Chip Taylor's Road Journal

Read Chip's words about life on the road, recording in the studio and much more...
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February 10, 2012 - TRONDHEIM 2112

MIRACLE AT THE AIRPORT

John Platania, Goran Grini & I were supposed to leave for Oslo from Stockholm at 10:30 AM – and from there to Trondheim on a 2:55 flight. HOWEVER, due to a storm delay we arrived in Oslo at 2:20. We needed to get our luggage, clear customs and check in. We were all convinced that was not remotely possible. But though some sort of miracle, some quick thinking on the part of Goran and a quick decision by a brave checker at the oversized baggage area – who took not only our instruments, but ALL our luggage, saving us a half hour wait for normal check in – and after a mad dash to the gate.. we made it - just as they were closing the gate!

ARRIVING IN TRONDHEIM

Great to see old friend Thor .. a great guy.. and one of the trio of owners of the amazing restaurant/ music venue, CREDO. Note: This five star restaurant is one of the best in the world. To give you an idea of how revered this place is, one of Thor’s partners, chef Heidi, now moonlights as the head chef for the king of Norway! But .. aside from that great stuff - the real draw for me is the connection I have to the people of this town and this venue/restaurant - and that starts with Thor. We’ve been special friends since I first came here, 10 or so years ago.

SOUND CHECK

Thor drives us straight to sound check to meet the great Ida Jenshus’ (who will guest tonight) and her bass player Andreas & drummer Stian, who have volunteered to play with us for our entire show!! Soundman Tommy has us ready in short order. We play a couple of songs together & Stian & Andreas sound great!! I am totally comfortable to just wing it from here.

HOTEL CHECK IN

We are staying at a hotel some 30 yards from the venue. It’s a cool and newly renovated place.. another blessing! We check in and immediately head back to CREDO for our six course meal, with champagne to start & a special wine to accompany each course. Old friend Marcus serves and explains each dish and wine selection. Huge thanks Marcus .. much appreciated!! .. nice young guy, “mini” Marcus, assists .. thanks as well.

HOW IDA & I MET

For those who don’t know, Ida Jenshus is a young, extremely talented new folk star in Norway. She & I met as the result of a few people – but mainly by the efforts of a great guy named Jens Storli, who was a music rep of the wonderful St. Olav’s Festival in Trondheim, with its’ emphasis on kindness and caring for all in the community – particularly those in need. I love the tone of this festival.. . It felt good to be a part of that.

Jens invited me to participate at the festival especially to perform with Ida - and that was a magic union.

Note: Last year, Just before the festival began, the horrible tragedy in Oslo happened. Ida & I met for the first time on that day and performed together for the first time at a church service for the victims of the killings in her home town of Steinkjer . These were the toughest of times for so many. I felt blessed to be there with those kind folks.

Just before our show tonight, Ida told me that Jens and a few others involved with the festival were in the audience. I was so glad to hear that.

THE SHOW

At Thor’s request we play one long set. As soon as we start it felt like I was playing for family here

I remember looking off to the right during our opening song, THE REAL THING and seeing Thor in the corner .. lost in the music. That was a good / inspiring feeling to open the show with.

From there the stories leading to the songs came easy.. and the show immediately took on a totally relaxed vibe .. and immediately Stian & Andreas sounded like they’d been playing with us for a while. They obviously had done a good deal of homework - thanks for being so ready, boys! And John & Goran were amazing as usual. A great “we’re in this together” vibe floated through this room for the entire show!

Highlights were far too many to mention .. but again, the stories were as much a part of the show as the music.. that seems to be how it’s evolved, particularly since my Yonkers New York album.. & tonight several stories & their accompanying songs felt especially good .. Dutchman Blues, ME & ROHILLIO, PASSPORT BLUES, HEY JOHNNY, CHARCOAL SKY, BIG RIVER and TOO DYNAMIC all seemed to connect on a warm/ very human level and the audience let us know it.

Then the show lifted to another level as Ida hit the stage & we sang three duets, COULD I LIVE WITH THIS, DON’T SPEAK IN ENGISH & ANGEL OF THE MORNING .. just so chilling & magic tonight!! .. ..thanks Ida ..what a tour!! I’ll miss you..

We followed with, I KNOW DARK .. my tribute to my Kiruna friends! And Ida was now part of the audience helping with the chorus..thanks for that Ida!.. then came another big favorite of this tour, the title song, FUCK ALL THE PERFECT PEOPLE. .. audiences .. including this one & the prisoners two days ago.. seem to love to sing this chorus .. with that “Fuck ‘em all” spirit! This was great tonight!

Then it was WILD THING .. which totally rocked .. with amazing solos by ALL the boys .. we encored with a chilling, HOLY SHIT .. and we all toasted each other.

Another special /magical night at Credo! .. again.. one I won’t forget.

HUGE THANKS TO ALL!!! .. LOVE BEING HERE!!

SAID HELLO TO SEVERAL, INCLUDING:

HI TO:

Great to see you Jens! I’ll never forget the special heart that brought Ida & I together. What a blessing. Hope to see you very soon. Big hello to May Helen .. hope to see her again! .. ‘till next time!!

Hi Ingrid .. so special to see you again .. you know that! .. thanks for asking for JOAN LIT THE CANDLE.. I love that you asked for that! .. I’ll try to remember it for next time! .. much love to you.

Hi Ole ,, great to see you again.. and good to talk to you .. thanks for the kind words and interesting stuff about the early days .. Hi Ketil .. hope Gitte enjoys the listen.. Hi Margit .. good to meet you .. Hi Ove .. thanks for the kind words.. Hi Stein!!! .. good to see you .. and huge hello to KAISA .. hope you enjoy the CD, Kaisa.. will you have the poster??

Hi Per .. & Eric .. thanks for your support with Ida in Sweden .. she was so great .. & thanks for allowing me to be part of that here! .. Hi Kaane .. so GREAT to meet you .. hope to see you again!! ..best with your work with Ida .. I’m sure it will be magic!

HI TORGEIR .. great to see you again!!! .. best with your record store .. sounds great.. hope to visit there next time.. Hi Lars .. my good hearted friend .. hope your trip is great!! .. Hi Steiner .. good talking to you .. I’ll try to arrive earlier, to do the church thing next time!! .. Hi Karl .. good to talk to you.. you as well, Woody .. see you soon..

Alex .. great to see you again.. best of luck with the boys.. tell them I sent my regards!!..

Again .. Stian & Andreas .. you boys were amazingly good tonight.. can’t thank you enough!

Thor .. another special night for me here at Credo! .. huge thanks1! .. see you in New York my friend .. or here again.. either way, I’ll look forward to that!

February 7, 2012 – Sweden - MARIEFRED PRISON

TWO SHOWS - With John Platania (guitar) & Goran Grini (Keyboards)

Note: a friend, Hakan Lingblom, who works as a sort of advisor for the prison, has spent years trying to encourage authorities to do programs based on the arts .. particularly music. He is finally succeeding. At his request, talented young singer/ songwriters named Maria & Lisen do an amazing job hosting this workshop - and the prisoners love it – appreciate it - and thrive on it. Maria.. a very nice and warm young lady is with us today. Great to be with you Maria! Thanks for your insight on the drive to the prison. THESE SHOWS WERE AMONG MY FAVORITE OF ALL TIME!!

SHOW #1 – for prisoners in a special songwriter workshop

I felt a connection with these guys right away. I loved talking to them, telling stories and singing songs. In the beginning I told them about Goran being a sort of star in Norway .. and John being one of the all-time guitar greats .. but always being humble. That stuck particularly with one of the prisoners. I'll tell you more about that in a bit. John & Goran were amazing today .. and the prisoners constantly showed their appreciation. The thing I loved most today was the back and forth stuff – the reaction and interaction with the songs.

We played THE REAL THING.. my first song published, JUST A LITTLE BIT LATER ON DOWN THE LINE .. ME & ROHILLIO .. inspired by a parolee from New York .. FUCK ALL THE PERFECT PEOPLE.. an absolute favorite.. ANGEL OF THE MORNING .. WILD THING .. and HOLY SHIT .. certainly another favorite .. with all the guys singing along.

There were two very special highlights. First, one of the prisoners .. a guy named Rione .. played some great guitar licks on WILD THING .. and his soulful lick led to the ending of the song!.. GREAT RIONE!!! And, as I hinted at earlier, maybe my favorite moment on stage ever happened today!! After one of the songs .. a prisoner named TILI .. (part of the songwriters workshop).. said .. "Chip.. I'm writing a song right now .. can I tell you how it goes" .. After inviting him to share it with us, he said,

"I'm looking at John .. and writing this song .. it goes like this: Your hair was once black .. now it's white … but your heart.. it stays the same!" I almost cried .. those words were so beautiful .. so magical .. so poetic .. and so true!!

Wonderful Tili .. great stuff!! … thanks boys .. I LOVED SHARING THE DAY WITH YOU!!.. God bless.. best of luck!! .. hope to see you soon!! OH yes … the major song highlight here for me was FUCK ALL THE PERFECT PEOPLE .. with all the boys sang loud & strong!! .. This is THEIR song!

Said hi to several at the end, including:

Hi To: Philip .. good luck with your rapping.. great to see your great smile in the beginning .. hi Ahmed.. & Rione!!!.. and Ahmed.. and Amer .. & Emed .. and Tili … all the best!!

SECOND SHOW – for those in the actors & poets workshop.

A great guy named Kaj, a playright, hosts this workshop. And like Maria in the first workshop, the prisoners obviously love and appreciate his efforts. It's wonderful to see the interaction with the prisoners & Kaj (& Hakan & Maria) before & after the performance – so glad to be a part of that.

Again .. I felt an absolute connection with these great guys. And again, I told some stories about how I was able to get in the music business and played about 8 or nine songs - some different ones this time, including PASSPORT BLUES and NORRTALJA PRISON. The boys seemed to love hearing about the guys in Norrtalja .. They loved the story about Marcus .. selling the apartments.. "he did not own". And the major song highlight of this show – just like the first - was FUCK ALL THE PERFECT PEOPLE .. That is definitely "our song."

Hi to: GAIZAG .. got your # .. hope to see you soon!! .. Hi Steven.. and Sajid.. and Daniel.. and LOAI .. great Flamenco guitarist!! .. and PEPE!! (actually "PERPARIM") .. and HALMAT… all the best boys .. hope to see you again .. soon!!

February 4 - 5, 2012 - Sweden

Feb 4, 2012 – Orebro –VENUE – THE SCANDIC HOTEL

Great to be back in Anders territory!! .. the hero musicologist from town .. has had one of the most important record stores in Sweden for years.. and now puts on a festival that is the SXSW of Europe.

SOUND CHECK

It's great to be staying in the same hotel that's hosting your show. We set the instruments up on stage in the large dining area at about 4:30 .. then head back to our rooms to relax a bit. We sound check with an excellent sound man, Christofer, at about 6:30.. have a good meal in an adjacent room .. on stage at 8:20.

Note: great to see old friend Lars & Marita.. and kids, lovely Malin (met her when she was 2 years old ..she's now 15) , and Daniel & Andreas. Thanks so much for making the 5 plus hour trip!.. Wonderful to see you always.

THE SHOW

It's good to be back with friends. From the stage I see so many familiar faces. I loved this opening set! THE REAL THING .. sounded great tonight .. with awesome solos by John, Orjan & Goran. From there the first set seemed to fly by .. with the stories and songs of the F**k All album .. I loved DUTCHMAN BLUES tonight ..and then came a chilling, ME & ROHILLIO, then PASSPORT BLUES which continues to be a huge highlight in both story & song .. and PHONED IN DEAD was so much fun with killer solos ..and ANGEL OF THE MORNING was so, so powerful tonight ..

SECOND SET

This set was so warm and personal. I found myself telling stories from the past that had slipped my mind for a while .. like being banned as a card counter in Atlantic city .. and exactly how they informed me .. funny stuff. And this set was loaded with chilling stuff .. such a WEAKER MOMENTS with Goran's soulful touches on piano .. and a requested SEVEN DAYS IN MAY .. NEW THINGS sounded cool .. loved all the solos in that one .. I KNOW DARK had everyone in the audience joining in .. as they did on a totally rocking WILD THING .. we ended with HOLY SHIT .. dedicated especially to Lars & Marita & the family.

Said hi to several after the show, including: HI TO: my long-time friends LARS, MARITA, MALIN, DANIEL & ANDREAS ..huge thanks for making the long journey .. see you soon! Great to see Kristin & Anders and old friend, Bengt .. hope the skiing was good today! .. hi to new friends Raili (sounds like my granddaughter's name, "RILEY) & friend, Mathias.. great to see you!! .. thanks for the kind words

Hi Annika .. hope Johnny likes the CD .. hi to the great gals on my right, SOPHIE, ANKI & MARIA .. great to talk with you all .. you were an inspiring group! .. Hi Jack! .. thanks for the SEVEN DAYS request .. so good to see you! .. hi Carl & PETER .. Bjorn from Norrtalja's friend.. was at Katalina's two years ago .. a great memory! .. Hi Jenny .. hope Stefan (brother of Willy Clay's great drummer) enjoys the CD .. so good to see you Jenny .. Hi Daniel .. hope Iren likes the CD.. hi Leif & Sven-Plov .. and BODIL .. and old friend HAKA .. again & again.. see you in SXSW! Thanks to all .. see several of you at Parnels in New York!!! God Bless

FEB 5, 2012 – STOCKHOLM – VENUE – THE AKKURAT

There is no venue I look more forward to playing than this one, THE AKKURAT. Stene, the hands-on owner has been supporting my music since the late 90s when I returned from my gambling hiatus. And since then – we've been great friends.

We arrive in the freezing cold weather at about 4:00 PM.

NOTE: The backseat radiator/ heater in the van is broken – so in below zero weather, it's been tough for those sitting in the rear set of the van. Yesterday I rigged up our "New Ukranian Heating System" .. with a couple of cylinders from a local hardware store in Orbreo and about ten coffee cups (wth bottoms removed), linked together with a bunch of electrical tape. We connected it to the front right vent & extended it to a few inches above the floor in the back. It worked pretty well on our potentially freezing trip from Orebro to Stockholm.

THE VENUE

The Akkurat is the Rolls Royce of whiskey / beer bars in the world. For that reason alone it would be a favorite place.. but coupled with my friendship with Stene & Marja .. it's my all time favorite.

More info on the place:

The AKKURAT has a good-sized stage that overlooks an open area about 30 feet deep. Off to the right is the large bar that wraps around to the right. And on the far right is a large area for standing and further right is an area for about five tables. On the far left there are a few similar tables. The audience you play for is fairly deep in front but quite spread out to the left and right.

During the show, because the stage is at a decent elevation, the band has no problem seeing and connecting to the audience in all areas.

Ever since my BLACK & BLUE AMERICA album connected in Sweden (2001), my shows here have become sort of an event. So tonight it's wall to wall fans – totally packed. And the place is electric by the time we hit the stage.

IDA OPENS

Ida does a warm two song opener. They'll totally connect with her by the time our show is over. We immediately follow.

FIRST SET

This was a love-in from the time we hit the stage. The amazing thing is that the stories leading to the songs are treated so reverently by these fans - despite the bar-feeling of the place – the result being, the fans get the full impact of each one.

So, it was the stories and songs of THE REAL THING, DUTCHMAN BLUES, ME & ROHELLIO.. always a chilling favorite, PASSPORT BLUES.. certainly one of the highlights again.. and a totally rocking PHONED IN DEAD.. another that meets with smiles and great spirit .. plus others..

The band, THE NEW UKRAINIANS, sounded awesome, with brilliant solos from Goran, Orjan & John Platania accenting the songs from start to finish. To end the set, I brought back Ida & another very special guest, Paal Flaata .. legendary and AWESOME folk star from Norway to join me in a chilling ANGEL OF THE MORNING!

This is the first time all three of us shared a stage together .. and it was total magic.

SECOND SET

This set was loose and chilling from start to finish! We opened with NEW THINGS, with cool solos from Goran, John & Rojan. There is always a surprising (to me) connection with this. Then it was HEY JONNY and the true story about the start of Rock & Roll in the US .. with it's connection to the movie BLACKBOARD JUNGLE & BILL HALEY'S "ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK".

Then came a soulful OUTSIDE THE HUMAN CONDITION.. which has become a total favorite on the tour.. folks love the story of it .. and the humorous suggested therapy, as well as the song. Then came the story about the reviewer in Upsala leading to TOO DYNAMIC .. a total fan favorite.

THEN SOME HUGE MAGIC BEGAN

I introduced Paal Flaata, who has gotten funding from the Norwegian government to do a Chip Taylor retrospective. What a proud thing for me .. So, for the first time we sang a duet on a couple of the songs that Paal and producer Goran Grini have selected.

First was a chilling version of WEAKER MOMENTS, from the new album, then came a show stopper .. an amazing rendition of a song I wrote for Jackie DeShannon back in the 60s, I CAN MAKE IT WITH YOU .. with the audience doing a full minute breakdown chant of the chorus. Paul & I had never done this song before .. we just took a chance and got lost in the song .. and that's when real magic can happen .. and it happened big time tonight!

Next Ida & I did chilling duets of COULD I LIVE WITH THIS, DON'T SPEAK IN ENGLISH and RED DOG TRACKS .. with the audience loving it and loving Ida!!

FOLKS HERE WILL NEVER FORGET IDA & PAAL .. already big stars in Norway, this show is a strong indication that they will soon be deserving stars in this country .. They are total magic!!

Then we brought back Paul and together we blasted through this amazing show .. with the audience joining us with powerful choruses of I KNOW DARK, F**K ALL THE PERFECT PEOPLE (what an awesome connection with this tonight!) .. then WILD THING .. oh, was this great .. what solos!! .. ending with a beautiful and chilling version of HOLY SHIT!

Oh my goodness.. what a night!! .. huge thanks to this magic audience.. what a bunch of great friends!! .. see you all soon!

SAID HI TO MANY, INCLUDING: HI TO:

So great to see my old friends, Albin & Lisa!.. what a special thing for me to see you tonight!! .. huge regards to Martin & Sophia (Albin's sister) .. Martin .. so sorry to hear about the broken leg .. if good wishes can help, you'll be better in no time! Next time we have to make a sort of reunion get together. I'd love that!

Great to see my old friend, Crister, great friend Hakan Olsson's brother and friends Yvonne & Marie-Louise .. so happy you could share this night with me!!

PETER .. so happy you could make it!! .. I appreciate all you do for me and the boys .. never a better tour manager.. always great to be with you!! .. love back home to Saga & Pernilla (or is it Pernella??)

Hi to Hasse ..so good to see you again.. and great to see new friends, Rolando, Rouise & Marco .. hope the pictures came out OK .. see you next time! ..

Hi Esa .. it's wonderful to see you again & again .. huge thanks for the pictures!! .. so glad we used some in R&R JOE .. tell brother Carl .. I hope to see him next time!! .. Hi Jokke .. at the end .. happy to add the "U" & the "C" in your F**K ALL CD .. good to meet you..

Hi Zeta.. Helding .. SO GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN!!! .. thanks for the kind words!! .. hi Mathilde & Mats.. and Rita.. thanks for those warm words at the end of the night .. hi Margareta.. nice to meet you!! .. Hi Karl & Pella and wife Marie.. nice talking with you… Hi Izabelle .. geat talking to you .. .. and Kirstin..& CAL & JAMES .. great seeing you guys after the show.. hope to see you next time!!

Anyone see my old friend, Lennart .. is he off doing a movie or a play?? .. tell him I missed him and his friend, Eva.

HUGE THANKS STENE .. & MANJA .. hope to see you in New York .. God Bless!!

February 2 - 3, 2012 - Sweden

GOTEBERG- VENUE – MUSIKENS HUS (“House Of Music”)

This tour is being booked by Hakan Olsson & Bjorn Pettersson’s touring company, ROOTSY LIVE. The volunteer rep in these parts is a great guy and for the last several years, my good fiend, Peter Soderlind.

He is at the venue to meet us as we arrive, with his 5/6? year old step daughter and my great friend as well, Saga. SO GOOD TO SEE YOU SAGA!! .. hope to see you very soon!! I love you! Later we will meet Peter’s lovely wife/ Saga’s mom, Pernella – another good friend.

SOUND CHECK

The venue reminds me of the The Mercury Lounge in New York .. a fairly large Rock & roll-type space, with a bar in the back. A great engineer, Danny, has us sounding good in short order. We check into the Hotell Onyxen – modest but great – and quickly head back to the venue for dinner & the show.

NOTE: It’s freezing cold tonight & this is not a normal venue for us. I’m surprised that so many braved the cold & attended. Huge thanks for the support!

THE SHOW

Ida does her terrific opening set beginning with a great version of Townes’ HIGHWAY KIND.. then several of her own – just her and her guitar. I love listening to her from back stage. The Ukrainians & I are on stage at 9:45.

We open as usual with THE REAL THING – the band sounds so great tonight! .. then it was a STONES-LIKE version of BE KIND .. then the story of my connection with my friends from Holland followed by a tribute to them, Dutchman Blues.. then PASSPORT BLUES, about my adventures with John at the border crossing in the UK .. which has become a fan favorite.

Peter & his friend Patrik requested a song I wrote on my LAST CHANCE album (from 1974) that was recorded by Johnny Cash, CLEAN YOUR OWN TABLES .. which the folks sang along with .. definitely one of the highlights.. another highlight, ME & ROHILIO - which takes me back to the spirit & surroundings of where I live in New York City - followed .. then the tribute to a Monday with mom & dad & my brothers – CHARCOAL SKY – made a total connection with these folks.

After a rocked-out version of Johnny Cash’s BIG RIVER, IDA join me on stage for our three duets.. COULD I LIVE WITH THIS, DON’T SPEAK IN ENGLISH & RED DOG TRACKS.. Ida & I have an easy/ great vibe on stage .. and the audience “gets” that

Then, with Ida still joining in, it was other audience favorites, I KNOW DARK, ANGEL OF THE MORNING, WILD THING .. & a killer version of F**K ALL THE PERFECT PEOPLE.. We closed with HOLY SHIT .. and encored with a reverent, NORRTALJA PRISON.

It was a special night! – Huge thanks to all who attended.

SPECIAL NOTE*** My friend John Platania is so amazing and inspiring every night. His solos on WILD THING & HOLY SHIT have just floored me these last several nights. John never plays the same licks. But the one thing that IS constant is that he always plays heartfelt stuff. He is so one-of-a-kind. It’s an outrage that he hasn’t been consistently listed as one of the great rock & roll guitarists of all time. It’s time that changed.

Got a chance to say hello to several folks - HI TO: Mille .. Goran & Michael.. Hi Curt .. and Thomas .. hi Carina.. great to see you .. how did the picture turn out .. send me a copy! .. hi to Anette .. good to talk to you! .. HI PATRIK & KARIN.. thanks for introducing Peter to my music! .. a blessed thing for me! …

Hi Stefan .. GETTING OLDER LOOKING BACK fan ..here’s the story.. he heard the song on the radio.. called the station to as who sang it .. ten wrote the info on a recipe.. which is now forever known to him and his friends as the “Chip Taylor” meal ..Stefan .. I told the band about it .. we’re all hope to taste it one of these days.. great talking to you & your friends, Lars & Rene.. see you soon!! .. Hi Ole .. thanks for the vinyl CD conversions!! .. hi to friend John in the UK!! ..

Hi to Per-Olof & Agnetta .. thanks Agnetta . so good to see you both again!! I’ll try to remember to do WITHOUT HORSES for you another time … Big ho to staff .. Eric (“CIRE”) .. DANNY … THANKS FOR THE GREAT SOUND! .. and Kalle .. see you guys soon!

Again Peter… thanks for all you do!! .. love to Pernella & my Saga.. see you soon!!

NOTE: ****** Peter was outside before the show talking to some folks ready to enter. He asked one, “Have you been a Chip Taylor fan for a long time?”

He responded, “No, I don’t know Chip Taylor. I’m here because my father is from the Ukraine!”

FEB 3 – FARUM, Sweden – VENUE - BJURSAS

THE BIG NEWS!! Goran Grini.. the amazing and soulful keyboard player – who played on our F**K ALL THE PERFECT PEOPLE album, has just joined us. He will play on all the shows from here on!!

Note: Goran has been on tour with legendary - and amazing – Norwegian folk singer, Paal Flaata, who may join us in Stockholm with Ida Jenshus. Sadly, Ida had to leave for a couple of shows of her own. She was so awesome! .. it will be great to see her again!

THE DRIVE – It’s a 6 hour and 45 minute drive to from Goteberg to Farum. It’s minus 17 degrees outside. We can’t find a way to get heat to the back of the van, so it’s a tough ride for those back there. Hopefully we can figure something out by tomorrow.

We arrive at our comfortable Clarion Hotel, check in quickly, then head for the venue.

THE VENUE

The Bjursas is a pretty modern cabin-like structure on the top of a hill – in a sort of remote area 20 miles out of town. I guess it’s mainly a state-of-the art restaurant.. maybe a meeting place as well. Whatever it is, it’s amazing & the folks who run it are so kind & warm. Our show is held in their large dining room area. The stage is just large enough to fit the entire band.

The show is sponsored by a Lutheran church and booked by its’ minister, a great guy named Jonas. Many of the church parishioners will attend, as well as music lovers & fans from all over the region. Matts & Boo help us load in & Matts handles the sound. He’s very good at it & we are happily checked in minutes. Actually, this is one of the best sounding rooms on the tour! Thanks Matts.. great job!!

DINNER – After sound check, we were treated to one of the best meals in memory. Thanks to the chef and the great folks who served the food!! Without question, in so many ways, this is such a magic venue!

THE SHOW

What a great audience to play for.. so appreciative from start to finish! There were lots of musicians, young and old, in attendance and they were in for a special night as this was the night of THE NEW UKRAINIANS .. all of them! Goran Grini on keyboards, Bjorn Pettersson on bass, Orjan Maki on pedal steel, Magnus Olsson on drums and John Platania on guitar .. on stage together for the first time!! And they were simply amazing!! It’s hard to imagine better band touring than this one!! They are simply awesome!

We mixed in the stories behind the songs with songs from F**K ALL THE PERECT PEOPLE” … a few from YONKERS, NEW YORK .. and some of the hits. This warm, great audience was with us from start to finish. They were just an inspiring group to play for.

Highlights were far too many to mention .. but from first set let’s go with THE REAL THING (with awesome solos by John, Orjan AND Goran), CHARCOAL SKY .. with its story about a Monday with mom & dad and my “bastard brothers” .. and ANGEL OF THE MORNING .. so, so pretty with Goran’s lovely keyboard touches.

The second set had so many amazing moments, including a mesmerizing ME & ROHELIO.. a rockin’ PHONED IN DEAD.. a chilling WEAKER MOMENTS .. during which, I could see it having its’ effect on several couples.. OUTSIDE THE HUMAN CONDITION, which had everyone smiling .. then BIG RIVER & F**K ALL THE PERFECT PEOPLE .. both so viby & edgy .. then, after inspiring sing-a-longs with I KNOW DARK & WILD THING, came the best encore in memory .. when the minister of the church, Jonas, took the stage with me to sing HOLY SHIT. That was one I’ll remember always .. and I’ll bring that story with me as I go!

We were called back to the stage once again and ended this great night with a tribute to my prisoner friends, NORRTALJA PRISON. Thanks to all. You’re a special group to play for. Thanks from the entire band – we’ll look forward to doing this again.

HI TO:

Big hello to Roger .. who saw us last in Upsala at Katalyn – with daughter, Anneli?? .. (is that right) who has since married.. God bless .. thanks for all the kind words.. Hi to Christofer, dad James and wife Mari .. again, thanks for all the kind words .. great to see you!.. hi to Marie-Theresa … and big hi to SIV and brother SVEN-OLAV, who met us on our arrival! .. so good to see you!! And hi Lasse & Cuba & Christer, who also met us before taking the stage. .. good to meet you all.

Hi Gorgen & Jonas .. & Patrik & Marianne.. hi to Lennart.. & another Peter ..& big hello to Katarina.. hope Gustaf enjoys the CD .. hi to Marianne & Hans.. & big hello to Eva & Sven (accordion player), who I met at the end. Thanks for the kind words .. hope the mile plus walk home was OK ..

Hi to my old friend Mikel .. good to see you again .. I appreciate your support! . FYI .. we rehearsed JOHN TUCKER .. we’ll play that for you next time.. hope Norrtalja prison was a good substitute .. Hi Lars .. a huge country fan .. saw your book on the history of the bus ....well done! .. loved looking at it!

This was a night to remember. Hope to see you soon!

NEXT STOP, OREBRO!

February 1, 2012 - Sweden

MALMO – VICTORIA THEATER

We arrived from Falkenberg at the "E" hotel at about 3:30. As the boys brought the equipment to the venue, I stayed for an interview with an old friend from Denmark, Jan .. then headed to the venue for sound check with VG and kind soundman Matts. Met Toms, the venue manger as well .. good guy. The sound check went fast and we headed back to the hotel .. a ten minute walk.. to change and get ready for the show.

NOTE: This a theater venue with a twist. The folks are allowed to "bring" their own dinner & drink to their tables – none is served. So it becomes like a music venue-picnic! – at a very otherwise "proper" theater. An unusual .. but very cool thing. Tonight the downstairs theater "picnic area" was packed, with several folks sitting in the balcony.

Just before heading back to the theater I met Håkan's wife & daughter, Monica & Elin briefly at the hotel bar. It's always SO great to see them. They are like family by now. And it was great to be able to tell Elin about the extraordinary response her CD artwork (with it's hand-done stamp and hand-done sketches) and the poster based on her stamp was getting. After some good conversation and a bowl of soup we headed back to the theater for the show.

THE SHOW

Ida is a star in Norway but not known across the border here in Sweden. So I introduced her for her 5 song set, letting the audience know of her success there, how terrific I think she is and how happy I am she's here. She did a warm set and the audience liked her immediately .. great job Ida!

SHOW TIME

I loved tonight! The sound was so good on stage and the band, "The New Ukrainians" were on fire – never better. I got a chill from the minute we started "The Real Thing" to the end of a long show that seemed to go by too quickly.

There were so many highlights .. ME & ROHILLIO based on happenings near my hometown bar, was so chilling.. and CHARCOAL SKY felt like I was right there at that train station on a Monday in 1948 with my mom & dad & brothers .. and NORRTALJA PRISON took me right back there in the north of Sweden with my prisoner friends .. and PHONED IN DEAD brought the house down with it's story based on the pub in Halden, SISTE REIS (The Last Journey) .. and PASSPORT BLUES took the folks with John & me to an aborted border crossing in the UK. Come to think of it, this show has become a journey to many places ..almost theater-like. I love the way it's playing. And tonight it was a good journey and the audience stayed with us from start to finish..

Then the show took a turn and was lifted in a different direction when Ida joined us on stage for some chilling duets .. COULD I LIVE WITH THIS, DON'T SPEAK IN ENGLISH, RED DOG TRACKS .. then ANGEL OF THE MORNING and WILD THING .. The audience was totally into this new duet partnership and let us know it. It was truly magic. We ended the show with the audience joining in (and Ida leading the way) on "F**K ALL THE PERFECT PEOPLE .. so powerful tonight.. I KNOW DARK .. with it's tribute to those in the far north who have to put up with the "mean bastard" darkness.. and HOLY SHIT which united us all in our search for a better understanding of ourselves and a better day.

Loved this show .. THE UKRAINIANS were awesome tonight .. John Platania played some other-worldly stuff .. and Orjan brought such chilling pedal steel colors from the very start .. and Malcom & Bjorn were so solid and good and soulful .. this was a special night for so many reasons .. The New Ukrainians were high on that list! Great job boys!!

Hi To:

Big hello to old and great friend, Håkan Olsson & Elin & Monica .. LOVE YOU GUYS!! .. special hi to Monica's brother, Ola & friend, Joakim .. great to see you both! .. Hi Jan .. from radio in Denmark .. so good to see you and talk to you

Great to see old friends Runer & Irena, Anders & Maria (were there last night as well), Lars & Marita.. with great kids Malin & Daniel & Jan-Ake .. so good to see you all! Big thanks to host Tomas &sound friend Mats ( great job!!) .. Special hi to Ola Hi to Barbara & Leif, old friends Steen & Inge, Lasse, Sven-Ake, Tommy, .. hi to Anna & Lasse .. and Robert & Gert .. Niclolette (great to see you) .. Hi to Rene & Nils.. Hi Bjorn .. good to see you . see you at the station tomorrow.. Hi Kristina.. hope brother in law (I think) , Kristoffer, enjoys the album.. Hi Bengt! And to all the other kind folks that attended.. what a special night! PS .. great to wind down with old friend Håkan Olsson and friends .. lovely opera singer Astrid (a Magnus old friend) and great folk singer Richard & the band for a bite of food and a good whiskey.. tomorrow Goteborg!!

January 30 - 31, 2012 - Norway

HALDEN - JAN 30 – VENUE SISTE REIS

This another one of those magic nights in Halden, where the personal connection with the folks is every bit as important as the music. These are the kind of shows that I wish my family could see - as it's just like playing for family. They'd love that!

The venue is just a humble bar .. with no stage .. it seems an awkward fit with the band pushed in the left corner, with the bar extending beyond eyesight .. but somehow it works big time.

The band, The New Ukrainians (Bjorn, Orjan. Magnus & John), was awesome tonight .. with John's magical solos and Orjan's pedal steel bouncing off the walls in our enclosed area in such a chilling way .. and Bjorn & Magnus were so solid and inspiring ..

Note: The name, The New Ukrainians, comes from the great freedom-loving spirit of some new Russian & Ukrainian friends in New York.

We played F**K ALL songs and mixed them with a few from Yonkers NY .. and some past hits .. I think there was a certain spark for me knowing that Kai Andersen was in the room.. Kai is the revered engineer who recorded our new album, right here in Halden.. he was an inspiring part of it and is certainly, in our eyes, an honorary "New Ukrainian".

THE REAL THING, DUTCHMAN BLUES (this was magic tonight), ME & ROHILLIO (I loved this) .. HEY JONNY and CHARCOAL SKY from Yonkers were big favorites .. we ended the first set with a loose and killer version of PHONED IN DEAD where several audience members became the stars .. then came a HUGE highlight of our show as young Norwegian folk star - and now my friend – IDA JENSHUS – joined us on stage for a duet with ANGEL OF THE MORNING… this was total chill time!

SECOND SET

More F**K ALL songs, including NEW THINGS .. a highlight for the last two shows, by the way .. BE KIND .. this was such fun .. a hilarious TOO DYNAMIC. BIG RIVER rocked .. then somewhere past the middle, Ida joined us again .. for a beautiful amazing versions of COULD I LIVE WITH THIS, DON'T SPEAK IN ENGLISH, RED DOG TRACKS. We ended with a killer version of WILD THING .. then encored with a spirited I KNOW DARK .. with the audience along with Ida, joining in .. special stuff!!

We closed with the song I had written in solidarity with the families & friends of the victims of last year's tragedy, THIS DARKEST DAY .. it was special to sing this with Ida as we had done a few times shortly after the tragedy occurred.. our voices sound like they belong together on this. There were lots of tears tonight with this one (including mine) .. the right kind

I won't forget this show (special thanks to IDA!!) .. look forward to seeing you all soon again! God Bless.

HI TO:

Big hello to my old friend Eric & his friends at the first table .. thanks for the offer to let Ida sit there.. special hello to Kai Andersen .. owner/ revered engineer of Athletic Sound where we made our album .. so good to see you Kai .. always good to see good friend Tom Skjcklesatther (the revered music impresario of Halden).. simply put, if it weren't for his support, I wouldn't be here, Hi Obal .. great to see you again! .. special hello to Eva & Michael .. my great friends who organized our tribute show back in July with such special kindness .. thanks for my special after dinner scotch and the good & kind words .. love to the kids.. Hi to Bamse .. my friend & dentist in these parts .. and great son Peeer .. so happy to see you both!

Hi to Big Daddy (Thrond) .. wish I'd have seen your Christmas shows with Obal .. heard they were great! .. hi to Torn .. and Harvath .. and Anne .. (nice to see you Anne ) .. hi Borge & Vidar .. and Moton .. and Martin .. my bartender friend from a few years back.. Hi Denise .. best of luck with your shows! .. Hi Terje & Hege .. and all the rest

Big thanks to Webecca .. for booking us in Oslo and driving us to Halden and for your great friendship. We'll miss you! .. Lots of love!

What a special night!!

PS .. great to wind down at the hotel with some good scotch and good friends .. compliments of my friends Eva & Michael .. big thanks! .. see you soon.

JAN 31 – FALKENBERG – THE GRAND HOTEL

It's great to be back in this area again!

I've played in this area before, but not this town. The hotel is kind of upscale .. sort of a resort place and the venue room is quite large Usually we play this area at a warmer time and I wondered if folks would come here to a show like this in the dead of winter. But come they did! The kind folks that booked the venue, Anders & Ulf did a great job. It's pretty much a full house by the time we hit the stage.

Opening Act - Old friend Anne ? opened .. she has a great gravelly voice .. I liked listening to her off stage. Thanks Anne!

OUR SHOW

Although Ida is a star of some sorts in Norway, she is not known in Sweden. I introduced her so that folks would understand that and know how special I think she is. She opened with a simple two song set. But it was powerful and there was a great connection with this audience immediately. Then it was the UKRAINIANS & ME . I loved this show! It was so loose and so vibey .. with lots of stories and great solos by John & Orjan. For an hour and a half it was F**K ALL material plus .. PASSPORT BLUES was killer tonight .. as was DUTCHMAN BLUES and TOO DYNAMIC (Maybe the highlight!).. and PHONED IN DEAD rocked with awesome solos by all the UKRAINIANS!

Then Ida joined again for several duets, including a soulful "Could I Live with This" .. then a vibey and rockin' "Don't Speak in English" and a chilling "Red Dog Tracks".. After the hits .. ANGEL OF THE MORNING and WILD THING .. which were so powerful in duet with Ida, we closed with a reverent F**K ALL THE PERFECT PEOPLE .. then the great audience sing-a-long on I KNOW DARK ( a hell of a version!) .. ending with HOLY SHIT .. a new Ida favorite!

What a special night!! .. It was so great to talk to folks after the show .. thanks to all!

HI TO:

First, huge hi and thanks to Anders & Ulf for presenting the show! .. what an awesome job you did! .. big hi and thanks to Marcus .. our kind host who thought of everything to make us comfortable! .. including having a snack ready for us after the show .. how thoughtful! .. special hi and thanks to chef, Tomas! .. much appreciated! .. and thanks for those late night kind thoughts Marcus.. see you at breakfast! Special hi to old friends Anders & Maria.. Marie & Bodil.. Ola .. Hi Agneta! .. thanks for the kind words! .. see you in a couple of days! .. Hi Anders .. Kalle & Monika.. and Kalle again.. hi Hacke .. see you soon .. hi Andreas! .. & Tobbe .. and big hi to artist Mohamed Ali.. & friend ?? .. sorry I forgot your name .. great seeing you guys! AT BREAKFAST .. so good to see lovely Freda, the hostess .. thanks for the kind words Freda .. so glad you were able to see the show.. hope your dad, Hakan, enjoys the CD. Look forward to seeing you next time.

See you all soon!

January 28-29, 2012 - Sweden

KIRUNA –Second Annual "MEAN BASTARD FESTIVAL"

John & I arrived from London sort of on Euro time. I'm fighting a cold that hasn't broken yet, so I'm holding up OK. It's great to see Bjorn at the airport, then Magnus Olsson & Orjan Macki later. We got some sleep and rehearsed at 10:00 AM till noon. Lots to learn, but great being with these by now - great friends and soulful players. Goran Grini will join us later in the tour .. we'll all look forward to that!

NOTE: I love coming to this town. It reminds me of my home town, Yonkers, new York. We had our carpet mill and elevator factory - they have their iron ore mine - the biggest underground mine in the world. These are hardworking family folks. I feel at home with them. It's great to be here!

REHEARSAL AND SOUND CHECK

The venue is right outside our hotel door.. what a convenience. We meet there at 11:00 for a bit of rehearsal.. then at 4:00 for a sound check. We're ready!

BIG THANKS TO GREAT SOUNDMAN, STEINE! .. wish we could take you with us! .. perfect sound tonight .. well done!

THE SHOW ..the first half of the show headliner is Arlo Guthrie (a great guy and most talented hero from the past and present). The audience LOVED him . After a brief intermission, Freda & The Coolants did their warm wonderfully subtle thing .. with Reigne & Freda trading vocals and singing pretty harmony with great backing by Matthias on guitar & Matthias on drums – great and talented guys. Then local hero Tony Byorknvall – from local heroes, the WILLY CLAY BAND, sang a couple of new songs. Then we hit the stage. By now Kiruna feels like a second home to me – the spirit reminds me of where I grew up in Yonkers, New York – good hard working people. What a great audience .. totally with us from the start.

There was lots of fun interaction between the songs tonight.. it was good singing them for the first time with these friends. Highlights for me were ME & ROHILLIO .. with it's cool groove set by Magnus and sad solos played by John with Orjan vibing in, FUCK ALL THE PERFECT PEOPLE, with the audience singing the chorus with us .. PHONED IN DEAD was totally fun ..After a chilling duet with Freda on Angel and a soulful rockin' WILD THING, Arlo, Freda & all joined in on an awesome version of I KNOW DARK .. the festival theme song .. We closed with a requested HOLY SHIT, then said hi to many in the upstairs café and signed some CDs.

HI TO: hi Cecelia.. good to see you always .. tell Arne we'll look forward to seeing him next time! Hi to lovely Sara & Mikaela .. so good to talk to you.. thanks for the kind words! .. Hi Joel & Gun-Britt .. Hi Robert .. big hi to Reima & ASA .. didn't forget you ASA!! .. best wishes to you folks .. thanks for the nice thoughts.. Hi OVE.. & Jan & Mikael & all the rest … great to see you Malin .. keep Tony thinking good .. he's great! . .. missed you Hanna .. wishing you all good things .. good to see you Mia .. and soul-singer friend ..hope to see you soon.

Stopped by TRADGARN to see friend Louise .. Arthur was in Ireland doing his bodyguard other job.. so good to see Amanda there as well!!! .. a special one to me .. .. and so many kind folks I've seen there from time to time .. definitely "my" hangout here in Kiruna –I LOVE THIS PLACE!! .. See you all soon, I hope! .. Good luck to my new friend at Tradgarn .. who was cooking a Sunday meal for his new friend.. hope that worked out!

Note: Bjorn Petterson did all the leg work producing the festival. Great job!. Arlo Guthrey took a night train ..got here mid- day for rehearsal… with NO complaints. Freda & The Coolants were on just before our show.. Freda Snell with the great band REINE, MATTHIAS & MATTHIAS & BJORN PETTERSON on upright bass.. ..all artists were terrific. Packed house at the 400 seat theater, part of the Scandic Hotel - great venue!!

JAN 29, 2012 - OSLO

At about 1:00 PM we left Kiruna, driving our rented van 2 & ½ hours west across the border to Norway, past several little villages built on beautiful bodies of water .. all part of the Gulfstream -- to Harstad airport. Soon we were on a flight to Oslo. We were met there by a great lady, Webecca, .. who - along with her friend - had booked us at our venue in Oslo .. a cool little cavernous bar-club called, Buckleys. We arrived just in time to plug-in, tune up – on stage at 9:00 PM.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE SHOWS IN RECENT MEMORY

The place was packed with music lovers – all soon our friends. When it's like that you can go by the spirit of it all, rather than a set plan. And that's the way it was. We weaved in and out of the entire FUCK ALL THE PERFECT PEOPLE songbook, adding a few from "Yonkers" and some of the hits .. There were far too many highlights .. as every song connected on a most human level .. we played an hour ..including songs THE REAL THING, BE KIND, ME & ROHELLIO, PASSPORT BLUES. PHONED IN DEAD.. ending the set with ANGEL OF THE MORNING. then, after a 15 minute break came back for another hour and a half .. with NEW THINGS, DUTCHMAN BLUES, my Dutch #1, SAME OLD STORY.. then HEY JONNIE and CHARCOAL SKY from the YONKERS NY album,, then OUTSIDE THE HUMAN CONDITION.. BIG RIVER .. after Wild Thing, Angel of the Morning and I know Dark –with it's total chant like sing-a-long .. we played a chilling Nortalja Prison.. in solidarity with my friends behind the wall.. .. then encored with our tribute to the victims of the recent killings, THIS DARKEST DAY.

Thanks to all who attended – this was one we won't forget. We will see you here again soon! That's a promise! God Bless.

HI TO:

Said hello to so many .. including:

Old friend Johnny Borden & lovely daughter, Celia & boyfriend .. ooops .. forgot .. a tall handsome guy .. Hi to Heidi & Bord.. great to see you .. hi to Per .. great soundman & and lovely girlfriend Tonje .. all the best with the new one .. much love .. hi to Preben .. & Svein & Jan & Elizabeth .. great to see you all… thanks for the kind words Preben .. see you soon.. hi to Oystein! .. great to see you again & again! .. Hi Aina .. nice to talk to you at the end .. see you in exotic places!! .. Hi Arng… and Agner?? .. that's wrong .. sorry … Hi Lill .. and all at the club .. loved being here … what a great night .. said hi to so many .. nice words from the fan (in black) with the 7 DAYS IN MAY CD .. what nice words … thanks! .. see you all soon!!

TOUR NOTES SWEDEN AND NORWAY JULY 16 - 29, 2011

Jul 26, 2011 – ARRIVING IN TRONDHEIM

Taxi to the Britannia hotel.. meet festival reps .. nice folks .. Jens & Karin, who has offered to drive great folk singer Ida Jenshus, her boyfriend / guitarist Alex & me to a church service for the victims in Ida's home town of Steinkjer – some one & a half hours away.

CHURCH SERVICE in Steinkjer

This was tough & beautiful. We met some of the Labor Party reps & some of Ida's old friend & did a brief sound check.

As the service began, we sat on the side facing the first three rows filled with families of victims. A sad thing to see. But the beautiful service & gathering seemed healing for several.

Six artists, most home grown, played & sang. Ida did a warm song with Alex to start our little performance. Then Ida & I sang Could I Live With This.. then ended with THIS DARKEST DAY..

We said hello to some of the labor party reps & some of the victims & friends later. And said our good-byes. Again.. tough.. but there was no place I'd rather have been.

Jul 27, 2011 – REHEARSING WITH IDA'S BAND

No pressure today .. rehearsing is the only thing on the agenda & Ida & her band are totally ready for me. GREAT THAT MY FRIEND HAKAN OLSSON ARRIVED TODAY.. so good to share all this with him & have his support as I go.

The band:

Hakon – guitars & banjo
Adros – bass
Stein – drums
Alex – guitar
Ida – vocals, guitar, tambourine

Ida had a wish list of songs for us to sing together .. loved her choices/… COULD I LIVE WITH THIS, DON'T SPEAK IN ENGLISH, RED DOG TRACKS, WILD THING .. & THIS DARKEST DAY .

The boys are so ready .. we play each song twice .. with hardly any adjustments. This was more like a spirited performance than a rehearsal .. thanks boys!!!! .. & IDA!!!! .. for your great preparation .. WE ARE TOTALLY READY

JUL 28, 2011 – SOUND CHECK

.. we are playing at a very cool space that holds about 500 people .. we hear it will be sold out .. .. it's a big room with very high ceilings .. & a great sound system.. have several hours to sound check .. Ida's soundman, Ketil is great .. I'm happy with the sound in minutes .. we play the songs down again .. a total pleasure to play with this band.

JUL 28 – 10:00 PM – THE SHOW

BILLED AS IDA JENSHUS & special guest, CHIP TAYLOR

I watch Ida's show from the audience .. she's just great .. honest & energetic & her songs are from a good spirit & honest .. she's only 24, but she's seasoned on stage .. has a bit of Lucinda's spirit… she's got a huge future!

About 12 songs into the set, she introduces me .. & I feel so connected to her on stage right away .. & I felt so at home with the band & this great audience.. I talked about being here before at CREDO with my friend Tor .. & how connected I felt to this town..

This was a total love-in.. CAN I LIVE WITH THIS was chilling .. DON'T SPEAK was so much fun!!! .. Red Dog Tracks was swampy & so good .. WILD THING, with it's guitar, pedal steel & BANJO solos totally rocked .. Ida was so loose and great & SO, SO inspiring to sing with!!! .. After WILD THING, Ida did a few more & we closed with a reverent THIS DARKEST DAY .. Ida was so ready for this.. I had chills from start to finish!

AFTER THE SHOW

Great to see old friend Tor (from Credo).. & good to say hi and thanks to Arvig, Karin, Biret, Eric (Ida'a agent), Per (Ida's mgr), Malin & all the rest.

Håkan, Eric & I relax at the hotel for a drink .. we're joined soon by Alex & Ida .. what a good way to wind down.. this was a great night from start to finish!

JUL 29, 2011 – MARY'S CHURCH IN THE SQUARE

With MARY GAUTHIER ("GOSHAY"), TANIA ELIZABETH & CHIP TAYLOR

OPEN MIKE WITH HOMELESS & OTHERS ) – LOVED THIS!!!!!!

Note: The venue today is a beautiful little church, in the square minutes from our hotel. The town council, with efforts from the pastor & others, have turned the church into a refuge for the less fortunate & others.. "ANGELS, BANDITS & ORDINARY PEOPLE" The pastor is a great guy named OD .. he & festival rep, Yens meet with Mary, Tania & me at the hotel to tell us the importance of this, once a month, two hour open mike & about the relationship of the church, the less-fortunate & the community at large.

First.. the church is a total open shelter for the homeless on weekends .. for sleeping etc.. and serves coffee & some food to the homeless on a daily basis. THEIR BIG EVENT EACH MONTH IS THIS OPEN MIKE .. where homeless & other folks perform. One of the great blessings is that OD is an amazing & soulful pianist as well as pastor – and accompanies those who perform without an instrument .. be they vocalists or readers of poetry.

THE SHOW

So, so great to see the soulful & brilliant - & old friend MARY!!!! (it's been too long!).. & her oh-so-talented accompanist, TANIA ELIZABETH.. another old friend .. & a lifetime friend of Kendel Carson. Tania is a brilliant fiddler & harmony singer.. also does this small, nuts/ soulful percussion thing with her feet as she plays & sings .. she is AMAZING!!

I LOVE MARY'S SONGS!!!! .. so this is a blessing for me to be around them. We play three of hers, including the great CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE & the soulful & beautiful MERCY NOW… I join in with acoustic & a bit of harmonica & background vocals

My first is COULD I LIVE WITH THIS .. with Mary so soulfully on the second verse. Then, encouraged by Mary & my friend Håkan, I play FUCK ALL THE PERFECT PEOPLE.. from my soon-to-be released album of the same name.. MARY joins in with a verse & all choruses.. & though their is a gasp of sorts as the title phrase bounces off the church walls for the first time, the folks seem to LOVE this… happy I took the chance!!

We close with my new tribute to the families & friends of the victims, THIS DARKEST DAY.. with Mary & Tania joining in.. so warm & touching to hear this song .. in this place. I had chills from start to finish.

LOVE YOU MARY & TANIA!!! .. & loved this!!

THEN THE REAL FUN BEGAN

The open mike continued with the locals performing.. IT WAS AWESOME.. a women who, like my mom, yodeled.. another read poetry .. a mom, dad & daughter performed JT's "YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND" .. a homeless fellow played an awesome rock/ art passionate guitar piece that would have fit a soundtrack for a Jim Jarmusch film .. he was awesome .. our festival guide, Karin, sang a lovely song!! .. well done Karin!! .. then another poet/ singer .. a few others & then:

TWO FUTURE STARS!!! .. a 12 year old (I'm guessing) who sang a pop-soul song a capella (without accompaniment) .. she didn't miss a note .. & sang with awesome power & passion .. a winning American Idol type performance .. amazing!! .. then. My favorite .. a lovely young girl (16??) .. "Eddie Johanna" sang GOD BLESS THE CHILD ..my guess is that if she gets a YouTube clip out, shell be signed by a major label… she's special & so soulful!!

Note: to dad John Dahls .. John get in touch with my site with your email & phone info.. keep me up to date!! ..send a big hello to Eddie..

END TO A GREAT FESTIVAL!!!!

said hi to a kind festival head-rep & wife .. then wound down with Håkan at the hotel bar .. said hi to old friend (& GREAT GUY!!), Steve Cropper.. who was playing his STAX REVIEW earlier ………. Got two hours sleep .. then off the HALDEN by way of OSLO.

JUL 30, 2011 .. HALDEN - ATHLETIC RECORDING STUDIO ..

At the request of many.. for the purpose of recording, "THIS DARKEST DAY" .. to make it available to the Norwegian people.

With accompaniment from Goran Greenie (piano), Farts Kaplan (fiddle) , Terry (bass) .. with Paul Flaata on vocals .. the plan is to send the tracks quickly to Ida Jenshus to add her vocals ..

WE TRACKED YESTERDAY .. it sounds great!! … mixing today

Jul 21, 2011 – RADIO STATION - RADIO WEST (Udavalla)

Hakan & Monica pick me up at my amazing hotel around 11:45 and we head to our fist stop in Udavalla – on the Swedish side of the border - to Radio WEST - for a quick interview before heading to the Down On The Farm Festival. I was at this station last year .. these are very good folks, promoting worthwhile stuff .. so glad to be part of it.

A very kind DJ / host named Jimmie does a fine job guiding me through talk about the importance of the theme of R&R JOE (promoting unsung heroes) .. & some info re: the DOWN ON THE FARM festival .. I play a couple of songs live .. R&R JOE .. then I KNOW DARK .. & after some good-byes we're on the way to the festival

Jul 21, 2011 – 4:30 - ARRIVING IN HALDEN

We arrive at about 4:30 .. check into the Grand Hotel .. I love the spirit of this place!! A great lady named Eva checks us in .. happy to have a bit of time to go over some songs for the festival .. & to continue learning The Highway Kind .. a Townes song that Norwegian folk singing star, Ida Jenshus suggested we learn for our duet performance in Trondheim in a few days.

Jul 21, 2011 – 10:00 PM - GUEST APPEARANCE – at a great EVENING SHOW

(INTRO TO FESTIVAL)

Tom Skjcklesatther (the music impresario of Halden), Hakan Olsson & Bjorn Petterson are hosting & organizing this festival. Tom has set up a show at cool venue on the water to introduce the festival. The band is AWESOME .. Fats Kaplan – fiddle / guitar, Goran Grini – keyboards (THE AWESOME MUSICIAN THAT PLAYED ON THE SOON-TO-BE-RELEASED ALBUM I CUT IN HALDEN, "FUCK ALL THE PERFECT PEOPLE", Freddy – lap steel plus guitars/ Omar – guitar, & a terrific drummer & bass player.

The band plays tons of known, cool rock/blues & country anthems. The place is standing room only & is loving every song. These guys are so, so spirited & good!!! .. then the headliners of the festival make guest appearances, singing one or two songs .. they're all awesome .. including Hege Brynildsen & Fat's wife, Kristie Rose .. then toward the end, Deadman does, THE WEIGHT" .. I do BIG RIVER & ANGEL OF THE MORNING .. the band is AWESOME on both … LOVED THIS!!! .. The great pop/soul Norwegian singer PAUL FLAATA does two & kills this audience .. actually we all do .. it's a great night!

We get some late night takeout food & all adjourn to the hotel for a great relaxing night at the spacious bar area .. great to see Sanna & Eva .. what nice folks!!

Note: stopped by my favorite bar, "THE LAST JOURNEY" to say hi to friends, Magna & Eric .. but it was too crowded .. so we finished up at our hotel bar.

Jul 22, 2011 – REHEARSING WITH GORAN

My big show is tomorrow .. but tonight I have a short "Camp Fire" set .. so Goran has offered to accompany me. We have a great rehearsal in the hotel bar area - an empty place except for us .. loved this .. We played a few from my current set list & others from the "PERFECT PEOPLE" album. From just this short rehearsal, I can see how great it's going to be to play those new songs ..

Jul 23, 2011 – 6:00 PM – THE DOWN ON THE FARM FESTIVAL

(held on the prettiest little farm, 20 minutes from Halden)

It's raining pretty hard during the day, and a decision is made in the morning to move the stages to barn areas..

BAD NEWS FROM OSLO .. a bomb went off in a government building. And in another location, at a youth camp, many high school students are brutally murdered. With this bad news slowly breaking, there is a bit of a numb feeling & sadness on the Festival grounds.

On the main stage, the performances are awesome .. starting with the great DEADMAN band from Austin, then Hege Brynildson, The Salmon Smokers & then the amazing Paul Flatta .. with his amazing voice & Elvis-stature charisma.... on stage & off, Paul's a gem!

On the campfire stage .. known as the barn-bar area.. it's me, with Goran Greenie on keys & Fats Kaplan on fiddle - and later, the great Kim Richie & her band This was loose fun for me & the boys .. & Kim was total magic!

Norway's great young folk singing star, Ida Jenshus arrives at the camp at about 6:30 from Oslo.. she was only blocks from the bomb blast earlier in the day. We spent much of the night getting to know her & her boyfriend Alex & his band-mates in the revered Norwegian band THE SOUTH. Ida's a breath of fresh air – so talented & so real - love getting to know her.

Toward the end of the night, Anna Stradling followed Paul Flaata on the main stage past midnight.. not an easy thing to do .. but her energy with her husband was so honest a true on stage – she was so special in her own right.

Ida, the boys in THE SOUTH & I left before WHITEY MORGAN & his 78s wrapped up on the main stage. But I hear they were awesome!!

Jul 24, 2011 – DOWN ON THE FARM CANCELLED!!

With the news from Oslo getting worse .. 91 confirmed dead, several missing – some of the dead & missing are from Halden - Hakan, Bjorn & Tom did the proper thing by canceling. There seemed little heart for proceeding with any event that was somehow partly a commercial venture.

FREE CONCERT IN SOLIDARITY

But it felt so empty to me do just sit here with all the sadness floating around. So I proposed that we do a free concert somewhere in Halden, in solidarity with the Norwegian people – particularly those directly affected by the tragedy unfolding.

I asked each band member & artist – they were 100% up for it – NO questions asked. The great GRAND HOTEL folks, Eva & Michael said they would TOTALLY handle all logistics – ie: venue, sound system, engineers, getting the word out to townspeople & music lovers. . And that was it!!! Within minutes, the ball was rolling.

Each band & artist's mission was to pick a few songs to perform that in some way could be in communion with the emotions of the day. The plan was to be ready to do a sound check of some sort at 5:00.

I scheduled a rehearsal with Goran Grini & went to my room, picked up the guitar & wrote a song, THIS DARKEST DAY. Goran & I rehearsed that song & a few others.

VENUE – KULTURSALEN (THE CULTURE CENTER)

It was amazing how quickly & efficiently Eva & Michael put the logistics together. With their efforts, we had a few options. Then Michael had a meeting with the Town Council folks & it was decided that our event would be held at KULTESALEN, the new & beautiful theater located only a few blocks from our hotel.

Michael then called a revered local engineer, Espan who agreed to offer his services free of charge. Thomas, the heralded engineer from the Center was already on board in the same manner, And what an amazing job they did!

SOUND CHECK

The bands were ready at the hotel at 5:00. We loaded in at 5:45. I've never seen a sound check handled in a more efficient manner. There were 7 different stage set-ups. Each set up – including two full bands - was handled within minutes, with minor adjustments. There were NO prima donna's here. No band members asking for excessive amounts of time or soundmen showing off their knowledge - Everyone was simply on a mission to make this work. The back & forth with the engineer's & artists was totally confined to getting that result. I loved just watching that unfold.

The result was that THE SOUND WAS AWESOME!!!! We were finished & ready to go by 7:15 - show time wasn't until 8:00. to put it mildly, Aspen & Thomas did one hell of a job!

WATCHING THE AUDIENCE ARRIVE

A half hour before the show started, I stood outside and watched the audience arrive. The people just kept coming & coming. I got chills just watching. There were many families and many, many high school kids. Most seemed shaken & sad but so, so warm & comforting with each other. I was moved to tears.

THE SHOW

There is no event that will ever be closer to my heart than this one. Revered Halden musicologist, Tom Skjcklesatthe, hosted the show. Each band & artist performed heartfelt songs that fit the occasion & played them with honesty & passion. And this packed house appreciated every effort & cheered every performance. In the middle a preacher said a few warm words & a Town Council representative said an appropriate welcome – neither interrupting the flow of the magical performances.

DEADMAN opened with two band-like or U-2-like passion pieces – the last with a "Hey Jude"-like ending that had the audience cheering.. then Kristi Rose & Fats did a sad folk song & one with hopes of coming sunshine .. then a wonderful jazz-soul singer from the Cultural Center troupe, performed a beautiful version of "Somehere Over The Rainbow".. with amazing jazz-guitar accompaniment .. just beautiful!

Then the great WHITEY MORGAN – with Bret Robinson on pedal steel - played a couple of old time country songs he once played with his grand dad .. so, so touching. Then Hege Brynildsen added her unique & honest magic.. then I performed with Goran & Whitey & the 78s .. a song from my Black & Blue America Album, "COULD I LIVE WITH THIS" .. then my tribute to those who's sun disappears for long periods .. from my soon-to-be-released album, FUCK ALL THE PERFECT PEOPLE - "I KNOW DARK", with the audience singing along.

Then the amazing Paul Flaata performed three songs .. with such simple passion & magic.. he had the audience (& me) totally mesmerized.

THE FINAL SONG

Then Tom introduced me, telling the audience that I had written this song this morning .. for this occasion, THIS DARKEST DAY. I had played the song for Paul just before the show started. We decided I would start singing it & he would join in here & there – as the spirit moved him.

Paul walked on stage with me. I expected him to stand next to me at the mike designated for him. Instead he took the mike & wandered toward the rear of the stage & sat on a sound monitor. I looked back at him. He just smiled & offered his hand .. like "go to it .. the stage is yours"

I started singing the song.. Goran played piano- with a steady warm gospel feel & Fats touched it every so often with his soulful fiddle sounds .. I sang the first verse alone .. then started the second .. & there was Paul's magical voice .. every so often caressing the song .. very untypical.. but very, very beautiful. The words brought tears.. I had a chill throughout the song.

THIS DARKEST DAY

(chip taylor)

On this darkest day, Lord - we will stand together
Can't you hear their voices – rising from above
On this darkest day, Lord – evil can't divide us
Shine your light upon us – on this darkest day

On this darkest day, Lord – a distant bell is ringing
I hear children singing – it's part of his plan
Sounds that break the silence – soft & warm around us
Will bind our hearts forever – on this darkest day

A mother's cry, a father's tear – some of that pain Lord
Please bring it here
What is a man, if (he is) not a friend – then he has nothing
In the end

On this darkest day, Lord - we will stand together Nothing can divide us - on this darkest day

Instrumental

On our knees, heed our call – if you hurt one (of us)
You hurt us all
Bring your thunder, bring your rain – the son (sun) of love
Will shine again

On this darkest day, Lord - we will stand together
Can't you hear their voices – rising from above
On this darkest day, Lord – evil can't divide us
Shine your light upon us – on this darkest day

When it was over, the audience would not stop applauding. So I gathered all the performers to take one last bow.. then I asked Paul to please play one more..

He played a lonely blues .. then it was done. When I walked outside several in the audience had waiting to say hello – several teenagers & their parents were in tears.. shaking .. holding each other close.. children from the town were missing .. injured .. and worse. It was tough to be part of. But I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. We all felt that way.

Jul 16, 2011 – BEAT THE JET LAG!!

Took an AM flight to London .. only 2 hours sleep that night.. arrived at 8:00 in London.. tired .. settled in at the HILTON HEATHROW .. a nice dinner just before midnight.. a good whiskey .. a decent sleep.

Took a mid-day flight to Malmo .. checked into the great SAVOY HOTEL .. then an evening with Håkan & family .. watching the British Open.. then an awesome dinner prepared by Håkan & wife Monica with daughter .. & my great friend, Elin

Jul 17, 2011 .. MEETING WHITEY & THE 78s

meeting with the band who will support & back me up, Whitey & the 78s .. just in from a show at the great AKURATT in Stockholm.. nice guys.. we'll rehearse tomorrow

Jul 18, 2011 - REHEARSING WITH THE BOYS

VENUE – VALNOT OCH KAPRIFOL in HAMMENHOG

First, what an amazing place this is!! .. a manor estate in the country side. Straight out of a Steven King novel .. artistic.. not fancy .. very cool .. great food from in & around the estate.. .. meet owner/ magician Sven & wife Eva (liked them right away), the kind & great chef, Jakob.. hosts Joakim.. so nice .. lovely hostess Liv.. sound guy Johan..

Rehearse in the restaurant for a while .. so much stuff for the boys to learn in a short period .. but I LOVE their spirit .. a country garage-band thing .. like my band in high school .. & kind & terrific guys!

THE SHOW

Whitey & the boys did a solid 40 minute set .. cool sound .. Waylon-like delivery .. great stuff! Loved listening.

Then it was our turn .. this was loose, passionate fun .. we were surprisingly tight on some.. like the tough-to-play BLACK & BLUE AMERICA .. & ROCK & ROLL JOE .. & very loose on others.. we train wrecked a few times .. but it didn't matter .. the spirit rose above everything .. and the audience totally GOT THAT .. there was a huge connection there..

Ended with ANGEL, WILD THING, TENNESSEE & HOLY SHIT .. great stuff!! Then encored with my Waylon hit.. SWEET DREAM WOMAN .. in duet with Whitey .. loved that

Closed with CHARCOAL SKY .. which the band learned as I played it .. humble .. but magic!! .. what an awesome group to play for!! .. see you all soon!

HI TO:

Great to see old friends – Lars & Marita .. great to see you!! .. & Jan- Ake .. so good to see you.. & Runer & Irena & Anders & Maria .. wonderful to see you … I think of you guys often!! What a blessing for me

Hi Borje & Anki .. so great to see you all .. Borje .. hope Rolf likes the CD..

Hi to Lars .. my great friend from the Malmo hair cutting salon.. so good to see you & your wife.. wish I had a chance to talk to her a bit .. tell her big thanks for coming.. big hi to Guunar.. Gunilla Bengt & Karin.. & Eva & Thomas ..

Sorry I missed saying hello to many .. next time!!

Big Thanks to the staff .. host Joakim, Chef .. Jalob.. sound man .. Johan.. hostess, Liv .. & ..oh yes.. owner, Sven & wife… great to see you all!!… & HAKAN & ELIN .. huge thanks

Jul 20, 2011 – HEADING FOR VARBERG

Whitey & the boys – with great road manager Stubbs picked me up shortly after 11:00 AM at the Savoy in Malmo .. about two hours later, we arrived in Valberg .. at my now-old-friend, Ulf's place.. on the water

THE VENUE _ Mayas Vid Havet

A hot place for the 6 week summer season .. we're in the middle of that now

Great to see owner / mgr Ulf & Sophia .. a revered restaurateur & music guy from these parts. .. & great chef & friend-from-the- past Sarah .. BIG THANKS SARAH!! .. and new friend Karin .. who handles the place at night .. normally handles the same for cruise ships .. she does this a part of her vacation!!..so good to see you Karin.. been coming here for several years now – ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO THIS!!! .. This is a top of the line, acclaimed restaurant./ music venue .. featuring their own garden.. w/ home grown veggies etc.. .. just amazing food!!

With Stubbs at the controls, sound check .. we use some time for rehearsing my songs .. love playing with these boys .. lot of heart & a great work ethic! .. big thanks boys!

Then we have an AWESOME meal .. like from the best trendy NY restaurant .. just better . w/ homegrown stuff .. BIG THANKS!!

THE COMWELL RESORT

Ulf has me staying at an AMAZING SPA!!! .. located a few miles from the venue .. right on the water as well!! .. this place is a palace!! .. big thanks Ulf!!

WHITEY AND THE 78s

Whitey & the boys were here a few weeks ago.. & killed them playing their up tempo country Waylon-like songs .. .. several of their fans are here.

I'm not sure how many are here .. I'm guessing 40 or so .. I'm in the back listening when Whitey & the boys play their first song (I can't see the stage from there) ..and the place goes NUTS!!! .. it's sounds like there's 500 in the room! .. with hootin & hollerin like you'd expect at a Texas dance hall ..

And that's the way it is for their entire set .. the place is going nuts!!! .. I'm so happy for Whitey & the boys .. but I'm thinking .. how the hell am I going to follow that .. will I dare play my sensitive slow ones?? .. I hit the stage wondering .. saying "fuck it … here we go"

THE SHOW

Well.. as soon as I look out at the audience.. I feel comfortable .. like I'm with great friends who are there to take a journey .. and that's what it was like.

There was no issue at all about attention or enthusiasm.. I held back nothing .. I spoke as stories and words came to me .. with nothing planned .. and sang songs as the spirit took me .. AND WHITEY & THE BOYS WERE AWESOME!!! .. the afternoon rehearsal & their own efforts put them musically right with me .. and so this great audience cheered us through the entire night.. WHAT A RIDE!!

From THE REAL THING to ROCK AND ROLL JOE .. total reverence .. and you could hear a pin drop with BLACK AND BLUE AMERICA .. it was so, so chilling & MALMO NIGHTS .. oh.. did that sound so warm & honest tonight ..We rocked with DANCE WITH JESUS. HOT ROD CARSON & BIG RIVER .. and I KNOW DARK ..my tribute to the folks who live with the darkness (my friends in Kiruna) had everyone singing the La..La" choruses with us .. it was so magical & "healing"..

After a chilling ANGEL OF THE MORNING, a totally rocking WILD THING .. we ended with I WASN"T BORN IN TENNESSEE .. with the audience clapping and singing along … we encored with a totally reverent (& irreverent!) and viby HOLY SHIT .. but folks were still wanting more .. and so I played (for the first time for these fans) the title song from my next solo album.. which will be released first in Sweden on NOVEMBER 6, "FUCK ALL THE PERFECT PEOPLE".. with people singing along..and with that… finally said good-night.

Oh man .. this was something

Then a great thing happened .. with some die-hard fans still around, WHITEY AND THE BOYS played the coolest 4 song set .. that had everyone.. including me .. cheering this humble, great band .. I love these guys!!.. man what a special night!!!!

Special thanks to STUBBS .. the tour mgr for the boys.. who had my back at every turn!! .. Thanks my friend!!

HI TO:

My great friends KAY ("KAI") & KICKI, first saw my friends at the "other? Ulf's place on the sea, where we played several years ago … great to see you guys!!! Send the other Ulf my best regards.

Hi Peter .. so GREAT to see you.. love to Pernilla & huge love to SAGA .. Saga .. I LOVE the picture!!! .. you and the cat & the sun & sky & the tree.. BIG LOVE FROM ME .. hope to see you soon!!

Hi to Runer & Irena.. thanks so much for the photos!!! ,, so good to see you always.. now give me back my pens!!! .. Anders & Maria .. you were certainly here in spirit.. see you soon!! ..hi to great friends Lars & Marita .. and FAMILY .. Malin 14, Daniel 19 & Andreas 18 .. so great to see you guys…. ALWAYS!!

Big hi to my great friend, Leif .. revered DJ from Goeteberg .. & friends,.. loved seeing you all!! .. Hi Leanart .. & friend Magnus.. so good to see you again

Big hi to Jonte .. & Agneta (AND PER OLOF) .. thanks for asking for Michael's Song .. I hope next time.. I LOVE that one .. it's about all that's real important to me & in me.. Hi Michael .. Hi Per & Matilda** .. great to focus on you tonight!! .. a special couple !! .. lucky guy!! .. & I think in the reverse as well!! .. Hi Toby & Roger.. & SIMON .. I'll tell Kendel you said hello!! .. & friend Jens .. thanks for the kind words .. you too Magnus!! .. HI CONNY ,, nice talking with you!!

Wish I remembered all the names.. what a special group. See you all soon!

JULY 9, 2011 - THE SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL

MY FAVORITE SHOW EVER!

C.T. & THE GRANDKIDS performing! Our new album (released on Smithsonian Folkways), although not officially released until October, will be available at the festival! Huge thanks to Mary Monseur & all the great Smithsonian folks for making this possible.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

This amazing free arts festival is held every year over two long weekends on The National Mall in Washington DC.

Each year the festival has a special concert to honor the co-founder Ralph Rinzler and a key person with whom he collaborated. This year's concert pays tribute to his wife, Kate, who devoted the last years of her life to children's causes through art.

We've been invited to perform songs from our soon-to-be- released album GOLDEN KIDS RULES. on the World Stage at 6:30PM

GETTING READY

WE'VE BEEN SO, SO EXCITED AND NERVOUS ABOUT THIS FOR MONTHS. The girls and I have been practicing and rehearsing every so often, in between my tours and their activities - swimming, softball, soccer, cheerleading etc, etc.

ARRIVING

Huge thanks to Eileen Wayner for organizing all the logistics – flights lodging, rehearsal info, practice rooms.. you name it, Eileen handled it .. nothing was left to chance.

And so, when we - the girls, Kelly & Frank (their mom & dad), my Joan, the band .. Tony Mercadante, John Platania, Tony Leone & me - arrived, Eileen was there waiting.. with two vans and drivers, soon to be new friends - Fernando & Andrew.

CHECKING INTO THE HOTEL AND LAST MINUTE REHEARSAL

Stayed at the Keybridge hotel .. loved this place! Eileen had secured the Ballroom for us for a brief rehearsal, then we were off to the Festival

CT & THE GRANDKIDS INTERVIEW

Met friend and label VP/music historian, Richard Burgess with singer/songwriter son Blaze .. then we met Dave, another Smithsonian staffer, in charge of the filming of the interview ... in short order I discovered that Dave was quite a music historian in his own right. It seems that whatever their specific responsibility, most of the Smithsonian folks know SO much about music and its history.

Dave & his crew sat the girls and me down in chairs in the shade, with a mike over our heads. Richard, facing us, fired away some great questions about the making of our album and my career. Whatever the question, the response always had some interaction with the girls… this was SO, SO special! I LOVED EVERY MINUTE, and from their reaction, SO DID THE GIRLS!

OPENING ACT

Two great Smithsonian Children's music artists – ELIZABETH MITCHELL with Daughter STOREY, guitarist dad, DANIEL, and SUNI PAZ (know Brazilian folk singer) did a warm and charming opening show, with lots of interaction with the audience. It was so good to see so many people having such a good time! And after a few speeches about revered Kate Rinzler it was our turn.

Note: THE BAND is JOHN PLATANIA - guitar, TONY MERCADANTE - bass and TONY LEONE- drums

THE SHOW

Well .. OK .. it's true .. this was my favorite show ever! The girls were partially facing me and partially facing the audience with me sort of singing to them, as well as the audience .. sort of in a Ray Charles gospel show.. I started the first song, GOLDEN KIDS RULES, and this awesome band kicked in … and then it happened!

THE GIRLS ENTERED! And when I heard the sound of their voices .. so clear and precious and warm & good .. I was on FIRE!! And that's the way it was until the end of the show. We traded vocals.. we sang in and around each other .. AND RILEY, KATE & SAMANTHA WERE AWESOME.. and so, so ready! And the audience LOVED THEM! Riley's flute solo in MAGICAL HORSE brought cheers .. as did Kate's poem that started that song .. … as did the awesome solos from John & Tony .. and oh .. I loved Sam's smile when I looked at her as she remembered her words on the third verse of Magical Horse! She had practiced so hard to do that!!

Every song was felt by us and the audience.. I could see the look on the faces in the audience .. they got it .. this wasn't a bunch of kids singing "down" to kids - this was kids and a granddad.. a proud one.. singing songs that move us .. that make US feel special things together!!

WHAT A WONDERFUL PLACE FOR THIS GRANDFATHER TO BE

At the end, we blasted WILD THING and waved good-bye as each of the girls names was met with cheers .. and we were in heaven as we left the stage!!

HI AND THANKS TO THE GREAT SMITHSONIAN FOLKS and other new & old friends

Eileen, Mary, Richard (& Blaze & Ace), Jeff Place & son, Dan Sheehy, DAVE & crew, my friend Atesh, Richard (Kurin) & all the rest … what a special & great bunch.. Riley, Kate, Samantha and I can't thank you enough!!! .. Hi Liz, Daniel, Storey & Nancey & Sini Pas .. what a great experience to be together.. thanks so much for the kind words & encouragement .. what great support!!! .. can't wait for more of that .. Hi to old friend, Jim Fishel & wife Barbara, son Parker & friend Charlie .., GREAT seeing you again!! .. Thanks Peggy for those kind words!! .. and hi to sis-in-law, Amie. .. Hi Marni!!! .. so good to meet you after the show!!.. And huge thanks to NANCY SULLIVAN BALLRAD & husband .. for making the long trip .. so AWESOME to see you .. & MICHAEL .. so, so great to talk to you!! Hi to our new friends, drivers Fernando & Andrew .. hope Angelique enjoys the CD!! .. Hi Heinz!!!! .. you were with us in spirit here!! .. none of this would have happened without your efforts!!

And big thanks to all the kind people that said so many sweet things at the end of the show that brought such smiles to the kid's faces!! I just loved seeing that!!

At the airport, SAMANTHA said to Kelly, "Mommy, I wish we were treated like this everyday!".. Riley, Kate & I agree! .. What a memory this will be!

Jun 20, 2011 - THE JAZZ STANDARD - NEW YORK

THE RECORDING ACADEMY TRIBUTE TO BRUCE LUNDVALL

I left LA at 6:00 AM with almost no sleep as I had a show the previous night in LA at McCabe's.

I got no sleep on the plane.. with worries that I'd be late for sound check, when I landed at JFK all went amazingly well .. the plane arrived 20 minutes early.. at 2:20 .. as I got to the baggage area, bags were coming out .. my suitcase was the third one.. my guitar was the fifth! Thanks to Kendel Carson for advising me to ask the United folks for priority handling… which they did! As I left, NO more bags were coming out!! Within a minute, I was calling my wife Joan .. waiting in the cell phone area .. she was there in two minutes.. despite heavy traffic, I got to NY at about 3:30 .. instead of rushing to sound check, I went home, showered and changed .. got to sound check at about 4:15.. fresh & new.

Sound check was simple and great - the musical director - the brilliant pianist, Bill Charlap was totally ready. And thank God Tony Mercadante had done a chart for me! Brilliant bassist Peter Washington was totally "there". I showed them how I'd guide it and they totally "got it" .. they sounded so soulful and the sound in the room was AWESOME.

The doors opened at 6:00 .. cocktails, hors d'oeuvres & talk with 80 or so .. important folks .. several from EMI including Ian Ralfini and his assistant Eli Wolf. Artist & spouses and important music biz folks .. and some BMI exec friends like Charlie Feldman & Robbin Ahrold.

The show was jazz-based (except for me): there were about 8 different small combinations of artists, with certain ones featured .. i.e. Randy Brecker (brilliant and renowned jazz trumpeter), Joe Lovano (the most revered jazz sax guy), Lionel Loueke (the new jazz guitarist/star), Kurt Elling (jazz vocalist extraordinaire) and jazz stars, Dave Koz.. sax.. Lewis Nash.. drums.. and more than I can name.

THE SHOW

1) terrific intros by several .. including a most insightful and hilarious one by brilliant musical historian, Michael Cuscuna.

2) an award was presented to Bruce .. an amazing thing happened here. Although as sharp mentally as ever, Bruce has not been able to put sentences together without a bit of trouble for the last whi due to his Parkinson's. But he hobbled up to the podium, received his award, smiled .. and .. as they tried to assist him off and moved the mike stand away he just kept smiling and STAYING THERE.. so the tech guy nervously guided the mike to him ... AND HE STARTED TO TALK. He talked for about three minutes .. fast.. like my brother Barry.. but NEVER MISSED A WORD .. and was funny as hell! At one point he told some pertinent jokes in a WC FIELDS accent.. oh man.. it was SO great! Beyond what doctors would believe possible!

3) then the show started .. musically directed by brilliant pianists, husband and wife. Bill Charlap & Renee Rosnes – what a job they did!

Most of the featured artists told 'Bruce" stories.. about how much he changed their lives .. by signing them, advising them .. etc .. great stories! I was on third from last .. I was his first signing at Columbia - told some funny stuff about how he outbid for me. Then I performed "SOME PEOPLE", the song I wrote for Bruce for this occasion. And it felt loose, honest & good and I was so relaxed in the moment. The boys (Bill & Peter) were wonderful and totally followed me.

This was some show.. some of the most amazing, soulful performances I've ever seen .. by these amazingly talented jazz folks.. packed into one hour and 15 minutes! I was so proud to be a part of it!

At shows end it was one huge happy family. All the artists and their wives/husbands/friends etc.. congratulating each other .. all made a special point of seeking me out .. telling me how moved they were by my song/ performance.. and me congratulating them as well .. it was so easy to do that! Bruce beamed and told me how much he loved the song .. wanted a copy right away. EMI's Ian Ralfini was over-the-top as well (one of the first to seek me out).. and then Roseanne Cash, in her totally honest Roseanne way, told me she was very moved by what I had done .. that made me feel SO good .. she is so special .. I love being in her presence. Then Norah Jones, who was also there, gave me a big hug and told me my performance was special and that it was better I had done it by myself (originally we discussed possibly doing it together .. but our schedules didn't work out) She went on and on about how great my voice sounded and said she'd record a demo of the song with me for Bruce, if I wanted .. (we'll see).

And all the while Joan was there - she loved hearing the nice things and meeting all the folks.

As Joan & I were leaving, two jazz guy's mothers - both named MAXINE! - went out of the way to tell me how moved they were by the heart and honesty of the song and performance and how much the song meant to them. Also, Joe Lovano's wife - a well regarded jazz singer, Judi (Silvano) - told me how "right" Bruce was to sign me back in the day .. that it was easy to see why.

As you can tell .. this was one of my favorite nights ever .. all these jazz guys are now my friends ... and they were such nice folks.

Then Joan & I went to La Mangeoire Restaurant (Gerard's) and sat outside & basked! We had some wine and an appetizer and relaxed for a good long while.

It was a night to remember for Joan & me.

Jun 17, 2011 – L.A.

GOOD DAY L.A. – 8:45 AM

Great to be back here with our friends GM, Kevin, producer, Josh & host Steve. Usually we sit & chat & play a bit of song or two. This time they have us set up on stage to perform the Josh requested, I CAN'T LET GO from our new ROCK AND ROLL JOE album. I wrote the song in the 60's, with my friend, Al Gorgoni. It became a big hit for the Hollies & later, Linda Ronsstadt.

Loved playing the song – the stagehands did a great job setting us up & the sound was awesome. After playing the song, we chatted a bit with Steve on camera. After, we had a great hang with the boys in Kevin's room.

This was the start of a great day!!

Jun 17, 2011

EMI in Santa Monica

I LOVED THIS!!!! .. this was my first meeting with these nice folks.

We arrived at about 1:30 and said hi to a bunch of folks in the large living room-like meeting room. About 30 people gathered there, & Kendel, John & I played a warm / loose show for the folks tracing my footsteps back in the April Blackwood days. N

ote : April Blackwood was the New York CBS publishing company that has now evolved into EMI - & that's where I wrote all my hits.

I loved this little show. As there were no mikes, it was a bit like busking as I wandered in & out of the little group so all could here the stories & understand the words… so it was THE REAL THING setting up my Yonkers, NY background & love of country music.., then a bunch of the stories & songs from JOE, including, COULDN'T WE USE SOME OF THAT NOW, MONICA .. with it's "other" JP/ VAN riff, HOT ROD CARSON, I CAN'T LET GO .. then ANGEL OF THE MORNING & WILD THING.

We ended with Kendel's TEN LOST MEN. I loved every second of this!! .. Big hi to our new friends there. Greg, Tammy, Joe, Lisa, Jake, Ashley, Miguel, Shannon, Anne, Lydia & all the kind folks that attended.

JUNE 19 – McCabe's, Santa Monica

Always LOVE playing here. Proprietor Lincoln has become a good friend over the years & Wayne, the soundman is a friend as well.

McCabe's is an amazing guitar shop – a world class one. When the instruments are removed & replaced by chairs in the large back room, McCabe's becomes one of the coolest little theater-like venues on the planet.

We arrive before 5:00, did a quick/ great sound check with Wayne & had some down time before our show at 7:10. I took that time to call my brother Jon who was in Alaska shooting a film – both to wish him happy Father's day & also to get the phone # of my now good friends Ruth & Judea Pearl – Danny Pearl's mom & dad. I was so glad to talk to them & so glad they made it in time for the show.

THE BAND

JOHN PLATANIA – guitar & vocals
TONY MERCADANTE – bass
KENDEL CARSON – fiddle& vocals
& me –on acoustic, harmonica & vocals

THE SHOW

What a great, warm group to play for. I started the show with a dedication to dad's everywhere, with thoughts of the late Danny Pearl in my heart, with special thoughts & love to Ruth & Judea.

We played the entire ROCK & ROLL JOE songbook, mixing it with some of the hits some great tracks from Kendel's latest album.

There were so many highlights.. but let's go with, COULDN'T WE USE SOME OF THAT NOW, MONICA (based on the "other" lick John gave Van Morrison for "DOMINO"), THE SAVOY FILES, I'M THE LAW IN THIS OLD TOWN, SUGAR SUGAREE, the Platania-Taylor duet of MALMO NIGHTS, LIVE & DIE FOR ROCK & ROLL & the show stopper as usual, THE VAN SONG.

Kendel's TEN LOST MEN killed!! .. as did "OH BABY LIE DOWN".. but maybe the most chilling moment of the night was a tribute to my dad.. along with my mom & brothers with CHARCOAL SKY, from my YONKERS NY album.

What a great, memorable night .. we all LOVED this show.

SAID HI TO MANY, INCLUDING.

Special hi to JOSH & wife Lonnie.. thanks Lonnie for making the long trip .. & for those kind words!! The Killer (Kevin Hale) was in town again.. big thanks to his great family - wife Paula, son Tyler & bride, Lindsey .. & lovely daughter Heather - for sharing fathers day here with us!! Great to see you all!! .. Guess "Honey Boy" wasn't back from the road yet.. send him our regards!!!

Hi to John's friend (& now my friend) MJ & lovely Julia & Shelley (great seeing you guys later!!! .. big thanks!!) .. & hi to legendary GREAT guitarist ALBERT LEE & wife Karen for attending!!! – what a nice surprise!!! Hi Joey & engineer friend, Gabe .. great to see you again!!.. Hi Clyde & Tobi.. & Henry & Alex.. & old NY friend, record producer Bob.. talk to you soon!.. Hi to Bob, Will & Simone & Jimmy .. thanks for the kind words!!

Great to see my great boy, KRISTIAN & all his friends, Taz, Lisa, Bee-Bee, Mark & Paul (again!) .. BIG THANKS FOR COMING!! ..so great seeing you all!!!! … Kris & wife, Anna live in Hermosa Beach.. with their two year-old boys – my amazing grandkids - Jack & Ben.

Big hi to Vance & Diana .. thanks so much for the kind words!!! .. Hi Norman.. & Ilona & Bergon?? .. Hi Joe & Dan ..

HUGE THANKS TERRY .. ALL THE BEST ROB!!

Again .. big thanks to my friends Lincoln Wayne!! .. great sound again tonight, Wayne.. say hi to Jack & Terin.. tell them thanks!!

See you all soon!!

Rock and Roll Joe Texas Tour May 28 - June 4, 2011

Jun 4, 2011 – KHYI RADIO – 12:30 PM

It's always great to stop by this great renegade country station. Since Bruce Kidder days (Bruce was the programmer here for many years), this station has been a huge supporter of Americana music, and more specifically, my music. Big thanks to Becky for setting up this interview. And big hi, thanks to my great friend who runs this ship, Joshua Jones. And congrats to him & bride, who are in Ireland on their honeymoon.

THE SHOW – with host John Murphy

Loved this. John has a nice honest interview style. He encouraged some good stories & inspired music. I got such a chill today singing R&R JOE with John & Kendel and Angel Of The Morning with Kendel. This was special.. big thanks John!!

Jun 4, 2011 – BILL'S RECORD STORE

So good to be with my old friend Bill & the warm hearted folks that support his store & his Saturday afternoon music in-store. These are the salt of the earth .. the kind I like to play for & be around.

Bill reminded me that the first time we met was 4 days after 9/11 when I convinced American Airlines to get me to Dallas to do a benefit show for KHYI radio. The passion of those days is a vivid memory today.

THE SHOW

Tony. John , Kendel & I played a half hour set .. mixing the story & songs of R&R JOE with a Bill request of a song I wrote for my wife Joan, I DON'T KNOW WHY I LOVE YOU (I JUST DO).. and ANGEL OF THE MORNING & WILD THING..

Loved this!!!! .. Big thanks Bill!!

Hi & thanks to all who attended .. Steve, Ray (thanks for the coffee Ray!).. special hi to young Gracie & dad, Steve .. and Dave and Kellye (correct spelling) and the rest .. I lost my notes so forgot many of the names.. .. all such kind folks.

Hope to see some of you at the Kessler tonight .. big thanks to all!

Jun 4, 2011 – THE KESSLER THEATER – Dallas, Texas

What an amazing place!! The Kessler was an original Gene Autry owned theater that burned down years ago. Now totally reconstructed, & run by new friends Edwin & cohort Jeff, this is as cool & vibey a place as you'll find.

A seating area faces the stage on the ground level with balcony & surround seating on an upper tier, that can comfortably hold several hundred. The sound system is state-of-the-art. The dressing room & green room area is as comfortable as it gets, with monitors keeping you in totally in touch with what's going on down on stage.

SOUND CHECK

– real pros are at the controls here – soundman Paul & sound assistant & lighting guy, Kyle. Big thanks for the effort boys. It sounded great on stage tonight & from what I hear, great in the house as well.

Thanks as well to Texas legend Marc Bennow who does a fine job opening the show. Great seeing Marc's family & friends backstage before our show.. daughter Jessica & Taylor & Allen & the rest. What a nice bunch of folks.

THE SHOW

ROCK AND ROLL JOE

FEATURING: John Platania, Kendel Carson & me. With Tony Mercadante (The "Merc Man" on bass)

Again it was the stories and songs of ROCK & ROLL JOE, with its tribute to the unsung heroes of rock & roll leading the way tonight..

This awesome, spirited audience was totally with us from start to finish. "JOE" has John, Kendel & I are trading vocals all night and that's part of the fun & the passion of it. So – long story short – because we're inspiring each other in different ways each night and the stories take different turns as slightly different memories pop into my head, this show stays totally fresh for each of us. The net result is.. we love playing JOE!! And the audience gets that.

Far too many highlights to mention .. but the touching ones were truly touching tonight.. ROCK & ROLL JOE, I'M THE LAW IN THIS OLD TOWN, MALMO NIGHTS, COULDN'T WE USE SOME OF THAT NOW and LIVE & DIE FOR ROCK & ROLL all gave me chills from start to finish & I heard from several, including Jeff that they were almost touched to the point of tears . Me too!

John, Kendel & Tony Merc were brilliant tonight.. with awesome solos from each receiving over-the-top audience reaction. We rocked THE SAVOY FILES, THE REAL THING, HOT ROD CARSON.

As usual, what totally brought the house down was THE VAN SONG.. our tongue-in-cheek poke at JP leaving the band from time to time to join Van Morrison on the road.

Shortly after that fun, we chilled with a so-pretty ANGEL OF THE MORNING.. & closed it out with a rockin' WILD THING which included an awesome group sing by the audience!! We said good night with a totally loose & fun I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE that had many in the audience clapping along and singing the "Okie From Musgogee" chorus.

Big thanks to Tony Mercadante who is so solid on bass. As usual, John & Kendel were magic again tonight, not only with their great lead vocals and harmonies, but also with amazing solos throughout.

What a night!! – LOVE THIS PLACE & LOVE THESE WARM, KIND FOLKS!!

SAID HI TO SEVERAL INCLUDING:

Special hi to Mark & Barb … so great seeing you guys. Best with the "family secrets" screenplay Barb.. Mark, see you at KNON next time though for the 2 hour deal. Big hi to all my friends there!! Love that station!

Hi Chad & Tara.. & all your great friends!! .. Happy Anniversary!! .. love you guys.. best with the film stuff. Let me know about your thoughts about the JOE film. So good to wind down with you at the Belmont.

Big hi to Buddy who saw C&C in Greenville.. so good to see you again! .. Hi Randie!! .. Way to go Marc!! .. see you soon. Hi Taylor & Allen & Jessica.. so good to see you in the dressing room..

HI TY .. & PJ .. sorry we didn't talk later .. thanks for the support… AMY .. SO GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!!!! .. (not since Roie & Midge days!!) .. wow!!! .. you look the same… Hi Don .. so good to see you as well!!

Hi Sharlee!! .. & Ricky .. & Dallas Alice .. thanks to all for the kind words.. & Ros (short for Roscoe) & Shari.. Shane .. thanks for the kind words re: my support for the great CACTUS CAFÉ .. thank God it's still going strong & probably will stay that way!! .. Hi Patti & Edwin.. & Sean & Katie .. tell friend Earl I hope to see him next time through .. hope he enjoys the CD… Hi Matt!!! .. all the best … Hi James .. good luck with the band!! .. I'll try to listen soon..

Big hi to the "F" man.. limo driver "for the stars", Forest .. so good talking to you my friend.. hope to see you soon.. you as well, Mary!!

AGAIN .. huge THANKS TO PAUL & KYLE FOR THE AWESOME SOUND & LIGHTING!!!

And HUGE thanks EDWIN & JEFF for having us… and big thanks Jeff for the "cooks tour" at the end!! What an awesome gallery!!! This place is special. Can't wait to come back.

And please thank your great young staff .. loved their vibe! See you all soon!

Jun 2, 2011 – THE CACTUS CAFÉ – AUSTIN TEXAS

Love the Cactus – it's great to be back.. Last year, there were questions as to whether The Cactus would continue to operate as a music venue. With much support from local folks, a deal was struck with the University & now it continues to operate under the umbrella of the University's great radio station, KUT.

Although Matt ( a great guy) runs the Cactus now & does a great job, I think of former mgr Griff every time I enter the place. He's retired now. Hope he's doing OK.

NEW SOUND SYSTEM

Hard working soundman, Seth, assisted by a fellow named John, worked hard to get us good sound. Although the sound system is new & fresh, it still needs some tweeking to fit the room. And Seth & John did a good job figuring it out. Thanks for the effort boys!

THE SHOW

There was a special spirit in the room tonight. Although not a packed house, like it would be for a Taylor/Rodriguez show, the reaction to the ROCK AND ROLL JOE songs was strong and loud, so it felt like a totally full house. Big thanks to those who attended for the amazing support.

We were joined on stage tonight by brilliant drummer, Scott Matthews from the rockin' Austin band, The Derailers. Awesome job tonight Scott!!

So it was John Platania, Kendel Carson, Tony Mercadanre (bass), Scott & me taking the R&R JOE journey tonight, weaving the stories of the passion of the early days of rock & roll & celebrating the UNSUNG HEROES.

Here is the set list for tonight's show:

SET LIST – ROCK & ROLL JOE

1) THE REAL THING
2) ROCK & ROLL JOE
3) THE SAVOY FILES
4) COULDN'T WE USE SOME OF THAT NOW
5) MONICA
6) I'M THE LAW IN THIS OLD TOWN
7) SUGAR / SUGAREE
8) MALMO NIGHTS
9) HOT ROD CARSON
10) I CAN'T LET GO
11) THE VAN SONG
12) UNION SONG
13) LIVE & DIE FOR ROCK & ROLL

EXTRA

14) TEN LOST MEN
15) CHARCOAL SKY
16) ANGEL OF THE MORNING
17) WILD THING
18) I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE

The highlights were far too many, as it seemed that there was a total connection with the band & the audience on ALL these songs. ROCK & ROLL JOE has John, Kendel & I trading vocals from start to finish. That's part of what I LOVE about these shows. And John & Kendel playing and singing are so, so inspiring. And on all levels, they were magic tonight.

The up-tempo rockers sounded so good - THE SAVOY FILES, MONICA, SUGAR/SUGAREE & I CAN'T LET GO all had some special fire with Tony Merc & Scott setting such a powerful bottom end. And the passion of R&R JOE, COULDN'T WE USE SOME OF THAT NOW, I'M THE LAW IN THIS OLD TOWN & LIVE & DIE FOR ROCK & ROLL all gave me chills & brought huge response.

The Platania/ Taylor duet of MALMO NIGHTS had something so sweet & special tonight. John's humble, warm vocals always connect with me. He's the real deal ROCK & ROLL JOE of this band & again, he was totally magic tonight.

And Kendel totally killed on I CAN'T LET GO. I can't say enough about her – she brings that fearless energy to the stage every night.

Certainly the fun highlight of the night was THE VAN SONG, which pokes some good natured jabs at Van the Man & JP, who for a while has divided his gigging with Van & me. This song always takes the house down. And it did again tonight.

SAID HI TO SEVERAL INCLUDING:

Hi to Ian, Jack, Allisa.. thanks for coming Carol!!! Tell Katy & Lelie a big hello.. good to meet you Rick

Thanks Sonny .. & friend?? .. hope to see you soon.. JOHN & KATHY & MARTIN .. so good to see you again & again.. great to see you again Pablo.. thanks for those kind words!

Chris.& Susan.. it's so special to see you guys. I'd love to figure that residency thing, so the visit isn't quite so brief.

Thanks to all .. this was special.

June 2, 2011 – KUT RADIO – AUSTIN

With old friend Jay Trachtenberg

Loved this as always!!! With Jay's good guidance, we presented R&R JOE to the KUT audience. Since Jay was "new" to JOE the questions were honest & informative .. we played 3 songs .. R&R JOE, THE SAVOY FILES & the tongue in cheek, VAN SONG .. which was so easy to perform as Jay was laughing/ smiling through it all

Big thanks to Jay, soundman, Cliff & new friend Matt for allowing us to present R&R JOE .. & good to see GM Stewart Vanderwilt for the first time. Stewart seems pretty hands on in – making sure we were OK with the new sound system at the Cactus etc. .. appreciate that.

Thanks guys .. see you soon.

Jun 3, 2011 – HEADING FOR DALLAS

With John at the helm, Kendel, Tony Merc, John & I take the 3 hour plus journey to Dallas, arriving at our old friend Bill's record store. Great to see Bill & assistant Dave again. We drop off R&R JOE CDs & vinyl and after some warm hellos, we check into our Hollywood Hills-like cool hotel, The Belmont, which sits on a little hill & offers an amazing view of the skyline of Dallas .. love this place!!

4:30 – RADIO STATION KNON

Simply put, this is a wonderful, soulful place that supports great, honest music of all sorts. The volunteers who work at this non-profit station are common folks like us & in it totally for the passion of the music… which fits perfectly with the spirit of what we do & in particular our Rock & Roll Joe project ..

Note: again, JOE is dedicated to "The unsung heroes of rock & roll" .. where rock & roll means any kind of music made with passion… be it country, jazz, folk or rock.

Old friend Mark Mundy hosts our segment .. several songs from R&R JOE, plus a bit of WILD THING.. with some very informative conversation in the midst. Big thanks Mark!!! .. and big hello to the great staff.. a bunch of good guys, Allen Hair, Texas Trevor, David Besonen & Don O, who was just about to start his awesome blues show as we left.

Also great meeting some of the local supporters who were there. Hope to see you boys at the show at the Kessler.

May 28, 2011 – AUSTIN TEXAS

Just flew in from LA yesterday. Kendel I were there for the past several days working on writing new songs & prep for a video with brilliant Finish film friend/director Paola Suhonen.. Kendel flew back to Vancouver to get her VISA. She'll join the boys & me in Austin on May 30.

Note: It's 100 degrees outside but, as there's not much humidity, it feels good to put myself into that (out of the air conditioning) every so often… loving it here.

May 29, 2011

John P & Tony Merc meet in Austin. We're staying at the Hilton Airport. LOVE THIS PLACE. We've stayed here several times & by now have become great friend's with the terrific staff here .. Tony, Jay at the bar.. Jeff, Paul, lovely Mary & "V" at the desk.. waitresses Edna, Maya, Lauren, DeShyla & others at the restaurant. It's so great to be back!!!!

We rehearse the songs for R&R JOE. We're presenting Joe for the first time. We're ready.

May 30, 2011

KENDEL joins us

May 31, 2011

HOUSTON - RADIO STATION KPFT

We arrive at 11:30 - met by great station folks, Dave, Tony & host Roark. I did a show several years back with Roark. He's a GREAT host.. extremely informed. We're on the air before noon .. we play a four song R&R JOE set as Melissa took video for their Internet site. LOVED this.., thanks to all!

ROARK .. don't forget to send in your JOE!!!!! .. I'll look forward to that!

May 31, 2011

THE MUCKY DUCK – 1:30 PM

Arrive at one of our favorite venues in all of TEXAS. Great friends, owners Rusty, Teresa & manager Shane are in Vegas.. a favorite past time of Rusty & Teresa's. A terrific young lady, Maureen greets us as we walk in. After a good meal we rehearse a bit & spend some time on the Internet. Thanks to the great staff.. Alissa (hope mom, Carrie, enjoys the CD) ..Allie, Jennifer & Julia & Hanna .. Rusty & Teresa always have the nicest folks working for them.

NOTE – Shortly after arriving, I called Rusty in Vegas.. I think I woke him up. He said he was winning a bit, Teresa not having the best of luck. He asked for some advice. I suggested he take the next plane home!

THE SHOW

This is the Tuesday after Memorial Day… maybe the worst day of the year for getting fans out. And though it's not packed like it was last time through, what a great spirit these folks brought to the entire show.

For the next 2 hours it was the stories & songs & passion of R&R JOE – with John, Kendel & I trading vocals, - with the audience taking that ride with us at every step & loving the journey!!

I PARTICULARLY LOVED THIS SHOW.. first, because it's all on stage pointing to THE UNSUNG HEROES OF ROCK AND ROLL .. and next, because the songs are so easy to feel & "live". And finally, because we can point the fans to a web site representing these heroes that reps these unsung heroes & just might live forever.

SOOOO… check out the R&R JOE WEB SITE .. which has fans and artists bringing new JOES to the table every week. YOU WILL LOVE READING THIS STUFF!!!!! It will totally make your day! So go there, get hooked on JOE!! It's a worthwhile addiction!!

Here's the site:

rockandrolljoe.com

BACK TO THE SHOW:

Highlights tonight were so many .. the title song, R&R JOE, SUGAR SUGAREE, the JP/TAYLOR duet of MALMO NIGHTS, HOT ROD CARSON (the tribute to the 50's ladies rockers & our own rocker, Kendel Carson, the story & song of I CAN'T LET GO .. featuring Kendel & the final JOE song LIVE & DIE for ROCK AND ROLL all totally connected .. but so did the rest… it was a hell of a night.

We closed with an awesome version of TEN LOST MEN from Kendel's album .. a chilling ANGEL OF THE MORNING a soulful/ playful WILD THING.. then a Monday visit to a train station with my family with CHARCOAL SKY from my YONKERS NEW YORK album.. then a rockin I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE..,

What a special night this was.. & what a GREAT start to the R&R JOE tour!

SPECIAL THANKS TO EMILY FOR THE GREATEST SOUND WE EVER HAD HERE!!!!!!!

SAID HI TO SEVERAL, including:

Hi Emett .. good to see you!! .. Special hi to Charles & Judy (Emily's mom & dad).. who drove quite a ways to attend .. so good to meet you both!! .. Hi Don .. a witness at John Vandiver's murder trial (CHECK OUT ROBERT EARL KEEN'S AWESOME TRIBUTE TO JOHN & THE R&R JOE SITE!!)

Hi to Gary .. will take your advice about listing ALL the names of the performers on our TRAIN WRECK site .. great idea!!!.. Hi Ray!!! … GREAT TO SEE YOU FROM THE STAGE & LATER, BRANDYWINE!!! .. see you soon!..

Hi Ken .. thanks for the crazy character toys .. good listening with your new collection!!! .. Hi Peter & (oops .. is it Anna???) .. anyway .. good to see you both!!.. Hi Warren & Frank & Vernon.. hey .., where was Fred & Carol tonight??!! .. tell them hi!!! .. Hi Nancy .. please send WILD THING Claire my big love!!

Big thanks to old friend Andrew Dansby, for the great article in the Houston newspaper.. Andrew..big hello to my "HOLY COW" friend, Hazel. Hope to see you both next time.

Shane!!!!! No excuses next time!!!! ..

See you all soon!!

MAR 15-19, 2011 - SXSW – Austin, TX

MARCH 19, 2011 – AUSTIN TEXAS (SXSW)

VENUE - STEPHEN F's

What a great venue to play. It's located in the upstairs bar area of the Stephen F. Austin Hotel. Small stage.. great sound!! – The place was packed.

Note: this was the second of our official SXSW showcase. The first, The Canadian Ladies Night, featured Kendel. Tonight we're featuring ROCK AND ROLL JOE.

THE BAND

Tonight ROCK & ROLL JOE IS:

KEVIN SMITH bass, JOHN PLATANIA electric guitar & vocals, KENDEL CARSON fiddle & vocals, CHIP TAYLOR, acoustic guitar, harmonica & vocals

10:00 PM - THE SHOW

It is becoming clear that the songs & message of ROCK & ROLL JOE is as much of a theater type show as YONKERS NEW YORK was. People seem to love the "tribute to the unsung heroes of rock & roll" idea - and the stories & songs as well. There were cheers at every turn, kind of like when you root for an underdog boxer.

Songs like THE SAVOY FILES, COULDN'T WE USE SOME OF THAT NOW (folks LOVE this one!), MALMO NIGHTS, MONICA (based on the "other" JP lick John gave to Van for "DOMINOE") all were met with the reverence intended. FOLKS GET "JOE" – BIG TIME!!!

note: because we're limited to 45 minutes, tonight we didn't get to THE VAN SONG & SUGAR, SUGAREE, two fan favorites from our last JOE presentation on Thursday .. so lots of things to look forward to playing in future JOE shows.

Kendel is so special on all the JOE stuff.. her lead vocals are awesome & her harmonies are SO spontaneous and passionate. And singing duets with John is about the most fun I've ever had on stage.

We ended up with ANGEL OF THE MORNING - paying tribute to Evie Sands & her awesome ORIGINAL version – then an awesome WILD THING with great KENDEL/JOHN solos & a spirited sing-a-long by this great group of folks.

We closed the show as usual these days with a special tribute to our Japanese friends – one of whom, Hiroshi, was here – with the song TOKYO GIRL. I wrote the song for Chihana – a talented dobro player & singer from Tokyo. And she & her mom were on my mind as I sang it. There were lots of tears with this one including mine.

This was a special night .. thanks to all who shared it with us.

HI TO:

Great to see Phil Alexander from MOJO & his friends Will .. from the London Times & photographer Piper. Big thanks for filming the Japanese tribute, Piper!! .. great talking to you Will .. & PHIL .. HUGE THANKS!!! See you soon!!

Hi Sonny!! Thanks again & again. Hi to Jennifer!! – missed her! Hi Lincoln!! So great to see you again .. OK .. let's book a show at Hill Country.. see you soon!

Hi Ed & Sylvia!! – big thanks for coming .. wish we could have spent some time together – next time! .. special hello to the Finland contingent .. Kevin's friends. Hope to see you in Finland soon!!

Darden.. great to see you. Good to hear you again!! And thanks for the kind words!! Best with all your music!

MAR 17, 2011 - OUTLAWS & GUNSLINGERS – (Canadian Night)

11:00 PM –KENDEL CARSON & CHIP TAYLOR

Great to be a part of this Canadian vibe again - this time featuring the great Canadian female artists. When JP & I arrived Kendel was on stage with Suzie from OH SUSANNA Suzie has such a warm magical sound .. loved hearing a bit of that before we took the stage,

THE SHOW

Again, this is a tribute to Canadian women, so we started with our ROCK & ROLL JOE tribute to Kendel, HOT ROD CARSON with KEVIN SMITH (BASS) & SCOTT MATTHEWS (DRUMS) locking the rockabilly groove down tight. I could see lots of smiles & foot stomps on this one. It felt so good.

NOTE: Big thanks to Leah, for the great sound. It's always great to start a song & have the sound so rich & full on stage. That's the way it was tonight.

Then it was a soulful OH BABY LIE DOWN .. so sweaty & good ..Kendel sounds so great singing this song. TEN LOST MEN, with Kendel's awesome fiddle solos, followed – which, again, totally rocked with this band. Next, Kendel chose a new one – CHICAGO MAN - from her upcoming fall release, THE LOST TAPES OF SUSANNA HAMILTON. Again.. this felt great.

These three seemed to go by so fast & the vibe in the room was so electric. Then Kendel did a fiddle song – just her. I have no idea what the tune was, but at the end John & I just smiled at each other & the audience went nuts.

Then came our duets of Angel of The Morning – with so many singing along to the chorus - & Wild Thing. It was so good to put the focus on Kendel tonight - & she delivered big time! Big thanks to Scott & Kevin .. they were special.

It was good to wind down with our Canadian friends, Shauna from SIX SHOOTER RECORDS & Susan from Starfish Management & all their co-staffers & friends. The entire Canadian contingent has such a warm vibe.

Hi Jack & Emily & Paul & Sarah, Deider & the rest. Big hello to John & John & Del Cowsill.. great to finally meet you. This was a hell of a night.

MAR 15, 2011

Kendel, John & I arrived at about 6:00PM. We're staying at the Airport Hilton so it's just a short shuttle away. (WE LOVE THIS PLACE!)

We arrive just in time for a workout at the heath club, a great dinner at the hotel restaurant and some needed relaxation as we get ready for a busy week.

MAR 16, 2011

– A brief afternoon rehearsal with old friend and brilliant bassist, Kevin Smith and his cohort from The Derailers, we're all set for our ROCK & ROLL JOE previews and whatever else.

MAR 17, 2011 - G&S LOUNGE – 11:30 AM

John Conquest's THIRD COAST presentation

This is a yearly thing we're so proud to be a part of. It is certainly one of my favorite events of the year as it's the one event where we play for friends from around the globe!! Friends & fans from Sweden, Norway, Holland, Ireland, England, Texas, New York .. just from all over come by to say hello. It's become somewhat of a tradition now – a great tradition as far as we're concerned!

In previous years the event was held at Opal Divine's – for some reason moved to here. Big thanks to Brad & Brad and friend for getting us great sound!! Best sound we've had for these type shows!

PRESENTING "ROCK & ROLL JOE" (for the first time!)

R&R JOE is both an album and a web site DEDICATED TO "THE UNSUNG HEROES OF ROCK AND ROLL". It features JOHN PLATANIA, KENDEL CARSON & ME – sort of like Willy, John, Waylon & Kris did with their "Highwaymen" presentation – John, Kendel & I share vocals throughout R&R JOE.

The CD won't be released until May 24th. The web site is officially launching on April 25 ., but it is up now as a work in progress. (check it out – "ROCKANDROLLJOE.COM")

THE SHOW

NOTE: John, Kendel & I just returned from our Japan tour. So this show was – with a heavy heart – DEDICATED TO OUR JAPANESE FRIENDS.

We started as usual with my theme song, THE REAL THING. Then we ripped into ROCK AND ROLL JOE songs, which the audience seemed to absolutely LOVE!

What special memory this will be .. playing these songs for the first time & feeling such unity with the audience with each one. From the opening strains of R&R JOE.. I saw the nodding of heads as we paid tribute to guitarists, drummers, bass players, fiddlers, horn players .. and I got such chills every time we sang the chorus.

Then the rocked out SAVOY FILES - dedicated to the great musicians that played on the 50s SAVOY and KING RECORDS sessions. After a chilling and reverent look at the passion of the 60s with COULDN'T WE USE SOME OF THAT NOW (again, lots of affirmative nodding here), it was off to the races with HOT ROD CARSON, tributing the rockabilly gals from the 50s and our own Kendel Carson. There was lots of foot stomping, had clapping and even some dancing on this one!

When we played SUGAR SUGAREE – a TAYLOR/PLATANIA duet of sorts - I caught a certain knowing smile on several of the ladies in the audience (and the men, for that matter). Folks seemed to love this one. Then came the fun highlight of the night, "The VAN SONG", which had people laughing and clapping at the same time.

THE UNION SONG brought tons of laughter and smiles as well - and more foot stomping. And after a requested, rocking I LIKE TRUCKS (Kendel killed this!) and a beautiful ANGEL OF THE MORNING, we followed with a spirited WILD THING, ending the show with a special tribute to our Japanese friends… as follows:

With a special nod to our young, lovely singer/ dobro player from Tokyo, CHIHANA, we played a song that I wrote for her - which we sang together on our recent JAPAN tour – "GUITAR GIRL" – with this performance, changing it's name to TOKYO GIRL.

The reaction to this tribute was overwhelming.

This was a very special afternoon. Thanks to all who spent it with us.

Note: Huge thanks to Kevin Smith & Scott Matthews for being SO prepared! Well done, boys!

SAID HI TO SO MANY, INCLUDING:

HI Mike .. a DJ from France.. so nice talking to you!! .. big thanks for your support.. hi to friend Sally Spring!! .. nice talking with you Sally

BIG HELLO TO MY HALDEN, NORWAY FRIENDS.. MAGNA – owner of one of the best pubs on the planet – "Sister Reis", GEIR, THRONG (alias "BIG DADDY"), & KAI .. my great engineer friend who recorded MY NEXT solo album ("All The Perfect People") a few months ago in Halden… WHAT A GREAT SURPRISE!

Of course WONDERFUL to see ANDERS .. my great friend from OREBRO, SWEDEN with his warmth and lovely friend CHRISTINE & cohort Johannes… hope to see you all at the festival in September!

So good to see old friend Marc Monday & friend, EDWIN (CABANNIS) .. let's do this Dallas thing Edwin… BIG hello TO FRED (Shmalle) from The Real Roots Café in Holland.. Thanks for the kind words and the spins, Fred.. see you soon!… BIG HELLO TO GINEKE .. so great to meet you before and after the show!

BIG HI TO MY OLD FRIEND, SONNY RHODES.. & lovely daughter .. and my old friend – JENNIFER! .. and Sonny's friend, TOM .. like old-home-week when you're around, Sonny .. thanks! … Hi to Alfred.. from Holland.. .. and RUDOLPH .. From Leiden. Holland… HI TO JAN from just below TRONDHEIM, Norway .. say hi to my great CREDO friends there! … Hi to David, my Americana Board friend (actually good-guy head of AMA) and Andy from the great label THIRTY TIGERS.

Thanks to all who were here to say hi and welcome in ROCK AND ROLL JOE … Special thoughts & prayers for our Japanese friends. You were all here in spirit.

JAPANESE TOUR - Jan 22 - 28, 2011

JAN 28, 2011 – ARRIVING IN KYOTO

It's about an hours ride from OSAKA to Kyoto .. arrived in time for an awesome lunch at a famous old noodle shop & a visit to a famous temple (THE GINAKUJI TEMPLE) – established in 1482 .. where Japanese culture was formed.. a combination of Higashiama (a resting place for an elite, respected grandfather of the eighth Muromachi Shogunate) & ZEN.

VENUE – TAKUTAKU

The Takutaku is one of the coolest small venues on the planet. What a place for our last show in Japan!! It's housed in a small two floor "house" 20 yards off a small street – two blocks from the "5th AVENUE" of Kyoto – with upscale shops like LOUIS VUITTON lining the road – advertising mostly in English. The downstairs part is the venue, holding about 70 people. The wooden tables & chairs of various sizes are scattered around facing the stage gives the feeling of being in an old Greenwich Village coffee house.

This humble venue – with an amazing sound system – and great sound engineer ("TOM") - has been home to the greatest singer-songwriter & blues artists on the planet, including CLARENCE GATEMOUTH BROWN, BO DIDLEY, DAN PENN, SPOONER OLDHAM & the like – and has been the home for aspiring Japanese musicians. Under the guidance of a wonderful guy named HIRO & a great staff, there is some sort of cool music playing here on a daily basis.

A steep winding staircase takes you to the spacious band area upstairs – with huge posters of legends who have played there plastered on the walls. It's a comfortable area to get ready for a show. It's a VERY cold night tonight & the venue is just starting to warm up. A space heater does the trick upstairs.

We're sound checked by 6:00 & relax upstairs with some good tea & a taste of "organic" pudding that AUDREY has brought in.

THE SHOW

Again, Chihana did her amazing subtle blues thing ending tonight with an awesome instrumental on something that sounded a bit like DARK END OF THE STREET.. maybe it was. She's the real deal - & the audience showed their appreciation.

OUR SHOW

One of the great things about tonight for us on stage was the sound. TOM got the balances just right for us, so, as it was last night, we could trade off each others playing in a way that brought new dimension to each song.

We got to a connection from the start with THE REAL THING, which had many in the audience clapping in time. Then Kendel's OH BABY LIE DOWN brought a terrific response. They loved her tonight from start to finish!

NOTE: (ABOUT KENDEL)

Another thought about Kendel – her playing is so inspired & I feel such a connection with her that each song goes to some better place because of that connection. It's something masters like John do. Kendel has totally achieved that – she is ONE-OF-A KIND AWESOME!

BACK TO THE SHOW

I guess what I'll remember most tonight was the connection we had with the soulful songs like SAW MILL RIVER ROAD, YONKERS NY & CHARCOAL SKY. It felt like we all belonged together in this room on this night. I got such a chill playing them. And John's IN MEMORY OF ZAPATA, with John's humble, honest recitation, was so, so special tonight.

KENDEL'S "I LIKE TRUCKS" got the audience clapping & moving & ANGEL OF THE MORNING, with it's new Spanish-like rhythm & warm harmonies, was so chilling & was met with over-the-top response.

Then it was time for the Chihana duets .. Oh this was so soulful tonight!! Big thanks Chihana.. we loved sharing the stage with you! Too bad it has to end tonight! You're a magic girl!

WILD THING was so cool & sexy & understated tonight .. understated - but so, so powerful – with AWESOME solos by Jon, Kendel & CHIHANA!! – this was among my favorite WILD THING's EVER!!

WE encored with a nuts version of TRY JUST A LITTLE BIT HARDER (with the "KELLY" rap!!), which is becoming a definite show-stopper these days & we are LOVING playing it!! Then came our reverent prisoners tribute, HOLY SHIT .. which totally connects each time. There is no kidding around with this song. It's become more of a ZEN-LIKE prayer.

Then came our tour closer, I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE which totally rocked & had the audience clapping & moving to the rhythm … and after the yodel, we said SAYONARA.. & left to huge applause & a standing ovation!

WHAT A WAY TO END THIS WONDERFUL, MEMORABLE TOUR!!

HUGE THANKS TO OUR GREAT NEW FRIENDS - BOOKER HIROSHI & our escort & sales lady, AUDREY – LOVE YOU GUYS!!

SAID HI TO SEVERAL, INCLUDING

HI KUNIKO .. great to see you AGAIN!! .. thanks for the kind words… & the wonderful gifts.. so above & beyond ..please send my regards to your boy.. hope to see you both again soon … send regards to another other new friend, MAYATA son .. tell him it won't be long!!!

Hi MASATO.. so good to see you again & again (traveled 4 plus hours from Tokyo … as did Kuniko).. what a blessing for us to have a fan/friend like you.. thanks for the gift for the grandkids!! .. by the way .. BLACK & BLUE AMERICA is certainly one of my favorites!!

Hi Saturu .. & Nobuyo.. Yoshitaka.. and big thanks to AKIRA, who saw last night's show & made the trip from OSAKA. Hi Yori.. big hi to TOMAH!!! .. thanks for the kind words… HI WONDER … great talking to you .. thanks for your kindness… best with your own music!!..

GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN MARI!!!!!!! (saw at Borders 2 years ago) … what a special treat!!! – wonderful to meet your dad, KEJI as well … hope our paths cross!! .. BIG HELLO TO ICHIRO.. thanks for the kind thoughts.. so good to meet you on this trip..

AGAIN HUGE THANKS to owner, HIRO… thanks for inviting us to your amazing place & thanks for the T-SHIRTS & the amazing dinner after … hi to your friends "Shijan.. & SOMIA.. hope to see you soon again, HIRO

Again, what a blessing this entire tour has been .. HIROSHI & AUDREY .. what an amazing effort you both made .. it was so appreciated!!

"Konnichiwa" everybody! – or "good day!". JOHN, KENDEL & I ARE LOVING JAPAN & THE JAPANESE PEOPLE - We're ready for another show in another town.

Jan 27, 2011 – HEADING FOR OSAKA

We left NAGOYA at bit past noon, heading southwest for Osaka. Though a bit south, the terrain is more mountainous & we hit some light snow, which let up quickly. We made one stop at another rather large "truck stop" along the highway for a bite to eat. It's always an adventure, but, with the help of Hiroshi, I ordered some seaweed, shrimp & rice soup which tasted great.

ARRIVING IN OSAKA - HOTEL FLORAL INN NAMBA

We arrive in OSAKA, the second largest city in Japan – original home of Panasonic – on the water – some shipping industry & lots of commerce in general - at about 3:00 PM. The hotel is situated on a busy street that reminds me of the main street in Queens, New York.

The hotel is another cool & efficient one. Like the hotels in the last two cities, the faucets for the sink also, with a flip of a switch, control the shower. I like that. It reminds me of a switch on my old Volkswagen Beetle auto that controlled several things. THE VENUE IS DOWNSTAIRS IN THE HOTEL. I haven't seen it yet, but we all love the idea of going from your bedroom to the stage & back again.

THE VENUE – ANOTHER DREAM

What a warm, great place. Again, a bit in size like the Turning Point, which holds about 70 people. These places are all cool little serious music clubs that cater to singer-songwriter or jazz types. You know before you hit the stage that lots of soulful music has passed through the doors. It's great to meet host & owner, Keiko after the show. Keiko has proudly carried on a tradition started by her & her late husband many years ago.

Another Dream Venue Venue Poster from Osaka Show

Thanks to YAMAMOTO for the quick & good sound check, which allowed us time to relax in our room before the show.

THE SHOW

CHIHANA opened with her cool, soulful 3-song set. Again, I love to listen to her. She is so special!

I loved this!! This was a special group to play for. Though kind of quiet in their responses in the beginning, I still felt a communion with these folks early on. And by the end it was a total love-in.

There were far too many highlights to mention. From the beginning, due in part to the clear sound on stage, the connection between Kendel, John & I was solid. The result was that, like a good jazz show, the musicianship inspired the songs in new directions. Songs like OH BABY LIE DOWN & DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE went their own inspired way & the audience seemed to appreciate them quite a bit – as we did on stage.

Some special highlights for me tonight were SAW MILL RIVER ROAD, which seemed to spark a unique connection with the folks tonight. YONKERS NY, with its' story of the fixed basketball games - which seemed to be totally understood by these folks – connected big time. I could see the folks swaying with the song's lilt every time we hit the chorus.

John's, "IN MEMORY OF ZAPATA" was so passionate tonight & the audience responded with total reverence. And I LIKE TRUCKS rocked as cool as ever & had most clapping & singing along. Then came a VERY special ANGEL OF THE MORNING, which had a warm little Latin feel to it tonight – almost like a Joe Cuba thing, which sort of took its direction from a lick John played early on. We had never done it quite like that & it felt awfully emotional & good. Then CHARCOAL SKY totally connected in story & song. By this time I was thinking that something was going on here tonight!

Then CHIHANA joined us for our duets, GUITAR GIRL & COUNTRY GIRL / CITY MAN & oh… this was so special.

Then came a totally rockin WILD THING.. & then came the encores .. .. TRY JUST A LITTLE BIT HARDER, with its rap about my daughter & her husband FRANK (now getting so set-in-stone) was a huge favorite again.. .. a reverent HOLY SHIT & a spirited I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE ended a hell of a night!

THIS WAS SPECIAL!!

SAID HI TO MANY, INCLUDING:

AGAIN.. special hi to owner KEITO .. love your place, Keito.. thanks for having us.

A big hello to Hiroshi's mandolin playing friend, AKIMOTO.. so good to meet you .. loved the story about your buying GASOLINE as a high school student .. thanks for the support!! // hi to Ishiguro .. & MASAKI… & MASAO .. & AKIRA.. big hi to TAKASHI & HIRO & KEI .. & E.YAMASHITA & K. MAEDA.. KIYOSHI.. big hello to Hiroyasu .. thanks to all for the kind words!!

Love & THANKS to our assistant salesgirls, YUKO & SHZUE .. so good to see you. See you in KYOTO!!

Jan 25, 2011 - YOKOHAMA

VENUE – "THUMBS UP"

note: we just realized form looking at the promo material that the tickets cost about $100!! I would have never guessed that Japanese people would pay that much to see us.

THUMBS UP. This is a VERY cool little place – slightly bigger than, say.. THE TURNING POINT in Rockland County (NY). It's very well laid out – the front of the stage is rounded so I stood a few feet closer to the audience than John & Kendel who were flanked on either side of me. The dinner-theater layout had the audience either in the sunken main floor area in front of the stage, or at "box" seats on the next tier, surrounding the main stage . Off to the far left was the bar, where some would sit on stools with a good look at the stage.

You would never expect a place like this to be found on the 4th floor a a small shopping mall – it definitely had that side-street atmosphere going for it – but that's where it was. The place normally holds about 8o. There was not a seat to be had – the place was packed.

SOUND CHECK

- A sharp soundman Are Kane, waded through some technical noise-grounding issues and we were soon ready.

THE SHOW

CHIHANA did an amazing 3 song strongly blues flavored opening. She is such a tasteful slide (dobro) player & a quiet, sensitive singer. I was mesmerized watching her from the side.

ONE LONG SET

Again, we were introduced by our new friend & booker, Hiroshi. I have no idea what he told the audience.. but every once in a while I hear him say a familiar word like "gambler" the audience responds with an "ooh" or a laugh. Whatever he says, when we hit the stage, we are greeted with a very warm response.

As soon as we were on stage I felt this would be a special show.. & it was. The thing that made it so magic was that it was so "lived in" .. I didn't play to the audience like they might not understand me.. I played to them like they were my friends, who would understand me. And with that feeling, songs like DANCE WITH A HOLE IN MY SHOW & BLACK & BLUE AMERICA felt like they connected on a the highest level possible… as did songs like YONKERS NY, CHARCOAL SKY & HOLY SHIT.

In between that magic, their was the Kendel & John magic.. songs like OH BABY LIE DOWN.. & RIBBONS & BOWS .. totally connected tonight.. as did the fun stuff like I LIKE TRUCKS .. that totally rocked tonight!!

John's performance of IN MEMORY OF ZAPATA was so warm & touching .. & the audience responded in kind .. John's playing is so loved & appreciated by these audiences.

After a chilling ANGEL OF THE MORNING, our new amazingly talented friend, CHIAHA joined us .. & tonight we played my old BILLY VERA & JUDY CLAY (& IKE & TINA TURNER) hit, COUNTRY GIRL/ CITY MAN. I can't remember ever performing this song.. & it was so much fun to sing it with my new Yokohama born & raised friend. Then we performed the song I wrote especially for Chihana, "GUITAR GIRL" that features her brilliant, soulful dobro playing… what a warm vibe this one has .. I get total chills performing it with her.

Chihana stayed on stage & joined us with a totally rockin WILD THING – featuring brilliant solos by John, Kendel & Chihana - to end the show. We were called back to the stage & encored with TRY JUST A LITTLE BIT HARDER.. dedicated to our radio DJ friend , Peter Barakan, who had us perform it on his great show the previous day… then we did that chilling version of HOLY SHIT.. dedicated to prisoners.. & ended with a spirited I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE.

This was a show I won't soon forget. Plain & simple, we LOVE playing for these warm Japanese folks .. many who we now call friends . Hope to see you all soon!

AT SHOWS END

We said hi to several, including:

HI TO:

Special hi & thanks to MIJATA .. our new great friend who had attended all three of our shows thus far. BIG THANKS my friend. I CAN'T LET GO was for you tonight!! – thanks so much for your kindness & the gifts.

Also, big thanks to Masato for attending the Tokyo show & this one .. thanks so much for your thoughtfulness (the special Japanese calendar & note pad).. see you soon!!!. Also.. big hello to HIRO, who came from attending all shows as well. Thank you & your friend for the kind words.. see you soon again!

BIG HELLO TO Legendary DJ, Peter Barakan & his lovely wife Myumi (hope the spelling is OK) & their friends, Shizuco & Parker ,, who is born & raised in Tokyo .. & sounds like he's from Hermosa Beach LA.. so special to meet Chihana's mom, Fumiko .. thanks so much for the kind words Fumiko. I love singing & playing with your daughter.. she is so special!!

Hi to Toshio, & Nariko.. & Hiroki .. Hi Shiya & Yoko & Kobo.. Hi Tomoko & Famiyo.. & Masaki.. hello to Haruhiko .. & YASUSHI

What a special night .. thanks to all who attended. Can't wait to revisit this place!!!

Note: big thanks to Audrey .. our co-guide & merchandising sales person. I don't know how she does it, but I never saw so much merchandise being sold!!

BIG MAN BAR

After the show I found my way to the coolest little late night bar on the planet for my allowed scotch before bedtime. Two small blocks from our very comfortable hotel ("MY HOTEL") & up four flights – with selections of ALL my favorite scotches.. Lagavoulin, Laphroig, Bowmore, Ardbeg, Coilila… I was guided to a place called THE BIG MAN… & oh man .. what a place!!

Soto, my bartender did not speak a word of English – me, only a word or two of Japanese, but before I left, we were the best of friends & had some shared philosophical discussions & some light stuff.. like Sotos take on the differences between the young women from Tokyo .."very beautiful.. but many aloof "… Yokohama girls .. "warm .. heartfelt .. " anyway .. nice stuff.

Soto drank I.W. Harper Bourbon from Tennessee … I had NEVER seen a bottle of that stuff before &, for the first time, I realized what Guy Clark was singing about in his (& Rodney's) BLACK DIAMOND STRINGS.. Guy called it "ONE W HARPER. Somehow I was able to convey that to Soto who quickly googled the YOUTUBE of GUY & EMMYLOU singing "drinking ONE W Harper playing Black Diamond Strings" … Soto roared!!! That might be the new theme song of THE BIG MAN BAR!!! Who would have thunk it!!!!

Hi to Soto’s young friend, Suzuki, who stopped by & tried to interpret – it was like the blind leading the blind!! Good luck in finding a good-hearted Yokohama girlfriend, Suzuki. And remember… you smoked your LAST cigarette tonight. I’ll check up on you next time through!! See you guys soon, I hope.

JAN 26, 2011

– heading for NAGOYA (to pronounce correctly - put the accent on the first "A"… ie: "nAgoya"

Left Yokohama at noon for our 4 hour journey in our reasonably large van .. Hiroshi at the helm.. me shotgun.. JP, CHIHANA, AUDREY & KENDEL in the two back seats. Four hours into the journey, we stopped at a truck stop for a bite to eat & to "recharge" – quite a large place.. larger than one you'd find along the New Jersey turnpike .. but a bit more of a country setting than that.. at the far left end of the building - a grocery store/ restaurant complex larger than a football field - there was a cool, new, small building (as big as a typical living room area), that housed a very upscale STARBUCKS ……… & if you stood back 20 feet & looked at it .. right there.. off it's left shoulder .. about a couple of miles away …. Was MOUNT Fuji!!!!!!… wow!!

Starbucks near Mt. Fuji

ARRIVE IN NAGOYA

We checked in to a comfortable hotel in town in walking distance to our venue.. we headed there at 5:15 PM

VENUE – TEKUZO

This cool/ legendary venue is quite small (holds about 75 people). It has a great vibe, with posters around it's walls of old blues & jazz artists who have passed through it's doors. We sound checked with a very nice guy named KONO. Totally happy with the sound by 6:00, we took the tiny, winding staircase to the green room above & had tea & waited for our 7:00 show time.

CHIHANA OPENS THE SHOW

Again, Chihana opened & was magic. Her slide playing is so, so simple & soulful .. nothing clever or tricky .. just beautifully soulful. She doesn't consider herself much of a singer, but her gentle voice draws you into the songs. Her three song set started with a Robert Johnson blues.. & ended with a soulful Donny Fritz song, DARK END OF THE STREET. John & I were in the wings, mesmerized.

OUR SHOW

Again, I felt surprisingly comfortable talking to the audience, and they seem to like being drawn into the songs. The sound was great for us on-stage tonight, which resulted in the best song grooves in memory, with some warm textures flowing through them. John sounded so special.. not just his solos .. but his vibey cushions as well - & Kendel was totally magic. Musically, this was my favorite show in memory!

There were so many highlights.. Kendel's OH BABY LIE DOWN, with John's subtle guitar pulses, was magic – never better. And the folks just loved TEN LOST MEN.. & they were clapping & singing along to BIG TRUCKS toward the end.

DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE has been so awesome at every show on the tour. We play it as the third song in our set – sort of risky as it is NOT light fare. But we've been getting so into the powerful vibe of this on stage .. and letting the "beat poetry" of it take us to powerful places.. & when we get "lost" in it like this.. it sets up OH JOHNNY & then BLACK & BLUE AMERICA with a certain reverence .. that makes more a statement of the power of passionate music, than just a few songs in a row.

Other highlights … JOHN'S, "IN MEMORY OF ZAPATA" was so beautiful & SO appreciated tonight.. as was YONKERS NEW YORK & CHARCOAL SKY.. all met with long, enthusiastic applause. And ANGEL OF THE MORNING was so chilling & brought overwhelming response.

The Chihana medley at the end was so special again .. GUITAR GIRL was so soulful .. & our duet of COUNTRY GIRL / CITY MAN had the audience clapping & cheering.. then came a totally rocking WILD THING.. & before we closed with a reverent HOLY SHIT, we played a totally James Brown-like version of TRY JUST A LITTLE BIT HARDER.. which had me rapping about my daughter Kelly picking up her future husband Frank in a Boston bar .. with call & response chants flowing between John & me .. like a James Brown thing .. this was one for the books!!! – LOVED THIS!!!

WHAT A GREAT NIGHT!!! – Big thanks to all who attended.

WE SAID HI TO SEVERAL, INCLUDING:

So good to see Andy as we left the stage .. born & raised in Tokyo by US missionary parents.. sounds like he's from the mid west .. thanks for the kind words, Andy

Hi to Izumi .. so nice to see you!1 .. Hi to Hirotake.. & Yoshiho.. big hello to Toru.. thanks for the kind words as well. Hi Kiyoshi.. & FATS (with all the CDs) … GREAT TO SEE YOU!!! .. hi Shin & Tetsu & Jiro..

Special hi to the great fans on my left, Leah.. from Western Mass!! & her lovely Japanese friends, Mina (young violin teacher) & her student/friend Jasuko – loved talking with you!!.. hope you enjoy the CDs!!! Big hello to Yasuko.. so nice talking to you!

Big hello to CATFISH .. who had lots to say to all of us.. & big thanks for the "songs of Chip Taylor" CD .. loved hearing those Stoney Edwards tracks again!! a huge JP & CT fan.. & now a huge Kendel fan as well… with tons of old vinyl for John & I to sign .. great to see you my friend!! Hi to AKIRA.. & AKI.. & SPECIAL HI TO DEJANA.. who is a good froiend of our new Japanese friend fro Yokohama, MIJATA.. so good to see you!!

Special hi to another IZUMI, our kind & warm waitress. Hope to see you again. WE LOVED PLAYING HERE!! .. hope to be back soon!!

Jan 22, 2011 - ARRIVE IN TOKYO

upgraded my flight & John's with miles .. so flight was great!!! - first class was awesome ...

arrived to a warm greeting from our tour guide & booker.. a great guy named Hiroshi & his kind assistant, Audrey – It was an hour plus ride to Tokyo .. hotel nice/clean but small / old school & a bit "close" or stuffy for me (no air flow in winter) .. but they gave me a great fan & I'm surprisingly totally fine.. first impression of Tokyo ..

After checking in we had good Japanese food at a close-by restaurant (not high end, but good) .. sushi.. crab, sea weed ... then a GREAT bouillabaisse thing .. simple good ... plum wine was not great, but it was the only one by the glass.. so it did the job.

note: a local famous artist made an awesome hand painted poster for the tour – Kendel, John & me .. the Butch Cassidy look .. very cool .. T-shirts & shopping bags have this logo – they expect big merch sales … I'm just hoping folks come.

JAN 23, 2011 – TOKYO - THE COTTON CLUB

(Two shows – 5:00 & 8:00 PM) – nice to meet Hiroshi (another one) from the club, who assisted us throughout the night. Big thanks, Hiroshi!!

SOUND CHECK

3:00 PM - What a cool new place – a dinner-like mini theater venue in the tradition of the old Cotton Club. It holds approximately 200 people. Big thanks to host Keje & the sound check folks who made us feel so welcome .. we soundcheck in minutes, leaving us to go back to the hotel .. & freshen up for the show.

FIRST SHOW

We're surprised that the afternoon show is so well attended – the ground level is packed – the place is almost full.

I greeted the audience with "Konbanwa' – or "good evening" & "minna son "genkidesoka" .. which means a friendly "how is everyone/' .. off we went, mixing selections from my recent albums.. many Yonkers NY songs, with selections from Kendel & John's recent CDs.

Though I could tell this audience didn't quite get all the words as much as other audiences we've been used to, THEY TOTALLY GOT THE FEELING .. so I felt as much communication with them as any recent audience .. that's the power of heartfelt music!

John & Kendel were awesome throughout & the audience showed big appreciation for their great soloing.

There were many highlights for me. Let's go with DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE, SAW MILL RIVER ROAD, BIG RIVER… KENDEL'S, I LIKE TRUCKS… JOHN'S, IN MEMORY OF ZAPATA … & ANGEL OF THE MORNING .. WILD THING .. AND….

A SPECIAL GUEST!!!!! .. we were joined on stage by an extremely talented dobro musician & singer from TOKYO, named CHEHANA.. I had heard an album of hers several months ago & wrote a song for her called, "GUITAR GIRL" – she has been singing it at her shows recently .. tonight we did a duet of that song – that was a very special moment for me & the audience!

After a rocking WILD THING with great solos by Kendel, John & Chehana… we ended with a soulful HOLY SHIT with many in the audience singing along.

What a great start to our tour – WHAT A WONDERFUL GROUP OF FOLKS TO PLAY FOR!

Said hi to several, including:

HI MIYATA!!! .. great to see you up front .. thanks so much for all the support! Hi to Kiroshi.. & Takehito .. thanks so much for making the long journey (several hours by plane).. hi Midori.. & Frances,,, & Fugii… Hi Tsuno.. & Yasushi..

Nice talking with you Shinja (who sounds like he's from the US.. from only a one year visit there) .. & mom Kuniko .. who plays YONKERS NY everyday in her car.. see you at another show!! .. hi Naho & Tsono

Very special hi to new friends, MAI & friend Arata (which means "new" ) .. thanks for the kind words .. I noticed you on my left in the back during the show .. what a nice inspiration .. \

Hope to see you all soon!!

SECOND SHOW

Several of the folks who attended the first show – particularly those who traveled long distances – stayed for the evening show. So this show was even more packed than the last. And, maybe because it was evening, the audience was looser & their reaction more over-the-top. But, just like the first show, the communication was far easier than I expected.

I felt totally comfortable greeting the audience and sharing the stories that led to the songs. And although much of the set list was the same, the performance was new & fresh, because that's the way John, Kendel & I play – we inspire each other to different directions.

John's playing was so magical in this set & the audience let him know it .. they erupted often from solos from both John & Kendel

Again, DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE went to new places.. as did Kendel's OH BABY LIE DOWN .. the highlights from the first show would apply here.. but let's add CHARCOAL SKY .. this was totally chill time for me .. & the audience seemed to absolutely love it.

And CHEHANA was so, so soulful .. our duet gave me chills. And she totally added a sweaty great vibe with her dobro playing on WILD THING. We ended with a chilling HOLY SHIT – dedicated to prisoners everywhere .. & we encored tonight with I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE.. with the entire audience clapping IN TIME (NEVER MORE IN TIME .. EVER, ANYWHERE!!!) … what an awesome night!!!

Hi To:

WADA.. & Hirasin.. & MUSAKI.. & HARUMI .. good to see my great new friend MAYATA again!!!!! .. hi Hideo & Masao .. Masazumi.. & AKIHIRO .. all were so kind

Big hello to RHISTO .. & MITSUKO.. & TOSHIO ..so many with SO MUCH Vinyl!!! Hi Masanor .. & Toshi .. & HISAKO… & hi to SHIHO .. so great meeting you all … hope the pictures turned out well!!..

Hi Shje & Shiro.. & Nobuo.. & MASATO.. Hi SHIZUKO.. & MASA .. & Jim Whitney's friend, HIRO .. & TAD

Hope to see many of you in YOKAHAMA & beyond!! .. what a great night!!

Note: as HIROSHI & AUDREY SAID WOULD HAPPEN.. the merchandise – CDs – t-shirts – BOOKS etc.. are selling like crazy!

JILL TV SHOW SWEDEN

Dec 28, 2010 – HEADING FOR A TV SHOW IN GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN (invited by Swedish singing star, Jill Johnson)

BEATING JET LAG!!!

After all these years, I finally figured it out. Here's what I suggest. Instead of flying the red eye to any Euro country – if there's a layover for a connecting flight in that country - take the 8:35 AM flight to London, stay at the Hilton Heathrow & connect the following day to wherever.

That's what I did this time. My final destination was Gothenburg, Sweden. If I had taken the red eye, I would have been exhausted & had to wait in Stockholm for 5 hours for a connecting flight. Instead, I left in the AM, arrived at 9:00 PM London time, took the fast train to terminal #4 & was checked in & having a quiet lovely dinner at the Hilton an hour or so later. Soon after, tired from only a few hours sleep the previous night (had to wake before 5:00 AM to get to the airport in ample time), I got to sleep (at around 1:00 AM) & was on Euro-time JUST LIKE THAT!!

Dec 29, 2010 - ARRIVING IN GOTHENBURG

The TV folks had a taxi waiting. I arrived at the hotel at 6:00 where I was met by Rootsy rep, Bjorn Petterson, along with BOX whiskey rep (& Rootsy helper) , Peter. Rootsy is my distributing & booking connection in Scandinavia – run by my old friend, Hakan Olsson & his cohort, Bjorn.

REHEARSAL

Great to see now friend, Jill – one of the GREATEST soul country singers I've ever heard. The band (Miko (drums), Per (Guitar), Barra (pedal steel) & cool horn section guys, led by Mattias (piano) was totally prepared & sounded awesome. New friend, music coordinator Matthew, asked me in the AM if I could shorten the song a bit & after Jill approved the shorter version, Mattias quickly adjusted the charts.

We rehearsed several times so the camera folks could make their plan & the in-ear monitoring system could get set correctly. This system was a first for me.

THE TV SHOW – CELEBRATING UNSUNG HEROES!!!!!!!!

What a great thing this was – dedicated to all the folks that go the extra mile to make other people's lives better!! Lots of coaches of young folks were honored. I loved seeing this from behind the stage. The film stuff & presentations would make you smile & often get close to tears. It was great to be a part of this.

OUR PERFORMANCE

Jill & I performed FOREVER'S GOING UNDERGROUND – a duet we recently recorded, which can be found on Jill's new recording as well as my best of, JAMES WESLEY DAYS, album.

I felt so comfortable with Jill & so inspired by her way as well as her performance. I had a chills every time our voices met. This was a magic four minutes – I loved every second.

AFTER THE SHOW – TV hosted party.

Saga and Chip

So good to see Peter & fiancé Pernilla & little Saga .. oh .. do I love this little girl (5?). She is my new great friend!! Also, nice to meet Agnetta, famous author, who said hi, complimented me & asked for a photo with me in such an unassuming manner. See you soon, Agnetta. Also .. great to see Mattias, Per & Miko .. the great band folks.. what a great job they did!

MEETING UNSUNG HEROES

After the TV party, at the hotel's upstairs bar, I met several UNSUNG HEROES & their friends & family including LENA & her husband Michael..

LENA'S STORY

Her son ISIDOR was born with a serious heart defect - the equivalent of half a heart. At birth & several operations since, the DRs have said he had less than 20% chance of surviving a procedure. He is now 6 with a half functioning body, the result of a tough surgery. Due to immune system deficiency, Lena & husband Michael at times cannot venture outside their homes & have food & all goods delivered to an empty doorway where an envelope of payment is waiting.

Lena established a "club" for parents in a similar position. She is a total hero. Her story – filmed extensively - was pre-empted from the network broadcast due to commercial interruption. Oh my!

Hi to Lena, husband Michael, brother Mats – who started the conversation - Bob Quist (another unsung hero who started some great program (according to Lena) for kids & the other UNSUNG HEROES I met this night – congratulations to all.

Quote from Lena as to what matters most in a human being:

"A big heart – big ears - & a small mouth – so you can pay attention & really hear people you meet."

Dec 13 - ARRIVE LATE (DELAY AT THE BORDER)

We were delayed at the border for three plus hours, due to some past issues that I thought were resolved by now – to be discussed at another time. Thanks to some great driving by Paul, we arrived to the hotel shortly after 6:00 PM .. made a quick change & got to this awesome/cool venue in time for a 10 minute sound check. GREAT JOB BY SOUND MAN PAUL.. BIG THANKS!!

THE VENUE – THE DAKOTA TAVERN

This is the new, hot place in town for cool music. All the best Toronto musicians gravitate here. It's run by Shawn from the BEAUTIES & a nice young lady named Maggie – IT IS SUCH A COOL PLACE .. almost like an old speak-easy .. a small door attached to a humble-looking store front opens to a staircase that takes you down to this cool basement bar/club.. great food, great beer & whiskey - great stage – great sound system – the best vintage amps & the best, most appreciative fans! JOHN & I ARE SO HAPPY TO FINALLY BE HERE!!

THE SHOW

TODAY WAS THE COLDEST DAY OF THE YEAR IN CANADA .. 16 below zero .. many ticket holders were a no-show.. most calling in their regrets - but those that came were welcoming & enthusiastic from the start .. & it was a night to remember!

The Beauties did a great opening set .. joined on stage by the great Justin Ruledge for one song & a girl named Maia DAVIES, an amazing singer from a successful Canadian band, The Ladies Of The Canyon, for a totally soulful performance of a Gram song, SIN CITY ..

Then John & I joined the BEAUTIES for two songs at the end of their great set … First, HEY JONNY .. which brought the YONKERS connection into focus.. then a chilling duet of ANGEL OF THE MORNING with the lovely & awesome MAIA. You were so one-of-a-kind special Maia!! BIG THANKS!!

SET II

Oh man this was something - First .. BIG THANKS to Derek Downham (drums) & Paul Pfisterer (bass) who did an amazing job in backing John & I tonight. I sent them possible tracks to learn only last week .. & they were totally ready!!

BY THE WAY.. The magic man, John Platania was awesome all night.. & this audience let him know it!! .. just great John!!

From THE REAL THING to BASTARD BROTHERS (great to have a little fun with old friend, Richard Flohill with this one) .. to DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE & the rest.. this was so, so vibey tonight …I felt so comfortable in this amazing place & on this stage.

It was so good to relive the SAW MILL RIVER story here tonight.. I loved it ..with BIG RIVER flowing through it & ENDLESS SLEEP feeling so retro & cool & sexy.. WILD THING with it's sing-a-long dedicated to Lady X on the border was extra special tonight! .. it totally rocked.. HOLY SHIT was supposed to end it .. & dedicated to prisoners .. it was special ..& I started to say goodnight..

but then encores followed .. & I WASN"T BORN IN TENNESSEE had everybody singing with Merle Haggard. Finally we all left watching the caboose drift around the bend in a chilling CHARCOAL SKY.. this was a night I won't forget ..

HUGE THANKS TO DANI at the bar.. look forward to hearing your album, Dani .. you're great.. hope to see you again!!

Big thanks SHAWN.. regards to Shannon.. hope to see her & Wyatt next time .. if I can figure this border thing out, let's do it again soon!

Hi To:

David, Wes & Kate (from Lucinda's wedding) .. thanks for coming early .. thanks for the kind words Kate.. see you soon.. Big hi to old friend Richard Flohil.. great to see you tonight Richard .. thanks for being a good sport with the good-natured fun.. appreciate your support always!! .. & hi to friend, Andrea .. nice to meet you

Great to wind down with Maia, boyfriend, Pat .. special to hang out with you guys.. & friend KATY .. James (main bartender at The DAKOTA.. & awesome photog as well!! .. so good to see you .. thanks for taking the pictures .. look forward to that! .. BIG HI TO CHRISTINA (DEREK'S girl friend) .. so nice to meet you .. love your smile.. your boy was something!! .. Hi Anna .(cool bassist from the Ladies Of The Canyon).. great to see you

Hi Paul!! .. BIG THANKS .. let's do this again & again .. see you guys in New York!.. Hi Ryan .. nice talking with you .. hopefully I'll see you at the store next time! .. HUGE THANKS TREVOR for the GREAT food.. the Venison-burger was amazing!! DANI.. SO GREAT MEETING YOU & seeing your smile .. & all .. that was special for me tonight.. you were my buddy .. real fast .. that was so nice!! .. looking forward to listening to your SECOND GEAR.. see you soon I hope!

Hi Sean.. from the great SADIES.. nice talking with you .. hope to see you soon .. hi LISA .. so great to see you .. wish I'd have talked to you more.. JUSTIN .. LOVED listening to you .. wish you did more!!! – hopefully we'll do something together soon! Big hi to co-owner Maggie & brother Jud (great guy & lead guitarist with the BEAUTIES) .. & dad, Doug.. thanks for the kind words Doug .. & the BLACK BOARD JUNGLE memories!! .. hope to see you soon..

Thanks to the lovely girl at the door, Angela, who sold the CDs & said some nice words as I was leaving .. wish I had the chance to talk to you more…

10:30 PM – THE RATTLESNAKE CHOIR

Every Monday night, this cool group follows the main act until well into the night. It was so great to wind down with a single malt & a low alcohol content beer .. talking to some great folks (Maia, Pat, Justin, Dani, Katy, James & all) & listening to this amazing country/off the wall band.. featuring John on vocals.. writing most of the songs.. Sam .. percussion (also makes amazing mobiles in metal- & designed his own triple "slinky" percussion instrument.. which sounded so, so interesting & cool) .. Tony, on bass – world renowned boot-maker .. & Michael.. great keyboard player for The Beauties & others at times!)

Note: sorry that great band member Miranda, who's done some awesome work with Kendel on a new Canadian project, Belle Starr was not here – I was so looking forward to meeting/seeing her.

LOVED this wind down.. my favorite in a long, long while!

Note: special Hi to my special friend, Kendel Carson, who's been saying for a while how awesome this place was having played here many times – just heard from her, wishing her best to all her great friends here .. so I'm passing that along!

See you all soon, I hope.

Dec 12, 2010 – Buffalo, The Sportsmen's Tavern

Advertised as "Buffalo's best music venue". I guess that's true - I can't imagine a better one. At least for the kind of music that rings true to me.

SOUND CHECK

MUSICIANS – ME & JOHN

From the minute John & I walked into this unpretentious place – one fairly large stage – a bar - & open bar seating facing the stage, that might hold 100 plus - we felt something special was going on here. The place reminds me of a soulful/ country place you might find in the 50's in Mt. Vernon… or, well… YONKERS.

Ken. Our booker, sat at the end of the bar. He didn't move a muscle. Then said.. "where's the fiddler". I wasn't sure how to take that. I wondered if he thought we were coming with Kendel// or even Carrie. Then he showed me the poster - it advertised "THE CHIP TAYLOR BAND" .. and the picture was John & me flanking the LOVELY, KENDEL CARSON. Then he smiled & I realized it was a joke. He knew just John & I were coming .. but THIS WAS A BETTER LOOKING POSTER TO HANG ON THE WALL!! How's that for a sense of humor!!

So this is it – the humble place that ALL THE GREAT AMERICANA ARTISTS want to play in Buffalo. Eilen Jewell, Jim Lauderdale, Gurf Morlix to HEYBALE & even ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL. They all play this stage and they all can't wait to come back. In a couple of hours we would feel the same thing!

NOTE: AND AMAZING NEWS .. THEY ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BUILDING A THREE STORY / 2 BUILDING AMAZING NEW COMPLEX – The second building houses Duane's warm & amazing recording studio that aspiring locals use for little or no money & that touring artists use as their green room or to record or whatever . This whole complex is so unpretentious in it's understated storefront look in this sort of run-down part of town – that is now totally on the upswing, due to the efforts of Duane & the gang here at SPORTSMEN's

The upper floor of the new place will look down onto this stage!! From what I saw in design .. already partly built .. I am quite sure this will be one of the MOST TALKED ABOUT & REVERED NEW AMERICANA VENUES IN THE US

Big thanks to DUANE for making us so welcome & getting us great sound so fast!! – about 2 minutes, actually .. a record!!

THE SHOW

One of my all time favorite shows.. this was such a kind, warm bunch of folks to play for .. there could never be a better audience – just nice folks who get the heart of stories & song very quickly.

We began with the YONKERS NY songs & stories .. & since there was such a total connection, I told more stories than usual including some first ever ones..

In set #1, aside from BASTARD BROTHERS & HEY JONNY, I particularly loved DANCE WITH A HOLE IN MY SHOE & I felt the true passion of Black & Blue America as we played it .. & ANGEL OF THE MORNING was warm & chilling & special tonight.

By the way, JOHN PLATANIA was awesome all night & the crowd let him know it at every turn..

SET II

After a fun, "YONKERS GIRLS" came one of the most fun "JOE FRAZIER" interactions in memory. There was such a strong connection here .. & because of the connection, I told more of the SINATRA & POPE JOHN PAUL II story than usual. It was truly like a bunch of friends sitting in a living room…

Then came SAW MILL RIVER ROAD .. & BIG RIVER.. these felt so good.. then CHARCOAL SKY .. with this warm bunch sharing a Monday with dad & mom & my bastard brothers - this was total magic.. then, after a totally rocked-out WILD THING .. which left the spirit of Jimi on these walls, we ended with TENNESSEE, an awesome HOLY SHIT.. & requested SAME OLD STORY & JOHN TUCKER'S ON THE WAGON AGAIN..

This was a show & a venue that John Platania & I will not forget! Hope to be back here VERY soon!!! Big thanks to all!!

SAID HI TO SEVERAL, INCLUDING:

Again.. Hi & BIG THANKS to Duane, Ken, Paul (GREAT TICKETS!!!.. big thanks for that, the poster.. the stickers etc), PAT (at the bar), JIMMY & Andrea.. can't wait to come back!!

HI BOB & DOREEN (from Toronto) .. so good to see you both tonight.. say hi to Bill tomorrow!! BIG HI TO ELMER, NICK, STEVE & DANA.. great seeing you all .. Steve .. thanks for the great requests.. Dana .. best with your own music!!

HI LARRY & JERRY .. so good to see you both .. thanks for the kind words & the BIG RIVER request.. BIG HI MICHAEL .. thanks for the nice words .. so good talking to you!! .. BIG HI JIMMY .. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE WORDS .. they meant a lot to me!!..

Hi to BILLY & THE BEATERS keyboardist, JIM ANGER.. great talking to you Jim.. hi Chuck .. thanks for being here!!

Hi Peter Johnson (YO YO Champ in the '50's!!! .. thanks for the note .. regards to GAVIN & Leslie… hope to see you all soon!.. Hi to Tim & Ron.. saw you at John Prine concert .. what happened to you later??

Hi JOHN from Manchester .. so good to see you, John.. good luck with your Buffalo "SCROOGE" performance.. hope Martha & Jean enjoy the CD .. see you in the UK SPECIAL HI TO GEORGE & late wife, SANDRA .. both big ANGEL OF THE MORNING fans.. & shared a love for casino's & the ponies.. best George.. thanks for the kind words!!..

Hi John .. Joe Renda friend from back in the day.. best of luck with your own music with your friend…

AGAIN .. thanks to all our new friends at this great place – we will DEFINITELY be back – VERY SOON!!

DEC 11, 2010 – WELLSVILLE NY – CREATIVE ARTS CENTER

John & I arrived in Buffalo at about 1:30 .. two plus hours later we arrived in this cool little NY college town.

THE VENUE .. CREATIVE ART CENTER.. sponsored by local businessman/bass player, Andy Glanzman, who saved the buildings and built this wonderful place as a school for artists – and now a venue as well – and an awesome restaurant as well.

Andy, wife Tina, Pete (volunteer lights sound & all things cool pertaining to music), Nate friend Linda (thanks for the cookies!!), Mary Ann, Dave & Jean were there to say hi & offer good assistance & friendship through the night!!

SOUND CHECK

Pete & Andy got my DI set & the mikes ready in quick time. We need little monitor sound as the speakers for the room were behind & above us. Since the room is kind of spread out, the house seemed quite "live" & it was difficult to adjust to on stage. Andy said it would be richer & warmer with folks in the house – and he was right.

As I mentioned, Andy is a bass player & offered/wanted to play with us – as he has with other artists passing through. He had a couple of hours to learn the songs, so we invited him to give it a try.

I only did that once before with Carrie Rodriguez. We had a bass player learn the set minutes before show time at a big benefit show in Rhode Island – that worked out – so did this!! Big thanks for working so hard, Andy!!

THE BAND

JOHN PLATANIA (Van Morrison/Moondance & Dominoe fame), electric guitar - ANDY GLANZMAN, bass & CHIP TAYLOR, acoustic guitar & harmonica

THE SHOW

We shifted gears from the C&C shows of the previous weeks and fell back into the songs of the GRAMMY NOMINATED, Yonkers album. Oh, it feels good to say that.

These nice & appreciative folks were way into my bastard brothers & mom & dad YONKERS stuff from the beginning .. Barry GO ON, BASTARD BROTHERS, HEY JONNY.. all touched home & were fun for John & I to relive on stage.

By the way, like all audiences for this past year, John Platania is getting lots of deserved reverence at all my show!! WAY TO GO JOHN, you were awesome again tonight!!

We ended set #1 with one of my favorite set/endings in memory – BLACK & BLUE AMERICA, DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE & ANGEL OF THE MORNING. We had had never done that ending before. We got a standing ovation as we left the stage & that was only the first set!

SET II

This flew by with more YONKERS NY songs, included YONKERS NY., SAW MILL RIVER ROAD & CHARCOAL SKY .. folks LOVED this one.

But I think my favorite memory from this set were the fan requested, COALFIELDS OF SHICKSHINNY from my LAST CHANCE album circa 1974 & my Janis hit, TRY (JUST A LITTLE BIT HARDER), both of which, John & I played from distant memory. I loved these tonight.. way to go John.

And big thanks to Andy for his VG efforts in helping us by learning the songs so fast – good effort Andy. Let's do it again!

After the show, said hi to several, including!

HI TO:

Jay, & Lee ** .. great seeing you both.. thanks for the nice words.. hi to bastard brother Doug..

Big hi to Carol.. & Jean .. HI SUE!! .. hope Nikki likes the CD.. Hi Pat & Bill & BOB "O" (Linke) .. thanks for your support through the years!!!

Sorry I missed getting the names of so many.. big thanks to all .. what a special night!! Again Linda .. big thanks for those AWESOME cookies.

Again .. huge thanks to Andy & Pete .. & all the gang .. Pete .. big thanks for setting up the Sportsmens Tavern for us .. hope to see you all soon!

CHIP TAYLOR & CARRIE RODRIGUEZ

TEXAS TOUR NOTES NOV 30 - DEC 3, 2010

DEC 3, 2010 – HOUSTON - CHIP TAYLOR & CARRIE RODRIGUEZ

VENUE - Mc GONIGEL'S MUCKY DUCK

Carrie & I have been looking forward to this! – Here's the story: When Carrie & I were releasing our first album, we sat in my apartment thinking of towns we wanted to play. Houston was one of them. Carrie & I had both heard that the "DUCK" was THE place for singer/songwriters in Houston. At the time nobody knew who C&C was. Somehow, our album got in the hands of owners, RUSTY & THERESA & we were invited to play there. I remember how happy we were at that invitation. And so began our long-standing relationship with this place – IT'S SO GREAT TO BE BACK!!

5:30 – ARRIVE FOR SOUND CHECK

It's so great to see old friends, RUSTY, THERESA & SHANE – I love these guys!! On the way to the "green" room, I met staffers, Abby, Natalie, Amy & Tom. Later I'd meet Allissa & ASHLEY & others – Rusty & Theresa have a way of attracting top-of-the-line young folks to their staff – what nice people!! – big thanks to all of you for your support tonight!

DINNER AT THE DUCK!!!

I forgot how GREAT the food is here. Big thanks from the band for the awesome meal!! Note: The place has a sort of dinner theater atmosphere. Not all patrons eat, but many do. Aside from the amazing food, the wine selection is awesome!

THE SHOW

THE BAND again is:
JOHN PLATANIA – electric guitar - LUCKY LUKE JACOBS – pedal steel & KYLE KEGERREIS – upright bass

The place is PACKED!!

What an awesome group to play for!!

It's been over three years since we played here last. WHAT A HOMECOMING!! The C&C vibe was intact from the minute we started YOUR NAME IS ON MY LIPS AGAIN.. I felt such a chill – the C&C vibe was so, so strong. And the audience reaction let us know that they were getting that too. From there on we were off to one of the great nights of this tour – actually, one of the great C&C nights period!.

The up tempo songs like LAREDO & SWEET TEQUILA BLUES & KEEP YOU HAT ON JENNY were loose & totally rocked – with Lucky Luke, John & Kyle killing the audience with brilliant solos But what was so, so chilling tonight was all the mystic ballads, like ON AN ISLAND & BIG MOON SHININ' They were simply off-the-charts chilling tonight. When it gets like that, the reward, as an artist, is what the vibe just did to you. You live for that sort of otherworldly thing. So, even if the audience doesn't get it, if you do – it's enough. But tonight, THIS audience TOTALLY got what WE were getting & their reaction was – as we felt it – OVER THE TOP! BIG, BIG thanks to all for that!! Note: When we finished BIG MOON SHININ', I was so lost in that vibe, it took me several seconds to recover - & in the middle of that recovery Carrie leaned over & whispered.. " that.. was something!"

And so it continued .. and DON'T SPEAK IN ENGLISH &, MUST BE THE WHISKEY killed (The BOX WHISKEY theme song) killed .. & DIRTY LITTLE TEXAS STORY grooved big time … & after a totally rocked out WILD THING - which included "the best sing-a-long in DUCK history – according to manager SHANE, we visited that chilling place again with the requested RED DOG TRACKS – this was something! We closed with the sweetest version of WE COME UP SHINING – what a touching ending to this C&C return. This was night to remember!!

Huge thanks to all who were here!!

BIG HI TO:

First, a VERY SPECIAL HELLO & HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to JENNY & RYAN!! – thanks for getting them the tickets Donna.. hope you got my messages. We'd love to see you guys at The CACTUS in-store!! If not, let's get together next time I'm in town. HUGE HI & THANKS TO CARRIE'S cousin Celeste & husband ANDREW .. great talking to you .. LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU NEXT TIME!! Great to see old friend, FRED .. you look great Fred.. & sis, Carol.. Kathy & David & friends .. hope friend TOM enjoys the CD… HI VERNON.. good to see you again & again.. Hi Melba ..Theresa's mom.. so good to see you & Garrett .. good luck in VEGAS Melba .. or wherever you try your luck.. but be careful!!! .. Hi Jack & Mark .. hi Caleb .. hope to see you NEXT time!! – hi JEN & JON .. wish you could have been here.. thanks for the support & the kind words, Janie.. much love .. Hi Gary, & Donny .. hope Harry enjoys the listen.. Hi Pam & STU (STURAT!!) .. so good to see you guys up front!! .. thanks for the kind words & awesome support .. JP thanks you as well!! Big hi to Jeanine & Kimberley (see Kimberley .. I remembered!!) .. so great to see you both!!!! .. hi to your folks (reminder to me .. the folks from Germany from a few years ago) .. hope to see you all next time!!

BIG HI TO SCOTT (from Edmonton!!!!) & JELENA.. so great to see you both .. Hi Nancy & BRUCE .. what nice words!!! .. hope SUZY enjoys the CD.. HI RANDY & MARY .. so good to talk to you!! .. & big hi again to Elizabeth .. mom, DOROTHY is from YONKERS (ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL) .. Elizabeth, tell mom that my album, YONKERS NY, is up for a GRAMMY!!! Hi Robert & CARMALYN.. love that name .. great to see you both .. Hi CORY … GREAT TO SEE YOU IN THE FIRST ROW!!!! .. thanks for the kind words.. & hi to friends PAM & MARK .. so good to see you all.. & big hi to HEIDI & DAVID!!!! And to all the others who were here - WHAT AN AWESOME NIGHT .. see you soon!!

DEC 4, 2010 – CACTUS RECORDS – CHIP TAYLOR & CARRIE RODRIGUEZ LIVE IN-STORE PERFORMANCE

This is another one of those amazing stores – in a similar image of the great WATERLOO RECORDS in Austin – stores that defy the trends – sell great music & have lasting, loyal customers. Both Waterloo & The Cactus cater to in-store shows & have VG sound systems & good stages to perform from.

SOUND CHECK

GREAT TO SEE MANAGER QUINN.. a friend from past days & kind staffer, Adriana as we entered. A terrific soundman, Mark, had us ready in minutes. Big thanks Mark!!! Again, it's JP on electric guitar – Lucky Luke on pedal steel - & Kyle on upright bass.

THE SHOW

It's great to see so many "friends" on hand for this – thanks to all for the warm welcome. After briefly explaining what the new CD, THE NEW BYE & BYE was about, we began with YOUR NAME IS ON MY LIPS AGAIN.

ABOUT THIS SONG

I guess if you listen to this song, you'll get to know me pretty good. There is no ego involved when I tell you I LOVE this little song. It is humble & it's the truth - & I get a chill every time Carrie & I sing it. If some one said – this song represents the best of my writing – or it perfectly represents the C&C magic – I would not argue. And …it gave me a total a chill today.

And then it was SWEET TEQUILA BLUES & ON AN ISLAND .. & the chill stayed strong right through DON'T SPEAK IN ENGLISH. And we all smiled together when Carrie cussed me out in THE NEW BYE & BYE.. and it seemed like everyone felt the seriousness of the "hard times" in the story that followed. Then it was a totally rocked-out WILD THING with a huge/great sing-a-long. And after some over-the-top cheers & warm applause we said thanks & good-bye & Carrie & I quickly found our way to the signing area & we said hi to some wonderful folks.

HI TO:

Hi CRYSTAL, great to see you today!!! You always were our special WILD THING!! Have a great Christmas .. we'll be thinking of you. Hi Eddie .. very good to see you .. thanks for the kind words. Hi Sandy .. so good to see you again & again – hope Nan & Ted enjoy the listen. Hi Lisa & Hugh (with the great Troggs CD) & Bob.. thanks to all for the kind words .. Bob .. nice to see the full LAST CHANCE vinyl . with poster included .. big thanks! Hi Tim .. what nice words.. Hi Buster.. good to see you! Hi David .. big thanks for being here .. SPECIAL hi to dad PAUL & his sweet girls, Emily & Isa.. it was so good to see you off to the side of the stage during the show! Hope to see you again!! BIG HELLO TO OLD FRIEND, ANDREW DANSBY & SWEET two-year old DAUGHTER, HAZEL .. so good to see you both .. Hazel.. this is for you.. "HOLY COW!!! BET YOU KNOW HOW .. TO SING THIS SONG .. BOW WOW!!!" .. love you Hazel. Andrew.. hope dad & mom (John & Karen) enjoy the CD .. big hello to them

Hi to Bob, Mike, Katrina, Jules.. HI BRUCE.. good to see you again!! .. Hi Theresa.. thanks for the sweet words.. Hi Eli & Mike .. hope Kathy enjoys the listen .. HI Jeannette & Rick.. & Neil .. big thanks for those words.. Hi Gary.. big hello to Bob & Emma.. HI PAULA.. hope Mike enjoys the CD

Special hi to Jodi & lovely daughter KAT (with the guitar).. so good to see you both (happy you got in line again!) .. LOVED that picture of us KAT!! …Jodi .. send it quick & we'll post it .. hope to see you both soon. Big thanks to all .. what a great way to wind up the C&C tour.. see you soon, Quinn!

WILL CHIP & CARRIE TOUR AGAIN

That's the question everyone asks. A simple answer is – I'm not sure. It seems everyone wants that - & Carrie & I were talking today about how great this tour was – sold out shows – huge response. We know something special just happened & we're listening to what fans are saying.

We both have lots of solo things on our plate coming up, but we talked about the possibility of pointing toward an annual end-of-the-year reunion tour – with new recordings each year – similar to this. So, we'll see – but Carrie's solo career is in full swing.. so look for her coming your way soon. And I'll be coming your way soon (late March) with John Platania & Kendel Carson with a new project dedicated to musicians who never got the credit they deserve. It's called ROCK & ROLL JOE .. with input from Lucinda, Bill Frisell, Greg Leisz, JP, Bryan Owings, Ron Eoff, Buddy Miller & many others - with "a cast of thousands". It should be something! Hopefully, when all is said & done, C&C will come your way soon again.

NOV 30, 2010 – LIVE RADIO at KNBT – NEW BRAUNFELS

WITH HOST & FRIEND RAY WYLIE HUBBARD & co-hosted by great friend, MATTSON REINER

Held at a cool little roadside place called TAVERN IN THE GRUENE, just down the street from the oldest dance hall in the US, GRUENE HALL. Mattson was instrumental in breaking me & then Carrie & me in these parts - & Ray is not only an amazing artist in his own right – but a soft spoken gem of a radio host as well.

With musicians, guitarist John Platania & pedal steel player, Luke Jacobs, we played & talked for the better part of two hours, jumping from songs from our new album, to the hits – with lots of off-the-wall conversation – some of it funny as hell - Radio doesn't get better.

Big thanks Ray & Mattson!! – see you soon!

WATERLOO IN-STORE

This entire Texas return will be an old sentimental homecoming, filled with huge memories. We'll see lots of old friends/fans on this run. It's fitting that this magic place is a part of it. Carrie & I LOVE being here! This is one of our favorite places to play on the planet – first of all, because it's such a cool retro-record store – secondly, & more important, because it's owned & operated by a wonderful guy & our great friend, John Kunz.

THE SHOW

Note: Big thanks to hard working KELSIE & the crew for getting the good sound together by show-time. Hope to see you again, Kelsie.

This is certainly more like a show than an in-store. John has a great stage area set up high against one of the walls, that overlooks every section of the entire store, so the artist gets a good look at all the folks in attendance. And this place is PACKED this afternoon.

The Musicians:

John Platania – guitar
Luke Jacobs – pedal steel
Kyle Kegerreis – upright bass
Carrie & me

We played a 40 minute set, the new songs (YOUR NAME IS ON MY LIPS, ON AN ISLAND & THE NEW BYE & BYE) mixed with some Taylor/Rodriguez classics & ended with a rousing WILD THING. This was more than just a great prelude to some magic that would happen at the CACTUS CAFÉ for the next two nights!!! What a nice way to spend a late afternoon.

BIG THANKS TO THE ENTIRE WATERLOO STAFF – WHAT GREAT FOLKS!!

SAID HI TO MANY AFTER THE SHOW, INCLUDING:

First – so good to see John Kunz with his lovely wife Kathy & talk about good Thanksgiving days! – so good to see old friend Vincent, who always has interesting stuff for us to sign – a poster always included .. .. great to see you again & again,,

BIG HELLO TO OLD FRIEND PAT – THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE BOOKS .. everybody loved them .. kept looking through them in the dressing room at the Cactus – great stuff!! .. please send BIG, BIG Love to Terry.. we are totally there with her in these tough days.. hope to see you very soon Terry

& hi to Gina & Rush ..

Hi Gary .. & Chris . has photos of Carrie & me from here & New Braunfels.. love to see them.. Hi Robin, & JOSH & MANDY.. & Diane & Eric – such nice words from all.. Hi Peter .. big love to Bunny .. so glad she's feeling better! … Hi Marcel.. ..& Kim (nice guy) .. good to see you!..

Hi to Morris & kids, Sarah & 12 year old ARIANA (BIRTHDAY ON MAR 27!!!)– once almost sand WILD THING with me at Gruene Hall) & Allysa 5 – HOPE TO SEE YOU ONE OF THESE DAYS SOON

Hi Zosia, Joseph, Rhoda, (for Sherry & Dick .. is that right??) .. Hi Ann & Bob.. & Herb – Hi John & Patty .. HI KURBY .. hi Charlie .. & Steve Hopson & Ryan Fennell.. Hi Bonner& Edie . Hi Joseph .. & Rhoda

BIG HI TO DELLA (From Gueros) .. hope to see you soon Della.. you're great!! Thanks for the kind words … HI EARL .. I'll remember what you said!!! Many thanks for those special words!!

GREAT TO SEE OLD FRIEND JODY DENBERG .. who did the beautiful Liner Notes on our album.. nice to see you as well, Caroline .. hope to spend time with you another day.

THANKS JOHN & KATHY & The Waterloo folks .. this was awesome .. as usual!!

DEC 1, 2010 - THE CACTUS CAFÉ

WELL - GREAT NEWS!!! – THE CACTUS CAFÉ HAS BEEN SAVED.

For those who don't know – several months ago, there was much talk that the owner, the University Of Texas, would be shutting the place down. Many locals including a bunch of heralded musicians led a charge to save it. I was proudly part of that mix with my song, JESUS CHRIST, DON'T LET THE CACTUS FALL, which I recorded back then & was on sale at Waterloo to benefit the cause.

Tonight, I saw old friend Griff, who has managed this legendary place for 30 years. He threw his arms around me & said.."BIG THANKS, CHIP .. WE DID IT!!! THE CACTUS IS SAVED""

THAT WAS GREAT NEWS TO HEAR! Supposedly Griff will stay on as an advisor to work with the new manager, Matt – who seems like a great guy & totally efficient! I'm thinking this could work well!!

GREAT TO SEE OLD FRIENDS

It was so good to see my old friends, bartenders CHRIS & SUSAN. It seems like we've been friends forever - what a great homecoming this is for me!!

SOUND CHECK

Thanks to Jeff, who worked through some inherent Cactus sound challenges, to get us awesome sound by show time!! Big thanks to Chris .. great sound engineer as well – who is recording these two shows!!

THE SHOW

The Musicians:

John Platania – guitar
Luke Jacobs – pedal steel
Kyle Kegerreis – upright bass

Well. This was a love-in from start to finish. The band was so great from the start & that gave Carrie & me an opportunity to vibe at our best .. & when it's like that we go to some magical new places.

We started with YOUR NAME IS ON MY LIPS AGAIN. And when the audience erupted at the finish, we followed with SWEET TEQUILA BLUES & LET'S LEAVE THIS TOWN.. adding a chilling version of the new ON AN ISLAND .. a few rockers later (LAREDO & KEEP YOUR HAT ON JENNY).. we closed the first set with fan-favorite version of ANGEL OF THE MORNING.

SET II

This was so loose & fun.. from DON'T SPEAK IN ENGLISH.. to the end. I loved PLAY IT AGAIN SAM, our tribute to our WESTERN MASS (IRON HORSE) fans.. as well as MUST BE THE WHISKEY .. which is now the theme song for BOX WHISKEY from SWEDEN… but it was a chilling BIG MOON SHININ that totally gets me .. those 5 minutes display the C&C magic like no other. I am always left with a physical buzz that doesn't disappear for a while.. And oh, I love being in that place!

And then came WILD THING .. which totally rocked. With Carrie's blessing I then sang my tribute to the CACTUS CAFÉ – "JESUS CHRIST – DON'T LET THE CACTUS FALL" .. which gets to me emotionally every time .. there was total solidarity in the room for those thoughts .. a special moment for me

We ended with "WE COME UP SHINING" .. & the response was overwhelming .. it was almost like some super-group reuniting .. C&C are definitely back.. at least in Western Mass & NY .. & HERE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS! – what a night!!

SAID HI TO SEVERAL AFTER THE SHOW

Sorry. I lost my notes on this .. but from memory..

Big hi to Sonny Rhodes & friend Carlos.. & Travis, from ANCHORAGE, ALASKA .. & Carrie's mom, Katy & husband, Jim .. & aunt LESLIE .. GREAT TO SEE YOU LESLIE!!! ..

Hi to great friends, John & Kathy Kunz.. huge thanks for your support .. John .. I've been an accepted honorary Texan in your place for years.. that has meant so much to me!! .. big thanks

DEC 2, 2010 – WOKE UP TO GREAT NEWS!!!!!!

My latest CD, YONKERS NY IS UP FOR A GRAMMY AWARD for BEST RECORDING PACKAGE … what an honor for Andy Taray, designer & all THE TRAIN WRECK RECORDS STAFF, who worked so hard to put my family tribute on the best possible setting!!

DEC 2, 2010 – KUT RADIO – with host MATT REILLY..

It's like I said last time I did an interview with Matt. This new-guy-on-the-block is simply very good at what he does!! – he's sneaky good. What I mean by that is – you start the interview & expect to sail through typical questions - then all of a sudden a "real" question is asked .. a good question .. & your jolted a bit – and you think & respond & the audience (as well as CARRIE & I) – gets to know us better! .. that's a very neat thing!!

So this was a good interview / performance setting for us. Along with the interesting questions, we played some new songs along with DON'T SPEAK IN ENGLISH.. and said our good-byes .. Big thanks Matt .. well done! - & thanks always Cliff for the great sound.

DEC 2, 2010 –THE CACTUS – (SECOND NIGHT)

SOLD OUT SHOW

Both nights were totally packed – but tonight, it's oversold. We managed to squeeze in Sonny Rhodes & his crew, who arrived at the last minute. Then they bolted the door & we hit the stage.

THE SHOW

The Musicians:
John Platania – guitar
Luke Jacobs – pedal steel
Kyle Kegerreis – upright bass

Again.. this was a love-in from start to finish. This was a very vocal crowd with constant bursts of cheers.. mostly emanating from the packed bar area in the rear.

I felt such a chill when Carrie's voice hit mine on YOUR NAME IS ON MY LIPS TONIGHT" - & it didn't stop the whole night. There were so many highlights.

SWEET TEQUILA BLUES.. LET'S LEAVE THIS TOWN .. was so, so warm tonight.. then LAREDO totally vibed with all the great solos by John & Luke & Kyle.. Then DO YOUR PART was so cool .. & gain the band's solos were so, so special..

Luke & Kyle were great tonight.. but their was so much deserved reverence for the amazingly soulful JOHN PLATANIA tonight – it felt so good to hear all those cheers. And I have not mentioned Carrie's fiddling enough in these notes – she has been so on fire .. & she was sheer magic tonight!!

The C&C vibe continued with MUST BE THE WHISKEY .. & their were roars when CARRIE cussed me out in the opening verse of THE NEW BYE & BYE.. this is so much fun in the beginning & so dead-on serious as it gets going .. not many songs can do that.. it's a good thing!!

I was left misty eyed with BIG MOON SHININ' again.. & at songs end my instinct is always to put my arm around her.. nothing in music gets me like what we do when we sing that song! .. 'nuff said.

We closed with an extraordinarily appreciated Cactus tribute, JESUS CHRIST – DON'T LET THE CACTUS FALL

And closed again with my "flowers" for Carrie, WE COME UP SHINING

What an amazing two days at this wonderful place .. thanks to all who were part of it!

SAID HI TO SEVERAL, INCLUDING:

BIG HI to Carrie's great family .. Frances, so good to see you sitting there!!! – good therapy for me! – great to see you again Sylvia!! Hi & love to Leslie, Katy, all the cousins, Paloma & Wills (remember your promise Wills!!) – it was SO great to see you all!

Big hi to old friends Chad & Tara .. somehow we belong together .. this separation is not a good thing .. for any of us. Just plain wrong!! – Right Tara!!

Sonny & golfing cohorts .. great to see you boys!! .. hope to see you soon… Hi Carlos & friend .. was it Susan?? .. so good to see you!! Hi Brent .. Hi to Pal from Seattle & Evy .. great to see you guys… hi to CLARK & SHERI .. hope you enjoy the album .. I have great memories of you guys .. wish you were here! ..

Hi CJ.. & Cheryll .. hope husband, HUNTER enjoys the CD.. Hi Brittany.. Hi Valerie .. & Bill .. hey John .. all the best.. Hi Chris for DAD-in-law, Mike .. Mike .. hope you enjoy the CD .. Hi EARL .. thanks for coming by again & again.. hope I can live up to your words.. Hi Daryll .. all the best with your own music.

So special to see Phoebe (from the Bellevue Outfit) & lovely friend Heidi .. nice talking with you both .. look forward to hearing your new songs, Phoebe ..& seeing you both again.

Jody & Barbara .. it was SO special to see you .both. Barb .. you look great!! Hope to see you soon.. & John Kunz .. what a nice thing it is to hang with you always .. big thanks .. & big love to Kathy

BIG HELLO TO PAUL from LONGVIEW who traveled with his lovely & sweet daughter, AMY – 275 miles to see the show!! That meant a lot to me.. hope to see you both soon!!

Nov 21, 2010 – TURNER FALLS, MASS

VENUE – THE SHEA THEATER presents CHIP TAYLOR & CARRIE RODRIGUEZ

C&C HISTORY HERE

This western Mass area – within earshot of one of the greatest community radio stations ever – WRSI – "THE RIVER" - was one of the first areas to "break" Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez (voted listener favorites on The River two years in a row). I remember when we would play the IRON HORSE in Northampton; people would stand in line for two hours in the freezing cold just to see us. And what great, warm-hearted folks they were.

Aside from the Iron Horse, we played at another wonderful venue just up the road, The All Souls Church with kind hosts Diane, Linda, Susan, Tom & other kind & hard-working volunteers.

WHY "THE SHEA" TONIGHT

Since the IRON HORSE was not able to accommodate us for the date we needed, we contacted the All Souls folks who coordinated with the folks at the Shea Theater. And so here we are – playing for a sell out crowd at this warm, lovely theater in Turner Falls – not far from Northampton.

ARRIVE AT 4:15 - A WARM WELCOME

Two very nice guys, host Peter & soundman Jared were first to great us. Shortly after, another kind volunteer host, Beth & son Jack (a musician in his own right), said hello & quickly had our "green" room stocked with snacks & a VG dinner from Holey Smokes BBQ on the way.

THE BAND

JOHN PLATANIA- guitar
HANS HOLZEN – guitar & lap steel
KYLE KEGERREIS – upright bass
Carrie – fiddle / vocals
Chip – guitar/ harmonica / vocals

SOUND CHECK

Jared (& helper Tim) got us good sound in short order – in time to practice a bit. It seems that now – after just two days of being together again - we're running through songs for our own enjoyment - rather than a need to learn them. The C&C vibe has felt so "there" -so fast.

Note: This is a VERY special show to me. I feel we're ready & truthfully – I can't wait to take the stage. But during the wait, I stood in the hallway & listened to a bit of a very good performance by the opening act.

THE SHOW

When we walked out on stage, the response was so overwhelming – I almost couldn't speak. I started tearing up & the first thing I was able to say was that I wished my family were here.

And from the minute we started to sing YOUR NAME IS ON MY LIPS AGAIN, I was feeling that total connection with Carrie & the chills were constant. And they lasted for the entire night.

And as the long ovations continued & got a bit more over-the-top, we got lost in every song – first SWEET TEQUILLA BLUES, then LET'S LEAVE THIS TOWN, then KEEP YOUR HAT ON JENNY. The band felt so "lived in" tonight & the playing inspired Carrie & I to go to special chill-time place with fresh & new crescendo's & de-crescendos which happen with us from feeling – not planning.

And there was something so magical about the guitars tonight. Two lead electric guitars can sometimes be a real mess – but tonight – with Hans & John- it was pure magic. Hans switched between electric guitar & lap steel. But no matter which he chose, his instrument always gently floated around the songs & John's strat in the sweetest way.

And with Kyle's warm bass undercurrent & Carrie's fiddle, songs like ON AN ISLAND (a new one), HIM WHO SAVED ME, MUST BE THE WHISKEY & BIG MOON SHINING were, at times, kind of floating on a sort of magical sea – which left space for Carrie & me to feel some deep feeling that would end up with sound hitting the air in a way that only we do. We never plan that sort of thing – it just happens. The result is that the phrasing is a bit different each night & yet always seems so… together. It's such a hard thing to explain. We just float around some place in the unknown and find our way home. And sometimes it gets so, so special - & the chill becomes overwhelming. It was that way for me tonight.

Then came the rockers, like Laredo – which had an amazing groove & some brilliant solos. And when we started the intro to DON'T SPEAK IN ENGLISH, the audience started applauding right away and the journey of that song felt so cool & fun.

Then came Angel of The Morning – and it was so, so touching, with a serious, once-in-a-lifetime love-affair vibe. There's nothing trivial about this song when it's gotten right – and we got it right tonight. Then came WILD THING - & it was so total rock & roll! And what an awesome therapeutic audience sing-a-long on that one!! – with the best "GROOVY" in memory!!

Then came a very special moment for me. I've been waiting to play, PLAY IT AGAIN SAM – my tribute to the western Mass fans. So we played it for the first time tonight. It felt so warm & right & brought an overwhelming response - certainly one of the highlights for me. I just love this little song.

Then came my - always requested by friend Sandy - 1961 hit in these parts HERE I AM .. and we all had some fun with that story & the band's performance of it was quite heroic as it was not in our set list – and it ended up sounding so dramatic & warm – wonderful job by Carrie & the band. The audience showed their appreciation – big time.

Then came other requests – RED DOG TRACKS (so, so chilling .. the band was awesome on this!!) – DIRTY LITTLE TEXAS STORY … this was so country-cool .. a kids fan-favorite back in the day (Carrie & I LOVE to sing this one!) – then came a totally rockin' ALL THE RAIN .. suggested by Carrie.. which led to our final closer, WE COME UP SHINING … & oh, I felt such chills again on this one

How can one guy get so lucky .. this band .. this audience .. & CARRIE!

What a wonderful night for this Yonkers boy. I won't forget this one ever.

AFTER THE SHOW

Said hi to many, including:

Diane!!! – my friend from ALL SOULS CHURCH- So great to see you again, Diane, please say hi to all my ALL SOULS friends that couldn't be here. I have such sweet memories of that place & those shows .. Hi Lynne ,, so good to see you as well - thanks for the sweet words – love your smile! ..& BIG HI to SANDRA & RICK .. just great to see you again – so glad you were here!! Hi Tom (& Barbara) .. so good to see you again as well!

HI SANDY .. great to see you always .. loved playing HERE I AM tonight – that memory is so attached to you now – a good thing .. big thanks! BIG HI to Jan & SIMON .. it was so good to see you guys again!! Thanks so much or making the trip!! . Simon .. looking forward to the listen.. you're always into interesting things! Jan.. thanks for the nice words from you & your friend.

Hi Karin .. so good to see you!! Hope Austen enjoys the CD .. best with his music.. Hi Marsha & Fred.. Hi Christina!! .. hope mom Susan enjoys the CD.. Hi Julie ..good to see you .. hope Carol enjoys the CD ..Hi Debby .. 'till next time!.. Hi Relena & Israel .. so good to see you both at the end …

Big hi & THANKS TO MATT for giving mom & dad (Karen & Frank) an early Christmas present (tickets to our show) .. hope to see you next time Matt .. & hope you enjoy the listen..

Hi Sheryll! .. & Naomi & Michael.. & Dorothy .. & David & Asha.. great seeing all the smiles .. & big thanks for the kind words.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Esther.. hi Phil & Ben .. & Lori.. Hi Maureen & Kevin.. good to see you.. hi Lenny & Denise .. good to see you as well .. HI DOROTHY!!

Again.. big thanks to Beth & Jack .. Peter (best with the kids program) & Jared & Tim – hope to see you all soon!

Nov 20, 2010 – THE LIVING ROOM – CHIP TAYLOR & CARRIE RODRIGUEZ

THE BAND

JOHN PLATANIA- guitar
HANS HOLZEN – guitar & lap steel
KYLE KEGERREIS – upright bass
TONY LEONE – drums
Carrie – fiddle / vocals
Chip – guitar/ harmonica / vocals

THE SHOW

I'LL REMEMBER THIS ONE

First, like last night, so many folks that mean & meant so much to the C&C thing were here – plus other very special new friends of mine. Secondly, the interaction between those on stage & off was so warm & inspiring. Third, it was just one of those C&C nights, where the "almost silence" played as much a part of the vibe as the notes.

From the first harmonies of YOUR NAME IS ON MY LIPS AGAIN, to the reverent stillness of ON AN ISLAND, HIM WHO SAVED ME, BIG MOON SHINING & WE COME UP SHINING the band and Carrie & I moved in & out of the silence. And when it gets like that, there's a C&C togetherness that can't be challenged.

This amazing band totally rocked on JENNY & LAREDO – both of these were definite highlights. But there was something about MUST BE THE WHISKEY tonight that, like the chill ballads, had a wonderful misty-edge to it. We drifted to the clouds & didn't come down for quite a while – and then we did & it was such a pretty & chilling descent.

We caught a GREAT groove on DON'T SPEAK IN ENGLISH and the audience seemed to LOVE this one., as they did, ANGEL OF THE MORNING, which was so beautifully played by the band, with Carrie & I wrapping around it as warmly as ever.

Note: I always felt this song as portraying a sort of desperately needed reverent culmination of a love affair by two members of the resistance in WWII – who might never see each other again – rather than a modern day illicit thing. And that's the way it felt tonight – and in that spirit, it was so beautiful.

Then came WILD THING!

And .. oh this was something. The band totally rocked on this one! And what AWESOME SOLOS by John, Hans & Tony & Kyle - Jimi would have been proud!! After a long applause & a standing ovation, Carrie & I got to a very special moment with WE COME UP SHINING. We left the stage to another standing ovation & with my Ukrainian friends smiling (a very good thing for me). This was a truly magical C&C night – one I will – for all the reasons mentioned – remember.

Big thanks to Jennifer & staff / & Nick at the door

Steve – sound first day & AGAIN .. great sound second day & SOOO easy to work with

HI TO:

Old friend & photog, Garry & friend, JESSICA – big thanks for documenting our stuff over the years .. & for the great shots tonight – ALL night!!! Great spending time with you both.. let's do it again ..See you soon .. Jessica .. hope mom, Colleen, enjoys the CD.

My old school buddy, Willie .. thanks always Bill & thanks for the great book – I told Joan about it – she says hi – missed you!

HUGE HELLO TO KEITH & JANE, newlyweds!!, who fell in love listening to C&C music .. MUST BE THE WHISKEY in particular!! Hi Andy & fiancé Kristen .. thanks for being there .. best with the film!! Can't wait for that!!

Hi to Becca & Andy (SHORE FIRE) .. great to see you again Andy .. good to meet you Becca! Hi Jerry Elaine .. great to see you!! Hi Maureen & Willem .. thanks for the kind words .. you as well, Han .. (Actually "Daniel" – long story!) .. so good to see you .. glad you said hi!

Hi to Paul – from Rhode Island – worked 7 years in Austin .. got to know & love C&C stuff from there .. so good to see you .. thanks for the kind words!! .. BIG HI TO PASCALE & the group from Hastings?? .. appreciate your making the trips .. thanks for all the nice thoughts

Note: forgot to mention old friend Camila & husband Larry .. great to see you guys before the show yesterday!! .. thanks for the big support always!

Hi to TROY & LAURA .. TONY'S friends .. thanks for the nice words at the end Troy .. hope to see you guys again

Hi to my good friend Vinny & new friend Jong .. surprised & happy you were there!! See you soon .. always!

OK .. big hello to Stanley, Sean & my special Ukranian friends .. Olga & what's her name?! .. oh yes .. Marianna .. love you.. & finally on film! .. so, so happy you were there.

And Hi to the Hans entourage - Larry & Camila .. & Lilly!! .. Carlo & Peter – Big thanks Peter for selling the CDs & the "drug" money.

NOV 19, 2010 – 1:00 PM - SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO – With Meredith Ochs

Carrie & I did a very comfortable 45 minute performance / interview with friend Meredith Ochs. This was smooth & nice as always – so "lived in". Big thanks Meredith ., great to see friends Jeremy Tepper & Dave Marsh.. Had to hurry for sound-check, Dave – sorry I missed saying hello to Jon. I would have loved that!!

NOV 19, 2010 – THE LIVING ROOM

THE SHOW (based on our new CD, THE NEW BYE & BYE – 4 new songs & a best of The Train Wreck Years)

Well the C&C magic is back – full throttle!

To start, I briefly told the folks a bit about our history together & just what this reunion - Carrie & me AND THIS WONDERFUL BAND of musician friends – meant to us all. Then, after Carrie introduced the band, the magic started.

We began with our new "hit" song at Americana stations across the country. YOUR NAME IS ON MY LIPS. And the chills were totally back every time Carrie's voice hit mine. And I felt them for the entire night.

Past treasures such as SWEET TEQUILA BLUES, LET'S LEAVE THIS TOWN, KEEP YOUR HAT ON JENNY followed in quick succession to over-the-top audience response. There was no doubt that this audience LOVED that C&C were back. They let us know it at every step.

Note: It was great to see our old friend & fan Howard in the front row. He supported Carrie & I from the first show on & has NEVER missed a C&C show on the east coast – or any of our individual shows for that matter. Great to have your spirit here today, Howard – YOU HAVE ALWAYS KNOWN WHAT THE MAGIC OF C&C IS ALL ABOUT! And it was very important to us that you were here tonight!

TONIGHT'S SPECIAL MAGIC

Maybe because we hadn't done these songs in a while (& had NEVER done a few), we were in new & vibrant zones with all of them. And this great band kept floating with us wherever Carrie & I went – finally landing together. Sometimes the "unknown" can be your best friend – it was that way tonight.

We had rehearsed the songs only briefly the previous day after Carrie flew in from North Carolina. So we knew we'd be out on a limb with remembering lyrics and form. So this performance was more like a jazz ensemble – where we felt things together & at times I sort of guided the form as we went, with viby solos floating in & out of new structure. That was total magic for me.

One of the new songs, ON AN ISLAND, was the perfect showcase for the smoldering phrasing that somehow flows through C&C performances. We phrase that way on the spot, without ever talking about doing it - & we never do it the same way twice. It's the spirit of the moment that guides us.

So "Island" was warm & good tonight., leaving a similar chill as I would find later on BIG MOON SHINING. If anyone wants to hear the real C&C magic at it's apex, listen to ANY C&C performance of this song.

Other highlights for me were a hypnotic HIM WHO SAVED ME, the warm, sweet MEMPHIS TEXAS (our tribute to Carrie's brilliant book-writing grandma, Frances) & the cool groove of DON'T SPEAK IN ENGLISH (which the folks totally loved!). Then it was time for the title song. THE NEW BYE & BYE. And the audience seemed to love Carrie cussing me out at the beginning of it. They also seemed to like my second verse response, "Easy now baby .. calm yourself down where your standing". This is the first time we have done this song. I was a bit worried that it would work – but it did – big time!

ANGEL OF THE MORNING was so moving tonight & Wild THING totally rocked. We ended with a smoking ALL THE RAIN, a very sweet & loving, WE COME UP SHINING .. & after a standing ovation, we closed with a very original, cool, bluesy & fun, DO YOUR PART.

WHAT A SPECIAL NIGHT!!!

So happy the place was filled with such warm, great fans! At shows end, we SAID HI TO SEVERAL, INCLUDING:

Hi & thanks to the COLONY CREW .. my Joanie, Mary Chuck, Brent & Sandy, Al & Debbie Gail & Steve, Sandy & Norman & Janet.. hi Ellen & Hal Freiman .. so glad you guys came!!! .. wish I had a chance to say hello – what GREAT friends ALL!!!! Hi Aliene .. great to see you & Annie .. Annie .. hope to see you & Dave at the Candlelight one of these days! Send him by best!

Great to see friends Gerard & Shelley Big thanks for coming again & bringing your kind friends. So glad you're a part of all this! So good to see my dearest friend Carrie Knoblock & her Alex alwa!!!! LOVE YOU GUYS!! And Kayhan .. so good to see you again!!!

Note: Gerard's amazing restaurant, La Mangeoire (second Ave / between 53 & 54th) is my "home / dining room" whenever I'm in New York.

Hi to Alicia .. our great friend & fan from Continental Airlines & friend MIMI .. GREAT to see you both!! .. Hi to my friend, director Patrick Wang & cohorts Max & Elwaldo – Hi Kevin .. nice talking to you .. thanks for the kind words

Hi Christi .. thanks for saying hello .. Hi Howard.. from Elmore magazine .. great to see you guys again.. Hi to Bill & Mikie from Yonkers .. & big hi to songwriter Ray & wife Colleen from Yonkers .. great to see you again!

Hi my great friend at EMI, Keith & wife Maggie & friend Amy .. so good to see you all .. AND BIG HI TO MY FRIEND FROM ITALY, GERONIMO.. who once flew from Italy to London to see my presentation of YONKERS NY at the Borderline there (one of my favorite shows EVER!) – great to see you tonight – Huge best wishes to my friend Carlo Carini!!

Thanks for the support Matt (from Shore Fire – our great publicity arm) .. It's always great to see you.

Good to wind down with Carrie & friend Luke – and Hans & girlfriend Lilly (actually Liliana Lou – from Atlanta .. originally?!) .. & their nice friend, Johanna. Aside from Luke .. who is turning traitor- opting for friends Bill Frisell & Greg Leitz tomorrow (instead of us!) – see you all tomorrow!

Nov 6, 2010 – KIRUNA SWEDEN - MEAN BASTARD DAY (the first annual)

MEAN BASTARD DAY is here!!!!

Here's how it happened.

Kiruna is an iron ore mining town in the far north of Sweden (by the north pole). It's also the home of the famous Ice Hotel. It is also the home of my new friends, musicians Orjan Maki & Bjorn Petterson.

Full darkness hits this town on about the 12th of December & lasts until mid-February. For most, in one way or another, it's tough to deal with. After listening to Orjan & Bjorn discuss these problems & at their request, I wrote a song that would hopefully lift the spirits there a bit. The song is called I KNOW DARK, & within I call Dark, " a mean bastard".

After recording the song in Halden, Norway a few months ago, Bjorn & Orjan began plans to conduct a yearly festival called MEAN BASTARD DAY, to welcome in ("fight" might be a better word) the darkness. My song, I KNOW DARK, is the official theme song of the festival.

This year the festival featured performances by some amazing Swedish artists & one guy from Yonkers New York. The known Swedish artists were The Willy Clay Band, Frida Snells (had a #1 Swedish hit a few years ago), The Coolants, & The Favourate Hippies & Jonas Pietikainen. These guys (& girl) are all amazingly talented, each bringing something totally unique to the table.

The magical surprise of the night were a couple of music students from the local high school HANNA (lead vocalist & song writer), MAJA (amazing back ground singer) & ELLEN (subtle & very innocent/cool on stage bassist) who performed while accompanied perfectly on guitar & accordion by their teachers Max (brilliant all around musician), Per (guitarist) & Orjan Macki on pedal steel

First, Hanna's songs were so unique & honest – Second her voice, though gentle, has a rich warm magic to it, It's very, very unique – easy to identify (a great quality!) – And harmony singer Maja is AWESOME.. so solid & so simple & so "on" all the time. And together they have this magic like you first heard with the Everly Brothers or the Louvins, though their songs are nothing like that (Hanna's songs are inde rock/pop/cool). And bassist Ellen is a solid simple player, with total innocent magic on stage.

Clive Davis should hear these guys!!

I'm the guy from Yonkers.

THE VENUE

The event was held at a cool place called The Tradgarn in Kiruna, owned & managed by my new friends Arthur & Louise.

THE SHOW

At the start of the festival I spoke a bit about the spirit in which it was formed - heralding Bjorn & Orjan as the inspiration for the event. Then we christened the first annual MEAN BASTARD DAY with a sing-a-long of I KNOW DARK – with me singing the verses with Tony (lead singer for the Willy Clay band) & Frida & Reine (from Willy Clay) singing the chorus with us - This was a chilling, amazing start for what would prove to be an AWESOME NIGHT!!

Bjorn had it running like a Louisiana Hayride show – when Elvis would do two or three or four at the most & Carl Perkins would follow with the same etc. Every MEAN BASTARD festival artist did 3 or 4 songs. There were breaks of ten minutes or so every 45 minutes. The show moved at such an amazing pace. It was hold on to your hats, getting ready for one cool/inspired act after another.

When it was my turn, about half way through, the band & I played HEY JONNIE, a duet of ANGEL OF THE MORNING with Frida (awesome job, Frida!!), WILD THING & HOLY SHIT with everybody singing wildly on the former & reverently on the holy one. Later I would encore with THE WAY OF IT & TOO DYNAMIC after ending the festival with a reprise of I KNOW DARK – with everyone still there singing along at the end – We finished at the bar with good friends Louise, Arthur & all – well past 1:00 AM!! WHAT A NIGHT!!

WHAT A NIGHT!!

Tour Notes - FIRST AMERICANA LIVE IN NYC, Oct 20-22, 2010

OCT 22, 2010 – HILL COUNTRY

CHIP TAYLOR – with special guests, KENDEL CARSON, JOHN PLATANIA, OH SUSANNA & THE BEAUTIES

ABOUT THE VENUE – This is not only the Rolls Royce of barbecue on the east coast; it is also a new & amazing music place. The folks that handle this part of it are an amazing bunch – Lincoln is the point, & he & manager Cody tend to your every need. Big thanks to you guys from the entire band. It was awesome working with you both! And special hi & thanks to Ian who brought amazing sound to the room & the stage. See you soon, my friend!

What an amazing night this was!! The place was packed, with the late arrivals sitting under the stairwell in the far back. And what an awesome audience they were!!

INTROS

Jessie Scott welcomed the audience to this final day of AMERICANA LIVE in New York City & told them a bit about what the organization was about & the magic stuff that happened in these last two days.

Then I introduced the stars of the first set, the amazing CANADIAN contingency consisting of Americana star KENDEL CARSON & revered Canadian treasures OH SUSANNA (Susie – who is an understated gem!) & THE BEAUTIES (Toronto's answer to The Velvet Underground). I had hand picked these inspired folks to join me on this closing night as I had first hand knowledge of how great a show it would be!

Note: At the AMERICANA festival in Nashville earlier in the year, John Platania & I had played with this same lineup at a special Canadian presentation & the vibe was awesome.

THE SHOW – 10:20 PM

FIRST SET

YOU HAD TO BE THERE!!! The Beauties, Susie & Kendel traded cool songs for the better part of an hour, all joining in support of each other. And the audience loved it - big time! At the first set's end, John & I took the stage - & with the support of all - blasted out HEY JONNY, my tribute to the start of Rock & Roll (from my YONKERS NY CD). We left the first set with a chilling ANGEL OF THE MORNING with Susie & Kendel sharing featured vocal leads with me. There was such electricity in the air – both on stage & off – I couldn't wait for the second set to begin.

SECOND SET

Again, Jessie Scott helped get us off to a flying start, as she & I recalled the great Johnny Cash & his legend - which is so a part of what Americana is all about.

The packed house was riveted in their seats or in their standing positions for the entire show. And though this was a late venue (started this second set at 11:30), NOT ONE PERSON LEFT! Aside from John Platania, joining me on stage for this set were my amazing band members TONY MERCADANTE on bass & Tony Leone on drums.

After paying tribute to "real" country & the race records from the south, with THE REAL THING, we drifted in & out of the Yonkers songs with the much loved, BASTARD BROTHERS, WITHOUT HORSES & SAW MILL RIVER ROAD – with it's blasts of Johnny Cash's BIG RIVER & rock & roll at it's sweaty best, ENDLESS SLEEP.

We sprinkled these with Kendel gems, BELT BUCKLE & the fan favorite, I LIKE TRUCKS. My tribute to the prisoners, DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE, was a definite favorite tonight.

At shows end, we invited the Beauties & Oh Susanna to join us, & with the audience, rocked out an awesome WILD THING – with it's tribute to The Troggs & JIMI HENDRIX - & closed with another haunting tribute to the prisoners, with HOLY SHIT.

This was a hell of a night!! Thanks to all my old friends who came & to the new friends made. It was a night I won't forget.

HI TO:

Note: lost some notes containing names – but some from memory:

Hi to HOWARD .. GREAT TO SEE YOU again & again!! Hi to my friend Vinny & Alan & SIMON & kind wife .. & the crew.. good to see you .. hi to great friend Robert & Shari – see you soon ..hi Aldon!! .. big thanks for coming!! ..BIG HI TO LINDA!! .. thanks for being here .. hi to Michael & Marc.. LOVE this place .. hi to OH Susanna's cousin, Michael.. good talking to you. RICHIE!!!! .. so good to see you my friend!!.. & the nice friend I spoke to at a downtown bar 10 years ago.. very good to see you again!!

HI ANNA & STANLEY .. so great that you came!! .. Anna .. you're magic!! Tell my Ukrainian friends I said a big "hi" .. MA.. where were you!!!!???

Hi Joey .. great to see you during the show & after.. HI CHRISTOPHER .. keep having to turn the card over to read your name .. thanks for the kind words! .. .. Hi Rob & Martin..

Hi to Tony Merc's friend & friend .. the SHAGGY fan (of sorts!) .. BIG HI TO WALT & LUCKY & EMERY & ANDREAS .. so good to see you all!! .. & Musako .. so happy to see you .. thank your wife for coming .. see you soon..

Hi Howard .. great talking to you .. best with your magazine!! .. send me that picture!! .. Hi to the SHORE FIRE crew.. Mark & Andy & Meredith .. great seeing you!! & Gerry .. friend from Manchester .. thanks for the kind words!!.. hi Simone & John .. nice talking to you!!!

See you all very soon!! .. don't forget - CARRIE RODRIGUEZ & I will be at THE LIVING ROOM on Nov 19 & 20 – see many of you there!

LOOKING BACK AT THE FIRST AMERICANA LIVE IN NEW YORK

What separates these events from others is the unprepared & unprecedented "magic" that happened in each of these events.

ON DAY ONE, after Jack Grace got the ball rolling & after Jim Campilongo – fresh from a sick bed & with his trio - put on one of the most amazing guitar-based shows I have ever scene, he was joined on stage (for the first time ever) by his hero - & other telecaster wizard – Bill Kirchin. This was amazing artistry out on a limb – floating in those heavens for the better part of four minutes. This was soulful genius – it does not get better.

ON DAY TWO, for the better part of an hour and a half, Cindy Cashdollar & minstrel/ barker/snake-oil-salesman, Steve James, consistently put themselves in that lost zone where stories & inspired playing fed off each other to the absolute delight of the intimate group that attended. This show was magic from start to finish. One of my favorite shows in memory!

ON DAY THREE, my new Canadian heroes, the VELVET UNDERGROUND-like BEAUTIES, OH SUSANNA & KENDEL CARSON joined legendary guitarist John Platania (Van Morrison – MOON DANCE & DOMINO) & me & the rest of my band in, as loose & inspired a show as we've done. It was new friends, with the utmost respect for each other – venturing into the unknown together – for a long show that seemed far too short. This festival was all about that!

Note: At the end of every show the buzz word was "Americana." Folks love this stuff!

OCT 21, 2010 – NEW YORK - VENUE - HILL COUNTRY

10:00 PM

INTRO

I spoke a little bit about Americana Music & the AMA & reverently introduced the audience to my old friend Cindy & new friend (though born & raised in my home town of Yonkers), Steve.

THE SHOW - CINDY CASHDOLLAR & STEVE JAMES

From the opening note, an enchanting Bluebird-like atmosphere warmed Hill Country last night. As Cindy – queen of the dobro & slide guitar - & Steve – master musician (guitar, mandolin & dobro) & story teller - wove through stories & songs for the better part of an hour & a half – and kept this rapt audience at the edge of their chairs & cheering after every song.

What surprised me was the ease that combined the barker-like magic of Steve's delivery of magical little blues songs, (ie: FOLK RADIO, BIRMINGHAM STEEL & COCAINE BLUES) with the charming brilliance of the accents of his & Cindy's instruments.

I have never seen a show quite like this. Some of the songs were eerily beautiful & others just magical & fun – but the constant was that the audience was with them at every turn – there was no lull – no "good time to run to the bathroom" – everyone sat & smiled & cheered for the entire show.

I joined somewhere in the middle to guest with Merle's TODAY I STARTED LOVING YOU AGAIN & Johnny Cash's BIG RIVER. I loved that. It was so great to hear Cindy weave in & out of these (she is so one-of-a-kind). We hadn't played together in years yet it seemed like we played yesterday. And Steve brought his own big-time magic to these as well.

Toward the shows end Cindy & Steve again invited me up to do WILD THING (a first for Cindy & me) – which absolutely rocked tonight with brilliant guitar solos by Steve & totally off the charts slide solo by Cindy. After spirited sing-a-long of the chorus & a wild final guitar riff by Steve, a standing ovation & some foot stomping had Cindy & Steve quickly returning for their encores.

And for the next 15 minutes, they mesmerized the audience again, and finally said good night.

At shows end, several in the audience started talking about how cool "this Americana thing is". That was proved in spades tonight.

TONIGHT – back at Hill Country – I'll be joined by the amazing Canadian contingent - KENDEL CARSON, OH SUSANNA & BEAUTIES – and my great friend, John Platania (Van Morrison / Moondance/ Domino etc). This will be some ending to an AWESOME "Americana LIVE IN NY" week!

I will be joined by the awesome Canadian contingent, the amazing Kendel Carson & Oh Susanna, with Toronto's answer to the Velvet Underground, THE BEAUTIES (I LOVE THESE GUYS!!) .. as well as the amazing John Platania & the rest of my band.

See you soon.

Oct 20, 2010 – RODEO BAR

They'll be talking about this one for years to come.

8:15 PM

I briefly took the stage to tell the folks a bit about the AMA & what was about to happen. Then it happened.

THE JACK GRACE BAND

Jack Grace (who did such a great job helping organize this event) & his band took the stage as the house was quickly filling up. His cross between good wit, good-natured fun, serious moods & honest to God country – with wife, bassist Daria, singing tight harmony - had everybody feeling so loose & good. What a GREAT JOB JACK!!

JESSIE SCOTT

My other cohort & board member, Jessie Scott, took the stage & talked about the event, handed out some T-shirts & held up OUR AMAZING JON LANGFORD ORIGINAL POSTER – which everybody has been totally awed by (& EVERYBODY WANTS!!)!! BIG THANKS FROM THE AMA JON – YOU CAME THROUGH BIG TIME. After Jesse's cool intro of Jim, the magic continued.

THE JIM CAMPILONGO TRIO

By the time Jim Campilango & band hit the stage, the place was totally full with people standing 15 deep behind the venue room. I have never seen the Rodeo Bar so packed! Then Jim, fresh from a sick bed, mesmerized this audience & me for about 50 minutes.

And I had never seen anything like this performance. It was telecaster wizardry at it's best - mixed with in between off-the-wall-humor describing his on the spot mood shifts. But the guitar madness was what was totally stunning. Jim floated to the clouds & back on impulse & he took us all with him. WHAT A PERFORMANCE!!

At shows end Jim invited his "hero", Bill Kirchin – another telecaster wizard hero to the stage. The two blasted into the unknown on a version of Folsom Prison Blues that will never be forgotten by folks that were here. Half way through the song, people were blasting cheers & applause that rose to a deafening crescendo at songs end. This was one for the books!

THE BILL KIRCHIN SHOW

After a brief intro by Jessie & me, my old friend Bill took the stage & the telecaster mastery continued. But this time with some cool, warm Bill vocals. It was vintage & new, Kirchin songs, mixed with Dylan classics (& others) – oh, man were these ever AWESOME. Drummer Jack joined in with solid harmonies & bassist, Maurice, kept the pulse of the rock-a-billy thing warm & solid on the up-tempo songs & the ballads.

I haven't see Bill's show in a while, but he was on the top of his game tonight & this audience totally loved what he was giving & let him know it! Bill ended with his show-stopper, HOT ROD LINCOLN – with its' blasts of famous rock & roll licks. And when he blasts those out, you remember why all that stuff is important – so important. And you are quickly reminded of why Bill & AMERICANA music is so important – so important. And everybody left a whole lot better because of that!

What a great night!

HUGE THANKS TO THE AMAZING RACHEL & DANA – my great friends – who worked the room selling T-SHIRTS & POSTERS. Thanks for all your help Rachel (& Will) for scattering these posters around town!! Also, big thanks to photog Jeff Fasano, who went out of his way to help document the start of this event! See you Friday, Jeff!

Now the magic continues!

TOUR NOTES - IRELAND Oct 3 - Oct 14, 2010

THE CHIP TAYLOR / KENDEL CARSON TOUR

Oct 12, 2010 - Last night in Dublin

– an off day. Had a good healthy chicken & vegetables dinner at the hotel. Then, after some work in my room, headed down the main road past Whelans, stopping at the end of the road – after a quick right turn – at a place called THE MERCANTILE.

Just purchased by the same owner as Whelan's this a great pub & music room/

Here, I wound down with some great guys – bartenders Evan, Donnacha & Connor - & some good Ardbeg scotch. Great seeing you boys – hope you like the YONKERS CD – see you next time through.

Note: Donnacha .. ok .. we'll give you a few days – STOP SMOKING by next Monday!!!

Oct 13, 2010 - HEADING FOR MULLAGHMORE (then BALLYSHANNON)

Kendel had left last evening with brother Tyler to stay the night in Sligo – Ty's home for this last month or so since he's been on tour with Sandy Kelly (the entire band & Sandy lives in the area). Sligo is generally on the way to our hotel where we will stay tonight in Mullaghmore.

Nigel & I leave Dublin around 11:15, pick up Kendel at 2:30 & arrive at our amazing hotel – THE PIER HOTEL – in Mullaghmore – an amazingly beautiful little seaside town - at 3:30.

Big thanks to the kind staff – GRAINNE ("Grace" .. pronounced "Gronya"), CHRIS, bartender/waiter, LIAM .. great talking with you my friend - & owner, John .. who shared the humble history of the place at night's end.

Note: John told me that his mom was a housekeeper for MT BATON & was given this building & plot of land many years ago. John & others in the family have kept it going.

ROOM WITH A VIEW

My large modern Cape Cod-like room's two spacious windows look immediately to the inlet – which leads quickly to The Donegal Bay (with Donegal only a few miles across) then to the broader expanse of the Atlantic Ocean - with it's small boats gently enclosed by ancient low walls – with a gap leading to the bay. This is breathtakingly beautiful. Mema!!! – you're loving this!!

BREAKFAST WITH A VIEW

There are only a few people having breakfast when I arrive at 10:15. It's another, "Oh my goodness view!! One side of the dining room is enclosed by one long window (about five table in length) – which looks out to the Donegal Bay (just a few yards from the window) Again, this is breathtaking! I sit at one of the seaside tables & enjoy a very good breakfast served by a lovely young Russian girl, Elena.

Owner John takes a table in the back with friends & workers, Gerry & Mark. I tell him that I have some "pull" with the owner & can get them better seats - they smile & stay put. I've invited all of them for the show tonight.

WALKING THROUGH TOWN & ON THE PIER

In the lobby I meet John's sister, kind Noel & son Steve & a very nice young lady, Audrey who I guess is the house friend/ photographer & Chris, who's at the desk again this morning with little sleep. We take some fun pictures outside. Audrey says she will send in a little while so we can post.

Then I go for a walk through the entire town – which takes 46 seconds (5 small buildings) .. then walk in & around the ancient little walls & to the walkway along the bay.

Now I'm back in my room. It's 12:30 – I'll do some work in preparation for the two festivals I'm hosting – one The First AMERICANA LIVE in New York beginning in a few days (Oct 20) .. then THE FIRST ANNUAL MEAN BASTARD DAY .. in Kiruna Sweden to celebrate or, maybe more accurately, "commiserate" with the folks as their ALL DARK days are soon coming.

Oct 14, 2010 - Heading for BALLYSHANON

Big thanks to John's sister Noel for the amazing hospitality here - & for the late, late check out. Look forward to seeing some of you folks at the show.

SOUND CHECK IN BALLSHANNON

It's only a half hour drive to the venue. When we arrive we are greeted by old friend, Davy Brown & friend Brenda – who made the trip from Coleraine – great to see you guys!!! - also, I'm pleased to see an old friend, Patsy manning the controls. Patsy was at my first show in Belfast with Davy some 10 plus years ago. Both friends with Phil Sinclair –former record store owner from the north who was a big champion of my music back in the day - & largely responsible for a fan base for me in that area.

We finish checking in minutes – then it's off to a good local restaurant, Nirvana, for dinner.

THE SHOW

LOVED THIS!! With now old friends Sean & Maggie & several from the hotel – John, Noel, Chris & friends. Big thanks for coming! This show flew by.

This was sort of a family affair.. with the entire audience in tune with my BASTARD BROTHERS .. the BLACKBOARD JUNGLE story .. a Monday with my dad with CHARCOAL SKY.. & a return to The Chat & Chew nightclub with SAW MILL RIVER ROAD.. I loved going back to YONKERS with these great folks!

And Kendel was a total star as usual.. with the audience loving OH BABY LIE DOWN, BELT BUCKLE (this rocked big time tonight), TEN LOST MEN .. show stopper, I LIKE TRUCKS. And Kendel's awesome fiddling was much appreciated by this great group & ME!!! She is one-of-a-kind amazing – so loose – so inspired & so rock & roll!!

A HUGE highlight again tonight was our tongue-in-cheek rant at Van Morrison & John Platania with the "VAN SONG". And every mention of John's name from here on in was met with instant chuckles.. a good thing. Again.. a reminder .. JP is a great guy & my best friend .. but his playing with Van so often these past few years sure did inspire a VERY cool song.

After a wild, WILD THING with a HUGE therapeutic chorus sing-a-long.. & after a warm standing ovation, we encored with a tribute to those behind bars with DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE (the audience erupted after this one) .. & the solemn, HOLY SHIT.

This was a special night – one to remember. THANKS FOR BEING HERE!! Hope to see you all soon.

AFTER THE SHOW

HI TO:

Sean & Maggie (from Ballybofey show) – GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!! LOVE TO THE GIRLS, Ashling & Catheriona .. So good spending a bit of time with you - I'll look forward to seeing all of you next time! – Big thanks for all the kind words!! ..

Hi to the great Pier Head Hotel contingent!!! John, Noel … big thanks for coming .. Love your Pier-Head magic .. please send my regards to the rest of the kind folks there – Audrey, Liam, Gerry, Mark & all - , hope to be back soon – BIG Hi to Chris & crazy friends, Darren & James – as well as nice & lovely Hillary .. thanks SO much for coming!!! Chris .. tell Elena I missed her – see you all soon, I hope!

Hi to ANNE & JAMES… so good to meet you .. so glad I saw you at intermission, Anne .. your words were inspiring – great to see you both at the end – hope to see you soon.!!

Hi Kathleen (Willy Nelson's friend) .. good to see you.. Hi Valentia.. John & Liz .. with cousin from Yonkers.. Hi Mary .. so good to see you.. Hi Anne .. hope Grace likes the CD.. see you soon!

BIG HI TO BIRTHDAY BOY, FRANCES & sis SANDRA & Brother Brannen .. hi to golf pro dad, Frankie!! – great talking to all of you!! – Frances.. hope you like the CD - wonderful to see all you guys

Big thanks to all – this was a wonderful way to end the tour!!!

Oct 11, 2010 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELLY!!

Today is a special day for my wife Joan & me – it's our amazing daughters birthday!! I wrote a song for her years ago that said in part:

"I've been all around the neighborhood & twice around the world
and there's nothin' like a daddy & his girl"

And that is so true!! These days Kell is an amazing mom & daughter & wife & hard worker (an attorney who, as head of the Career Development office at Yale University, guides the job placement of law students.

LOVE YOU FROM IRELAND, HONEY!!! SEE YOU SOON!!

Oct 11, 2010 – Dublin - 9:00 AM - THE PAT KENNY SHOW (RTE RADIO)

We arrived at radio RTE & were met by Pat's assistant, a very nice young lady name Aoife (sounds like "eefa" for us dumb Americans) & another terrific person, producer Aidan Butler. We did a quick sound check at the studio where the show would be broadcast, then went for a coffee etc. at the cafeteria.

RECORDING IN THE RTE STUDIO

Aidan suggested that while we were waiting to go "on air" with Pat. We adjourn to the famous RTE studio where U2 recorded their first album. There we met a great young engineer named Damian & his cohorts & at Aidan's suggestion, recorded 5 tracks for future airing. We recorded, OH BABY LIE DOWN, TEN LOST MEN, CHARCOAL SKY, HEY JONNY & WILD THING. The tracks sounded so, so good. GREAT JOB DAMIAN!!

Note: I'm now thinking of adding the two songs we would later perform on Pat's show (YONKERS NEW YORK & ANGEL OF THE MORNING) – adding them to some live with Gerry Anderson & Des Fisher tracks .. & releasing a Chip Taylor / Kendel Carson – "LIVE IN IRELAND" CD.

The main catalyst for my thinking in this direction is the recording we made here of "OH BABY LIE DOWN". It sounds like a hit to my ears!

At sessions end we met the head of RTE Radio – a great lady named Ana Leddy – who has been part of a fairly well known band, The COSMIC BANDITOS. IT WAS GREAT TO SEE YOU ANA. Huge thanks for having us!!

THE PAT KENNY SHOW

It was great to see Pat again. I've done his TV show in the past. He's kind, smart, interested (so interesting). We talked a bit & played a bit (Angel of The Morning & YONKERS NY. It was loose, warm & fun & went by too fast!

It was great to see you Pat. Special thoughts & love to daughter, Christina. I hope to see her next time through.

Oct 11, 2010 – SOUND CHECK at WHELAN'S (ROOM CHANGE!!)

Kendel & I - & Nigel - arrive at about 5:45. We waited for quite some time for the soundman to join us. At 6:25 we started to get a bit nervous. Then we found out the problem.

Our soundman, Liam, was there all the time. He was waiting upstairs in the small room. But since we did The Pat Kenny radio show, the phone's been ringing – ticket sales are way up - & our show was moved to the larger downstairs room. And a great room it is.

Liam is a great guy & so easy to work with. We're happily checked in minutes & head for dinner.

Note: As we were leaving sound check, we saw Luc Loucet (awesome Canadian singer/songwriter) & sweet mom Twinkle – they are on a bit of a vacation & here to support friend Kendel (& me) – so good to see you both!!

7:15 – DINNER (at a great place!)

Nigel & I found a great restaurant yesterday only a few blocks from the venue (???name???). We return there for a quick meal before show-time. Joining us is Kendel's musician brother Tyler, who played last night with rock-a-billy legend Sandy Kelly in a town not far from here.

After some good conversation, we're quickly to the hotel for 5 minutes – then back to the venue – on stage at 8:40.

DEDICATION

We dedicate this show to the spirit of Derek Nally – the recently deceased (& much respected & loved) booker of roots-based artists in Dublin & surrounds. Derek passed on in July & is leaving a wife & 3 small children.

Derek booked my first Dublin show in 1997 & many subsequent ones. He was a one-of-a-kind. Everyone in the audience knows that & in that reverent tribute our show begins.

THE SHOW

I'm not sure why, but I've never been more comfortable on stage than I was for this entire show. I loved every minute of this!

There were lots of musicians in the audience & that put Kendel on the spot a bit. But it brought out the best in her & by show's end she was going places only the likes of Jimi Hendrik-like artists would dare tread. SHE WAS AWESOME!!! And that spirit helped me wander out there on that limb as well.

This was a magic night!

We drifted in & out of the YONKERS stories with my BASTARD BROTHERS, & my MAFIA friends (& my JOAN) with WITHOUT HORSES, a trip to the CHAT & CHEW with SAW MILL RIVER ROAD - & the cherished visit to the NEPPERHAN train station with CHARCOAL SKY .. with songs & STORIES, meeting with warm & long applause.

And Kendel killed with her songs tonight!! Oh Baby Lie Down, BELT BUCKLE, TEN LOST MEN .. & I LIKE TRUCKS!! - she was out there & SO great!!

A new highlight was a first-time only – I AIN'T LEAVING WITH OUT YOU.. which seemed special to all of us.

And everyone (Audience & US) had huge fun with our "tribute to Van Morrison & John Platania" with THE VAN SONG – this has become a show-stopper every night!!

As rewarding as this show was up to & including a TOTALLY rocked-out WILD THING (with Kendel's AWESOME solos) what happened next was something so, so special. That's when THE REAL MAGIC CAME!! And what happened next became

MY FAVORITE SHOW-ENDING, EVER!!

I asked for requests - & they came flying .. there were shouts for THE GHOST OF PHIL SINCLAIR, SEVEN DAYS IN MAY, STROKE CITY GIRL, DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE… & HOLY SHIT

And WE DID THEM ALL!! Kendel was in unfamiliar territory on many, but she listened & added magic at every turn. There was a beautiful stillness that swept over this room from THE GHOST OF PHIL SINCLAIR on – it was like we were all in church. And we truly were in church, with the good spirit of Derek Nally right there with us!

And when we finished with a huge Merle sing-a-long with I WASN"T BORN IN TENNESSEE, I was thinking I never enjoyed a show more.

At shows end, there were big toasts to this great audience, to Derek, my birthday girl, Kelly (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HONEY!!!) & wife Joan .. It was great way to wind down. I loved Whelan's tonight – like never before!! – KENDEL CARSON is AMAZING!!!!!!! – I AM SO BLESSED TO BE PLAYING WITH THIS GIRL!!!!

SAID HI TO MANY – INCLUDING:

Old friends Mick (there is no bigger fan of my music, than this wonderful old friend) & his lovely wife Siobhan .. Mick knows the best of me & rattles off my favorite lines from my songs non-stop – It's amazing to me .. big thanks always!! Get that "Mick's BEST OF" to me – can't wait!

Hi to PAT & Betty (Roger Kirkpatrick's friends) … so good to meet you both .. thanks for the kind words!! .. Big hi to HUGH .. & Hi to TOM & KATHLEEN (in the front right of the stage) .. thanks for the kind words.. great to see you there tonight!!

Hi to Jacinta & Nick .. whose son Neil worked with Derek in the past .. so good to see you!! .. Hi Nincent .. Hope Margaret enjoys the CD.. don't forget Margaret – "FEAR NOTHING" // hope the music helps you get to that place!! BIG HI TO "IRISH" MICK & HELEN "OF TROY" – so good to talk with you .. good stuff!!!

OK .. THEN I GOT TO SAY HELLO TO THE "TED'S" – The TEDS are a family – here's the story - dad got tired of trying to figure out the names of his kids .. so he called them all TED .. like George Foreman's kids .. GEORGE I & GEORGE II & GEORGE II etc – except there is no I, II, III etc.. Thy're all just … well .. "TED's"

But, on investigation, I found some rather nice names – NIAMH ("NEEV"), Aileen, Steve & Andrew .. & DAD …… DAVID!!! .. SO, BIG HIT THESE – VERY – NICE "TED'S" – see you soon!!!!

HI NATALIE .. great seeing you .. & EAMOAN.. & Gerry .. & Oh, yes … "INCH" … great to see you again!!! – BIG HELLO TO ANGIE & MARTY – on the road with Tyler Carson supporting the legend, SANDY KELLY .. we missed you SANDY!!! .. see you next time!! – Also, big hello to photog, COLIN .. hey Colin .. please send some of those shots to info@trainwreckrecords.com

Note.. this goes for all who have taken some nice pictures – please send them along. LARS & MARITAL & RUNE & MARIA – where are those great pictures??? Did you send them??

AND HUGE THANKS TO LUC & TWINKLE – It was SO great seeing you both before & during the show!! Thanks for staying the entire show WITHOUT DINNER!! .. next time... Join us!!

Big hi to all .. this was some night!!! SEE YOU SOON!!

Oct 9, 2010 - HEADING FOR LIMAVADEY

FIRST STOP – "DRIVE AT 5" – a DERRY radio station visit with good friend DES FISHER.

Des – an influential musicologist (former record store owner) - has a very popular Saturday afternoon show called "FOR FOLKS SAKE" on this local nonprofit station. When we saw Des at our Derry show, he asked if we could stop by the station on our trip from Ballybofey to Limavadey. It was easy to say, "yes", to that request.

On the radio, Des talked about how he got turned onto my music by going to a shop called, DOUGIA KNIGHTS RECORD LIBRARY, where you could pay two quid a year & "borrow" whatever CD you wanted for a week or so. Des refused to relinquish his Chip Taylor purchase – I think THIS SIDE OF THE BIG RIVER – and thus, had to pay for it – and after purchasing the rest of my CDs, got linked to me for life!! A very good thing for me!

Back to the radio show

Kendel & I loved this. Aside from good talk, we played OH IRELAND, & ANGEL OF THE MORNING, KENDEL'S TEN LOST MEN & closed with my local anthem-of-sorts – STROKE CITY GIRLS.

Loved this Des!!!! - look forward to seeing Anne tonight - hope her scalded hand has healed.

HOTEL IN COLERAINE

This is the former home of my friend Andrea – an inspiring schoolgirl-poet when I met her. Andrea is one of the friends I take along with me in my STROKE CITY GIRLS journey.

We arrive at the efficient & new Premier Inn just off the new highway at about 3:30 – time for some Internet business such as:

THE FIRST ANNUAL "MEAN BASTARD DAY/ CELEBRATION" (in anticipation of the emotionally tough "all" dark days coming – now lurking) in Kiruna, Sweden - is gathering momentum steam roller!!! The posters & T-shirts are being designed – hopefully finished in a day or so. Some terrific northern artists (plus me) & a very cool venue are booked!!!

The theme song of this occasion is my new song, I KNOW DARK, which I recorded recently in Halden, Norway with the great Willy Clay Band. On the day of this event this recording will blast in every corner of Kiruna!! THIS IS GOING TO BE SOMETHING!!!!!

Bjorn Petterson & Orjan Maki (from the Willy Clay band) are spearheading this in Kiruna & I'm coordinating from the road.

I think in years to come people will look back on this event as "THE WOODSTOCK OF NORTHERN SWEDEN".. but, unlike Woodstock, this will be an annual, therapeutic event.

OTHER BUSINESS

THE FIRST ANNUAL AMERICANA FESTIVAL in NEW YORK (OCT 20 through the 22nd - @ the Rodeo BAR & HILL COUNTRY BBQ), which I am hosting (& performing at) is all set!! This will be awesome!! Check for details on our web site!!

Back to the Ireland tour:

THE VENUE – THE ALEXANDER ARMS

This is a last minute venue, put together by my friend Davy Brown. A few weeks ago Davy saw our tour schedule had an open day - & said he could fill this small cool place with fans & that it would be like a off-night house concert. AND HE WAS RIGHT. AND THAT'S WHAT IT WAS!! IT WAS AWESOME!!

SOUNDCHECK

When we arrived we were greeted by some great guys - Don (the proprietor), soundmen Alan (with his very cute little boy, Charlie), Tom & photographer Paul (from Australia).

The venue is a pub-hotel. Don had saved a guest room just off the stage as our "green" room. THANKS FOR THAT – PERFECT.

After a quick – very efficient check – we had dinner at a most-charming restaurant nearby, THE LIME TREE, owned & hosted by a terrific lady, Maria (formerly from Oxford). Served by kind waitress, Tina, this was an amazing meal. I had the medallions of pork, Nigel had the sirloin, Kendel – the cod enclosed with bacon all served with light sauce fresh vegetables. This was our favorite meal/restaurant on the tour. BIG THANKS MARIA (& TINA) - we'll spread the word!!

THE LOOK OF THE PLACE

The floor-level stage faced a living room-like area that we were told might hold about 40 people - 60 plus were seated there tonight. Off to the left was a standing room-only bar area, usually holding 15 or so. I guessed about 30 or more were crammed into that space tonight.

IN SHORT, THE PLACE WAS PACKED!!!!

THE SHOW

Well, this was something!!! What a great bunch of FRIENDS (new & old) to play for!!! As soon as I got on stage, I noticed friend Des & lovely wife Anne sitting in the sofa immediately in front of the stage. It was great to see you there .. it helped put me in a comfort zone immediately!

Kendel & I LOVED this show from start to finish! This was some wonderfully warm & spirited group to play for.

SET I

We started with my tribute to country music & the southern "Race records" with THE REAL THING, then drifted in & out of the YONKERS, NEW YORK stories & songs. Again, as it has been always with this tour, the stories were every bit as important as the songs.

The audience joined me & my BASTARD BROTHERS with the saga of my first fiddle. Then it was off to a movie theater, with HEY JONNY and it's tribute to Bill Haley & the movie, BLACKBOARD JUNGLE. Then it was off to an afternoon party at my folks house with my local "Mafia" friends with the pretty WITHOUT HORSES.

All the songs were enhanced by the soulful sounds of Kendel's fiddle & punctuated with blasts from her new album – including OH BABY LIE DOWN & BELT BUCKLE, which the folks LOVED!! We ended the set with a preacher-congregation-like sing-along with DANCE WITH JESUS (WHAT AN AWESOME GROUP-SING!! – ranks with the best of the tour), and a chilling ANGEL OF THE MORNING. I loved this duet so much tonight!!

When we left the stage, I couldn't wait to get bask for the second half. I felt so comfortable with this great bunch of friends!

SET II

Johnny Cash recorded a song of mine, CLEAN YOUR OWN TABLES back in the day. By request, we played that one out to start the second set – with the folks singing along with the chorus. And from there we went to the great fun of THE VAN song – a total hit on this tour. And when Kendel totally killed with a sexy, BELT BUCKLE, we were off to one of the most memorable second sets on the tour.

When we shifted dynamics, you could hear a pin drop with the first verses of SAW MILL RIVER ROAD, which led to the rockin' reprise of BIG RIVER & then ENDLESS SLEEP. Then Kendel rocked the house with I LIKE TRUCKS!!

One of the highlights for me again tonight was a warm. beautiful sing-a-long of STROKE CITY GIRLS. Then came WILD THING with the Jimi Hendrix Brill Building era stories in the mix. The therapeutic sing-a-long of WILD THING was so spirited & awesome tonight!!

We finished with a totally reverent HOLY SHIT in solidarity with the prisoners, which, in the end, shifted back to STROKE CITY GIRLS with it's sweet prayer for peace… then we said good night!!!

And what a great night it was!! In short order, we put the instruments away & were mixing with this great bunch.

SAID HI TO MANY, INCLUDING:

Before I start mentioning the names, allow me this:

One of the great stories for me tonight was a young man who did NOT attend! His name is EOGHAN (for my US friends, pronounced, "OWEN").

Here's the story:

Eoghan has a big brother – a very nice guy named Sean. Three years ago, Sean had gotten his first guitar. He played it every so often – it was not yet a passion. Little brother, Eoghan, LOVED music & searched on the Internet (you-tube etc.) for new music to get excited about.

One day Eoghan said to Sean, "SEAN, you've got to hear this guy, Chip Taylor, he's AWESOME!!!"

And so, Sean listened - & Sean loved it too!! Then, Sean started learning to play & sing my songs & those of other Americana artists. Now he's totally hooked on making music - & I hear quite accomplished as a player/singer. And it all started with his little brother's passion for the music &, in particular, – mine!! WOW!! .. that is an AMAZING, wonderful thing for me to hear!

I will tell this story everyplace!!! Big thanks!!!!! And hi & best wishes to mom & dad, Paddy & Donna .. GREAT TO SEE YOU & SON, SEAN, TONIGHT.

NOTE: The show was sold out & since Eoghan was not old enough he would not have been allowed in the bar area. And so he stayed home, texting brother Sean at 15 minute intervals to find out what was going on – what songs I was singing etc.

FLASH!!!!!!!!!!!! – it's the following day. I just spoke to Eoghan on the phone as we travel south to Dublin. I told him he doesn't have worry about missing any of my shows in the future – sold out or no. From now on Eoghan will be on my permanent guest list for all Ireland shows (or all shows elsewhere for that matter!)/ Look forward to seeing you soon, my friend!!

Hello's continued:

BIG HI TO MY GREAT OLD FRIEND DES & wife & new friend, Anne – so good talking to you after the show – such nice words!! Look forward to seeing you both very soon!!

Hi to Roger .. thanks for the kind words about YONKERS . & hi Charlene hope to see you soon .. Hi to Chris & Guy!! .. good to see you again!! HI FRANKIE.. good to see you with Paddy .. hope to see you again!!

BIG HI TO MY OLD FRIENDS, Brian & Dympna.. so good to see you again & again.. HI TOM .. BIG THANKS TO YOU & ERIC (tell him hi for me) for asking me to sign the PHIL SINCLAIR collectable "GOTTA GET BACK TO CISCO" (GMT) CD.. here's to Phil .. his spirit is all over these shows.

HI E.B. , lovely ELAINE BROWN.. OK .. formally "Brown" .. now wife of good & handsome guy, Shaggy (I believe).. great to see you both… HI MARGARET & COLIN .. LOVED SEEING YOUR SMILING FACES during the show!!! So good to talk to you at the end!!

Big hi to Jean Marie (formerly a New Jersey girl!!) & husband RAY .. great talking to you!!! .. see you soon.

Big hello to OLD FRIENDS, Liz & Cara.. so good to see you both again .. thanks for the kind words & good memories! ..best with the pregnancy, Cara.. your baby will be beautiful!!! See you both soon!!

HI LINDA (AGAIN) & P.J. .. hope to see you soon.. BIG HI TO ROBYN (with the cane at the end).. GREAT TO SEE YOU MY FRIEND.. hope to see you next time.. you as well "DA" (actually ALAN)… nice meeting you!!

Hi Hieran & Kevin at the end!! .. yes.. keep those girls in line next time!!! They certainly are an embarrassment!! .. see you all soon.

AGAIN .. big thanks to the sound guys, ALAN & TOM .. Alan .. great set up .. we adjusted little .. & Tom .. thanks for taking over – you were more help than you know (nice to meet you, Zekiya, at the end).

AND HUGE THANKS TO DON for having us – love your place, Don .. hope to see you soon!! Big thanks to the entire staff! And DAVY .. I don't know how you pulled this off on such short notice!!! You've got the magic touch!!! BIG, big thanks!!!

Oct 10, 2010 – DRIVING TO DUBLIN

Kendel talented brother (plays all instruments .. brilliant fiddler) is in Ireland. We meet him at The NEWGRANGE passage tomb area – an amazing, interesting & spiritually thought provoking place. Kendel will join Tyler for the day & his performance north of Dublin tonight. We'll catch up in the AM.

Great to see you TY .. look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Oct 7, 2010 - BACK TO DERRY (for a show)

Nigel picks Kendel & me up from our Belfast hotel (The Radisson Encore – we liked this place) .. an hour plus later, we're back at THE TOWER HOTEL in Derry where we were a few days ago, We like this hotel & the bonus is that it's only a few blocks from the venue (The Playhouse Theater).

I have a few hours to catch up on business – including a return trip to Kiruna, Sweden to celebrate the coming of the darkness – The First Annual MEAN BASTARD DAY. The celebration's name comes from a new song of mine, I KNOW DARK, which will be the theme song of the celebration – which I will sing with my friends from the great WILLY CLAY band. THIS IS GOING TO BE SOME NIGHT!!

Note: The celebration will be held at THE TRADGARN, a very cool restaurant / bar / music venue, owned by my friends, Arthur & Louise.

SOUND CHECK AT THE PLAYHOUSE THEATER

At the Playhouse, Kendel & I are greeted by kind staff folks Adel at the front desk & Lenny, who will handle the sound in the upstairs small theater. This reminds me of a theater in Holland. The stage is the floor, with the seats rising in front of you. We love the warm feel of the room & we're very happy with the sound in seconds.

We head back to the hotel for a quick meal. Shortly after, it's show time.

START TIME MISCUE

There was some discrepancy with the start time, as the program had us starting at 8:00 & the posters had us starting at 8:30. At the suggestion of the Playhouse management, we split the difference & started to an almost-full house at 8:15. The house filled up in minutes as the "poster" crowd got there by 8:30.

THE SHOW

Again, I feel like I'm home when I play in Northern Ireland. And that's the way it was tonight. The sound was great for us on stage so it allowed Kendel & I to inspire each other in the best way.

The audience came along with us on the YONKERS NEW YORK journey in story & song with BASTARD BROTHERS, HEY JONNY (which totally rocked tonight!!) & Saw MILL RIVER ROAD.

Kendel, almost totally recovered from her jet-lag, was on fire tonight. We went inspired places with her OH BABY LIE DOWN (so warm!!) & BELT BUCKLE, which was so edgy & rock & roll tonight. And I LIKE TRUCKS was a definite highlight.

One of my favorite moments of the show was a requested tribute to Phil Sinclair, with my song tribute to Phil, "THE GHOST OF PHIL SINCLAIR"

Note: Phil was a record store owner from this area, who loved my 70's albums & gave them as gifts to all his friends back then. Phil was & is – the main reason for my fan base in these parts. I visited him in the hospital when I first came to Belfast in 1997. He passed away shortly after. I dedicate all my Ireland tours to his spirit.

ANGEL OF THE MORNING was soulful tonight. WILD THING was cool & edgy. THE VAN song was a definite highlight again tonight as was STROKE CITY GIRLS, my hit in this area back in 2002 – I LOVE singing this song!! ALSO .. so special again was DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE .. which goes different places every night & always connects .. & KENDEL is so much a part of the energy of all these songs.. she helps me make them fresh & new every night. SHE IS ONE-OF-A-KIND AWESOME!!!

WE closed with a medley of I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE, HOLY SHIT (dedicated to the prisoners) & reprised a bit of STROKE CITY GIRLS & said good night

This was a special one.

SAID HI TO SEVERAL, INCLUDING:

HI VALERIE – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! So great to see you with husband Liam & friends Heather & Robert. Valerie wanted me to know that she's a huge music fan & that I shot up to the top spot on her "favorite artists of all time" list a few years ago - & I have not relinquished that position – Bruce Springstein is still in the second spot, with Elvis third.

Big thanks for the kind words, Val & big thanks to Robert for the support over the years – thanks for the kind words Heather - & Liam - hope to see you all soon.

Hi Raymond, good to see you – Big hi to my new friends, MARTINA & PAUL – artists as well – sing my "Hole In The Midnight" & "I LIKE TRUCKS" & others. Great seeing & talking to you later at Sandino's.

Hi Kevin .. good to see you .. & another Liam & MAGGIE!! – so good to see you .. hope to see you in Ballybofey tomorrow!

Hi Sean.. good to see you .. didn't find out until later who you were. I hear you're terrific – best with your music!! .. Hi Michael .. good to see you .. big hello to the nice guys I saw as I left, Richie & J.P. - thanks for the kind words.

Great to see my friends from Portugal – VANESSA, FERNANDO & ELIZEBETH!!! Loved seeing you close to the stage tonight!!

AT SANDINOS AFTER THE SHOW Special hi

Hi to Jeanie & Martin & son Marty (look forward to hearing your band!) .. wonderful having some laughs with you guys tonight!! Hope to see you soon – Martin!! BEHAVE!!!!

Hi Martina & Paul – loved talking to you!! .. BIG THANKS TO ANNA & THE BARTENDER STAFF!!! There's not a cooler bar on the planet!!

Hi Elizabeth (from Portugal) – hope you have a good meeting with your boss .. & get to mix your art into your work day.. Fernando .. good lock with your Djing here at Sandinos .. hope it goes well .. Vanessa .. so good meeting you. Tell "John" you're "BUSY" .. "very busy" .. see you in NEW YORK!!

THIS WAS A SPECIAL WIND DOWN – see you all soon!!

Oct 8, 2010 – A VISIT TO THE BEDLAM WEEKEND MARKET!!!!

The Bedlam is a cool vintage – retro – antique – crafts – weekend market, housed in a old retro bank-like structure. My friend DAVY BROWN has just become part of a group of 8 or so dealers!!

We stopped by to say hello & visit with all these great folks dealing with these "treasures" – each dealer having their own area to display their cool stuff. At Davy's area he had the perfect pair of unique vintage jeans waiting for Kendel (THE FIT PERFECT!!!) - & a cool T-SHIRT waiting for me.

Loved this visit!!! What great place – folks could get lost in this cool stuff for hours!! Big hi to young model, Ciara – hope to see you & boyfriend (& family) at our show tomorrow in Limavady!! Loved taking the pictures with you – hope somebody sends one to me!

Hi to Elaine & Sophia & all – see you soon!

ARRIVING IN BALLYBOFEY – THE VILLA ROSE HOTEL

It was another beautiful ride down to Ballybofey. We arrived at about 2:30 in this quaint town/ Hidden off the main street is this cool – almost little Las Vegas-like hotel – THE VILLA ROSE. A very astute, nice lady – Jane - welcomes us. I like the feel of this place!!

Oct 4, 2010 – KENDEL ARRIVES

Kendel arrives at the hotel at 9:40. She flew in from Toronto – had no sleep. She sleeps for a few hours. After a good walk toward & in a cool shopping area a few blocks away, we rehearse for a bit. Then it's an early dinner at the rather "elite" Gersham Hotel two doors down, we call it a night.

Oct 5, 2010 – HEADING FOR DERRY

OLD FRIEND NIGEL MARTYN picks us up – 3 hours later we're in DERRY

RADIO 105

Terrific interview (plus live performance) with new friend Brian – greeted by nice folks, Theresa, Noel & Nuala – so great meeting you all.

A BOMB & A FLAT TIRE

A bomb had gone off early this morning in Derry, not too far from the radio station. No one was injured – but any reflection of "the Troubles" & threat to northern Irelands heroic march to peace, is met with great concern. So this was the headline news in every paper today & the lead story in any radio discussion. There were several roadblocks in the area. A reminder of the late 90's when police stoppages (& bombs) were the rule, not the exception.

Nigel was taking some back roads to the station to avoid the traffic congestion. Despite the fact that Nigel is from Northern Ireland (Belfast) & has promoted shows in this town all his life, he was not totally familiar with the area. At one point he was trying to make time by making a one-lane road double its size by driving in the parking lane. All of a sudden a sidewalk jutted out from the curb. I noticed it & called out – but it was too late.

Our old Saab's left from wheel slammed into the raised curb & the tire quickly succumbed. We were fairly close to the hotel. Nigel offered to get us a Taxi, but Kendel & I were in the "one-for-all" spirit & with Nigel's fast, hard work - & a bit of a team effort - the tire was changed (in the chilly weather) in what seemed like record time.

Note: Nigel would be up early the following day to sort out the damage – refreshing his severely dented wheel with an underground fix-it shop & getting a new tire. Financially, this set him back the equivalent of approximately $200 US dollars. Nigel did this with good spirit saying. "If this were a rental, it would have cost $500 to fix & I would have been charged!!! I SAVED $300!!! WHAT A GOOD DEAL!!"

We arrived at the hotel at 6:00

TOWER HOTEL

LOVE THIS PLACE – Kendel, Nigel & I have a good dinner at the hotel, and after Kendel retires for the night, Nigel & I head for a bar down the hill called Sandino's.

SANDINO'S

This is one of the coolest bars on the planet – EVERYBODY'S WELCOME (nationality/sexual preference/Loyalist/Nationalist) - & THEY ALL COME … in the image & likeness of the proprietor, JOE – GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN JOE!!! Hi to bartender MARTIN… big thanks!!

SPECIAL HELLO TO new friends from PORTUGAL, Vanessa, Fernando & Elizabeth!!!! See you at the PLAYHOUSE in two days!!! I'll look forward to that.

We head back up the hill to our hotel. We're in bed by 12:30.

Oct 6, 2010 - BBC RADIO LOCH FOYLE

We arrived at the station at 10:30 & were greeted by kind folks, Michael & Michael, Diedra & Emma, who connected me to Gerry the last time I phoned from Holland.

Soundman Ken, did a great/quick job setting the sound up for Kendel & me. Then it was a a very special 25 minute show with my old friend, Gerry Anderson – who was the inspiration for my hit in these parts, STROKE CITY GIRLS.

Note – Gerry – a former bass player with Ronnie Hawkins & the Hawks - had coined the phrase "Stroke City" back in the late 90s to solve the edgy debate as to the proper name of the town (DERRY or LONDONDERRY) Putting an apostrophe in front of Derry ('DERRY) & calling the town "STROKE CITY", was a step in the right direction. And folks on both sides of the political spectrum seemed to appreciate Gerry's effort. And that was the inspiration for my song, "STROKE CITY GIRLS" (a wish for peace) which folks seem to appreciate with a similar reverence.

Thanks Gerry!!

HEADING FOR BELFAST

With a brief fuel stop & Nigel at helm again, we arrive in Belfast about 2:30. Nigel & I make a quick run about 20 minutes away to a just-opened vintage guitar shop (THE GUITAR ROOMS) owned by a couple of his friends, Neil & Vinty (Vincent Gilbert). Also there was a nice lovely wife, whose name escapes me. So nice seeing you all!!

We're there to pick up a safety stage guitar (in case I break a string). Neil & Vinty suggest a compact Guild. It sounds perfect to me. After Vinty fixes a strap for it, Nige & I on the road back to the hotel.

REHEARSAL W/KENDEL

There are Internet problems on my floor. A kind fellow named Colin (& cohort John) diagnose the problem & change my room. I get on the net just in time to handle some business & be ready for a brief rehearsal with Kendel.

I'm a bit nervous. This is the first time playing for my Ireland friends in about 3 years. And this time it's a humble set up – just Kendel & me. I'm not sure what the reaction will be. On the plus side is the fact that Kendel always rises to these occasions mentally (as well as with her performance). We rehearse for about a half hour & I'm feeling a special comfort zone with her. She is so magical to work with!

THE BLACK BOX

This is an awesome room!! – It is a square room that, with tables & chairs at fairly close intervals & a standing room at the bar, holds about 150.

We have a quick, solid check with soundman Barry. Big thanks Barry – that was easy!!! After Peter guides us to our dressing room to store a few things, we're off to our Ramada Encore hotel restaurant for a quick meal. We're joined there by my old friend, Davy Brown & his new friend Brenda. SO GREAT TO SPEND TIME WITH YOU BOTH!!!

Then, after a quick shower, & we're ready for show time!

THE SHOW

So great to see the room absolutely packed!!

All my fears were gone as soon as we took the stage. We could tell from the reception that we were totally playing for friends tonight!!!

The amazing connection that I've developed with the Northern Ireland people is the story of this show. And it was there from the beginning until the very end.

Kendel was loose & great & inspired with her own songs & added such precious stuff to mine. The audience loved her & let her know it!

I've been looking forward to playing the YONKERS NY songs for my Irish friends for quite a while, so that journey was so special tonight. I loved drifting through the stories & songs of BASTARD BROTHERS, HEY JONNY, WITHOUT HORSES, the title track (YONKERS NY) & SAW MILL RIVER ROAD - with it's BIG RIVER & ENDLESS SLEEP interludes.

We were all so connected with the YONKERS stuff & several of Kendel's such as, Oh Baby Lie Down, Belt Buckle (this was so cool tonight) & BIG TRUCKS – the folks LOVED just this one!!

But the magic wasn't over and some the off-the-wall stuff .. like a requested CLEAN YOUR OWN TABLES & THE VAN SONG totally brought down the house. I got totally lost in DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE & the audience went there with me – this a special, unplanned highlight that seemed to come out of the blue. I LOVED THIS MOMENT.

ANGEL OF THE MORNING was so pretty & inspired tonight (Kendel gave chills) & WILD THING totally rocked .. but what got to me MOST emotionally was the warm interaction of all of us with STROKE CITY GIRLS & HOLY SHIT.. then back to STROKE CITY GIRLS again (which I had never done before & had no plan to do tonight) - with it's gentle warm, peace message.. & then the passion of a requested BLACK & BLUE AMERICA. All of this late, unplanned magic, made this show one of my favorites in memory.

As I mentioned, I was a bit nervous before the show. I HAD ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT!!

Said hi to so many!!! HERE WE GO!

Hi Crawford (Bell) – who played with Van Morrison .. great to see you!!! Thanks for the requests & inspiration tonight. And.. from that same camp, Willie (Richardson) .. Van's tour manager & cohort for a long while.. Willie "stole" John Platania from me for several VAN shows. Both Crawford & Willie were the inspiration for tonight's huge crowd pleaser "THE VAN SONG"

"what's Van got that we ain't – what love songs can he pain't
he can't play the fiddle or yodel no more" …etc"

Hi to lovely Catriona (requested BLUE DRESS –we'll do that for you one of these days!) & sister AMY & mom, Roisin & dad Jim .. great to see you guys… Hi Marie Claire!!! (so special) .. & Catherine.. so great to see you both!!..

Hi Dermot - hope son, Pearse (7?) likes the CD & comes to one of my shows next year. Hi John (Dermot's co-worker), hope bride-to-be, Margaret, enjoys the CD.. Congratulations Margaret.. hope to see you next year!

HI FRANCES & JIM.. so GREAT to see you both again!!! Let's make this a habit!! Big hello to Bill (who could not attend for physical reasons). Hope your friend, Chris, can hook something up for us together privately next time.. for coffee .. or something – so we can say hello. Chris.. contact INFO@TRAINWRECKRECORDS.COM when you see I'm about to come to these parts.. & we'll work something out. All the best!!

Hi Dave & Kevin – those were nice words my friend. They mean a lot to me. BIG HI SAM!!!! SO GREAT TO SEE YOU AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!!! Thanks for all the support. Hope to see you soon!!

Big hello to Mary & Von from Donegal.. Von, thanks for telling me about your Friday night, wine & BLACK & BLUE AMERICA tradition!! Tell your Donegal friends I'll look forward to seeing them VERY SOON!!! God Bless!! And hi to son TIM.. a BIG TRUCKS fan! Great to see you Tim.. hope to see you soon again!!

Hi to Michael.. thanks for the kind words.. nice talking to you later at the hotel ..Hi to Denis from Rostrevor (I LOVE that place!!) Big Hi to Marian & Gerry .. so good to see you both.. And SPECIAL HELLO TO MY OLD FRIEND, BRENDAN (from Rostrevor as well – who surprised Carrie & me in the UK a few years ago) Great to see you again, my friend. Send my best regards to Sadilva & Donnard & Ray & all. I MISS THEM!!

This was a special night for me. I WILL BE BACK SOON!! And Kendel feels so welcome here. Hopefully she can return with me! God Bless!!

WINDING DOWN AFTER THE SHOW

Note: good to wind down at the hotel bar with old friend Davy Brown, Michael from the show (sorry I missed saying goodbye when you left) & bartender Gary.. whose fiancé reminds me so much of Andrea from "STROKE CITY GIRLS". All the best with your new baby – see you soon!

Oct 3, 2010 - LEAVING MALMO

Håkan picks me up at The Savoy Hotel in Malmo (hate to leave this place). We head over the long bridge to Copenhagen Airport. The check in is smooth, despite my three handheld luggage pieces – one being a fan – which I desperately need for air flow to sleep at night (it was the first item I purchased when arriving in Halden Norway three weeks ago).

ARRIVING IN DUBLIN

(note: Kendel & I are meeting in Dublin to do a bit of press to advance the Ireland tour, which begins in Belfast in two days)

Two plus hours after takeoff (a great, comfortable SAS flight, I must say), I arrive at Dublin’s airport at 5:45 & arrive at my hotel – The BEST WESTERN ACADEMY (recommended) at 6:30.

DINNER AT FLANAGAN’S / DRINKS AT “GRAND CENTRAL STATION”

As the hotel restaurant is closed tonight (Sunday) the desk clerk recommends a place two blocks away. Fitzpatrick’s is a modest place – but the service & food are excellent. After I stop at a trendy bar, “GRAND CENTRAL STATION” (formerly an old bank). Ah!!!! They have Ardbeg scotch!! I say hello to some nice folks, Kathryn (actress), Jody & Josie – all invited to our show (Kendel & me) in Dublin at WHELAN’S on OCT 11.

Oct 4, 2010

Had a very good night’s sleep & a good breakfast at the hotel. Kendel will arrive from Canada in a few minutes. Looking forward to that!!

TOUR NOTES – NORWAY – SWEDEN Sep 18 - Oct 2, 2010

Oct 2, 2010 - YSTAD, SWEDEN

THIS IS OUR LAST SHOW ON THE THIS TOUR

It’s about an hour drive to Ystad – the final destination a tiny, magnificent, 100-year-old theater.

Håkan & family (wife, Monica, daughter Elen & son, Yens) go down there early to set up the sound system & bring all the back-line (amps etc). This is a tough, tough job.

Pretty much everything is set up when we arrive. Great to see ULLA, a kind lady who is our host. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR WELCOMING ENTHUSIASM, ULLA!! It was so nice to feel that!

Yens is our engineer for the night. It takes us a while to figure the room-sound out, but the end result is that this is as good sound as anyplace on the tour. BIG THANKS YENS.

DINNER

Had a great dinner at a trendy restaurant two blocks up the winding cobblestone street. Lovely Jessica was our kind waitress – so good to see you. We’ve certainly had the best of food on this tour – this is right up there with the best of those meals.

THE SHOW

Simon did a great opening set. His voice sounded so solid & pure & his guitar playing – like always – was amazing.

We were on stage at about 9:00 – weaving in & out of the YONKERS NEW YORK songs & stories & THE BEST OF “JAMES WESLEY DAYS”.

The band was totally on fire tonight. This was show of the tour for Orjan Maki – his country heart showed through BIG time tonight.

But all the boys felt so tight & together, so the solos & ambiance were every bit as important as the songs. THE NEW UKRAINIANS are a killer band. They showed that tonight.

One of the magical highlights tonight was I KNOW DARK – my tribute to my northern friends – The song & the sing-a-long chorus sounded so reverent tonight in this church atmosphere.

Also LOVED “SAW MILL RIVER ROAD TONIGHT: with the BIG RIVER & ENDLESS SLEEP inserts. This had SO much heart!!

ANGEL OF THE MORNING gave me such chills & WILD THING totally rocked with wonderful therapy sing-a-longs ending it! The band killed on this tonight. The Tony-Bjorn bass/drum solo was definitely a huge highlight for me.

One of the most touching moments of the show was the Rune/Irena requested “Getting Older Looking Back” & the Lars & Marita requested, The Ship” Thanks my friends!! I had chills playing & singing both of these.

We ended with a totally reverent HOLY SHIT - again in solidarity with the prisoners - and ended with a request from Ulla’s husband, Bertil, I WASN’T BORN IN TENNESSEE. Obviously Bertil was a true fan for many years.

Big thanks to all. This was a warm, wonderful way to end this amazing tour.

HI TO:

FIRST, HUGE THANKS TO MY DEAR FRIEND Håkan & “BIG” BJORN for setting up this tour – it was so well planned, which allowed us to just think about the music. It’s great when that happens!!

And special thanks to Håkan & the entire family for their amazing efforts with this show!!

Hi to:

Thanks Ulla .. loved this place. Thanks so much for having us. Great to meet you Bertil. Thanks for the kind words. See you both soon.

Hi Cilluf & Lars .. good to see you during & after – again, thanks for the kind words!! Hi Elizabeth & Eva & Peter .. so good to see you… Hi Mats .. & HUGE THANKS TO EMIL for the wonderful article in the local paper – much appreciated!!

OK .. that’s it. LOOK FOR THE NEW UKRAINIANS!!! We’re on our way!!!!!!

Oct 1, 2010 - HEADING FOR MALMO

It's a beautiful morning in Norrtalja. Had breakfast at The Hotel Atellet, overlooking the little stream that feeds into the adjacent-to-the-hotel harbor, with BIG Bjorn and Tony Leone.

As I mentioned in earlier notes, the other Bjorn and wife Sarah & son, Olaf have been staying at Big Bjorn's wife's new B&B. they pick us up in the van and we're off to STOCKHOLM for our flight to MALMO.

We arrive at 11:00 for a 12:30 flight. John Platania & I would never cut it so close, but it's a very smooth check in (AGAIN!) and we're at the gate an hour before the plain leaves.

Bjorn lets me use his AT&T like phone-computer Internet connection device – which attaches to my USB port just like my AT&T devise does.

ONE HUGE DIFFERENCE! THIS ONE WORKS LIKE A PERFECT AND FAST WI-FI CONNECTION! – I have to check back home to see I'm using a dated one and if they've made improvements. This one is awesome. Net result – I'm able to check mail quickly & respond.

ON THE PLANE NOW – LANDING IN A FEW MINUTES – hoping Håkan will be there to meet us. Looking forward to seeing my old friend again!

Oct 1, 2010 - ARRIVE IN MALMO

Håkan waiting – great to see my friend again!

35 minutes later we're checking into one of my favorite hotels on the planet – the historic, elite yet unpretentious - Rolls Royce of hotels – THE SAVOY

After checking in we find that the Internet server is down in all of Scandinavia – SO --- WHY NOT GET A NEEDED HAIRCUT?

LOW & BEHOLD.. just around the corner I find the Rolls Royce of hair salons (HAR GRUPPEN) and magician-cutter Lars Hogberg .. big thanks my friend! – After your pro wave & slash of the scissors, I feel all fresh and new! Look forward to seeing you & your wife Chrystal at our show tomorrow night in Ystad!

THE VENUE - THE VIKTORIATERN

This is one of the prettiest old/classic theaters I've EVER seen. Small tables and chairs are fit fairly tight/but comfortably together on the main floor. The balcony overhang fits about 30 more with typical theater seats. The entire theater holds about 180.

Due to a great promotion and poster campaign, we are sold out on the main floor with only a few seats open in the balcony. GREAT JOB Håkan! BIG THANKS!

This is one of the only theaters in the world where folks are allowed to bring their own food & drink – beer, whiskey, soda – whatever. So, the event is more like a nice picnic music fest with a bunch of friends. And oh man!! – we had friends here tonight!

SOUND CHECK -

We're within 10 minutes walk from the venue. But because we have some equipment, we drive the van – due to one-way streets – it takes about as long. The theater is situated in quaint old but fashionable area with small cobblestone streets – as mentioned, often one-way and some for just walking - lined with shops for clothing, food – whatever. Great to meet the staff, LARS (mgr), sound tech, Matts and floor staff Pierre & lovely Luvisa. What nice folks!

We're comfortably sound checked in minutes and have time to rehearse a few songs before heading to dinner.

We eat at a famous pub, that, according to Håkan, was a landmark long before the neighborhood got fashionable. Another awesome, beautifully presented meal – hardly typical pub food – just amazing!

THE SHOW

After Simon's good opening, we're on stage at 8:40. We play straight through until 11:10.

With the spotlights shining on the band on stage, I was kind of blinded from the audience – particularly when up close to the microphone. But one thing I could tell for sure – we were playing for friends tonight. During some of John's solos, backing away from the mike, I could see a room full of comfortable, friendly faces. I loved the feeling of this place/group of folks tonight.

Again, the spoken words and songs from YONKERS, NEW YORK, connected big time – as did the selections from Håkan's "BEST OF" (JAMES WESLEY DAYS).

And the band was terrific & loose as usual – featuring great solos from John Platania and Orjan Maki - and solid backbeats and low end from Tony Leone & Bjorn Petterson. I just love playing with these guys. We're always out on a limb, as we have no set beginnings and ending. We just feel it out together and go to unknown places - & that's what makes it so inspiring. It's that "let's see where this takes us" attitude. I love that.

BASTARD BROTHERS, SAW MILL RIVER ROAD, SWEET TEQUILA BLUES, HEY JONNY, FOREVER'S GOING UNDERGROUND, DANCE WITH JESUS (with it's great church-like call and response) all connected in a big way. And I loved the "extra ones" tonight – I NEED SOME HELP WITH THAT & a requested CLEAN YOUR OWN TABLES.

ANGEL OF THE MORNING was so chilling tonight – and so inspired. I went to a different "zone" with this one and the boys stayed right with me. And WILD THING totally rocked – and the therapy sing-a-long on it was awesome – highlighted by one of the best "groovy" vocal sections of the tour.

And extra-special for me tonight was DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE. With it's beat-poet-like reading turning in various unplanned directions - a touching and warm CHARCOAL SKY and in solidarity with the prisoners, a reverent HOLY SHIT.

After old friends Lars & Marita, sitting at a front table on the right, passed me a sip of Laphroig scotch (a favorite of mine), we said goodnight with a cool version of I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE.

SAID HI TO SEVERAL AFTER THE SHOW, INCLUDING:

SO GOOD TO SEE MY GREAT FRIEND, Elen (Håkan's great daughter – who did the amazing JAMES WESLEY DAYS graphics) – love you Elen.. you too Monica (Håkan's warm & wonderful wife) .. love you guys – this was so special.

OF COURSE – HUGE HELLO TO MY GREAT OLD FRIENDS RUNE and IRENA and LARS and MARITA! – the best .. see you tomorrow .. thanks so much for all the support over these years .. remind me for THE SHIP and GETTING OLDER LOOKING BACK.. I'll play them for you!

Hi Linda .. Estelle & Raymond (the Wild Thing guy) .. so good to see you guys .. Hi Margaretha.. so nice to see you .. Hi Ingrid & THOMAS .. and TOMMY (thanks for waiting in line!) .. nice to see you folks.

Hi Bjorn – thanks for reintroducing yourself – that makes it easy for me – great to see you again & again (missed you at the bar!) – hi to dad, Soren .. great to see you again as well. BIG HI TO NIKLAS & PETER (second time I've seen you!?) .. thanks for the kind words.

Hi KIM .. from one JC fan to another .. good to see you … BIG HI TO LOTTA'S FRIENDS LENA & MARIE .. so good to see you .. send Lotta my big, big love!! – Hi Peter.. thanks for the special words – much appreciated ..

HI GERT & MARIA LOUISA (who said she hated country until tonight!) .. big thanks .. OK Gert, hopefully you & your wife (M.L) will be a permanent fixture from now on! Love to you guys!!

HI STEEN & INGE (collector's extraordinaire) .. thanks for ALL the support over the years.. hope you get the prison CD.. see you soon!! AND BIG HI TO STEEN'S FRIEND, JAN – Denmark DJ – music lover - .. so nice talking with you .. hope to see you next time!

HI CEDER! .. short for a complicated Swedish name that has something to do with a small connection where a limb branches off – bet you think I wasn't paying attention Ceder! .. GREAT to see you tonight.. thanks for the kind words! .. Hi Michael .. great to see you

Special hi to the young friendly lady I saw at the end of the show.. who was here with her mom & some friends & had seen me 6 or so years ago.. sorry I lost my notes with your name .. was it Marie or Maria.. anyway.. thanks for the kind words – GREAT TO SEE YOU!

AGAIN… big hi to the great staff folks, LARS, MATTS, LOVISA & PIERRE .. good to see you later Pierre.. hope to see you ALL soon again!! This was special – so special! note: LAST SHOW ON THE SWEDISH TOUR is tomorrow in YSTAD.. then off to Ireland to join Kendel Carson

Sep 30, 2010 - NORRTALJA

Note: new guests on the tour – Bjorn's fiancé, Sarah & their great little 2 year old, Olaf – who runs the universe!! I love this s guy!!

I CAN'T WAIT TO GET TO NORRTALJA .. my hub on my prison tour last year. LOVE THE ATELLATE HOTEL, with it's little river running off it's deck & it's awesome, kind & lovely staff of young ladies.

It was a short plane ride back to Stockholm. A big van was waiting (without driver). With Bjorn at the helm, we arrived at our Norrtalja venue, a high school on the edge of town, at about 4:00.

THE VENUE & SOUND CHECK

This is extraordinary good set up. It's an auidorium set up for 150 or so, with a great stage & excellent acoustics! Friend, soundman & drummer for "SIXPACK HOLIDAY, a cool local band, has the great sound ready for us in minutes.

Great to see Bjorn.. my Rootsy co-hort & daughter THEA.. big thanks for your hard work, my friend.

CHECKING IN TO THE ATELLATE & DINNER

John, Tony & I are staying here, the rest of the band is at big Bjorn's wife Anja's new B&B .. "The Nortallja B&B" .. which we hear is quite nice!!

GREAT TO SEE MY OLD FRIEND, lovely LYNN who checks John, Tony & me in. GREAT TO BE BACK!!!

Quickly we head to old friends Hakan & Christine's great restaurant for an awesome dinner.

On stage at 8:30.

Loved this show!! Lynn from Hotel ATELLATE & my old friend Amanda and new friend, Lovisa. were sitting front row center & leading the clapping in rhythm & the singing along.

We went from the YONKERS NY stories & songs (ie: BASTARD BROTHERS, HEY JONNY) & songs to selections from the Best Of (JAMES WESLEY DAYS). We played for 2 hours. Nobody left. It felt like 45 minutes.

Some of my favorites tonight were, I NEED SOME HELP WITH THAT (a prison favorite), I KNOW DARK (tribute my far north friends) & a chilling CHARCOAL SKY, which seemed to be a show highlight for many, aside from me.

The sound was GREAT!! THE BAND WAS AWESOME!! .. Every night is an adventure with these guys – great friends & amazing & inspired players. Each night it's some different soulful things erupt. It's wonderful to be mixed into that magic.

The tour is ending here in a couple of days – then I'm off to Ireland with Kendel Carson for a duo tour – I WILL MISS THESE FRIENDS.

Back to the show:

We ended with a warm tribute to my Swedish friends, with THE WAY OF IT & ended with a totally spirited, I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE.

Another special night – see you all soon!

Said hi to several, including:

Again, great to see my great friend & Rootsy cohort, Bjorn Petterson. "BIG BJORN" (same name as bass player), who booked most all our shows – HUGE THANKS!!.. & wife Anja & daughter Thea. (WONDERFUL TO SEE YOU GUYS!!). tell Victor I said hi..

Hi Lynn, Amanda – my ATELLE friends & Lovisa .. so good to see you all. Thanks so my for my gift. I will toast you in Malmo with it before I leave these shores.

Hi to my friend Anders, head of Norrtalja Prison – great to see you again! So good to see you as well, Britt-Marie. Thanks for the kind words. Anders, I'll see you soon. My next prison tour is already in the works.

Hi to Inge-May, deacon at Norrtalja Prison – so nice talking with you & hearing about your good work. Hi Gunner & Irene .. GREAT SEEING YOU GUYS!!!

Big thanks to my new friend, Borje so great to see you from the stage .. look forward to seeing you soon!! & Hi Yvonne .. thanks so much for the good wishes …

HI LARS (ANDERS DAD) .. great to see you boys here!! Big thanks from the "6 pack Holiday" band .. Big ANDERS ("FJELLIS")… & Frederik.. & OF COURSE, GREAT SOUNDMAN, JOHN!! …see you soon, boys!!!!

HI MARIE … so good seeing you right after the show .. thanks so much for those words – I took them to heart. ANNIE .. IT WAS SO GOOD TO SEE YOU!! .. thanks for your warm, Charcoal Sky thoughts.. & HUGE THANKS FOR STOPPING BY LATER WITH THE GLASSES FOR JOHN.. That was so thoughtful .. John was so surprised in the AM & appreciated the gesture so much – he will definitely use them!!

Hi Ulf.. hope you enjoy the vinyl .. great meeting you!! .. Hi Stefon.. thanks for being here .. see you next time!!

BIG HELLO TO OLD FRIEND, MAGNUS… I didn't thank you enough.. I heard the article was wonderful.. Bjorn will translate & send to me. Hope to see you very soon again, my friend.

Look forward to my next visit – love this town!!!

LATE NIGHT

Thanks for keeping the bar open for me Lynn – so good to see you. Hope you & your boyfriend have a great vacation! Alex .. great seeing you!! Thanks for guiding me to Helen's place for my nightcap. HELEN.. so good to see you . thanks for the SPOTIFY lessons. Also .. nice talking to shipman (dredging ship) Geoffery from Belgium. All good wishes!!

GOOD MORNING!!

It was great to see & talk to Sanna, the kind manager of The ATELLATE.. & to see new assistant Marie & friend. I hope to see you very soon again. The tentative plan is to do a prison tour in March, with this town & this hotel as the hub – for about 5 days. That would be paradise for me!!! See you then!

BJORN – BIG THANKS FOR ALL YOUR EFFORTS!!!!!

Note: JUST A THOUGHT – MY GRANDDAUGHTER'S BIRTHDAY (7 years old, already!!!!.. woww!!! – time flies!!) IS COMING UP IN A FEW DAYS!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMANTHA!!!!!!! – THINKING OF YOU FROM SWEDEN!!!! I LOVE YOU!!! – have a GREAT B'DAY!!!

Sep 29, 2010 - ARRIVING IN KIRUNA

Ronny & a friend drove the band back to Lulea. BIG THANKS! Then it was a beautiful, most comfortable & relaxing train ride 4 hours north to Kiruna – the ore mining town – also home to the famous Ice Hotel & FAR MORE IMPORTANT, THE WILLY CLAY BAND!!! We arrived just past 2:00 PM.

YVONNE (Orjan's wife & my dear friend since last year), picked us up at the train.. so GREAT to see you, Yvonne!!

We are staying at a very cool place, THE ARCTIC EDEN.. cool & perfect – with it's authentic local Indian décor & artifacts (each room a design treasure) - except… I can't open a window… a big thing for me - & NO controlled ventilation!!!! Ouch!! It's a good thing I have my fan. John would say later it was a problem for him as well – otherwise this place is AWESOME!

VENUE – THE TRADGARN

SOUND CHECK

So good to see Bjorn's wife SARAH & 2 year old son (HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLAF!!!!). He is soooo cute!!! I loved watching him run around during sound check – Mostly running to poppa Bjorn!!

BIG THANKS FOR YOUR HELP WITH THE EQUIPMENT, JOAKIM.. & thanks for the kind words later!

Great to see my old friends, Arthur & Louise, who own & operate this warm, great place.

I've been looking forward to this for a while. Hope to see the boys, 4 year old twins, Emil & LEON, next time. They can run around during my show, anytime!

THE SHOW

As Simon was opening I was outside taking care of some NY business by phone, but from what I saw, he made his usual VG connection.

Then we began – again, with a short 50 minute set, followed by a long one. The band was great tonight. Orjan & John played some awesome solos, & the audience showed their appreciation, erupting in applause here & there. And Bjorn & Tony were so soulful all night.. & their solo on Wild Thing was so fun & cool. THE NEW UKRAINIAN'S (The band's new name), were on fire tonight!!!! Way to go boys!!

I loved playing all the stories & songs of YONKERS NEW YORK songs, BASTARD BROTHERS & HEY JONNY & all. The stories are what totally connects me to the audience & they change from day to day as other things creep into memory. And I loved singing the "best of" songs, like I NEED SOME HELP WITH THAT

But this was MEAN BASTARD night!!!! I've been waiting for this for a long time!!

Here's the story:

Orjan asked me to write a song in preparation for the dark days. In case you don't know – there is about 2 months of total darkness from mid-Dec to mid-February but the dark creeps in strong starting in November. So, at Orjan's request I wrote "I KNOW DARK", which, from now on, - on NOVEMBER 1st - will hopefully welcome the time of year when the sun starts to disappear.

Note: this was among the 15 songs we recorded 2 weeks ago in Halden, Norway.

The song has a serious "La, La chorus". I rehearsed it with the audience. Then the song began – and it was chilling from top to bottom – and the chorus sounded like we all were in church – and that's where we were – in Arthur & Louise's church.

Here are the lyrics:

I KNOW DARK

I know dark – I know that dark

He's a mean bastard – uh.. huh
When he comes to town – he don't make a sound
He just sneaks around - He's a mean bastard

Singing .. la, la, la, la, la – la la - no, no, no
La, la, la, la, la – la la – let my people go

I know light - I know that light
She's a sweet sister – uh..huh

But she's gone again – (when) her flame went dim
That's when Dark slipped in - He's a mean bastard

Singing .. la, la etc… no, no, no
La, la etc – let my people go

Instrumental

As the shadows fell – on the Ice hotel – dark cast his spell
He's a mean bastard

Let the candles burn – let then shine so bright
"Till it's day for night – for that mean bastard

Singing .. la, la, la, la, la – la la - no, no, no
La, la, la, la, la – la la – let my people go.

Aside from "I KNOW DARK" and the YONKERS songs, I loved THE WAY OF IT tonight. There is a total connection again & again with this one.

At the shows end, Yvonne requested HOLY SHIT – which I performed in solidarity with the prisoners. Thanks Yvonne, this was so reverent & chilling – I loved playing this tonight. A rockin' I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE ended it.

Great to be back in Willy Clay territory. I LOVE this place & the people. I look at it as the Swedish YONKERS. There is such good "heart" here.

See you all soon!

BIG HI TO:

SO GOOD TO SEE YVONNE & BIG HI TO BJORN'S mother, Marie.. so good to see you again!!!.. hi to Johana.. & LOVE.. nice to see you … good luck with your music, LOVE… best with your awakening Johana.. OK … let's see what tomorrow brings…

BIG HELLO TO TONY, lead singer & songwriter of the WILLY CLAY band … & lovely girlfriend, Malin… thanks so much for coming by, Tony… Malin… look forward to seeing you again.

Note: C'mon Tony .. the world needs the Will Clay thing… get to work!!!

HI ASTA.. (front row!!) .. great to see you tonight!!! .. see you soon!! ..

HI REINE & MATTHIAS.. don't forget the train song!!! .. look forward to that.. not sure about the BIG SPEAKER REPEAT.., or whatever that was.. it's probably good & cool .. but I'm pretty sure about the TRAIN thing .. so get to work .. & count me in!!

Hi Kent .. good to see you!!! .. hope to see your dogs .. & more important .. your kids next time!!!

HI ROBIN… great talking to you!! .. best with your graffiti art .. and all else .. you're a great guy!!

So sorry friends Arne & Cecilia couldn't make it .. hope to see you next time!!

Thanks JOAKIM for helping with the sound… great to see you!! … Hi Pelle (with the George Strait T-Shirt).. nice talking with you.. & you AKE .. thanks to both of you for the kind words..

Hi Freddy, Reine (& friend & songwriter, Matthias).. good luck with your songs.. see you soon!! ..

GREAT TO SEE REETTE & JONNI (soo pretty) & "friend" , MAGNUS… what a great guy!! .. so good to talk to you!!! .. thanks for the nice words!!

So good to wind down with you, Louise .. & Arthur.. best with your renovation.. hope to welcome in the dark with you next year!!!

And to all the others.. big thanks from me & the boys for a special night!

See you soon!

Sep 28, 2010 – HEADING FOR PITEA

We are picked up at the hotel at noon by a two-car caravan for our short (less than one hour) journey – slightly south along the Baltic sea – to the friendly, warm (not necessarily in temperature) sea town of Pitea.

I ride in the shotgun seat, with the ruggedly handsome and graying booker / proprietor of our Pitea venue (KROKODIL), a guy named Ronny. The conversation with this stoic - seemingly very shy fellow, goes as follows:

After 3 or 4 four minutes:

Me: "So you booked us at the venue tonight?"

Ronny (almost whispering): "yes."

Then a minute or two of silence – then

Me: " Is it your place?"

Ronny (slowly): "Yes"

Then silence for another few minutes.. then

Me: "Are you by any chance a musician"

Ronny (several seconds later -still almost in a gruff whisper): "Yes… A singer-songwriter" .. then continuing after a delay of another several seconds, "I don't play an instrument"

I digested what he said for a minute or so (thus far, about 20 minutes have passed), & then I responded

ME: " Is that how you make your living?"

After several seconds pause he answered.

Ronny: "No" … then after another several second pause he said ……….
"I'm a comedian."

Oh man! I about fell on the floor! That was one of the strangest and most enjoyable (and finally funniest) conversations I've had in recent memory! And for the rest of the journey, I got a fuller look at the life and character of Ronny Eriksson, who I find out rather quickly is a rather famous and loved political comedian in Sweden.

ARRIVING AT "THE CITY HOTEL: in Pitea.

What a wonderful place to stay – old character, with elegant living quarters, dining rooms, bars etc. And a great, kind staff!! This is our favorite hotel of the trip, thus far.

SOUNDCHECK at the KROKODIL

Ronny and wife Ulla's venue is only a few-minute walk from our hotel. What a great place. Housed in a very old smallish corner structure on a walking street two blocks from the Baltic sea, the venue has two main rooms – one for the music (holding about 125 people) – and one, a little store that sells - aside from coffee, sandwiches, candy and cakes - the most interesting precious merchandise (baskets, miniature moving vehicles cars, wagons, trucks etc.), hand bags etc. – all made from scraps by the poor folks in third world countries.

What a warm, wonderful vibe surrounds this place, managed by new friend, Ronny, his wife, Ula & young son, Joseph.

BY THE WAY: THANKS TO AN AMAZING ARTICLE IN THE MAIN PITEA NEWSPAPER (PITEA-TIDNINGEN), by journalist ANDERS SANDLUND the show is totally sold out! HUGE THANKS ANDERS!

The stage is small, but large enough to just fit the band in comfortable fashion. A good guy and pro soundman, Hakan, has us sound checked and ready in minutes. BIG THANKS HAKAN!

DINNER AT THE CITY HOTEL

Oh, was this awesome. Tony Leone and I had the salmon. The rest of the band had meat dishes or pasta. Everyone raved.

THE SHOW

Again Simon opened and connected and we were on stage right behind him for our first set.

SET ONE

This was an amazing audience – totally with us from the start. I felt so comfortable, that I went deeper into the YONKERS NEW YORK stories than ever before. I can't remember having a better time on stage. And the band felt the same thing & played so inspired tonight!

We totally connected with BASTARD BROTHERS, SWEET TEQUILA BLUES, HEY JONNY and the new Jill Johnson duet FOREVER GOING UNDERGROUND brought big, long applause. ANGEL OF THE MORNING, at the end of the set, was totally chilling.

But the thing I remember most was somewhere in the middle of the set.

I told the story of meeting Ronny – similar as I told it above - and the audience roared! At that point I felt like I was totally, "one of them" And that's the way I felt for the entire night.

SET TWO

We started with the audience singing along with DANCE WITH JESUS, then shifted gears to a prisoner favorite, I NEED SOME HELP WITH THAT. The boys played so killer on this one. I had total chills.

Then it was off to THE CHAT & CHEW (the nightclub in ARDSLEY, NY back in the 50's) with SAW MILL RIVER ROAD – with it's BIG RIVER and ENDLESS SLEEP interludes – then the full BIG RIVER which felt so good and country and cool. I think Johnny Cash would have loved it.

Next came the song that Johnny Cash recorded of mine, CLEAN YOUR OWN TABLES – inspired by last night's request from my journalist friend Rolf Nilsen from Lulea - which had the audience singing along & brought great response. THANKS ROLF – thanks to you, I think that song may be a permanent fixture from now on!!

After that great fun, came another one of the major highlights of this tour. It was a performance (with total audience participation & reverence) of a song that I recently wrote - at the request of Orjan Maki - which "celebrates" the coming of the ominous dark days. The song is "I KNOW DARK", and tonight it was so, so chilling.

This warm audience quickly learned the "La La" chorus (not such a simple one) – and for three plus minutes it was like we were all in church somewhere in the north & I didn't want to leave this place.

A similar chill-connection continued with THE WAY OF IT, always one of my favorite moments in the show. After a rockin' "I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE", we closed in solidarity to prisoners with a touching, NORTAJA PRISON.. which had several openly weeping.

TONIGHT WE PLAYED FOR WONDERFUL NEW FRIENDS. IT WAS THAT WAY FROM BEGINNING TO END . The band was so awesome & so right "there". I'll never forget this celebration!! Hope to see you all soon

Said hi to several, including:

Annelie .. so good to see you & friend Ingrid (and you later) .. hope you enjoy the CD… Hi GERTRUD WESLEY! - my namesake .. thanks for the solidarity hug! See you soon!! .. Mats & son Jacob .. so good to see you!

Hi Christoffer & Marcus.. nice meeting you guys!! .. BIG HELLO TO LENNART .. big thanks my friend for making the long trip!!! .. hope to see you soon again… Hi Margareta (with the beautiful penmanship) .. thanks for the kind words!!!

Hi Anders & Anna-Lena.. Hi Mats!! .. great to see you … I'll send Kendel your regards!! Hi Enar… so good to see you!!

BIG HI to Helen .. Bjorn's teacher … back to work! – you're too young to retire! .. AND BIG HELLO to THE YOUNG JOHNNY CASH of Petea, FREDERIK .. great to see you my friend .. best with your own music!

HI LARS!!! GREAT TO SEE YOU AT THE END – thanks for coming by right after work!! I'm in solidarity with you - you know that!!! So glad NORTALJA PRISON moves you as it does me. You look healthy and great – keep up the good work…. NOW…. BEHAVE!!

A HUGE HELLO TO MY NEW FRIEND, STEFAN, who manages (owns?) the biggest and certainly one of the best record stores in Sweden, BURMAN'S MUSIK in UMEA.. Thanks for the support over the years! I've never signed so much vinyl and so many CDs for one person.. was it about 40 or so … AMAZING!

Wonderful talking to you, Stefan.. yes, I'll tell Kendel how much you love her stuff – referring to her ALRIGHT DYNAMITE as "the most sensual CD in your store!" Yeah… she is amazing!

It is now a dream of mine to one day play at your CLUB LENNART (named in honor and memory of Lennart Perrson) - hope we can figure that out.

Again.. big thanks ANDERS for setting the table here. It was great to see you at the show. Hope we can have dinner or something next time! AND RONNY .. good to get to know you a bit on our drive and loved playing the Krokodil. Big thanks to Ulla .. hi to Joseph. Best of luck with your tour!

Sep 26, 2010 – STOCKHOLM – VENUE - THE AKKURAT

We check into a very nice hotel, The Park Inn, at the airport (we are heading north by plane in the AM), then head for one of my favorite places, The AKKURAT – the best scotch/ beer bar/restaurant on the planet – which is just south of The Old Town & looking down on it. My old friend, owner Stene is there to greet us and help us unload. SO GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN, STENE!

OUR HERO TOUR GUIDE PETER'S FIANCÉ, PERLINNA ARRIVED – So good to finally meet you!

SOUND CHECK

After waiting a bit for the back-line (amps etc.) to arrive from Nortalja, great soundman Jona checks us rather quickly. Good friend Anders and new friend Kristin (from Orebro) make the trip to support us!!! So good to see you both– big thanks for making the trip!! Friend Per from Nortalja & his friend Jesse are there as well. Good to see you!

We all sit down in the back room and enjoy one of Stene's magical AKKURAT meals. Thanks Stene and to all who put that together!

THE LOOK OF THE VENUE

The AKKURAT has a good-sized stage that overlooks the an open area about 30 feet deep. Off to the right is the large bar that wraps around to the right. And on the far right is a large area for standing and further right is an area for about five tables. On the far left there are a few similar tables So the audience you play for is fairly deep in front but quite spread out to the left & right.

During the show, because the stage is at a decent elevation, I had no problem seeing and connecting to the audience in all areas.

FULL HOUSE PLUS

Tonight the AKKURAT is absolutely packed. An area that you might think would hold 100 comfortably is holding well over 200 tonight. AND IT'S AN AWESOME BUNCH – 98% comprised of huge fans. I can't remember ever feeling more connected to an audience. And that connection started from the minute I got on stage, until the show ended.

THE SHOW

Simon did a fine 3 song set to open and we quickly followed, dividing our show into two sets.

SET I –

Again, the connection was immediate. We ripped through the story and song of THE REAL THING. The band was awesome – and they stayed on fire for the whole night. The stories and songs from YONKERS NY, BASTARD BROTHERS, and HEY JONNY all connected - as did the Chip & Carrie hit SWEET TEQUILA BLUES and the JILL JOHNSON duet song, FOREVER'S GOING UNDERGROUND.

Magnus Olsson, the brilliant Swedish drummer that played with us during our Norway run, was attending tonight. We invited him on-stage to take over the drumming for Tony Leone (Tony shifting to shaker) and played TOO DYNAMIC - a song written in response to a strange review of our live show by reporter in Upsala, Sweden some two years ago – which the audience seemed to love. Then, with Magnus still drumming, we ended the set with a chilling version of ANGEL OF THE MORNING, which had that special thing from beginning to end.

This was inspired set – the musicians were on fire, and the audience was on fire - and I fed on all that.

SET II

Then the big fun started! We all went to church with DANCE WITH JESUS – what a great call and response thing it was. Then it was back to a YONKERS connection with WITHOUT HORSES/ And then SAW MILL RIVER became a special art piece tonight as a talkative table on my right became part of the story – as the character in my song, JOE (leader of The Hudson Valley Boys at the CHAT & CHEW Bar) chastised the noisy ones as he "called me up on stage" to sing BIG RIVER and ENDLESS SLEEP.

I should hire those "talkers" for the next show as that additional "annoyance" led to something very special for the band and the audience. This was huge fun! And when the noisy ones realized they were now part of the show, they took it in good spirit and were reverent from there on. Never before have I felt so "at the Chat & Chew" in a performance of this song.

We paid tribute to our friends in the far north with a special new song I KNOW DARK (in which I call DARK a "mean Bastard", which we just recorded in Halden. This was extra special, when many in the audience started singing along to the "LA, LA's" in the chorus. Bjorn & Orjan may begin an annual New Years like celebration on NOV 1.. to welcome in the "MEAN BASTARD" .. calling it The "MEAN BASTARD DAY CELEBRATION" – I love that!

Then the band (now called the THE NEW UKRAINIANS) & I made a special presentation to our new great friend & tour manager Peter Soderlind – a proclamation, making him an "HONORARY NEW UKRAINIAN" – This was actually a touching moment filled with great appreciation to a wonderful guy!

After a few others and a warm and special CHARCOAL SKY, we totally rocked with WILD THING - and thought we'd ended with I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE. But the audience kept applauding and clapping in unison, which led to request - which led to my favorite show ending – EVER.

The request was by a lovely girl named Anna, for DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE, which I dedicated to those behind bars – as that song was a favorite during last year's prison tour. The band helped create a chilling atmosphere & the audience response was overwhelming.

On the heals of that I played the song I wrote especially for prisoners, "NORTALJA PRISON", which brought misty eyes (including mine) and the most amazing response ever – as cheers of compassion and solidarity with the prisoners erupted at several points of the song.

What a blessing it was to be part of this spirit tonight. I'll never forget this one!

AFTER THE SHOW – SAID HI TO SEVERAL, INCLUDING:

HI TO:

Great to see my old friend Runer's nieces, Annelie & Emilie who are here with there friends, Jonas & Victor & Robin..- BIG THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT! – great talking to you!

Great to see Mia, Stene's sister! It's been 6 years. So glad you were here tonight! It was great talking to you at the end. Hi to BENGT! I'll tell Carrie you sent regards.

Hi to Goran, Leffe & Hasse .. thanks for the kind words… Hi to Orjan's fiancé Yvonn's cousin Marie – great to see you after the show! – HI MAGNA .. big thanks for the clear message of support – I liked that! .. Hi Alexander .. good to see you! .. Hi Bjorn .. thanks for the support.

Good to see old friend, ESA .. BIG THANKS FOR THE DISC WITH PICTURES – I put them safely away this time!! Hi Ola .. GREAT to see you .. big thanks for your comments – much appreciated .. Big hello to my old friend (and God-spirit), Torgny (THUNDER & LIGHTNING) .. good to see you all these years .. I think you own EVERY CD .. & the vinyl (new & old) as well.

GREAT TO SEE OLD FRIEND & FAMOUS ACTOR, LENNART & HIS FRIEND, EVA after the show -- so good relaxing with you – I'll look forward to our "magical" performance – whatever that will be!! BIG HI TO MY OLD FRIEND CRISTER (HAKAN'S BROTHER) .. great talking to you as always .. glad to see you made news! Here's a toast back at you!! – NICE PICTURE! .. love to Marianne! GUSTA! – Hope you enjoy the vinyl! Great to see you!

ANNA .. so glad you asked for "DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE" .. one of my favorite moments on stage – ever! Hi Malin.. so glad you were there to feel the Nortalja Prison vibe .. you as well Charlotte – Big love to all of you!

Hi Anna & Malin. & OVE .. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THOSE HEARTFELT WORDS!! They touched me! Hi Holding .. so good to see you again & again .. thanks for your support with all the CDs!! Hi Jens!! – nice talking with you at the end!!

Hi to my terrific wedding friends from Nortalya – Leffe, Lotta, Andreas & all .. and friends Ann & V??? .. so good seeing you before and after the show. Hope the Portugal "honeymoon- sort – of" trip goes well – wish I could have seen you in Nortalja!

BIG THANKS TO STENE and GREAT STAFF.. MANJA (BIG LOVE TO YOU!!), Ida (GREAT TO SEE & TALK TO YOU!!), thanks Emily, .. Anders & Andreas .. big thanks!

See you all soon!

LATER AT THE PARK INN

Hi Ida - so good to meet you – thanks for the pillows and the good talk. I loved that! I'll look forward to seeing mom (Eva) tonight - and you if possible (not counting on that)- then you or you and your boyfriend sometime soon in New York.

Sep 27, 2010 – HEADING NORTH TO LULEA

We took a 11:30 hotel shuttle to the airport. I must say the SAS check and the security was simpler and smoother than any in recent memory, which left me time to relax at the gate and work on my tour notes.

We arrived in Lulea at about 2:45. I was surprised at the weather and the terrain. We waited outside - 60ish degrees with the sun shining warmly – with upper New York State-like pine trees surrounding us.

A nice guy named Hans, drove us to our comfortable Quality Hotel and I was checked in and down in the lobby at 3:30 – all smooth and painless!

MEETING WITH ROLF NILSEN (LEGENDARY MUSICOLOGIST)

I had heard about this great guy in this town – often in the same breath as the late Lennart Perssons – the brilliant and much-loved musicologist from Malmo.

For the better part of an hour, Rolf & I traced my footsteps from the time I first heard country music on the radio until – talking about old heroes (his & mine) and friends such as Kris Kristofferson, John Prine, Guy Clark, Lucinda Williams and the like.

Note: A few years ago, Rolf lost one leg due to doctor's error. But he feels great - and now in his 50s, still does his work with the passion of a man just out of high school. This is a wonderful, honest spirit to be around.

GREAT TO BE WITH YOU MY FRIEND!

THE VENUE – THE KULTURENS HUS (The Culture House)

The venue is a pretty little theater in a large complex that seats 250 or so. After my interview with Rolf, the band and I did a quick sound check with Jonas ("Jonny"). Nice work Jonny – sounded great!!

Note: Since Rootsy (Hakan & Bjorn) booked this venue on their own they were hoping to have at least 100 tickets sold to profit. But due to a Monday night show and press (all great) running a bit too late to influence attendance (though awesome for the big picture), the attendance was slightly below that. But a wonderful group they were!

THE SHOW

We did one long show tonight with many of the YONKERS NEW YORK stories and songs being among the highlights ( i.e.: BASTARD BROTHERS, WITHOUT HORSES, SAW MILL RIVER ROAD).

Aside from a totally warm/fun audience interaction with DANCE WITH JESUS and an amazing interaction with JOE FRASIER – which found me telling more personal reflections of Frank Sinatra than I anticipated – the big highlights for me were dedications to our new friend Rolf Nilsen – BIG RIVER and two songs I hadn't done in years, CLEAN YOUR OWN TABLES – the song of mine that Johnny Cash covered – and the song my brother Barry & I wrote in tribute to our grandfather (THE COALFIELDS OF SHIKSHINNY), which seemed loved by this warm group of folks and gave me chills

We ended the show with a beautiful ANGEL OF THE MORNING, a rocked-out WILD THING, saying a final good-bye with our tribute to prisoners, with the song NORTALJA PRISON.

I loved tonight. It was extra special that new friend Rolf Nilsen was here!

SAID HI TO SEVERAL, INCLUDING:

GREAT TO SEE ORJAN'S SISTER, ANITA … Big love to you Anita – I loved your smile!!! Hope to see you soon!!!

GREAT to see new friend Ida's mom & grandmother as soon as I left the stage!! Hi Eva & Britt Marie – I WAS HOPING YOU WOULD BE HERE!!! So nice talking to you. I can see where Ida gets here warmth & good character from - hope to see you soon again!!

Hope Lars-Uno enjoys the CD, Britt-Marie, send him my regards!!

Hi Peter (mainstay of the ROOTSY FORUM) .. so good to see you again and again – appreciate your support! Hi Maria from THE SWINGING DOORS .. I'd love here your versions of any of the C & C songs .. send them if possible!

Hi Lilla ,, great to see you MAUDE .. thanks so much for the kind words! .. hope to see you soon again..

ROLF – GREAT TO SHARE THIS DAY WITH YOU – SEE YOU SOON!

Sep 24, 2010 - OREBRO

We left Torsby at about 9:30 AM, heading for our next venue in one of my favorite places in Sweden, Orebro. It's the home of a now good friend and awesome booker/promoter/record store owner, ANDERS DAMBERG – who earlier in the month hosted a hugely successful festival here where 150 bands (all sorts of music) plated over a period of one week. In the van I did an interview promoting our Saturday show in Oxelosound – a seaside place I've never been to.

I stayed in this town for a few days about six months ago, using it as a hub for some prison shows and a show in this town at the Skandic Hotel, hosted and booked by Anders. We arrive at a the Clarion hotel at around one PM.. I stayed here at this warm, upscale hotel last time. A kind fellow name Johan has our keys ready and we're resting in our rooms in minutes. BIG THANKS JOHAN!

SOUND CHECK AT THE VENUE

KLUBB 700 is a little theater-club located in a large theater complex. It holds about 125 and Anders says it's been sold out for a few days. It's only a ten-minute walk from the hotel. We pass Anders amazing record store on the way, where there is a large "arty" display of several of the posters advertising our show in the front window.

We arrive at about 4:30. Soundman Christofer and helper Emil have good sound for us in minutes, so we're able to head for an early dinner at a an excellent Anders-suggested restaurant that has seating in an outside area along a rather wide, trendy shopping-row cobblestone street. It's about 75% outside – a perfect setting to relax with the band and have a special dinner before relaxing at the hotel in advance of our show.

THE SHOW

This was special from beginning to end. The band (now known as "The New West Ukrainians") was firing on all cylinders!!

Just for reference, the band is:

JOHN PLATANIA – lead guitar
ORJAN MAKI – pedal steel
BJORN PEDDERSON – bass
TONY LEONE – drums

Note: since our awesome recording sessions in Halden, Norway, where the boys played with such uninhibited passion, this band has become known as THE NEW WEST UKRANIAN'S – in honor of some passionate young freedom loving Ukrainian friends of mine from New York … see previous notes for a further explanation.

Again, this band was on fire tonight.

Back to the show:

The Yonkers NY songs and stories flowed through the show in a sort of magic way. I've wondered why these behind the scenes stories of my family history and the history behind the hits and other songs play as well here in Sweden as in the US. Later, Peter (our friend and tour guide from BOX WHISKEY) told me that Swedish people want to go deep into all that stuff – they don't like brushing over stuff they're interested in. When he said that it all became clear and seemed so, so true!

And so the stories were treated with as much reverence as the songs with applause and cheers breaking out for not only the songs, but the stories of BASTARD BROTHERS, WITHOUT HORSES and SAW MILL RIVER ROAD, with its BIG RIVER reprise.

We played lots of songs tonight, including new ones.. JOE FRASIER (lots of cheers and interaction on this one) and SOMEWHERE IN SOME TOWN with it's tribute to real home grown towns, that as of yet – have not moved out to the highways.

Two requested songs, BLACK and BLUE AMERICA and I AIN'T LEAVING WITHOUT YOU were definitely favorites – as was the final songs, THE WAY OF IT (which is far more touching and reverent in person than the fun album duet version with John Prine) and I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE – which rocked big-time at the close of the show.

On the day before his birthday, Orion Maki stood tall tonight. He and John Platania got several deserved ovations for brilliant solos. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY FRIEND!

What a great return to Orebro -

HI TO:

My GREAT friends Lars and Marita and Anders and Maria – so good to see you again. Looking forward to relaxing and catching up!!

My young friends in the front row – Mettias, Stefon, Emil, Aders and lovely Lina – a very inspiring group!! I was hoping to see you all at the Clarion later – next time I hope we get a chance to wind down together. Lina, if you send your address to info@trainwreckrecords.com, I will send you the latest CD. Look forward to hearing from you.

Hi Nina – great to see you and Håkan. Thanks to all of you for the kind words. Hope to see you soon.

Hi to friends Peter (in the wheelchair) and Aleta – who were off to my left during the performance – great to see you again. Big thanks for the kind words!! Hi to Krister (very tall!), lovebirds Kristin and Anders, Lars and Lars and Lars again.. all nice guys with much appreciated kind words and good spirit .. big thanks for that! Hi to Anders' cohort and friends BENGT LENNART .. great spending time with you later.

Hi to Mats and Jack – Mattias and Marcus and Håkan – I'll play "7 DAYS IN MAY" for you next time! – that's a promise! – Hi to Inger and Irene .. and Hans and all the rest!

This was a special night! See you soon.

BIG THANKS ANDERS! – see you soon!

PS great to wind down with Anders, and friends Christine, Bengt, Simon, Peter (from Box Whiskey) and Bjorn at Bishops after the show. Anders plus – see you in Stockholm!

Sep 25, 2010 – OXELOSUND

BIG THANKS TO TOUR MANAGER, PETER SODERLING!

The entire band is so appreciative of the efforts Peter has made. To be clear, Peter offered his services for these few days as a friend and fan – not for compensation. And the truth is he's as good a tour manager as we've ever had. He's a safe and solid driver of our van, helps with all loading and unloading, advances all the shows and hotels and sells CDs. In other words, The New Ukranian's don't have to think much about anything except making music! WHAT A BLESSING!! HUGE THANKS, MY FRIEND.

BY PROCLAMATION, Orion, Bjorn, John, Tony, Magnus (in abstention) and I – hereby officially name you – PETER SODERLING – an OFFICIAL member of THE NEW UKRAINIAN'S

CONGRATULATIONS ON THIS LIFE-CHANGING EVENT!

Back to our travels:

It's about a 3 hour trip from Orebro to this seaside town. With Peter at the helm, we arrived at our destination – a Best Western Hotel set back in a humble shopping square - approximately 500 yards from the theater complex where will play tonight. What a blessing!!

VENUE – TARNAN STRAD

The venue is a mid-sized theater in a large simple post war structure. Our show is part of the TOWN CULTURAL FESTIVAL.

SOUND CHECK

Again, it is an appreciated perk to have our hotel only minutes from the backstage door. When we arrive, we are greeted by a great team - Malin, the young kind stage manager with the sweet smile and her assistant friends, Annallee, Veronica, Lina. All great girls! Good to meet kind host Marie a bit later.

Soundman, Anders, a very proficient and kind guy, had us sounding very good in short order. After check, we were served a very nice dinner in our spacious downstairs dressing room area.

BACK TO THE HOTEL

Then it was back to the hotel where I could get on the Internet and do a bit of work on organizing THE FIRST AMERICANA LIVE IN NEW YORK mini-festival, which I am hosting from Oct 20 through the 22 in New York – at the Rodeo Bar and Hill Country – two awesome venues!! My friend Jon Langford, a brilliant paintings and sketches artist, as well as an awesome performer, just sent me a "Langford" poster for the event. It's AMAZING! BIG THANKS JON!

Also had a few minutes to refine a new song, "SCREW ALL THE (US) PERFECT PEOPLE", which I may perform for the first time in the Willie Clay hometown of Kiruna.

THE SHOW

I loved this show. The band and I felt a very warm vibe from the audience from the very beginning, which enabled us to "live" the Yonkers NY songs and stories and not just perform them. Again, as has been the case throughout this tour, the stories were met with as much enthusiasm as the songs. What a nice thing.

It was Orjan Maki's birthday today, so his pedal steel playing was featured throughout the show and his (and John Platania's) solos were revered by this warm audience.

BASTARD BROTHERS, WITHOUT HORSES, SAW MILL RIVER ROAD and CHARCOAL SKY all connected with this audience in a special way. And the JILL JOHNSON duet song, FOREVER'S GOING UNDERGROUND (these folks obviously LOVE Jill Johnson!) sounded so chilling to me and connected big time.

But probably my favorite moments of this "lived in" show, was a chilling "BLACK and BLUE AMERICA", a requested " MICHAEL'S SONG – written for a homeless friend from NEW YORK. And after soulful versions of ANGEL OF THE MORNING and WILD THING , another big highlight for me, a sweet and touching THE WAY OF IT, ended the show.

This was a VERY special night! Big thanks to all who attended!

SAID HI TO SEVERAL AFTER THE SHOW, INCLUDING:

Special hi to our old friends Lars and Marita and Anders and Maria, who made very long distance journeys to join us at the last two shows. BIG THANKS! See you soon!

And special hello to Ander's brother and his wife, Arne and Inge. So good to meet you! Hope to see you soon again.

Hi to Tomas and Katharina, Anna, Kristina .. such nice, warm people with kind words – much appreciated!! Hi LASSE, who has all my albums except "… JUKEBOX". It's so good to finally meet you!! Hope to see you soon again!

Hi Agneta.. so nice to see you. And hi Inge and Anders .., hope to see you both soon. Hi Gunilla and Mariette and Suke! and Peter - good to talk to you.. thanks so much for your kind words. They mean so much to me.

Special hello to Sirkka (originally from Finland .. many years ago) .. so good to meet you and GREAT to meet your daughter Helena.. Helena, it's hard to believe that you have a daughter 15!!! - and a vinyl-loving one at that! Hope daughter Fanny likes the album. Please tell her I will look forward to seeing her one of these days!

Again.. big thanks to Anders for the great sound tonight.. and host Marie.. nice to see you! AND SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR NEW FRIEND, MALIN! - and our other great new friends, ANNALEE, LINA and VERONICA! The entire band thanks you all for your efforts and kindness.. hope to see you soon!

Note: Hi to proprietor Mats at the local pub, who served us decent scotch and a good local brew at a private table downstairs – a very good way to wind down after a terrific night.

Also.. good to see reporter Anders and kind photographer Helena in the AM. Thanks for the good questions and warm spirit. See you soon.

September 20, 21 & 22, 2010 – RECORDING IN HALDEN NORWAY

The idea for this album began two years ago. In response to a review of my first show with my new friends - musicians from Sweden – in which the main criticism was that our show was "too dynamic." When the comment was read, the band broke out laughing.

But the truth is, I wasn't laughing – and that night I wrote a song in response, called "TOO DYNAMIC". We played the song to great response throughout that tour. Many other songs, inspired by thoughts and episodes from the road, followed, including "Outside The Human Condition". And when played, they received similar response. My Swedish friend & bass player (from the great Willie Clay Band), Bjorn Petterson suggested I record these songs with the band that shared many of those memories.

So here in Halden (again, a place where I feel very comfortable), we recorded 15 "road inspired" songs with Bjorn Petterson on bass, Orion Maki on pedal & lap steel, brilliant young Swedish drummer, Magnus Olsson with the addition of the soulful John Platania on lead guitar and an amazing Norwegian keyboard player, Goran Grini. WHAT A BAND!

We recorded at Athletic Studios in Halden, which has the rep as being the best studio in all of Scandinavia. After recording there these past few days, I would put it at the top of the list of all studios I've recorded in EVER/ANYWHERE. Aside from the warm and soulful main room, the wonderful analogue recording decks and antique state-of-the-art sound board, which are meticulously maintained, the main asset to this studio is it's owner/engineer, Kai Anderson. Not only is he as proficient as any engineer I've work with, but his above-and beyond qualities - his passion, his warmth, his honesty and his kindness - coupled with the great vibe of these heartfelt musicians, put this is at the top of the list of any studio experiences I've ever had.

ALBUM TITLE – "All The Perfect People" – featuring some humorous songs like "TOO DYNAMIC" and "I USED UP ALL MY SICK DAYS, SO I JUST CALLED IN DEAD", combined with some serious ones like "ME & ROHILLIO" and "NOTHIN" and warm, sensual ones like "WEAKER MOMENTS" - all with an uninhibited spirit.

BAND NAME - Sometime during the course of the sessions I told the band about some new Ukrainian friends of mine from New York. These are young girls (early 20's) are filled with humor and energy for learning new things and a love for music including mine. But all are dead serious when reflecting on Russia and Ukraine and the tragedies and horrors that have been part of Putin's rule (i.e. his control of dissent with threats of imprisonment and death – acts he continues to carry out).

Although this album is not a political statement of any kind, it is a total celebration of free spirit with its no-holds-barred lyrics and subject matter as well as the organic interaction among the musicians. At some point the band contributed the passion and spirit of my New York friends by calling themselves THE NEW UKRAINIANS. After a while the "NEW" was dropped, and CHIP TAYLOR & THE UKRAINIANS seems to have settled as our moniker.

RELEASE SCHEDULE – We have been planning a first quarter of 20011 release of "ROCK & ROLL JOE" by Chip Taylor, Kendel Carson & John Platania (a sort of sharing the spotlight and lead vocals thing like THE HIGHWAYMEN did) – which is a tribute to musicians who never got their just "due".

But this Halden-recorded album seems so immediate, it seems like it would be a shame to wait too long for its release. It will take a month or two to mix and finish, but when that's done I don't believe it will stay hidden long.

Sep 22, 2010 - HALDEN – VENUE – ERLANSENS CONDITORI

This is a magic little sandwich / cake shop hosted by now good friend Tomas – that turns into a venue on certain nights. This is one of them. Old friend & engineer , Obal does a great job getting rich, warm, sound in this charming room. By show time, the place is packed. It's great to see old friend Eric, new friend Per & wife Gretta - and VERY special to see my friend from our hotel (THE GRAND HOTEL), lovely Maria and very inspiring new friend Malin! The truth is, I sang many of the songs tonight with my focus on the second-tier area, where the inspiration was coming from.

THE SHOW

After Simon Lynge does his as-usual solid set, which shows off the virtuosity of his guitar playing and his clear, warm voice, we hit the stage at 8:15.

As usual, I kind of lose myself in the spirit of Yonkers NY and Hakan's "best of" selections.. With all the Yonkers stories and great solos by John & Orian, the time passes quickly. Highlights for me were ALL those stories, BASTARD BROTHERS, SAW MILL RIVER ROAD, HEY JONNY, SWEET TEQUILA BLUES, FOREVER'S GOIN' UNDERGROUND, BIG RIVER, WITHOUT HORSES (total magic tonight!)

After soulful versions of ANGEL OF THE MORNING and WILD THING and a loose version of a new song, "I USED UP ALL OUR SICK DAYS, SO I JUST CALLED IN DEAD" (the audience seemed to totally get into the fun of this one) dedicated to our friends at the great local bar "THE LAST JOURNEY" – which has a sticker on its wall with that slogan – we finished with my tribute to the prisoners with NORTAJA PRISON – which brings tears to many eyes – including mine – every time.

The show lasted over two hours, but with the great interaction with this warm audience, it didn't seem nearly that long.

AFTER THE SHOW

It was very good to wind down with Eric, Per & Gretta and say a close good-bye to Maria & Malin. I wish you guys all the best. Would love that picture of Maria, Malin & me.. can someone send it?

Big thanks to friend Tom Skejekleseter, who handled the booking of the show, the hiring of the studio, the hiring of our new friend and awesome keyboardist, Goren ?? THANKS FOR ALL TOM.. YOUR SPIRIT IS ALL OVER THIS ALBUM!

Thanks Tomas for having us.. good to see brother in law Torbod.. please say hello to wife Camilla & dad Torbin .. wish they were here!!

Halden, the sessions and this show will be warm memories to keep. Thanks to all who have been part of that!

WIND DOWN AT THE BAR (THE LOST JOURNEY)

Great to wind down with friends, several who attended the show. Great to see Eric , Chris & Rich.. bartenders from this great place .. and good to hang with proprietor Magna, who is finally back from tending to family matters. See you next year in Austin!

Kai.. so good talking to you .. look forward to that dinner with Oscar & Heidi & John, next time we're in town! Hi to Kai's best friend "Big Daddy, "Thomd???" – was that it?? .. hope to see you next time… Hi & best to Eva.. thanks for the kind words.. best with your own music!!

Thanks to all said hi .. can't wait to come back!!

Sep 23, 2010 – HEADING FOR TORSBY

With Bjorn at the helm, the band left Halden at 8:30. I did a warm, VG interview with a journalist from the Stockholm area, Magnus, which pretty much covered the inspirations of the road .. current & future music .. an covered for the first time thoughts about the new recordings & the band, including thoughts about the naming of the band, THE UKRAINIANS which has created some Internet buzz. I think Bjorn Petterson & Orion Mackey haven official "band" picture floating around some place.

RADIO SHOW .. we stop an hour short of Torsby, in a town called Karlstad so I can do a cool little interview with an informed host, Per. Big thanks my friend. We arrive in Torsby at about 3:00 PM

VENUE – STJARNAN

We are greeted by Bo Willebrand..and soon meet his other co-workers Anders and soundman, Michael – all warm, GREAT guys! What a team!

The Stjarnan is a cool, pretty little theater with a full stage. We sound-check fast and find an AWESOME meal waiting for us! BIG THANKS TO KERSTIN .. This is one of my all-time favorite meals.. Oxen steak, mushroom laced potatoes, wild vegetables and common ones.. just awesome flavors.. WOW!

WELCOME TONY!!! - First, a big salute to new drummer Tony Leone who now takes over for Magnus Ollson, who will continue with pop star, Melissa Horn. GOOD LUCK MAGNUS! BIG THANKS! Tony has played with great artists, including Levon Helm .. we're so fortunate to have him join us.

THE SHOW

Oh, I loved this!

After a fine opening set by Simon, we're on stage by 8:35. Again the time flies by.

This audience seemed so in-tuned to the Yonkers stories. All those were highlights for me. One of my favorite moments was when we played HEY JONNY , which tributes ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK as being the start of Rock & Roll – and off to the back right aisle was a five year old boy that started dancing with reckless abandon! That IS what this stuff is all about.

BASTARD BROTHERS, SAW MILL RIVER ROAD, BIG RIVER, DANCE WITH JESUS (AWESOME TONIGHT!!), WITHOUT HORSE, ANGEL OF THE MORNING .. the therapeutic chorus of WILD THING was as awesome as I ever heard it .. GREAT JOB! .. these were all major highlights.

But probably the biggest highlight for me was a touching version of THE WAY OF IT.. where I felt a total connection with these great folks! WE finished with a slammin' version of I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE – WHAT A NIGHT!

AFTER THE SHOW

Said hi to several, including:

The five year old dancer, Sixten & dad Richard … so great to see you guys! Thanks for the kind words Richard .. so glad you made the trip! ALSO SPECIAL HI to JONATHAN .. a young guitarist who was attending his first concert with great mom, Maria .. hope to see you both again!

Hi Göte – great to see you .. hope you enjoy the listen!! Hi Gtoren .. thanks for the kind words.. Hi Kjell! .. good to see you! .. Hi Lars! .. hope you like the CD.. see you soon… Hi "L.P." .. great to see you.. Hi Rolf .. good to see you after the show .. Stephon.. big thanks for the GREAT safety guitar!

Hi to the able assistants, Thomas, Erik & Simon.. hope to see you boys soon!

THANKS BO & ANDERS & MICHAEL .. you boys are some kind, warm & totally professional team.. my entire band & I, appreciate all your efforts!! BO.. special thanks for the wonderful GLENFRARCLAS 15 year old single malt. This stuff is AWESOME!

NOTE: Along similar lines, my great friend Peter from the amazing Swedish single malt company, BOX WHISKEY, arrived in time to sell CDs .. of course he brought a special cask strength bottle of Laphroig .. seleceted by legendary head distiller, John McDougall.. this stuff will be well enjoyed and appreciated – THIS IS AWESOME STUFF AS WELL! And so.. the finest whiskey in the world will accompany us for the remainder of our journey .. and I will certainly savor my "allowed" two full sips a day! Big THANKS to Peter, John & Bo (and Bo's friend who made the Glenfarclas selection!)

Note: This tour has been booked by old friend Håkan Olsson & partner, Bjorn Petterson. The plan is to rehearse for two days in Halden, Norway, then play two shows on southern Norway. After that, we are to return to Halden to record songs I've written on the road these past years. After 3 days in the studio & one show in Halden, we'll cross the border and play several shows in Sweden – first heading north.. then winding down several days later with our final show on the southern tip.

Sep 15 2010

John I arrive in Oslo .. met by old friend & great Norwegian music tastemaker, Tom Skjeklesater. We arrive at our hotel in Halden in mid afternoon. For the next few days John & I battle the jet lag thing.

Sep 16 2010 The Band arrives!

Orian (pedal steel), Bjorn (bass) & Magnus (drums) arrive at about 4:30 PM.. after traveling from the north of Sweden for the better part of the day.

REHEARSAL – Håkan & Tom have secured rehearsal space for us at the studio where we will record in a few days. We work for a couple of hours, then head for a relaxing good dinner at a new restaurant that's housed in the confines of the newly built, The Thon.

The next day we rehearse back at our modest, but warm & homey hotel, The Grand Hotel – we like this humble, soulful place. Håkan arrives at mid day & after rehearsal, we have a great sit-down meal at a terrific Indian restaurant near our hotel.

Sep 18 2010 – The PROTEST FESTIVAL – KRITIANSAND, NORWAY

It takes us about 6 hours – including an hour ferry ride to reach this city in the southern tip of Norway. This is a charming place. Much of the town is geared toward accommodating the Protest Festival – devoted to better understanding of social issues. Music is only a small part of the festival. There are lots of panels & discussion groups.

PANEL – discussing humor – topics & attitudes.

I've been asked to start the panel off with a few songs. I enjoyed weaving hints of the topic with THE WAY OF IT, ANGEL OF THE MORNING & WILD THING. This was a surprisingly fun thing for me very kind & warm folks to play for & talk to. After the songs I head for sound check with the band.

Note : Big thanks to Nilmi, a writer in her own right, who was our escort to & from the event. Nilmi wrote a recent syndicated column in the newspapers referring to the importance of family values, in particular referencing the blessings of not-so-politically correct stay-at-home-moms. All the best Nilmi .. big thanks!

MAIN VENUE – ODDEROYA IDRETTSHALL

REHEARSAL FOR THE MAIN SHOW

After the panel, we went quickly to the main auditorium on a hillside on the outskirts of town. Soundman Chatill & Maris had us sounding good in seconds! GREAT JOB BOYS! This allowed us to head back to the hotel for a bit of dinner & well needed rest before taking the stage.

THE SHOW

Loved this!! We played for several hundred enthusiastic folks. THE BAND SOUNDED AWESOME!!! .. Håkan has released a BEST of called CHIP TAYLOR – JAMES WESLEY DAYS. - a very cool double CD. Most of our show draws from those songs.

When we played a new song, FOREVER'S GOING UNDERGROUND for the first time, there was absolute silence and the applause after went on for quite a long time. That was a wonderful feeling for us on stage & set the tone for the rest of the show. As well as dancing & moving with all the fast ones, these folks got the sensitivity & warmth of the ballads as good as any audience in recent memories.

And the Yorkers NY songs seemed so revered. , SAW MILL RIVER ROAD, HEY JONNY, CHARCOAL SKY… folks here really got the passion of these. This was a great group to play for!!

We played for the better part of an hour & a half – & because of the warmth from these new friends, it felt much shorter. I hated to leave the stage.

We ended with a soulful WILD THING & a chilling NORTAJA PRISON.

SAID HI TO SEVERAL, including

Hi KARI.. great seeing you at this show & the panel. Thanks for the interview & the enthusiasm .. & byes, I would very much like to hear from you regarding your movie Johan & would love to be involved with Johan II. And I'll look forward to listening & discussing your music with you. Hi to camera man Tom?? (is that right?) .. tell him big thanks!!

Hi to MC Lasse, & wife ??? & Friend??? .. great to see you.

Hi Tine .. thanks for the SEVEN DAYS IN MAY request.. hope to see you soon. Big hi to WALTAR.. thanks for waiting for me to sign.. big hi to your dad, Gunner, .. tell him I wish him well.

Thanks to Håkan's new "find", Simon who did a fine job opening for us.

SPECIAL THANKS TO SVEIN INGE for inviting us to be part of this important event! Would be honored to do it again next year!!!

SEPT 19 – OSLO – VENUE – HER NILSON

This is a VERY cool place to play. It's like a small jazz room that wraps around a corner building in a little city square. It reminds me a bit of The Turning Point in upstate New York. Except it has a city vibe. I LOVE PLAYING HERE!!

The bartender/ booker, Chetill, greats us – manager Martin arrives soon & great & kind soundman Hans arrives at 6:00 & we are very happy with the sound in seconds, allowing us to quickly head for a needed bite to eat!

Just before show time I said hi to a couple of nice folks.. Terill & Jan who had seen us last year when we were in town with Kendel Carson - & a very nice guy Blorn who said some very nice words about my YONKERS NY CD. That set a nice tone for me to take the stage

The opening act --- a talented artist named Simon – who is also distributed by Håkan Olsson's Rootsy Record label – is opening for us on this tour. He's from Greenland & sounds a bit like Paul Simon – sings & plays great. He does a fine job warming up the audience – we're on stage at about 9:45.

THE SHOW

Well .. you had to be there! This was as intimate a show as I've done – many are these days – but this room & this audience certainly brought out the best of the "living room" vibe.

AND THIS BAND WAS SOOO AWESOME!!! .. John Platania KILLED.. as did Orion & Bjorn & Magnus…. What a band!!!

There were far too many highlights to mention .. the whole damn show was a highlight for me.. I just loved being on THIS stage .. playing for THESE GREAT FOLKS tonight!!

The Yonkers NY songs totally connected .. as well as the "best of" selections .. we played so many tonight.. a couple of great memories might be .. a requested TRY JUST A LITTLE BIT HARDER (my Janis hit)… & DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE.. & THE WAY OF IT.., & SAW MILL RIVER ROAD .. & JOE FRASIER .. & SOMEWHERE IN SOME TOWN.. you see .. I could keep going.. it was just one of those amazing special shows

Said hi to several after the show, including:

Øystein - Great seeing you front & center .. you have such a great way about you .. I'd love to see you at my shows anytime!!

Big hello to my Rotterdam new friends, Lou, Thea, Els & Anton… so great to see & talk to you … & SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO GRANDSON JASPER ON HIS CHRISTENING!!!!!! What a special day!!!! .. hope to see you all soon!!!!

Hi Liv.. so glad your dad, Leif suggested you come tonight (we saw Leif at the Protest Festival last night)_– you were a great addition!!! Hope you enjoy the CD hope to see you & dad soon!

Hi Knut .. great to see you .. thanks for your comments about the band!!! I'll pass it on to them!! See you soon!! // Hi Magne .. & Tom .. & Bjorn.. so good to see all of

Hi Jon & Inge .. so glad you were here tonight. Wish I had more time to talk to you. I loved seeing you from the stage!!

Big thanks to now old friend .. venue mgr, Martin.. Chetill (thanks for your nice comments.. hope your friend enjoys the CD!)… HANS … GREAT SOUND!!!! HUGE THANKS!!

And to all the others that were here .. Big thanks.. this was special.. see you all soon!!

Aug 19, 2010 – 230 ELM (an estate-like house) Southampton, NY

The show tonight is a benefit for Jr Golf in the area. It was put together by my friend & local beloved pro, Bobby Joyce.

The venue is a cool place – located just east of the main town in a residential area. There's a large catering-like area in the main floor of this lovely old white "house", with a generous stage on the right & large bar behind.

By the time John Platania (Gtr), Tony Mercadante (bass), Tony Leone (drums) & arrived for sound-check, just before 5:00, the sound system was in place we sound-checked in short order. Big thanks to Doug for letting us use his terrific Bose sound system & for having it ready for us!

Note about the sound: The sound system is a strange one – one cylindrical monitor/ loudspeaker that handles the entire room & the stage as well. I worked once with this system in Holland & had trouble with it – not so here – this one is amazing!!

After a good dinner at the ocean, some 10 minutes away, we relaxed in the downstairs area of the venue (a former 50's bowling alley area) - &, after a kind intro by friend Bobby, we were on stage at just after 8:00.

THE SHOW

What a great group of folks to play for - most there to benefit Jr golf. We started into our Yonkers journey. By the time we reached the end of our first set, we had introduced the folks in song & spoken word to my mom & dad – Barbara & Elmer - & my "BASTARD BROTHERS" Jon & Barry, traveled to a cave in Miles Square Woods, had a hospital visit with my mom, Barbara, had a barbecue at my folks house with my Mafioso friends – including an opera singer (in WITHOUT HORSES).

The spirit in the room was so great tonight & so focused, that I felt I had a bunch of companions during every part of the journey – and that made it better for me & the boys. And, speaking of the boys (Tony, Tony & John), they were just awesome this entire night. It was great to know that their brilliant work was being so appreciated!

We ended with a very inspiring ANGEL OF THE MORNING, with lots of folks singing along. We then took a short break & were back on stage in short order.

THE SECOND SET

We started with the title song, "YONKERS NEW YORK", & had folks singing along to the trials of growing up a Yonkers's boy. Soon it was off to the Chat & Chew in "SAW MILL RIVER ROAD" .. a place that some in the audience actually remembered!!! BIG RIVER & ENDLESS SLEEP totally rocked tonight!!! At some point we all played Gin Rummy with my dad in the story & song of GIN RUMMY RULES, which folks seemed to love – and we all found out who Ernst Lubitch was.

WILD THING totally rocked tonight – as did a requested I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE. We closed with a reverent HOLY SHIT!!

It was a night to remember!! Big thanks to all who attended. As we were leaving Bobby asked if we'd do it again next year. I readily accepted that invitation – So – see you next year!!.

SAID HI TO SEVERAL INCLUDING:

Old friends Pat & Larry Lombardi – great to see you guys again. Thanks for the kind words. It's always great to have your spirit around!! – Hi Vince & Lisa - great talking to you all as well!!

Hi Norman .. good to see you … & great to see my horse-shoeing friends, Drew & Dave!! I'll keep brother Tuff Birdsall's name in mind – I'm sure we have NYRA friends in common.

Big Hi to Michael Apell & friend Joanne – Michael was at the forefront of getting Bruce Springstein signed to Columbia Records & produced his first two records & co-produced his third. He was instrumental in his success - no two ways about that - & Bruce's first (less bombastic) albums are treasures in their innocence. GREAT meeting you both!! .. Michael .. remember .. "Outside the human condition is a place I want to dwell – where NO man stoops in anger .. & everyman wishes you well" .. see you soon!

And a very special hello to Susan (Hobbs) .. who used to visit my mom, with her kids, at Christmas. Thanks sooo much for sharing those treasured thoughts with me, Susan - I will share them with my brothers & Joan. Hope to see you very soon!

Hi Mary & Christine. Thanks so much for the kind words & proud thoughts of your students. Hope to see you soon!! Hi David .. so good to see you!! BIG HELLO TO DELORES!!! Thanks for the GEORGE JONES COMPARISON.. I'M SURE THERE'S SOME TRUTH IN THAT .. He is amazing!! – BIG HELLO TO YOUR GRANDSONS, BOBBY & EVAN!!! WHAT GREAT GUYS!! – Thanks so much for your help with the CDs!! . GREAT JOB!!

GREAT TO SEE LEIF, MY BARTENDER FRIEND FROM PARNEL'S (53d & Second). Big thanks Leif .. I'll dedicate HOLY SHIT to you next time. And thanks to my new friend Vinnie, who drove out from New York City with dog Highway to catch much of the show!!! See you both soon - much appreciated!

And hi to bar manager Tim .. and lovely Jaci, Ashley & Wendy .. and nice waiter, Tommy!! .. great to see you guys during & after the show – hope to see you soon again!!

Thanks Bobby!! – best of luck with the Jr. golf program!! WE LOVED TONIGHT!!! - see you next year!!

Aug 14, 2010 – THE TOWNE CRIER – PAWLING NY

It's been a couple of months since my last shows in Holland. Friend & great bassist, Tony Mercadante picked me up at 1:20 at the White Plains train station - we headed straight up route 684 to Pawling & the venue where we met John at about 2:30.

We love playing this place, run by friend Phil & his kind wife Mary – a very nice lady who I met for the first time on arrival. Mary is a behind the scene treasure. Aside from prepping the place during the day, she makes brilliant, elaborate, delicious deserts that folks rave about.

photo by John Beach

The staff here are great bunch of folks, including host & Maitre De, Ricardo, cook Eric, sound man Scott, head waiter Peter??? (is that right?) & the busboy & waitress staff including lovely waitress Sam. It's sort of a theater / dining place – with very good sound. Again, we're happy to be back. Thanks for having us Phil.

I had been in a bit of a funk these last several days & getting back together with John & Tony totally lifted my spirits. It's amazing how much power is in friendship. And simply put, we are the very best of friends. We spent the next several hours catching up with personal stuff & rehearsing.

We had a solid sound check with great engineer Scott, who made a special trip to check us earlier than normal. After a great meal, thanks to chef Eric, we were ready for the show.

Thanks to Bill Bachmann, who did a fine opening act. We were on stage shortly after 9:00.

THE SHOW

This was one of my favorite shows in memory. We based the show on my latest album, YONKERS NY - in song & stories. And I went wherever the moment took me – from stories about Frank Sinatra – to my Mafia friends in high school, to a Monday at the train station with my mom, Barbara – dad Elmer - & my BASTARD BROTHERS, Jon & Barry.

This was an awesome audience to play for!!!! Highlights were far to many to mention as, if pressed, I'd include the entire YONKERS NY songbook plus all stories, plus the new JOE FRASIER & a visit to my KING RECORDS past, with MIDNIGHT BLUES & LITTLE JOAN.

John Platania & Tony Mercadante were totally magic tonight!!!! & the audience let them know it!! Great job boys - the band is back!! .. Big hi to Yonkers friends, John Beach & family .. great to see you guys & talk about the Yonkers old days.. see you soon!!

Huge thanks to all who shared this special night with us!

SAID HI TO SEVERAL, including:

Special hi to my great friends, Gerard & lovely wife Shelley. Gerard is the proprietor of my "home away from home" – the amazing La Mangeoire Restaurant (53d & Second Ave in NYC) If you want a special treat, stop by Gerard's place for an awesome dinner prepared by 5 star chef, Christian & served by a great staff. I guarantee you will not regret it & more than likely, I'll be sitting at a table next to you.

Again Shelley & Gerard, so special to see you guys. Your words meant a lot to me. Congrats to Sarah (& Steve) - send her my big love. And big hi to Adam - hope to see him next time!

Big hi to old friend, Ed Solin & lovely wife Rory. SO GREAT TO SEE YOU GUYS!!! Ed, it's been too long - far too long - just GREAT catching up with you!! Rory, how do you do it – you haven't changed in all these years!!! You look amazing!!!.. OK… you too, Ed! Also .. hi to friend from the North Lake years, Chris Cassone. Thanks for stopping by Chris - best with your own music!

Hi Rollo (Phil) & lovely wife Pat - wedding congrats!!! It's about time!!! It was so good to see you guys again… Hi Dean.. nice talking with you .. hope you enjoy the CD… Hi Ann.. so good to see you!! .. big Hi to Anne & Liz' friend .. can't quite remember your name.. saw you right after the show … Anyway.., it was GREAT to see you again! Big thanks for saying hello!

Hi Howard! (Tony's co-worker) So glad you were able to come.. nice talking with you .. Great meeting you Bill – WELL DONE!! .. hi to lovely daughter, Alissa & so good to see Rise .. with the two "dots" over the "i" .. all the best.. hope to see you soon!!

Great to see my old grammar school friend, Bill Kraft again & again – it's always so good to see you at these shows Bill, It means allot to me. Also great to see my old schoolmate from Stepinac, Bill Wetzel.. thanks for coming, Bill .. hope all's well. Let's catch up soon!

And Chuck & Mary .. & my Joan…. Big thanks for sticking it out!!!!!! Love you guys!!

See you all soon!!!

Jun 11, 2010 MOJO AWARDS

I was invited to be a presenter and since Mojo is pretty much the music "bible" of our day (Uncut is great as well) and has been a huge supporter of my recent work, this was some honor for me. I attended with Richard England from Cadiz distributor (distributor of my stuff in the UK). Richard is also a film co-producer of the coolest rock/documentary on the planet, OIL CITY CONFIDENTIAL, directed by infamous Julien Temple (Sex Pistols/Rolling Stones). It chronicles the life & death of the great rock-punk band from the 70's, DOCTOR FEELGOOD. The film is awesome! Another at the table was the lead singer of that band, AXEL - a great, honest & humble character - I love this guy!

THE AWARDS

I presented the CLASSIC SONGWRITER AWARD with lovely and off-the-wall (in a good way - very nice) actress/ singer PALOMA FAITH. The winner was a deserving ROY WOOD, who wrote several UK hits in the 60's & 70's and founded or co-founded three hit bands, THE MOVE, THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA and WIZARD. Roy's a humble, nice guy. It was also very special to meet his proud, sweet daughter, HOLLY as well. Great to see you Holly!!

Friend EMMYLOU HARRIS was there to present an award to The McGarrigle Sisters.. to Anna (wonderful sis Kate passed away in January). Also there receiving were Kate's brilliant & warm kids, RUFUS & MARTHA WAINWRIGHT (dad is my old friend Loudon Wainwright from the 70's Warner Brother days) It was wonderful to feel the spirit of Kate on stage with all of them

Martha kindly put me on the guest list for their sold out tribute to Kate on Saturday.. more about that later.. THANKS MARTHA.. much love!!

Also receiving awards were a great new group from Texas, MIDLAKE - a sort of a cross between RADIOHEAD and FAIRPORT CONVENTION – but VERY original, with kind messages in the cloak of old diary-like text.

and DUANE EDDY won a big award and it was great to see him. WHAT A WARM, HUMBLE MAN! He worked hand and hand with Lee Hazelwood. Somehow through that connection seemed to know me instantly. Although I don't remember meeting Lee, we shared the same friends & came from a sort of similar place musically. Lee recorded my Storybook Children with Nancy (a duet with Lee). Sorry I missed saying hello to Duane3's wife, (?? EED??), whom he sweetly mentioned in his acceptance speech..

Said hi to Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) who was there to accept his HALL OF FAME award. That was doubly nice when I heard he had wanted to say hello. But stuff like this always makes me wonder when the great, soulful John Platania will start getting that sort of deserved hero worship.

A big hello and thanks to the MOJO folks - Phil, Daryll & all, who, at every turn, made me feel so welcome. Big thanks boys!!! See you next year!

WHAT A NIGHT!

Jun 13, 2010 – TRIBUTE TO KATE & ANNA – THE McGARRIGLE SISTERS

This might be my favorite of all the shows I've ever attended - not just because of the great music - but mainly because of the soulful stuff that took place on that stage. The tears and passion of Anna, Rufus & Martha really got to me. Their dear friend Emmylou Harris was so brilliant and so warm., And it was great to see the others.. Nick Cave… my friend, Linda Thomson, new friend Richard, son Teddy and so nice to meet daughter Kamila at end.

Again, Rufus & Anna and Martha moved me so much tonight. There was so much family love on that stage. It was a show I won't forget.

Thanks Martha.. hope to see you very soon!

Note: STAYED AT A GREAT HOTEL IN THE BLOOMSBURRY AREA called The Bloomsburry Hotel .. ON GREAT RUSSELL STREET.

All "good" hotels are pricey these days.. but for between 140 & 200 pounds .. this is reasonable… as this is THE ROLLS ROYCE!

If you go, say hi to mgrs, Banni & Chris.. and great desk folks, Sophie, Maria & Varna.. and bell guys Brian & Paolo.. They are awesome!… Suggestion - if you decide to stay there, call Banni or Chris in advance and ask them to save you a room facing Great Russell Street .. as the daylight shines through clear & bright.. a nice way to great the day.

May 5-19, 2010 - The Netherlands Tour

May 19, 2010 – arriving in EINDHOVEN

VENUE – THE FRITS PHILIPS THEATER

Since this is the last show on the tour, we have asked the tech folks at the theater if we could have a late sound check. They cordially agreed. We arrive at 5:15, load in & head for our tour ending dinner with old friends Leanne & Martin & Bert Pjipers & wife Reitje & our new tech friend, B.J.

We choose a great restaurant called THE GOUCHO (part of a chain, found in several cities in Holland we loved the one in Leiden). After some good food & celebration, we're back for sound check at 7:15.

SOUND CHECK

VINCENT (sound) & HENK (lights) are so easy to work with. We're ready in minutes. BIG THANKS – it would be great to work with you again!

THE SHOW

This theater is amazing - certainly one of the best sounding rooms on the tour. Because the sound was so rich on stage, John was in an amazing comfort zone. And as soon as we took the stage & played THE REAL THING I knew this was going to be a great JP night. John's rhythm playing & solos on that song & HEY JONNY were off the charts. He was magic all night & the audience let him know it at every turn.

We played another long show tonight & John & I went lots of new places & took lots of chances. The YONKERS NY songs & stories connected as usual, but the thing I'll remember was the latter part of the show.

SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS

First, my old friend Rose & her family & friend were in the audience. In their honor, I played "ROSE OF ARNEM TOWN" which I wrote for Rose a couple of years ago. That song & the story about our meeting is in my book/CD, SONGS FROM A DUTCH TOUR. I loved playing this tonight.

After a fun & rockin' WILD THING, I asked that the lights be turned partly on so I could see the folks. Henk obliged quickly & I felt even more connected to this warm group. When I asked for requests, some real magic happened.

After a requested YONKERS NEW YORK – the title song of the current album - someone asked for a TAYLOR/RODRIGUEZ song, LETS LEAVE THIS TOWN. I told the person that I didn't do C&C duets, but I would play a new song Carrie & I just recorded & I played "THE NEW BYE & BYE", which will be released in September as part of a "best of – with new songs". The song starts out with Carrie singing:

"What the hell are you doing?? YOU untrustworthy bastard!!

The audience seemed to absolutely love this one!

Immediately following we played a requested JOHN TUCKER IS ON THE WAGON AGAIN which is always a nice memory for me. Then it was my new song – written two days ago - DUTCHMAN BLUES, which reflects on my warm feelings with all things Dutch. We left with I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE & a warm/reverent HOLY SHIT.

What a nice ending to a wonderful tour.

SAID HI TO MANY INCLUDING:

First.. BIG HELLO TO ROOSE ("Rose" – to me), her "too perfect & kind" (only kidding) boyfriend, Steve, mom & dad, Jan & Antoinette, aunt Els & husband Bert & one of Rose's former teachers, TOON. So great to talk to you all.. that will be a great memory from this tour

Glad you're home Rose. Best of luck with your thesis.. though I'm sure you won't need that - so good to see you again!!! Steve – really good to see you - best with the good/kind work you do.

HI Christine .. nice to see you as well! Hi Ton.. all the best.

Hi to great friends, Jan & Dini.. thanks for all the support always. Hi Lilian & Rien.. so good to talk to you.. Hi Chantal.. hope you like the CD .. thanks Rob.. see you soon.. Hi Arianne & Victoire (almost forgot the "i" .. nice to see you.. Hi Lie.. & Hans.. & Josette

OF COURSE GREAT TO SEE MY GREAT FRIENDS, LEANNE & MARTIN & GERDIEN (will I ever get that right??!!) .. & so good to see you RALPH (Leanne's brother) & friend CARMIN.. so great talking to you, CARMIN' .. thanks so much for those kind words – that meant a lot to me. See you next time with your "request".

THIS WAS ANOTHER SPECIAL TOUR – ONE I WON'T FORGET. Warm thanks to all who were a part of it.

May 17, 2010 – ARRIVING IN ASSEN (for show in Spijkerboorg)

With great memories of Rotterdam – specifically our show at The Walhalla Theater – we headed northeast & arrived at our Best Western Hotel (HOTEL DE JONGE) some two hours later at about 2:30. This will be our home for our show tonight in Spijkerboorg.

I worked on a new song I started last night – not sure I'll have the courage to do it tonight – called DUTCHMAN BLUES. After a very good radio interview with a nice guy named Frans, we headed for the venue in a neighboring town.

May 18, 2010 - HEADING TO SPIJKERSBOORG

Our friend/ tour manager/driver, Milan lives in Gronnigen, a large city just north of Assen. He's lived there for years & still he has never heard Spiijkerboorg – only a half hour away. So, we know this venue is going to be in quite a small town.

We travel the pretty country roads about 25 minutes north west of Assen, passing the little towns of Gasteren, Anloo & Annen –with their beautifully manicured old 1800's homes – often with thatched roofs – often resting beside little farms or flower gardens – and arrive at a little theater in Spijkerboorg at about 6:00.

ARRIVING AT THE SPIJKERBOORG THEATER

As we pull in to the theater, we are greeted by Jaap, the promoter – Frans, the DJ that did such a warm/nice interview – Berlina, the kind manager of the place - & Cees, who will do our sound today. Simply put, all these people seemed like good folks & made us feel totally welcome.

SOUND CHECK

It doesn't take long to get good, simple sound & Cees, leaving John & me to rehearse a bit – preparing for our "duo" show. As Israel checks for his show, we meet the owner of the place - another warmhearted guy named Willem. BIG THANKS FOR HAVING US WILLEM!!

THE OPENING SHOW

Israel opens with a nice solid show – including in his set one of my songs, HOLDING ME TOGETHER, for the first time. Thanks Israel – nicely done. He makes great connection with this audience & I invite him to sing another, before John & I take the stage. Off-mike, he performs a song about being drunk & hurt – I mean REALLY drunk & REALLY hurt. I like this one. Israel leaves to a very warm response.

OUR SHOW (A BIRTHDAY GIRL!!)

This was a special one right from the beginning. A GREAT LADY NAMED LOUWKE – a big fan of mine for years - was celebrating her 60th birthday with family & friends. After a big sing-a-long HAPPY BIRTHDAY we began our show in dedication to her.

The Yonkers stories & songs connected immediately. The truth is, I LOVE telling the Yonkers stories – but never more than tonight. I totally "lived" the stories with the audience as I told them – so the connection was as honest & warm as it's ever been.

There was lots of good-natured humor mixed in with serious stuff – & lots of country songs mixed in with some of my rock & roll hits that I don't often play – like I CAN'T LET GO & ANYWAY THAT YOU WANT ME.

But it was the simple warm things that connected us in the most special way – like SAW MILL RIVER ROAD, CHARCOAL SKY, a requested BLACK & BLUE AMERICA, a bit of LUCINDA WILLIAMS, "LAKE CHARLES", for some visitors from Louisiana – JOHN TUCKER'S ON THE WAGON AGAIN, a requested SEVEN DAYS IN MAY ..

& the new song, DUTCHMAN BLUES (a tribute to my Dutch friends new & old). That was chilling!

By the way, John was so soulful tonight. I was calling for songs we hadn't done in a long time – yet he followed my every move with such grace. And the audience constantly showed their appreciation for the "magic man"! GREAT JOHN!!

We ended our two hour show with I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE – and when we got our second standing ovation, we played HOLY SHIT, all singing the chorus together to end the night.

HERE'S A FILM CLIP OF THE AUDIENCE (taken by me) JUST BEFORE "HOLY SHIT"

SAID HI TO MANY SPECIAL FOLKS

First – HI LOUWKE – so glad you & your family & friends celebrated your birthday with us tonight. I loved talking to you & your husband Arnold – who, knowing you were a Chip Taylor fan, bought you GASOLINE back in the day – when he was courting you – to get on your good side! Soon after, he bought LAST CHANCE & the rest – It was so special to sign those precious "gifts" for you & Arnold tonight. It meant so much to me!

Hi to sister, TIENKE (HAPPY BIRTHDAY AS WELL!!!) .. hi to the rest of the family, including HARJAN, son of Louwke? (or Tienke??) & girlfriend Cindy – all such nice warm folks.

A VERY SPECIAL HELLO TO ROELIE & FINKE .. my thoughts are with you both .. tell Jannes ( a fan for a while) I will look forward to seeing him when I come back next year –– JANNES.. I had three stents put in my arteries last February.. I hope you soon feel as good as I feel now ..

Roelie - Ad's spirit will be in my thoughts/ I am SO glad I got the chance to meet you tonight. We are totally in this together.

Hi EEF - a fan from GMT & beyond!! - so good to see you .. thanks for those kind words about Black & Blue America (Nobel Prize etc.._) & RIA, It was so good to meet you – hope to see you next time as well.

HI MARTHA (DJ at the station) .. Thanks for the SEVEN DAYS IN MAY request.. HI JO .. so glad you both were here!

Hi to Sjoerd ("Stewart" in the US).. good taking to you .. you as well, Fenny - Hi Albert – hope you enjoy the CD .. Willem.. nice talking to you .. hope to see you next time.. HI HARRY & JANNIE, ERIK & KIENA.. so good meeting you all .. hi WOUTER.. good to see you!!! .. Hi Henk.. nice to see you as well!!

Hi Egbert .. nice talking to you.. best with your own music!!

WE LOVED OUR VISIT HERE .. BIG THANKS TO WILLEM, BERINA, FRANS, JAAP. BIRGIT & CEES .. let's do it again!!

May 12, 2010 – FRIESLAND, HEADING FOR LEEUWARDEN

The northwest part of Holland is known as the Friesland region. I'm not an expert on the history of this but a local young lady named Erika told me that it all goes back to Medieval times. For a time, Friesland was part of Germany. Then came wars & treaties & now Friesland folks are spread all over the place. But their "home" is here in the north and the cities we're about to visit, Leeuwarden & Drackten, are part of that region or province.

Frieslanders are proud folks – they have their own language, which they speak mostly among themselves. Many have been my friends & fans for a while & I am looking forward to seeing them!

HERE'S THE PLAN

We have a show far north in Drachten tonight then, after a day off; our next show is in neighboring Leeuwarden. Since the towns are only ½ hour apart, we have decoded to spend all three nights in Leeuwarden.

Milan has chosen as our "home" for those days a place on the outskirts of town called the WESTCORD, part of the WTC chain.. He's on the spot with this selection as we've just had three days at the great GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL in Leiden. He knows we want a very comfortable, but affordable place. He says this one is all of that – let's see.

It's a two plus hour trip from Leiden to Leeuwarden. With Milan at the wheel & some good conversation, the time passes quickly. We arrive at the WESTCORD at 2:00 PM. MILAN DID GOOD – THIS IS AN AMAZING PLACE!!

THE WTC (THE WORLD TRADE CENTER??!!) is a big black-box looking building. Inside that "box" it's fresh & spacious & brand new. The rooms are space-age-like – lots of shiny glass & steel & leather – something you might expect in a Wynn hotel in Las Vegas. There is also a health club, good bar/restaurant & A CASINO ATTACHED!

For three days – we will GLADLY take "glitzy". This is a very cool place!! Normally, the hotel costs over $250 (US) per night. Milan managed to get it for half price! GOOD WORK MILAN!!

We just found out that, for the first time, there is a change of schedule for sound check at this venue. We don't need to check until 6:30. This gives us a few hours to rest or whatever. I check out the casino. It's glitzy & OK – the folks are nice there. One problem – black jack is dealt from an auto-shuffling shoe, so my edge* would be lost. So there's no sense in playing here tonight.

* As some of you know, I was a professional "card-counter" playing blackjack years ago – banned from many casinos in the US. A card counter loses his advantage when the cards are constantly shuffled, which is the case with the shoe mentioned above.

May 12, 2010 – DRACHTEN / VENUE - LAWEI

This is a small, lovely theater, holding about 200. All the theaters we played so far, kind of go straight back – more length-wise - in a sea of new red (seats). This theater is spread out more to the left & right & only about ten rows deep. The seats are, for the first time, a different color here – a fresh gray. As usual in these places, there's a good bar area to meet & greet folks after.

SOUND CHECK ETC

When we arrive at 6:30, we are met by our now friend Ghislaine (tech for our entire tour). "Chris", as she suggests we call her, has already coordinated with the tech folks here – Willem (sound) & Jacko (lights) – great guys! We sound check in minutes & have a few minutes to hook up to the Internet & relax before show time.

Immediately after sound check I meet the managing director of the theater Alfred – a great guy. We have a few laughs

THE INTERNET

By the way – this is one thing different about this tour than those of the past. At every venue, all of us are hoping to hook up to the Internet as soon as sound check is over. Most all places now have a way to do that.

WASHING CLOTHES!

We found out in advance that this theater has a washer & dryer – perfect for me as I'm almost out of fresh clothes. Milan handles that chore for me – what a guy!!

THE SHOW

This is one that I won't forget. Immediately after Israel's 30 minute set - after a quick (one minute) change over by our tech Chris & a helper - we were on stage at about 8:35.

PART 1

As soon as we hit the stage there was an instant connection with these nice folks. After a warm welcome & the friendly intros of Kendel & John, we ripped into THE REAL THING. Then it was the good-natured fun of BASTARD BROTHERS & a rockin' HEY JONNY that sealed the YONKERS NY connection.

We ended this set with a soulful Angel Of The Morning & Kendel's rousing TEN LOST MEN. We left to one of the biggest ovations on the tour. We felt like we were playing for a bunch of old friends tonight.

PART II

As we've done for the past several shows, we paid tribute to friend Fred Boenig's son Austin with FORMER AMERICAN SOLDIER. The warmth of that moment filled the room & would stay with us for the rest of the night.

The set – although over 90 minutes in length –seemed to fly by. There were so many highlights. As we neared the mid point real magic started to happen.

SAW MILL RIVER ROAD felt so good & special. BIG RIVER brought it's usual over–the-top reaction & totally rocked, with awesome solos by John & Kendel. Then there was total connection to Kendel's BIG TRUCKS. We had SO much fun with that!! Immediately following that fun came the therapy of a loose & rockin' WILD THING with a great audience sing-a-long chorus. I loved all of this!

THEN CAME THE FLOWERS – A GIFT TO EACH OF US FROM THIS TOWN & THIS THEATER – WHAT A NICE THING - BIG THANKS TO ALL FOR THAT!!

After that presentation, I began the story of my first Holland visit back in 1975, which led to my hit here, SAME OLD STORY – which we played with many singing along. Then came a fan-requested / reverent version of JOHN TUCKER'S ON THE WAGON (the flip side of the single back in'75). AGAIN, I could see many in the audience singing along reverently with this – I loved that!

Finally, again – at the insistence of fans – we ended the show with everyone singing along to Kendel's BIG TRUCKS!! – one more time again!!!! What a fun way to end this wonderful, memorable night!!

BIG THANKS TO ALL!!

SAID HI TO MANY AFTER THE SHOW, INCLUDING:

Hi Hanneke .. from Continental .. in charge of the logistics of our tour – BIG THANKS HANNEKE .. GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!!!!! Hope dad, Hans, enjoys the CD .. & HI TITIA (mom).. so good to meet you!!

Hi Annie .. nice meeting you.. HI TO OLD FRIEND WIETSE .. great to see you again!! Hi KLAAS .. was it you who bought the vinyl?? .. anyway .. great talking to you.. Hi Mei & Jelco .. & HI CAREL.. who saw me at the Paradiso back in the day.. I'm looking forward to that tape!! Great talking to you!!

Hi Rinus.. & Wobbo.. a fan/friend for a while .. so good to see you again!! .. Hi Geert .. & Willy & LUUTZEN.. so good talking to you.. Big hi to ROB & ROMMY .. so great to see you here.. Hi JAN-DURK .. hope brother Geart enjoys the CD .. hi TJEERD & GEKE .. & JAN.. Hi WOBBO & TINI

What a great wind down to a great night – hope to be back soon!!

May 14, 2010 – LEEUWAREDEN – VENUE – THE HARMONIE

This is at least the third time I've played this theater complex over the last several years. We're upstairs tonight in a pretty little theater. Again, it's a state-of-the-art pace. Similar to most of the others, it's new, with a sea of red (seats) rising above us from a "stage" which is actually ground level with the front row.

Note: I forgot to mention this before. The artist actually looks up – not down – to see his audience. It feels good to me.

SOUND CHECK

We're on a new schedule again here. We arrive at 6:45 – greeted by a nice guy - stage hand, Harold, who helps us load & guides us upstairs to the stage area.. .. . Again, the stage is totally ready for us – mikes & amps in their perfect places. Soundman, Renza, has good sound for us in minutes & lighting lady, AnnaLuka gets her lights the way she wants quickly, so we have time to hook up to the Internet, call home & take a deep breath before show time at 8:30.

THE SHOW

As soon as I hit the stage I asked our lighting friend, Anna-Luka to raise the light level in the theater enough for me to see the faces. Immediately I knew I was playing for friends & that was what this show is about – playing for a bunch of Friesland friends

The stories were the highlight tonight. I could see the folks traveling with me as I recalled my early days in Yonkers with my family – my BASTARD BROTHERS, Jon & Barry & mom & dad, Elmer & Barbara. They seemed to totally get into the spirit of a Monday at the Nepperhan train station talking to the conductor, Harry, in CHARCOAL SKY. And they journeyed with me to the CHAT & CHEW, with SAW MILL RIVER ROAD, like they were in that place with me on that Friday night. I got the feeling the Voights would have felt right at home growing up here in Leeuwarden.

Kendel & John were awesome tonight again & the audience let them know it. Kendel's TEN LOST MEN & BIG TRUCKS brought huge reaction. The ending was quite touching tonight. I felt the audience right with me as I recalled my first journey to Holland in 1975.

After a rousing version of my hit, SAME OLD STORY, we began a NEW segment of the show called, THE MILAN MOMENT, whereby our tour guide & good fiend, Milan, requests a song that we HAVE NOT prepared. Tonight he chose DOREEEN, DOREEN a song from my songs FOR A DUTCH TOUR book/ album, inspired by a lovely Maastricht girl.

After a guitar change – to Israel's waiting Gibson - due to a broken string - we played a requested JOHN TUCKER'S ON THE WAGON AGAIN, & then ended – or so we thought – with I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE. When the crowd gave us a standing ovation, I was quite touched & played one more in the spirit of this special bond. There were some misty eyes in the house – including mine – as we played our final song, GETTING OLDER LOOKING BACK.

What a special night.

SAID HI TO SEVERAL INCLUDING:

Big hello to Fedde, who requested two of my favorites, Michael's Song & WHAT WOULD TOWNE'S SAY ABOUT THAT – played JOHN TUCKER in that same spirit to end the show.. great to see you Fedde, I'll have my song book ready for all requests next time I see you.

Hi brother Gerrit.. so good to see you both in the audience tonight. Thanks for bringing your brother – see you both next time.

Hi Piet (a fan for a while) & wife Jelly .. who thanked me for SAME OLD STORY ..much appreciated.. hi Linze & Margaret .. BIG thanks for my "all things Fryslan" lessons (ie: "FRIES are FRIESLANDERS .. according to REAL "FRIES" folks!!! .. get it?? – GOT IT!!). GREAT TALKING TO YOU!!! ..

And thanks for the memories of radio station .. OMROP FRYSLAN.. that was a special show & memory!! I wrote SHOTGUN MAN for Carrie there. Margaret .. thanks for telling us about that great review of our show from a few days back! So glad you saw it. Look forward to seeing you both next time!!

And hi to Eddie & Thea .. so nice talking to you …

BIG HELLO & THANKS TO THEATER MANAGER, PIETE (formally from the Zaandam theater) .. for taking the time to say hi before & after the show. Hope to see you again, Piete.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR NEW FRIEND & tech supervisor for our tour,, GHISLAINE – this is her last show with us – her husband, B.J., will take over that job for the next few days & then we will celebrate together on the last day of the tour in Eindhoven on May, 19. SEE YOU THEN "CHRIS" – big thanks for our little gift!! - MUCH LOVE!!

Thanks to all for another "magic" night.

May 14, 2010 – OSS, HOLLAND – AFTERNOON SHOW

ROOTS 66 FESTIVAL

LOVED THIS!! –Our friend Bert Pjipers & friends sponsor this.cool little afternoon venue. It's great to see Bert, wife Rieje & son & daughter Ton & Jannie soon after arriving at 1:00 PM..

We're the first act of seven. After a quick sound check with Jan Willem (JW) – we're on stage at 2:00.

THE SHOW – This was special. We felt an immediate connection with these folks. We opened with THE REAL THING again – this was so special today .. with cool little 50's riffs coming from John's guitar in between lines from the verse – then we went back & forth with blasts of YONKERS NY & songs from Kendel's album.

HEY JONNY, WITHOUT HORSES (so special today), TEN LOST MEN, OH BABY LIE DOWN, SAW MILL RIVER ROAD with a reprise of BIG RIVER were all highlights.. then we blasted I LIKE TRUCKS, ANGEL OF THE MORNING, WILD THING & SAME OLD STORY.

A big highlight for me was the little chorus of CIRCLE OF TEARS dedicated to Diana in memory of her recently departed dad, Sief, who loved that song.

This was such a warm way to spend an afternoon on the way to a show tonight in Apeldoorn.

SAID HI TO MANY, INCLUDING:

Hi Diana.. I'll try to remember the entire version of CIRCLE OF TEARS for next time – much love to you! Hi to old friends Paul & Yvonne from Harlem.. good to see you again & again..

Good to see singer/songwriter Naomi & husband, Greg .. best of luck today - & hi to Paul from Heaven magazine .. thanks for the nice article - & Paul, tell your daughter, Robin, I'll look forward to having dinner with both of you next time you're in new York. All the best!

Hi Hans .. thanks for your support over the years.. great to see you!! Hi Gerard & Marcel & Rogier & Peter.. & Lidija .. so good talking to you all. GREAT to see you again, Jos.. your great future starts now!! Best of luck!!

Big thanks to Ghislaine's husband, BJ, for stopping by & checking out our show & set up. BJ will be our tech supervisor for the remaining four shows.

THANKS BERT!!! SEE YOU IN A FEW DAYS!!

May 15, 2010 – APELDOORN – VENUE – THE ORPHEUS THEATER

ARRIVING IN APELDOORN

Since we're coming straight from an afternoon show to this one, B.J. made arrangements for us to show up right before show time & plug in & play.

We check into our hotel at our VERY good Best Western hotel in Apeldoorn at 5:30, have a few minutes to relax & arrive at the venue at 7:00 – on stage at 8:00.

Again, we split the first set with our friend Israel, who does another fine job opening.

THE SHOW

The thing I'll remember most about this show & that made it SO, SO special, is the great friends who were here. I'll mention all of them later.

Anyway.. this was another total, living-room-like connection. Highlights were far too many to mention. I loved all the Yonkers NY songs again tonight. BASTARD BROTHERS, HEY JONNY, SAW MILL RIVER ROAD & CHARCOAL SKY were so special. Kendel was awesome .. John brilliant as usual. Every night he brings new, inspired magic – he did amazing stuff on Kendel's OH BABY LIE DOWN tonight – he always amazes me – he alone is totally worth the price of admission

Aside from OH BABY…, Kendel's TEN LOST MEN & BIG TRUCKS killed tonight. But probably my biggest memory will be – first, Milan's, (MILAN'S MOMENT) choice of HOLY SHIT… which became a total prayer. and by far my favorite moment of the night, GETTING OLDER LOOKING BACK.. dedicated to my great friend, Matin, who very recently lost his brother, Jack .. right on the heels of losing his mom.

Much love to you Martin.

BIG HI TO MY FRIENDS & OTHERS AFTER THE SHOW

So great to see old great friends, Leanne & Martin (& Geraldine) .. who have been so much a part of my love affair with Holland since 1975. Thanks you guys – great hugging & talking to you - see you in a couple of days!

Big hello to old great friend, Isis & mom Gerda, who have been there from pretty much the beginning as well. Isis, it's so good to see you looking so good. Congrats with your new job. Like mom, I'm so proud of you!! See you soon, then again & again.

Hi Birgit & Rudiger so wonderful to see you.. what a great spirit you bring – see you in Eindhoven!! – Hi Ziggy .. always great to see you. Big thanks for the MICKEY BAKER CD .. we can't wait to hear it!!

HI DINI & JAN .. wonderful to see you front & center again. You are special friends .. what a nice thing for me .. see you in Eindoven.. Hi EP & NICO .. so good talking to you..

HI GEESJE & HANS .. so good talking to you both .. thanks for the WILDWOOD FLOWERS memory (the show you & friends (WF) booked at Café De Paris .. hope we can do it again.. tell Cor I sent my big regards .. HANS .. so glad you are feeling good again.. my best wishes to you always.. you are special, kind folks..

Hi Ryan & Hans .. great to see you at the end.. Thanks for leading the "GROOVY" in WILD THING … WELL DONE!!

THANKS TO ALL FOR A SPECIAL NIGHT .. I'm writing this from my hotel room in Apeldoorn. In a few minutes we are heading for our afternoon show in ROTTERDAM.

Talk to you soon!

May 16, 2010 – HEADING FOR ROTTERDAM (for an afternoon show)

The last time I played in Rotterdam was on Nov 16, 1975, at a theater called THE LANCAARN (the "Tourch") Shortly after that performance Warner Brothers released my single, SAME OLD STORY & within weeks of that performance the single went to the top of the Dutch charts.

I remember feeling a total connection with that audience. It's been a lot of years. I'm wondering if the connection will be anything similar to that today.

VENUE – THE WALHALLA THEATER

We arrive at 1:30 & are greeted by the smiling faces of tech trainees Maurice & lovely Julika & another extraordinarily kind staff person, Marcella. Soon we meet a terrific lady, Rachel, who manages the theater.

The venue is as pretty a little place as you'll ever see. It's more like a little old Parisian café with the stage area right in front of us at floor level as we walk in - with about 100 antique theater seats rising to the right.

Our sound tech BJ is there waiting & within' minutes, with joint efforts from Maurice & BJ, we're very happy with the sound.

THE SHOW

photo by Jeroen Louis

I have to find the right words to tell you about what happened here in the next couple of hours. For me it was the most precious/special connection show in memory. Simply put, I can't think of a show I've ever enjoyed more than this one.

Kendel, John & I were totally comfortable & loose from the start - in large part because this wonderful audience was so welcoming. We started with THE REAL THING & followed it with an awesome, viby version of Kendel's OH BABY LIE DOWN. I can't remember that ever sounding better. And with that, Kendel's connection with this warm audience was totally sealed.

Then came the stories & songs of YONKERS NY. & this audience was totally "there" on that journey back in time. BASTARD BROTHERS, HEY JONNY, WITHOUT HORSES, SAW MILL RIVER ROAD were followed by BIG RIVER & mixed with TEN LOST MEN & BIG TRUCKS & all totally connected.

CHARCOAL SKY sounded so magical this afternoon, as did ANGEL OF THE MORNING (Kendel's harmonies sounded so beautiful to me today). And WILD THING totally rocked – John was awesome & the audience let him know it - & the therapy sing-a-long was off the charts & so much fun!!

But the part of the show I'll remember most was the end - from the story of my first visit here in 1975 to the performance of SAME OLD STORY to the requested STORYBOOK CHILDREN, SON OF A ROTTEN GAMBLER & BLACK & BLUE AMERICA – all of which, though not prepared, sounded so fresh & chilling. It amazed me that – not only did I remember these songs – but that Kendel & John played & sang with me like we had prepared them. I think the comfort zone we had with this audience had a lot to do with that.

And that was the real story here this afternoon - the total connection all of us on stage felt with this warm, wonderful group. This was special. And it does not get better.

SAID HI TO SEVERAL AFTER THE SHOW, INCLUDING:

Hi ANNET .. so great to meet you finally .. thanks so much for your support over the years & BIG THANKS FOR BRINGING YOUR FRIENDS, ROBERT, OLGA & WIM.. so good to meet you all – hope to see you soon again!!

Hi TERRY & LINDA… BIG THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME & MAKING THE JOURNEY FROM THE UK.. MUCH APPRECIATED!!

Hi Djan & Francoise .. so good to see you,, Hi Bert & Nicole & Betty & Henk.. it was so good to talk to you .. thanks for the kind words. HI KEES & ANKE!! .. & MARTIN & CORRIE.. so good to see you!

Hi Janneke & Jeroen.. & Lea & Elly & Bob – so glad you were here.. thanks for the kind words as well.. HI TINI & JAN.. good to see you.. & BIG HELLO TO JOOP & the CHANGE OF KEY gang.. DANIELLE & multitalented, MARYKE.. all the best with your own music .. thanks for the kind words..

AGAIN .. BIG THANKS ROCHELLE.. thanks SO MUCH for your warm welcome & total hospitality! .. Hi MARCELLA.. so good talking to you after the show!! .. hope the picture turned out OK .. , Hi JULIKA.. so good to see you as I got out of the van.. & when we left.. you're special!! Best of luck with whatever you choose.. & MAURICE.. great to see you when we arrived.. & when we left .. all the best with your tech studies!!

THANKS TO ALL MY ROTTERDAM FRIENDS – WHAT A WAY TO SPEND A SUNDAY AFTERNOON!! HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

May 5, 2010 – ARRIVING IN HOLLAND

After a comfortable couple of hours in the SAS executive lounge at ARN airport in Stockholm – compliments of Kendel's frequent flyer privileges – it was a short plane flight to Amsterdam's Skipold Airport. There, we picked up a 9 passenger mini-van & with Kendel at the helm – arrived at our modest hotel in Zaandam – the Bastion.

John Platania had arrived earlier in the day & was eating dinner, drinking his second gin & tonic & smiling as we arrived. After a good meal & OK red wine & some good talk, we hit the sack at about midnight.

May 6, 2010 – ZAANDAM

Our opening act – a singer/ songwriter from New York, Israel ?? arrived at Skiplod at 9:00. Cordially, Kendel got up early to meet him. After a leisurely morning & early afternoon, we all headed for our first Dutch tour venue.

VENUE – ZAANTHEATER

When we arrived at the side loading area, we were met by old friend TON DERKS (GREAT TO SEE YOU TON!!!) & our new sound & stage advance person, Ghislaine – who would take charge from now on in (husband Bart-Jan will join us later). Also there to greet us were kind theater stage hands, Walter (lights) & Chris (sound) & Meich. We unloaded & were sound checking soon after.

Then it was back to the hotel to freshen up, back to the theater for a good dinner. We were on stage at 9:30 – after a very good opening set by new friend.

THE SHOW

After THE REAL THING, we paid tribute to a good friend, who just lost his son in Afghanistan. I spoke to my friend (Fred) just before we went on stage – he asked if we'd sing DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE for son Austin, which we did & the audience seemed to get lost in that moment with us.

Then it was YONKERS songs with Kendel here and there. This is the first time back for John Platania. Despite jet lag, he was his special self.

My favorite part of the show – aside from the intimate YONKERS story-songs & Kendel's great ones - was the requested JOHN TUCKER'S ON THE WAGON from my THIS SIDE OF THE BIG RIVER album (a success here in 1975) & a reprise of my 1975 hit, SAME OLD STORY, which followed a rockin' WILD THING & a chilling ANGEL OF THE MORNING (Kendel sounded so soulful tonight on that one).

We ended with a rockin' I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE & left the stage to warm & loud applause. This was a great beginning for our tour. IT'S GREAT TO BE BACK!

Big thanks to all for this kind "welcome back!!"

SAID HI TO SEVERAL, including:

HI STEVEN (tech director of the theater) .. big thanks for all your help.. & so great to see your new bride (& mom of your kids), Marloes. Maloes, Steven said you bought your first Chip Taylor CD when you were 16 - big thanks for that!! God bless you, Steven & the boys. Hope to see you soon. Next time let's celebrate!! Again, BIG CONGRATULATIONS!!

Hi to kind & lovely manager of the theater, Cecile .. BIG THANKS CECILE. Thanks for you "welcome" - hope to see you again. Hi to Peter, thanks for getting the CD from Train Wreck early on. Hope to see you soon. Hi to RANKO - so great to see you in the audience with dad, KLAAS & mom, CISCA. Take care of the vinyl collection!!!

Hi Nico & Hanneke.. & Jaap .. & Joni .. Nico ..& Rob .. & KASIA .. my Polish friend..from Kryzstov Zanussi territory.. great talking to you.. Hi Chrystal .. at the bar.. hope you enjoy the CD!!

This was a special night .. thanks to all!

May 7. 2010 – HEADING FOR BERGAN OP ZOOM.

Kendel at the wheel – about a 2 hour drive down toward Belgium and west – close to the North Sea. We arrived at this beautiful, quaint town & our Tulip Inn at about 2:00. After a bit of time to ourselves we're off to sound check.

THE VENUE – DE MAAGD THEATER

What a beautiful place!!! This was once a church & much of that feeling remains. The tech crew, Jan & Gert are waiting – Stefan (lights) arrives a bit later. The sound is awesome – we're checked in no time & head for a nice dinner at a local Italian restaurant.

THE SHOW

Simply put, this is one that was magic from the beginning. It gave me such a warm feeling to see this audience from the stage – so many smiling, familiar faces. It was like playing for family in my living room.

John & Kendel played so inspired tonight & Kendel songs, TEN LOST MEN, OH BABY LIE DOWN, SEVEN SHADOWS & BIG TRUCKS were cool, sexy & totally connected. Highlights were far too many.

Again, I loved the ENTIRE show tonight – everything felt so honest & inspired. The YONKERS stuff – with all the stories – BARRY GO ON, HEY JONNY, WITHOUT HORSES (that was so special), CHARCOAL SKY (oh yes… that too!!) & SAW MILL RIVER ROAD .. with the BIG RIVER & ENDLESS SLEEP tributes - totally connected.

Another special memory from this night was the requests, BLACK & BLUE AMERICA & STORYBOOK CHILDREN. I hadn't done either of those in a while. With the right audience, uncharted waters can be the most magical course. And that's the way it was tonight!

When we left the stage our kind tour tech friend, Ghislaine, said – "are you OK, Chip, you played for over two hours. Do you need a rest before meeting folks & signing CDs?"

I laughed – I had no idea we played for that long – it was such a smooth journey!

This was one for the books!!! Loved this.

HI TO:

Because of the lengthy show, many had to hurry for transportation at shows end. A big hello to all of you – thanks so much for sharing this night with me!!

But I did say hi to several, including:

Old friend Martin.. great to see you my friend. My thought will be with you through these tough times. We'll toast Jack in song when I see you next in a few days.

Hi Francis & Pia – you are both such great characters in the CT story – it seems right you end up together at these shows. Wonderful to see you – love to the kids.

Hi Giel & Tito .. & Piel, Peter * Hilde (Matilda) .. so nice talking to you.. big hi to John & Renee .. from Belgium.. wonderful talking to you.. yes.. I'll remember GRANDMA'S WHITE LEBARON for next time!!

BIG HI & THANKS TO THE STAFF, JO JO, DOREEN & DONNA .. great to see you .. we appreciated your kind spirit. Hope to see you soon again.

May 8, 2010 - RADIO WEST in DEN HAAG

ON THE BEAT – A ONE HOUR RETROSPECTIVE OF MY HITS COMBINED WITH YONKERS NY SONGS with a very nice guy (& informed host) Hans

It was so nice to be greeted by Marian at the reception area, who invited us to relax in the waiting room & have coffee. THANKS MARIAN, so nice to meet you!

I LOVED THIS!! New friend Hans guided this interview-mixed with recordings – asking very good questions about the old days & current ones with a special reverence to both. We talked about the history of WILD THING, ANGEL OF THE MORNING, I CAN'T LET GO - & one I hadn't heard for a while, WORRY by JOHNNY TILLOTSON. Hans combined that with talk about THE REAL THING (C&C LIVE) – which he called "the best song he ever heard" - & two songs from YONKERS NY - CHARCOAL SKY & HEY JONNY.

This was as comfortable & informative a discussing about my hits (& recent works) as any I remember. BIG THANKS HANS!! Hope to see you at one of our shows!!

May 8 – ALPHEN AAN DE RIJN

HOTEL het OOSTEN (A JAPANESE HOTEL/RESTAURANT)

Honestly, we were not happy with these accommodations. It's a fairly large restaurant/hotel complex – run by Japanese folks. Maybe it was because it was the weekend, the hotel part seemed empty except for us (I heard later that during the week the place is quite crowded) A seemingly not-so-cordial "chef" checked us in. I'm quite sure it was a language barrier, but with other things not to our liking, we'd choose not to stay here again.

I hate to complain as some of the folks here were quite nice. But the first impression was not great, so we'll stay somewhere else next time we visit this town.

VENUE – CASTELLUM THEATER

This is a town filled with good memories. I played a Sunday afternoon show here at a local hotel (Hotel Toure – I think?) during every tour from 1997 through 2001 – booked by old friend Cor Sonne. It was always like a vacation stop for me – arrive Saturday afternoon- good dinner – good whiskey – good friends. – sleep late – wake up – roll out of bed – play music for nice, kindhearted folks .. then dinner & whiskey again.. then a good sleep, before moving on. What a life – how I Loved that.

Then my friend, Dale Watson came to town for one of those Sunday shows - & in late night "bar closed – fit", he trashed the place. And there went my vacation Sundays in ALPHEN AAN DE RIJN.

But we're back in town - & those memories are with me. Tonight we're playing a little theater in another side of town. I'm really looking forward to this.

SOUND CHECK

We're staying pretty far outside of town, so tonight we decide to sound check, have dinner close by & stay at the theater. – rather than travel so far to go back to our uninviting hotel.

We arrive at the theater through the town maze, at about 4:30 & sound man Bert, lighting tech, Kees, & helper Vilco greet us – all good guys. The soundboard is a digital one, & the last user had made the sound of each channel far too bright for our liking. But before too long, Bert got it sounding simple & solid. With that safely out of the way, we headed for a nice dinner at a good Italian restaurant just around the corner, where server Sonna was so helpful. SORRY YOU HAD TO WORK SONNA – we'd have loved to see you at the show!! – Next time!!

After dinner, we rested in the spacious green room area at the theater where we met the theater mgr, Lot ("Charlotte"). SO NICE TO SEE YOU, LOT – thanks to you & all the staff - we love this place!

I rest on a sofa & actually sleep for about ten minutes – a first for me!! I wake a bit refreshed & ready. Kendel & John are in a great mood as well. I'm sure this mood will carry forward to the show.

Were on stage at about 9:30.

THE SHOW

As I hoped it would be, this was another very special one for the books! Again, it was like being in someone's living room. All the stories from YONKERS connected big time. I'm always a bit nervous that there might be too much of that – but they have been such a comfortable fit for these past shows.

Note: After the show several folks would say how much they loved hearing the stories & how different & special that was.

Again, one song into the set,, I paid tribute to my DJ/record promoter friend, friend Fred Boenig, who lost his son, Austin in Afghanistan a few days ago. We played "FORMER AMERICAN SOLDIER in his memory. The audience was totally with you & Austin in spirit again tonight, Fred. I will take you both with me throughout this tour. GOD BLESS YOU, MY FRIEND– see you soon!

Moving on:

Kendel said later that BASTARD BROTHERS was a total highlight for her (as a listener). In retrospect, I guess it did have a very special thing tonight. Somehow I think it brought folks closer to the loving relationship I had with my warm & amazing mom, Barbara.

Kendel, John & I had a special togetherness on stage tonight – we just had a lot of fun playing for these warm, kind folks. And individually, both Kendel & John shone big time! All K's songs were special - TEN LOST MEN brought huge applause & was certainly a huge highlight!

SAW MILL RIVER ROAD was so touching for me tonight. I could see several singing reverently along with the chorus by the time it came around again. And a reverent recall of Johnny Cash's BIG RIVER brought huge response – as did ANGEL OF THE MORNING & a totally reverent/fun version of WILD THING

My '75 hit SAME OLD STORY ended the main part of our show. Although we encored with requests, I CAN'T LET GO & ANYWAY THAT YOU WANT ME (my TROGGS FAN CLUB FRIENDS calling out for that one) – which I loved, by the way – the truth is I felt this audience "got" my true country heart, & the words from SAW MILL RIVER ROAD seemed to get to ring truer than ever tonight.

"It was country & it was country & it was country again

& sister Susan just loves what the neighbors can't stand"

There were lots of "sister Susans" in the audience tonight – & you all were awesome!!! Big thanks to all who shared this night with us!

ONE PROBLEM

Because there is an opening act (new friend Israel is doing a fine job) & our show goes on for about two hours (though it certainly doesn't feel like it), many in the audience have to head home rather quickly at shows end.

For our next show in Leiden, I have decided to split the first half of the show with Israel (play for about 20 minutes immediately after his 30 minute set), so we're further along our Yonkers journey before the break - & before the second half starts. Hopefully, this will leave more time to spend with fans at shows end – I'd like that.

HI TO:

It was so great to see old friends Gerard & Co(o)ck before the show. Thanks so much for making the trip from Haarlem & beyond! - sorry you had to leave before I came to the bar area after the show. I was hoping to see you. SEE YOU SOON AGAIN!!

HI ROB & PEGGY .. great talking with you guys!!! Rob.. loved the Ray Davies stories!! Hope to see you both very soon! Hi Piet, great to see you again & again.. thanks SO much for your support!! Hi to Rob & Ton.. & Corrie & Mieke.. Hi Alex.. tell Paul Hooper I sent my regards..

HI WIJNAND & ELLEN.. so good to see you front & center. Thanks for your support through the years (solo, with Carrie & now).. much appreciated!!! Hi Ineke.. good to see you!!!

Hi William (Willem) & Caroline… so glad you checked youtube & showed up!! It was great seeing you in the audience & talking to you after the show. Love to the girls., hope to see them one of these days. Hope they like Kendel's great CD. It's so hard to believe you guys have an 18 year old!! Hope to see you next time!

PETE & PETER (TROGGS FAN CLUB FRIENDS) .. always special to see you guys .. Big, Big love to Jacqueline .. & big hello to REG & Barbara & the boys .hope to see them soon!!

THANKS TO ALL – see you soon

TOUR NOTES HOLLAND May 11, 2010

May 11 – MILAN IS BACK!!!!!!!!

Our tour mgr/driver for the rest of the tour has arrived!!! Milan & I became friends about three years ago when he first road-managed one of our tours. And since then, every time I return to Holland I ask that he join us. He was in Germany with another band until now.

Kendel picked Milan up about 20 minutes away in DEN HAAG. As I return from a walk through the canals, he's waiting in the lobby. WHAT A GREAT REUNION!!!!!

May 11, 2010 – LEIDEN - - VENUE – STADSGEHOORZAAL

SOUND CHECK

It's only a five minute drive from our hotel to the venue, located along one of the canals in an area close to where I've been walking every day. We arrive & load in at 3:30. By the way – this is a constant ritual as we're on a union schedule with the tech (sound & lighting) folks at every show (load in at 3:30 – check at 3:45 – finished by 4:30).

We are greeted by a great lady, Natalie, who guides us to the back side of the venue where we meet sound tech Jimmy & sound man Tim, two GREAT young guys!!

The sound is AWESOME as soon as we plug in. We're ready to go to dinner at 4:15.

It's only a two minute walk to our favorite restaurant in Leiden – THE GOUCHO. After a quick meal we had back to the hotel for a bit & to relax.

Just before we get on stage, Bart – the kind, warm managing director of this & another theater in town – stops by to welcome us. BIG THANKS BART!! GREAT TO SEE YOU!!

We're on stage at 8:15.

THE SHOW

Usually Israel plays a short first set and, after a 20 minute break, we're on stage for two hours – where many in the audience have to quickly catch transportation home.

Tonight we decide to tack on 20 minutes of our show on to the first half so we can "say hello" to the audience before the first break. Actually, this was suggested by our friend & colleague (distributor) here, Bert Pjipers ,when we first arrived in Holland – but an unusually stubborn me didn't listen to him. Right Bert?!

The changeover from Israel's show to ours takes a bit more than I expected – 3 or 4 minutes - but once we're on stage we quickly realize that this new format works BIG TIME!!!

The communication with the audience is there from the start. We get a great welcome as soon as we hit the stage from this seemingly shy & reserved (but soulful) audience. After I introduce Kendel & John we breeze through THE REAL THING, OH BABY LIE DOWN, BASTARD BROTHERS, HEY JONNY & ANGEL OF THE MORNING .. & the connection with these nice folks is sealed.

THE BREAK

Tonight, for the first time, Milan is selling CDs at intermission & Kendel goes back to say hello to the folks & sign CDS.

SECOND SET

We start off with FORMER AMERICAN SOLDIER – as a tribute to Austin Boenig (our friend's son) who lost his life last week in Afghanistan.

From there the show seems to fly by with the great spirit of the YONKERS NY stuff – in story & song ( AGAIN, FOLKS HERE LOVE THE YONKERS STORIES!) - mixed in with the cool Kendel songs. I LIKE TRUCKS, which has been missing in other shows due to time constraints - totally connects tonight.!

Highlights for me were again far too many to mention – but let's go with SAW MILL RIVER ROAD, which I could see was totally connecting with these kind folks tonight as many were singing the chorus by songs end, SAME OLD STORY (my #1 hit in Holland in 1975) - with the story of my first visit here in the 1975 & a requested JOHN TUCKER'S ON THE WAGON AGAIN (the flip side of the hit).

We ended with a rousing I WASN'T BORN IN TENNESSEE & returned to the lobby to say hello to folks soon after.

SAID HI TO SEVERAL, INCLUDING:

Hi Sjoerd .. great to see you! Thanks for the JOHN TUCKER'S ON THE WAGON request – I loved that tonight!! Hi Monique – it was so great to see you again!! Thanks for the '75 memories. But you look too young to remember those days!

Hi Maggy & Huus (kind of like Hubert) ,, so good talking to you. Hi Wouter & Helga.. good meeting you both .. thanks for the kind words!! .. Hi Niclaas & Frea .. & AAD .. so good to talk to you .. HI GERARD & KEES .. so good to meet you guys .. thanks for making the trip from Amsterdam.. & Gerard, thanks for the nice words about THE GHOST OF PHIL SINCLAIR (my duet with Lucinda Williams).. he was a special guy!!

Hi Rudolf.. good talking to you!! A BIG HELLO TO FUTURE GREAT GUITARIST, Joe (great to see you Joe!! – thanks for coming!!) .. & dad Greg (originally from the south of Wales) & mom, Nelleka – great to see & talk to you all!! So glad Israel met & invited you. Hope to see you soon again.

This was a special night .. what a nice group of folks to play for.

>Apr 23-May 4, 2010 Sweden Tour

Apr 23, 2010 – STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Kendel Carson & I were supposed to arrive a few days ago but were delayed by the volcano ash. I arrive shortly after 11:00 (Kendel will join me in two days). Due to a quick turn around in Munich my luggage does not join me, but the folks at lost-luggage assure me it will be sent to the hotel.

I'm met by now good old friend, Bjorn Petterson (my great friend, Hakan Olsson's partner at a company called Rootsy that distributes our CDs & promotes & books us in this part of the world.

We wait for Orjan Maki, a guitarist from the great Swedish band, Willy Clay, to join us. He arrives at 1:30 & we make the one plus hour trip to Norrtalja, where will stay this night.

Note: Orjan wears a kind of be-bop 50's hat that sits & his hair flows down to his shoulders – an easily recognizable look. When he arrives he is greeted by a group of adoring high school kids – kind & serious in their demeanor. Willy Clay has gained that sort of reverence in this country in this past year. It's a nice thing to see as they're worthy "heroes.

THE PLAN

Orjan & I will play three shows tomorrow at Norrtalja prison, then one evening show at a cool venue in a castle-like manor close to Stockholm. Great friend, Hakan Olsson & wife Monica will make the long journey from Malmo to meet us there. I'm looking forward to that.

ATELLET HOTEL, NORRTALJA

I am so happy that Bjorn booked us here. This is the Rolls Royce of hotels in the area. We'll move to the castle for one night tomorrow, but otherwise we'll be here as a home base for several days

This is the place I came every night to wind down when I visited last year. My friends Lynn & Amanda are there to greet us, along with Anna (the kind girl who checked us in) & Camilla (who hooked me up to the Internet), & two lovely young ladies, both named Andrea.

After taking care of some Internet business, Orjan & I rehearse before heading downstairs for a great meal. After dinner I relax at the bar with my friends Lynn & Amanda, new friend, Andrea, & some nice folks who are part of tomorrow's wedding party (including groom Andreas & father in law, Leif).

FYI – Since my heart operation last year I DO stick to one single-malt scotch whiskey plus a non-alcoholic beer to finish up the night.

Great folks & a good Laphroig scotch - what a nice way to wind down my first day in Norrtalja.

Apr 24, 2010 NORRTALJE MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON

This day was as important to me as any day – ever – in my singer/songwriter career.

Escorted by prison guard (& our tour-master), Bjorn Petterson, Orjan & I arrived at 12:30 – We went through a security check like you would at an airport, & then were guided to a large living room-like area which would be our performance space for the next several hours.

Note: soon we'll meet another Bjorn Petterson – bass player for the Willy Clay band – don't get confused!

The prison is divided into four cell blocks called "pavilions". Last year we played for inmates from Pavilion A & D in two different shows. This year we will play for Pavilion A, B & C. – three shows – each one lasting about 40 minutes, leaving me 15 minutes to linger & talk with the prisoners.

Last year, we recorded each show &, through our Swedish rep, Rootsy Music, gave a CD gift of those performances as a Christmas present. Throughout the day, the prisoners thanked us for that gift.

SHOW #1 – PAVILION A

Many of these folks are in for life .. or a long, long time. I remember many of the faces from last year. I enjoyed every minute of this show & felt a deep connection to these men. We played THE REAL THING, DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE (A HIGHLIGHT AT EACH OF THESE SHOWS) These & several songs from YONKERS NY (BASTARD BROTHERS & HEY JONNY & SAW MILL RIVER ROAD were certainly highlights - as well as some hits.

In each show we ended with a song I had written for the boys last year – contained on the "live" CD - called NORRTALJA PRISON. Here are the lyrics.

NORRTALIA PRISON

You will play my guitar – walk my motorcycle shoes

You will ride my highways – and I will sing your blues

And I'll go right on singing – 'till there's nothin' left to lose

And we walk through the gates of Norrtalja Prison

Jesus was a lifer – if the truth be known

So don't go pounding on your chest or throwin' that first stone

'cause we're all in this together – 'till he says it's done

And we walk through the gates of Norrtalja Prison

Stephon's eleven years – are for hashish not cocaine

And Patrick, Matts & Dennis – their story's about the same

And Michael's doin' six years for stabbin' his father – for layin' his sister down

And I have seen those eyes before – and I will see those eyes again

You ain't so tough as nails – my good hearted friend

And when I return tomorrow we will walk through the gates of Norrtalja Prison

Smart folks – Marcus sold apartments – economic crime .. sell stuff you own

Marcus sold apartments – that he truly did not own

Hey Robbin did you steal computers – so you could shoot stuff up your arm

And Sasha did you try to kill someone – who meant your family harm

Someday we'll all walk through the gates of Norrtalja Prison

note to Robbin.. not sure you shot stuff up your arm .. poetic license

AFTER THE SHOW I SAID HI TO A MANY, INCLUDING MANY WHO BY NOW SEEM LIKE OLD FRIENDS:

Hi to: Mattias.. good to see you again.. it was good for me to see how quickly I recognized you & many.. hope your garden blooms in the coming months.

Hi Robbin.. good to see your smile again.. Hi Meran, Aziz, Martin, Geage, Renaldo, Anders .. another strong memory from last year.. & Miller & Joe, Stephon (one of the "stars" of my song), Ismael & Reddy.

ALSO.. GREAT TO SEE THE KIND & MUCH LOVED "WARDEN" OF THIS PLACE, ANDERS.. who stopped by to see the performance on his DAY OFF. Anders has been a fan since THIS SIDE OF THE BIG RIVER – released in 1974,

In between shows Anders requested "SAME OLD STORY", from that album. It was good to play that song after all these years. Great to see you my friend!!

SHOW #2 – PAVILION B

This was a new group of guys to play for. But the connection was solid & I'll look forward to seeing many of these boys again next year.

Note: I started standing up & moving & singing close to the guys here – busking style. That just felt like the right thing to do, I continued to do that for the next group as well.

Again.. highlights were similar to the first show.. definitely connected with DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE, HOLY SHIT & NORRTALYA PRISON.. but perhaps the highlight for me was when I sang CHARCOAL SKY & said "God bless America & that charcoal sky" – one of the prisoners, ERGON said rather defiantly.. "MY COUNTRY TOO!!". So the next time I sang that chorus I changed the lyrics to "your country (ALBANIA) too!!)

BIG HELLO TO:

Great to see you ERGON.. thanks for the lyric change! Hi to Afrim, Galchan, Mattias, Selman, another Methias (note the different spelling).. & Tommy & all the rest.. I'll see some of you next year! All the best.

SHOW # 3 – PAVILION C

This was a challenging group. But I loved every minute. Again, I performed standing up & moving around within the group.

One of the things I remember is as follows: As I told my story .. "for many years I was a professional gambler", it sounded to one prisoner .. was it Majdi?? .. that I said, "professional GANG MEMBER" .I replied, " no that was YOU.. I was the GAMBLER"!" – These boys had a very good sense of humor.

Another memory - when I sang HOLY SHIT & said "THE DEVILS IN THE CORNER OF THAT SMOKY SUBWAY ROOM", everybody laughed & pointed to the prisoner IN THE CORNER of the room.. just good hearted fun.. a wonderful spirit was in this room today.

Again.. DANCE WITH A HOLE TOTALLY CONNECTED. When I say connected, I mean all the prisoners got a serious message from the song - and the pulsing, simple rhythm of it helped bring the message further home. This was serious stuff. And after the fun of many other songs, the feeling & mood of NORRTAJA PRISON was totally reverent & serious. For me, this is as important as my music can be. Thanks for that boys.

Hi to ZAHER, MAJDI, BENON.. (I liked watching your foot tap.. it let me know I was in the right direction).. Hi to ascot-wearing "movie star"-like, Johnson. It was good to see you my friend.

Hi to Nolag, Zaher, Burba, Zegko, Rade (ACO), Munim, (FROM IRAQ).. thanks for your advice & tolerance .. I'll tell George (Bush) when I see him!)… Hi TO MY POLISH FRIENDS MICHAL, MARIUSZ, & KRYTIAN.. made me think of my friend, film director & humanist, KRYSZTOV ZANUSSI (from Poland).. a good thing!

Hi Stanley & Valeri, Seho & Abdalla Shakib.. & NO NAME!! – from Azerbaijan - I'll tell Angelina you sent your love!

SEE YOU SOON, BOYS - I LOVED PLAYING FOR ALL OF YOU TODAY!!!

Apr 24, 2010 – VENUE – THE SKEBO PUB.. IN SKEBO -

THIS IS THE VENUE THAT ALL SINGER/SONGWRITERS DREAM OF PLAYING.

We've heard about this amazing venue for years. Back in the early Chip Taylor, Carrie Rodriguez days, two volunteer representatives of this place – ROLF & LEIF - came to a theater show we were doing in Stockholm, They invited us to perform here back then.., I FINALLY MADE IT!!!!

The community runs & owns this amazing place. It's a nonprofit organization run by amazing volunteers.

THE COMMUNITY THAT HOUSES THIS MUSIC VENUE SPRUNG UP 100 years ago - around a ore mining plant. That factory has long since disappeared.. But the amazing art community flourishes.

The SKEBO MANOR HOUSE, built in 1770, like a large estate house. This houses a world-class restaurant which features organically homegrown produce & game gathered from their own hunting grounds. It sits at the back part of a circular stone driveway, which has two carriage house sleeping quarters on either side.

BY THE WAY - My old friend Bjorn Petterson, bassist in the now-famous in these parts - Willy Clay band – flew in for this show .. GREAT TO SEE YOU MY FRIEND!

ALSO.. MY GREAT FRIEND HAKAN OLLSON & WIFE MONICA made the long trip from Malmo to visit & support us. It's always special when we get together – this is no exception!

REHEARSAL OR AMAZING DINNER

Bjorn had just arrived – we had a choice – rehearse or eat an amazing meal. We chose the latter.

DINNER AT THE "CASTLE"

At 6:30, we ate an AMAZING delicious 5 course meal - each course described in detail by a wonderful hostess. Then Bjorn, Orjan & I. rehearsed for a few minutes. We were on stage at 9:00 PM.

SHOW TIME 9:00 PM

The venue was sold out. What a wonderful welcoming audience! After an intro from our wonderful host, Rolf, we began.

This was a show I won't forget. With only a 5 minute rehearsal before show time – only to brush up on the opening two songs – this entire show took on a unique character – one of a, "we'll figure this out as we go" attitude… & we won't worry about it."

And that's what brought the magic. It's what happens when musicians first learn a song. The magic often happens with innocence of the unknown revealing itself. Bjorn & Orjan & I were totally in that zone tonight!

From DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE through the journey of YONKERS NY - & into requests for long forgotten (or so I thought) songs such as SAME OLD STORY & WE COME UP SHINING - to the final curtain call of my tribute to the prisoners, NORRTALJA PRISON – this was as soulful a show as I've ever been involved with.

And this great audience was part of the magic from the beginning. They understood the situation with the lack of rehearsal time. And I could feel that they felt the heroics of Orjan & Bjorn as they forged into unknown territory. It's so special when an audience gets that!

WHAT A NIGHT! It doesn't get better!!

HI TO:

First, hi & thanks to volunteers Rolf, Leif (at the bar) & John. And yes, we'll come back – the sooner the better.

Hi Anna.. thanks so much for the kind words. See you at the ACCURATE on September 19th. Hi to mom Marie & friend ULLA..from Greenwich Connecticut (in the 80's) .. hi to Anders.. so nice to talk to you.. Hi Leif & Maria.. good to see you again!!

Special hi to Anders .. my friend in charge at Norrtalja prison.. & lovely wife, Britt-Marie.. So great to see you both tonight!! Big thanks for the longtime support. Hi to Bengt .. who brews the amazing local beer in the downstairs area.. And big hello to our new friend & music critic, Magnus, who requested WE COME UP SHINING.- that was special tonight.

NOTE: Magnus would write a glowing & magical article in the following days newspaper – BIG THANKS MAGNUS!!

BIG THANKS TO ORJAN & BJORN – WITH NO REHEARSAL ON SEVERAL NEW ONES.. THEY TOTALLY CAME TO THE TABLE!!

Got a chance to relax with Hakan, Monica, friend Per & others before calling it a night. Can't wait to come back here!

Apr 25, 2010 – OBE PRISON

This is NOT a maximum-security prison. It's more like a camp with fences around it. The prisoners here are either in for lesser crimes (a lot of drug trafficking & drug using) or have been shifted here at the tail end of time served for more serious crimes.

We played here last year. There's not one prisoner from that group still here. They've all been let out.

Just before we played I said hi to a couple of prisoners, Peter & Jocke, with less than two months left to serve.

Again, we played busking style – with no mikes.. though Bjorn did amp his bass for a bit of presence.

This was nice group to play for – highlights were about the same as at Norrtalja.. let's go with DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHIE, BIG RIVER, HOLY SHIT, ANGEL OF THE MORNING & WILD THING..

HI to:

I've misplaced my notes here.. But I remember a few names:

Robin.. all the best in rehab.. & hope you make that hockey team. AND JONAS .. special thoughts of you, wife Jennie & son (almost 2 / Linus). I wish you the best, Jonas, with being a chef or whatever – SEE YOU ON SEPT 19th AT THE ACCURATE IN STOCKHOLM.- DON'T FORGET!! And Jocke & Peter.. nice talking to you guys. Hope to see you on the outside!

Apr 25 – KENDEL ARRIVES!!

After the Obe show, Bjorn, Orjon & I drove to Stockholm airport & picked up a tired Kendel Carson. Kendel & I were driven straight to the ATELLET HOTEL, NORRTALJA - again - what a wonderful place to come to when you've had a tough travel day. Kendel was so appreciative of that. We arrived at 7:30 big thanks to Lisa for fixing us up a late dinner at around 9:00.

It was good to relax a few hours later with Lisa & Amanda (hotel staff) & Ryan (from Australia) before calling it a night.

Apr 26, 2010 – OSTERAKER MAXIMUM-SECURITY PRISON

THREE SHOWS

It was less than an hours drive from Norrtalja to this prison. We arrived at about 9:00 AM. Eva & Katrin were our kind & warm hosts – AND STRONG! Each helped us load our sound system. BIG THANKS.. SO GLAD YOU WERE THERE TO GUIDE US THROUGH THIS SPECIAL DAY!

Johnny Cash recorded a live album here some years back, playing from this same stage. I feel so honored to share that memory & that stage with the folks here.

The thing that separates this prison from others is that the inmates do ongoing therapy – 12 Step OR a thing called Cognitive Therapy. Each inmate chooses which he'd rather do. The latter is, from what I gather, sort of identifying your weaknesses & meeting them head on & fixing them for the future – NOT – AS 12 STEP DOES – "confessing" your past sins.

Eva & Katrin suggest that a combination might work better, but they say all these inmates tend not to come back again as the ones housed in "no therapy" institutions.

I LOVED THESE SHOWS TODAY!! I allowed a good 15 minutes to talk to the prisoners & totally enjoyed that. And Bjorn & Orjan were just great… & the inmates showed a lot of appreciation for their efforts

We played THE REAL THING, DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE, HEY JONNY, BIG RIVER, CHARCOAL SKY, BIG RIVER, ANGEL OF THE MORNING, WILD THING & NORRTALJA PRISON.. which the prisoners to a man revere.

The audience response to DANCE continued to be amazing.. definitely a favorite.. & at every show the prisoners sang along with WILD THING There was amazing camaraderie between us & prisoners today - and the song, NORRTALJA PRISON, sealed that deal at every show.

AID HI TO MANY INCLUDING:

AT A CELL BLOCK CALLED "THE PAVILION"

Hi to: Peter, hash dealer, Jonas.. hi to son Carl (Calle), Jonas .. it doesn't seem fair to me.. best of luck.. Hi Gary .. 3 to go .. see you soon.. Hi Amir (the welder) . I'll see you on the outside!! .. Hi Hisham.. keep up the good work .. hi SAMIR.. my Polish/Iraq friend .. great talking to you… Hi Magnus.. for the sake of NADIN.. you'll make it I'm sure.. Hi Kim (armed Robbery).. sounds like you're on the right path .. one more year - no turning back now!!

And all the others .. this was a great thing for me – loved talking to you all – best of luck!!

CELL BLOCKS H-1 & H-2

Hi to: Alphonse .. 6 to go .. you'll make it my friend.. hi John.. 4 years .. see you soon!!.. Hi Henok Major .. 3 to go.. lookin' good!! .. Hi Robertino.. hi Stephon .. 2 to go!! – good work.. Kristeffer .. 5 total? .. all the best.. hi Reine Bergsfron?.. only 3 to go .. keep it up!! .. hi Michael.. 9 to go .. you'll do it .. see you next year!!.. Hi Vasco..

& Jojje.. great talking to you – I know it's unfair.. great talking to you.. come to one of my shows when you get out & tap me on the shoulder.. I'll look forward to that!!.. Hi Kristian.. 2 will fly by!! .. see you soon.. hi Jorgenlysr .. drugs I think .. not fair.. hi Viberg .. 3 to go.. keep it up.. Hi Peter, Lee, Karlsson, Niklas, Henhe, Andreas, Axelsson, Kamal .. all in 3 to 5 rage .. all the best .. I'll look forward to seeing all you guys again!!

Cell Block H-3 & H-4

Hi boys.. Keneth – 2 to go - & Mats – 3 plus.. Geogen – 7 - & movie star Balla (from Gambia) – drug dealer .. great talking to you .. no reason for you to be here!! .. back to your economic studies!! .. Eva told me!! .. Hi Jamal.. bad deals here .. all the best.. thanks for the kind words re: the NORRTALJA PRISON SONG ("Stephon's 11 years are for hashish NOT cocaine").. I'll be thinking about you.. Joachim.. nice talking to you

Hi to Alexander (helped girlfriend escape from prison.. got put away himself & they found girlfriend, Olivia .. now she's back in as well.. OK, Alexander.. we'll say hi to Olivia next week & send your love .. hi Ronnie.. another bad deal.. best of luck..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAFI!!!.. great sharing the day with you.. Hi Mattias.. thanks so much for the kind words .. hope you get a break..

Hi to another Stephon (Gullberg) .. hard to believe you're a bank robber .. you look more like a professor.. I'll try to get you that CD..

Bjorn said .. one of the guys said.. "this was so nice.. he took us to another time & another place for a while" .. thanks for that.

I'll take you with me boys.. all the best!!

Special hi to guard Justine & ex-husband AKE. Hope to see you at a show soon, Ake .. thanks for the support over the years.

BEGINNING WITH THIS SHOW, THIS WAS AS MOVING A PERFORMANCE DAY AS I'VE EVER HAD.

Apr 27, 2010 – NORRTALJA

VENUE - THE TEATERN – GUEST APPEARANCE with Eilen Jewel & band (Jason/ drums – Jerry / guitar – Johnny / upright bass)

Our promoter, Bjorn, booked Eilen & her great band tonight & since we were in staying in town asked if we would stop by & do a guest appearance. We readily accepted.

We last played on the same stage with Eilen & the boys two years ago at the Americana Festival in Nashville. THEY ARE AWESOME!!!

THE SHOW

It was just Orjan, Kendel & me tonight as Bjorn had to head back to Kiruna for a Willy Clay TV filming.

This was a wonderful group of folks to play for and friend John from local great band, SIXPACK HOLLIDAY, got us some good sound to work with.

It was good to hear Kendel performing again. She was awesome tonight. Highlights of our mini-set were many .. but lets go with Kendel's OH BABY LIE DOWN.. which set a good tone for the rest of the show. CHARCOAL SKY was chilling tonight.. BIG RIVER & WILD THING totally rocked.. & again .. the chilling show stopper was the song for the prisoners, "NORRTALJA PRISON" .. this was magic.. I heard later people were openly crying.. I was on the verge myself.

THE EILEN JEWEL SHOW

Eilen was a bit ill .. maybe severe jet-lag, but YOU NEVER WOULD HAVE KNOWN IT. SHE AND THE BOYS WERE AWESOME TONIGHT.. so glad we all could be together again.

Hi TO:

Big thanks to my Atellet Hotel staff friends who stopped by – AMANDA, LISA (& BJORN) & CAROLINA.. I love you guys.. thanks so much for the support .. (& THE BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS!!! .. that was so touching!!)..

Hi to Leif .. good to see you again!! .. big hello to Marie!! .. hi SVEN.. thanks for coming by.. what a nice surprise!..

Hi to Peter & lovely Nathalie at the end.. hope you enjoy the CDs.. I'll look forward to seeing you next time .. & HEARING ABOUT YOUR WEDDING!! .. right Nathalie!!! .. stay in touch through TRAINWRECKRECORDS.COM

Said hi to several others but misplaced notes with names.. big thanks to Christina, Hakan & the great staff!! .. hope to see you next year!!

APRIL 28 – CHECKING OUT OF ATELLET HOTEL, NORRTALJA

Big thanks to all here .. Sanna, Amanda, Lisa, Andrea & Andrea, Karin & all the rest .. this was like a vacation for me thanks to all of you!! …hope to see you next year

Apr 28, 2010 – ARRIVING IN KIRUNA

Kiruna is Willy Clay territory. All the boys in the band are from here so I've heard about this mining town for years now. Most folks that live here have something to do with mining ore from the adjacent mountain. The tunnel for the excavation has traveled clear under the town & the word is that for safety reasons, the town will soon have to be moved. For a few months in the winter there is NO sunlight. In my brain I've imagined this as a tough town – a dark & dingy one - one you didn't want to set foot in.

As our plane lowered for landing & I looked down at the terrain I realized my mind had played tricks on me. This, in fact, was beautiful territory. It reminded me of northern New York state – not even so far up – maybe the Catskill region. When I exited the plane I took a deep breath of the cool mountain air. Although it was close to freezing (yes it is cold up here), the sun felt warm & I felt warm enough in my blue jean shirt.

Big thanks to Yvonne (Orjon's wonderful girl friend) for picking us up – driving us to our extremely comfortable & MODERN Scandic hotel to check in - & then having us to her home for a GREAT meal!!! What a blessing!!

SOUNDCHECK AT THE VENUE

Within walking distance of the place, this cool little modern pub-restaurant has warm, welcoming vibe. This is the first music venue for this place. Bjorn Petterson – bass player from Willy Clay – has booked this show for owner Arthur, who is hoping to do a series of these type shows in the future.

Bjorn would play bass for us tonight – as well as be our sound engineer & host. When Kendel, Orjan & I arrived Bjorn had the equipment ready for sound check. But more important .. lovely SARAH was there with the great little boy, OLOF.. the cutest guy in the universe!!! GREAT TO SEE YOU SARAH!!

We practiced a few Kendel songs & then headed back to the hotel for to relax before show time.

JUST BEFORE WE WENT BACK TO THE HOTEL, MULTI- TALENTED LEAD SINGER FROM THE WILLY CLAY BAND, TONY, STOPPED BY TO SAY HELLO

GREAT TO SEE YOU TONY!!! Congratulations on all your success .. you all deserve it!! THE WORLD NEEDS WILLY CLAY!!

THE SHOW

The show is sold out. Ten tables holding about six people each line up in two rows to the back, where it's standing room only at the bar.

This was magic from the start. Although the audience gave shy response to the performance at first, we could tell from the look on the faces that we were connecting big time. By the start of the second set, the responses were looser & far more vocal. There was an amazing camaraderie with the audience & the performers tonight. We were in it together – AND MAGIC HAPPENED IN KIRUNA TONIGHT!!

There were far too many highlights to mention. Kendel was awesome & much appreciated. Her TEN LOST MEN, SEVEN SHADOWS ON YOUR GOLDEN ROSES & OH BABY LIE DOWN all killed. BASTARD BROTHERS, SAW MILL RIVER ROAD with the BIG RIVER tribute, DANCE WITH JESUS & HEY JONNY all had a special connection.

But the ones that left me with chills were DANCE WITH A HOLE IN YOUR SHOE, I NEED SOME HELP WITH THAT, NORRTALJA PRISON & a requested THE SHIP – these were so special tonight – in big part due to the soulful performances by Otjon, Bjorn & Kendel –

I LOVED THIS NIGHT – Big thanks to all who were part of it.

AFTER THE SHOW

HI to:

Special thanks to owners Arthur & Louise (at the bar) – loved being here – thanks for the kind words, Louise.. that meant a lot to me. Arthur, well done my friend – all the best with future shows!

Hi Arne.. thanks for the invite to the ICE HOTEL & the kind words – see you & Cecilia in the AM .. THANKS FOR THE NICE WORDS CECILIA.. & for recovering from your operation quick enough to attend tonight! See you in the morning.

REINE .. SO GREAT TO SEE YOU & LOVELY SANDRA.. loved talking to you.. that was special for me. Hi Anton. (brother of great Willy Clay lead singer/ songwriter Tony.. so good talking to you & friends .. hi Mattias (hope friend Janne enjoys the CD) & Erik .. Harry .. hi Tobias.. & Tommy & Ann Christina .. so good talking to you!!

Hi Kent .. (dogsledder & big WILLY CLAY supporter) .. great talking to you… Hi Jonas (cousin of Willy Clay drummer Freddy – Freddy .. thanks SO much for being here tonight

Hi Joakim .. glad you were out of the ground tonight. Stay safe my friend – I loved talking to you. AND BIG, BIG HI TO BJORN'S MOM MARI & FOREVER FRIEND / OLD BOYFRIEND, Janne .. hope brother Roland enjoys the CD as well .. good talking to you…

Hi Sarah.. THANKS SOOO MUCH FOR BEING THERE.. Bjorn gave me your message .. thanks for that!! AND BIG HI & LOVE TO YVONNE.. great meeting Tim .. hi to him.. & hi to Robbin.. hope to see him next time!! By the way.. you're man was AWESOME .. & so soulful tonight!!!!!!

Apr 29, 2010 - THE ICEHOTEL – Jukkasarvi, Sweden (near Kiruna)

We met Arne at the show at our show at Arthur & Louise' TRADGARN last night. Arne is an artist / entrepreneur – one of the founders of this now world famous place – which happens to be only 15 minutes drive from our Scandic hotel

Arne & his lovely artist wife, Cecilia offered to pick up Kendel & me at the hotel this morning & give us a quick tour of this trendy hotel made of ice (The ICEHOTEL) before taking us to the airport.

First stop – their lovely little cabin on the Torne River opposite the hotel grounds. What an amazing little getaway place – precious & perfect ,, with a working old 78 player sitting next to us & old time music as our background. After good, informative conversation – i.e.: The Sami Indians (Laps) from 100 plus years ago.. the English smarts that helped get the ore from the Kiuna mountains.. the neutral position Sweden took in WW II .. the Germans securing access to the Norwegian port & getting their hands on the ore from Kiruna .. etc.. etc… & very good coffee, we wound around to the other side of the river to visit THE ICEHOTEL.

AMAZING – a 40 room hotel / with bar & church & lobby .. all made from the river's ice .. all designed by the greatest designers on the planet – all for rich/elite guests to spend ONE NIGHT IN A FREEZING ROOM!! Who would have guessed this would fly!! – But fly it does!!! BIG TIME … The art IS truly amazing .. as is the JAMES BOND-LIKE ice cutting room where blocks of the river are cut by monster machines to form the fabric of each room.. We overlooked this from our walk way above.. like Bond's GOLDFINGER .. strange / crazy stuff ..

Oh yes.. the guests can retreat to warm cabins for a longer stay .. which most opt to do.

Huge thanks to our new friends, ARNE & CECELIA for this amazing adventure!

Words to a recent song came to mind:

"Nothing – nothing – it comes & goes

And you're left with nothing – nothing I suppose"

>Apr 29, 2010 - ARRIVING IN MALMO

Old friend & mgr/distrib for us in these parts, Hakan Olsson, picked Kendel & me up at Copenhagen airport & drove us to our Malmo hotel – this time the cool, elite/ with old fashioned flair – SAVOY HOTEL – with great, great restaurant & world-class single-malt bar attached.

Kendel is still jet-lagged & opted to call it a night. Hakan & I wound down at the bar with his wonderful wife (& my great friend as well) Monica. After two hours worth of good food, whiskey & conversation, I called it a night as well.

Apr 30, 2010– VENUE – MALMO KONSERTHUS - GUEST PERFORMANCE with JILL JOHNSON

Jill is an amazing vocalist – in the tradition of Anne Murray & Dusty Springfield & Evie Sands – a one-of-a-kind. She is at the forefront of the soulful Swedish country music scene, and a few years ago went to the top of the charts here with an amazing version of ANGEL OF THE MORNING. Last year she joined me performing that at my show in Goetenberg .. now she's invited me to join her here.

REHEARSAL

It was great to see Jill again – along with now friend Lotta (Jill's amazing background singer). When we arrived at 4:30, we were greeted by Johan – Jill's tour mgr (& great guy) & within minutes we were sound checking. Jill invited Kendel to join in playing fiddle on Angel Of The Morning. The idea was – that after performing that with Jill & her awesome band – led by guitarist, Goaran – Kendel & I would perform a song by ourselves. We chose Charcoal Sky.

As we rehearsed Charcoal Sky I invited the band to join in if they saw fit. During the first rehearsal of the song they joined in & were amazing!! By the time we finished the second run through we were totally locked - what a blessing!!

THE SHOW

Jill put on a charming warm, magical show – lots of good hearted fun ( it was in Swedish & I'm not sure what she was saying that brought the laughter) - & lots of great performances by Jill & her amazing band.

THE DUET & CHARCOAL SKY

Jill graciously introduced me & after a few kind words back & forth, we performed a chilling duet of ANGEL OF THE MORNING, which the audience seemed to love. Kendel joined in on fiddle with the other strings beautifully.

Then it was a journey back to a Monday with my mom & dad & my brothers on Charcoal Sky .. & Kendel & the band killed - & I got lots of chills again.

AFTER THE SHOW:

Said hi to many, including:

Hi Anke & Klaus & Bjorn (bought CD for Mimi .. hope she enjoys it!!). & Kimmo, Kterina & DAVID (who would surprise me & Hakan & family with some good English stout back at the hotel bar later – BIG THANKS MY FRIEND!!!)

Hi Johan & Marie .. & big hi to Sven.. a fan from way back who has all my old vinyl albums & latest CDs (including all C&C duets. Hi Mats & Tamara.. & Glenn & Frederik - & Johan, Paul

BIG HI TO MY NEW FRIEND GABBIE & HER FRIEND, Karina ("Korina, Korina.. where you been so long").. loved having fun with you guys!!! .Hi Pemilla & Jonny – a huge Johnny Cash fan – thanks for the kind comparison .., he's my hero as well .. Big hi to Elinor & John (BOCIJ) .. good talking to you all … & hi Denice .. hope to see you all next time!

AFTER THE SHOW – THE SAVOY BAR

Wonderful to wind down with Hakan Olsson & wife Monica & MY GREAT FRIEND – THEIR DAUGHTER ELIN.. she is absolutely a one-of-a-kind!!!! (Elin is now back in Malmo, working at the concert hall where we just played) We all shared a lot of good laughs & warm talk together. It is SO special to be together!

SURPRISING BACKGROUND MUSIC!!!

For an hour or so, it was Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez night at the Savoy .. as our duets constantly were streaming out of the sound system. I had no idea why. I found out later that the unassuming bartender that had been waiting on us these past nights, Daniel, was a fan of my music, including all the C&C duets – a fan of the WILLY CLAY BAND loved their honest – guy next door approach & heartfelt music - & a fan of Hakan Olsson's amazing ROOTS.NU web site. GO THERE – YOU'LL FIND OUT WHY!!!!

Thanks for the beers, David!! And Big thanks Daniel – you made my night!!!

May 1, 2010 – HEADING FOR GOTEBERG (another "guest" with Jill Johnson)

Friend Hakan Ollson picks us up at 11:00 – With good conversation, the time flies by – arrive at the hotel by 2:00 – sound check at 4:30 & after a quick meal at a local pub, we're ready for our "guest" show at 7:00.

BEFORE THE SHOW

Again Jill is so cordial before the show with us (& during the show with the audience the band).. Great to meet Jill's kind-eyed husband, Hakan (what a nice guy) who spent much of the night holding & dance-walking their new sweet/ delicious three month old (as of yesterday) baby girl, Bonnie.

THE SHOW

Jill warmly introduces Kendel & me - then Jill & I talk a bit before beginning our duet of ANGEL OF THE MORNING. I begin the verse & it is total chill time when Jill enters with:

'I see no need to take me home
I'm old enough to face the dawn"

The chills continue as our voices hit the chorus. Again, in the tradition of Dust, Evie Sands, Anne Murray & the like - .. Jill Johnson is one of THE great SOUL/ pop voices of our time. And with this awesome band plus Kendel & the string section – this version of "Angel.." is amazing!

After ANGEL, Kendel & I begin CHARCOAL SKY - my journey back to a Yonkers New York train station – on a Monday - with my brothers & mom & dad. By the second verse the band joined in & tonight – Lotta (one of the greatest soul-background singers I ever heard - joined in singing the chorus & band leader / ace-guitarist Goran split the solo with Kendel & was amazing!! What a train ride it was! And this audience seemed to love the journey!!

Big thanks to Jill, Lotta & the boys!!

AFTER THE SHOW

Said hi to several, including:

Frederik, Mona, SIV (hope the close up picture turned out OK! .. hi to Emil & Loec from France.. & Josefin & Susan.. & Mikael.. & Roland.. & Belinda

JILL JOHNSON/ CHIP TAYLOR duet!!!!! – COMING SOON!!!!

Jill & I have decided to record a new song of mine, FOREVER'S GOING UNDERGROUND. If all goes well, we will release it on Chip Taylor "BEST OF" scheduled for released by Hakanm Ollson's ROOTSY label in Sweden in September. It will also be available on a Jill Johnson compilation.

THANKS JILL.. SO GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!!!! YOU ARE AMAZING!!

May 1 – AFTER THE SHOW

BOX WHISKEY FRIENDS

After the show it was great to see my friend Peter from BOX WHISKEY – located in the Box region, about two hours north of Stockholm – nestled on a river only a few miles inland from Sweden's east coast.

We talked for a while in the dressing room – then headed for our cool little boutique hotel to continue our discussions. The hope is that BOX WHISKEY & Chip Taylor can partner up for some special events.

Peter is here with cohort & BOX board member, Anders. Under the tutelage of John McDougall (head distiller of Laphroig & Springbank), Anders has been mastering the craft of distilling. That expertise, coupled with the selection of Barley (smoke dried, clean air dried - or otherwise moisture reduced) will go a long way in determining the characteristic of BOX whiskey – stay tuned!! But, whatever the characteristic - one thing for sure – this will be amazing stuff!

For the time being BOX imports choice selections – mostly suggests from John MacDugal) – THESE ARE AWESOME SELECTIONS !!! Their homegrown BOX stuff will be flowing in a few years!!

BOX TASTINGS / plus CHIP TAYLOR "LIVE"

Again, the purpose of our meeting tonight was to organize Chip Taylor / BOX WHISKEY events.. hosted by legendary head-distiller, John McDougall.

By evening's end, Hakan Olsson, Anders, Peter & I have agreed we will team up for several shows/ tasting beginning the end of September. These get-togethers will be held in exclusive manor-house hotel like places.

BOX WHISKEY plus CHIP TAYLOR, JOHN MCDOUGALL & friends! JOIN US IF YOU CAN – THIS WILL BE SPECIAL!

Check the website for further info!

May 1 – NIGHT - A BAD COLD IS COMING

I've been fighting off a cold – swollen glands / fever etc., for a few days now. Contac, vitamin C & a sleeping pill help me get through the night. I'm not too bad in the AM – but it's lurking.

May 2, 2010 – HEADING FOR OREBRO

After breakfast, Hakan escorts Kendel & me to the train station. It's a very pleasant two-hour ride to Orebro, where Orjan - fresh from his heroic performance with the WILLY CLAY band at a festival in Bergen, Norway – is waiting.

We check into our new "home for three days" – The Clarion – a very comfortable place to call home! BIG THANKS TO CARIN for taking the tome to get me a fan & hook up my Internet.

BEFORE SOUND CHECK

Just before leaving for the venue for sound check, in our lobby, Kendel & I meet Orjan's sister, Kerstin, brother-in-law Mats & our kind host / producer of this show , Anders. I've seen Anders several times over the last few years. He had booked an earlier show (last Wednesday) but due to the volcanic ash problem, it was canceled. He put this show together at the last minute.

THE VENUE – SOUND CHECK

We walked down friendly town streets & arrived at our venue – the SKANDIC GRAND HOTEL at about 5:30. After a brief sound check with Anders modest but solid system, we had a good dinner there & were ready for the show.

THE SHOW

THIS WAS A MAGIC NIGHT!!!! I'm never quite sure if folks will "get" the stories or if we should just play the songs. It was clear early on that this audience loved the whole picture – stories included. So this became "the best of Chip Taylor, Kendel Carson & Orjan Maki" – as intimate as you can get.

We played for about 50 minutes .. took a 15 minute break & then played for the better part of two hours.. & the time just flew by.

Aside from several great highlights from Kendel's two albums (OH BABY LIE DOWN, RIBBONS & BOW, SEVEN SHADOWS & I LIKE TRUCKS, , this was a YONKERS NEW YORK night – all the stories & songs from that album – BASTARD BROTHERS, HEY JONNY, WITHOUT HORSES & CHARCOAL SKY totally connected with story & song.

And another special thing about this night's performance was that new stories arose from old ones. I thought & shared things I had never talked about before (including the BOX WHISKEY / HEART OPERATION story. And all of us were totally lost in this sort of off-the-cuff thing together & THAT WAS MAGIC FOR ME – REAL MAGIC.

After a rockin' WILD THING, we ended with a wonderful/ reverent sing-a-long version of HOLY SHIT .. & closed with my tribute to the prisoners, NORRTAJA PRISON. Thanks to all who were here for bringing out the honest-best in all of us!

SAID HI TO SEVERAL AFTER THE SHOW

Note" lost my notes .. so a few from memory:

Hi Peder & Elita?? .. so good to see you both.. Hi Sten & Hoken.. & music-lover Leif & lovely daughter, Evelyn.. hope to see you next time – don't forget .. best with your studies.. Hi MARIA ("Mary, Mary") Great to see you at the side of the bar.. best with your music.. hi Frederik & Anna??? – what was the second part of that.. it was so great to see you later.. thanks so much for the kind words!!.. Hi Kerstin (another one) .. Hi Goran!! .. nice talking to you

Hi Lena .. good to see you .. Hi Stigbjorn – nice talking to you.. Hi Hakan.. great to talk to you as well .. Hi Krisin & Erik & Lennart.. thanks for the kind words

Kersten & Mat .. so glad you made the trip .. it was so special spending time with you!!

\

ANDRES – THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR EFFORTS – LOVED PLAYING HERE = BIG THANKS LILLIS – MUCH LOVE

And to all the others .. this was special.. I'll look forward to next time

God Bless/ chip

>May 2, 2010 – HINSBERG PRISON (WOMEN'S PRISON)

– in Frovi, Sweden (close to Orebro)

There are about 350 women prisoners in Sweden - as compared to 6,000 plus men prisoners. The prison we are going to houses most of Sweden's women prisoners – about 200. It's a maximum security facility. The crimes they are sentenced for varies – lots of drug stuff – stealing – battery, murder, etc.

A great guy named Hakan is in charge of social activities for the prisons in this area. He meets Orjan & me at 3:00 PM at our Orebro hotel. Hakan has a strong tie to the prisoners and is a wonderful force in bringing a better look at their plight. He is their voice so to speak.

As a side, the singer/ songwriter in Hakan, is recording songs written by the prisoners & will perform them at various functions.

We travel about one hour to the prison. AGAIN, THIS IS MAXIMUM SECURITY – BUT YOU COULD FOOL ME. This "camp" sits on a hill in a pretty countryside area. On top of the hill is a beautiful manor house the holds staff & some prisoners. Spread out below are three or four dormitory-like buildings, immaculate in their appearance.

After going through a solid security check I am greeted by the head master of the prison, Britt Marie, a kindly looking middle aged woman who thanks me profusely for taking the time to come here.

We find our way to the back to a small theater-like room. This is the best performing area by far that we've encountered on this prison tour. The room is in a clean, new building & is equipped with a good sound system & rolling new theater chairs. It's set up for about 20 people.

FIRST SHOW

Orjan & I are performing as a duo today as we did earlier in the tour. It's a minimalist sound set up (we're using ours, not theirs) but that's fine for today as this is more a "living room" atmosphere.

This was a great bunch of ladies to play for. They seemed shy at first – so was I. But together we slowly connected to the songs &a