American Roots Live Presents the Studio Masters, Volume One

Review by John Pfeiffer, Shoreworld, Aquarian, 9/17/2008

American Showplace Music’s "first project entitled, American Roots Live Presents the Studio Masters, Volume One features four unique tunes from four songwriters of an equal and interesting caliber. Featuring Christine Martucci, Aster Pheonyx, John Powers and of course, Nasty Ned himself rounding out the disc.

American Showplace Music’s intent is to regularly deliver significant new music by significant artists whose musical roots are tapped in yesterday and whose music is born of today.

Aster Pheonyx is first up with her brand of cerebral and mysterious rock, with melodic acoustics, sparse and intelligent electrics, all melding with her intense vocals on gems like "City" and the frenetic intro of "For Only One Night," a Carol King-spiced jam that winds its way effortlessly around her sweet voice.

John Powers kicks in solid next with his first tune "Outside Looking In," a mellow romp across the lonesome highways in his soul. The Neil Young meets Jeff Tweedy vibe of "Nothings Gonna Change You" leaves me looking to see this guy live with a band.

Christine Martucci takes no prisoners, coming right out of the gate with her powerful and intense sound, she reaches far into the music with amazing melodies and smart phrasing on her opener "Outta Here" and her subtle and heartfelt ode to the soldier in "I’m Coming Home," a heartfelt look at the reality she experienced first hand (she was once a soldier herself), this is a song that’s garnering much excitement as we’ll see in the next issue.

Nasty Ned’s up last with his offerings, starting with the jazzy, bluesy shuffle of "Out On the Town." Nasty Ned does his thang here with hipness ala John Lee Hooker or Dylan’s latest group of players. Mellow electrics and Popper-vibed harmonicas brings me back to a Mississippi catfish fry on a hot summer day. Switching gears Nasty Ned buys the drinks for us all on the 60’s country tinge of "Not a Married Man", a little number [that] swings ala The Band or Croce and boasts some great electric guitar work (who is that guy?) and of course strong choruses.

A great first disc from these area stars."

###


Click and listen
at American Showplace Music's myspace player

Buy the CD
American Roots Live Presents the Studio Masters, Volume One it's click and easy at the label's website

Download at itunes or any of your favorite download vendors.

American Showplace Music is the shared vision of American Roots Live with Nasty Ned, producer Ben Elliott, and the fabled recording studio of legends Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Levon Helm, James Cotton, Hubert Sumlin, Leslie West (more); Showplace Studios in Dover. NJ.

IT"S HERE!!

ARL Roots Review Writers in Raritan

Because both of American Roots Live's big nights got bumped by bad weather, last week's Writers in Raritan is the one spectacular to report. Perhaps sweet serendipity, last week's WiR was one special show.

Therefore four special performers will get their due props here where normally we'd discuss dozens.

On Wednesday night Christine Martucci, Aster Pheonyx, Sarah Donner and Kevin Reavey delivered the goods at 10 Anderson Street much to the delight of the assembled WiR enthusiasts.

A bubbling creative community.

Besides stellar performers, last week's Writers in Raritan had more artists on hand than actually on the bill, there was a cool positive vibe in the room.

John Powers, Peter Prasa, Corey Small, Frank Victor and Vincent Inciong (all booked on upcoming shows; Powers and Prasa tonight) listened and mingled. Add the ear and awareness of JR Bradfield, and it was as if a mind-bending songwriter's-workshop could have broken out at any moment.

Kevin Reavey, on his second Writers in Raritan appearance was well received again. He kicked it off with ease. Songs, strong of hook and lyric, Kevin has a nice presence on our show. He'll be back. Click here for the regularly updated performance calendar to watch for Kevin Reavy's return.

Christine Martucci's music is honest and a sound you feel as much as hear.

Instantly connected to her energy, when first I met the hard rockin', soft soul of Christine Martucci, just minutes before she hit the stage at a packed Stanhope House one night - then was immediately knocked out when she did - I was thrilled to introduce her at Writers in Raritan and hear her go back to her roots of solo acoustic, with a riveting set of solid, passionate originals.

Her motto is "her fans deserve the best - never disappoint.” Christine and her full band are heading into a string of headline shows at Stone Pony, Mexicali Blues, and American Roots Live, February 7th in support of her second full-length CD, "I’m All In".

Christine joins Writers in Raritan again on December 26.

She wrote in her blog about WiR, and I para-phrase [ ...the moon and the stars align and magic happens. ...a home at DeCiccos for the singers/songwriters of the world. A place, where ego and pretense are left outside, where pure musical love and admiration flow, where songs are in their purest form, as well as the songwriter. ...listened to some amazing artists, and am privileged to meet John Powers(shout out)...also had the pleasure to finally play the same night and hear Aster Pheonyx ...do yourself a favor and check out her music. ...She rocks ...I am so happy to finally hear her. ...she is talented and humble and amazing!!! ]

Well that just about sums it up for Aster Pheonyx (top photo, pic:win), except that last week Aster was absolutely untouchable, incredible and at her very best! She likes Writers in Raritan and we LOVE her. We're all so excited for her.

You really should catch her anytime and anywhere you can.

BTW Aster Pheonyx plays American Roots Live, Thursday December 27.


Which brings us to Sarah Donner the sassy, quirky, incredibly talented songstress whose songs are funny, touching and intelligent. And such a voice has Ms. Donner. We hope to see her again at WiR as soon as possible, too.

Please check the regularly updated performance calendar to watch for Sarah Donner's return.

Well, gotta go get ready for another show. I hope to see you tonight at Writers in Raritan for John Powers, Kerry Anderson, Peter Prasa and Dennis Macarone.
Thursday, December 20 American Roots Live features bluesman "E" all the way from Miami, FLA.

Lot's of great music out there - you just have to know where to look for it. Why not bookmark this page. There's always something great going on at American Roots Live and Writers in Raritan.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 85

American Roots Live 85 was one very special week of live music capped by a grand celebration of Orphan Annie's 30th Anniversary on Sunday.



ARL's Sunday show fell on the day marking three decades of live music for the Romano family, who built their business and many friendships on the stuff. We were honored to host the live music gala...


...great live music from eight great bands, for eight straight hours... then the mountains of free food caused me to recall a time long ago when I discovered that free food and live music made for a good time, though that free food sequestered in a small room back-stage was for the band - Sunday at Orphan Annie's was as if everyone had a backstage pass while friends, fans, guests and bands all mingled together at the serving tables.

We remembered our late great friend Bernie Brausewetter who was forever part of the OA landscape and missed him dearly realizing that if this party were held last year, he'd be on stage with us this day.

In BB's absence we welcomed his mom Mrs. B who attended the event with Big Nancy and husband Danny Swarbrick.
















Thanks to the Congregation (pic top), John Powers, JR Bradfield, Eryn Shewell Band (pic above), Tony Santos & his Blues Conspiracy with Big Nancy, Joe Morrison Project, Rockin' Daddy, The WALL and Dilly for the non-stop joyous noise.

In my 20 years playing Orphan Annie's, I've never seen so many people in that room at one time. We were absolutely mobbed! Here's to the next 30 years of live music at Orphan Annie's. Anne, Frank, Rick... congratulations.

Thursday, after we gave away 8 pairs of concert tickets to Starland Ballroom for the Pink Floyd tribute, we played host to one of the most famous anonymous singers in America; Joe Cerisano. Joe's is the soulful, raspy voice you've heard on more than fifty recognizable commercials on TV and radio. Joe was also the lead male voice on the 80's hit "Hands Across America" and, among many, many other projects including singing a recent hit for Korn - Joe Cerisano was lead singer with Trans-Siberian Orchestra in 1998 when the touring troupe went double platinum with their smash holiday album Christmas Attic.

It was great having Joe on our stage and fun hearing him and Mimi Nowak singing and having fun together with Roy Macnamara, Peter Mailliss, JR Bradfield and Anthony Gagliano rounding out the band.

With us all week, both at Writers in Raritan and American Roots Live, Joe, on his first night at ARL really enjoyed Hershall Dow and Mordechi Jones with Randy Marinelli on drums and Corey Small on bass. Then was knocked-out when Corey picked-up his acoustic guitar and did fifteen minutes of thumping, innovative original songs. He would marvel at Big Nancy's harp discipline, precision and tone three nights later.

Lisa, Jeri and Lucky, who we know and love as Cleaver June, entertained us Thursday with a rockin' high energy stint and really turning it up - turned heads.

There was a great vibe in the room all week!

ARL 85's playlist also included accomplished contributions from Johnny Thompson, Tommy Toye, Ed Pampani, Keith Autocunas, Lisa Batruch, Carlo Trentacosta, Don Howland and Ron Seibert.

At Wednesday's Writer's in Raritan, with heavies Joe Cerisano, Tommy Fuller and Mike Caruso from the Doughboys in the house; Gerry Perlinski, Peter Prasa, Sheli Aarden and Keith Monacchio bared their souls, their songcraft and solo performance to enthusiastic attendies in an especially entertaining evening of original music.

We've since booked a special show at WiR for January 9 featuring Tommy Fuller, Joe Cerisano, Sheli Aarden and Peter Prasa - mark down that date but first, don't miss the powerful December 12th line-up of Christine Martucci, Aster Pheonyx, Sarah Donner and Kevin Reavey.

Many thanks to Ed Pampani for these live pics and for being an integral part of ARL. Also many thanks to all who help keep live music live. See you soon again.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Phishboy performed ARL 85

ARL Roots Review 81

What a wonderful week of music.

It started Wednesday at Writers in Raritan with John Powers and Aster Pheonyx (pic) dealing strong songcraft in solo, acoustic performance with Jim Popik and Kevin Reavey - then me and Bradfield and Jim Popik really getting into something at the end.

Aster Pheonyx, who you'll hear more of in the future, is where passion and pain meets "strong songwriting and dynamic vocals". Watch for good things for her.

Thursday's American Roots Live 81 was a talent packed, horse-choking line-up of great musicians all showin' their stuff, starting with Johnny Charles, Kim Brewer, JR Bradfield ,Ed Pampani, Tommy Toye, Tony Pilleggi, Bobby Z, Keith Autocunas, Lisa Batruch, Ron Seibert, Dice; Rich, George and Al Pilleggi. Randy Marinelli, Hershall Dow, Mordechai Jones, Steve Pozz, Rich Keorner, Carl Marcantonio, Corey Small, Ed Avilia, George Nicola, Jerry Lanza, Rob Bianco and Ernie Fortunato.

Continued fun Friday night when I joined the DelRosso Experience at the Blue Moon Cafe and laid it down all night with Bob DelRosso, Vinnie Capodice and Kevin Brennan with a sit-in visit from ol' 88's Jim Beckerman. What a groove...

Then Saturday night at the Stanhope House hearing the magnificant Jo Wymer & the Itty Bitty Band open for Christine Martucci Band, who put a solid ass whoopin' on the house with two and a half solid hours of good rockin originals and big Janis gems. Damn that girl can sing and them boys can play!


Sunday night American Roots Live 81 featured a cool new band, Reality Addiction. Dustin (pic), Adam, Robby, and Jonathon brought a good sound, a good vibe and good originals.

The night's playlist included a young new friend from Oxford, NJ on guitar named Justin Kamm, then JR Bradfield, Evan Miggs, Ed Pampani, "Phishboy" Keith Autocunas, Ron Seibert, Sticks Obremski, Chris Mongiello, Carl Marcantonio, Rich Keorner, Mike Coyle, Phil Liebergall and Gene Goodman.

Thanks to Win for the "timed" ARL 80 group photo that'll hang on the "Wall of Fame" at Orphan Annie's. That's Win, down low in the foreground and HoneyBoy Dupree on the cell phone. Can you find yourself here?

Thanks again to all the folks who work hard to keep the music alive. And Ed Pampani for the Live pics.

See you soon.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Justin Kamm plays American Roots Live 81.