Backstage at the Narrows

Crooked Still Live!

2009-07-06T12:33:00.002-05:00

Young rootsy favs Crooked Still have released a live CD, featuring their new line-up. Learn more here.

New Chris Smither CD Out in Sept

2009-07-05T12:50:00.001-05:00

Narrows fave Chris Smither has a new one out in September. More here.

Slide Wayzz

2009-06-27T00:51:00.000-05:00

Slipping and sliding trombones were the order of the night Friday as Bonerama brought its New Orleans heat to the Narrows stage.

Three trombones, bass, drums, organ and guitar made a thunderous sound--but, with kudos to our sound dude, the dynamics worked well in the room.

If you're old enough--think Blood, Sweat and Tears after David Clayton Thomas departed, with more than a sprinkling of Fats Domino.

The show was streamed on mvyradio.com, where it will likely be posted in a few days.

The Narrows is taking its 4th of July break. Plenty of great shows on tap for the 2nd half of 2009.

Meet Vic Chestnutt

2009-06-21T11:27:00.003-05:00

He's worked with Emmylou Harris, R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe and others. On Friday night he opened for Jonathan Richman, doing a quirky set with songs with one might describe as off-beat lyrics.

Learn more about Vic Chestnutt here.

If I Were A Richman

2009-06-19T22:51:00.010-05:00

Your humble blogger went to talk to Jonathan Richman "backstage" at the Narrows about a half hour before showtime Friday night. There he was--a musical hero to your humble blogger, asleep on the couch.

I left, resisting the urge to snap a photo.

We chatted later, working out how I was to introduce him and his drummer Tommy Larkins.

He put on a quirky performance, picking up his guitar then putting it down constantly, picking up bells and dancing, wandering away from the microphone, re-arranging where the audience was sitting, etc. And the quirky crowd positively adored him.

Guitar Man

2009-06-14T04:00:00.003-05:00

Leo Kottke, one of the finest 12-string acoustic guitarists in the world, made his annual trip to the Narrows Saturday night. In addition to the finest playing one could ever see, we learned from Leo's between-song patter:

He looks exactly like a German female classical pianist named Kottke who died in 1911;

He once shot a pistol at light bulbs tossed into the ocean while standng on the deck of a surfaced submarine;

While doing the above his hearing was impacted when the guy next to him fired a loud machine gun at the light bulbs.

Pete Seeger is a one-of-a kind instrumentalist.

And, as documented in the photo above, he likes to carry his guitars off the stage once the show is over.

Taking It Back to the Yanks

2009-06-13T01:23:00.002-05:00

The guy who pretty much founded British blues/rock, Kim Simmonds and his group Savoy Brown made another lively appearance at the Narrows on Friday night to a large and enthusiastic crowd.

Despite cranking out the riffs since the mid-1960s, Mr. Simmonds (unlike some aging rockers) seems to have his speed and his chops with him. And he didn't have to sit in a chair to play (an increasingly common sight).

Whatever he's doing, it seems to be keeping him healthy!

National Public Radio Reviews Sarah Borges' Latest

2009-06-11T21:12:00.002-05:00

Narrows faves Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles and their new CD gets National Public Radio's attention.

Hear the review here.

A Haven on a Rainy Night.

2009-06-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

Richie Havens, right after his Friday night performance at the Narrows. It rained like Woodstock forty years back.

Opener Emily Elbert, Texan and Berklee student.

Ridin' Old School Freight Train for Free

2009-05-31T20:51:00.005-05:00

Sunday afternoon marked the first of a number of freebies being provided by the Narrows with various partners this summer.

Jam banders Old School Freight Train performed under the big tent at Bristol Community College on Elsbree Street in the Scholarship City. They've had a shuffle in personnel and are leaning toward the jam sound more than before.

Check out the Narrows' schedule for more upcoming free concerts at www.ncfta.org.

Wall of Sound Producer Behind Walls For A Long Time

2009-05-30T12:05:00.003-05:00

19 years to life for producer Phil Spector--who produced John Lennon's "Imagine" and "Instant Karma," George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord," the Beatles' "Let It Be" album, the Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost that Lovin' Feeling"(he co-wrote that one too) and many more incredible records.

More from Rolling Stone here.

Amy LaVere was Here

2009-05-30T01:37:00.000-05:00

Musician and actress (she was in "Walk the Line") Amy LaVere ("Like Paul Revere,"she told me before the show) made her Narrows debut Friday night.

She and her band have a quirky pop-rock sound that combines her innocent, nearly girlish vocals with maybe-banging-a-little-too-hard drumming and aggressive electric guitar.

You should be able to hear the show soon by checking out the Narrows' archives at mvyradio.com.

Mick Taylor Plays the Narrows in August

2009-05-29T21:57:00.003-05:00

Former Rolling Stone Mick Taylor makes his Narrows debut in August.

That's right, the guy who replaced Brian Jones and was replaced by Ronnie Wood. Of course, Mr. Taylor played on "Sticky Fingers" and other Stones' albums before departing.

Visit www.ncfta.org and get your ya ya's out!

The Greencards:American Roots from the British Empire

2009-05-29T01:28:00.000-05:00

Thursday night at the Narrows marked the 2nd visit for the celebrated group The Greencards, featuring two Aussies and a Brit showing us Yanks how roots is done.

Soaring harmonies, snappy melodies and the strong vocal stylings of bassist Carol Young illustrated why these newcomers to our shores deserve, well, their green cards!

Local Berklee student Andrea Belanger opened the evening with a set filled with strong vocals and a developing stage presence.

Our partners mvyradio.com streamed the show live and will likely be posting the concert on their site in the near future.

Jay Bennett Dies Suddenly

2009-05-25T16:12:00.001-05:00

Narrows alum Jay Bennett died apparently on Sunday. Details here.

Livingston Taylor at the Narrows--Round 2

2009-05-19T02:04:00.002-05:00

Continuing from the previous blog entry about Liv Taylor at the Narrows on Sunday night--above Liv listens like a proud teacher as his student Liz Longley charms the crowd during his show. He brought her on stage for 3 of her songs and then, as the night's encore, a rendition of "Over the Rainbow."

Ryan Montbleu, below got the evening started. He'll be returning to the Narrows soon for his own gig.

Below, Dallas-based artist Richard Nunez paints a portrait of Liv Taylor during the concert, which was a benefit for mvyradio.com.

Cheers for MVY Radio!

2009-05-18T01:51:00.000-05:00

Sunday night was benefit night for the archives of mvyradio.com, the Narrows broadcast partner. Funds raised help keep the archives available on the website of many past shows at the Narrows.

Livingston Taylor was the headliner. That's him above relaxing in the Narrows office before the show. Below he's getting down with one of his students at Berklee (he teaches performance) Liz Longley.

Liv Taylor is not only a great musician, singer and songwriter, he's a wonderful physical performer. He's always interesting to watch--whether he's telling a story or performing a tune.
So, your humble blogger tomorrow will feature more shots from the show.

Oh, and check out the mvyradio.com archives in a few days to hear the concert. Well worth a listen!

Don't Miss Susan Cowsill in October!!!!!!

2009-05-17T11:31:00.003-05:00

You humble blogger was delighted that Susan Cowsill has been added to the Narrows schedule. The photo is her at the Narrows in 2006.

Yes, she's a member of the fabled, and tragic, Cowsill family. Yes, she was very little when she sang on their hit records.

She's grown into an accomplished songwriter and singer. If you take time to listen to her music, you will absolutely enjoy it. This show has your humble blogger's personal guarantee. Something I haven't offered for a long time. This show is a lock.

She's coming in late October, so there's plenty of time to get some dough together and get tickets.

Even though you may not be familiar with her work as an adult, do not miss this show!!!!

www.susancowsill.com

Riffing

2009-05-16T01:37:00.001-05:00

Dickey Betts and Great Southern brought their Dixie rock sound to the Narrows Friday night. They also brought to the stage a monster load of equipment, just like in the old days! Mr. Betts was in fine form, demonstrating that he truly was the core of the Allman Brothers Band.

Youngsters out of Berklee in Boston, the Luke Mulholland Band, below, opened the show with their stoner rock meets southern vibe, led by 20-something guitarist/singer/songwriter Luke Mulholland, who hails from Canada. These guys burned up the stage, earning the honor of being your humble blogger's favorite new band.

I should note that they chose to cover an often overlooked Beatles' rave up, "Hey Bulldog." An inspired choice!

Narrows Alum Stephen Bruton Passes

2009-05-10T17:37:00.001-05:00

One of the first musicians to play a concert at the Narrows, Stephen Bruton, has died of cancer. He was a fabulous guitarist and worked with some of the greatest.

Details here.

Master Skinsman

2009-05-09T11:45:00.003-05:00

Fab drummer Tom Major, above, and his group Entrain, brought their Bo Diddley-inspired rhythms to the Narrows Friday night.

Jazzy brass collided with rock guitar, keyboards, bass and all sorts of rhythm instruments--all quarterbacked by the amazing Tom Major.

It's not surprising that Tom pounds out that Bo Diddley sound: he was a mainstay when the recently passed rock pioneer toured. He also worked with Southside Johnny, Carly Simon, Blood, Sweat and Tears, and Chuck Berry.

If you missed the show, it will soon be available at mvyradio.com.

Narrows Alum Bennett Sues Wilco Leader

2009-05-07T21:25:00.002-05:00

Narrows alum Jay Bennett, formerly of Wilco, is suing Wilco chief Jeff Tweedy.

More here.

Truckin'

2009-05-04T20:36:00.002-05:00

Keith Richards’ campaign manager (okay, it's Narrows prez Patrick Norton) and Steve Parrish, Jerry Garcia’s roadie and personal assistant for 30 years. He is now the manager for Moonalice, which played the Narrows Saturday night.

The Sarah Borges Songbook

2009-05-02T09:46:00.002-05:00

It was a record release party at the Narrows for Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles Friday night.

The CD, called "The Stars are Out," might be described as a bit less twangy and a notch or two more rocky than their two previous releases. And it includes a cover of Smokey Robinson's hit "Being with You," a rather unexpected choice; but then Sarah and her guys always surprise.

It's fair to say that between Sarah's originals and their covers, this group has one of the strongest songbooks being carried by any band. While Sarah is lauded for her singing and fab performance skills, she deserves recognition as a serious songwriter.

Sarah, who is from nearby Taunton, MA, was supported by local family and friends who don't seem afraid to wander onto the stage to provide her a beverage. (Frankly--as a point of personal privilege--I wish that her family and friends (and Sarah and the band itself) would cut back on all the booze talk. It's so 1971. )

By the way, it was their 9th show at the Narrows, but the second one on our beloved stage for new guitarist Lyle Brewer, an emerging star. Keep an eye on this young guy, you guitar fans. He's staking out his own sound and integrating well with the band's wild yet disciplined approach.

A skiffle group, Dog Bite, photo below, opened with a strong set. Can't seem to find much about this band. If anybody knows anything, please post. I very much enjoyed their set.

Marc Cohn Debuts

2009-04-29T16:40:00.004-05:00

Marc "Walkin' in Memphis" Cohn made his long-awaited Narrows debut Tuesday night before a sold-out house. Not only did he perform, but he answered questions the audience submitted on paper dropped in a bucket before his performance.

Many new faces in the crowd, which always makes us happy at the Narrows as the word continues to spread about our ears friendly space.

Amy Correia, from Lakeville, MA, opened with an energetic set that won her new fans.