Coming Thanksgiving Day!!!

American Roots Live Presents the Studio Masters, Volume Two, featuring 16 powerful new originals from HoneyBoy Dupree, Plainfield Slim, Paris James and Corey Small. featuring BIG MACK MASON, LEE FINK & NASTY NED

DOWNLOADS at iTunes, amazon, yahoo music, emusic or any of your favorite cyber stores.

CDs available in-hand at all American Roots LIVE shows, and by speedy mail-order service online at

American Showplace Music's web site - it's click and easy right HERE

paypal and all major credit cards accepted on our secure server

Please visit www.americanshowplacemusic.com/ now and dig:

THE FIRST... the one and the only... Volume One, American Roots Live Presents the Studio Masters, featuring 16 powerful originals from the great Christine Martucci, Aster Pheonyx, John Powers and Nasty Ned.

Scroll down to enjoy John Pfieffer's review of V One.

hear V One music now and make friends at
American Showplace Music's myspace page.

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!!

Press Release: May 16, 2008

Musicians and Fans Will Come Together for "American Roots Live" in Manville


(MANVILLE, NJ, May 16, 2008) American Roots Live the 2 years-running, weekly showcase and open mic show hosted by Nasty Ned and co-host JR Bradfield, announced today that the music will continue on Thursday, May 29, 9pm, and every Thursday night there after, inside Rhythms of the Night, 729 South Main Street, Manville, NJ.

American Roots Live (ARL), is the "weekly equal opportunity celebration of roots music", says the show's host. Adding, "we recognize jazz, blues, country, rock&roll, R&B, rock, bluegrass, folk, gospel, soul and everything in between that came before today’s music… you know, the roots".

Each week ARL features some of the region's biggest names in music as well as touring acts and some of the area's most talented up-comers. ARL also encourages and inspires children and young adults to appreciate roots music as the birthplace of today's music and provides opportunity for young and aspiring players to perform on stage with professional musicians.

May 29th's opening night of American Roots Live at Rhythms in Manville will feature some of the area’s most endearing musicians, and bands, in showcase and jam performance: Plainfield Slim and the Groundhawgs, Joe Cerisano formerly of Tran-Siberian Orchestra, Mike Caruso of The Doughboys, Nasty Ned, Lee Fink, JR Bradfield, Johnny Charles, Florida Rod, Spiderlily and more.

Show host Nasty Ned, with a soulful voice and bluesy harmonica, may be best known as the fun loving bluesman from Nasty Ned & the Famous Chili Dogs, a band largely popular in the 1990's on strength of their recordings for Interstate Records and always exciting live shows. Ned has entertained audiences for 42 years.

Rhythms of the Night also houses JP's Steakhouse which features fresh cut angus steaks, slow roasted prime rib, baby back ribs, chicken, pastas, and boasts the area's freshest all-you-can-eat salad bar. The facility is also open for weddings and banquets.

ARL at Rhythms of the Night is sponsored by Manville Music Shop, 249 South Main Street, Manville, NJ.

###

Contact: Nasty Ned:
Rhythms of the Night: 908.707.8757
Web site: http://www.rhythms-of-the-night.com/
Manville Music Shop, Dave: 908.203.1610








All aboard!! They'll be comin down the mountain, when they come! May 29...

ARL Roots Review 76

American Roots LIVE with Nasty Ned...

there is absolutely no other show like it anywhere!


Don't be fooled by imitations.

American Roots Live is not a typical run-of-the-mill open mic or open jam. It's a legitimate show in a legitimate music room - and it's the longest running of its kind.

American Roots Live stands for roots music preservation.

ARL is an equal opportunity celebration of the music and a place you can bring your children to share in the fun. It's for passing the torch to the next generation in an effort to keep the fire burning AND to create an outlet for players to play and network as our "live" music scene is shrinking. Music venues are dying off one by one at an alarming rate.

American Roots Live appreciates and recognizes the contributions of its participants. ARL puts everyone in the spotlight making everybody an All Star. And every musician making a contribution is invited to sign the ARL All Stars autographed guitar.

American Roots Live puts every one's name in print right here in our weekly roots reviews recognizing their tremendous performances - in this case our new friend and featured artist, Pinky Mendez from New York City (pic below).


Bass warrior Pinky Mendez regularly plays with my "big apple" brother, Tony Santos & the Blues Conspiracy. We look forward to seeing and hearing Tony at ARL soon,too.

American Roots Live also has official photographers and is the only show of its kind where you can perform one week - come back the following week and possibly take home a beautiful color print of your performance the week before - for free!

American Roots Live doesn't just have its hand out for the sake of gathering donations. ARL, now approaching its 77th week, passes the bucket to keep the show going and always gives something back to the people. Fans and players alike win music CDs, harmonicas, T shirts and other great prizes each week.

Last week we gave away Delbert McClinton and a number of Elmore Magazine CD samplers featuring John Mayall, Eric Clapton, John Lee Hooker, Roy Orbison and more. In previous weeks; the Allman Brothers, Al Green, Muddy Waters, Aretha Franklin, 25 Years of R&B, 25 Years of Soul, T Bone Walker, BB King, lots of great new music CDs from our many All Stars and on and on.

American Roots Live is where you have a chance to take home autographed guitars. We've given away two so far and our third guitar give-away happens November 1. Tickets are still available, but going fast so hurry out for your chance to take home the Austin electric strat autographed by so many: Nasty Ned, John Powers, Johnny Charles, Jamo Flynn, Lee Fink, Phoenix Arizona's HoneyBoy Dupree, Bob DelRosso, Arne Englund, Rob Fraser, Gene Goodman, Dean Schot, Pinky Mendez, members of the Congregation, members of Cleaver June, Mimi Nowak, Roy Macnamara, Nancy Coletti, Lori V, Hershall Dow, Ron Michaels, north Georgia's Smokestack the Foothill Fury, Toronto Canada's Vanderpark, Covington Kentucky's Fickle and many, many, many more.

You do not have to be present to win!

And on November 1st you are ALL welcome to come and get on stage for a group photo shoot - our framed American Roots Live All Stars group photo will hang on the "wall of fame" at Orphan Annie's. Will you be in it? (Don't miss this opportunity. Watch for more details to follow right here).


Yep, never be fooled by imitations. There is only one American Roots Live. It happens every Thursday and Sunday at Orphan Annie's and it's hosted by yours truly. There really is no other show like it anywhere on any night, guaranteed.






ARL 76's playlist read: JR Bradfield, Mimi Nowak, Ed Pampani, Len DePiano, Bones Sanford, Rotten Robert, Carlo Trentacosta, Robert Zee, Randy Marinelli, Mordecai, Hershall Dow, Keith Autocunas, Lisa Batruch, Jerry Lanza, Roy Macnamara, Mike Carroll, Dave Frant, Gene Gagliardi, Ed Avilia, Doug Deittmann, Carl Marcantonio and Rich Koerner, Jim Sventy, Pinky Mendez, Bob DelRosso, Larry Lip (pic left), Tommy Toye, Sticks Obremski, Al Marchitto, Nick Lavirtano, and Frank Cerulli. That's 32 musicians and singers coming together on one stage in the name of the music - awesome. Oh, and adding me is 33.

Thanks to all who make ARL a "one of a kind" - Orphan Annie's, Rick, Karin, Ashley, JR Bradfield, John Powers and Win and Ed for the photos.

If you read and enjoy these Roots Reviews, please email me here let me know who you are. Please let me know if you have any suggestions to make this page OR our show better or just to say hello. I'd love to hear from you. Thanks.

See you soon my friend.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 71

Behold the talking guitar. It speaks volumes for the fun and excitement that has taken place on the American Roots Live stage, and for all of the talented musicians who have come together in the name of "live music" and "roots music preservation".


It also bears the autographs of those talented and diversely interesting players - some, the finest in the country - who have stepped onto the ARL stage over the last three months to entertain audiences and themselves with live roots rockin' fun, while in some cases, forging new bonds with musicians they've never played with before!

Would you like this "talking" guitar to come and live with you? It can happen. Because the purpose of this guitar and all of its significant signatures, is to raise money for new American Roots Live stage equipment so the magic may continue uninterrupted as it does week after week.

Please support American Roots Live by coming out with your friends; enjoy the music, the food, the adult beverages and purchase a chance or two to win this awesome, real-live, electric guitar. Raffle chances are only $3 per, two for $5 or five for $10 AND you do not have to be present to win. The big raffle is right around the corner and the exact date will be announced soon.

Come to a show on any Thursday or Sunday night at Orphan Annie's in Stirling, NJ and I'll explain how simply it works AND while you're there you may be witness to one of the most exciting impromptu performances you have ever heard.

ARL 71 was no exception as we played host to some big Dogs and a big dude: Mike Flynn and Lee Fink of Nasty Ned & the Dogs and Fred Saunders of the VooDUDES. (left to right below; pic:win)



These three, with 16 strings between them, put on a virtual clinic. The place rocked with mouths agape as sweet swirling sounds filled the room. Mike, Lee and Freddie had fun on stage for close to an hour while we rotated different drummers, singers, keyboardists and harp players on and off the stage so all could get a piece of playing with the dynamic trio.

The ARL playlist read: Ed Pampani, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Mimi Nowak, Phil 'n the Blanks, Robert Zee, Freddie Saunders, Bones Sanford, Ron Seibert, Lee Fink, Mike Flynn, Chris O'Sullivan, Chet Smith, Keith Autocunas, Lisa Batruch, Ed Avilia, Randy Marinelli, Phil Leibergall, Frank Cerulli, Jamo Flynn, Nick Conti, Bob DelRosso, Carl Marcantonio, Rich Koerner, Gene Goodman, Bill Ceseni, Roy Macnamara, Joe Salerno, Janet and John of Critical Mass, Chaz, Todd Lanka, Bob Giglio, and Tom Toye.




Many thanks to all who help make ARL possible Rick, Frank, Annie, Joe, Sandy, Karin, Ed Pampani and win for the pics. And congratulations to Tim Bridge for winning the Orphan Annie's Labor Day guitar give-away compliments of Heineken.

Hope to see you again soon. Don't miss what the talking guitar is going to say next.

Keeping it real,

Ned

PS - Coming to American Roots Live 72 Sunday, September 9th will be Smokestack the Foothill Fury, all the way from the north Georgia hills. He's a gas - don't miss him.

ARL Roots Review 66

She came down out of the hills of eastern Pennsylvania to tear us all a new one last week at American Roots Live 66 after a too-long hiatus - but she was back, and that's all that mattered.

Sue T. ripped through a few rockin' blues numbers, Hound Dog, Cross Cut Saw and others, like a pole cat on a mission.

...and she sang and played better than ever!

American Roots Live 66 saw many incredible performances by outstanding musicians on our stage last week, all in the name of music and fun. We also saw the return of another ARL favorite; Miss Kate Weber, and with the good doctor, Greg Louganis joining her on keyboards.

Kate Weber and Sue T. were gracious enough to sign our ARL All Stars autographed guitar being raffled off to raise funds for our new stage equipment - making it an even more sought-after collectible. Thank you both.





There's always a groovin' good time waiting for new comers and old friends alike at American Roots Live, ARL 66 was no exception.







The 66 playlist read like a who's who of monsters on the circuit: JR Bradfield, Ed Pampani, Roy Macnamara, Bones Sanford, Gene Goodman, Carlo Trentacosta, Carl Marcantonio, Chris O'Sullivan, Arnie Englund, Sue T., Rich Koerner, Walter Foot, Don Howland, Bob Giglio, Jerry Lanza, Mimi Nowak, Snakeman Runyan, Joe Salerno, Lori V., Peter Mailliss, Amy Franza, Chaz, Doug Diettman, Ron Siebert, Pat Mulhern, Paul Obremski, Phil Liebergall, Kate Weber and the good Dr. Greg Louganis.

As word spreads of our roots music celebration we are now pre-booking acts from out of state who are passing through while on tour. You'll not want to miss these exciting acts in August and September down from Massachusetts and up from Georgia.

Dang! You don't want to miss American Roots Live at all, period! You never know what you might wittness, who you're going to see or what you might hear!

As for the autographed guitar; it is being covered with some of the coolest names on our music scene - a collectible piece you'll cherish and want to display proudly, no doubt.

Among the autographs emblazoned on the axe body so far are Johnny Charles, John Powers, Nancy Coletti, Jamo Flynn, Dave Carta, Kim Brewer, Keith McGonigle, Snakeman Runyan, Arnie Englund, Robert Zee, Roy Macnamara, Sue T., Kate Weber, Jerry Lanza, HoneyBoy Dupree, Lee Fink, JR Bradfield, Mimi Nowak, Lori V., Nasty Ned and many, many more.


Tickets are just $3 a piece - two for $5 - and five for $10 and you don't even have to be present to win. We are only letting go of a limited number of tickets so you should get yours soon before they're gone. The limited number of tickets in circulation assures everyone good odds, but please be aware, there is no limit to how many tickets you can acquire. You can improve your own chances to win.

Here's how it will work.

We're asking everyone to put a first name and telephone number on the backs of each ticket. At the end of the summer, when the winning ticket is drawn (and if you're not in the room) you will be phoned by me from the stage and told the good news. You only have to answer your phone. That's all!

Also, during the month of August everybody will have extra chances to win the guitar. Just show up at American Roots Live any Thursday or Sunday inside Orphan Annie's and order up some mouth watering vittles. Yes, just come and eat with us and you'll receive a autographed guitar raffle ticket for FREE!

See you soon. Thanks to all who make ARL possible.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 64 & 65

Oh man, we do have fun at American Roots Live!












But sometimes what happens is I'm forced to combine two weeks of roots reviews - for one reason or another - and such is the case this week for two reasons; busy and busy - AND for having to be out of town on personal business for a short stent - actually two.

I am grateful, however, the shows went on as they did during this busy time with lots of great players and loads of fun, but especially grateful for the show in my absence that went so smoothly due specifically to the spirit, dedication and team work of ARL All Stars JR Bradfield, John Powers, Len DePiano and Mimi Nowak. Thanks guys.

I've combined the ARL 64 and 65 playlists here and peppered a few cool pics through-out; thanks to photogs Win and Ed Pampani, but do have to close on a somewhat somber note, none-the-less.




With two shows per week at Orphan Annie's, Thursdays at 9 and Sundays at 8, ARL 64 and 65 covered a total of four shows. Some of the talented folks listed here came to more than one show, while some made it to all... BRAVO!

Why don't you come to American Roots Live with Nasty Ned and read your name in print here and maybe even see your picture on this page, too.

ARL 64 and 65's playlist included: JR Bradfield, Johnny Charles, Kim Brewer, Len DePiano, Ed Pampani, Roy Macnamara(pic 3), Ed Avilia, Chris O'Sullivan, Chet Smith, Doug Diettman(pic 1), Fred Malley, Frank Cerulli, Dave Carta, Paul Obremski, Bob Giglio, Mimi Nowak, The Kaytells, Ron Siebert, Joshua Reyes, Phil Liebergall, Joe Salerno, John Powers, Bob DelRosso, Bones Sanford, Gavin Lawrence, Randy Marinelli (pic 2), Arnie Englund, Robert Zee, Carlo Trentacosta, Tony Bozza, John Bozza, Chaz, Carl Marcantonio, Rich Koerner, Gene Goodman, and Walter Foot.

Thanks to Orphan Annie's, Rick, Karin, Frank, Annie, Win, Ed, Big Nancy, Stevie, Elmore Magazine and The American Roots Live All Stars.

***As we remembered our fallen brother, guitar great and ARL All Star, Bernie Brausewetter with a grand memorial concert and final CD release party Sunday at the Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ - the music world mourned yet another true great this past week in Bill Perry. So sad. Such a loss.

In honor of Bill Perry and for sake of remembering his genius, I have posted a CD review here that I am proud to have written for Elmore Magazine a few months ago.

RIP brother.



Bill Perry
Don't Know Nothin' About Love
(Blind Pig)





Bill Perry may know nothin' about love, but he sure knows how to rock the blues. And that's exactly what the veteran bluesman from Chester, NY does on his fourth Blind Pig release in four years with one funky infectious groove after another.

Don't Know Nothin' About Love finds Perry at his artistic best as once again he is matched in the studio with producer and New York City blues legend, Popa Chubby. And Chubby seems to know something about Perry. He brings out the best in the artist capturing on disc the raw power and brilliant honesty Bill is known for in his live performances.

The album features eight new and vigorous Perry originals and three covers, including a remarkable remake of the Temptations classic, "Ball of Confusion" complete with a ferociously rocking guitar.

The title track pines traditional, while "My Baby Loves to Dance" makes you want to. "Can’t Afford to Die" is a smoldering tone-tender blues that Perry smokes way down low proving that phrasing and feel define an artist more than anything else.

To say Bill Perry's guitar talks is an understatement. It actually screams and cries and it preaches. It deeply communicates the blues. In fact on the self penned, socially relevant "Down in New Orleans" Perry brings us even deeper than the blues with a dark chill that will make you feel the flood waters rise.

I will not make a comparison here, but must say, I can't remember being spoken to so intimately by a guitar since Stevie Ray's.

Bill Perry's performances here are inspiring, fluid, soulful, biting, funky and as gritty as a gravel road. Don't Know Nothin' About Love is well worth your hard earned money. And if you like to dance, you'd better roll the rug back off the floor before pressing play.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 58

"The music's hot and there ain't no doubt. Son where ya' going? Where the music's hot"!
Slim Harpo

I can remember seeing Elvis on the Ed Sullivan Show gyrating inside a little black & white-glass-globe-picture-tube. I know. That tells you I've been around for awhile - and yes, I've seen a lot.

But Sunday night at ARL 58, I saw the Wiliamzboy - the bluesy, folk-a-billy solo artist from Philadelphia at his finest and playing with a drummer and bass player.

And I saw Ron Michael's, the guy who pitches Aleeve on TV, blowing sparks from his trumpet and flugelhorn simultaneously.

That's something I never saw before.

Singers, songwriters and musicians from everywhere, as well as music fans of all root styles, came to celebrate American roots music at American Roots Live with Nasty Ned on our first night at Orphan Annie's.

With lot's of your favorite players and a good blend of new comers, the well-known roots roadhouse on Valley Road in Stirling, NJ took on a whole new glow.

From blues to jazz to be-bop and rock & roll – to country, R&B, folk, bluegrass and soul – all are the birthplace of today’s music at our American Roots Live open mic celebrations.

You can’t hear all of this music on the radio anymore but you can hear it live when you come to ARL at OA's on Sunday nights.

American Roots Live has always been amazing - and it still is, but what's really amazing is that ARL is still getting bigger and hotter, and me... more excited.

At ARL 58, singers smoked, drummers sizzled, guitarists burned and the lucky raffle winner of a box of Entenmann's Chocolate Donuts managed to get the tasty treats out of the building before the icing melted.

Others won autographed harmonicas, music CDs and copies of Elmore Magazine. But have no doubt, ARL 58 was all about the music, and that was very hot!

Again, they came from near and far and some, among the finest musicians (and baked goods) on the planet.

Many thanks to all who participated; JR Bradfield, Jamo Flynn, the Wiliamzboy, Len DePiano, Ed Pampani, Nancy Coletti, Roy Macnamara, Mimi Nowak, Arlene Schar, Rob Fraser, Ed Avilia, Bones Sanford, Ron Michaels, Freddie Macarone, Pam Priscilla, Brian, Gene, Chaz and more, and special thanks to Garry Hodgson for his efforts to record the evening for posterity. Also many thanks to Karin, Rick, Blueskid Productions, Win and Elmore "Saving American Music" Magazine.

The big diesel locomotives no longer rumble to within ten feet of our stage, but there's still a place for musicians and fans to come together in the name of music. It's where the music's hot - American Roots Live at Orphan Annie's every Sunday night. Thanks.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 57

American Roots Live 57 was another fun night of good friends and great music as we packed our bags down at the station and hit the road heading for the hills.

We heard our old friend Dean Shot tear off a few with Johnny Charles and Freddie Mac - Bradfield and Piano layin' it down with Powers - Bones plunkin' bass with Robert Zee and more.

The spirit of the players is what it's all about - everyweek - everywhere at ARL.

Thanks to John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Ed Pampani, Mimi Nowak, Johnny Charles, Bones Sanford, Robert Zee, Roy Macnamara, Josh Gebhardt, Brandon Kurzawa, Metal Bob, Freddie Macarone, Ron Michaels, Dean Shot, Walter Foot, Cal Ritchie and Byron J, our last night at the Rail rocked.

We're all excited to be opening American Roots Live on Sunday, June 3 in Stirling at Orphan Annie's, a venue that's been featuring live music since the 1970's. Rick Romano and BluezKid Productins has been running "open jams" on Sunday nights for years hosted by the likes of Bernie Brausewetter and many others. It seems fitting that American Roots Live will be taking over that slot.

So tell yo mamma and yo pa, and all your aunts, uncles and cousins, too that American Roots Live 58 with Nasty Ned will be lighting it up on Sunday night at 8 pm sharp with the Wiliamzboy, JR Bradfield, Roy Macnamara, Len DePiano and many other of the hottest players in three states.

Those coming from the Bound Brook area just head for the glow in the northern sky...

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 55 - BB's Royal Memorial

Thoughtfully, Arlene Schar, violinist and American Roots Live All-Star; Hellertown, PA, circulated a mother's day card among ARL 55 participants on the first of Bernie's Memorial nights Thursday at the Rail in Bound Brook, NJ.

Then, Friday, she "over-nighted" the mother's day card full of our signatures and well wishes to BB's mom with my phone number on the back.

As Arlene had hoped would happen, Bernie's mom got the card on Saturday and decided to come to 55 for the second night of the Royal Memorial for her son on Sunday.

Before the second show, as the Rail filled with players, friends and fans my cell phone rang.

Mrs. B arrived that night, driven by Bernie's good friend Dawn, just as the evening's music was starting. She appreciated all of the talented, dedicated players who showed up on both nights in her son's honor, and so do I.

They came from near and far.

Just off his tour of Holland and England, our friend Jake Walker came in from New York City on Thursday to join 28 other performers at the Royal Memorial.

On Sunday, it was our friend the King of the Rust Belt Blues; Mike Dugan from Allentown, PA with bass player and ARL All-Star Rob Fraser joining 21 others to play and pay tribute.

Yes, the hottest players in the area made it to our stage to honor BB. And though he has left the building and his stool sits empty on our stage, Bernie Brausewetter will remain in our hearts and our minds and our ears.

Many special thanks to all who took part in American Roots Live 55; John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Mimi Nowak, Johnny Charles, Jamo Flynn, Billy K, Nancy Coletti, Arlene Schar, Ed Pampani, Sonny Young, Jimmy Somma, Jake Walker, Mike Carrol, Jake Jar el, Bob Del Roso, Bones Sanford, Roy Macnamara, Snakeman Runyan, Chris Porto, Randy Marinelli, Carlo Trentacosta, Jack Powers, Mike Caruso, Dennis Macarone, Vern Mobley, Arne Englund, Robert Zee, Alan Rogoff, Metal Bob, Aaron, Ramir, Gavin Lawrence, Freddie Macarone, Ron Michaels, Rusty, Walter Foot, Bob Giglio, Mike Dugan, Rob Fraser, Tony Goncalves, Chris O'Sullivan, Chet Smith, Cal Ritchie, Big Nancy, Richard Skelly, Russ Allison, Susan, Noah, Dawn and of course Mrs. Brausewetter. (Pic with Bernie below.)












Remember, it was on the morning of Bernie's passing, April 15th, that the sky started crying and flooded 7 feet of water into downtown Bound Brook. It rained for three days putting the Rail and hundreds of other businesses and residents out of commission, including American Roots Live for three weeks.

ARL wants to help the Bound Brook Area Chamber of Commerce to help those businesses and the historic Bound Brook Theater back on their feet. Please watch this page and your email inbox for information about upcoming fund raising events including an American Roots Live spear-headed Spirit Festival downtown in July.

It all starts with a Somerset Patriots baseball game Monday, May 21 at Commerce Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ.

Purchasing tickets for that game (and the fun activities prior to the game) from the Bound Brook Area Chamber of Commerce will assure the monies go to the downtown folks affected and will greatly help the efforts of restoration undertaken by so many.

To attend the game and festivities for the sake of the cause, please call Mafalda at Versatile Printing for tickets. Her phone number is 908 489-4753 and tell her Nasty Ned told you to call.

I'd like to see you at the ballpark on Monday as the Somerset Patriots celebrate their tenth season while helping Bound Brook, in a game against the Bridgeport Bluefish.

Thank you.

Keeping it real,

Ned

C'mon 55

We've had to deal with a lot of adversity over the first year and a month of American Roots Live with Nasty Ned.

There was the repaving on Main Street at ARL 3 where the parking lot at the Rail was not accessible to vehicles and we had to carry all the equipment in from a parking lot across the street, dodging trucks, tractors and machines spewing hot tar - and the show went on. Duane Chez will remember.

There was ARL 8 almost being cancelled after flames shot from the manhole covers on Main Street after a speeding train blasted past the station blowing a transformer - but the show went on.

There was the difference in visions with old management that sent ARL 18 thru 28 scrambling into two different venues. Then, the last minute cancellation of our night-before-Thanksgiving show because one of those venues insisted on doing something else, so we took the show to Phoenix, AZ with HoneyBoy Dupree and Paris James - yet ARL continued uninterrupted another week. Then upon returning from Phoenix finding the aforementioned rogue venue had pulled the plug on us altogether - and still American Roots Live went uninterrupted because we had already expanded to Thursday nights at the Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA.

Thanks to Win who talked to Mike and Lynn at the Rail who agreed to give us asylum on Sunday nights in Bound Brook - back where we started.

Yes, American Roots Live has had its share of adversity - and joys and triumphs, too - now expanded to two nights per week at the Rail with our consecutive weeks streak unbroken all the way up to ARL 54.

Then a force so great, known as mother nature, spilled millions of gallons of water over the banks of the Raritan River and into the streets of Bound Brook drowning Main Street under 7 feet of water and ARL 55 with it. Thankfully, because the Rail sits highest on Main Street, our stage was an island.

As if the sky was crying over the loss of our late brother Bernie Brausewetter, the rain continued for days turning downtown Bound Brook into what looked like the ninth ward - thank God no life was lost to the water.

Well, we can't reverse mother nature. But we can dry ourselves off - clean up the mess - and get back to work, and that's exactly what we're going to do.

Please come to the Rail as we bring back the music Saturday night with yours truly joining Johnny Charles & the Straight 8 Blues Kings and Sunday night for the return of American Roots Live!

55 has finally arrived and we couldn't be happier - but on such short notice, we've decided that the Royal Memorial Show for BB will be next week, both Thursday and Sunday at American Roots Live 56.

Many players pledged to be there as tribute to the big man when we thought we'd be open two weeks ago, so I'm asking you all now to be there May 10th and 13th to play in Bernie's honor.

Now, a little lost in the shuffle was ARL 54 because I was in no condition to write a proper Roots Review, following those tremendous nights of music, as we had just learned of our dear friend's passing. So I'll use this space today to recognize some of those incredible musicians who made American Roots Live 54 the incredible musical extravaganza that it was - we were all on an all-time high!

Kickin' off with John Powers and all our fantastic regulars, proper kudos must go out to a 16 year old song bird named Brianna Beatie making her ARL debut.(pictured)
















Veteran performer Nancy Coletti, who sings the Sea World commercial on TV, accompanied the youngster on piano then sang and scatted up a storm for us and brought the house down. (pictured)

















Ron Michaels, TV's Mr. Aleeve, wailing on his trumpet and fluggle horn. JR Bradfield, Mimi Nowak, Len DePiano, Jaimo Flynn, Roy Mcnamara, Arne Englund, Dennis Macarone and on and on - it was wild. (Please scroll down a bit to see the entire roll call. Everyone was great.)

Hope to see you all Sunday at 55 - the Rail really needs our support!

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 52

Our one year anniversary celebration of American Roots Live at The Rail last week had me feeling like Lou Gehrig. By that I mean I felt like the luckiest man on the face of the earth.

And when I think about American Roots Live and the tight little artist's community that has come together over the past year, I realize I am the luckiest man on the planet. To be surrounded by so many talented and dedicated musicians and coordinators who have helped me to realize a dream, and one that has become their own - working to preserve American roots music for future generations - I am most fortunate indeed.

American Roots Live 52 Sunday night was a masterpiece. After the raucous crowd response to our national anthem played on harmonica, Chuck Wegman and Evil Dick of The Congregation embraced the honor of kicking off the show with an unplugged, unpretentious set of Congregation originals and covers. Awesome.

Then, on to the youngsters. Nine year old Brent Meyer, with his big Fender Stratocaster (pictured left, below) and his parents and sister in attendance, stood proud center stage picking strings before an enthusiastic audience supported by Jaimo Flynn on drums, JR Bradfield on bass, and ARL Ambassador from Pennsylvania, Billy K on guitar.




After Brent breezed through his set he was followed on stage by his seniors, 14 year old Dolan Kutzman playing drums and 16 year old Tim Beery on bass, both rockin' in the free world with Dolan's father, Billy K center stage.

What followed was a roots revival to be rivalled by no other - remember, there's no other show like American Roots Live anywhere!

ARL 52 Sunday was also the night of the all-stars autographed guitar contest, completing the blaze benefit for Harry Okie and his kids who lost their home to fire just before Christmas '06.

Phil Ouellette of Union, NJ was the lucky recipient of the autographed guitar donated by Manville Music. He smiled shyly with pride in accepting the prize knowing that he - along with many other people - donated to the cause that, all totalled, raised $1,960.02.

No one knows from where the two pennies came, but they were in the bucket and appreciated non-the-less.

Everybody was jacked both Sunday and Thursday nights as tremendous performances were put in by the afore mentioned players as well as John Powers, Mimi Nowak, Ed Pampani, Big Daddy & the Wild Cats, Roy MacNamara, Johnny Charles, Len DePiano, Robert Zee, Snakeman Runyan, Arne Englund, Metal Bob, Gavin Lawrence, Randy Marinelli, Al Madison, Johnny Thompson, Uncle Wayne, Bob Giglio, Chris Porto, John DiGiovanni, Steve Pozzelanti, Ray Mack, Mike Carrol, Dennis Macarone, Saxophone Joe and Cal Ritchie with special thanks going to Elliot "Win" Newcomb , Elmore Magazine and much appreciation to many others.

Also, as an aside - for those aware and concerned - Monday's surgery was a success and I'm recovering nicely wrapped in terry cloth and perched atop a bag of frozen peas. Thank you all for your generous gifts and offers of assistance, and your prayers, thoughtful emails and phone calls.

I'll see you tomorrow night down at the station for American Roots Live 53 and can't wait to experience the excitement this next year will bring!

Keeping it real,

Nasty Ned

PS - Happy Birthday to Muddy Waters - April 4th

Roots Review 51

American Roots Live 51 was brimming with excitment last week. Maybe it was everyone's anticipation of ARL 52 - this week's one year anniversary celebration. Maybe it was because our friend, NYC firefighter, Brian Z was back on stage again. Maybe it was because guitar legend, Dave DiPietro was making his American Roots Live debut and smoking the house slow.

Maybe it was because Arlene Schar and Mimi Nowak sparkeled like diamonds or maybe it was Len De Piano, John Powers or JR Bradfield showing everybody how it's done with class, ability, humility and dedication.

OR just maybe it was that charbroiled 16oz steak with all the trimmings The Rail serves-up for just $9.95.

Whatever it was, we raised the bar again at American Roots Live 51 and we're looking forward to seeing all of you this week down at the station as we click past ARL 52 signaling one solid year of "open" roots rockin' fun.

It seems like just yesterday when I introduced our first co-hosts, Bassboards Blues Band with our friends Kate Weber and John Caruana



...then co-host Duane Chez
and, so sad to say adios when he left for Puerto Rico after ARL 8


...then so fortunate to come together with the incredible John Powers who co-hosts ARL to this day.



There are so many wonderful, solid people to recognize and thank including, but not limited to Billy K, Ed Pampani, Elliot "Win" Newcomb, Johnny Charles, HoneyBoy Dupree, Eddie Ray, Bobby Malavenda, Larry Gliozzi, Charles T. Wegman, Mike and Lynn Ruane, Elmore Magazine, Ben Elliot, Joe Karam, and Richie Zupko RIP.

ARL 51's role call includes John Powers, JR Bradfield, Ed Pampani, Len De Piano, Mimi Nowak, Dave DiPietro, Keith Mc Gonigle, Tommy Fuller, White Knight; Ed, Glenn, Shawn and Tom, Arlene Schar, Randy Marinelli, Carlo, Robert Zee, Arne Englund, Chris O'Sullivan, Uncle Wayne, Joe Sax, Dennis Macarone, Rob Fraser, Cal Richards, Brian Z, Chris Porto, Dave O, Bones Sanford, Roy MacNamara, and Metal Bob.

With lots of Roots fun in the future, including our long awaited TV show by the same name (which is just on the horizon), please don't forget the American Roots All-Stars autographed guitar that is being given away this Sunday at ARL 52. With only two opportunities left to buy tickets; this Thursday night and early in the evening Sunday, be sure and get yours.

Remember we're raising money with the guitar raffle as a part of the Blaze Benefit for our friend Harry Okie and his kids.

Hope to see you all soon.

Keeping it real,

Nasty Ned

Roots Review 49 & 50

I'm having so much fun hosting American Roots Live that I almost feel guilty. I ask myself, how can one person enjoy such satisfaction when there are so many other unhappy, discontented people in the world complaining, "I can’t get no..."?

Well, the answer is simple really. I'm surrounded by satisfying people - some of the most talented and dedicated musicians you'll find anywhere. And damn nice people at that and they all come together to play and celebrate American Roots Music.

And where would we be without John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len Depiano and Mimi Nowak.

I didn't set out to save the world with American Roots Live, just the music. And, as I soon realized, many others felt the same way and recognize American Roots Live as a viable entity. A noble cause. A great forum from which to play. To emote. To share. To bear one's soul and to build their chops. Can I get an amen?

It really is the spirit of the people who come to American Roots Live open mic celebrations that make it work. And not just the musicians, but the listeners, too. Have you ever tried eating peanut butter without the jam? It's like playing music with no audience or being in the audience with no music. A little hard to swallow. But fortunately, we have both at ARL.

And that's why we all have so much fun at American Roots Live. If you have never joined the fun at one of our shows, you must put it on your grocery list of things to do. Please do join us. We're having an abundance of good times and there is plenty to go around, besides, we want to share it with you.

Ask any of these recent participants and they will tell you the same thing: American Roots Live with Nasty Ned every Thursday and Sunday night at the Rail in Bound Brook, NJ's historic train station is the place to be when your hungry for some good music – John Powers, Keith McGonigle, Josh Gebhardt, JR Bradfield, Johnny Charles, Ed Pampani, Len Depiano, Mimi Nowak, The Congregation; Evil, Chuck, Rich and Sal, Bobby Malavenda, Jaimo Flynn, Robert Zee, Roy MacNamara, Bob Del Rosso, Walter Foot, Bones Sanford, Dennis Macarone, The Doctor, Arlene Schar, Sonny Young, Billy K, Mike Carrol, Metal Bob, Chris Porto, John DiGiovanni, Paul Nagy, Dave Lippencott, Katmandu; Randy, Corey and Tal, Tommy Fuller, Bob Giglio, Rotten Robert, Carlo, Joe Sax, Brent Meyer, Calvin Ritchie, Gavin Lawrence, Chris O Sullivan and many, many more...

Many thanks to all who have come to listen and win prizes and to the management and owner ship of the Rail, our supporters, volunteers, sponsors and ambassadors.And many thanks to Charles T. Wegman for the beautiful enhancement of our American Roots Live logo.

See you all soon.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 46, 47, 48

Well, I've been going a hundred miles an hour in every imaginable direction and do apologize for (this time) being three weeks behind on your Roots Review. The good news is, the dust is beginning to settle and we're gearing up for some great new American Roots Live open mic shows at the Rail and a brand new, long awaited, American Roots Live with Nasty Ned TV program that will air initially on Cablevision's channel 22 in Green Brook, Dunellen, Piscataway, Middlesex, Bound Brook, South Bound Brook, Manville, Raritan and Bridgewater, NJ.

I'll send an email with the air dates soon so you'll be sure not to miss it.

We have one more sponsorship spot left to fill so if you or someone you know would like to support American Roots Live and have your business message delivered on TV (very affordably to 40,405 central Jersey households) please contact me by email with your phone number at nastyned@att.net and I'll be sure to be in touch with you. Please mention a best time to call.

As for American Roots Live 46, 47 and 48, our open mic celebrations of American roots music at the Rail, we have had a blast and it's sure to get even better as the weather begins to break!

A few weeks back we were honored to have nine year old Brent Meyers playing his guitar with us on stage. Brent is the young man we first met at the Bluetone Cafe in Easton. He has a natural gift with his guitar abilities and an interest in American Roots music. We are always pleased when his father Eric brings him to our shows because sharing the music with young people is what American Roots Live is all about.

What was so cool about the last time Brent performed with us is that he didn't want to go on stage early, opting to wait until a larger audience was assembled - I love that!

Many thanks to John Powers for steadfastly co-hosting American Roots Live for all these weeks and special thanks and appreciation to all the dedicated musicians who make it happen week after week, namely: JR Bradfield, Ed Pampani, Len DePiano,
Mimi Nowak, Robert Zee, Roy McNamara, Arne Englund, Walter Foot, Keith McGonigle, Josh Gebhardt, Johnny Charles, Jaimo Flynn, Vern Mobley, Bobby Malavenda, Jake Jar El, Chris Porto, Randy Marinelli, Bob Giglio, Gavin Lawrence, Eric Plotkin, Dave O, Mike Mastrianni, Dave Rivera, Carlo, Metal Bob, Chris O'Sullivan, Paul DeLoia, Tommy Fuller, Arlene Schar, Dexterity, Summer Project, Evan Coniglio, Steve Yadlosky, Rotten Robert, Jim Michaels and more.

We are approaching our one year anniversary of American Roots Live and will celebrate the milestone on Sunday April 1st at the Rail where we'll give away the ARL autographed guitar to one lucky winner in attendance. As you know the guitar has been being raffled off for the past several weeks with all proceeds going to our friend Harry Okie who lost his home and all worldly possessions in an ugly house fire just before Christmas.

There is still time to purchase a ticket or two or six or ten - just come to American Roots Live any Thursday night starting at 9pm or any Sunday night starting at 7 at the Rail in Bound Brook and join the fun.

Thanks to Bobby Malavenda of Manville Music for donating the guitar. Many thanks to Rail ownership; Lynn and Mike and special thanks to the infamous Byron J for the kit. Props to Win, Ed Pampani and Eddie Ray and all our volunteers, sponsors and supporters and thanks to Elmore Magazine and publisher Suzanne Cadgene.

See you all soon.

Keeping it Real,

Ned

Roots Review 41 & 42

Yes, I have some catching up to do. Sorry for the delayed Roots Review - and, that I'm combining 41 and 42 - but it gets that way sometime, it do.

With juggling the American Roots Live Shows and all that goes with it, my duties for Elmore Magazine and arranging the Blaze Benefit for Harry Okie, I've been running in wet sand.

I hope you can join us Sunday at the Rail, January 28 for the American Roots Live All-Stars Blaze Benefit Concert for Harry Okie starting at 1pm and running 'til midnight. Doors open 12 noon.

15 ecclectic All Star acts will perform in an all-day benefit concert to raise money for Harry Zierdt and his kids who lost everything when their home burned down just before Christmas 'o6. Asking for a $10 donation at the door, we will graciously accept whatever you can afford, and will gladly accept any donations above $10. You can read Harry's story here and Up Stage Magazine's story about the benefit here. Complete line-up of acts here

It has been my pleasure and honor to host the American Roots Live shows each week and am so appreciative of our stead-fast, headlining co-hosts John Powers and Billy K. And it's so satisfying to be surrounded by the many talented musicians who have stepped onto our stage to tear us all a new one.

Recognition goes to Powers and K and all the particpating musicians at ARL 41 and 42: Johnny Charles, JR Bradfield, Chip Bush, Ed Moore, Mimi Nowak, Ed Pampani, Keith McGonagle, Robert Zee, Bob Del Rosso, Randy Marinelli, Bob Giglio, Tommy Fuller, Walter Foot, Eric Plotkin, Bob Malevenda, Joe Braverman, Bones Sanford, Whiskey Tango, Len Depiano, Carlo, Mike Carrol, ATypical Situation, Bad Monkeys, Chip Bush, Ed Moore, Jimi Hendrix's Anthem, Frank, Doc Z, Leo, Frank Tapler, Steve, Wes, Mike, Bob, Laurie Razz, Keith Pagan Sr. and Keith Pagan Jr., Matt Roman, Don Howland, The Bluetone's Aaron, Michael Lopresti, Mr. Deno, Nick T and Ross, especially for the Anthem.

Please Note: the current scheduling for American Roots Live Shows; every Thursday 9pm at the Rail in Bound Brook, NJ, and starting Sunday, February 11 at 7pm and every Sunday there-after - just two weeks after the benefit concert - ARL will be one big show on two great nights. ARL and the Bluetone Cafe will be taking a winter hiatus and will look at a re-start date in the future. All ARL shows at the Bluetone have been postponed until notice.

Thanks to Joe Karam, Mike and Lynn Ruane, Byron, Evan Coniglio, Win, Elmore Magazine and Suzanne Cadgene and everyone else for their interest and support.

See you at the benefit.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 39

The kids are alright!

Last Thursday's American Roots Live was the epitome of what our movement is all about... the kids. In a packed Bluetone Cafe full of musician's and fans of all ages American Roots music was the focus from blues to country to rock to free style jam.

Billy K & the Pocono Players laid down a solid set of roots based classic rock then backed Carl Van Camp who tore through some Elvis, Johnny Cash and George Jones (pic). Fans young and old soaked in the sweet sounds of yesterday.

Billy K was joined on stage by his 14 year old son Dolan Kutzman on Drums and 17 year old friend Tim Beery on Bass. Nick T on guitar and vocals played with nine year old Brent Meyers who took center stage this week playing his own strat in front of Ed Moore on drums and Chip Bush playing bass.

Nancy Colletti aired out her amazing voice while her children listened and 21 year old Michael Lopresti rocked electric with Matt Roman. Roman then free styled quite interestingly with Billy K - deep.

Other stand outs were Clay Reilly on trumpet. Kevin Tracy , keys, Jaimo Flynn on drums, Joe Matthews, bass Brian Becklin, guitar Sonny Young, guitar & vocals, some guy named Nasty Ned blowin' harp and with Arlene Schar in the house, many others.

Thanks to Elmore Magazine and publisher Suzanne Cadgene for their continued support of the effort, the Bluetone's Joe Karam, Doug, Aaron, Katelyn and Christine and thanks to all the parents for recognizing that American Roots Live Shows are a good place to bring the kids to grab a piece of history and expand a mind. For learning to play their instruments better on stage - which is an ultimate form of artistic expression - builds confidence in young people.

We all had fun. We're all proud.

Keeping it real,

Ned