ARL Roots Review 72

If you missed week 72 of American Roots Live with Nasty Ned, you missed some of the most honest, young performances of individual roots styles you may've ever seen or heard... anywhere.

First, the long-awaited arrival of Smokestack the Foothill Fury, from north Georgia, was nothing less than inspiring and entertaining.

Full of fury, like a rolling and tumbling ball of energy, Smokestack played raw, down-from-the-hills blues. A refreshing slap in the face to pretentious, over-produced pop.

Here's a back view of his home-made, one-man-band-contraption and guitar. (tip-bucket normally hangs in front.) He plucked, strumed and slid all over that guitar attacking the neck from below and over top. With wailing vocals and kicking feet, Smokestack the Foothill Fury is a crowd pleaser and authentic bluesman.

In his own words he is carrying the torch for a music that he loves and encompassing the very feeling of what good ole' blues is all about.

We are proud to have presented him on our stage and look forward to his return. He's coming back, maybe as early as next week after a swing through New England and Nova Scotia. Keep an eye out.

Then, we were thrilled to welcome back our friend Johnny Thompson, one of the smoothest, most talented young blues guitarists in New Jersey.

We're used to hearing Johnny burn it up on the electric guitar, but were far from disappointed by his flawless, enthusiastic set of acoustic pickin' and singin'. At just 22 years of age Johnny Thompson is facing sunny horizons.

We look forward to his return very soon.

Hershall Dow, with a sound and presence as big as Texas was a crowd favorite twice at ARL 72. His "up yours" outlaw-country swagger set the tone aptly for his witty, often humorous songs.

At this pace good 'ol Hershall may become an American Roots Live all star, too.


All totalled, number 72 featured 25 unique individual musicians and singers - one for the first time and one for the 100th.

Our playlist read: Smokestack the Foothill Fury, Johnny Thompson, Hershall Dow, JR Bradfield, John Powers, Ed Pampani, Mimi Nowak, Keith Autocunas, Len DePiano, Mike Carroll, Lisa Batruch, Ron Seibert, Randy Marinelli, Rich Peterson, Frank Cerulli, Paul Obremski, Ed Avilia, Carl Marcantonio, Rich Koerner, Joe Salerno, Tommy Toye, Gene Gigliardi, Chaz, and drummer Adam Pliss.

Thanks to Orphan Annie's, Rick, Karin, Kate and our photographers; Ed and Win.

See you soon.

Keeping it real,

Ned

PS - Happy belated birthday to our dear, departed brother Bernie Brausewetter 9/10/07