Roots Review 37 & 38

The Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA and the Rail in Bound Brook, NJ have had a lot of incredible musicians grace the two stages since we've started American Roots Live.

Our talented and accommodating co-hosts John Powers in New Jersey and Billy K in Pennsylvania, make American Roots Live the place to be every Thursday and Sunday nights where the roots rock like no place else.

Our celebration of 20th century American roots music continues to draw new musicians and fans alike. Parents are learning that ARL is a great place to introduce their kids to the music and for this we are pleased.

Last Thursday at the Bluetone we had nine year old Brent Meyers on stage playing Billy K's stratocaster along side Nick T with Ed Moore on Drums and Chip Bush on bass. The kid was good and had us all satisfied. This is what ARL is all about - bringing it to the kids.

Both venues have become destination rooms for musicians of all ages and all talent levels from amateur to pro. At ARL 37 and 38 we were fortunate enough to jam with the greats, Craig Thatcher, Bernie BB Brauswetter and Johnny Charles. Brian Becklin, Doc Z, Johanna, Michael Lopresti, Jim Ruffi, John Kasper, Rob Bianco, Vern Mobley, Kieth McGonagal, Kim Bierny, Robert Zee, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Mimi Nowak, Bob Del Rosso, Jaimo Flynn, Bones Sanford, Lorrie Millheim, Alan G, WDIY's Stew Brodian, Bobby Malavenda, Keith Pagam Sr.and Keith Pagam Jr.

We thank all the musicians who participate - all fans who come out to support the cause. Our venue owners and management. Our supporters; Suzanne Cadgene publisher of Elmore Magazine, Richard Skelly WRSU and Elliot Newcomb. We thank our volunteers and photographers and hope to see you all again soon.

Keep in mind that Christmas Eve and New Years Eve have pre-empted the Sunday shows at The Rail but we will be back in full swing in Bound Brook starting again on January 7th. In the meantime the Bluetone has not missed a beat, All Thursday shows have, and will go on through the holidays.

Here's wishing everyone a joyous holiday season and we look forward to seeing you again soon.


Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 36

American Roots Live 36 was tons of fun - both at the Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA on Thursday night and our re-opening at The Rail in Bound Brook, NJ on Sunday night.

I would like to thank our ARL headlining co hosts, John Powers (left) and Billy K (right) for their undying dedication to our cause - and for all their hard work.




I feel a need today to post our mission statement, so please read it and then check-out the American Roots Live 36 performers line up below. Thanks to all who participated in both venues. You were awesome and we hope to see and hear you again soon.


American Roots Live Mission Statement:

American Roots Live is a movement whose purpose is to promote and preserve the heartbeat of a culture - American roots music - Blues, Jazz, Rock, Country, Rock & Roll, Bluegrass, R&B, Soul, Gospel and all other hybrid rhythms and rhymes in-between.

This music, of a time period running roughly from the 1890's through the mid 1970's, makes up the genre our movement recognizes as American roots music. American Roots Live's purpose also includes reviving a "live performance scene" open to all who want to listen or play.

We are dedicated to sharing, encouraging and inspiring children and young adults to recognize and appreciate American roots music as the birthplace of today's music by getting involved at any of a growing number of American Roots Live open-mic locations - to play along-side a professional musician or just to come and listen.

The impetus behind the movement is significant as American roots music is no longer played on mainstream radio or showcased by mainstream media, forcing it into a narrowing niche away from mainstream American audiences.

As exampled by music venues originally opened as 'blues" or "roots" rooms now finding other forms of entertainment to pay their bills.

Disturbingly, this has become the norm for many venues around the country.

It is therefore the mission of American Roots Live to promote and preserve our American Roots heritage through live performance and all other media available, including television, radio, print, recorded media, internet and pod-cast so that grandchildren will pass it on to their grandchildren and so forth... and for this vital cause, we ask for your interest and support - musician and fan alike.

Founded in March of 2006, by Nasty Ned, American Roots Live functions as a dedicated volunteer group of regional American Roots Live Ambassadors; Duane Chez / Puerto Rico, John Powers / New Jersey, Honey Boy Dupree / Arizona and Billy K / Pennsylvania, Board members; Elliott Win Newcomb and Johnny Charles, E Team Director; Ed Pampani, Special Projects Manager; Arlene Schar, Audio/Video/Special Projects Producer; Bob Malavenda, Coordinators; JR Bradfield, Robert Zee, Amelia Lange, Len DePiano, Mimi Nowak, Photographers; Win, Ed Pampani, Eddie Ray and Don Shatto with Web Design and Hosting by Computown Technologies.

ARL 36 Roll Call:
John Powers
Josh Gebhardt
Billy K
Chip Bush
Ed Moore
Johnny Charles
The Congregation
Ed Pampani
Robert Zee
Mimi Nowak
Uncle Wayne
JR Bradfield
Bones Sanford
The Bixbys
Michael Lopresti
Nick T
Paul Berger
Jack Powers
Walter Foot
Bobby Malavenda
The Doctor
Nasty Ned

...and this comment was just posted today on Roots Review 33:

"Ned, you do a great job in trying to keep the roots of American music alive. In this day and age people are STARVING for the quality of all styles of song we grew up with and are forever in our DNA. There is a huge void in our current music culture that can only be filled by the American Roots music and legacy. Its great that dedicated musicians such as yourself carry on and when I grow up I want to be just like you!"
J'ai Guru Buck Bixby & Brandi.

Roots Review 35

American Roots Live 35 at the Bluetone kicked off to the strains of Jimi Hendrix's recording of the national anthem - then took off for the stars.

Hosted by Billy K & the Pocono Players, ARL 35 kissed the sky.

First up was our young friend, solo performer, Michael Lopresti with his wing and a prayer improvisational original songs. Then Carl Van Camp, backed by Billy K, Ed Moore and Chip Bush, brought down the house with his vocal performance of "Folsom Prison Blues", "Little Sister", "It's Now or Never", "Blue Christmas" and then, encouraged by an enthusiastic audience, came back to encore with "Good Hearted Woman."

Chris on harp and Brian from Big Daddy & the Wildcats playing guitar then joined the headliners on stage with Brian commencing to tear things up, leaving Bluetone owner, Joe Karam to comment, "I really like that young guy on guitar."

Indeed, Brian is one hellova guitar slinger.

Then it was Sonny Young's turn to raise the bar with his guitar and vocals. He did so with Arlene Schar on violin, our old friend James Supra on harp and vocals, Chip Bush playing bass and the ever effervescent Jaimo Flynn tappin' the tubs - a truly inspiring performance!

Chris & Dave took the stage and delivered a tasty, dueling guitars performance accompanied by James Supra's superbly soulful harmonica. Also in the mix was our man Vern Mobley wailing on drums with Don playing bass.

Next it was Roman's turn to tear it up with his guitar and vocals and army of players consisting of Keith on guitar, Don on bass and a special guest appearance by Dave Hollingsworth from Todd Wolfe's Band playing drums.

Nick T shined with his guitar on Neil Young's "Down by the River" with Ed Moore and Chip Bush along for the ride and then Billy K & the Pocono Players closed it out just the way they started - with a firey, crowd pleasing performance.

Lots of new faces in the house this night and especially encouraging was all the young people in the room diggin' them roots. Thanks to Carol and Sue who vow to bring their friends to ARL 36, to James Flynn's posse and to Carl Van Camp's entire entourage.

It was a great night for sure and my very special thanks go out to a very special guy and talented musician; one Billy K. Thanks for the report Billy - my only regret is that I was not able to attend ARL 34 at the Bluetone in Easton as I was in NYC at a "must attend" Eagle Rock Entertainment/Elmore Magazine Gala.

But, I really can't complain because I had the distinct honor of jamming with Mark Naftalin
from the original Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Jeff Simon of George Thorogood & the Destroyers, Jake Walker, Collin John and also on the same stage that night; Chaz DePaolo, Jon Paris, Roger Earl from Foghat and the legendary Nick Gravanities, another original member of Butterfield's band who actually wrote the song "Born in Chicago".

Oh what a night! I'll look for you all soon and please take note that ARL is no longer at Crossroads in Garwood, but very happy to announce our return to The Rail in Bound Brook, NJ every Sunday night at 7pm starting December 10.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 34

My last week in Arizona ended on a high note when HoneyBoy Dupree and I joined Paris James, Mikel Lander, Jack Straw, Arizona Blues Hall of Famer, Hans Olsen and others at the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation Benefit Concert at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix, hosted by Paris.


A great time was had by all who packed the room on a Sunday night to hear great roots music from some of Arizona's hottest performers and one snowbird.

Earlier in the week - Wednesday, night before Thanksgiving - Dupree and I celebrated American Roots Live 34 with some awesome musicians at hot-spot, Bobby C's Jazz Lounge and Grille downtown in the shadow of the Arizona Diamondback's baseball stadium.

I blew some harp, but man there were some great pro performances by Paris James (pic) playing guitar and singing his heart out, Dupree on bass, Adam Clark; drums, the renowned Raul Yanez on Hammond B3 organ and piano. Raul Yanez has serious chops and his music deep, deep soul. Javier Yanez on bass, Tony Valensuela; congas, Duwall Davis; drums, 18 year old, Ryan Dingess; keys and other players and rooters from all around the country.

Everyone had a great time and left for the their holidays with an Elmore Magazine and the spirit of the music in their hearts. Many thanks to Bobby and Joy Clayton for their interest and genuine hospitality.

Then it was off to Nogales, Mexico Thursday for a Thanksgiving dinner of cheese enchiladas, beans and rice.

But it all started Sunday, the 26th, when HoneyBoy Dupree & the Smokehouse Players walked away with another Arizona Music Award for their knock-out performance at the Rhythm Room. Dupree was a crowd favorite that day and I had a blast joining him on stage to do a little blowin' and shoutin' of my own.

There where many stand-out performances including (now on his way to Memphis) Mikel Lander, a 25 year old, lefty guitarist and singer who does a great, original Robert Johnson thing, Arizona Blues Hall of Famer, Tommy Dukes, a 13 year old guitar phenom named Kevin KC Blues and many more. KC is sure to carry the roots torch into the future for generations to come. This was the Phoenix Blues Society's biggest day of the year.


Our many thanks to the Rhythm Room's Bob Corritore (pic), harp player, producer, radio show host and blues historian - for his interest, generousity, hospitality and spirit.

Thanks to Rich Brydle, manager of Cold Shot & the Hurricane Horns - another of Zona's hottest acts - for his energy and vision - and special thanks to Paris' manager, Evan "Arizona" Mills for his humor and for spreading the word.

All in all, whether it was sizzlin' on stage or in the 90 degree dessert sun, my time in Arizona was hot, hot, hot!


Now do yourself a favor and get a subscription to Elmore Magazine so you can read about HoneyBoy Dupree in the January issue and Paris James in the March. Go here right now Elmore Magazine "Saving American Music".

A subscription to Elmore Magazine, with their well written, in-depth articles, award winning photography, and cool T shirts will make great Christmas gift packages for those special on your list this year - and while you're at elmoremagazine.com, click into their "links" page.

Hope to see you soon.

Keeping it real,

Ned