Americana Gazette June/July 2010 Issue

MERICANA GAZETT E A 2010 / June / July

Feature Story: JIMMY VOEGELI MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY ISABELLE STERN MISHAVONNA SUSAN COWSILL MEANTOOTH GRIN THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS JOHN STREMIKIS MICKIE JAMES

AMERICANA GAZETTE Greetings: Andy and I took a few days off from our hectic schedules and headed South to Nashville to visit with our friends. We really had a great time.

Friday morning found us delivering all kinds of Wisconsin treats to our friends. Some of these stops included: Jim Gray and his family where his youngest son Emery entertained us with his drum sticks on his Lego can, a stop at Mary Ann Werner’s and Eric Brace’s to check out their latest remodeling project, a stop at Paul Griffith’s where we met his dog Wesley, a visit with Peter and Charlotte Cooper and their miniature dachshunds, Russell and Loretta and a quick peek at the baby’s nursery, then off to Todd and Melita Snider’s, Kieran Kane’s, and Tim Carroll and Elizabeth Cook’s house. The later AM found us enjoying a cup of coffee with Tom T. Hall and Ms. Dixie at their place. It was a beautiful sun shiny day and we were blessed with the presence of the Hall’s peacocks on the porch and their dogs napping and soaking up the sun.

Saturday we spent a couple of hours with Cowboy Jack Clement at his house. I could spend days with this man, listening to his stories, and enjoying his unique sense of humor. Meeting him and spending time with him is a treasure I will never forget as long as I live.

The eve found us at the Bluebird Café to soak up the wonderful songs of our friend, Peter Cooper. Performing along with him were his friends Lloyd Green and Fayssoux McClean. I love to listen to Peter sing and he seems to get better every time I see him. I was lucky enough to sit right in front of Lloyd Green as he played that pedal steel guitar with such ease and grace. This man is extremely coordinated, his hands, feet, knees, were moving every which way to produce some incredible sounds to accent Peter’s voice. Fayssoux sings such wonderful harmony. Her sweet voice was indeed the icing on the cake!!!!!

To wind up the show, Peter’s friend Eric Taylor took center stage and told a few stories and sang a few of his songs. Some of his stories were a little off the wall for me, but he is a great songwriter and has the best sounding guitar ever!!!

We met our friends, Warner and Deb Hodges (lead guitar player for Jason and the Scorchers) for brunch at a place called Jackson’s. The food was exquisite and we had a terrific visit with these two talented people. Just to let you know, Warner will be heading our way this August to play with Dan Baird and Homemade Sin at the Dry Bean in Madison on August 27th and Knut’s in Orfordville on August 28th. Check out the ad on the back cover and mark your calendars now.

Sunday afternoon we visited at the “Three Crow” with

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PUBLISHER Joyce Ziehli jziehli@advisorymgt.com

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Peter Cooper in East Nashville. Every time his phone rang, he looked a little nervous. He was waiting for his wife to call and say – ‘It’s time). I was really hoping that little baby Cooper would be born while I was there, but I guess he just wasn’t ready to make his grand entrance yet.

Andy and I headed over to Randy Blevin’s place to spend a little time with him before we headed back to the hotel for an evening in with burgers delivered to our room and we watched “Sherlock Holmes”.

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You know I couldn’t leave Nashville without eating at least one breakfast at the Pancake Pantry. So Monday continued on page 4

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Welcome to

Americana Gazette TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURE STORY 8 Jimmy Voegeli

WHERE TO LOOK: 3

1/2 Notes

4

Litt DuBay’s Slant

5

Women In The Round Isabelle Stern

6

Mishavonna

7

Letters

8

Jimmy Voegeli

10 Susan Cowsill 11 Precious Gem 12 A Pet Note 12 Meantooth Grin 13 Aaron’s Anecdotes 14 Michael Martin Murphey 16 CD Review 18 3 for 1 19 Saturday Night Special 20 Eric Brace 20 Mary Chapin Carpenter 21 The Infamous String Dusters

1/2 Notes

The party on the Patio concert series starts again on July 13th through August 29th.

• July 11th Kia Fowler • July 18th Beth Kille • July 25th Out of Ether • August 1st Mark Barnaby • August 8th Matt Belknap • August 15th The Anderson Brothers DWI • August 22nd Bath Tub Mothers • August 29th Amber Skies All shows run from 11:00 a.m until 1:00 p.m. There is no cover but donations are welcome. Please come check out the new additions to the patio and the great music this summer.

The Jimmy’s (see cover story) are very busy this summer. Check out the Jimmy Voegli web site for a list of all their upcoming jobs. Some high light jobs to check out are Monroe Hot Air Balloon Rally on June 19th, Evansville Community Fest on July 3rd,Wednesday Night Live Concert Series at Stewart Park in Mt Hoerb on July 14th, Madison Blues Fest at the Memorial Union on August 7th, and Monroe concerts on the square in Monroe WI. On August 19th. Check theses guys out! You will not be disappointed!!!

Sugar River Studios in Belleville is hosting a summer songwriters night on June 7th with Phil Lee and Tom Mason,on July 15th with Kristi Rose and Fats Kaplin,and on August 26th with Dan Baird and Warner Hodges. Each event runs from 7:00 – 9:00. Local songwriters are invited to get writing tips from the pros. Beth Kille is hosting the events and they are sponsored by the Americana Gazette. Call for reservations at 608-558-8131 or 608424-6300. Seating is limited to 20 guests. There is no charge, but a $5.00 donation would be appreciated.

Bastille Days in Belleville will take place on Saturday July 17, 2010 at the Library Park. Headlining this years event are Kristi Rose and Fats Kaplin. This husband and wife team are incredible entertainers. You will not want to miss this show. Music starts at 2:00 p.m and ends at 10:00 p.m. Local bands will play throughout the day.

Kristi and Fats go on at 8:30 p.m. There are food booths, a beer garden, and many other events through the day planned. There is no cost for the entertainment but donations are welcome.

15% DISCOUNT On your first recording project!

313 East Church Street • Belleville, WI 53508

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Phil Lee and Tom Mason will be playing at the Fat Cat on Railroad Street in New Glarus on Tuesday June 8th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. This is a free show sponsored by the Americana Gazette. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a wonderful night of music. Phil and Tom will also be appearing at the Café Carpe on Friday June 11th.

Dodgeville hosts a summer concert series on Wednesday’s throughout the summer Hosted and sponsored by Lands End. Check out the Chamber Web site for more info.

22 Journey 23 Auntie and Oliver 24 John Stremikis 26 Enjoy Music 28 Mickie James 29 Robert’s Ramblings

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

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Date:______________________________________ 3

Litt DuBay’s

Rant!

by Litt DuBay

Your family campaigns against you.

They have run out of local attractions and parks to name after you.

Your personal scandals don’t make the paper until page 10.

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

The town board asks you to abdicate the thrown.

The local Lions Club is plotting a coup.

Your children are lining up a jousting match to see who succeeds you in power after you have passed.

And finally your dog has personalized dog license that says it has diplomatic immunity!

Till next time Litt Dubay

Well Ole Litt Dubay here. I’m proud to say that after two years I’m still the best thing that ever happened to the Ziehli’s and the Americana Gazette! They know a good thing when they see one and I’ve been retained for another year of journalistic insight and my unbiased opinion.

First let’s talk about the ACM entertainer of the year award winner Carrie Underwood. Okay that‘s enough about her. Country music has gone to the dogs. Even worse it has gone to middle aged housewives who are living their lives through fake songs, fake feelings, and fake boobs! I think they should have a singing contest on national TV for the top 20 Country artists with out any studio effects or help. Then we would see who the real deal is. We would out the fakes and start over making real country music for real people.

Read a great article on Merle Haggard in American Songwriter by Peter Cooper. It cuts right to the heart of Haggard and his music. If ole Merle had to get a contract today he never would because he just ain’t pretty enough. Search out to find this article you’ll be entertained and informed. Good job Peter!

Hey love that show Fringe on Fox on Thursday nights.

Reminds me of my childhood.

Did you know that if you are urinating out in the woods you are a European?

Boy I hate that spandex suited dog food bowl on the head wearing bike riders that come out to the country and take over the roads. Going two by two like they’re promenading at the local square dance on Saturday night blocking both sides of the road not allowing for anyone to cut in. They won’t move over or go single file for nothing.

Ever wonder why in small towns nobody runs against in-cum-nuts for political office? That’s because nobody wants to be associated with those folks! They’re worse than a wood paneled sided station wagon full of relatives from Southern Illinois coming to visit for the summer. Maybe even worse than being associated with Tiger Woods fan club!

publisher... continued from page 2

morning Andy and I headed there bright and early, and indeed I enjoyed a delicious serving of Southern Pecan Pancakes! We then headed over to drop some goodies off to Fats Kaplan and Kristi Rose, and then we turned North where we arrived around 9:00 P.M. to wagging tails and howls of joy!

The next week found me checking with Peter frequently to see if there was any baby news, then the one day he said, “We’re at the hospital, there will be a baby later today!!!!”.

Indeed, Baker Wiley Cooper made his grand appearance on April 8th! Congrats Peter & Charlotte!!!

Written and photo by: Joyce Ziehli

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.

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Carol Spelic 608.342.1314 spelicc@uwplatt.edu

You may have been in small town politics too long if: Everyone starts calling you Boss.

You think that the local police are your personal bill collectors.

You can’t remember when you last campaigned for office.

You don’t even pretend that you like everyone.

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IS: I write lyrics by myself. I might ask my friends if it sounds good. But I don’t have them write with me.

AG: Who has inspired you musically?

IS: My Dad. (Isabelle’s Dad, Pete shared that he played Bass in some college bands years ago. He sold his Bass to pay some bills, had his family, and got away from playing. He said he has always been interested in playing though. Isabelle’s older brother Josh picked up the Bass a couple of years ago.)

IS THERE AN AGE REQUIREMENT FOR WRITING YOUR FIRST SONG…

AG: Who is your favorite band to listen to?

IS: Red Hot Chili Peppers AG: Why? IS: Because they write about a lot of different stuff. Actually they write about stuff that me and my Dad and family members can relate to. Their lyrics aren’t stupid.

AG: Have you ever seen them in concert?

IS: Nope.

... nope, just ask Isabelle Stern During one of the recent Songwriter’s Sessions held at the Fat Cat Coffee Works in New Glarus, a young lady named Isabelle Stern came to participate. Isabelle strapped on her guitar and played one of her songs to the rest of her group. I was not there this evening, but my husband told me all about this talented young lady and said I should get a hold of her to talk with her about her songwriting. So I did just that! I emailed her Dad, Pete, and asked if I could interview Isabelle.

Pete said Isabelle would be attending the next Songwriter’s Session and we agreed to meet and do the interview at this time.

It was a cool Spring evening and several area musicians gathered at the Fat Cat to listen to words of wisdom from Roy Elkins and to perform their songs in front of the others. This was a terrific way to gather feedback on your songwriting techniques. As I was sipping my decaf, in walks a cute young woman with her father.

As they move to the counter and place their order, I make an assumption that this must be Isabelle and I introduce myself to the both of them. Isabelle is very excited and enthusiastic about doing the interview. Isabelle, her Dad and I get all comfy on one of the Fat Cat’s sofas, and while sipping our beverages, we do our interview. Here is how that went!

Americana Gazette (AG:) Isabelle, exactly how old are you?

Isabelle Stern (IS:) I’m eleven.

AG: When did you write your first song?

IS: When I was probably about four years old.

AG: What kinds of music do you listen to?

AG: Do you remember the name of it or what it was about?

IS: I like a variety of music, blues, rock, not so much country though. I try to expand my horizons by listening to all different varieties.

IS: Nope, I was only four. It was probably just about a girl. I think I remember her name was something like Rosemary. I kind of remember because I enjoyed writing it so much.

AG: What is your technique to writing a song?

IS: Actually there are multiple ways that I get ideas. Things come to me and I just write them down.

I once wrote a song in 30 minutes. I write a lot of music. I don’t set aside any time to just write. It just usually happens.

AG: After you have written a song, when you go back and listen to it, do you sometimes change the lyrics?

AG: What is your favorite song?

IS: That is a pretty hard question. I have lots of favorite songs. The Red Hot Chili Peppers – Hump De Bump. I like upbeat songs. I like songs where the music videos make me laugh.

AG: If you could write a song for any artist, who would you want to record your song?

IS: Can they be dead?

AG: Yeah. OK, if you could have written a song for anyone, whom would it have been?

IS: Stevie Ray Vaughan

IS: Most the time I usually just leave it.

AG: What do you write about?

IS: Things that happen to me, experiences. I listen to a lot of different kinds of music, so this really influences me. I might get a different feeling from some music, and then I write about that kind of stuff. I write about experiences and feelings.

AG: Do you write by yourself or do you co-write with someone?

AG: Why Stevie Ray Vaughan?

IS: He is my idol. He is my guitar teacher’s idol too, he has a poster on the wall. It would be so cool to know that;“you, Stevie Ray Vaughan of all people wanna play my song!”

AG: If you had a chance to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

IS: That’s hard. I would just like to be able to go back in time to meet people. Earlier musicians that nobody knows, but we have their music. I think it would be just awesome to be able to talk to some of those people.

AG: Do you play any other instruments besides the guitar?

IS: My Grandma teaches and plays piano. I think it would be cool to play another instrument. I might like continued on page 17

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MISHAVONNA

from television films, american idol contestant to nashville recording star…

press and her fans. Here is how our interview went: Joyce: You have been singing professionally since you were 13 years old.

How did you get involved in music?

Mishavonna: They found out I could sing when I was about 1 years old. My Mom said I was singing “Tomorrow” from Annie; she said I would sing along to it. When I was 6 years old I started getting involved with my church. I was singing in little musicals, got on the worship team and in the choir.

That’s really when we realized I could sing. Mom put me in vocal lessons when I was 8 years old. When I was 11 years old, we decided we could find a really good vocal coach in LA and I started training there.

And when I was 13 years old I did a big performance called“Diva Simply Singing”and that’s when I decided I wanted to do this for the rest of my life!

No one else in my family can really sing. My brother can if he practices. He’s actually a Christian rapper.

Joyce: Who influenced you when you were little? Who/what types of music were you listening to?

Mishavonna: I listened to a lot of oldies. We always had that on in the car. You know, Beach Boys and all that kind of stuff.

My Mom loved country Music and so did all of her family.

Country and oldies, those were the two we always listened to. I listened to a little bit of ACDC and Guns and Roses.

Joyce: I’m guessing you play guitar since you have one flung over your shoulder in your photo. Do you play any other instruments?

Mishavonna may only be 19 years old,but she is already making a name for herself in the music industry. Mary Michele Michael from Absolute Publicity in Nashville sent me Mishavonna’s new EP to take a listen to.

Then I had the opportunity to talk with her a little bit. For only being 19, she has a good head on her shoulders and will be going far in the music business! Let me tell you a little bit about this gal.

A country singer/songwriter,this young lady was raised in bothTexas and Southern California. Music has always been her passion and the easiest way for her to communicate her feelings. Mishavonna has been singing professionally and training vocally since she was 8 years old.

In July 2007, Mishavonna auditioned in San Diego for American Idol Season 7 and earned a“GoldenTicket”to Hollywood.Over 12,000 contestants participated in the San Diego audition, where she was 1 of 31 chosen. Only 164 contestants of over 100,000 nationwide made it to ‘Hollywood Week,’ which was quite an accomplishment for a 17year-old! Mishavonna did not make it to the semi-finals that year, but the experience helped her gain notoriety. On her 18th birthday, July 25th, 2008, Mishavonna decided to give American Idol another try and auditioned in Phoenix,Arizona, where she was once again given a “Golden Ticket” to Hollywood.This time her practice and perseverance paid off and she made it through Hollywood Week to become one of the“Top 36” semi-finalists. On February 25th Mishavonna performed Train’s “Drops of Jupiter” to a national television audience of well over thirty million viewers. Her performance generated a buzz so strong that Train’s original version of the song re-appeared on iTunes’s top 100 pop downloads immediately following Mishavonna’s performance, reaching as high as number 15.

Mishavonna has also been acting professionally since she was 6 in film, television and theatre and has trained with top acting coaches in L.A. She has been cast in numerous films, and has worked side by side with Kelsey Grammer on “Frasier,” with Nathan Lane on the TV show “Charlie Lawrence”, and in the Nickelodeon show,“Unfabulous.”

She played Rhoda in the“Bad Seed”,Maria in“West Side Story”and Margot Frank in“The Diary of Ann Frank” at various theatres throughout Los Angeles.

After the success of her 1st EP,“From The Edge Of The World,” she has released her 2nd EP,“Country, Soul & Rock N Roll,” generating a positive consensus from both the

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Mishavonna: Yes, I play guitar. I actually just picked up the mandolin. I started learning piano when I was 6 years old and did that until I was about 15. And then I decided I didn’t want to do it anymore. It was just one of those things my Mother wanted me to do. I didn’t really like piano lessons.

Unfortunately I don’t hardly remember anything about piano, but the good thing about it is that I learned music theory. It’s really helped when I did pick up the guitar.

Joyce: Did you have guitar lessons?

Mishavonna: I had guitar lessons for about a year and a half.

Nothing like classical lessons though. I learned basically just how to figure out chords, timing and how to strum. I was having a hard time doing it on my own.

Joyce: Tell me about your new CD. Did you write all the songs?

Mishavonna: Yes, I wrote all the songs with my producer.

Joyce: Do you usually co-write?

Mishavonna: Yes, I usually co-write with my producer. We write together all the time.

It’s easier when I can co-write because if I get stuck on something,I can have the other person to bounce it off of. I think it just makes it 10 times easier.

Joyce: What is your technique for writing?

Mishavonna: It’s funny, I don’t really have a technique. It’s hardest for me to just sit down and say I have to write today. I can’t do that. Things won’t come to me and I found that to have creativity it just has to be something that just kind of pops in my head. If I get a line in my head, I just write it down. It is very important if you get a line,don’t trash it.You can think about it later. Sometimes I have a melody I like or there might be a guitar riff I like, a chorus or a verse, then we just piece things together.

Joyce: How old were you when you wrote your first song?

Mishavonna: 2, (she laughs) Honestly, I’m not sure. I think I started writing when I was 16. Before I wrote songs, I wrote a lot of stories. When I was younger I wrote poems. I’m a big reader, I read all the time. This has really helped. It was challenging when I was younger because I’m such a perfectionist. If I didn’t think it was going to turn out perfectly, sometimes I wouldn’t even want to try it. It took me awhile to overcome this. w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

Joyce: Is this your first CD? Mishavonna: Yes, this is my first full length CD. I had an EP out when I was 16 called “From the Edge of the World. Then we have the EP out now, the pre-release before the album.

Letters

Joyce: When is the CD scheduled to be released?

Mishavonna: It is coming out in August.

Joyce: Are you planning a big CD release party?

Mishavonna: There has been some word that we might, I’m excited for that.

Joyce: What was your American Idol experience like?

Mishavonna: It was a fantastic experience. I learned so much and met some wonderful people. We really bonded together. This experience really helped me to hone my interview process, stage presence and how to be in front of the cameras. It was a great learning experience and I think it gave me a leg up for what I am doing now.

Joyce: What does 2010 look like for you? Any touring plans or opening for any major artists?

Mishavonna: I live in Orange County California, but I am in Nashville right now. Last night I played at 12th and Porter, that was fun. I will be doing a fundraiser in San Diego this weekend and after that I will be back in Nashville for Fan Fest.

Joyce: What are your career goals?

Mishavonna: I want to get back into acting. I love acting. I want to be a performer and a song writer. I don’t think I could just sit back and be a writer, I like being in the spotlight, I readily admit it. I love writing my own stuff. It makes so much of a difference when you write your own song, you know the song. I also love music theatre and would like to get into that. I want to do it all!

Joyce: If you had the opportunity to perform with anyone, who would it be and why?

Mishavonna: I would pick Bonnie Raitt. I adore her. My Mom and I went to see her in concert last year. She has still got it.

She’s incredible. Best concert I’ve ever been to. I think that would be the most amazing thing ever.

Joyce: If you could sell a song to anyone and have them perform your song, who would you pick?

Mishavonna: I never thought about it.

Wow, I have no idea. (she laughs) I would like to write one for Keith Urban.

That would be great.

Joyce: Will there be more CD’s coming down the road?

Mishavonna: Definitely!!!!!!

Joyce: Good luck to you in your future endeavors.

Mishavonna keeps grounded by remaining very active in her church and sings in her church choir.She is a strong believer in helping children develop their creative talents and volunteers at The Boys and Girls Club Musical Mentors Program, giving guitar lessons to children.

These days Mishavonna, accompanied by a young and energetic band, is opening for major acts, performing at fairs, clubs, rodeos, malls and charity events. Please check out her website at: www.mishavonna.com/industry.

Information and photos supplied from Mishavonna’s website and from Mary Michele Michael of Absolute Publicity, Nashville.

Story 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

CONGRATULATIONS AARON & THE HOODOO On May 8, 2010 Jim Smith,Andy and myself attended the 7th Annual 2010 MAMA Awards at the Overture Center in Madison. What an inspirational night of music! You can check out all the 2010 MAMA Winners on their website at: http://www.themamas.org/madison-area-music-awards-news/#MAMAs2010. There was one name that was heard over and over again, (and he is my dear friend and also a writer for this magazine.) I am so very proud of my musician friend Aaron Williams. Congratulations Aaron & the Hoodoo. Aaron Williams & the Hoodoo were the winners in the following categories: •Artist of the Year – Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo •Blues Album – Aaron Williams & the Hoodoo – It Ain’t Easy •Blues Performer – Aaron Williams & the Hoodoo •Blues Song – Aaron Williams & the Hoodoo – “Drinking Blues” •Instrumentalist – Drummer/Percussionist – Eric Shakelford (Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo) Please go see these guys when they play in your area, they are well worth it! Check out their website at: www.aaronwilliamsandthehoodoo.com www.myspace.com/aaronwilliamsandthehoodoo www.twitter.com/AWATH Info by: Joyce Ziehli

Two

years ago Joyce and I published the first issue of the Americana Gazette.

That event has taken us on the journey of a lifetime. Armed with a dream and the greatest staff anyone could ever hope for Joyce, Bob, Jim, Rosemary, Ric, Rob,Andrew, Erin, and myself have gone beyond what we ever had hoped to accomplish in readership and fun!

When you start a project like the Americana Gazette you have a picture in your mind’s eye on what you hope the end result will be. What that project turns into is sometimes that original idea or dream, but most time it turns into something of a hybrid of your original design. That is what has happened with the Americana Gazette. What started as a “local” music and arts paper has turned into that and more. We are now read all over the world with an on-line readership of 23,000 people. That’s not hits on the website, that’s honest to God readers who six times a year read the pages of the Americana Gazette. How cool is that!!! Not bad for a magazine being written and published in a small town in Wisconsin. That fact tells us that we are on the right track in providing the kind of stories people want to read. It also tells us that our writers and art director are touching you the readers in a very special way.

I would like to take the time to personally thank Bob Hoffman, Jim Smith, Rosemary Ziehli (Mom), Erin Blumer,Andrew Pulver, and Rob Kosmeder for sticking with us and writing such wonderful pieces, stories, columns, reviews, and getting our on-line audio and video up and running over these last two years. Without these wonderfully talented and dedicated people we could not have accomplished all that we have. I also want to take the time to thank Ric Genthe our art director who painstakingly lays out the magazine for publication. Ric butts heads with us every other month (in a good way) on how the magazine should look. It is his great eye for detail and layout that you see in the finished product. The thing that makes this whole process work so well is that Joyce and I are doing the Americana Gazette with friends. These fine folks share the labor of love that is the Americana Gazette, and we cannot thank them enough!!!

We also want to thank all the businesses that allow us to display the Americana Gazette in them. Thank you for providing the space and believing in us. Without a place to put the magazine nobody would see it.

To the readers of the Americana Gazette-thank you!!! You have made a life long dream come true. Your dedication and desire to read what we print has helped us forge a publication that is beyond what we ever thought we could produce.

I’d like to thank a couple of other people who without their belief in the publication and guidance we would have never been able to celebrate our second anniversary.

Cary Baker of Conqueroo for taking a chance on having the artists he represents in a continued on page 27

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Jimmy Voegeli Green County’s Blue’s Maestro

J

immy Voegeli by most standards is one of the top five Blues musicians in the State of Wisconsin. Self taught keyboard player, his prowess on the B3 is well documented and known throughout the Mid-west. He has played on countless recordings and sessions; toured extensively in the US and Europe and still finds time to pursue his “day job” farming. Voegeli Farms is one of the State of Wisconsin’s premiere dairy operations having been in business for nearly 160 years. The Voegeli’s Brown Swiss herd is world known. Now they have even branched out into their own line of cheese.

Voegeli grew up on his family’s farm and played trumpet and euphonium in his high school band; even though he received an F in band class, he still forged on with the help of the very teacher who flunked him, Mike Korth, and went on to play with the UW Marching Band. A rock band playing at his fraternity house led by Monroe guitarist Bill Rentz, let Voegeli up on stage to sing Louie Louie and he was instantly bitten by the entertainment bug. After playing in

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a few College bands that played U2, Power Pop, and whatever the frat partiers wanted to hear, Voegeli was taken with the blues.

AG: So you don’t read music at all for the keyboards?

Voegeli: No, just play by ear. Self taught!

I met with Voegeli at his rural Monticello home way back in the beautiful hills of Green County to talk about his music.

Always very candid Voegeli let nothing hide or slide. His easy going manner, fantastic sense of humor, and his brutal honesty made for an incredible interview.

AG: That must have been difficult to learn to play on your own?

Voegeli: Yea it was. I’m still learning all the time, obviously.

It’s a process. My mom showed me a few chords. I did take lessons for a short time but always was improvising and playing by ear and the instructor did not appreciate that. Even playing in my High School band and the UW Marching Band I played by feel and listening, instead of following the written parts.

AG: Jim Voegeli take one!

Voegeli: This might not work.

I’ve never been a first take guy!

AG: Why the Blues: Voegeli: I was kind of introduced through the back door to the Blues through Johnny and the Gatecrashers. We were playing covers of whatever was popular at the time and Stevie Ray Vaughn hits. It was one of the first times I ever paid attention to a Hammond B3 and we started going in that direction.

I slowly started to hang around people that played the blues. It just seemed a good fit for me.

AG: What was the first band you played in?

Voegeli: Well I sat in with a band at my fraternity in college. Bill Rentz and Denny McCain let me up to sing. My folks never forgave them for that! We laugh about it to this day, that my parents hate them for letting me sing! I got the bug immediately from that experience and knew I wanted to be in a band.

The first real band where I got paid was in college.

AG: Do you play any other instruments besides keyboards?

Voegeli: I can play the drums really loud! I have always wanted to learn the guitar but I don’t have the patience to do so. I don’t have the brain capacity for the number system involved in it.

AG: You have to not pay attention to the number system like the rest of us.

Gary’s the only guy who uses that!

AG: What started you writing songs?

AG: Did your Mom play by ear?

Voegeli: I was always fooling around with melodies on the piano. Making up little parts and chord runs when I was in High School, maybe even Junior High. I was never really putting words to them. There was always something inside of me to be creative. I played by ear, so making up parts was natural for me.

Voegeli: Yea my Mom plays both by ear and by reading music; in fact she was the one who taught me some chords and got me started on the piano.

Our whole family is musical. My mom and her siblings played and sang. She still sings in the church choir. My dad was the first chair trumpet in a band called The Jolly Switzers, and met his future bride at a gig. My cousin Don wrote the theme song to All Things Considered. He just passed away. He was honored by NPR for writing that song.

AG: After the Crashers you joined Westside Andy. Tell me about that.

Voegeli: I started playing with Mel Ford and Andy at their Thursday night jams at the Club Tavern. Mel needed a keyboard player so I joined his band Mel Ford and the Fairlanes and played with them a couple of years, still doing the Thursday night thing. Eventually we put our heads together and formed the West Side Andy/Mel Ford Band.

AG: You guys played all over the Mid West.

Voegeli: Yea and even a trip to Arkansas to play a festival. We played Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Marquette, Michigan, the twin cities, quad cities, you name it. We went to Jamaica 8 years in a row, as well, a tough working vacation. We wanted to tour and play more places but continued on page 30

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Susan Cowsill,

by then? He told me that I would be, so we set a date and I started sitting out on my sun porch and started to tie all the loose ends together and finish these songs. It is definitely my Katrina record, and it is a good thing that I was able to finish this. I needed to get all these thoughts and emotions out of me, and move a way from it.

AG: You lost your home and a lot of your belongings in Katrina. After the storm and the clean up started did anyone find any of your things and return them to you?

Cowsill: When you loose your stuff in a flood like that you know where it is. It’s in a big ugly pile in your house or your yard mixed in with mud, grass, and everything else. Our home was intact, but everything that was in it was destroyed. We knew where it was. We actually drug the piles out on the sidewalk and went through them to see what we could save, which ended up being a couple of Christmas ornaments.

AG: We can’t even imagine what it would have been like to face that kind of devastation. You see it on TV and it just seems surreal.

AG: What made you decide to record the songs River of Love that was written by your brother Barry, and Galveston by Jimmy Webb on this Record?

Folk with an Edge There are not many artists today still working at making top quality music who can claim the pedigree Susan Cowsill can. A recording artist since she was five years old, Cowsill has been through the rock music of the sixties, the arena rock of the seventies, the big hair of the eighties, the indie scene of the nineties, and still making great folksymusic in the 2000’s. That’s quite an accomplishment for anyone!!!

Today finds Cowsill living in New Orleans,her home for the past 17 years with husband drummer Russ Broussard. She has one daughter, Miranda Hollsopple, from her previous marriage to musician Peter Holsapple. Besides fronting her own band she plays in the Cowsills with two of her brothers. She has played and recorded with Dwight Twilly, Hootie and the Blowfish,The Continental Drifters, and Jules Shears. She and sister in law Vicki Peterson, whom she played with in the Continental Drifters, also have preformed in the past as the Psycho Sisters. This April she released her second solo record Lighthouse (see review this issue), a wonderful CD filled with utterly fantastic songs and stories about New Orleans.

I had the fantastic opportunity to talk with Cowsill about the CD and her music. This interview turned out to be one of the funniest I have ever had the opportunity to conduct. Cowsill was animated, funny, and do I dare say perky!

AG: How would you describe your Music?

Cowsill: Oh my God you open up with that question! Wow that’s a tough one! I can’t believe you even asked that! I guess that they are just thoughts and feelings that come out of my head and end up on a piece of paper, featuring a melody (as she laughs). You know that is a really tough question for me to answer. Its story tillable, kind of pop but it’s not, it’s kind of folksy and it is. You describe it for me.

AG: This is hard hitting journalism here! I would describe it folksy. I hate to say FolkRock because that has been used so much in the past.

Cowsill: How about folk with an edge?

AG: Yea that’s a better description.

AG: What made you decide to record this material at this time for your new album?

Cowsill: That I can answer. I had been starting since Katrina collecting thoughts and music,and keeping them close. What I found was that I was not able to finish anything.

That went on for a good four years. I knew I really needed to finish theses songs and get them out of my body an in to the universe. It was very difficult for me to do that.

My husband, drummer, partner said we need to put a deadline on this. We need to pick a date and go in a record these songs,and he was right. I said what if I’m not ready

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Cowsill: Well River of Love was one of his songs I really loved. I wanted to record something in his honor. I’m a huge Jimmy Webb fan. I have always wanted to record something of his. I was leaning towards Wichita Lineman, but decided on Galveston. It is loosely attached to this record because they went through a similar experience with the hurricane that struck them recently.

So it tides into this project well.

AG: It’s a great cover of it. I love the simplicity of it.

Cowsill: Thank you. When I play covers I like to put my own spin on them. If you are going to record a cover why do it like the original? That would be just repeating it.

AG: Do you have a tour planned in support of this record?

Cowsill: Yes we do. We hope to be out and playing all over this summer. We are in the middle of getting a new booking agent so things are not all tied together yet. We do have several dates already booked and are speaking to a couple of agencies to get things finished up.

My first solo record came out two weeks after Katrina. It was impossible to go out and support the record at that time so things kind of fell by the wayside. That’s why I’m so looking forward to this tour. This time it’s very different. We have a manager, publicist, radio promoter, and soon a booking agent so we have things in order know.

AG: Cary Baker of Conquero,your publicist is a great guy! We have had such good luck working with him in the past. He’s one of the best I have ever dealt with. He was one of the first people who took us serious at the Americana Gazette and would even talk to us.

Cowsill: That says Cary all over. He is one of the best! Is a bomb! You can’t get any better.

AG: You have a lot of great players on this record. Not to name drop but you have Jackson Browne and Vicki Peterson (her sister in law) on background vocals,Waddy Wachtel on guitars, your husband playing drums, and your three brothers Paul, John, and Bob also on vocals. You also have the Craft Brothers Jack and Sam playing multiple instruments.

Cowsill: I’m a very lucky gal! I had a lot of friends and family who came to my aid to help me record this record. I’ve known Jackson since I was 14 years old. He’s an old pal. We had never done any recording together and had only sung twice on stage together in the past. He has always just been a great friend. He also loaned me his studio and engineer Bill Lang to mix this record. We had a little mixing problem and Jackson rode in on his big white horse and saved the day for me. I call him Ben Cartwright. Waddy I’ve known since I was five. He was a dear friend of my brother Bill’s. He had a band called the Twice Nicely that my Dad helped bring out to California. Waddy also produced a couple of Cowsills records.

AG: Do you and Vicki ever go out and do the Psycho Sisters anymore?

Cowsill: Ah! How did you know about that? That is so good! We‘re just a virtual w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

band now. We do promise before we are using walkers that we will put out a Psycho Sisters record!

AG: I really love the stuff you guys did in the Continental Drifters. The Rain Song is one of my top ten favorite songs. I even modeled my band after the Continental Drifters. Vermillion is a great record. One of my favorites!

Cowsill: Well thank you. I really appreciate that. I love that record too. The Drifters were an awesome band.

Precious Gem

Tear Stained Eye & Windfall

AG: When you go on the road who is in your band?

Cowsill: Well there’s my husband Russ,Aaron Struab guitar, two great local musicians Sam and Jack Craft who can play anything and everything. They have their own band Glasglo. Mary Lasane is my bass player who is a fantastic singer songwriter in her own right. It’s such a great band. I’m hoping I can keep all of them until I can start paying them real money (as she laughs)!

AG: When you perform live do you just play your material from your records or do you play covers and other friends’ songs?

Cowsill: I definitely play stuff from my records,my songs from the Drifters,and we play songs from the folks in the band. We like to share the musical food from everyone in the band. I do a couple of old Cowsills songs and covers of stuff I like to sing. I’m a serial band member. I love to play with groups of my friends.

AG: When you write do you just write on guitar?

Cowsill: For the most part I write on guitar. The title cut for this record though I did use a piano part I had come up with years ago. It was something that I had in the back of my mind. It was the only thing I could play on the piano. People would hear me play it and say “do you play the piano?” I would say actually no I don’t. This is it!

AG: My favorite song on this CD is Sweet Bitter End. Cowsill: I wrote that song with another old ex-band mate of mind Tad Armstrong. I don’t co write with many people except Vicki and Russ. To be very honest I was stranded in one of those everyday floods you get here in New Orleans and I was waiting for the water to go down the storm drains. I was listening to Tad’s record. I was stranded for so long I started writing lyrics to this melody of his I was listening to. At the end of the sessions for Lighthouse we needed one more song so I brought this one up. I told them I had a Tad song that I had written lyrics to. Tad said ‘bring it on”. We tweaked it a little and it came out great.

AG: Lighthouse is a well recorded, written and produced record.

Cowsill: Thank you. We had help with the production this time around from Mike Mayeux and Mike Costanzo. Two fantastic guys, engineers, and producers.

AG: Is there any question you wish you would have been asked over the years?

Cowsill: Oh my God you are funny!

You start out with what is your music like and you leave me with this?

What I want to be when you grow up. Go ahead and ask me!

AG: When you’re a musician you never grow up!

Cowsill: That was going to be my answer!

AG: My parents always want to know what I’m going to be when I grow up. When am I going to get a “real” job?

Cowsill: That’s what I want. A “real job!

AG: Thank you so much for your time. It has been a pleasure.

Cowsill: The pleasure’s been mine. When can we do this again?

Written by:Andy Ziehli

If there was ever a truer pair of Americana songs written I don’t know what they would be. On Son Volt’s 1995 Warner Brothers Album “Trace” these two wonderful songs appeared back to back making Trace an instant classic.

The band was formed by Jay Farrer after he left Uncle Tueblo. The group formed after Farrar met Jim and Dave Boquist during the final Uncle Tupelo tour.Together with former Uncle Tupelo drummer Mike Heidorn, the band rehearsed and recorded in the Minneapolis area in late 1994.The group performed its first concert at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis on June 16, 1995.While half of the band was rooted in the Minneapolis area, Farrar and Heidorn lived in the St. Louis area, and the band used both cities as bases for its operations during the first couple of years. The album stands as a touchstone of a distinctly Americana genre.

Trace was produced by Brain Paulson and engineered by Dan Leffler. Brother’s Jim (Bass) and Dave (Guitar, Banjo, Fiddle, Lap Steel) Boquist, along with drummer Mike Heidorn, and Farrar recorded the album in Northfield Minnesota at Salmagundi Studio. The songs were written in a three month period after the breakup of Uncle Tueblo. The songs came from four track acoustic demos that were conceived as Farrer drove from New Orleans to Minnesota. The album was mostly recorded live in the studio and with analog tape.

Windfall the first of these songs that appears on the album is the propulsive opening track. It sets the tone for the record, with brightly strummed guitars, longing pedal steel and fiddle accompaniment. This old-time country song takes the listener back to a much simple time and place.

Not all of these revelations from the river are negative however. According to Richard Byne in his 1995 review of the Trace CD “The wind and old-time country that Farrar finds on his AM country station can lift even the burdens of the world.“Windfall" has the feel of a Beach Boys song for the great Midwestern plains. Dave Boquist's fiddle cozies up to the verses,and a yearning harmony by Farrar and Jim Boquist on the Chorus drives home the point: Catching an all-night station Somewhere in Louisiana Sounds like 1963, but for now It sounds like heaven.

May the wind take your troubles away Both feet on the floor Two hands on the wheel May the wind take your troubles away.

"I was doing that when I was driving around," Farrar says of his AM epiphany. "It's hard to find something to listen to, especially on FM." He adds that "Windfall" is a nod to a particular station in Louisiana "that does a truck-driving show from midnight to 6, and plays a lot of older country songs.That's what I've been listening to - old country and old blues."

"Tear Stained Eye" is a perfect balance of country earnestness and Americana charm.

“Tear Stained Eye” which mentions Ste. Genevieve, a small town (pop. 4,411) on the banks of the Mississippi River.“It’s a historic town, and in the song, it’s just referring to the fact that every time the river flood,the town is in danger of being flooded,”Farrar told No Depression Magazine back in 1996. The heartfelt lyrics and instrumentation makes “Tear Stained Eye” one of the top ten Americana tunes ever written.

These two songs helped launch hundreds of Alt-country/Americana bands on the 90’s and still today appear on many of these genera’s local bar bands song lists.

Though Son Volt and Farrer have continues to record and release great material none has been as meaningful or expressive as “Windfall” and “Tear Stained Eye.” By: Andy Ziehli

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A PET NOTE

the legend of WESLEY T. CONN

An east NASHVILLE BICHON FRISE

Hello everyone.

My name is Wesley T. Conn, they call me Wes for short. I am a handsome 11 year old Bichon Frise and I live in East Nashville with my Mom and Dad, Kellie Conn and Paul Griffith. You might have heard of my dad, Paul Griffith. He is a superb drummer and he just happened to play up North in Belleville, Wisconsin last summer for something they called Bastille Day. That’s where he met those Americana Gazette folks. I know all about Bastille Day! Anyway, back to me. For those of you who don’t know much about my breed, the Bichon Frise is a breed which legend has was brought to France by pirates from the Canary Islands in the 1700’s to sell to the aristocracy. After the French Revolution, the Bichons were smart enough to survive in the streets as street performers, walking on their hind legs, balancing balls, and even pick-pocketing unknowing spectators. This must be why I act the way I do, it’s inherited! I can do all those cute tricks too, that is if I wanted to!

I have been around the world and held many unique and mysterious professions including scientist, spy and political adviser (to both Republican and Democratic parties.) Although I have traveled extensively around the world, my passport is only stamped with Tennessee, Georgia and Florida.

Now that I am a retired American hero, I spend most of my days sunning out on the deck or in a sunny indoor pool. I really enjoy playing with my toys or “babies” as my Mom and Dad refer to them. I am especially fond of Squirrel Moose Friend, Panda Scout and Patriot Bear! When the weather is cold, my Dad and I put our matching blue “snuggies” on and curl up on the couch.

One day I really gave my Mom and Dad a scare. It was a sunny day in 2007 when I was roped into helping with a clothing swap to raise money for Katrina victims. People were coming and going from our house all morning long and I just had to get away for a quiet nap. After all the people had gone, Mom and Dad started looking for me. (Anyway this is how they tell the story.) They were sure I had gotten out; they spent an hour looking for me and even assembled a neighborhood search team. Apparently someone called my “Uncle Tommy”. (You know, drummer Tommy Meyer of The BisQuits and Jeff Finlin) Tommy came over, and being familiar with my usual habits, he knew exactly where I might be hiding. With everyone else out combing the neighborhood, I heard Uncle Tommy tap on the front window, I jumped on the couch, wagged my tail, I was so happy to see him. Mom Kellie and Dad Paul now refer to this incident as “The Day Wesley Didn’t Run Away”.

Overall I’m a pretty good dog. I have a tendency to not come when I’m called as was evident in the above incident. I’m hoping Dad and Mom will be heading to Wisconsin some weekend and take me along so that I can get another stamp on my passport!!!!! I hear those Ziehli’s from the Americana Gazette have a couple of Springer Spaniels who would just love my company………!

Information and photos supplied by: Kellie Conn and Paul Griffith Story by: Joyce Ziehli

MEANTOOTH GRIN Meantooth Grin’s music is blues at its rawest form;it’s what R.L.Burnside would sound like if he was playing through a Marshall stack at 11. I first saw this band about a year ago at a festival we co-billed and from the first note I was floored at their huge sound coming from just three guys. Husky vocals and shearing slide guitar, it sounded like these guys had been living at the bottom of a bottle and had shared it with the devil.

It was nasty and I LOVED IT! There are no gimmicks here, just a love of the delta blues for the 21st century fan.They recently put out their debut album “Before the Devil Knows Your Dead” that has been getting rave reviews and I have to agree, it’s a great album with some hard driving blues.You can check out more about Meantooth Grin at: meantoothgrin.com.

I sat down with Tom Jordan, the lead guitarist and vocalist for Meantooth Grin. We talked about our favorite things- blues, booze and overdrive. Enjoy.

Aaron Williams: Do you think the term "Blues Rock" now has a negative connotation?

And what do you see the future of the blues?

Tom Jordan: I think people are way too concerned with titles; people have a need to label everything instead of just liking music for what it is.Terms like "Blues Rock", "Alt. Blues", etc. are becoming more and more prominent lately and I have to say I do think there is a "Stink" on Blues rock to a degree because so many do it badly and give the rest of the genre a bad name. I don't know what to call our sound honestly....it’s just music that is created from deep within my being what comes out is what comes out.....you may get something different every time.

As far as the future of Blues, it needs to evolve and continue drawing new listeners in.

Muddy Waters took the blues from the Delta and electrified it for his times and modernized it for his generation.....Bands like the Black Keys have taken Blues and done the same. I love old school blues, like Really Old stuff; but young kids aren't going to have a respect for that stuff.You have to relate it in a form they will accept.

AW:When you write songs, what is the process like? Do you do all the writing or do you take it to the band and get their opinion as well and write together?

TJ: I write all of our material myself, so when I do write a song I have no one but myself to argue with until the song makes it into the rehearsal space for fine tuning. I have to be feeling it or words and music just won’t come, most of the time I will sit with pen in hand and come up with nothing...then other times (rarely) it pours out in excess.Most of the time I will sit down with my resonator guitar and play till something catches me, then if I have words that might work; I try to find a fit for them. I sing a lot during the course of my day/night so I sing my ideas to myself a lot. continued on page 31

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Aaron’s Amusing Anecdotes

And the award goes to...

I never get nervous.The last time I got nervous was when I asked my wife’s father for his daughter’s hand in marriage.And he was a tough talking Swiss man that had guns.

“What am I going to say, what am I going to do, what if I trip on the way up on stage…wait a minute what if we don’t win an award!”This all goes through the mind of a nominee at an awards show and leading up to it. Some practice what they would say if they win, some think its bad luck to even think about winning.Me,I was more worried about getting my next gig.I never once in million years thought we’d have a chance to make an acceptance speech at the awards show.

When we got word that we were up for multiple awards we were all excited. After all it’s always good to be recognized as a musician and as a band- as a musician we like attention- good or bad! As a band, after we heard about the list of nominations we gave our drummer a ton of crap for being nominated for Drummer of the Year. We were going to use this one against him. That is a lot of fodder for months leading up to the awards show and we milked it for everything we had. We made him buy drinks on all our nights off on the road and he gladly did it.

Deep down we knew if he won his award and the band lost our awards it was going to be a tough year of listening to his mouth- we’d never be able to tell him he sped up the tempo on that song again.Drummers are always right- but now he’d be “righter” and an award winning drummer. And that’s every guitar player’s nightmare!

The night of the awards show was upon us, the press leading up to the awards show was in our favor.We were starting to feel pressure of winning. E-mail’s, press and fans alike we’re laying it on us thick and we enjoyed every minute of it. I knew we weren’t going to win anything and it was going to be a tough few days of saying thanks to all our fans for supporting us, but saying “maybe next year.”

We knew the night wasn’t going to go well when we walked into the Capitol Theater backstage area and security was all over us and asking for back up personal over their walkie-talkies.Apparently, we don’t quite look like a band yet.

(Note to self). Upon talking security into not arresting us and hauling us off to w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

jail for the night, we were able to make it to our seats.

As the award show kicked in, the music was stellar! The musicians at this awards show that performed we’re simply amazing throughout the whole night. We had no chance against these bands and we were ok with that, we kept saying “it’s just great to be here.”

“And the first award of the night will be given to…”All nominees’ at that point were thinking,“Please let it not be the award we’re up for. How’s this going to work, I don’t want to be the first winner!”Thank god it was New Artist of the Year.The winner was Whitney Man and her Band. Do yourself a favor and check this band out, she’s an amazing singer.

As the night carried on, the musical performance’s continued to be the highlights of the night.The host, John Urban was stellar, funny and gracious. Half way into the show still we hadn’t heard about any of the awards we were up for.

Are they doing this on purpose! Of course being a musician all we do is think of ourselves!

I never get nervous but my armpits wanted to know and so did my bladder. I didn’t want to be the guy that won an award but missed his chance because he was in the bathroom and had to run out yelling“I’m here!”Let’s just get this over with and party for the rest of the night.

Ok, here we go…..”The nominee’s for Blues Artist of the Year are”…… (The first award we were up for).

I looked over at my band and smiled at them, I think they were thinking about the rest room too. I took a deep breath and waited for the answer and then it hit me.“What if we do win, what am I going to say, I didn’t prepare anything? I think I can run to the bathroom now.

Where is the quickest exit? Ok, just start smiling and clapping when they announce the winner- that way you won’t look like a jerk no matter what. Don’t pull a “Faith Hill,” you’re not that good looking so people won’t forgive you.”

The anxiety of the three months leading up to the awards show was upon us, it was time to find out our fate.After all, this night was for our fans, they are the ones that put us in this position; they are the ones that deserve our praise for giving us the best job night after night. We wanted to give them something back for all that they’ve done for us. I hope we don’t disappoint them tonight.

And the winner is……..

Written by: Aaron Williams

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The Singing Cowboy MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY Michael Martin Murphey, "the singing cowboy", is not only the number one, best-selling singer/songwriter of American Cowboy Music, he's one of the world's most respected singer/songwriters in the Pop and Country Western field.

Though he's remained a lifetime resident and loyal son of Texas, he's a man on a mystical, spiritual quest to try to capture the soul of the deserts, plains and mountains - from the Carolinas to California, from the Great Plains to the Deep South to the Wild North Country.

Murphey is also known as a horse and cattle rancher, as well as a lover of the outdoors, with a strong commitment to issues regarding farmers and ranchers,open space,and management of natural resources. This love of nature was quite evident as I spoke to Michael during our interview. Most of his work involves nature and his respect for all things living and the universe at large; and let's not forget that his biggest hit, "Wildfire", was about a mysterious dream horse on the vast American heartland prairie.While others sang about the urban street life and hip discos, Murphey was singing about the stark beauty of the "dark, flat land" of Nebraska.

After briefly attending North Texas State College, Murphey moved to California to go to UCLA, where he studied classical literature, medieval and renaissance history and literature, with an emphasis on poetry and creative writing. He remained almost completely self-taught as a musician, and by 1964, he had not only become a folk club favorite in California, he had signed a songwriting contract with Sparrow Music. It was around that time when Murphey and pal Castleman hooked up with other musicians they had known in Texas - John London (bass player for James Taylor's first album), and Michael Nesmith.They formed a band called the New Survivors.They recorded one album that never saw the light of day, but the association with Michael Nesmith proved to be fortunate when Nesmith became one of the hugely successful Monkees and recorded one of Murphey's songs, "What Am I Doing Hangin' Around?".This led to a lifelong career as a songwriter whose songs are recorded by others, from the Monkees to John Denver to Lyle Lovett.

By 1967, Murphey, along with Castleman, formed The Lewis & Clarke Expedition. Just like the explorers of the early West whose names they adopted, they were musically blazing new trails by combining country, pop and folk with a western flair.They made one self-titled album on Colgems from which comes "I Feel Good (I Feel Bad)," the earliest cut on this collection. In 1972, Kenny Rogers and the First Edition recorded Murphey's idea for a concept album revolving around a ghost town in the Mojave Desert.

In 1970, Michael Martin Murphey moved back to Texas, this time settling in Austin, where he founded a "Texas music scene" that became world famous.Though others like Willie Nelson and Jerry Jeff Walker followed in his footsteps,Murphey was the first singer/songwriter of this Austin scene to be signed to a major record label while operating out of Austin,Texas.When Willie Nelson visited one of Murphey's performances in Austin,he got rid of his suit and tie,grew long hair and a beard like Murphey's,and played the Armadillo World Headquarters as Murphey's opening act. In fact, Murphey inspired many more Texas-based musicians to stick to their home state while playing to the world.As Lyle Lovett put it, "Michael Martin Murphey is one the main influences on my career. He is among America's best songwriters".

In 1972,A&M released the debut album by Murphey entitled Geronimo's Cadillac .The first album was produced by Bob Johnston who also produced Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Simon and Garfunkel, and Leonard Cohen. Written as a protest song after Murphey saw a photograph taken of the Chief being paraded in a Cadillac convertible, the single not only made it to the Top 40, but was used at the occupation of Wounded Knee in 1974.- sealing his lifelong association with the Lakota Nation in South Dakota. "Geronimo's Cadillac" was later recorded by such artists as Hoyt Axton, Mary McCaslin, Cher, and Johnny Rivers . Some people called his music Progressive Country, some called it Redneck Rock, and some called it Outlaw Music.The fact is, no one could quite figure out exactly what to call it, they were struggling with trying to label a songwriter who could morph from the blues, to country, to pop ballad, rock and roll, bluegrass, western- swing, cowboy music and jazz.

In May, 1975 Murphey's story song, "Wildfire," reached No. 1 on the Radio and Records charts, No.3 on Billboard's Pop Chart, and No. 1 on all Adult Contemporary Charts, giving the artist vast commercial exposure. Musically, it stood out, due, in part, to the unique harmonies supplied by the Dirt Band's Jeff Hanna and Jimmy Ibbotson, and the beautiful piano intro based on a classical piece by Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, played by master jazz musician Jac Murphy.

The banjo wasn't your typical commercial instrument on pop radio in the mid-'70s. But "Carolina In The Pines," Murphey's follow-up single, actually contained a banjo solo by John McEuen (who also played mandolin on the song), helping to raise the profile of the instrument.That, and the piano solo by Jac Murphy, creates a magical track that you will want to listen to over and over again.The timelessness of the song is evidenced by the fact that it went to No. 21 on the pop charts in 1975 and a re-recorded version with McEuen and Ricky Skaggs went Top 10 on the country charts ten years later.

Colorado crony John Denver sang background on Murphey's next album, Swans Against The Sun, also recorded at Caribou. He sings background on the title track, as well as on one of Murphey's greatest compositions,"Renegade." John McEuen is on electric slide guitar,Charlie Daniels plays electric guitar and adds his vocals to those of Denver,Jeff Hanna, Willie Nelson and Tracy Nelson.

In the early 1980's, Murphey recorded a watershed album called "Michael Martin Murphey" for Capitol Records, produced by fellow-Texan, Jim Ed Norman, architect of the crossover country sound of the time. Murphey's self-penned "Still Taking Chances," released that same year, was, according to Murphey, one of the first love songs he ever wrote. It also went high on the charts, solidifying his relationship with country radio as a singer-songwriter, which exposed him to an entirely new audience. Ironically, 12 years after his first hit in Pop music, Murphey was awarded Best New Artist by the Academy of Country Music in 1983 (beating out George Strait!), and he continued to enjoy hits on country and pop radio throughout the decade. In 1987, his "A Long Line Of Love," reached No. 1. "I'm Going Miss You, Girl" (written by Jesse Winchester) and "From The Word Go," from his 1988 album River Of Time, both went to No. 3.

His now gold "Cowboy Songs" album, the first gold album of Cowboy Music since Marty Robbins , sparked a whole series of albums. Murphey has received many awards for his

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accomplishments in the Western and Cowboy Music field, including 5 awards from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.

Murphey founded and trademarked a Western cultural festival in Colorado called Westfest in 1987, which has been called the best festival in America by many critics. He has expanded Westfest to other states, and like the Buffalo Bill and his Wild West shows of old, Murphey has become synonymous with American West showmanship, culture, lifestyle, and scholarship. Michael has been chosen as the recipient of the Buffalo Bill Award by the State of Nebraska, given at Nebraskaland Days in North Platte, where Buffalo Bill lived, and began his Wild West shows.

Michael also broke ground with an innovative concert concept called "Cowboy Christmas™" in 1987, which has become a trademarked touring show and musical concept for him.The tour now spans 40 cities per holiday season, and has led to three Cowboy Christmas™ albums and a Cowboy Christmas™ DVD.Again, Murphey was reviving a tradition from Texas.The Texas Cowboys' Christmas Ball in Anson,Texas, was a littleknown event outside of WestTexas,until Murphey discovered and recorded Larry Chittenden's 1880's classic song, " The Cowboys' Christmas Ball" in 1985.The event is now world-famous, due to Murphey's tireless praise for this tradition. Murphey now plays the original location of the ball in Anson every year.

Murphey has been a guest of honor and performer at virtually every important Western event and festival of his time: Grand Marshal of Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Reno Rodeo, the San Antonio Livestock Show, and many others. He has performed while singing on horseback at many prestigious Western Events:seven years atThe National Western Stock Show of Denver,Colorado; the San Antonio Livestock Show in Texas; The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo;The New Mexico State Fair; and the American Quarter Horse World Show in Oklahoma City. Murphey has appeared at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Calgary Stampede, Rodeo Finals in Oklahoma City,The Colorado State Fair and Rodeo,The Utah State Fair and Rodeo, the National Festival of the West, the Festival of the American West, and many others. He serves on the advisory board of the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Western Folklife Center in Elko, Nevada, and is a much-loved performer there.

Michael has also received awards for his accomplishments in many fields.The award for which he is most honored is the Golden Smoky Award, given to him by the Department of Interior for his tireless work in conservation and wild lands fire awareness. Other awards in include: Gold Albums for COWBOY SONGS VOL. I, BLUE SKY NIGHTTHUNDER,WILLTHE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN, Charlie Russell Award for Western Heritage, 5 "Wrangler" awards from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and Cowboy Hall of Fame, National Day of the Cowboy Keeper Award, Academy of Country Music,Rock Music Awards,Academy of Western Music Award for Best Album and Song, Governor of New Mexico's Outstanding Achievement Award, Honorary Lifetime Membership in the American Quarter Horse Association, Honorary Paul I. Harris Award from Rotarians International, Outstanding Citizen Award by the Town of Taos, New Mexico, Outstanding Son of Texas Award by the Texas Legislature, BMI Awards for Radio Airplay, and special citation for Outstanding Contribution to the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for his work on public awareness of Wisconsin Trails.

Michael, his wife Karen and six children are all involved in the family businesses of music,ranching and recreational/competitive horseback riding.The Murphey family divides personal family time between residences in New Mexico and Wisconsin,and land on a private fishing lake in Linden,Texas,near where the Murphey pioneer family came to Texas in 1858. When I caught up with Michael Martin Murphey (MMM) he was enjoying a nice sunny day in Wisconsin just as I was. Mr.Murphey is a very intelligent and enlightening man. I have always loved his music and I was extremely honored to be able to visit with him. What an extraordinary man indeed!!!!!

Joyce: Michael Martin Murphey, how did you ever end up living in Wisconsin?

MMM: I’ve often woken up in the night and asked myself the same question. (laughs) No, I’m just kidding. I followed my wife up here. She is from here and I have 3 stepdaughters. We got married and felt we wanted to leave the girls in the school that they were in. They were very happy with it. We came up here and I didn’t fight that idea because I liked the country. I fell in love with the country. I’d never really been in this part of the country much, certainly not in the back country. I’d been in the big cities playing concerts, but never in the back country in the coulees. I thought it was a big country so I built a ranch here.

Joyce: So you grew up in Texas. Tell me a little bit about your childhood, family, siblings, etc.

MMM: Well, I grew up with kind of a dual upbringing. I was very blessed to have the best of both worlds, a city upbringing and a rural upbringing. My parents lived in the city of Dallas and were city people. My Dad worked in downtown Dallas. He put on a coat and tie and his wing tipped shoes and went downtown Dallas and worked as an accountant all of his life. My Grandfather and my Uncles had ranches outside the city, not far from where we lived in East Texas and in Arkansas. In the summer time,my Dad shipped me and my little brother off to the family ranches. At first just to go have some time with the Grandparents, and while we were there we always helped them.

Next thing you know we fell in love with the life. I would refuse to stay in the city in the summer time. I had to go to that ranch. That pleased my father and my mother because they loved to see us enjoying life. They loved it out there on the farm, but they could only come out there on the weekends, on vacation time and holidays. That’s just what they did. They shipped us out there, they would drive out to see us on the weekends, then go back to work during the week. I grew up cowboying that way!

Joyce: You are referred to as the “singing cowboy”. You have always stayed true to your roots. Where did this music influence come from?

MMM: My music comes from a lot of different sources. I grew up in a real conservative Baptist Church, so I heard a lot of old fashioned gospel music, classic old hymn songs by people like Fanny Crosby, and even by John Wesley, and all the different people that were in the standard Baptist hymn books. Harmonically that’s what stuck in my head.

My first time to ever perform in front of an audience was when I was 3 years old. I believe I sang,“Zachius Was a Wee Little Man”. (laughs) My Mom and Dad both sang in the choir, so we were very musical. But then some other aspects got in there, but that was kind of the foundation of my first music along with Sunday school and church and gospel music. Southern gospel music, the bluegrass gospel of which my Mother hated.

My Mother didn’t like anything hillbilly or whiny. I loved it. I was crazy about it.

My Grandfather Murphey lived in Hawaii. He was a Navy man and he would come home a couple of times a year, he’d always bring us presents. One year at age 5 he gave me a ukulele. I learned how to play it. He was shocked. It was more or less just suppose to be a souvenir inside a package full of fruit from Hawaii. My Grandfather played the mandolin and the ukulele. Because our family has the oldest, continual business in Texas called Murphey the Jeweler, it wasn’t just a jewelry store, it was a pawn shop and it had a lot of instruments in there. They sold both new and old instruments. That’s how my Grandfather got to play.

Music was always around in the family. I have done a little bit of research on genealogy and found out quite a few of the generations played music, Irish music, classical music, you know the music of the 19th century, even the 18th century. The family goes all the way back to the revolution. The Irish will go anywhere to fight the British.

Grandfather gave me this ukulele then he bumped it up to a guitar when I was about 13. Just a couple of years later he died. He was a hard user of liquid nourishment and that finally caught up with him. We never really knew he was an alcoholic till he sobered up one day. I got that guitar then I started listening to music a lot, buying records. I wasn’t attracted particularly to the rock’n’roll but I was attracted to some records that my uncle gave me. They were old fashioned records, basically bluegrass and folk music. I think one of the first albums I ever heard when I was a kid that wasn’t gospel was Tennessee Ernie Ford singing,“Mule Train”. There was always cowboy music around, always old fashioned fiddle and banjo music around out on the ranches.

Not at home though because my Mom didn’t like hillbilly stuff. My uncles just loved it and my Uncle Lamonye was just a good old farm boy that just loved it, a lot like my Wisconsin neighbors I have. He volunteered to be in the army,lied about his age when he was 17 years old, found himself on Omaha Beach , dropped the plow, went to fight, came back home and picked the plow up and kept on going. He listened to the Grand Ole Opry every Saturday night, so did my Grandfather, all of this music was getting into my guitar playing. By age 17 I had my own coffee house night club, no alcohol served because that would have never gone down in Texas. To have a 17 year old run a business that had alcohol in it probably wouldn’t ever go down in Wisconsin even today. Probably had 50 – 60 people that came into this coffee house, at least I had a venue, then I got discovered by a local television station. The FCC said local television stations had to have their own programming, they couldn’t all be network programming, so I got a television show, a summer replacement television show called,“Hometown Hootenanny”. I hosted that show at age 17, then I started to get into the wider world of entertainment.

Joyce: You aren’t living too far from me.

Joyce: Have you always played by yourself or where you in a band?

MMM: If I had known this we could have met at a Starbuck’s. continued on page 17

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CD Review

Art Priebe ♪♪♪ 1/2 • When you smile Style: Country with a C • Self Released Art Priebe is a Country music artist from Nevada. Priebe is a multi-instrumentalist. He recorded this project in Nashville where he hired the services of Stuart Duncan,Viktor Krauss, Justin Moses,Aubrey Hainie and Steve Hinson., which made for a very well recorded and professional-sounding CD. Priebe is a fair songwriter that writes in the standard I IV,V country style that is pretty much non-existent in Nashville today. This CD is a labor of love for Priebe. He wrote all the songs but one which he also co-wrote. My favorite cut is number 10,Where the free wind blows. It is an old Appellation sounding ballad. Mississippi Line is another stellar cut from the CD. The Dobro in the beginning is well recorded and very finely played.

The comparison to Ray Benson is hard to miss in Priebe’s voice and looks. A lot of this material sounds like early Asleep at the Wheel cuts from the 1970’s.

This is not a bad thing. There is a strong leaning towards bluegrass instrumentation on this CD, sometimes a “little” too much. I would have liked to have heard a steel guitar or telecaster on a couple cuts especially on Blood Red Lights.

This is a good CD that is recorded well with above average songs. It won’t make the Country top 40 anywhere, but I don’t think Art Priebe cares much about that.

As I said earlier this is a labor of love and it shows. Priebe’s fans will like it a lot and if he can get on the RFD channel he will certainly go a long ways with the fans of the Saturday Night music shows. Nashville is way past this style, and I don’t see them returning to this station any time soon.

Written by:Andy Ziehli

Lighthouse ♪♪♪♪♪ • Susan Cowsill • Threadhead Records Style: Americana/Folk Rock with an Edge Susan Cowsill has recorded a fantastic CD!!! It is a heart warming tribute to New Orleans where she has made her home for the last 17 years. This ain’t your mama’s poppy family band music. This is edgy contemporary Americana music with just enough acoustic instrumentation to keep the folkies happy and enough drums and electric guitar to make the rockers sit up straight and listen.

The CD kicks off with Dragon Fly’s an up tempo happy go lucky tune about the summers in New Orleans. It is the poppiest tune on the CD. Next Avenue of the Indians is pure Americana. The song is about the rebuilding of New Orleans after Katrina.

I love the mandolin, it supplied by Jack Craft. The third song on the CD is Bitter End and my favorite. It is different than the other 12 songs collected here. It’s just one of those great songs that hits you in the heart and stays with you. The fifth song on the CD is the rockiest and is utterly out of this world. River of Love was written by Cowsill’s older brother Barry who lost his life in the aftermath of Katrina. It is radio friendly, has rock steady drumming, and is tailor made for radio. The only other cover on the CD is Jimmy Webb’s Galveston. This stripped down version is pure ear candy. Cowsill’s mature edgy vocals take this classic to a new level with the acoustic instrumentation.

Helping Cowsill create Lighthouse were her husband drummer, Russ Broussard, Jack and Sam Craft on every instrument you can imagine (these two brothers are top tier musicians), Aaron Stroup on guitars, and Tad Armstrong on bass. These five musicians made up the core of Cowsill’s studio band. Helping her out were Jackson Browne and Vicki Peterson on background vocals. Cowsill wrote or co-wrote ten of the twelve songs here. It was produced by Cowsill; here husband Broussard, Michael Mayeux, and Mike Costranzo.

This CD is well worth checking out and purchasing! It’s not a drive 80 MPH car trip CD but a wonderful CD to put on, have a glass of wine, listen to the birds singing off your porch put your feet up CD. The kind of CD you put on in the late afternoon to unwind. I’m not saying it’s mellow, because it is not. It’s a great CD to listen to and reflect and dream about Mardi Gra in the Big Easy. That’s fo sure!!!!

Review by:Andy Ziehli

The National ♪♪♪♪ • High Violet Style: Singer songwriter/Americana/Blues The National’s new album, High Violet, is by far the most anticipated of their career.With the success of 2007’s Boxer especially the instant classic “Fake Empire”,The National finally received the recognition they had worked so hard for.This is a self-made band, and that shows in their music. Many of the songs on High Violet deal with real-world issues, focusing on the struggle that many people face to be a functioning member of society.The National,unlike some of their hand-picked, label-groomed contemporaries have real problems and responsibilities.This makes them very easy to relate to, and with lead singer Matt Berninger’s haunting voice and lyrics like“I still owe money, to the money, to the money I owe”, you want to commiserate right along with them.

This album is not a departure from the band’s signature sound; in fact, it sounds more like The National than any of their other records. Instead of trying to branch out and please some of their critics,they decided to delve deeper into their own sound.This results in more developed melodies, and for the most part they don’t overreach.The National is a band that knows what they are good at even if it is relatively unfamiliar territory.

High Violet is very cathartic record for Berninger, who sounds like a subdued mix of Morrissey and Springsteen if they had been raised in the heartland.Although it is bigger and more ambitious than Boxer, High Violet is still earnest and painfully honest.The slow, fuzzy guitar and moody piano ebb and flow, and Berninger makes every word count. Some songs like “Terrible Love” build up to Arcade Fire-esque moments of uplifting sincerity. Others like “Afraid of Everyone” are darker, with neurotic-sounding guitars driving home Berninger’s point which is for the most part that this life is hard, but it’s better than nothing.

All in all this album is a step forward for the National. Even with a bigger platform they still have heart, and you get the feeling that they always will.

Reviewed by: Joe Lowery

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women in the round

michael martin murphey

to play the saxophone.

MMM: We were playing all kinds of music, but mostly acoustic. I never was attracted to being in a band with electric instruments,probably because I loved the portability of an acoustic guitar and being able to take your girlfriend out on a picnic and being able to play for her, go out and play in a coffee house or at a camp fire. It’s all self contained.

AG: Have you ever met any famous musicians?

IS: Yea, but I don’t remember his name.

AG: What are your music career goals? Would you like to be a songwriter, performer, or work in the music industry?

IS: I want to go to college and get a music degree. I want to keep songwriting and I want to perform. Maybe someday I might become a famous musician! I want to continue in music and never stop learning.

AG: Do you perform your songs out in the public? so, where?

Them Crooked Vultures ♪♪♪♪ Style: Rock Two Generations of Rock Combine for One Killer Album. The “Rock super group” is usually a short-lived conflict-laden fiasco, but once in a while a group finds the right mix of talent and humility. The results can be deadly. Them Crooked Vultures are not comprised of your typical ego-centric icons.Their most famous member is John Paul Jones, who used to play bass in a little band called Led Zeppelin.They also boast as members Dave Grohl, of Nirvana and Foo Fighters fame, and Queens of the Stone Age front man Josh Homme.

On their eponymous debut Them Crooked Vultures are like a freight train barreling down the tracks nearly tipping over at every turn, but they are somehow able to keep it together, and it ends up being an enjoyable and exhilarating ride.The stop and go song structure of this album is very reminiscent of Homme’s other side project, the not-so-aptly titled Eagles of Death Metal.These melodic “palpitations” are tense and melancholy, but it never sounds like they are completely out of control.

Combined with Homme’s smug yet earnest vocals this is the musical equivalent of controlled demolition. This motif is enhanced by Jones’ legendary bass riffs and Grohl’s heavy precise percussion.

The album opens with“No One Loves Me & Neither Do I”, which starts somewhat mellow, but picks up and gets ridiculously heavy about half way through letting you know thatThem Crooked Vultures mean business.This is followed by what may be the album’s two strongest tracks,“Mind Eraser, No Chaser” and “New Fang”, which both feature uber-catchy guitar riffs and crowd-pleasing choruses.The album then rolls on, with Jones and Grohl showcasing a kind of laid-back technical proficiency highlighted by their dueling parts on “Scumbag Blues”.

The album is kept relatively concise with the exception of “Elephant” and “Warsaw Or The First Breath You Take After You Give Up”, the latter of which is a time-signature behemoth that simply tries to do too much. Aside from a few minor missteps Them Crooked Vultures manage to avoid the self-indulgence that plagues most“super groups” while still allowing each individual to do what they do best.This album provides a much-needed jolt to the somewhat stagnant world of rock music,and it’s easy to see why. To put it simply, Them Crooked Vultures know how to rock.

Reviewed by: Joe Lowery

If

IS: Yes, at my school. I performed at the Monticello talent show.

AG: Were you nervous?

IS: Most of the time I’m not nervous.

AG: What do your school friends think about your choice as a songwriter?

IS: A lot of them say,“I don’t even know how to strum a guitar.” They are surprised at my writing. I always tell them what my Dad told me. Don’t be jealous. If you want to do something, just try it!

AG: How many songs have you written so far?

IS: I have written over 100 songs. I don’t have them all written down though. Sometimes when I get an idea, if I stop to go get paper or a recorder, I lose my thoughts.

AG: Have you thought about recording a CD of your songs?

IS: Yea, I would like to. I have enough good songs to record for people my age.

AG:What are your future plans after high school?

IS: I’m going to college. It is very important to have a trade.

AG: Before we end this interview, any words of advice to other young people about songwriting to share?

IS: Listen to lots of types of different music. I would ask them a lot of the questions you just asked me to see if they are really interested. A song is a story. A poem can be a song. Write a story – then sing it!!!!

After we completed this interview,Isabelle went upstairs to join the others in playing and listening to the songs they had all written. Isabelle played a new melody she had been working on. It was a beautiful melody and the other songwriters were enthusiastic to help her with their ideas on how to continue with this song. What a wonderful experience to witness a song in the making!!!

Joyce: You are such a romantic! (both of us laugh) MMM: Well, you know in my first job, besides the coffee house business, I was a wrangler at a Christian Youth Camp called Sky Ranch. My job was to teach kids how to ride horses at this camp and also to shoot bow and arrows, as I was an archery teacher. I taught them to shoot, Junior Rifle Association, I was involved in real cowboy stuff from an early age. Because of my background, I knew how to ride, and I could teach kids how to rope, shoot and do archery. I thought most of these little boys would eat this up but it turns out I had just as many little girls that wanted to learn that stuff. Some of my best marksmen I ever knew were markswomen. I had awesome girl archers. Women are always better at that stuff because they don’t have the John Wayne thing to prove. The boys are always,“sure man, yea man I can hit that target, I know what kind of gun that is, I know how to do that.” The girls never did that. They just said, “how do you do that, how do you hold it?” They were just better students and they didn’t have anything to prove. If they missed the target, they would just laugh.

I played guitar on the weekend. Kids would come for one to two week periods, then the parents would come on the weekend and visit them. Camp wasn’t far from Dallas and I would spend the whole summer out there.

We’d have a big camp fire and my job was to sing and I’d always sing cowboy songs.

That’s why I fit into the Americana mold. I like all kinds of well done music. My son for example, Brennan,AKA electric music dance DJ in Oregon,I like a lot of his stuff.

It’s real creative, well done and kind of far out. It’s very high tech. It’s completely opposite of what I do, where I’m very low tech, the least amount of synthesizer’s stuff attracts me. I love jazz; my son Ryan who produces my records is a phenomenal jazz musician as well as a great acoustic guitar player, plays mandolin, electric guitar, sings great, and a great producer. His love of jazz comes from the fact I played lots of jazz records for him while growing up. Sometimes I didn’t want to listen to someone singing so I just put on some background music, some cool jazz music when I was working around the place, even in the barn. My Grandfather took me to a concert (symphony orchestra) that was accessible to the school system and downtown Dallas. Dan Clyborn was bigger than Elvis. We went out to hear them rehearse with the Dallas symphony. I fell in love with the orchestra. I have done over 1100 shows with symphony orchestras. I do nothing with arranging, I’m not classically trained as a musician. It is just a lot of fun to get out there and play with an orchestra. I love the big sound, like in the John Wayne westerns, they have all that big symphony music. continued on page 17

My thanks to Isabelle and her Dad for sharing this precious time with me on a school night. I wish Isabelle the best of luck in her future in the music business!!!

Who knows, maybe in the near future she will be selling her own CD!!

Photos and story by: Joyce Ziehli (Some photos supplied by Pete Stern)

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The Oregon Vet Clinic

3 for 1

Chocolate Temptations

The Holiday

Live from the Holiday Music Motel in Sturgeon Bay "The Holiday on Holiday: Grand Re-Opening and Dark Songs Celebration" Oct. 30th & 31st - Dark Songs : Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe's First Halloween.

Oct.31st - Grand Re-Opening of the Holiday Music Motel Join the Holiday Music Motel on this special Holiday Weekend in celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe's First Halloween with two Dark Songs Concerts, and their Grand Re-Opening! In the vein of Steel Bridge SongFest's Construction Zone, also hosted by the Holiday, several handpicked songwriters, some local, some national,some international - among them Eric McFadden, Delaney Davidson, Geri X, Chris Simmons and Pat MAcdonald - will haunt the Holiday Music Motel for a week of collaborative songwriting and recording.The event finale will be two shows on Halloween weekend, open to the public (21+), where the Dark Songs written and recorded during the week will be unveiled.The first show will be Friday Oct. 30th at CHERRY LANES (10pm2am); the second will be Saturday Oct. 31st at the LADDER HOUSE (7pm-midnight). Both venues are a very short walk from the Holiday Music Motel in Historic Downtown Sturgeon Bay. Costumes encouraged! There may be a contest...And don't miss the Grand Re-Opening of the Holiday Music Motel, Free and Open to the public, Saturday, October 31st (1pm - 5pm) for Live Entertainment, Motel Tours, and Refreshments. Contact the Holiday Music Motel at (920) 743-5571 or holiday.musicmotel@gmail.com for more information about the Grand Re-Opening and Dark Songs at the Holiday on Holiday!

Holiday Music Motel 30 N. 1st Ave Sturgeon Bay,WI 54235 (920) 743-5571 holiday.musicmotel@gmail.com www.HolidayMusicMotel.com

The Oregon Veterinary Clinic was founded as a mixed animal practice in 1972 by Dr. Jim Orvick and Dr. Larry Mahr. In 1999 Dr. Orvick and Dr. Mahr split the large and small animal practices, and the Oregon Veterinary Clinic continued as a small animal practice with Dr. Orvick and Dr. Mark Peters. After practicing in a small animal clinic in Madison for several years, Dr. Orvick's wife, Dr.Sara Orvick joined the clinic in 1999. In May of 2000, Jim and Sara's youngest daughter, Rachel, and her vet school classmate, Jim Stevenson joined the practice.

On July 1, 2003, Dr. Rachel Orvick and Dr. Jim Stevenson formally purchased the Oregon Veterinary Clinic from Dr.Jim Orvick. About the same time Dr.Stevenson's wife, Molly and Dr. Craig Schley joined the practice. In 2006 Dr. Didi Heisler joined Dr. Jim Orvick, Dr. Rachel Orvick, Dr. Mark Peters, Dr. Craig Schley, Dr. Jim Stevenson and Dr. Molly Stevenson as a veterinarian at the Oregon Veterinary Clinic.

The Oregon Veterinary Clinic is a full service veterinary practice. They offer comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care services for companion animals. The clinic is equipped with a full service laboratory that allows doctors to obtain important information within minutes.In-house testing includes full blood chemistries, electrolytes,hematology,blood gasses,clotting times,full urinalysis and fecal exams.T The clinic also has a complete radiology department with a rapid automatic x-ray processor. They are equipped with an ultrasound unit that is available for abdominal and cardiac imaging and for early pregnancy diagnosis. The surgical staff at the Oregon Veterinary Clinic is well equipped to handle most soft-tissue and orthopedic problems. Procedures include the following: • Spays, neuters • Tumor removal / biopsy • C-sections • Fracture repair (bone plates and pins) • Cranial Cruciate (ACL) repair • Other joint repair The Oregon Veterinary Clinic also has the Hound Huddle, which is a "Doggy Day Care". A dog day care is a place where your dog can come play with other dogs for the day in a supervised environment. Unlike a dog park, each dog is screened for up to date vaccinations, parasites and to determine, to the best of our ability, whether it can play well with other dogs. Your dog can come play, socialize and exercise for a half day, all day or five days a week, depending on his or her (or your) needs. In addition to the positive social aspects and exercise, a day at day care can eliminate days of boredom or destructive behavior at home.

You can contact the Oregon Vet Clinic at Telephone: (608) 835-7323 or (608) 251-3487 Facsimile: (608) 835-5055 Emergencies: (608) 251-3487

Chocolate Temptation is located on the East side of the Square in the heart of downtown Monroe,Wisconsin. It opened in 1995 and is owned and operated by the Buol family. Scott, Robyn, Gretchen, and Amy, all work together to create some of the most mind bending tasty chocolates and truffles in all of the Mid-west.They make all the candies on site. They also operate a coffeehouse with homemade bakery treats within the store. Items such as fruit smoothies, sundaes, teas, lattes, and cappuccinos, hot cocoa and coffee chillers are served. Their signature coffees can be purchased in half and one pound packages.You can also purchase signature Chocolate Temptation candies in the store or have them shipped throughout the US. One of the biggest treats is Robyn’s homemade muffins!

They are to die for, especially her cappuccino chocolate chip muffins!!! My next favorite treat is her O’Henry bars. This is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of a busy day. The European flavored interior and furnishings make for a fantastic place to soothe your nerves or recharge your batteries.

The chocolates that they make are the perfect gifts to send to friends, relatives, and business associates. We here at the Americana Gazette send Chocolate Temptation candies to business associates, artists, and friends throughout the US. If you are planning on sending candy for holidays get your orders in early because they are extra busy creating and shipping candy at Christmas, Valentines Day, Easter, and Mothers Day. The super friendly staff brings your order to you at your table, or you can get your order to go at the front counter. The Buol’s are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Scott,Robyn,and Gretchen work daily at the store and can answer any questions you have on their candies and coffee’s. Amy the Buol’s other daughter is a nurse, but still finds time to help out during peak times of the year.The store opens at 8:00 a.m and closes at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday’s. They are closed on Sunday’s.

Next time you get that sweet tooth that just won’t go away take a trip though beautiful Green County to Monroe and visit the Historic Square with its wonderful shops and restaurants. Take your break at Chocolate Temptations. You won’t be sorry!

Andy Ziehli

Mailing Address: 1145 Park Street, Oregon,WI 53575 Email Address: amyr@oregonvetclinic.com

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SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL The National Barn Dance

Long beforeTV,video games,the computer,the internet, and I phones, we had radio to entertain us.You could learn the news of the day,the farm report,the weather,listen to music and be involved in dramatic stories of crime fighting and comedy,all without leaving a room.

We had two radios in our home.One was in the kitchen,so mother could listen to her stories, or soap operas as they were later called, the other was in the living room. It was a tall console with big speakers in the front.This one was used when all the family was together in the evening.During the week the one in the kitchen was used the most as we ate breakfast in the morning and sat around the kitchen table at night doing our homework.But,on Saturday night we all retired to the living room to listen to radio stationWLS and the National Barn Dance.

The National Barn Dance was a show that featured music,comedy and short theatrical skits.

It seemed to have something for everyone.It made its debut onApril 19,1924 and lasted well over five decades.History states that the Barn Dance program was twofold.Its’purpose was to serve the rural farm audiences and city listeners that had come from rural communities and longed to hear about the “Good Old Days.”The Barn Dance had such influence over country and western music and was known as second only to the Grand Ole Opry.

Two comedy teams that debuted on the show and went on to bigger things were Charles Correll and Freeman Gosden,who later became known asAmos andAndy,and another man and wife team, Jim and Marion Jordan, whom we all came to know as “Fibber McGee & Molly.

The National Barn Dance was a live show and audiences came from all over to view the show in the studio.WLS claimed to be the first to build an audience studio in 1925.The first studio held 100 people. By 1931 the whole show was moved to larger facilities that held 1200 theatre seats. People lined up by the thousands to fill the seats twice every Saturday night.There were two shows.(7:30 pm and 10:00 pm.) By 1933 there were over 30 radio stations carrying the second show on the air. By the 1950’s audiences started slowing down and the Barn Dance stopped its live performances after 1957.The show continued to be on the air until the station was sold.

What I remember most about the show was some of the great performers. In the early days of the show there was a husband and wife duo, LuLu Belle and Scotty.This team would spend some 25 years on the Barn Dance and in 1936 LuLu Belle was voted National Radio Queen. w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

Mac and Bob were a team that sang together.

Both performers were blind but their voices blended so smoothly together. They also appeared on other WLS programs.

Who could ever forget Patsy Montana. (I remember that my aunt had an autographed picture of her and her guitar.) She sang with a group called the Prairie Ramblers. Her greatest song yet is“I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart.” It became her signature song.

Most recent names of performers were GeneAutry.(His Song“Silver Haired Daddy of Mine” was a great favorite of the Barn Dance audience.) Red Foley,he had a million selling song in “Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy”and RexAllen,he became a regular performer onWLS after World War II. In the 1950’s he went to make movies and George Gobel; he became a regular performer in 1933 when he was 13 years old.He sang cowboy ballads and strummed a ukulele.He always wore a ten gallon hat. In later years he would be known as a successful comedian.

There were so many good performers on this one show. I started out listening to this program when I was just a kid.I was a teenager when the show came to a close. Now days my Saturday nights are spent watching (on TV) the Marty Stuart Show and my favorite of all LARRY’S COUNTRY DINER on the RFD channel.

One thing is certain, country music has left its mark on the world and programs like WLS National Barn Dance helped put it there.

Written by:Rosemary Ziehli

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ARTIST AND JOURNALIST ERIC BRACE ADDED TO “FREEDOM SINGS,” A CELEBRATION OF FREE SPEECH IN MUSIC, HELD ON APRIL 27 AT THE NEWSEUM IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER RECEIVED THE ‘SPIRIT OF AMERICANA’ AWARD The First Amendment Center and the Americana Music Association were proud to announce the addition of artist/journalist Eric Brace to theApril 27th“Freedom Sings”event,where the two not for profit organizations celebrated the power of free speech in music and honoring the career of Mary Chapin Carpenter. Freedom Sings was presented at the Newseum in downtown Washington.

Over the last decade,Brace has made a notable impact on the Washington DC music scene;as the Front man for the acclaimed DC/Nashville based LastTrain Home,as well as the respected music writer of theWashington Post.

Since 1999,the FAC has produced“Freedom Sings”as an annual concert at the Bluebird Café and since 2001 as a touring production that has performed more than 120 shows at universities and communities featuring a troupe of GrammyAward-winning and critically acclaimed artists,celebrating free speech in music through songs that have been banned, censored or served as social anthems – music that matters. Eric is a long-standing participant in those performances.

The April 27th event toasted Carpenter who received the“Spirit ofAmericana”Free Speech in Music Award from the Newseum’s FirstAmendment Center and theAmericana MusicAssociation.The award recognizes artists who have used their work to raise awareness and promote free speech through their music and other efforts.Past recipients include Johnny Cash,Kris Kristofferson,Joan Baez,Mavis Staples,Judy Collins,Charlie Daniels and Steve Earle.

“Mary Chapin Carpenter is clearly comfortable in the marketplace of ideas,” said Ken Paulson,president and chief operating officer of the Newseum and the FirstAmendment Center.“Her career has been one of absolute integrity.

She has consistently written and performed songs that take a stand and reflect the human condition, while her activism outside of her art has also effected real change for real people.” Paulson noted that “from early recordings like "HeThinks He’ll Keep Her”to the self-reflection of‘A Place InThe World' to the powerful perspective of "Houston" and“OnWith the Song,” she has used the power of free expression to craft statements of substance and emotion.”

“Freedom Sings”included a conversation with Carpenter about her music and career,and featured guest musical performances by Grammy Award winning artists Judy Collins and Rodney Crowell.

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER RELEASES NEW CD

THE AGE OF MIRACLES

The Age of Miracles, the new album from world-renowned singersongwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter was released April 27 on Zoë/Rounder Records. Over the course of a 12-album recording career, Carpenter has won five Grammy Awards and sold over 13 million records.The new record follows 2008’s acclaimed Christmas release Come Darkness,Come Night and 2007’s Grammy-nominated albumThe Calling.

In addition to her work in music, Carpenter is a dedicated supporter of organizations including Campaign for a Landmine-Free World,Artists Against Hunger and Poverty,Voters for Choice,the NationalTrust for Historic Preservation, the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation and other groups.

Recorded in Nashville, the 12-track album was produced by Carpenter and long-time collaborator Matt Rollings (Lyle Lovett, Keith Urban) and was recorded and mixed by Chuck Ainlay (Mark Knopfler,Sheryl Crow,Willie Nelson).Carpenter is backed by a band that includes Rollings (piano,B-3 organ),Russ Kunkel (drums),Duke Levine (electric and acoustic guitar), Glenn Worf (bass), Dan Dugmore (steel and 12 string guitar) and Eric Darken (percussion).The album also features guest vocals byVince Gill on“I Put My Ring Back On”and Alison Krauss on“I Was a Bird.”

Information provided by: Cathy Kerr,Sacks & Co.

A national tour is planned surrounding the release.

OnApril 27,Carpenter released her new album,“TheAge of Miracles,” on Zoe/Rounder Records.“Ms.Carpenter is an artist in the truest sense of the word,” saidAmericana MusicAssociation Executive Director Jed Hilly.“With her live performance and studio albums,her music has touched and inspired so many. We are honored to bestow this prestigious award on her.”

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The Infamous StringDusters A Show and Album in Review the show was shortened. So before we all made our escape from the karaoke monster, I went to the merchandise table and picked up The Stringdusters’ newest album. Not all bands can record albums that live up to their live shows,but I was in for another surprise.

By: Rob Kosmeder

On April 20th I stepped into the High Noon Saloon with a couple friends expecting to listen to some traditional ole’mountain tunes,and hear some lightning banjo pickin. I was soon to be surprised. With our Blue Ribbons firmly in hand we made our way to the venue’s balcony. After choosing a seat with a wonderful pole right in front of it we moved to another table which had a wobbly leg,and then finally finding a good seat.

Soon the opening band came onto the stage. For one moment my original suspicions about the night were right on.The sound that came from the stage was traditional,but as I was listening there seemed to be something that made it different.The band was Madison’s own Sweet Grass. Playing a mix of originals and old classics they had the old time sound, but it wasn’t inaccessible.It definitely has a foot stomping quality and there is nothing wrong with movin’a little. Slowly but surely the High Noon began to fill up,and crowd varied from the old grizzled man who looked like he just came out of the mountain to the hippy kids, and two people dressed in their business suits from work. The floor was now full of people and Sweet Grass had left the stage.

The Infamous Stringdusters ♪♪♪♪ ThingsThat Fly 5 of 5 Notes New grass/Bluegrass With the show at the High Noon fresh in my mind I threw The Infamous Stringdusters’album into the stereo hoping to re-capture some of the magic from the night before.It was a wonderful substitute!

The first song You Can’t Stop the Changes is perfect for the opening of the album capturing all of the bands different styles, and perhaps influences in one song it even gets dreamy/trippy at one point.They are taking a traditional music and twisting it and bending whatever way they please. To me that was made apparent again in the third track,All the Same,in which they twist there sound into more of a jazz feeling. Sure, there isn’t as much jamming as during their live show,but these songs can stand on their own with no problem.

Not only is this band tight in their music,but they are tremendous songwriters and every one of the members contribute to the song writing. Magic #9, the fourth song, brings me back to Ireland into a small pub and puts a dark beer in front of me. In the middle of the album the Stringdusters throw a short instrumental, which strangely in its shortness is astoundingly beautiful and before you even realize it, it gives way into the next song.

The good flow that the group had live is definitely captured in this album. The track 17Cents makes sure that you didn’t forget the roots of this band. I thought that this track was the most traditional of the album.

It doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. It fits right in with the rest of the music. This album takes you on a journey through different styles of music and different emotions,but shows it to you through bluegrass eyes and that isn’t a bad way to look at the world.

Reviewed by:Rob Kosmeder

The energy was high when The Infamous Stringdusters hit the stage. People had been throwing the word“new grass”around all night, and I guess what I experienced next was “new grass”. The sound was one that echoed of the hills, but fit in snuggly in the city. The intense speed and tightness that this band played with was capturing,but I’m not saying that they were playing all fast songs but they could pick.There is no question about that! The Dobro player,Andy Hall, was cooking that night. His fingers leaped up and down the fret board.Each move he made was precise. The band played structured songs,but it was their jamming during the songs that really amazed me.

The only way I can describe it is that I got lost in their music. Not saying that I zoned out while listening, it was actually the exact opposite. I didn’t notice anything else while they were playing. It seemed like the whole crowd on the floor was feeling it too. The men in suits were dancing along side the hippie kids, just feeling the music so the group of us decided that was the place to be. After a few songs around nine that night we were told that the Stringdusters had to stop playing so the live band karaoke could set up. So,the band sang their last song and walked off the stage.

The feeling amongst the crowd was definitely one of confusion. They were taking good live music off the stage for karaoke? It didn’t make sense to me,and the people I talked to were just as disappointed. But then,from the front corner of the room I saw a door open and the head stock of an upright bass rose above the crowd and made its way to the middle of the room.The rest of the band followed in its wake and settled in a circle in the middle of the room. So the crowd gathered around the circle of musicians and was told to stay quiet since they weren’t using microphones. As the first song began the crowd began to sway and dance,but with the utmost silence. The sound of shuffling clothes and feet was almost too loud.A person couldn’t help from moving. So the Infamous Stringdusters graced us with an encore that one would not soon forget. The band left everyone feeling good, even though w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

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Welcome to the Journey A few years ago I began purchasing LP records from the internet to complete a project I had envisioned. Being the huge Beach Boy fan that I am I wanted to purchase every single LP record they made on the original record label and then frame them and hang them in the room that I use as my listening space. As I began to explore e-bay I found there were choices to make about the condition of the record I was willing to settle for and how much I was going to pay for it. What began as an idea soon blossomed into a thrilling adventure of discovery. As I began to commit to buying the various LP’s from various sellers, they began showing up at my door coming from all over the United States and Canada.

The process of scouring e-bay, bidding on the LP and then in the final seconds watching to see if I would be outbid, receiving the LP, then framing it, and adding it to the stack waiting to be hung on the wall was the real thrill of that mission. Now that they are all installed on the walls of my listening space what I think about most is the fun I had getting them there.

Fourteen years ago Bob and I designed and had built for us the home we currently live in. I can still remember the decision to sell our individual homes and combine our money and our vision to create something together. So many choices to consider! I can still recall the morning in the park with coffee and something sweet for breakfast when Bob found a house plan in a book that I had brought for him to peruse. He spotted a layout and then suggested an augmentation to it that might be interesting for us.

I found it felt good to me as we talked about it and we were on our way.

The time from that fateful morning until the day we moved in was one of the most exciting times in my life. I was energized and focused and really enjoying the step-by- step process of putting our home together. I even surprised myself a time or two with suggestions that enhanced our dwelling. Living here is an ongoing pleasure, but I sure do enjoy taking out the photo album we created to experience once again the process of building it.

Right before Thanksgiving of last year I ordered the P90X home fitness DVD set. I can still remember the day I went downstairs holding the DVD set in my hands thinking well, “here we go.” I knew I wanted a change in my body but had no idea if the information on those DVD’s would translate into me having an experience different from all my other attempts at home fitness. After the scheduled 90 days were behind me I observed myself in the mirror and could see the changes I desired were taking place. I continue to use the program but on my own terms and have a new vision of what I would like to experience in my body this summer.

Every day I found myself returning to the DVD player with the scheduled DVD in my hand and for the next hour or so I followed Tony and the others on the screen through the various exercises. The process of experiencing change gave me the energy I needed to keep at it.

It has been said that the only constant we experience, is change. As I consider this suggestion I find it settles in a pretty comfortable way inside of me. It’s why I do stuff.

What I once considered to be a flaw in my way of thinking and being I now see as one of my greatest assets.

I enjoy change. I have begun to understand and embrace the thrill of the journey.

A few years ago I was gifted a book authored by Esther and Jerry Hicks and“Abraham”.

Bob and I were visiting my mother and found ourselves in a small shop filled with local art and some great woodworked pieces. Having a fondness for climbing stairs I ventured up the steps into a small loft area where art hung on the walls and a book lay on a small table. “Ask And It Is Given” was the book in my hands. Not seeing a price on it I walked down to ask the couple behind the counter how much it was. “Take it with you as my gift”the woman said to me. I was startled by the gesture and repeated my question. She offered the same response. So rather than reject the offer I received her generosity and the book and I then departed.

Once home I got comfy and started reading. Not being a well educated individual I often struggle with feeling that my ideas somehow do not measure up because I have not“studied”. What is beneath, above, around and weaving its way through what I can see, feel and touch has always called to me. The spiritual aspect of my being has called to me for as long as I can remember.

I have moved to Detroit to live and work with the Capuchin fraternity to see if that lifestyle was what I was looking for. It wasn’t. I have played in a non-denominational rock band with the intention of bringing a message of possibility to any place that

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would have us. I discovered a lot of fear and anger in places where there should have been calm and welcoming. I knew that was not for me.

I recall fondly the afternoon I was alone in my apartment and just could not take it anymore. I was so frustrated with my then spiritual path and how it just did not fit my internal longing. I stood in my dining room and made a decision. I spoke out loud that I was letting go of everything I had “learned” about spirituality. I put my hands out in front of me in cupped form and put all of my spiritual thoughts and experiences into them. I then threw my hands up into the air and declared my letting go and asked that what returned to me be only authentically ME and not the opinion of others. I stood there for a while as the release happened and then the void. I knew in an instant that 99% of what I had released was not coming back. The next phase of my journey had begun.

A quote I read today from the Hicks-Abraham web site put the idea into a few simple words. “You cannot have a happy ending to an unhappy journey”.

The arriving at whatever endpoint I desired usually carried with it a quiet feeling of sadness. I realized that the thrill of that journey was now behind me and what I had focused so hard to either obtain or accomplish was now with me. Having the thing was great but now what?

It is from this place of arrival that I look around and check things out. How do I feel now? What do I want now? The journey taken to get me “here” has given me some very valuable information. I have a better idea of what I want and what I do not want. What made me happy along the way? What thought or experience when I was in it did I say to myself“I know I do not want any more of that”!

It’s a process I do all day every day. I see something and I have a feeling or a thought about it. If the feeling feels good and I focus on it, things that feel similar will find their way to my experience. Just the same if my thought about what I observed felt bad and I continue to focus on the bad feeling and my feeling bad, more things that feel that way will find their way to me. I am the only one who controls how I feel in any given moment. No matter what is occurring around me I am the only one who can form any sort of response to it for me.

When I realized this it almost took my breath away. This idea is a simple concept to consider but life changing when I embrace it. I create my experience every moment of every day.

No matter what is going on in the world around me or even in my body, I have the opportunity to choose where I will put my attention. My feelings are the perfect way to gauge if I am on track or not. Do I feel good? Yes? Then I focus more of my attention on whatever brought those good feelings to me. Do I feel anxious? Frightened? Angry? Depressed? With gratitude for the thought or experience that brought those feelings to my attention, I quickly refocus on to something I know will make me feel better and in no time the feeling of relief finds me, and I soon discover that I am more comfortable and happy. I feel better!

Sitting around a roaring bonfire last night with one of my best friends, Joe and I found ourselves discussing various versions of the journey. We have known each other over 20 years and have witnessed change after change in each others lives. As the fire dimmed the conversation heated up with both of us speaking passionately about the process of living life and how to do so joyfully. Hearts were open and ideas offered that challenged each of us. If an outsider were to be listening in from beyond the tree line, they would have had an interesting time of it! It is an honor to witness someone else’s core beliefs and then without fear speak one’s own. We ended our“journey”refreshed and exhausted. Joe and I continue to hold different values, but we are able to cherish and respect one another because we are both secure in the process of the journey knowing that we will never get it done and that we can not do it wrong.

I feel we are so pressured by the opposing poles of most everything we do, the beginning and the end. This is my love letter to all of the moments strung in-between the start and stop. I love the richness of being a part of an unfolding event. It’s the journey, not the arrival that I find I cherish most. Remember,you cannot have a happy ending to an unhappy journey.

Travel well!

Written by: Jim Smith

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Auntie and Oliver The old saying reminds us that we pick our friends but not our relatives. Every family seems to have some relatives that are a bit too flamboyant or eccentric for the rest of the family, and as time goes on they become the center of family gossip and family lore. But also every family has some one or two very special relatives: relatives that are simply nice or very special and so well loved and so loving in themselves. My mother’s family has such a couple, her aunt and her husband. We referred to them as Auntie and Oliver. I know they were always a part of our lives, and my mother talked about them being so important in her young growing up life, too. They lived for a time on the farm north of the Belleville Cemetery just a short distance from my mother’s family farm. Auntie was my grandfather’s sister,and they were from Spring Valley just north of New Glarus. They were Elmers. Oliver’s family was a pioneer MontroseTownship family,and he was named for the Oliver family that settled there. Their attempt at farming was rather short-lived, and they traded their small farm for a house in Belleville on Pearl Street. The occupants of the house took over the farm.

Oliver has a wander-lust about him, and he always dreamed of being a railroad engineer.

He loved to drive to Brooklyn or Evansville and park by the railroad tracks to watch the Chicago Northwestern trains go by. During the hay day of trains in American many trains came through those towns connecting Madison and Chicago. When we lived on a farm near Brooklyn,it was common for Auntie and Oliver to surprise us with a visit usually late Sunday afternoon. And as part of that visit we would all pile into his car and drive to the railroad tracks and watch several trains both passenger and freight speed past us.

If it was dark, I found it so exciting to see the lights in the passenger cars allowing a quick view of the people sitting there in seats or in the dining car. Oliver would stand outside and wave at the engineer, and he was usually rewarded with a blast from the train engine. His wander-lust did overcome him one winter early in their marriage. Oliver andAuntie and another couple spent the winter in California. They did something almost unheard of then:they drove to California and camped along the way sleeping each night in a tent they carried along. They also spent their time in California sleeping in that tent.

The major problem of the trip was at least one flat tire a day that they had to patch along side the road. For the rest of his life he talked again and again about wanting to return and spend more time in the land of his dreams, California, but they never did return.

I can remember visits from them in all seasons. They would arrive in extremely cold weather as well as hot summer evenings.

They joined us for supper,and they always commented,“Just fry us some eggs or we can eat whatever you have.” We loved having them with us. Oliver was a great tease,and you never knew what trick he would play. He also was a tickler. Today that might get him into trouble, but kids were always a target of his tickling. He loved to scare you especially if you stayed over night. Auntie could scold him, but he ignored her and kept on.

Auntie would get sleepy and nod as the evening went on, and finally she would get Oliver to commit to going home. When it was cold, he would go out and start the car, and she would put her coat on a chair near the wood stove so the coat would be warm for her ride home. Sometimes she brought in a brick wrapped in cloth, and she put that in the oven of the cook stove, and she rested her feet on that for the ride home. They ran the Mobile Gas Station on Main Street of Belleville next to the Park Hotel. The owners of the hotel had several children, and they often brought one or two of the boys along on their visits. By the time they got to our place,Oliver would have convinced them that wolves awaited them on top of Liberty Pole Hill,and he would tell them he could see the eyes of the wolves along side the road. He would threaten to stop the car so all could get a closer look,but on these occasions Auntie would put a stop to “that nonsense”.

Auntie and Oliver loved for us to visit them,too. They were never planned,and like they did, you simply showed up on their doorstep. If Oliver was still at the station,Auntie would send you down to tell him to come home or sometimes she would pack his supper and you would deliver it to him. If you made the visit, he would try to lure you to the oil changing pit where he convinced you that a big bear lived. After he had scared you enough, he would try to grab you and tickle you, and then he would tell you to go back to the house,and he would tell you the time he would be home. Back at the house, Auntie was soon in the kitchen making a meal for you. She had a wood stove, and she would throw in some corncobs to start the fire,and she would take a pint jar of kerosene and throw that on the corncobs,toss in a match,and a large flame would leap out before she got the lid back on. She would have a meal ready in a few minutes. She always had some special baked items in her pantry, and I loved eating there. Once or twice a year she invited a large number of relatives for a Sunday dinner. It was a feast. She would have many side dishes and salads and, of course, a main meat or two. Her dessert selection would include a half dozen choices. If it was winter you roasted as she heated up the furnace until it was red hot. I can remember they would have to open the front and back doors to try and cool down the house. To this day I remember how interested they w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

were in all of us children. Some adults are so good at that,andAuntie and Oliver were experts. They never had children of their own,and so their nieces and nephews became their children and later grand nieces and nephews filled the same role. As the time to go home arrived, Oliver would find a nickel or dime or quarter to slip into your hand. As a kid you felt like you had a fortune.

Once a year Oliver would take a Sunday off,and we would spend the day in the Dells. A trip across the ferry was always a part of that visit. One time the line of southbound cars was so long that we arrived home at 8 PM with the evening chores still to do. My dad was as angry as I ever saw him about that.

Later we moved to a farm south of Dayton,and Oliver loved to come out at various times to help on the farm. Shocking oats was a favorite of his. When I became a teacher,Oliver was my Santa Claus for the Christmas program. Both of them wanted to visit the school in session and see me as a “teacher”. It was not a great visit. They got the giggles, and I had to ask them to go outside for a time. Was that a time out? After that Auntie would spend a whole school day with us at Attica. She would pack her lunch and join us up on the hill for our noon picnic. She loved being there,and the kids found her“entertaining”.

It was the summer of the third year of my Attica stint that Oliver began complaining of not feeling right. By the fall he finally consented to see a doctor, and in October he had exploratory surgery,and sad to say he had cancer. Auntie decided that he should not be told about the cancer, and she nursed him all winter long, and whenever he questioned why he was not getting better,she would remind him that come spring he would regain his strength. Both friends and family were wonderful in helping her out with his care.

In April Oliver died. We had lost a pillar of our family.

Family and friends (especially neighbors) looked after Auntie and took her along to many places and many events for a lot of years after Oliver’s death. Some days she was gone morning,afternoon, and night with three different people. She loved to go. She got up early and did her house and lawn and garden work so she would be ready when someone invited her to go along. Once a year I drove her to the Dells and to her favorite spot Story Book Gardens. There we had to take many pictures of her in various spots in the garden. She loved to spend a day on the farm with us, and when we had to go searching for a new born calf she would ride along in the back of the truck holding onto the calf as we came back to the barn. On a rainy day or on a Saturday morning I would call her to ask her if she wanted to ride along to Monroe or Madison. She always went along and commented on nature as we rode along. A trip to Monroe included a stop at a liquor store for her“cold medicine”.

She did not want people in Belleville to know she used it,so the purchases had to be made out of town. Then one day while she was in the liquor store in Monroe, she was startled to see the owner was there and she discovered that he was originally from Montrose. He called her by name, and she was shocked, and after that I had to go in and make her purchases. When she moved to the nursing home later in her life, I had to secretly sneak in small bottles of her “medicine”. Looking back I now realize I don’t remember her having many colds. Do you think that “medicine” worked?

Auntie lived into her late 80’s, and throughout the years she was part of all our lives including each new generation. She was very welcoming when marriages occurred and new men or women joined our family. She loved them all. She loved shopping and gardening and cooking throughout all the years on Pearl Street. After a stroke she moved to the New Glarus Home, and she loved it when I would come and get her and take her to her home in Belleville. She would go from room-to-room looking over the things she had collected through her life. She would gather up some items and ask me to put them in my car. Back at the home she would give them to visitors or staff members or she would put them out so she could see them. She never balked at having to go back there.

She would tell me to take her home, and by then she meant the New Glarus Home.

Auntie and Oliver were my very special relatives. I hope you take time to remember some in your own life. And maybe some day you will be thought of by your family in such a special way.

Written by: Bob Hoffman

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John Stremikis,

regional folk artist plus!

John Stremikis is one hell of an interesting fellow. A long time ago and far away,he helped get Brazil’s space research program up and running by organizing and teaching in a new department of meteorology.

He served with the US Army in Vietnam, returned with a handful of medals and joined a much smaller team at the Pentagon during its investigation of the My Lai massacre.He’s worked alongside 3- and 4-star generals and the Sergeant Major of theArmy.He had an office just outside ofWestmoreland’s who called him by nickname and invited him over to play tennis. Stremikis refused a field commission into the officer ranks.

He’s a meteorologist. He’s consulted to MIT, NASA, National Weather Service,The Weather Channel, and the World Meteorological Organization. He’s been invited to give keynote speeches at world conferences, with simultaneous translations in 4 languages. He’s been interviewed on Public TV in the US and in Finland. What John enjoyed most was visiting classrooms and teachers teaching children in public schools.

He went back to school for teacher certification in Middle and High School Science expecting to teach kids, but ended up teaching adults. Stremikis has hosted exchange programs for kids, their teachers, and for the “futures committee” of the Finnish Parliament to his hometown’s schools and school district. His hometown’s schools were the first in Wisconsin to be on the Internet and some of the very first in the US to use email for international collaboration between kids and their classrooms.

Stremikis has enjoyed a full career at UW-Extension/UW-System as a consultant, now as emeritus. In 1994, he was awarded a ‘distinguished’ title by his peers for contributions to the State ofWisconsin,nationally,and internationally — less than one percent of the UW System staff are singled out for such an honor. He’s a father,mentor,dog lover,and artist.

Stremikis got his start in sketching around the age of nine,growing up on his family’s farm in Clark County. His parents provided the pencils and paper,the interest and encouragement – and probably some guidance, too. Stremikis naturally took to sketching botanicals, landscapes and rural buildings,focusing especially on the little details. His inspiration came from his love of the sky,nature and the natural scenery around his family’s farm.The sky and the weather were powerful influences. Stremikis credits one uncle for nurturing his talent and inquisitiveness in the artistic realm,and another uncle for the electronics realm.Much was serendipity -- his bunkmate in Vietnam was a combat artist as well as mentor,allowing him to apprentice after hours. On the weekends, they sketched in the streets and alleyways of Saigon,took lots of photos,or painted huge murals in the General’s Mess at Long Binh.

Stremikis has been sketching most all his life,and used those talents part-time as a technical illustrator/draftsman to support himself in graduate school and then to support a young family.He sometimes created sketches and watercolors as gifts and mementos for colleagues at the office,friends and family.He had to put everything away back in the late‘70’s. Recently, his wife Karen and daughter Lyz (an art teacher) paid the tuition for Stremikis to attend an art class taught by JonathanWilde,noted wildlife artist. Stremikis credits this experience for reawakening his love of sketching and for inspiring new and deeper direction in watercolor painting,something he had not done in the past. As he puts it,Wilde provides a missing link – art foundations and basic principles necessary to connect now to the future. Wilde together with the class members provides the supportive environment absolutely critical to taking the first steps into the Big World.And that takes work.

I talked to Stremikis over coffee at our favorite establishment the Fat Cat on a wonderfully sunny and bright spring morning. I was awestruck with his comments and insights about

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his art and the fusion of technology that he incorporates in the finished work.

AG: Today we are talking to John Stremikis local folk artist,philosopher,and troublemaker.

Stremikis: Hmmm.So just those 3 made the short list.Sounds like I need to work harder on becoming a local superhero,pirate,Iron Man,and adventurer. Now I’m wondering if I should have worn my Fedora and put a buck knife in my belt before I sat down.

AG: What got you interested in drawing?

Stremikis: The short version is that’s due to the natural beauty of where I grew up -- in an area of the state not unlike northern Green County. To me,it’s not just the initial interest – the interest has to be sustained.So,pardon me while I digress a bit: The longer answer is that my parents encouraged me to be creative and put pencil to paper early on. I went to a oneroom school where drawing was taught in all grades,starting in kindergarten.In a one-room school,there’s a lot of cross-class learning. Kindergartners get to watch and listen to all the classes, so there’s lots of learning from each other, not just the teacher. And, even then, the most useful stuff is not learned in the classroom or school. Now let’s fast forward,through a focus on family and on through various careers,to here-andnow at the Fat Cat. The interest has always stayed with me. It had to be made dormant,by necessity.The curiosity is still here -- it’s a continuous part of life.Attention to very fine details is still much a part of what I have to do. I’m driven to do this, much as you’re driven to write your songs,compose melodies, and what drives you to public performance. This is something I need to do, often times without knowing any specific reasons. Like lyrics, it’s often something that just needs to come out. So, the process is fascinating – the interest is self-maintaining – it takes care of itself after a while.

AG: Your artwork is very unique in the way you present it and the way you use technology to present it. Can you explain how you have melded those two things together to do what you do?

Stremikis: Let’s start with the driving forces,which we’ve mentioned already. Given that,to sketch en plein air is a whole lot of fun,but not always the most practical. We just came to the end of our winter season,but imagine our bitterly cold days.

It was a classic winter here in our area. It is not practical to sit outside for long periods of time and especially for the time it takes to complete a sketch. My instructor can do that with his paintings – but he’s risking pneumonia. Of course,I have to do that.It’s an essential part.

But, for me, a next step is using today’s technology to capture the scene, the color palette or the lighting or fog – just the way it is at the moment I’m sketching is much more practical. Then,using a digital image as reference to work from is easier and allows time enough for completing the detailed study back at home. I’m very obsessive,and I need time to get an object or a scene onto paper.With technology,I can put a brick wall or even a snowflake under a microscope, and work until I get the pencil tones and shading right. Using technology to create, correct, and then to produce very limited runs of the original work, all under the artist’s control is a future of art.

It’s kind of like the Indie musician or the author who writes and then self publishes her own work.You can record all the tracks separately, and meld pieces together at your own speed at home in the studio.The different performers can be separated in space and in time, and brought together easily for the production.You can obsess over just a wee part of the track,until it’s just right. Digits allow that.

My work is a whole lot like music you record and edit digitally in a small studio today. My studio is like yours -- art can be accomplished in much the same way. It is not devastating if you make a mistake using technology. You can repair it without starting over. Mistakes take on a whole new meaning. Mistakes are often the right thing,at the right time. Mistakes are often new opportunities. You can use them to try alternative colors, sounds, or different effects before you come up with your final piece. In these days of the Internet it is not hard to find someone who likes your work. And as far as local,regional or global marketing, virtual galleries like mine are common. There is nothing wrong with using technology in art – to try out new ideas,to reproduce the original art,or to distribute it – each work is original. It can make art more affordable, to those who are interested. Four and five hundred years ago, Silverpoint was a new technology. Pencils hadn’t been invented yet. The Old w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

Masters would have used – they did use – the latest technologies available. Pencils, watercolors, oils, and acrylics all have been melded, and are now a part of the “traditional” process – whatever that is.

AG: That’s a good answer.

Stremikis: What would a bad answer be? Just make art!

AG: That would be the John Miller answer.

Stremikis: Well John Miller is not far off,either. Not at all. Miller can be a man of few words.

He has a gift of wry humor. He is a master of just the way he’ll look at a customer.They get the message. You’re very detail oriented in one area,I’m detail oriented in another. As far as Miller goes,I think we’re both learning a lot from him, but enough about Miller,let’s talk more about me! Keep your questions short,so that I get most of the space.

AG: During your life raising kids,dogs,and working with the University what awakened you to do this again?

Stremikis: Having a little time to focus is a key piece. We already mentioned Karen and Lyz’s foresight. That’s another key piece. The class with JonathonWilde was – and is -- a third and really critical ingredient.The class participants make for the best kind of learning environment. They’re always on task,but have time for easy banter and conversation.They’re serious, and they’re fun to be with. It’s like being back in a one-room school, because there is always something to be learned and there’s a whole lot of learning while listening to and watching the others – what they’re doing,what their questions are. This environment contributes a lot to the awakening process. The students and instructor are very grounded.

Wilde’s responses – his grasp of the art foundations and principles,his grasp of the process, his tenacity through the long-and-hard knocks are essential. His ability to communicate not just with a brush and paint, but to provide helpful and constructive critique and criticism of another’s work without being critical of the person is a gift. He knows how to nurture the best in people, and motivate them to get it on paper or canvas. He pushes without being pushy. He’s a master artist,no doubt about that. In my opinion,he’s a better teacher and mentor than artist.He’s one of the finest teachers I’ve ever met.It’s really something to watch him work with the other students. And, each of the participants is very different, very individual.

The Fat Cat deserves mention – the staff and environment here helps encourage the people who hang out here. Lots of small business people and entrepreneurs are passing through right now. It’s for good reason. This is an idea incubator, with coffee as the lubricant. You never know who you’ll meet. John is the main character – and he’s proud of it. He holds it all together,in spite of what he’d rather be doing. He welcomes other characters,like you, Andy. He’s open to allowing me and others to show our art. He’s got great people on his staff. I’d call them the supporting cast.You know of the fantastic environment he provides to the music scene,as an ongoing-and growing arts scene develops here. Listen to the other conversations going on,around us right now. There’s also an informal network of galleries that show and sell local art. All these things make a huge difference in the lives of individuals and their creative cycle – the friendly faces,and supportive attitudes that value each other and their works.

So, when stepping back to look at the whole scene, I see that I have a great natural environment as a source,and we have a community that’s willing to support and sustain regional artists and art – the local“Indie”artists. We are very fortunate. What’s more, John Miller is always inviting me to the Fat Cat’s “Customer Appreciation” events. I’m sure I get the time and the date right,but nobody’s ever here – the lights are off and the doors are locked.

AG: You have lived,worked and traveled all over the world:Finland,Norway,Sweden,the UK, France, Hungary, Canada, Japan, Switzerland,Austria, and Vietnam. Brazil,Washington D.C., Boston,but your art is based on this area. Have you ever created art based on your past experiences?

Stremikis: Not much. I did mention some a bit earlier,but otherwise not many sketches from those areas. It’s mostly written journal entries from those times. Now,it’s graphic -- this regional, seasonal art. The art is based on “really looking at something” as Wilde would say.

And for me,that requires a lot of squinting. I have to get into the details,and to concentrate on the flow. I’ve learned a lot from the local singer-songwriters,and I’ve learned a lot from w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

those who come a great distance to be here.That’s probably a good reason why the art is created from where I am now.

AG: Your daughter Lyz is a very accomplished artist. Are your two boys artistic?

Stremikis: Yes,definitely. But not artistic in the same way Lyz is. They’re both creative,and they’re diversified. Kris’s is more on a musical level and in written works – letters and sciences – he’s accomplished very much in a very short time. Dave has a great eye in the visual, photographic arts. Dave’s work and his success often surprise me – he’s great at composition,and extremely quick in setting up a shot. Now,Dave is moving into video arts.

It is a different process for each.The boys have different life-paths, which is as it should be – each makes the best use of their talents, and the brushes and palettes that life has given them. We did lots of art and art projects together when they were younger. They’ve always had access to materials and tools for art, and they’ve had good teachers along the way.All three seem to have found their own“canvas”and own“brushes.”

AG: So how does the Rustman (John’s Golden Retriever) play into your art?

Stremikis: He is very much part of it. I’ll give you an example. The last time you and I left the Fat Cat,you showed me some great scenery and landscapes that I wasn’t aware of. After our coffee, the Rustman then joined me to revisit these places – setting up scenes, capturing ideas in a sketchbook or on camera. He enjoys riding shotgun, and he also enjoys watching me work.

He’ll offer critiques, but only if I ask.

He doesn’t like it when I snap back,even if it’s the truth. He’s great at helping me select scenes, and in the preliminary sketches.

AG: Is he critical of your work?

Stremikis: He can be. He can growl a little bit. He’ll show his teeth if he is not happy with the way things are going. In general he’s happy with the work I do. I’ve seen some of my work hanging in his apartment. Rustman does his own sketching you know. After his daily swims, and while he’s still wet, he’ll roll in the watercolor pans and then on paper. His tail is as good as any of the sable brushes I use. Ears, too. Russet, burnt sienna, and brown are his favorite colors.

AG: No,I did not know that. I knew that he is quite the Golden Retriever and a movie star in his own right.

Stremikis: He’s a great companion. And very compassionate. He has his own video studio and an attached recording studio. Goldens in and around Nashville are coming and going all the time. He’s doing a lot of broadcasting in You tube channels these days. He has his own web cam,and he knows how to use Skype.

AG: I’ll have to talk to him about the recording studio. That could cut into my profit margin.

Stremikis: Oh,not to worry. The Rustman isn’t competitive anymore – he tried that once,but I rolled him on his back – and we talked. You’ve had Golden Retrievers,so you know how effective that can be in winning an argument. Today the Rustman has all he needs to live out his Golden years in comfort and style.

AG: Do you see yourself as an artist in a classical way, or just someone who enjoys creating, drawing and painting for their friends?

Stremikis: Good question. It’s both – a little bit as a classic artist – certainly I’m influenced the lithographers and illustrators from a hundred years ago – informed by their style. I don’t see myself as a classical artist yet,probably never will. But,I’m willing to be surprised. I was taken off guard by what happened in the last 2 years. This is a lifelong process,and I’m still “becoming a watercolorist.” I try to incorporate the new technology, where it supports what I want to capture,and what I want to accomplish.

And I also like to be informed by my friends – I like to get feedback.

New technology is not just digital – not just computers,scanners,cameras,and the internet.

New technology is also in the paper, the pencils, and the paints. My favorite new technology is a pencil that can be used as a pencil, but when water is brushed over it, it becomes

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EnjoyA Variety In Your Music

Noah Earle Releases Third Album and a Breath of New Life With This is the Jubilee Spring is traditionally a time of re-birth, celebration and freedom from winter's grip,which also makes it the perfect time for the release of Noah Earle's third and most impressive album to date,This is the Jubilee, available April 13th on MayApple Records. Each distinct song, abounding in brilliant lyrics and unique melodies, conjures images of renewal and glee, making Jubilee the perfect post-winter antidote.The entire album offers a potpourri of American folk-rock and worldly sounds, all the while procuring intrinsic joy from its listeners, much like Earle does with his infectious smile.

It's this natural balance of influences that are all so evident on This is the Jubilee, an album on which Earle freely explores such themes as love and loss, religious intolerance and the end of the world.And he uses this album — this “jubilee” — to celebrate his current station in life, a place in which he's overjoyed to be.“I stand by my other records and music as being sincere and authentically me, but in some ways I feel like I’m just now finding my own direction,” Earle says,“and it’s really about time.”

Each remarkable song different from the next, Earle's melodies are sophisticated, and his extraordinary harmonies are quite simply euphonic. His lyrics, entrenched in originality and rooted in acoustic folk, offer a unique look at how Earle looks at life: with an open heart and an adventurous soul, thoughtfully absorbing all that goes on around him.

The album's title track,“Jubilee,” he describes as part love song, part social commentary and all about celebration and freedom.While “Awaken Me” was a last-minute addition to the album, it's a standout, offering a world-music vibe and a retrospective look at his entry into the world and his hopes for moving through life “awakened.”“That was my intention with Jubilee,” he explains.“I wanted the earnest joy and clarity that I feel at this time in my life, musically and otherwise, to come through in the music.”And if that was his mission, it's one that has whole-heartedly been accomplished.

For more information contact: Kissy Black Lotos Nile Media P.O. Box 90245 Nashville,TN 37209 kissyblack@lotosnile.com

ALABAMA FOUNDING MEMBER JEFF COOK MIXES IT UP WITH SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED New Album Brings Fans Musical Variety, Features Guest Appearances From Danielle Peck & Alabama’s Teddy Gentry Though country music powerhouse ALABAMA retired in 2004, lead guitarist and fiddle player Jeff Cook can't bring himself to stop pickin' and doing what he does best. On May 11, 2010, Cook and his Allstar Goodtime Band released Shaken, Not Stirred. The album’s multi-genre material showcases the Country Music Hall of Famer’s love for not only country music, but also other genres that had an impact on his 30+ year career.

“Sure, country music got me to where I am but there are a lot of other formats and musicians out there who had major impacts on me as a music man” says Cook. “You’ll hear some original country songs on this album but also some classic multi-genre hits that I think lots of folks will remember… Jackie Wilson’s ‘Lonely Teardrops,’ Dave Clark Five’s ‘Because’ and the Beatles’‘She’s A Woman’ to name a few!”

Cook also brings in some recognizable country voices to compliment the album’s eclectic material. Alabama bass player Teddy Gentry joins Cook for some familiar harmonizing and Nashville recording artist Danielle Peck brings her smoky satin vocals for a rockin’ duet of the Pointer Sisters’ classic hit “Fire.”

Information supplied by: continued on page 29

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

richly colored ink. Another favorite new technology is Silverpoint gesso that can be brushed onto paper or canvas,to make the surface accept drawings made in pure,dead-soft silver or gold. It’s a technique from the time of Leonardo and Michelangelo,but given a whole new life in our time. The tints in the gesso are the same as 500 years ago,but I don’t have to take days to prepare them.

I think that it is a process similar to the process you have been going through the last two years or so. Talking with you and watching theAmericana Gazette grow and change is helping me come to terms on what I want my art to be. I have just been talking to a colleague who is a wonderful watercolorist,about this same topic -- Who are you,where to you want to be,adding in the small business part.Then knowing that,mix in some technology if that will help you get to where it is.Independent,and under control. It can be difficult,but I try not to put technology in the driver’s seat. I don’t feel that my best work has been done yet.

The future looks very bright. So,you haven’t seen anything of the best work I imagine that I can do.

AG: Forty years ago did you picture yourself doing this?

Stremikis: Yes,I guess I did. Did I picture this exactly? No I did not,but it is close to what I had always had in mind to do. I was totally surprised one day – when I found myself doing what I had dreamed of.

The pieces came together much faster than I imagined. And now it all seems really familiar.

Especially in the wee hours of the morning.

AG: Do think that a person can learn to be an artist?

Stremikis: Yes I do. Because everyone is already an artist. Walk through a kindergarten room sometimes. We can all finger-paint. Remember how much fun it used to be? It’s just like walking or singing – its inside,and sometimes needs help and encouragement to come out.

Good teachers or mentors will do that.

letters... continued from page 7

fledgling publication. Cary has been one of our biggest cheerleaders. Tom T. Hall and Miss Dixie for their time, knowledge, hospitality, and most of all their friendship. Cowboy Jack Clement for his humor, friendship, and guidance in helping us with Sugar River Studious. Peter Cooper for believing in us, letting us drop his name, and just being there. Roy and Steph Elkins for listening to us and helping us through the initial steps in getting going. John Stremikis, who from the beginning has listened to me whine, complain, bitch, rant, and put my foot in my mouth time and time again over coffee and on the phone. John is my friend and mentor. His guidance and calmness has helped us launch in to this century with the on-line contents,audio,and video. His vast knowledge and his patience has turned a 32 page printed publication into cutting edge electronic media. Without John we would have never been so successful online. Finally we would like to thank John Miller at the Fat Cat in New Glarus. Without a doubt John’s hospitality and desire to see local music promoted has helped the Americana Gazette grow. From the meeting space he provides, the Songwriters nights, and the Party on the Patio space he provides, he has helped the Americana Gazette become a leader in music and arts news.

As we start out third year look for some cool changes in the Americana Gazette. We have launched an on-line video section to showcase local musicians, we are planning to have two extended editions with extra content in 2011 - 2012, a couple of live shows featuring songwriters from Nashville sponsored by us,the Party on the Patio series recorded and videoed for reproduction on our website starting this summer, and more great stories from our staff.

Thank you to everyone who reads, writes for, listens to, lets us interview them, or watches the Americana Gazette in any of our forms. Without you we would not exist.

You all are truly the best!!!

Andy Ziehli Senior Editor & co-owner

AG: Even if they don’t have the background or natural talent to do so?

Stremikis: Yes. Everybody has natural talent – and they can gather the necessary background. Teachers know how to draw out the talent. Good teachers.

AG: You don’t feel that it is something that you are born with?

Stremikis: Nope, I don’t think so. I think that it is something you can be taught, if you start in the right places. You have to build foundations. For me,that’s art fundamentals. Having a supportive teacher or group allows you to learn and to accomplish things you would not be able to do on your own. Having a good supportive arena to work and live in makes all the difference.Art is about self-expression, so everyone can be an artist. In reality, there is no one keeping you from doing that.

If you stop to look at the newest tools, you’ll see that digital finger-painting is bringing adults back to a discipline they last enjoyed in Kindergarten. And the same is true for sketching – look at the Adobe Ideas application – it’s amazing.

AG: Do you see yourself mentoring younger artists in the future?

Stremikis: No, I don’t see myself mentoring them directly. But, indirectly, yes. I like to start lines of communication between younger and older artists and let them take it in the direction they want it to go. I am already seeing myself doing that as we have talked about here before, over other coffee cups. Skype is a remarkable thing, as you know. It’s now so easy to collaborate with artists around the world, over a cup of coffee and at your own kitchen table. Or,as you have seen,Andy,right here in the Fat Cat. You just need to be flexible, because not everybody’s clock is set to the same time as yours. I’m already teaching and learning with artists my own age, around the world. I’ve been focused on the older artists, and now finding the younger artists are quite naturally joining in as the community is being built. It’s a slow process. But,then again,many artists haven’t done their best work until well into their 80’s or even 90’s. Computers are finally getting off the desktop and off of the laptop.They’re not complicated anymore,so it’s possible to put digital finger-painting alongside email and Skype both for kids and for seniors. It’s probably those who are over 21 and young adults with careers and family responsibilities who won’t understand what’s coming as well as those with time available. But, the kids and the seniors who have the time will get it. It’s really easy to imagine seniors creating art in this way,maybe something they haven’t done in decades. Art and art education is not just for the younger artists anymore – we’re living in the future. I’m just wondering where the flying cars are, ones that we were promised back in the 70’s.

AG: John thank you so much for your time and a very insightful interview!

Stremikis: You are welcome!

Story by: Andy Ziehli Photos supplied.

Why the MAMA’s Matter The MAMA’s (Madison Area Music Awards) held their 7th annual awards night on May 8th. The show was the best one to date. The music styles and acts varied greatly. No one genera was represented more than any other unlike years past. Rick Tvedt and Roy Elkins and the rest of the Board of Directors and volunteers deserve a huge pat on the back for presenting such a wonderful show.

The MAMA’s came from an idea Rick Tvedt had to keep the music community growing, and a way to create a vehicle to get instruments into the hands of kids who would not normally have the opportunity to play them. I was with Rick in the beginning of the MAMA’s, and I can tell you that he was and is very driven to accomplish that mission. The Board at that time worked tirelessly to come up with ideas and funding to put on those first shows. We did not know how we would accomplish it sometimes, but we always pulled it off. The Board today faces the same challenges and they also work tirelessly to keep the funding coming and getting music and instruments into kid’s hands.

Now after every show there is“grumping”from those whose favorite acts did not win an award, musicians who felt that they were slighted, and musicians who feel that the voting is unfair and rigged. They get together in their little groups pissing and moaning about how“unfair”it all is,and that being popular does not make someone the best.

As the years have gone by this complaining has been reduced, but it is still there.

What all of theses people don’t understand is that the mission for the MAMA’s is to support the preservation and expansion of all forms of music education in the Madison area, and to encourage and promote the artistic advancement of our emerging musical youth. Not to give awards. The awards show is a fundraising event, and a way to recognize the musicians in the Madison area who work hard on their crafts. It is a way to showcase to the community and the world the vast talent that we have here in the Madison Area, and how we fund/support the future growth of our industry. It is our way of showing the community and world that here in the greater Madison Area “We give back!!! We mentor!!! We care!!!” That’s what the awards show is about. Not the trophies, showcases, pictures, or after parties. It is about giving back to the community and allowing others to join us in the big family of musicians who live, work, and create here.

The MAMA’s matter because they are the vehicle for the self preservation of music and musicians in the Madison area. They are the future of this industry. More important than the business side, the MAMA’s are the only vehicle that delivers the joy of music to kids who would not be able to take part in the world we all live in. The world of music! It’s not important who’s considered the best or who won the most awards.

What is important is that on a Saturday night in May 2010 a bunch of folks who love music got together and raised money so that a bunch of kids who could not afford instruments could experience the greatest gift anyone could ever receive, the gift of music!!!

Andy Ziehli Senior Editor

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mickie james

FROM THE PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING RING TO HER MUSIC DEBUT AND FIRST CD on the farm. I would help train them,ride them,and so on. I played violin for 5 years while I was in school. It was a lot of fun for me,but I was really nervous when I would play out at school recitals. Music has always been a huge influence to me. I’ve connected with it so many times in different parts of my life. Yea, I’m just a country girl who grew up in a small town. I was very fortunate to make it as big as I did in the wrestling world. Now I’m focusing on my music and I’ve been working on this album for the past 2 years. When you are starting out in a whole new world from scratch,not knowing a lot about the industry or the people,it becomes a bit of a challenge.

Joyce: Is your new album,“Strangers and Angels”your first CD? Mickie:Yes,my first CD. It is scheduled to be released on May 18th.

Joyce: How did you get into writing music?

Mickie: It was one of those things. I was always writing short stories or poetry. I would write to the melodies in my head. My original thought was to write a song for my Mom and sister, a real heartfelt,pretty song. I always thought it would be really cool to sing and when I was a little girl;that’s what I would dream of. I would record myself on my little cassette player.

That’s kind of weird I know,but that’s what I did.

Joyce: Did you write all the songs on this new album?

Mickie James grew up inVirginia and during her youth she mainly had two interests,a strong passion for music and horses. Mickie’s grandmother bought her a horse to ride,and as a child Mickie frequently attended equestrian and horse show competitions around the Virginia area. Of the two, however, music is clearly what motivates Mickie the most. "Singing and songwriting is something I've always enjoyed," she says."I used to plug my mic into my little cassette player and I would record myself singing a song on the radio.I'd play it back and take it to my parents and ask them to listen." By the time she was in high school she had already become a published poetry and short story writer. She also spent five years playing violin with her school's orchestra.

After high school,James planned on attending college but her life went down a whole different path with professional wrestling. Expanding on a common interest with her father, Mickie James had an opportunity to step inside the professional wrestling ring at the encouragement of a friend."I went to wrestling school when I was 18 and I threw myself into that, climbing the ladder of success," Mickie says. Paying her way with earnings from parttime jobs and her professional wrestling matches,Mickie sought out training from some of the legends of the sport. Her efforts paid off in the form of a contract withWorldWrestling Entertainment in 2003. After spending a period of time in the promotion's developmental program,the newWWE Diva would quickly climb to the top ranks of women's professional wrestling. At Wrestle Mania 22 in 2006, James won her first world championship, but this is a whole other story.

During this time Mickie completed college,earning an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Operations Management. Now she was ready to return to her dreams of a little girl and pursuing music. Mickie has never lost touch with her music roots. She hardly ever watches television and continued to write poetry and songs over the years.A chance meeting with a Richmond-area musician Danny Kensey opened the door for her music career."I started with a poem that I first wrote for my mom," James says. "I worked with Danny to re-write it into a country music song, and everything took off from there." Mickie was later introduced to Sherry Massaro of Skyline Management Group,Inc.Things didn't take off immediately,but it wouldn't take long to convince Mickie that country music was where she belonged.

Since early 2009 Mickie has immersed herself in her work towards her first album.Along with signing with Skyline Management Group,Inc.in August,she has also signed with Don Grubbs of Absolute Publicity, paNash Style of Nashville, and producer Kent Wells of Kent Wells Productions.Mickie has been working with Nashville area musicians and songwriters throughout the year, as well as meeting with other music industry professionals. Mickie is excited about releasing her first album and this is what she had to say: Joyce: You are calling from Richmond,Virginia today. I hope the weather is good.

Mickie: No, I wrote a couple of them. I don’t play guitar or I don’t play violin anymore. It’s been about 10 years since I played that. I could probably play“Mary hadA Little Lamb”,that’s about all I would remember.

I was going to record these songs so that I would have them,but the folks I was working with said why settle for a couple of songs when you sing so well. Why don’t you do a full album? That’s how we ended up doing a whole album. I co-wrote“Hollywood Movie Moment” and“No GoodAt Pretending”. I decided to come to Nashville to work on this album.

I probably worked on it for a year to a year and a half,trying to meet the right people,meeting the right writers,getting with writers who were actually willing to write with you.

Joyce: Let’s jump back to how did you get involved in professional wrestling? How long have you been doing this?

Mickie: I started when I was 18. I’ve been doing it about 11 years. I was right out of high school and I didn’t go to college. My parents didn’t have the money and I didn’t get any scholarships to go. I was going to join the army but decided against this. Then I thought, what’s next? I was working in a bar, hanging out and didn’t want to do that the rest of my life. I was a wrestling fan and a friend of mine told me about a school up in D.C.that I should check out. Well,I checked it out,loved it and went with it. It was fun!!!

Joyce: On a sadder note,your CD release date was pushed back due to a severe illness. What was all that about?

Mickie: Due to a serious staphylococcus infection,we had to postpone the original release date. I had a small bug bite on my knee that developed into what has been diagnosed as a MRSA infection,a serious strain of the staphylococcus bacteria.Two surgeries later,I’m on the mend but the situation forced me to sit out on currentWWE® engagements as well as delay my album release.

(James recently learned that if she had not sought treatment in a timely fashion, she could have lost her leg and possibly her life,as a MRSA infection has potential to be fatal.)

Joyce: How will you be juggling your time in the future with your wrestling career and hopefully a forthcoming music career?

Mickie:I am currently working on getting a band together. I would really love to tour. I want to so do music full time. I’m going to release my album and see where this takes me. It is a brand new adventure in life. I don’t know where it will lead,but I am hoping for the best. I have my fingers crossed. I can always go back and pick up my wrestling as a backup.

Joyce: Any last words?

Mickie: Yup,it is a nice day.

Mickie: Please check me out at www.absolutepublicity.com and purchase my new CD coming out May 18th. And by all means watch for me on the road!!!

Joyce: Let’s start out with a little background information. Tell me about growing up and how you got involved in music?

Photos and info provided by:Don Murry Grubbs,Absolute Publicity,Nashville,TN

Mickie: Well,I grew up on a farm. We had around 50 acres and at one time we had 27 horses

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Story 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

Robert’s Ramblings

April is gone already and May is here as I am writing this column. That means it is rhubarb time.

My grandmother believed that everyone that survived a Wisconsin winter needed a special spring tonic. Her tonic was a batch of rhubarb sauce. I have made two custard-rhubarb pies already this season. I think they have set a record as the earliest fresh rhubarb pies for our family. This morning at the Market I found some delicious rhubarb scones. And this past week our good friend Kay brought a wonderful sponge cake with rhubarb topping. While teaching in Oregon, I had the chance to work with people from all over the country. Usually they were teaching in Oregon while a spouse was getting a degree at the university, so after the degree was earned, the friend would be moving back to their home. One time on my Christmas card I asked each what they missed about their time in Wisconsin. Each one had two of the same things on their list: rhubarb and summer sausage. So ever since every spring time I take time to think of all those people and smile about their comments. I suspect that I will be taking out some of my cook books and look for a new rhubarb recipe. Hopefully, it will call for whipped cream on top.

Spring is also the time that I enjoy a lot because I have a good excuse to visit a variety of nearby green houses or nurseries. I love looking for new plants and considering if I want to try and grow them in one of my gardens. Most of the time it is simply looking things over, but you can be sure something will call out to me,“Buy me!” And I will give into the temptation. My big annual bed calls for 17 or 18 flats of plants. I have them on order for Memorial Day weekend. I already have the canna bulbs planted as the background for the flowers.

They take a long time to sprout and grow, so with the early spring this year, I got a real early start getting them into the ground.

Each one of us has an individual taste on what we like to read, so it is really an unwise thing to mention what you liked and read, but occasionally someone will ask me what I have read and liked recently. Anne Tyler is a big favorite of mine. Her latest book called NOAH’S COMPASS was a big delight to read. This time the main character is male. He is a forced retiree teacher, and he decides to downsize his living and move into a smaller apartment in Baltimore. The first night there he forgets to block his sliding patio door, and an intruder enters and knocks him unconscious. He awakens in the hospital without any memory of the event, and it bugs him he can not recall the incident. The book follows his attempt to regain that memory, and like all of Anne Tyler’s books you meet a variety of very interesting (sometimes strange) characters. A big scheme of his is to get a memory keeper---someone who will keep your memories for you and remind you about them when necessary. There are many twists and turns to the plot as he finds his memory keeper.

I have become a couch potato, too. I have been trying to catch up on some of the so called big movies of last year.

The library system is my source, and I have viewed many in recent weeks: A SERIOUS MAN, CRAZY HEART, LOVE NEW YORK,A SINGLE MAN, and IT’S COMPLICATED. I will save my comments on them only if asked about them.

Betty White! Wow, what an amazing ride for her at age 88 and a half. She has always been in a big demand for guest appearances on talk shows and game show, but now she is making movies, and, of course, her big time event hosting SNL. She was in every skit, and she was a delight, and her appearance on SNL brought that long time show back to some of its original glory. The Biography Cable station took advantage of her rebirth of fame and featured her life. She has been on television almost non-stop since she graduated from high school. She has won Emmys from three series, and I would suspect she will be nominated for her appearance of last week’s SNL. Just think at 88 plus she sets a high standard and work ethnic for all of us. I salute her!

This past week two good friends reached a special plateau. Kay Parish earned her doctorate at Edgewood College. Kay worked long and hard to reach this goal. I am proud of her accomplishment, and I give her high praise. Belleville’s gain some thirty years ago will become a Belleville loss this July. Father Ken Klink will retire and move away from our town. He was a very good shepherd for his flock of parishioners. He always cared and earned so much respect from Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We all are so better off having had him as our leader, friend, and fellow community member. All of us wish him a long happy and healthy retirement. His shoes will be difficult to fill.

Written by: Bob Hoffman

Absolute Publicity, Inc. Don Murry Grubbs, Publicist / President 1009 16th Ave S Nashville,TN 37212

AUSTIN’S STONE RIVER BOYS FLEX THEIR BRAND OF “COUNTRY FUNK” TheTexas-based quintet features the talents of two welltraveled roots music practitioners — guitarist Dave Gonzalez, formerly a driving force in the Hacienda Brothers and the Paladins, and vocalist Mike Barfield,“The Tyrant of Texas Funk” and onetime leader of the Hollisters.Together, Barfield and Gonzalez have fashioned a gutsy crossbreed of country and R&B they’ve labeled “country funk.”

The Stone River Boys’ sound extends the direction of Gonzalez’ previous band, the Hacienda Brothers, who recorded three studio albums with producer and country-soul legend Dan Penn. Gonzalez was partnered in the Haciendas with Southern California-bred singer Chris Gaffney.

After Gaffney was diagnosed with liver cancer in early 2008, Gonzalez organized a benefit tour for his ailing bandmate, drawing musicians from Austin’s fertile talent pool. One of the principal members of the touring group was Barfield, whom Gonzalez had known since the early ’80s, when he fronted the top Southern California rockabilly band the Paladins and Barfield led the Houston bands the Rounders and the Hollisters.

Gaffney succumbed to cancer in April 2008, but the tour went on.“We went and did it anyway, and sent the money home to his wife Julie,” says Gonzalez.“A buddy of mine had a recording studio up in Nebraska, and while we were out on tour he invited us to come over there. We went in and cut a couple. I said to Barfield,‘If you want to do a record, I’d love to, man.’And we just started making a record.”

Barfield says,“We really naturally just started keeping it going.The name of the band came from the first place we rehearsed for that trip, in this little subdivision in deep South Austin, on a street called Stone River.”

Gonzalez, Barfield, and Esbeck are joined in the current edition of the Stone River Boys by pedal steel guitarist Gary Newcomb and drummer Mark Patterson, who both played with Esbeck in Austin singer-songwriter Bruce Robison’s group.The band will support the release of Love on the Dial with a summer 2010 tour of the Southwest and the West Coast.

THE GO WEST YOUNG KINKY TOUR OF 2010 Kinky Friedman Announces First West Coast Performance Tour in Two Decades Former Texas gubernatorial candidate, political commentator and self-proclaimed“author,columnist,musician and beautician” Kinky Friedman will perform on the West Coast this summer for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Dates for the “Go West Young Kinky Tour of 2010” start on July 26th in Vancouver and continue into August (a full list of venues follows).Two members of Kinky's seminal band the Texas Jewboys, Little Jewford and Washington Ratso, will join him on the tour. No prisoners will be taken. Only the strong shall survive.

The Kinkster, often referred to as the “Mark Twain of Texas,” will also be hawking his wares, in this case his most recent (limited edition) books, Heroes of a Texas Childhood and What Would Kinky Do?,both of which will be available for purchase and signing at the shows. As Kinky has often said, he’ll “sign anything but bad legislation.” This includes any of his dozens of top-selling books or columns, or even his Kinky Friedman Cigars, which, continued on page 30

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murphey... continued from page 17

Joyce: Tell me a little about your writing techniques. I love your song,“Wildfire” and “Carolina in the Pines”.

MMM: My inspirations mostly come from dreams. I get a lot of ideas from my dreams. Songwriters are just people that dream while they are awake during the day.

They day dream. “Wildfire” was actually a night dream.

I dreamed it at night and woke up and wrote it all out in the middle of the night.

I love writing, I studied creative writing at UCLA. I also love medieval history, Greek and Latin. Not that I was particularly scholarly, but because I was really fascinated to read Aristotle. I discovered that what really drove literature throughout the ages was minstrels. People who traveled around. I had already been a wandering minstrel since I was a kid. I hitchhiked around and my playing at camp and out on the ranch. I looked at the role of the wandering minstrel and realized that was the basis of all of our literature. He tells a story.

Melody is what drives the structure in songwriting. You have to have a melody first then I add the words to it.

That’s not a hard and fast rule,I’ve broken that rule many times. Generally speaking it gives you a form. Like writing a sonnet, plug in your words to that rhyme and meter. I keep all my stuff in a notebook, now my notebook spills off the shelf. My songs are very inspired by nature and the outdoors. You’re right, I’m sort of a romantic. I like to write about relationships, love songs.

Joyce: Besides songwriting you are very involved in work in conservation and wild lands. You have won many awards. Tell me a little about how you got involved in this?

MMM: I’m interested in the environment, I’m interested in preservation. I’m not an environmental radical. I think environmental radicals do more damage than good. Because they don’t really understand farmers and ranchers. I think ranchers and farmers are wonderful stewards of the land. I’m involved because I care. Humans are part of nature.

Joyce: How many shows do you do a year?

MMM: I’m very driven. I do around 150 to 200 shows a year. I am involved in doing a series in Colorado during the whole month of July. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday we will haul up 1,000 people a day to an amphitheatre for a concert. This is a lot of shows, but it is all in one place so my family can be with me.

I have several places,ranches,Texas,New Mexico,Colorado and Wisconsin. I am a serious rancher. We also have a livestock company and we move cattle from Wisconsin to Texas to New Mexico to Colorado for grazing and marketing. My wife is the head of all of this because I can’t do it all.

Joyce: Do you ever have any down time?

“He worked hard to try to make sure that Western Music and American West tradition is perpetuated.”

Michael Martin Murphey THE MAN WHO WROTE AND SANG 'WILDFIRE' Michael has a brand new album out. You probably read about it in last month’s American Gazette issue. Please read more about Michael Martin Murphey and check out his website and music at: www.michaelmartinmurpheymusic.com Information and photos supplied from Michael Martin Murphey’s website and his publicist, Lance Cowan.

Article by: Joyce Ziehli

enjoy music... continued from page 29

rumor has it, will also be available at the venues. Bring it, and he will sign it.

And now, for the first time in almost a generation, folks on the West Coast will get to hear Kinky perform (live!) tunes like“Ride ’Em Jewboy,”“Sold American”and“They Ain’t Makin’Jews Like Jesus Anymore.” And many friends will be there too: Mojo Nixon will join Kinky in San Diego, and Van Dyke Parks has already signed up for L.A. There’s no telling who else will pop in. Will there be a Wavy Gravy sighting in San Francisco?

Information supplied by: Conqueroo: Cary Baker • cary@conqueroo.com

SAGUARO ROAD RECORDS POSTS OUTLAW A Mark Chesnutt-Brand Of All-American Music History Saguaro Road Records is pleased to un-cinch Mark Chesnutt’s new collection of all-American, all-time favorite, whiskey-soaked standards—OUTLAW*. From the distinguished specialty label that has brought country music enthusiasts unrivaled recordings from artists such as Patty Loveless,Tanya Tucker and Lonestar, OUTLAW follows in the same vein;with grit,spit-polished and shined, and delivered by one of country music’s finest stylists.

Set to be released on June 22, 2010, OUTLAW features re-recordings of some of Chesnutt’s personal heroes and life-long friends such as Billy Joe Shaver, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings (for whom Mark’s eldest son is named.) The product of producer Pete Anderson (Dwight Yoakam/Michelle Shocked/Tanya Tucker), OUTLAW is a true-denim-blue Mark Chesnutt-branded musical composition.

My music’s more driven by my life style than the other way around. I don’t live the life style of a musician, I live the life style of a rancher. My music is driven by the outdoors and nature. I enjoy hiking, fishing and hanging out down by the river. Mainly I just like to be outside.

OUTLAW quivers with the neo-traditional country style Chesnutt has been known for over his 20-year career.

With traces of black flowers, Bloody Marys, easy lovin’, country livin’, sober Sundays, freedoms, desperados and bad behavior, the new, timeless project is Mark Chesnutt at his best.With an invigorating feel reminiscent of the music that brought him to the forefront as a country music traditionalist, and in keeping with the musical trends that make him a mainstay in the format today, OUTLAW,delivered in quintessential Chesnutt style,warrants attention.

Joyce: You are truly a man doing what he loves! What do you see in your future?

For more information on Mark Chesnutt visit www.markchesnutt.com.

MMM: I’m relocating to Colorado as that is where most of my work is. I want to spend more time there. I’ll be busy doing many festivals, Wild, Wild West Festival and West Fest. I want to leave behind a legacy, a legacy of cowboy music. If I could have anything written on my gravestone, it would read;

Information provided by:

MMM: I’m really never working because I’m doing the things I love. It doesn’t feel much like work. If I were doing some other job,in my soul I’d want to be on horseback. I like to ride so I turned that into a business.

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Music City News Media & marketing Kat Atwood 615-770-2994

jimmys... continued from page 9

with family ties and everything else you deal with on a daily basis it’s just really hard to do.

Nonetheless, I had a long and rewarding history with them; after 15 years, 3Cds and a Grammy nomination, we still play gigs together and remain good friends.

AG: How did the Jimmy’s come about?

Voegeli: I always had this idea way back in the recesses of my brain to have and lead my own band. I always wanted horns in it. I grew up listening to Glen Miller and other big bands because that’s what my folks listened to, I really dug that kind of sound. I always appreciated true melody and that music had it.

How I got the Jimmy’s started was a combination of the New Glarus Brewery and Geoff Wilborn with Bam Fest. Geoff liked the CD I put out and told me to get a band together and play at Bam Fest. The same year the New Glarus Brewery opened up their new facility. They had always hired my trio at the time, which then consisted of Mel Ford, Ken Birddog Olufs, and myself, for events there, so they said basically the same thing as Geoff, which was “Pull together a band that can support your Cd, and you got yourself a gig”! We had two great jobs and were off and running.

Members of the Jimmy’s are: Mauro Magellan-drums John Wartenweiler-bass Ken Olufs-harp/vocals Dave Potter-guitar/vocals Bryan Husk-sax Pete Ross-sax Chad Whittinghill-trumpet All of theses musicians are pros. They are some of the best when it comes to blues musicians.

AG: How often do the Jimmy’s play?

Voegeli: In part we have been purposely slow this spring because we are working on a new CD which I wrote all the songs for, with lots of help from Mauro Magellan and John Wartenweiler, drums and bass respectively. The economy has slowed us down a little too. We are a little slower than I would like to be now, but our summer months really pick up. Playing six to eight times a month would be perfect for me. With the Andy/Mel band we busted our asses playing all the time and all over. We worked hard, and it was great, don’t get me wrong. I learned so much from those guys and we are still great friends. We talk all the time. I can call them with business questions and they are always willing to help me out. Now I just have more responsibilities, and the six to eight times seems like a good fit for everyone in the band.

AG: How far will you travel with The Jimmy’s?

Voegeli: Well we will go play the Harmony, The Bean, The Hody, The Club Tavern, The Milwaukee Ale House, Toffler’s, Quad Cities, Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Blues Festival circuit, and of course local clubs around Dane and Green Counties. The thing is no matter how good of a band you were in before, when you start over you start at the bottom. That’s how the music business works, so we have to build our own reputation and circuit. I have Mauro in the band and he played on platinum records with The Georgia Satellites and here he is with us playing fund raisers for nothing and small clubs for what we w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

can get. It’s a hard road to start on.

Today you have to go to bars that have a reputation for having live music and beg, or negotiate is a better word, for pay that is agreeable for sides, the band and the bar.

It’s very tough for bar and club owners to pay the big money they did in the past because attendance is down, in part, from all the drunk driving laws in place here in Wisconsin. That has really hurt club owners.

The folks in the Jimmy’s knew we would be getting paid less than they were used to and are in this for the long haul.

That makes a difference for the better, we are slowly gaining a reputation and the pay is getting better. It’s a long tough road.

AG: Why do you think the Blues has taken such a hold here in Wisconsin? It’s not a natural place or cultural for that kind of music. It’s not an Urban State. It does not have a history of extremely poor people creating the atmosphere that the Blues were born in. It’s not something that most people grew up with.

Voegeli: That’s a good question.

What is so strange is that Milwaukee even w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

being Urban is more a Cover Band or Heavy Metal town. I think that the Blues transcends cultures and lines. There is something about it that everybody can relate to. I don’t know if Luther Allison was the catalyst here in Wisconsin or what happened, but something did take hold. I do have to say that Blues seems to be relatively healthy here in Wisconsin compared to some other forms of music at this point in time.

project. Why this format?

AG: Your CD is going to be a six song EP instead of a full length

Voegeli: Well I was over to Roy and Steph Elkins pouring out my emotions and fretting about recording a CD. I did not have the time to really put into a long project and I needed a product I could sell this summer at the shows.

Steph said why don’t you just record an EP of the best six songs you have. It just made sense to do that. So Roy and Steph listened to my songs and gave me some suggestions on what would work on an EP. We are recording it at Mauro’s studio now.

AG: What do you want people to say

about Jimmy Voegeli in 30 years from now?

Voegeli: Boy! That’s tough! I guess it would be nice to have them say I was a good entertainer, musician, and band leader. I’m not a great singer, not a great writer, and not a great player, but I do let it all out when I’m up there, I would hope that they would say I worked hard to give the best shows I could.

People are so kind now, with the comments and praise they give out. You know we all play for different reasons. Money isn’t really the driving force for most of us right now. Sure we like to be compensated for all the hard work we put in and we need to cover our expenses, but giving a great show every time is really what’s important. You want people to get their monies worth and to come away feeling like they were entertained beyond what they paid. Music is entertainment. I would like to think that it is art too, but the real bottom line, music played in bars, clubs, and at festivals is for entertainment. So being known as a good entertainer would be a great legacy. Of course being known as a guy who could play the five licks he knew awesomely would be cool too!!!

Story by: Andy Ziehli photos supplied. www.jimmyvoegeli.com MEANTOOTH GRIN... continued from 12

AW: If you could choose the "city of Mean tooth Grin" what city would you choose? What encompasses the sound of Mean Tooth Grin?

TJ:Well, our fans in our home town of Wausau have really been great and supportive through everything and continue to amaze me on a daily basis so Wausau would probably be "our" city if one exists! When I played down in Mississippi I connected with the people and the places in a very spiritual way too. I made lots of friends and played with some amazing people and really felt like I was part of the community within just a few days.

If ever there were a place out of state that felt like home it is there.

Our sound, well, not sure exactly. When we were in Grand Rapids,Michigan one night,a guy said "It’s like RL Burnside, ZZ Top and The Allman Brothers made a baby with Black Sabbath." I have been influenced by every form of music out there and it’s hard for me to say what encompasses our sound, but there is definitely Blues, Rock, Punk, and a little bit of country all thrown in together and played LOUD. AW:You're a Tequila freak. What would you choose- a great bottle of Tequila or chance to jam with Kenny Brown- in the Hill Country?

TJ: Jam with Kenny, no question....and plus; though I do love a good bottle of Tequila......Kenny is likely to have Whiskey! Besides, what’s cooler....saying you played with Kenny or that you played AND got drunk with Kenny!?

AW:What’s one thing you'd like people to know about Mean Tooth Grin that you think they don't already know?

TJ:That the band is awesome and so is our CD.....come see a show and/or buy our album so we don’t starve!

AW:What would it take for you to play a Fender guitar at a show?!

TG: Put one in my hands, my les pauls might get jealous but I will play anything once!

Written by: Aaron Williams

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