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