Americana Gazette June/July 2008 Issue

MERICANA GAZETT E A JUNE-JULY 2008

COVER STORY Peter Cooper RESONATORS FAT CAT ROUGHNESS GOOD SOULS ANNE SPENCER DEAR AUGUST BETH KILLE CD REVIEW BAM FEST

© 2006 Imagine Aerial Photography

Welcome to the First

AMERICANA GAZETTE Welcome to the first issue of the Americana Gazette. The Americana Gazette is a bi-monthly interactive arts and entertainment magazine that highlights Southern Wisconsin’s hotbed of artists, as well as national acts that tour in this area. The magazine will cover well-known artisans – writers, painters, musicians, etc. and will feature live interviews, CD reviews, sound clips, pod casts, as well as other materials. We look forward to bringing you the best in Americana Arts and Music.

This publication could not have been created without the help and support of some really great people. So a big hats off and thank you to John Stremikis, Roy and Steph Elkins, Ric Genthe, Rick Tvedt, John Miller, The Sugar River Banks, Suzanne Daly, Geoff Wilbourn, Rob Kosmeder, Lin Nimsomboon, Lindsay Olig, Bob Smith, and Rosemary Ziehli who instilled the love of books and writing in me at an early age, and who has always been supportive of my writing.

The Americana Gazette will be ever evolving over the next couple of issues. We will be adding columns, having an interactive website where you can listen to interviews, download music, and even watch concerts. In the future, we are producing four Internet radio shows on our website.They will be updated bi-weekly.

We plan to create a live concert show that will be video taped for computer viewing within 2 years.

We are always looking for good writers to join us. We are especially looking for someone to cover the youth arts and music scene for us.

Steph Elkins will be covering Classical Music in Southern Wisconsin for us starting in the next issue. Suzanne Daly will have a column on food, and Bob Smith will be writing a transplanted Oakies view of the world column. We will have a band page where you can list your band, a classified want ads page to buy, sell, or trade musical instruments, and a CD review page where we will review your CD’s. If you have a CD you would like reviewed please send us a copy (CD’s will not be able to be mailed back).

We have great rates for advertising,an on staff graphic artist to help put together a great ad for your business, or we take camera ready ads

that you have created. Listed below are the schedule and ad deadlines. Also please excuse any typos. We are new at this, and we will get better as time goes on!

The publication will be available online @ www.americanagazette.net. Hard copies will be available at local coffee houses and businesses throughout Southern Wisconsin. We hope you enjoy this issue and will continue to view and read our magazine. If you have an idea for an article please contact either Andy or Joyce Ziehli at: aziehli@advisorymgt.com. or jziehli@advisorymgt.com. We are very open to ideas and suggestions for stories, and look forward to hearing from you.

Andy & Joyce Ziehli

Americana Gazette PUBLISHER Joyce Ziehli jziehli@advisorymgt.com SENIOR EDITOR Andy Ziehli aziehli@advisorymgt.com STAFF WRITERS/PHOTOS Rob Kosmeder Bobbyk321@hotmail.com Lynn Nimsomboon Something_witty_and_clever@hotmail.com Lindsay Olig Lino2490@hotmail.com

News and ad deadlines All news, ads, Cd’s, and articles are due by the 4th of the following months for publication in those months. Anything received after the 4th will be in the next bi-monthly issue.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ric Genthe rgenthe@charter.net

TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURE STORY 10 Peter Cooper Writer/Recording Artist – Nashville WHERE TO LOOK: 2

Bailey and Duncan’s Slant

3

John Wilde

4

Resonators

6

Fat Cat

8

The Roughness

9

Good Souls Band

12 Anne Spencer August, October, December, February, April & June

AMERICANA GAZETTE

ADVERTISING COSTS:

% ANDY ZIEHLI P.O. BOX 208 BELLEVILLE, WI. 53508

14 Dear August 15 Beth Kille 16 Resonators in Swiss Town

Classified, b/w, 3.25”w x 2”h

$5.00

Small Band, b/w, 3.25”w x 4.25”h Large Band, b/w, 3.25”w x 8.25”h

$35.00 $65.00

Small Schedule, b/w, 3.25”w x 4.25”h Large Schedule, b/w, 3.25”w x 8.25”h

$30.00 $60.00

1/6 Page vertical, b/w, 3.25”w x 6.5”h 1/3 Page vertical, b/w, 3.25”w x 12.75”h 1/3 Page horizontal, b/w, 10.25”w x 4”h 2/3 Page vertical, b/w, 6.75”w x 12.75”h 1/2 Page horizontal, b/w, 10.25”w x 6.5”h

$100.00 $150.00 $150.00 $180.00 $220.00

Full Page, b/w, 10.75”w x 12.75”h Inside Back Cover Page, b/w, 10.75”w x 12.75”h Inside Front Cover Page, b/w, 10.75”w x 12.75”h Back Cover, Color, 10.75”w x 12.75”h

$300.00 $350.00 $400.00 $450.00

Jerry was known for his quick whit and tremendous sense of humor. Some famous quotes of his included“drummers are just guys who like to hang around musicians.” Asked if he could read music he would reply “not enough to hurt my playing”, and “how many strings are there on that guitar? Then play them all”. He would also change the words to songs to get a rise out of the crowd. His favorite song to do that with was the Green Green Grass of Home, in which a mad dash for an outdoor toilet would bring a roar of laughter from the crowd.

OFFICE: 608-424-6300 Andy Cell: 608-558-8131 Joyce Cell: 608-558-8132

17 TOP CDs 18 CD Reviews 20 Man’s Trash 20 A Pet Note 21 BAM FEST

www.americanagazette.net

www.americanagazette.net

Jerry Francois 1938 -2008

by Andy Ziehli This past month of May 2008, the music community in Southern Wisconsin lost one of its best. Jerry Francois,bass player and entertainer supreme passed away after a long hard fight with cancer. Jerry had been a fixture in the Country Music scene in Southern Wisconsin since the mid 1950’s when he and Don Ward put together a band to play Honky Tonk Country Music in clubs, and at festivals throughout Wisconsin. For a time during the 1960’s they even toured the country playing,and eventually even did a stint in Nashville.

Jerry’s ability to harmonize with anyone was incredible. He played bass like no one else. The man never practiced, but he could play anything. To be able to be on the same stage as Jerry was an honor to every musician who ever got the chance to.

Merle Haggard caught a show that Jerry was playing in the late 60’s and asked him to join his band. Jerry turned him down because he was making more money playing around here than Haggard could pay him to be on the road.

Jerry’s voice was Ray Price smooth, an artist who Jerry loved and sang many of his songs.

Jim Reeves was another artist who Jerry could sing well enough that if you shut your eyes you would think Reeves was there. The best though was Jerry and Don together singing Buck Owens. Listening to their renditions of those Bakersfield classics brought the house down.

Many a local musician wished they could play and sing like Jerry and Don. A phone call from Jerry would bring out the best pickers to play the rare shows he played in his later years.

From as far away as Fresno,California musicians would travel to Wisconsin to play a gig with him.

Jerry was very intimidating on stage. He had the greatest ear ever. He could tell you how far out of tune you were at any moment in any song. Jerry could also keep time like a metronome. No one could rush a song with him playing bass. He let you know if you were “out of meter”.

He loved making music with his friends, and especially with his sons. His music house parties brought the best pickers together. In the 1990’s Jerry played in a band with his sonsTim, Gary,and Mark along with Dale Freidig,and me.

He named the band The Frenchtown Road Band in honor of the road he lived on. It was an honor to play lead guitar for him. A guitar spot which was well coveted by others who were much better players than I. People would ask him if the band was all his boys. He would say yes. Then he would proceed to tell them that the big one (me)“just got to the trough quicker than the others”.

One time he got angry at his three sons at a gig, and started to chew them out on stage for really screwing up a song we were supposed to have learned. I started to laugh, and Jerry turned to me and exclaimed “I don’t know what the hell you’re laughing at you’re just as guilty as they are”. The other side of Jerry was when you played something well he was very quick to compliment you on doing so.

God must have needed a great bass player more than he thought we did down here on earth. That’s why he took him so early. I’m sure Jerry is drinking a brandy and swapping stories with Hank,Lefty,Johnny,Buck,and Waylon. He’s probably pulling practical jokes on the angels too. It’s good to know that Jerry’s musical legacy is living on in his sons,grandson,and the lucky musicians in the Belleville area who were fortunate enough to have learned Country Music from the best.

A memorial show is being put together in Jerry’s honor later this summer. The Americana Gazette will have more details in our next issue.

1

Litt DuBay’s Slant

by Litt DuBay

Dear Present and Powers to be in Nashville, Hey you guys and gals who are at the head of the record labels in Nashville and the cities top producers. You are all scrambling to try to figure out why CD sales are slumping, music downloads are down, and generally why your beloved industry is in such bad shape. You have hired consultants to help demystify this problem. These high priced consultants have come up with many answers except the right one. I could have saved you a ton of money if you would have only hired me. I work fairly cheap, and I am available. Better yet, I have the answers you need to pull your slumping industry out of the toilets.

This is not rocket science! This is a fairly easy fix. The reason your sales and industry is not doing so well is the fact that you are not producing a product that is worth buying, or in plain old everyday speak,“The trash you are forcing on us sucks!� It is not Country Music!

It is crap! Now I should back this up with facts.

Let’s take the ACM awards live performances.

Toby Keith’s song She’s a hottie is one of the most embarrassing songs I have ever heard.

How any artists could record that and think that is good music is beyond me. Let’s not forget Carrie Underwood’s trash anthem she sang.

For God’s sake I did not think she could record anything worse than she has recorded in the 2

past, but she always seems to prove me wrong.

Sure the flavor of the month club loves this trash, but pure Country Music Fans don’t. As far as illegal downloads are concerned they are not the reason for the decline in the record industry as your high-priced consultants have informed you. It’s the fact that you are not producing good music. No one wants to buy what you are producing.

What you titians of the record industry have forgotten is that Country Music is music of the people, and the people are more than the 1630 year olds demographics that you currently market to. Sure us“oldsters�don’t buy as many CD’s anymore, but there is a reason for that.

There are hardly any CD’s worth buying. Our disposable income is spent on things for our families. If there were products worth buying we would. We know that music has to evolve and change as does everything else we deal with in our lives. The problem is that Country Music is not evolving.It is just copying Pop and Urban music from 10 years ago. The soul of Country Music throughout its existence has always been the fans. Tradition has always played a huge part in this. Respect for what has come before and reverence to its pioneers. This is all but been thrown out in the world of Country Music today. Sure Kid Rock, Bon Jovi, and the rest of the “in� groups and artists love to come to Nashville where you fall all over them. You even put them on TV with so called “Country� stars. The trouble is as soon as another new flavor comes up they’ll be gone and your powers of the Country Music industry will still be here scratching your asses and wondering how you can continue as an industry without the help of those “cool� guys.

As the industry leaders and heads of the record labels you know what Country Music is.

You have played and recorded it before. You should take a look at the Americana charts and you would see what you need to do to fix the industry. On these charts are musicians and artists who play the style of Country Music the true fans and backbone of the industry love.

You need to go out and hear what the small time bands that are packing the bars and clubs are playing. Hint it ain’t “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk�! There is room on Country Music for all the flavors out there. Your duty is to keep some room for our elders and the music that they create in your stables. There are still a multitude of fans of their style of Country Music. You need to supply those fans with some.

Jack Clement has a set of rules in his studio on recording,and one for band members. Here are mine for fixing country music.

• Fire the music consultants you presently are using. • Remember it’s the song that is most important. • See number one and two above. Repeat as many times as necessary to sink in! • Just because someone looks good in tight jeans, wears a hat, or has clevage and blonde hair does not mean that they can sing. • Traditional and original are not bad words. • Get rid of all producers who use editing software to fix vocal tracks so that someone who cannot sing is made to sound like they can • Listen to any Country Music recorded in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Then listen to the crap you recorded today. Hear the difference.They could sing and had talent. Again no editing software. • Nurture talent. Commit to the long run. • Record great songs. Put the music back into Music Row! • Listen to the tried and true fans of Country Music, not the flavor of the month club. • There is a reason that Folsom Prison Blues is still played on juke boxes and by bar bands today. Will the top ten today be played on juke boxes and by bar bands in 40 years? I don’t think so! • Find someone to fill their shoes! • To save recording costs don’t record crappy filler songs. It is better to have a CD of 8 great songs instead of 14 mediocre songs. If it is good it will sell itself. • Trust your guts, not your bean counters. • Don’t let anyone use the words Kristofferson, Cash, Jones, Haggard, Lefty, Hank, or Buck in a song unless they are truly worthy of being associated with those men. • Remember Bobby Bare,Tom T. Hall, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard,Willie Nelson, and George Jones? Get them a contract! • Help radio find itself again. • Old songwriters never die, they just get let out to pasture. It’s time for a roundup! • Clone or get the following producers back behind the boards on a regular basis.

Roy Dea Brian Ahern Billy Sherrill Ken Nelson Owen Bradley Sam Phillips Cowboy Jack Clement Ritchie Albright Jerry Kennedy Rodney Crowell Lloyd Maines • In the immortal words of Cowboy Jack “Remember that it only takes 3 minutes to cut a hit recordâ€? www.americanagazette.net

John Wilde

by Rob Kosmeder As I pulled into John Wilde’s driveway it felt as if I was entering another world. The buildings were old and still aging, the grounds were filled with flowers, lilac bushes, and wild grasses. It was beautiful and earthy. Wilde met me at the door and we entered a home that was very earthy. I found myself sitting in a room decorated with his paintings,some finished and a new work just beginning. I could tell that painting is his passion. Our conversation started out slowly, but soon Wilde was opening up.

Below is the interview that took place.

AG: When did you begin to paint? College or long before that?

JW: I’ve always been interested in painting and drawing. Even when I was a kid, my parents supplied me with the materials I needed to be creative. Painting was in the family. My father was a professional artist who taught at the UW Madison. I wasn’t pressured to paint, but I was certainly provided the means and materials to do so. I went to college for zoology, and only took art as electives. I did that for four years, then decided to take a year off to find out if I really wanted to paint or if I was just using it as an excuse not to study!

At this time I then moved out to a farm house outside of Belleville,Wisconsin. This was in the spring of 1970. I have been here ever since. I moved here with five other guys. After a while I was the only one who remained. It was the area that surrounded the farm that kept me here. The river, the fields, the prairies were all things that inspired me. I had no reason to leave. Every morning I woke up and was glad to be painting. It’s been that way ever since.

Painting was never really a job.

AG: Since painting is your career, what do you do in your free time?

JW: Well, I believe in living pretty close to the earth, so a lot of my time goes into gardening and cutting wood. I also train falcons that I hunt with. That’s a big part of my life. I take a couple months out of the year to go out west to fly the falcons. I also like painting the west with all its textures. So that’s a big part of what I do when I’m not painting Wisconsin subjects.

AG: What is your main inspiration for your creative muse?

JW: I guess my main inspiration is that I love www.americanagazette.net

the landscape and the wild critters that live there. I also like the change of seasons very much. The change of colors that is not only seasonal, but daily. I’m inspired by what I see in the world around me. Wisconsin just has very picturesque landscapes. For me,the starting of a painting is exciting, and so is the completed work. The middle part is mainly busy work.

AG: What do you think of the art scene and community that now exists in Southern Wisconsin?

JW: There is really a lively and accomplished group of people working in the area. If you spend any time at all in the galleries around Madison you see all kinds of really creative and quality work that is being produced. There is a lot of wonderful work being done.

(Wilde’s work is some of that wonderful work that he spoke of out there. Completing about twenty paintings a year, he then sends them out to gallery because he doesn’t enjoy being a salesman. The twenty paintings aren’t counting the countless field sketches that he does, that will never be seen by the public.

While I glanced around his living room, I felt right at home. The paintings were definitely Southern Wisconsin. Most of them done within forty to fifty miles of his home.)

AG: Do you paint every day?

JW: Yeah, if I’m here. It’s usually two or three hours in the morning, and two or three in the evening. I’m pretty regular about. I’ve noticed if I go a day or so without painting I get a little antsy. It’s like I start“jonesin’�for it. It’s very relaxing. To some extent it’s mindless, especially the middle parts.

AG: What were some of the high points in your career?

JW: I’d say different awards I’ve been fortunate enough to have won,and getting paintings into various shows. I’d say peer recognition more so then a big sale means more to me. I mean, it’s always nice to have someone pay for your work, but a better feeling comes from recognition you receive from your peers. Those are the feelings that stick with me. Sitting down at the end of the day and looking at what I did and thinking,“You know, you got it that time�.

I think Wilde get’s it more often than not. As I was leaving I felt that John had definitely shown me a type of artist that is hard to find.

An artist that has stayed true to himself, continues to learn as much as he can about his craft, and he knows what makes him happy.

!

" # $

% & & '

(

)

)

* + ,

&

#% ' - + & + . , %/ / &

) + & /

& #

! #

# 0& / &

# / &

,

1

# -

& ( 2#%

Saturday, July 12, 10pm BELLEVILLE AMERICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL Belleville Community Park Tickets: $25 and $40 http://www.bamfest.net/

3

The Resonators Bluesy Rock & Roll

New Glarus Style

by Litt DuBay The Resonators (formerly the Raindogs) from New Glarus,Wisconsin are a fabulous four piece band that plays gritty Chicago Blues with an eclectic blend of great rockers and superb originals written by guitarist and band leader Mark Barnaby. These guys are “mature” musicians with many miles behind them and the passion to go many miles in the future. Like a reliable V8 engine the Resonators are a finally tuned music making machine. Blessed with two splendiferous vocalists in Barnaby and Tony DiPofi the Resonators rock every club and beer tent that they play (see story on their Flannery’s gig in this issue).

With a rhythm section that defines the word groove the Resonators have the backbeat and bass lines to make the Stax house band, Muscle Shoals Boys, and the Wrecking Crew sit up and take notice. Drummer John Miller a working musician since he was 14 years old plays with such responsiveness and style to every song that one wonders how anyone can master so many different and difficult rhythms. Miller’s ease of finding the groove and staying in the pocket brings the Raindogs together in a thunderous downpour of gritty smokey blues music.

Bassist Lindsey holds the line and keeps everyone in place. His down to earth tone and playing style fits nicely with Miller’s drumming. Just like Al Jackson and Duck Dunn the Resonators rhythm section is a finely oiled machine.

4

Mark Barnaby grew up in Upstate New York in a house filled with music. His older sister was a Bluegrass guitar player. His dad was a dentist that loved old school roots music. His brother was the rock and roller of the family. Barnaby’s education and music lessons started early. By age 11 he was playing songs his sister taught him and figuring out Howling Wolf and Muddy Waters tunes. He joined his first band in Junior High, an outfit that played Judas Priest songs.

His first electric rig was a Hondo II Les Paul Copy, DOD distortion, and a Silvertone 1464 piggy back amp. This band would sneak into the Junior High Auditorium and practice on weekends. This band lasted about a year when it morphed into a new band playing Rolling Stones songs with a 30 year old drummer. They played bars and dances. Barnaby was only 14 when this band started. It lasted until he went to North Carolina to go to college and play baseball. There the pull of music was greater than his education requirements. He left school and started a 3 piece Blues Funk/Rock band called Tonto Post Office that played originals and a few covers. Barnaby at that time started writing. Barnaby also ran in the same musical universe in North Carolina as Country Punk Sirius Outlaw Country DJ Mojo Nixon and Ben Folds.

He even modeled for Roscoe guitars in a national ad campaign. He was chosen because he was a friend of luthier Keith Roscoe,and he had really long hair. After a good run in Chapel Hill–

Raleigh area the band fell apart, and Barnaby moved to New York City and began to play more blues and acoustic music.

He moved back and forth between NewYork and San Francisco working construction and playing music. While in California he started Illegal Street racing motorcycles until an accident laid him up for many months. He returned to New York where he started doing studio work and hanging out with the Good brothers and arts orientated crowd of non-musicians. A phone call from a friend brought him to Colorado and a whole new music scene. Barnaby had not played out in public in over nine years.

Soon he and a buddy started playing as a duo. In Colorado Barnaby met his wife. Due to a family illness they moved back to Wisconsin (where she was from) and he again worked construction. When he moved back he decided to put together an electric band and play the kind of music he loved. After many attempts he found the perfect combination with the present group of guys in the Resonators. “I played with some great local musicians” Barnaby said, “But for some reason or another the band never quite took off or jelled as good as this group of guys.

The Resonators today are a super group of musicians who respect each other and the skills and talents they each bring to the table”.

Barnaby has played many guitars over the

www.americanagazette.net

years. Today he favors Fender Telecasters. His rig setup is simple and to the point. ATele,Holy Grail reverb pedal, a Tube Screamer played through a reissue Fender Deluxe Reverb and a customized Fender Bassman Ten Amp. This combination gives him the tone and bite he needs to produce the distinctive guitar sound he is known for.

Tony DiPofi grew up in Chicago and moved toWisconsin 30 years ago. A superb vocalist and harmonica player DiPofi looks the part of a Blues musician. With his ever present hat pulled low and his growling voice DiPofi commands attention when he plays or sings with the Resonators. DiPofi played with Southern Wisconsin R&B and Rhythm and Bruise out of Baraboo until he met Barnaby at a job, in an earlier incarnation of the Resonators. When the band took a break he asked if he could sit in for a song and play harp. He has been with them ever since.

DiPofi is self taught on the harps. His dad was a guitarist who played swing and jazz standards. As a youth DiPofi read a book on Harp legendTony“Little Son”Glover and was hooked.

His favorite harp player is Magic Dick from the J.Giels Band. DiPofi uses Special 20 Harmonicas and Golden Melodies. He stated that Lee Oscars are the best made,but they are a little pricey for a small town blues man. www.americanagazette.net

John Miller is an Americana drummer by trade, playing old Emmylou Harris and the Hot Band music was his forte until he joined the Resonators. He has easily made the switch to an all out blues drummer with ease. His drums are an “old”Yamaha set he has used for years.

They have incredible tone. His style is not to overplay. He does not pound the drums but when he accents a beat it is crystal clear and on target.

together. Their respect for one another is quite evident. The Resonators are working on a CD and hope to have it finished and released by the end of 2008. Their live shows are a musical cornucopia of roots music, Chicago blues, Tom Waits covers,and some of the best original gritty bluesy rock and roll you’ll ever hear. With new songs being written weekly by Barnaby and DiPofi there will never be a dull moment or lull in a Resonators show.

Miller toured the Midwest circuit for a while, but is happy to be in the Resonators and just playing locally. Miller has written songs in the past and is planning on writing some for the Resonators. He and his wife Anne own the Fat Cat Coffee Works in New Glarus which keeps him plenty busy. The Fat Cat will be hosting a summer concert series from 11:00 a.m until 1:00 p.m every Sunday where local performers will showcase their best work. The Resonators will be performing an acoustic show on one of those Sundays in 2008.

Take the opportunity to check these guys out when they play in your area. Superb musicianship, quality songwriting, and an excellent interpretation of cover tunes makes the Resonators one of your best bets for your entertainment dollar. They are worth the price of gas to drive anywhere in Southern Wisconsin to see them. So listen for that soulful bluesy howl coming from your neighborhood bar or beer tent. It’s not hellhounds on the trail of Robert Johnson, but the Resonators bestowing a little sonancy of New Glarus Blues onto you and the masses.

Lindsey is the bassist for the band. He lives in Mt. Hoerb,Wisconsin.

All the guys in the Resonators get along well together. They love making music on weekends, and are happy just to be a good band with a loyal following. All have families which come first to any music making. They like to hang out

5

Fat Cat Coffee Mixes...

...Cool vibes with hot drinks

story & photos by Andy Ziehli The Fat Cat Coffee Works in New Glarus, Wisconsin is a home to local artists, musicians, and eccentrics. John and Anne Miller are owners and operators of the Fat Cat which opened in May of 2007. The name came from their cat Duke who doubled in size over a short period of time. Anne has a restaurant background having been a manager of the Edelweiss Country Club and Golf Course. The idea to open a coffeehouse came from Anne’s desire to be creative, and John wanted a change from his career as Home Audio Designer. They both wanted a place for people to gather and relax together. Anne has been in the New Glarus area for the last 10 years. John moved here in 2006. John is originally from the Marinette/Menominee area, the beginning of the U.P., Anne is from Madison.

he was 14 years old. He is the Drummer for the Resonators, a local blues band. He started his musical career playing country music and polkas. He was playing with guys in their 30’s and 40’s. At the time John thought that they were a “bunch” of old guys. As he got older he graduated to rock & roll, country rock, and now blues music. John is also a songwriter.

He toured the Midwest circuit for a while, but now just plays weekends. Both he and Anne are big supporters of local music. They along with the Americana Gazette are sponsoring a live concert series with local bands and singer songwriters performing on the patio of the Fat Cat which is adjacent to the Sugar River Bike Trail in New Glarus. The concerts run from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. every Sunday through Labor Day rain or shine.

John has been a professional musician since

With John being a musician the Fat Cat has

6

grown to be a meeting place for local musicians, especially on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The chatter and laughs of these road dogs fills the main seating area of the Fat Cat as stories are rehashed and embellished on each week. The warm friendly atmosphere of the Fat Cat also provides a quiet place for reflection and conversation in each of its two lofts.

With its wireless internet it is even a place to catch up on some work.

The Fat Cat serves gourmet Ancora Coffees, Boylan Soda,homemade pastries,and breakfast and lunch specials. Its walls display local www.americanagazette.net

artist’s paintings. With its local color and Americana decor the Fat Cat is a wonderful place to connect with old friends, and meet new ones.

Small groups up to twelve individuals can be accommodated easily for meetings.

Located on Rail Road Street, the Fat Cat is worth checking out, and rates as one of the best places to visit in New Glarus. Stop in and say hi to John and Anne, and enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee or an espresso drink made just the way you want it. It’s well worth the trip from anywhere.

PARTY ON THE PATIO! At the

FAT CAT COFFEE WORKS • New Glarus, Wisconsin On Sunday’s from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Live Acoustic Music Starting June 8 thru August 31, 2008 Presented by Fat Cat Coffee Works and The Americana Gazette (If it’s raining it’s held inside the coffeehouse)

www.americanagazette.net

7

The Roughness, a reggae band

by Lindsay Olig On April 20th, 2008,The Roughness, a band from the Madison area played a show at The Klinic. I went to check them out because my brother; Matt is the bassist for the band. I was able to attend the show becauseThe Klinic had set aside a night for an “all ages” show. The Klinic has produced“all ages”shows in the past with great success.

This was the first show for The Roughness since 2006. The turnout was decent, and most of the crowd was well behaved. Some of the people in the back of the room were the band’s “dancing crew” by the end of the show.

I personally enjoyed the show. The sound and lights tech did a fantastic job. The band as a whole played very well. Their set lasted approximately thirty-five minutes. The band members definitely enjoy themselves while playing, and having a good time is very important to them.I was sitting on a chair toward the front, hoping to get some good pictures, but with the crowd really getting into the band I ended up with more blurry pictures than I could count on my two hands.

The Roughness consists of Rob on saxophone and lead vocals; Nate on the guitar; Justin on the trombone, Matt on bass and back8

up vocals, and Jeff on drums. All the guys but Rob and Justin are homegrown Wisconsin musicians. After their set I got together with the band and conducted the following interview in which Rob took the lead on.

How did you find each other?

Rob: In the spring of 2005 I wanted to form a band. I had written a bunch of songs in High School. I posted an ad on MadisonMusicians.net, and Matt was the first to respond.

Nate and Justin soon conducted me too. Unfortunately the drummer that we found left us after just one show in December of 2005. This caused many problems for us including leaving us with no practice space which meant no shows. Matt had a phone number for Jeff the drummer of “High Ball Holiday” of Milwaukee, and in spring of 2006 we were practicing again.

By summer of 2006 we were out playing shows. October of the same year I went back to Chicago,my hometown to take a break from the band life. After some time I felt like I needed to go back to the band, so I moved back up to Madison.

AG: Do you find it easy to get along, or are there a lot of disagreements because of all the

different personalities?

Rob: We are a pretty easy-going group. There are no real conflicts or drama. Personally,I find myself the most abrasive in the whole group.

Even though I’m not that abrasive! I see my role as the leader, and the manager.

put together a band. Heck, even with the people I hang out with first impressions are very important. You also want to find people with some of the same interests as you,so there isn’t too much disagreement. Don’t be afraid to make suggestions either. If you don’t like the way something sounds bring it up to your band mates so you can work on it.

AG: How do you all stay on good terms?

AG: How do you find places to play?

Rob: Who you allow in makes a big difference.

After getting to know each other the vibe just sticks, and you set the tone. At that point you know what kind of person or people who will fit into the group.You want to make sure the people you are bringing into the group are fun and pleasant to hang out with.

Justin: Be careful who you let in, because you’ll be with them a lot. It’s like a relationship. You don’t want just anyone in the mix.

Take some time off too. It helps so you don’t feel like you are being squished, you are with the same few people 24/7.

Matt: First impression says a lot. If they seem like a slob or if they seem like they are rude, they probably are. I generally go with my first impression when it comes to finding people to www.americanagazette.net

Rob: Contacts through the people you know.

Networking is so important. Throw it out there to people you know. Try different venues that you are looking for someplace to play a show.

Clubs are always looking for entertainment. Always be polite to the owners and employees of the clubs you contact and play at. Return calls when you are booking gigs,and if you play there thank them for the opportunity to do so.

You will almost always get invited back to play if you are polite, professional, and work with the employees of the club and the owner.

AG: Thanks guys for the interview and great show.

The Roughness: Thank you Lindsay. www.americanagazette.net

Good Souls Band - a little bit Country a little bit Soul

by Andy Ziehli

The Good Souls Band of Nashville has local ties to Wisconsin. Briana Hardyman grew up on a dairy farm near Darlington, Wisconsin.

Darlington is a small city located in Lafayette County. Hardyman is a very eclectic musician and writer. She favors Bonnie Raitt style vocals in some songs, and then sounds like a young Loretta Lynn in another. Her stage presence is awe striking. Hardyman’s use of the whole stage keeps your attention throughout a Good Souls show. Her songwriting ability reminds one of early Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and Gillian Welch.

Hardyman gave up a chance to audition for American Idol to take a weekend trip to Nashville. It turned out to be a very wise decision to make for the Wisconsin girl. There she met up with Dave Isaacs, a veteran singer and guitar slinger. Isaacs, a music veteran of Nashville and New York City, plays with incredible depth and feeling. He is the “soul” of the group with his blues and jazz oriented licks.

Isaacs has won national acclaim as a guitarist with his 2004 solo CD release of guitar instrumentals. His voice is smooth and clear. It cuts

through the mix and the crowd noise to keep your attention on the Good Souls Band.

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of their debut CD, and it rocks. Not to give too much away, but there is definitely some great songs on it. Rag Doll and Some Things Don’t Burn are my personal favorites. In March 2008, Hardyman played me some songs she was working on and there was not a bad song in the mix. She is an incredible songwriter.

Isaacs’s songs are very pleasing to listen to.

You can tell that he has many influences, and learned from all of them. I have to say that Issac’s Steve Cropper style licks really add to Good Souls sound.

Good Souls will be touring this summer. They are playing two jobs in Southern Wisconsin.

The first is Friday,June 27,2008 where they are playing the Lafayette County Fair in Darlington.

Saturday night they are playing the Annex in Madison, Wisconsin. The doors open at the Annex at 8:00 p.m. The show begins at 9:00 p.m. They are releasing their debut album this summer. You can find out more information on the Good Souls Band at goodsoulsmusic.com.

In our August edition of the Americana Gazette we will have an interview of the Good Souls and a review of their show at the Annex.

9

PETER COOPER

writing songs and performing too. My wife was teaching, (Charlotte who is still a teacher) and I was learning how to be a writer and getting paid for it.

AG: How did you end up in Nashville?

Cooper: The Nashville Tennessean people saw some of my articles I had written for the paper and some freelance stuff I had written. They contacted me and asked if I wanted to move to Nashville. We moved here about 7 years ago. I became an entertainment writer for them.

The n ew voice of Americana Music

AG: Did you start writing and performing when you got here?

Cooper: No I did not perform, but I did continue to write songs.

AG: How does writing about other performers and writers help you with your writing?

by Andy Ziehli Peter Cooper is a true Americana Artist. Cooper is a brilliant wordsmith who knows how to reach out and capture his audience both through his lyrics and his journalistic endeavors. A true Southern gentleman both on and off stage, Cooper is the brightest light on the Americana musical horizon. His songs tell the stories of adversity, hope, despair, and the whimsical times of his many song subjects. He is able to put the listener in the song. You feel for these people. You cheer for them when they overcome the obstacles they face in his lyrical landscapes. Cooper is a master in story telling and creating melodies that grab your attention. He invites all to become acquainted with his characters, and even to join with them in their quest for answers to the many questions that we all face in our lives. Yes, Peter Cooper is Americana at its best.

Cooper joins a family of artists that include, Kris Kristofferson, John Prine, Todd Snider, Tom T. Hall, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Hal Ketchum, and Nancy Griffith. Songsmiths, that create stories of the everyday lives and trials of the average person in this country. Like the great artists and storytellers before him, Cooper brings to life in his songs characters and events that instantly become part of your musical muse. From 10

Hank Aaron to Strom Thurman the famous are presented in a lyrical silhouette against the background of adversity and over indulgence in the 1950’s and early 60’s south. He then takes you to Sheboygan, Wisconsin for a Sunday morning prayer meeting on a bar stool.

The style of his music ranges from deep felt country ballads, folk stories, and up tempo Americana. Cooper is a master in bringing to life the characters in his songs. You can shut your eyes and be carried to Andalusia, Alabama in the 1930’s. In the song 715 you can see a little boy swinging that stick trying to get out of the poverty he lives in, and in Sheboygan you are transported to a bar stool in an old Wisconsin tavern on a Sunday morning with all your lodge brothers.

Nashville at the Station Inn in March of 2008. Cooper always gracious, was open and very candid in these interviews. He is a man who loves what he does, is a workaholic, and can’t get enough of the Green Bay Packers.

I first met Cooper in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at Shank Hall after he opened for Todd Snider in 2006. We exchanged phone numbers and email addresses. I was going to write an article for Rick’s Café about him, but fate stepped in and Rick’s shut down. We stayed in touch and I met up with him in May of 2007. I conducted the first part of the following interview with him. The rest of the interview evolved over the last year at shows, meetings, and just hanging out cumulating at his CD release party in

AG: You were a teacher at one point weren’t you?

AG: Peter tell me about your life as a child, and how that helped you become the writer that you are today.

Cooper: I grew up in South Carolina.

My dad was a Methodist Minister. We moved around a lot. I lived in Virginia and Washington D.C. where I was exposed to a wide range of music. Being exposed to these different types of music and cultures really influenced me.

I got to see the good and bad sides in people.

Cooper: Yes, I taught middle school english for a short time.

AG: How did you go from teaching to being a journalist?

Cooper: I started writing for a small local paper covering sports, entertainment, whatever needed covering. I was www.americanagazette.net

Cooper: Well having the privilege to meet and talk to so many great writers and performers I have been able to mine the best of the best in ideas, structures, and song process. These folks have been very gracious and supportive. Their honest critiques have allowed me to learn and help to find my own style and voice. Their friendship has also been great. Sometimes I can’t believe that I have such a great job.

AG: Who are some of the folks who have been so supportive of you?

Cooper: Kris Kristofferson and Tom T. Hall have been very supportive. Todd Snider is a neighbor and friend. He really pushed, shoved, and suggested that I do this CD. Todd and I have written songs together. I even play bass in Todd’s band when he uses one on the road.

AG: Let’s talk about the CD. Give me the background on it.

Cooper: Well I recorded it at House of David here in Nashville. Lloyd Green steel guitar master played on it and helped me produce it. We recorded on analog tape and just let it roll. Some great players helped me out on it. Bill Lloyd, Jen Gunderman, Jason Ringenberg, Dave Roe, Pat McInerney, Todd Snider, Fayssoux McLean, Nanci Grifwww.americanagazette.net

fith, Paul Griffith, and of course Lloyd all played a huge part in making this CD such a success.

tailgate with them. It was such a blast I joined the Elks Lodge in Sheboygan.

AG: So you are a card carrying Elk?

We set out to create a labor of love, and a sonic piece that would stand the test of time. I recorded the demos at home and sent them to Lloyd and told him to just play what he wanted on them. The whole CD was recorded around Lloyd’s steel parts.

AG: How has your songwriting evolved, and how do you approach writing?

Cooper: Having the opportunity to interview great songwriters for the Tennessean and other publications has allowed me to learn from the best. I write slowly and carefully. This allows me to create quality songs. Many times it takes weeks to finish a song. Writing on queue or on a time frame does not work well for me. Re-writing is important too. A song is never finished.

There are always new tempos, structures, and ideas to try with a song. The song determines the songwriting process. Many forms of inspiration come at you during the day. It could be a bumper sticker, a conversation, a television show, or even just an old memory can be the inspiration or starting point you need to write a song. Assembly line songwriting is not for me.

AG: Do you like performing, recording, or writing best?

Cooper: I like all three. They are all different. Performing lets you get instant feedback. That can help or hurt you. If you don’t get the reaction you were hoping for it can be a letdown. On the other hand, if the crowd is really into you and the song it can be the greatest feeling in the world. Recording is fun because you are creating music with your friends and giving it eternal life. It’s a record of your work and love. Writing is personal, but it becomes community property when it is played live or recorded. Writing is an extension of ones own impressions of the world.

AG: How did you become a “Wisconsinite”?

Cooper: My brother and I had come to a Packer game. The closest we could get a hotel was in Sheboygan. We met some Elks at the game, and they invited us to

Cooper: Yes I am.

AG: You had your CD release party at the Station Inn and it was packed to capacity, were you surprised?

Cooper: Yes I was. I could not believe that so many people would come out to hear me. I knew Fayssoux would draw a big crowd, but we were both surprised and very pleased at the turnout.

AG: You had an all-star band for the show. What was it like to play with such great musicians?

Cooper: The band was a dream band.

Lloyd Green on steel, Bill Lloyd on guitar, Dave Pomperroy on Bass, and Jen Gunderman on keys, you couldn’t get much better than that. Kim Carnes and Fayssoux who helped out on vocals were great. Having Emmylou Harris help out Fayssoux in her set was a great treat too. I am so lucky to have such great friends that were willing to help me out.

AG: What’s in the future for Peter Cooper?

Cooper: Well I’m off to Europe with Eric Brace at the end of April for a tour of the Netherlands’s and Germany. Then finish up my recording of my second CD. Then I’m off to Alaska this summer for s series of shows. I’m going back to Wisconsin hopefully this summer, and for sure in late fall for some shows. I hope to write and play more shows in Nashville this summer too.

AG: It looks like you are all booked up with no time to relax.

Cooper: Well playing is relaxing, and I’ve got some free time scheduled too.

AG: Thanks for your time and all the great music. Good Luck with the CD and I’ll see you this summer.

Cooper: Thanks. I’ll be back in Wisconsin soon.

A side bar for you is to check out both Peter’s and Last Train Homes blogs on their space pages about their trip to Europe. They are very entertaining. You can also get Peter’s touring dates on his my space page.

11

Creatively Designed with YOUR Band in Mind!

Anne Spencer, Artist and Survivor

• CD Covers • Logos • Promo Kits • Concert Tour Materials

Anne Spencer did not start playing the guitar until she was 39 years old. That was back in 1987. She was bed ridden with an exasperation of MS. She had been a school teacher, but had to give that up because of her medical condition. From the beginning she started writing her own songs. The experiences of being able to be creative again inspired and enlightened Spencer to pursue music, both as a career and as a form of therapy.

Spencer started out with a horrible guitar with very high action. It was very difficult to play especially with her illness. She acquired an old Martin 2150 guitar. Spencer said“it was the best guitar I have ever owned or played”.

She did not have a chord book. She played by feel,experimenting with her own open tunings until she found chords and tunings that sounded good to her. Spencer soon started to jam and work with some Norwegian artist that had come to America. Her first music partner was Jan Ovland, a Norwegian songwriter and guitarist. They played a kind of jazz fusion. Her demos made it to Nashville where she was 12

signed by a subsidiary of the William Morris Agency. Fate stepped in and Jan contracted MS, and had to quit playing putting an end to their duo and contract.

John Jacobs soon joined Anne in her musical quest. They played together for several years.

They received several grants to set up concerts and shows throughout Southern Wisconsin.

This duo was very successful, but time and things changed. Spencer once again found herself without a musical partner. At this time she ventured to Norway, where she recorded her solo CD. The studio terrified her at first.

Spencer soon learned to use the equipment to her favor and she released a great CD.

that she wanted to come to America to perform. She wanted Spencer to help her out setting up tour dates. Lie also wanted to write and perform with Spencer. Lie did a 5 week tour with Spencer acting as booking agent and road manager. Lie and her family lived with Spencer.

This experience inspired Spencer to begin writing again (She had taken time off to concentrate on other pursuits). The friendship and writing experience resulted in 11 songs that are on Lie’s new CD. The songs can be heard at Lie’s MySpace page hinalie.

Spencer met many great folk artists in Norway. Two of them Roy Johansen and Tina Lie (Lee) became songwriting and performing partners. Johansen,a superb multitalented musician accompanied Spencer for many years before returning to Norway.

Spencer has co-written with other folk artists including Rich Bowman. Their song Yellow Ribbons has sold very well in the folk market. Spencer wrote a song in the early 90’s called Mr. Mechanic which was used on the Click & Clack Show on NPR as their theme song. The inspiration for the song was a guitar hanging on the wall at local Ford dealership François Sales and Service in Belleville that she noticed when her car was in the shop.

In 1999 artist Lie called Spencer and told her

Many famous musicians have played on www.americanagazette.net

Spencer’s songs including Morrow Magemelina, Paul Kienitiz, Sam Bush, and producer Brian House. Native American and Wisconsin folk artist Bill Miller is currently interested in one of her songs. Her latest CD Open up your Heart which was cut in 2001 can be purchased at the Maple Leaf and Home Town Pharmacy in New Glarus,Wisconsin. The CD is a wonderful collection of songs that represent the best in folk music in Southern Wisconsin. When asked how she felt about other artists covering and recording her songs Spencer stated that “when others play songs you wrote you have to let them take the song into their own sphere. You have to let go.”

Whitewater called “Fast Track” which really inspired her to build a career with her songwriting”.

Spencer still performs at coffee houses, senior centers,and concerts for children under the 4th grade, and clubs. She currently plays as a solo artist. Spencer says this has improved her guitar playing, and given her much more confidence in her own abilities as an artist.

Spencer writes about her environment and her life. When asked about her writing process Spencer stated that“she took a class at the UW

Anne Spencer is an inspiration to all who meet her. Her positive spin on life, words of encouragement, and smile always brighten up the day. She loves to listen to her friends perform, and can be found supporting them at their shows. Spencer is a true gift to the artistic community in Southern Wisconsin. Check out her CD and any of her shows. You will not be disappointed.

www.americanagazette.net

Spencer wrote 65 songs during the summer of 2003. Gonzo writing sessions are not uncommon for Spencer. Her songs come in waves. She is in the process of internationally copywriting her songs for release in Europe, where her materials are very popular. Spencer loves to network with Green County Musicians, along with her Norwegian musician friends. She loves the exchange that has developed between Green County musicians and Norway.

Contact us today.

ADVERTISING • DESIGN • MARKETING

by Andy Ziehli

You worked long hours to record your music.

Now, let Ric Genthe & Associates market the art you created.

906 4th Street Brodhead, Wisconsin 53520 608-897-2233 rgenthe@charter.net

13

August

Dear

Beth Kille... ... Master Songwriter

by Andy Ziehli Beth Kille is a master songwriter. Over the last nine years she has honed her craft into an art form. Kille started writing songs in 1999 when she taught herself to play the guitar. She has since taught herself to play the bass and mandolin. She also plays the alto sax, clarinet, and the piano. She is also a superb harmony singer,who never overpowers the lead vocalist when she performs in that role.

Her ability to create new melodies with each new song that are different and exciting is her trademark. Most songwriters end up sounding the same the more they write, but not Kille. She approaches each song with a fresh canvas. When she is finished the song is sovereign statement unlike anything she has created before.

by Litt DuBay

Dear August is: a. cool b. the best Americana Band in Madison c. has a great future d. all of the above The answer is d. all of the above. Literally rising out of the ashes from a fire that took most of their equipment when they were known as Box Elder (a name change was required due to another band having the same name copy written in Florida) Dear August has paid their dues and risen to the top of their game, which is writing and playing Americana Music with a mission.

Being blessed with a songwriting machine Adrian Cole, Dear August has a fine and wide reaching catalog of great tunes. Guitarist Dan O’ Brien also a talented and gifted songwriter also contributes fantastic songs to the bands repertoire. The song’s Dear August plays re14

flects a strong Midwestern Flavor in structure and in meter. Their songs play homage to the Byrds, the Band, Burritos, and Lucinda Williams.

The use of 12 string electric guitar by Doug Milkes sets Dear August’s songs apart from other local Americana Bands. It’s hard to beat that jangely Roger McGuinn sound, even today.

The rhythm section is anchored by longtime original drummer and founder Tyler Applegate.

His playing is steady and driving back beat moves the band. Bassist FrankTorrey lays down a great bass line never overplaying.

Dear August has gotten great reviews on their new CD “Come In, Keep Dry” released last fall. It is a mix of songs that reflect the bands growth,and their determination to excel at their craft. From Byrds influenced tracks to down right Alt-country tunes Dear August shows that they can write and deliver songs with a punch. Their stage show though not flashy is worth the price of admission. Cole takes center stage and weaves her sultry magic in all her songs. She can make you weep and

she can make you smile with the turn of a phrase or the strum of her guitar. Cole’s voice is not the smooth voice of a modern Country Music singer. Her voice is gusty,bold,and wind burned like Joplin, Crow, and Slick.

Though not a “true” guitar band with blistering solos, O’Brien and Milks each add their own signature style and sound to Dear August’s songs. Their ability to “pick” out of the chords to add a more full sound instead of the usual single string solos of most Americana electric players gives Dear August their own distinctive sound and style. This is a huge benefit when trying to break out of the local scene to a more regional arena. Originality is the key to success in the music business and Dear August is truly that. This was proven when they won the “Folk/Americana“album of the year at the 2008 MAMA’s held May 10, 2008 in Madison.

Keep your ears and eyes open for Dear August. They have the ability to go further than just southern Wisconsin if they want to. www.americanagazette.net

I had the pleasure of playing and working with Kille when she started out in the songwriting group Watershed in 2000. We got together weekly to write and play new original material that each of the five main writers brought in. We also worked up a few cover tunes in our own style. The eight members of Watershed were very different in playing style from each other which created a very eclectic work atmosphere. It was evident from the beginning that Kille was a born writer. Her sense of meter, verbiage, and melody was far ahead of the rest of us. Though shy in the beginning Kille rose to become a great lead vocalist and songwriter. After three years she left to form Clear Blue Betty, which has become the band to watch in Madison,Wisconsin. With MAMA’s wins in the last three consecutive years, and a WAMIE win this year,Kille and Clear Blue Betty are a musical force to contend with for every other band in Wisconsin.

Kille has always been very driven to become good at her craft. She attends songwriting seminars in the Midwest and in Nashville. She belongs to the Madison Area Songwriters group.

She co-writes with many different styles of writers on a regular basis. She has set goals for www.americanagazette.net

herself that are attainable. She is focused on the end result, and takes the necessary steps to reach them. She is not afraid to change her writing style to create new melodies. Even in the beginning with Watershed,Kille had a plan.

Her determination and grit have allowed her to become the master songwriter that she is today.

Kille understands song structures. Her uncanny ability to always have interesting characters for her songs makes her standout in the songwriting arena. Early songs such as Drive, Rome, Gravity, and Go Back are superb songs that rate highly in both style and listening ability. My two favorites from Kille’s early writing career are Keep Away From Myself on Clear Blue Betty’s first CD Never Been a Rebel, and an unreleased song that she wrote Say Goodnight. Both of these songs are genius in their stories, and in the use of chords. Keep Away From Myself is fast paced. You can feel the anxiety the character is feeling in every line. The urgency that the song focuses on makes your heart race with every measure. You can shut your eyes and feel the pain this fellow is going through. In Say Goodnight the song uses diminished chords to bring the melody to life.

The song can’t help but make you feel good.

Although she has never recorded it, I personally rate it one of Kille’s best. Her new songs go in many new directions. She and Clear Blue Betty recently won the MAMA for 2008 for having the best Jazz song.

With three CD’s under her belt with Clear Blue Betty, Kille has established herself as a tour de force in the music community in Southern Wisconsin. I’m sure it won’t be long before the whole nation hears and enjoys Kille’s music.

Kille’s husband and drummer Dr.Tony Kille has accepted a fellowship in Houston Texas and they will be moving there in June of 2008.

Clear Blue Betty will take a year’s hiatus and regroup when the Kille’s return in June of 2009.

This does not mean that Kille will stop writing. Kille will end up writing more as she herself takes the year to follow her musical muse, to be a nationally recorded songwriter. She belongs to the Nashville Songwriters Association and plans on making more trips to Music City to co-write and network to get her songs to the masses.

Whatever path she takes as a songwriter and performer Beth Kille will be a star. It’s time we shared this treasure with the rest of the world.

Young songwriters should take note that if you set goals and work hard towards them, you can become very successful in the music industry.

Just ask Beth Kille. She has climbed the mountain and found the journey and the rewards worth all the effort. We wish her all the luck in the world, and hope she continues to reach all the goals and dreams she has.

15

Resonators at Flannery’s

Chicago Blues in an Irish Pub in a Swiss Town

Andy’s

Top CD’s Americana

Here is a list of the top 25 Americana CD’s you should have in your collection. They are not in any particular order. These CD’s speak volumes of what the Americana, Alt-country, and Folk music scene is all about. Any one of these CD’s is a great buy. Some may be hard to find today, but well worth the effort to do so. Enjoy

Loretta Lynn Van Lear Rose. Jack White and the Queen of traditional Country Music go record a CD in a rundown house in East Nashville on an eight-track reel to reel recorder and blow all the competition away

YOU NEED to OWN!

Kris Kristofferson Me And Bobby MaGee. The Master at the beginning of his career. It gets no better than this. Should be required listening for all beginning songwriters.

Kevin Welch’s singing and songwriting partner Kane is a great artist in his own right. This was his first solo CD. Dirty Little Town is simple and pure. One of his best songs ever.

Son Volt Trace. Jay Farrar stayed closer to his Uncle Tueblo roots than his former band mate Jeff Tweedy did, and I’m glad for that. This CD is excellent. It too hardly ever leaves my CD player. By far one of the best CD’s ever of Americana music.

Whiskytown Strangers Almanac. Ryan Adams and the gang in their heyday. 16 days and Excuse Me standout here. Too bad Adam’s got too big for his britches and left these guys. Who knows where it would have taken him.

Peter Cooper Mission Door. As I have said numerous times in this publication“this is a great CD”. Just buy it! You won’t be sorry.

Todd Snider East Nashville Skyline. Snider is the adopted offspring of John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, and Robert Earl Keen. These songs are funny, poignant, hurtful, soulful, and real. This CD was recorded in the same living room as Loretta Lynn’s on the same eight track reel to reel.

Last Train Home Last Good Kiss. Eric Brace is a great songwriter and knows how to create a superb CD. The title cut is unbelievable. This is a good place to start with Last Train Home.

After you have listen to this CD check out their others too.

Todd Snider The Devil You Know. More fun from the heir apparent. Great songs with great friends, makes for great times. Snider knows how to put it all together.

Bill Kirchen Hot Rod Lincoln Live. Hot guitar, truck driving songs, sandpaper vocals, and a live club. What else do you need? Give me another cup of Jo and turn it up really loud!

John Eddie Who The Hell Is John Eddie. This is a great CD. Not traditional country, but great music. Americana all the way. You must own this CD. It is hardly ever out of my CD player.

Emmylou Harris Elite Hotel. True Country Music played by the best there was in the 1970’s and still today. Not a bad song on this CD! Truly one of Emmylou's best.

Rodney Crowell Fates Right Hand. This is an excellent CD in every form. The songwriting is superb, instrumentation right on, and the landscapes painted by one of the top writers and producers around.

Emmylou Harris Pieces Of The Sky. My personal favorite of all the CD’s she has ever recorded. Song selection, meter, everything screams “Emmylou is, was, and will be the best in Country Music”.

Jesse Dayton & Brennen Leigh Holdin Our Own. This was the best country CD of 2007.

Hey Nashville take a listen to this. They folks get it!

The Byrds Sweetheart Of The Rodeo. What can be said about the greatest Country Rock Album ever recorded? If you don’t own this CD leave immediately!

Kevin Welch Life Down Here On Earth. Kevin Welch is great songwriter. He has released numerous CD’s with Kieran Kane, and the rest of the Dead Rekoning gang. This is Welch’s watershed moment.

Kelly Willis One More Time. God I love her voice. When she sings Heaven’s just a sin away I have impure thoughts, and need to go to confession. Bruce Robison you are a lucky man.

www.americanagazette.net

Kieran Kane Dead Rekoning.

by Andy Ziehli The Resonators (formerly the Raindogs) hail from New Glarus,Wisconsin. A Chicago style blues band that rocks! When listening to the Resonators it makes you think that you are on the South Side of Chicago in the early 1960’s at Chess Records enjoying the best smoking blues in town. Led by guitar wizard Marc Barnaby and Harp blower extreme Tony Dipofi, the Resonators blazed a trail of hot blues and gritty Rock & Roll at Flannery’s in New Glarus on a beautiful Saturday night in April 2008.

The band’s rhythm section is anchored by one of the best blues drummers in Southern Wisconsin John Miller. Bass player Lindsey Feuling, a master in his own right, lays down the funk and soul needed to keep everything tied together.

The tunes played and the bands attitude brought the laidback crowd to their feet many times during the evening. Both Barnaby’s and Dipofi’s voices are perfectly suited for the material that they played. Barnaby is a great writer. The band played many of his originals throughout the night. His songs reflected a strong Chicago Blues influence. Gritty and

16

earthy in nature Barnaby’s songs show his deep influences. One could close their eyes and imagine that Buddy Guy, Little Walter Jacobs, Willie Dixon, and John Lee Hooker were jamming right there in New Glarus.

Barnaby’s tone was incredible. His Fender Telecaster barked and screamed as he etched each note from its rosewood finger board. His twin amp setup of a Deluxe Reverb and Fender Customized Bassman 10 made his playing as warm and smooth as melted butter. His original material was never repetitive or boring.

The songs never sounded like recycled covers, nor did they reek of ripped off aged guitar licks. His song structure and use of phrasing both lyrically and instrumentally was dead on.

Original was the key word. The whole bands sound was well balanced, and played at a perfect volume for listening or dancing.

Miller’s drumming was precise and creative.

His laidback style and definitive use of accents helped to add new textures to standards, and brought Barnaby’s originals roaring to the forefront in each set. Blues Harp player Dipofi made his harps squeal and bark with authentic

dirty Blues Harp authority. His sandpaper vocals cut through the mix. Dipofi and Barnaby’s duel lead work was a highlight of the show.

Bass player Feuling held his own with these great musicians and showed that he could play with anyone. Feuling’s solid direct bass lines anchored each song and held the band in line when energy and drive could have taken them off course.

The Resonators are one of the best Bar Bands you will ever hear. The blues, rock, and even a little hillbilly music was bestowed upon the eager crowd at Flannery’s which ate each tune up and continually begged for more.

Cover highlights of the evening included a great version of Boom Boom Boom by John Lee Hooker, Goin Out West by Tom Waits, and a great cover of Desire by U2.

Make sure to take the time to check out the Resonators. You’ll be howling for more!

(Check out the Resonators in this issue of the Americana Gazette for a full length interview) www.americanagazette.net

More than

The Band Moon Dog Matine. This is a CD of cover tunes mostly. It’s great. The Band and Big Pink are the Bands greatest original albums, but this one is pure fun.

Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion Exploration. Irion’s In Lieu of Flowers is one of my favorite songs. An out of this world Folk CD by two of Folk Music’s rising stars.

Kathleen Edwards Back To Me. Fabulous songs, by a fabulous writer. Edwards steps up to the plate and hits a homerun. Love her voice!

Charlie Robison Life of the Party. Great Texas songwriting. Grab a Lone star and a plate of barbeque. Then throw this baby in the CD player. Be prepared to be blown away.

Mary Chapin Carpenter State of the Heart.

This was her second CD, and one of her best.

Simple production and great songs. I put this one when I want to unwind and contemplate my day.

Robert Earl Keen A Bigger Piece of the Sky. This is my favorite Robert Earl CD, and I have them all. Just plain old good Texas Country Music. Enjoy!

Texas Tornado’s Live from the Limo. Doug Sahm was one of my favorite writers and performers. I have everything that he and the Sir Douglas Quintet, and the Tornado's’ ever put out on CD and LP’s. We lost a great one when he passed away. This CD is the ultimate party CD. You cannot feel bad listening to this. Turn it up, turn on, and let loose. There’s a party in the house tonight!

17

CD Review

space. This is the kind of place where gangsters and dirty cops hang out to hear the Torch singer work her magic. Wow, back to reality!

This is one masterpiece of a song. It won the Best Jazz Song at the 2008 MAMA’s. I would love to see and hear Kille and the boys do a couple more out of the box songs like this.

Hopefully this year will go fast,and Clear Blue Betty will regroup and come out swinging in 2009. But for now this and their other two CD’s will have to keep all of us happy and entertained.

Andy Ziehli

Through the walls Clear Blue Betty Clear Blue Betty Music

come for a local food pantry, and to showcase a sampling of the local talent. Which, the producers did a wonderful job on. There were some stellar cuts“Medley: Over the Falls & Liberty” by Mike Schmidt and Fiddle player supreme Paul Kienitiz,“Brown Eyed Son” by Dear August,“Porch Song” by Celia,“Run No More” by Steve Ringelstetter, and “Say Cheese”

by Scott Stieber. In reality,each and every artist stood out in their own ways on this CD. This is a good CD,and should be checked out.

It is not the most technically and sonically produced CD we have ever heard, but it’s truly a labor of love. Hey we bought two copies. You should take this CD for what it was intended to be a fundraising tool and a gift to the community by some very nice folks who donated their time and talent to help out those who are less fortunate. You can purchase a CD at the General Store in Spring Green.

Rob Kosmeder and Andy Ziehli

The EP kicks off with a good rocker Back to you. No new ground covered here, just a great straight ahead rock song. The next song Sticks and Stones really shows guitarist John Masino’s influence on the band. With a guitar tone from hell, Masino plays flawlessly throughout this song. Staccato breaks and harmony guitar licks ala Kansas makes this song rock! Kille’s lyrics and vocals really bring forth a danceable track.

The third track Through the walls is Clear Blue Betty in every way shape and form. The trademark acoustic guitar, perfect melody lines, and in your face vocals shows the style and format they play best. It is as familiar as any comfort food you have ever enjoyed time and time again, and still want more. Now the last song on the EP Say my name is so different in everyway that it catches your ear and mesmerizes you. Kille sings in such a seductive voice and with very suggestive lyrics that you are transported back in time to a seedy nightclub on the Sunset Strip. There the blue haze of cigarette smoke and half full glasses of bourbon on the tables foul the tranquility of your 18

Mission Door is a lesson in how to create the perfect CD. You can tell that there was a plan and a purpose in recording this. The song placement and structures intertwine perfectly with each other. The two covers of Eric Taylor compliment Cooper’s originals. Cooper’s use of sparse instrumentation in his songs only make them sound better, unlike the over dubbed layered top 40 country crap being released out of Nashville today.

Lloyd Green’s steel guitar sings throughout this CD. His production and arranging skills shine through brightly too. Green the“king”of country steel guitar players covers this CD with beautiful fills that match perfectly with the songs flow. Green’s presence in the control room is felt throughout the CD.

Style: Indie Rock Though Clear Blue Betty is taking off a year from the local music scene it does not mean the end of great music from Beth Kille and the boys. Their last CD“Through the walls”is a superb EP of four very different songs. Again Clear Blue Betty chose to record with Jake Johnson at Paradyme Productions in Madison, Wisconsin. A good choice since Johnson’s skills and talents have helped Clear Blue Betty win seven MAMA’s to date, including one for Best Jazz Song from this EP.

the opening steel licks of Boy Genius to the last refrain of Thin Wild Mercury, Cooper delivers his first time out a CD that most artist wish they could deliver after a lifetime of releases. This CD is exceptionally fine. The production is near perfect. The song selection is the same. Cooper wrote or co-wrote ten of the songs on this CD. The two non Cooper songs are EricTaylor covers. No other CD has excited and moved me like “Mission Door” since Todd Snider's “East Nashville Skyline. ”

An all-star band including Bill Lloyd, Jen Gunderman, Dave Roe, Lloyd Green, and Paul Griffith makes this CD shine! Todd Snider Nancy Griffith, Jason Riggenberg, Fayssoux McLean, add perfect harmonies to this fine collection of songs.

Assorted artists compilation disc Spring Green Voices of Sustenance Obsession Recording Studio Style: Americana/Folk/Country/Bluegrass This CD is a great work of community spirit and strength. It is very hard to get 5 people together on a schedule to record let alone fifty two people. So the producers get an A+ for just pulling this CD off. Any time that a group of different musicians come together you have to expect something special,and this compilation CD is no exception. The musical styles range from jazz, folk, country, and even medieval sonnet sounding material.

Peter Cooper Mission Door Red Beet Records www.PETERCOOPERMUSIC.COM www.MYSPACE.COM/PETERCOOPERMUSIC

Style: Americana/Folk/Country

Spring Green has long been known to local musicians as a hotbed of singer songwriters, musicians, and artists. The General Store a café/eclectic merchandizing establishment is the hub of artistic and musical happenings in town. Todd Miller, owner of the General Store is a musician who loves Bob Dylan. Every Memorial Day Weekend for the last few years he has held Bob Fest. This event is where everyone comes up and sings a Dylan tune without repeating a previously played song. Check it out, it is quite something to behold.

Peter Cooper is presently best known as a music journalist,but not for long.He writes for the Nashville Tennessean, Mix Magazine, No Depression, and many other publications. He is an instructor at Vanderbilt in Nashville in Country Music History, and he appears on CMT as commentator and consultant. His grasp of Country/Folk/ Americana music is wide stretching. He knows what it takes to make a great CD. Cooper has reviewed hundreds of CD’s in his career, and it was quite evident that he took the knowledge gained from doing so to write, record, and produce his first full length CD.

This project’s main goals were to generate in-

“Mission Door” is an outstanding CD. From www.americanagazette.net

Grown in the dirt of middle Tennessee Big fat roots, big wide leaves,

Full of vitamin A, vitamin E, all that good stuff.

But mostly, full of good music.

We’re a small label based in East Nashville, Tennessee We love zip code 37206.

There’s a ton of great music

here, and we’re bringing it to you!

The cover photography along with the inner sleve photography is excellent. Coopers own little narrations about each song makes browsing through the CD jacket a pleasure. Using paper for the CD instead plastic is a plus too.

Cooper records for Red Beet Records of East Nashville, and up and coming Indie label destined for great things, if it keeps signing artists like Peter Cooper. If they were hoping for a base hit, they must be ecstatic with the homerun that Cooper hit his first trip to the plate.

It won’t be long when you hear the name Peter Cooper you’ll think artist, not journalist.

With this CD Cooper might think about giving up his day job, and be a full time musician. I really hope that you buy this CD, and check Cooper out in concert when he plays in your town. You won’t be sorry for either.

Andy Ziehli

RED BEET RECORDS P.O. BOX 68417 NASHVILLE,TN 37206 EMAIL US AT mail@redbeetrecords.com

www.americanagazette.net

19

A PET NOTE

BAM FEST 2008

One Man’s Trash Is Another Woman’s Treasure

by Andy Ziehli

Bam Fest is an annual two day music festival held in Belleville, Wisconsin each July. The event is held in the beautiful Community Park in the center of Lake Bellevue. It features regional, national, and international blues/roots entertainers. A short list of past performers includes Johnny Winters, Rory Block, David Honey Boy Edwards, Lonnie Brooks, Chris Duarte, Bernard Allison, and Wisconsin native Ben Sidran. This year’s line up includes Eric Sardinas, Robbin Ford, Sonny Landreth, the Crashers, Jimmy Voegeli, and Jeremy Spencer of the original Fleetwood Mac.

by Joyce Ziehli Hi – My name is Russell. I am a Miniature Dachshund and I live in East Nashville, Tennessee with my owners, Peter and Charlotte Cooper. Maybe you have heard of him, in fact, he is the feature story in this paper. Peter chose me as the ideal pet, as he states,“ a regular sized dachshund is way too much dog sometimes.”

I really enjoy burrowing under people’s shirts and my favorite thing to do is to jump into a pile of warm clothes right when they come out of the dryer. There’s nothing better than the sound of the bell on the dryer when the clothes are done!

Most of my days are spent napping, eating, relaxing and occasionally barking at something that peaks my interest. I even have a Green Bay Packer dish to eat my goodies out of.

by Lynn Nimsomboon Sarah Kazell started designing clothes after switching from fine arts a few years ago. She started a label, Pink Milk with her friend Hannah. What makes this situation unique is that all of her designs are constructed from trash.

Kazell uses about fifty percent actual found trash in her creations. The other fifty percent is comprised of thrift store finds and friends’ old clothing. The result is fabulous, hence the name of her April 13, 2008 show at the High Noon Saloon,The Couture Trash Show.

The reasons Kazell uses trash as her medium are numerous, but the two recurring themes are a desire for individual expression, and a belief in helping to reduce the amount of waste produced as a by-product to the frenzied consumerism lifestyle we find ourselves in. “People talk about recycling a lot.They forget about the reusing part and the reducing part” states

20

Kazell. Kazell believes people are the best billboards to get your message across. As a result of this mindset she chooses to incorporate slogans and messages in her designs that she believes people should be reading everywhere.

Messages like: “Fashion is free speech”and“Recycle, reuse, and rewear.”

“What you say does not speak as loudly as how you look. I think people get dressed without realizing that a lot. I hope this will jog people into thinking about what they really want to say to the world” states Kazell.

So take a look at your trash. Recycle what can be salvaged. If you must be rid of it,donate it rather than add it to a landfill. You never know what will become a work of art at the hands of someone who has the ability to see beauty in the most mundane.

I really miss Peter when he’s out on the road, and it’s hard for me to settle down, but once in awhile he lets me go along. When I’m really restless, Charlotte puts on Peter’s CD so I can hear his voice and this calms me down. He is quite talented. (If I put in a good plug for him, I may get an extra treat!)

My favorite musical experience was when I got to ride along in Todd Snider’s tour bus and we traveled throughout the Midwest. I like Todd a lot, he is really funny and writes some great songs, and he lets me sit next to the bus driver. On the tour we played at an amphitheater next to a zoo, and I was really entertained by watching a giraffe, up close and personal!

Watch for me when I go on tour with Peter, and buy one of his CD’s, it is really great listening music and when I hear his song, Sheboygan, I can hardly keep my paws still! www.americanagazette.net

The festival started when local music/concert producer Geoff Wilbourn of Beau Geste Productions and his business partner Whit Linberg approached the Belleville Community about putting on a fundraising event in the Community Park. Teaming up with the local Chamber of Commerce the event became a reality.

show pumps a lot of money into the community that weekend. It is getting better and most people are glad to have it here.

AG: Any last thoughts?

GW: Belleville is really not out of the way for them. We contact the acts and book them early in the year, so that they can book jobs in Chicago and Minneapolis too. So it works out fine for everyone.

GW: Just we hope that we get a large turnout.

You can check our website for ticket information, and a complete list of the acts appearing this year. We are very grateful for all the local volunteer help we get preparing for and at the show. It’s for a good cause. We hope to keep growing and getting better.

AG: How did you get Jeremy Spencer to play here?

GW: We had originally tried to book John Mayall, but he had already booked a tour of Europe.

Blind Pig Records agreed to cover the cost of flying Jeremy Spencer to the U.S. for an

AG: Geoff how did you come up with the idea to promote an event like this?

GW: With the Madison Blues Festival gone there was no outdoor festival in the area.

Belleville had the perfect setting for such an event so we decided to proceed.

AG: Why the Blues?

GW: The Blues are really a true American music form. That’s the music I listen to, and love. There is a large amount of Blues fans in Southern Wisconsin, so it all made sense.

AG: Did you run into any resistance in putting on the festival in Belleville?

AG: How is the perception now?

GW: It is much better. There are still nay sayers and doubters. It comes mostly from people who don’t want their village to change. We have worked hard to put on a great show. The www.americanagazette.net

GW: We had video in 2007 and planned to do the same in 2008. The cost is prohibited with video,so we could never make money for charities with it like we can with audio. Currently we have put the video plans on hold. If we could get a large corporate sponsorship for video it could become a reality sooner than later.

AG: Has it been hard to get national acts to perform in such an out of the way venue?

The following is a conversation with event co-founder Geoff Wilborn.

GW: Yes, we did at first. People had the idea of Woodstock in their minds. They thought it would be a bunch of out of control hippies consorting in the mud.

AG: Any plans to video future events?

eleven day tour so we were fortunate to get him. He has not toured in years.

AG: What are your future plans for the festival?

GW: We would like to add a second stage with no overlap of bands. This would give us the opportunity to offer 24 bands in two days for the same ticket price. We just try to make the show better each year.

AG: Thanks Geoff and good luck.

GW: Thanks man!

A CD compilation of the 2007 show was released on May 23, 2008 on Sugar River Records in conjunction with Beau Geste Productions and E Labs multimedia recording studios of Madison, Wisconsin. The CD was recorded by E Labs mobile recording unit. The CD was engineered/produced by Jack LeTourneau and executive producers Geoff Wilbourn & Whit Linberg of Beau Geste Productions The CD features 11 songs from last years Bam Fest that took place in July 2007 in the Community Park in Belleville,WI. Johnny Winters, David Honeyboy Edwards, Anna Popovic, Rory Block, Eric Tessmer Band, Michael Burks,The Cashbox Kings, and others are represented in the compilation. You may purchase copies of the CD for $15.00 from the Bam Fest website (see below). All of the profit from this CD will go to charity.

Tickets for this year’s event can be purchased on-line at www.bamfest.net and at Capital Brewery, Citgo’s in Belleville, and Sugar River Bank in Belleville.

Look for a full story by Rob Kosmeder on Bam Fest 2008 in our next issue