Roots Review 16

One aspect of producing the American Roots Live shows I enjoy as much as any other is matching musicians with each other to put on the best possible show for the satisfaction of an enthusiastic audience - while fitting in everyone on the sign-up sheet into the performance line-up for the satisfaction of the enthusiastic musicians.

And one thing we've found over the weeks is that nobody wants to miss the legendary jams that happen at the end of the night. The last notes played or sang at any American Roots Live Show are always the peak point of the show.

It's very cool (and satisfying for me) to be able to present guitar masters Tommy Fuller or Bernie Brauswetter or Johnny Charles with Walter Foot or John Powers on drums or Mike Caruso or Todd Lanka or Rob Fraser on bass... anyone need a keyboard player? We've got Alan Rogoff or Copa or Len DePiano. Need a harmonica? There's Snakeman Runyan or myself or Bones Sandford. Violin? Arlene Schar or Katherine Viksne.

You get the picture?

It is also equally pleasing to present young, upcoming, stand-out talent like John Powers and his amazing original songs or Kelly Caruso and her amazing voice or Johnny Flame with his thing.

We had another one of those tremendous evenings of music celebration at American Roots Live 16 with John Powers & the Arturos, Walnut Street, JR Bradfield, Johnny Charles, the Flame, Ed Pampani, Robert, Snakeman Runyan, The Street with Freddie & Charlie Macarone, Mike Nitro and Chaz, Tommy Fuller, Jim Somma, Bernie Brauswetter, Kate Weber, Walter Foot, Carlo, Mike Caruso, Arne Englund and Sue T.

Thanks to Richard Skelly for the plugs on the radio and for his attendance at American Roots Live after his Low Budget Blues Show on WRSU, 88.7 FM and the support and participation of Tom Cucchiara, president of Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation.

Many thanks to the Rail and staff. Christy for the great job at the door and Evan for his patience with sound and stage menagement. Thanks to all the American Roots supporters and volunteers, Win, Ed Pampani, Mary Anne and Amelia Lang. Thanks to Duane Chez and Honey Boy Dupree. Thanks to Rusty Vecci and Gavin Lawrence for there participation and everybody else who comes out to make it happen again and again.

Keeping it real,

Ned