ARL Roots Review 84

Can't you see? Oh can't you see? How much fun lord, American Roots Live can be...

Six people who attended ARL 84 know exactly how much fun American Roots Live can be as they were recipients of the free Marshall Tucker Band concert tickets we gave away, compliments of Rick at Orphan Annie's. Hope you all enjoyed the MTB concert. We'll be giving away more tickets to another concert this Thursday so come and don't miss out!.

It was a great week of live music for us at ARL 84. We were entertained by many wonderful bands and musicians including Rock n' Daddy who played some very cool classic rock song choices. This is not your father's classic rock band - well, they are some body's fathers, but you know what I mean. (Frank Damelio, Rock n' Daddy, above pic by Ed Pampani)



We also heard the interesting and intelligent original sounds of the Mark Bodino Band, a real treat. MBB was our very welcomed showcase act Sunday night. (Mark, left pic: EP)



Well, it is all about LIVE music isn't it? And who knows more about live music than Orphan Annie's and American Roots Live? As matter of fact you are all invited to help us celebrate 30 years of live music this Sunday as the day marks Orphan Annie's 30th anniversary. Like the sign says, music starts at 4pm and goes til midnight. There will be 8 tremendous bands for you to groove, listen and dance to, including John Powers Band, The Congregation, Tony Santos and his Blues Conspiracy, The Wall, Eryn Shewell and so many more. There will also be a free hot & cold buffet all day and NO COVER CHARGE. Did I mention free food? See you Sunday.

See you Sunday that is, after we enjoy Wednesday night at Writers in Raritan and American Roots Live 85 on Thursday.

This week's Writers in Raritan will be another amazing spectacle of brilliance in songcraft featuring Gerry Perlinski, Sheli Aarden, Peter Prasa and Keith Monacchio. Another not to miss show.

If you have been to Writers in Raritan before you know how special an event this weekly singer-songwriter showcase is. Were you there last week listening to Tommy Fuller, Michael Brett, Chuck Schaeffer and Briz? I hope so because it was truely special. Tell your friends. WiR really is a cool thing.

American Roots Live 84's playlist read; Big Boy Kenny Nerbak, Corey Small, Ed Pampani, JR Bradfield, Robert Zee, Ron Seibert, John Sudia, Keith Autocunas, Mark Bodino Band; Mark, Jack & Bobby, Rock n' Daddy; Frank, L. Doc West, Bobby, Joe & Brian, Tommy Toye, Mordechai Jones and the myth, the legend, the man - American Roots Live All Star - good 'ol Hershall Dow (above pic EP)

Hey, also, don't miss me and the Roots Rebels; Michael Krizan and JR Bradfield as we tear up the Blue Moon Cafe in South Amboy this Saturday night starting at 9pm.

Check out the NN live gigs page for details - see the link here in the upper right column.

Looking forward to seeing you soon again. Be careful on the roads out there this time of year.

Thanks to all who keep live music live and for keeping our shows as exciting and successful as they continue to be.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 80

November 1, 2007 was the American Roots Live All Stars "autographed guitar" give-away... and the winner... C. Roderick Black of Westfield, NJ.

Congratulations Rod!!

Heartfelt thanks to all of the ARL All Stars who performed on our stage and scribed the body of that beautiful guitar - and thanks to all the fans and hopefuls who tried to win it. Our drum kit is now almost half paid for!

Along with the fun of having our group photo taken by Win - all of us squeezed on the stage - we were treated to some serious performances at ARL 80.


Tony Santos & His Blues Conspiracy drove in from New York City to heat our house.

Tony Santos; guitar and DH Randi playing guitar with Pinky Mendez on Bass, Michael Lincoln on Drums and Bagel blowin the harp, flat out torched the room with a little help from Len DePiano.


High energy Alphabet City blues was the name of the game and Pinky Mendez was dealin'.





The fun never stops at American Roots Live.

It is where you should be on Thursday and Sunday nights. Whether you are a musician or music fan - we got what you're looking for.

Besides, you wouldn't want to miss our show and take the chance of having some miss put a spell on you. Would you?

I didn't think so...



And on every Wednesday you should point yourself toward Writers in Raritan, the solo, acoustic, original music, singer-songwriter showcase at DeCicco's, 10 Anderson St. in Raritan, NJ.

Last week was another exposition of songcraft and culture. A magical night featuring Tommy Fuller, Robert Zee, Peter Prasa and JR Bradfield. Check out WiR on myspace here


American Roots Live 80 featured stellar band and solo showcases from newcomers and old favorites, impromptu jams by players who regularly hook up together and those sitting in with other players for the first time. Check out ARL on myspace here


ARL 80's playlist read Tony Santos & His Blues Conspiracy, JR Bradfield, Ed Pampani, Hershall Dow, Mordechai Jones (pictured right), Len DePiano, the hard rockin' Spider Lily; Jeri, Lisa and Lucky, Ed Avilia, The Mad Hatters with Phishboy Keith Autocunas and Lisa Batruch, Carlo Trentacosta, Tom Mac, Tommy Toye, Chris O'Sullivan, Johnny Thompson, Bones Sanford, Nick Conti, Frank Cerulli, Ron Seibert, The Mark Bodino Band; Mark, Jack and Bob, The Congregation; Chuck and Evil Dick, Snakeman Runyan, Chris Mongiello, and Randy Marinelli who some are trying real hard to knick name.

Among the suggestions are Duran Durandy, RanDMC and Ed PampRandi... Any other ideas?

(Lucky pictured left)

Thanks to all who, each week, help keep American Roots Live running, and in the process - help keep the music alive; Orphan Annie's, Rick, Karin, Rich, JR Bradfield, John Powers, Win and Ed Pampani (for all of these photos) - and... YOU.

See you soon again.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 77

Your bed's on fire! Your bed's on fire!

That's what I've been saying to my friend Copa - the multi-instrumentalist best known as the keyboard player in my earliest bands, Shadowfax and R Band and a more recent Famous Chili Dogs - for as long as I can remember, because he played so hot. At least I think that's why I always said that.

Copa and I spent a lot of time together. In the late 70's we traveled to places like Houma, Louisiana and Hafuf, Saudi Arabia and almost everywhere in between - in bands that had little to do with us - then spent most of the early 80's writing songs and recording comedy skits in his home studio behind gallons of producer juice and piles of other stuff.

Well, Copa, who now lives about a hundred miles south of here, made it up to American Roots Live 77 at Orphan Annie's last week to play with us all. He brought his keyboards, but spent the night burning up the bass - I told you he was hot - and we loved it as much as he did, as he made many new friends. Thanks Cope.

Last week was full of great players as we welcomed back our old ARL friends Jimmy Somma and Tommy Hayes and Peter Malliss - and some old favorite regulars like Johnny Charles and Evil Dick of the Congregation.

And we gave away 6 pairs of tickets to see Johnny Winter and Edgar Winter in concert at the Starland Ballroom compliments of BluezKid. Everybody was smilin' big time!

We lit up the northern sky at 77 as we have many times at ARL and just as we'll do again this Thursday night and ALL DAY Sunday, October 21st at our "Roots Rockin' Riders, Bikers' Benefit for Autism. Doors open at 12N, music starts at 2pm and goes til midnight featuring Johnny Thompson at 2pm, Phil 'n the Blanks 3pm, The Congregation 4pm, Nasty Ned & the Dogs 5pm, The Jerry Lanza Band 6pm, Johnny Charles & the Straight 8 Blues Kings 7pm, Katmandu at 8pm and then an American Roots Live All Star Jam the rest of the way - and I'm pretty sure we're going to have some "girl power" coming!

77's playlist read: JR Bradfield, John Powers, Copa, Jimmy Somma, Tommy Hayes, Mimi Nowak, Ed Pampani, Ron Seibert, Bobby Z, Robert Zee, Hershall Dow, Mordichai, Dave Alles, Ed Avilia, Randy Marinelli, Keith Autocunas, Lisa Batruch, Joe Salerno, Frank Ceruli, Joe DeRogatis, Phil Leibergall, Sandra Lynne, Molly, Evil Dick, Dennis Grove, Tommy Toye, Jeff Frank, Sticks Obremski, Vinnie Capodice, Tim Ludwig, Peter Malliss, Amy Franza, Tony Prochilo, Bones Sanford, Johnny Charles, Johnny Thompson, Carlo Trentacosta, Gene Gagliardi, Retox, Carl Marcantonio, Chaz, Ron Michaels, Arlene Schar, Rob Bianco, Rich Keorner and Vinni Meleto.

Thanks to all who make American Roots Live work week after week: Orphan Annie's Rick, Karin, Joe, Bradfield, Powers, Mimi and Ed and Win for their support and photographs. (Due to a misfunction in Blogger today there are no pictures here, sorry)

See you soon again.

Keeping it real,

Ned

P.S. Tonight, Wednesday October 17th is opening night of Writers in Raritan, our new singer-songwriter show at DeCicco's featuring Robert Ross, John Powers, The Wiliamzboy, Bruce Jepson and Peter Prasa - please check it out at Writers in Raritan

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 70

American Roots Live with Nasty Ned is not only about the music - it's also about the people. Those special people who make the music on our stage every Thursday and Sunday. Those passionate about the music we promote to preserve.

And it's about the vibe those people put out. Mimi Nowak is one of those people.

She is a talented singer who is out-going, fun loving and enthusiastic - all about the show - all about learning, sharing and expanding her abilities - and she puts out that good vibe.

Mimi Nowak is an American Roots Live All Star and we're proud to call her our friend.

Her autograph is among other ARL All Stars' autographs on the All Stars signature guitar we're raffling off at the end of the summer to help raise money for new stage equipment.

Only $3 a chance, two chances for $5 and five chances for $10, so please give yourself a chance (or chances) to win this awesome one-of-a-kind, signature guitar when you come out to American Roots Live. It's not a toy, it's a quality Austin electric guitar and a real collector's item. Johnny Charles plays one exactly like it and makes it sing when he performs.

So, if you win, you don't have to hang it on the wall if you don't want to. You can plug it in and jam on it.

Johnny Charles' autograph is on this guitar as are other ARL All Stars; John Powers, JR Bradfield, Snakeman Runyan, Len DePiano, Nancy Coletti, HoneyBoy Dupree, Lee Fink, Steve Pozz, Chuck Wegman, Evil Dick, Rob Fraser, Jamo Flynn, yours truly and many, many, many more.

And speaking of winning a guitar - Orphan Annie's is giving away a six string acoustic guitar at American Roots Live 71 this Sunday night, September 2nd compliments of Heineken - be there!.

Winning the Heineken guitar is super easy, too. All you have to do for a good chance to win is show up, buy a coke or a beer or anything from the bar and you'll be given a numbered raffle ticket. And you'll be given a guitar raffle ticket every time you purchase ANYTHING - all night long- a drink a burger a coke a bag of chips - anything!

Around 12 O'clock we'll draw the winning number and somebody will go home with that guitar. Pretty cool huh? I think so.

Last week's ARL playlist included a very talented 16 year old guitar protege of John Powers named Matt Stelljes. If you were there, you caught a pretty cool performance by the youngster. If you missed it, don't fret - Matt promised to come back again soon.

The entire ARL 70 playlist read: Matt Stelljes, John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Bones Sandford, Mimi Nowak, Phil Leibergall, Ed Pampani, Randy Marinelli, Corey Small, Chris O'Sullivan, Chet Smith, Ed Avilia, Don Howland, Keith Autocunas, Lisa Batruch, Ron Seibert, Rich Peterson, Doug Deittmann, Steve Klem, Kate Weber, Mark Weber, John Caruanna, Mike from Bassboards Blues Band, Chaz, Joe Salerno, Gene Goodman, Garry Hodgson, John Breen, Bob Giglio and our resident singing bartender, young Joe DeRogatis.

A great time was had by all - why not join us next time?

Thanks to all the usual suspects for making it happen. We encourage you to support live music where ever it is played and we hope to see you again this week at American Roots Live 71.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 69

Hint... Not just for musicians anymore!

Actually, it never was but truth be known, there have been more music makers than music fans at American Roots Live with Nasty Ned lately as word spreads within the musician's community that ARL is the place to be if you're a musician who wants to have fun playing with other musicians (not that that's a bad thing, but duh... there are deserving music fans out there missing some seriously over the top sound and performance - if you know them, please notify them.)

Because when top notch musicians get together with other top notch musicians, well... it's where you want to be if you are a music fan - then, when you consider the good food and drink at Orphan Annie's and the cool music prizes we give away on stage and... well... there is no other show like it anywhere!

Here, The Congregation filled our room with a higher power of sound Sunday night at ARL 68. You wanna talk about fun - OMG! A music fan's prayers answered.




Then, Thursday we picked up right where we left off the previous week with American Roots Live 69 as Carlo Trentacosta did his Blind Willie Johnson slide thing - and we all came together again in the name of music at Orphan Annie's.



Groove bassist extraodinare, Todd Lanka had more than just fun on his mind when he showed up Thursday night carrying a guitar. Wanting to air it out on the six strings - he then eyed Bertha laying across the floor.






So he put down his guitar, picked up Bertha and slapped her around for awhile as I blew harp and Bradfield plunked Stumpy...

No. No big women were hurt in the celebration of roots music this night - Bertha is JR Bradfield's upright acoustic bass and Stumpy is the guitar he built using a banjo ring, dobro resonator, a few wires, some snakeskin and a hunk of tree stump from his back yard. (JR and Todd pictured below with Stumpy and Bertha.)



















Then, Sunday night's ARL 69 was down right dilly-icious as Basking Ridge, NJ's Frank, Neil and Amanda showed up to perform their newly formed trio called Dilly. Brightly twanging acoustic guitars and Amanda's soaring voice kept a good sized crowd satisfied.


We hope Dilly comes back soon as I forgot to have them autograph the ARL All Stars signature guitar - which will be raffled-off at the end of the summer.

Raffle tickets are going fast for the September drawing, so please don't say I didn't warn you. If you want to win that autographed guitar, come and get your $3 raffle tickets before they're all gone. You don't have to be present to win and you can buy as many tickets as you like before the roll runs out - only what's left of this first role of tickets will be sold.

American Roots Live 69's playlist read: Bones Sanford, Ed Pampani, Len DePiano, Robert Zee, Carlo Trentacosta, Mimi Nowak, Keith Autocuna, Lisa Batruch, Jerry Fabris, Garry Hodgson, Peter Maillis, Amy Franza, Ron Seiberg, Todd Lanka, Paul Obremski, Ed Avilia, Bob Del Rosso, JR Bradfield, Phil Leibergal, Jamo Flynn, Dilly, Joe Salerno, Gene Goodman, Chaz, Mike Carroll, Doug Deittmann and young Joe the singing bartender.








Me and JR Bradfield would like to thank everyone who make this celebration of roots music possible: Orphan Annie's, Rick, Karin, Frank & Annie, BluezKid, Win and Ed Pampani for the photos, John Powers, Stevie and, well... you. Thanks.


Hope we see you again soon and if you know any music fans - do them a favor - bring 'em.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 68

Snakeman Runyan (left) and Johnny Charles smoke on stage at ARL 68.


(Review)
The BluezKid and me are always at odds over the terms "open mic" and "open jam".

He doesn't like one and I don't care for the other, especially when it comes to describing American Roots Live with Nasty Ned; the premier, equal opportunity celebration of roots music, recognizing Jazz, Blues, Country, Rock&Roll, R&B, Rock, Bluegrass, Folk, Gospel, Soul, BeeBop, Dixieland, Zydeco, Cajun, Native and everything in between that came before... See?

American Roots Live is open to all but is much more than an open-mic or an open-jam.

ARL's aim is to preserve and promote roots music with equal opportunity celebrations that are run like shows and in effect are showcases where the musician who graces the stage is promoted!

That's partly why I'm always spouting, "there is no other show like it anywhere!"

ARL is the twice weekly live music event where you can hear great music with your dinner - then, if you are a musician, play for an enthusiastic audience after dinner - and ARL is where parents can bring their youngsters to listen or to perform live music on stage with professional musicians.

American Roots Live is also an event where fans, musicians and youngsters can win prizes like classic roots music CDs, local artist's CDs, national music magazines, autographed Hohner harmonicas, delicious baked goods (yes, cookies and donuts) and even All Stars autographed electric guitars!

Also the aim of ARL is to rejuvenate an ever-shrinking "live music scene" by bringing music into venues on nights other than Fridays and Saturdays - bringing attention to "LIVE" music - and waging a fair fight against Karaoke, bad DJs, Texas Hold 'ems, Jello wrestling and other culturally deficient activities.

ARL encourages everyone to support live music whenever and where ever it is performed.

We commend our brother Len DePiano and good friends Dean Shott and Todd Wolfe for creating other live music opportunities for musicians - and ARL recognizes other live music "open sessions" popping up in other areas across the state and around the country.

Go! It's all about the music.

Robert Zee knows it.

Zee knows it's about playing it live, having fun with it and sharing the roots of the music with kids.

The music is the heartbeat of our culture.

We can't forget it.

American Roots Live 68 at Orphan Annie's in Stirling, NJ was another great two nights of, well... all that I've been talking about.

Come out and see for yourself. There really is no other show like it anywhere.

ARL 68's playlist read: Johnny Charles, Kim Brewer, Mimi Nowak, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, John Powers, Ed Pampani, Keith Autocunas, Snakeman Runyan, Paul Obremski, Robert Zee, Ed Avilia, Bones Sanford, Mikey K., The CONGREGATION, Phil Leibergall, Chaz, Evan Coniglio, Roy Macnamra, Phil 'n the Blanks, Gene Gigliardi, Doug Diettmann, Carl Marcantonio, Rich Koerner, Bob Giglio and Amy Franza and Peter Mailliss, pictured below

Thanks to Orphan Annie's, Rick, Tim, Frank, Annie, Brad for finding the bad tubes, Stevie for drivin my ass around, Ed for breaking down the drums and Win for the photographs and of course, the BluezKid.

See you at American Roots Live 69!

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 67

If a picture really is worth a thousand words what does this picture of Ken Brodack from Fort Myers, Florida, taken at a recent American Roots Live celebration, tell you?




This is why I say ARL is a good way to make the best out of "just another Thursday night" and a great cure for the Sunday night blues!

For 67 weeks - now two nights per week; Thursdays and Sundays - American Roots Live with Nasty Ned is where musicians and fans, from near and far, come to meet and party in the name of music. If you haven't joined us already you really should!








Kate Weber knows a thing or two about having fun. And she knows about the music too; where it comes from - the artists who made it long before she was born - and she knows it almost as well as she knows how to belt out any Janis Joplin song you throw at her!



Our ARL co host, JR Bradfield, the hardest working man in the show, knows how to have fun too. Then again he's had a lot of experience - he and his black Takamine have played for hundreds of thousands of people across hundreds of thousands of miles around this world before settling down at home, here at American Roots Live.


There is no place like home.

For me home is where my harp is and right now that's American Roots Live every Thursday and Sunday night at Orphan Annie's in Stirling, NJ. We do have fun. Come and see for yourself. There really is no other show like it anywhere!











Here's me gettin' down and having some fun at home. Man that feels good!



Join me and JR Bradfield and the rest of the American Roots Live All Stars at American Roots Live 68 this week and have some "get down" fun of your own. Or get down and order up some home cookin' and just sit back and relax.

Remember, when you eat at ARL I'll give you a FREE raffle ticket that could win you this ARL ALL Stars autographed guitar at our end-of-the-summer-drawing.











Here's the playlist from ARL 67. Remember, some of these talented folks participated in both shows: JR Bradfield, John Powers, Len Depiano, Mimi Nowak, Roy Macnamara, Johnny Charles, Carlo Trentacosta, Gavin Lawrence, Garry Hodgson, Keith McGonigle, Bones Sandford, Robert Zee, Doug Diettmann, Steve Pozz, Peter Mailliss, Amy Franza, Jamo Flynn, Lori V., Ed Pampani, Phil Liebergall, Chaz, Keith Autocanus, Chris O'Sullivan, Chet Smith, Ron Seibert, Brad Sicotte, Bob Giglio and a new band named Phil 'n the Blanks.

Many thanks to all who help make American Roots Live happen; Orphan Annie's, Rick, Tim, Sandy, Karin, Annie, Frank, Garry, Lori, Win & Ed for these photos and Stevie for the baked goods.

See you soon we hope.

Keeping it real,

Ned

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 62

John Powers must be a long-ago drifter reincarnated into a young man with a special gift; the ability to communicate age-old human experience through music.

Whether you call it alternative country, Americana or just rockin' emotion with a hook and a beat - John Powers writes and performs songs that get stuck in your head, your heart and your soul. There is no escape from them playing over and over again in your mind.

Once you've heard them, they're in you.

The audience at American Roots Live 61 was treated to an extended set by this talented song smith who previewed several melodic, message laden gems for us from his forthcoming John Powers CD, "Highway Lines". Infectious.

And another great night of roots music celebration was underway.

Again they came from near and far - New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Los Angeles and Florida. This week; Phoenix, Arizona and San Francisco, California. Last week and the week before; North Carolina and Kentucky as word of all the fun we're having at ARL spreads.

And last week, we started collecting ARL All Star's autographs on a new guitar (soon to be completely covered with artist's names) and raffled off - a means to pay for our new drum kit. Tickets are $3 a piece, two for $5 and five for $10 - and you won't even have to be present on the night of the drawing to win.

Come to American Roots Live for your chance at the collectible and playable autographed guitar, and soak up the sweat sounds that are the heartbeat of our culture - American roots music.

ARL 61's play list read: John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Ed Pampani, Carl Bittman, Jamo Flynn, Roy Macnamara, Garry Hodgson, Bob DelRosso, Chris O'Sullivan, Chet Smith, Robert Zee, Ed Avilia and Arne Englund.

Thanks go to Orphan Annie's, Rick, Karin and Annie, Elmore Magazine, Stevie, Cynthia, Kenny and Joe, Honky Tonkin' Tracey Stones for her spirit, Win for these photos and Len DePiano for the extra mile.

We're having way too much fun for just one night so this Thursday we're kicking-off our first week of "two big ARL nights per week" with a 5th of July party. This will be one for the books. That's right, American Roots Live will now play every Thursday at 9 and every Sunday at 8 starting July 5th.

And this party will be lights-out-over-the-top as our Arizona blues brother, HoneyBoy Dupree joins Lee Fink and friends, on stage and many, many more... and there is a distinct possibility we'll be joined by a very special surprise guest as well. Watch your email and circle your calendar.

Happy Birthday America! We'll see you on the 5th of July.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 61

Let there be drums!

Picture these silver-sparkled babies in white pearl and that's what you'll get when you come to play at American Roots Live with Nasty Ned. A brand new Gretsch, 4 piece jazz kit with a kickin' little "18 bass drum.

Can I get a shamalama ding dong?

There was a lot more than just ratta-tat-tat going on at American Roots Live 61, though. We had some of the hottest musicians on this side of the country on stage with us; Johnny Charles, Bob DelRosso, Dave Carta, Roy Macnamara and Mike Carroll to name a few.

Yeah buddy, ARL keeps gettin' hotter and hotter each week.

We should be in serious melt down mode by time HoneyBoy Dupree arrives from Phoenix, AZ for our 5th of July Party that kicks off ARL's Thursday nights at Orphan Annie's. Yes, we're back to two big shows per week. Every Thursday at 9 and every Sunday at 8, but don't worry about the heat, Orphan Annie's is nicely air conditioned and comfortable - a great place to chill, eat, drink and listen to some blistering-hot live music.

ARL 61's playlist read: John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Ed Pampani, Mimi Nowak, Johnny Charles, Kim Brewer, Roy Macnamara, Dave Sherman, Andy Koenig, Don Howland, Robert Zee, Chris O'Sullivan, Mike Carrol, Dave Carta, Bob DelRosso, Rex Miller, Gene Gagliardi, Paul Obremski, Ron Seibert, Bob Giglio, Phil Liebergall, Adam Pliss and NASCAR photographer Rich Singer from Charlotte, NC who put down his camera and picked up a bass guitar to join us on stage.

ARL 61 also saw us collecting All Stars autographs on a new guitar just like the one in the picture held proudly by winner, Phil Ouilette. That means there will soon be another autographed All Stars guitar winner. Don't miss your chance to take it home with you. Get in on the fun. Come out and join us.



Guitar raffle tickets will be available starting Sunday, July 1st.

Special thanks to Orphan Annie's management and staff; Rick, Karin, Brian and Annie, also Elmore Magazine and Stevie for the Drake's Devil Dogs, mmm good!

Along with nine fabulous nights of ARL in the upcoming month, July is going to be pretty eventful. Lot's of other live music in store for you as well including the Bernie Brausewetter Tribute Concert at the Stone Pony. Visit Nasty Ned dot com for the details on this show, the NYC Blues Cruise with Michael Krizan, and lots of other exciting live dates.

Get some rest. We'll see you Sunday at ARL inside OA's.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 60

Who's your daddy?



Sunday night, Orphan Annie's in Stirling, NJ was full of daddies...
In the house and on the stage.

We thank mothers and children for sharing their daddies with us at American Roots Live 60 and, thank the daddies for sharing live music with their kids.

Again our open Celebration of American Roots featured an eager youngster performing with us on stage in the name of music preservation. Emily Mulhall, an 11 year old singer from Hampton, NJ belted out a 1940's styled cabaret number showing real presence and poise with nice range and vocal discipline. Her proud father Jeff looked on.

Room silent. Could'a heard a pin drop. Emily warbled wonderfully accompanied only by Nancy Coletti on piano.

Orphan Annie's is a great family place
to enjoy good music and good food together. A clean, well managed establishment, we thank Orphan Annie's for helping us feel right at home. It was evident on Father's Day. Lots of smiles, and fun and good food.

And on this night it was kids winning a lot of the cool raffle prizes! 4 year old Emily Wegman won an autographed Hohner Harmonica while Emily Mulhall held the winning ticket for the Entenmann's Chocolate Donuts. Others went home with music CD's; Charlie Parker, one autographed by Pinetop Perkin's, and the latest issues of Elmore Magazine "Saving American Music".

Another kick Sunday was Fickle, a young band out of Covington, KY. Currently touring, but with a night off, they dropped in at Orphan Annie's in NJ to play ARL on their way between gigs - Saturday in Quincy, MA and Monday, Baltimore, MD.

It was great meeting and hearing Brian Martin, Dennis DeZarn, Ian McGee and Chris Mueller.

After their set, Fickle hung out and dug others performing, commenting the next day on myspace.com/americanroots, they enjoyed playing with us and that it was inspiring to see what goes on at American Roots Live. The new Fickle CD on Orchard Records is available online at CD Baby and iTunes - go get it.

Thanks to Rick, Karin and Annie, ARL 60's play list read: John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Nancy Coletti, Emily Mulhall, Mimi Nowak, Chuck Wegman and Evil Dick of The Congregation, Ed Pampani, Roy Macnamara, Robert Zee, Chaz, Bob Giglio, Gary Paul Hermus, Arne Englund, Garry Hodgson and Fickle.

We always have a blast at American Roots Live - and now we're in a great new room - so if you haven't been to one of our celebrations... what are you waiting for? ARL 61 this Sunday night at Orphan Annie's is a good idea.

Keeping it real,

Ned