CONFESSIONS
MY PERSONAL MUSIC-RELATED WEBLOG OF NEWS IN CYBERSPACE
A FIRST-OF-THE-MONTHLY (usually/maybe) UPDATING OF MY LIFE
RIP - Doug Bashaw
(Thanks, Matt - Soundtown Music)
Doug died after he crashed his new motorcycle coming off exit 19 on 89 on Tues, Aug 5, 2008, heading to Soundtown Music. Doug was a well-known multi-instrumentalist and vocalist in many NE bands over the last 25 years. I have lots of stories about him. Rest in Peace, my friend - we'll miss your jokes and that smile.
Till maybe next month - enjoy every sandwich! (credit: Warren Zevon)
Yep - that's me; front page news - click on the pic to read
more namedropper updates from earlier '04/'05/'06/'07 updates further down this page
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*UPDATE*
May 1, 2004 - The Syracuse project is over early, and I'm heading to Homosassa, Florida to help my folks a bit. Mom had mini-strokes 4 weeks ago, and they could use a hand for awhile. Who knows where I'll end up playing again, but keep watching this site for updates!
*UPDATE #5.1*
Aug. 28/Sept 3, 2004 - Well, that was an interesting month. After driving back and forth on I-75 to help batten down the hatches for both Ginny in Naples and my folks here in Homosassa on Fri. the 13th (of August), Hurricane Charley decides to swerve right in the middle and severely messes with so many musical compadres and friends in the Pt Charlotte/Ft Myers Beach area. I still haven't heard from old Deacon's Den (VT) buddy Justin Adams who was in first-hit Punta Gorda, but all the others I was worried about are OK. And just OK. Dave and Dale Moore got SLAMMED, and I went down a week after to help a little in their reconstruction. I couldn't believe what I saw! Paul Cottrell, Scott and Audrey at DigiMuse where I recorded Bits and Pieces, Rick Robinson on Ft Myers Beach - among many others - had VERY close calls. It was so scary not being able to get through, thinking the worst when seeing the images on TV. and NOW we got another one heading our way! FRANCES looks like she's gonna give my area a couple of days worth of strong winds and rain, just as my real older brother Bill pulls in from Texas for a couple of days! Could be worse, but Geez! Just heard from OLD Ed Potter today again, former road mgr. of Carey Rush Band over in Daytona - they still have power out from Charley, and he's moving back to NH. I feel the same way. Florida's oppressive heat, low pay, and ridiculously corrupt government has taken it's toll on me, too. Other than that, how did you like the play, Mrs. Lincoln?
UPDATE 5.2 - Sept. 7, 2004
Well, this sucks. FRANCES has left the building - barely. Two days on a generator, trying to fix and restart it at 5:30 am in the midst of the storm. Trees down. Flooding (we have a moat now). We're told it'll take a month for the water to recede. Mosquitoes will soon be a-breeding all over. Getting soaked 5 times in one day trying to keep the generator gassed and oiled and happy. No stores open nor gas pumps working. Brother Bill and Barb just left, then had to turn around and come back because of no gas up through the state, plus the storm was going in their direction to Georgia. Got some family business out of the way, but not exactly smooth sailing ahead. Mom's upset 'cause TV has been off for 3 days. Mentally exhausted - emotionally drained - financially strapped - yay. New biz is just starting - hoping it takes off soon and steady. This area is a bit ravaged right now, so that isn't good for business. Am missing certain people very very much. Miss playing music. Not able to keep the Bimini's offer for Mondays on Marco. I'm doing some pretty creative cooking with a pantry of canned goods, though. My heart goes out to those who have gotten it much worse in the past month. Hurricanes really blow. (Sorry - had to) Now the spiders and hoardes of fire ants are trying to get in the house. Heard from a lot of you - Donnie Perkins, Jim Hollis, Angelo Mullen from Davis Bros/Fatback, Gary Savoie, Ed Potter, John "Goober" Goodhue, Gardner Berry from StoneCross, Dave Albro in Nashville, the Murphys, Joe "Hayes" Stagner, Pete Porter, Sarasota Bluesman Al Fuller, my first fiancee Colette, and more - thanks - you're all an inspiration. Hope the next Update is much more "up", and powered by real electricity. LOL. Keep smiling, folks - could be worse.
UPDATE 5.3 - Sept. 10
EEEK! Hurrican Ivan is now heading directly for us with 145+ mph winds. Tuesday morning should be interesting. I'm circling the wagons - got the folks getting important papers together this morning, and coming up with an evacuation plan. Hopefully, Ivan might change course a bit and leave all us West Coasters alone in the midst of rebuilding. We got dairy and produce back in to the stores here yesterday. But there isn't a generator, a chainsaw, or a gas can to be found for sale locally. My left foot and right hand are swollen from fire ant bites and my poor stepdad has been crawling around the eaves where I can't fit, trying to rig emergency wiring.We still don't have garbage pickup, nor TV. Just good ol' Country Western on the radio. I worry for my many compadres in the Keys - if a Cat 5 strikes there, it's gonna be more devastating than you can imagine. They're already under evac notice, and it won't hit there for 2 more days. And I know our house won't stand up to a direct hit, but we may have to stay. Good luck to all that Hurricane Ivan threatens - hope to see you soon.
UPDATE 5.4 - Sept. 22
FINALLY heard from VT/Marco bud Justin Adams. He was in Punta Gorda when Charley hit. He's OK - he sends his love to all. Like most of those from there and most of us who saw it firsthand - he's still very emotional and feeling for those who didn't make it or lost everything. Hurricane Ivan missed us, but slammed the Panhandle. I'm sure you saw it on TV. Our "moat" has finally receded and we're having some trees taken down as a preventative measure. The mosquitoes and tadpoles are still having fun in the standing waters, but their days are coming.
*UPDATE #6 - October 2, 2004*
Yay. More flooding from Jeanne, but not as bad as Frances. LOTS of mini-toads for the egrets and the ibis to feed on. Lots of mosquitoes and flies too. Car is covered with love bug remnants. 4 hurricanes in 5 weeks! I LOVE FLORIDA!
*NOVEMBER '04 UPDATE*
Thanks to Brian Clow, I see that my ol' hometown of Claremont, NH is being used for the movie "Live Free Or Die" by writers from SEINFELD. Should be interesting to see backgrounds and people that I know. I've seen quite a few from JUMANJI to James Bond to TRUE LIES to SWEETHEARTS DANCE; movies that I was around or saw being made. Ah, Kismet. LOL.
Been covering for ol' buddy Duncan Wheeler while he mends and heals from back surgery. I had to drive 7 hrs/480 miles every Friday, but it's been worth it. The gig at Bayside is wonderful - 4 star food, nice mega-rich people, great staff and managers, and a gorgeous view. Dunc is returning to Fridays there on the 12th. I start a longterm Sunday afternoon slot there starting Nov. 14th. I may have to think twice about the miles and other negatives about Naples. My heart isn't there anymore. But ol' friend Capt Mike Davey and the lovely Deb showed up at a (Nov 5) Bayside performance on a very cool and breezy night. I had a crabcake and the Snapper Picatta, by the way. Was held up in a traffic jam on I-75 for half an hour - good ol' snowbirds - they're baaaack! Then old friends from Claremont/Newport (Fred and Nance Guilmette) showed up on Sunday (14th) with Minnesota friends Ron and Jan. Scott and Jenny and Jen and John and Jimmy the Mgr. Guy and all the rest there still taking VERY good care of me. I'm so blessed to know so many good people.
Had a wonderful reunion with Jim "Herb" Smith, from Rockestra/CRB daze gone by. We hadn't seen each other in 24 years, but it was like we never sobered up. What a great guy - been through so much since back then, and is still top of his form in uber-electronics and intellect. This guy was one of the all-time best audio experts on the road, then designed hush-hush ultra toys for the Defense Dept. - lol. He wrote me he'd be doing a convention thang in Palm Harbor, and I drove down to hang for a few hours. So glad I did. He's bringing the family down next month and we hope to get together again, probably at the Bayside in Naples.
I've been hearing from a few folks that Naples radio talk show host Guy James has been quoting me on his show. LOL. Marco's Paul Ferguson and Pt Charlotte's David J Moore are still doing great solo gigs all over SW Florida and making lots of people happy, esp. their wives! Paul's going in next month (Dec.) for surgery to implant a painkiller pump to give him small doses of oxycontin daily to help alleviate his longtime severe chronic back pain. He's still holding the fort at the Snook Inn every Mon/Tues night, as he has for years! Best of luck, my brother!
My gorgeous and long-lost "twin sister" Penny Wu just wrote me! We had so much fun in the old Savannah days. She's doing great in Colorado, still with the Forest Service as Outdoor Recreation Planner, happy and fulfilled. She reminded me of a night when we had been doing tequilas all day at our gig and then drove 80 miles to go dancing to the Sandra Wright Band, and then I got stopped by a VT State Trooper on the way back for going through a stop sign, and talked my way out of a DUI. Phew.
Longtime hero Jimmy "OXO" Carter made me misty recently. He emailed me and told me a friend of his had seen me play last year on the VT tour, and that Jimmy was "proud to say he knew me" - lol. That means so much coming from one of the pre-eminent showmen of New England for 3 decades. Wow.
A few years back, I donated an old poster and concert program from Aerosmith's EARLY days to a guy that was the official Aerosmith Archivist and looking to start the Boston Rock n Roll Museum. Well, he called recently, and is now bigtime affiliated/partnered with one of my fave sites - www.dirtywater.com, a site dedicated to the Boston-area music scene from the 60s up. Plus, he's going to be opening the actual Boston Museum of Rock n Roll at the Somerville Armory sometime soon! I'm actually gonna be mentioned! His name is JR Robinson, and he called while ol' buddy George Gibson was at his house in NH. They made my day, as they always do. George is hand-picking gigs these days, but if you get the opportunity, do not deny yourself. A great blues frontman and picker-extraordinaire.
Heard from
2003 Comedy Centrals' Comic of the Year Stephen
Lynch. He's got a new DVD out
that is hilariously sick, and is available from his website
or on TV. He's gonna be in Florida next month for two dates with the really
funny Mitch Hedberg (Pete Porter's fave), and I'm gonna try to go see them.
Saturday, 12/11 Hard Rock Live, Orlando, FL - Sunday, 12/12 Tampa Bay
Peforming Arts Center
For tickets and other info, go to: http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/852492
Maria Doyle Kennedy, the black-haired girl singer in the movie "The Commitments", just emailed me - she's doing a bunch of double-headers in Ireland with friends doing all-acoustic shows. She's so funny.
An
interesting local news story - it actually made national news and the Daily Show
awhile back. The next town over from me, Inverness, just hosted the 2004 Cooter
Festival this month. They were assaulted by Bible-thumpers of all kinds
that feared the element that a festival named after a "sexual organ of the
female body" would draw. I guess I'm not up on all the nicknames like I
thought I was. Never heard "cooter" used as slang for my favorite
edible orifice, but ya learn something new every day! Speaking of the Daily Show
- host Jon Stewart should get a Nobel for his righteous attack on Tucker Carlson
and the media crap
like "Crossfire" et al that just teach shouting and ill-mannered
debating and get nothing accomplished or resolved.
Please cut-and-paste this next link into your Favorites List and click on the pretty pink banner every day. Each time you do, a woman somewhere gets a FREE Breast Cancer mammogram, so it's a great thing to do. Thanks. http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites
My first time back on Marco in a lonnnng time on Nov. 18th was great! I always love doing the "gazebo concerts", and this was the best yet. BIG time thanks to Carol from Florida Outfitters for booking me, and telling me of the politics. Phenomenal sound system: the new BOSE "stick" system provided for me by ol' buddy Sir CW Colt (a BOSE/Jack Daniels rep and fantastic songwriter/performer, not to mention the Official Minstrel of the Conch Republic), a beautiful night, great surprises by Linda Deppen and Bill Snyder (owner of Bimini's), CW and another 20 yr friend Beth Gerhardstein (now blond and always beautiful - lol) gave me their CDs. I actually was passed a phone number from an admirer in the audience! <sigh> Not bad for soon-to-be-50! Ran into some old neighbors and caught up on all the latest gossip on the Island.
*DECEMBER '04 UPDATE*
Thanks to Ray, the owner of Little Bar in Goodland, for the wealth of funny emails lately. Ditto to old friend Bill Koetting from Marco (bassist for the Wildflowers). Two wonderful sickos right there.
Joe "Hayes" Stagner called and is doing great. The kids are getting older and into everything, but he's smiling so much.
Talented Ft Myers Beach musician Frank Thompson had a close call in a car accident near Miami recently. He needs further oral surgery and will be gigless for awhile. The local heroes like Dave Moore, Royce Allgood and many other great musicians, are having an "Appreciation Day" for him at Beach Pierside/Ft Myers Beach on Sunday, the 5th of Dec., and raising a few bucks to help with the mortgage. Be there or be square. I'm gonna try to stop by early (noonish to 1pm) on my way to Bayside in Naples.
Heard from drummer Tom Jellison from One Eye Open. They're revamped - out with the old, in with the new. They still have the gorgeous and talented Emily Musty fronting, but added the strong bassist/vocalist Eric Stone and a new keyboard player and opted to go Doc-less. Good move. And Tom and Stacey may be visiting me at Bayside later this month.
I'm actually going to be 50 on Jan.2. If I had known I was gonna live this long, I would have taken better care of myself. LOL. I'm playing that day (Sunday Jan 2, 5-8pm) at the Bayside rooftop cafe, should you be in the Naples area. Directions on front page of this site.
And for those ladies fearing that Santa may think of them as "Naughty" - Bless you.
*JANUARY '05 UPDATE* HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!
Well - hope y'all had great Holidays. From the 11th of December on, it was actually pretty cold for Florida (made it down to the 30s at night three times here) - cold enough for me to get cancelled on my Sunday rooftop gig in Naples on the 12th (and missed seeing ol' drummer buddy from One Eye Open Tom Jellison - damn) as well as the following two weekends! We in northern Florida awoke to a heavy frost on the ground on Dec. 27th.
A BIG time thanks to the crew at the Snook Inn - made my birthday a wonderful thing, and made me feel very welcome after being gone for so long. Thanks to Kimbo and Brian (the proud new daddy and the same to Austin) for the tequila on my b-day, and the gig on the 3rd was very nice. Great weather, and people really paying attention to the new "Kottkeisms". LOL. The owners were great, the walleye was very tasty, ran into some old friends, and I got to see a recouping Paul Ferguson just before I left to come back.
Heard from some great people around the Holidaze - Click and Joanie Horning, Vic and Dianne Barden, Jim "Herb" Smith, Matt and Lynn Tinker, Dave and Dale Moore, Dusty and Linda Durst, Bill Koetting, Carl Thurston from the Minuteman Cafe, Chris from Imp Designs, WNTK Radio Talk Show Host George Russell, Disneyworld Tech/ex-RnR Tech Paul "Beard" Malaney, Ginny Atchison, her awesome daughter Annalee Thralls, Fred and Nancy Guilmette, the always scrumptious Mindy O'Dell, the long-lost "former" Peggy Hollingsworth, Pete Heimlich, Colette, Sue Sisino, Jamie Gratkowski, Don and Irene, Rick Davis, my favorite lady crime fighter/office manager Marci, my favorite Citrus Memorial nurse Brenda, fabulous entertainer Hector, my favorite Ocala hairdresser Barbara Terry, former Unity NH inhabitant and now Homosassa neighbor Phyllis, owner of Bimini's Restaurant Bill Snyder, singer-songwriter Paul Cottrell, Jim Jonson, "still alive" Rick Robinson, best buddy/vocal coach Cher Mitchell Aubin, Brian Clow, Gary Savoie, Ed Potter, Roy Brown from 8084, best friend/best man/trainer of world-champion kickboxer Jason Bonaccorsi/Microsoft evangelist Joe "Hayes" Stagner, actress/singer Maria Doyle Kennedy, Comedy Central's Comedian of the Year 2002 Stephen Lynch; and great birthday e-cards from Matt and Lynn Tinker, Joann Greco, and Capt. Mike Davey and Debbie. Just bunches of ya! I am blessed.
For those who have been asking - Mom is getting much worse as far as short-term memory and confusion goes. It's getting to be difficult to coordinate the household duties so she doesn't feel left out, but it's going to be time soon to really take charge of the shopping and cooking, etc. But I also have to deal with my stepdad giving in to her, and denial on all sides, and the general absurdity of the situation. I may need to move out for several good reasons, but it's so difficult to weigh the aspects and be fair to all. Hope you never have to go thru this. It's not easy trying to come up with good dinners without using cheeses, onions, peppers, garlic, ginger, etc. I have to severely overcook angel-hair pasta so it's not "rubbery", but at least I got them liking satay sauces as long as I make it mild enough. Eeek. Now you know why I drive down to Naples to play every Sunday and have things like crab cakes and Snapper Picatta. Can't wait to eat Chef Ed Ryder's great food at Bimini's again soon when I hit Marco on the weekends thru Season.
The "Appreciation Day" for Frank Thompson at Beach Pierside/Ft Myers Beach on Dec. 5th was a rousing success, according to Professional Good Guy Dave Moore. I couldn't find a parking spot for 45 minutes, so I had to defer and head to my Naples gig! They raised over $3500 to help Frank and his lady pay some bills while they recoup from a nasty car accident.
I wasn't able to make the Stephen Lynch/Mitch Hedberg Florida double-header comedy shows as hoped, but Stephen said they were jammed and a lot of fun! They will be continuing to tour together for awhile. Stephen visited his folks for Xmas, then hit the road again. He's up for Comedy Central's 3rd Annual Standup Showdown, so please go here and vote for him. The Top 10 episodes of "Comedy Central Presents...", inc. Stephen's, are re-airing Jan. 30 on Comedy Central. Please go online and vote for him - a sick individual.
Paul Ferguson is recovering from his operation, where they installed an internal pump into his abdomen to give him his needed meds in a more efficient fashion. He emailed me on Dec. 14th, saying it had been a year since Saddam was pulled out of that hole, and Paul couldn't remember if Saddam saw his shadow or not. LOL. He and Shari just got back from Canada for the holidays.
I'm back playing at the World Famous SNOOK INN on Marco Island this month. Jan. 3,24,31 - all Monday afternoon gigs from 1:30-5:30pm at the outdoor Chickee Hut stage. I'll be there for some dates in Feb/March/April as well. Been a long time. Dave Moore's also doing some rare gigs that far down there this season, too.
Did I mention GEICO rules?
Did I mention that AOL really, REALLY SUCKS?
Heard from buddy drummer Jeff Costello. He's been recording and playing his ass off with Joey, per usual. Number One act on Killington!
Heard from Kathy Savric, bartender at the Little Bar on Goodland. She and hubby Pete are doing just fine.
Pete Merrigan is picking up a good amount of gigs in the St. Pete area. He and Melinda plan on staying through May, at least.
Got together with old Carey Rush Band road manager Ed Potter Dec. 14 down in Brooksville, FL. Great seeing Ed, but wish it was for happier reasons. We were visiting fellow Upper Valley party animal Gary Moody, who was suffering from various awful forms of cancer. Gary succumbed three days later on Dec. 17th, just after midnight.
Just got another email from Maria Doyle Kennedy, the black-haired girl singer in the movie "The Commitments". She's releasing a CD of the all-acoustic shows she's been doing in Ireland. Some fun and surprising covers on there. Been trying to talk her into doing some shows on this side of the pond, but she has no plans for the near future to come to America.
Bill Koetting, bassist for them Wildflowers on Marco Island, sends the best (and sickest) jokes!
Got interviewed via a half-hour phone call by my old hometown newspaper (Eagle-Times in Claremont, NH) for a Sunday article on me being one of their New Year's Babies. Reporter Dan Bustard did the Dec. 26 full-page feature article on me, with old pics, etc. (click here for original 1955 front page) That follows an article written in the local Homosassa Beacon on me at the beginning of December. flick flick. Got quite a few emails from people that saw the Eagle-Times article - Brian Clow and others said it was great. I'll have my webmaster post a snippet when I can.
Heard from the craziest lighting director I ever knew, Gary Roundy (Gary's Light Show). Originally from VT, and was on the 80s circuit with various bands. He's now in Tennessee working for CNN. After he stopped doing the band circuit, he did a DJ solo gig, and used all his light show which takes hours to set-up. LOL.
Would also like to welcome my new webmaster - click here for pic - he may be cheap, but he's......OK, he's just cheap.
~FEBRUARY '05 UPDATE~
I'll be doing every Saturday afternoon (1:30-5:30pm) in February at the World Famous Snook Inn Chickee Bar, as well as my usual Bayside Sunday gig (5-8pm). Which means I have the bandroom to myself every weekend. Hehehehe. But watch out if you're driving on 75 near Naples - it's turning into a speed-trap. They got me for $205! OUCH! Ginny Atchison said she also got falsely ticketed in Naples, recently. Not cool.
Rick Davis is cramming in the gigs up there in VT. He's been doing a lot of Ascutney/Sunapee/Killington, doubles per usual. Can't believe it was 20 years ago Jan. 6 that we hit the Florida Keys as the Rick Davis Band (click for pic), and tore it up for a few months before I stayed in the Keys and started the solo at Faro Blanco/Holiday Isle. Some great memories there, and some really good stories of serious debauchery and partying. Drummer Jeff Kangas hasn't STOPPED partying! LOL.
Just found out that old buddy Dan Mulberry died last year. We had been out of touch for a few years, and I didn't know he was sick. One night in early '85, burly Dan walked into the old Sea Fox Lounge in Key West where I was playing with Rick Davis, introduced himself by telling me we had the exact same birthday (to the hour - he had found out thru Dusty and Linda Durst) and invited me and my buddy WAIL95 rockjock Stu Shaw to his party that night, a Key West soiree for songwriters. That's where I got "silly" from the Rumplemintz and the Thai stick and the Keys' Snow Boulders, and nearly (a) beat up an asshole misogynist by the name of Jimmy Buffett, (b) almost passed out on a couch leaning on the late great Shel Silverstein (click here for pic), and (c) almost beat up another guy who was making fun of me (Dan's Manager and housemate). Dan made sure I didn't crack my head on the toilet as I practiced my Technicolor Yawns, and we became good friends. I used to sit in with him at Rick's or the Bull, trying to understand what he was saying with that gruff "voice" of his. LOL. But he wrote great tunes - some for Johnny Cash and others. Rock on, wild man.
Got to hang with ex-Rockestra/Masque/CRB audio engineer extraordinaire Jim "Herb" Smith and his wife Wendy recently (Jan. 9) at Bayside. They popped down from Sarasota to visit. Always a pleasure to hang with my little brutha Jim, and finally got to meet Wendy. We had a real nice time, and they finally got to see my solo act, such as it is these days. LOL. Jim is still traveling for months at a time keeping the big a/v designers and convention companies running efficiently.
Marco's Mike Martin has gigs aplenty in the Marco/Naples areas. Was glad to help him get started in that area, when he first got back into playing. Plus, he bought a BUNCH of my old gear. LOL. Mike tried to get me to fill-in for him on Marco in March, but I was unable.
The lovely Mindy O'Dell says I was a topic of discussion at the new branch-off of Hanover's 5 Olde Nugget Alley that recently opened in S. Royalton VT. Owners Spike and Tom are great buddies from years back. Mindy and hubby Scott used to promote some big gigs, and always showed up at my local gigs in the Upper Valley when they could.
More "cold" days in the middle of January. Daytime highs of 60+°, lows at night in the 30s. I know - the northerners don't want to hear it, but it's enough to cancel gigs and worry the crop growers down here. I love it - I found myself smiling last year when the whole month of January was below zero in VT/NH, and I was out in it. There's nothing like cold weather for sleeping, snugglin', etc. Just not for playing guitar outdoors.
Speaking of cold weather - had an hour-long phone call from Pete Porter up there in White River Jct., VT. He's doing fine - set a new alltime VT record with this year's deer he got with his bow. The wolves are fine, Donna's fine, the garage is coming along. Pete offered me a job working with him if I was to get up there real soon. LOL. He's been hangin' with some talented and cool Native Americans.
Comedy Central's Comic of the Year 2002 Stephen Lynch wrote again-he's involved with the RedCross in raising money for the tsunami victims, and hoping y'all will vote for him as the top Comedy Central Presents program of the year. He's currently #5. His new DVD is absolutely hilarious, and available on his website, as well as anywhere sick DVDs are sold (Amazon, etc.). His tour with Mitch Hedberg is doing great business.
Got a surprise email from ol' buddy Shelley Poisson, managing partner at Magee's in Claremont, NH. She used to be a manager at the ol' Wood Shed in Springfield VT, where a lot of my brain cells and body fluids were last seen in the 70s/80s. A good friend and excellent human. Plus, she could blackmail me BAD if I'm not nice to her. LOL.
Got an interesting offer from talk radio WNTK star George Russell, who's starting to get national attention. He wants me to do some production work for him - parodies, voice-overs, etc. Could be fun - might expand. I heard from WNTK station owner Bob Vinikoor about meeting to discuss a news position, as well. Also chatted with St. Pete's Pete Merrigan, who used to be on George's New London NH radio show. Pete says ex-duo partner Pete Shackett is alive and well, but retired from the music business. Smart guy. LOL. Pete and Pete were the first acoustic duo I ever knew (1975), and were an inspiration in the fun and talent they shared. Mr. Merrigan had the usual grounded advice for me on a couple of things, and even told me of the new bumper sticker "WHO WOULD JESUS BOMB?" lol. One of the nicer, more spiritual homo sapiens I know. I heard Pete was surprised at a St Pete gig recently by the brother-in-law to our favorite Minuteman Cafe owner Carl Thurston. It's called "Minuteman" in honor of Carl's sex life, I think. Well....so I hear. Carl is battling the Big C right now, but it's looking to be in his favor at this point. Early detection is a wonderful thang. Carl and I became great friends when he was Commander of the Newport NH VFW and I was running Shooter's, and we haven't quit picking on each other since. Playing at the Minuteman on my winter tour last year was great fun - good food, fun crowds that lined up after the last song to get their CDs signed, and some real inventive heckling. We all wish you the best, brother! Speaking of good humans, Click and Joanie Horning have offered me safe haven at their Sunapee area cottage should I decide to move to that locale to pursue any and all NH possibilities.
Was watching the recent remake of the movie "Manchurian Candidate" with Denzel and Meryl, and the "evil doctor" is none other than English singer/songwriter Robyn Hitchcock, whom I got to hang with on Tortola BVI a few years back. He's a talented and funny guy, but I wasn't expecting to see him in a Hollywood movie! LOL.
Heard from guitarist/nutcase/buddy Michael Colburn from the Upper Valley. He said his band Far Cry is on hold. I know the bassist Eric is playing with my buddy Tom Jellison in One Eye Open. Don't know what the lovely and talented Mary Ferland will do. Mike is leaning towards getting some originals on tape, and still has visions of owning an island bar someday where we can play and retire.
Longtime Marco Island buddy, Kentucky horsewoman Linda Deppen, is sending great jokes and nice thoughts. Great to be corresponding with her again after missing her face for a few years. Linda was an early-on friend on Marco, and owned a gift shop where my ex-wife Amy worked (click here for recent pic of Amy). (click here for pic of my new girlfriend) Yeahhhh - that's the ticket. <grin>
Also sending jokes and riddles is the crazy managing partner of Bimini's on Marco - Bill Snyder. A wonderful wit and a warm heart.
NH buddy/guitarist Tim White called on the 16th. He's planning on coming down to Hell, I mean...Florida, in March and informed me it doesn't look like Jimi Bell will be down playing in Daytona this year. Tim's perusing a possible band situation with drummer/vocalist Bobby Gagnier.
Kathy Canady, my favorite afternoon bartender from the world famous Snook Inn on Marco observed her birthday, per usual, on Jan. 10. Always a pleasure to know, having met 20 years ago this coming July, when I first got booked on Marco by my late manager Johnny "The Greek" Trepas and started playing at the old Marco Bay Resort for the fantastic Chas Rosetti. Incredible times, great memories.
ol' 5th grade classmate/Enfield NH buddy/fellow musician/circle breathing instructor Donna Packard is doing fine and dandy up there in the Portsmouth NH area. Sending interesting emails of note all the time. So glad we were able to get together a couple of times last year when I was doing the VT tour. Donna just slimmed her work schedule down a bit to relax some. Stay warm, girl.
Professional Good Guy Dave Moore called and told me that our old buddy Rick Robinson, as well as fellow FMB musician/guitarist extraordinaire Brenda B (Breininger), are both very ill. A very successful benefit for Brenda was held Jan. 16 at FMB featuring the Oysters and some other top talent. Best wishes to both Rick and Brenda - two fun, warm, extremely talented people. Damn. A LOT of us "lifers" are showing some ill-effects of the RoadLife these days - bad food and other lifestyle choices are catching up with us quicker than we thought they would. Dave hit the NAMM show in California mid-January - he's an endorser for REMO, among other things. He was hangin' with Spencer Davis, "Skunk" Baxter, Dennis Chambers, our old buddy Stet Howland, Dan Ackroyd, and even had a quick exchange with Stevie Wonder!
Marco musician Paul Ferguson is still slowly recouping from his operation to implant a pump to infuse his meds, but looked great when I saw him at the Snook on the 24th. Still has a gig schedule that is busier than most. Paul said that he was expecting the World Class Rascal Turk Coury to show up soon, having gotten a call from him. I went over to Goodland Jan. 30 after my Bayside gig and jammed with Paul for a few, and left a message on Turk's answering machine. Sorry to hear that his estranged wife died recently after a long illness. I first met Turk in '85 when I was with Rick Davis in the Keys, and I believe every story I have ever heard about him! And there are PLENTY of stories. A real International Music Legend. Turk used to call me up on his stage to do a "couple of tunes" while he went out and showed some lady his van for an hour, then we'd party 'til 5am at the Driftwood in Marathon, then he'd drop me off at Faro Blanco, coming back to get me at 7:30am to go fishing all day and start the cycle over again. LOL. And he's 15-20 yrs. our senior! Then there was the time in Mexico.....
Drove down Jan. 15th to Spring Hill, FL to see OLD (haha) CRB road manager/bus driver/followspot operator Ed Potter bowl in a "seniors" tourney, and hang for a while. Got to talk with Carey Rush Band manager/audio engineer/Elvis impersonator Barry G Seaver on the phone while I was there. Ed says he and Darlene are gonna stay in Florida because their mortgage is so low, but has a "I LOVE VERMONT" bumper sticker on his car.
*MARCH '05 UPDATE*
Some real sad notes to start - my buddy Chris Whateley (IMP DESIGNS) lost his Mom Pam Hall on the 5th of February. I was glad to call her a friend - a very nice lady. She asked me if I ever had a "bad" day, because I was always so "up" and happy whenever I spoke to her on the phone. I'm having one now.
And the very talented and connected Merle Kilgore died on the 6th. Among MANY accomplishments in his life, Merle co-wrote "Ring of Fire" with June Carter (Cash) and was manager/best friend/opening act to Hank Jr. most of his life. I met/chatted with Merle twice in my life - the first time when I was around 10 yrs old hanging around Hank's Cheatin' Hearts Band (click for pic - yes, that's Bocephus in the middle) whenever they played in New England, and once when I was in the opening acts for Hank outside of Key West in 1988. A constantly amused and gracious gentleman who remembered details and people like you wouldn't believe.
But to truly mark the end of an era in my life - my "Uncle" and one of my mentors, Big Joe Burrell (click for pic), died Feb. 2. Big thanks to Jim Hollis, as always, for thinking of me. To sit at the dinner table on numerous occasions and hear Joe and Lady Eve reminisce and bicker about the big stars they knew and toured with was a lesson in life/music/business/Love all rolled into one. Big Joe played with everyone from Count Basie to Little Richard to BB King to Trey Anastasio (Joe played at Trey's wedding) and PHISH! He did 25 years with Burlington VT guitarman Paul Asbell and the Unknown Blues Band. I had met him in the late 70s, when he first played at the famous Whitcomb Annual Jazz Cookouts. He'd show up fashionably late, with a young white college girl carrying his sax case for him. LOL. Always dressed to the nines and stately. Then after Don Whitcomb died in '91, Joe and my "mom" Lady Eve became very tight.
The first time I ever played with him, he called me onto his stage in the middle of a set and told me "This is a medium shuffle in C - you take the first chorus and lead the band through, and bring it down for my vocal - you'll know what I mean". I counted the tune, the jazz band came right in behind me (Bill Wightman's WightLights), and I played as mature and as sweet a clean BB/Larry Carlton-inspired ripoff as my Strat/DynaComp/Classic50-410 would muster. It came to the end of my "intro solo", and Joe didn't come right in singing like he was supposed to - he just stood there staring at me. The jazz band continued to "comp" - staying right on one chord at low volume and waiting for Joe to "enter", looking at each other and at me - the audience kinda wondering what was going on - and I began to sweat bullets, thinking all kinds of bad thoughts. Big Joe pointed at me and said over the microphone with a big smile - "Exactly", and finally went into the song. My "mom", Lady Eve, was grinning from ear to ear. After the show, Joe says "Someday, we're going to be in a band together." I had the audacity to say "Joe - you're 70 years old - could it be soon?" He looked at me through those big glasses, wearing his signature dark blue suit, puffed on his pipe, and smiled. He and Lady Eve both cackled as they got into her big white Cadillac and left.
Joe brought me into his inner circle a little more every time I saw him after that. He called me his "nephew" - he called everybody by a special name just for them. A new lesson in music and/or Life every time he spoke. BB King even immediately put a memorium on his own website a day after Joe died. Here's some links to news stories and articles about Joe.
http://www.glidemagazine.com/news1728.html
http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=2894160
http://www.bigheavyworld.com/good.citizen/magazine/011/story4.html
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/specialnews/burrell/6.htm
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/specialnews/burrell/
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/specialnews/burrell/4.htm
Jim Hollis also wrote of the passing of singer Sammi Smith, and of playing his first intimate "bar" gig in months in Newport NH, and not enjoying it. I can relate. The horrid smell of cigarette smoke permeating your hair, your clothes, your guitar, your gear, etc. is not a wonderful reminder of a fun night. He's been doing concerts and rooms where he's been nowhere near the acridity, and had gotten spoiled to clean air. I lose my voice very quickly if I'm around cig smoke, because I'm so used to outdoor gigs these days where I can breathe deep and replenish the oxygen I need to sing properly (well, "properly" - lol). I smoked heavily for 20 years - quit 14 years ago - and I wish people could understand once and for all what they are doing to themselves and OTHERS by smoking cigarettes. Kisses are SO much better without the smell and after-taste of poison. LOL. OK - I'm done preaching.
Heard from 4 of the ol' ROCKESTRA guys this month! Dave Albro (click for pic), up there in Nashville, wrote to congratulate me again on being "sick". LOL. Drummer Stet Howland, now on the worldwide road with bad boys W.A.S.P., wrote to say he's no longer involved with NY based Carnival of Souls, but is kickin' it big in Europe with Blackie and the boyz. He's getting married in November to the mega-lovely Christina, and is planning on getting the RUN 21 (click for pic) long-awaited CD done with Dug Blair and my hero and mentor Oxo (Jimmy Carter) very soon. Former ROCKESTRA SoundMan Extraordinaire Jim "Herb" Smith also visited me again at the Bayside rooftop gig on the 13th of Feb., with lovely Wendy. A sheer pleasure to know. Ginny Atchison and Annalee Thralls also came up that night and gave me a pre-Valentines Day Hershey Kiss. ROCKESTRA's lead singer Jim Jonson (click for pic) had a featured concert in MA on the 23rd, showcasing new material from his new CD. Jim filled in for me last year at the Bayside while I did the New England winter thang. Check out www.jimjonson.com for more info on him and his CD.
Also heard from songwriting journalist buddy Don Perkins. He's trying to decide which form of journalism he wants to pursue at this point, having done most of them very well. He's also been doing some rare gigs with ol' Upper Valley underground favorite band BOOMER SELLERS.
My brutha-in-life Joe "Hayes" Stagner (click for pic) called on the 3rd. He was in the midst of pneumonia, but still training kickboxing champs-to-be, and teaching anti-hacking around the country for Bill Gates/Microsoft. He always excels at anything he picks up - if he ever starts practicing the guitar Jill got him, I'll have to shoot him. The girls are doing great, Jill's recovering from her recent surgery, and life ain't so bad. Joe was invaluable to me in finding out that AOL lies, is spying on me/their customers, and has many intrinsic problems. For those of you that use AOL - hope you're not still paying the $23/month - they offer the same unlimited features for $14.95, but don't tell you. Not to mention every site I visit, every email, IM, etc. is recorded by them. Grrrr.
StoneCross/MamaKicks/Four-Sticks mega-talent Gardner Berry wrote me a quick note. We were reminiscing about the late Pat Mulroy. Still can't find StoneCross drummer Mike Mulroy, email-wise, but still trying.
Vast Ed Vadas and various venerable versions of the Fabulous Heavyweights are still doing the Blues in a Righteous Way while the smell of barbecue is in the air up in the Massachusetts area. The Real Deal.
Got to hang with Dave and Dale Moore for a day or two. Stayed at their house in Pt Charlotte on the way home from Naples, and put in a day of painting again with Dave. The house (and area) are looking much better after last years' Hurricane Charley ruined everyone's life for a time. The Moore's have done great things to their interior - new tile, paint, and furniture have really spiffed it up. The cats are ecstatic! If it wasn't for corrupt contractors and insurance company red tape, life would be dang near perfect for them. Not the cats - Dave and Dale. Dave's still the real deal - a talented drummer/guitarist/vocalist doing a solo act in a most entertaining way. Check him out as usual at www.davidmooremusic.com. He layed down some basic tracks on a Rick Rehnquist original recently at Scott Gould's fantastic DigiMuse Studio in Pt Charlotte, where I recorded my last CD.
I'm almost tempted to ask for a moment of silence here - Rachael Ray (Food Network star - click here for pic) is newly engaged to a musician. <sniff> Sure - he may be young, rich, slim, nice, and "other" things - but what's he got that I haven't got? Don't answer that.
Looks like a whole bunch of my ol' buddies from the Upper Valley area are possibly gonna try to put a band together. It's now rumored that Tim White and Bobby Gagnier, as previously reported here, are gonna team up. And they're gonna team up with my brutha from anutha mutha, Mike "MC Hammerhead" Colburn and fellow Far Cryer Bart. On bass is looking to be the ubiquitous Doug Bashaw, who used to play with SHINE among MANY other bands over the years. Could be interesting.
My first fianceé, waaaaay back when I was 24, sent me a recent pic. Been getting a lot of them lately from all kinds of old friends and bandmates and ex's, etc. Hmmmm. Anyway - nice pic, Colette, thanks. She also warned me about the scam on older guys, where a naked woman comes up at a traffic light and pretends to wash the windshield while her co-horts steal stuff out of the backseat, but it was too late. They got me on both Friday AND Saturday. Couldn't find them on Sunday.
Heard from ex-Fraank Band, Davis Bros., and now FATBACK bassist extraordinaire Angelo Mullen. He mentioned how he got a huge kick outa going to see Big Joe, and all these young cats would be up there jammin', blowing fast Coltrane note blizzards, and Joe would just play two notes, but the PERFECT two notes - full of soul and taste and timing. LOL. He was a lot of fun - and is going to be sorely missed.
Paul "Beard" Malaney's still doing great in DisneyWorld.
Jimi Bell's website gets better and better. He's mentioned in both the Ozzy bio and the Black Sabbath bio!
Paul Ferguson wrote, mentioning the passing also of jazzy Hammond B-3 pioneer Jimmy Smith. A true icon to most keyboard players, and many of the rest of us. Paul's not bad, either. LOL. Paul also wrote a scathingly true email on the State of Entertainment today. People don't realize what it takes, or what has happened, in the life of an entertainer these days.
I am so happy to say that I heard from the incredible talent and human John Bartus, former Mayor from Marathon in the Florida Keys. Lotsa stories from the old days. Great songwriter and entertainer and politician and multi-instrumentalist and radio show host and newspaper journalist and recording studio owner and producer. Check out his new website, and marvel in the glow. A true inspiration in so many departments, John may be focusing some energy in the Nashville area before too long.
Did you know that YOKO ONO turned 72 on Feb. 18? Good thing her voice is as good as ever, huh?
FLASH EDITORIALS FOR MARCH - A bald-due-to-chemo cancer survivor Melissa Etheridge knocking the socks off the Grammys with "Piece of My Heart" and the scream that gave goosebumps to the whole auditorium. Wow. Bonnie Raitt's dad John passed away. A Broadway icon. Hunter S. Thompson - gonzo journalism personified self-immolates as we knew he would, but the body of work is astounding. "President" Bush still fooling half this country (but not the World) by applying patriotic names to the worst programs in history in all departments of government. Every one of his implementations across the board (appointments, foreign policies, environmental suicide, the "$1.7 Billion" war that is now over $200 Billion and quickly rising (and unnecessary), etc.) is gonna come back and bite us hard for generations to come. A deeply sarcastic "thank you" to those that help put him and his corrupt crapola cronies in power, foolishly believing anything that they say.
Thanks to Dave Surbi on Marco Island for use of his great house/pool/garage/cats - all to myself. A good and very deranged friend for nearly 20 years now.
The lovely Scott and Mindy O'Dell from the Upper Valley are gonna be very close to here in March. We exchanged numbers and are gonna get together and go fishing. Haven't seen them since Marco 3 years ago.
For those of you who have asked - my Mom is still very confused, but in fair spirits. Things have gotten a bit more tense since she re-broke her wrist last week, and is miserable about it. But the family is getting matters arranged so I can relocate and resume my slow-motion car wreck called Life. Hehehe. It's boiling down to two offers/areas - SW Florida again, and/or NH again.
Reminder: since this was a hurried Update due to Big Joe passing, and other events, don't forget to peruse the Feb. Update further down the page for more "news". And keep watching - a BIG move is about to happen!
Former classmate/bandmate Dwain D.C. Hathaway is kicking butt in California. One of his tunes is being shopped to Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, and there is a good amount of interest. He may be getting a second home in Nashville next year. Dang - so many of my ol' compadrés are navigating towards Nashville.
Well, the Oscars™ were blasé despite the changes in format. Chris Rock's opening was good, but he wimped out so bad the rest of the show. Robin Williams blew him away. Very predictable winners. Counting Crows sounded like crap with Adam looking like Sideshow Blob (no, that's not a typo). Thank goodness for Salma Hayek.
I need to rant further about the State Of Celebrity - ENOUGH of Jennifer Lopez, Puff Doody, Joan and Melissa Rivers looking like Aliens and trashing those that are far better looking and far more talented than them, Don Imus just being bitter and not intelligent, Dennis Miller being TOO intelligent and bitter for his (and our) own good, FOX (or FAUX) News pretending it's anything other than myopic opinions, and Paula Abdul pretending she's a singer worthy of judging anybody else. She's not - if my ol' buddy/drummer Mitch Marcoulier had testified in her trial a few years ago about what he knew/did with a Synclavier on her recordings, the world would realize that she is all electronically contrived (as are many other "singers" today) and not really Talented. And would Ashley Simpson please sit down and stay there? I had to laugh when she got booed at the Super Bowl. Another "no talent" wasting our time, when there are so many really multi-talented people that aren't related to somebody going unnoticed. <sigh> I am a firm believer that MTV has ruined and forever changed the way many perceive "talent". So sad. Real Talent is usually required for longevity, thank goodness. P.T. Barnum was wiser than most. And could the pairing of Bridgitte Neilson and Flava Flav be a better argument for Forced Sterilization? Maybe even Euthanasia? Should you have any opinions, pro or con to mine, write and I will post them or you can just post them in my Guestbook.
Got to see old friend John Hackett (and the lovely Marge) at his estate in Goodland on the 26th. John's doing great with his painting and has constructed a studio-of-sorts to jam with his friends. After hanging with them for awhile, we all popped in at the Little Bar. I got to see owner Ray and manager Mark, and dear ladies Kathy Savric and the multi-talented Tara. Tara's going to invite me to her next gallery showing - she's a talented and award-winning artist and sculptor, as well as a true blue friend. Jeff Hilt was performing, getting the crowd going with his midioke versions of Neil Diamond and others.
Heard from Bryce Chicoine, owner of BCM Studios in NH and a good man that has been involved with many of my early musical endeavors. So good to know all is well with him, Melody (his lovely wife) and their two girls.
Got a great email from Cher Mitchell Aubin, my buddy and vocal coach. She brought me up to date on local happenings in the NH music scene, and she was thrilled to see my "little brother" Aaron Whitcomb kicking it out with his new band Fatal Skye. Cher's recovering from pneumonia, which makes her gigs with Club Soda a bit difficult, but she is always the trooper.
Above all, let's hope and pray that 9 yr old Homosassa neighbor Jessica Lunsford comes home soon.
*APRIL '05 UPDATE*
Home Again (see paragraph #2)
For those that had been following the heart-breaking saga in Homosassa about the missing little 9 yr old girl Jessica Lunsford, thanks for all the emails and support. Her body was found in the early hours of March 19, after the killer had confessed three weeks after her disappearance while sitting in a jail in Georgia. I'm so saddened by what has happened to a simple unassuming father trying to be a great single parent, and was fortunate to see his strength first-hand. Many of us volunteered to search the area, and were constantly inspired by Mark's spirit. Sheriff Jeff Dawsy once again proves himself to be a truly caring man and fine human being. Her funerals were exceptional - the private one a mile form my house on Friday, the 25th, and the public one in Crystal River on the 26th. That was attended by around 1000 people, and they ended it by releasing about 100 multi-colored balloons. Her dad Mark asked everybody to get better laws passed in tracking and prosecuting known sex offenders, and to love kids like there's no tomorrow. Good advice on both.
Been emailing back and forth with Professional Good Guy MC Hammerhead Mike Colburn. He's been rehearsing with some créme de la créme guyz like Bobby Gagnier, Tim White, Doug Bashaw, and former Far Cry multi-talent Bart M. - as previously reported here last month. Mike's also just opened the New England doors bigtime for me, getting me both a gainful day job at NH's #1 hospital starting April 4th and a house in the Upper Valley to call "home" for awhile, allowing me to move back to NH and pursue some dreams. So, it's pack up and move 1300 miles (again), and get resettled. I leave behind some truly great friends and some beautiful scenery (of all kinds), but I'm tired of Florida and it's time to go back "home". I've got the folks set-up pretty well with neighbors and social services, so I can go with a clear conscience. I may be producing/hosting a cable-access TV show at Dartmouth's CATV8 in the foreseeable future, and may also do some voiceover/parody production for WNTK political motormouth George Russell on his talk radio show. Looking very much forward to seeing old friends, eating great food, and teaching a couple of lessons in R.E.S.P.E.C.T. to a couple of ex-"pals". Hehehehe. I'm jonesing so much to hear ol' pros/buds like George Burl Gibson, Jim Hollis, Justin Jaymes, and Click Horning do what they do best. And they do it better than most. I've already been contacted about some choice gigs, including Carl Thurston's very fun Minuteman Café in Alstead's Sunday Concert Series.
Just got another email from Maria Doyle Kennedy - most of you may know her as the black-haired girl backup singer from the movie "The Commitments". She's doing a short tour of Switzerland, Spain, and one date in Italy. Then, it's NEW ALBUM TIME. LOL. She's been spending all her creative juices on her family, but has decided to concentrate on a new original CD after her all-acoustic CD is done in Dublin soon. Talented and beautiful lady.
Had a long phone call from Pete Porter. I hope to have the time to trade some guitar lessons in exchange for him teaching me more cane fighting techniques. The man is a consummate master of so much Martial Arts knowledge and history, and a true mind-blowing inspiration when you see him demonstrate something. He taught me some awesome cane (yes, the walking stick for old people) self-defense moves back in the early 80s, and I've always wanted to further my ability with it. He's sick of ice and snow, and can't wait to get his Ferrari out.
David J. Moore just bought a 3 pickup Gibson Night Hawk from Brenda B - he says he's "in Love". LOL. He's been looking for a good gig axe as his Steinbergers don't hold up to the S Florida weather very well. Between acidic sweat, salt air and water, and sand - most axes can take a severe beating if you're one of the "outdoor" guys like us. I had hoped to spend some more quality time with Chip and Dale - I mean, Dave and Dale - before heading North, but at least I stopped by and hung with Dave for an hour. Brenda is doing better, and getting ready for her "final" operation to get back in shape.
Just had lunch with Scott and Mindy O'Dell from Randolph, VT on March 14. They used to throw some of the best HUGE outdoor gigs in the Upper Valley. We had a ball talking about old times and weight gains. LOL. They're down visiting in Yankeetown FL close-by to my folks, and looking around for future homesites. Mindy quit cigs two years ago, and is trying to get Scott to now. Nicotine is a tough mistress to give up, but one that painfully kills you if you don't.
On March 22nd, FOGHAT guitarist Rod Price died at his home in Wilton, NH. He was one of those that oozed memorable solos - I can hear them just by thinking of the song. "Slow Ride", Fool For The City", etc. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting him when FOGHAT was recording their "live" album at Sharon VT's short-lived uber-studio SUNTREADER. Old buddy/pianist Joe Peters took me up there one day, and I got to go back and hang a few times because Jon and Jerice, the owners, knew I was "hungry". Rod Price was a nice, unassuming monster on slide guitar, and a real historian of the blues. His passing follows FOGHAT's singer "Lonesome" Dave Peverett, who died a few years ago from kidney cancer. What a kick-ass band!
My other brother, Joe "Hayes" Stagner called on the 25th. We're gonna try to put together an Internet radio show or shows, and develop them to the point where satellite radio like XM or Sirius might be interested. Could be VERY interesting. I've got some great broadcast experts in New England that will be glad to help.
Got to see Ginny Atchison and her daughter Annalee Thralls at my last Bayside gig on the 20th. Anna is growing up so fast. I was really missing her due to all the emotions surrounding the Jessica Lunsford kidnapping/murder, so I was ecstatic to see her for a few minutes. Gonna try to fly her up to NH next year so she can experience snow.
*MAY 2005 UPDATE*
A WHOLE NEW WORLD TURNS OLD AGAIN...NO, WAIT....AN OLD...
Well - drove the 1375 miles from Homosassa to Enfield on March 29th into March 30th. Arrived 6:30am after 20 and a half hours in the car. Later that night, Mike C and I had a Ramunto's pizza in Hanover, and visited owner Tom Leonard at 5 Olde Nugget Alley as a surprise. Passed my physical with slightly elevated blood pressure, and started setting up my bedroom with wireless broadband and a brand spankin' new mattress and springs. I took Mike (Colburn - guitarist for Far Cry, etc. and my benefactor here) down to meet Denny and Patty Coleman at Musicians Junkyard in Windsor on Sat., the 2nd of April. Played thru a most incredible sounding HURRICANE amp made in Sarasota Florida (right?) and checked out Denny's new-soon-to-be-released pedal design, similar to his astounding Junkyard Screamer, but with different tonal and pronounced overdrive characterisitics. More to come on that. Mike's house in Enfield is great - it's high atop Whaleback Mtn/Methodist Hill 1.8 miles from Interstate 89. Privacy and AWESOME multi-mountain views for hundreds of miles.
Been hearing and running into a few old friends. Had dinner here at Mike's house with the beautiful singer Mary Ferland, as well as Mike and Bart M from Far Cry. Then ran into Mary's beautiful sister, recent penpal Maggie Ferland, the next day at the hospital (DHMC). I work with a great crew at DHMC, and a lot of them are musicians. Ran into the talented John "Duck" Sullivan there - he just had his first child at 50-something, and is very proud and happy. Also ran into old pal, artist Cindy Wahrlich there. We're emailing now, and will have a lunch together when we can. She informed me that Robb McNally, guitarist from Rocktober, etc., passed away two years ago in Utah. Have also run into ol' buddy Lynn Tinker, as well as super-mechanic Don Plante, who is now a nurse at DHMC. Also surprised "sister" and former EMA secretary Dora White. Hadn't seen her in many years. She said my other "sister" Lorraine is still around and doing well. Saw ol' buddy Tom LeBrun - security to the stars. He has worked with Whitney, Aerosmith, NKOTB, etc. and also teaches powerlifting and fighting when not travelling the world. Tom, Pete Porter and I used to go around to local schools giving demos. It was a blast. Got a phone call from Colette, which was a surprise - hadn't talked with her in a long time, other than emails. Got welcoming emails from uber-bassist Angelo Mullen, L.A. producer/songwriter Mitch Marcoulier, Jim "Herb" Smith, an awesome e-card from Ginny Atchison and Annalee Thralls, Peter Heimlich, Snook Inn bartender Kathy Canady, the O'Dells, Donnie Perkins, Donna Packard, Ed Vadas, Tom Jellison, Boston Rock n Roll Museum's JR Robinson, my soul-sister Jo Greco, Dwain DC Hathaway, Bryce Chicoine, and Florida Fiddle Champ/multi-talented J. Robert among others. Sent a condolence to comic Stephen Lynch, whose tourmate, the hilarious Mitch Hedburg, died recently. He was Pete Porter's new fave comic. Speaking of Pete, we've been playing musical tag but will be getting together very soon. I gotta drive his Ferrari.
Called my stepdad Bob on his birthday April 6th. 81 yrs old. He's doing good. Said Mom found the rings she thought had been stolen. That's good. Brother Bill says she's pretty mixed up in phone conversations these days with him. But the neighbors and social services are nearby, and the folks are happy. Mom's really happy about my "new job helping people" and having great benefits and health insurance. LOL. The job is awesome, and allows me plenty of time (after intense training) to pursue gigs and recording. Carl Thurston wants me at Minuteman Café as soon as possible for the Sunday Concert series.
CW Colt is flying high - he's recording 4 CDs at once, with assist from the venerable Sonny Landreth! CW is a fixture in the Keys and SW FL coastal especially, but has a big following on the road for corporations. He was kind enough to provide the amazing new 7 ft stick columns BOSE system for a gazebo concert I did on Marco a few months ago, and the sound was the best I have ever heard myself sound. Stereo (two complete stick systems and 4 subs) and so full. Check CW's site out for much more info. (see Links Page)
Oh, My Goodness. I just took Mike Hammerhead Colburn, roomie and benefactor, to the Incredible Peyton Place restaurant, now in Orford, NH. Mike knows how to cook, and he just kept emanating orgasmic sounds of food being savored. We had the Sunday Brunch, but will return for many more dinners. Jim and Heidi Peyton are dear people, and I've been lucky enough to know then for years. Every iota of the gourmet level food is homemade from scratch. The Mimosa is made with fresh-squeezed OJ. The eclectic menu is very rounded, inviting yet unique. Not a meat-and-potatoes kinda place, but they have 'em. It's the jewel of a restaurant that you take people to impress them with gastronomical delights. The house/tavern is circa late 1700s, and absolutely oozing with character. And phenomenal aromas. Heidi even called that night, saying some real nice things and inviting me to dine with them personally soon.
Well, it's mid April - spittin' snow - temps in the 30s at night. I love it! LOL.
FLASH FORWARD - now it's May 1st. Got to jam with Jim Hollis, Rich Hughes, Will Michaels, Perry Atkinson, Ken Aldrich from TRACKS, Mike Benoit and others on Apr. 28th at the Salt Hill Pub on Lebanon Common. Too much fun. Richie and I hadn't played together since the CRB daze of '80-'84! Jim Hollis is one of the best singers in New England - what am amazing musical talent and friend. Gonna try to at least sit-in if not co-host several Thursday nights in the future.
Mike and I stopped by to see ol' buddy and vocal coach Cher Aubin that afternoon. She's doing great, singing and hosting and DJing - oh, my! One of her personal vocal students is winning national awards, and may be the Next Big Thing! Cher did wonders for me in that department years back.
Heard from ol' bandleader Rick Davis - he wanted me to fill in with his son on drums and Rick and I switching bass/guitars like the old days. But it wasn't in my stars that weekend - hope to do it soon, though - always like jamming with Rick. Been hearing horror stories about old drummer Jeff Kangas.
I hear rumor that old bandmates Brian Clow and Tim "Squeege" Perras are jammin' again. More to come - possible reunions aplenty! LOL. They were the rhythm section for quite a few bands in the 70s circuit, and beyond.
The multi-talented David J Moore called and filled me in on the Moore Birthday excursion to Vegas. I'm glad to say Dave says the FMB area musicians who were so sick are doing better. Both Rick Robinson and Brenda B are hitting stages again. Paul Ferguson wrote and told me how the Marco Island scene is tightening - the Snook Inn is cutting back drastically this time of year, among others.
Fred and Nancy Guilmette are back in the Newport NH area after spending half their year at their house in Naples FL. They're readying their Loon Lake campground for the summer months. My benefactor Mike says it's a great facility (he played there several times in Far Cry) and we've been invited to visit and to play.
*JUNE 2005 UPDATE*
Pat Robertson, founder of the Christian Coalition and head of the Christian Broadcasting Network, appeared on ABC's ''This Week'' this month and criticized the federal courts. Robertson said, ''The gradual erosion of the consensus that's held our country together is probably more serious than a few bearded terrorists who fly into buildings.''
It's actually people like Pat Robertson that are eroding the country. I'm tired of these egomaniacal self-serving televangelists who are getting rich and powerful by fooling the weak into thinking they speak for their God. Any televangelist (and all the fake "healers" - and they're ALL fake!) is doing little more than pushing a personal agenda and stealing money from the trusting. They do not personally subscribe to the beauty or Truth within most teachings, but warp and twist scripture to suit their own needs and political beliefs. None of them adhere to the tenets of the Bible - the Ten Commandments. There is a separation of church and state in this country for a good and just reason - there are MANY religions, and who's to say which is "right", if any of them! "Freedom of Religion" - sound familiar? And that also means Freedom to NOT worship without penalty. For a dangerous bullshit artist like Pat Robertson to incite anybody against any politician or judge or TV show or cartoon that doesn't appeal to them is downright dangerous. When the fringe psychotics hear these hypocritical fools, they gather even more hatred and "reasoning" to carry out assassinations and such. Judging from their actions, the Christian Right is neither truly Christian nor right.
OK - enough of that. Hi, everybody. The job at the hospital is going great. I really love so many aspects of it. I'm starting to work on new tunes for the solo act, and may start playing out before long. Getting the opportunity to jam with old buddies here and there. On May 19th, got to jam with ol' CRB bassist Richie Hughes and mega-talent Jim Hollis at Salt Hill Pub in Lebanon again at their Open Mic. This time, I played drums while Mike wailed on his PRS. Too much fun. Ol' bandmate Justin Jaymes played there on the 27th. Mike and his buddy Dave and I went down. Justin was in fine voice, and had the crowd all night. At one point, I went up and did a little instrumental break on his open-tuning guitar while he replaced a string on his standard tuning acoustic, then we jammed a couple. The Irish band The Saw Doctors popped their heads in as they were leaving the Opera House after their concert while we were doing this. LOL.
Been hearing from quite a few - Fred and Nancy Guilmette are under way with their Loon Lake Campground. Click and Joanie Horning are doing just fine. Heard from Dwain Hathaway's sister Grace. She's doing great. Ed Vada's new website is very entertaining - catch it at www.edvadasblues.com.
Been sending some future vocalists to Cher Aubin for tweaking. She's the best locally to refine and protect a singer's voice. Go see her band Club Soda appearing locally occasionally to see if she can sing. LOL.
Heard from infamous local "agent" Bill Henne. He wants to pay me $125 (plus meal) for 3 and a half hours at Brown's Tavern/Mt Ascutney. LOL. Some people/things never change - they just get worse. Too bad. There is no need for cheap middlemen in this day and age. The musicians and club owners all benefit from direct contact and negotiation because they can get a true feel for the other, and can usually become "family", which benefits everybody! When a team pulls together and gives the patron a little respect and wow-factor, they are always successful.
More to come later. I plan on seeing a bunch of musicians soon, and will give in-depth reports. Love to all.
*JULY 2005 UPDATE*
Happy 4th of July!!!!
Hi, everybody - here we are again. Ah, summer in NH. It's been either really hot and humid, or really rainy, or really cool. But the scenery is gorgeous. This time of year, there are so many outdoor concerts in harbors and on mountains and little town gazebos. It's just a wonderful time to enjoy music and Life. There is a buzzing scene for original music, jam bands, and all styles to find a major audience these days locally. The powers-that-be seem to be all old friends at this point, and they are going out of their way to provide for a seemingly ravenous public. I was even recently at St. Gaudens estate and museum in Cornish - something I highly recommend to both the artistic and the romantic. They have started their concert series picnics on the lawn of this fabulous estate with live string quartets, etc. playing classical and chamber music on a Sunday afternoon. <sigh>
I just found out that Ronnie Riviezzo died last Dec. 7, 2004 just shy of his 52nd birthday. Read his obit at work just by accident. He told me two years ago (click here for pic), when he found me in Syracuse online after 20+ years, that he was battling a severe cancer but was in Arizona getting the best help. He loved this website, and signed my guestbook, too. He called me last year and said that he had been handed a restaurant in Reno to run, and wanted me involved. I emailed him back, but never got an answer. Ronnie was a sleepy-eyed ladies man. Damn, could he get gorgeous women. And he was the first drummer/singer I played with that knew what I was about, and had enough talent to inspire me to dig in deeper and learn more about music. And wear rock star clothes. LOL. He wasn't very good when drugged out, but none of us are. LOL. His obit says "he worked as a chef at resorts in Maine, New York, Florida, Nevada, Alaska. He was best known for setting up and running a NYC soup kitchen that fed victims and workers in the aftermath of the World Trade Center catastrophe on Sept. 11, 2001. An accomplished musician, at one time he was the drummer in a Sunapee band that was a precursor to Aerosmith." Rock on, Ronnie.....
Mike and I went down to Sunapee Harbor on June 25th to see Click Horning play. We were very surprised to see his lovely wife Joanie playing bass with him, and playing it exceptionally well. Click also had Randy Richards playing keys. They sounded great. After a short visit to the Horning cottage, we ended up following them to a reunion gig in Sutton. Well, that turned out to be a huge town party, a benefit for Musterfield Farm, which is a gorgeous historic site. Several bands, inc. the reunion of Night Kitchen, whom I used to fill-in with. I got to play 5 songs with the Click Horning Band, which was very enjoyable - next time, I may even learn the songs! LOL. It was so great to run into the guys in Night Kitchen - we had so much fun playing together when I filled-in for mega-guitarist and engineer/producer buddy Gerry Putnam in '94. Check out my Links page for his website for CedarHouse Sound.
The venerable Jim Hollis, Richie Hughes, and I are throwing around ideas for a vet jam night at some local club. There are SO many monster players around here that have no venue to mingle. No amateurs, no karaoke singers - you have to have been a professional road dog to play. This may be very interesting. I'll keep you updated.
Maria Doyle Kennedy, the black-haired girl singer from the movie "The Commitments", wrote me about her summer tour of Irish, Czech, and Slovakian castles! LOL. She's doing great - has a lot of new CD material to release.
It's Official - I'm coming off vacation finally and playing for a big outdoor wingding at Minuteman Cafe in beautiful downtown Alstead! Carl Thurston talked me into it, and it's gonna be July 24th. My performance will be non-stop 6-8pm. Carl's gonna have seafood, corn-on-the-cob, and all sorts of great food cookin' starting at 5pm.
Buddy Tom Jellison from One Eye Open is getting married again the second week of August - why do I keep hearing "Another One Bites The Dust"? LOL. He wrote to ask me to jam with his band at the wedding reception. I'll play on a stage with their lead singer Emily Musty (click for website) anytime. LOL.
Mike and I went down to Sunapee Harbor again July 2 to hang with the rockin' Bluesman James Montgomery. He was awesome per usual. While watching him, we ran into some great old friends - first, I ran into the former Patty Wilson, now married to music journalist Michael Witthaus. I read his great music columns/reviews in the Eagle-Times when I was living with my folks last year. He and I actually hung around a bit back when he was known as "Song Fontaine" on WECM with Bob Rivers and Zip Zipfeld, among others - back in the late 70s-early 80s. We had a nice snack and cocktails with them at the Anchorage, where I was also accosted by the infamous local boat dealer Stew Brown and Marilyn. I spoke with Anchorage/Eagle Tavern owner Jeff Follansbee about some possible sponsorship of our aforementioned vet jam nights. He loves the idea. Mike Witthaus and I are definitely gonna network on some music blogs and some future entertainment-related things. Also ran into impresario Bill Wightman (Wightsteeple Productions) who is a major force behind the Sunapee concerts and jazz in that area. Awesome day!
The 3rd of July was spent on Killington at the Beatles Celebration. A fine time on a beautiful day on a fabulous location. Imagine hangin' with Joey Leone, Tommy Read, John Sullivan, Jimmy Hollis, the Bobby Darling Show, and Frank Barnes hisself pickin' on me from stage! the Bobby D Show was hilarious - they opened with a slammin' GERMAN version of "I Wanna Hold Your Hand"! Joey Leone was hosting a video display of his personal collection of Beatle video and film that was rare and amazing. I saw moments I had only heard about, like John (and Yoko's) appearance with Frank Zappa. The Beatles still give me goosebumps. I'm sunburned on one side of my face and arms from watching the stage, but I'm happy. LOL.
Randy Richards, keyboardist for the Click Horning Band, has started the Sunapee Community Coffeehouse, which is a Friday night performance venue in Sunapee Harbor across from the Anchorage at Woody's Restaurant. Randy did a similar thing in Washington st
