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