Roots Review 12

Anyone who has attended an American Roots open mic - player or fan - knows that our little roots music celebration has raised the bar for open mics everywhere. But last night, at American Roots 12, we raised the bar again. In fact we exceeded our own standards by featuring the finest performances anywhere - one after another, after another, after another and there was not one low point in the evening - it was all a high!

American Roots 12 was a show not to be missed.

First up was the awesomely talented John Powers & the Arturos, a group who brings excitement and originality to a stage. Changing things up a little Powers kicked off the set playing his acoustic guitar while running through a number of crafty original songs, then picking up his electric and inviting our friend and guitar wizard Jeff Page to join the Arturos on stage, they burned through some incredible rockin' blues pieces.

Next was Kelly Caruso, another brilliant young talent with a big voice, who joined by her father Mike Caruso on bass, Jeff Page (guitar), John Powers (playing drums), Alan Rogoff on keyboards and guitar master Johnny Charles, Kelly really got the place rockin'!

Then with Alan Rogoff staying in place, Ed Pampani sitting in on drums and Eric Plotkin playing bass, it was time for another sensational youngster named Johnny "the Flame" Thompson. The Flame may only be 21 years old but he plays like a seasoned veteran, scatting and dishing out heartfelt solos.

A memorable performance by the Mamma Luke band featuring Mike Flynn on guitar and vocals followed then on to the extraordinary vocals of Lori V, JR Bradfield on "dog house" bass, Rob Fraser on electric bass, Bones Sanders with his harmonica, Robert checked in with a solo acoustic performance, David Mason on harmonica, rockin' Walter Foot on drums and Tommy Hayes playing his ass off on that hot pink strat and our American Roots 12 celebration was indeed a show not to have been missed.

The lucky thing for all of us is that we get to do it again next Thursday night at 8 o'clock - I can't wait. I hope to see you there...

Thanks to The Rail and all the regular support folks like Win and Pampani, the American Roots movement is here to stay and gaining momentum each and every week - and we haven't even aired our first American Roots television show yet.

See you soon.

Keeping it real,

Ned