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Chip's words about life on the road, recording in the studio and much
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Older Road Journal
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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!!
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