Thursday, August 30, 2007

Aug 30 Music Notes

Hey everyone . . . here's a copy of my most recent emailed music recommendations. This is a test for me to see how this might work.

Comments are on, so use them to add your own notes, recommendations, corrections . . . or ramblings (hey, you are subjected to mine! fair is fair)

==============

. . . I'm currently in NY for a holiday weekend trip . . . but a few things coming up worth reminding folks about:

This weekend:

One of Portland's best bands is playing Thursday for the first time in many months: Amelia, with the Jim Brunberg Trio opening at Kruger Farms - 6-9pm for just $5/car on beautiful Sauvie Island. Let's welcome back Teisha Helgerson, Scott Weddle and Jesse Emerson from their performance break and hope we have more opportunities to catch them in the coming months.

Rodrigo y Gabriela
- Friday at the Oregon Zoo (sold out, but there's always the possibility of picking up a ticket at the door - people always end up with extras - if you really want to go to a sold out show, arrive early and have patience)

Free closing festivities all day on Friday at Music Millennium NW, with Floater, Stars of Track & Field, the Jim Brunberg Trio and more -- music begins at 1PM and goes until 10 . . . and there'll be snacks and beverages all day . . . . It's a shame that Terry Currier has to close the NW location due to rising rents and a changing music distribution landscape, but there will still be the original eastside location with a continuing schedule of in-store performances. But come out this week to the NW store for lots of music and great deals on whatever is left on the shelves.

Also on Friday at Mississippi Studios (7 PM) will be the final performance of Andi Starr before she moves to California. If you're a fan of Andi's come on out . . . this should be a fun evening of music, friends and farewells . . . Cellist Adam Hurst opens. Andi and her husband, Asher, are friends of mine and it will be sad to see them leaving town, but they have work and education opportunities to head to in southern California . . . let's wish them the best!

Zap Mama
at the Aladdin on Saturday - world beat meets Philly hip-hop from Marie Daulne, one of the most respected world music artists anywhere . . . .

CD release event (for new live recording) for local Joe McMurrian at the White Eagle with James Low opening . . . . 9 PM - $6 cover. Speaking of James Low . . . if you missed his interview and music on In House with Jeremy Peterson, the live songs that aired are posted on the show's blog.

AND . . . Saturday from 3 - 6 PM will be the debut of a new radio show on KMHD - Mississippi West. The show will focus on American Roots Music - a bit of a departure from just jazz and blues that the station is identified with, but a great fit into the continuum of styles and blends of what's considered "roots" music . . . . join Mike Meyer and Dave Johnson for the beginning of what will be an interesting tour through roots music territory. As I mentioned in a previous note, there will be a significant local component to this show, with music and interviews with local artists. Listen in and if you like it, let KMHD know you do . . . it's creating a bit of controversy among those who want to claim the station off limits to anything other than jazz (and, reluctantly, blues). Hmmmm . . . . Personally, I have a problem with irate, dismissive purists. There's so much fantastic music out there in all genres . . . they remind me of religious fundamentalists.

Billy Bob Thornton
at the Aladdin on Sunday - yes, that Billy Bob Thornton - who is actually quite serious about his music and as good a songwriter and performer as he is an actor (okay, guess you'll have to also like him as an actor for this to sound halfway intriguing) . . . . go figure. But the guy can probably afford a kickass band - could be an interesting show.

Next week:

Thursday, Sept 6 - Jimmy LaFave at Mississippi Studios (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) - respected and recognized as a musical descendant of fellow Oklahoman Woodie Guthrie, this is a great opportunity to see another Austin musical treasure (see Stephen Bruton, below) in the same week, in the same intimate setting of Mississippi Studios. He'll also be appearing at the Sisters Folk Festival. This is a great start to one of the busiest and best music weekends of the year . . . what choices!

There's MusicFestNW, the Sisters Folk Festival, and Stephen Bruton and Jon Koonce at Mississippi Studios . . . . more about these next week . . . but I will put in a special mention again about Stephen . . . . any of you who will be around and available on the evening of Sept 8 (9 PM) will be kicking yourselves if you miss this show. Trust me on this one . . . . (interesting side note - Stephen has occasionally played with Billy Bob Thornton and acted with him in The Alamo . . . . don't you love useless factoids?)

Then on the 10th - Richard Thompson (and band) at the Aladdin . . . .what can I say . . . it's Richard Thompson for god's sake . . . just buy the damn ticket and not worry that it's a Monday night. It will be the best Monday night you'll have for a while . . .

. . . . and the Aladdin's schedule is filled with great choices throughout September, including Bebel Gilberto, Little Charlie & the Nightcats, Suzy Bogguss, Kathy Mattea (two country artists that are way more than "modern country" artists - wonderful voices, wide-ranging material, warm and "real" performers), Todd Rundgren, Loudon Wainwright III, and Josh Rouse. Lots of fine music heading our way.

did I say this was going to be short? okay . . . I'm outta here . . .

To Blog or not to Blog . . . .

Yes, that is the question on my mind today. Do I turn my emailed music notes into something more interactive and just send everyone a link to it? Will people bother to visit here and even post comments - add their own recommendations, etc?

Do I know? Should I care? Will it give me a forum for boring pontificating about more than what's coming on the live music horizon in Portland?

Will I become obsessive about it? Will it take more time than I am spending now?

Will I stop asking myself stupid questions?

We'll see . . . . . .