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

July 2009 www.sandiegotroubadour.com Vol. 8, No. 10

what’s inside

Welcome Mat ………3 Contributors Steve White Full Circle.. …………4 Jerry Raney Recordially, Lou Curtiss Front Porch... ………6 Veronica May Bass Clef Experiment Parlor Showcase …8 Anna Troy Ramblin’... …………10 Bluegrass Corner Zen of Recording Hosing Down Radio Daze Stages Highway’s Song. …12 Blues Traveler Of Note. ……………13 Middle Earth Ensemble Tornado Magnet The Farmers Citizen Band Josh Damigo ‘Round About ...... …14 July Music Calendar The Local Seen ……15 Photo Page

JULY 2009 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR welcome mat

and around the countries in which he was promoting the amplifiers, often staying in Europe for several weeks. The response in SAN DIEGO ROUBADOUR Europe has been so good that he is now STEVE WHITE: booking concert tours on his own, in addi - Alternative country, Americana, roots, folk, Tblues, gospel, jazz, and bluegrass music news UNIQUE INSTRUMENTS FOR A UNIQUE PERFORMER tion to his work with AER. In the last six months he has embarked on three tours of Europe, the most recent being a series of . H

concerts and club dates through the Czech e

MISSION CONTRIBUTORS i n Republic and Germany. To promote, encourage, and provide an a o

FOUNDERS J

Just as his performing schedule has taken alternative voice for the great local music that :

Ellen and Lyle Duplessie o t him all over the world, White’s next record - is generally overlooked by the mass media; Liz Abbott o h

namely the genres of alternative country, Kent Johnson P ing session is planned for as far flung a place Americana, roots, folk, blues, gospel, jazz, and as you can get from San Diego: in the chilly PUBLISHERS bluegrass. To entertain, educate, and bring climes of Iceland. While the aurora borealis Liz Abbott together players, writers, and lovers of these Kent Johnson shimmers in the sky and the steam rises forms; to explore their foundations; and to from the volcanic island’s hot springs, he’ll EDITORIAL/GRAPHICS expand the audience for these types of music. be hunkered down in a recording studio that Liz Abbott SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR, the local source for Chuck Schiele has been carved out of a cave in a mountain close to its capitol of Reykjavik. White’s alternative country, Americana, roots, folk, ADVERTISING blues, gospel, jazz, and bluegrass music news, Kent Johnson most recent disks feature him as a solo per - is published monthly and is free of charge. former, just him singing and playing as you Letters to the editor must be signed and may be BUSINESS CONSULTANT edited for content. It is not, however, guaranteed Joanna Schiele would hear him in his solo act, but the that they will appear. upcoming disk will feature White with an DISTRIBUTION All opinions expressed in SAN DIEGO Kent Johnson entire band. “We’ll have a number of musi - TROUBADOUR are solely the opinion of the Dave Sawyer cians on the recording, but it will still be me writer and do not represent the opinions of the Mark Jackson and a celebration of what I do, which is staff or management. All rights reserved. Indian Joe Stewart Americana,” says White. “There’ll be blues, Dan Long ADVERTISING INFORMATION Paul Cruz country, reggae, a little bit of everything.” For advertising rates, call 619/298-8488, e-mail White has always had the ability to write [email protected], or visit www.sandiegotrou - STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER songs that tickle the funny bone. He covers badour.com Steve Covault by Paul Hormick The other instrument came from Joe such subjects as man’s best friend from the SUBSCRIPTIONS are available for $30/yr. Striebel, a luthier in Germany that White WEB MASTER viewpoint of the dog or the trials and tribu - Send check payable to S.D. Troubadour to: Will Edwards teve White is like no other singer met two years ago at a music festival. This San Diego Troubadour guitar is an acoustic that White describes as lations of the bus driver for a ladies mud WRITERS songwriter on the planet, or anywhere P.O. Box 164 else for that matter. Most often per - a cross between the two American guitar wrestling team. Largely absent from his La Jolla, CA 92037 Mike Alvarez S recent recordings, the new disk will feature a Peter Bolland forming solo, he sings, plays guitar – often manufacturers Gibson and Martin. It is WHERE TO FIND US Can’t find a copy of the number of these wry tunes, which White Lou Curtiss laying down some hellacious blues slide somewhat smaller than most guitars to make San Diego Troubadour? Go to Will Edwards licks – and plays harmonica. And, while he traveling with the instrument easier. hopes will bring a smile or a laugh to his lis - www.sandiegotroubadour.com and click teners. on FIND AN ISSUE for a complete list of Paul Hormick is performing this musical high wire act, he In 1997 the San Diego Folk Heritage locations we deliver to. Frank Kocher carries on the functions of an entire rhythm chose White as one of its Magnificent Seven, Performing internationally, traveling Jim McInnes overseas for a top of the line recording date, SUBMITTING YOUR CD FOR REVIEW section by playing percussion with his feet the cream of the crop of local singers and If you have a CD you’d like to be considered for Terry Roland on a specifically designed and constructed songwriters. He has continually been recog - all with tailor made instruments. Every Raul Sandelin review, please send two copies to: San Diego rhythm board. nized, largely by his fellow musicians, as one musician aspires to such achievements, and Troubadour, P.O. Box 164, La Jolla, CA 92037. Sven-Erik Seaholm White agrees, “I’m living the life that I’ve José Sinatra Such an idiosyncratic performer would of the best live performers in southern SUBMITTING A CALENDAR LISTING want musical instruments to fit his specific California. Despite the recognition and acco - always wanted to live.” Email your gig date, including location, address, Steve Thorn and time to [email protected] by D. Dwight Worden needs. And now, after decades of serenading lades, success in the southland has not been Don’t miss Steve White and Jack Tempchin at the 22rd of the month prior to publication. John Philip Wyllie crowds in concert halls and cafés the world in hot pursuit of White, and he has earned Dizzy’s on July 18. ©2009 San Diego Troubadour. Cover photo: Bill Richardson over, White has a pair of guitars that were his daily bread and paid the bills by per - Cover design: Chuck Schiele specially designed and constructed to fulfill forming mostly in cafés and coffee shops his demands as a performer. since his arrival here in the late eighties. Back in December of last year while That all began to change in 2000, when Lou Curtiss’ The San Diego Troubadour is dedicated to the memory of Ellen and Lyle Duplessie , White was on a concert tour of the Czech White developed a promotional relationship whose vision inspired the creation of this newspaper. Republic, a luthier friend, Petr Samek, asked with AER amplifiers. His work with the Birthday Rant him what he wanted in an electric guitar, company took him to the National Well, I’m going to what sort of bridge, electric pickups, and Association of Music Merchants, commonly be 70 years old on other specifications White wanted for the called the NAMM show, in Anaheim, and July 2. How do I instrument that would suit his style. When several similar conventions in the eastern feel about this Errata White returned to the country last month, states. The promotions also took him to con - new stage of old Samek presented to him the electric guitar of ventions throughout Europe and a few fartism? Well, it’s his dreams. The guitar even includes a places in Asia, such as Singapore. Through a 1. The title of Peter Bolland’s column last month should have been sort of like Smiley sound chamber, a hollowed out part of the little luck, pluck, and serendipity, White Burnette becom - 10,000 HOURS body and something quite unusual for an booked some performance dates at a few ing Gabby Hayes (Yer darn tootin’). I’ve 2. In the story about the Buddy Blue tribute album, the local band electric guitar. “He put that in there because concert venues and music festivals in always felt like I was the comical side - butterFace, which contributed a song, has a singer and guitarist it’s part of my style,” says White. “I’m not Europe, mostly in the Czech Republic, kick to the San Diego music scene, like named Jerry Rig. The article erroneously listed him as a bass player. only doing percussion with my feet. I use Germany, Hungary, and Italy. Audiences the guy running the Medicine Show and the top of the guitar for rhythmic effects. I responded with enthusiasm, much more so giving Gene or Roy a place to sing. Now, tap it with my hand for percussion. We’re than they had here in the States. the slick guy in the suit who runs the still working on getting the sound right on In the years hence, each time that White saloon, or maybe the bank (i.e., the guy the chamber, but so far the guitar is just was scheduled for a trip to promote the AER in town with the money), has impounded screaming good.” amplifiers overseas, he booked concerts in my wagons and called on some folks with a different kind of snake bite reme - dy to take over the show. Well, I just go on to another kind of wampus, that being putting together all the music I’ve pre - sented and accumulated into a collection that will be preserved in the Library of Congress and the UCLA archives. All those San Diego State Folk Festivals (even though the folks at SDSU, when approached about doing some kind of 40th anniversary presentation of my shows out there told Joel Henderson, who was speaking on my behalf, that I was a troublemaker and they wanted no part of me) will become part of the nation’s premier Folklore Collection as will the collection of tapes made at the Adams Avenue Roots Festivals (even though the folks at the Business Association haven’t wanted my services these past two years in putting it togeth - er). It seems like lots of folks are giving me a little credit for bringing some good music to San Diego and putting the local entities that sponsored me in a some - what better light. I hope that’s the case. At any rate we all know how those old cowboy movies turn out. Gabby gets his wagons back, the show goes on, and everyone rides on down the trail. Or is that only in Hollywood? —Lou Curtiss Happy birthday, Lou, from your friends at the San Diego Troubadour! www.sandiegotroubadour.com 3 JULY 2009 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR full circle

San Diego – My Rich Uncles, the Bacchanal, and Jerry Herrera’s Spirit Club (then still the JERRY RANEY : Back Palace). Their goal was definitely to get signed and Raney began writing many new songs including future Beat Farmer hits to the “Glory” Days such as “Selfish Heart” and “Buy Me a Car.” The trio became a local success and gigged regularly for four years before finally calling or How to Get to Be Alone with a Dozen Mexican Girls and a Stack of Fats Domino 45s it quits in 1982. The rest is the Jerry Raney history that has become public knowledge. Jerry hap - by Raul Sandelin young age, Raney and the family moved to “gunslinger” phase as the band’s fast-fin - pened to run into the former ASB VP from Jerry Raney (far right) and Glory El Cajon in 1964, just when the Beatles gered lead guitarist. “There was a rivalry Grossmont High School, now a veteran of he Farmers have just finished their were shattering the charts. He was in 8th going on between Allen Green of the the Penetrators, the Crawdaddys, and the last set and the Downtown Café in grade and that same year made friends with Drones, Danny Weis (also from El Cajon Snuggle Bunnies. In 1983, they formed a TEl Cajon is starting to empty. A mid - two classmates who would themselves have and formerly from Iron Butterfly), and me.” band first called the Mobile Musical Pleasure dle-aged guy who’s been gyrating in front of formidable careers of their own: Jack Butler There was even a period that Jerry was Unit then Dude Raunch before settling on the stage all night, screaming proclamations of the Bratz and Private Domain and the wooed away from the band to take his own their final name. They picked up a couple that no one could hear because of the music, great, late rock critic Lester Bangs. shot at stardom. He auditioned in Los guys from the Rockin’ Roulettes, started suddenly has his chance. In the fading din Two years later at 15, Jerry picked up the Angeles and won the job as Norman playing the Spring Valley Inn, then, as the and quiet shuffle of midnight, he yells out, guitar while attending El Cajon High. He Greenbaum’s touring guitarist following fan base grew, took over Bodies near SDSU. uninterrupted: “Who ever knew the greatest remembers a friend had an acoustic guitar Greenbaum’s release of the double-gold “Everything happened naturally,” Jerry band in the world came from El Cajon?” and a Beatles book. The idea of both singing “Spirit in the Sky.” Unfortunately, the life of says of this time, so naturally, that he admits, He’s wearing a Beat Farmers shirt that, like and playing soon took hold. Within the a superstar soon wore thin. The band was “The next 12 years are kind of a blur.” him, has seen better days. Certainly, the year, he started his first band – the cloistered on Greenbaum’s farm in rural Then, in 1995, the whirlwind ride of end - objective observer might take this boast by a Persuaders. “We were a dance band and got Petaluma, California, while Greenbaum fed less touring, recording, MTV videos, CMA partisan fan in context, especially consider - a few gigs around the school,” Raney goats, avoided practice, and soaked up his and David Letterman appearances, and hag - Glory’s live album, On the Air , 1970 ing the fan’s well-oiled state at this weary remembers. instant fame. Bored and disillusioned, Raney gling with record execs came to a sudden hour. But, his claim that the greatest band in Over the next two years, Jerry studied headed back to San Diego before Greenbaum stop when Grossmont High’s former ASB vice the world came from El Cajon should not be his craft, weaving through bands including hit the road. Fortunately, Glory’s first gui - president died at his drum kit in Canada. dismissed without further contemplation. Thee Jesters before finding a permanent tarist chair was still waiting for him. After Country Dick’s death, Jerry formed Why, you ask? Because it’s true! place on the roster of the Dark Ages. The Not long after this short-lived stint, Raney-Blue with Beat Farmer Buddy Blue, Sure, one may point to those other Dark Ages regularly played the Hi-Ho Club Glory played a gig that would later prove Powerthud with Beat Farmer Joey Harris, groups like the Beatles and the Rolling where the Boardwalk at El Cajon’s Parkway pivotal in Jerry’s career: In 1972, the ASB then the Flying Putos again with Buddy Stones, but their fame was also buoyed by Bowl is now located. The Hi-Ho Club seated vice president at Grossmont High School Blue, which finally evolved into the Farmers. lucky timing. There is no way John Lennon 800 people. Plus, there was a chain of them was a fellow musician and self-proclaimed The Farmers were three quarters of the or Mick Jagger would’ve become who they with clubs in Riverside, Yuma, Oceanside, malcontent named Dan McLain, who was Beat Farmers for a while until Blue involun - were if it weren’t for the fact that they broke and Jerry’s hometown of El Centro. The organizing a “music festival” at the high tarily quit to go gig with Country Dick. BF right as the ’60s generation was itself break - Dark Ages would “tour” the five clubs, play - school. Glory was booked to headline. As so bassist Rolle Love simply quit and stayed ing free. The pop-pop-pop of the JFK assas - ing current hits from the edgier side of pop - often occurred at Glory shows, the crowd above ground to pursue new life adventures sination set in motion a series of cata - The Shames: Jack Pinney, Jerry Raney, ular music. It’s also important to note that got a little too wild and the idea of an annu - after 25 years with the band. The Farmers, Greg Willis clysmic social events that made the young El Cajon was not London or L.A. or the al Woodstock festival on the Grossmont in addition to Jerry Raney, are now Joel musical talent of that generation matter a Haight in 1968. So, when the stage manager campus was never discussed again. But, Dan “Bongo” Kmak on drums, Chris Sullivan on lot more than usual. of the Hi-Ho Club dimmed the lights, hit and Jerry met each other for the first, but bass, and long-time friend Corbin Turner on Conversely, the Beat Farmers received the the strobe, and the Dark Ages played Love’s not the last, time. vocals and percussion. In a way, they still historical luck (yes, I’m being sarcastic) of Da Capo album in its entirety or “live” Glory recorded a live album – On the Air are the Beat Farmers given that all of the riding the wave of Reagan’s “I’ve got mine” Yardbird’s songs with extended, improvised (1970) – at the then “underground” KPRI members come from the Beat Farmers’ generation in which everything human was solos and interludes, the 800 ticket holders studios as well as many demos and singles. extended family. Bongo grew up with Dan turned into a corporation and the media was were left hypnotized by these first plunges They headlined locally for 10 years, opened McLain/Country Dick; Chris Sullivan consolidated to the point at which Larry into psychedelia. Besides Jerry, the Dark for Steely Dan and ZZ Top, but were never played bass with Dan/Dick in the King and Judas Priest were pitted against Ages included his good friend Jack Butler able to secure that elusive recording con - Penetrators; Corbin Turner has somehow each other for the same ad dollars. on bass and, occasionally, the third muske - tract. At one point, the five-piece even managed to cross the divide into the nether - But, a band shouldn’t be judged by its teer Lester Bangs on harmonica who would became a sextet, adding Bruce Morse as a world and bring Dick’s voice back from the generation. That is a matter of chance. So, sit in and blow harp on some of the elon - second drummer. By the mid-1970s, singer grave. And, of course, you have founding The Beat Farmers: Rolle Love, Jerry let me repeat, “The greatest band in the gated blues jams. Mike Millsap left the group and Jerry found Beat Farmer Jerry Raney. At the same time, Raney, Dan McLain (Country Dick world came from El Cajon.” By 1969, the Dark Ages morphed and himself in the singer/guitarist role, some - the Farmers are not the Beat Farmers (see Montana), Joey Harris San Diego County has always pitched a fused into Raney’s second most famous thing he had first enjoyed as far back as his CD review in this issue). healthy ante into the world music scene: the band: the local super group Glory. Jerry and teens. The group reincarnated as a quartet, This is a new phase of Jerry Raney’s 40- Bostonia Ballroom, the Kingston Trio, the Jack Butler, who had now switched to sometimes a trio, before finally breaking up year career. When a middle aged guy yells Cascades, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, rhythm guitar, joined forces with Iron around 1978 at a time when early-’70s out that the greatest band in the world came Iron Butterfly (whose name was twisted a Butterfly’s original rhythm section – Jack strut-rock was being challenged by punk, from El Cajon, he’s probably flashing back bit by the ever-derivative Jimmy Page – Iron Pinney on drums and Greg Willis on bass – reggae, retro-rock, and rockabilly. to the Beat Farmers of 1985. But, Jerry was to Lead – Bug to Blimp, etc. – to arrive at and singer/percussionist Mike Millsap to Following Glory’s demise Jerry, Jack there too in 1985, in 1975, in 1968, and Led Zeppelin), and more recently Blink-182 lead the San Diego music scene through its Pinney, and Greg Willis dove back into their here now in 2009. So, if the greatest rock ‘n’ and (you thought I’d forget, huh?) Adam post-Cream blues rock/hard rock/ muscle pre-Glory, pre-Butterfly youth, starting the roll band in the world came from El Cajon, Lambert. But, it was the Beat Farmers that rock era. roots trio the Shames. Playing what in 1978 where in the who’s-who of rock ‘n’ roll does won not only international fame but, more Glory’s five-piece configuration – akin to were considered older songs, the Shames that put that band’s founder? important and with decisive ubiquity, the the Stones, Yardbirds, and company – put their journeymen’s treatment on a set hearts and minds of the local music scene at relieved Jerry of any singing responsibilities list that included everything from Elvis to The Farmers: Corbin Turner, Chris the same time. and he went through his self-described Ray Charles. They played the top clubs in Sullivan, Joel Kmak, Jerry Raney Again, the greatest band in the world came from El Cajon. However, this article really isn’t about the Beat Farmers. So, I’m not sure why I led you around the page with this tangent. This article is really about Jerry Raney. Co-founder of the Beat Farmers, sure. But, also a local legend before his most famous, aforementioned tenure. Raney was born in 1951 in El Centro. And the dueling beauty of El Centro and El Cajon continues to weave its way through Jerry’s musical tapestry. It’s important to note the year Raney was born, not because rock musicians are always forthcoming about their age, but because his birth coin - cides with the dawning of rock ‘n’ roll itself. “Our family was poor,” Jerry confirms, “and we didn’t have a TV.” Listening to the radio then was the cheap fix that connected the young Raney to the outside world. And, the radio of the 1950s was increasingly dominated by rock ‘n’ roll, by Elvis of course, Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry. The latter had a powerful sway on the young boy while his mom became a big Elvis fan. Never short of things to do in cosmopolitan El Centro, Jerry soon joined a Fats Domino fan club. Still only eight or nine years old, he was the only boy surrounded by a dozen teenage Mexican girls. “We’d sit around in this room, listen to Fats Domino records, and dance.” Being the only boy, Jerry got his dance card punched regularly. An avid music listener (and dancer) at a 4 www.myspace.com/sandiegotroubadour JULY 2009 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR full circle n o s d r a h c i R

l l i

Recordially, Lou Curtiss B

: o t o h MR. LOU GOES TO passing the turn off to Lee Highway (had an Preservation: The Lou Curtiss San Diego • Rhodes Baker’s Duke Ellington collec - P WASHINGTON old time fiddle tune named after it: “Lee Folk Festival Collection, which, with the tion at the University of North Texas Highway Blues,” a good sign) and checking help of slides and reminiscing (from me), • A panel discussion on the state of jazz into the Liaison Hotel in the shade of the we told all these folks (most of whom are in radio Capitol building (right on the hill) and the know) about what we are doing (pre - • Bluegrass and the rise of independent walking right into a workshop on the tech - serving my collection), what we have done record labels in Washington DC follow - nical side of archiving, which included all (presented festivals and concerts for over 40 ing WWII those folks who know what is needed, how years), and who has supported us and not • R&B and the rise of independent record to keep your older machines (which you supported us along the way (not dwelling labels in Washington DC following WWII absolutely need to keep in good shape to on the latter). During the discussion period Lou Curtiss play older formats like reel to reel and even of the presentation, Chris Strachwitz (of • The World of Sound: The Story of wire recordings) in some kind of good order. Arhoolie Records and a major West Coast Smithsonian-Folkways and significant others. A lot of the technical stuff was a bit over my collector) commented that “Lou Curtiss has That's what I heard and did. I wish I There are a whole bunch of CDs on the Lou with Dick Spottswood and Chris Strachwitz head but I sure am grateful that there is an never been one to be afraid of the powers could have been in town a day earlier for Buzzola label of stuff sorted by subject. organization that gets people together to talk that be (his financial source) when it came workshops that included: Some of them include Sugar in My Bowl: about this sort of stuff because we, who are to presenting traditional and roots music • Late and Post-Ottoman music in New Hard Drivin’ Mamas – Vintage Sex Songs on the music side of all this, sure need the and giving that music a place in his festivals York in the 1920s (Greek, Armenian, 1923-1953, Outside the Law: Gangsters, t was the annual meeting of the folks who keep our access to what we care above that of the so-called folksinger song - Turkish, West Indian Immigrant) Racketeers, and the Feds – Vintage Songs Association for Recorded Sound I about in good working order. writers.” That was a good way to end the • Life and music in the Harlem Jazz Age, 1922-1947, You Done Me Wrong: Vintage Collections (ARSC) and it was to be held in Friday morning we went around the presentation with an upbeat comment by a independent record labels in the British Country Cheating Songs 1929-1952, Kicking Washington DC May 28 through the 31st other side of the Capitol building to the person with an awful lot of respect in the blues revival, lost television Hitler’s Butt: Vintage Anti-Fascist Songs 1940- and I was going. Now I’ve held the reins of Library of Congress for a tour of the music community, and who I have worked • Broadcasts from 1946-1972, access to 1944,Got a Light, Mac?: Vintage Songs About what I’ve always considered an important archives’ Music Division, the Folklife Center, with from time to time going back to the historic field recordings at the Library of Smoking 1926-1954 (a couple of chewing sound collection, worthy of preservation, and the Reading Room, as well as a discus - 1960s (he helped me bring blues singers Congress Folklife Center, the fight for songs in this one), Like an Atom Bomb: for a lot of years but I only became aware of copyright reform and what it means to sion with the folks there about our archiving like Bukka White, Mance Lipscomb, Apocalyptic Songs from the Cold War Era, these folks after I got my Grammy grant a you (see last month’s “Recordially”), and digitization project of the material in the Lightnin’ Hopkins, Jesse Fuller, and John Junkers, Jivers, and Coke Fiends: Vintage couple of years ago (even though they’ve plus one on the state of audio preserva - Lou Curtiss Sound Library. Aaron Bittel Jackson to San Diego, plus norteña groups Songs About Drugs 1926-1952, High Rollers: been around for about 40 plus years). tion in the United States and what are (from UCLA, who is acting as a co-sponsor like Los Hurricanes Del Norte, Santiago Vintage Gambling Songs. However, in looking over the membership the next steps, and a whole lot more. with us and the LoC) joined us in this meet - Jimenez, Lydia Mendoza, and others, and roster, I certainly did know a lot of the peo - It was back to Dulles on Sunday and The packaging and notes are good and ing and tour of the place that will become cajuns like the Balfa Brothers, and Sady ple, many of whom have visited Folk Arts back to San Diego with a whole lot of ideas so is the remastering. Check out their cata - one of the depositories of my collection. Courville and Dennis McGee to San Diego Rare Records, to talk old music with me, and thoughts about next year’s meeting of log on the web or write them c/o Chrome From then on it was back at the hotel, festivals, clubs, and concerts). and many others whose names I’d seen on ARSC in New Orleans. If you have an inter - Dreams, P.O. Box 230 New Malden, Surrey talking and listening shop, with acquain - After that high point, meeting old LP and CD liner notes during the time I’ve est in archives of one sort or another and KT3 6YY, United Kingdom. Good fun stuff. tances old and new. On Friday afternoon friends like Chris and Dick Spottswood and been a collector of records and related stuff like to be around people who know a lot I’d like to do another benefit concert for my “partner in digitization” Russ Hamm, making new ones like Kip Lornell, Kurt (about 55 years) and shop owner (about 42 about what you care about, I encourage you the sound library project. My idea this time UCLA’s Aaron Bittel, and I conducted a Nauck, and the University of North of years). to get in touch with these folks at P.O. Box is to present a cajun band on one show, a workshop called “A Partnership for Texas’ Morris Martin, we talked about music Rolling into DC from the Dulles airport, 543, Annapolis, MD 21404 or at their web - norteño conjunto, a bluegrass band (prefer - ranging from vintage jazz, blues and coun - site. You won’t be sorry. ably early ’50s stuff), an Irish Ceili, a blues try, bluegrass and R&B. I had quite a talk band (maybe Tomcat), a group with Eastern with Richard Carlin from Smithsonian A COUPLE OF SUGGESTIONS European origins, and maybe something Folkways. Then there were the workshops. A one-hour film titled For the Record Hawaiian or Far Eastern or some Jazz. Any Mostly, I stayed with the music side of examines the activity of record collecting volunteers or folks with ideas? things (although for someone involved with from the positive view of 16 major record I guess that’s it this time around. Keep the technical side of collecting and archiv - collectors. Filmmaker Leah Biel made this your nose clean. ing there was a lot to be learned) and I film (available on DVD) as her thesis for a Recordially, attended workshops on: Master of Fine Arts degree from Brooklyn Lou Curtiss • Hoagy and Bix: The Seed of Harvestry College in New York. It’s a good way to see • Charlie Parker and Lennie Tristano what this record collecting stuff is all about • A Brave New World at the National and if you’re already a collector, a good way Archives to explain the profession of archeophony and phonautographic history to your critics

www.sandiegotroubadour.com 5 JULY 2009 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR front porch P h

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i that I had Bipolar Disorder, I had about six through song I would much rather do that.” d VERONICA MAY people call me in confidence saying they There is no lack of communication with - had it too. They were glad to know some - in her band however. May enjoys the chem - ON YOUR TO DO LIST body else who had it that was comfortable istry there and the fact that everyone is talking about it. I worked through it using striving for the same goal. began playing the coffeehouse circuit. sion background. Percussion was my minor my music. I honestly don’t know if I would “One of the things that I am blessed with When she was approached by the in college. A few years ago I met this young have been able to without it. At first, while I is that all of our band members have the Gaslamp’s Irish pub, Dublin Square, her prodigy name Maxwell Hughes. He did it a was hospitalized they wouldn’t let me have bigger picture in mind. I think all musicians career took an unexpected, but positive little bit after getting it from Tommy my guitar. People tried to talk to me, but I have the dream, but it is about making it a turn. Told that the pub was only interested Emmanuel and Cathy King. I wanted to do was just locked in my own head. I wish I reality and believing in yourself. I know we in booking trios, she rifled through her this song which requires a snare sound and could have cried. When I finally got my gui - can do this.” rolodex. Veronica May and the To Do List I just couldn’t get it. So, I went to the hard - tar I played one chord and I just fell apart, Still looking for a venue to call home, was born shortly thereafter. ware store and I got some Velcro for my but that is what I needed. It definitely saved Veronica May and the To Do List perform The current lineup includes May on gui - guitar, but that didn’t do the trick. I went my life in a literal sense. I think a lot of occasionally at Humphrey’s, U-31 and the tar and vocals, Jeff Johnson on bass, Simon back and found some sandpaper and that is people would say that music saves lives in South Park Bar & Grill. She also hits the road DasGupta on drums and Megan Jane on how it all started.” either a metaphoric or literal way. It was frequently and will be playing at the Outwest Guitar. Together, they cover a lot of musical May’s “Sandpaper Song” was recorded on definitely there for me as were my friends.” Music Fest in Colorado in late August. ground and cover it well. At one of their her first LP and remains one of her most Songwriting and singing provides an Look for a new 11-song CD to be shows you will hear rock’n’roll, funk, jazz, requested whenever she performs. She has emotional release for May just as it does for released in November which will feature soul, quiet ballads and just about everything written a number of others that take advan - many others. She also finds it to be her pre - May on piano as well as guitar. Until they in between. Late in the evening having tage of her unique guitar playing style. She ferred method of communication. get their webpage up and running the best heard just about everything imaginable I draws more upon her insightful lyrical abili - “People sometimes tell me that I am not place to find additional information about fully expected the quartet to cover a few ty on signature songs about relationships always a very good communicator, but that Veronica May and the To Do List is on their oompah band favorites (fortunately they like “Scarecrow” and “Tree and Swing”. if I can do it through music I am dead on. If MySpace page. by John Philip Wyllie didn’t). You name it and they can probably Originality is something synonymous with play it. Humming along like a well oiled their sound. he guitar is not generally considered machine this band is in synch. You would never guess this after seeing to be a percussion instrument. “We all practice on metronomes when them live, but May has not always been TUnless, as I found out, you place one we are away from each other and sometimes comfortable with her role in the spotlight. in the hands of Veronica May. If you stumble we use one when we in practice (together). “When I started playing I would often upon one of her performances prepare for Simon and Jeff have always done that and I close my eyes and not interact with anyone. the unexpected from this 2008 SDMA win - picked that up from them. I think that is Since then I have learned how important it ner. Prepare also to be completely enter - why we are such a tight knit group (sound- is to connect with your crowd. I have tained. I first had that pleasure at Little wise),” May said. learned a lot about stage presence, but I am Italy’s Art Walk the last weekend in April. “Simon has a very distinct style on still not quite there. I like certain aspects Wanting to hear more I headed out on a drums. He is a solid player that uses a lot of about recording and certain aspects about Tuesday evening in late May to U-31 on colors and textures. Jeff’s thing is more playing live, but I think playing live is defi - University Ave. in North Park. There I melodic. He doesn’t just play the root notes. nitely more fun. I have also learned a lot watched May and her three bandmates I think the sound that Megan has brought about music in general. The more I learn called the To Do List entertain a largely les - in has helped to separate us from other about music the more I realize there is so bian audience. Being male, straight and fair - artists. She is not your typical guitar player. much I don’t know. There is so much to ly conservative it was not exactly your run- We had a totally different sound before she learn and you can never learn enough.” of-the-mill assignment. But I am generally joined us. I don’t know how you would Through the years May has learned a lot open-minded, the music was good and the label our music at this point.” about life in general and a lot about herself. clientele seemed to barely notice me even Their music, most of which May writes, A year ago, she was diagnosed with Bipolar though I was possibly the only straight male has a certain freshness to it. Their percus - Disorder and hospitalized for 12 days. in the entire audience. sive melodic sound is uniquely their own. It “About a year ago I had my first manic May grew up in Colorado and after being is noteworthy in large part to May’s power - episode. Being on medication has complete - in several bands launched her solo career at ful voice, the music’s frequent tempo ly changed the way that I write. It has the age of 20. (She actually started her changes and the wide variety of styles that changed the way I play and settled me musical career on piano at three and quick - they draw from. May’s aforementioned per - down a lot. It has also changed my stage ly discovered that she had the gift). A few cussive guitar playing also sets them apart. presence and really toned my music down. years after adopting the guitar as her pri - “The finger independence and dexterity My music (now) is a lot more structured. I mary instrument, she relocated to San Diego comes from playing the piano,” May said. think I owe a lot of that to having the break in the winter of 2006-07 and immediately “The rhythm comes from having a percus - and getting help. I should give you some of

6 www.myspace.com/sandiegotroubadour JULY 2009 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR front porch

by Paul Hormick Sometimes he’ll do something completely unexpected but never loses the groove.” sing a boatload of well-oiled Gohde plays a fretless electric bass. The The Bass Clef experimenT grooves and improvisations, local instrument combines some of the character - Umusicians Mike Alvarez and Greg istics of the upright bass and some of the Gohde have teamed up to perform pop and characteristics of the electric bass – which is rock classics, old standards, a smattering of a fretted instrument – and in many ways explores the high points of the low end jazz tunes, and a few original compositions has qualities that go beyond either instru - with their inventive juxtaposing of their two ment. Gohde says, “The fretless electric is instruments: cello and bass. As their instru - more expressive. You can get more vibrato ments are geared to the low end of the musi - and a nicer glissando with the instrument. I cal spectrum – Alvarez plays the cello, the also like the sound of the string on the fin - along with the rest of the band. He now felt h c a lowest-voiced instrument in a string quartet, gerboard instead of the string coming down that as a cellist he could be included in the B

s i

and Gohde plays the bass, often the lowest- on a brass fret.” Indeed, the notes seem to music that he loved. In high school he was o L voiced instrument in any ensemble – they call growl sometimes and can often have a playing classical pieces in the school’s : o t their collaboration the Bass Clef Experiment. muted sound as well. orchestra, but rock music remained his o h A combination of two baritone instruments Gohde has played the fretless bass for great interest. He would spend hours at P might be expected to have the woofers decades. He was influenced by his cousin, home spinning his records of Boston, Led working overtime and to produce some low who lived next door and played the bass, Zeppelin, Queen, or Kansas, absorbing the rumblings and not much more, but the Gohde picked up the instrument during his riffs and licks of the rock guitarists. duo’s music is quite tuneful, expressive, and early teens and spent several years in the He minored in music at UCSD, study - often quite surprising. A melody turns into basements of his Chicago neighborhood, ing the cello with Peter Farrell. For years a groove, and then turns back to a tune. practicing and playing in bands that played Alvarez jammed with his recordings, with - Riffs pass back and forth between the two the pop and rock hits of the day. In 1973 he out a band to perform with. Even with the instruments freely, like a game of musical attended a music festival in downtown influence of ELO, playing the cello in a pop shuttlecock. Chicago and heard the Navy Band “Their or rock band is akin to being the number Gohde and Alvarez (In full disclosure, bass player was really great and he was one surfer in Nebraska. This was also at a Mike Alvarez is a contributing writer for the playing a fretless,” Gohde remembers. “I time before they started electrifying and Troubadour .) had known each other for a asked him if it was difficult and he said that amplifying cellos, as they had been doing long time before forming the Bass Clef it wasn’t that hard. So I made a point of get - with basses and guitars for decades. So even Experiment in 2006. Alvarez had been a ting one for myself.” Gohde says that he if a band had come calling, Alvarez’s cello customer of Classic Bows, Gohde’s violin became aware of the instrument’s potential would have been lost amid the clatter and shop, since the early 1990s, when Gohde when he heard fretless god, Jaco Pastorius, clash of just about any rock band. had first opened his store. “Mike had been and his contribution to Joni Mitchell’s 1976 In 2000 Alvarez bought an electric coming into the shop for years, and one day album Hejira . cello. Like the ugly duckling turning into he gave me a copy of one of his homemade A graduate of DePaul University, where the swan, suddenly everybody and his recordings,” says Gohde. “I listened to it, he studied music, Gohde has picked up sev - brother wanted to have him in the mix, and but it was more of what I read in Mike’s bio eral instruments throughout his life – gui - he hooked up with a number of bands and that got me interested in playing with him. tar, violin, viola, mandolin, and the upright individuals. He played with acoustic gui - One of the persons he listed as an influence bass – and has performed in a wide variety tarist Scot Taber, Bridget Brigitte, and the was Jeff Beck, who is one of my favorite of ensembles, from the San Diego Mandolin Roswell Six. He was featured on Michelle musicians. So the next time he came in the Orchestra, the Irish duo of Mark Hayes and Shipp’s CD Arm’s Length , as well as numer - store, I said let’s get together and jam.” Dennis Cahill, and the Northwest Indiana ous other recordings. For the Bass Clef Alvarez was skeptical. His interests are Symphony. But the one constant for him has Experiment he uses both his acoustic cello in progressive rock, and he just assumed that been the electric bass, the instrument that and electric cello. Gohde, a classical bow maker in a shop of he feels the most comfortable playing. In their weekly practice sessions, the violins, violas, and sheet music for Mozart’s Alvarez has been a cellist almost his two musicians work out their arrangements string quartets, had musical tastes quite dif - entire life. He first took up the violin when in a fairly casual manner. Choosing a new ferent from his own. But Gohde told him he was a fifth grader at El Toyon tune, they toss the melody back and forth that he was into rock music and that they Elementary School in National City. “There between them, seeing what works best and Mike Alvarez and Greg Gohde of the Bass Cleff Experiment shared a lot of the same tastes. Their first was a music director – his name was mister where they might improve on things. jam session went well, and right off the bat Rossé – who went from school to school in Alvarez says, “With just two musicians, we Over the years Gohde and Alvarez have now become an outgrowth of the great the two knew that they had the right chem - the district in a white bus. I remember it try to get to the essence of the tune that also written a number of their own compo - friendship that has developed between him istry. Alvarez says, “The music just came to was called the band wagon,” says Alvarez. we’re covering. And after a while it’s instinc - sitions. Simply titled Bass Clef Experiment, and Gohde. “We both trust each other and us pretty easily, and so it was obvious that “And out of the band wagon I chose the tive to find out where the heart of the song they have compiled five of their numbers support each other. And that makes a big we didn’t need a guitarist or a drummer. violin, but playing it and having to hold it lies.” They have mostly chosen rock and pop for an EP, which they released last month. difference.” Things worked with just the two instru - up under my neck, I found awkward. So hits from the last 30 or 40 years, with the The styles run the gamut from funky to ments. And the biggest reason we’ve when I saw this big thing in the wagon, a Beatles songbook comprising almost half of really funky, each tune based on a groove remained a duo is that it continues to work.” cello, I took an interest.” their entire repertoire. Gohde says that the that Gohde sets up on his bass. Clive With only the two instruments, a lot of By the time he was in junior high strength of the compositions of the Beatles Alexander joined the two musicians for the room – as well as a great deal of responsibili - school Alvarez fell under the spell of the songs made them obvious choices for the recording and filled out the sound, adding ty – is on Gohde’s shoulders. Alvarez says Electric Light Orchestra. The band churned Bass Clef Experiment, and putting their new percussion into the mix. Although they Don’t miss that Gohde does a lot more than just hold out pop hits, but as part of its act a string spin on the old tunes is a real crowd pleaser. mostly work as a duo, Alvarez and Gohde down the root note and has moved the bass section was featured in its ensemble. As “People like to hear the familiar songs. We’ll frequently work with a percussionist or Peter Bolland & beyond its traditional role. “He’ll pop an extra Alvarez saw the band jamming on “Roll be playing “Eleanor Rigby” or “Norwegian drummer on their live gigs as well. Gregory Page harmonic tone into a lick or play double Over, Beethoven” or another rock and roll Wood,” and it’s interesting to see how peo - Alvarez says that their music mixes so stops in order to flesh out an arrangement. number, the cellists and violinists rocked ple’s heads are turned.” well because their musical interaction has @ Dizzy’s on Wednesday, July 8, 7:30pm h

www.sandiegotroubadour.com 7 JULY 2009 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR parlor showcase

by Steve Thorn ANNA TROY her musical compass set for new direction

“I went for about a year without writing many songs. This period of writer’s block spurred me to start listening to different styles of music in hopes of finding inspirations there.

P I delved heavily into the ’60s and ’70s, listen - any musicians find h which songs were on the album, what kind of o

t ing to the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, the o

their creative : songs we wrote and who was in our band.

P Allman Brothers, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, a

niche early in their u This kind of control over my art and my image

l and a lot of rhythm and blues and soul. After

careers and are G was very stifling for me, and once I broke free r

u listening to record after record of music from p

content to stay p of it, I was determined to take my career and this era I just started writing songs, and my put. Fats Domino destiny into my own hands.” second album was soon to follow. I feel a lot never steered far Tremendously influential in Anna’s devel - of the songwriting knowledge that I learned frMom the distinctive sound that took him from opment as a songwriter and live entertainer from working with top songwriters during the the Big Easy roadside haunts to Imperial was one of San Diego’s most respected blues Troys days really influenced this record. I Records back in 1949. And many of us would performers, Robin Henkel. “Robin has been a allowed myself to write pop songs again, have felt betrayed if he had. great friend and mentor over the years. I met The Troy sisters at Dizzy’s 2003 (Lindsey on left) which is something I avoided for quite a On the other hand, many performers have him when I was 19 at Lestat’s open mic, and while.” reinvented themselves so dramatically that ritory. Judging by the confidence and maturity the rest was history. We hung out soon after On board for the Wait Another Day was their early musical identities now seem a dis - demonstrated on her current CD, Wait and he was impressed by my confidence as a veteran musician Greg Douglass, perhaps best tant memory. Witness Van Morrison, who Another Day , it’s hard to believe that this is guitar player. Within a very short time, he was known for his years with Steve Miller. grew up in a gritty Belfast neighborhood that the same singer who teamed up with younger teaching me the most valuable things I have “Greg Douglass and I met a few years ago made the Beatles’ Liverpool seem like the sister Lindsey in a teen-marketed project for ever learned about playing blues. He is an at the guitar shop where he teaches guitar in Hamptons by comparison. Morrison’s early Elektra Records back in 2002. For a myriad of amazing artist and, I swear, every time I hang Escondido. Bart Mendoza was doing an inter - recordings as the lead singer of Them (“Mystic reasons, Elektra never released the CD. In out with him I find out about another talent I view on him, and I happened to be hanging Eyes,” “Gloria”) were as intimidating as any - hindsight it provided Anna with time to visu - never even knew he had.” out with Bart at the time. I gave Greg a copy thing that came out of the British Invasion. But alize what new musical avenues lay ahead. If Anna wished to pinpoint the main area of Ain’t No Man and, after listening to it, he today, he is the quintessential Irish mystic, “I definitely feel that the Elektra experience of focus Robin stressed in their time together, emailed me and told me how much he loved whose discography of the last 40 years as a paved the way for me to have a successful it was “ the importance of rhythm and the the album. He showed an interest in collabo - solo artist probably speaks more about his career as a solo artist,” said Anna, taking time emotion you put into the rhythm. He taught rating with me on songwriting and doing obsession with James Joyce and William Blake out from a busy schedule of shows around me that with an impeccable sense of timing some shows together. It was an offer I could - than his early preoccupation with the records the city. “I learned so much in the Troys, from and confidence, you can make even the sim - n’t refuse.” of Howlin’ Wolf and Ray Charles. writing with top songwriters in LA like the plest chord progression into something that Douglass joined the Anna Troy Band when Former San Diego club bouncer and pizza Matrix, to performing on Nickelodeon [chan - will instantly mesmerize any audience. This is they opened for the Yardbirds at Canes in maker Tom Waits (see San Diego Troubadour , nel] and making a music video that aired on something that I will never forget, and I feel is Mission Beach. “The show went really well and January 09) also entered a new era in 1983. TRL. All these experiences gave me the confi - the most important element in my blues play - after getting together a few more times over That year, Waits recreated himself on dence and the knowledge I needed to start ing and songwriting.” the summer, he offered Swordfishtrombones , shedding his earlier influ - my own career. I feel my experience in the Anna’s blues to play guitar on my ences of Jack Kerouac and West Coast Jazz. In Troys was equivalent to someone my age musical recital came new record. At the 2009, Waits is more likely to be seen perform - going to college, and when I got out of the in the form of 2006’s “I feel my experience in the Troys time, I only had five ing before a SRO Vienna Opera House than band, I had a Ain’t No Man . The was equivalent to someone my songs written for the singing in San Diego and giving a concert very well-rounded education in the music title track, a procla - album, so I asked shout out to Sal down at Napoleone’s Pizza industry.” mation of the often- age going to college, and when I him if he would help House in National City. No longer burdened by typecasting, heard quotation me write the rest of At age 25, San Diego’s Anna Troy is Anna’s future lay in gaining a greater under - (“Men: you can’t live got out of the band I had a very the record. Excited young enough to be the daughter of either standing of the music of America’s past. “I feel with them and you by the challenge, we Morrison or Waits. However, she too has par - my detour into blues is an interesting musical can’t live with them”), well-rounded education in the started cranking out ticipated in a voyage toward new musical ter - transition, because it is polar opposite from received airplay in music industry.” these awesome rock the polished pop stuff I was doing with the San Diego and other songs instantly. Troys. Although the Troys was a great learning markets. The album Within three months experience, there was also a darker side to the ended on a raucous —Anna Troy we had co-written whole experience. Maybe this is where I get note with “Fool for enough songs to my inspiration for blues, because being on a Tryin’,” which sounded have a full length major label as a teenager can be a very diffi - like somebody spiked the punch at a catfish album, and everyone was in awe at how cult and unusual childhood.” dinner along the bayou. quickly and easily the songs were coming. We Anna said she and Lindsey “had very little Two years later, the Wait Another Day CD finished recording the album and ended the freedom at the time and did not get to experi - was released, this time featuring the moniker summer of 2008 with an amazing CD release ence the care free life that most 15-year-olds of a group: the Anna Troy Band. Wait Another show and the best night of my career so far: get to experience. Instead of hanging out with Day differs from its predecessor in other ways. opening for America at Humphrey’s. The show friends on weekends and going to the beach, Power pop and contemporary indie rock are went so well that America asked us up for we were in LA every weekend for years, being combined with Anna’s continuing fascination their encore, and the night ended with Greg, molded into what Elektra thought were the with the south of the Mason-Dixon line roots Bart, and me on stage with America singing next pop stars. We had little control over our music. She is aware of the musical contrast at “A Horse With No Name.” outfits, hair styles, band name, style of music, work. Anna said, “Working with Greg has defi - The Troys promo shot 8 www.myspace.com/sandiegotroubadour JULY 2009 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR parlor showcase

local Blindspot label, Bart Mendoza’s compa - P h

o ny, which is dedicated to getting San Diego t o :

musicians heard globally. Like Henkel, B i l l

Mendoza is there to offer feedback and con - R i c

h structive criticism. But with his multiple titles a r d of musician, record label owner, producer, and s o

n freelance writer, he has opened up endless networking possibilities for Anna and other budding talents on the local scene. “Not only is Bart one of the most valuable people in the success of my career over the past four years,” said Anna, “he is also my best friend. Bart has played many roles in my career from manager, booker, publicist, tour manager, guitar player, songwriter, and pro - ducer to mentor and part-time therapist. He has been there for me through thick and thin ever since the start of my solo career a few years ago when I released Ain’t No Man . I give him a lot of credit for the success I have had over the past four years, and I honestly don’t even know if he realizes the extent of the importance of his role in my life. It all started with him helping promote an amazing CD release show for Ain’t No Man back in 2006, and ever since then he has been work - ing diligently on a daily basis to get me press, get me shows at San Diego’s finest venues such as the Casbah, and introduce me to such pivotal members of the music scene such as Greg Douglass, Tim Pyles, Mike Halloran, Kevin Hellman, and George Varga.” Anna revealed that wasn’t until she met Bart that she “started gaining an appreciation of the music of the ’60s as well. I am constant - ly receiving mix CDs of his favorite music. He turned me on to the Zombies, the Kinks, Otis Redding, the Turtles, the Jam, the Crawdaddys, and, most important, his own bands, the Shambles and Manual Scan. I love Manual Scan so much that I cover a few of their songs, and added my own version of ‘31968’ to my latest album. His influence is very important in the evolution of my music over the past four years, and his endless support has given me P

P the strength I need to push forward in a career h h o o t o t that is probably one of the most difficult o :

: S

B

t avenues to pursue, yet one of the most e i l v l

e R rewarding.”

i C c h o

a Her tenacious live shows have resulted in v r a d u

s Anna earning a residency at the Cat Club, a l o t n popular venue located on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. “The residency in LA has been really successful. LA is definitely a tough scene to break into, but it also a worthwhile Troy with Robin Henkel on bass pursuit because of how important LA is in the music business, “ said Anna. “ At some of our

P shows we have had audience members such h

o as Randy Jackson from American Idol. [We] t o :

D have gained the attention of Rodney a n Bingenheimer from KROQ who was spinning

C h

u ‘If You Still Want Me’ on his radio show over s i d the month of December. The plan is to contin - ue playing up there as much as possible and build our fan base not only in LA, but up the California coast as well.” For the uninitiated, opportunity awaits. Anna’s next CD will be a live album; in actuali - The Anna Troy Band (clockwise from top): Troy, ty, it’s really a selection of performances from Nam Chi Vu, Kurt Kalker, Dan Diaz her best nights over the past few years. A CD release party is scheduled for Thursday, nitely been one of the highlights of my career. August 6, at Bar Pink in North Park. A recent I think my favorite moment was the first night posting on MySpace showed her current band he recorded with us down at Earthling Studios lineup, featuring Nam Chi Vu on bass, Dan in El Cajon. I had no idea what to expect at Troy and Bart Mendoza Diaz on lead guitar, and Kurt Kalker on drums. this point, because we had only played Who knows what’s in store for Anna Troy together a few times, although he had spent done. About two-thirds of the way through five years down the road? By then, she could quite a bit of time on his own, working out the song I was in tears. His slide playing on be into hot club jazz and Django Reinhardt. these amazing guitar parts for all of the songs. that song was truly one of the most beautiful Whether or not this is the case, Anna Troy will He laid down the parts for “Catch the Rain” things I have ever heard, and I realized at that be aiming for a new musical direction, and her while I was outside talking to a friend. And moment that I was working with one of the loyal audiences the lucky once he finished his parts, everyone called me legendary guitarists in rock ’n’ roll history.” beneficiaries. into the control room to hear what he had Wait Another Day was released on the www.sandiegotroubadour.com 9 JULY 2009 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR ramblin’

Bluegrass Sven-Erik Seaholm’s column will CORNER return in August. by Dwight Worden

Lots of great bluegrass is happening in and Bluegrass Association, is also a long-running around San Diego this summer. We have the favorite that presents outstanding talent. regular meetings providing opportunities for www.fathersdayfestival.com. jamming and pick up bands on stage, and a June 23rd featured band performance: also saw the 1st Tuesday of every month: At the Round SDBS’s fourth Table Pizza in Escondido from 6:30-9pm, with Tuesday of a featured band performance from 8-9pm. the month (Sponsored by the North San Diego County featured band Bluegrass and Folk Club) www.northcounty - night, high - bluegrass.org. lighted by a 2nd Tuesday of every month: At the Highway 76 special open - Fuddruckers in Grossmont Center, La Mesa, ing perform - from 6:30 to 9 pm with jamming and pick up ance by local kids on bluegrass. It is truly bands. (Sponsored by the San Diego great to see this music we love in the hands Bluegrass Society) www.socalbluegrass.org. of such talented and enthusiastic youngsters. 3rd Tuesday of every month: Elks Park in El This kids’ show was followed by a great fea - Cajon from 6:30-9 pm, jamming. (Sponsored ture performance by Highway 76. by the San Diego Bluegrass Society). And, Summergrass is coming to San www.socalbluegrass.org. Diego in less than two months. Held over the weekend of August 21-23 at the Antique Gas 4th Tuesday of every month: Boll Weevil at and Steam Engine Museum in Vista, 9330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd from 6:30 to 9pm, Summergrass has a stellar line up this year of jamming, pick-up bands, and a featured band top national bluegrass bands as well as a performance from 8 to 9pm. (Sponsored by strong complement of local and regional the San Diego Bluegrass Society). Www.socalbluegrass.org. bands, along with workshops, camping, ven - dors, children and family activities, and the 5th Tuesdays (note: Sept 29th is the next highly regarded Summergrass Kids Camp for month with a fifth Tuesday): Open bluegrass children. For info and tickets: www.summer - jam at Old Time Music from 6:30 to 9pm. gass.net. www.sdoldtimemusic.com. July 10th brings the Lovell Sisters to June 13th saw Bluegrass Day at the San Diego in an appearance at Acoustic Fair, which was presented by the San Diego Music San Diego at 7:30pm. Call (619) 303- Bluegrass Society and sponsored by the San 8176 for tickets and more info. Or, Diego County Fair. The event presented 11 www.acousticmusicsandiego.com. And, you top local bluegrass bands, including the Full can see Lighthouse on July 1 at the Friendly Deck, Driftwood, Prairie Sky, Blue Creek, Grounds coffee house in Santee, 9225 Carlton Needle in a Haystack, Box Canyon, Plow, Hills Road, from 7-9pm. And, you can catch Highway 76, Gone Tomorrow, the Blue Creek as the featured band at the North Taildraggers, and the Bluegrass Ramblers. In County Bluegrass and Folk Club first Tuesday addition, a demonstration of contest-style fid - of the month event at the Round Table Pizza dling was presented by District 7 of the Old in Escondido from 8-9pm. Gone Tomorrow is Time Fiddler’s Association of California, and a the SDBS Featured band for SDBS’s fourth band scramble was held, presenting four Tuesday event at the Boll Weevil to be held “scrambled” bands. Judges selected a winner on July 28. on each instrument, as well as a winning And, don’t forget that every Sunday is vocalist, and selected “The Picklers” as the Bluegrass Brunch time at Urban Solace, winning band in the scramble. The stage was located at 3823 30th Street in North Park. great, the sound was good, and we were The Bluegrass Brunch presents a different right next to the beer tasting event – how can live bluegrass group every Sunday from 10am it get any better than that! Bluegrass Day at to 2pm, and the food is scrumptious! the fair was held from 11am to 8pm at the So, be thankful there is so much great Paddock Stage. Bluegrass in San Diego for you to hear and The Huck Finn Jubilee in Victorville enjoy this summer. I hope to see you out and the Grass Valley Festival in northern pickin! California, which is well attended by San Diegans, also took place in June over the father’s day weekend. The Huck Finn Jubilee is one of the premier bluegrass festivals in the country, presenting some of the top talent in the field. www.huckfinn.com. The Grass Valley Festival, presented by the California

Radio Daze, continued.

song alone worth whatever you’ll pay for the Assumptions. This is the Pretenders on steroids. The producer/guitarist on the Assumptions is former Frank Zappa “stunt guitarist,” Mike Keneally. When I heard Mike was attached to this project on guitar, keyboards, and vocals, I real - ized that Layne Sterling had become more than a fan of great music ... she’s writing it and singing it, too. She told me that Keneally made her play every song on this album on acoustic guitar before he’d agree to participate. Kudos, too, to the tight rhythm sec - tion of Jon Kanis on bass and vocals, and Brian Cantrell, drummer extraordinaire. The album is crisply recorded and mixed by one of the best engineers I know, Mike Harris. The CD and LP art - work and packaging is stunning. Find out more about the band at myspace.com/theassumptions, and on their Facebook page. They have tracks streaming on one of them. Don’t assume I’m mistaken...get the Assumptions!

10 www.myspace.com/sandiegotroubadour JULY 2009 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR ramblin’

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

by Peter Bolland children, the slicked-back hair guy in the golf shirt talking loudly into his Bluetooth THIN PLACES as he crashed his cart into mine, the teenagers from the church camp or maybe f there is one universal theme that runs the halfway house loading their flatbed cart through the world’s religious and with enough food to feed a village. In the Imythological wisdom traditions it is way they carried themselves I saw their probably this: that there is an invisible plane quiet, unsung heroism. Life didn’t turn out hidden from us by the visible plane, and the way any of us expected it to. But here that the invisible plane is in fact the source we are on a Tuesday, living it as bravely as José Sinatra completes a self-portrait of the visible plane. Some call the invisible we can. I saw a woman, who the Dept. of plane God and personify it as a conscious Health would categorize as morbidly obese, NO CULTCHA? docks. “Where do you live, man?” “East being. Others resist personifying it and pre - put her arm around her 14-year-old daugh - The results of a recent poll (which I Village.” “Cool.” fer thinking of the source as Tao or ter in a way that taught me, more than any made up one morning after finishing the Uptown. “Later, dude, headin’ uptown.” Brahman. For them, it is the hidden order sermon or learned book, about the redemp - first draft of my long-planned exposé on “You ain’t walkin’ that whole mile, are ya? of the world, the logos, natural law, the tive power of love, and how it is only in the the aberrant relationship of Wayne “Yeah, prob’ly stop in Middletown for a by Jim McInnes ground of Being behind the veil of the phe - way we treat others that we ourselves are Newton and late 20th century Las Vegas) sub. I mean, a hero .” nomenal world of forms. As such, it is not healed and forgiven for our weaknesses, no left no doubt that the average San Diegan Little Italy. Do I take the Coaster there? Assume Nothing! subject to the vagaries of belief or disbelief. matter how glaring or hidden our imperfec - is robustly opinionated when it comes to Is Mountain View our Harlem? Rancho It simply is. No need to argue. Arguing tions. Suddenly there were no strangers the Arts. The less-than-average San Santa Fe our Hamptons? Tijuana our about definitions of ultimate reality is like met Layne Sterling a number of here. I knew these people. I was these peo - Diegan was opinionated as well but lacked Canada? Hillcrest our Queens? How long arguing about driving directions. If I years ago. At the time, she was a sin - ple. I stopped. There was water in my eyes. robustness. Somehow, the greatest conflu - ‘til Market Street west of Fourth becomes MapQuest directions to Disneyland from my gle mother raising her young daugh - I had stumbled into a thin place. the “West Village”? Fourth and B and I house and you MapQuest directions to ence of opinion belonged to the above ter, Sara. They lived just west of my What are you supposed to do when you average San Diegans, of whom 98% Wahrenbrock’s will be on the “North Side.” Disneyland from your house, we will both dump on Reed Street in PB. Layne had fall in love with everybody? You close your responded identically to what the down - How long ‘til the Convention Center devel - have very different sets of instructions. But aspirations of becoming a model. She eyes and you silently vow to try to remem - town publication The New York Westie ops twin towers? Mark my words, o melt - I’ll see you at Disneyland. was working as a sales person at a ber this feeling, to hold onto it, but you labeled the survey’s most cosmopolitanly ing pot of political pawns. Whatever God is, the mystics tell us, is Fashion Valley clothing outlet. never can. Soon you’re back in your worried audacious question: what city motto does Instead of the Hudson, of course, we’ve beyond all concepts and words. Naturally, Good people. mind, inventing reasons to be unhappy, San Diego need to thrive in pre-22nd cen - go the San Diego River, and it was on its being thinking animals with a belligerent We went to a bunch of concerts caught in the thick of things. tury Ameriworld? moist banks that San Diego’s Art streak, we construct thoughts about God, together over the next two or three Driving home you realize it has nothing “New York Can Only Wish It Were San Community – or, rather, those who were then bind our egos to our thoughts arguing years, often seeing Cheap Trick. We both to do with Costco, of course, or any place at Diego” was the near-unanimous idea from invited – witnessed the face of the future with anyone who threatens our precious loved Cheap Trick. She also loved Pink all. Everyplace is a thin place. If you can get respondents of all races, religions, political during the third weekend of June. The dry ideology. But, as Lao Tzu reminds us, “the Floyd and a sh*tload of other acts, too. it in the frozen food section of Costco, you parties, and all but one sexual preference. run was intentionally kept away from the Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal In other words, the woman was (and is) can get it anywhere. The 18th century A sizeable percentage of responses from media, since the event had nothing to do Tao.” And in the tradition of Zen Buddhism, a big rock fan, like millions of people. But British mystical poet William Blake said, “If the merely average San Diegan featured with crayons or computers. The art here all our thoughts and words are merely “fin - she never showed the slightest interest in the doors of perception were cleansed, man essentially the same slogan but incorrectly involved voices and strings and melodies gers pointing at the moon.” Only an idiot playing an instrument or singing, despite would see things as they truly are, infinite.” used the verb was and were disqualified, and was rumored to have been bankrolled would confuse a finger with the moon. her having previously been married to a What we need is a big Costco-sized barrel of likewise nearly all of the below average by Michael Lang of Woodstock legend. Hungry? “The menu,” as Alan Watts says, musician ...which is why I’m here to tell perception cleanser. What aisle is that on? responses, which either contained mis - Bleachers and Port-o-Sans were “is not the food.” you about The Assumptions. But life is thick. We’re all so busy. There spellings or were not accompanied by the installed along a mile-long span on the If there is a reality deeper than the one When Sterling e-mailed me several is so much to worry about. Yet underneath one dollar registration fee. river’s North side in Mission Valley, basi - our senses present to us, and if this deeper months ago, telling me she’d recorded the surface of our glittering lives of achieve - As to the question of the one thing the cally from Qualcomm Way west to the reality is in fact the source of the perceptual an album of original material, I thought, ment and acquisition there is a deep river of Arts in San Diego needs most, the only Lower Bronx (the foothills of Linda Vista, world, how can we access it? In primal cul - “Oh, no, I hope I don’t have to let her beauty. And our toes aren’t even wet. response that seems worth a damn (thank actually, near Fashion Valley). The over - ture, it was the shaman who traveled at will know what I think.” I have heard too It is the job of the artist to create thin you, Sara L., of Lakeside) was, unsurpris - grown Islands along the river were cleared between the two realms. He was gradually many of my friends’ attempts at making places. Artists must create arrangements of ingly, “We need more street fair music fes - and each hosted its own stage. Displaced replaced by priests and institutionalized reli - records...most of which were terrible sight and sound that shine light through the tivals than just one or two every month.” transients were recruited as security, ven - gion. Then it was the guy who sold you that (just imagine those first-round contest - membrane between the worlds and illumi - Oh, that hit the head through the nail dors, and public relations officials under little bag of mushrooms at Burning Man. ants on American Idol.) nate our own infinite significance. Great art all right. World-class cities such as the Big threat of incarceration or deportation, and What if we could make conscious con - Oops! My bad! grants us the vision to finally see ourselves Ol’ Dusty Apple seem to have them daily – most were thrilled with the opportunity to tact with the Real, the source of the phe - This is one of the best recordings I’ve as we really are, unlimited. even hourly – and a lot of them don’t even become productive members of society for nomenal world, without going to mass or heard this year! Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart feature Gregory Page, yet still they thrive, two days. “It was the music that made it choking down illegal fungi? What if there It’s as though the Assumptions just said that he could not clearly define hard- expand, breed . . . all worthwhile,” said Luis G. by phone were places where the two worlds shim - materialized , fully formed from the brow core pornography, then famously added, So it’s clear that this Diego we affec - from the deportation station the day after. mered into one, where in the midst of our of Zeus! (Whatever THAT means.) The “but I know it when I see it.” What makes a tionately called “San” has its work We had to give back the uniforms but they everyday, mundane existence the transcen - true story is less cosmic, however. great song? I don’t really know, but I know cut/sliced/ puréed out for it. But if there gave us five dollars and two free hot dogs dent broke through, even if only for a When I spoke with Sterling a couple of it when I hear it. I call it the hair-on-the- ever was (I mean were ) a citeh that thrives and water and when Madonna went on, moment? The ancient Celts called these days ago, she told me that, during the arms test. When the hair on my arms stands on challenge, this town has its picture in on Staten (the mainstage, on the island “thin places.” hundreds of concerts and backstage up, it’s a good song. It’s that simple. That’s the encyclopedia illustrating can do (even just west of Mission Center Road) Thin places are everywhere. For the Celts hangouts she’d attended over the years, all there is to say. Your soul knows. You can if it’s among the footnotes of the entry on Saturday night, she was so close I could they were often found in wilderness – this she’d been like a fly on the wall, observ - talk about it till dawn, but all your words dementia). When someone says, “No smell her tatoos.” sacred lake, that rock outcropping, the ing and taking mental notes, saving the are just fingers pointing at the moon. Your way!”, San Diego responds, “Curds and!” HudSanRiverFest was a clearly a suc - mountain summit at dawn. In the Carlos information for future reference. soul took flight with the opening chord and and that’s what I’ve always found so inno - cess, and word has it that Lang has Castaneda books, Don Juan called them Obviously, Sterling has an excellent was in full lunar orbit by the chorus while cent, so uniquely . . . delicate about this obtained permits for its official debut, the power spots. We’ve all felt them. Triggered memory. your mind fell in love with its own clever - very special place. first of many scheduled for the first, sec - by a fortuitous arrangement of natural From the first seconds of the first ness and has been lost in space ever since. Although I refuse to take the time to ond, third, and fourth Saturdays of each shapes, scents, sounds, colors, and textures track, “Velvet Warning,” I knew this But don’t count on the artists to do all pinpoint the exact year, I recall getting month beginning in October.” We’re just we slipped for a moment out of our busy album would kick ass ... (and not just the heavy lifting. Our perception of the quite a charge when some modern savant starting out,” says a spokeswoman for the minds and into the still and quiet stream for - because my wife, Sandi, who listened to world is largely a creation of our own in our city government had his/her first event, continuing, “I mean, we’re not ever flowing around us – a stream our busy it first, told me it did!) This song is a hit thoughts. Our life, which Buddha taught 25 threesome with Tourism and Construction about to go head-to-head with the Over- minds block from our everyday awareness – single . It reminds me very much of the centuries ago, is a creation of the mind. and – without even a bit of courteous fore - the-Line tournament, Street Scene, Adams and we experience an expansiveness, an Pretenders. When I mentioned that to Choose your thoughts wisely. When you play – began a diabolical plan to brain - Avenue, OBOKEE, and stuff. I mean, not aliveness, a deep and abiding significance far Sterling, she agreed, although she told feel the thickness closing in, remember to wash San Diego into believing that it actu - yet . By this time next year, though, they’re exceeding the beauty of the perceptual field. me that, because she loved Chrissie step out of the stream of your busy mind ally is New York, reborn. mud. They can’t get Madonna. They can’t Although an unrepentant atheist and materi - Hynde so much, she deliberately avoided and sink down into what the poet Mary Channel 39 moves to a great big sky - get Britney, the Stones, McCartney, so alist to the end, even Freud, as a scientist, listening to the Pretenders for four years Oliver calls “the soft animal of your body.” scraper downtown, with a big NBC (corpo - many others we’ve already signed. We had to acknowledge this “oceanic feeling.” before writing this record in 2005. Same Feel the subtle energy coursing through rate!) sign on top of it and a (pathetic) ice- know what we’re doing here. We’re New It happened to me just the other day in goes for Joni Mitchell, who’s also a major you. Hear with new ears. See with new eyes. skating rink down below, streetside. How Yorkers, for godsakes!” of all places the frozen food section of influence on the sound of the The ground of Being, that source from New York can you get? If only Letterman It is rumored that a large portion of the Costco. What would normally be a some - Assumptions. which we came and to which we will hadn’t jumped ship . . . permit revenues will go toward condemn - what unpleasant situation, a crowded big Which brings me to track three, return, is always with us. Even, and perhaps Then, after skating, the vacationing visi - ing (through eminent domain) several of box store with all the architectural charm of “Deep Dish Sonic Sage,” another poten - especially, when you are caught by the bus - tor will ask a local, “Where do I catch the the nearby condos, which are to be refur - a bomb shelter, suddenly became the stage tial hit, which reminds me very much of tle and thrum of the marketplace, remember train [okay, trolley ] to the East Village?” bished as “sky boxes” and “hospitality for an unfolding of unintended and beauti - Mitchell. Sterling’s vocals are closely where you came from. In the unrelenting Boy, that one’s stumped too many natives suites” for various “government entities.” ful humanity. I felt what I can only describe miked and breathy. The arrangement by march of your life, from time to time, take a for me to believe. Please note, friends, the Councilwoman Donna Fry, according to as a deep tenderness welling up in me as I Sara Sterling makes this number side step into the thin places. correct answer is, “Catch a trolley? That’s a source, is smelling something fishy here. looked at the people around me, awash in absolutely gorgeous. Peter Bolland is a professor of philosophy and so not cool. The Village is up the street and The promoters back East couldn’t care our abundance, unconsciously kind to one Another masterpiece is track five, humanities at Southwestern College and singer-song - a couple blocks to your right. Shall I hail a less, since Fry, in their words, “Ain’t no another, bravely living our lives despite the writer-guitarist of the Coyote Problem. You can com - “Better Late Than Never.” The arrange - cab for you? You don’t look lame to me.” New Yorker.” odds. The little retired ladies with their plain to him about what you read here at peterbol - ment and layered vocal hooks make this Wow. Gaslamp. East Village. The Not yet. white plastic aprons and hairnets serving [email protected]. www.thecoyoteproblem.com is the ethereal home of the Coyote Problem. Continued on previous page. chicken fingers and pot stickers to eager www.sandiegotroubadour.com 11 JULY 2009 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR highway’s song

into the studio from playing live songs at a original member. And there’s also Tad Kinchla Going in, we became immediate radio dar - local bar in New York City. There was this on bass, Chan’s brother. We call them both lings. But, after that, you find that people turn enthusiasm, energy, and a raw sound we liked. the new guys, but they’ve been with us for ten on you pretty quick. Being on the “out” thing BLUES TRAVELER We’d go in and play. We had to come to terms years now. We call them both the new guys, makes you new in some ways. We just go out with the studio and live performance being but they’ve been with us for ten years now. and do what we do. We never went through different animals. A lot of our peers in music Before Bobby passed, we had huge success. the trends to stay current. We’ve never dressed LET US NOW PRAISE FAMOUS MEN were really into jamming and experimenting. The ’90s had passed and we lost some steam. up in spandex to play. We’ve been labeled a In New York City our friends were bands like Bobby’s death was just tragic. When the news ’90s band. We’ve also been called “hippie hard- the Spin Doctors. We liked to jam, but we’d guys came on in 2000, we had to re-create core.” We’ve been called a jam band, but we

P often get complaints that the songs on the ourselves. The music industry had changed. also like to rock out. We’re not traditional in h o

t albums were too short. But, we’d record the There were the big conglomerates out there, so that way, you know; we don’t take acid and o :

C songs and then flesh them out during the live we decided to start as though we were a new then experiment with a song that’s meant to be h r i

s performances. The songs would change, then, band. We did it the way we did when we first a pop song. We come closest now to the “hip - t i a

n with extended jams as we played them live. began. We jammed for a while to get the feel. pie hard-core” label.

L

a We expanded the sound. Our new bassist, Tad

n Tell me how you began. What in Blues Traveler’s future? t r Kinchla, was different than Bob. He had this y We first met in a high school jazz band. We rolling, flowing feel. Tad has a more syncopat - We’re breaking up [laughs]. Not really. We’ll were 14. We got together and became a base - ed jump feel to the way he plays. As a drum - keep releasing new albums about every 18 ment band. John took over as singer. mer, I’ve had to change my playing quite a bit. months. John’s doing some solo work. He’s Eventually, Bob was playing bass. When we going to record a country record. We’re all try - were seniors John moved to New York City Have you encountered any personnel or profes - ing to spread our wings. If you look at John’s and blazed a trail for us. He graduated from sional problems that have affected the band? discography, its pretty diverse. He’s played high school before the rest of us. In 1987, after Well, the death of one of our members was with everyone from Dolly Parton to death we graduated, we moved to New York City. At hard. It was so cliché to pass away because of metal bands. We just played Australia. We first we were playing small clubs for rent and drugs. But we’ve stuck together. We’re the were at the Byron’s Bay Blues and Roots food. Any money we made above that went same people, we have the same stories, and Festival. We’d like to do more international back into the music. We’d buy better instru - we’ve stayed friends. touring. We’d like to play in Africa. It’s good ments and equipment. It was all pretty equi - We’re survivors. No matter what happens, because we make new fans. Its nice to have a table. We built a following in New York. we still find it fun. We feel like we’re still 17. new fan base. On tour, we travel on the tour bus and we golf How did you break out nationally? together. We all have families who we miss. Well, Brendan, it’s been a pleasure talking with Blues Traveler: (l. to r.) Tad Kinchla, Chan Kinchla, John Popper, Ben Wilson, Brendan Hill. David Graham, Bill Graham’s son, heard a live After months on the road, we may not see you. I look forward to seeing you in San Diego. tape of us. He sent us a letter. A guy from much of each other, you know, seeing the same Thanks. See you there! A&M records came to see us live. We were old faces can get kind of old. But, when we See Blues Traveler at Viejas Casino, Dream- by Terry Roland positivity, and respect for the musical torch signed in 1989. Bill Graham had us opening come back together we fall right back into it. they have been handed by the other “famous catcher’s Lounge, on Friday, June 10, 8pm. for the Allman Brothers. Later we’d open for Has going against the grain of mainstream “Let us now praise famous men and our men” of their musical ancestry. Santana and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Then Bill died in fathers that begat us.” music cost you anything in terms of commercial San Diego Troubadour: With 20 years under the helicopter crash. It was tragic. We learned success? —from Sirach, one of the Apocrypha your belt as a band, a huge body of recorded so much from him. We learned how to make of the Old Testament work and legendary tours, what direction do each show something special. Like the Dead, you see the band taking today? you know, rotating songs in the sets for repeat - here is a lineage, a succession of real ing audiences. Brendan Hill: The new album is a reaction to music, handed down from generation a direction we started with our last album, It seems your music is rooted in R&B, soul, and to generation. This is known among T Cover Yourself . We recorded it in Austin and the hard rock of the late ’60s, something an old those who have witnessed the timeless rele - every thing was stripped down to hear guy like me can really appreciate. How have vance of the culture and authentic art of acoustic sounds. We keep things as simple as you used these influences as a band? music. But, it rarely happens in the main - possible now, not too many overdubs. There’s a stream pop scene of overnight success. It's a We all bring different influences mostly from natural flow to the music. With North world that will just as easily consign the same the bands of the ’60s and ’70s who were still Hollywood Shoot Out we had the opportunity artists to overnight failure. It’s not easy staying recording and touring during the ’80s. I was to work with David Bianco. He had a long list relevant in the music business. It’s even harder into Led Zeppelin and the Who. John loved of great artists he had produced and worked to be acknowledged for not only surviving but Jimi Hendrix. He wanted to do with the har - with in the past, including Fleetwood Mac, also thriving in the art of the musical passion monica what Hendrix did with the guitar. He U2, and the Stones. We really wanted to work once pursued in early youth. Like their own wanted to bring something new that didn’t with him. We had a meeting and agreed to go forefathers in classic blues-based rock music, sound like a harmonica. Bobby loved the the for spontaneity. So John only brought in Blues Traveler have pursued the raw passion of Grateful Dead. So, we had this stew of influ - three or four completed songs. The rest were the music they were raised on throughout ences. Riff rock, some really fast shuffles, written during the sessions. We’d start with a their 20 year career. music that couldn’t fit into a single genre. drum groove, jam, and let things be the way The Princeton, New Jersey-based band Tell me about your involvement in the Band they wanted to be. You know, there’d be a found fame during the turbulent years of the tribute? spark of an idea we’d go with. In some of the ’90s and then side stepped the commercial studio records the spontaneity of the live We’re huge Band-influenced fans. We’re asked trappings to rebuild, re-invent, and return shows was missing. to do a lot of tributes. We totally wanted to do back to the raw energy of their early days. This this one. We did “Rag Mama Rag.” It was an is not new. Artists like Bob Dylan, who still So like other live bands, say, the Grateful Dead honor. We also did “Imagine” for a Lennon carries the archaic ’60s Prophet label, has con - or the Allmans, there’s a struggle to create tribute and “Freebird” for Lynard Skynyrd. I sistently grown artistically over the last 50 what happens in live shows in the studio? don’t know why these songs hadn’t been taken years. Remember when the Beatles stripped Yes. That’s right. by someone else. It was crazy. away the production heavy music of their late- Is North Hollywood Shootout a return to the ’60s psychedelia period for the Get Back ses - How have personnel changes affected your feel of your early studio work? sions? We can hardly breathe without men - music? tioning Johnny Cash and his final decade, Yes. On our first record from 1990, we went We still consider Ben Wilson (keyboards) an returning to his own blues-laced acoustic country music with the help of Rick Rubin. Over the last five years Blues Traveler have taken the same path, beginning with their stunning album, Cover Yourself, with acoustic reinventions of their own legacy of songs. Last year’s follow-up, North Hollywood Shootout , extends this natural growth with a combina - tion of electric and acoustic production, still stripped down the basics, giving the band the same spontaneity that drove them into the national limelight in the ’90s along with their peers, the Spin Doctors and Wilco. In 1994 they broke into the pop charts with the Grammy-winning “Run-Around,” also charting with the infectious song “Hook.” In 1999, with their days of phenomenal pop success behind them, they continued to “do what they do,” as drummer Brendan Hill succinctly stated. The tragic loss of bass player Bobby Sheehan to an accidental drug overdose caused them to re-evaluate, soul search, and re-emerge with keyboardist Ben Wilson and bass player Chan Kinchla, the brother of lead guitarist Tad Kinchla. With this new line up they have continued over the last decade to forge new musical territory, deepening their legacy and keeping their live shows exciting with passionate performances. I recently spoke with drummer Brendan Hill, covering the band’s history and their cur - rent direction. Brendan showed how this band has stayed vital through their personal unity,

12 www.myspace.com/sandiegotroubadour JULY 2009 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR of note

Middle Earth Tornado Magnet The Farmers Citizen Band Josh Damigo Ensemble Double Wide Fulmination Breaker Breaker Raw My Heart Passage by Mike Alvarez by Raul Sandelin by Will Edwards When a group called Tornado Like many a wee lad growing up in Josh Damigo’s first full-length by Mike Alvarez by Frank Kocher Magnet releases an album called El Cajon, I’ll admit: I lost my virginity to record, Raw , is unusual. It plays a bit Double Wide , the good times begin a very short woman. Like a stiff drink in One expects great things from a like a diary and a live show rolled into San Diego’s Middle Earth Ensemble even before the first note rings out. an East County bar, she stood five fin - band whose lineup contains some one. The songs thread together and plays world fusion music with a Middle The cover art depicts a trailer taking gers high. But, soon after I began fre - heavy hitters from the local scene. flow well throughout the playlist and Eastern and gypsy flavor. Their first flight while a twister looms in the quenting the El Cajon dives, searching Fronted by Jeff Berkley with bass and the lyrical message typically explores two albums, especially 2006’s background. As one might expect, it’s for those tall, elusive East County god - backup vocals by Marcia Claire, this reflections and sentiments on young Lavender , featured many songs that a country-rock extravaganza that cele - desses that the older guys promised talented group of musicians creates an love, lust, and overcoming personal placed the band as a favorite of gypsy brates the redneck lifestyle even while were lurking in the neon shadows. appealing sound that is notable for its challenges. So, is this a “been there, and other traditional belly dancers. gently lampooning it. Their portrayal Gusser’s Lounge, the Grand, the Coo- emotive vocals, engaging harmonies, done that” record? In short, no it isn’t. Passage Their new disc, , expands the of life in the sticks is playful and often Coo Club, the Quarterdeck, and Winn crisp rhythms, and sinewy guitar work. Permit me to answer a cliché question palette to include more eclectic styles tongue-in-cheek. While firmly rooted Cody’s. These were the lush rooms The melodies are catchy and couched with a cliché answer. There’s more to and music, while not abandoning the in country sounds, they give their filled with drink and sin where the mys - in robust arrangements that showcase Josh Damigo than meets the eye. exotic scales, rhythms, and instru - music a distinctive rock edge courtesy terious East County sirens prowled. how well-crafted they are. Citizen My favorite song on the whole ments that define their sound. of some blazing lead guitar work. That’s why I’m glad the Farmers Band plays rock, first and foremost, album is “Sleeves .” As a cynic, I like it The group is built upon the pulse of Along with plenty of guitars they found one on their new CD but they infuse it with stylistic touches because it reminds me that sometimes percussionist Frank Lazzaro’s work on employ instruments like mandolin, Fulmination . Standing six-foot-four, of country, Americana, alternative rock, we’re misunderstood and life is hard. the doumbek chalice drum, deff frame pedal steel guitar, keyboards, accor - pirate patch over one eye, butterfly and folk. How many of us like a song just drum, and other Middle Eastern instru - dion, fiddle, and upright bass. Some tattoo, and cowboy chaps sans pants Influences abound. One can hear because it lets us brood? Track 10, ments. Andy Villas-Boas (who also local star power lends support, includ - and panties, our feminine archetype flashes of artists like Neil Young, “Rain ,” echoes a similar mood and sings) gives the band a solid bass bot - ing Jerry Raney and Joey Harris of the provides the ammo for the opening R.E.M., the Traveling Wilburys, Heart, ironically the melancholy tone makes tom, and the melodies are carried by Farmers as well as Cactus Jim Soldi cut, “East County Woman.” Jerry Crosby, Stills & Nash, and the Byrds in me feel… well, better. When I thought Michael Mesleh on oud and guitar, from the Eve Selis Band. This winning Raney croons about the Cajon Zone their melodies and delivery. The com - about why I liked those songs most, I Anthony Sarain’s wind instruments, combination of talents creates a rich über-dame while old friend, new bination of Berkley’s lead vocals and discovered something unexpected – and violin, viola, and mandolin played and textured sound. bassist Chris Sullivan and longtime the harmonies spearheaded by Claire that most of the other tracks stray into by Robert Rotzler. The disc’s 16 songs This is a very accomplished and pol - drummer Joel “Bongo” Kmak build a sometimes even evoke Buckingham/ unfamiliar territory for the genre. are a mixture of traditional Turkish ished recording with just enough grit web of rhythmic thunder. “East County Nicks-era Fleetwood Mac, particularly They’re positive and optimistic. Is a music, several established belly dance to keep it credible. The musicianship is Woman” revitalizes Raney’s lust for the on a song like “For Lillian.” Lyrically, singer-songwriter allowed to be so and flamenco-style gypsy songs, and first rate and the songwriting is solid. raunch of the Beat Farmer era. But, the the songs tend toward the personal content? eight originals. They generally keep things comedic groove is now deeper, the music more and introspective, but they aren’t sung There are many common themes “Gibraltar” starts things off with an and lighthearted, which sometimes seasoned, the guitars, well, this is a with the intent to make them depress - here, particularly songs that describe original that features flute weaving in undermines their efforts at more rock guitar album. Sure, it has ing or heavy. These guys make music the kind of young love characterized by and out of the rhythm of a somber material. Phillip Bensimon’s moments of subtlety. But, Raney’s gui - that is at once fun and entertaining long walks on the beach and awkward Mediterranean beat. This is one of sev - voice is perfect for the characters and tar and amp are set on 13. From the but also artful in its execution. moments that make for spontaneous eral originals on the disc that features situations portrayed in the lighter opening track through “Flying Man” The songs encompass a variety of laughter. Many of us have come to the a jazzy feel and a departure from songs, but his delivery isn’t quite as through eight other rockers, Raney styles. “Boomerang Love” is a pretty conclusion that love is a double-edged Middle Eastern, Turkish, or gypsy effective for the more serious takes his Les Paul double cutaway on a country ballad with soulful vocals by sword. Damigo doesn’t follow that forms. “El Helwa Di” follows, a slower moments. He’s like your good buddy sonic tornado ride, reminiscent of his Berkley who relates the melancholy cliché but instead directs our attention belly dance song with oud and violin who always has a story to tell. The 1970s super group Glory. The lyrics fol - lyrics with a husky world-weariness. It toward the “good times” side of the playing in unison, then giving way to mere sound of it often was enough to low an autobiography that Beat Farmer serves as a nice interlude before love story that I was willing to abandon flute, now playing scales that evoke make me want to break out into a grin. fans know well, a life of racing down “Slide,” a perky alternative rock num - my cynicism (albeit temporarily). Northern Africa. With “Passage”, all Right out of the gate they sing the the asphalt, big women, and big ber that could have been the result of Raw ends with a surprise spectacular band members are again in fine form praises of fishing and all the activities promises. The lyrics are funny, honest, a collaboration between Michael Stipe – a track co-written and produced by on an original tune that combines that go with it. In the song “Hook Up” profound. But, there’s that old saying, and Crazy Horse. “Love You to the Jeremy Rubolino, called “Shooting for Celtic, Mediterranean, and Spanish they unabashedly paint a picture of an “Song lyrics only take up space Bone” is reminiscent of Tom Petty’s “I the Sun” – and the only track not pro - flourishes with a bit of oud raga riffing idyllic day on the lake with buddies between guitar solos.” That’s the truth Won’t Back Down,” but it goes in dif - duced by Aaron Bowen (who also pro - over a drum and tabla beat. For the and beer. Things take a turn for the of this album: it’s Raney’s furious gui - ferent directions, melodically. duced Damigo’s 2007 release, Pocket Turkish traditional dance tune melancholy on “Pistolero,” a poignant tar, pushed heavily in front of the beat Some other standout numbers Change ). While Bowen’s production “Uskudara Giderken,” Villas-Boas sings ballad in which a father implores his by an equally furious bass and drums. include the electric guitar-driven style is very conservative, Rubolino’s and Rotzler takes a dark, gypsy-style son not be like him. A choir of female His sound is triangulated between the “Broken Man,” which calls to mind approach couldn’t be much more flam - violin solo. “Galaciana” is a bright, backing vocalists serves to punctuate Fogerty brothers, Jeff Beck, and Walter “Victim of Love,” one of the harder boyant. Each approach has its virtues brisk jazz tune featuring violin and 12- the song’s emotion. This is followed by Trout – swampy, exotic, with the kinet - tracks from the Eagles’ classic Hotel and while “Shooting for the Sun” string figures and a soaring flute break, another ballad called “Austin City ic potential to demolish anything in its California album. It’s got a deliciously stands as an obvious reflection of stan - followed by “King Ramzy,” another Lights,” a wistful vignette of a musi - path. It’s Cowpunk as only Blue Cheer nasty riff that’s fuelled by a relentless dard pop design, it is a great closing fusion piece that mixes styles effective - cian’s life on the road. But the mood with Alvin Lee sitting in could play it. bass and drum rhythm track. “In song. In summary, the song is about ly. A disc highlight, the structure fea - doesn’t remain somber for very long The Farmers also explore other heroes Among the Roses” is a southern rock breaking through and making it. That, tures a breezy framework that is driven because “Highfield” is a spirited coun - with the Dylanesque “Your Own Way” tour-de-force that wouldn’t be out of too, is a cliché, but it’s also at the very by Lazzaro’s beat, with guitar and vio - try rave-up with a bluegrass-style intro. and funkadelic “Mr. Dynamite,” which place in a Lynyrd Skynyrd playlist. The heart of why many creative people have lin melody, and features a superb The group’s whimsical humor comes is introduced at shows as a song by Sly 12-string guitar comes to the fore in created anything at all. Of all the songs soprano sax solo by Sarain. to the fore once again in “King of the and the Family Farmers. Respite comes “Crush,” giving this song a distinct on the album, this final track has the Though four of the songs feature Campus,” a track that lets them dis - when Bongo Kmak grabs the mic on Byrds/R.E.M. flavor, that is, if either of best shot at radio success (a fact not vocals, these are essentially part of the play their alternative rock side as well “Walkin’ Back to Lakeside,” his voice those groups were fronted by Don lost on Rubolino and Damigo, I’m sure). instrumentation and fabric of the as their storytelling acumen. tinny and old-timey, paying homage to Henley. The penultimate track is also Damigo is ambitious and he wears it tunes. All of the players are masters of And what country album would be 1940s radio and country legend Hank my favorite. “Waste of Time” sounds on his sleeve. Throughout the record, their craft, and the 74 minutes gives complete without a love song? Snow. On “Mexicali Nights,” junior like the Beatles went country, com - he delivers more natural performances each moments to shine. “Reminds Me of You” is exactly that – Farmer Corbin Turner drops his vocal plete with a George Harrison-style slide that demonstrate considerable growth “Mirayah’s Veil” is mysterious and no more, no less, complete with vio - chords into his belch-bucket for a bari - guitar break. It has what is possibly the vocally and performance-wise over his different, with Villas-Boas chanting in lins! Perhaps the thematic centerpiece tone tour of that pleasure town south most engaging melody of the album. 2007 EP. His lack of cynicism makes English to a haunting violin melody. of the album is “Rednecks,” which of Calexico. Turner’s sightseeing It’s an unlikely but highly appealing him different and may align him with a “Lileta” brings a taste of Spain with trots out all the hallmarks of country through Mexicali is sweetly under - amalgam of Brit-Pop and Americana. broader listening audience. Someone percussion, vocals, and rhythms that life, including NASCAR, mullets, moon - scored by the trumpet of Sweetlips While I cite many points of refer - once said, “Country music is great bring to mind a fiesta. For “Nadya,” it shine swilled from mason jars, and Mysterioso. Still it’s Jerry Raney’s guitar, ence, I don’t mean to imply that they because you can always sing along the is back to a Turkish marketplace for tractor pulls. It’s all delivered with a shot full of either rabies or trailer are the sum total of their influences first time you hear it.” One could say another dance tune, followed by deliciously wicked sense of delight. candy, that’ll surprise and delight long - and nothing more. Citizen Band avails that Damigo often states the obvious “Ottomar,” a gypsy-style ballad with “Whiskey Tango,” the most compelling time fans. Much of the credit goes to itself from a cornucopia of classic as a songwriter, but on the other hand oud and violin weaving a dark spell. song, is a hilarious account of inebria - producer Sven-Erik Seaholm for captur - sounds, then combines and re-inter - that, makes for a lot of common Passages offers a montage of many tion’s aftermath. These guys have a ing a “live” sound on this studio proj - prets them to create a really nice vibe. ground with his listeners. On track sounds and musical places. It is an knack for writing lyrics that seem ect. The Farmers sound less like they’ve It might sometimes remind listeners of seven Damigo admits, “Come on, sing enjoyable experience for listeners who crude on the surface but are actually gathered “in front of the glass” and things they’ve heard before, but it has it, it’s really easy. I don’t write compli - are fans of world fusion music and quite clever and poetic. Listeners with more like they’ve plunged into their the virtue of being brand new music cated [songs].” Eventually, I agreed offers an interesting glimpse who are a taste for country sounds will have a second set at Pete’s Place at 11:45 on created by a terrifically talented band. with him and am happy to sing along. new to this genre. lot of fun with this album. a Saturday night. www.sandiegotroubadour.com 13 JULY 2009 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR ’round about

Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7:30pm. Robin Henkel & Friends , Lestat’s. 3343 Adams JULY CALENDAR Ave., 9pm. WEEKLY thursday • 16 every sunday Paul Nichols’ Pro-Am/Pro Jam Invitational , wednesday • 1 thursday • 9 Minsarah Trio , Athenaeum, 1008 Wall St., La Shawn Rohlf & Friends , Farmers Market, Downtown Cafe, 182 E. Main St., El Cajon, Jolla, 5:30pm. 5:30pm. Adrienne Nims , SD County Fair, Paddock Bluegrass Jam , Templar’s Hall, Old Poway DMV parking lot, Hillcrest, 10am. John Foltz & Sven-Erik Seaholm , Milano Jerry Gontang , Desi & Friends, 2734 Lytton Stage, Del Mar, 2pm. Park, 14134 Midland Rd., 6:30pm. Coffee Co., 8685 Rio San Diego Dr., 7pm. Bluegrass Brunch , Urban Solace, 3823 30th St., 10:30am. St., 7pm. Steve White , SD County Fair, Flower Show Peter Sprague , Roxy Restaurant, 517 S. Coast Peter Sprague , Roxy Restaurant, 517 S. Coast Stage, Del Mar, 5pm. Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 7pm. Daniel Jackson , Croce’s, 802 5th Ave., 11am. Scandinavian Dance Class , Folk Dance Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 7pm. Center, Dancing Unlimited, 4569 30th St., Hot Club Combo , Urban Solace, 3823 30th St., Joe Rathburn & Dave Howard , Milano Coffee Sharon Hazel Township , Dream Street Live, Open Blues Jam w/ Chet & the Committee , 7:30pm. 6:30pm. Co., 8685 Rio San Diego Dr., 7pm. 2228 Beacon, Ocean Beach, 7pm. Downtown Cafe, 182 E. Main St., El Cajon, 2:30pm. Open Mic , Thornton’s Irish Pub, 1221 Lighthouse , Friendly Grounds, 9225 Carlton Hills Mandrill , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. Tyrone Wells , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. Broadway, El Cajon, 7pm. Rd., Santee, 7pm. Venice w/ Baker , Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros, Gustavo Romero , Neurosciences Institute, Barbara Nesbitt , Calypso Cafe, 576 N. Coast 10640 Hopkins Dr., University City, 4pm. Open Mic , Across the Street @ Mueller David Patrone , 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Solana Beach, 9pm. Hwy. 101, Leucadia, 7:30pm. College, 4605 Park Blvd., 8pm. Ave., Pacific Beach, 7pm. Celtic Ensemble , Twiggs, 4590 Park Blvd., 4pm. Brian Levy w/ Mikan Zlatkovich , Dizzy’s @ SD Tori Amos , Humphrey’s by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Charles Burton & Danny DiCarlo , Pal Joey’s, Rob Thorsen CD Release , Anthology, 1337 India Wine & Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 8pm. Island Dr., 7:30pm. Traditional Irish Session , The Field, 544 5th 5147 Waring Rd., 8pm. St., 7:30pm. Ave., 7pm. Robin Henkel , Wine Steals, 1243 University Chris McFarland/Turtle Project and the Open Mic , Skybox Bar & Grill, 4809 Sharon Hazel Township , Beauty Bar, 4746 El Ave., 8pm. Predicates , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Open Mic , E Street Cafe, 125 W. E St., Clairemont Dr., 8:30pm. Cajon Blvd., 8pm. Encinitas, 7:30pm. Smart Brothers CD Release/The Wrong Open Mic , South Park Bar & Grill, 1946 Fern The Itals w/ Ishmael & the Peacemakers & Trousers , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Jazz Roots w/ Lou Curtiss , 8-10pm, KSDS St., 9pm. Organika Sound , Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros, Steph Johnson Band , Kva Lounge, 2812 Kettner friday • 17 (88.3 FM). Solana Beach, 9pm. Blvd., 9pm. Joe Mendoza , Surf & Saddle, 123 W. Plaza Tim Corley/Keri Dopart , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Kev , Wynola Pizza Express, 4355 Hwy. 78, St., Solana Beach, 8pm every thursday Ave., 9pm. Julian, 6pm. José Sinatra’s OB-oke , Winston’s, 1921 Robin Henkel , Terra, 3900 Vermont St., friday • 10 Joe Rathburn’s Island , Trolley Barn Park, Bacon St., 9:30pm. Hillcrest, 6pm. Adams Ave. & Florida St., 6pm. thursday • 2 Jamcodia , Wynola Pizza Express, 4355 Hwy. 78, The Bluegrass Special w/ Wayne Rice , Chet & the Committee Open Blues Jam , Joseph Angelastro Trio , WineStyles, 191 N. El 10pm-midnight, KSON (97.3 FM). Downtown Cafe, 182 E. Main, El Cajon, 6pm. Julian, 6pm. Camino Real, Encinitas, 6pm. Clay Colton & the Blokes , Coyote Bar & Grill, Swamp Critters , Trolley Barn Park, Adams Ave. Wood ‘n’ Lips Open Mic , Friendly Grounds, 300 Crlsbad Village Dr., 3pm. Scott Martin Latin Soul Band , Prescott 9225 Carlton Hills Blvd., Santee, 6:30pm. & Florida St., 6pm. Promenade, 211-1/2 E. Main St., El Cajon, 6pm. every monday The Smart Brothers , Wynola Pizza Express, Robin Henkel , Chateau Orleans, 926 Turquoise Joe Rathburn’s Folkey Monkey , Milano 4355 Hwy. 78, Julian, 6pm. Ricardo Lemvo/Makina Loca , Poinsettia Park, Open Mic , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 7:30pm. Coffee Co., 8685 Rio San Diego Dr., 7pm. St., Pacific Beach, 6:30pm. 6600 Hidden Valley Rd., Carlsbad, 6pm. Barbara Nesbitt , Indulge, 4550 La Jolla Village Pro-Invitational Blues Jam , O’Connell’s Pub, Open Mic , Turquoise Coffee, 841 Turquoise Lovell Sisters , Acoustic Music SD, 4650 Robin Henkel , Chateau Orleans, 926 Turquoise 1310 Morena Blvd., 8pm. Dr., La Jolla, 6:30pm. Mansfield St., Normal Heights, 7:30pm. St., P.B., 7pm. St., Pacific Beach, 6:30pm. Songwriter’s Showcase , Larry’s Beach Club, Joe Rathburn & Jeffrey Joe Morin , Milano Lou Fanucchi , Romesco Bistro, 4346 Bonita Rd., Moonlight Serenade Orchestra , Lucky Star Coffee Co., 8685 Rio San Diego Dr., 7pm. Lou Fanucchi , Romesco Bistro, 4346 Bonita Rd., 1145 S. Tremont, Oceanside, 8pm. Restaurant, 3893 54th St., 7pm. 7:30pm. 7:30pm. Ben Vereen , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. Traditional Irish Session , Thornton’s Irish Blues Traveler , 5000 Willows Rd., Alpine, 8pm. Earl Klugh , Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. Lindsey Yung/Sheila Sondergard/Mary Grosso , every Pub, 1221 Broadway, El Cajon, 8pm. Gunnar Biggs Group , Dizzy’s @ SD Wine & Rob Szagkowski , BookWorks/Pannikin, Flower tuesday Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 8pm. Open Mic/Family Jam , Rebecca’s, 3015 Hill Mall, Del Mar, 8pm. Paul Nichols , The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro, Juniper St., 8pm. KEV , BookWorks/Pannikin, Flower Hill Mall, Del Gonzalo Bergera Quartet , Dizzy’s @ SD Wine & 2502 Alpine Blvd., Alpine, 6pm. Mar, 8pm. Jazz Jam , South Park Bar & Grill, 1946 Fern friday • 3 Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 8pm. Traditional Irish Session , The Ould Sod, 3373 St., 9:30pm. Joan Baez , Humphrey’s by the Bay, 2241 Hugh Gaskins & the G String Daddies , Main Adams Ave., 7pm. Grand Canyon Sundown , Wynola Pizza Shelter Island Dr., 8pm. Tap Tavern, 518 E. Main St., El Cajon, 9pm. Open Mic , Cosmos Coffee Cafe, 8278 La Express, 4355 Hwy. 78, Julian, 6pm. Band in Black , Hensley’s Flying Elephant Pub, The Spring Standards/Bushwalla , Lestat’s, Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, 7pm. every friday KEV , The Living Room, 2541 San Diego Ave., Old 850 Tamarack Ave., Carlsbad, 8pm. 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Open Mic , Beach Club Grille, 710 Seacoast California Rangers , Larry’s Beach Club, 1145 Town, 7pm. Citizen Band , Cheers, 2475 Main St., Ramona, The Blokes , O’Sullivan’s, 640 Grand Ave., Dr., Imperial Beach, 7pm. S. Tremont, Oceanside, 4:30-9pm. Lou Fanucchi , Romesco Bistro, 4346 Bonita Rd., 8:30pm. Carlsbad, 9pm. Chet & the Committee All Pro Blues Jam , Acoustic Folk, Jazz, Blues, Bluegrass , OB 7:30pm. Greyboy Allstars , Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros, Detroit Underground , Anthology, 1337 India St., The Harp, 4935 Newport Ave., 7:30pm. People’s Market, 4765 Voltaire, 5:30pm. Dusty Brough/Eva Scow/John Martin III , Solana Beach, 9pm. 9:30pm. Jack Tempchin & Friends , Calypso Cafe, 576 Acoustic Mayhem w/ Sven-Erik Seaholm & Dizzy’s @ SD Wine & Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Gregory Page , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. N. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 7:30pm. Jesse LaMonaca , Bondi, 333 5th Ave. 6pm. Dr., 8pm. The Blokes , O’Sullivan’s, 640 Grand Ave., Open Mic , The Royal Dive, 2949 San Luis Rey Paul Nichols , The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro, Chase Morrin , BookWorks/Pannikin, Flower Hill Carlsbad, 9pm. saturday • 18 Rd., Oceanside, 8pm. 2502 Alpine Blvd., Alpine, 6pm. Mall, Del Mar, 8pm. Patrick Berrogain’s Hot Club Combo , Prado Jazz Night , Rebecca’s, 3015 Juniper St., 7pm. Chucko & Friends w/ Everett & Dunbar , The Blokes , O’Sullivan’s, 640 Grand Ave., Restaurant, Balboa Park, 8pm. Bailey’s Barbecue, 2307 Main St., Julian, 8pm. Carlsbad, 2pm. Open Mic , Bella Roma Restaurant, 6830 La saturday • 11 Shep Meyers , Croce’s, 802 5th Ave., 8pm. Jolla Blvd. #103, 8pm. Jake Allen CD Release , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Patty Zlaket w/ Sven-Erik Seaholm , Open Mic , Portugalia, 4839 Newport Ave., Ave., 9pm. Adrienne Nims & Spirit Wind w/ Jim Lair & Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, 2241 Shelter Open Mic , Egyptian Tea Room & Smoking Warren Bryant , Poway Library, 13137 Poway Island Dr., 5pm. O.B., 9pm. Parlour, 4644 College Ave., 9pm. Rd., 1:30pm. Sunrise Highway , Wynola Pizza Express, 4355 saturday • 4 Theo & the Zydeco Patrol , Bird Park, 28th & Hwy. 78, Julian, 6pm. every wednesday every saturday Thorn, North Park, 5:30pm. Paul Nichols , Sophie’s Art Gallery, Rea Ave., El Chuck Schiele & Friends , Farmers Market, Jay Dancing Bear , The Living Room, 1018 Jerry Gontang , Campland, 2211 Pacific Beach Peter Sprague & Kevyn Lettau , Escondido Cajon, 6pm. Newport Ave., Ocean Beach, 4-7pm. Dr., 1pm. Library, 239 S. Kalmia St., 6pm. Rosecrans, Point Loma, 8pm. Stan Ridgway , Acoustic Music SD, 4650 Christopher Dale & Friends , Handlery Hotel, The Hank Show , Old Poway Park, 14134 Sara Petite , Wynola Pizza Express, 4355 Hwy. Mansfield St., Normal Heights, 7:30pm. Blues Jam , South Park Bar & Grill, 1946 Fern 950 Hotel Circle N., 5pm. St., 9pm. Midland Rd., 1:40pm. 78, Julian, 6pm. Stacey & the Stimulus Package , Upstart Crow, Chet & the Committee , Tango Del Ray, 3567 Del Robin Henkel , Templar’s Hall, Old Poway Park, Seaport Village, Harbor Dr., 5:30pm. Ray St., Pacific Beach, 5:30pm. 14134 Midland Rd., 7pm. Yale Strom/Elizabeth Schwartz/Lou Fanucchi , Stacey & the Stimulus Package , Upstart Crow, KEV , Borders Books, 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd., Studio Zero, 789 Orpheus Ave., Encinitas, 8pm. St., Carlsbad, 8pm. Anthology, 1337 India St., 7:30pm. Seaport Village, Harbor Dr., 5:30pm. National City, 7pm. Steve White & Jack Tempchin , Dizzy’s @ SD Aimee Bobruk/Natalie Warner , Lestat’s, 3343 Zzymzzy Quartet , Claire de Lune, 2906 Trails & Rails , Wynola Pizza Express, 4355 The Folk Collection , Mission Theater, 231 N. Wine & Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 8pm. Adams Ave., 9pm. University Ave., 8:30pm. Hwy. 78, Julian, 6pm. Main St., Fallbrook, 7:30pm. Robin Henkel , Java Joe’s @ Cafe Libertalia, Lady Dottie & the Diamonds , Casbah, 2501 Ottmar Liebert , Anthology, 1337 India St., 3834 5th Ave., Hillcrest, 8pm. friday • 24 monday • 27 Kettner Blvd., 8:30pm. 7:30&9:30pm. Chet & the Committee , The Salty Frog, 992 Adrienne Nims & Spirit Wind w/ Warren Gilbert Castellanos Quintet , Dizzy’s @ SD Wine Palm Ave., Imperial Beach, 9pm. Glen & Jennifer Smith , Wynola Pizza Express, Bayou Brothers , North University Community Bryant & Jim Lair , SD County Fair, Showcase & Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 8pm. Eleanor England , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. 4355 Hwy. 78, Julian, 6pm. Library, 8820 Judicial Dr., 6:30pm. Stage, Del Mar, 9pm. Podunk Nowhere Music Video , Handlery Hotel, William Fitzsimmons , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams The Blokes , O’Sullivan’s, 640 Grand Ave., 950 Hotel Circle N., Mission Valley, 8pm. Ave., 6&9pm. Carlsbad, 9pm. Lisa Sanders/Josh Damigo/Anderson , Lestat’s, sunday • 19 The Rhythm Jacks , Trolley Barn Park, Adams tuesday • 28 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Ave. & Florida St., 6pm. Bobby Gordon Quartet , Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El George Thorogood & the Destroyers/Jonny sunday • 5 Cajon Blvd., 1pm. The Farmers , Prescott Promenade, 211-1/2 E. Lang , Humphrey’s by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Main St., El Cajon, 6pm. sunday • 12 Sue Palmer & her Motel Swing Orchestra , Island Dr., 7pm. Nathan James , Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Kate Sessions Park, 4pm. Robin Henkel , Chateau Orleans, 926 Turquoise Chet Cannon’s OB Pro Jam , The Harp, 4935 Dr., Encinitas, 2pm. St., Pacific Beach, 6:30pm. Robin Henkel Band w/ Billy Watson , Mission Robin Henkel w/ Troy Sandow , Templar’s Hall, Newport Ave., 7pm. Nitro Express , Scripps Park, 1133 Coast Blvd., Bay Deli, 1548 Quivira Way, 2pm. Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd., 5:30pm. Chris Klich Jazz Quartet , Gio’s Bistro & Wine La Jolla, 2pm. Bar, 8384 La Mesa Blvd., 7pm. The Blokes , Elk’s Lodge, 1393 Windsor Dr., Patricia Talem , Dizzy’s @ SD Wine & Culinary Sue Palmer & Friends , Hop in the Hood, 7th & Cardiff, 2pm. Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 7pm. The Blokes , Elk’s Lodge, 1393 Windsor Dr., wednesday • 29 Robinson, Hillcrest, 3pm. Big Time Operator , Scripps Park, 1133 Coast Cardiff, 2pm. Jewel , Humphrey’s by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Sharon Hazel Township , Portugalia, 4839 Chris Klich Jazz Quintet , Coyote Bar & Grill, Blvd., La Jolla, 2pm. Island Dr., 7:30pm. Berkley Hart , Christ Lutheran Church, 4761 300 Carlsbad Village Dr., 5pm. Cass St., Pacific Beach, 7:30pm. Newport Ave., Ocean Beach, 7pm. Firehouse Swing Dance , Belly Up, 143 S. Read This Over , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Paul Nichols , Alpine Community Ctr. Concerts Cedros, Solana Beach, 4pm. Lou Fanucchi , Romesco Bistro, 4346 Bonita Jeremy Morris/Bart Mendoza , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. in the Park, 5pm. Jerry Gontang , Galley @ the Marina, 550 Rd., 7:30pm. Steve White , SD County Fair, Flower Show Marina Pkwy., Chula Vista, 5pm. monday • 20 Gregory Page , Swedenborg Hall, 1531 Tyler Stage, Del Mar, 7pm. The Blokes , Viejas Dreamcatcher Lounge, 5000 Ave., 7:30pm. thursday • 30 Skelpin/Bart Mendoza/Marie Haddad/New Willows Rd., Alpine, 6pm. Peter Sprague Quartet , Westminster Small Pox Mountain Boys , Fenway’s Sports Archaic/Shamey Jays/Blackwater Conspiracy , Michael McDonald & Boz Scaggs , Pala Presbyterian Church Amphitheater, 3598 Talbot Bar & Grill, 1814 Marron Rd., Carlsbad, 8pm. Adrienne Nims & Raggle-Taggle , Point Loma House of Blues, 1055 5th Ave., 7:30pm. Casino, 35008 Pala Temecula Rd., Pala, 6pm. St., Point Loma, 6:30pm. KEV , BookWorks/Pannikin, Flower Hill Mall, Library, 3701 Voltaire St., 10am. Chet & the Committee , Patrick’s II, 428 F St., 9pm. Mark Jackson Band , Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Poway Folk Circle , Templar’s Hall, Old Poway Del Mar, 8pm. Peter Sprague & Kevyn Lettau , Quail Gardens, Sarah Donner/Dave Booda , Lestat’s, 3343 Milden St., La Mesa, 6pm. Park, 14134 Midland Rd., 6:30pm. Jerry Gontang , Ocean House, 300 Carlsbad 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas, 6pm. Adams Ave., 9pm. Ottmar Liebert , Anthology, 1337 India St., 6:30pm. Blue Monday Pro Jam , Humphrey’s Backstage Village Dr., 8:30pm. Barbara Nesbitt , Indulge, 4550 La Jolla Village Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7pm. The Smart Brothers , Yogi’s Bar & Restaurant, Chet Cannon’s Blues Party , The Harp, 4935 Dr., La Jolla, 6:30pm. 2005 San Elijo Ave., Encinitas, 7pm. Sharon Hazel Township , Wit’s End, 420 Newport Ave., 9pm. John Foltz & Lisa Sanders , Milano Coffee Co., monday • 6 Robinson Ave., Hillcrest, 7pm. The Mattson Two , Dizzy’s @ SD Wine & 8685 Rio San Diego Dr., 7pm. Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 7pm. Tears for Fears , Humphrey’s by the Bay, 2241 Rob Deez/Good Asian Assistant/Nick Z , Poway Folk Circle , Templar’s Hall, Old Poway Shelter Island Dr., 7:30pm. saturday • 25 Park, 14134 Midland Rd., 6:30pm. Jason Robinson & Terrence McManus , Kava Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Blue Monday Pro Jam , Humphrey’s Backstage Gallery, 2804 Kettner Blvd., 7pm. Stammets Family Singers , Wynola Pizza The Blokes , Henessey’s, 2777 Roosevelt St., Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7pm. Indigo Girls , Humphrey’s by the Bay, 2241 tuesday • 21 Express, 4355 Hwy. 78, Julian, 6pm. Carlsbad, 9pm. Shelter Island Dr., 7:30pm. Jerry Gontang , American Legion Post 416, 210 Will Edwards/Brindl/Nathan Welden , Lestat’s, Chet Cannon’s OB Pro Jam , The Harp, 4935 W. F St., Encinitas, 6pm. friday • 31 tuesday • 7 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Newport Ave., 7pm. David Patrone , Gio’s Bistro & Wine Bar, 8384 Moody Blues , Humphrey’s by the Bay, 2241 La Mesa Blvd., 7pm. Mountain Tribal Gypsies , Wynola Pizza Adrienne Nims & Raggle-Taggle , Tierresanta Shelter Island Dr., 8pm. Library, 4985 La Cuenta Dr., 10:30am. Carlos Olmeda & Jason Ford w/ Richie Blue , Express, 4355 Hwy. 78, Julian, 6pm. monday • 13 Swedenborg Hall, 1531 Tyler Ave., 7:30pm. Jerry Gontang , Organ Pavillion, Balboa Park, Bill Magee , Prescott Promenade, 211-1/2 E. 6:15pm. George Svoboda , North University Community Mark Jackson CD Release , Rock Valley House Main St., El Cajon, 6pm. wednesday • 22 Concert, University City, 8pm. 858.452.1539. Chet Cannon’s OB Pro Jam , The Harp, 4935 Library, 8820 Judicial Dr., 6:30pm. The Midili Brothers Band , Trolley Barn Park, Newport Ave., 7pm. Madera/Jane Lui/Jenn Grinels, Athenaeum, Hapa/Ledward Kaapana/John Cruz , Humphrey’s Hugh Gaskins & the G String Daddies , Rosie Adams Ave. & Florida St., 6pm. O’Grady’s, 3402 Adams Ave., 9pm. Highway 76 , SD Bluegrass Society Mtg., Boll 1008 Wall St., La Jolla, 7:30pm. by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 7pm. Robin Henkel , Chateau Orleans, 926 Turquoise Weevil Restaurant, 9339 Clairemont Mesa Sue Palmer Quintet , Croce’s, 802 5th Ave., Chuck Cannon/Billy Harvey/Sara Petite , St., Pacific Beach, 6:30pm. Blvd., 8pm. Downtown SD, 7:30pm. Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Jerry Gontang , Campland, 2211 Pacific Beach tuesday • 14 Squirrel Nut Zippers , Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros, Dr., 7pm. Solana Beach, 8pm. Hugh Gaskins & the G String Daddies , Thornton’s wednesday • 8 Adrienne Nims & Raggle-Taggle , Tierresanta sunday • 26 Irish Pub, 1221 Broadway, El Cajon, 6pm. Library, 4985 La Cuenta Dr., 10:30am. Amber Rubarth/Dawn Mitschele/Joey Ryan , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Bass Clef Experiment , Spanish Village, Balboa Camarada with Tango Dancers , Dizzy’s @ SD Hot Club Combo , Urban Solace, 3823 30th St., Alejandro Escovedo , Anthology, 1337 India St., Wine & Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 8pm. 6:30pm. 7:30pm. Park, 1pm. Joe Rathburn’s Island , Scripps Park, 1133 KEV , Borders Books, 1072 Camino Del Rio N., Gregory Page & Peter Bolland , Dizzy’s @ SD Chet & the Committee , Patrick’s II, 428 F St., 9pm. thursday • 23 8pm. Wine & Culinary Ctr., 200 Harbor Dr., 7:30pm. Coast Blvd., La Jolla, 2pm. Jerry Gontang , Galley @ the Marina, 550 Billy Watson , BookWorks/Pannikin, Flower Hill Preservation Hall Jazz Band , Anthology, 1337 Bluegrass Jam , Templar’s Hall, Old Poway Mall, Del Mar, 8pm. India St., 7:30pm. Park, 14134 Midland Rd., 6:30pm. Marina Pkwy., Chula Vista, 5pm. wednesday • 15 Jane Lui , Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., 9pm. Tin Soldier/Jonathan Blake , Lestat’s, 3343 Robin Henkel , Wine Steals, 1953 San Elijo, The Bigfellas , Winston’s, 1921 Bacon St., 5pm. Adams Ave., 9pm. Adrienne Nims & Raggle-Taggle , Pacific Cardiff, 7pm. Sue Palmer , Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave., Beach Library, 4275 Cass St., 2pm. Joe Rathburn & Steve White , Milano Coffee Coronado, 6pm. Steve Poltz , Birch Aquarium, La Jolla, 6:30pm. Co., 8685 Rio San Diego Dr., 7pm. Clay Colton/Joe Palen/Larry Robinson/Diane Don’t miss Carlos Olmeda and Jason Ford Charles McPherson , Anthology, 1337 India St., Geoffrey Keezer & Peter Sprague Quartet , Waters/Nathan Welden/Steve Ybarra , 7:30pm. Athenaeum, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla, 7:30pm. Swedenborg Hall, 1531 Tyler Ave., 7:30pm. at Swedenborg Hall on Saturday, July 25, 7:30pm. Cowboy Junkies/Son Volt , Humphrey’s by the Band in Black , Hennessey’s, 2777 Roosevelt Peter Sprague Group Plays Sergio Mendes , 14 www.myspace.com/sandiegotroubadour JULY 2009 SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR the local seen P P h h o o t t P A o o h G M : :

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Tom (El Rayo Guitarworks) & Hilda Hagen celebrate 40 years together www.sandiegotroubadour.com Jerry Gontang, Liz Abbott, Kent Johnson 15 We have shows & workshops See our new website

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