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PROMO TOUR – NEW YORK (for Kendel's album, ALRIGHT DYNAMITE)


July 1 – 10:30 AM - BETTER TV

– this is the leading on-line film channel – hosted by a terrific lady, Rebecca - filmed by a great guy named Marty … with lovely assistant Kaylee (was that it??)- (filming at my apartment) –

Along with Andy, from SHORE FIRE PUBLICITY, this was a warm, very "real" thing… with good questions & answers & a one-song performance – we liked this a lot & the folks were great!!! What a nice way to start the day!!..


Jul 1 – WEXT – TROY, New York

Kendel had picked up the rent-a-car earlier so we'd be ready to go before noon. We arrived in Troy at 3:15 .. just in time for taping.

This is a very cool new AAA station.. with connections to a venue called THE LINDA, which we hope to be playing soon.

A very nice (& informed) guy, Chris Weink was our host. VERY GOOD STUFF.. we played several songs from Kendel's new album. (Kendel was magic, as usual!) . & Chris did a VG interview.. nice to see cohort, Dave & front desk new friend, Starrr… we'll look forward to coming back here soon!


Jul 1 – RHINEBECK

ARRIVE AT OUR HOTEL FOR THE NIGHT, THE BEEKMAN ARMS

Back "home" again.. this is the town where we do our recording these days.. arrived at 6:30 .. great to see John Platania… John will be playing with us tomorrow & for our California trip starting next week. Good dinner at the great hotel restaurant w/ good conversation with JP, friend/bartender Larry & new friend, Ed.. back to bed down with the GOLF CHANNEL… always like that



Jul 2 – WKZE – RED HOOK, NEW YORK

- this is always a favorite stop… Barbara & Will, the folks that own/run this great station, are the ones that ran THE RIVER in Western Mass, which was the coolest station on the planet until corporate clear-chanel America took over – The "corporate" RIVER is still OK, as it still has some of the great DJ folks from the past.. .. but it's just not local/ fan-friendly - like it was 5 years plus ago.. then, Will, Barb & all those great DJs made it one-of-a-kind

Now Barb & Will are molding WKZE in that same fan-friendly image .. & it is awesome!!..

The cool apartment-like studio (with great posters & LIVE shots – some of us .."THANKS"!!) is located in the basement of a building just off a quiet main road in RED HOOK … VERY WARM & FRIENDLY .. ALL the folks that work there feel like family … just a great feeling

Did a half hour interview w/ song with terrific DJ friend Kevin … GREAT TO BE PLAYING WITH JP again!!! – KENDEL WAS AWESOME!! - LOVED THIS!!!

KENDEL'S NEW HOT MONTHS CALENDAR (July 1 – through June 30) IS HERE!!!!!!

GREAT TO SEE FRIEND & QUARTERBACK OF KENDEL'S PROMO, the one & only BRAD HUNT .. who brought KENDEL'S NEW "HOT MONTHS CALENDAR"!! – hot off the presses … IT IS AWESOME.. one of the coolest Pin-up-like calendars you'll ever see .. ALL FANS will want one of these!!!!! – THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE ON the TRAIN WRECK & KENDEL CARSON WEB-SITES IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.




JUL 2 – WDST – WOODSTOCK

Another favorite stop off – this is a legendary station.. the best of the best in this area.. the station is just up the block from the town & adjacent to the famous BEARSVILLE venue – BRIGHT EYES is playing tonight


Great to see old friends, DJ Justin Foy .. Jimmy – new dad & sound expert.. & our host for today, DAVE DOUD & friend & GREAT photog, Susan (LOTS OF HER GREAT PHOTOS ON THE WALL!!.. including us!!! … thanks!!). .. all folks that were sooo great to us when we stopped by last time with my duet partner, Carrie.. & hosted our show in town.. loved being back here with friends.. hope to get back to do a show in this area soon

Thanks Dave.. great job as usual.. blasted 4 songs w/ Dave's cool interview.. then off for home - New York City – here we come

June 29, 2009 - Pennsylvania

Kendel & I are ready to continue our radio promo tour promoting her new GREAT album, ALRIGHT DYNAMITE. Heading for far reaching parts of Pennsylvania today.

6:30 AM… I'm awake… only an hour or so sleep last night…. Got caught up watching some old cool footage of The Yardbirds & Eric Clapton. Interesting stuff.

7:45 AM – Kendel & I pick up the rental car at 43rd street.. get just short of the Lincoln Tunnel at 8:00 .. then it happened .. or didn't happen… however you want to say it. We didn't budge for one hour.. that's NEW YORK for you.. but you take the bad with the good.. and for Kendel & me, there's plenty more good!

We finally get through the tunnel at 9:15.

WXLV – Schnecksville, PA

We arrive at 11:20.. a bit late.. but no big deal. Great to see old friend Fred Boenig and one of Americana's true innovators Burr Beard.. as well as DJ Dawn.. and Terry (DJ Helen's mom) who is BIG help with many station activities.

Legendary DJ, Tom Druckenmiller (and great musician in his own right), does a terrific job hosting our "live" 20 minute show.. a few live songs and good talk .. great stuff Tom! .. much appreciated.. we loved this!

PS.. thanks to caller Leroy who asked what inspired "Belt Buckle".. which I wrote mostly in my sleep.. part of a Fellini-like dream.

Kendel & I hit the road at 12:30 .. it's a 3 hour ride to our next station.


WQBR – McElhatten PA (Close to State College.. home of my volcanologist brother Barry.)

I keep calling Barry on the way to the station.. hoping he can stop by.. no answer.. he doesn't own a cell phone.. neurotic bastard!

Arrive at 3:30 - Great to see old "phone" friend Dave Stratton, wife Karyn and DJ son Ryan .. nine years old.. already interviewed Obama!!.. Heard it was a great one!! .. well done Ryan

also great to see Rick.. a fan and new friend who just stopped by to say hello.. as well as artist/ new friend Phil.. and station staffers Patty & Hannah.. GREAT TO TALK TO YOU ALL!

Dave does a great pro job hosting.. good music talk mixed with some off-the-wall personal stuff. After a few songs, including a requested "I LIKE TRUCKS", we end with a killer WILD THING.. Kendel rocked out on this – awesome fiddle stuff! (Dave, save a copy of this for me)


After some warm goodbyes.. we're on the road … hopefully we'll arrive back in NEW YORK for a late, late dinner!

But despite the sometimes difficult schedule, these trips are all worth it.. great to say hi and thanks to wonderful folks who play the music for the love of it – often (most of the time) with little other reward.

Next..

JUNE 22 – CHIP TAYLOR / KENDEL CARSON

TENNESSEE / NORTH CAROLINA RADIO TOUR

For the next few days we'll say hello to a bunch of my old radio friends. The focus on will be Kendel's new album - & we'll play several of those songs. The interviewers like to get a bit of my history in the mix.. so, most likely we'll perform some of the hits as well.

So far, this has been an extremely fun thing for Kendel & me to do. I love seeing & saying thanks to these friends who have been so supportive of my music over these last several years.. & Kendel loves meeting these folks mostly for the first time - & her genuine thing is quickly evident – so she's making new friends at every turn. This is a win/win tour if there ever was one.


JUNE 23 Johnson City TENN - WETS (on the campus of E. Tennessee ST. University) - 1:00 PM live - radio show

Starting from our base at the Hilton Hotel in Knoxville - with Kendel at the helm - we headed north east on highway 26 to see friend GM WAYNE WINKLER & cohorts at WETS.. got a bit lost.. arrived just before show time .. on air

We picked up a few copies of USA TODAY where Kendel's album was the top pick of the week.. with some crazy, provocative comments - nice stuff!!

Great to see Wayne & cohorts Mike, Dan & Bob.. GREAT GUYS!! - warm, fun, GREAT interview with songs .. mostly from Kendel's album.. absolutely loved this!! I remember getting such a chill performing ANGEL OF THE MORNING w/ Kendel.. thought a lot of this might be good for a LIVE compilation down the road

on a side note - Wayne is an author of a book about MELUNGEONS, "Walking Toward The Sunset"..according to Wayne, they were a mixture of African indentured slaves with English, native Americans.. whatever folks were around back in the day (one theory).. persecuted badly back then.. Wayne is a descendant...

Again.. just Loved this stop!! .. thanks Wayne, Mike, Dan, Bob & Sandy (was that it? - at the front desk?).. see you soon


JUNE 23 - WDVX - stopped by to talk & play a few songs with friend & Gm..

TONY LAWSON.. he's responsible for all this great music stuff going on here in KNOXVILLE.. great fun


June 23 - 7:00 Rehearsal with TENNESSEE SHINES house band folks at a rehearsal space on the outskirts of town.. w/ leader guitarist DAVE NICHOLS, Ben (Keys), Bethany (fiddle) & cellist, ALEXIAS.. what nice, talented folks.. we'll do a brief check with the entire band before the show



JUNE 24 - KNOXVILLE- TENNESSEE SHINES - (at the historic Bijou Theater) .. Knoxville's answer to the GRAND OL OPRE.. the coolest of it's kind on the planet!! .. hosted by AMAZING host.. & friend, JIM LAUDERDALE.. a brilliant artist in his own right!


TOUR NOTES KNOX / 6/24

THE SHOW – one of my favorite shows EVER!! There was such a camaraderie between Kendel & me - this AWESOME band & this warm, AMAZING audience. .

Kendel was awesome!! ..

I can't say enough about the house band – About a week ago, I had sent leader/ guitarist (& great guy), Dave Nichols MP3's of the songs we would perform – we had a brief rehearsal with a few band members the night previous.. when we arrived at the theater we only had time for FEW MINUTES rehearsal with the entire band – and when the show kicked in, they were sooo ready & played sooo inspired!!!!.. … Dave, Ben, Alonzo, Bethany,Dave & Alexias!!!!!! – what a team!!!! .. what a blessing for Kendel & me!! .. we will definitely do this again!!


We did a seven song set, featuring 5 songs from Kendel's amazing "ALL RIGHT DYNAMITE" album.. plus "ANGEL OF THE MORNING" & "WILD THING'…

Kendel & I started "Oh Baby Lie Down" by ourselves.. & when the band kicked in at the start of the second verse.. I knew something special was about to happen.. the band followed the emotion of all the songs – which change from night to night – SO BEAUTIFULLY.. & the connection with the audience was so strong, it felt like they were on stage with us.

Certainly one of my favorites was "LADY K", which featured world-class cellist Alexia Pantanizoplois & pianist Ben Maney.. but the entire band was awesome on this & all the rockers & helped create absolute magic on "Angel Of The Morning".. & what fun we had on "Wild Thing".. with a great sing-along by all at the end

And again, Kendel shone all night.. I can just imagine what it was like in this town in the 50's when Chet Atkins hosted his little radio show .. that featured The Everly Brothers & The Brown Family amongst others.. it kicked off their careers. I'm quite sure that everybody that left this beautiful, legendary theater tonight knew they were watching a star in the making.. & they certainly let her know it.


It was wonderful meeting folks after the show – On stage, it was absolutely like we were playing for a bunch of friends – and that was totally confirmed in the lobby after the show.. I love my New York hometown.. I always felt Austin Texas was my second home.. now I've got another one – Knoxville Tennessee - … & I can't wait to get back here with these friends.. it will be like a homecoming!!..

Thanks to the great sound & production crew.. Asher, Joe, Doug, Kevin & all .. what an awesome job you did.. we felt right at home – SO FAST – thanks to your efforts - THANKS TONY. MANYA & ASHLEY, Fiona & all the folks at AC ENTERTAINMENT & all the others involved for having us!!.. what a night!!


We got a chance to say hi to many, including:

Our great courageous new friend Daniel & his mom & dad Lisa & Earl.. great to see you at the Blue Plate Special.. so glad you came back!! See you in September!!

Hi to Laura & lovely daughter Kelses y,, see you next time!.. hi Bob.. & hi Rufus.. hope to see you next time .. it was nice meeting your terrific daughter.. (note to Rufus' daughter .. called out to you as you left.. wanted to get your name & say hi from here.. hope to see you next time)… Hi to Robin & Sara.. & Jim.. Bob & Anhn.. (from NC) .. thanks for making the trip.. Hi Noah.. hope to see mom Priscilla next time.. hi Keith & J.R. & Peggy

Hi to Betty & Joan.. hi Ann.. ADAM, NATHAN & MOM MEG.. great to see you all .. get WILD THING ready.. I'll check you out next time!!.. Hi Amanda & Allen .. glad you listened to WETS.. yeah.. that was a wonderful interview .. hi Cherry Ann & Jeremy.. Terry & Andrea.. & Tom.. big hi to Hannah & nom Amanda.. hope to see you next time… Hi Kate.. & Rob.. hi Teresa

Hi to Tammy (is that right?).. & son, Jeremy who liked to sing "Wild Tang" as a kid… Hi Pete (Murphy) from Port Chester.. see you next time .. Hi Amie & Bill .. & Jim & friend Jack.. & house photog, Eric & wife Mickey.. so nice to see you both.. hi Carolyn & granddaughters Molly & Lila.. hope to see you all soon.. Hi Eric

Hi Hillary.. so glad you felt better .. Great to meet you!! – look forward to continuing our "diet-talk" etc.. next time.. again.. hi thanks to our new friends Ben, Dave & Dave, Bethany, Alonzo & Alexia

HI M.D. .. great to meet you & see old friend/ lovely RED together .. hi Ron .. great to meet you.. Grace.. thanks always


JUNE 26 – WOXL – ASHVILLE

After a pleasant 2 hour drive through the mountains on this clear, warm day.. we arrived at this new AAA station at about 12:30.. very nice guys Craig & Tom greeted us.. we did a fun 15 minute taped "live" show with Tom as host.. to air later in the day.. Tom & Craig seemed way into Kendel's album.. great stuff!! – hope to see you soon.. when we come back to town to play! .. BIG THANKS

JUNE 26 – WNCW – SPINDALE

This is one of those amazing stations.. a huge signal.. that can be heard clearly hours away… GREAT, GREAT programming guided by great folks.. MD & old friend, MARTIN ANDERSON.. host ???? & awesome engineer.. again.. good friend, Dennis.

Wonderful to be here again.. we arrived early.. said hi to our friends.. had a bit of lunch.. on air at 4:06… this is one of those things that kind of always sneaks up & surprises you.. because the interview is simple .. but different (in a great way).. & in a very few minutes.. you're guided into some simple truth about who you are.. that's the way it was here.. Folks got a good glimpse of who Kendel was/is.. I loved this!

After the show, with Kendel at the helm, we drove 2 plus hours, through the mountains, back to our "new second home".. Knoxville. We'll miss this place.

May 27 – Morehead College

Our flight from New York to Lexington is canceled. Luckily we catch another flight & arrive in Lexington at 4:15 .. enough time to get our rental & drive to our first radio visit. We arrive in Morehead KY at around 6:15 – on air at 7:00.

WMKY – Americana Cross Roads (at Morehead State University) with host Sasha Colette.

Sorry we missed my old friend Paul Hitchcock, who has run the station here for several years. We'll forgive him as he was off babysitting his 3 girls. See you next time Paul.

It's great to see Sasha – she's a VG Americana supporter & host. She guides us through a VERY enjoyable hour show - featuring Kendel's new album. Kendel is awesome, as usual. And Sasha's seems way into that .. she's a musician in her own right .. taking a break from radio to do her own thing in September. Best of luck with that Sasha. Thanks for having us! GREAT JOB!!

Saha gets us on our way by 8:30 so we can catch a little daylight on our 3 & 1/2 hour journey to Knoxville. With Kendel at the helm, with one stop - we arrive at the Hilton in Knoxville at 12:30. Nice folks here.

May 28 – HEADING FOR BOILING SPRINGS NC

Our home base for the next 2 days is Knoxville. We're on the road at 10:00 AM & begin our 3 hour drive to Boiling Springs. We arrive just after 1:00 for our 2:00 show.

WGWG RADIO (2:00 PM – live on the air)

It's great to see my friends, host Jeff Powell & GM Noel Manning & old friend & DJ Cuz again!!

This great station is part of a very viby small campus at Gardner-Webb College –

Here's the Wikipedia info:

"a private university located 40 miles west of Charlotte in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, USA. The school has a total of 14 academic departments offering 45 major fields of study. Among the most popular of the school's 39 undergraduate majors are those in business (33%), education (29%), and the social sciences (15%). The main campus is situated on nearly 200 acres, and there are an additional 16 satellite campuses located throughout North Carolina. Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate programs are offered through the university."

What a nice visit. - just loved it! We played & talked for a while. Again… introducing several from Kendel's album. The boys twisted my arm to give an advance live "YONKERS NEW YORK" – the title track from my upcoming (September release) album.

Big hi to Scott for doing a great job w/ the sound. And big hi to Helen who has been a great supporter for a while. Hi to Matt, Mary Catherine, Sheila & Kevin & the rest.

Great to see you all!!!! Thanks for making us so welcome. It's wonderful to be with friends.. this certainly doesn't feel like work!

We head back to Knoxville for a nice dinner with old friend Tony Lawson. Aside from dinner, Tony gives us a walking tour of this great town & some insight into the great musical things going on here.

WDVX RADIO

My friend Tony Lawson used to have a small camper & bounced his radio signal off the mountain top. Now the station has a home in town & like WGWG & a few others has become one of THE MOST IMPORTANT MUSIC STATIONS ON THE PLANET!!

WDVX IS the town now - with FULL fan support - lots of venues etc.. it's an amazing thing - nothing like it.. like WWVA was for me growing up, this station is influencing lots of young folks & all the rest in the area


OCT 29 – WDVX – THE BLUE PLATE SPECIAL

WE (& 2 other VG artists) PLAYED FOR MORE THAN 200 PEOPLE AT A GREAT VENUE (also live on the radio) AT NOON!!!!!!!!! - Just a 25 minute show .. me introducing Kendel.. 4 from her album .. then WILD THING .. what a WONDERFUL CONNECTION!!! It was like playing for friends I've known all my life!!

later.. on the street - lots of folks stopped for autographs.. & just to say hi.. what a nice thing. Big thanks to all!

We're coming back for Tony's big "TENNESSEE SHINES" show June 24. We can't wait for that!!

Big hello to old DJ friends & NOW "CELEBRITY" DJ's Red & Grace (don't forget us small folks now that you're making the big bucks!!) – GREAT SEEING YOU GUYS!!!...

Hi to Jenny, Gina, Jack? (photos).. hi & thanks to Matt Morelock, our terrific host & sound man for the BLUEPLATE SPECIAL show. Hi to the folks from the other bands, The Lonetones and Miss Tess – Hi Tess Alec, Matt.. just great .. hope to see you soon

Big hi to Tony's better half, Fiona, who books the big Friday night shows in town – Hi to Ashley from AC entertainment and his assistant Laura.... what a great job you've all done here!!

Hi to Marvelle and Lila.. hope to see you both soon.. congrats for all your good work as well … and hi George, Bridgette, Laura? & the rest.. so good seeing you all next month!!

Jan 14, 2009 – Borders Westbury

BOOK TOUR (SONGS FROM A DUTCH TOUR)

BORDERS – LECTURE SHOW – WESTBURY

Big thanks to John Platania for coming down from Woodstock on this FREEZING night, fresh from his LA rehearsals with Van Morrison to accompany me playing for these folks.

I liked this informal living-room like show - talked about the book, played a few songs from it’s accompanying CD. One of the highlights was playing some of my old R&B hits .. WELCOME HOME & ANYWAY THAT YOU WANT ME - audience requests.

Big thanks to store manager Glenn & regional manager Tom – Hi to Timothy .. hope to see you down the road.

Big hello & thanks to long time fan, Jill… Hi Ken… I’ll send regards to Kelly … Hi Victoria & Bill.. thanks for the R&B requests.. I loved that… Hi Claire .. nice to see you… Hi Ioda.. hope to see you soon.. Thanks for the WILD THING Tijuana story!! –

It’s so nice playing for friends. That’s certainly what it was like tonight. Again… what a blessing for me & the folks to hear John Platania’s brilliant understated playing! THANKS JOHN!!

Jan 16 – Borders – Columbus Circle (New York City)

Another freezing night – AGAIN, JOHN PLATANIA drives down from WOODSTOCK to join me. We were both surprised so many folks showed up, considering the weather.

We LOVED this one. Told lots of stories & played a few songs from the book/CD plus some hits.. plus a new one about my brothers convincing my folks to take away my SCREECHING fiddle when I was 6 years old – and replace it with a UKULELE.

Agaion, theses were very nice folks to play for.

Hi to friends Alden & Jerry from my New York neighborhood.. so great of you guys to come. See you both soon. Don’t screw up!!

Hi Phil & Mark … big thanks for being there & the kind words!!

Great to see old friend & wonderful writer Jim Bessman –… let’s talk more.. soon.

Hi MARI – so nice talking with you.. glad you were at Merlefest.. loved that. Also nice to hear that your dad has Anne Murray’s album with Brian Ahern’s production of SON OF A ROTTEN GAMBLER – as I said, it’s one of my favorite versions of ANY of my songs – and LOVED the comments about John’s playing… SO TRUE!! ..Hi to your dad.. wish him the best with HIS music. HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN, MARI.

Hi Mary.. so good to see you front & center.. hope to see you again as well. Next time let’s talk more. Hi Theadora & daughter Laurie .. GREAT TO SEE YOU GUYS with your warm smiles! … sorry we didn’t get a chance to talk after

Hi Marvin!!! THANKS SO MUCH FOR COMING BY & REPPING THE FAMILY!!! .. AND…GREAT TO SEE MY AUSTIN FRIEND, KATE… see you soon!! – tell your dad, Rick, I sent my big regards

Big hello to Marcia & Keith.. & BRUCE… thanks for the kind words… see you soon

BIG THANKS TO THE KIND BORDERS FOLKS!!

DARYL – THANKS FOR HAVING US!! – Nick – thanks for the intro & the setup help. Samantha (from the Cat Manzi lineage) .. great to talk to you guys!! Bog thanks for being so cordial!! And Ismael… so nice to see you at the end. S

John & I hope to see you all soon!!

December 9 - 18, 2008 - SONGS FROM A DUTCH TOUR – BOOK TOUR OF HOLLAND

Dec 9 – LEAVING N.Y.

It’s just Kendel & me for this combination small venue/book tour as Van Morrison has called on John Platania for a rehearsal in LA.

We leave JFK at 5:30 PM –

DEC 10 – ARRIVING IN AMSTERDAM

DEC 10 – the plane arrives in Amsterdam at 7:30 AM - Kendel slept for 4 plus hours on the fairly empty flight – no sleep for me – I’m crashing as we arrive – I do a quick interview with old friend Peter from Haarlem. The newspaper has sent a photographer – not happy with my no-sleep look – but I guess they want a picture on their soil.. and the picture taker is a nice guy (Hans) … so onward


FIRST STOP - CRS DISTRIBUTORS

We stop by here to pick up the books & CDs Old friend Bert Pijpers runs this place – always has. It was originally CRS back 7 years ago… then ROUNDER RECORDS partnered up – now they backed out and it’s CRS again.. not an easy business as retailers and middle men are dropping like flies and distributors like Bert are caught in the middle.

We say hi to Bert & old friend Arno (Bert’s assistant for years) & Rein, another friend/assistant. We pick up 240 books and a bunch of CDs of past releases .. including Kendel’s last CD. We manufactured a hundred plus copies of a “bootleg CD” – a 10 song sample of Kendel’s next release – scheduled for April. Fans will LOVE this bootleg – this stuff is so cool!

HEAD FOR LEANNE”S HOTEL ‘t KRUISSELT in De Lutte

Dear friend Leanne & boyfriend Francois has invited us to stay at their beautiful place for the evening.. as it’s only 20 minutes from the venue and it’s a chance for us to spend some time together.

I’m horribly jet lagged when we arrive at 4:00 .. but rest is out of the question – I’m just too wired from no sleep & concerned as to how to negotiate the show.. as for the first time I’m promoting a BOOK (with CD attached) .. the songs on the CD were all written during the Oct 07 CHIP TAYLOR/ CARRIE RODRIGUEZ Dutch Tour. I’m sure many of the fans will not know about the book.. so I’ll have to explain it’s contents briefly.. and then set up the songs from the book so they get an idea of why they were written and who inspired them.

Kendel & I have rehearsed a bit in New York & I am TOTALLY confident of her assisting me in getting the emotion of the songs across. She is always ready for any twists & turns I might take. That leaves me with a lot of freedom to shift the direction of the show at any time.

Our plan is to insert a couple of her songs (new & old) into the set. We’re totally ready for that.

VENUE – METROPOOL – in HENGELO

SOUND CHECK – a nice young lady named Sylvia greeted us with another manager ? - Ronald (house) & Raymond (monitors) did a great job with the sound. The venue is a cool small room – with a bar in the back.. the sound system is quite good.

We were back at Leanne’s by 6:30 .. tried to rest .. but again.. I was wired. We arrived back at the venue at 8:30 .. on stage at 9:00.

THE SHOW

As I walked on stage I recognized several of the folks in the audience. Several had been fans/friends for years and several were at shows on the Chip/Carrie tour that inspired the book.

I told these friendly folks that I have a new book out – some knew .. most were surprised. I took a few minutes to inform them that the book has three major themes.

1) An autobiography of my early years.- stuff about growing up, writing hits, recording solo albums & GAMBLING - culminating in my 1975 tour in Holland and my #2 hit single there “SAME OLD STORY”

2) The CHIP TAYLOR/CARRIE RODRIGUEZ STORY

3) The songs written on the 2007 C&C DUTCH TOUR – Why they were written & who inspired them.

This last theme becomes the theme of the show whereby I mix stories of the inspirations with each song.

This was a fun show for me. It totally eased my mind to see that the format of the show worked. The folks seemed to take to the stories.. some serious .. some quite humorous – such as the DORINE story in Maastricht.. The DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE story (time spent at Willie’s dance Club in GOUDA) .. they all were laughing like crazy when I talked about the stories surrounding RED SIDEWALK.. fearing bicycles & “doing” mushrooms with musicians Hans & Kyle..

But the serious songs got wonderful response as well. DOWN BY LAW, TESS, SONG FOR A GERMAN GIRL (LISA), ROSE OF ARNHEM TOWN, MEMA I MISS YOU FROM HERE & JACK OF DIAMONDS/ QUEEN OF HEARTS were all extremely well received and felt so good & warm from the stage.

And the audience just LOVED Kendel – both with the way she caressed the songs mentioned above, but also with songs from her last album, I LIKE TRUCKS & RIBBONS & BOWS and “ONE BLUE DRESS ON THE LINE” from her new BOOTLEG CD. Kendel is definitely a star-in-the-making and they sure let her know that tonight!

ONE OF THE BIG HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NIGHT WAS “THE VAN SONG” ------ OUR TOUNGUE-IN-CHEEK TRIBUTE TO OUR “USUAL” GUITARIST JOHN PLATANIA WHO WAS AGAIN MISSING IN ACTION - OFF WITH “THAT OTHER GUY”, VAN MORRISON

We played it once before in Texas. Both times it brought down the house! – And both times several wanted to know if it was recorded and if they can get a copy. Well, the good news is we HAVE recorded it.. we’ll see if JP approves it’s release. Hope so… it is soooo funny! If so, it will be out on an album called Rock & Roll Joe.. with an interactive web-site dedicated to all those musicians who never got the credit they deserved! – stay tuned!

Thanks to all for a terrific night!!

HI TO:

Said hi to several folks after the show, including:

Hi to Wim, Willem who were at the last C&C show in Enschede – great talking to you guys & friend Peter. Thanks for the kind words. Hope to see you soon again. Willem, next time I see you, bring me a copy of the Texas Bootleg with JP.

Hi COBIE (Leanne’s friend) .. so nice to meet you! Anke… thanks so much for your kindness & the good food!! – hope to see you soon. Big hello to Minie & Gerard.. I think you said we’ll see you at another show this week.. hope so!

Hi to Thomas & Memmo… Jacquelene & Bert.. Marianne. Hi Art & Alie .. hi to Haigo.. big thanks!! Hi Jan & Dini … thanks for the kind words.. hope to see you soon!!



DEC 11 – ARRIVING IN BELGIUM


It took about 3 plus hours to get from Leanne’s place to our next BED & BREAKFAST. We took a turn off a main street in a modest Belgium neighborhood, following signs for our B&B. We thought the B&B would be immediately on our right but it wasn’t … we continued on this tiny winding road into the forest a few football fields in distance away from the main road. And there it was – A BEAUTIFUL NEW LUXURIOUS B&B in the forest.

The B&B is called DE METEN. It is in the town of Longdorp. And it is an absolute paradise!!

A kind young fellow named Frank greeted us and showed us to our rooms which were just off a huge glass enclosed living room where sat 5 or 6 large leather chairs with blankets folded on their respective ottomans with small coffee tables close by. Adjacent was a large dining room with 6 or so small dining tables, shelves for glasses of all dimensions for wine, beer, water.. whatever. Alongside was a cooler containing wine, great Belgium beer & sodas. Frank explained they were there for the taking on an honor system.

In effect, all of this seemed like one warm beautiful space overlooking the forest –all rooms were kind of Scandinavian in design – spare, but beautifully elegant. There were only three bedrooms in the area, so – in essence – this area, for this night, was totally ours! AGAIN…ABSOLUTE PARADISE!!

Just before leaving for sound check we met Frank’s lovely wife Greet. They live in the rear of the place with their 2 young children.


VENUE – JC DE KLINKER

Note: Milan tells us that “Klinker” has several meanings – in this setting – A ROCK MUSIC VENUE – it probably means “sounding thing”

SOUND CHECK

We arrived at 6:00 and were greeted by a nice guy named Bruno, one of the promoters of our show. Another nice guy named Daniel did our sound check. We were checked in minutes and ready to return to the hotel to relax before show time at 9:30.

I was concerned about a couple of things. First, this seemed more like a rock/blues venue than a listening room. I wasn’t sure a duo – Kendel & me – would fit so well here. Second, they had advertised that John Platania would be here. There was a large poster of JP, Kendel & me in the entrance. I was sure that whoever came would be quite disappointed that John – due to a commitment with Van Morrison – would not be there. And Bruno seemed concerned about that the turnout might be small. The venue never sells tickets in advance so he had no way of knowing what would happen, but he was concerned and therefore so was I as well.


We rested in “paradise” for a bit, met Greet’s dad Paul, who would join Frank to see our show while Greet stayed home with the kids … then we headed for the club. Bruno met us at the door & escorted us inside. I was SHOCKED! THE PLACE WAS PACKED!!
A talented/nice young guy named Kris was finishing his opening slot. Minutes later Kendel & I were on stage.

THE SHOW

SIMPLY PUT – THIS RANKS AS ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE SHOWS!! The connection between Kendel & me and the audience was evident from the start. You could hear a pin drop as I told the stories and as we played the emotional quiet songs. On the up-tempo ones we laughed & partied together. Kendel was brilliant in all ways & the fans let her know it.

Highlights are far too numerous to mention…. The book songs with their accompanying stories including RED SIDEWALK, DOREEN, MEMA I MISS YOU FROM HERE, JACK OF DIAMONDS totally connected.. as did all of Kendel’s… BIG TRUCKS, RIBBONS & BOWS, ONE BLUE DRESS ON THE LINE.. and a first ever performance from her Bootleg CD, BELT BUCKLE.

But for the second time in 2 nights, the ABSOLUTE KILLER HIGHLIGHT was the song that talks about John Platania being with Van Morrison instead of us. “THE VAN SONG” brought the house down!!

Thanks to all for this night. Kendel & I won’t forget it!

HI TO:

Old fans Herman & Tejo – who brought the entire Chip Taylor vinyl collection for signing. Thanks boys!! – Hi Teo & Els .. so good to see you… Hi to Geert & Anita.. thanks for the kind words!

Hi to trucker Luc & An - good luck with that hand Luc! Hi Rene .. nice talking with you – sorry Peter could not attend. Please send him my regards. Hi Urban .. great to see you!

Leo – I’ll tell John Platania that you & Dianne said hello and about your kind words. Hi to Geert, Jack & Tom. Hi Michel ..memories from ten years past - good to see you at the end of the night.

Great to see actor/singer Wim Oprouck. I’m extremely flattered about the influence “FALL” & “The Trouble With Humans” stuff in general has had with your work. Thanks for taking the time to stop by. It was GREAT talking with you. I’m looking forward to listening to the CD… & count me in with the documentary. I love the idea! Please send my regards to Steph .. & tell Els I’ll look forward to meeting her. See you soon.

Hi Koen – Nice talking with you at the end of the night. Damn, that beer tasted so good!!

BIG THANKS TO BRUNO, TOM & BART FOR BOOKING THIS .. & TO STEVE the club promoter .. thanks for the great sound, Daniel..HI VIV (VIVIENE) .. big thanks for the GREAT MEAL!!.. again, congratulations to you & Bruno.. Hi Betty (Boop!).. hope to see you all soon.



DEC 12 – Eeklo Belgium

We said our goodbyes to Frank, Greet & Paul & headed west to Eeklo less than 2 hours away. We arrived at the RINGHOTEL, a modest, comfortable place along a main road. We were greeted by Annette & her lovely daughter Stephanie. After doing a bit of computer work and resting for a few hours we headed to the venue for sound check.


THE VENUE- N9

N9 is a little folk/jazz listening room. Carrie & I played here two years ago. We were greeted by Patrick & Carl, the same nice guys that greeted Carrie & me 2 years back. We did a rather quick sound check, then were served a terrific meal upstairs. We went back to the hotel for an hour's rest and were back on stage at 9:10.


THE SHOW

There were a bunch of wonderful fans here tonight. Many who have been supporters since the early 70’s. We interspersed stories & songs from the book/CD. Again adding a few of Kendels both old & new. It felt like we were in someone’s living room rather then a venue.

Highlights were far too many to mention, but the RED SIDEWALK story and song brought full smiles from all.. the song for MEMA has been a favorite for all these shows. It touches a strong chord in folks.

The Van song again was a fan favorite, as was a rousing version of my ’75 hit, SAME OLD STORY –another fan favorite was a song I had never performed but had written recently as a Christmas present for my brothers Jon & Barry called BASTARD BROTHERS

But the thing I’ll remember most about this show was a fan requested, GETTING OLDER, LOOKING BACK with several singing along. Big thanks for that request – emotionally, that one really got to me.

Kendel was awesome again – she wins over everyone at every show and rightfully so. And she’s right there for every twist I take. So far no show has been the same as I’m just going with my instincts. But one thing is clear. The basic format of the stories from the book setting up the songs definitely works and I’m enjoying that.

This was a warm, wonderful night with very nice folks. Big thanks to all.

HI to:

Got a chance to say hi to several at the signing table where many fans not only purchased the book &/or recent CDs but brought CDs from the early years for signing.

Hi Ronny, Filip, Willy – hello Francois, Guido.. hi Peter & Barbara #2 – at Barbara’s request, I signed for her on the page opposite the dedication page to mom --- Hi to Lisa & Karin (country singer/songwriter booker) & husband Antoine (thanks for the compilation CDs – we’’’ play them on tour.

Hi Johan .. hope your BASTARD BROTHER RICK enjoys the look/listen..Hi Jan & Eric… & another Antoine & Yvan… hi Koen.. & Rony.. & Tine ( see, I finally spelled it correctly!) … Hi Fred & Paul & Bart

Again.. thanks to hosts / sound folks Patrick & Carl & a nice bartender Lieve who we met earlier.

Big thanks to Willy, who works with terrific Dutch company that publishes this book. Great to meet friend Johan.. thanks for the kind words. Hope to see you next time!

Big thanks also To Jan who books the venue and will soon be it’s sole proprietor!! – congrats!! Best regards to Burnadette … congratulations regarding your grandson.. that was a hell of a story!!

It was so good winding down with lovely Rebecca & (DR) Stephon at the bar. Loved talking with you guys!

BIG THANKS TO ALL – HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL SOON!

PS. I started writing this at 6:30 AM we are on the way to Amsterdam to do a 9:30 live radio show .. soon after we do a book store show in Haarlem.. then a full show there tonight. I’m running a bit on empty now – one hour of sleep last night. That’s it from here.



DEC 13 – 9:30 AM – Radio show RTV NORD HOLLAND (taped – to be played at noon)

A nice lady named Margo greeted us at reception – said she was a big fan – a nice start to a good morning

The hosts are Karin Douma & Joes Heeremans very professional & very nice. As is the sound engineer Raymond. It’s a one hour show featuring 3 authors discussing their current book releases. I am one (sounds so weird). Kendel & I are set up to play music as well. The other authors talk in Dutch. I am interviewed in English then translated. Nice stuff!

The other guests are lovely Hanna – who’s written a novel about love – “girl tries to rescue a musician with an addiction” .. something like that – the other author is Earshwing??? – a great guy who’s written a humorous-at-times book about sex. I couldn’t understand it.. but now I know that male Turkeys are attracted to puppet-like (imitation) females who only have their head on a stick! The rest of the body is not needed!

In between interviews, Kendel & I play RED SIDEWALK – ANGEL OF THE MORNING & ROSE OF ARNHEM TOWN (which has become a fan favorite).

This was good fun with good folks.


DEC 13 – 3:00 PM –IN-STORE AT A BOOK STORE – ATHENAEUM

We are greeted by the owner ANNA, a very nice lady & two of her staff, Jesse & Cohen – all good folks. TO MY PLEASANT SURPRISE, HAYE, MY BOOK PUBLISHER IS THERE!

There is a big article in the regional paper posted at the entrance written by Peter who met us ar the airport when we arrived from New York a few days ago – photo by Hans, who met us there as well. It seemed quite impressive!

There is quite a large turnout - 50 or more.

There is one microphone set up – I give a brief summary of what the book (Songs From A Dutch Tour) is about – then play a few songs, telling of their inspiration. After about a half hour, I sign autographs & talk to the fans –

HI TO:

So nice to see so many old fans. Hi to Frederik, Paul, Alex, Martha, John, Frank .. hope Steven enjoys the read. Great to see Carla & Willem again…. & Edith & Martin who asked me to sign for son Jelle who plays in a rock band RAM (song is “LOVE COMPUTER”.. all the best with that

Hi to Michiel .. hope to see your boy, Rein one of these days.. HI JOCE!! … & all my friends in OLDENZAAL at The Cobblestone Club.. Hi Rob & Francis.. AND, OF COURSE, OLD TIME FANS, PAUL & YVONNE .. great to see you always!

THANKS ANNA – GREAT TO BE HERE – KENDEL & I ARE VERY APPRECIATIVE OF OUR GIFTS!



DEC 13 – 5:00 PM - HEADING FOR HOORN

This is a first for me. I liked it a lot – now off to HOORN – it’s too bad we can’t stay for an extra day – Hoorn is a lovely seacoast town with lots of history.

HOTEL – we check into the **** PETITE NORD – run by Chinese folks – LOVE THIS PLACE!!


DEC 13 VENUE – HET HUIS VERLOREN (“THE LOST HOUSE) – in HOORN, HOLLAND

SOUND CHECK

Promoter Peter & soundman Tim are ready for us when we arrive. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE PLACE!! – A simple little hall with a small stage – but lots of character – It holds max 150. We’re sold out tonight!! – After a quick check & good meal with Peter, Tim & owner Chris, we’re back to the hotel – running on empty – one hour sleep last night.

THE SHOW

IT WAS SO GREAT TO HEAD FOR THE STAGE HERE. SURROUNDED BY OLD FAN/FRIENDS!! – PETER DE VOSS, the Warner Brothers rep responsible for my first coming to Holland in ’75 was here. IT WAS SOOO GREAT TO SEE HIM FROM THE STAGE!!

There was such a warm connection from beginning to end! – lots of intimate moments & when Kendel & I rocked it reminded me of the energy of the WHITE STRIPES – that’s a great new thing!! – I loved it – AGAIN.. KENDEL WAS MAGIC TONIGHT!!

Highlights far too numerous to mention.. lots of the new ones. DOWN BY LAW and MEMA I MISS YOU FROM HERE were so chilling & brought over-the-top response but stuff like THE REAL THING, JOHN TUCKER’S ON THE WAGON AGAIN, SAME OLD STORY, BIG RIVER (All songs we had not done on this tour ‘till tonight).. .. and ANGEL OF THE MORNING and WILD THING were high on the connection list!!

THIS WAS ANOTHER VERY SPECIAL NIGHT – ONE I WON’T FORGET. Big thanks too all – hope to see you soon!!


HI TO:

Again.. great to see Peter De Voss & his better half tonight… see what you’ve done, my friend!! BIG THANKS!!!

GREAT TO SEE MY FRIENDS KRISSY, ANNE & KEES.. was KIM there??!! – I was hoping you all would be there – sorry I didn’t take more time with you all.. next time you show up, come to our private area. You are always welcome.

Hi Ben.. good to see you as walking in & later.. hi Ria & Marja.. & Ben…. & old friends, JOOST & WERNER… always good to see you… Hi Emiel.. thanks for the South By South WEST memories!! .. hi SAM … big hello to old friends Glenda & Francis.. always great to see you both.. I think you said you’re coming to the Paradiso… hope so. Hi Wobbo .. good to see you here!

Hi Ria & Ton… nice talking with you .. hope Nico enjoys the gift.. tell him I sent my regards … Hi Declan (from Galway).. & Gerard.. another from Ireland.. not sure if you came together – nice talking with you both. Thanks for the kind words & support.

Peter.. hope Greet enjoys the gift .. nice talking with you… hi Gerard & Minie – Great to see you always .. thanks for coming to two shows .. glad you’re in the book!!

AGAIN .. THANKS PETER FOR BOOKING US HERE!! Big thanks to you, Tim, Chris, Tinie…for your kindness… hi to Milco..

& HEY, BOETS… . GREAT TALKING WITH YOU – THANKS FOR SHOWING US THOSE GREAT MAPS!!!! – WHEN I GET BACK TO NEW YORK I’LL TRY TO FIND JAN & KEES & SEND THOSE BASTARDS & THEIR CATTLE BACK HOME WHERE THEY BELONG!!!!


DECEMBER 14 – heading for AMSTERDAM for a most prestigious event –

We check into an amazing hotel on one of the canals – called The AMBASSADE. My room is more like a mini presidential suite. I have to walk up 6 steps to get to the bedroom area!!! – BIG THANKS TO THE FOLKS THE JOHN ADAMS INSTITUTE for these beautiful, most comfortable accommodations. Good to see clerks, Martin & Eelske & all – thanks for your kindness.

THE EVENT - The JOHN ADAMS INSTITUTE – a non-profit American culture center is hosting an afternoon event – featuring a lecture by me about my book, SONGS FROM A DUTCH TOUR, and an interview of me by famous Dutch author/music historian, Leo Blokhuis – with a mini concert to follow.

In the past they’ve hosted Al Gore, Sal Bellow, Norman Mailer, Madeline Albright etc… the only other music related author featured was Steve Earle. This is high brow stuff so to speak .. I’m quite honored, but a bit nervous - just hoping my low-brow ways will fit in.


VENUE – THE PARADISO

THE LECTURE/SHOW

The place is sold out!! The institute folks are pleasantly surprised – me too!! Several have been turned away. I feel badly about that. The audience is comprised not only my old fans, but newcomers to my music as well – several college age folks are here. FROM THE MINUTE I TOOK THE STAGE, I KNEW I WAS THERE WITH FRIENDS – my worries subsided completely.

I loved every minute of this – Russell Shorto, brilliant author & director of the institute introduces the program .. then introduces Leo Blokhuis, who gives an insightful 5 minute intro of me.

MY LECTURE

I talked about the book in broad strokes – dividing it into three main parts .. all with a connection to the Netherlands. I prepared my lecture in a most general way leaving me lots of room to go with my instincts.

INTERVIEW BY LEO

This was SO much fun – Leo asked great questions, each giving me plenty of room to expand on details of all aspects of my history & my work. Lots of humorous stuff here – everything unprepared. THANKS LEO - loved every minute.

QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE

What great questions.. like “do I compare myself to Kris Kristofferson”.. “was there covers of your songs that you really didn’t like at all”.. to these I had detailed answers in the affirmative – Kris is/has been a sort of hero for me – since his first album. And we’ve been friends for years. Regarding the covers question - I’ve been so fortunate to have brilliant recordings of my songs - but there were exceptions .. I spoke about one.

THE SHOW

Kendel joined me – we played several songs from the book, then added two from Kendel’s album… ending with “ROSE OF ARNHEM TOWN”, “WILD THING” and “I WASN”T BORN IN TENNESSEE” – what an afternoon!!


HI TO:

Signed several books for folks including:

ISIS… great to see you & mom(Gerda) .. you have a healthy glow – glad to see that, sorry I didn’t have more time

Hans & Heather… thanks for the kind words .. same thanks to Erik & Monique… Piet.. good to see you.. Hi Rosemary.. Hans & Jannie.. hi Ruud .. good to see you again, Donald.. hi Peter & Anne Mary… and Anneke .. GREAT TO SEE YOU UP FRONT, TAMME.. hope to see you soon again…

Hi Greetje – thanks for helping me with the spelling – great to see you. Hi ERWIN.. GEERT .. hope Donald enjoys the read… Hi ARJAN,,, & EMIEL!! .. nice talking with you… hi Gerrrit - & Wim .. hope Annelies enjoys the book… Hi Laura (so good to see you) & Ruud .. hope to see you again.. Hi EEF..

HI ERIK & JOHAN.. & lovely girls AVA (from ARNHEM) & JUDITH from I’m not sure where. GREAT TO SEE YOU!! – I hope to see you all again!

A WARM HELLO TO NEW FRIEND, NOVELIST HANNAH BUENTING .. so glad you came!! I’ll try to find a copy of your book before I leave.

BIG THANKS TO LEO BLOKHUIS for hosting this – It’s nice to know we’ll be doing it again on Tuesday!

THIS EVENT CAME ABOUT MAINLY THROUGH THE EFFORT’S OF OUR PUBLISHER REP AT ATHOS PUBLISHING, HAYE KONINGSFELD and the folks from The John Adams Institute, author Russell Shorto & musicologist Martin – Big thanks!

HAYE, THANKS FOR ALL YOUR EFFORTS & YOUR KINDNESS. I appreciate all you’ve done – and thanks for the lovely dinner!! SEE YOU SOON!!

DEC 15 – VENUE – HET ZWYN SHOOFD

BRTO RADIO SPONSORED VENUE – in BERGEN op ZOOM


We arrive at about 5:00 - after a bit of delay in Amsterdam (had to return as I forgot to leave my key at the hotel…… again!!) – we're staying in the town center with a loud ice skating rink – my room is OK, but Kendel's faces the center so it's loud & she can't rest.

SOUND CHECK

We meet venue owner, Kees, promoter Bert, radio host Jos & soundman Kees – all nice guys – Kees does a fine job checking us.. we're finished in 20 minutes and back for a rest.

BEFORE THE SHOW

Just before the show I see old friend ARIE ( Carrie Rodriguez' dad's good friend) – two weeks ago he had a heart attack – the DRs fixed him up (cleaned out his arteries) & he feels better than he has in years!!! - so good to see you Arie!! YOU LOOK GREAT!!

Also saw old friend Francis & the family Pia & daughter Jesse & soon to be mom-in-law Irma.. Jesse's future husband is fighting for us in Afghanistan .. THANKS SAMMIE!! – see you soon!

THE SHOW

What a great bunch of friends to play for .. I loved this!! Kendel was awesome again.. lots of emotional moments tonight. It's very hard to pick a highlight – as half of the special moments was the talking and laughing together –

But regarding the songs – I loved SONG FOR A DUTCH GIRL,TESS, ROSE OF ARNHEM TOWN, BIG RIVER… GETTING OLDER LOOKING BACK, JACK OF DIAMONDS, SAME OLD STORY maybe on top of the list was MEMA, I MISS YOU FROM HERE (a fan favorite at every show) ….. But there was lots of inspiration from this great bunch for the entire show & I'm kind of reaching for straws to pick favorites! THANKS TO ALL - THIS WAS A SPECIAL NIGHT!

SAID HELLO TO SEVERAL INCLUDING:

Hi to: Jola & mom Anna Marie.. hi Jap… good to see you Jap .. Hi Arje Jeannette .. Jan.. & Rob.. Hi Ard & Marina.. & Gerrit .. Hi Giel .. nice to see you all –

Again.. great to see Jesse, Pia, Francis & Jesse's future mom-in-law, Irma .. hope to see you all soon

Arie – thanks so much for your note – it was much appreciated – it's always GREAT to see you!! What an inspiring story – heart attack two weeks ago – now better than ever!! I hope some people reading this learn from it! I'm proud you are in the book, my friend .. we'll get the spelling right next time!! See you soon!!


DEC 16 – VPRO RADIO (NPS) Hilversum (2 shows)

FIRST SHOW (Live on the air)

We arrive at 1:00 – substituting for friend Jaap, who was home sick, is legendary DJ, Marjoke Roorda. We do a very inspired half hour set.. promoting the book. Leo Blokhuis stopped by so we played "That's It From Here" in his honor. I couldn't believe Marjoke knew my history so well .. stuff like the song Willie recorded of mine from 1959, "He Sits At My Table".. & my hit from the '63, "HERE I AM" – nice to reflect on those. Thanks Marjoke!! Nice interaction & insight with stuff regarding Kendel & Kendel & me. I loved this.

SECOND SHOW (taped for airing on Friday)

Old friend Paul Harvey does a great job interviewing regarding the book & the tour again with some emphasis on the interaction between Kendel & me. At Paul's request we play DOWN BY LAW & DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE. We end with ROSE OF ARNHEM TOWN & a rockin' DORINE, DORINE. Thanks Paul – great to see you again & again!!!!

Hello to other friends at the station, Paul, Dave, Hubert, Misja, & Vincent – so good to see you all!


DEC 16 – AMERSFOORT

VENUE – THEATERCAFE - SPONSORED BY BOOKSTORE VEENENDAAL

This is a little Jazz club situated in the charming town square. Our lovely hotel, De Daaper is in the square as well, yards away. How nice for us. We arrived at sound check at 6:45. New friend Willem has us ready in minutes & dinner is waiting shortly thereafter. We are joined for dinner by Leo Blokuis, who just arrived, Eric & Manon .. reps (nice folks) from the bookstore, Veenendaal.. his friend Andrew. My old friend Wim Bloomendaal & his wife Sharon joined us as well (a nice surprise). It was Wim's NASHVILLE RADIO SHOW that helped jump-started my career in 1975


BIG thanks to the bookstore folks, Eric, Manon & publisher rep Annoesjka.. for sponsoring this magical event – one of my favorite of all time. I Love this format – Leo retracing some of my songwriting footsteps & me responding to his insightful inquiries. It is spontaneous & so much fun. Often I'm remembering things I had until now, forgotten. THANKS LEO for taking the time to host/ interview .. SUCH HONEST BRILLIANT STUFF YOU BRING TO THE TABLE!!.. hope we can do it soon again!

Regards to ALL the family & Ricky.



THE SHOW

Similar to the Paradiso.. store rep Erik introduces Leo who does a 5 minute or so intro of me. I then took the stage and talked about the three general themes of the book and their connection to The Netherlands.

Then Leo asked me GREAT questions about my songs .. why… when… etc.

I had my guitar in hand and spoke to & performed some of the "answers" to Leo's questions. After about 45 minutes Kendel & I performed several songs from the book .. plus a couple of songs from her album. Again, Kendel was so well received – folks love her performance & her down to earth charm.

Several Highlights – somehow Leo asked a question that inspired me to tell how I wrote

TRY JUST A LITTLE BIT HARDER

Here's the story. I had just written a ballad TRY with Jerry Ragavoy for Garnet Mimms. Jerry called asking if could put it in an up-tempo groove for an immediate Loraine Ellison session. He needed it in the morning. I had to be at the racetrack by 1:00 PM to make a bet on a long shot that I thought would win. I quickly stole a groove from another song of mine.. ON MY WORD.. & got the new TRY, JUST A LITTLE BIT HARDER to Jerry by 11:00 AM. Jerry loved it & after we adjusted it a bit he banged it out on the piano & we recorded it to his reel to reel recorder. By noon I was heading to the track. – as I remember the horse won – a win/win day for me!

Later in the year, Janis Joplin heard Loraine's recording & loved it. Soon after, she recorded it herself.

Other Highlights

Certainly RED SIDEWALK, MEMA I MISS YOU FROM HERE & all the others from the CD in the book .. as well as ANGEL OF THE MORNING, WILD THING, I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE.. & Kendel's BIG TRUCKS & RIBBON'S AND BOWS.

But the absolute highlight for me was the tribute to Leo, THAT'S IT FROM HERE .. with Leo's terrific daughter Charlotte in the audience with friends Eline & Irene

In part, the words go:

"send regards to that kick-ass band
tell Charlotte it was so good to see her again
that's it from here!"

It was special to sing those words watching the smiles coming from Charlotte & her friends.

WHAT A MAGICAL NIGHT! Thanks to all who attended!

HI TO:

FIRST – AGAIN, BIG HELLO CHARLOTTE & FRIENDS, IRENE & ELINE .. SOOOO GREAT TO SEE YOU ALL!!

CHARLOTTE … all best wishes to the new kittens!! Hope they bring you lots of smiles!!


Book store folks… ERIK & Manon … GREAT TO MEET YOU!!!.. what a blessing for me that you go back so far with my music, Erik!! HI TON (bookstore owner…. Thanks for supporting all of this!!

Hi ANNOESJKA.. so good to see you… thanks for the kind words!!

Hi Erna & John.. .. hi Tim .. from dad Willem… Hi Henk!!… nice talking with you.. Hi Henk .. good to see you.. Hi Gerard (again) .. nice talking with you!.. HI GERJAN!!!… nice talking with you!!… Hi Ivo!!.. nice talking with you as well!

Hi BERT JAN … & & Chris… & IVO… & DONALD - Thanks for the GASOLINE memories.. etc… nice to talk to you… Hi Jos & Ruud… hi Simon.. thanks for the kind words re: UNGLORIOUS HALLELUJAH… Hi Rob & Erna… hope Gerard likes the book/CD… hello Marianna. & ANDREW… Hi ET… hope Liset enjoys the book…

Hi Luisa & Fedor… so good to see you at the end of the night .. hope to see you soon… Hi Ruut .. & Willem.. & Jan & Johan… & another Johan… .. Hi Gerjan!!! – nice talking with you!! ..

AT THE BAR – AT THE END OF THE NIGHT - Big hello to … LOVELY MARLYN… Linda & Robert - GREAT SHARING STORIES WITH YOU!! … Linda .. you're in charge of what goes on the site .. don't worry about it … just do it! .. Big thanks to Willem .. see you soon, my friend!!!.. Theo… THANKS FOR THE GREAT, GREAT WHISKEY & GOOD WORDS.. Hi ARTHUR .. thanks for stopping by

Here we go MILAN – two more days!! – it will be over far too soon!..


DEC 17 – The ROCK ACADEMIE (SONGWRITERS WORKSHOP) in TILBERG

1:30 PM

what a cool thing – a school totally devoted to all aspects of Rock & roll – the playing of it – the business of it – so good to see friends Leanne & Martin, who stopped by to lend their support.

THE SEMINAR

due to school scheduling problems, there is some classes there running at the same time, so the turnout is small in numbers – but certainly not in spirit

For almost two hours I took those in attendance on a journey of my history as a songwriter & singer songwriter – with blasts of lots of songs & stories of why & how I wrote them. Every so often I'd play a complete song with Kendel backing.

From my first recording contract with King Records.. to a song recorded by Willie Nelson just as I started to make my mark as a country writer… to other country recordings by Johnny Cash & Waylon.. to the hits TRY JUST A LITTLE BIT HARDER, I CAN'T LET GO, ANGEL OF THE MORNING & WILD THING & more.

I loved this journey with these great folks.

HI TO:

A big hello to first year students Lennart & Sean & teachers Erik (who played bass on a recording I did with known Dutch singer Ruud Hermons), Tom, songwriting teacher, Koen, the band (& drum) teacher .. a big hello to the students who came in a bit late & whose names I don't know.

I was honored to meet & tell you my story. Thanks for the warm reception. I wish you all the best. Remember – once you listen & learn a bit from the masters - do whatever you do from your heart & YOUR OWN WAY!!

Thanks for the escort & the kind words Norman. Hope to see you soon.


DEC 17 - DINNER AT BERT PJIPERS (head of the distribution company (CRS) that releases our records – I was kind of surprised to see Leanne's car when we parked on the street outside Bert's house. I didn't know she & Martin were coming to dinner. MMMM.. I thought … something is funny here. Then I found out!

SURPRISE!!!!!! BERT HAS INVITED MEMBERS OF WILDWOOD FLOWER, THE BAND THAT "SAVED THE DAY" ON MY FIRST SHOW IN HOLLAND IN 1975.

Thanks Bert – great to see you boys – Jo, John & Thys!!! Best regards to Andre & Bert. Hope to see them soon. GREAT TALKING TO YOU & WILLY (Jo's wife of 40 plus years).


SO GOOD TO SEE FORMER WARNER BROS RECORD'S HEAD, PETER DE VOSS –who made the long trip down from the north to see us for the second time this week. Thanks a lot Peter.

Good to see Jos & Lotte who book our shows in town, our friend from Heaven.. a serious music magazine.



VENUE – GROENE ENGEL

This is the first time we're playing here. It's a little theater with new interior, & a new sound system – almost like the one's I played on the 2007 tour & Kendel played on her recent tour. It feels good.

SOUNDCHECK – John Willem/ sound & Anneloes/lighting & assistant Erik, have us ready in minutes & we're heading to check into our amazing B&B!

B&B - De Oude Pastorie

This is a former home for the priests of the parish, now & B&B with wonderful displays of old & new sculptures & paintings. It's almost like a beautifully kept museum. But it's not so precious that you can't live in it. There are only 4 rooms in the place. Milan, Kendel & I have three. They are all unique, with old Cape Cod-like furniture & VERY comfortable beds.


THE SHOW

It was great to tell about one of the key parts of the book tonight –Warner's exec Peter De Voss inviting me to Holland in 1975, going to Martin's store where my album, THIIS SIDE OF THE BIG RIVER was selected RECORD OF THE MONTH by then assistant to Martin, Leanne - & playing that legendary show with WILDWOOD FLOWER in Einthoven - & THEN INTRODUCING ALL OF THESE FOLKS TO THE AUDIENCE. It felt so good to introduce them & the audience showed them big appreciation.

As the show went on, Kendel & I caught fire.. rockin' out on the up tempo ones & chilling on the ballads. This became such a passionate show, with many tributes to our hero special guests.

Highlights were far too many – let's go with THE REAL THING, ANGEL OF THE MORNING, RED SIDEWALK, DORINE DORINE, Kendel's BBELT BUCKLE, ONE BLUE DRESS ON THE LINE, RIBBONS & BOWS, SAME OLD STORY, ROSE OF ARNHEM TOWN, MEMA, I MISS YOU FROM HERE, a rocked out WILD THING & I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE.. & one of the most rockin' versions of BIG RIVER we've ever done –

KENDEL just kicked ass tonight – WHATAMAZING INSPIRED SOLOS!!! - & for the last several shows, when we explode.. just the two of sound like a 5 piece band! GREAT JOB KENDEL!!!

Loved tonight!! – what a great reunion!! Thanks to all who attended.

SAID HI TO MANY, INCLUDING:

Hi Berna & Wim – good to see you again! (Good to see you in the AM as well, Berna – thanks for the kind words!) … Hi Paul.. very nice talking with you – I'll tell EVIE you sent your regardsa… Hi Mia.. Doret… Hi Marijke.. good to see you all… Hi Herman & Konstantyn.. all the best…. Hello Tom & Anita .. nice talking with you!! .

Great to see Peet & Peter – TROGGS fans ..please send Jacqueline my best regards.. JAN & DINI!!! – great to see you again & again.. so glade yo9u're in the book!!

Hi Joop & Mike & Dennis… Hi BOY (That's a new name for me.. glad to sign your poster… Hi Jan.. nice to sign your poster! .. & Aaldrik & Will & another Joost… so good to see you all..

Again big thanks to Jos & Lotte for booking us .. so good to see you both again…what great kids (Errik & Peter) – hop[e to see Niek next time…

AGAIN, BIG THANKS & HELLO TO PETER, JO, THYS, JOHN, LEANNE, MARTIN .. let's di it again.

BERT, big thanks for putting this together!!! Thanks Rietje for the great dinner – much appreciated!!! – OK TON…hope the dentist was kind to you & your dad – NOW YOU BETTER KNOW WILD THING NEXT TIME THROUGH!! – see you soon, my friend!!


DEC 18 – HEADING FOR WEERT in the south. This will be the last show.

ARRIVE AT HOTELMEREVELD, IN VLUCHTROUTE LE VERDIEPING

We arrive at this modest, warm place at about 1:30 – very kind folks run this place. Shower & sink in the room, toilette in the hall. I usually would never stay at a place without a toilette in the room. But if you were going to forgive that luxury, you'd do it here. A very nice lady, Anna Miek, greets us when we arrive.

Milan & I go to Weert about 5 miles away. I buy 2 Tom Waits CDs that I heard a few nights back at the Theater Café in Amersfoort. Back at the hotel I meet the "fix everything guy", Jergan ( AnnaMiek's husband). I think he's the cook as well!! Great, smiling, humble guy. I'll rest now – in about 1&1/2 hours we'll go to sound check.


VENUE – De Bosuil – this is a cool venue – a small rock & roll place.. but I think it will be a comfortable, living room-like place for us.

SOUND CHECK- quick & easy – a very nice guy. Bart handles that. Then we're off to an amazing dinner with Bart & the guys that booked this venue, Johan & Rob. They book 6 or 7 venues a year. They do it for the love of the music – it is absolutely not a money thing. We are very honored!

THE MEAL IS UNBELIEVABLE!! – What an amazing warm vibe.. the best meal we've had & the music… hand picked by ROB is awesome.. John Prine, Lucinda, Hank Williams, The Louvin Bros, Johnny Cash etc… THANKS BOYS!!


THE SHOW

THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL NIGHT – ASIDE FROM OLD FRIENDS, MARTIN & LEANNE ------- LOVELY ROOS, THE INSPIRATION FOR "ROSE OF ARNHEM TOWN" IS THERE – ALONG WITH MOM & DAD, JAN & ANTOINETTE & HER TEACHERS TOON & WILLEM … ALL THESE FOLKS ARE MENTIONED IN THE SONG – which, by the way, has been a fan favorite since the start of the tour.

What a warm bunch of folks to play for… highlights again were far too many .. let's go with BIG RIVER, THE REAL THING, RED SIDEWALK, MEMA's SONG, Kendel's RIBBONS AND BOWS & ONE BLUE DRESS ON THE LINE.. a rockin WILD THING… a Martin requested, FADED BLUE (the first song I wrote), AND OF COURSE… "ROSE OF ARNHEM TOWN" .. I loved singing that for Roos tonight!!


Again… KENDEL WAS AWESOME – folks love her!!


Said hi to many, including:

Nico, Frans, Ton & Mary, Peter… thanks for the kind words… hi to Luc.. hope you enjoy the LIVE album.. it's one of my favorites…

A big hello to Peter (writer for a German magazine) & wife Claudia.. thanks for support & the copies… hope to see you in Germany soon!!

Hi to the nice folks working at the place – Rolf (hope you enjoy the CDs), Leon & wife Marleen & Barbara.. so good to see you all

Hi to old friends, Martin-Paul and mom, Marja .. so good to see you again.. Rudiger & Birget.. so good to see you.. sorry we didn't say hello .. was your car broken into???

Thys (from WILDWOOD FLOWER) .. great to see you again!!! – look forward to next time.

HERRMAN & FERRIS from the local radio show.. big thanks!! –



MARTIN & Gerdianne & Leanne.. love you guys … & GREAT TO FINALLY MEET Leanne's brother Rolf.. thank you for doing your penance, Rolf … all good deeds shall be rewarded!! God Bless

"JAN & ANTOINETTE & ALL THE TEACHERS THAT I MET (Willem & Toon)" … so glad you were here!! - & Steve .. great to meet you!!

& ROOS ( "ROSE OF ARNHEM TOWN") … you made my night!!!!!

Hope to see you soon!



KAREN - BIG THANKS FOR ALL YOU'RE EFFORTS BOOKING THIS TOUR!! – great to see you tonight! WE LOVED IT!! ROB & JOHAN.. AGAIN, BIG THANKS FOR HAVING US – HOPE E CAN DO THIS AGAIN!!

HEADING FOR THE AIRPORT – WE'LL MISS OUR DUTCH FRIENDS

(Reminder for me: Roos will be spending 6 months in Spain doing anthropology studies, then taking her masters courses here)

Dec 1 - 3, 2008 - New York

RECORDING MY NEW ALBUM, “YONKERS, NEW YORK” in Rhinebeck N.Y. at a studio called The Clubhouse.

Kendel Carson (fiddle) flew in from Canada – Greg from LA … Seth Farber, Tony Leone & Tony Mercadante drove up from NYC and John Platania is from this area

I wrote the bulk of these songs in a one week period a few months ago – based on my growing up years with family & friends in my home town Yonkers.

There is a lot of narrative stuff within the framework of the ten or 11 songs .. almost like an old-time radio show. The boys & girl were so into this project & played GREAT!

I LOVE this album. Not sure when we’ll release it… maybe within the cluster of months surrounding the release of ROCK & ROLL JOE (Kendel, John Platania & I share vocals on this tribute to musicians who never got their just acclaim) – AND THE RELEASE OF KENDEL’S NEXT ALBUM, ALRIGHT DYNAMITE


DEC 5, 2008 – MONTCLAIR, New Jersey – SHOW WITH JOHN PRINE

VENUE – THE WELMONT THEATER

MY BAND IS:

TONY LEONE – DRUMS
JOHN PLATANIA – GUITAR
TONY MERCADANTE – BASS
KENDEL CARSON – FIDDLE & VOCALS

Note: John & I have been good friends – since the early 70’s – he also happens to be my favorite singer/ songwriter – and John’s fans & I seem to always make a warm connection - and his musician buddies, Dave Jacques (bass) & Jason Wilber guitar)… aside from being so talented are great guys - so… simply put – these are my favorite shows to do


THE SHOW – The fans hustled to take their seats when the lights went down in this cool theater and from the enthusiastic reaction to the opening song “The Real Thing” .. we knew this was going to be a great night. We played mostly NEW SONGS OF FREEDOM songs.. we rocked with DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE & DANCE WITH JESUS…and chilled with FORMER AMERICAN SOLDIER & BLACK & BLUE AMERICA.. a beautiful connection was made with the folks with these.

And the fans seemed to love the duets with Kendel on ANGEL OF THE MORNING and a wild WILD THING.. which had the fans singing along… thanks to all .. a night to remember.

JOHN’s SHOW

We all stood in the back and watched John’s amazing show – I remember when John released his first album – some critics said he was the new Bob Dylan. They were wrong .. Dylan’s great for sure… but he’s no JOHN PRINE .. John is light years better.. simply because he’s more honest/heartfelt/human. There’s no “poser” in John Prine.

My band & I were so proud to join John on his encore, “PARADISE” – thanks John!

HI TO:

At intermission and at the end of John’s show I said hi to several including:

Howard … thanks for being there always!! … Ed … so good to see you again… good luck with all those nice works you do… see you soon..Hi Kahn.. thanks for the support always!!.. Keith, Delaney & Quinn.. Brett & son Joe.. see you next time Joe…Hi to Jerry & Joe… Clyde from McCabes (in LA) … good to see you again… the 4 or 5 brothers (& friend) who said hi at thye end… great to see you guys!!…. Hi Dawn.. nice seeing you… Hi Kurt .. in the back .. a big hello from Kendel & me.

BACK AT THE HOTEL BAR

HI CINDY & DAVE … who were at a C&C show in Dallas… great to be “seen” … thanks for the kind words… hope to see you in TEXAS!!


DEC 6 – WILMINGTON DELAWARE – WITH JOHN PRINE

VENUE – THE OPERA HOUSE


Again, LOVED this show – The folks made us feel appreciated from the start – long, loud applause, especially for FORMER AMERICAN SOLDIER and B&B AMERICA added one more song to the set – “DOWN BY LAW” from the new book/ CD, SONGS FROM A DUTCH TOUR - which met with over-the-top reaction.

We had brought 15 of the new books for sale and by the time I left my signing post – all the books were gone.

HI TO:

I met the following folks at the signing table. Most bought my book, SONGS FROM A DUTCH TOUR … to those that did, thanks… hope you enjoy the read.

Gary & Betty..who saw Carrie & I with John Prine in DC a few years back. Thanks for the kind words … nice to see you again. Hi to nurse Betty & husband Bill …again.. thanks for the nice words… Hi to Jay & Denise… great to see you agai n.. Hi Leo .. send regards to Florence & Garth .. nice talking with you…. Hi to Mary & Kathie… & Andy… & Julia & Gordon.. so nice to see you both.. big hi to Teri & Butch.. & Larry & Debbie… nice to see you again before we left

Nice to see usher Olga .. thanks so much for the kind words…yikes.. I can’t read my writing … starts with “J” (Jason??)… with Erin….met at the bar in the hotel…. nice folks… good to see you both!!… Hi Mike… nice to meet you… you as well Dan .. thank your kind wife for opening the hotel door for me… hi Rebecca & friend…

AT THE BAR AFTER THE SHOW

Hi to David Jacques former college roommate Ian & wife Katie.. & big hello to Leanne & preacher Ed.. great talking with you… back to work ED!!!

My duet partner for the past several years, the lovely & most talented Carrie Rodriguez was in the next town doing a show – she & her band members .. Kyle & Hans (great friends of mine)… stopped by …, it was a GREAT HANG!!… John Prine's band and crew.. my band & Carrie & the guys.. IT WAS A HELL OF A NIGHT!!

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

Aug 14 – arrive in Chicago

Note: - waited on the runway for 3 hours in New York (LGA),, due to thunder storms – not so bad as the plane had good ventilation & I had prep work to do for Saturdays SONGWRITERS WORKSHOP at OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK MUSIC - arrive at a very cool hotel, The City Suites (933 West Belmont – Lincoln park area??) – at about 10:00 PM – thank God for 24 hr. restaurant across the street (bar till 3:00AM)


Aug 15 – FOX TV – GOOD DAY CHICAGO – 9:45 AM – Very nice folks at this place

Thanks to PETE for the welcome the escort – THANKS TIFFANY .. nice to meet you.. HI TO EDIE at the front desk (I sill picture your smile) – and lovely Demitria (wish I could spell it correctly) - Hi to Andrew (a producer) … HI MELONY – thanks for the water & the nice comments about ANGEL OF THE MORNING later.. ROGER .. great talking with you later

Note: also big thanks to Kevin Hale (from Good Day LA) & Heinz Geissler for their efforts in securing this cool thing

THE SHOW – This was fun – very loose & natural – with pro hosts, Mike, Jan & Cory .. a few plugs for NEW SONGS OF FREEDOM & tomorrows concert at The Old Town School of Folk Music.. ended up singing a bit of Angel Of The Morning to end the show. Thanks VERY MUCH you guys!


Note: Audrey Martels, Hans Holzen & Kyle Keggereis fly in to join me – but again.. thunderstorms in N.Y. keep them on the runway for a couple of hours they arrive close to 10:00 PM.


Aug 16 – 12:15 PM - WLUW ON AIR INTERVIEW with great friend & legendary folk DJ, Tom Jackson (Loyola University radio) – loved this.. We spoke about the new album & Tom played several track from it. I was hoping to hook up with Tom & wife Belle later, but our show would last longer than expected.

Tom’s a bank mgr during the week - lovely wife Belle works for an animal clinic- they’re a great team!!.. Tom lives for his roots radio show – he does an awesome job & listeners & artists really appreciate his love for the music. – THANKS my friend – see you soon!


2:15 – head for The Old Town School Of Folk Music… what an awesome place this is!!! – LOVE PLAYING HERE.. it is the Rolls Royce of folk schools in the world!! – everything re: folk music/ Chicago flows through this place… lessons.. work.. festivals.. kids shows .. kids lessons .. lessons on any folk instrument you can think of!! Want to play claw-hammer style banjo .. no problem!! – just sign up!!!

And the volunteers & staff are the kindest & most nurturing folks .. and you can tell.. THEY LOVE WHAT THEY DO!! AND THEY’RE SOO PROUD BEING PART OF THIS AMAZING PLACE … AND THE FANS THAT COME TO THESE CONCERTS ARE SECOND TO NONE!! … they are so informed and so, so appreciative!!

A great guy named Owen greets Hans & me.. he helps us set up & we’re ready for our “class”

AUG 16 – 3:00 - SONGWRITER’S WORKSHOP – I just loved this! - I mixed stories about how I got into the business, with my writing methods & a bunch of snippets of songs. The interaction with the group made this so warm. I told stories I hadn’t planned to tell… simply because the interaction was so great, spirited & fun – Again…LOVED THIS!!!!

Big hello Diane (lyricist), Julie (good luck with your writing.. hope the songs sound good on Garage Band!) Alisa (so nice talking to you later..thanks for the kind words.. all best wishes), Bob (the horse race handicapper – uses Ragison’s high tech sheets.. great talking to you!.. CECE .. best with book/with songs, Lyndsey .. (soon to be star.. I think!!.. bring the YOU out!!!!) , Robert (songwriter .. performs at open mikes) .. thanks for coming to the show.. & the kind words, & Rosanne.. so glad you were there.. sorry you had to leave a bit early.. you missed stuff about THE CHURCH OF THE TREAIN WRECK!!! .. check it out on my site.. www.trainwreckrecords.com.


Aug 16 – 5:30 – Sound checked with Rob.. great guy to work with – BIG THANKS!!! After sound check a terrific staffer, Alissa, drove me back to the hotel to retrieve forgotten CDs. Big Thanks for that!!!!

Opening Act – a friend (fiddler for Alehandro Escoveda) opened with her interesting group. Nice Susan!!! See you soon!

Note: I was surprised at the nice turnout – about 200 – as I was told the summer shows weren’t selling well.


THE SHOW

What a great group to play for – this was as loose as I ever get. I think some of the workshop spilled over here .. I found myself telling more stories than usual. I felt like I was playing for family, so the interaction was like that.. saying whatever came to mind. We laughed a lot.. and we got serious a lot. It doesn’t get better for me than this. I flat out LOVED this show!

Way to many highlights to mention.. let’s go with.. BIG RIVER, FORMER AMERICAN SOLDIER, BLACK AND BLUE AMERICA.. Oh Yes… definitely DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE… ANGEL OF THE MORNING.. & an awesome WILD THING ending with one of the best group sings of “GROOVY” ever!!!!!

I paid tribute to my old friend Jerry Wexler .. who just passed away. I produced the Billy Vera / Judy Clay hit, STORYBOOK CHILDREN. for his label (Atlantic) – Jerry made the deal with me .. he loved that song & recording

So we encored with that song & I WASN’T BORN IN TENNESSEE.. then said good night.

Hans & Kyle and Audrey were simply terrific!!! – and the audience let them know it!! THANKS TO ALL FOR A NIGHT TO REMEMBER!!

HI to:

Hi Ed .. GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!!! – thanks for the memories of my first time through (the 25 folks) - & The BILLY & JULIE CD - - GREAT TO SEE Kyle’s folks, SAM & KAREN.. your boy was great tonight!!! – HI WILL – THANKS FOR COMING..

A BIG HELLO TO BARBARA & ALBIN whose son ALBIN did a very in-depth & excellent piece about me in a cool underground music publication a few years ago.. great to see you both – a big hello to your boy!!

Hi Annette, & Mary & Joe & Lisa.. big hello to Sue-Z!!!.. nice talking with you.. Hi Alex.. hope you enjoy the CD .. hope to see you next time!… Hi Tony & Marcia (got it right!!) .. thanks for the kind words..

Hi to Han’s friends, SISA, Marissa & NATE (& Susan & was it Brandon?) – great to see you guys!!!!

& to all the rest.. thanks for a great night!!


HI & BIG THANKS TO THE “OLD TOWN” FOLKS… Owen (don’t worry, I love lawyers .. my daughter’s one!), Rob.. great sound!!! – big thanks!!.. Hi Darla.. great to see you.. COLLEEN.. so glad you were there .. thanks for coming downstairs & saying hi!! .. see you soon!! … Al, great to see you again.., thanks for the intro!!… Hi Steve, Anton (friend of Jerry Tracy) & Ray.. great to see you guys at the end.

June 18 – July 2, 2008 – California and Texas

6/18/08 – GOOD DAY L.A.

Good Day LA (huge morning TV show)

Great to be with now old friends, host Steve Edwards & producer Kevin Hale (huge music fans with a great knowledge of cool stuff).- along with other production friends Josh, BJ, Anthony, Lisa , terrific co-hosts, Jillian & Dorothy Lucy, make-up friend Robin & other tech folks that helped wire me up

The Show –

With about 15 minutes to go in the show, with guitar in hand, I joined Steve, Dorothy & Jillian at their table. We had some laughs - played a verse or so of Angel & Wild Thing & a bit of Dance With A Hole In Your Shoe interspersed with a bit of the cool video of New Song Of Freedom. The four of us closed the show chanting the chorus of DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE:

"WAR WAR – KICK IT OUT THE DOOR .. WHO NEEDS IT … SO THEY SAY"

BIG THANKS TO STEVE, KEVIN & ALL… Loved this!!!


JUNE 21 – Santa Monica California – McCabes

Love this place!! It's an amazing guitar store that turns into a very cool music listening room in minutes. Thanks for having us Lincoln – so nice meeting your dad, Allan. Please send him my regards!

The Show

So great playing with my new "L.A. band" - Jennifer Condos on bass, Mark Goldenberg on guitar & Sebastian Aymans on drums. WHAT AN AMAZING JOB THEY DID!!!

This was a very special night for me as my brother Jon, son Kristian, his wife Anna, and a bunch of their friends (including lovely Kayla) were in the audience.

We played one long set starting with songs from my King Records years & ending with New Songs Of Freedom material. This was an amazing show for me as a listener because it was the first show I played with this band .. and they were SO READY!! So it was easy for me to keep it loose & personal. We ended with brother Jon performing the first song I ever wrote with me (Faded Blue) – nice stuff.

Hi to:

Kris & Anna & friends Heather & Mike, Kristen & Paul.. horn player Kyle ( a very good one, I hear).. & the rest… bro Jon.. well done!!! … hi to Lisa, Janet & Claire… & Russ.. Bernard & Mike.. Gerry & Susan from Cleveland.. David & Laura.. Hi Joan… hope George enjoys the CD… Hi Greg, Hi Jerre.. who saw us at Ulysses.. great to see you.. hope Shelley enjoys the listen!… Hi Bob (Maureen's friend) .. so glad you could be here!!… Hi Clyde .. see you next time through


June 29 - KILLER KANE AND THE BLOOD MOUNTAIN BOYS – THE MIDNIGHT SHOW - LIVE FROM STRING 'EM UP in Santa Monica

WHAT A SHOW!!! – Gruesome, AWESOME!!

Here's the story:

The Killer & I have crossed paths several times in the last few years. He was known as Foxy Kane back then. About a year ago he asked me for some help with a song. He played me a couple of verses. The setting was western Wyoming. In the song he was courting a pretty girl there.

"Sounds good to me", I said. He replied, "Glad you like it. Now my problem is this - where do I go from here??. Everything I come up with sounds like more of the same – just damn boring stuff. You got any ideas?"

I thought about it for a few seconds – then I said, "Yeah… Kill Her!" With a shocked look on his face Foxy responded, "What did you say?!". I repeated, "Kill her!"

Then there was silence. Finally Foxy whispered, "I can't do that… in the song I love her" I came right back, "Fine – then I'll do it!"

The next day I wrote the bridge, killing her as promised. Shortly after, changing his name to "Killer", Foxy recorded it with his band, The Blood Mountain Boys (formerly The Hillbilly Hunters". The single, "Murder in Yellowstone Thyme" is an underground smash. His east LA shows are absolutely packed. Tattooed teenage girls and Hells Angel's are nuts about "The Killer". His new album, "Love, Sex and Destruction" is selling like hotcakes. And now, leather jackets with his picture and that title are the L.A. rage.

Stay tuned!


JUNE 29 – heading for AUSTIN, Texas

June 30 – Two great radio shows

1)at KUT with friend & supporter Jay Trachtenberg .. Thanks Cory.. Walter (sound).. great stuff!! – loved this .. 45 minutes of good talk & songs from the new album.

2) Then off to New Brunfels .. with great friend Mattson.. an hour combining retrospective & new stuff … wonderful!!!! – thanks Mattson!!

Then:

Waterloo Records – In-store - June 30, 2008

LOVE THIS PLACE!!! -No record store on the planet is better than this one!! .

The Show

Owner/friend John gave a terrific intro.. paving the way for NEW SONGS OF FREEDOM… we did 4 of those.. mixing some serious stuff with a universal (on stage & in-audience) sense of humor.. The band & Audrey were awesome.

Great to see:

Beautiful Jennifer!!!!! .. so great to see you & mom! .. can't believe you're going to be a junior!! .. wow.. time flies.. big hello to Kyle & love to Kelly.. hope you all can be there tomorrow – thanks Bonnie!!! .. see you soon

Vincent .. thanks for being there again & again (posters).. great to see you always!!… V.. Terry (from Chicago) & Della … Eric from New Jersey whose friend Chris turned him on to C&C// thanks for being there… old friends/fans Kevin * Yolanda & Terry & Vickie… sorry.. can't read my notes. The first person that said hello.. her name started with V.. Vias?? – wish I knew .. thanks for the kind words

Thanks John, hope you & Kathy can make it tomorrow!

And all the rest .. thanks for coming.. hope to see you all soon.

JULY 1 – It's 6:10 AM .. heading for Fox TV.. "GOOD DAY AUSTIN: ..


GOOD DAY AUSTIN – Great friends & very professional. BIG THANKS to all


July 1 – KGSR RADIO – always interesting radio interview with old friend &legendary DY, Jody Denberg – loved this .. much about my writing process & history - book-ended with DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE & NEW SONGS OF FREEDOM… Thanks Jody!! Great to see you!

VENUE - Cactus Café – Austin

HERE'S THE LINE-UP

JOHN PLATANIA – GUITAR
TONY MERCADANTE – BASS
TONY LEONE – DRUMS
AUDREY MARTELS – BACKING VOCALS

Arrived at 6:00 – met by old friend & mgr/ bartender Chris & new sound-man Joe. After a fast check (GREAT JOB JOE), we had time to go back to the hotel, freshen up & get back for our 8:45 start time.

THE SHOW - FIRST SET

This set was a retrospective of my early years in the music business - with some mention of my gambling days. Songs from the King era through my country hits.. ending up with a couple of the pop/rock hits, I Can't Let Go & Angel Of The Morning

By the way – here's one of the highlights. I forgot to call Joan – my new "X" X-wife (as the NEW YORKER magazine put it this week) before I got on stage. So, after dedicating LITTLE JOAN to her (I wrote it for her in '57 – it was released on King Records back then), I called her from the stage to say good night. The audience loved that -giving her overwhelming applause!! – Thanks to all – that was nice

SECOND SET

After a Hank Ballard medley tribute we ripped into THE REAL THING – then we got to the songs from NEW SONGS OF FREEEDOM… of course ending with a rocked-out WILD THING - & encoring with a dedication to Vietnam Vets & my tribute to them, THEME FOR AN AMERICAN HERO.

What arm audience to play for – THANKS TO ALL!!

Hi to:

Great friends Pat & Terry.. so good to see you again.. count me in for your War Hero's party in October .. John says to count him in too. If we're not on tour we'll be there!

Big Hi & thanks to Katy, Leslie John & Kathy … old fans Kate & John (Kate.. all the way back to GASOLINE .. 1970!!)… Hi Lauren.. great to see you again.. Fabi.. loved seeing you again.. so glad you came!!!..

Hi to bartender Jack (good luck with future stuff!). GREAT TO SEE YOU CHRIS!! Thanks again Joe … Special hello to old friend Griff, who books & runs this place. Thanks for having us!! Great to be back in Austin!!