Roots Review 26

Sonny Boy Williamson once said, "you better cut it while it's hot - if you let it cool it won't be worth a damn!" So that's exactly what we did at American Roots Live 26 down at the Crossroads Wednesday night.

Rob Paparozzi, harp player, blues rapper, Broadway performer, front man of the "Original Blues Brothers Band" with Steve Cropper, Matt Murphy, Lou Marini, et al, took time this week from his current gig as front man of the legendary "Blood, Sweat and Tears" to play Crossroads in Garwood - Friday night with his own band, "The Hudson River Rats" featuring Bernard Purdie, and Wednesday night with us at American Roots Live.

Accompanied by Ron Poppa on guitar, John Powers on drums and Robert Z playing bass, Rob Paparozzi honked and hollered through three hot steppers including Sonny Boy's "Pontiac Blues" then, with harmonica-and-mic-in-hand, jumped behind the piano to rock a right-handed solo, thrilling an already excited crowd.

We also welcomed two new acts at American Roots Live 26; a sparky, young, lefty-guitar slinger named Steve McIntyre and "Damned Jerry" an interesting, instrumental group.

We were also thankful to hear one of our favorite AR All Stars, Bernie BB Brauswetter buzz through a couple of funky stingers then pleasure us while his guitar gently wept, "c'mon people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together try and love one another right now" with Copa playing bass and Rob on drums.

Other solid Crossroads performances were delivered by Josh Gebhardt, Ed Pampani, Bones Sanford, Screamin' Mimi Nowak, Len DePiano, Ray DiGiovanni, Walter Foot, Terry Hunter, Jimmy and more.

When Slim Harpo sang "Where the music's hot," he could have been singing about American Roots Live at the Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA Thursday night, 'cause, man we were cookin' there, too.

With the rain pouring down in sheets and the weatherman screaming about tornados, we had more players in the house than non-players. Our audience being about 98% musicians proves an artist's passion can't be cooled by threats of a funnel cloud. With two birthday parties also in the house, the heat coming out of the Bluetone Thursday night was from more than just candles on cakes!

Johnny Charles smoked us all, right out of the box, then we were honored to accommodate renowned Philly jazz trumpeter Roger Prieto - a regular headliner at Ortlieb's. He brought us back to ol' New Orleans with his muted horn then brass balled serenading.

Mixing with a red hot band consisting of AR All Stars Johnny Charles on guitar, Gene Downin on bass and a little harmonica from my barstool, Roger Prieto smiled and shined with Sonny Young and Chris Hedges, also on guitars (Chris playing slide) and Brian "Bam Bam" Bridge on drums.

Many thanks to one jammin' Jaimo Flynn for his remarkable performance on drums and supreme efforts in guesthosting American Roots Live 26 with Johnny Charles, myself and the steady rollin' bass of Stroudsburg, PA's Chip Bush. Also great performances by Billy K, Vern Mobley of "Fusion Jazz Trio", Keith and more.

American Roots Live 26 marks 6 months of constant live celebration of the greatest music in the world - American Roots Music.

Many thanks to our venues, ownership and staffs, all of the talented, dedicated musicians and singers who grace our stage week after week, our sponsors, supporters and friends, and the American Roots volunteers and ambassadors.

Here's looking forward to the next six months of American Roots Live and beyond. We've got a lot in store for you. Please stay tuned and please tell your friends to tune into the American Roots Movement, too.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 25

The roots of American music run deep.

When you look at the influential music makers of the 20th century as each an individual root making-up a collectively massive root system - like that of a 100 year old tree - you begin to realize the complexity of our musical heritage.

Whether we're talking acoustic or electric, Pop, Rock, Country or Jazz - Blues, Be-Bop, Swing, R & B, Rap or Soul - Rock n' Roll, Bluegrass, Gospel, Funk, Folk or Holler - all are the roots of the music being made today.

When W.C. Handy wrote "Memphis Blues" in 1909, he had no idea he was becoming great-great grandfather of a baby to be named Rock n' Roll, nor did Robert Johnson realize as he recorded "Crossroads Blues" in 1936 in a San Antonio hotel room, that he was to be great grandfather of a music called Rock.

W.C. Handy and Robert Johnson never imagined their music would inspire thousands of legendary mothers and fathers of the Blues whose own music would go on to lead millions of sons and daughters to interpret and reshape a sound the world would recognize simply as American Music.

When Muddy Waters recorded "Rolling Stone" in 1950 he didn't know his lingo would serve to identify a cultural movement who would come to know the phrase as the name of its "most heralded Rock band" and a widely read music-magazine that would help define an era.

My intention with Roots Reviews now, is to further exemplify the importance of preserving 20th century American Roots Music by profiling some of its most influential ancestors, while reporting on performances and contributions of the current music makers who join us each week on stage at American Roots Live at Crossroads in Garwood, NJ and the Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA.

Like 19 year old Kelly Caruso who held a crowded house in the palm of her hand with presence, poise and powerful-pipes, belting out the classics "Got my mojo working," "Hit the road Jack" and her hot-knife-in-butter rendition of Etta James' "At last" Wednesday night at Crossroads.

Guitar wizard, Bernie BB Brauswetter, spirited and funny, engaged the audience in conversation while putting on a guitar clinic with another accomplished six stringer, Ron Poppa at his side. There was the rockin' unsafe sax of Walter Bordinaro, the chain smoking, heartfelt guitar solos of Jeff Page - while he and JR Bradfield put in extra effort covering for the illin' John Powers to ensure the smoothness and rhythm American Roots Live shows are known for.

Other great performances Wednesday night at Crossroads came from JR Bradfield, Mike Caruso, Bones Sanford, Robert Z, Ed Pampani, Pete Lutz, Gabe Perry, Bob Del Rosso, Bobby Malavenda, Mimi Nowak, Dave Mager and others.

At the Bluetone on Thursday Arne Englund and his gold-top Les Paul tore it up with a vengeance burning through rockin' Muddy Waters' classics with Big Boy Kenny Nerbak on bass solid as a rock, myself blowin' and shoutin' and Andy McGregor on drums.

Later Arne and that gold-top mesmerized the audience with the Allman Brother's "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" in an improvised duet with Arlen Schar who emulated the original, recognizable guitar parts on her violin - Jamie Flynn playing drums like Jamo and Butch Trucks at the same time.

Other great performances at the Bluetone came from Billy K, Chip Bush, Ed Moore, Doc Z, Randall Smith, Paul Berger, B Moore Ezz, Leo, Keith, Don H, Ross T, Vern Mobley and others.

Many thanks go to Lee Frankel, Ronnie, April, Lauren, Mike, Greg and Derek at Crossroads and Joe Karam, Aaron, Christina and staff at the Bluetone. Much respect and appreciation for our volunteers, sponsors and supporters, Win of Elliott Newcomb Designs, Ed Pampani, Robert Z, Mary Anne, Jack Powers, Eddie Ray of Computown, Big Boy Kenny Nerbak, Arne England, Elmore Magazine, Richard Skelly, Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation, Ambassadors John Powers, HoneyBoy Dupree and Duane Chez - Bob Makin, Bill Nutt, the Courier News, the Allentown Morning call, Jane, Jodi, Dave Howell and more, too numerous to mention, but certainly not unappreciated.

Friday marked our first American Roots All Stars in Concert which was held at Crossroads in a successful effort to keep the movement moving.

Providing memorable performances in concert were The WiliamzBoy, John Powers, Michael Krizan and myself, Johnny Charles, JR Bradfield and the Ten Foot Tall Band featuring, Jeanne, Jeff Page and Jim Popik.

Many thanks here to John Powers, Josh Gebhard, Ed Pampani, Win, Ronnie, April, Mike, Greg, Derek, Robert Z, Annette and Joe Brutal.

Hope to see you all at the next American Roots Live show nearest you because it's fun, it stimulates our "live" music scene and because kids need to be reminded of where their music comes from.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 24

Man, did the cats and kittens come out to play!

...and so did the Allentown Morning Call when American Roots Live tapped the passions of more great musicians in Pennsylvania, opening a SECOND home in a second state at the Bluetone Cafe in Easton this past Thursday night, giving us 2 big American Roots Live open-mic celebrations every week.

The Allentown Morning Call, sending a reporter and photographer, considered our arrival in Easton significant enough to make the event their entertainment- section feature story on September 30th.

Solid performances at The Bluetone by John Powers, EJ Rice, Johnny Charles, Lori V, Sonny Young, Billy K, Chip Bush, Jamo Flynn, Brian Bridge of Dyer Weed, Brad Sicotte, Arne Englund, JR Bradfield, Gary Rivenson of Philadelphia Funk Authority, Gene Downin from the Noo Dogs, and others made for a memorable night of LIVE music.

Thanks to all the musicians in attendance for bringing their instruments and their passionate enthusiasm. You made our opener here a success, Arlene Schar, Steven Kelly, Andy Macgregor, Leo, Jeremy Burns, Mike Frank, Nathaniel Mills and yes, even Sven.

Incredibly, and this gives me great satisfaction, we've created a bridge between talented musicians in two geographic areas! Players from American Roots Live in New Jersey made the quick jaunt to Pennsylvania just as many of those Pennsy players had taken the ride to American Roots Live in Jersey over the past 24 weeks.

East meets west - a coming together of two scenes, making one!

"United we stand" says HoneyBoy Dupree, and each ambassador agrees, we're not only pleased to have expanded American Roots Live into venues that are destination rooms for musicians, but to where some of the best food is served - anywhere!

Crossroads in Garwood features 5 Star Cajun and American cuisine and with exciting dinner specials, while the Bluetone Cafe in Easton - with great soul food dishes on an affordable menu - serves-up the best southern fried chicken north of the Mason Dixon Line thanks to Aaron and his great-grandmother's secret recipe. Mmm Mmm good!

In Garwood, Wednesday's inspired performances at Crossroads featured John Powers, Josh Gebhart, EJ Rice, Robert Z, Ed Pampani, Bones Sanford, "BB" Bernie Brauswetter, Brad Sicotte, JR Bradfield, Pete Lutz, Todd Lanka, Steve Decker and Carmen Sclafani of Wiser Times, Snakeman Runyan, me and all my Noo Dogs; Lee Fink, Mike Flynn, Gene Downin and Jake Jar el, the 3-man singing sensation OREO, Bobby Malavenda and Gabe Perry.

Our movement is growing and will continue to do so with your support. So please come and be a part of it. Come to perform, to learn or just to listen, enjoy, eat, drink and be merry. We really can make a difference if we stand together. We can bring mainstream attention back to American Roots Music and help bring-about a vibrant "new" live music scene.

Join us at any of the growing number of American Roots Live venues.

Please tell your friends, bring your friends, email your friends, call yo' mammas and help us take our American Roots movement to the next level - yes, 3 big shows in the "tri state" every week and our American Roots cable TV show airing in all "live performance" regions!

For professional musicians, the bigger "American Roots Live" gets, the bigger we all get. For the aspiring musician; the more we all learn. For the music fan; the more fun and enjoyment we all experience. For American Roots volunteers - and currently we do need help with our raffle process at both venues - you'll gain personal satisfaction as you help a worthy cause.

Special thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors and supporters mentioned in earlier Roots Reviews and regular email announcements. To our American Roots Ambassadors, John Powers, HoneyBoy Dupree and Duane Chez and proprietors Lee Frankel of Crossroads along with Ronnie, April, Mike, Pam and Derek, and Joe Karam of the Bluetone Cafe along with Aaron, Christina and Charlie.

And please remember the American Roots All Stars in Concert, Friday September 22 at Crossroads.

This night is not an open mic celebration, but a concert of specially invited American Roots All Stars who will perform full sets of their music.

Headlininers: John Powers Band, Nasty Ned & Michael Krizan, Johnny Charles & Straight Eight Blues, Ten Foot Tall Band, JR Bradfield, and very special guests, Johnny Thompson Trio and The Wiliamzboy. Doors open early for dinner. Come and get a great seat up close. Showtime is 9:30 pm.

This special show is a fund raiser. "American Roots All Stars in Concert" requests a minimum $5 donation at the door but will appreciatively accept more. You will receive 2 raffle tickets for each $5 donation you can make giving you multiple chances to WIN valuable prizes that have been specially arranged for this night. There will be 3 prize drawings and you must be present to win.

Please come and support this most significant cause. Thank you.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 23

Opening night of American Roots Live in our new home was nothing short of spectacular! Crossroads, down in Garwood could have been where two dirt roads meet in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Not that all performances in Garwood Wednesday night were the blues, but they definitely where real. They were real and honest, rootsy and enthusiastic - and for me - that's as good as music gets.

Our thanks to, and appreciation of, one Mr. John Powers continues to grow and multiply as American Roots Live gains more and more momentum each week because of his dedication and hard work.

John Powers, an amazingly talented songwriter and guitarist - supported by unique vocal abilities, is in my opinion the future of American music. And he is the epitome of what our movement is all about. John Powers is a young man who "gets it" - and now he wants to give it back. So do yourself a favor and come to American Roots Live to see and hear what he is all about. Joe Taino did.

American Roots Live 23 was replete with awesome performances by the likes of The Wiliamzboy - our newest American Roots All Star and by Kate Weber, Mark Weber, the 9 piece Bassboards Blues Band, Robert Z, Ed Pampani, JR Bradfield, Bones Sanford, Jimmy Somma, Rich Senatore, my man Freddie Farrow from Soul Mission, Michael Krizan and his band of Monkeys, Brad Sicotte, newcomers Pete Lutz and Gabe Perry, blazing, veteran guitarist Sonny Young from Easton, Pa., Miss Arlene Schar and her violin from Hellerstown, Pa., Ron Poppa, Jeff Page, EJ Rice, Josh Gebhart and the super sounds of guitar legend and American Roots All Star, Bernie "BB" Brauswetter.

Thanks to Kenny Allen, Eddie Szeliga and Crossroads management and staff; Lee, Ronnie, April, Mike, Pam and Derek. Special thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and supporters; Win of Elliott Newcomb Designs, Amelia Lange, Jamie Flynn, Big Boy Kenny Nerbak, Arnie Englund, Mary Anne, Seamstress Sue, Arlene, Robert Z, Jack Powers, Ed Pampani, Eddie Ray of Computown, Manville Music, LouMarc Signs, SDC Studios, Dunellen Theater, Elmore Magazine, Richard Skelly and the Low Budget Blues show on WRSU, Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation and the always hard working American Roots ambassadors John Powers, HoneyBoy Dupree and Duane Chez.

We look forward to seeing you again Wednesday night down at the Crossroads and to us all having a great opening night at The Bluetone Cafe in Easton, Pa every Thursday night starting September 14th. Thank you Joe.

We've got two very special shows planned for you next week with big name players, great music and some really cool gifts and prizes including the latest issue of Elmore Magazine and Elmore Magazine music compilation CDs, Nasty Ned autographed, show-used harmonicas, some special surprises from both ARL venues and the NEW American Roots T shirts! Don't worry... if you don't win one, they are on sale at both American Roots Live shows while the supply lasts for $15 each. See you soon.

Keeping it real,

Ned