Americana Gazette June/July 2009 Issue

MERICANA GAZETT E A

One Year Anniversary!

June - July 2009

AMERICANA GAZETTE A letter from Joyce & Andy, This past year has gone by so quickly, we can’t believe that we are publishing our first issue of our second year. We have learned so much about putting together a publication that we never even considered when Joyce and I started discussing the idea of one. It has and continues to be a labor of love for us and our staff. We were talking to Jim Smith who is one of our writers about how the publication has evolved, and how the writing and writers have all become a voice that screams creativity and independence. Each of us has come into our own.

We are very proud and happy with the way the Americana Gazette has matured in this past year.

Our superb staff has made each issue a higher benchmark to reach for the following issues. Each time we think we have hit a standard, the bar gets raised, which our staff handles quite well! Each writer has their own voice and style. Joyce and I are so fortunate to have these great people working with us. There is nothing better than creating a publication in which people look forward to reading, and working with people who are your true friends. To Bob, Jim, Rosemary, Ric, Aaron, Rob, Rick, Erin, Lin, and Danny thank you for your help and support making this first year better than we could ever have imagined.

Some other great people we would like to thank that made it possible for the Americana Gazette to thrive and grow are; John Stremikis who has helped beyond our wildest imagination in making our on-line and technical dreams come true; John and Anne Miller who have let us hangout, borrow, use, and live at the Fat Cat Coffee Works in New Glarus. It is ours and our staff’s home away from home; To Green County Development Corp and especially Anna and Suzanne for all their help and support, along with the wonderful award we were bestowed this year; To the wonderful folks in Brodhead at the Independent Register who do a fantastic job printing the Americana Gazette, thanks for making us look like we know what we are doing. You helped us out when others said no. We will always be grateful for that; To all the clubs, bars, bookstores, coffeehouses, libraries, and businesses that allow us to display the Americana Gazette; To all the artists who allow us into their worlds so we can share them with you readers; To all you fantastic people who read the Americana Gazette on line and in print. Without you we could not exist; To Roy and Steph Elkins and the Broadjam staff, thank you for all your help and support. Roy and Steph thank you especially for all the early support and help in getting going. You are the best!; To Lydia Hutchinson of Performing Songwriter Magazine for being a great inspiration, and setting the mark incredibly high in writing and producing the best music magazine ever!

Thank you always for taking the time to talk to us and help us sail through uncharted waters; To Eric and Mary Ann Brace for all the support this past year, and your friendship, a huge Wisconsin thank you. You guys Rock!; To Erin Blumer for being a great intern and turning into a great employee. Thanks for keeping Andy focused and putting up with the boys; To Rob Kosmeder thank you for all that you do. You’ve turned

2

into a great writer! Ric Genthe thanks for all the layout and organizational work you put into the Americana Gazette. We honestly could not publish without your skills. Lastly and certainly not leastly we want to thank Peter Cooper. Peter you have always been nothing put supportive to us. You are one of the finest journalists ever. Thank you for letting us “drop” your name in Nashville, and thank you for being our friend. Yours, Eric’s and Mary Ann’s continual support and encouragement has been beyond beneficial for both Joyce and I. Thank you!

Here’s to another great year with continued improvements and exciting new features. Thanks again everyone. Please join us on Friday July 17, 2009 at Schwoegler’s Sugar River Lanes in Belleville, WI to celebrate our first anniversary. Eric and Peter will be performing along with the Raindogs for your listening pleasure. Please join us from 7:00 until 11:00 in Belleville. Again thank you!

Americana Gazette Advertising Rates Business Card Ad $25.00 a year Classified b/w 3.25” w x 2” h $5.00 an issue Small b/w 3.25” w x 4.25” h $35.00 an issue $30.00 an issue for 3 issues $25.00 an issue for 6 issues Large b/w 3.25” w x 8.25” h $65.00 an issue $60.00 an issue for 3 issues $55.00 an issue for 6 issues 1/6 Page vertical, b/w 3.25w x 6.5”h $100.00 an issue $95.00 an issue for 3 issues $90.00 an issue for 6 issues

Andy & Joyce Ziehli

PUBLISHER Joyce Ziehli jziehli@advisorymgt.com SENIOR EDITOR Andy Ziehli aziehli@advisorymgt.com STAFF WRITERS/PHOTOS Rob Kosmeder Rob.kosmeder@yahoo.com Litt Dubay Robert Hoffman Jim Smith Aaron Williams Rosemary Ziehli FEATURE WRITERS Erin Blumer Eric Brace Peter Cooper Rick Harris Danny Tachon CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ric Genthe rgenthe@charter.net AMERICANA GAZETTE % ANDY & JOYCE ZIEHLI P.O. BOX 208 BELLEVILLE, WI. 53508 OFFICE: 608-424-6300 Andy Cell: 608-558-8131 Joyce Cell: 608-558-8132

1/3 Page vertical, b/w 3.25” w x 12.75” h $150.00 an issue $142.00 an issue for 3 issues $134.00 an issue for 6 issues 2/3 Page vertical, b/w, 6.75” w x 12.75” h $180.00 an issue $170.00 an issue for 3 issues $160.00 an issue for 6 issues 1/3 Page horizontal, b/w, 10.25” w x 4” h $150.00 an issue $142.00 an issue for 3 issues $134.00 an issue for 6 issues ½ Page horizontal, b/w, 10.25” w x 6.5” h $220.00 an issue $210.00 an issue for 3 issues $200.00 an issue for 6 issues Full Page b/w, 10.75”w x 12.75” h $300.00 an issue $285.00 an issue for 3 issues $270.00 an issue for 6 issues Inside front or back cover b/w 10.75” w x 12.75” H $375.00 an issue $360.00 an issue for 3 issues $345.00 an issue for 6 issues Back Cover color 10.75”w x 12.75” h $400.00 an issue $385.00 an issue for 3 issues $370.00 an issue for 6 issues Sponsorship Artist/Band Page Border Ad $400.00 an issue for 3 issues $385.00 an issue for 6 issues

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

Welcome to

Americana Gazette TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURE STORY 16 Fats Kaplin

WHERE TO LOOK: 3

1/2 Notes

4

Litt DuBay’s Slant

5

5 Places to Visit

6

Nancy Griffith

8

Irish Music

9

Todd Snider

9

CD Review

10 3 for 1 12 A Pet Note 13 Aaron’s Anecdotes 14 Women In The Round 15 Elecrtic Blue 16 Fats Kaplin 18 Kathy Mattea 19 Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo 20 Swing Baby, Swing 21 The Lady in the Juke Box 21 Let’s go to the Movies 22 Madison’s Music Scene

Tough times force hard choices.And we are in the midst of some the toughest times most of us have ever seen. Anne Katz, director of Arts Wisconsin, will discuss strategies, ideas, best practices, and resources that help artists plan and manage - and even thrive. "The opportunities are out there - we just have to find ways to make them happen" says Anne. No cost for the workshops. Walk-ins are welcome - but please pre-register so that we can do a better job of planning the sessions.

1/2 Notes

Thursday, June 4, from 7 - 9 PM at the Monroe Art Center, Monroe,WI Tuesday, June 9th, from 7 - 9 PM at VIVA,Viroqua, WI

There will be a Musicians/Musical Instrument Garage Sale on Saturday July 11. 2009 at the Fat Kat Coffee House on Railroad Street in New Glarus,WI from 9:00 a.m until 1:30 p.m. If you have any pieces of gear or musical instruments you would like to sell they cane be dropped off the Fat Kat starting at 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m on the 11th. If this does not work for you can call 608 -558-8131 and make different arrangements. Ten percent of all sales will go to benefit the New Glarus Music Boosters. Guitars, keyboard, horns, accordions, drums, horns, mandolins, fiddles, basses, folk instruments, effects, pedals, cases, etc. are welcome.

If you have any questions call 608-558-8131.

The 1st annual Americana Gazette anniversary party will take place on Friday July 17, 2009 at Schwoegler’s Sugar River Lanes in Belleville. This event will start at 7:00 p.m with music from the Raindogs until 8:00p.m. After a short intermission Eric Brace & Peter Cooper with their band will take the stage and play until 10:30. This event will be held outdoors unless the weather is bad. If this happens it will be moved indoors at the Lanes.

Mark Schwoegler is kind enough to have it be a SMOKE FREE evening for us. We thank him very much for this generous undertaking. Please come and join us to help celebrate a wonderful first year.

Beth Kille will be returning to Wisconsin in August after a year in Houston as her husband Tony under took a medical fellowship. Both Tony and Beth will be relocating to Madison in August. We are very glad to have them both back here and ready to create music again.

WORKSHOP: Succeed as an artist in these "interesting" times: Monroe June 4th & Viroqua June 9th

To sign up or get more information, e-mail spelicc@uwplatt.edu or call 608-342-1314.

WORKSHOPS at River Valley Trading Company: Blanchardville Month of June Check out the splendid assortment of workshops that River Valley is offering this summer! Learn how to blow glass beads,make greeting cards,forge steel, and use a plasma cutter. Download the June schedule from www.RiverValleyTrading.com RVTC also has a monthly acoustic music coffee house - May 29, June 26th, and July 31st at 7pm.

Free admission. More info from Christine Hulet at 608-523-1888 or chulet@revolutionearth.com.

Website is at www.rivervalleytrading.com GET TO KNOW Valley Ridge Art Studio: Muscoda They've been offering intensive workshops on topics like jewelry, demented toys, anthropomorphic dolls, memento mori, and discovering the creative self for 10 years. Now the top-notch facilities at Valley Ridge are also available for rent. Put together your own program and lead a workshop for your students or just get together with likeminded friends for an art retreat not too far from home.

Call Kathy or Bill at 608-943-6212 or e-mail them through the website www.valleyridgeartstudio.com Local Night at The Shed begins June 4th and continues every Friday Evening all summer long.

Check with them for a full schedule. Local food, local beer, local talent.Tonight: Lost Conversation.

Food starts at 5:30pm, music starts between 66:30pm. No cover charge. The Shed, 123 N. Lexington Street, Spring Green FMI: 608-588-9049 June 12-14,11am-5 pm Spring ArtTour. Professional artists in Mount Horeb, Blue Mounds, Black Earth, continued on page 30

22 The MAMA’s 23 Marty Stuart 24 Independent 24 Eric Brace 24 Peter Cooper 25 The Pyramid 26 Dan Sullivan 28 Ruth Barrett

AMERICANA GAZETTE SUBSCRIPTION The Americana Gazette is a free bimonthly publication and may be picked up at area locations.

However if you would like a copy mailed to you, please fill out the following information and submit a check for $15.00 to:Americana Gazette, P.O. Box 208, Belleville,Wi. 53508 ______________________________________________________________________ First Name Last Name ______________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Code 1 Year Subscription - $15.00

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

Date:______________________________________ 3

Litt DuBay’s

Rant!

ter for a long time. The president is doing everything he can to make a change. Give him the respect and time he needs to get things going. This mess did not pop up over night and will not go away tomorrow. Be patient. Take this time to reflect on your good fortune that you have a job and if you don’t take this time to retool your skills so you can get one. Everyone is pretty much in the same boat so let’s work together to get through this. One way to keep playing and bring some happiness back into our lives is to host a house concert. Kiki Schuler has been doing it for a while and really loves it. It’s a great idea that has been catching on all over the U.S. Google it and see if it will work for you.

by Litt DuBay

Hello everyone!!!

Well all it’s been a year since I wrote my first column for the Americana Gazette. I have ranted, raved, stumbled, insulted, broke the rules, and generally had a great time giving you my opinions on everything. The only feedback I got for the whole year though was that I was too mean to Carrie Underwood. Well don’t fret any Carrie Underwood fans. Old Litt’s comments don’t seem to have hurt her any. She just won a slew of awards at the ACM’s including the big burrito itself, Entertainer of the Year! I could comment but I won’t.

Saw Todd Snider in April in Madison. Looked great, sounded great, put on one hell of a show.

Someone in the audience was partaking in some herbal pre-show remedy that drifted through the theater. Ah the adventurous youth of today. It reminded me of the coliseum in the 70’s! Good thing there weren’t any hard core Downtown Madison Liberals in the audience of the 1970’s vintage. Oh wait maybe there was!

I’m sort of disappointed in the number of real Americana/Alt-Country bands and musicians in Southern Wisconsin. Come on guys get out of your bedrooms and basements and take back the stages.

Let’s run these 80’s cover bands back to wherever they came from. Let us too show the world our true talent by packing the clubs the way we use too. Club owners give us a chance to prove ourselves again. Americana is the fastest growing genre on the airwaves in America. Madison, Monroe, Platteville, Whitewater, Baraboo, Dodgeville, and all the other places where there are radio stations one or two of you switch to Americana Music! Please in the name of everything holy someone start an Americana radio station!!! Okay so I’m a little dramatic. The truth is we really need one here. Don’t let us down.

Reciprocity is missing in today’s world. You know, I scratch your back you scratch mine. I’ll help you out with equipment and when I need it you can return the favor. You get the point. I have heard stories and seen first hand on how musicians and bands don’t help each other out anymore.

Competitiveness has reared its ugly head in Southern Wisconsin. Come on folks. Let’s play nice.

There is plenty of work for all of us.

Well before I sign off let me tell all of you thanks for reading old Litt. We just got the results off our on-line readership and Litt Dubay is the most popular feature in the Americana Gazette on-line. Heck I’m a celebrity in Europe, Russia, South Africa,Australia, and Canada. I may have to start charging more for my services. Maybe I’ll get my own secretary. Heck the least the Ziehli’s can do is acknowledge me on the street when they see me.

Maybe that preacher in New Glarus will see that I’m not the person he described in his sermon.

Canadians love me!!! Maybe too John Miller will stop charging me for the business he claims I ran off because of my spread of the love rant. Oh well that’s life.

( ( ( BWG ) ) ) Black Water Gin

Texas Rock with Bite BWG Entertainment 608-574-2916 www.myspace.com/blackwatergin

This is Litt Dubay saying “have a great summer and go support local live music!”

By: Litt Dubay

Dan Baird & HomemadeSin FEATURING WARNER E. HODGES ALL THE WAY FROM NASHVILLE (Jason & The Scorchers lead guitar player) APPEARING TWO NIGHTS IN WISCONSIN FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2009 • SPATZ • MIDDLETON, WI SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2009 • KNUT’S BAR & GRILL • ORFORDVILLE, WI

The economy is not going to get a whole lot bet-

4

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

country, blues, Celtic music and jazz.

5 Best Places To Visit for Country Music...

These days the wallet might be feeling a little thin, but this summer there are plenty of things to do that won’t break the bank.We are bringing you the list of the 5 best places to visit for country music and the best part is... they are within driving distance!!! #5 - Cleveland, Ohio- The home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It’s an economical getaway;a day pass is only $22 dollars.They also offer summer specials and hotel packages, visit www.rockhall.com for more information.

#2 - Branson, Missouri- Couldn’t leave this one out! Branson MO, offers bright light shows, acrobats, Medley Shows of music you love from the Presley’s,Johnny Cash and Family,Broadway Shows and much much more. Vacation Packages for the weekend start at around $200 dollars from June August. Branson Tourism Center offers easy to put together vacations that you can plan online, these vacation plans include lodging, meal vouchers, coupon books, and best of all tickets to shows, check out www.bransontourismcenter.com and www.explorebranson.com for more information! #! - And the #1 place to visit for country music is....You Guessed it ! Nashville and Memphis,Tennessee...

Home to historic places such as the Grand Ole Opry and Graceland, these places are definitely the number one spot to visit for country music fans.We recommend visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and The Nash Trash Tours with the Jugg Sisters sound fun. Suggestions include The Nashville Visitors Bureau,All of lower Broadway,The Ryman Auditorium,The Wildhorse Saloon,Tootsies Orchid Lounge (The Original Honky Tonk), Printers Alley, and the Hatch Show Print Shop. Want to travel a little bit out of the city? Check out Fall Creek Falls State Park, Country Legend’s Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch, Lookout Mountain and the Jack Daniels Distillery.

Written by: Erin Blumer

#4 - Brown County, Indiana- A little more off the beaten path, Brown County, Indiana, also nicknamed “The Little Nashville”; is home to many entertainment venues’ for blue grass, gospel and country.They feature “The Little Nashville Opry”, Dance Barns, Country Gospel Music Jam’s, The Chateau Thomas Winery, various art galleries, and many many many places for live music. A lot of these choices are free to attend. Check out www.browncounty.com for a calendar of events, lodging information and information on more what Brown County has to offer. #3 - For # 3 you don’t have to travel far from home.

Right here in Wisconsin we feature some of the best Country Music Festivals around. We counted at least 9 !) These festivals usually start about the beginning of June and go almost all summer long.

Country Fest - Cadot,WI www.countryfest.com Country Jam USA- Eau Claire,WI www.countryjam.com Country Music Fest - Porterfield,WIwww.countrymusicfestival.com Country Thunder- Twin Lakes,WIwww.countrythunder.com Country USA - Oshkosh,WI www.countryusaoshkosh.com Hodag Country Music Festival- Rhinelander,WI www.hodag.com Star Spangled Country Music FestivalRichland Center,WI www.starspangled.com Lake Superior Music Festival- Ashland ,WI www.bigtop.org Summerfest - Milwaukee ,WI www.summerfest.com There is also a great Festival of Music in Chicago featuring a lot of different types of music including

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

We are a regional advocacy, technical assistance and networking program for all types of creative entrepreneurs – including visual artists, composers, musicians, writers, actors, dancers, and choreographers. We connect artists and arts leaders throughout southwest Wisconsin. :H DGYRFDWH IRU WKH DUWV :H GHOLYHU ZRUNVKRSV DQG HGXFDWLRQDO offerings on entrepreneurial skill topics :H IRVWHU FRPPXQLFDWLRQ DPRQJ artists and arts groups via email updates containing information about grants, workshops, and opportunities.

2XU RQ OLQH GLUHFWRU\ RI DUWLVWV KHOSV creative entrepreneurs increase their visibility. $UWV%XLOG LV FRPSOHWHO\ IUHH WR MRLQ

Carol Spelic 608.342.1314 spelicc@uwplatt.edu

The Audition with

Erin Blumer

The Audition with Erin Blumer is an informative and entertaining look at today's top Southern WI singer-songwriters. Erin gets to the heart of what makes this talented folks tick and the inspiration for their songs. Each Show is filled with diverse conversation, phenomenal original music, and heartfelt stories from each of her guests. Tune into the Audition at www.americanagazette.net and click on our Radio Show tab. A new show is posted every two weeks starting June 10, 2009. Check out the Audition! If you would like to be a guest on the Audition please send us a copy of 3 of your original songs to Americana Gazette,The Audition, and P.O. Box 208, Belleville WI 53508.

Raindogs Summer Schedule 2009 Date June 7, June 27, June 28,

Location New Glarus New Glarus Benton

Venue Private Party Heidi Fest New Diggings General Store & Inn July 5, New Glarus Fat Cat Coffee Works July 17, Belleville Americana Gazette Party Schwoegler’s Sugar River Lanes August 1, Dodgeville Pleasant Ridge Store August 16, New Glarus Fat Cat Coffee Works August 22, New Glarus Toffler’s Pub & Grill September 26, New Glarus, WI Oktoberfest-New Glarus 5

NANCI GRIFFITH’S The Loving Kind

L

os Angeles,California – Nanci Griffith’s classic sound – folk/country melodies built around stories that aren’t afraid to tackle big subjects all delivered with the artist’s signature vocal style – returns in fill bloom on THE LOVING KIND, her new album scheduled for release on June 9th from Rounder Records. Featuring thirteen new songs, THE LOVING KIND is Nanci’s most politically outspoken release in years, and underscores her stature as one of the music world’s most esteemed singer-songwriters. The release of THE LOVING KIND will be accompanied by a U.S. tour.

With a recording and touring history that stretches back more than two decades, Griffith has established, what Madison Avenue would call, a “brand”. But her signature music is much more about art than commerce, which is why her fan base remained incredibly loyal – fans include contemporaries such as Bob Dylan,Willie Nelson, and Emmy Lou Harris,all of whom have either recorded her songs or insisted she record theirs.

With her last CD (the critically-acclaimed Ruby’s Torch), a torch song tribute, THE LOVING KIND is her first studio album of original and contemporary cover material since 2005’s Hearts In Mind. The title track, emblematic of the album’s story songs, refers to Loving v.Virginia, the 1967 landmark civil rights case and for all ended the ban on interracial marriages in the U.S. Richard and Mildred Loving were a married white man and black woman who were forced to leave their native Virginia under threat of arrest because of the state’s Jim Crow law prohibiting marriages between different races.

“I read Mildred Loving’s obituary in The New York Times last year and it just floored me,” recalls Griffith. Tragically, Richard died in a tragic car accident just months after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the couple’s favor. “She never remarried and in her last interview, just before she passed away, she expressed hope that their case would eventually be the open door to the legalization of same sex marriage.”

Another track on the album, “Not Innocent Enough,” is also built around a political and legal controversy, namely the celebrated death row case of Philip Workman, who was convicted in 1981 of killing a Memphis police officer. Despite new evidence that proved his innocence, which he always

6

maintained through his five scheduled execution dates, Workman was put to death by the State of Tennessee on May 9, 2007. Fellow singer-songwriter John Prine joins Griffith on this track, backed by a chorus that also includes tunesmiths Elizabeth Cook and Todd Snider.

“I started writing this song long before Philip was executed, but just couldn’t finish it until that final injustice took place,” says Griffith.

On a more personal note,“Up Against The Rain,” co-written with her longtime collaborator Charley Stefl,is Griffith’s tribute to her mentor,country folk singer and poet Townes Van Zandt. But on a broader level, the song,“could be for anyone’s hero and with me, I also lost my dear, beautiful stepfather just before Christmas of last year, and we recorded the song the day I returned from his funeral in Austin. So, it’s very close to my heart.”

ing our vacation to Washington DC last year. Nanci just performed at the Barrymore in April but due to a family emergency, with regrets I was unable to attend.

Nanci has been in the music business for the past three decades. Nanci has a way with her words and phrases, to make you feel that you are living the moment with her as she sings about emotions and different characters, places and happenings in people’s lives. Nanci’s band,The Blue Moon Orchestra has been with her since 1986. Nanci is a very intelligent individual and a joy to visit with.

(Thanks Nanci for the great interview and we wish you well with your CD release and tour.)

Read on and see what Nanci had to say: AG: You were born in Austin. Did you come from a musical family?

THE LOVING KIND was produced by Pat McInerney and Thomm Jutz and features McInerney on drums and percussion, Jutz on guitar, Matt McKenzie on bass, Barry Walsh on keyboards, Shad Cobb on fiddle and Fats Kaplin on pedal steel guitar,mandolin and fiddle. For more information on THE LOVING KIND visit www.NanciGriffith.com.

NG: I come from a family of amateur musical people, except for my stepfather, who was a big band player before entering the service and after the service. He was the “piano bar guy” in Austin.

------------------------------------

NG: I started playing guitar at age 6. I learned by watching PBS and watching Ms. Laura give guitar lessons on Saturday mornings.

Now for my chat with Nanci: By: Joyce Ziehli Now that I have you all excited about Nanci Griffith’s new CD, which you will all be darting out to purchase, let me fill you in on Nanci Griffith the person. Nanci and I caught up with each other,and I was able to do an interview with her. Nanci is a very beautiful, caring person; multi-talented as a singer,songwriter-performer. I grew up listening to Nanci’s songs and Andy and I had the pleasure of attending one of her concerts at the Birchmere dur-

AG: Nanci, you started performing at age 14. Who was your inspiration?

AG: You play guitar, piano…any other instruments?

NG: I play guitar. I play piano, but not on stage. I started playing French horn in school and came home one day and it was gone! I never took it up again.

AG: Nanci, when did you write your first song?

What was it?

NG: I don’t know. I really don’t know. Someone w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

else just asked me that also and I honestly don’t know what it was. I’m a writer and I just compulsively write, I’m always writing.

Eric Taylor. band, Peter’s a great guy,great writer.

AG: What inspires you to write? Some people I have spoken with get ideas from movies, listening to people in bars, etc. What does it for you?

AG: What do you do for fun or to relax?

NG: From all of theses places. But mostly from newspapers. What inspires me the most is just waking up and being alive. My new CD, The Loving Kind, this is the case that did away with interracial marriages. Mildred Loving died last Spring, and I read her obituary in the New York Times and it brought tears to my eyes. The song wrote itself.

AG: Do you usually write by yourself or with others?

NG: I write a lot with an old friend, Charley Stefl, who was Townes Van Zandt’s best friend. I have known Charley since I was about 16 years old. I also write with my band members because we know each other so well and our thoughts just pass between us. I have had the same band members for years, my drummer has been with me for 21 years.

AG: Like a marriage?

NG: (Nanci laughs) It has lasted longer than most marriages.

AG: Where was the most exciting place you performed at?

NG:The schools of North Belfast. I have attended the Belfast National Songwriter’s thing every year,it is like South by South West. This is the most troubled area, and working with the 11 year old Protestant and Catholic children together is so fulfilling.

I have been going to Ireland since the early ‘80’s.

To see the country at peace is a great thing and to work with the children and sing to them. When I sing songs like It’s a Hard Life or From a Distance with them, they know every word. It’s amazing.

AG: Tell me about your new CD being released in June – The Loving Kind.

NG: It is my first record in 8 years that’s all new songs. I am excited to be writing again. There was a period of time when I didn’t agree with the President and couldn’t get myself inspired. My mind froze. This record is very political and socially conscious. The song,“Not Innocent Enough” was the case of Phillip Workman accused of killing a Memphis policeman. Phillip was executed. This CD is a record of folk songs.

AG: Nanci, does your audience ever get upset or say negative things about your political songs or views?

NG: No, my audiences are pretty politically aware.

I don’t express an opinion, I state the case.

AG: Our mutual friend Peter Cooper had some involvement in this CD? NG: Yes, in fact Peter sang on “Not Innocent Enough”. Others participating as well were Todd Snider and John Prine. In fact some of my band members are in the studio with Peter Cooper and Eric Brace today. I met Peter through my ex-husw w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

NG: I read a lot. I’m a big reader and I have dogs. I spend a lot of time with my dogs.

AG: Any other hobbies?

NG: No, reading is mainly it. I do love to garden though.

AG: You mentioned you had dogs. How many and any other pets?

NG: I just lost a dog about a month ago. It was my 15 year old Jack Russell named Peaches.

This was my only dog that I hadn’t gotten from a rescue program.

I have two other dogs,a 7# nobody knows what it is dog that came with the name Abby Road, and a Miniature Pinscher rescue named, Hank. I also have a 20 year old mute cat, named Etta James. I named her Etta James because I wanted her to have a voice. She has so much personality, she’s an alley cat that you can’t keep in the house. She’s a great cat.

AG: Do any of them go on the road with you?

NG: Abby Road goes on the road with me. All of them know Emmylou. I think they are pretty well behaved.

AG: Nanci, if you could perform with anyone, who would it be? (Could be someone who has already passed on.) And why?

NG: Louie Armstrong. Just because he was so beautiful.

AG: If you could meet or could have met anyone in the world, who would this be?

NG: Robert Kennedy. Barack Obama would be okay to meet also, but Robert Kennedy is the big one for me.

AG: What are your future goals?

NG: I am just glad to be writing. I’ve gone from a sad period of my life over the past 8 years. My stepfather passed away last December and that was very hard for me. He was my stepfather, but he was a real Dad to me.

NG: Never write when you are young what you don’t want to sing when you are 60 years old! (We both laughed.) Stay true to your heart.

AG: Thank you Nanci for your time. I wish you the best of luck with your new CD and continued career. Is there one last thing you would like your fans and our readers to know about “Nanci Griffith”?

NG: I’m just a basic knucklehead. I live a pretty normal life and I enjoy every day of it.!

Great words Nanci. Great CD as well. It has found its own spot in my car CD stack.

Nanci is going to be a very busy lady this summer. Check her website for more information, her tour dates and a listing of her award winning past albums @ www.NanciGriffith.com .

Even better – Buy her new CD – THE LOVING KIND – coming out June 9, 2009……..

Photos supplied by Rachel Dierks

CD Release set for June 9th The Loving Kind CD is Nanci’s 19th album and the first album of all new material since 2005.

(This CD information was provided

by Alisse Kinglsey of Muse Media.)

AG: What advice would you give to a young woman today wanting to get into the music business?

7

Irish Music:

Remembering the Old, Discovering the New H

ello friends and neighbors! With St. Patrick’s Day a faint memory and the green beer out of our systems by now I feel saddened. I’m sure some of you do to. It’s a pity St. Patrick’s Day only comes once a year. But don’t despair. I have something to help you get through those other 364 days of the year, and that’s a dosage of music! The Irish have a musical past so rich that it has carried on for hundreds of years, continuing on to present day music. From songs filled with twisted humor, to ballads that would make you weep, Irish music has a little bit to say about everything. So here are a few albums that help you get through these trying times.

This first album is the album that got me interested in Irish music, and that is Flogging Molly’s “Drunken Lullabies.” This band takes traditional Irish music and mixes it with a bit of rock, and a bit of punk which creates a frenzy of fiddles, accordions, guitars and more. The main songwriter is Dave King, who hails from Ireland. Many of his songs are from memories or feelings of home.

“Drunken Lullabies”has an equal mix of energetic and mellow songs.

The Pogues are a legendary band in the Irish music genre. Their second album on my list is “If I Should Fall from Grace with God”.This band also used punk and rock in their music, but a bit more acoustic. It may take a more open mind to get into the Pogues, because of their rock and roll star front man Shane McGowan. His slurred and lightly off key vocals may be offensive to some ears, but his lyrics can be stunning. The Pogues were formed in the early 80’s in Britain,so the punk movement definitely had its effect on the band members. This album is not all fast hard songs.The most beautiful song on this album even in the Pogues song arsenal is “Fairy Tale of New York”. It is a duet between Shane and Kristy McColl.The song is a ballad about a Christmas time gone wrong.

The third album on my list comes from a local band Rising Gael. Its title is “These City Walls”. I was given this CD by a friend, and it blew me away.

The group does covers of old songs, recent songs, and they also do originals. This album is much

8

more traditional than my last two picks. Consisting of a guitar, a bodhran (Irish flat drum), fiddle, and whistles, these performers create a simple, but deep sound.This band hails from Oregon,Wisconsin. They used to play mostly in southern Wisconsin, but as their reputation grew so did their touring circuit. Each member of the band brings different strengths, but the one member that sticks out the most to me is vocalist Erin Ellison. She has a powerful yet gentle voice that is beautiful and moving. The instruments are simply stunning as well. Rising Gael has just recently released a new album and has been nominated for five Madison Area Music Awards (MAMA’s) this year. I’m sure their bound to take a few home.

This next choice is a good old standby. This group has been at the top of Irish Music for years and they don’t seem to be going anywhere. Gaelic Storm started as the party band in the movie Titanic. I’m not a huge fan of their newer stuff, so I recommend an older album, the self-titled,“Gaelic Storm”.I’ve seen Gaelic Storm numerous times and they always put on a great show. I guess they are titled“world music”,but I’m not quite sure what that means. There are no discrepancies on what part of the world they are from. Good old Irish music is what can be found on this album.

Well I think that that should be enough Irish music to tide you over until next St.Patrick’s Day. If you don’t think so a few other bands you can check out are The Tossers,The Kissers,The Dropkick Murphy’s, and the Dubliners. I’m sure there are many others, that some of you know of that I have yet to discover. I hope everyone had a good St. Patrick’s Day. I hope this list can help you make it through the rest of the year.

Bottoms up and glasses down!

Written by: Rob O’ Kosmeder

Looking for Songwriters in Southern Wisconsin!

Sugar River Productions and the Americana Gazette are looking for Songwriters for two CD compilation projects to release this year. If you write in the Americana, Bluegrass, Folk, Indie Rock, Country, or Rock a billy styles please send a CD with no more than 3 songs and lyric sheets to be considered for these projects. The songs do not have to be professionally recorded. Simple demos are fine. All songs will be re-recorded in Sugar River Studios by the writers/artists.

Our staff will choose the best 30 songs to be included on the CD’s which will be sold to raise money for local charities in Southern Wisconsin.

The dead line for submission is June 25, 2009. No CD’s will be returned. All songs selected in the final 30 will be copy written by the authors before they will be re-recorded. Our staff will help you with that if you need it. Pass the word onto your songwriting friends!

Send lyric sheets and CD’s to Americana Gazette Songwriters CD PO Box 208 Belleville,WI 53508

Looking for Contact Information Attention all bands, soloist, artists, etc. The Americana Gazette is in the process of setting up a contact page to make it easier to find the above. Please email or mail us your name, email address, web or myspace page address,and style of music or art you perform or create using the following as a guide.

Music Americana, Folk, Roots, Country,Alt-Country, Bluegrass, or Rock Art Painting, Jewelry, Pottery, Watercolor, Ceramic, Weaver, Quilt Maker, Metal,Wood, etc.

We want to have our first listing of area artists in our 1st Anniversary Issue that comes out in June 2009.

Send information to aziehli@advisorymgt.com or to Americana Gazette PO Box 208 Belleville,WI 53508 w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

If You Weren’t at the BARRYMORE THEATRE on April 11TH. You Missed Out on a GREAT CONCERT...

East Nashville’s TODD SNIDER was OUTSTANDING!!

S

aturday evening, April 11th found Andy and I snuggled in at the Barrymore Theatre in Madison at another fantastic Todd Snider concert, I think it is the 5th or 6thTodd Snider concert we have attended. I have seen my friend Todd perform many different times, and have never left a concert dissatisfied with his performance.

The evening started out with an opening act, Pat McDonald. Now if you have never seen him perform,this is something worth watching as well.

He is a one man band, playing a Cigar Box guitar McDonald was doing his best in getting the audience all revved up for Todd. Pat did have a woman singing backup with him and playing a tambourine, which that in itself was quite entertaining at times.

The crowd shouted out greetings to“Elvis”asTodd’s stage hand Dave (nicknamed Elvis) tuned up Todd’s guitars and got everything ready for Todd’s grand entrance. As usual Todd entered the stage in his favorite footwear, barefoot and burst right into a familiar Todd Snider song.Towards the back of the stage, on a table top, sat Todd’s unique brown hat and a vase of flowers. A typical site at a Todd Snider concert. Todd performed many of his regular songs, including Play a Train Song, Seattle Grunge Blues, and Beer Run. Todd played songs from his Peace Queer CD including his cover of Fortunate Son by CCR,along with a new song which received a positive crowd response. The crowd began to yell out requests, which Todd asked if he could finish what he wanted to play on his song list first, then he started honoring the requests. Todd really knows how to please his crowd. Todd shared some stories about his songs, not going on for 18 minutes or so, (as he has been known to do) and reminded all of us that all these stories he told us tonight were “true”. Todd thanked the crowd, politely bowed from the stage, then exited. Meanwhile the crowd continued the applause, and chanting began for more Todd Snider. Todd graciously reappeared and did an encore for all of us. What an “alright guy” indeed!

Across the aisle from us sat another Americana Gazette staff writer, Mr. Rob Kosmeder. And by the look on his face, I could see he was enjoying the music as much as Andy and me. The crowd was enjoying the atmosphere. What more would you want on a Saturday night, a glass of wine, a beer, sitting amongst friends, people thumbing through the Americana Gazette,andTodd singing on stage. (Andy and I had been in contact with Steve Sperling, General Manager of the Barrymore Theatre prior to this event, and he asked us to drop off copies of our current magazine. It was nice to see the crowd perusing our Americana Gazette during the intermission.)

Todd Snider is working on a new CD, (The Excitement Plan) and as soon as information becomes available on this, I’m sure he or his publicist, Vickie will get the information to me to share with all you Todd Snider fans. Watch for upcoming articles in this magazine!!!

Meanwhile, check out Todd’s website, buy his CD’s, (Peace Queer is the latest and a great addition to your CD collection), and try to catch him at a live show. The music is great and he is a very entertaining fellow to say the least.

Story by: Joyce Ziehli

CD Review Matt Belknap ♪♪ A Different Trip Style: Funk/Folk I listened to Matt’s newest album first,so I got to hear where he is at today.Then after listening to “A Different Trip” his second CD I got to see if he had grown as a songwriter. He starts the album with “Superhero Stevo” a song which just put a smile on my face. I was happy to see that Matt had always written with such interesting imagery in his songs.

This album also had the same variety to it, but at the same time they all sounded familiar. Not in a plagiarism way, but in I’ve been down this road before kind of way.

Anyways, then came the fourth song,“Bad Inside Joke” contained watermelon seeds, giraffes, haters, and a“happy little world splitting at the seams”. By the end of the song I couldn’t even try to put all of those images together. Next came a good old blues song,but with a Belknap twist.Then I was again subject to more wild imagery.The title track,“A Different Trip” definitely holds up to its name. I couldn’t even want to try to explain it. Next was the beautiful Spanish ballad,“Gasoline Pan.” Sorry again, I can’t tell you what it’s about. “You know I don’t speak Spanish!”

Near the middle of the album the songs started to sound too familiar.There seemed to be a constant similarity and déjà vu between the songs. This album has all good songs, just some a little too much like each other. His song writing has grown over the years,which is what a songwriter would want.Always growing, always getting better.

This Album is interesting and should not be ignored. I just like Matt’s second CD much better.

Review by: Rob Kosmeder

Matt Belknap ♪♪♪ City of Bony Shoulders Style: Funk/Folk Listening to this album can only be explained as a journey.

Every song is like every turn in the road. It revealed something different and interesting. Each song has its own personality, all friendly, but all different. Maybe being a teacher Matt has been shown a vast and unique world.

Maybe … Most of these songs are just Matt and his guitar.There is a bit of second guitar sprinkled here and there, but it’s pretty straightforward.

So as you begin the journey the song,“Deep Blue” paints a wild picture in front of you.A vision of giant waves crashing over the city of Janesville, followed by a killer lightshow.You are brought back to reality by a melancholy song about a working girl during wartime. But a sweet song called“Don’t You Worry”brings the mood back up. continued on page 11

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

9

thought before it gets put into an album, which is what Mr. Niemiec is up to right now recording The Fredrickson’s first full length album.

3 for 1

If you like to check out Mike’s music, you can visit him at www.myspace.com/itsthefredricksons.

There you can get a feeling for Mike’s music. But if you really want to enjoy his music check him out the next time he comes through your town. Be it his acoustic show, or electric three piece band you’re guaranteed to enjoy yourself.

Written and photo by: Rob Kosmeder

Mike Niemiec

Lloyd Green

Green worked steadily until the late 1980’s when an ear infection caused him to retire from playing and recording. After a long hiatus Green returned in the early 2000’s to record and play on the Grand Ole Opry. He has recorded with Allan Jackson, Steve Warner, and Peter Cooper. In fact, Green and Cooper have recorded two albums together and another with Eric Brace. Green always the Southern Gentleman is easy to talk to. His Steel Guitar playing has only aged like fine wine. He is also member of MENSA. A terrific web site to check out on Green is www.lloydgreentribute.com.

All the folks he has played with and lists of his #1 songs along with top 10 hits are also listed. There are plenty of pictures and sound bytes to check out too. Green also has a myspace page you should check out, along with a great CD "Master of the Steel Strings the Little Darlin' Sound of Lloyd Green.”

Story and photo:Andy Ziehli

Jimmy Voegeli

Type in the name “Mike Niemiec” in any internet search and you get a ton of hits. Mike has been in the music scene since he was about fifteen years old, and now at twenty-five he is no newcomer to the world of music. Playing an instrument since he was eleven, Mike has had plenty of time to perfect his songwriting, guitar playing, and all around musicianship. His first taste of success came with the band “Non-Existent”, a pop-punk four piece out of Racine. Now his main project is “The Frederickson’s” out of Milwaukee.

The Frederickson’s may sound like a group, but The Frederickson’s is made up of only Mike, unless you are lucky and catch a show when he has a whole band backing him. For the most part the transition of the music from acoustic to rock has been a fairly easy one for Mike. Mike’s roots lie in folk and old rock and roll. There is no denying that once you hear his music. Smooth and melodic, his music sticks out in the Milwaukee music scene and anywhere else he goes. The music that comes from the stage seems to transcend genres, catching everyone’s ear.

I had the pleasure of playing with Mike in a few projects, and the two things that he brings to any project that he works on are feeling and flexibility.

Able to adapt to any band surroundings,Mike plays a rock show one night, and the next night plays drums in an Americana band. With the Frederickson’s it’s time for Mike to be a little selfish. He can do whatever he wants with the music, and isn’t afraid to. If you listen to the Frederickson’s I’m sure you wouldn’t want him to change a thing. Every note is given hard thought by Mike before it ever gets put into his songs. Every song is given hard

10

In the future when they list the steel guitar in an encyclopedia there will surely be a picture of Lloyd Green next to it. Green without a doubt revolutionized the steel guitar and made it the instrument that is most associated with Country Music.

His unbelievable licks have dominated 115 # 1 Country Hits since the early 1960’s. Including Girl on the Billboard, D-I-V-O-R-C-E, Easy Lovin, Pure Love, Jose Cuervo, and Remember When. One of his signature songs that did not make # 1 Farwell Party is a classic song itself. He played in Faron Young’s and Ferlin Husky’s road bands. Green has played on thousands of recordings from the 1960’s up to date.The creativity and tone that he displayed on these records is unequaled. Some of his best known work includes the traditional Country records of Charley Pride, Mel Street, Johnny Paycheck, Gene Watson, Freddie Hart, Cal Smith, Don Williams,The Oak Ridge Boys and countless others Green worked with pop musicians as well, including Vera Lynn, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr, as well as on the Byrds' seminal Sweetheart of the Rodeo album.

In February of 2006,Green was the first member of the famous Nashville "A Team" of studio musicians and session players to be featured in a new series of events at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. These presentations featured Country Music icons talking about their amazing careers.

Green also provided live examples of his magic playing. Green has played Steel Guitar and Dobro on more than 10,000 recording sessions. This means,on an average of three to four songs per session he has played on over 30,000 songs.

Jimmy Voegeli is a Blues man. Jimmy Voegeli is a Dairy Farmer. Jimmy Voegeli is a busy guy!

Voegeli is one of the top Blues keyboardists in the U.S. His Hammond Organ playing has graced Grammy nominated albums. He is a much in demand session player that has to balance his music with his other passion being a Wisconsin Dairy Farmer.

Voegeli and his brother are fifth generation dairy farmers where they work 1400 acres of crop land, milk 140 Brown Swiss dairy cows, and export embryos, bull semen, and live animals throughout the world. They show and exhibit dairy cattle throughout the United States. Voegeli’s grandfather, father, and his brother were and are world renowned dairy geneticists. Their Brown Swiss Dairy herd can be seen as you drive along Hwy 69 South between New Glarus and Monticello,WI. The ability or non-ability to read music has not stopped Voegeli from mastering his instrument. His signature Hammond Organ can easily be distinguished between his contemporaries playing. His soulful voice cuts through the mix. He has toured Europe and the U.S. many times bringing his music to the world. Not bad for a farm kid from Wisconsin. continued on page 27

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

CD Review cd review... continued from page 9

Then came the quick funny song about a love gone from shear bliss to something terribly wrong. After another slow sweet song,Matt throws a quick bend in the road, and gives us “I’ve Got A New Way”.

Belknap paints another trippy painting for us, but these images stay with you for awhile.“The system’s got a glitch”sings Matt,and he sounds like he might know something we don’t.Maybe he’s just pointing out something that’s right in front of us.

Good songs, good ideas make this a good album.

Sometimes it gets a little corny, but it’s all in good fun.The only thing that needed work was the mix.

It got a little distracting at times, but the point still gets across. As I listened I can’t help but wonder what the album would have sounded like if they would have added a few more instruments.

ture witty lyrics. This first song was a nice transition from old to new. It’s almost like he’s slowly easing us in to his new ideas because as soon as the first song passes.You hear something different and fresh. Instead of Todd’s guitar taking the front seat he shows us his piano skills that for the past years of touring he has shown at only a few shows.

Greencastle Blues is a new style of song for Todd’s fans and it definitely stood out, but in a good way.

Then he hits us with another great song, America’s Favorite Pastime is the story of Doc Ellis, a major league pitcher, who threw a no-hitter under the influence of LSD. The imagery in this song as you can imagine, is excellent. The halfway point of the album is marked with my favorite song of the album Corpus Christi Bay (A Robert Earl Keen song) done in a more laid back style than the original or live Keen version.

Todd Snider ♪♪♪♪♪ The Excitement Plan

Someone told me that they thought this album was similar to Todd’s 2004 release “East Nashville Skyline”, but I just don’t see it. This album is full of new song writing styles, and not a single one of them stumbles. Each has its own charm and wit.

Another great track is the piano rock duet, Don’t Tempt Me. This one you may not want to admit to relating to, but you know it’s happened. But that can be your secret. Every song on this album seems fresh and inviting. It’s hard to believe that Todd finds time to sit down and make an album with his intense touring schedule,but he does. And not only an album,but a great album. Keep an open mind to the new stuff, and this record will definitely be one of your favorites in no time.

Style: Americana

Reviewed by: Rob Kosmeder

Belknap is a great performer live. His show at the Fat Cat last summer was one of the best in that concert series. He’ll be back again this year, so check the schedule in this issue and make plans to see him.

Written by: Rob Kosmeder

and listen (but not if you are listening while driving!) you can see the images in your mind’s eye that Griffith and co-writer Thomm Jutz have put upon paper. Other writers on this CD include Charley Stefl,GaleTrippsmith,Edwina Hayes,Clive Gregson, Dee Moeller,and Pat McInerney. The song selection is a wonderful trove of imagery and soothing melodies.

Now this CD also as an upbeat style to it. There are two genuine rockers included here Across America and Party Girl. A great country weeper in Pour me a drink and a two step in Tequila after midnight. The opening cut The Loving Kind is a wonderful song that is sure to touch your heart and make you think.

Nanci Griffith is a treasure to all of us. Her song interpretation and story telling ability has few peers. This is a fine addition to your collection and a great place to start if you are unfamiliar with Griffith and her volume of work. Take the time to buy and enjoy this CD. It is a fantastic example of what true Americana music is all about.

Reviewed by: Andy Ziehli

John Doe and The Sadies ♪♪♪♪1/2 Country Club YEP Records Style: Country, Americana

Nanci Griffith ♪♪♪♪ The Loving Kind Rounder Records Style: Americana, Folk

It was less than a year ago when Todd Snider came out with his politically-fueled and rhymingopinion laced album Peace Queer, this CD he tackled topics like war, death, and even high school hierarchies. But with his new album “The Excitement Plan”Todd sings about more personal things.

I’m not saying war and death aren’t personal, but maybe some people have never experienced them.

With his new album every song can be related to.

Well maybe not so much for track eight, Unorganized Crime. That one might be a little harder for most of us to connect with. I’m not “the one who killed Slick Willy”.

The album starts out with a Kristofferson-ish count down and then quickly comes Todd’s signaw w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

First of all Nanci Griffith cannot put out a bad CD! Period! Her past work speaks volumes of how talented a writer that she is. Her peers honor her with accolades and praise. Her stage show is wonderfully entertaining. This CD The Loving Kind is another masterpiece.

From the first cut of this CD to the last I was in awe of Griffith's writing and song selection talent.

Each song draws you in and if you close your eyes

John Doe has been around in the music community ever since the 70’s. He was a founding member of the Punk Band X, made a movie with George Strait, played in the Knitters, did a video with Kathleen Edwards, sang in the Gram Parsons tribute concert, and has been knocking around playing his brand of Country Music. The Sadies area Canadian Band mostly known for backing Neko Case, which is not to say that they are second rate by any means.

This CD is an incredible work of sonic art. Great song selection, excellent recording, and enough soul to power Memphis for 10 years! This is a fantastic true Country album. From the first song a cover of Waylon Jennings Stop the world and let me off to the ending Pink Mountain Rag this CD continued on page 19

11

A PET NOTE

throw that “certain glance” towards Andy and that was it – the show was over. Kim handed Joyce a lime green colored collar and said put it on him – he’s yours! And that is how I came to live with the Ziehli’s. (That human thing that I’m just going to look at them never works. One of us always goes home with them sooner or later.)

G

uess who I am???? I am the latest family edition to the Andy & Joyce Ziehli household. Let me tell you how I found my new home. My name is Wylie and I am 8 weeks old;and this is my very “short” life history.

I am one of a litter of eight. My Mom is Springer Spaniel Annabelle, and her human parents are Pat and Kim Cockroft, some of Andy and Joyce’s best friends.

Now Andy and Pat go back a long way, in fact they were best friends in high school and still remain best friends to this day.You should hear them talk when they get together on Saturday mornings for breakfast. Some stuff is not always fit for my little ears to hear. Now Andy and Joyce had already gotten a Springer Spaniel named Duncan from the Cockrofts about 6 years ago who joined Bailey, the 9 year old Golden Retriever, and Mulder the 12 year old Black Panther cat. In fact, my Mom, Annabelle is Duncan’s sister! I guess that makes me Duncan’s nephew?

Now my 7 siblings and I are so cute that Pat and Kim Cockroft said to the Ziehli’s you just have to stop in and “just look at them.” Well, the Ziehli’s stopped in when we were only about a week old.

Not much activity going on, our eyes were closed, and all me and my siblings wanted to do was eat,go potty, eat, go potty, eat.Then the naps set in. We were cute, but nothing to write home about at this time. Now the Ziehli’s stopped in again around Mother’s Day and we all put on our best behavior.

We pranced around, jumped around in our pen, sat

12

up very cute like with our darling little eyes and whimpered to be picked up.You know, the typical cute puppy stuff. (Somehow we just all knew exactly what to do.)

Some of my siblings already had colored collars on which meant they have already been spoken for. I immediately tried to push my way up front, saying to my siblings you guys already have homes, get out of the way for the rest of us. Sometimes I just don’t understand my siblings! Kim and Pat asked Andy and Joyce which of the “unspoken” ones (ones without collars) they liked best? I saw the opportunity arise and I sat straight up, looking as cute as I could, I knew if I caught Joyce’s eye, it was a shoe in for me. Yes,my eyes locked with hers, I saw her hands reaching for me and yes, and I was in her arms. I quickly looked up at her and gave one of those precious puppy kisses. I saw her

The Ziehli’s keep coming out to visit me at the Cockroft homestead. I hear my Mom’s voice and I come a runnin’ to her.

They tried to get me to pose for some pictures, but I was a little busy at the time helping with the flower beds Kelly was working in. Well the day finally came. I packed up my personal belongings in my little blue knapsack and jumped in Andy’s big red truck to move to the city!

Now I am really too little to have much of a life story to share with all of you. I am just learning my social skills from my older brothers, Duncan and Bailey. But they are very good teachers and they have a lot of toys,treats and pretty much – the good life. The cat Mulder just doesn’t quite know what to think of me, but I know I will grow on him. I think I am going to like living here!!!! All my new brothers seem to be quite spoiled, so I think this is going to be good for me!!!

I have to go now, I have puppy school every night to learn the basics. I never skip school as there are always good snacks involved. I think tonight we are working on sit – come!!!!!

Written and photo by: Joyce Ziehli w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

A s m ’ n o u r sin Aa

s e g Anecdot

THE LIFE OF A MUSICIAN – and so it begins…

M

usicians are weird. I could end this article right here and most people would understand that simple sentence. For centuries mothers have always said to their daughters, “whatever you do, don’t marry a musician.”We are a different breed of people, we don’t like sunlight, we crave dark stinky bars and we’re all great at pool.

It also takes a special person to get up in front of people you’ve never met and create a sound that’s never been heard. What’s even more intimidating is having those exact same people listen and watch for five seconds and judge you.The people in the crowd are judging you on what your voice sounds like, how you play your guitar, how your hair is combed, what kind of clothes you’re wearing and the list goes on. It’s the life of a live musician. It can be an absolute beautiful thing as well, seeing your music create an emotion in a person watching you, and there are very few things in this world that can match the feeling of moving someone with your music.And so it begins.

I’ve just released my first full length album and I’m sending it out to countless radio stations, newspapers and magazines. It got me thinking about how stressful of a situation that can be. Sending out a piece of work that one has worked months and months on, writing the songs, practicing them, recording them, and then listening to them over and over as you mix and master the songs. By the time you’re done with your CD most of us are sick and tired of hearing it.We just want to get it done and get it released, by that time we are ready to show off our piece of artwork. I believe that once the CD is done you just put it out there and let people think what they think.You simply can’t please everyone and if you try and do that, you’ll fail miserably.

It reminds me of a show we once did.The crowd was pretty light the whole night and by the third set there were a handful of people there. I admit we were trying a few things musically on stage and experimenting a bit.As our last song came upon us we all decided to just take the song to wherever it flowed. By the end of the song I looked around the stage and found myself beating my guitar up with a drum stick making some god awful sounds. Z, our bass player was actually on top of his bass amp crouching on it as though he was a hawk searching for his prey, Shack our drummer was playing with a beer bottle and one drum stick…..you get the picture. It was out there to say the least. As we finished the song the crowd came up to us and said things like,“wow, that was unbelievable, I’ve never seen anything like that!” or “that was one of the coolest, craziest things I’ve ever seen live, just awesome!” For the most part people loved it. However, as we were packing up our gear one of the patrons in attendance late that night was getting up to leave, as he exited the venue he walked by the stage looked at us plainly while shaking his head and simply said,“freak show.”

Nothing else.That isn’t the typical response a musician will get, but it’s what we strive for, in both cases we’ve created an emotion in someone and moved them bad or good.

Musicians have tough skin; we are used to people yelling at us while on stage or starting a song and having half the crowd leave; or having a young attractive college coed come up to you after listening to three hours of us playing rock and roots songs, only to have her ask for a song by George Michael. Musicians have seen and heard it all, that’s part of the fun of it.When you’re on the road it just happens and you learn to deal with it. In fact we ask for it and wouldn’t want it any other way.We put our music out w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

there for fans to judge, we send our CD’s to music writers taking the chance that they will rip us apart to get a good review.We play our songs, record our CD and just accept what happens next. It’s the life of a musician and it’s what we asked for. Life on the road has helped us all out and makes us tough. It’s fear of the unknown as well.When releasing a CD the artist is obviously happy with the material, no one purposely releases a sub par CD.We as the artist believe it is good and want people to enjoy the labor of our love.

What happens next is exciting, the chance of a hit or the defeat of a bad reviewed CD; it’s all part of the game we joined in long ago.And so it begins.

I’m ready to hear the reviews of our new CD; I’ve lifted weights, taken a few kickboxing classes and shaved my beard with a rusty spoon. I’ve combed my hair,bought a new pair of jeans from the Gap and got some new Brut cologne.I’ve whitened my teeth,got my tips frosted and took a Tony Robbins motivational class. I’m ready. I’m ready to get in front of the crowd and face the music……I’m a musician and I’m weird.

Written by: Aaron Williams

13

ONE ON ONE WITH BETH KILLE LIVE FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS

under her wing & made sure I got connected with as many opportunities as possible.She actually, indirectly, got me my first gig here in town, asked me to be a featured artist on a local radio show, she set me up to be an instructor at the Grammy Career Day at the University of Houston and got me my first publisher meeting in Nashville by presenting one of our co-written songs at a conference. I really could never repay her for all the kindness. I know I wouldn’t have had half these opportunities if it hadn’t been for her.

BK: I’ve been to Nashville 4 times in the last 7 months. Every time I go, I learn a bit more and make some more connections. I’ve attended several workshops, had some demo work done, done some writing, played (demos) for some publishers and heard some incredible performances. It’s a big whirlwind every time I go there. I’m trying to figure out exactly where I fit in & what I have to do to get my songs to measure up. I’m just hoping someone thinks I have something to offer as a writer! I’m really hoping that I can start getting some cuts with artist’s who have record deals, but I’m not delusional, I know it’s extremely competitive and I’ve got to work at it every day.

AG: You have decided to dissolve Clear Blue Betty altogether. Are you trying it solo or going to start another band upon your return?

AG: Did you jam with anyone while you were there?

F

or any of you who had followed Beth Kille’s career, or the Clear Blue Betty Band, you know that Beth, her husband Tony and Buddy (the lab) moved to Houston, Texas for one year for Tony’s job. As her 1 year stay comes to an end, I myself wondered how things went for her and if she carried on her musical career. I thought maybe you readers might be interested in this as well. So I emailed Beth with a few questions and following is the update. The email interview went a little like this: AG: What was it like for you when you first moved to Texas?

BK: I have to admit, it was a little scary to go someplace where I didn’t know a single soul,but I’m not one to sit around and wait for things to happen.

We’d been here for 3 days and I decided to hit an open mic at a venue called The Mucky Duck. I introduced myself to the guy that ran it (Wayne Wilkerson) and told him I’d just moved from Wisconsin.

He told me he’d done some studio work for Tret Fure (a Madison artist). Made me feel like it was a pretty small world. I knew after that I was going to be just fine.

AG: Where did you go to listen to some good music?

BK: There are a ton of great venues here – partly because it’s a city of 4 million people, but also because this entire state is crazy about live music. My favorite small Houston venue for national acts the aforementioned Mucky Duck. Tony (my husband) and I went to the Austin City Limits Music Festival in September (130 bands on 8 stages in 3 days – that’s my kind of party!). We also went to the Rodeo here in Houston in March & saw Keith Urban.There’s a lot of great places -too many to list!

AG: Was it easy to meet other musicians in Texas?

BK: Yes, amazingly so. First off,“Southern Hospitality” is not a myth. People are ridiculously friendly & welcoming here. I met tons of great writers within a few weeks by going to open mics & hitting the different songwriter groups in the area. Then of course, there’s my “Texas Angel” – Connie Mim’s. She’s like the Mother of the Houston-area music scene. She’s a great writer,great performer and a truly wonderful woman who took me

14

BK: Yeah, a bunch!

I’ve done some performances with some amazing female artists like Connie, Debbie Forrest, Season Ammons and I had the chance to do a little home studio work on a duet with a guy named Mark Beets. Jessi Lynn (formerly of Madison) came here from Nashville in April to do a Texas tour with me & we jammed like a couple of crazy women all over this state.

It’s been a blast.

AG: What were your feelings about leaving behind “Clear Blue Betty” for a year?

BK: The boys of Clear Blue Betty gave so much of their time & talent to the band that it was really tough to let go. I have so much love & admiration for every one of them. Leaving the band behind was a big transition, but I feel like it really forced me to grow as a performer and a writer. I can’t hide behind anyone when it’s just me & my guitar on the stage. It was an unbelievable ride with CBB, I don’t regret any of it for a second,but I’ve enjoyed exploring this new solo thing a lot.

AG: What have you been doing musically since your move?

BK: I have been playing some solo shows around Texas, but mostly I’m writing up a storm (I actually just counted & I’ve worked on over 80 songs since I moved here in June). I’ve been doing a lot of cowriting with folks from all over the country -seriously, I’m writing with folks from Nebraska, New Jersey, Illinois,Tennessee, Massachusetts & Texas at the moment – amazing what you can do with email, mp3s & video conferencing! It has been a real gift to connect with all these other writers and learn from them.

BK: True, I don’t have any current plans to start Clear Blue Betty back up, but I’ve learned to never say never. My primary focus right now is to be a songwriter that pitches songs in Nashville and secondly to be a solo performing artist. I don’t have a plan to start up another band right now, but I’m open to whatever opportunities present themselves.

AG: What will be the future plans of Beth Kille upon her return to Wisconsin?

BK: Man, do you have enough space for all this? I seriously could write you a book (my business plan is about 20 pages long, no joke). In a nutshell, my goals are to continue to write, pitch my songs, start work on a solo album, play some shows and hopefully have the opportunity to teach up-andcoming writers in the Madison area. I’m also going to be helping Belleville native Gerry Grothues cocoordinate the Madison Chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International. I’ve had a lot of people ask if I plan to return to my day job & the answer is, at the moment, no. I do miss being a physical therapist at times (and all my wonderful former-colleagues and patients at Monroe Clinic), but most the time I’m too busy to think about it.

I’ve got a new career path.

AG: Tell me about your trips to Nashville. continued on page 30

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

Electric Blue = A good time for all one year. They are past members of Summer Haze, Remuda, Backwards Glance, and are still members of the Rain Dogs and Fedora.

The music style that Electric Blue favors includes the J. Giles Band, Joe Cocker, Grand Funk Railroad,Warren Zevon, Rolling Stones, and Lynryd Skynyrd. Each member is a master and stylist of their perspective instruments. According to Tony DiPofi “we work very hard on our vocals. It is important that we play the songs as close to the original as we can,because our fans want to hear it that way. That does not mean that Electric Blue does not throw in their own curve or changeup to make the song more interesting.” Five of the six members sing lead so they are able to cover a wide variety of music and vocal styles. The popularity of the music that Electric Blue plays goes over well in the beer tents and clubs of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

Electric Blue plans to work up a few original songs in the next year. DiPofi and Freidig are accomplished songwriters who have written many songs that have been played in other bands they were and are actively working with. DiPofi states that“there are no egos in this band. We are all great friends and respect each other’s talents and skills.”

Hard work always equates into rewards and Electric Blue’s hard work has paid off with a summer full of some of the best beer tents to play in. On June 20th they are playing the Blanchardville Fireman’s Dance, on July 10th the Monticello Homecoming Festivities, and on August 7th the Belleville Community Picnic. These along with dates at Stella’s in Stoughton and the Loading Dock in Freeport will keep these guys hopping.

T

he Rock & Roll band Electric Blue has a secret. That secret is that age equals experience and that equals a good time. This is a band of seasoned master musicians who are not afraid to let the gray show in their hair. They let their instruments do the talking and the good times roll. The average age of these Rock & Roll musicians is 52 years young. The only member under 50 is drummer Derrick Hendrickson who is 21 years old.

Scott Hare,Franz Jaggi,Duane Sies,Tony DiPofi,Dale Freidig,and Derrick Hendrickson are masters of the Classic and Blues Rock songs that they play. Based out of Belleville,WI the band has been together for w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

The versatility of this band is incredible. They have twin Lead guitars, Harmonica, Keyboards, Horn, and with their incredible vocal styling’s they are a band that is hard to beat in top entertainment value. Getting people up and dancing is the focus of each show. “We are not a sit on your butt and listen band”said DiPofi. “Getting people up and moving is what we live and play for! Growing our fan base and expanding our playing territory are the two things we are working the most on”, said DiPofi. “We are very focused and have a great work ethic. Rehearsals go so fast I can’t believe that its time to quit after three hours.”

Loving what you play and just not playing for the money makes for a better show. These guys have lived this music, and love playing it. Their knowledge and experience from past bands has accumulated into a fantastically entertaining night of Rock & Roll. Freidig's thundering bass and the fleetness of his fingers as he plays lays down a foundation you could build a house on. Dipofi’s smoking vocals and fluent harp lines fills each song with

the grittiness that Blues Rock was born from. Hare’s clear crisp vocals and guitar styling’s ads to this mixture to provide some Northern soul. Jaggi’s incredibly strong vocals, keyboard work, and horn fills gives everyone a reason to put their hands together.

Sies’s stratospheric guitar solos scream like they are being pulled from the Hell hounds that chased Robert Johnson and countless others in the quest for guitar virtuosity. Lastly Hendrickson’s drumming is played with such passion and style one would think that he was touched by the Rock Gods themselves.

If you like that good old Rock & Roll of the 70’s and the Blues Rock of the late 60’s you will love Electric Blue. They are well worth the price of admission! In this day and age of youth it’s great to see that experience still pays off when it comes to getting people up and moving. Rock & Roll has no age limit and the boys in Electric Blue can still show the “youngsters” how to rock the house and get the dance floor thumpin! These guys are the Heart of Rock & Roll with a little soul thrown in.

Article and photos by:Andy Ziehli

15

Fats Kaplin He Plays a Bunch of Different Instruments

I

t is extremely rare in the Americana/Country music world to hear someone called a virtuoso on one instrument let alone four or more, but Fats Kaplin is one.

Fats, though not a household word unless you live at our house is a multi-instrumentalist, entertainer, and gentleman. His trademark thick long silver hair always shines under the glare of the stage lights.

The music that flows from his fiddle, guitar, banjo, steel guitar, mandolin, or tin whistle is a huge part of the sound that Kane Welch Kaplin brings forth in their shows.

I talked to Fats in April about his music, early gypsy life, and where he is headed today. The conversation was wonderfully pleasant, and filled with bouts of laughter as he readily told road stories.

AG: I see you survived the tornadoes over the weekend?

Kaplin: Yea they were in Murfreesboro which is a little south of where I live.

AG: What started you out in music?

Kaplin: I grew up in Manhattan. My beginnings started out in the Folk scene that was going on in New York/Greenwich Village in the early 60’s. My Uncle Tom was a very influential person in my life and played banjo and flute. So I started playing banjo when I was about 10 years old.

Within about a year of my learning the banjo I started watching Pete Seeger on Public TV and his show Rainbow Quest. He would bring on different Folk artists every week. Well one week he brought on his brothers band The New Lost City Ramblers. They were young men at the time, and they wore white shirts with sleeve garters and played old time string band music. I just flipped out and thought it was the greatest music I had ever heard. They were so authentic, just like the records I had heard of that old style of music with fiddle, guitar, and banjo. I went and got myself a cheap fiddle and taught myself to play. I went and found a couple of their records at the New York City library and then discovered all the great folk recordings that were also there. These were mostly all 78’s. That’s how I taught myself to play. I stayed away from Bluegrass because it was too modern for me. I just spent the time and taught myself how to

16

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

Kaplin: When you are a kid you don’t know if it is hard, you just do it. I would find a book every once in awhile, but they were not great learning aids. I just listened and was able to do it. I listened to records, which is the way everybody did it forever before the computer came along. Later on in my life when I was in my twenties and had been playing professionally for awhile I went to a Violin teacher. I brushed up on a lot of skills I did not have because I was self taught.

Kaplin: I picked up the steel much later in my life. I started playing steel in my midtwenties. A friend had a cheap student model in his basement so I borrowed it and started goofing around on it. I started listening to old Ray Price, Buck Owens, and country music and really got into it. I wound up playing it a month or so and then took it on stage. I’m sure it sounded just terrible, but they let me continue doing so. Now I play it in Pure Prairie League.

P Y T I N U

I was very fortunate to be able to do so.

Nashville was very embracing at the time. I have been very fortunate to have done well within this great music community. I never had to really struggle here.

AG: So you have been a musician your whole life? Have you ever worked any other jobs?

Kaplin: I have been a musician my whole life. The only other job I have ever had was as a Crap dealer in Las Vegas in the mid 1970’s. I also dappled as a semi-pro poker player. I did that for a couple years and then gave it all up for music! (Laughs very hardily) AG: When you came to Nashville did you

LAYERS

continued on page 31

PR E S NT SE

AG: When did you pickup the steel guitar?

Kaplin: I left New York City in the early 90’s after meeting Kevin Welch in the Swiss Alps at a Country Music festival. I was playing with the Tom Russell Band out of New York which was my main band that I played with.

Anyway Kevin, Mike Henderson, and I started talking. Mike had seen me playing with Roy Bookbinder when he was going to college. I had been playing with Roy since I was 17 years old. Well a couple of months went by and Kevin came to New York and played a show. I went down and sat in with the band. The Tom Russell Band had broken up and I was ready to try something new.

Kevin called me out of the blue and asked me to join a new band he was putting together in Nashville. In the Fall I moved to Nashville and went right into working because of Kevin’s notoriety and connections.

M

AG: You seem to have a klatch for being able to pickup an instrument and play it. Is it as easy as it seems for you, or do you have to work at it?

going and/or meeting people to play with?

COM

play. I wasn’t aware of the size of the Folk Scene and all the festivals that were going on then, because I was just a kid. I was just trying to get back to my roots. My mother’s parents came from South Carolina, but did not play or live this music. I never played Rock & Roll music growing up. I just played String Band, Early Jazz, and Blues.

AG: Did you find it hard to coordinate your hands and feet when you first started on the steel?

Kaplin: No not really. Pedal Steel is a weird instrument. I equate it to driving a piece of heavy machinery or a semi. You just don’t think about it you just do it. I was just playing the steel when you called, which is odd because I generally don’t play it much here.

I generally play the guitar or other instruments that you can walk around the house with. I have also played the tin whistle, harmonica, and other strange instruments as needed on records and live.

AG: My first exposure to you was with the Dead Reckoners? I even modeled a songwriting group I had after you guys. Was it a fulfilling time for you?

Kaplin: Yes it was. Dead Reckoning was a group of good friends that had a hoot playing together. What I am doing now with Kane Welch Kaplin and working with my wife Kristi Rose is more fulfilling and focused which makes for good music. I think the best stuff is the material that I am doing now. I am still writing and recording my own stuff, but that is fulfilling in a different way.

AG: When you moved to Nashville you were older than most people who take the leap.

Did you find it harder to get something w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

Written by Dale Wasserman Music by Mitch Leigh Lyrics by Joe Darion

July 24, 25, 26 & 31 & August 1 & 2 at the Richand Center High School Auditorium Friday & Saturday Performances at 7:30 PM; Sunday Performance at 1:30 PM Tickets $12.00 Adults; $6.00 Children under 12 years 17

The inner battle between familiarity and originality W

hat makes you like a song or an artist, and your friends wonder how you could like that junk? What is it that grabs you and won’t let go?

What is missing in an awful lot of music being released today? I think that it can be broken down to a couple of things.

First it’s the thing that all songwriters strive to come up with when they write a song, and that is the hook. The hook is that thing that grabs you and drags you into the song. Sometimes it’s the chorus.

Again it can be the instrumental ditty at the end of each line that catches your ear and connects to your heart. It’s the first few notes of the song that makes you turn your head or start tapping your foot. The hook is the money maker of the song.

You could write the world’s best song musically or lyrically, but if it does not have a hook it won’t sell.

The next thing that helps to sell songs is familiarity. Humans copy everything and anything that works for another human. If you don’t believe this just think back to fishing as a kid. As soon as someone got a bite or better yet caught a fish you tossed your line in the exact same place and or switched to the exact same bait. It is proven everyday in music. Boy bands,cowboy hats,tight jeans, blonde female singers, patriotism, you get the picture. We like, no, love things that are familiar. That is why cover bands are so popular in this area. We want to hear what we already know because it is comfortable and does not take any energy to enjoy it.

Ninety-nine percent of all top 40 songs today all sound the same. They are recorded by the same musicians, in the same studios, by the same engineers. When someone does make a change the others like lemmings are eager to follow.

Which brings me to what is missing in most music today, and that is passion and originality.

Let’s talk about originality. Now after all these years it is hard to be truly original. There are only 12 notes so it’s safe to say you are going to play something somebody already has. The thing that you can do though is give it a different spin or frame to look at it in. In today’s music world original means something that you have created not copied or covered from another artist, band, or writer. It’s your version of the truth!

We have it all wrong here in Wisconsin. We reward people for copying others by paying them outrages sums of money and hobbling people who write their own music by paying them very little or not at all. Sure cover bands bring in dollars, and that’s what club owners want. Original artists

bring in their friends and families and little or no money so they are stuck playing small venues where their songs never really see the light of day.

An occupational hazard? If so why is it not this way in industry or technology where innovation is rewarded? The arts in all of their forms are generally not rewarded if they go off on their own and challenge the status quo. It is familiarity that brings people to gallery openings, book signings, and music venues. If an artist or musician does create something completely new and innovative and has some success then others jump on the bandwagon, and the true originality is lost in the crowd.

Passion is the other item that is missing in a lot of today’s music. Passion is what drives most artists and musicians to create in the first place. Money is what takes over and drives the train after awhile.

When I listen to music today and compare it to the songs of the past I don’t hear in most cases the passion that was present in those earlier times. A friend of mine said that is because I listen with dinosaur ears. I don’t agree with that. When I listen to Hank Williams or Johnny Cash I feel the hurt or joy in the song. I don’t get that same feeling in a Keith Urban or Kenny Chesney song. Don’t get me wrong they are both talented musicians and artists, but their songs really lack depth. Their songs are “manufactured” to make money, not songs written to express the feelings of the writer. That’s the passion that is missing. Gram Parsons was not a great singer by any definition but he could write and sing his songs with passion. He brought that passion to the cover songs he sang too. They say that he could make people cry when he sang a George Jones song at the Palomino Club. That’s passion!

So how do we get it back in today’s music?

Write with your heart, not your pocket book in mind. If a song touches your heart and you deliver it with true passion chances are others will receive it the same way. Be true to your audience when writing. Don’t try to sell them a load of crap. Present them an honest heartfelt song that they can really become part of. Make them feel that they have ownership in it because they have lived it too.

Mostly look at your songwriting and performing career as a long journey not a short trip. People who are successful songwriters and performers would be doing it for free in most cases. It is their life.

They live to create and share their music anyway they can. Passion drives them;it needs to drive you too. That does not mean you should not try to make a living being an artist or musician, just keep the passion burning in your soul so you don’t become a line worker in a music manufacturing factory.

And a girl's fancy turns to...

Road Trip!!

NOW WE KNOW WHERE SHE’S BEEN…KATHY MATTEA THAT IS I had interviewed Kathy Mattea a few issues back. I checked in with her to see what she has been up to lately and here you go….

Kathy's highly successful "Moving Mountains" Tour rolls on into 2009 in support of her latest release, "COAL". Many of the Spring concerts were combined with her multi-media educational program, "My Coal Journey", in cooperation with the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, which sponsors the presentations on campuses and in theaters to reach and engage local communities.

And speaking of speaking.... Kathy has been invited to address several divergent groups in the coming months: her now annual "Finding Your Path" talk in Nashville with visiting students from Boston's Berklee College of Music, the keynote address for the Pennsylvania Arts Presenters conference, held this year in Pittsburgh, and the commencement address for students, faculty, and alumni of the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, scene of some exciting research into geothermal energy capture and use. (Not to mention that Dr. Mattea will finally get to wear her "PhD Outfit" when she gives the address!)

What a busy lady!

Check out her tour schedule @ www.mattea.com .

Love the mountains?

Make plans to attend and support!

"MOUNTAIN AID" Saturday, June 20, 2009.

In beautiful Shakori Hills, NC! Kathy host an eclectic lineup of music, including Ben Sollee, Donna the Buffalo and the Sim Redmond Band.

We’re raising awareness and funds to keep those mountaintops where they belong... on top!

For more information, go to: www.mtnaid.com By: Joyce Ziehli Info supplied from Kathy Mattea

Written by: Andy Ziehli

18

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

cd release party

CRYSTAL CORNER BAR aaron williams and the hoodoo Were you there? If not you should have been. On April 25th Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo released their first full length album entitled,“IT AIN’T EASY”. The party was held at The Crystal Corner Bar in Madison, which in itself is filled with a lot of great musical history. But that’s another story!

Now besides Aaron being a staff writer of this magazine, he is a great friend. I asked Aaron to share some thoughts with me about his big debut. Williams shared, “oddly enough it was at the Crystal Corner Bar that I saw Popa Chubby, one of my blues guitar idols, and I saw him on that exact same stage I played. After seeing him I knew music is what I wanted to do. Popa had his amp cranked and he was just going balls to the wall. It was great.” Aaron continued, “It is so cool to have my first CD come out and to be able to play our CD release party at the same place and on the same stage as him!”

The crowd was body to body, with almost 200 people crammed into the place. The opening act was a band called King Cruiser who is based out of Madison as well. A fine job they did, and with the crowd all warmed up Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo played all of their songs from the new CD and then threw in some choice covers as well.

cd review... continued from page 11

bleeds authentic Country Music. It’s funny because the Canadian Sadies have more authenticity in their sound than most Country artists from the US. They excel in capturing the meter, feel, tone, and sound of what Country Music used to be. It’s a pity that you won’t hear this being played on any local or national Country Music FM radio stations.

Other outstanding cuts include A Fool Such as I, I Still Miss Someone, Take these Chains from my Heart, and Detroit City. This CD is all covers, but that does not mean that they are played like the original. These songs all ring true with new breath and style. They are close enough that you recognize them, but yet upgraded to make you appreciate Doe’s styling and the Sadies picking.

Go out and buy this CD (you’ll have to go on-line to probably get it because no Wisconsin Outlets will carry anything this cool). I love this CD and it stays in my rotation all the time. This CD is some great back porch patio hanging out Saturday barbeque music. John Doe and The Sadies hit a long ball with this one. True honest Americana/Country we should all be proud of.

Review by: Andy Ziehli

Scott Miller ♪♪♪♪ ½ For Crying Out Loud F.A.Y. Recording

If you know anything about Aaron or you have seen Aaron Williams, you are well aware of his infamous Fedora hat. It is kind of a trademark for him. Leave it up to the crowd,about 20 of his loyal fans wandered through the crowd wearing Fedora hats. It was quite the site and what a tribute to Aaron! The crowd apparently wanted to start an Aaron Williams hat club. (Sorry Aaron, I left mine home in the closet that night.)

Aaron’s whole family was in attendance,including his father who has recently been experiencing some health problems. “Dad didn’t play, but he was boogieing all night long,”Aaron happily stated.

From my chat with Aaron, I wondered what more would he want, great fans and friends, great music, supportive family,great club atmosphere,did I mention great music; it was an overall wonderful night. Oh yea,Aaron asked me to remind you to please buy his new CD – “It Ain’t Easy”. For more information on Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo or to purchase his CD please visit his website @ www.aaronwilliamsandthehoodoo.com.

Listed below are some places where you can check him out:

June 11 2009 Jun 12 2009 Jun 13 2009 Jun 19 2009 Jun 20 2009 Jun 21 2009 Jun 25 2009 Jun 27 2009

9:00P The Brink • Madison, Wisconsin 9:00P Intermissions • Wausau, Wisconsin 7:00P Newport Shores • Port Washington, Wisconsin 9:00P Nashotah Clubhouse • Nashotah, Wisconsin 4:00P Madison Blues Society Picnic- Warner Park • Madison, Wisconsin 4:00P The Iron Horse Saloon • Savannah, Illinois 9:00P The Brink • Madison, Wisconsin 9:00P Some Place Else Bar • Marshfield, Wisconsin

Jul 9 2009 Jul 11 2009 Jul 12 2009 Jul 16 2009 Jul 21 2009 Jul 23 2009 Jul 24 2009 Jul 26 2009 Jul 31 2009

9:00P The Brink • Madison, Wisconsin 3:00P Private Party • Madison, Wisconsin 1:00P TBA • Madison, Wisconsin 7:00P Milwaukee Ale House • Milwaukee, Wisconsin 12:00P Lunch Time Live- Capitol Square • Madison, Wisconsin 9:00P The Brink • Madison, Wisconsin 9:00P Malarkeys • Wausau, Wisconsin 4:00P The Iron Horse Saloon • Savannah, Illinois 8:00P Piggys Blues Lounge • LaCrosse, Wisconsin

Written by: Joyce Ziehli Photos supplied.

Style: Americana, Alt-Country, Rock & Roll Hold the presses!!! This is the template that any aspiring artist should follow when recording an album. God I love this CD. This is one of the very best CD’s I have ever heard! It is full of character, unbelievably well written songs, and punch. Did I say how much I love this CD.?

Scott Miller has been around for a few years trying to break on through as an artist. Staff writer of the Americana Gazette Jim Smith has been touting Millers musicianship for a long time to me and anyone who would listen. This is my first exposure to Miller and his music and it ROCKS!!! There is not a bad song on this CD. Miller weaves in and out of Americana, Blues, and good old Rock & Roll to make this a joy to listen to. continued on page 29

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

19

Swing Baby, Swing!

The old adage of“like attracts like”,holds true for the members of the Ditty Bops. “Abby grew up with a lot of music around her and the great outdoors,” says Amanda. “For me, my mom (Ruth Barrett a very talented fretted dulcimer player who will open the Ditty Bops show in Madison at the BarrymoreTheater on June 17) was always playing music and my dad was always clowning around. He’s been a professional clown my whole life and was always juggling, eating fire or practicing tight rope or miming”.

With a home life so full of free spirits it’s no wonder the Ditty Bops feel free to express themselves in any way they please.

When I asked Abby if she enjoyed making music in reality, as much as she perhaps dreamed of making music when she was younger, her reply flows along the lines of unbound thinking. “I don’t have dreams or goals. I just make stuff. Drawings, songs, food, or learn stuff like juggling. It’s hard to disappoint yourself when you don’t set yourself up for anything”. While that mindset may on the outset sound misdirected, it clearly speaks of the moment to moment exploration that allows these two amazing women to create and then express themselves so passionately.

I

Western Swing, Ragtime, Gypsy infused Jazz,Vaudeville, all ways to describe the refreshing sounds of The Ditty Bops. The Washington Post calls them “tunefully disarming and unapologetically out of sync with the times”. Billboard says “The Ditty Bops are a breath of fresh air”.

Newsweek states “The Bops are adventurous, spirited hybridizers,layering plinky dulcimer, mandolin and guitar under jaunty harmonies”. Plinky, jaunty and a little strange are things that come to mind when one gets their first taste of The Ditty Bops.

Amanda Barrett (vocals and mandolin) and Abby DeWald (vocals and guitar) found each other when Abby was 20 years old and Amanda 19. After spending time going out together they began what is The Ditty Bops, four years later. Like other duo musical combinations, Abby and Amanda each bring something unique to the song crafting process. The vocal style is very complimentary to the music that supports it. Both voice and music are a throwback to a sound of the 40’s & 50’s. It’s not the music that you would have heard on the radio perhaps but more in the clubs and music halls where there was a bit more action going on. The piano rips fast melodies and without even trying your mind’s eye is filled with dancing on the bar, skirts hiked up and from underneath legs kicking a high step, and the then fashionable cigarette smoke in the air. It is the wonderful combination of music, theater and adventure that assures everyone will have a good time.

The lyrics create abstract visuals allowing the music to take you away and then give you something interesting to consider while on the journey.

The best part is many of their fans are being introduced to a style of music that would have been enjoyed by their grandparents and are gaining an appreciation for where modern music evolved

20

from. While this may not be a conscious choice of the girls, it is a wonderful byproduct of the music they produce.

The Ditty Bops reside on the West coast and in addition to making music are involved in many other creative projects. “We like to do visual art and write stories and make videos and go on long walks and bike rides and eat yummy food,” says Amanda.

“We’re interested in all of these things, and we continue to do those things while maintaining our musical career.” In addition to all the personal interaction with nature and music, the girls have their sights set firmly looking forward. “We’ve just started the ‘Amanda Barrett and Abby DeWald Music & Art Collective’and we’ll be releasing lots of new music and books in the near future.” The Ditty Bops newest CD “Song’s For Steve” is the collective’s first release. Recorded in their living room “Song’s For Steve” was a labor of love. “Between the construction across the street and the neighbors and the crickets, it was a challenge to find quiet time to record,” offers Amanda. “We went with the crickets.”

Long bike rides indeed! In 2006 an unorthodox method of promotion and awareness found the Bops riding their bicycles from Los Angeles to New York in four months. An amazing feat in itself, the bike trek also included 40 amazing performances along the way. Wanting to bring attention to the need for clean air and to support their love of bicycling, the Bops decided to put their passion into action. For their effortsThe Ditty Bops were named one of Billboard Magazine’s Top Ten Green Bands and also were recognized by the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition and were presented the “Roll Model” award. The reality of being “exhausted physically and mentally” did show up for the duo by the end of the tour. “It’s amazing to me we pulled it off,” says Abby.

It is precisely that background that makes listening to any Ditty Bops recording a real treat. It feels authentic from beginning to end with hints of doing things their own way throughout. The first two Ditty Bops releases “The Ditty Bops” and “Moon Over The Freeway” were released on Warner Brothers Records. They are now recording as independent artists and with their environmental passion and creative art vision leading them,The Ditty Bops were nominated for a 2009 Grammy Award for the pop-up packaging of the CD “Summer Rain.” The award nomination is proof that their decision to become independent artists was the right move. Abby, being reflective and humble had this to say of the nomination experience,“We appreciate the nomination from the Grammy committee but in light of what all is awarded in other categories it really makes me wonder why I should pat myself on the back. There are amazing musicians out there in the world going unnoticed and unawarded, and they should feel good for bringing truth to the world of music.”

It is my hope that the future is kind to Abby and Amanda. After receiving their responses to my questions via E-mail, I just wanted to make stuff!

The energy that is transmitted from the artistic center of these two women is infectious. It’s encouraging to me that when our world is in a place of much transition;there is music out there to support the ongoing need for thinking outside of the box.

You can see for yourself what all the fuss is about. The Ditty Bops will be in Madison,Wisconsin, for a one night show at the historic Barrymore Theater on June 17th. Doors open at 6:30, and the show at 7:30. Tickets are available at all Barrymore ticket outlets and are on sale now.

Written by: Jim Smith

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

THE LADY IN THE JUKE BOX T

he 1937 City Directory of Madison,WI lists two men with the name of John Linden. One is a minister and one is a bartender. The bartender was my grandfather. In my recollection he really looked the part. He always wore a white shirt and a tie.He sometimes wore sleeve garters.He smoked cigarettes and cigars. In all the time that I knew him he never owned a car. He must have walked to work each day and when it came time for him to go home someone must have given him a ride.

He worked in a bar at a hotel near the railroad depots of the Milwaukee Road and Illinois Central railroads.The name of the hotel was the Washington Hotel because it faced West Washington Ave. It

catered to local trade, railroad workers, and people waiting for the next train. It was a place to cash your checks on payday. As a kid I would get to visit my grandpa at the bar with my dad. He would sometimes stop and visit if we were in the neighborhood. This was during the 1940’s.

nesses in Madison, usually taverns and restaurants.

After I had consumed my bottle of orange soda and bag of salted peanuts I would always get a nickel for the jukebox from the owner of the bar whose name was Max.

I also learned that Mr. Silvera was known as the man with 10,000 records. His collection consisted mostly of big bands, and was all original recordings.

Most of the bands he knew personally.In the 1950’s Mr. Silvera left Madison and went back to California.

This jukebox was very different from the jukeboxes of today. There was always a fine selection of music to choose from, all for a nickel a song.The thing I remember most about this jukebox is that it was a talking jukebox.I would put the nickel in the machine and a lady’s voice would ask for my selection. For quite some time I wondered how that lady got in that machine. I must have had a strange look on my face when the lady responded to my request and talked to me because Max and my grandpa would always laugh.

Several years later, when I was an adult, I found out just how this lady knew how to play the song I requested. The jukebox was owned and operated by a Mr. and Mrs. Ed Silvera.The voice I heard was that of Mrs. Silvera or one of her many female employees. They had their office over a store on the other side of the city. They had somewhere between 50 and 100 turntables in their studio, each connected by telephone lines to as many busi-

When you dropped the nickel in the jukebox and you made your request, they would then put the (78rpm) record on the turntable, and you would hear it at the place of business.

In February of 1996 the Washington Hotel had a fire and burned. By this time there were no more passenger trains running and the clientele had changed a lot. It became a club of some sorts, and was frequented by the U.W. students in the area.

Quite different from the days when my grandpa was a bartender.

My grandpa died in 1948 and I do not remember when his career ended at the Washington Hotel Bar, but the one true thing I will always remember are the many visits I made with my dad to see my grandpa at work and talking to the lady in the jukebox.

Written by: Rosemary Ziehli

LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES! H

ow I love the sound of those words: LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES. I can not remember when I first heard those words, but once I did I knew immediately it was something that made me happy, and I could not wait until the next time I heard those words.

My father was a farmer and for a time he was a “hired man”. My mother was a housewife which meant if your husband was a“hired man”that you were expected to help out with the farming, meaning chores and all. For a short time my dad ran a feed mill that went from farm to farm grinding grain into animal food. At the time I often stayed with my grandmother on her farm. On Saturday nights we would usually go into Belleville for the free movies. That is where I got my first taste of movies. I know that I searched the sky all day long each Saturday hoping against hope that some dark clouds or even worse thunderheads were not appearing in the sky around the evening milking time.

Grandma did not like storms and any sign of a possibility of one meant we did not go to the movies. If I heard the distant sound of thunder on those Saturdays, my heart would drop, for I was in fear the thunder would soon be louder and grandma would hear it and tell us we were not going to the movies that night. The actual start of the movie talk began when the local paper came out on Thursday announcing the name of that week’s movie. To me they seemed to often be war movies (this was right after WWII) or cowboy films. Cowboy movies were not a favorite of mine, but, hey, any movie is better than no movie.

Off we would go once the chores were done, folding stool in hand. I remember she had these canvas stools with no back that we sat on in Library Park.

They were not comfortable and had no back support. Some of us would sit on a blanket nearby those stools. The ground felt lumpy and uncomfortable, too, but I was at the movies. I know a Belleville man sold ice cream bars on the corner near the public drinking fountain. We were usually given the nickel to go buy ourselves one of those special treats.

Some time in the winter before my sixth birthday, my dad answered an ad in the paper for a “hired man and housewife” team. A farmer west of Columbus needed such a couple. The man was to run the farm and the woman to run the house for him. The owner would live downstairs and his hired help would live upstairs. My dad was to care for the crops and the farm animals, and my mother was to cook and clean and do the laundry and baking for the owner.

Once we moved there we found out he had many rules that we were to follow or else we should leave: No radio, no use of electric lights except to use while getting ready for bed and for the time you got up in the morning before you began your chores. Children were not to be heard. He rationed food the hired help and family would have. His cash crop was peas. My dad had to work hard getting the peas in at the right time so they would be ripe when the pea harvesters were in the area. Once the harvesting began my dad was expected to be awake and working for 24 hours at a time until the harvesting was done. My mother was to have meals ready at any time of those hours when the harvesters were able to eat. But our family soon discovered how mean the owner was, and it was very easy for him to throw in new rules whenever he wanted.

One thing he did not control was the time after evening chores and the time morning chores began. Thus we escaped his rules and regulations by going to nearby towns each night of the week to attend the outdoor movie each town had. No matter how big or small each little hamlet had a night where they offered free movies. The local merchants sponsored them. Because we were hungry due to the rationing of our food, we would buy a loaf bread and a few slices of cold meat and enjoy sandwiches while sitting in the car enjoying the movies. But those nights were so magical for me. The stars of the movies looked big up on that screen, and I loved the lives those stars lived up on those screens for me each night I was in attendance.

We lived on that farm for about a year before moving to a farm near Brooklyn. It was there that I discovered movies in a movie theater. We were close to Evansville and New Glarus, and each town had a theater. The New Glarus Theater was a brand new building. Now going to the movies then was a bit difcontinued on page 25

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

21

Area Musicians are honored, and a chance for the World to see just how good and how serious you take your music.

Living Proof of why Madison’s Music Scene is not taken seriously outside of Madison

A

s I went to go into the Barrymore Theater Saturday May 9, 2009 to attend the MAMA’s Award show I was met by Art Paul Schlossler who was hell bent on playing me a song even though I did not want to hear one.

He proceeded to play me the Peanut Butter Sandwich Song. I did not like it. A friend of mine who was also standing outside said it was the 5th time he had heard it that night.

Schlosser who some think is a Madison treasure did not impress me nor did his music, so that‘s why I was shocked when he won two MAMA’s. I could not believe that he was the BEST Madison could muster. I have heard wonderfully talented musicians play that never get the recognition that Schlosser gets.

I thought no wonder Madison is not taken seriously as a vibrate music community by the outside world.

Now all you Daily Page junkies don’t start tearing me apart until you read the whole article. I know you’ll say I’m out of touch, or I don’t get the beauty of a Street Musician like Schlossler, or better yet that I don’t live in Madison so my opinion does not really count!

The point I am trying to get across is that if you want to be taken seriously and treated like a professional you have to act, dress, and work like a professional. The behavior of a couple of the award winners Saturday night, their dress, and their vocalizations into the

mics was juvenile, totally unprofessional, and disrespectful to the rest of the performers and attendees who treated this event like the professional show that it was meant to be. Guys, paint stained pants, dirty t-shirts, and incomprehensible vocal mutterazations goes a long way in showing that you are not ready for the “big time” anytime soon.

Professionals walk the walk and talk the talk. They show up ready to work, dressed accordingly, and perform at 110%. They don’t saunter on stage wearing the sloppiest cloths they can find, act like they had never been in front of people before, and certainly don’t give acceptance speeches uttering words that sound like Pig Latin. Now there were fine examples of true professionalism Saturday evening too. Queenie and the Blue Cats acceptance speech was wonderful, and Queenie looked elegant. Rising Gaels stage performance was unbelievable. Clyde and his band were professional and looked great under the lights. Lucha Libre was dressed to the nines and had excellent stage presence. Tracy Jane Comer was stunning in her blue gown. Katijusa Cisar was also dressed very nicely and carried herself well on the stage. The point I’m trying to make here is that the MAMA’s is a special night that deems special behavior and professionalism. It is not a bar job (though you should be professional at them too) where you are playing for your buds, but an evening where the Best of the Madison

The MAMA’ S 2009 Award Show

Record companies, agents, etc look for a lot of different things when they sign an artist.

The old days of being grubby, loud, and having an attitude are long gone. There is a new “sheriff” in town, and its called “recession”!

Money does not f low freely anymore, and these large and even small music organizations do not have the money or time to waste on a group or artist who does not take themselves serious enough to dress and act professional. I’m not saying you need to rent a tux, but come on guys a sport coat, vest, clean shirt, nice untorn jeans could go a long way in getting the right kind of attention you want from the powers to be. Today image is almost more important than your music if you want to be noticed. You work hard on your music to make it the best you can. Shouldn’t you do the same on your stage presence and appearance? Madison prides itself on being unique and different. So be different than the rest by taking the time and effort to have the “whole” package when playing your music; dress, manners, professionalism, talent, skill, and humility. That‘s what makes a star.

So if you want to crucify me on the Daily Page go right ahead. If you don’t agree with me email me and let me know why. But if you really are honest with yourselves I think you’ll find that I wrote the truth. It is important to be yourself and express yourself. It is also important to be truthful with yourself. If you are not getting where you think you should be or want to be in your music career think about what I have written and maybe give it a try. You might be surprised.

Andy Ziehli Senior Editor

F

irst let me say that the MAMA’s are a fantastic organization that gets real musical instruments into the hands of kids who would not have a chance in hell getting them any other way. Rick Tvedt who is the Executive Director and who started the MAMA’s is one of the most giving people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. With Roy Elkins and a superb board of directors the MAMA’s have begun to make a huge difference in the lives of kids throughout Dane County. This year’s show was a huge success. It featured many different acts that kept the large crowd entertained the whole evening.

The evening was hosted by Jon Urban who always does a great job. His wit and candor with the audience is a treat to witness each year. Urban who hosts The Urban Theater on MYTV Channel 14 is another great boaster in local music. Tied with Tvedt and Elkins (Broadjam) this trio is a juggernaut of clout and style that is helping to make the local music scene and acts into more professional entities. Madison is blessed with many fine talented artists and musicians and the MAMA’s is a way to recognize them.

The show is professionally done. No amateur production here. From the sound and lights to the awards continued on page 23

22

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

“what’s marty stuart been up to?”

WHY "THE MARTY STUART SHOW" OF COURSE NorthStar Studios, home of RFD-TV. The 30-minute episodes, hosted and produced by Stuart, were a part of RFD-TV’s new Sunday night prime time lineup with HEE HAW, Postcards From Nebraska, and Music & Motors. Each show featured music by Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, as well as his wife Country Queen Connie Smith and performance segments from the best that country music and American music has to offer. Radio personality Eddie Stubbs served as the show’s announcer and Stuart’s sidekick on every episode.

I

tried to set up an interview with Marty Stuart, but unfortunately his schedule would not allow for that at this time. Hopefully in the near future we can make a connection. I was able to speak with his publicist, MariaElena Orbea to find out what he has been up to and this is what she had to share:

“I wanted to establish a show that gives a voice and stage to traditional country music,” explains Stuart. “This show is about authenticity…from the artists who visit us in the studio every week to the people watching at home in America who enjoy watching weekly shows like The Porter Wagoner Show, The Wilburn Brothers and Flatt and Scruggs. This show will be related to that style of programming and hopefully entertain Country Fans in a similar way”

NASHVILLE, TN – Country Music Icon Marty Stuart premiered his new television series The Marty Stuart Show this past November starting with 26 episodes airing Sunday nights on RFD-TV. The Marty Stuart Show began production in September at Nashville’s

ond photography book Country Music: The Masters. Chicago’s Source Books published the 342 page collection that includes Stuart’s personal photos of friends including Johnny Cash,Waylon Jennings, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Ray Charles and more. The book’s forward is written by long-time pal and country music fan Billy Bob Thornton.

For more information on what Marty is up to visit www.martystuart.net.

Article by: Joyce Ziehli

PARTY ON THE PATIO 2009

The four-time GRAMMY winner also released his sec-

the mama’s... continued from page 22

themselves this is a first class show. Local acts perform and also hand out the awards. It is a true community event. The staff at the Barrymore does a fine job in keeping the lobby open and the refreshments flowing. Steve and his staff deserve a round of applause for the work they do. All the volunteers who put in a huge amount of time and effort also deserve a huge hand.

The highlights of the evening included a spellbinding performance by Rising Gael. These folks are incredible and deserve more local and national attention. A rousing intro number by Clyde Stubbelfield and his band with two great vocal performances by Bill Roberts and Sarah Hastings, and the surprise string concert by a large group of very very talented kids led by Bonnie Greene as a gift to Marvin J. Rabin for wining the Lifetime Achievement Award. This was a truly wonderful part of the show.

All the winners can be found at themamas.org. I encourage you to check them out and make a contribution to the MAMA’s either monetarily or by giving them that old instrument you have stashed in the closet or corner that you know you will never pickup and play again. Let a child get the joy from it like you did when you first played. Music is the one thing that “the Man” can never take from you. Let it be the one thing you pass on.

Article and photos by: Andy Ziehli

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

Live music continues on Sundays at the Fat Cat Coffee Works in New Glarus. These concerts are held every Sunday from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. June 7th through September 6, 2009. When Mother Nature permits, the entertainment is held out on the patio. In case of rain the show will be held inside at the Fat Cat. Listed below is the schedule of entertainment and the dates. See you there!

Date June 7 June 14 June 21 June 28 July 5 July 12 July 19 July 26 August 2 August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30 September 6

11:00 - 12:00 Kaia Fowler Laura Chan DWI Amber, Doug & Mark Marc & Tony DWI Rob Kosmeder Jug Prairie Mark Gruenenfelder Aaron Williams Matt Belknap Jessi Lynn Beth Kille Jug Prairie

12:00 -1:00 Bob King Matt Belknap DWI Amber, Doug & Mark Marc & Tony DWI Bob King Jug Prairie Sies Brothers Laura Chan Marc Barnaby Jessi Lynn Beth Kille Jug Prairie

23

INDEPENDENT, but dependent on YOU! I

f you're reading this, then you're a fan of independent music. Most music that is made in the world is "independent," but the funny thing is,most of the music you hear on the radio or read about in the big music publications isn't. It's made by artists who are signed to record deals on major labels, labels owned by the biggest entertainment corporations in the world.And the truth is, the music that comes out of those big corporations is,by and large, not as good as independent music. Not as heartfelt, not as soulful, not as passionate.

If you're on a major label, then you are an employee of Viacom or Seagram's or SonyBMG. You have to create something that these companies think they can sell.They sell it by getting it on the radio and getting it onto soundtracks of movies made by studios they own.They get their releases reviewed in Rolling Stone and other major outlets.

They've got the cash to buy big ads in those magazines, and they've got the cash to sponsor big radio station concerts and festivals.Their job is to make back the company's investment in an artist.That's it.

An independent musician makes music that he wants to make.There's no pressure from EMI's accounting office to be huge.There's only the pressure to stay true to the creative muse. And then the hard part begins: getting the music out there in the world to be heard.

And that's where you come in. You, who are reading these words in an independent publication, devoted to independent music.You are the most important person to someone like me, someone who writes his own songs,records them in a studio up the street, releases them on my own label, and goes out on the road to play them for whoever will show up to listen.

I love it that you care enough about music to read articles about obscure musicians from East Nashville, and that you just might go searching for the music.... on iTunes, or CDBaby, or Amazon, or even a record store (though independents aren't doing too well there these days). If I'm lucky, you'll hear something you like, and you'll want more.

You'll come see a live show.You'll burn a CD for a friend,saying,"here's something you've never heard before and I think you're going to like it." You'll go to a website you've never been to before and listen

to some new demos posted by the new artist you've discovered. You've got a passion for this stuff, and that's why you're reading these words now.

I've got that passion too, and that's why I recognize it in you. I also recognize it in Joyce and Andy Ziehli. How lucky it is for musicians like me that these two passionate music fans have created The Americana Gazette! How lucky YOU are, Dear Reader, that Joyce and Andy took it upon themselves to create this publication,so as to shine some light on music they love. It's an incredibly difficult undertaking, producing a newspaper. So let's not take it for granted. Let's support the Ziehli's in this endeavor, and let's support the music that they're passionate about.Trust them. It's good stuff.

--- Eric Brace (Eric is a former music writer for The Washington Post. He currently lives in East Nashville, where he runs Red Beet Records with his wife Mary Ann Werner. He also leads the band Last Train Home and is one half of a duo with Peter Cooper)

THE VOICE OF PETER COOPER DIRECT FROM EAST NASHVILLE I first came to Wisconsin not as a musician but as a football fan.

My brother and I wanted to see a game at Lambeau Field, and we couldn’t find a hotel room in Green Bay, so we wound up staying in Sheboygan for the night.There,we found a community of people who wanted nothing more than to drink beer and talk about sports. Felt like home to me. Some of those people became my friends, and I wound up incorporating some of their stories into my songs. I’ve got one called “Sheboygan,” and one called “Elmer, The Dancer,”about Art’s Concertina Bar in Milwaukee.Then there’s“Couple of Lies,” which is about a guy I met in Wisconsin who would like to be transported back to his high school days, when people clapped for him out on the basketball court.

Some of my friends and listeners thought it odd that someone who was raised in South Carolina and who lives in Tennessee would be writing a string of tunes about Badger State happenings. But I try to follow the Tom T. Hall model by going where things are interesting and writing about those things, then singing the resulting songs to anyone who’ll listen. In my case, that meant writing a folk song about a polka bar, which I hope is also a song about the ways that things can change around people who don’t particularly want that change.

24

Anyway, I think Wisconsin is fertile ground.The eastern part of the state has the beautiful lakefront, and the Packers, and a bustling and diverse big city.And in southern Wisconsin, I’ve found a lot of kind people along with some great venues. In the past year,The Americana Gazette has helped to build a discerning and eager audience for the kind of music I’m interested in playing and singing, and that development has been most helpful. It’s a great thing to have a Wisconsin publication that is devoted to uncovering the stories behind some of the most fascinating people I’ve ever come across.Tom T.Hall,Emmylou Harris, Nanci Griffith and Todd Snider appear in these pages, and the Gazette understands and underscores the connection between people like that and Badger Staters like Steve Liethen, Randy Green and Paul Gruenenfelder.

On the short list of wants for any touring musician, you’ll find a nice hotel room, a good place to play and an educated and enthusiastic audience. Green County has had the first two of those things for a long time (not to mention a fantastic brewery and the world’s largest urinal!), and The Gazette has helped to develop a community of music-lovers that seals the deal. In some of my songs, I try to bring Wisconsin to my listeners.What I really wish I could do is bring those listeners to Wisconsin.I think they’d enjoy driving into New Glarus, ordering up a Spotted Cow and thumbing through The Americana Gazette.

Written by: Peter Cooper

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

the movies... continued from page 25

ferent. You went when your schedule let you. You did not worry when the movie began or ended.

You got to the theater, bought your ticket, and sat down and watched the movie from that point on.

When it ended, immediately a news reel and cartoon and coming attractions were shown, and then the movie began again. You stayed in your seat and you only left when the movie once again reached the point you had come in on before. I guess we were smarter then because no one worried about not understating the movie while coming in on the middle or whatever. Today at those big movie complexes they would not let you come in until the start of the next schedule beginning. At 16 a driving license meant I could now drive myself to the movies, and so I began going by back roads to Evansville or New Glarus each week for a movie I wanted to see because I had seen the coming attraction the week before. Sometimes I was lucky enough to go a couple times in a week.

Even now these many years later going to the movies is so special and exciting for me. This past year I made it a point to have seen all the best picture nominations, but now movie going has been even easier. With the arrival of VHS players,I rented

films or got them free through the library system.

Now it is DVDs, and I joined Netflix and get two movies at a time. That means some weeks I see four or more movies at week at my home. We even have a large screen and surround sound. And so I still escape into the world of movies. I still love to hear LET’S GO TO THE MOVES whether it is a trip to a Madison complex or into the den or downstairs to the big screen. I have some favorite movies of all time that I own, and there a few movies that I watch once a year at least. There are two movies that I found so entertaining that I returned the second day to see each again. They were FIELD OF DREAMS and SOME LIKE IT HOT. In those two cases I told myself LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES, and I did just that.

There are certain times I go to the movies simply because a favorite actor is appearing in that one, but I usually have seen reviews or clips of the new movies, and they help me determine if I will go to see them. Some movies I now avoid at theaters and simply wait for the DVD and watch it at home. Anyone else reading this a movie buff? If so LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES. Written by: Bob Hoffman

The Pyramid

A

few years ago I saw a Paul Simon interview on television. He was talking about songwriting and said something so profound it completely changed my approach to lyric writing.

It’s really simple, but a little hard to explain. It goes something like this: a song lyric should develop like an inverted pyramid. “Huh,” you say. That’s right, an inverted pyramid.

Picture your regular old run-of-the-mill pyramid (The Great Pyramid will do). Its base represents your lyric idea. As your lyric develops it starts to form the sides of your pyramid. As the sides rise your lyric idea should be expanding, but the sides of a pyramid don’t expand they contract until they intersect. Thus creating the top of the pyramid. If the sides of your pyramid represent your lyric development they have just met.Your idea has just terminated. Stopped cold. Nowhere left to go. This used to happen to me a lot. But not any more.Now invert your pyramid. Put the point at the bottom.

Your lyric idea is now the point. As your lyric idea develops it again forms the sides of your pyramid, except this time the sides don’t contract, they expand.

This whole pyramid thing is just a way of visualizing what a lyric idea should do. A lyric should expand. Your idea should get bigger, not smaller.

When I feel my lyric choking I check which way my pyramid is pointing. Nine times out of ten it’s going the wrong way.

Here’s a real life example.Recently a song-writer said to me,“I had this great idea for a song, but I could only come up with like, a verse and a half, and now I’m stuck. It just won’t go anywhere.” I said,“Sing it for me.” He took my guitar and played it. It was really good ...for a verse and a half. I said, “It’s great, but I understand your problem.” So I laid the pyramid thing on him. He said,“OK,but I don’t w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

get it.” I said,“What’s your song about?” He said, “Paying taxes.” I said,“OK,you reached deep within yourself and came up with a really good verse and a half about paying taxes.” (Never mind that I once wrote a song about Hawaiian shirts!) He said, “That’s all I could come up with.” I said,“Check your pyramid. It choked off your lyric in one and a half verses. Your idea contracted when it should have been expanding.Your song isn’t about paying taxes.”

“It’s not?” he said.“No,” I said. “It’s about paying.

Keep the one verse about taxes, it’s really good.

Now who else have you had to pay? One verse about money is OK, but what other costs have you paid and for what? This is about your life. Have you paid in precious time, pain, tears, fear, anger, worry, screwed up love? Shot yourself in the foot? Broken marriage, lost child. . . really big stuff. Money is the cheapest thing you have. If you only got a verse and a half out of paying taxes then taxes isn’t your idea. Paying the price is your idea. Again check your pyramid. Which way is it pointing?” I saw his light bulb go on. He got the pyramid.

I realize that was a lot to read for such a simple idea, but I’m 58 years old now. I know 58 is the new 38, but my hips and left knee hurt. Like Taj Mahal sang, “Got the misery and the backache, Babe, and my feet hurt me when I walk.” Amen. I wish I had learned about the pyramid years ago.

Then maybe 38 would be the new 15 and I could have done even more foolish things in my life, become rich, and maybe “my feet wouldn’t hurt me when I walk.”

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LOCAL CARTOONSISTS OBTAIN NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION FOR BOOK New Glarus,WI – May 15, 2009 – Local cartoonists Jim Byrne and Dennis Schmidt have reached an agreement with Independent Publishers Group of Chicago, Illinois to distribute their book of cartoons. The book is called “This End Up – A Cartoon Collection”. This End Up is an off beat single panel cartoon regarding anything from aardvarks to zucchini.The book is writtenby Jim Byrne and Illustrated by Dennis Schmidt, the people who brought you Raspberries GreetingCards.

Byrne hopes to start a rubber chicken ranch with the proceeds and Schmidt intends to pad his giant foam cowboy hat collection.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Jim Byrne at 608-239-5830 Or email jim@thisendupcartoon.com Or visit www.thisendupcartoon.com

Songwriting Demos • Press Kit Demos Full CD’s recorded Bands Welcome Digital recording with old school analog techniques Analog Effects • Pro Tools LE 24 Tracks Alesis HD24 Vintage Keyboards • Vintage Amps

Keep writing! Never stop writing songs!

Rick Harris is a singer/songwriter based in Mineral Point and Milwaukee. (See interview, April/May ‘09 issue of the Gazette.) He has 3 CDs, with a 4th due out this fall.

Great Rates!

313 East Church Street • Belleville, WI 53508

608-424-6300 25

A Conversation

I

t was an unseasonably warm March day when I went to visit local potter and business owner Dan Sullivan of Belleville, WI. I pulled into his driveway and was in complete awe. Stucco Frank Lloyd Wright style house looking out over a pond and marsh, and pottery strategically scattered over the estate. Down another driveway was his workshop/studio, but I was headed to his office. More pottery was to be found on my way to his office all sharing an ancient feel to them. Here and there I found cement work that ordinated the path to his office.The cement work had a modern look to it, it shared that ancient feel. When I finally made it to his office which over looked the pond I had tons of questions about his art.

Where to start I pondered, so I decided to start where most do, the beginning.

AG- So when did the whole pottery thing start for you?

Dan S- High School.We’re talking the 60’s. It was largely due to my high school art teacher Edith Anderson,what a sweetie.We could do anything we wanted to do. If we wanted to work with clay that was cool. When the other kids were doing Art History and color wheels, I was in the back throwing pots, having a heck of a time and whatever I made was cool with her. After that I really didn’t do too much until I settled down in the late 70’s. I made a bunch of functional stuff. I actually made my Winter living off of it. I still get people coming back to me that say,“I had this mug and bowl,and it was just so wonderful and my husband dropped it. Can you make me another one?” I don’t even know if I can make anything small anymore.

AG- Why is that?

Dan S- Well you’ve seen the stuff I make now. It’s all this bigger stuff.

Most people can’t make anything big.

AG- I wasn’t able to take pottery in high school. It always looked so fun, but hard.

Dan S- It is, but it’s a skill that once you get it you have it for life. A lot of potters my age just don’t have the hands anymore. I’m still fine.The only thing is in a line from a song,“With every year that passes, I’m in need of thicker glasses” AG- What influences you to create your art?

with Dan Sullivan 26

Dan S- Do you know of Al Stewart? Time Passages? Year of the Cat? They’re old seventy songs. Al Stewart’s method for songwriting was to try to find ancient melodies. Not many were written down. He did find lots of them, and they would inspire his music.That’s like my interest in Native American culture. It isn’t just Native American culture,it’s an ancient culture.I am also highly influenced by my favorite TV series ever,“The Ascent of Man” by Jacob Bronowski.

That type of program gives you an insight to ancient thought patterns of early man.

AG- What is art to you?

Dan S- What is art? It’s something that pleases you. I can’t think of any other way to describe art, whether it be music, visual art, anything, its something that pleases you. If something revolts you and the artist says“It makes you think because it revolts you”, I don’t go for that.To me it’s something that is pleasing to the senses. It also lowers your blood pressure. It’s something that has pleased us for thousands, if not millions of years. That’s how I look at art.

We then left the office and began to walk around in the warm weather.As we passed his patio you saw a mix of Native American and ancient Greek art. A few body sculptures sat proudly about the patio.You could see even more artwork through the glass doors of the house.This residence was made of art! You couldn’t look anywhere without seeing some form of it. It was heaven. Dan and his basset hound, Bog that had recently joined us, showed me into the house and pointed out a case of arrow heads that had been found on his land.They probably came from a campsite that was located w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

in his back yard hundreds of years ago. Dan always seems to lucky get when looking for arrowanyheads where he goes.

We to started make our way down to the

workshop/studio where he does his art.

AG- Do you sell your pottery?

Dan S-You know the last fifteen years or so that I’ve been making the big ones I have a few really good customers. I keep them for a while.When I’m done with the pieces or they talk me into it we negotiate a price.

We walked into the shop where just a couple employees were working on some of Dan’s mass produced work. For about twelve years now Dan has been producing Tail Steps, which are steps made of fiber concrete and foam. Foam centers surrounded in concrete which is a very strong step, but light enough for anyone to move. This will be the first year for his new product - a conc r e t e fountain.

I have no doubts that his sales on those will be good.

But now that spring is coming, his pottery will have to be put on hold because during the summer there is only time for work and sailing. Dan never gets far from some sort of pottery or concrete work. No matter how far he sails or travels across the country he’s always taking down notes and ideas for his next piece of art. Always seeing art wherever he goes. I guess if a person lives in art, all they see is art.

Publisher’s note: Dan Sullivan is also the owner of Sullivan Landscaping out of Belleville. Check him out for any of your landscaping needs. He has done work for us as well as honored us with a couple of his pieces of pottery for our anniversary and birthdays.

Written by: Rob Kosmeder Photos supplied.

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

3 for 1... continued from page 10

After 14 years with the Mel Ford Westside Andy Band,Voegeli left this January to head his own band The Jimmy’s. This is a full horn induced rocking Soul and Blues band. The time Voegeli spent playing with the masters has taught him well on choosing the right musicians and how to entertain a crowd. His first CD “F”is for Blues was a huge success in Wisconsin. It featured great musicians including Clyde Stubblefield,Mel Ford,Tom McCarty, Mary Gaines, Nashville songwriter Jon Nicholson and former Georgia Satellites drummer Mauro Magellan. Voegeli can be heard at the Ludlow in Monroe on most Wednesday nights in some form of his band, or just sitting in with his friends. His website at jimmyvoegli.com has all his gigs listed and a gaggle of information for all you Blues Cats.

Though not playing the music of his Swiss forefathers, Voegeli is blazing new ground for a new generation of musicians in Green County. Replacing the Alpine horns with Saxophone and the accordions with Hammond Organ,Voegeli is setting the bar high for future generations of musicians to reach. Future generations of both farmers and musicians will look back upon what Voegeli has accomplished and speak with pride of his trailblazing and vision.

Jimmy Voegeli knows that old saying “he kept playing until the cows came home” literality!

Check Voegeli and the Jimmy’s out when they play a club near you. You won’t be sorry!

Written by: Andy Ziehli

Cuts-for-Guts julia grace salon

July 11th, 2009 • 1-5 pm

USE BROADJAM.COM

TO BUILD YOUR

MUSIC CAREER Build a fan base with our robust social network. Sell MP3 downloads for $.99 and keep $.80 per song. Submit music for Film, TV & Advertising opportunities.

Enter song contests to win cash and exposure. Gain valuable feedback from your peers by way of music reviews.

Please come & support our great cause for Crohns, Ulcerative Colitis & Digestive Diseases

Haircuts, Live Music, Silent Auction & Food All proceeds going towards the Crohns Foundation!

For more information please visit our website: www.juliagrace.com Or visit our Facebook page, search: Julia Grace Salon

Julia Grace Salon

8012 Watts Rd (Inside of Princeton Club West) Madison,WI 53719 • 608-833-8454 juliagracesalon@gmail.com

LEARN MORE AT BROADJAM.COM

27

Dulsa - The Sweet

Sounds of Ruth Barrett way of the world. Within folk-lore Barrett began to discover others who had the same questions, and much to her delight, experiences that would echo the tales being passed around in the folk-lore fashion. “The deeper exploration of folk-lore naturally will lead you to the door of Paganism,”explains Barrett. Paganism is a honoring of the earth and the natural connection that all things have to one another with ritual and celebration at its center.

The rural California area where Ruth spent her early years was a haven for the folk music community. The dulcimer found its way into Barrett’s life in the early 70’s during her last year in high school.

In explaining the instrument to me Ruth pointed out that the dulcimer is an instrument that folks will often make there own rules with.“There is not a right or wrong way to play” offers Barrett. Ruth found her self“messing around”on the fretted style of dulcimer, also known as the lap or mountain dulcimer, and is largely self taught. A few lessons from a friend and sometime performing partner were the extent of Ruth’s formal training.

M

usician, singer, songwriter, educator and Priestess,Ruth Barrett is full of creative energy. The southern California native was born into a very musical family.The family home was filled with music of the folk music revival of the late 50’s early 60’s era and often, as a family, would attend a Hootenanny, gatherings of folk singers where the audience is invited to join in. Ruth says that while the kids were not allowed to stay up as late as the adults, they were paying attention and absorbing the music non-the-less. Ruth’s father enjoyed playing guitar and often took lessons from the great Pete Seger.

As a child tucked away comfy in the beds“sleeping” during those hootenanny years, Ruth found herself very attracted to the supernatural ballads she would hear being sung by the adults. As the songs came and went it was the tone and lyrical content of the supernatural ballads that deeply resonated with young Ruth and put her on the path that would be her life’s work.

As she grew Ruth became intrigued by folk-lore, the natural next step in her curiosity of the natural

Barrett plays the 4 string fretted dulcimer, using 3 of the 4 strings. The term “fretted” is to distinguish this type of dulcimer from the“hammer”dulcimer. The fretted version of this instrument will have 3 or 4 strings (again others have augmented it to include resonating strings creating a sort of hybrid instrument) and a fretted neck not unlike the neck of a guitar. The instrument would typically be placed in one’s lap with one hand fretting the strings, either with your fingers or a dowel, and the other strumming or picking to create the sound.

Finger picking is the style most often played by Barrett. A turkey quill is often used as a“pick”to strum over the strings as well. The hammer dulcimer is not similar to the fretted version in any way. This type of dulcimer is played by striking the strings with small wooden mallets.

“I was interested in British Isles and renaissance music and took Loot songs and played them on the dulcimer,”offers Ruth. “The dulcimer is a modal instrument (similar to the white keys on a piano) so it needs to be retuned to achieve different sounds.

I play the music I like to play. I like that the dulcimer does not have a fascistic approach, its more like well, what can you do with it?”

Barrett met a fellow dulcimer player, Cyntia Smith, in 1980 and together they formed their own record label. Working together for 20 years the duo recorded 5 projects together. Working as independent artists meant they could do whatever they wanted with their music. “It would take a long time to pay off the recordings, and we were not great at self promotion but we were doing it for the love of it. We enjoyed a nice following in the 80’s especially.”

Barrett created Dancing Tree Records when she moved to Wisconsin and has three projects on that label. She does her recording in Los Angeles choosing to work with the same engineer and producer, Scott Fraser. “We have a good working relationship.

It’s a very relaxing and no pressure atmosphere.”

When I asked Ruth about her recording projects wondering if she had ideas before entering the studio or would she book studio time because she felt the time was right, her answer was yes! One of the tracks on her new CD Garden Of Mysteries was created in the studio in large part to a drone being played on a didgeridoo by friend and fellow musician, Steve Wehmeyer, one of the founding members of the Celtic band Gaelic Storm. “I knew I wanted to open this track a cappella, and Steve suggested it would sound great with the didgeridoo behind it. We created that track on the spot in the studio, ideas came and we went with it”.

The new CD Garden Of Mysteries features many songs that Barrett did not write. “I wanted to do songs that have been with me for a long time, which I really loved. This was a project that I needed to do for myself. I like doing a recording project. There are themes I usually try to bring out, in this case it is related to encounters with mystery.

This was the theme I found running through these selections. When I do concerts I tend to do seasonal music.” (not in the way of “seasonal” that you might be thinking) Ruth explains that her performances tend to dove-tale with Pagan seasonal events such as the first harvest celebrations and the spring and fall equinox events.

“Earth cycles are different than production cycles,” offers Barrett. “I believe we are here to interact with nature, being in the present time and recognizing what is happening to the earth in the moment. Perhaps we are meant to slow down in the winter. Perhaps we are supposed to rest, sleep and dream in the winter and then bring all of that richness out in the longer days to share what we have learned and experience and explore that new information.” Ruth observes that we as humans often need to medicate ourselves to continue on the path of production and because of that perhaps dishonor our natural cycles.

The conversation then led to the other passion that along with music allows Barrett to explore and express her creative desires.

Not only is Ruth a musician but she is also an author and ritualist. Her latest book Women’s Rites, Women’s Mysteries: Intuitive Ritual Creations (Llewllyn, 2007) Barrett has composed a series of instructions designed to celebrate with ritual the mysteries of womanhood. Ruth is an ordained Dianic High Priestess and since 1980 has taught magic and ritual arts at women’s festivals and conferences in the U.S. and abroad.

“I can be shy about my spirituality,” says Ruth as our conversation continued. Barrett is a pioneer in the field of celebrational ritual. Having inherited Z Budapest’s Los Angeles Ministry 1980, she was at the fore front of creating this powerful and empowering experience for women. “Rite of passage ritual is not a new idea, more than likely is one of the oldest ideas humans experience. There is a lot of history between then and now and we need to continued on page 30

28

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

cd reviews... continued from page 19

Favorite cuts from this CD are Cheap ain’t Cheap, Sin in Indiana, Heart in Harm’s Way, Claire Marie, and Tom T. Hall’s I Can’t Dance.

Each song on this CD has its own voice. No cloning going on here. Backed by his ace band the Commonwealth Miller shines on every cut. Recorded in various studios in Nashville this is a fine example of what the future holds for Americana Music.

David Serby ♪♪♪♪ Honky-tonk and Vine Style: Honky-tonk Country

This may not be a CD for men however. While men won’t be offended by this offering, it’s clear that Ruth is all about female energy. Barrett not only is a gifted musician she also is an ordained Dianic High Priestess, ritualist and author of Woman’s Rites, Woman’s Mysteries: Intuitive Ritual Creation (Llewellyn 2007). Barrett also teaches magic and ritual arts at women’s festivals and conferences in the U.S. and abroad. This perhaps will limit her audience to women who are free thinkers and are aware of their intuitive sides. I don’t mean to intend that others are excluded but more than likely unless you have an interest in this sort of thing, this CD won’t be for you.

Buy this CD! Again Buy this CD! You won’t be disappointed. Check out Miller’s web site at WWW.the scottmiller.com and his myspace page at myspace.com/the scottmiller.

Review by:Andy Ziehli

Rick Harris ♪♪♪♪ Jukebox Refugee Style: Blues/Country/Rock

If I could describe Rick Harris’s Jukebox Refugee in one word, it would be “cool”. His deep baritone voice is the root of his coolness, a calm rumble that will soothe the soul. In the opening track“Tuxedo Blues”,Rick Harris draws the listener in with an acoustic melody and a steady pulse, just a taste of what is yet to come in the following tracks. Instruments are limited on some songs, but are very effective.You can tell that Rick Harris is a very smart musician that crafts his music to be efficient, but not chaotic. Certain melodies do not stand out more than they should and are quite subtle, but also quite complex. I thought this album was simply great in the fact that it was a side of Blues/Country/Americana that is great to hear; music that is minimal yet contains a musician that can keep his cool while pouring his heart out.The other instruments on the album are terrific as well, complementing each other and meshing into a great sound. Rick Harris’s vocal range is limited but his deep rumbles will send a shiver up your spine and stay with you throughout the 10-song album.

In short, Jukebox Refugee is a must-listen for any fan of the Country/Blues genre. It contains all the right ingredients of music that make for one excellent album.

Reviewed by: Danny Tachon

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

Barrett is a gifted fretted dulcimer player. It’s unfortunate that on this CD there is not more of her just playing. Perhaps upon exploring her other recordings there may be something that features her gifted strumming.

For those that do, Barrett’s music will be a heartfelt guide for you as you explore your own spiritual connection with nature and things not easily defined.

Right from the first track of David Serby’s latest album, one can’t help but to tap their foot to the driving beat of this great country album. Being a young fellow,I have never been a big listener of the country genre, but these tracks surely caught my attention. David Serby’s vocal style is very smooth; much mellower than other country singers of today. I suppose you could say it is reminiscent of a 50’s country picker singing his heart out in a honky-tonk bar in downtown Nashville.The first few tracks are driving and have a strong beat, but can be somewhat chaotic with the electric guitar’s relentless picking; in short, it’s a bit much in some places.There is a wide array of instruments used on this album ranging from fiddle to accordion, each usually getting their time to shine during a 16-bar solo. His lyrics are simple yet meaningful, written with purpose that’ll give the listener a reason to pay attention and hear musical stories unfold.The songs are very honest and express many emotions, revealing that David Serby is an effective songwriter. Overall,David Serby’s Honky-tonk and Vine is a great feel-good country album that will leave you with a smile and a tapping foot.

Reviewed by: Danny Tachon

Ruth Barrett Garden Of Mysteries Dancing Tree Records Style: Folk,Americana, Irish Celtic, New Age “Garden of Mysteries” is an interesting recording. A combination of mystical images, passionate Celtic inspired music and songs of accountability, Ruth Barrett serves up a selection of songs that may or may not resonate with you. An unbroken thread of love of the earth, respect of her creatures and a peek into the window of possible mysteries of spirit bind this CD together.

At times Ruth’s vocals are upfront and very much the center of attention. The style of singing is heartfelt and full of passion. You won’t hear auto-tune perfection,but rather a voice that swoops and finds notes adding flow to the delivery. The lyric is often story telling in fashion but there are moments when the delivery has a forced feeling about it.

Reviewed by: Jim Smith

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!

RED BEET RECORDS P.O. BOX 68417 NASHVILLE,TN 37206 EMAIL US AT mail@redbeetrecords.com 29

bett kille... continued from page 14

dulsa... continued from page 28

1/2 notes... continued from page 3

AG: What did you miss the most about Wisconsin during this last year?

respond to the cultural container in which we live, making religion (spiritual practice) relevant to the times we are living in.”

Verona, Cross Plains, Mazomanie and towns in between, will be opening their studios for the third annual Spring Art Tour, presented by the Mount Horeb Area Arts Association.All are within a fifteen mile radius of Mount Horeb. The range in art is wide,including painting,jewelry,origami,sculpture, ceramics, glass, photography and more.Visitors will be able to watch the artists at work in their studios and shop their wares. Western Dane County (see website for maps) FMI: 608-437-5914 or tamlyn@chorus.net; www.springarttour.com

BK: Without a doubt, the people. After a year in Texas, I feel like I could really survive and be happy anywhere, but it will be great to see all my friends & family again.

AG: How was Buddy’s year in the south?

BK: That dog is the most flexible creature I’ve ever met. He didn’t even mind the hurricane here (actually, I think he loved it that there was mud everywhere & more sticks on the ground). He’s just happy to be with the pack – as long as you feed & water him, he’s content.

AG: What is the first thing you are going to eat upon your return here?

BK: Probably something fresh from my parent’s garden up in Door County! But I hear you make a mean apple pie, Joyce…..

AG: Beth forgot to mention that she was also the recipient of the NSAI Song Showdown Award!

(Wonder how that slipped her mind?)

Beth is a performing songwriter as well as a songwriter that tries to pitch material to other artists. The song that won this contest is one of her "pitch" songs -It's a song she wrote the lyrics,music & melody for, but had a producer in Nashville hire studio musicians & a professional male singer to record it. Beth said,“As much as I'd love to take credit for the winning performance, I really have to give a shout out to Kim Copeland (one of my top MySpace friends) who assembled a great team of musicians along with the incredible vocalist Ron Wallace.”

The award was announced at the end of the NSAI's Spring Training on Saturday in a room of around 250 songwriters from all over the U.S. and Canada. Beth had submitted a song for the contest, but didn't think she even had a chance. Before they announced the winner, they played the top 10 songs for the contest, in random order, and the 5th song was hers. After they played all 10 songs, they announced the top 3. Beth was totally surprised.

Beth you deserved it!)

Well there you have it. You are currently updated on the last year’s itinerary of Beth Kille. Beth,Tony and Buddy should be returning North sometime in July. I’m hoping they will make it back in time for our big One Year Americana Gazette Party on July 17th. I know Peter and Eric would love to see her again as well.

Beth, thank you for the interview and a big slice of Apple Pie will be waiting for you. (To tell the truth Andy makes a better pie than me – so I’ll turn the apron over to him……..)

You can check out Beth’s blog on her Texas Tour with Jessie Lynn @ http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=372035090&blogId=483 024491 Story compiled by Beth Kille and Joyce Ziehli Photo Taken by: Andi Crimmins-Renfree and supplied by Beth Kille

Barrett explains that she instructs and facilitates ritual around the experience of the earth being a living thing. There are earth phases such as the spring and fall equinox, spring planting, the growing season and the celebration of the harvest. The winter brings introspection and contemplation and provides wisdom as we move forward. There are also lunar phases which happen on a monthly and a yearly cycle. “Then there are our personal rites of passage marking physical, emotional, psychological moments that we decide are significant,not because the culture says oh this is mother’s day etc., its more a moment I want to commemorate so I can derive the meaning that I want to derive out of the event.”

Barrett has worked with thousands of women over the years. “I am not a therapist,”says Ruth who knows well the myriad of issues that work their way to the surface during her training experiences.

“In the first moments of the very first class of each new training I ask each person if they have support outside of the training to work with the issues and emotions that may show up during our time together. There are things that I am trained to handle but making it clear that I am not a trained therapist allows me to keep myself focused and joyful as I instruct.” Ruth says that the issues or desires that the folks bring into the training with them are the juice that allows her to do what she does best. After asking each person to express something they wish to ritualize, she then uses her skill to assist that person in creating a ritual that meets that need, thus empowering the individual to celebrate and create for themselves, ritual that is meaningful to their lives.

When I asked Ruth which experience in her life was more important, the music or her spiritual path, she smiled and just said that they were intertwined. One will give birth to the content of the other and vice versa. Both are essential for creative and authentic living. Now that Barrett has been in the area for a year, she is excited to start expanding her connection to the local musical community. “I moved here to interact with creative people,I need a musical community.”

Barrett will bring her dulcimer playing skills to the stage on Wednesday June 17th at the Barrymore Theater, opening for the Ditty Bops, one of whom just happens to be her daughter Amanda.

It’s very clear that the creative gene has been passed down to the next generation. “I am thrilled to be opening for the Ditty Bops. I am excited about what the girls are doing along with their music such at being activists for the environment.”

June 17, 7-8:30 pm Lands’ End Summer Concert Series. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Food available. Free event. Harris Park, 600 Bennett Road, Dodgeville,WI. June 27 & 28 Spring Green Arts & Crafts Fair in Downtown Spring Green,WI July 12,APT 30th Anniversary Party. Music stage featuring the General Store Band and APT musicians, food, beer, celebrity squares, and a silent and live auction. More information to come. American Players Theatre, Spring Green,WI. July 25, Dodgeville Blues fest 10th annual. Bands and more information to come.A FREE, fun, family event. No carry-ins. Downtown Dodgeville FMI: 608 935-9200 or www.dodgevillebluesfest.com.

August 1, 2-9pm Mazo FunDayz 3rd annual Mazo FunDayz downtown festival will feature: food, family fun, music, art activities, and kid’s games. It’s a great opportunity for downtown businesses to be open and take advantage of a great day and lots of customers.A car and bike show will be the venue for the afternoon. Mazomanie,WI FMI: www.mazomaniechamber.com/chamberevents.html Green County Museums Open for the Season check below for various dates and times Click on Attractions > Museums for locations, themes and exhibits.

• Albany Historical Museum (open Memorial Day thru Labor Day: Sat 9am - 3pm, Sunday 9 - noon) • Brodhead Depot Museum (open Memorial Day to Sept:Wed/Sat/Sun and holidays 1 - 4 pm) • Browntown Community Museum (open Memorial Day thru Labor Day: Sun 1 - 4 pm) • Chalet of the Golden Fleece (open by appt only) • Monticello Area Historical Society (open May to Dec: Sat 10 am - 2 pm) • National Historic Cheese making Center (open thru Oct: daily 9 am - 4 pm) • Swiss Historical Village (May through Oct: daily 10am - 4 pm) • Toy Train Barn (open year round daily 10 am - 5 pm)

To learn more about Ruth or to contact her regarding musical opportunities, check dancingtreemuse@aol.com or www.dancingtreemusic.com.

Tickets are on sale now at all usual Barrymore ticket outlets for the evening of music featuring Ruth Barrett and the Ditty Bops.

Written by: Jim Smith

30

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

T.Hall... continued from page 17

find it a cultural shock after living in New York?

Kaplin: Oh yea! When I moved to Nashville 17 years ago the city was completely different. When we first moved to Nashville the downtown Broadway area was just a couple of funky bars. People were not going down there. Then a couple of bands BR-549 being one of them started playing at Roberts Western Wear. We started to go down to see them play. We would tell everyone how good they were and try to get people to go down to see them and no one would go downtown.

Then eventually things changed and it became the “hip” thing to do. They cleaned up the storefronts and now you have Lower Broadway today.

Mainly Andy it was the food thing. (We laugh). I remember going into a supermarket and looking for pasta and seeing just the packaged stuff and thinking Oh my God what am I going to do? Slowly we began figuring out where things were and it got a lot better. When we were first here we would go back to New York and I would buy shopping bags full of food stuff to take back with us.

Things have changed in other areas too.

The new Public Library is a fantastic addition to the city. It would fit in any metropolitan area in the U.S. We are big supporters of the library. The city has changed radically in the last 10 years.

AG: What we notice the most is that nobody is in a hurry in Nashville?

Kaplin: Yea that’s true. It used to drive me insane that in a grocery line people would stop and talk to each other with no concept of time. I’m a native New Yorker and that just does not happen there. The up side is that there is something very nice about that. Taking the time to visit. It still is interesting to live here.

AG: What’s your take on the new music models and the state of the industry?

Kaplin: That’s interesting that you would ask me that. We had gotten together for Easter with some friends at Jason Riggenberg’s farm and were talking about that very thing. I think that is a competition of things. The Music business is changing so rapidly, there is a recession and has been in the music business for quite a while. It is also though a great time for independent grass roots music. You now have the wherefore to throw out your music to the masses which you did not have as an independent artist before. It’s a really good time now, but it takes a huge amount of effort and work to do so. It’s going to take a long time for the rethinking process to kick in large organizations. Independent small organizations and people can now move forward. Thinking outside of the box is very important. That in itself means not doing things the way we have always done them in the past. Sitting around thinking and talking about the way w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

it was is a waste of time, because it will never be that way again.

Music will always be. People will always want to see shows, buy music on-line, and listen, the whole world of Americana Music what it all means just takes a lot of thinking in new ways. Utilizing technology to your advantage is very important. Blogging is something that we are getting into now. It’s a new world out there.

AG: Let’s talk about you and Kristi Rose.

Kaplin: We write and record mostly. A number of years ago we played quite often in Nashville and toured Europe with a band and a duo. Just the past few years we play in Nashville a little but really just write and record. This year we are playing some festivals and clubs, and are releasing a new album.

AG: Does Kristi Rose play too?

Kaplin. No, she is just a vocalist. When we play as a duo she is the show and I am just the accompanist.

AG: Let’s talk about the show at the Basement that I saw you at. The guitar you used sounded incredible. That show blew me away! That was one of the best shows I have ever seen in my life. The guitar is an old Kay? Kaplin: Yes it is. It is an instrument that I have used for many years now with Kane Welch Kaplin and in recording sessions but don’t use with other acts. It is a parlor size cheap guitar, probably the cheapest model that they made. I got it from a guy that worked for Joe Glaser. The guys that work there would find the cheapest worst playing guitars in their spare time and have a contest to see who could make them into a playing and sounding good instrument.

This was one of those guitars. I think I paid a couple hundred bucks for it. It has a funky weird sound acoustically. I first used it on our CD Lost John Dean. I then started trying different tunings and wound up tuning it to an open C which is a whole step down from an open D. Kieran tunes and plays his banjo only in C so it fits perfectly.

The strings are very slack which gives it a strange sound. So I put in an old Bill Lawrence pickup which made it sound even better.

AG: Do you play electric guitar?

Kaplin: Yes I do. In the early days before the Kay guitar I played Danelectro with lipstick tube pickups or a Strat. I also play electric with Kristi Rose along with a Martin acoustic.

AG: Where do find most of your instruments that you buy, in pawn shops, garage sales, or newspaper ads?

Kaplin: The Kay I got in a shop. Most instruments just kind of make their way to me. A lot of them were just sent to me.

AG: What are you plans for this year?

Kaplin: The main focus this year is Kristi Rose. She has been writing with some folks out in LA so we have been spending time out there. Kane Welch Kaplin have some sporadic dates this year. We are playing a couple festivals. I’ll be playing with Pure Prairie League at some shows this summer.

I have been playing with them for ten years.

Mostly writing and recording new material in the time that is left.

AG: Where do you record and write at?

Kaplin: We have a place in Southern Illinois that has been in Kristi’s family for years that we visit often and that’s where we do most of our writing and recording demos.

AG: What do you do in your spare time?

Kaplin: My spare time. I have a couple of hobbies. I really enjoy cooking especially Chinese and Italian recipies. I love to play chess. I rarely play in tournaments anymore. I always travel with books on chess and chess boards. I play a little on-line. At one point I was really getting into fly fishing, but it took too much time. Mostly I just pick on an instrument.

AG: If you could play any concert hall anywhere where would you play?

Kaplin: Kristi Rose says play in Istanbul or in the shadows of the Pyramids. I think playing in a concert hall in Rome or Malian.

AG: Is there anything you would like people to know about yourself?

Kaplin: As far as being a multi-instrumentalist I would rather be known as a musician who plays many instruments. I never learned all of these instruments as a gimmick or for any other reason but to learn to play them because I enjoyed their sound.

Some people do that on purpose so that they can get more work, I never had that train of thought. I like the idea of being thought of as a musician. Just someone who creates music that people enjoy.

Written by: Andy Ziehli Photos supplied by Fats and Kristi Rose.

AG: Do you collect instruments or just for usage?

Kaplin: I don’t collect instruments. I play what I buy. I try to use everything I buy either live or in recording.

31