Posts
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Almost a week without a post? What is with this?
Alas, I caught the creeping crud, and therefore have not posted anything for almost a week. I did manage to catch video of Merlin Snider on the 24th and will be posting a few of those soon, but I have not been able to catch any of the other great shows, including tonight's show with Stephanie Bettman with Luke Halpin. Of course, if you look to the left of this blog (you might have to scroll down), you can see my video of one of their recent shows here. I just won't have tonight's available.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Barry McGuire with John York "Trippin' The 60's"
I am actually seeing everyone leave tonight's show, and there was a lot of singin' and pickin', and singing along with the great songs of the 60's sung by the iconic Barry McGuire. He is a man who was THERE and saw that historical music scene unfold right in front of his own life. And he brought with him the wonderful musician John York who wrote "Green Green" with Barry way back in the day.
Through Barry's eyes, you can see the wonder and excitement of being propelled by the life-changing and historical changes in culture and life that were the 60's. Just to get you excited about seeing them here the next time they come around, I have two videos from last night's show. To know more, you gotta come out and join the audience. And the audience sang lovely - I mean really - they knew the harmonies and everything.
And of course, you need to visit Barry's website, which tells you all about where he will be and where he is going. Plus you can get music there too.
http://www.trippinthesixties.com
Through Barry's eyes, you can see the wonder and excitement of being propelled by the life-changing and historical changes in culture and life that were the 60's. Just to get you excited about seeing them here the next time they come around, I have two videos from last night's show. To know more, you gotta come out and join the audience. And the audience sang lovely - I mean really - they knew the harmonies and everything.
And of course, you need to visit Barry's website, which tells you all about where he will be and where he is going. Plus you can get music there too.
http://www.trippinthesixties.com
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Doug Smith and Mark Hanson 01/16/10
2005 Grammy winners Doug Smith and Mark Hanson are gifted acoustic guitar soloists - Doug was the 2006 national fingerpicking champion, and Mark played for the President in October - but their duets set them apart. Guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel says "Mark Hanson and Doug Smith set a new standard for duet guitar playing!"
Their engaging stage show covers a wealth of material - much of it self-composed - ranging from the tapping powerhouse "Dyerville Giant" to the beautiful Hawaiian slack key "Waimea Canyon." A drop-dead duet version of Jorma Kaukonen's "Embryonic Journey" may lead to a swinging improv on "Bye Bye Blues" from Les Paul and Mary Ford. Sparkling vocals and good humor accentuate an evening you won't want to miss!
But if you did miss it - here are a couple of video clips to just remind you that you could have seen them live. Video clips are no substitute.
Their engaging stage show covers a wealth of material - much of it self-composed - ranging from the tapping powerhouse "Dyerville Giant" to the beautiful Hawaiian slack key "Waimea Canyon." A drop-dead duet version of Jorma Kaukonen's "Embryonic Journey" may lead to a swinging improv on "Bye Bye Blues" from Les Paul and Mary Ford. Sparkling vocals and good humor accentuate an evening you won't want to miss!
But if you did miss it - here are a couple of video clips to just remind you that you could have seen them live. Video clips are no substitute.
Odds Bodkin Odded us Up on 1/12/10
The quirkyness of this group is probably a result of all that time playing at the Rennaisance Pleasure Faires, and hanging out with Pagans of all stripes. Everything from "Mary's Not A Catholic Any More" to Klingon Drinking Songs. OY!
GONZALO BERGARA QUARTET Played 1/13/10 How can you miss with this stunning musical group!
GONZALO BERGARA QUARTET...Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina Gonzalo is considered one of the best guitar players in America. You will hear a mix of Gypsy Jazz and Latin acoustic music with melodies you will not forget. Passionate, virtuoso guitar, incredible clarinet player Rob Hardt, and a pumping rhtyhm section. After having toured the world extensively next to the John Jorgenson Quintet, native argentinian Gonzalo Bergara is presenting his new CD Porteña Soledad with glowing reviews all over the world.
Gonzalo began playing professionally at age 16 in Buenos Aires. By 17 he was already fronting his own blues trio on National Television. He arrived in America in the year 2000 and since then he has performed and recorded with hundreds of artists inlcuding Tim Hausser from Manhattan Transfer, Sylvie Vartan, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, John Jorgenson, Howard Alden and more.
His new CD Porteña Soledad was editor’s Pick on Guitar Player Magazine, and Vintage Guitar Magazine called it a Masterpiece.
The Gonzalo Bergara Quartet is formed by Gonzalo Bergara on LeadAcoustic Guitar, Jeffrey Radaich on Rhythm Guitar, Rob Hardt on Clarinet and Tenor Saxophone, and David Tranchina on Upright Bass.
See the above video and you will wish you had been there.
Gonzalo Bergara Quartet's Myspace is http://www.myspace.com/gonzalobergara
Their Website is http://www.gonzalobergara.com/
Gonzalo began playing professionally at age 16 in Buenos Aires. By 17 he was already fronting his own blues trio on National Television. He arrived in America in the year 2000 and since then he has performed and recorded with hundreds of artists inlcuding Tim Hausser from Manhattan Transfer, Sylvie Vartan, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, John Jorgenson, Howard Alden and more.
His new CD Porteña Soledad was editor’s Pick on Guitar Player Magazine, and Vintage Guitar Magazine called it a Masterpiece.
The Gonzalo Bergara Quartet is formed by Gonzalo Bergara on LeadAcoustic Guitar, Jeffrey Radaich on Rhythm Guitar, Rob Hardt on Clarinet and Tenor Saxophone, and David Tranchina on Upright Bass.
See the above video and you will wish you had been there.
Gonzalo Bergara Quartet's Myspace is http://www.myspace.com/gonzalobergara
Their Website is http://www.gonzalobergara.com/
David Jackson, Van Dyke Parks, & Steve Young, all giants in our musical world...
This sold out show was not videoed by me - for one thing I teach a watercolor class in the Conference Room most Mondays, and while I was in the next room, I didn't get to see the wonders of this show. This assemblage comes around periodically, and I hope they come again. If so - get your reservations in early - they always sell out. Those in the know know what giants these guys really are. Look them up.
Steve Young, David P. Jackson, and Van Dyke Parks have triangulated in music for 46 years and change.
As friends, they've paralleled their universes many times since their collision in So-Cal's coffee houses of '63. That's when they met, in the afterglow of the Beat era. As “The Men behind a curtain,” they wrote songs that went to the top: Steve's Eagles' hit "Seven Bridges Road"; David Jackson’s pernicious "No No" song for Ringo (with a l'il help from pal Hoyt Axton); and Van Dyke Park’s "Heroes & Villains" for the Beach Boys.
Steve Young invented the "outlaw" C&W genre, so ably trumpetted by Waylon Jennings in his cover of "Lonesome, Orn'ry and Mean". His first album (he's done over two handsful) was "Rock Salt and Nails", it's the paradigm of "country crossover". Young splits residence 'tween Nashville and L.A. Both Jackson and Parks take this as a homecoming for Young---a time to share a stage with a man widely viewed, for his poetry and ballads, as a Living American Treasure.
Parks will ply his vocal wares from a piano, of his lengthy song-writing career, and Jackson will flaunt his unbelievable croon with his Anglo- Guitarron in hand.
Their set together will cross the borderlines, with them as portable authors, holders of a rich American musical folk legacy they all know like no other trio in town. For some straight Druid marrow and good clean fun, catch Young /Jackson /Parks in their debut Annual Coffee House Gallery Concert.
Steve Young, David P. Jackson, and Van Dyke Parks have triangulated in music for 46 years and change.
As friends, they've paralleled their universes many times since their collision in So-Cal's coffee houses of '63. That's when they met, in the afterglow of the Beat era. As “The Men behind a curtain,” they wrote songs that went to the top: Steve's Eagles' hit "Seven Bridges Road"; David Jackson’s pernicious "No No" song for Ringo (with a l'il help from pal Hoyt Axton); and Van Dyke Park’s "Heroes & Villains" for the Beach Boys.
Steve Young invented the "outlaw" C&W genre, so ably trumpetted by Waylon Jennings in his cover of "Lonesome, Orn'ry and Mean". His first album (he's done over two handsful) was "Rock Salt and Nails", it's the paradigm of "country crossover". Young splits residence 'tween Nashville and L.A. Both Jackson and Parks take this as a homecoming for Young---a time to share a stage with a man widely viewed, for his poetry and ballads, as a Living American Treasure.
Parks will ply his vocal wares from a piano, of his lengthy song-writing career, and Jackson will flaunt his unbelievable croon with his Anglo- Guitarron in hand.
Their set together will cross the borderlines, with them as portable authors, holders of a rich American musical folk legacy they all know like no other trio in town. For some straight Druid marrow and good clean fun, catch Young /Jackson /Parks in their debut Annual Coffee House Gallery Concert.
The Mark Jackson Band Came from San Diego to play on 1/10/10
I am trying to get caught up with all the performances I have seen in the last week. The first one on the list is The Mark Jackson Band. They are about as far as you can get from Nashville. "And yet, MJB's newest album is more deeply steeped in country traditions than most anything coming out of Music City these days. " -Jim Trageser, North County Times (San Diego)
Mark Jackson is a singer/songwriter whose music has traveled from the hills of Oklahoma to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Mark nurtures
the heritage of storyteller and poet, creating a straight-talking Western/Americana style of music which has become his own rich, signature sound.
The Mark Jackson Band is a six time San Diego Music Award nominee, receiving "Best Americana Album of the Year" nomination for their CD, "Vigilante Road". Additional nominations in 2004 through 2009 were received for Best Americana Band. MJB has created a universal appealing style of original roots country music that is fresh, yet timeless! Their latest CD, “A Real Charmed Life”, was just released this past July with critical acclaim.
Click on the above video to see a series of videos of this show.
The Mark Jackson Band Myspace is http://www.myspace.com/markjacksonband
Mark Jackson is a singer/songwriter whose music has traveled from the hills of Oklahoma to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Mark nurtures
the heritage of storyteller and poet, creating a straight-talking Western/Americana style of music which has become his own rich, signature sound.
The Mark Jackson Band is a six time San Diego Music Award nominee, receiving "Best Americana Album of the Year" nomination for their CD, "Vigilante Road". Additional nominations in 2004 through 2009 were received for Best Americana Band. MJB has created a universal appealing style of original roots country music that is fresh, yet timeless! Their latest CD, “A Real Charmed Life”, was just released this past July with critical acclaim.
Click on the above video to see a series of videos of this show.
The Mark Jackson Band Myspace is http://www.myspace.com/markjacksonband
Friday, January 8, 2010
Crowfoot Charmed Us on Tuesday, January 5th at The Coffee Gallery Backstage
This trio wove elegantly beautiful melodies all around The Coffee Backstage last Tuesday. There were so many wonderful numbers, it was hard to select the few that I am posting here.
This charming group is from the Eastern Townships of Québéc, near the Vermont border, and displayed their easy fluid playing of flute, fiddle, accordion, and guitar, including songs in English and French. Having cut their teeth on the contra dance circuit, Crowfoot has gained a reputation for their trancelike grooves, subtle interplay, and their unstoppable energy. For 5 years they have been playing for dances across the US, Canada, and the UK, drawing a youthful following and foot- stomping praise wherever they go.
Crowfoot is now turning more and more to the concert stage, where rich vocal harmonies, haunting ballads, and finely crafted instrumental arrangements compliment their infectious dance energy.
Their website is HERE.
And below is just a little tast of what the audience experienced at The Coffee Gallery Backstage.
This charming group is from the Eastern Townships of Québéc, near the Vermont border, and displayed their easy fluid playing of flute, fiddle, accordion, and guitar, including songs in English and French. Having cut their teeth on the contra dance circuit, Crowfoot has gained a reputation for their trancelike grooves, subtle interplay, and their unstoppable energy. For 5 years they have been playing for dances across the US, Canada, and the UK, drawing a youthful following and foot- stomping praise wherever they go.
Crowfoot is now turning more and more to the concert stage, where rich vocal harmonies, haunting ballads, and finely crafted instrumental arrangements compliment their infectious dance energy.
Their website is HERE.
And below is just a little tast of what the audience experienced at The Coffee Gallery Backstage.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Tim Eriksen Cancelled Due to Circumstances Out of Our Control
We still aren't sure why the airplane didn't fly, but there were a lot of disappointed people here. Hope we will have him another time. Stay tuned to The Coffee Gallery Backstage for developments. If you are on Bob's email list (he sends out great info about what is coming up, you will find out. Or look at the webiste, www.coffeegallery.com to find out what acts are coming up.
Cathy Barton and Dave Para Did wonderful old time music Sunday, January 3rd
A versatile duo from way out in Missouri performed a variety of traditional and original folk music with strong vocal harmonies and an old timey feel. Consummate professionals, they exhibit a powerful mastery of five-string banjo, hammered dulcimer, guitar, Autoharp and some home-made instruments just to keep your attention. Cathy and Dave are delighted to return to after having way too good of a time a year ago. Their repertoire features tunes and songs they have collected from fiddlers and singers in their home region of Missouri and the Ozarks.
It is hard to imagine a better all-around musical act for aficionados of these grass roots tunes, and they perform with such charm - this blogger is thoroughly impressed.
And of course, if you want to know more about this act, visit their website HERE
It is hard to imagine a better all-around musical act for aficionados of these grass roots tunes, and they perform with such charm - this blogger is thoroughly impressed.
And of course, if you want to know more about this act, visit their website HERE
And Now For Something Completely Different - Paul T. Yoder and Catalina Cool
Smooth JaZZ came to The Coffee Gallery Backstage Saturday January 2nd. Paul T. Yoder has been called "the essence of smooth jazz", but has reached across musical genres to deliver to the smooth jazz listener an eclectic collection of tunes that was designed to shake up the smooth jazz world.
His new album is called Catalina Cool, and that is what he delivered at The Coffee Gallery Backstage.
Paul T. Yoder's Website
His new album is called Catalina Cool, and that is what he delivered at The Coffee Gallery Backstage.
Paul T. Yoder's Website
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Years Eve Party was GREAT with GREAT Entertainment
Amazing! Many of the people who have headlined at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, or entertained us at other events at The Coffee Gallery in the past came by and wowed us at The Coffee Gallery's New Years Eve Party! One of the acts is even a Grammy nominee.
I put together a video playlist at the end of this and I am providing links to each act's web presence so you can find out more about each act we saw. For some acts I am listing both their MySpace and their other website, since I am not sure which is best. So those that came can relive a small bit of their experience, and those who never showed up or were in the other rooms can see what they missed.
Here is the list of artist links:
1. Brothers Landau website myspace
2. Byron Walls website myspace
3. Dave Morrison website myspace
4. Leslie Perry blog myspace
5. Bill Burnett website SongMineBlog - Incidentally, Bill has posted his new New Years song on his SongMine. He performed it for us at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, but I had technical difficulties, so did not post it. I suggest you check out his SongMine anyway if you love quirky, heartfelt, and/or intelligent music. He is the real deal.
6. Pirates Of The Black Swan myspace
7. Gary Allegretto (Grammy nominated act!) website myspace
8. Evans and Rogers website myspace
This last act was a surprise, Evans and Rogers showed up after the show, and entertained the die-hards in the back, Really cool vaudeville duo. Man....
And here is the YouTube playlist with all of these videos - click on the main screen and then you will see a strip of videos along the bottom border. Then you can click on the video you want.
I put together a video playlist at the end of this and I am providing links to each act's web presence so you can find out more about each act we saw. For some acts I am listing both their MySpace and their other website, since I am not sure which is best. So those that came can relive a small bit of their experience, and those who never showed up or were in the other rooms can see what they missed.
Here is the list of artist links:
1. Brothers Landau website myspace
2. Byron Walls website myspace
3. Dave Morrison website myspace
4. Leslie Perry blog myspace
5. Bill Burnett website SongMineBlog - Incidentally, Bill has posted his new New Years song on his SongMine. He performed it for us at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, but I had technical difficulties, so did not post it. I suggest you check out his SongMine anyway if you love quirky, heartfelt, and/or intelligent music. He is the real deal.
6. Pirates Of The Black Swan myspace
7. Gary Allegretto (Grammy nominated act!) website myspace
8. Evans and Rogers website myspace
This last act was a surprise, Evans and Rogers showed up after the show, and entertained the die-hards in the back, Really cool vaudeville duo. Man....
And here is the YouTube playlist with all of these videos - click on the main screen and then you will see a strip of videos along the bottom border. Then you can click on the video you want.
Evan J. Marshall and Billy and the Hillbillies Gave Their ALL 12/29/09
Well, you can't avoid the fact that The Coffee Gallery Backstage brings you bang-up entertainment of all kinds. Last Tuesday's lineup was a case in point, and some of them are even brothers and they ain't shot each other lately.
First up was Evan J. Marshall. He has played frequently at The Coffee Gallery Backstage and has worn many hats (literally - sometimes with a cowboy hat as a member of The Riders Of The Purple Sage, or his farmer's hat with the Billies - and sometimes with a naked head for all to see, like when he hooks up with Scott Gates and friends). This guy just wows you with his innovative technique that enables him to play a mandolin duo by himself. He calls this "Solo Mandolin Performance in Dual Style". He even lets everyone know the secret of this style. The main reason why other players are not around doing this is that you REALLY have to be a virtuoso to make it not sound like chop suey.
So, here are some clips of Evan's performance. And he is funny too, in a kind of laid back, not too serious way.
Evan has a number of website presence locations - so I am just including them all - http://www.solomandolin.com/
http://www.myspace.com/solomandolin
http://www.mandolinconservatory.com/
Boy, he looks so serious on these sites, but we know better, he is silly as all get-out. Just don't let anyone know that you know.
And then came Billy And The Hillbillies
What a hoot! Billy & the Hillbillies used to perform as the 'Green Team' version of Disneyland's Billy Hill & the Hillbillies Show, and they delight in cracking up the audience as well as each other. Watch while they play tricks on each other, sometimes planned, sometimes hmmm.....twisted minds reside in this group. Good thing it is mostly family and they are consummate musicians all, or it could get NASTY! John Marshall is featured with his WILD "Slap" Bass playing, and of course Evan J. Marshall plays his brother Evan as well as the mandolin and fiddle.
Just look at these silly gents:
These guys are on Facebook Billy Link
First up was Evan J. Marshall. He has played frequently at The Coffee Gallery Backstage and has worn many hats (literally - sometimes with a cowboy hat as a member of The Riders Of The Purple Sage, or his farmer's hat with the Billies - and sometimes with a naked head for all to see, like when he hooks up with Scott Gates and friends). This guy just wows you with his innovative technique that enables him to play a mandolin duo by himself. He calls this "Solo Mandolin Performance in Dual Style". He even lets everyone know the secret of this style. The main reason why other players are not around doing this is that you REALLY have to be a virtuoso to make it not sound like chop suey.
So, here are some clips of Evan's performance. And he is funny too, in a kind of laid back, not too serious way.
Evan has a number of website presence locations - so I am just including them all - http://www.solomandolin.com/
http://www.myspace.com/solomandolin
http://www.mandolinconservatory.com/
Boy, he looks so serious on these sites, but we know better, he is silly as all get-out. Just don't let anyone know that you know.
And then came Billy And The Hillbillies
What a hoot! Billy & the Hillbillies used to perform as the 'Green Team' version of Disneyland's Billy Hill & the Hillbillies Show, and they delight in cracking up the audience as well as each other. Watch while they play tricks on each other, sometimes planned, sometimes hmmm.....twisted minds reside in this group. Good thing it is mostly family and they are consummate musicians all, or it could get NASTY! John Marshall is featured with his WILD "Slap" Bass playing, and of course Evan J. Marshall plays his brother Evan as well as the mandolin and fiddle.
Just look at these silly gents:
These guys are on Facebook Billy Link
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