meeting his monthly deadlines is free spirit increase circulation. 2003 Adams Avenue Roots Festival of music, and several Celtic editions which Jose Sinatra. Over the decade, other colum - In the pre-party strategy meetings at always seemed to fall around March 17th. nists have been added to the roster: Dwight some local watering holes, Liz, myself, been published on my Dad’s 30-year-old “How to” editions were designed for the Worden’s “Bluegrass Corner,” Sven-Erik Michael Rennie, and Pete Bayard discussed typewriter and distributed (very) locally from aspiring musician, such as “The New Station Seaholm’s “The Zen of Recording,” Jim the fund-raising element of the gala. I the back of my mom’s station wagon. Because for Future Radio,” “Where to Begin and how Mcinnes’ “Radio Daze,” and Southwestern believe it was Michael who provided a sat - of their limitations, my parents originally to Excel in the Scene: a guide to the local College Professor-Coyote Problem front man isfying explanation when Liz posed this wanted to model the paper after the iconic, if music industry,” Knocking on a Million Peter Bolland’s “Stages,” a column devoted to question;. “Who is our target audience to homespun, Cosmic American Music newslet - Doors,” and “Conversations with San Diego’s “Philosophy, Art, Culture and Music.” help us in our fund raising?” Michael pro - ter, to which my Dad had been a long time Emerging Artists” were the titles of some of Although much of the Troubadour ’s cover - vided the following criteria: the articles. subscriber. Because of Liz and Kent, the publi - age is devoted to traditional American music, 1. If you an artist who has ever appeared on It there is one staff member who is a true cation ended up coming to resemble a real the publication itself is not averse to techno - the cover of the Troubadour or have been troubadour, it is Lou Curtiss. In his monthly live paper, a fact that never failed to astonish logical advancement. In 2004 the San Diego featured on the inside pages. column, “Recordially,” Lou takes readers my parents. I’m proud to point out the one Troubadour went on line, with webmaster 2. If you are an artist who has benefited and only contribution that I made to the down the roads of his youth (witnessing the Will Edwards putting together a site legendary “Town Hall Party” television shows Troubadour : its name!” embraced by a global audience. Last January, Continued on page 16. www.sandiegotroubadour.com 11 OCTOBER 2011 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR ramblin’

Bluegrass CORNER

by Dwight Worden Looking back upon the seven and a half As people began to get their fill of years that I have written for the all these “reality”-based themes, Troubadour , I have at once a flood of escapism once again reared its empty BILL MONROE Wikipedia for much of this history.) images and yet, a near total absence of head, and things subsequently began Sven-Erik Seaholm Bill Monroe is Many were to follow in Mr. Monroe’s amusing anecdotes. I have enjoyed the to take a nasty turn in the latter part of footsteps, and his mark and the impressions universally con - honor of hanging out with legendary rock the decade with the mega-success of will sound. Don’t forget that solid two sidered the left by this remarkable man and his photographer Henry Diltz, who regaled me Spielberg’s Jaws and Lucas’ Star Wars . Bluegrass Boys Band remains the gold stan - years of touring where you get to recre - “father of blue - with stories of getting high with the The staggering amounts of moneys ate that unintended vision night after grass” music. If dard for bluegrass today. Let’s take a look at Monkees (and the answer to the often generated from these sorts of film some of the important innovations and grueling night, just so you can make he were still asked question is “No.” We didn’t smoke “franchises” and their accompanying enough money to pay back the produc - alive (he died in impacts that this man had on bluegrass any grass, but we sure talked a lot about merchandising revenues brought a music, on country music, and on rock ‘n’ roll. tion and promotional expenses of September it!); I remember the joy of reconnecting much larger corporate involvement to music you don’t care about anymore. 1996) Bill Quiz: who is the only person to be inducted with my old pal John Katchur when I bear. Suddenly, the smallest courtesies into all three music halls of fam: rock ‘n’ roll, Sound like a cynical over-exaggera - Monroe would interviewed him for a Troubadour cover once extended by producers and studio tion? Could be, I suppose. There are Bill Monroe, father of country, and bluegrass? You guessed it, Bill have turned 100 story. And I was introduced to the wonder - heads were now the domain of corpo - certainly a few artists that can be bluegrass music in September of Monroe. ful music of The Cat Mary, whom I was rate boardrooms and accounting firms, Story songs. Bill Monroe was the first to pointed to as being in command of 2011. Let’s take called upon twice to review. I think those and final cuts were left to the mercy of their own artistic destiny, but for each a look at this man known as the “father” and bring story songs to prominence, featuring were the only reviews I ever did, actually. test audience opinions. Hello, financial stories from the farm and from the daily life one of them, there are undoubtedly see why he is so universally regarded as a The rest has been an endless blur of sug - success … bye bye artistic freedom. hundreds of thousands of equally tal - key figure in the history of bluegrass music. of working people. While this approach to gestions, opinions, adjectives, and infor - Sound familiar? Maybe if you substi - songwriting is accepted now as standard, ented, but as yet undiscovered artists Bill Monroe was born on a farm near mation, all lovingly (if often all too tute your favorite musical artists and toiling away in seedy dives and apart - Rosine, Kentucky, in 1911. He was the and such story songs colored early and cur - earnestly) offered for the betterment of producer’s names for those of the rent country music with a heavy brush, Bill ment studios everywhere. The real dif - youngest of eight children. Because his older music and the world around us. Proof that directors listed above and your favorite ference is in the cost of these pursuits, brothers already played the fiddle and guitar, Monroe gets the bulk of the credit for start - mission statement stays in full effect here albums instead of movies. How about ing this trend. and the ability to nurture and explore Bill Monroe was relegated to playing the is the essay below, my first installment of now? Here are some more questions: them far from the calculated eye of less desirable mandolin. He recalled that his The five-piece band. Before Bill Monroe The Zen of Recording in February, 2004. Why do you make music? Is it artistic finalized the configuration of his Bluegrass The Man. Movies are prohibitively brothers insisted he remove four of the man - Peace, – Sven expression and contribution toward expensive ventures compared to music dolin’s eight strings so he would not play too Boys band, there was no set pattern to this the furthering of your chosen craft, or kind of band. It was Bill Monroe who set the and it seems like each day, more tools loudly. SMELL THE REVOLUTION … is it your main objective to “get of our trade are made available to us Bill Monroe’s musical career began in standard: a banjo, a guitar, a mandolin, a signed”? bass, and a fiddle comprise the quintessen - even more inexpensively. What this earnest when he left home and teamed with I was watching a DVD the other night Oh yes, there it is: the “s” word. tial bluegrass band, a fact still true today means is that we now have more con - his brothers Birch and Charlie in the late called A Decade Under the Influence . It’s Look, don’t get me wrong. I want to be (although it is noted that Bill Monroe had an trol over our art than those who have 1920s, presenting themselves in several con - a documentary about filmmaking in able to deliver my work to the largest accordion in his band for a period during the come before us, and that our decisions figurations as the Monroe Brothers. In 1938 the ’70s, detailing the zenith and sub - audience possible, and I’d like to be 1940s, played by a woman no less – Sally regarding our work can come from a he played a brief stint with a group called sequent commercial fall of independ - paid big piles of money for doing what Ann Forrester, and he later experimented place of love and unique expression. the Kentuckians and then in that same year ent American cinema in the span of I love. But at what cost? with drums and electric instruments). When he formed the first version of what was to just 10 years. Let’s say you’re a diehard blues artist Sven-Erik Seaholm is an award-winning you see a five-piece bluegrass band today, become the seminal band Bill Monroe and The film shows us an America dou - and the Record Company offers you all independent record producer. In addition to you have Bill Monroe to thank for institution - his Bluegrass Boys. One year later he made bled over from the growing pains of these things with the caveat that you’ll recording, mixing, and mastering services, alizing that combination of instruments as his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. social activism. Freshly arrived from be making your music their way. Let’s he also offers home studio consulting and the “standard.” A key develop - the front lines of the civil rights move - further suppose that their way is in the lessons on location: 619-287- High Lonesome singing. It was Bill ment occurred ment and encouraged by the “Summer form of some sort of techno-dance 1955/www.kaspro.com Monroe with his high tenor voice who was in Monroe’s of Love” and its emphasis on free music, and that you will have very lit - first to sing in the upper keys, Bb, B, and C, music with the thinking, our country’s people had tle input as to how the end product driving his voice up to the higher registers, addition of begun to ask questions of its leaders. blending it with three-part harmonies that North Carolina These questions covered everything came to be defined as “that high lonesome banjo prodigy from our involvement in Vietnam to sound,” which is characteristic of bluegrass. Earl Scruggs women’s rights, and of course there Earl Scruggs, banjo innova - This Monroe style of singing was borrowed to the Blue was a whole sexual revolution to deal tor and key member of Bill by many country and rock ‘n’ roll performers Grass Boys in with. Monroe’s band as many have copied this technique since, December This dialogue manifested itself in but we have Bill Monroe to thank for that 1945. Scruggs the works of maverick directors and innovation. played the instrument with a distinctive producers of that era. This was the first Mandolin. Bill Monroe was the first to three-finger picking style that immediately time we were hearing names like play the mandolin with a driving backbeat caused a sensation among Opry audiences. Cassevetes, Scorsese, Ashby, Altman, “chop” rhythm and the first to make it a Scruggs joined a highly accomplished group and Coppola. The passage of time stunning lead instrument, spinning fast that included singer/guitarist Lester Flatt, fid - makes it easy to forget that “classics” paced melody-based leads. Today, this role of dler Chubby Wise, and bassist Howard like Easy Rider , Midnight Cowboy , The the mandolin in bluegrass is taken for grant - Watts, who often performed under the name French Connection , Deliverance , Taxi ed, but only because Bill Monroe introduced Cedric Rainwater. Driver , The Godfather , Apocalypse Now , this approach to the instrument and to the In retrospect, this lineup of the Blue and Being There were once considered music. Grass Boys has been dubbed the “original the groundbreaking, taboo-busting Some Great Music. Maybe most impor - bluegrass band,” as Monroe’s music finally work of artistic rebels. included all the elements that characterize tant of all, Bill Monroe wrote, perfumed, and the genre, including breakneck tempos, recorded some great, timeless music. It has sophisticated vocal harmony arrangements, stood the test of time and no doubt will con - and impressive instrumental proficiency tinue to do so. Thanks Bill, and happy birth - demonstrated in solos or “breaks” on the day! mandolin, banjo, and fiddle. Happy Birthday, San Diego Troubadour! The 28 In the winter of 2011, in my role as a songs member of the International Bluegrass Music recorded by Association board of Directors, I traveled to this version Germany to attend the annual conference of of the Blue the European Bluegrass Music Association, Grass Boys the sister organization to IBMA. There were for Columbia delegates from all over Europe – France, Records in England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, 1946 and Romania, Finland, Holland, and elsewhere. An older, but still going 1947 soon One evening in an after hours pub encounter, strong, Bill Monroe became clas - in my practiced and best German, I intro - sics of the duced myself to a hot young mandolin player genre, including “Toy Heart,” “Blue Grass from Germany with whom I was having a Breakdown,” “Molly and Tenbrooks,” great time playing fiddle. His response star - “Wicked Path of Sin,” “My Rose of Old tled me: “Oh. I know you! You write that col - Kentucky,” “Little Cabin Home on the Hill,” umn for the Troubadour !” Seems he spent and Monroe’s most famous song, “Blue time in San Diego and has a friend who Moon of Kentucky.” The last-named was occasionally sends over issues. recorded by Elvis Presley in 1954, appearing as the B-side of his first single for Sun Records. Monroe gave his blessing to Presley’s cover of the song, originally a slow waltz time ballad, and in fact re-recorded it himself with a faster arrangement after Presley’s version became a hit. (Thanks to 12 www.facebook.com/sandiegotroubadour OCTOBER 2011 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR ramblin’

Hosing Down Radio Philosophy, Art, Culture, & Music by José Sinatra StAgeS BEHOLD, MY TEN! Daze As I hinted (somewhat erroneously) in my last two columns, it can be difficult to by Peter Bolland simple. put into proper words one’s true feelings Frustration is the womb of creation. after completing ten years’ worth of time - The idea for the Troubadour was born ly, monthly Scripture, which has done so TEN YEARS out of the frustration at the lack of much to uphold the principles upon which remember being ten years old in media coverage for the music that mat - this great Country was founded and still 1968 when Stanley Kubrick released tered most to the Duplessies. San Diego thrives – the selfish, ruthless pursuit of 2001: A Space Odyssey . Sitting on advantage and gain. I had just come through an incredible the curb in front of my house on anoth - decade of unprecedented musical out - Whatever truths I have exposed, what - er long summer afternoon I wondered ever chuckles I may have nudged, it all has put, the nineties, and the major papers what my life would be like in 2001. It cost the lives of several trees, and I find in town had too many other things to sounded so impossibly far away. I did my hands dripping green with guilt. It is write about to adequately cover it. San the math. I would be 43. That’s practi - my purpose today – nay, my solemn The Hose: Still, those glandular delusions Diego had always had a vibrant music cally dead. Would I be married? Would charge – to prove that just one of those scene going all the way back to the Osama Bin Laden “within a decade”? I have kids? Would my wife look like trees has perhaps not shed its costly bark by Jim McInnes dawn of rock and roll, but the nineties — Predicted in 2002 that before the Cammie Ramelli from fifth grade home in vain. saw the rise of the coffeehouse circuit decade ended, a female superstar would room, because that would be awesome. I recall two of this paper’s founders, I’ll Be Doggone where venues like Java Joe’s and Mikey’s emerge, mashing up the chord progres - Would we have flying cars? Ellen and Lyle Duplessie, prostrate before spawned a long list of acoustic singer- sions of many of the most treasured songs swear that our dog can under - Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club me and near tears, finally acceding to my songwriters that went on to garner from the 1960s and 1970s, calling them stand everything we say. Band was still a brand new album. Jimi demands for a typist, a driver, a masseuse, Grammys, White House command per - and a monthly supply of Viceroys and her own and naming herself after one of IZeppelin (the dog) is a 17-year- Hendrix and the Doors were the hot formances, and gold records. Genres Magnum 40s before I would take on the Queen’s most insubstantial songs? That old black Lab/Rhodesian mix who’s young things on the radio. David like alt-country, Americana, folk, jazz, task of what at least one critic has termed she would call herself something like named after Led Zeppelin because of Gilmore had just replaced Syd Barret in gospel, and roots music of all stripes “[A]n unprecedented monthly display of Radio Gaga? (Try saying that name with a their song “Black Dog.” Yes, I said 17 Pink Floyd. Johnny Cash had just left politically incorrect, Asian comic accent, were routinely overlooked in the main - self-abuse.” Alas, almost as soon as I years old . Like any dog of that age his wife for June Carter and they wrote and you may be weewee amazed.) (equivalent to about 96 in human stream media. Something had to be recall it, it proves itself nothing more than a little song about it called “Ring of — Reveal the breakup of the Beatles years) her legs are weak, she has done. another of my wayward fantasies. The Fire.” Both Martin Luther King, Jr. and some 35 years subsequent to their final, cataracts and fatty tumors and is, So the San Diego Troubadour was truth is somewhere in between, as I once Bobby Kennedy had just been assassi - true dissolution? apparently, deaf. Her back legs can born. told Britney Spears, regarding her feet. nated. A lot of my big brother’s class - — In 2006 vowed to you, sweet readers, no longer lift her off the hardwood Ten years later, the Troubadour is a Magnum 40s are no longer distributed mates were dying in a place none of us in San Diego; Viceroys are no longer being that I would never allow Shakira to sleep floors, so when we’re home, my wife well-established musical mainstay in had ever heard of, called Vietnam. manufactured (way to go, Brown and with me as long as she remained married Sandi and I have to pick her up the San Diego region with a raft of con - That’s a lot for a ten year old to absorb. Williamson/R.J. Reynolds – thanks for the and until the whole Israel-Palestine situa - often. We leave her alone when tributing photographers, top-tier jour - I sat on that curb in front of my house after effects of my addiction!), and Ellen tion is amicably settled? Even now the two we’re at work and many times we’ve nalists, and a reputation for humility, nations and the musical goddess are suf - a lot. and Lyle are most certainly with the Lord come home to find the poor pooch integrity, and passion, three qualities fering the agonies of the damned, and yet sprawled out in the middle of the Ten years later I was a 20 year old now. Both Britney and I are still around at not always found in the smarmy, oh-so- have I not faltered in my pledge. The ton - floor, a pile of poop nearby. pulling out of my parents’ driveway in this precise moment, proving that there ironic hipster world of music journal - nage of my seed increases, the purpose of Sometimes Zeppy stands and my overloaded Datsun 510 wagon on can be, at times, small justice in life. ism. Its DIY vibe and down-home feel my pain is to lessen your own. stares at nothing in particular, but the way to UC Santa Barbara. It was Oh, I did get a typist – and my greatest stand out in an industry dominated by You’re welcome. most of the time she paces. Our 1978 and the Bee Gees’ Saturday Night thanks go to her. Liz Abbott has taken my corporate media and revolving-door Yes, indeed, it’s creepy, ain’t it? And house is 2,000 square feet and the Fever soundtrack dominated the air - scribblings every month and typed them all writers on their way to better and big - out for you, as well as doing all she can to downright insane when the fact that none dog must pace every square foot of waves. An unknown band out of ger things. One outstanding exception keep me sorta on time and focused and of it ever actually appeared here is it dozens of times a day. Pasadena called Van Halen and an to the rule is San Diego Union-Tribune ’s within the questionable boundaries of revealed. That I can say almost anything I And she sheds. Always. I don’t obscure singer-songwriter named Elvis long-time music writer George Varga “good taste,” whatever that is. (Notice want gives me a chubbie. know how any animal could produce Costello both released their debut When the Troubadour started in 2001, whose encyclopedic knowledge, that I wrote “feet” instead of “legs” earli - so much hair. My Roomba robot albums, changing the way the rest of us it was a kind of space odyssey built on a vacuum cleaner gets clogged after nuanced insight and genuine love of er; Liz has done much to foster my maturi - played guitar and wrote songs forever. dream. In 2011, I’m even more spaced and just a few seconds of trying to music shines through every word he ty.) Come January, I should be able to do Getting the most spins on my turntable odd, you see, than I was then; still built hoover it all up. writes. Like many local luminaries, his my own typing (if I live) and give her a bit that year was Bruce Springsteen’s new like a dream, but with the added maturity Sandi will take her on long walks, professional excellence earned him a of a break, but her editorial decisions will album Darkness on the Edge of Town . only Old Age can successfully scare into hoping to make her tired, but when spot on the cover of the Troubadour in be perhaps even more essential. Bless By the time 2001 finally rolled your heart, babe. one’s soul. Zeppelin gets home, she continues 2004. around the world had changed so many And, indeed, we got a driver, an indus - There is a time for laughter and there to pace…and shed…for a couple of By playing against type and reaching times I’d lost count. The vinyl albums trious chap who scours the county every is a time for no laughter. This is neither. hours until she collapses, hopefully out to a vast clientele and readership and turntables we’d used to play the month to deliver our finished product to Instead, it is a time, perhaps, that each on a rug. At least she isn’t a constant grossly underserved by its competitors, of us looks the future in the eye (left or soundtracks of our lives had given way those of you who want it. He’s a fine guy barker. When she does bark, the win - the Troubadour has secured its place in right, it’s of little import) and say, “You’re dows rattle! Zeppy still has major to cassettes, CDs, and mp3s. Although who would probably swear that you San Diego journalism history. And the hot.” When the future blushes endearingly, lung power. her name was not Cammie, my wife deserve it; he actually sees something story’s just beginning. Having proven you’re half way home. Just don’t forget Last week, after a particularly diffi - was gorgeous, we didn’t have any kids, good in humanity and tends to make me itself as a legitimate player in a crowded the condoms. cult day of having to constantly pick and we most certainly did not have a feel ashamed of myself. field, the Troubadour continues to I hope you’ll come and say “hello” or at up our dog and constantly trying to flying car. Which is where the massage comes in expand its coverage and influence least “you’re hot” at the Ocean Beach get her to do her business, Sandi 2001 turned out to be a pretty big handy. Yes, everyone can use a sympathet - through digital, audio, and visual ic stroke or four now and then, or a little Octoberfest, taking place this year on and I had “the talk” about our sweet year. In May, after ten years of part-time media. Who knows what the next ten note saying something like “I believed you. Friday, October 7th and all day Saturday, teenaged pet. We discussed who teaching at various community colleges years will bring. Love, Fig” (which I actually received after October 8th. Once again I’ll be emceeing would drive her to the vet, how in San Diego, I finally landed a full-time Ten years is a long time. Ten years is a performance of Plymouth Rock in 1971). the mainstage musical entertainment and much euthanasia will cost and how tenure-track position as a philosophy hosting the Stein Holding and Bratwurst the blink of an eye. But what’s most In other words, it can be awesomely bitch - “that dog has gotta go because she’s professor at Southwestern College. In Eating competition as well as judging driving us crazy!” Zeppelin was striking to me is how a vision, born out ing to hear somebody say how something June, a few weeks later, I turned 43 something concerning the lung power of snoozing on the floor between us as of love – love for music and a keen you wrote cracked him/her up or stopped years old in the Vista jail on my first some brave female contestants – the we planned her demise. desire to share that music with a much someone from murdering an obnoxious rel - and last DUI. That September brought anticipation renders me nearly breathless. The next day, though, she was like wider audience – spanned the chasm ative or kept some dude from forming a the horror of 9/11. And in October the Then, after that there’s the Troubadour a younger version of herself. She between the possible and the actual. Josh Groban tribute band. Lacking the San Diego Troubadour was officially good fortune of such examples, I can still Benefit, and Halloween, Christmas, birth - managed to not fall down and she Never letting the how interfere with the launched. get all tingly down there when I see my days, New Year’s 2012 . . . gosh, I’m happy began notifying us that she needed what, Lyle, Ellen, Liz, and Kent and the The Troubadour was hatched on the own picture in print. So, in a sense, as my to have been around with you for these to go outside. She started running great team of people they surrounded kitchen table of Lyle and Ellen homies tell me, “It all good.” past ten years and I thank you sincerely, and jumping like a puppy, albeit a themselves with, kept putting one foot one and all, and God, I miss you Buddy Duplessie. They recruited their good As few of you might believe, I’m not clumsy one. Now we come home to before the other, never completely sure Blue and Steve Esmedina and Lyle and a dog who’s happy to see us and friend Liz Abbott, an experienced artist, one to make a habit of tooting his own that any of this was going to work, but Ellen! And, bless you always, Kent and who’s still on all fours and who has editor and graphic designer to captain horn. Nor would I normally make a habit of trusting in the knowledge that if you do Liz! not relieved herself inside the house! the ship and Liz’s husband, Kent recalling how gosh-darned prescient my good things, people will find you and It’s as if Zeppelin heard every word Johnson, to handle the crucial tasks of column has been over the years. support you. of our chat and decided to be her advertising and distribution. The four But let’s face it: these are not normal It wasn’t always easy. In fact, it never old self. Weird. of them started calling everyone they times, and habits have the habit of pop - was. In February, 2004 Lyle lost his ping up when they’re least needed. Was it I used to scoff at those who said, knew, lining up stories and writers. beautiful and loving wife Ellen to a not in this column: “Dogs are people, too.” Now I’m Why bother? Why go through all the long battle with cancer. Four months — In 2003, that the writer (and I refuse not so sure they’re wrong. agonizingly hard work? Why launch later Lyle died of a heart attack while to name names) warned that our then- Welcome back, Zeppy! another free weekly paper in an already surfing with his family in Mission president would “win” a second term? THE SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR crowded market? Clearly, there was no Beach. They both left us way too — Suggested strongly, in 2007, that AND ME real money to be made – this was a young. But they also left us with a Michael Jackson was heading for some I don’t even remember when I break-even project at best. But some - vision and a passion and a willingness sort of trouble? began writing for the Troubadour . It thing had to be done, and somebody — In 2010, predicted the death of had to do it. Sometimes it’s just that continued on page 16 Continued on page 16 www.sandiegotroubadour.com 13 OCTOBER 2011 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR highway’s song

NOTES FROM A TRUCK STOP Phil Harmonic One of my favorite Troubadour columnists worn, with a hole in one of them. during the early years was Les Brennan, aka Slicked back hair and a gap Sez Jimmy “Diesel” White, a name that he and between his front teeth told me he Lyle Duplessie concocted over a couple of was probably just fired from some beers. The column was called “Notes from a carnival where he was running the Truck Stop.” Despite the fact that it was like The optimist pulling teeth to get him to turn in his column tiltawhirl too fast and made some on time and also that I had to take some preacher’s daughter throw up. crumpled up, hand-written piece of paper and Nevertheless, just another desert proclaims that was full of typos and misspellings, I bum. But it was him . always forgave him once I started typing his Taking out a guitar case from the that we live goofy stories. This guy had a true gift for sto - trunk of the Coupe de Ville and stag - rytelling. I never knew whether the stories gering a bit made us want to color in the best of were true or whether they came out of that ourselves gone. How could this guy fertile, goofball brain of his, but he was always thoroughly entertaining, so funny I’d pull off a gig like this? How could he all possible howl with laughter, and poignant, too. I win our poor lonesome souls to the thought I share this one from July 2002 so drunken guitar twangs we loved so worlds; the you readers can get a taste! And Jimmy, God much? I had heard about these bless you wherever you are! types before, you know, like Lefty pessimist Frizell who would walk to the stage —Liz Abbott Jimmy “Diesel” White many times with the shakes yet per - fears this The Drunken Fool form without a flaw. Or how about no-show “Jones”? We were here to the party was over. Everyone milled is true. by Jimmy “Diesel” White eat cheese cut by a rusty knife, eat about and slowly drifted away raw jalapeño peppers and wash toward the dusty desert air for a — James Branch Cabell The desert is a hot place. A hot them down with rot-gut tequila. Then breath of fresh dust. place to work. A hot place to sleep. we would sweat to the sound of I felt sorry for Calvin, sorry for A hot place to do anything, but there good honky-tonk. But this guy! I the years of a great talent gone to we all stood. Yes, we, just a bunch of don’t know. When he passed us, you waste. The scourge of alcohol, the us hard-core desert truckers, wait - could smell the spent liquor on his lack of money, and no doubt many ing outside a desert bar oasis known breath, blood-shot eyes, and two lost loves. Why did he continue, why as the “Whispering Palms.” A sort of days worth of cigarette smoke on his go on and on, not knowing what the whiskey oasis for the local desert clothes. His name? Well, I asked the next gig will bring or take out of him? folk. One of those obscure “joints” bartender. Back came a booming As Calvin walked past me, I nodded you see in those lonesome movies, response with a definite tone of dis - and smiled. “I love your stuff man,” I where trains howl and click-clack in gust. “Calvin Collier is the name of said, while at the same time an old the distance. We were all waiting to this moron, and he better not start lady could be heard sayin’ “the hear a local musician who drove another fight like he did the last drunken fool.” Those words passed from dive to dive desert bars to sing time.” through him like the Texas wind. and howl honky tonk songs in a rare Down went the sun and then Walking past me, I saw him take in a language, known only to a few as came the dusk of the desert I love so deep breath of the desert air and “Texican.” When heard by the much. The wind still blew and rattled look long and hard up at the human hear, well, it has a kind of the doors. We all waited for some starlight. He gave so much when he drawl mixed in with some broken down-home tunes. This guy was sang, I wondered to myself what Spanish and coyote sounds. So known for taking some of the old secrets he kept to himself. when you sing like that with an old country-style Rolling Stones songs So there went Calvin and, as he beat up guitar, it’s mesmerizing, to like “It’s All Over Now” and “Dead walked toward the rusty old Coupe say the least, especially when one is Flowers” and making them sound de Ville, he couldn’t help but notice on the swill! like real “country tonk.” Then came that 1948 Kenworth of Larry’s, and I So there we stood waiting in the the sound of a stool being dragged could hear Calvin say, “Ah love dem hot solar winds, waiting for this across the stage floor as though on ol bhaaaag trucks.“ So, for a honky-tonk fool. I spent my wait talk - purpose, along with a stupid smirk moment, Calvin savored the old ing to an old hippie-type trucker on Calvin’s face. Tuning his guitar beast until he noticed the mangy dog friend named Larry Sunquist and his was a performance in itself. I knew and wondering what her name was, mangy dog Alice. One of those about different tunings for play, so he asked me, “Whet’s the name a da Queensland type bitches that bark at when I hollered out “whad’ya tune nice pooch?“ Without warning he the wind. Larry was a true vintage ‘er to?” he just smirked again and, leaned down to pet Alice and as trucker. He drives a 1948 Kenworth with a shrug, said in Texican, “What’ Larry ran to his aid, I heard Larry with big fat straight stacks that are eva I ahfaalen like I guessum,” so I say, ”the drunken fool.” “Well,” I loud, very loud, so loud that Larry chalked it up as another lost cause. said with a sigh. “Time to take this wears ear plugs. As we talked and At least we had our tequila and white trash on down the road.” waited for this singing joker, I shared “peppas.” And so Calvin started to Bye-bye, baby. some things with Laarrrrry about the play, and we sat there, not moving, truck-driving song articles I had and wondered was it the tequila or written in the “Troub” and as I inad - the music? This guy was beltin’ it out vertently stooped to pet Alice, the with all the soul and dusty grit he mangy dog, I heard Larry scream could muster up. We sat for two long “Nooooooo, don’t do that!” hours cryin’ in our drinks and feelin’ Apparently the last poor soul who so bad that suicide was the only tried to pet Alice, the mangy mutt, option of escaping the song’s sad had severe, and I do mean severe, feeling. How can a man look so lacerations to the hand and wrist. A down on his luck and sound so good terrible incident that Larry and the when he sings? Calvin did a version mutt wanted to put behind them for - of the late great Roy Orbison song ever, so we just threw an old flat - called “Blue Bayou” that could tened bicycle inner tube for her to make a cactus cry at noon. chase and bite! Our good time was cut short, Finally an old Cadillac Coupe de however, when I saw the look in his Ville pulls up and parks crooked. We eye. A look of “upcoming events” if thought nothing about it, just another you know what I mean! In other bum crawling in for his daily shot of words, the liquor tank was full and mescal. He appeared to be someone overflow was imminent. He vomited in his mid-40s who hadn’t shaved for on stage right in front of God and the a week. The shirt he was wearing audience! The swamp cooler quickly was a typical western-style shirt carried the fragrance throughout the with some Indian design on it, but joint and the barkeeper kept yellin’, the shirt was buttoned crooked. “Get out now!” Poor Calvin. He tried Boots? Oh, yeah! But worn, very to regroup and start a new song, but 14 www.facebook.com/sandiegotroubadour OCTOBER 2011 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR highway’s song San Diego Troubadour – I Keep You In My Heart

by Terry Roland Is Kept Clean.” Then there was the about spirituality, recovery and her lat - pleasure of spending hours interview - est project, last year’s fine The t’s another sleepless night. It’s 3am ing John Stewart’s widow, Buffy Ford- Foundling , about her struggles with and Warren Zevon sings, “keep me Stewart, relating her insightful stories being adopted and her search for her in your heart for a while.” My writ - of John and his final days in San Diego. birth mother. After a great interview I Interviewing Ian Tyson by phone while with dobro and steel great, Cindy ing assignment for this month finds me wishing we could all stay in each others he sat in his box canyon cabin in Cashdollar, she made sure she called hearts for a while, or for more than a amidst the blue winter winds of me back to let me know she had failed while. To the founders Ellen and Lyle Canada, was quite a challenge. He to mention a key influence on her steel Duplessie, Liz Abbott, and Kent talked about the disappearing wilder - playing, Marion Hall, a musician from Johnson I offer gratitude for the oppor - ness and the unfenced frontier. I didn’t an obscure L.A. country music televi - tunity the San Diego Troubadour has think I we had much of an interview. sion show broadcast in Compton, given me to immerse myself in the He nearly out-silenced Gary Cooper. California during the late ’50s. Marion music and its makers. At first glance it’s But, it stands as one of my best pub - was someone she did not want to be Terry Roland been a chance to rub shoulders with lished interviews. lost in the more familiar influences she such talented, legendary, and famous Then there were those interviews named during the interview. artists. But, taking a deeper look, writ - with like-minded artists who I feel such Working for the Troubadour has also listening to the late, great Warren of the talented writers, musicians, ing for the Troubadour these past three a connection from it seems like a fate given me the gift of being able to hear Zevon’s The Wind . I’ve listened to the advertisers, merchants and most espe - years, has been much more. Five years encounter. David Wilcox inspired me to so many of San Diego’s great local tal - album three times through as I’ve writ - cially dear, dear Liz and Kent for keep - ago, after decades of writing songs and get out and write my own songs. His ent first hand. I remember the first ten this. Warren wrote it when he knew ing the flame of this music burning for poetry and sending it to the wind, a fire insights were stunning. His attitude Adams Avenue Roots Festival in April his life, as he knew it, would soon this last decade, even when it would lit inside of me to shine a light on the certain, humble, but right-sized and of 2008. It was amazing to me that a come to an end. It’s a reminder of how have been easy to let it go. They both unsung heroes of the music I’ve loved real. With knees shaking and voice at city would actually allow their streets precious we really are to each other. held on to each other and to us and the for the last 50 years. I wrote three arti - near a quiver, I talked with the Doors to be closed off for a promenade devot - The music connects us, but the muse, world is a better place for it. Thank cles. The first was for L.A’s FolkWorks lead guitarist, Robbie Krieger, last year. ed to music for two days. Something the poet, the musician’s flare and crafts - you, Liz and Kent. about Richie Furay of Buffalo He was cooler than cool. The very defi - that’s never happened around my home manship, all lead us to deepen the Shadows are fallin’ and I’m running out Springfield and Poco. The second was nition of cool in attitude as he talked of in Los Angeles. That’s when I first moments and our connections to each of breath also for the same FolkWorks, about my how Miles Davis inspired his guitar heard Ross Altman sing “Midnight other. As the final song, “Keep Me In Keep me in your heart for a while. playing and how his latest project was Special.” It’s also the first time I heard Your Heart,” reminds me of mortality, friend Barry McGuire and his new If I leave you it doesn’t mean I love you show, Trippin’ the ’60s. The third arti - modeled on Miles iconic Sketches of Gregory Page who seemed to be from the passing moments, those who have any less Spain . I found a kindred spirit in Iris England by way of Piedmont, gone and those of us who remain and cle, unpublished at the time, it has Keep me in your heart for a while since been posted online through No Dement who grew up listening to her Bluestown U.S.A. Robin Henkel played all we can do in the end is with faith mother sing old gospel hymns, which is his goodtime blues and got up out of and hope embrace and appreciate our When you get up in the morning and you Depression , was a memorial tribute to see that crazy sun San Diego native and one of the key where she found her strongest connec - his chair like a Pentecostal preacher time here. If anything, this work has Keep me in your heart for a while founders of Americana music, John tion for her own songwriting to devel - caught by the Holy Spirit trying to given me that insight. How important it Stewart of the Kingston Trio and op and grow. The article I wrote about spread music smiles throughout the is to be able to put down in words, There’s a train leaving nightly called ‘when all is said and done.’ “Daydream Believer,” fame. I sent all her in 2009 was also about her mother’s crowd. Chris Clarke and Plow, that well, hell...like Elton John says, “how three to Liz and I was hired, even influence. She born into a large weekend, sang songs that sounded a wonderful life is while you’re in the Keep me in your heart for a while though I live in the L.A. area, to cover Arkansas family but raised in Orange hundred years old, which could have world?” That goes for you, San Diego — Warren Zevon out-of-town artists for the Highway’s County, California. I was born into a been migrated by way of his native Troubadour , and those word embrace all Song column. The first thing Liz said to large, Texas family and raised on the West Virginia. I was fortunate enough me was, “We don’t pay much.” My South Bay in California. When we met to hear Steve White at a song circle response was, “You mean, you pay???” she held my hand and gave me an playing rhythm on his box and sound - That opened the door to a series of appreciative squeeze, letting me know ing out his rasping beat poet colored features and interviews on some of the she got the message about her mother. lyrics out like a local Tom Waits. The artists I’ve most loved and to be able to Talking to Sarah Lee Guthrie on the weekend finished with a few sets by answer the call I felt as a writer to bring phone from Florida while kids laughed Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen and to light those artists who just don’t and shouted in the background and her Chris’ first band, the Scottsville Squirrel always get the notice they deserve. mom, Jackie, made espresso, was quite Barkers, which also included Bernie Along the way, in no particular order, I an experience. We talked in the early Leadon formerly of the Eagles, and can tell you in a word salad my impres - morning about the impact of Woody original members, Ed Douglas, Kenny sions and experiences along the way. and Arlo on her life and spirit. Then Wertz, and Larry Murray. One of the great advantages of work - there was backstage at 2010’s, The Then, there was February, 2009 ing for the Troubadour has been the Guthrie Family Rides Again , show with when Liz, Kent, and I went to Point names its allowed me to drop. This arti - Arlo, Sarah Lee, and generations of Loma to see the Richie Furay Band at cle is that golden opportunity to pick a Guthries walking by me, around me, writer’s symposium. We sat font-row lot of those names up and see just what even stepping on my feet(that was the center with fellow writer, Steve Thorn, they’ve meant to me and perhaps to a grandkids). I think my whole world lit while Richie and his band brought his few readers out there up as I was being introduced to Sarah past legacy with Buffalo Springfield, One of my first assignments was Lee and her husband Johnny and Sarah Poco, and Souther, Hillman and Furay Terry Hendrix. She is a Texas Hill Lee finished my name before the per - into the present with passion and ener - Country singer-songwriter whose men - son doing the introducing could. gy. It was a stunning and celebrative tor taught her how to survive by edu - If I had not written the feature piece performance by Richie and his entire cating her in the business of goat farm - on Booker T Jones, I never would’ve band. I’d call it inspired. We didn’t ing. A Texas Buddhist teacher-mentor known how important he was to both know it at the time, but Richie had just relationship that brought her growth as Civil Rights (one of the first integrated been told that his old friend and band an artist. My first interview was with bands) and to keeping real good music mate from the Springfield, drummer, Herb Pedersen who gave me the low- alive during the pre-Beatle ’60s. Seeing Dewey Martin, had just passed away a down on just what pure bluegrass is in him and meeting him in Poway was few days before. style and performance. He said some - beyond cool. The man was sheer ele - Finally, I can honestly say, one of the thing about one-mic and limited elec - gance and eloquence, a strong but quiet greatest discoveries I owe to Liz and tronics. Chris Hillman then painted his talent leaving plenty of space for his Kent is Antonio Carlo Jobim, Joao own picture of a 15-year-old kid taking band of young musicians. Brian Gilberto, and the roots of South a train from San Diego to San Francisco Wilson’s daughter, Carnie Wilson, was American, Bossa Nova. I took an odd - just to learn mandolin after seeing open and candid and came to tears ball assignment, at least for me, to write Clarence and Roland White in the when she talked about Brian, but also an article about the Brazilian songwrit - Kentucky Colonels at the Ash Grove in with pride when she described her own ers and jazz icons for an upcoming Santa Monica. He also gave me his musical accomplishments with Wilson spring tribute concert. Although, I’ve most famous quote: “Back in the early Phillips and her solo records. Singer- been eclectic in my tastes and knowl - ’60s real surfers didn’t play surf music. songwriter, Jesse Winchester, spoke edge most of my life, these guys some - Real surfers played bluegrass.” During with humility and somewhat apologeti - how got passed me. Now, when I hear an interview with Geoff Muldaur, he cally about leaving the country for references to Jobim from Jazz enthusi - told me how, as a very young man, he Canada during the Vietnam War. He asts, I have first-hand knowledge of got drunk and drove to Texas and also nearly busted my eardrum when how a genre of music was created way found Blind Lemon Jefferson’s grave, he found something I said that was south of the U.S.A. back in the early bought a broom, and swept it clean as funny. He had a great laugh. There was ’60s. the blues great had requested in his a strong sense of connection with the I’m still sitting at my computer. It’s song, “When I Die See That My Grave great Mary Gauthier when we chatted 5am. Sleep never came to visit. I’m still www.sandiegotroubadour.com 15 OCTOBER 2011 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR highway’s song

emerge, trying to be born? Are you the Sprague and Leonard Patton as Troubadour 10th Anniversary Radio Daze, continued from page 13 San Diego Troubadour, continued from one to help midwife the next stage of headliners alongside the tradition - Compilation CD, featuring various our collective evolution? What if we let page 13 was at the holiday party in 2003 al Troubadour Open Mic at which cover artists from the past 10 go of our fear and lived our lives years ago when Ellen Duplessie com - instead from wonder and joy? Maybe from a CD review in the anyone can get up and play by years. For further information and mented that the paper needed writ - tonight around a kitchen table some - Troubadour . ers and I blurted out, “I can write!” signing up at the party. An to buy tickets for general admis - where a new project is beginning to (About WHAT, I still can't tell.) 3. If you are a regular Troubadour Opportunity Drawing to win a sion or VIP Seating (includes a take shape. And ten years from now I first realized that people liked my reader who has looked forward Taylor SolidBody Guitar or a table in front of the stage, plus writing style when a local singer we’ll all wonder how we ever lived to the free monthly publication Deering Goodtime Banjo. Tickets two drink tickets and two oppor - approached me on a Gaslamp street without it. Where will you be, who will and said something to the effect that you be and what will come through appearing in a branch library or for the drawing are still available tunity drawing tickets, go to he felt like he was “there” while you in these next ten years? local coffee house. for purchase at Classic Bows http://www.sandiegotrouba - reading one of my columns. Peter Bolland is a professor at 4. If you are a music fan who has Violin Shop, New Expression dour.com/10th-anniversary-cele - I am still the only staffer who Southwestern College where he teaches doesn't play acoustic music. Hell, I’m attended a concert listed in the Music, Moze Guitars, the Blue bration/ eastern and western philosophy, ethics, no longer in a band, for that matter! Guitar, and Buffalo Brothers. world religions, and mythology. Off cam - calendar section or featured on And soon I may no longer be a Steve Thorn is an adjunct history pus he is a writer, speaker, and singer- the “Local Seen” photo page. There will also be a silent auction writer because I am trying to lighten instructor in San Diego. His first record songwriter. You can follow him on Twitter that features dinner and wine for my load. I’m getting kind of tired of I didn’t major in statistics in col - review was Rod Stewart’s Every Picture working six days a week at three at www.twitter.com/peterhbolland, find 10, plus a wine tasting. In addi - Tells a Story , which appeared in a 1971 him on Facebook at lege, but suffice to say, we are issue of the Grossmont High School stu - jobs plus this column. tion, Troubadour 10th But, then again, I may NOT quit! www.facebook.com/peter.bolland.page, or talking about a lot of people. And dent newspaper, The Foothill Echoes . Anniversary t-shirts will be avail - We’ll see. I love this rag! write to him at [email protected] we hope to see many of you on October 9th. able for purchase as will a

Stages, continued from page 13 The San Diego Troubadour 10th Anniversary Celebration and to keep doing the hard work of putting Fundraiser will take place Sunday, out a fresh edition every four weeks October 9, 6-11pm at Sunset without fail, knowing that there are Temple, 3911 Kansas Street always more stories to tell, more music to share, and more community-building behind Claire de lune in North to actualize. Park. This fun-filled evening will Good journalism tells the truth. feature Berkley Hart, Steve Poltz, Great journalism reconnects us with A.J. Croce, Robin Henkel, and Peter the things that matter most. As we read these stories and see these pictures, we are looking into a world very much like our own – filled with everyday heroes who plug away at their dreams, willing to risk it all on the off chance that pas - sion really is worth living for, no matter how depleted our checking account becomes. Always a passion-first and a business-second endeavor, the San Diego Troubadour stands as an inspira - tion to anyone willing to take a chance on something they believe in, no matter how many consultants tell you it’ll never work. As you gather around your kitchen table with friends to consider your next move, ask yourself a few important questions. What’s frustrating you these days? What does the world need? Is there something trying to

16 www.facebook.com/sandiegotroubadour OCTOBER 2011 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR of note

The Riders Sons of Chris Klich Billy Watson Melly Frances Acoustic Duo Edison Jazz Quartet Secret 8: Blues for & the Distilled the Modern Frontier by Mark Pulliam Strikes Again Blue Skies Spirits The Riders, in full complement a quin - by Frank Kocher tet playing roots-rock, was profiled in a by Mark Pulliam by Frank Kocher Nine Pound cover story in the May 2010 issue of the Fans of the local blues scene are San Diego Troubadour , along with a Sons of Edison consist of Michael As Baby Boomers come to terms with familiar with Billy Watson, either as side - Hammer Heart review of their second studio album, Casinelli and Richard Livoni, who jointly the Great Recession, and scratch their man for various artists (Robin Henkel, Crown City Sessions . This time out, the wrote all 14 songs on this self-produced heads about what passes for popular Mississippi Mudsharks, Billy Bacon and Riders appear as an acoustic duo (con - CD. The San Diego-based duo describe music these days, what better time to the Forbidden Pigs, and others) or as a by Mark Pulliam sisting of front man Tom Cusimano on themselves as a “virtual band,” which take a nostalgic listen back to the music front man of his own band, singing and Nine Pound Hammer Heart is the debut guitar and piano and Devin Shea on vio - means that they play all of the instru - that their parents grew up with. Before playing harp with a group of inter - CD by Melly Frances and the Distilled lin), with an album so titled. The 16 ments on 12 of the 14 tracks (through rock and guitars, it was big band jazz changeable players, often including A-list Spirits, a group built around singer/song - tracks, all original material, were record - the magic of multi-track recording), with and horns, but then as now, good music players from other local blues bands. writer Melanie Sponselee (AKA Melly ed “live” (with no overdubs) at Signature supporting musicians (including Eve had a good groove and hooks, and the Since 1999 he has seemingly played Francis) and her backing band, fronted Sound Studios in San Diego. Acoustic Selis) featured on two. Strikes Again is the best musicians were stars. everywhere with everybody, and has by guitarist/keyboard player Tom Duo , which was produced by Cusimano group’s second album, following their The standards of the 1930-1950 jazz released eight of his own discs. The latest Cusimano of the local roots band the (who also wrote all the songs), includes self-titled 2002 debut. Casinelli, a past era have a staying power that will outlive is Secret 8: Blues for the Modern Frontier , Riders. The nine track disc is a blues-rock four new (previously unreleased) songs president of the San Diego Songwriter’s all but the very best of more recent by Watson and his International Silver potpourri, with Frances’ husky blues- and 12 covers of tunes previously record - Guild, plays keyboards, synthesizer, and music. The melodies are hard-wired into String Submarine Band. mama voice pushing hard on track after ed by the full group from their first percussion, and provides background the musical memories of even casual His previous disc, Lucky #7 had an track. Listeners familiar with Janis Joplin album, 200 Miles From Everywhere vocals to Livoni’s guitar, bass, drums, and music fans; the best composers of the unusual amount of studio polish, with and especially Susan Tedeschi will feel (2006), the 2009 Crown City Sessions , lead vocals. Both musicians are seasoned era include immortals like Duke horns in spots and slick production. This right at home with Frances, though some and a 2010 session recorded at Sun journeymen who are veterans of the stu - Ellington, Irving Berlin, George and Ira was a departure for Watson, who returns of the songs work better than others. Studios, released via MP3, titled dio and the stage. Livoni, who owns and Gershwin, and dozens of band leaders to the basics on Secret 8 . This is push the Cusimano produced, and the arrange - Memphis . Cusimano and Shea, who have operates Blitz Recording Studio in San who were heroes in the radio age. record button, seat of your pants blues ments have a “live in the studio” sound. played 150 gigs as an acoustic duo Diego (where the album was recorded), The music is still played, but 17-piece music, which is probably the best way to On some of the songs this results in both (including opening for America at was part of the popular southern bands are tougher to put together than capture Watson’s unique musical person - Frances and harp player Murph McCree Humphrey’s), selected the songs from California rock band, The Blitz Brothers, rock quartets. Chris Klich and his local ality and talent; it is raw, echo-filled and being swamped in a sea of reverb, as on the group’s repertoire based on their which, during its existence from 1973 to Jazz Quintet manage to convey the feel - spontaneous. The eight tracks (six origi - “Bootlegger’s Ball.” She sings with plenty instrumental distinctiveness. The “new” 1986, frequently opened for touring ing of a much bigger sound, while keep - nals) feature a bare-bones quartet: back - of gusto, and has a good set of pipes, songs are “Simple at its Best,” “These headliners. So the Sons of Edison have ing some of the advantages of a smaller ing Watson are guitarist Nathan James, though the intonations and aggression in Stones,” “Greatest Day,” and “In Pieces.” cred in the genre they describe as “clas - combo, sticking with classics on Blue bassist Troy Sandow, and drummer her growl will sound familiar to listeners The “covers” include the group’s award- sic rock with a contemporary edge.” Skies . Recorded in 2005 and featuring Walter Sluppick, and the disc was played who cut their teeth on Janis’ Big Brother winning “Toby’s Song” and their signa - For the most part, Strikes Again vocalist Laura Preble, the album is billed and recorded in two days by James in discs. “All I Seen” has acoustic backing ture tune “Coalinga” (the remote loca - evokes the soft side of classic rock/pop – as a “Tribute to the Music of the 1940s,” May 2010 – as Watson calls it, a “fasty.” and Frances powers through, making one tion of which inspired the title of their reminding the listener of America, the and if anything the 12 tracks are a sort Listening to the tracks is like being a wish for the ever-elusive lyrics (not first album). Eagles, Guess Who/BTO, and similar of “greatest hits” of the big band era fly on the wall at a live studio session. All included, nor is it clear exactly who has As an ensemble, The Riders remind lis - groups from the ‘70s and ‘80s. The retro and platform for some great musician - the tracks are in the key of E, the “peo - written what material). teners of Dire Straits, Dave Matthews sound is reinforced by a song structure ship. ple’s key,” which was good enough for After taking a few tracks to get going, Band, The Band, and Bruce Springsteen – emphasizing hooks and choruses, and Klich is prominent throughout on all Bo Diddley and suits the purpose here. “I Got More Soul Than You” delivers an in other words, rock and roll. As an lyrics that bemoan lost romance. Yet the three saxes, clarinet, and flute. Alan On “Oh My Darlin’” the listener gets the impressive vehicle for Frances and com - acoustic duo, Cusimano and Shea deliver repertoire is varied enough to defy easy Worthington handles the guitar with first taste of Watson’s wacky vocals, pany to launch into a grinding, bluesy a folk sound reminiscent of Steve Earle, categorization. taste and restraint and keyboardist (for which are a unique blend of such road - standout track that lets her cut loose with Townes Van Zandt, and the early Bob “One Stone at a Time” is a very this disc) Neal Wauchope likewise sets house blues singers as Kim Wilson, Lee the best vocal here, and has room for Dylan, with an emphasis on story-telling melodic acoustic rendition of one of the the table for Klich and Preble to take the McBee, and Omar Kent Dykes – but with Cusimano to play a nasty guitar solo, lyrics and unadorned guitar/violin/piano most popular songs from the group’s first spotlight and soar. Preble’s vocals are tongue firmly in cheek. The salaciousness along with lots of harp by McCree. riffs, blending with each other and album. “My Darling Forever” is a father’s clear and expressive, with good range of a blues combo lead singer is sent up, “Honey” works the familiar buzzing bee Cusimano’s soulful vocals. Standouts on ode to his darling daughter. Casinelli’s and a sultry edge when the song needs played for laughs by Watson in the metaphors with a more brisk beat, juicy this album include the four “new” synthesizer provides a decent facsimile of it. moment that he does a pretty damn guitar riff, and Cusimano’s acid-rock lead songs” (especially “Simple at its Best,” a horn section in “You Don’t Know Me,” The eight vocals and four instrumen - good job carrying it off. This seems to be break helps transport the vibe to the late which showcases the classically trained “Send Her to Me,” and “I Keep Falling,” tals include Ellington’s “Caravan,” with Watson’s gift: it’s not really a wild man ‘60s. These two tracks lift the entire proj - Shea’s virtuosity, and “These Stones,” which captures the mood of Motown. some rasty sax work by Klich over the act if you sing this well. ect up a notch. which boasts a beautiful guitar line and Casinelli’s piano work shines through on pounding drums getting aid from exotic The band gives him both a booming Some nice bass work by Darren Cusimano’s expressive vocals). the ballad, “Can’t You Hear My Heart.” guitar chords, setting up a nice bass solo bottom and the clean, fundamental gui - Wagner powers “Rebel Girl,” which has “Storylines,” from the group’s CSS “In Heaven Already,” “Tryin’ to by Brian Wright. tar lines needed for this kind of project, more of a funk feel than any other track album, is my favorite, channeling the Survive in America,” “This Can’t Go On,” as on “I Told You So” and “Ice or Coal.” here. Frances chews the scenery with the pre-electric Dylan at his best. The spare and “Stardom City” have more of a rock On these and most other tracks, it is vocal, though, and the overdone vocal arrangements focus the listener on the and roll edge, displaying Livoni’s consid - Watson the harp player that dominates mannerisms and anguished moans songs’ beautiful but subtle melodies. erable prowess on the electric guitar. song after song. On “Ice” he smokes the demonstrate the one largely missing “Too Far Away Tonight” and “In Pieces” “Send Her to Me” has a blues flavor, with solo, then James gets some bars to ingredient on the disc: subtlety, a softer highlight Cusimano’s piano. Shea’s violin background vocals by Laticia Carrington. impress with some licks of his own. side. The next song, “He Caught Fire,” shines throughout, particularly in “’Til The catchy “He’s No Good For You” fea - Watson’s harp playing, based on what is shows a taste of this with a more the World Seems Right” and “Katie May tures a soulful Eve Selis on lead vocals here, compares favorably with players restrained and jazzy approach – and it’s a I.” The guitar picking in “Summer Rain,” and session pro Larry Dent on drums (as like Steve Guyger, Rick Estrin (Nightcats highlight. Upright bass work, background Wasted Heart,” “Untitled,” and “Sunday well as some excellent guitar work by front man), and Mitch Kashmar. He harp, and acoustic lead guitar take an Letter” is understated but compelling. Livoni) with an R&B beat. makes the bullet mike warble, scream, unhurried journey, as Frances sings Cusimano’s versatile (almost chameleon- My favorites songs from the album and wah-wah, has a tasty sustain and “Behind every broken woman is an even like) vocals range widely throughout the are “He’s No Good For You” and the works all the riffs into his singing well. sadder man” and other lines, without album, from a raspy Ryan Bingham closing track, “Stardom City,” which is a The showcases “Awp’ Sorry” and pushing it too hard. “Weeping Willows” sound to a country drawl to a Van defiant anthem to musicians who never “Retrograde Boogie” give him a chance has a different, catchy lick that sounds Morrison/Bruce Hornsby vibe, but excel give up on the “long long road to to air out his harp. “Wolf Pack,” like a like a tune from a different disc, except in “Sunday Letter.” Stardom City.” The 60-year old Livoni, number of other tracks, has a reverb- for the way-heavy reverb of the lead In Acoustic Duo , the Riders exhibit con - who has been playing in bands since the drenched vocal that features Watson giv - vocal. But, it is a good song, one of the siderable musical skill: song writing, early 1970s, seems to be speaking from ing his wolf howl, and figures to be a live best here, despite the production deci - instrumental mastery, and evocative the heart when he sings: “Payin’ my dues favorite. sion being made to sound like it was vocals. They are seasoned performers for so many years/Just for a chance to Secret 8 gets better with each listen, sung at one end of a canyon. (playing together since 2003) and have get across that line.” and for lovers of blues with no frills, it’s a With Nine Pound Hammer Heart Melly appeared with major acts such as Robin not-so-guilty pleasure. Francis and the Distilled Spirits Trower, America, and Chris Isaak in shows both promise in several of the prominent venues like House of Blues, songs and performances, and the pitfalls Humphrey’s, and Anthology. This excel - of some independently produced debut lent album could be their breakthrough. discs that lack polish. www.sandiegotroubadour.com 17 OCTOBER 2011 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR ‘round about

OCTOBER CALENDAR WEEKLY Lou Fanucchi , Romesco Restaurant, 4346 every sunday Bonita Rd., 6pm. Joe Marillo , The Brickyard, 675 W. G St., Tomcat Courtney , The Turquoise, 873 saturday • 1 Liam Finn , The Loft, Price Center, UCSD Colbie Caillat , Humphrey’s, 2241 Shelter Island 9:30am. Turquoise St., 6pm. Campus, 8:30pm. Dr., 7:30pm. Shawn Rohlf & Friends , Farmers Market, Jerry Gontang , Desi & Friends, 2734 Lytton St., 7pm. Stoney B Blues Band , VFW, 853 Turquoise St., Joel Ekels , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Zee Avi w/ Matt Grundy , The Loft, Price Center, DMV parking lot, Hillcrest, 10am. 1pm. UCSD Campus, 8pm. Marcia Forman Band , The Big Kitchen, 3003 Scandinavian Dance Class , Folk Dance Center, Dancing Unlimited, 4569 30th St., 7:30pm. Peter Sprague , Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Robin Henkel , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 8pm. Grape St., 10am. Dr., 3pm. sunday • 9 Chris Clarke & Friends , Golden Hill Farmers Elliott Lawrence , Prado Restaurant, Balboa Park, 7:30pm. Sue Palmer Trio w/ Deejha Marie , Buena Vista Market, B St. between 27th & 28th St., 10am. Erika Davies , El Cajon Library, 201 E. Douglas monday • 17 Open Mic , Across the Street @ Mueller Audubon Society Benefit, 2202 S. Coast Hwy., Ave., 2pm. Bluegrass Brunch , Urban Solace, 3823 30th Oceanside, 4pm. St., 10:30am. College, 4605 Park Blvd., 8pm. San Diego Folk Song Society , New Expression Catherine Denise , Humphrey’s Backstage Open Mic , Skybox Bar & Grill, 4809 Baja Blues Band , Wynola Pizza Express, 4355 Music, 4434 30th St., 2pm. Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7pm. Zzymzzy Quartet , OB People’s Food Co-op, Hwy 78, Julian, 6pm. 4765 Voltaire St., Ocean Beach, 11am. Clairemont Dr., 8:30pm. Cowboy Jack , Fallbrook Historical Society, 260 Adrienne Nims & Spirit Wind , Rhythm City Daniel Jackson , Croce’s, 802 5th Ave., 11am. New Latin Jazz Quartet Jam Session w/ Grill, 1020 San Marcos Blvd., 6pm. Rocky Crest Rd., 2pm. Gilbert Castellanos , El Camino, 2400 India St., SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR 10TH ANNIVER - tuesday • 18 International Ethnic Folk Dancing , Balboa 9pm. Robin Henkel , Zel’s Del Mar, 1247 Camino Del Park Club Bldg., 12:30-4:30pm. SARY CELEBRATION , Sunset Temple, 3911 Firehouse Swing Dancing , Queen Bee’s Art & Mar, 8pm. Kansas St. (behind Claire de Lune), 6pm. Poway Folk Circle w/ Jeff Lee , Templar’s Hall, Open Blues Jam w/ Chet & the Committee , Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd., 6:30pm. Cultural Center, 3925 Ohio St., 9pm. Sonia Rao/Sean Krausz/Taylor Matthews , Nathan Welden , San Diego Desserts & Bistro, Downtown Cafe, 182 E. Main St., El Cajon, Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 8:30pm. 5987 El Cajon Blvd., 6pm. 2:30pm. Stoney B Blues Band , Queen Bee’s, 3925 Ohio Celtic Ensemble , Twiggs, 4590 Park Blvd., 4pm. every thursday St., 8:30pm. Peter Sprague , Coronado Boat House, 1701 wednesday • 19 Strand Way, Coronado, 6pm. Elliott Lawrence , Avenue 5 Restaurant, 2760 Dan Papaila , Catamaran Resort & Spa, 3999 Bass Summitt , Dizzy’s @ SD Wine & Culinary Mesa College Big Band , Dizzy’s @ SD Wine & 5th Ave., 5:30pm. Mission Bvd., 5:30pm. sunday • 2 Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 7pm. Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 7pm. Jazz88 Sunday Night Jam , Spaghetteria, 1953 Baba’s Jam Night , The Lodge, 444 Country Stoney B Blues Band , Patrick’s II, 428 F St., Julieta Venegas , Humphrey’s, 2241 Shelter India St., 6pm. Club Lane, Oceanside, 5pm. Harry & Nancy Mestyanek , Rebecca’s, 3015 9pm. Island Dr., 7:30pm. Traditional Irish Session , The Field, 544 5th Happy Hour Jam , Winston’s, 1921 Bacon St., Juniper St., 10am. Brian Vander Ark , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., Ave., 7pm. 5:30pm. Peter Sprague , Arts Alive on the Coastal Rail 9pm. Open Mic , Cafe Libertalia, 3834 5th Ave., Open Mic, Downtown Cafe, 182 E. Main St., El Trail, Solana Beach, 1pm. monday • 10 8:15pm. Cajon, 6pm. Robin Henkel Band w/ Billy Watson , Mission Poway Folk Circle Bluegrass Jam , Round thursday • 20 Jazz Roots w/ Lou Curtiss , 8-10pm, KSDS Chet & the Committee Open Blues Jam , Bay Deli, 1548 Quivira Way, 2pm. Table Pizza, 16761 Bernardo Center Dr., 6:30pm. (88.3 FM). Downtown Cafe, 182 E. Main, El Cajon, 6pm. Esencia Latin Jazz Quartet Ricky Ruis , Fallbrook Library, 124, S. Mission Robin Henkel Band w/ Horns! , Humphrey’s Peter Sprague , Roxy Restaurant, 517 S. Coast Stoney B’s Old School Blues Jam , Gaslamp , The Turquoise, Rd., 2pm. Backstage Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7pm . Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 7pm. Speakeasy, 710 4th Ave., 9pm. 873 Turquoise St., 6:30pm Glory Dayz , Wynola Pizza Express, 4355 Hwy Jesse Davis , Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, José Sinatra’s OB-oke , Winston’s, 1921 Wood ‘n’ Lips Open Mic , Friendly Grounds, 78, Julian, 5pm. 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7pm. Bacon St., 9:30pm. 9225 Carlton Hills Blvd., Santee, 6:30pm. Suzanne Reed , San Diego Desserts & Bistro, tuesday • 11 Jorma Kaukonen , Anthology, 1337 India St., The Bluegrass Special w/ Wayne Rice , Jack Butler Acoustic Duo , Dick’s Last Resort, 5987 El Cajon Blvd., 6pm. 7:30pm. 10pm-midnight, KSON (97.3 FM). 345 4th Ave., 7pm. James Farm ft/Joshua Redman/Aaron Parks/ Cowboy Jack, Robbie’s Roadhouse, 530 N. Elliott Lawrence , Avenue 5 Restaurant, 2760 Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 6:30pm. Dusty & the LoveNotes , Hotel Indigo, 509 9th Matt Penman/Eric Harland , Anthology, 1337 Ave., 8pm. 5th Ave., 7pm. India St., 6pm. John Hull/Rob Deez , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., every monday Old Tyme Fiddlers Jam (1st & 3rd Thursday), Peter Sprague , Coronado Boat House, 1701 9pm. Open Mic , Gio’s, 8384 La Mesa Blvd., 5:30pm. New Expression Music, 4434 30th St., 7pm. Strand Way, Coronado, 6pm. wednesday • 12 Ukulele Jam , New Expression Music, 4434 Moonlight Serenade Orchestra , Lucky Star Jesse Terry/Ashley Juavinett , Lestat’s, 3343 Trails & Rails , Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish 30th St., 2852 University Ave., 6:30pm. Restaurant, 3893 54th St., 7pm. Adams Ave., 9pm. Dr., 6pm. friday • 21 Open Mic , Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St., Jazz Jam w/ Joe Angelastro , E St. Cafe, 128 Scott West , House of Blues Mainstage, 1055 Peter Sprague , Walden Family Services Charity 7pm. W. E St., Encinitas, 7pm. 5th AVe., 9pm. Event, The Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand Del Mar Robin Henkel , Wynola Pizza Express, 4355 Hwy Open Mic/Family Jam , Rebecca’s, 3015 78, Julian, 6pm. El Cajon Music Masters , Central Court, 6pm. Congregational Church, 8360 Lemon Ave., La Juniper St., 8pm. Sue Palmer Quintet , Croce’s, 802 5th Ave., Tom Russell , AMSD Concerts, 4950 Mansfield Mesa, 7pm. monday • 3 St., Normal Heights, 7:30pm. 7:30pm. Open Mic , Wine Steals, 1243 University Ave., every friday Cowboy Jack & the North County Cowboys , Keiko Matsui , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7pm. Blue Monday Pro Jam , Humphrey’s Backstage 7:30&9:30pm. Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7pm. Tommy V’s, 3790 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, 8pm. Open Mic , Turquoise Cafe Bar Europa, 873 Open Mic , Lion Coffee, 101 Market St., 6pm. Adrienne Nims & Spirit Wind , World Rhythms Acoustic Strawbs , AMSD Concerts, 4950 Belly Dancing w/ Cairo Beats , Lestat’s, 3343 Turquoise St., PB, 7pm. Joe Mendoza , Uncle Duke’s Beach Cafe, 107 Adams Ave., 9pm. Concert, New Song Community Church, 3985 Diana St., Leucadia, 6pm. Mansfield St., Normal Heights, 7:30pm. Mission Ave., Oceanside, 8pm. Bill Shreeve Quartet , Croce’s, 802 5th Ave., Jolie Holland , The Loft, Price Center, UCSD 7:30pm. Joe Marillo Trio , Rebecca’s, 3015 Juniper St., Leon Russell w/ Jenny O , Belly Up, 143 S. 7pm. (1st three Fridays of the month) Campus, 8pm. thursday • 13 Cedros, Solana Beach, 9pm. International Ethnic Folk Dancing (intermedi - Kenny Wayne Shepherd , Belly Up, 143 S. ate & advanced) , Balboa Park Club & War Elliott Lawrence , Shooters, Sheraton Hotel Memorial Bldg., 7:30pm. La Jolla, Holiday Court Dr., 7pm. Cedros, Solana Beach, 8pm. Cowboy Jack , John’s Neighborhood Bar & Open Mic , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 7:30pm. Open Mic , Bella Roma Restaurant, 6830 La Grill, 1280 E. Vista Way, Vista, 6:30pm. saturday • 22 Jolla Blvd. #103, 8pm. Peter Sprague , Roxy Restaurant, 517 S. Coast Stoney B Blues Band , Gaslamp Speakeasy, tuesday • 4 Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 7pm. Trumpets R Us , Museum of Making Music, 5790 710 4th Ave., 9pm. Open Mic , L’Amour de Yogurt, 9975 Carmel Armada Dr., Carlsbad, 1pm. Mountain Rd., 8pm. Joel Rafael , Spring Valley Library, 836 Kempton Joe Rathburn & Berkley Hart , Vision Center, 11260 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., 7pm. Ross Moore , Campo Library, 31356 Hwy. 94, Bill Shreeve Quartet , Croce’s, 802 5th Ave., St., 6pm. 1pm. every tuesday 8:30pm. Joe Rathburn , Rancho San Diego Library, 11555 Chieli Minucci & Special EFX , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. Jaime Valle Jazz Quartet , Harry’s Bar, 4370 La Lou Fanucchi , Paesano, 3647 30th St., 5:30pm. Open Mic , Egyptian Tea Room & Smoking Via Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, 6:30pm. Jolla Village Dr., 6pm. Parlour, 4644 College Ave., 9pm. Steve Poltz w/ Roy Ruiz Clayton , Belly Up, 143 Open Mic , Joey’s Smokin’ BBQ & Doc’s Michele Lundeen , Humphrey’s Backstage Laurie Morvan Band , Humphrey’s Backstage Saloon, 6955 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, 7pm. Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7pm. S. Cedros, Solana Beach, 8pm. Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 6pm. Traditional Irish Session , The Ould Sod, 3373 Patty Ascher , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. Johannes Linstead , Anthology, 1337 India St., every saturday 9:30pm. Trails & Rails , Wynola Pizza Express, 4355 Hwy Adams Ave., 7pm. Zapf Dingbats , El Dorado, 1030 Broadway, 78, Julian, 6pm. Joe Marillo , The Brickyard, 675 W. G St., Open Mic , Beach Club Grille, 710 Seacoast 9:30am. 8:30pm. KEV (Guitar & Harpguitar) , Kensington Coffee, Dr., Imperial Beach, 7pm. 4141 Adams Ave., 7pm. Chris Clarke & Friends , Golden Hill Farmers friday • 14 Chet & the Committee All Pro Blues Jam , Market, B St. between 27th & 28th, 10am. wednesday • 5 Adrienne Nims & Spirit Wind , Mediterranean The Harp, 4935 Newport Ave., 7:30pm. Blue Note Project , Humphrey’s Backstage Cafe, 300 Carlsbad Village Dr. #6, 7pm. Open Mic , Second Wind, 8515 Navajo Rd., Elliott Lawrence , Croce’s, 802 5th Ave., Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 5pm. 11:30am. Terence Blanchard , Anthology, 1337 India St., Susan Craig Winsberg & Blackwaterside , San 8pm. 7:30pm. Heloise Love Band , Wynola Pizza Express, 4355 Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Open Mic , The Royal Dive, 2949 San Luis Rey Open Mic , Valley Music, 1611 N. Magnolia Hwy 78, Julian, 6pm. Magdalena, Encinitas, 7:30pm. Ave., El Cajon, 6pm. Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey , The Loft, Price Rd., Oceanside, 8pm. Center, UCSD Campus, 8pm. Adrienne Nims & Spirit Wind , Simply Sharon’s, Scott West/Anarchy , Humphreys by the Bay, Patrick Berrogain’s Hot Club Combo , Prado BViolin & the Gypsy Knights , Valencia Hotel, 27464 Jefferson Ave., Temecula, 6pm. 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7:30pm. 1132 Prospect Ave., La Jolla, 7pm. (not on Laura Roppe & CoolBandLuke , Humphrey’s Restaurant, Balboa Park, 8pm. October 1) Backstage Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., Stoney B Blues Band , Encinitas Elks Lodge, Melissa Morgan w/ Gilbert Castellanos/Mikan 8pm. 1393 Windsor Rd., Cardiff, 7pm. Zlatkovich/Rob Thorsen/Kevin Kanner , Dizzy’s @ SD Wine & Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 8pm. every Nathan Angelo/Matt Simons/Chris Ayer , Scott West/Missing Persons , Ramona wednesday Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Mainstage, 626 Main St., Ramona, 7pm. Big Head Blues Club w Todd & the Monsters/ Mike Head & Friends, Farmers Market, Venice , AMSD Concerts, 4950 Mansfield St., Charlie Musselwhite/Ruthie Foster/Hadden Newport Ave., Ocean Beach, 4-7pm. Normal Heights, 7:30pm. Sayers , Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros, Solana Beach, 8pm. thursday • 6 Stanley Jordan , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30&9:30pm. Dusty & the LoveNotes , Ramona Mainstage, Peter Sprague , Roxy Restaurant, 517 S. Coast 626 Main St., Ramona, 8pm. A.J. Croce , Oasis House Concerts, Sorrento Ricky Small & Jackson Price , Cafe Libertalia, thursday • 27 Valley, 8pm. OasisHouseConcerts.com Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 7pm. 3834 5th Ave., 8pm. Mason Jennings , House of Blues, 1055 5th Ave., 8pm. Peter Sprague , Roxy Restaurant, 517 S. Coast Keaton Simons/Michael Tolcher/Rachel Gregory Page , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Platten , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. Camille Bloom CD Release , Lestat’s, 3343 Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 7pm. Hargo/Stephanie Schneiderman , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Dusty & the LoveNotes , Winston’s, 1921 Bacon sunday • 30 Adams Ave., 9pm. saturday • 15 Otis Taylor , Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, St., 7pm. Poway Folk Circle Slo Jam , Old Poway Park, Stoney B Blues Band , Patrick’s II, 428 F St., 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 9:30pm. Soul Persuaders , Humphrey’s Backstage 14128 Midland Rd., 1pm. 9pm. Robin Henkel , Birdrock Coffee Roasters, 5627 Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 8pm. Sara Petite , Wynola Pizza Express, 4355 Hwy La Jolla Blvd., 10am. sunday • 23 Eric Reed , 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. 78, Julian, 6pm. Lisa Sanders , Poway Library, 13137 Poway Rd., Suzanne Reed , San Diego Desserts & Bistro, friday • 7 2pm. Suzanne Reed w/ Michael Lille , San Diego friday • 28 5987 El Cajon Blvd., 6pm. John Poleski/Sylvia Isely-Aguilera/Jack Emi Meyer , Balboa Theatre, 868 4th Ave., 4pm. Desserts & Bistro, 5987 El Cajon Blvd., 6pm. Haward Levy/Harmonica Fusion , Museum of Nalbandian , Sci-Mi Café, Center for Spiritual KEV (Guitar & Harpguitar) CD Release , Cosmos Blues Jam Session w/ Robin Henkel , Sky Box Local Mountain Gypsies , Wynola Pizza Making Music, 5790 Armada Dr., Carlsbad, 7pm. Living, 1441 6th Ave., 6:30pm. Coffee Cafe, 8278 La Mesa Blvd., 7pm. Sports Bar, 4809 Clairemont Dr., 7pm. Express, 4355 Hwy 78, Julian, 6pm. Mundell Lowe & Jaime Valle , Dizzy’s @ SD Nena Anderson , Museum of Making Music, Venice , AMSD Concerts, 4950 Mansfield St., Pat Green , House of Blues, 1055 5th Ave., Adrienne Nims & Spirit Wind , Rhythm City Wine & Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 7pm. 5790 Armada Dr., Carlsbad, 7pm. Normal Heights, 7:30pm. 8:30pm. Grill, 1020 San Marcos Blvd., 6pm. Ryan Montbleau Band w/ Jason Spooner , Spyro Gyra , Anthology, 1337 India St., Tom Baird w/ David Silva , Rebecca’s, 3015 Masters of Celtic Harp: Bráinne Hambly/ Anthology, 1337 India St., 7pm. 7:30&9:30pm. Juniper St., 7:30pm. William Jackson , AMSD Concerts, 4950 Gaelic Storm/Two Spot Gobi , Belly Up, 143 S. John Lennon B-Day Tribute w/ Fred Benedetti The Lovebirds/Jeffrey Joe/Berkley Hart/ monday • 24 Mansfield St., Normal Heights, 7:30pm. Cedros, Solana Beach, 8pm. & Daughters , Dizzy’s @ SD Wine & Culinary Podunk Nowhere , Cafe Libertalia, 3834 5th Thelonius Monk Tribute w/ Randy Porter/ Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 8pm. Ave., 8pm. Blue Monday Pro Jam , Humphrey’s Backstage Gilbert Castellanos/Rob Thorsen , Dizzy’s @ SD Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7pm. Abigail Washburn , The Loft, Price Center, Stoney B Blues Band , Santa Isabel Casino, Wine & Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 8pm. UCSD Campus, 8pm. 25575 Hwy, 79, 8pm. Stoney B Blues Band , Pal Joey’s, 5741 Waring Peter Sprague & Bob Magnusson , Ki’s Robin Henkel , Zel’s Del Mar, 1247 Camino Del tuesday • 25 Rd., 9pm. Restaurant, 2591 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Cardiff, Mar, 8pm. Sara Petite , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. 8:30pm. Josh Damigo , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Celtic Thunder , Humphrey’s, 2241 Shelter Candye Kane & Sue Palmer , Anthology, 1337 Clara C/New Heights/Lindsey Yung , Lestat’s, Island Dr., 7:30pm. India St., 9:30pm. 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Michael Tiernan/Matt Curreri/Megan Combs/ Stoney B Blues Band , The Kraken, 2531 S. Hwy. sunday • 16 Ryan Honeycutt , Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros, 101, Cardiff, 9pm. Solana Beach, 8pm. Sue Palmer & her Motel Swing Orchestra , saturday • 29 Mississippi Room, Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Ethel , The Loft, Price Center, UCSD Campus, 8pm. Stoney B Blues Band , Pala Casino, 11154 Hwy. saturday • 8 Cajon Blvd., 1pm. 76, 11:30am. Sarah McQuaid , Frogstop House Concerts, San Celtic Crossroads , Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 9:30pm. Joe Rathburn , Wynola Pizza Express, 4355 Hwy Nathan James , Wynola Pizza Express, 4355 Marcos, 3pm. 760-295-0222/ 78, Julian, 6pm. Hwy 78, Julian, 6pm. [email protected] Stoney B Blues Band , Rhythm City Grill, 1080 Adrienne Nims & Spirit Wind , Rhythm City Benny Hollman Big Band Explosion , Dizzy’s @ wednesday • 26 W. San Marcos Blvd., 6pm. Grill, 1020 San Marcos Blvd., 6pm. SD Wine & Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 5pm. KEV (Guitar & Harpguitar) , Upstart Crow, Rahsaan Patterson , Anthology, 1337 India St., Stoney B Blues Band , Orfila Winery, 13455 Yale Strom String Quartet , Rhapsody Hall, Seaport Village, 835C W. Harbor Dr., 7pm. 7:30&9:30pm. Pasqual Rd., Escondido, 6pm. Music Bldg., SDSU, 7pm. Marla Fibish & Jimmy Crowley , New M’tafiti Imara/Russell Bizzett/Rob Thorsen/ Suzanne Reed , San Diego Desserts & Bistro, Sue Palmer Quintet , Croce’s, 802 5th Ave., Expression Music, 4434 30th St., 7pm. Joshua White , Dizzy’s @ SD Wine & Culinary 5987 El Cajon Blvd., 6pm. 7:30pm. Workshop at 2:30pm. Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 8pm. Peter Sprague , Coronado Boat House, 1701 Kornél Fekete-Kovács & Peter Sprague w/ Gregory Page , San Dieguito United Methodist Berkley Hart/Eve Selis , Sunset Temple, 3911 Strand Way, Coronado, 6pm. Duncan Moore/Rob Thorsen , Dizzy’s @ SD Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas, Kansas St., 8pm. Marsha Ambrosius , Anthology, 1337 India St., Wine & Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 7:30pm. 7:30pm. Cindy Lee Berryhill , New Village Arts Theater, 7&9pm. Burnsville Band , Humphrey’s Backstage Dwele , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30&9:30pm. 2787 State St., Carlsbad, 8pm. Terry Holder , Dark Thirty House Concert, Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 8pm. Robin Henkel , Zel’s Del Mar, 1247 Camino Del Lakeside, 7:30pm. 619.443.9622 Mar, 8pm. 18 www.facebook.com/sandiegotroubadour J A w

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