Further Observations From A Jangly Music Fan

Our summer drought weather became so predictable that it extended itself into the first days of Autumn without any indication that the seasons had changed. Thankfully, the long hot summer had no impact on our music-related endeavors. On successive September weekends, we were able to enjoy some terrific live music. We made the long drive down to Abingdon, Virginia to see our pal, Buddy Woodward, perform in "Man Of Constant Sorrow: The Story of the Stanley Brothers" at the Barter Theater. Buddy portrayed several characters in this fast-moving musical, and he excelled in his primary role as a member of the Clinch Mountain Boys - providing lead guitar, mandolin and harmony vocals on all of the featured songs.

"Man Of Constant Sorrow" runs through mid-October at the Barter's Stage II location … and it may return to the Barter's main stage next summer. There is even talk that the show may tour nationally after that. Fans of bluegrass music, in particular, and music fans in general will find this a very entertaining production. I encourage you to see this show in Abingdon (the Virginia Highlands are quite scenic and are home to numerous bicycling trails and the Appalachian Trail) … or in your area. In addition to catching up with Buddy (who we hadn't seen in four years), we met his sweetheart and musical partner, Brandi Hart. Together, they have released a snappy eight-song bluegrass CD as the Dixie Bee Liners. Buddy and Brandi will attend and perform at the IBMA World of Bluegrass Showcase 2005 … and they are hopeful that gigs outside the NYC area (where Buddy also performs with his band the Nitro Express) will soon materialize. Long may you run, Sir Buddy … with or without that slicked-down hair!

The following weekend, we hosted a house concert by our Austin, Texas pal, Freddie Steady Krc. Freddie's musical resume includes his long tenure as the drummer for the Jerry Jeff Walker Band and stints with the Explosives, the Shakin' Apostles and his latest band the Freddie Steady Five. Freddie was making a short swing to the east coast, touring in a Winnebago with his manager "Fat Pete," and Pete's wife Jan. The intimate house concert setting and solo acoustic gig allowed Freddie to showcase his singing, his songwriting talents … and his natural warmth and rapport with an audience. Freddie was kind enough to include the very obscure Gene Clark-penned tune, "Long Time," in his set list. Although this song was never recorded by Gene Clark, it earned Gene some royalties by appearing on the Rose Garden's only album. Freddie and the Shakin' Apostles included a live version of this song on their live album. It was great to catch up with Freddie and learn through him that legendary Texas 60s rocker Roky Erickson is doing very well … and Freddie and Roky will be performing together at a Halloween show in Austin. Long may the two of them run!

The next weekend, we introduced a new fan to our favorite husband-wife duo - the Kennedys. Pete and Maura were in town for a sold-out "CD release" show at Jammin' Java. Their set list included many tunes from their new album, Half A Million Miles, and some "nuggets" from their rich repertoire. The show ended with an extended version of "Chelsea Embankment" (which segued through other tunes - including "Eight Miles High") … and the encore featured three consecutive Beatles tunes. Their acoustic version of "Chimes Of Freedom" gained greater poignancy owing to the anti-war rally held in the Washington, D.C. area the following day.

Each of the aforementioned indie artists has something in common aside from their talent and personable demeanor - they are all featured on the forthcoming Buffalo Springfield tribute disc - entitled Five Way Street - to be released in November 2005 by Not Lame Recordings. The disc will include 21 tracks (among them: "Go And Say Goodbye" by Buddy Woodward and the Nitro Express; "Rock And Roll Woman" by the Freddie Steady Five; and "Pretty Girl Why" by the Kennedys), liner notes by rock historian/author John Einarson … and a few words from one of the original Buffalo Springfield members, Richie Furay. (NOTE: Many thanks to Buddy Woodward for facilitating the communication between Richie Furay and the project). In the short period that the Buffalo Springfield existed as a band, they experimented with folk, country, pop, rock and other genres of music. The sum of the parts truly exceeded the whole.

The tribute disc's release may spawn a number of regional tribute shows, so Buffalo Springfield fans and pop music enthusiasts should check the Buddy Woodward and Freddie Steady Krc websites for news about New York City and Austin tribute shows … and check this column for news about possible shows in the Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. area. With the growing popularity of alt-country music in the past decade, I was surprised that no other label had sponsored a Buffalo Springfield tribute project. Once again, Bruce Brodeen and Not Lame have stepped in to fill the void … and treat a new generation of listeners to some timeless songs by one of the most talented bands of another era. As far as I know, Pete Kennedy holds the distinction of being the only artist to participate in the tribute disc project … who also saw the Buffalo Springfield perform live!

Some new discs and songs that merit mention include:

Extra Fancy - by the Famous Pies. Fans of jangly boy-girl pop music rejoice! This ten-song disc sounds like a collaboration between Grey Eye Glances and Smart Brown Handbag. That means that every song is catchy in its own right, and "Take," "Now You Know Better," "Ain't Love Grand" and "So Slow In Soho" sparkle with 12-string guitar riffs! You'll be tappin' your toes and humming along to this disc!

Two Part Confessional - the new six-song CD EP by Jeff Larson. This is a far more acoustic venture on Jeff's part, and the tunes include studio assistance from Hank Linderman, Gerry Beckley (of America) and Jeffrey Foskett. Jeff is an exceptionally gifted artist, and these six songs live up to the high standards associated with his earlier releases. These introspective "fall/winter"songs remind me of Karla Bonoff's songwriting and production techniques. And oh, by the way, Jeff is also featured on the forthcoming Buffalo Springfield tribute disc - having contributed a dynamite version of "Questions."

The self-titled disc by Matt Mays + El Torpedo. This disc may not jangle, but it sure does rock! Right from the get-go, Mays and his bandmates nail the sound of Neil Young & Crazy Horse … with some Ryan Adams references tossed in for good measure. Fast forward to "On The Hood" and you'll think you are listening to a Tom Petty song. This is about as strong as an alt-rock debut disc can be!

Forget To Tell The Time - by the Contrast. The fourth disc (on the Rainbow Quartz label) by a superb pseudo-60s band. A stellar start-to-finish winner by one of the primo 60s-influenced contemporary psych-pop bands. They flirt with a British Invasion jangly sound on "Side FX" and they cast a catchy spell on the remaining 13 tracks. Seek this out!

The Beach From Last Summer - by the Sealevel. Subtle jangle with some Beach Boys and Teenage Fanclub references. Can't miss with this combination. Very cool!

"Linkola" by the Diddywah Hoodaddys on 1993's Bad Timing: A Perth Pop Retrospective. A solid contender for Jangly Song of the Month honors.

"Oh No!" by the Rudds on their new Get The Femuline Hang On CD. An excellent jangly tune that is the highlight of a top-notch power pop album.

Evenings & Weekends - by Crumb. A nice 10-song slice of power pop with some REM, Jimmy Silva and Grant McClennan references. The chiming "Lights Of The City" will also compete for my Jangly Song of the Month accolades.

Highwood Hills - by Charley Dush. Charley's latest disc is more acoustic-oriented than his earlier disc, but strong Rickenbacker riffs still resonate on songs like "Veil of Plastic Tears" and "Simple Things." Another exceptional effort!

It's time to pack up and head for our favorite autumn destination - Vermont. Until next month, jangle on!

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