Zeke's World

Busy week

2011-08-07T23:53:00.000-07:00

Despite the entire staff of Dr. Z Presents being in Vegas for a wedding, we are still working. There are three great shows this week! 5 of our favorite local singer/songwriters are playing! Please support them and these great venues!

This Thursday August 11 at 9:00pm

The Pump Fakes with special guest The Buffalo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Thunderbird Cafe
4023 Butler Street
Lawrenceville, PA

This Saturday high noon
Brewers Row (full band)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Leaf and Bean
2200 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222

This Saturday night

Bill Toms and Hard Rain “The Tom Breiding Birthday Celebration”

Bill Toms and Hard Rain w/ Tom Breiding opening

Moondogs Pub
378 Freeport Road
Blawnox, Pennsylvania

I'm done

2011-07-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

I know I've written about my previous time choices. While I have loved teaching, counseling, being a stay at home dad, promoting, being a laborer, and even watiting tables, I think it is time to pick a new one.

I recall writing about Going Back to the Ashgrove and will expand on that. I am becoming a shepard. Effective imediately I will be looking for grassy knolls in which to set up my flock. I understand there is a dearth of those qualified to heard sheep. I think this is the next logical step.

The only real drawback was being out of touch with music and news, but with technology this is no longer a problem.

I know some of you will want to join me, but part of the reason I'm leaving is to avoid the current society. I'm tired of man's inhmainity to each other, the lack of good people, and also auto tune.

any suggestions for knolls are welcomed.

Bill Toms at club cafe

2011-04-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

somewhere on the Southside are my exhaustive notes detailing the epic Bill Toms and Band show this past Friday at the Club Cafe in the Historic south side of Pittsburgh.

The band consisted of the unorthodox line up of Bill Toms and Mark O on acoustic and electric guitars, Phil Brontz on sax and percussion and Bernie Herr (who turned 65 that day!) on Percussion and Drums. There was understandably some trepidation at this set up. I have seen thousands of concerts in my life and have NEVER sees such a line up except for maybe a one off here and there. The band was augmented at times by up and comer and opening act Olga Watkins and Tom Breiding on vocals. So we all settled in and waited.

The opener let us know that we were in for something special as Bill opened with Hard Times a slow BURNING version of the old gem from his catalog that really focused the attention on the ensemble - which was tight. The first thing I noticed was that Phil played damn near as much percussion as sax. Secondly that these guys were on a mission. This was not just a unique sound but a powerful and compelling one as well.

The entire set list is in the ether. However with the second song (Lord Don't take me Now) the audience found out that this was not a slow acoustic strumming evening. It burned. Great forceful drumming and screaming slide guitar rocked the joint. You could feel the protagonist holding on.

The show featured much of the forthcoming record but also featured Bill's ever growing impressive career gems. With every new song, anticipation grew for the new record. I know Bill is holding back some of the songs for the cd release so wow this is gonna be something.

And they just kept coming new and old.

The highlight was the full band acoustic version of the west end kid. This songs is great acoustic, full band and now in between. The video has already gone viral and rightfully so. This just proves that a great song can be done any way.

Sadly the show was over and every one's appetite was wet ted for more. We'll just have to wait. In the mean time check out the video from the show (which is on my facebook, youtube and everywhere).

super bowl

2011-02-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

I didn't write this.

Twas the Night Before the Super Bowl

'Twas the night before the Super Bowl, when along the gulf shore,
Steelers fans were praying for "just one more;"

The players were nestled all snug in the sack,
With visions of number 7 against the Pack;

Coach Tomlin was young, but wise for his years,
So I drifted off to sleep without any fears;

When at the stadium there arose some strange chatter,
The Packers feared, what was the matter;

We heard "Okel Dokel", we heard "Double Yoi,"
We jumped from our beds, our hearts jumped for joy;

He stood at the fifty with a grin ear to ear,
Steelers fans everywhere started to cheer;

Then in an instant to our surprise,
This little old man had tears in his eyes;

He went to the booth and there took his chair,
While Terrible Towels waved in the air;

Then over the airwaves came his shrill voice,
The Steelers Nation began to rejoice;

He said, "I am back, but you know I can't stay,
I just had to see my Steelers play;

From my home up above, I have a great view,
But I wanted to celebrate here with you;

So bring on the Pack, we'll send them a flyin',
On the way back to Greenbay, they will be cryin';

Ben, Hines, Troy , Wallace and all of the rest,
No matter the outcome, to me you're the best;"

The airwaves went silent, the stadium still,
Was this just a dream, it seemed so real;

In our team we have faith, in our team we have hope,
But the game's not the same without Myron Cope;

new houses

2010-09-27T21:57:00.001-07:00

so I'm thinking it should be illegal to build new houses. I mean I just read (in the trib of all places) 8,555 of the 160,000 residential addresses in Pittsburgh are "vacant/" There are 4,287 houses for sale in Pittsburgh right now. It seems to me we don't need any more houses - right?

You only build more of something if you need more. We seem to have WAY more houses than we need. So why build more - gluttony.

Long ago people stopped thinking of a house as a place to live and began treating it as financial masturbation. this is the expensive car taken to the nth power. The house is a stimulant and a status symbol upped to the insane ante by the rich or rich wanna be's.

My kids and I enjoy Who's the Boss re-runs. They are cute and don't have profanity, drugs, rapists, or anything offense beyond a slutty old lady. This house where Angela lives is a rich person's house??? She'd get laughed out of any of the new developments for such a pitiful existence.

It goes without saying too that if we lived in normal houses from the 50's and 60's we could afford to live as one income families and not whearehouse children in daycare etc. but I'm already on record about that.

Of course we will continue to build houses in Pittsburgh as the population goes down. The same will happen everywhere as people need stimulation that they don't get in their lives. Perhaps they could spend time with their kids....

great week coming up

2010-09-20T06:12:00.001-07:00

I hope to see you this week for two wonderful joint productions between Dr. Z Presents and Amerison Records. We are bringing two artists in from out of town who are genuine stars. We look forward to seeing you there. Please forward this information to any music fans you know. As always, thanks for supporting live music!

AmeriSon Ballroom Folk Series and Dr. Z Presents welcome Ronny Cox

Time Wednesday, September 22 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm
________________________________________
Location Cefalo's Restaurant & Nightclub
428 Washington Ave.
Carnegie, PA

As an actor, known for his debut performance as Drew Ballinger in the acclaimed 1972 film Deliverance in which he plays the instrumental "Dueling Banjos" on his guitar with a mentally retarded banjo-playing mountain boy named Lonnie, played by child actor Billy Redden. Cox has also appeared as Lieutenant/Captain/Chief of Police Andrew Bogomil in Beverly Hills Cop and Beverly Hills Cop II, Richard "Dick" Jones in RoboCop, Mars Administrator Vilos Cohaagen in Total Recall, and Senator/Vice-President Robert Kinsey in Stargate SG-1. In 1997, Cox portrayed the fictional President of the United States Jack Neil in the movie Murder at 1600. Cox also portrayed John Ramsey in the 2000 TV movie Perfect Murder, Perfect Town.

He also though has maintained a dual career as a singer/songwriter of great acclaim. “he is a study in easygoing amiability
and unforced charisma. He charms crowds with self-teasing humor, tart progressive insight, and a lulling Southwestern folk sound. His repertoire
is a smart mix of witty ditties, bluesy swing tunes, heart-on-sleeve romances, and real-life anthems ('It's a cry in the night/ It's a whispered prayer/ That gets you from here to there')." Scott Alarik, The Boston Globe

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=149499998408813

Dr. Z Presents Kevin Gordon w/ special guest Tom Breiding and American Son

Time Friday, September 24 at 9:30pm
________________________________________
Location PD's Pub
5832 Forward Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA

Gordonʼs songs have been recorded by Keith Richards of the Rolling
Stones, Levon Helm of The Band, Ronnie Hawkins, Kate Campbell,
Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, and others. The title track from his Down to
the Well CD, a duet with Grammy-winner Lucinda Williams, was featured
on two prominent compilations: the Oxford American Southern
Music Sampler, and No Depression: What It Sounds like, Volume 1.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=100874476635362&ref=ts

Tonight I'll be listening to "In The Dark' Radio show with Bill Toms. Every Monday night at 10pm on WNJR.Exploring the landscape, and history of American Music. Tonight's special guest - Bernie Herr

Finally I'll be winding the week up with Bill Tom and Hard Rain at PD's Pub this saturday!

NICE!!!!

tickets for sale

2010-08-13T05:30:00.001-07:00

I bought these tickets as a hedge against not getting any for Wednesday. As I got some for Wednesday and have to work Thursday night now, I am please to be able to offer these tickets at face value.

An Evening with Paul McCartney
CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Thu, Aug 19, 2010 07:30 PM

Order for: Christopher Caresani
Seat location: section SEC108, row S, seats 11-10
Total Charge: US $ 411.00

please e mail me at kayzeke@comcast.net or call me. It's gonna be a great show.

important work

2010-08-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

Today I taugh a humanities course and cooked (yes cooked) lunch for my sons. We're about to make homemade spaghetti sauce for dinner with kids and my girlfriend.

We're also gonna pick up dog poop, go to tutoring, run to a guitar lesson, and oh yeah try and fix the washing machine.

I'm going to try and listen to music and say "I love you" constantly. Oh and it will be all together. I'm hopefully for only 1 tv show.

I'm so lucky to be able live this lifestyle. without good friends to watch the kids this wouldn't happen.

I get all the time, "when are you going back to work?" usually from my parents or ex-wife. When I find something more important to do, I'll get right on it.

bz

2010-07-21T12:49:00.001-07:00

what a slacker I've been. however my hand is FINALLY healed, and I can type again. Sadly I get no more pain killers, but the added clarity makes writing easier. I do not understand how people work full time and have kids. I'm comlpletely exhausted from my two pt jobs and part time parenting.

I have many many new records to review. I've gotten quite a bit including Titus Andronicus, Alejandro Escoveda, Bill Toms, Jackie Greene, and many others.

Please post here or at Facebook any recomendations.

Glad to be back!

z

Rosie Flores

2010-05-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

ROSIE FLORES and American All-stars featuring Bill Toms, Phil Brontz, and Bernie Herr.
Special Edition of the AmeriSon Ballroom Folk Series with help from Dr. Z. Presents
Cefalo's Nightclub 428 Washington Ave.
Carnegie, PA
412.276.6600
All Ages

THIS THURSDAY the 20th!!!

Be there.

5 dollars

2010-02-14T17:26:00.000-08:00

Ok last night only two people threatened to beat me up over the 5 dollar cover charge at the Tom Breiding show. this is down from 6 at the Anthony Rankin show. Prety good...

Really. One guy said "f... you I'm not paying and you're not stoping me - let's go" Now I didn't back down, but can you imagine throwing a punch over a 5 dollar cover charge? He was ready but so was I. the absurdity of it made me not back down.

It completely astounds me that people don't respect music. They steal the songs on the internet, sneak into concerts, don't pay songwriters (see Springsteen's lawsuit), try and welch on 5 dollar cover charge. unreal!!!

I find music to be the single most important artistic act. It should be supported not taken for granted and exploited and not paid.

thank god for musicians!

Life is good.

new cd/this friday

2010-01-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

Let me add my voice to the Kuddos surrounding the new Bill Toms and Hard Rain live cd. Wow!!! My only regret is that it's only one disc. Really amazing all around. A formal review should follow soon.

This Friday, Dr. Z presents Rising Regina at PD's Pub. This band opened for the Weathered Road at their CD release party and really blew me away. I think that you will like them too. I first saw them around 8 years ago in a Christian band and lost track of them. Plus they're from Armstrong County (first show in Rural Valley!!!)

They're brothers and sisters. I think siblings sound differnt. Not sure.

Check them out.

They are joined by a band I'me trying without hearing - Brewers Row! I like what I heard online. check em out at www.brewersrow.com. love the piano and vocals. very cool sound. May be Waitsian, perhaps more upbeat. More rootsie. Some Johnny Cash sound. You'll like them if you're reading this.

This Friday at PD's Pub!!!!!!

be there.

new years resolution

2010-01-05T14:17:00.000-08:00

Ok I've identified 4 areas of my life to work on.

1) Career

Career is in a good place for the next five months but I NEED something after that and am hopeful for full time. I would love to teach full time on the post secondary level. I think I've found my calling. I really get off on the look in their eyes when they "get it"

2) School

What a mess!!!! I fear I may never graduate. Hopefully divine guidance will intervene. I have dedicated myself to my work and am determined to finish my program and make a contribution to the field. I so look forward to class and reading. I need to capture that excitment for writing.

3) House

after the bathroom, construction is suspended till 2011. I'll just have to find out how to navigate the house as it is. this constant construction led to a minor break down in august and September. I really like my house now.

4) romance

I once heard faith is belief in something you have never seen. I have faith in love and monogamy. Let's see if faith will be rewarded. I seem to be heading in the right direction. twt

check on me periodically.

feel free to let me know yours.

09 concerts

2010-01-01T05:33:00.000-08:00

Best shows 09.
Ok as I stated, my phone got messed up and I lost my calendar that I use to keep track of shows. Therefore I may miss some or have the chronology for others wrong. Also I had less money and babysitter than any time in my life so I missed many shows that I would have seen ordinarily. I did ok though. Sorry for anyone I missed. Yeah I know I lost my notes last year when I moved. That’s why I put them on my phone this year to NOT lose them. Didn’t work out.
In no particular order.

Kings of Leon, Spring. – I went in knowing one song. I came out loving them all. They ran out of steam at the end, but will only improve with more material.

ZZ Top, summer – they opened for someone at Star Lake but were really a revelation. I can’t believe it took me this long to see them. Their stripped down live performance was gritty, and aged much better than their synth laden studio work.

Iron City Houserockers, Spring – the first of three shows for the reunited band featured a frantic crowd, manic energy, and an unreal chemistry that brought new life to songs I’ve known and loved for 30 years. Oh the opening act was great too (THE Houserockers).

Springsteen, Baltimore fall – next to last show of the tour, first time in Baltimore since 73, back in the place of my son’s birth, a smaller venue, Born To Run in its entirety, Bruce and Clarence tearing up, a 60 year old crowd surfing. E Street Shuffle. Holy cow.

Tim Barry, 31st street Pub, Spring – In the crowd unmiked singing during the second song. High energy, great mix, a crowd singing the songs back to him. Unreal.

Tom Breiding, Minedeo Elementary - My boys onstage in front of the entire school playing percussion, Tom Telling masterful stories, me looking good for push push pushing for the show. A moving day.

Bill Toms and Hard Rain, Spring Moondogs – They recorded an awesome CD that night. Crowd was a part of the show (and cd). Steve really shined and Rick added so much to the band. Glad to have a souvenir of this one.

Bill Toms and Hard Rain, WV winter – a smaller version of the band led to longer sparse more intimate versions of the songs. My first gig as a roadie! I think the place was the purple moose but it sounded golden to me. Really highlighted the rhythm section.

Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers – South Park summer. Seems like no one wanted this show to end. I know we didn’t!! East Carson Street was just new. Every blanket and lawn chair was up by the end. Lots of energy and a good mix of old and new songs.

Gaslight Anthem, winter - I went in not knowing a single song. Their energy, performing, and great songs told a story that has made a fan out of me. Sorry I missed their next show. Won’t do that too often.

Songwriter Circle with Scott Blasey, Joe Grushecky, Bill Deasy, Kelsey Friday, and Rick Witkowski. Yeah that was one show. Really!!! It was as good as it sounds. Recorded for a dvd release. Hope that works out.

8th Street Rox, PD’s late fall – tons of originals and lots of Bruce. I lost 5 pounds dancing and skipped the whole way home. One of the best nights of the year overall.

Dylan, Mellencamp, and Willie nelson – Robbie “finally” got to see his favorite singer Bob Dylan. Forgetful Heart will stay with me forever. I had the only pre-teens singing along to the new songs. Hell the only people in the stadiums. Willie astounds and Melencamp is always a great mix or art, nostalgia, and pop.

Billy Joel winter – So much better than the last time I saw him (94). He was very invested in the performance. Although he looked 75 sometimes I felt like it was 85 (as in 1985) and my first ever concert at Mellon Arena.

Greenday, fall - Zac picked this one. It astounded me how many kids and adults saw this show and got something out of it. They played a LONG set full of hits, rarities, oldies, and brand new and pop and yes a message. This band is the real deal. Modern day extensions of classic rock!

AC/DC fall – no slow songs, no covers, no bs, lots of energy. A number one record to push, 40 years of songs about sex and drinking. I’m not a huge fan but they really made it live.

Springsteen Melon Arena summer – Best day of my life so far. I wrote on this earlier but really a combination of everything important in my life: music, friends, art, thinking, bombast, left and right brain and family. I’ll be remembering this night on my deathbed. I’m underselling this but you get the point.

I saw many great shows by Scott Blasey, Anthony Rankin, The Pump Fakes, Jessie Mailin, John Eddie, Marah, The Clarks, Bill Deasey, John Hammond, James McMurtry, The Hold Steady, Fleetwood Mac, The Cause, Jill West, American Son, etc. I see Bill Toms acoustic so often I take it for granted until I DON’T see him for a while. Ditto Grushecky and Houserockers. I feel like I’m missing some outdoor shows here.
I think those are roughly in order but near will bring some great ones too.

I’m hopeful to see McCartney, Springsteen, Willie Nile, lots of my local guys, the reformed Legendary Hucklebucks, I Drive, Alejandro Escoveda, Jackie Green, Chris Knight, Marah full band, Rising Regina, The Stones, as always Tim Barry and many others.

Let me know who I missed, please. Happy new Year.

it's coming

2009-12-24T04:49:00.000-08:00

My top shows of the year list will be coming soon. I didn't get to as many as last year, but I didn't have as much money or incentive to leave. I also had my calender deleted (twice) so it won't be as complete as usual.

however.....

I have to say it's been a great year musically, personally, and professionally. Not so much so for me scholarly but ....

I continue to live a dream. I own my house and car free and clear. I cannot stress how important I think that is. Too many Americans this time of year put themselves in debt. Now did I charge a couple of hundred dollars, well yes. This is very out of character for me but times called for it.

I worry greatly about people and the country and debt. Student loan debt for one. High health care costs have really pushed up the cost of going to school and increased the need to rely on grants - both public and private. The private worries the hell out of me. (is that an expression?) Cororate philanthropy does not exist. Nothing is free.

My friend has a gas card for work. I heard her son say, "She gets free gas." no that gas isn't free, someone pays. Nothing is free. I worry that people and America thing they are getting something for free right now.

I agree with Bruce

2009-12-09T11:35:00.000-08:00

GET UP, STAND UP
"A Brief Statement from Bruce Springsteen," posted now on www.brucespringsteen.net:

Like many of you who live in New Jersey, I've been following the progress of the marriage-equality legislation currently being considered in Trenton. I've long believed in and have always spoken out for the rights of same sex couples and fully agree with Governor Corzine when he writes that, "The marriage-equality issue should be recognized for what it truly is -- a civil rights issue that must be approved to assure that every citizen is treated equally under the law."

I couldn't agree more with that statement and urge those who support equal treatment for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters to let their voices be heard now.

- ditto from me, Zeke. Homosexual rights is the biggest civil rights issue out there. In my opinion, all Americans who beleive in freedom need to get behind this issue.

new gig

2009-11-30T10:56:00.000-08:00

Ok after years of unoffically doing it, I've decided to get into the music bussiness. I've had a loose affiliation with Bill Toms and Tom Breiding but this is closer to formal.

I'm going to be booking and promoting concerts. I'm currently calling my company Dr. Z do you like it?

Well here's my first one. Wish me luck.

Oh I'll be reviewing, Tom Waits, Joe Grushecky, and Bob Dylan soon.

Please come...

Dr. Z presents the Pump Fakes

Friday, December 11, 2009 at 9:30pm

Location: PD's Pub
Street: Forward Avenue
City/Town: Pittsburgh, PA

for more info and to rsvp

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=204211296528&ref=mf#/event.php?eid=204211296528&ref=mf

The Last Time

2009-11-22T18:34:00.000-08:00

Just got back from seeing my last ever E Steet Band concert. Make no mistake, this is the end. From the events on stage to the comments to just common sense. Some could even argue if this is the E Street Band without Danny and even Patti (who's been in for 25 years beleive it or not). Also adding a trumpet and background singers means something too. Hell there are people who think Nils and Patti shouldn't be there.

None the less, while I hope I'm wrong this has to be it. How many pieces can leave/die/not come for it to still be the E Street Band?

Well here's the set list. The show featured Born To Run in order.

Setlist:

Wrecking Ball (with Curt Ramm) (ZEKE world debut)
Prove It All Night
Hungry Heart
Working on a Dream

Thunder Road
Tenth Avenue Freeze-out (with Curt Ramm)
Night
Backstreets
Born to Run
She's the One
Meeting Across the River (with Curt Ramm)(zwd)
Jungleland

Waitin' on a Sunny Day
Spirit in the Night
Green Onions (zwd)
Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
The E Street Shuffle(zwd)
For You solo piano (zwd)
Radio Nowhere
My Love Will Not Let You Down
Long Walk Home
The Rising
Badlands
* * *
Ramrod
Hard Times
Land of Hope and Dreams
American Land (with Curt Ramm and Ali Weinberg)
Dancing in the Dark
Rosalita (with Curt Ramm)
Higher and Higher (with Curt Ramm) (zwd)
Glory Days

Does this seem long to you? Me too. Some quick comments right away. I love love love Curt Ram. I had called for, expected and wanted a full horn section for this tour a la 1988. No luck but well done.

Not an original thought, but Bruce is clearly going toward soul. I wouldn't be surpised to see a seager type cover record of soul stuff. with horns back ups singers, strings etc.

I'm sad more songs from Working on a Dream weren't done live. I didn't hate the songs, I hated the production, arangements, and recordings. Ok I hated Mary Queen of the Supermarket.

I felt so happy being back in Baltimore. Probably the happiest I ever was for an extended period of time was there. still a dump and kind of scary. I felt very happy driving by where Zac was born - the single highlight and tranforming moment in my life. Had a great ride down with dorothy and wonderful hospitality at the palatial estate of my long time friend Mike. We escaped Adam Raised a Cain and any life threatening illnesses AND major intoxication.

Clarence had tears in his eyes during Jungleland and so did Bruce. They know. We know. It's over.

This was a top 5 show for me. one of the longest of Bruce's career. Well played. The sound was perfect. i can never remember hearing and feeling so much bottom end at a BS show.

"Born to Run for the last time" after the record was played. He knows.

Meeting is just spectacular. Every time I hear it I regret that Sinatra never sang it. Can you imagine the record FS could have made of all Bruce songs (or better yet Tom Waits - but this is another story for another day).

Wish I were in Buffalo right now.

gobble gobble

2009-11-22T13:57:00.000-08:00

It's time!

Get ready for Wednesday.......

Bill and Joyce Toms Fundraiser

First announced Special guest is Rob James.

Bill Deasy
Bill Toms
Shari Richards
Tom Breiding

and many others. This Wednesday at Cefalos in Carnegie. Be there.

We'll be talking more .

tim barry!!!!!

2009-11-17T09:23:00.000-08:00

NEW ALBUM / RELEASE DATE

New TIM BARRY album
"28th & Stonewall"
In stores and on the web
JANUARY 26th, 2010
details: www.timbarryrva.com
Label: suburbanhomerecords.com

If you don't know Tim's old stuff, please learn it. Southhill, Idol Idolist, Avoiding Catotonic Surrender are among my all time faves.

please support this great indie artist and my personal favorite in the entire world!

Live music support

2009-11-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

I love when people say the Pittsburgh music scene is terrible. First of all, where else have you lived: nashville, new york, chicago? Ok maybe you can talk. Living in Cranberry does not count. I, of course, think we have a great scene. For being the what 38th largest city in the country, you can go out and see live music 7 days a week (I know I have) and catch, original, cover, local, regional, national, international and all others. We are really blessed.

We have an amazingly diverse group of local artists. I know that I get stuck seeing the same bands because I love them, but if you are a music fan, you need to branch out. I know I need to see Jill West, Guitar Zach, and Bill Deasey soon. I love these folks and don't seem to catch up with them as much as I like.

One of the bands you may like is 8th Street Rox. After nearly 30 years in the business (Phil joined when he was 5) they are still out there night after night keeping it real. they play enough originals and obscure covers to make a "snob" like me happy and enough standards to keep the dance floor full. They are playing at "my" local bar PD's pub this Saturday. If you like the band, beer, good music, Pitt football (we'll be watching), Notre Dame, dancing, pretty girls, neighborhood guys, neighborhood bars, obscure beer, Bruce Springsteen, or me you should be there too. Ok that last one won't draw many in.

Well support our great local artists and the local venues that support them. If you're trying to decide where to eat, drink, loaf, watch a game etc. Try and pick a place like PD's, The Thunderbird, Excuses, The Hard Rock, Carhops, The Altar Bar, Moondogs, Cefalos, Zanders, etc. and when you're there tell them why - you support them cause they support live music.

Hope to see you Saturday!

Our president

2009-11-10T08:03:00.000-08:00

Ok we're half way there on health care. Here's the thing. How can people who are supposedly Christian say, "if their job doesn't provide it - they don't deserve it."

Or

"The people who don't have health care should go back to school and get a better job."

Or

not my problem.

unreal!

The plan passed by the house saves the governement money and private bussinesses.

I love the people that say the governement can't run things. Uhh Medicare, the armed forces, social security (which would have enough money if surplus wasn't spend), etc. Don't use the irs as an example - they're hemmed in by too many laws passed by people who don't understand what they're doing.

If the government isn't working right vote them out! Run yourself. Stop complaining and get involved.

It comes down to this. As a republic, we have to trust our elected official to do the right thing. Gutless Jason Altmire voted against health care cause, "My district doesn't support it." is BULLSHIT. Had you it to what people supported, Women's suffrage, the civil rights bill, slavery, the new deal, the drinking age, etc would not have passed.

Folks we are not a democracy. Putting everything up to a vote by the entire population would never work. Nothing would ever get done that is right. we are a republic.

Elect the right people and trust them. If they screw up, bet rid of them. This is the way to do things.

2 great shows this week.

2009-10-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

Wednesday

Revival Tour
Type:
Music/Arts - Concert
Network:
Global
Date:
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Time:
7:30pm - 10:30pm
Location:
Rex Theater
Description
10/21/2009 Pittsburgh, PA @ Rex Theater w/ Revival Tour (w/ Tim Barry, Chuck Ragan, Jim Ward, Dave Hause, Jenny Owen Youngs

Thursday

Kevin Gordon and Bill Toms in PittsburghOne Night Only
Host:
Bill Toms
Type:
Music/Arts - Concert
Network:
Global
Date:
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Time:
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location:
Club Cafe
Street:
58 S 12th St
City/Town:
Pittsburgh, PA

Description
Kevin Gordon (Nashville) and Bill Toms (Pittsburgh) at the world famous Club Cafe on Pittsburgh's South Side

what's up

2009-10-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

ok I'm teaching five classes at two colleges, going to college, doing consulting, being a single parent, rehabbing a 109 year old house, trying to date, finishing a paper, looking for a job, trying to hook up my wireless router, dealing with a crazy cell phone, going to Zac's deck hockey every monday, trying to be a fan to 7 musicians,

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

I worry that i'm not going to make it. It's touch and go sometimes. I really need to hire some help. Someone to be my techie friend, a hooker, a decorator, someone to drink with, a maid, an accountant, a lawyer, and a driver.

Being a single parent was ez working pt in a furnished house. this is maddness. I forgot about the dylan cd. I gave the same lecture twice, I often walk into a room and don't remember why I'm there. I drive by my exit on the parkway 2 or 3 times a month. Hell I almost went to the wrong house on my way "home" although I was drunk then.

My favorite things working out and seeing bands, seem less attractive than sleep. Heck I even avoided a girl!

Well this just had to be said.

There I feeel much better. Back soon with a Dylan review. He is evil, btw.

Billy Joel

2009-09-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

22 years ago I listed this song as my favorite in my year book. how did I know?

Why can't I lay low
Why can't I say what I mean
Why don't I stay homeAnd get myself into some boring routine

Why can't I calm down
Why is it always a fight
I can't get unwound
Why do I throw myself into the night

I'm on the outside
I don't fit into the groove
Now I ain't a bad guy
So tell me what am I trying to prove

Why can't I cool out
Why don't I button my lip
Why do I lash out
Why is it I always shoot from the hip

I cruise from Houston to canal street
A misfit and a rebel
I see the winos talking to themselves
And I can understand

Why is it every time I go out
I always seem to get in trouble

I guess I made an impression on somebodyNorth of Hester and south of Grand

And so in my small way
I'm a big man on Mulberry street
I don't mean all day
Only at night when I'm light on my feet

What else have I got
That I'd be trying to hide
Maybe a blind spotI haven't seen from the sensitive side

But you know in my own heart
I'm a big man on Mulberry street
I play the whole part
I leave a big tip with every receipt

I'm so romantic
I'm such a passionate man
Sometimes I panic

What if nobody finds out who I am

by billy joel from the bridge

Big Man On Mulberry street

am I getting closer?

2009-09-10T09:24:00.001-07:00

Was thinking about the new Bill Toms song Getting Closer and was wondering if I'm getting closer. Sometimes I worry that I'm getting farther away. Hell I don't even know where I'm going.

Are you getting closer?

Where are you going?

I know as a country we're on our way but again not sure where. I could not believe that Rep Wilson cat called a sitting president addressing congress. unreal. Can you imagine what would have happened had Nancy Peolosi done this to president bush (ironically as he was lying)? Imagine the outrage.

What is Wilson going to do? I believe discipline needs to be taken. His actions are unacceptable. The overall loss of decorum and civility in the country is awful. I would like us to go back to Mr. and Mrs etc. let alone this.

Hell I was offended by the protests by the republican sitting there waving papers. How do they get away with this? I would love to be able to co-op this.

That said, I am so proud of our yes OUR president and the job he's doing. We did something right so surely there is HOPE for our country.

2009-09-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

20,000 people a year die because they don't have health insurance That's like five 9-11's every year.

No one should die because they cannot afford health care, and no one should go broke because they get sick.

This is not a democrat republican thing. It's an American thing.

We already spend 17% of our gdp on insurance. Canada spends 9 and insures everyone. Is theirs perfect, no. We're Americans, we'll have to do it better. I have faith in our country to do so.

I cannot believe there is opposition to this but then again GW Bush vetoed the Chip program to insure kids whose parents don't have insurance. Thank God we have that in PA. This is not a government hand out. it's an American right..

I'm 40

2009-09-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

I have been very fortunate to see many great bands. Here's an incomplete list of the past year. feel free to add one if you know I was there.

1) Justin townse earl
2) Scott Blasey
3) Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers
4) Sun Volt
5) Bill Toms and Hard Rain
6) Tom Breiding and American Son
7) 8th Street Rox
8) Three Dog Night
9) Dave Mathews
10) Aerosmith
11) Dave Mathews
12) Leonard Skynard
13) Kid Rock
14) The Hold Steady
15) ZZ Top
16) Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band
17) Alejandro Escoveda
18) Jessie Mailin
19) Marah
20) The Mavens
21) The Knobs
22) Dan Earbly Project
23) The Pump Fakes
24) Jill West and Blues Attack
25) Drive By Truckers
26) Bob Dylan
27) Willie Nelson
28) John Mellencamp
29) Willie Nile
30) The Iguanas
31) The English Beat
32) Bill Deasy
33) The Clarks
34) The Cause
35) Jumping Jack Flash
36) Guitar Zach and No Slack
37) John Eddie
38) Reb Beach
39) Tony Lee
40) Tim Berry
41) Chris Knight
42) Goo Goo Dolls
43) John allaire
44) Gaslight Anthem
45) Jackie Green
46) Green Day
47) AC/DC
48) Eagles
49) Billy Joel
50) Fleetwood Mac
52) The Buzz Poets
53) The Clarks
54) Rusted Root
55) The Iron City Houserockers
56) T. Mitchel Bell
57) Chris Bell
58) Roger Clyne
59) John Hammond
60) kelsey friday

update

61) Anthony Rankin (sorry)
62) Dave Alvin
63) Joel Linday
64) Gillian and Turk
65) Cool dude in Memphis that Bill opened up for.

thanks Tom for the help.

running on

2009-08-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

for some reason this last blog published before I was done. read the lyrics first then read this blog. Jackson Brown.....

I really feel like this is the lost generation part two. I see people wandering looking for things, much more so than the 70's Brown referred to in his song.

With the divorce rate skyrocketing, people moving due to work and personal choice, and people changing careers at a record rate we are all searching. I think like the sign says, we don't know what we are searching for.

I think back to my latest mid life crisis. See I have mine on the 5's not the 0's. When I turned 25 I changed my girlfriend, career path, and even my body (see exercise last year).

This one came at 35. At 35 I changed my career path, family, and education.

the 25 worked out great.

the jury is still out on changing careers and going back to school. I've pretty much decided that having another child was good (ha ha). I certainly could have never seen the ramifications of these decisions. Clearly I did not think I'd end up staring at 40 broke, divorced, living in a construction zone, and floating between low paying hard jobs.

To quote Maxwell Smart "and loving it." I am almost embarassed by this but it's true. Still was this right?

Don't get me wrong the jury is still out. I guess the point is are we really running on empty?

jacksons brown knew.....

2009-08-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

Looking out at the road rushing under my wheelsLooking back at the years gone by like so many summer fieldsIn sixty-five I was seventeen and running up one-o-oneI dont know where Im running now, Im just running on

Running on - running on emptyRunning on - running blindRunning on - running into the sunBut Im running behind

Gotta do what you can just to keep your love aliveTrying not to confuse it with what you do to surviveIn sixty-nine I was twenty-one and I called the road my ownI dont know when that road turned onto the road Im on

Running on - running on emptyRunning on - running blindRunning on - running into the sunBut Im running behind

Everyone I know, everywhere I goPeople need some reason to believeI dont know about anyone but meIf it takes all night, thatll be all rightIf I can get you to smile before I leave

Looking out at the road rushing under my wheelsI dont know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feelsI look around for the friends that I used to turn to to pull me throughLooking into their eyes I see them running too

Running on - running on emptyRunning on - running blindRunning on - running into the sunBut Im running behind

Honey you really tempt meYou know the way you look so kindId love to stick around but Im running behind

You know I dont even know what Im hoping to find

Running into the sun but Im running behind

reprinted with permission

2009-08-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

haven't had time to write so check this out.

Top Five Health Care Reform Lies—and How to Fight Back

Lie #1: President Obama wants to euthanize your grandma!!!

The truth: These accusations—of "death panels" and forced euthanasia—are, of course, flatly untrue. As an article from the Associated Press puts it: "No 'death panel' in health care bill."4 What's the real deal? Reform legislation includes a provision, supported by the AARP, to offer senior citizens access to a professional medical counselor who will provide them with information on preparing a living will and other issues facing older Americans.5

Lie #2: Democrats are going to outlaw private insurance and force you into a government plan!!!

The truth: With reform, choices will increase, not decrease. Obama's reform plans will create a health insurance exchange, a one-stop shopping marketplace for affordable, high-quality insurance options.6 Included in the exchange is the public health insurance option—a nationwide plan with a broad network of providers—that will operate alongside private insurance companies, injecting competition into the market to drive quality up and costs down.7
If you're happy with your coverage and doctors, you can keep them.8 But the new public plan will expand choices to millions of businesses or individuals who choose to opt into it, including many who simply can't afford health care now.

Lie #3: President Obama wants to implement Soviet-style rationing!!!

The truth: Health care reform will expand access to high-quality health insurance, and give individuals, families, and businesses more choices for coverage. Right now, big corporations decide whether to give you coverage, what doctors you get to see, and whether a particular procedure or medicine is covered—that is rationed care. And a big part of reform is to stop that.
Health care reform will do away with some of the most nefarious aspects of this rationing: discrimination for pre-existing conditions, insurers that cancel coverage when you get sick, gender discrimination, and lifetime and yearly limits on coverage.9 And outside of that, as noted above, reform will increase insurance options, not force anyone into a rationed situation.

Lie #4: Obama is secretly plotting to cut senior citizens' Medicare benefits!!!

The truth: Health care reform plans will not reduce Medicare benefits.10 Reform includes savings from Medicare that are unrelated to patient care—in fact, the savings comes from cutting billions of dollars in overpayments to insurance companies and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse.11

Lie #5: Obama's health care plan will bankrupt America!!!

The truth: We need health care reform now in order to prevent bankruptcy—to control spiraling costs that affect individuals, families, small businesses, and the American economy.
Right now, we spend more than $2 trillion dollars a year on health care.12 The average family premium is projected to rise to over $22,000 in the next decade13—and each year, nearly a million people face bankruptcy because of medical expenses.14 Reform, with an affordable, high-quality public option that can spur competition, is necessary to bring down skyrocketing costs. Also, President Obama's reform plans would be fully paid for over 10 years and not add a penny to the deficit.15

Sources:
1. "More 'Town Halls Gone Wild': Angry Far Right Protesters Disrupt Events With 'Incomprehensible' Yelling," Think Progress, August 4, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51733&id=16789-9500400-ahecw7x&t=2
2. "Fight the smears," Health Care for America NOW, accessed August 10, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51729&id=16789-9500400-ahecw7x&t=3
3. "Palin Paints Picture of 'Obama Death Panel' Giving Thumbs Down to Trig," ABC News, August 7, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51728&id=16789-9500400-ahecw7x&t=4
4. "No 'death panel' in health care bill," The Associated Press, August 10, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51747&id=16789-9500400-ahecw7x&t=5
5. "Stop Distorting the Truth about End of Life Care," The Huffington Post, July 24, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51730&id=16789-9500400-ahecw7x&t=6
6. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 11, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#i1
7. "Why We Need a Public Health-Care Plan," The Wall Street Journal, June 24, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51737&id=16789-9500400-ahecw7x&t=7
8. "Obama: 'If You Like Your Doctor, You Can Keep Your Doctor,'" The Wall Street Journal, 15, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51736&id=16789-9500400-ahecw7x&t=8
9. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#r1
10. "Obama: No reduced Medicare benefits in health care reform," CNN, July 28, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51748&id=16789-9500400-ahecw7x&t=9
11. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#s1
12. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#c1
13. "Premiums Run Amok," Center for American Progress, July 24, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51667&id=16789-9500400-ahecw7x&t=10
14. "Medical bills prompt more than 60 percent of U.S. bankruptcies," CNN, June 5, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51735&id=16789-9500400-ahecw7x&t=11
15. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#c1
Sources for the Five Lies:
#1: "A euthanasia mandate," The Washington Times, July 29, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51732&id=16789-9500400-ahecw7x&t=12
#2: "It's Not An Option," Investor's Business Daily, July 15, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51743&id=16789-9500400-ahecw7x&t=13
#3: "Rationing Health Care," The Washington Times, April 21, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51742&id=16789-9500400-ahecw7x&t=14
#4: "60 Plus Ad Is Chock Full Of Misinformation," Media Matters for America, August 8, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51734&id=16789-9500400-ahecw7x&t=15
#5: "Obama's 'Public' Health Plan Will Bankrupt the Nation," The National Review, May 13, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51744&id=16789-9500400-ahecw7x&t=16

Parenting

2009-08-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking a lot about parenting. How do we decide what is best? Ultimately our "default" parenting method is the way we were raised. that is good and bad depending on the child and the parent and the other parent.

I painted my closet this weekend. I think I did a crappy job. However I did it alone (and it's in a closet). One of the biggest challenges we have as parents is supporting our children when we don't agree with them and when we KNOW they're going to f up.

I think the worst thing we can do as parents is enable our children to be dependant. I am VERY guilty of this. I like having my kids need me. Hell I like to cut Zac's food for him and pick out his clothes (and it's not pretty when he does). Ultimately if he wants to wear black shorts with a black t shirt, we live with that.

I've always been one to push my kids to do different things and try different ways. This is hard for me cause I know often times they'll screw it up and be sad. I think some of the best learning experiences in my life were fixing problems (I have a lot of experience with this). We cannot deny our children this education. Even when I want to.

I have six years between my boys. They have troubles relating but do a great job together. I wish they were closer but really enjoyed each at the time. Ironically I missed so much of Zac's life due to work and Robbie's due to school. I am astounded when they act like me. I always thank Zac for being b0rn cause I never thought I'd like being a Dad. Hell I was bound and determined never to be one.

Now it's my favorite job. And I've had a couple (see previous blog).

I hope I continue to let them f up and they let me f up and neither will get mad.

odds and ends

2009-07-16T05:38:00.000-07:00

- How does Willie Nelson get all those sound out of an acoutsic guitar with holes in it?

- "Pete we cannot undo these things we've done."

- Had a great time at Calvin and Patty's house party. Makes me wish I had a house that could accomodate a musician and audience or at least a musician or at least a mouse. thanks guys

- "He needs a drink of water." Robbie C. (3) at Bob Dylan concert

- Please support PD's pub and Bill Toms and Hard Rain by attending the concert there this Saturday. Love them both.

- Thanks to everyone who helped move me or tried to help move me. Now can someone help me unpack?

- A little birdie told me the new Hard Rain live cd sounds great. Should be a great stocking stuffer for Christmas.

- The banking system should have been left to fail. They are the most crooked, lazy, poorly run, predatory, and mean industry this side of the military juntas that run South America. More on that soon.

- Is there any doubt that a lack of universal health care is the main reason for our economic troubles? It's bad when Russia takes better care of it's people than we do.

attaining nirvana with a small n

2009-07-10T22:15:00.001-07:00

Some choose, drink, drugs, running, sex, weight lifting, meditation, self help books to attain their spiritual high, me I choose music. Sure it's a demanding mistress and I've sacrificed money, women, time, hearing, and much more to her. Truly I tell you I've received more than I gave by far. I tell you this, had you asked me my name last night while Dave Alvin was playing Ash grove, I surely would have been unable to answer.

love is demanding, but worth it.

Dad

2009-06-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

"Being a father is the best thing in the world and whatever's second isn't close."
Larry King

Am I showing my age to quote King. I had the greatest Springsteen concert ever ( and that's a lot) taking Zachary. We scored less than face ga tickets the day of the show in Pgh. and won the lottery. If you don't know what that means, shame on you.

I haven't cried in public since Sid Bream but this was awesome. During Badlands I kept noticing how he looked over his shoulder to make sure he was pumping his fist right. Wow. The whole show was a "walk like a man" scenerio. The highlight of course was Bruce taking his sign during the request section and later playing Thunder Road, the song I had sung to him nearly every day of his for 5 years and still pull out every now and then.

Poor guy was hanging and nearly dead on his feat by 11 but had to hang to see his hero Joe.

Best night of my life, ever by far.

squash the Peackock

2009-06-04T22:04:00.001-07:00

I would like to call for a boycott on NBC for one week. Their refuels to permit the now tradition of watching the Penguins playoff games outside of Melon Arena is a slap in the face to Pen's fans in general and Pittsburgh specifically. This call for something to be done. Let’s not watch them for the rest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, other than when the Pens are on.

Very few hip cool things happen in this "Steel Town." This phenomenon is one of them. What a great image of Pittsburgh viewers got when Versus cut outside. Sadly the larger number of viewers that will tune in to NBC will not get to see it.

Please avoid ALL shows on NBC. Trample the peacock. If 10 percent of Pen's fans do this, it will be noticeable and get their attention. Pittsburgh is a town rich in traditions. This new one will surely take its place as a cherished one. For shame on NBC for getting in the way. Let’s get in their way.

Please forward.

pour my bourbon.....

2009-05-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

This Friday, Bill Toms will be playing Club Café, that’s great and you should go just for that but……….

May, 29 2009 07:00 PM - Club Cafe
56 S 12th St, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203
Bill Toms and Hard Rain w/ special guest John Allaire
(412) 431-4950

The different and one and only chance thing is the opening act, Canada’s John Allaire. I found out about John from Tom Breiding. He’s Ottawa’s version of like Joe Grushecky, Bill Deasey, Scott Blasey etc. Kind of the almost made it big once upon a time and just kept going. He was in a band called the Town Cryers (not to be confused with the Town Crierers here in America) that made some noise in the 80s. Here’s a grainy video from 88

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gcfH6FRQDc

from John’s website…

Starting his professional music career in 1984, John has been in a number of bands, including the award-winning "The Town Cryers", a band that reached the number one spot on seven radio stations in Canada with their first release in 1987 called "All's Well".Allaire toured the country with the Cryers all the while releasing their 1989 CD, "Surprise Surprise", which included a supporting video for Allaire's song "Never Bin Hurt B-4". The video won honours as top independent video in Canada in 1989. The CD also had the dubious pleasure of being the first release in Canada by an independent band on the emerging CD format.The Town Cryers parted ways in 1992, but not before recording a whopping 18-track CD called "Stanley's Cup".

He then went punk and finally emerged as a singer songwriter. I first saw him supporting his stellar Thank You Waitress at a stop in Blawnox. He really blew my mind, and I’ve followed him since. He didn’t make it to Pgh on his last tour so it’s great that he’s able to make it here for this one. Please check him out. You’ll be as impressed as I am.

Here’s a clip to some new stuff. I love bourbon oh and Bourbon too.

http://www.myspace.com/johnallairemusic

John has shared the stage and toured with: Alanis Morrisette, Blue Rodeo, Tragically Hip, Donovan, Lynn Miles, Hoodoo Gurus, BoDeans, Dr. and the Medics, The Church, VSpyVspy, Nada Surf, Econoline Crush, Weddings Parties Anything, Tom Cochrane, Grapes of Wrath, Nils, and many more... Come see him and buy two cds. Oh he’s a great guy and gracious loser/winner in a hockey battle.

Oh the other guy on the “Bill” is my favorite guitarist in the world too and most awesome dude I know.

http://www.johnallaire.com/home.html

May, 29 2009 07:00 PM - Club Cafe
56 S 12th St, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203 - $10Bill Toms and Hard Rain w/ special guest John Allaire (412) 431-4950

May, 30 2009 12:00 PM - Leaf and Bean
2200 Penn Ave (entrance on 22nd St), Pittsburgh (Srip District), Pennsylvania 15222 - Bill Toms w/ Tom Breiding and special guest, John Allaire

May, 30 2009 10:00 PM - Mustang Sally’s
2443 Eldersville Rd, Follansbee, West Virginia 26037 - Bill Toms and Hard Rain w/John Allaire/ 304-527-4545

www.billtoms.com

Friday night in the burgh

2009-05-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

special note from Tom Breiding

From AmeriSon Productions

Hey Folks,
If you read today's Post Gazette you might have read the review for Mitch Bell's great new CD. I'm proud to be the guitar player for his band at the release show on Friday night. Mitch has assembled a 10 piece band for this event and it is going to be quite a production. We rehearsed at the Rex Theatre last night and I know it will be a really great show. Should be lots of faces familiar to some of you - I hope all of you can make it.

The event is in the back room so of course drinks are available, but it will also be an all ages show, so bring the kids. This is my only local show this weekend so I hope I'll see some of you there.

Peace.
Time to roll...
Tom Breiding
Tom Breiding joins:

Mitch Bell and the Wandering Coalition
@ The Rhythm House
3029 Washington Pike
Bridgeville, PA
Friday, May 15th 8pm
$10 cover but for $15 the CD is included!
All ages welcome

Local Scene: Ballad of T. Mitchell Bell
Thursday, May 14, 2009
By Scott Mervis, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

T. Mitchell Bell sings "The Ballad of Philo Paul."

Local roots musician T. Mitchell Bell makes his recording debut with an ambitious record called "The Ballad of Philo Paul."
Who, you might ask, is Philo Paul?

He was a Union soldier who gave his life in the Civil War during a battle in Virginia. He was also the great-great-grandfather of T. Mitchell Bell, who researched his family and found a diary of his ancestor on the Web.

"Philo was 40 years old when he died. He had nine children, a 200-acre farm, a pretty good life. The Paul family was one of the original settlers in Amwell Township and very prominent in Washington County. I wondered why he enlisted as a private and left his family to go fight the war at 40? I think he wanted to go rather than his oldest son William W. Paul or maybe it was his best friend joined. I still don't know."

To tell Pvt. Paul's tale, Bell leaned on a deep family tradition: music. His great grandfather made fiddles in West Virginia, his grandmother played piano at his church, and his father is a jazz drummer who started him on harmonica when he was 12. Bell then started playing in bands and writing songs when he was a teenager, drawn by the folk-rock of James Taylor, Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

Recorded at Sputnik Sound in Nashville, "The Ballad of Philo Paul" is a warmly produced record with lovely melodies, rich ensemble playing, styles that range from folk to blues-rock to gospel and, of course, Bell's delicate vocal and lyrical touch. It was mastered by Vance Powell, who worked on The Raconteurs' "Consolers of the Lonely."

Along with Philo Paul's ballad, Bell's debut jumps forward several generations in the family. "Since I had decided on the title track, I thought I would try to choose songs about my family if possible. 'Father's Face,' 'Manna Momma,' and 'Prodigal Son' I call my family trilogy, which is why I group them together. The hardest part was picking which songs to record. The players on the record helped, especially with Bryn Davies and Rachel Eddy having more of an old-time bluegrass background. Also, I wanted to pick more of my spiritually oriented songs since I was recording in a Christian-based studio. I don't think of the record as being a Christian record. I don't say 'Jesus' enough, but I do think that some of the songs have touched people and that's what matters to me as a songwriter."

The release show is Friday at 8 p.m. at the Rhythm House Cafe, Bridgeville. Admission is $10.

on a personal note, I've know mitch for 15 years and he's one of the good guys. His music is great and his story is better. His debut release pushing 50, come on that's awesome.

oops

2009-05-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah speaking of cover bands The E street band is coming too (shut your mouth).

oops. what does that say about this tour?

coming events

2009-05-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

Coming soon to a city with three rivers.

Dave Alvin

John Allaire

Dylan, Mellencamp, and Nelson

John Doe

John Cafferty

Willie Nile

Roger Clyne

Booker T.

Marah

The Hold Steady

Oh and lots of great performances from 8th street rox, Tom Breiding, Joe Grushecky, Bill Deasy, The Clarks, Pump Fakes, Jill West, and your host - Bill Toms.

and all this BEFORE the summer parks schedules are out.

new dylan

2009-04-27T19:40:00.000-07:00

Just got the new dylan cd. (bought by the way not stolen). It appears an instant classic. While I'm listening and figuring out review, let's read this to remember how this stage of Dylan's career started. He was an oldie's nostalgia act till he dropped this song on Time Out of Mind in 1997. 12 years ago!!!!!

Love Sick

I'm walking
through streets that are dead
Walking,
walking with you in my head
My feet are so tired, my brain is so wired
And the clouds are weeping

Did I hear someone tell a lie?
Did I hear someone's distant cry?
I spoke like a child; you destroyed me with a smile
While I was sleeping

I'm sick of love but I'm in the thick of it
This kind of love I'm so sick of it

I see, I see lovers in the meadow
I see, I see silhouettes in the window
I watch them 'til they're gone and they leave me hanging on
To a shadow

I'm sick of love; I hear the clock tick
This kind of love; I'm love sick

Sometimes the silence can be like the thunder
Sometimes I wanna take to the road and plunder
Could you ever be true?
I think of you
And I wonder

I'm sick of love;
I wish I'd never met you

I'm sick of love;
I'm trying to forget you
Just don't know what to do
I'd give anything to
Be with you

Be there!

2009-04-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

FALLEN NOT FORGOTTEN

MEMORIAL BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE FALLEN POLICE OFFICER'S WITH PERFORMANCES FROM: RUSTED ROOT, B.E. TAYLOR, JOE GRUSHECKY AND THE HOUSE ROCKERS, BILL DEASY, CHRIS HIGBEE PROJECT, PUNCHLINE, WIZ KHALIFA, MERCURY, GOOD BROTHER EARL, GRANATI BROTHERS, BUZZ POETS (ACOUSTIC), AND MORE

MAY 25, 2009 at the AMPHITHEATRE AT STATION SQUARE in PITTSBURGH, PA

Drusky Entertainment (http://www.druskyentertainment.com) Proudly Presents the FALLEN NOT FORGOTTEN - MEMORIAL BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE FALLEN POLICE OFFICER'S.

All proceed's go to the 'Fallen Hero Fund', which benefit Pittsburgh's Heroes Fund, The Faternal Order of Police Lodge 1 and Pittsburgh Police Federal Credit Union. On April 4th, Officers Paul J. Sciullo II, Stephen J. Mayhle, and Eric G. Kelly were killed in the line of duty;

Drusky Entertainment and the following Pittsburgh bands want to honor these officers by donating their time by participating in this event. The concert will feature performances from RUSTED ROOT, B.E. TAYLOR, JOE GRUSHECKY AND THE HOUSE ROCKERS, BILL DEASY, CHRIS HIGBEE PROJECT, PUNCHLINE, WIZ KHALIFA, MERCURY, GOOD BROTHER EARL, GRANATI BROTHERS, BUZZ POETS (Acoustic), and additional performances from Abby Abondanza (formerly of Poverty Neck Hillbillies), TEN (Pearl Jam Tribute Band), The Boogie Hustlers, Gene The Werewolf, Crashing Metropolis, 28 North, Gramsci Melodic, The Spacepimps, LoveBettie, The Delaneys, and more to be announced.

All ages concert at the Amphitheatre at Station Square (One Station Square West Lot, Pittsburgh, PA 15219) on May 25th, 2009 1:00 doors, 1:30 show.

Minimum donation of $10 per person. Tickets can be purchased in advance at all Ticketmaster outlets, http://www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 412-323-1919.

WWW.PITTSBURGHPOLICEFOP.COM
WWW.TICKETMASTER.COM
WWW.DRUSKYENTERTAINMENT.COM

more random thoughts

2009-04-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

- I was rightly chastized by Mike Folosomi for never talking about his band. I have so much fun seeing 8th Street Rox. They give their all, are all top notch musicians, and really entertain me. I have actually re-though "cover bands" although they are not one exclusively.

I wish they would put out another cd. Even if it's just the songs in their set regularly.

- Marriage, dating, or really any relationship is doing crap you don't want to do and hoping the other person does the same. Think about it. If it's just doing stuff you want to do, it's just co-doing. Relating invloves interacting and a give and take.

- I cannot beleive how expensive and time consuming it is to get divorced. My x and I haven't argued about one thing and it's still not done and costing thousands and thousands of dollars. You can't even go to Reno for a quick one anymore without living there for 6 months first.

- Would it really be bad to live in Reno for 6 months?

- I haven't reviewed the Tim Barry show from 10 days ago cause I can't find the set list online. It was 6 kinds of awesome and if I had to pick between Springsteen and Barry - down to the bar boys. He's that important.

- LOVED the latest signed band out of Pittsburgh, Takeover UK. Couldn't beleive how small their CD release party was. Brillo blox was not sold out.

- Am I the only one that thinks people who want the president to fail and work against him should be shot? Oh no wait that's the law. Treason if punishable by death.

- Funny how the right is all "my country, love it or leave it" until it's not perfect and they want to leave. Hmm kind of like marriage for most people.

- Nothing is ever perfect. People who don't realize that are unhappy and put out records as often as Boston.

- Boston wtf?

- What if I met my soul mate at 5 and then moved?

great worthwhile show

2009-04-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

Beacoup Blue, The Weathered Road,
and Tom Breiding

@ Cefalo's Nightclub
AmeriSon Ballroom Folk Series at Cefalo's

428 Washington Avenue
Carnegie, PA

Thursday April 16, 7pm-10pm (promptly)

Family Friendly event - Children Welcome!
Free admission - suggested donation

Beaucoup Blue is the Americana Philadelphia based duo of David and Adrian Mowry. Father and son have been performing their roots based music nationally and internationally as a duo, quartet and on occasion quintet. Bridging many gaps in American music, their soulful traditional and contemporary styles mesh into an innovative and authentic sound.

Although blues is a staple in their repertoire, they base their love in music from Folk, Soul, R&B, Jazz, Country and Bluegrass. All these interests and influences come out in their original song-writing in a unique way. A handsome range of instruments like six and twelve string guitars, slide guitar, round neck resonator guitar, combined with two soulful voices, encompasses a rich and honest feel, noticeably influenced by familial ties.

Although I can’t make this show, I strongly encourage you to go. This series is awesome and needs support to continue. The Ballroom is very cozy and the food and service wonderful.

If you can’t make it, consider sponsorship.

Thanks,

ZEKE/Christopher

This thursday

2009-04-08T04:55:00.000-07:00

Hey folks..

this Thursday, Bill toms will start, what I hope is a long run at Pangea Restaurant in Shadyside section of Pittsburgh. He'lll play this Thursday (April 9) from 8 -10pm. Pangea is a very comfortable, beautiful restaurant and bar in the heart of the artistic community of Shadyside.

Please come down and check it out. Have dinner or just come for a drink. Tell a couple of friends. Robbie and I will be there for a bite to eat.

Check out the web site..www.pangea-shadyside.com
736 Bellefonte Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15232

It's often mentioned that there is nothing to do in Pittsburgh. However When I go to cool things like this or Katie Simone's Wednesday night gig at the Intermission the attendance is sparce. So please attend.

Hey have you seen Bill Tom's youtube page?

www.youtube.com/billtomsmusic

Cool stuff

New Dylan

2009-03-31T21:27:00.000-07:00

Not it's not a band a found. there is a new Bob Dylan record coming out. it sounds like it will be great. No longer trying to sound comercial, young or even rock has served Bob well.
10 days till Tim Barry. his latest record is so great. Please buy it, for yourself and your children.
school is a drag. If you are considering going back to school, don't.
spoken like an educator.
If I read one more text book or crappy article, I will blow the f up!
I miss my grandmothers every day.

confusing

2009-03-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

- Why don't I write more. This blog is one of my favorite things. I'm not working much. why why why not?

- I don't understand women. My own mother just told me to avoid them they're all trouble.

- Why do I work out all the time and still stay fat?

- I'm so excited about the Iron City Houserocker reunion this weekend. I feel strange about that excitement.

- Oh Hell I feel strange all the time.

- Do I drink a lot or am I just thirsty?

- Why do people either love me or hate me? If you don't care about me please e-mail, but then that would mean you care.

- Would it be too much to ask for my kids to not have at least one of my bad habits/character traits. They seem much larger when you see them on someone so small.

- Bill Toms is playing with the surf zombies. I like zombies but not the beach. Should I go?

- I need tickets to see Springsteen. Why are they so hard to get?

- What's up with drugs? Should I be taking them? People seem to really enjoy them.

- Tim Barry is coming to Pittsburgh - woo hoo.

- after reading this blog, I answered my first question.

so what

2009-02-26T18:23:00.000-08:00

Ok so I'm going to see Kip Winger. I don't know jack sh#t about his solo work. I'm going primarily to support and listen to Tony Lee, a local guy who's work doesn't match his audience. His debut cd was really great. I'd love to see him put together a band and play regularly.

So I want to hear 17 and Headed for a Heartbreak. anyone who says they didn't enjoy heavy metal is a prententioous ass. It was fun. It was decadent; it was over the top; it was flamoyant; and it was cool. What's wrong with that?

Sometimes music is about meaning and sometimes it's about entertainment. In the best case it can be both but that almost always fails. Witness Springsteen's Hungry Heart and Dancing in the Dark. the music is entertaining and word have meaning but they appear ridiculous when put together. Much like the heavy metal clothes.

Rock on. If you're there early make sure you listen to Tony - I know I will be.

and so the f what I'm going to Fleetwood Mac on Sunday. So what?

Random Thoughts

2009-02-08T20:20:00.000-08:00

- I still like the Grammys. I know many think the idea of awards for music is stupid and the grammys are irrelevant. I love them. Weird collaborations and they still matter.

- How happy to have the steelers win and Bruce kick ass all on the same day. Kind of like winning the lottery and marrying Cheryl Crow all in the same day. Allrigh no it's not.

- Being alone sucks, but it's better than being with the wrong person.

- I am so excited to see pd's pub booking great bands and providing a live music presence. Hopefully the double wide grill will do the same on the southside. Since Nicks went disco and Excuses went punk, I miss good rock/blues bands in the city.

- I love the city of Pittsburgh. It's given me far more than I can ever give back. Wish I knew what it needed.

- I HATE not working. I have had my days occupied my whole life. I started working at 9 years old. I do not do well unstructured. Please hire me to organize your sock drawer.

- Live music makes me forget what a mess Obama made of the cabinet choices. Ouch.

- Rule number one all people are crazy. by all people I mean girls.

- I can't decide if I should become a stand comedian or sit down professional.

- am I starting to like rap. I used to say I hated country and now love it. hmmm.

- Would it be too much to ask for Hair Metal to come back?

- Now that people watch videos again, could mtv actually play them?

- should I shave my gotee?

New Bruce

2009-01-28T14:29:00.000-08:00

Here we go

Outlaw Pete 8:00

yes yes yes. This is the kind of song I never thought Bruce would write again. Zero and Blind Terry meets This Hard Land with Clint Eastwood as the main character. This brings chills to me. Admittedly the song can't decide whether to be serious or funny. The first line should be changed to reflect serious ino (no humble). Great work. Love it.

Oh I OWN Kiss's disco masterpiece Dynasty and have since it came out. I recently got ANOTHER copy of it. I know it as well as anyone alive (better than Peter Criss). I never EVER thought of I was made for loving you and I just listened to that disc last week. After listening to them back to back and watching the youtube video there is nothing to that. It's rubbish. It's like when you're supposed to see something but don't, you just think you do. Listen to it backwards and it says Silvoio is dead.

My Lucky Day 4:01

E Street Band!!! Max!!!! Roy!!!!! More Max!!!!! Stevie!!!!!! Patti!!!!! Clarence!!!!! Lyrics, melody, performance. All is right with the world. This could be the masterpiece I KNEW he had in him. wow wow wow

Working on a Dream 3:30

Whistling wtf? Ok admittedly under the crappy arrangement, sound and production of this piece is a catchy song with some great lyrics surrounded by some good ones. Someone should stop Bruce from embarrassing himself by whistling but it could be worse. I mean at least he's not writing about going grocery shopping?

Queen of the Supermarket 4:40

gasp!

No OMG no How could this happen. Sadly it's some of the best music on the cd. Should have been a b side or on Tracks two where it would have been funny. This is like hanging a picture of yourself in black velvet on your wall and no one laughs. Remember when Sinatra sang It's Not Easy Being Green? How about the Stones going psychodelic?

A terrible mistep

What Love Can Do 2:57

Ok we're back. Kind of a Lucky townish rocker. I like it. Definitely wouldn't have fit on Magic so Bruce was good to EDIT himself (great idea) and start a new project with this one.

This Life 4:30

I didn't realize Burt Bacharach worked on this record. This seems like a genre exercise that need more work.

Good Eye 3:01

Bruce has a great Waitsian blues record in him. This song with its simple lyrics continues his texas blues that started with the magic tour's version of reason to believe. Terribly produced arranged and recorded. It should be raw and oozing!

A standout none the less.

Tomorrow Never Knows 2:14

Ok this is just awesome. Great counter point to Good Eye. Here he gets the pop thing down. It's country touches also show he has a great country record. Also the Burt Bacharach thing is restrained.

Life Itself 4:00

These lyrics deserve a better song. Mike Huecker said it and I can't top that. What a perfect lyrical journey over boring awful music.

Kingdom of Days 4:02

Another ballad? More Strings. No no no. Put a rocker in here please. Even a throw away one would break up this zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Surprise, Surprise 3:24

Was this movie in the Austin Powers movies? Ok I get this one. Lightweight should have been in between the snore songs. a throw away.

The Last Carnival 3:11

Thank God. That was a rough patch. This is a great one again. Danny is remember well. Not sugary or overtly. Here the song is different and interesting and a perfect number.

The Wrestler 3:50

This will be the first academy awards I don't watch since I was, I don't know, ever. I remember watching them in my footie pajamas but enough about last year's show. Another song with Bruce doing what he does best. A one legged dog?

So if you haven't guessed I don't really like Brendan O'Brien.

For God's sake someone stop him before he produces anything ever again. It's time to move on Bruce. He's awful. the cd sound AWFUL. I'll never listen to it again after live versions of these songs exist. the arrangements are AWFUL.

Oh and wtf is John Landau doing? You're the one that's supposed to say "no whistling Boss" "no MORE la la la's" "what another strings"

Look most of these songs are more than worthy additions to the Springsteen cannon they add to it. Outlaw Pete, My Lucky Day, What Love.., Good Eye, Tomorrow, Carnival, and Wrestler are 7 songs that blow me away. The rest either needed changed or dropped. Bruce needs to work with someone else.

I've often said Rick Rubin but that's too easy. Who produces the Hold Steady or how about Jack White. Hell Jack Black would be better. Maybe he should use a producer he used to have - himself. I thought he stopped listing himself to be nice, but you'll notice he's listed on Seager and as producer on wrestler? What's more shocking, that he would cede so much control or that it would be to this guy.

Look he was needed on the Rising and did AMAZING work on Devils and Dust but Magic it started to wear thin and here's it's God awful. I mean it just sounds like shit. Sorry I said it.

I fear this record will bomb. I can hear Howard Stern and others making fun of Queen of the Supermarket (deservedly so). ugh ugh ugh.

That said, it's encouraging that Bruce is STILL writing great songs and Still performing and singing great. Some of the singing on here is his best EV-ERRR. When the band is allowed to play, its awesome. one has to wonder if CC had some of these string and horn parts how much better they would be.

I give this record a b A- for the songs, A for performance, F for production.

best of 08 records

2009-01-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

Well I also can't find my notes on favorite show. Damn I hate moving. Here, however, are my favorite records from 08.

Best records of 08
Dylan - Tell Tale SignsHold Steady - Stay PositiveVarious Artists - When We Shine pittsburgh 250Chris Knight - Heart of StoneBill Toms - Spirits, Chaos, and a Troubadour SoulAlejandro Escoveda - Real Animal

very best

Tim Barry - Manchester

I really wish I could put Chinese Democracy on this list, but I just can't. Ditto Motley Crue, Willie Nelson/wynton Marsalis, Marah, and sorry Donnie Iris.

Oh and how about the 30th aniversry Darkness on the Edge of Town with full Concert box set that never happened.

I didn't hear AC DC, Stones, Metallica, Bill Deasy, Toby Keith and Tony Bennett.

Buy Tim Barry

what's

2009-01-05T14:37:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year:

Somehow by moving and enjoying my yuletide cheer and some more cheer, I've lost my notes on what everyone is listening to last year. I'll find it when I run out of boxes to unpack.

by the way I just found out when I moved that I owned 41 pairs of boxer brief undies. What's wrong with me? That's just a sign of my insanity. Who does that? How does this happen? and why am I always wearing ones with holes in them? Thank God I was never in an accident, my mother would have been ashamed.

Why could I only bring myself to throw five pairs out. The rest are stored in my underground lair (I bought it cheap from Dick Cheney I'd tell you where it is, but I'd have to kill you so you don't disclose it).

Living alone is terrible. I spend all my time sleeping and looking at the computer for research purposes. Actually it's not that much porn it's my favorite website

www.allmusic.com

This is an AMAZING site I've been reading for ten years. I know cause I discovered it when my x was pregnant and keeping me up at night. Check it out and let me know what you think. I spent 10 hours looking at it the first night and have looked at it at least ten times a week since then.

Speaking of my x she gave me a nice house warming present. New boxer briefs.

Chris Knight

2008-12-14T20:36:00.000-08:00

Well Chris Knight is as good as advertised. He was overshined by the opening act, but these things happen.

So who are you listen to?

e mail me at kayzeke@comcast.net

I'll compile all the suggestions I get. Don't say the Eagles or Rolling Stones. We know them. Tell me about someone who will blow my mind and all the other readers.

ciao

Chris Knight

2008-12-08T22:52:00.000-08:00

While we wait for the Hard Rain show at PD's pub, allow me to recommend Chris Knight this FRIDAY at the Thunder bird in Lawrenceville.

http://www.chrisknight.net/

Knight reminds me of .....

Wait for it.

Tim Barry.

Cause it really is all about Tim Barry. But seriously he does. It's worth it just for Becky's Bible. Allow me to hip you to the lyrics.

Empty beer bottles

Rattles on my pistol

On the seat of my Chevy pick up truck

And I'm taking these gravel roads

As fast as my truck will go

I'm running like a scared white tail buck

It was a long night card game

With Earl Ray and Bobby

And some ol boy they worked with from Adair

That boy didnt like me

Then he said I was cheatin

Gun shots rang out on the midnight air

I dont wanna see the day light

But my Becky's alone tonight

I wonder if shes waiting up for me

I'm gonna hide out in the bottom

Where I hunted deer and turkey

I know that swamp like the back of my hand

Hell I was born and raised here

Just wanted to be a good ol boy

Never thought I'd ever be a wanted man

But soon they gonna catch me

Aint no way around that

Cause I dont know any other place to hide

I wonder if Becky's Bible is still in the glove box

Cause I'm sure gonna need it if that boy died

I dont wanna see the daylight

But my Beckys alone tonight

I wonder if she's waiting up for me

Sometime tomorrow morning

When I ought to be fishing

They'll probably be hauling me in

I'll be sittin in the jail house

No need to be wishing

I'll ever get to fish the green river again

I"ll be prayin for some daylight

Cause my Becky's alone tonite

I wonder if she's waiting up for me.

I Wonder if shes waiting up for me

Don't anyone EVER tell me there's no good new music. The whole concept behind the song is amazing. The guy could be a wanted man, it could be a scratch. He has no clue.

He doesn't apologize, doesn't say he's sorry, and he's more annoyed than anything else. He also doesn't CLAIM to be worried for himself, just his girl who's alone and may be waiting. Yeah right.

"When I ought to be fishing." Great line. Yeah I shot some dude, maybe killed him, and damnit it screwed up my fishing. I'm not supposed to be here.

Believe me I can relate to that guy. This isn't what I'm supposed to be doing right now. I don't belong here. What's the movie, "I'm not supposed to be here." yes clerks.

today's post gazette

2008-12-04T07:57:00.001-08:00

I couldn't have said it better, so I won't try. From today's letter to editor section in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

Charitable rockers

Kudos to singer songwriter Bill Toms and his wife Joyce for sponsoring their annual Thanksgiving Eve benefit at Cefalo's nightclub in Carnegie to raise money to help fight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease."

On a night when most musicians could be making good money at paid gigs throughout town, Bill and Joyce assembled an impressive array of talent that included Tom Breiding, Shari Richards, Andrea Pearl, Jill Simmons, Bill Deasy, and WDVE's Sean McDowell, who served as emcee.
Headlined by Bill Toms' own band, Hard Rain, it was a magical evening that combined great music with great food for a great cause.

In a day and age where the holidays too often fall prey to materialism, commercialism and cynicism, the event was an optimistic reminder that most people really do care about the welfare and needs of others. The generosity of our local musicians, who constantly share their time and talent to support a variety of causes and organizations, is something that we can all be thankful for during this season.

Keith G. Kondrich
Swisshelm Park

upcoming shows

2008-12-02T07:07:00.000-08:00

Hey Folks....

Bill Toms and Band return to the land of ZEKE, PD's pub. Plan your week around it on 12/20. should be a great holiday celebration. I will come wearing a mistletoe weaved green body suit. I'm sure other green will be around.

Any Ho Ho ho's?

If you haven't seen PD's since it was redone it's amazing. Come early and eat. The wings are great, some of my favorites.

Anyone else fired up for Chris Knight at the Thunderbird? He writes from the gut. New song about Maria.

Speaking of .....

Go to Tim Barry's myspace page.

www.myspace.com/timbarryrva

Listen to South Hill and Avoiding Catatonic Surrender. You will be unable to stop yourself from purchasing his stuff.

After you buy his records, please thank me with beer. You'll be grateful forever.

My next post will describe why I missed the Leaf and Bean performance last weekend.

New Springsteen videos

2008-12-01T07:31:00.000-08:00

Have you seen these. I hope these post as links.

You're my lucky day

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=47152168

Working on a Dream

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s29IQVGjiPM

The Wrestler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OSvJvSwmd4

And of course my favorite from Halloween Jersey Devil

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seMBtD_zawI

New record for the new tour in the new year for my new life?

Rusty Cage

2008-11-30T21:00:00.000-08:00

I expect you're looking for a review of the annual Joyce/Bill Toms benefit show. Well here it is but you may not appreciate it or even care be interested.

I arrived in a splendid mood and watched a great Pens game. Tom B turned in an amazing performance one of my favorites of his in, hell years. But he started out with two break up songs. Then Shari Richards sang all these sad blues songs about heartbreak and saddness.

Then Bill Deasy played the song that was playing when I met the girl formerly known as my wife. Finally Bill Toms started his set with we've a song about being together. The evening ended with Bill Deasy leading everyone in the song that my bridal party danced to my first wedding 11 years ago (almost to the day).

I have a jaded opinion of the show. You know I'm excited and thrilled about getting divorced. The separation has gone perfectly and my soon to be x has been wonderful. The kids seem to be adjusting. I'm in a good place. It's sad to say this, but I've been dreaming of being divorced and it has exceeded my very high expectations. Maybe that makes me weird.

I seem to meet the world through music and this wasn't the intersection I had in mind for that evening.

Thanks to everyone who has sent well wishes. Zac, Robbie, and I (and I think Kelly) are doing great. Things are moving in the right direction. Keep me in your prayers and I always except drinks. I need to get through this semester, get a job, get a mortgage, move twice, pass one more class, take my comps finals, and parent in the next 7 months. Should be fun.

I caught the second set of the Houserockers show and that cheered me up. Especially the fight there and the people at the bar. I'm weird. Life may not be going where I planed on it, but we seldom have control over those things. I feel strongly that I am heading where I am supposed to be. The experience of that which is bigger than I am is propelling me forward. I can't wait to see where that is.

I didn't much care for the benefit concert but that's just my existence and not the show. Everyone else seemed happy. Like I am today.

"I tell them there's no problem, only solutions."
John Lennon

albums

2008-11-19T19:45:00.000-08:00

So I've been listening to lp's lately. Why? Cause it sounds better.

I was listening to Paul Simon's Graceland on my ipod and realized it just didn't sound the way I remembered it. At first I thought it was just a middle aged guy waxing nostalgic for the good old days. So I forgot about this until I saw the graceland cd and listened to it. It was better. I listened to them back to back. I was right.

So then I found a copy of the lp. It was even better. Why? It's the platform.

Little Steven mentioned on his show that an lp has 70 sound waves, a cd has 3, and an mp3 has 1.

Now they're actually engineering releases to sound awful so that they sound "better" on ipod. It's just killing things they way they sound.

But what about the convenience of the ipod? Well the best part is with the two records I've bought recently, you get a coupon to download them included in the cost.

Is this catching on?

Recently the sales of lp's have climbed every month while cd's have gone lower. This could save the "record" industry.

nice

Hard Rain Club Cafe

2008-11-09T15:06:00.000-08:00

The Italian tour officially ended in Pittsburgh. Bill and band recreated the set from the tour (down to no keys) and jammed an all too brief but incendiary set at Club Cafe.

Now I'm not complaining about the show length, I know club cafe double dips with an early and late show. It seemed however that the show was moving upwards and crashed. It's probably good for the club that the show stopped as the roof could have been blow off. This was not the last club cafe show. It seemed like a tight set and Bill later confirmed that this was an attempt to bring the show here.

All of the songs were extended with tight jams that really smoked. I think the upwardness (not a word) of the show would be what I take away. It felt higher and higher. Everyone played great. I thought both drummers really shined.'

An interesting note The opening act featured a 6 string bass, upstaging Scooter by a string.

Joel's opening set reminded me of Marah or Shane Fontayne's performances I saw on that stage. You've gotta love a Englishman living in Pittsburgh.

wow

2008-10-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

Hmmm

today. Georgia moved to a "toss up" state. Arizona moved from "solid mccain" to "leaning." nevada when from "toss up" to "lean obama", PA went from "solid obama" to "lean obama"

un real

2008-10-29T20:30:00.001-07:00

With six days to go here are my current predictions. You won't believe it, but you heard it hear first.

I still see no chance for Obama to carry PA, OH, and Florida. Don't believe the polls. People lie.

Here's what I believe will happen.

I see Obama winning by turning Virgina, Nevada, New Mexico, and Missouri to his side. That offsets the PA loss.

Now here is where I go out on a limb. He wins Georgia.

That's right, let me tell you why. Bob Barr will be the conservative version of Ralph Nader. He's a third party candidate and favorite son who's going to get enough votes to turn Georgia Blue.

Now NOW here's where I go out on the limb.

Obama wins Arizona.

Yep, that's right.

Now Gore lost Tennessee (people forget that) or he would have been president. I don't believe that was planned either. But this would be a huge upset.

This all based on my reading of the situation, it's interpretive not scientific.

Obama looked presidential tonight on his taped special. McCain looked old on Larry King. Now you all know I loved McCain but it's all over now.

whomever you support - please vote or else you can't bitch.

And if you're an Obama guy vote early and often :}

Just my .02

Predictions

2008-10-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

Ok with ten days left, I've backed off my McCain landslide prediction, but still can't see McCain with less than 299 electoral votes. Even if Obama wins Virginia, Colorado, and Nevada I can't see him winning. I believe that would be 268 Obama to 270 McCain.

You see I just can't see Obama winning Pennsylvania or Ohio. You've been there right? Hell we still had open kkk in the 70's in central PA. No way they vote for a black guy. Just not happening. Same with Ohio. Last time I went out there, they were still using the N word in public. AND getting away with it.

When it comes down to it, John Murtha is right.

The ONLY scenario I can see moving people (mostly democrats) to vote black is tons and tons of pictures of Obama and his white family members. Get that uncle from the convention on the stump. If only his mother were still alive to campaign.

This is his only hope.

And it's slim.

Oh and it's our only hope too.

McCain looks AWFUL. The strain of going against all his core beliefs and everything he holds sacred is killing him. I predict he will pass away within the first year of his presidency.

You KNOW what that means next.

You BETCHA

tim Barry

2008-10-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

please if you are reading this buy BOTH of Tim Barry's records (yes records) right now.

He is an amazing writer and performer. His show last week with Chuck Ragan and Ben Nichols was amazing. great to see him with a band. Some of my favorite songs of the night were avoiding catatonic surrend, exit wounds, and 28 long years.

The guy comands the stage as a performer, singer and even guitarist. as a sideman to the other guys he fit in great. I'm still excited about the show 8 days later.

buy his stuff now

I don't know anything aboug Avail his punk group, but I will soon.

on another note, I had a great time at Tom Breiding's Ball room folk series. Can't wait for next month.

To answer a question I get often, yes i still go see Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers. I'll be there this sat pm.

Obama

2008-10-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

http://www.americablog.com/2008/10/parade-magazine-obama-tax-cuts-better.html

If you don't trust me, trust Parade Magazine.

If you make less than 227,000 the Obama tax plan would have you paying less taxes. The lies that a once honorable man is spewing out are finally debunked. I mean Parade is far from the New York Times or Rolling Stone. I can't believe all that he's doing to get elected.

I still believe that McCain will win (see effect, Bradley), but it could change. This negative campaigning is really taking its toll on MCCAIN.

See I just believe and know that he's a decent good man. I can actually see him saying,"don't vote for me just cause I'm black, not a terrorist, and American" I can see it.

HMMMM

This Wednesday and next

2008-10-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

Hey. I hope to see you tonight at the Star Light and next Wednesday 10/15 at Belvederes for this show. Here's a press release announcing it. Don't be thrown by the punk rock references.

CHUCK RAGAN, TIM BARRY AND BEN NICHOLS ANNOUNCE THE REVIVAL TOUR, WHICH WILL KICK OFF IN SEPTEMBER

In a match made in folk-punk heaven, Hot Water Music’s Chuck Ragan, Avail’s Tim Barry and Lucero’s Ben Nichols will embark on The Revival Tour this fall, , a series of shows that will see all three artists playing solo sets as well as performing on each other’s material. “All the tours that I’ve done since I’ve been doing this solo stuff have in some way or the other ended up with a bunch of friends onstage by the end of the night,” Ragan explains, adding that each performer will be joined by a backing band that will change based on geography and include many of their peers and previous tourmates. “I’ve always loved seeing that and now I’m absolutely loving creating something like that with good friends who think and believe along the same lines.”
The tour will mark Ragan’s final run in support of last year’s solo debut Feast Or Famine, after which he’ll begin pre-production on his next album for SideOneDummy. Barry is touring in support of his own folk debut, Rivanna Junction. Although the two musicians met in the nineties while fronting two of the most influential DIY punk bands of the era, in recent years both songwriters have begun to explore folk and bluegrass compositions, making this tour a perfect pairing of ideologies and instrumentation.

Nichols entered the picture when him and Ragan recently toured in January, but it wasn’t until this year’s SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas, that the plan was solidified. “We were both doing our own thing and weren’t there in conjunction, but ended up sitting down for some drinks after one of the long days,” Ragan explains. “We agreed on a time, shook hands and kept on drinking.” While the tour will feature individual sets from each artist, it will be more reminiscent of the folk tradition of involving multiple artist collaborations—and each performer will have guests coming on and off stage, including the three primary songwriters who plan to hunker down in Barry’s Richmond, Virginia backyard this summer to learn each other’s respective tracks.

“The three of us have been in bands that each have their own sound, but I think we’re all coming from the same place musically concerning this tour,” Nichols explains. “When it comes down to it, we all appreciate good songs and good songwriters and that’s what this tour is all about,” he adds, “stripping everything down to its basic form and playing some good songs with some of your friends. The idea of Woody Guthrie, just a man and a guitar, is very appealing to all of us—and the chance to be a part of something like that with Chuck and Tim is something I couldn’t pass up. We all have our own types of songs, but I think it’ll be a blast basically sitting around a campfire every night playing music with some friends.”

“I don’t know what it’s going to end up sounding like from night-to-night and that’s the coolest thing about it,” explains Barry. “I don’t think anyone is going to know what it’s going to sound like until we get up there, but I can honestly say that I’m more excited about music now than I’ve been in a long time.” The routing hasn’t been confirmed yet, but The Revival Tour will tentatively take place from late September through mid-November and traverse the entire country. “There’s only a few bands that I feel that kinship with as far as personalities beyond music; there’s some people where you’re like, ‘this is my family on the road no matter what.’ Hot Water Music and Lucero are two of the few bands I feel that way about,” Barry summarizes. “It’s going to be a thrill to do this.”

Chuck Ragan has been the co-frontman for the Gainesville, Florida punk act Hot Water Music since 1993. He released his debut full-length Feast Or Famine last year on SideOneDummy.

Tim Barry has been the singer of the Richmond, Virginia-based punk band Avail since 1990. Barry released his solo debut Rivanna Junction last year on Suburban Home Records.

Ben Nichols has been the frontman of the alternative-country/punk act Lucero since 1998. The band released their latest album Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers on their own label Liberty & Lament in 2006.

debate

2008-10-07T21:22:00.000-07:00

Ok here's two posts in two days!!!!

I'm so sick of hearing about the 60's. I don't care about Bill Ayers or Vietnam. Honestly.

Sarah Pailin scares the hell out of me. How can she say goverment needs to get out of the way and then 5 mnutes later say the wall street problem is cause the government wasn't in the way???

What happened to my John McCain. I loved this guy for years. "If he get's a rebuttal I do too!!!!" No fair no fair. Oh my god!!!!! This guy was a moderate for years and now he's to the right of Newt Gingrich?????

He called Obama "that one"

How can he sayI will veto pork laden bills when he voted for the 140 billion dollars of pork in the bail out. it's a helluva lot easer to vote against something than veto and he couldn't even do that. He meant, I'll veto it if it's politically expedient.

This isn't the guy I loved. I don't love you anymore John. Sorry.

Pack your shit and get the hell out of here. Sorry. You keep 9 of the houses, I'll keep the other three. it's over.

Honestly, had Hilary won, I probably would have supported him but not now. Wow. Don't worry it's not me - it's you.

Vote for change.

touching base with my thought on Bill Toms

2008-10-07T20:20:00.001-07:00

Well it's been a while. Sorry. the start of the schol year has kicked my ass the last two months. I promise to write more. Also my computer sucks.

So what has Bill been doing? Sorry we lost the set list from last Friday at Moondogs. It was good. Bill played Together which was good to hear. I don't recall any "rarities" otherwise. Correct me if I'm wrong. Bill the sound guy did a GREAT job. I really enjoyed hearing his work.l

For those of you that prefer that Bill plays electric guitar, you have that the last two weeks at Moondogs and Pd's pub. He was screaming it. Great long rocking solos evoking Clapton, Santana, Page, and Bill Toms.

I have seen the remergence of Bill's playful side. Oh we get the serious stuff that has marked Bill's solo career, but I've seen the not goofy but yeah goofy fun side come back. One place to see this is the Wednesday Fireside chat series.

I don't think I'm speaking out of turn that most of you have not been coming. What you don't want to come to a restraunt on a Wednesday night to see something you can see at the Leaf and Bean on Saturday Afternoon? This is a different show. For one thing, it's a chat. Bill hase been taking requests and soliciting comments. It's been a loose show. I mean he's played some stuff. I haven't heard in years. He's even played some of my requests!!!!!!

Now does this mean it's been novelty goof songs. NO! the songs are the same and the serious moments are there. Rest assured that is there. However it's mixed with levity, some comments, and fun requests (no one has asked for a cover song thank God). It's a different show. Don't come expecting My Ding a Ling despite Bill's taking to playing Chuck Barry lately.

So try and make the show tonight (Wednesday). I'll be there and yeah I like that it's Mexican food night too. While there is a full service bar, there is NO smoking in the room (hurray!) and lots of great food.

I hope to you can make while we're lucky enough to have this series.

I promise to speak to you again soon.

to tell the truth

2008-08-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

My name was on a mass e-mail I received concerning Barrack Obama. I wanted to write to you to debunk the e-mails. They are all false and lies as far as I have seen. He didn't have a flag painted over on his plane, spit on a soldier, or pledge a blood oath to Alah to kill all "real" christian white americans.

Keep in mind that when we put something in cyber space, we are publishing information. This has become the public sphere for the twenty first century. While most people would check things out before writing them in a newspaper or even repeating them across the fence to the neighbor, it seems like people do not take time to check them before an e-mail.

If you feel strongly enough about information you get in an e-mail, please take three or four minutes to check it out. Some good places to check are www.snopes.com, www.google.com, and www.cnn.com If you aren't sure how to do it, feel free to e-mail me back. Better yet, ask your grandchildren.

These and many other sites will help prevent you from spreading lies.

As a Christian, I believe lying is a sin. As an American, I believe lying about someone who may soon lead this country is unpatriotic. Please consider this before you forward any e-mails.

Thank you for reading,

God Bless you and God Bless the United States of America,

disapointing

2008-08-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

Do you live your life fearing disapointment or disapointing? God help me, I do. I can't tell you how many times I've avoiding doing something because I'm afraid it won't be any good or I won't be any good. What a way to go through life. Oh and people think I'm the risk taking cocky one. Does that mean everyone else does it more?

I hope for everyone else's sake that isn't true. The paralasis that comes with this FEAR cripples me so many times. All my life I wanted to be a big person by fear kept me out of the weight room till the age of 25 (and a kick in the ass from my engagement breaking off).

People find it hard to beleive that the 215 pounds of pure sexy you know weighed around 165 at the most for the first quarter century on earth. At 25 I weighed my average weight of 150 but lost 10 pounds due to not knowing how to cook. 6 2 140 great look. I started lifting in my basement thanks to a generous gift of a weight bench from my parents. My like my first cigarette I thought where have you been all my life. I don't work out now due to arthritis or some stupid thumb injury but if I certainly don't fear failing or disapointing.

I often imagine what would have happened if I had started at 15 when I really wanted to. How many of us avoid or skip something because we're afraid of disapointment. I remember so many times being disapointed with food, a vacation, a concert etc. So I just give up eating, traveling and going to see bands? Many people do.

Someone once said, show me someone that doesn't fail and I'll show you someone who doesn't do ANYTHING.

I feel like I'm missing some big things and bigger purpose by fearing disapointing people. My goald for the second half of this year is not to be afraid.

The only thing we have to fear is ... ourself

I'll write soon on new music. What great stuff there is out there.

blahhh

2008-07-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't written for a while folks. I've been busy doing nothing. Nothing like playing with my kids at the park every day, reconnecting with the tv shows my nine year old (holy cow that's old) has been watching, re-learning my still 2 year old but looks 5 year old son's vocabulary, and trying to find out where stuff is in my house.

See I'm not currently working. Since most people never really figured out what I do, that's not a surprise (not even to me) but after usually working two jobs and being a full time student it's given me unscheduled time. The devil's workshop right? Well I'm not writing this to have job offers (although I'll take them) but to expand on the whole time and freedom thing that Bill was talking about.

Bruce Springsteen is often associated with work. Bill Toms often says on stage "I love my job." Is this job stuff why I follow certain musicians' work?

In my life, I've been a paper boy, stock boy, office assistant, grass cutter, id checker, check out boy, security guard, pizza maker, waiter, knife salesman, resident director, telemarketer (2), groundskeeper, factory worker, perfume salesman, admissions assistant, admissions supervisor, ballet fundraiser, admission's phone counselor, sat proctor, housing coordinator, Admissions rep, Career Counselor, Career Consultant, Therapeutic Counselor, busboy, Assistant Director of Career Planning, director of career services, adjunct professor, electrical worker instructor, culinary instructor, responsible alcohol trainer, and unemployed.

I spent a lot of time working and also looking for work.

What is time and how much should we spend where? I remember telling someone that I expected to like my job and be secure as I approach or enter middle age. That got some chuckles and comments of "you'll always hate your job" see I don't get that. I've rarely hated my job. Most of my jobs have been things I would do for free if I were a man of wealth. I've hate situations but never the actual work (although cleaning a sewage plant was awful).

Is that weird?

I don't know. I know it really upsets those that I've worked at. I've always had fun at work. I find productivity fun. I choose jobs that I am very interested in. I try and be around people I want to be around.

I also like working and going to work. Not just for the money. God knows I'd pick another field if that were the case. Last year when I went on vacation I missed my job every day. So.......

Why does that bother the people I work with? It always has. That leads to trouble. Is it impossible to be happy and a good employee?

Well as I search for my next gig (and what I DO is go to school and be a parent. anything else is just money till I'm done with school) maybe I should find something different.

Maybe I just am an oddball.

Well I already know the answer to that one.

"Here's a drink to the hard working people. Here's a drink to the Salt of the Earth."

Leaf and Bean Set list

2008-06-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

Bill Toms and Hard Rain (lite)
Leaf and Bean Coffee and Cigars
Saturday June 21, 2008

1) Made in America
2) Piece of the Good Life
3) City of Fear
4) Long Road to Travel
5) Smithfield Cafe
6) Cover it up
7) Getting Off This Train
8) Chasing a Dream
9) Fisherman's Blues
10) No Way Out
11) Jimmie Jones
12) Paying These Dues > Saturday at the Leaf and Bean> Paying these Dues (Jill lead, Andrea too)
13) Shake and Fingerpop (shoot your shot) (w/Jill and Andrea)

14) Satan's On My Shoulder
15) May the Circle Be Unbroken (Glory Glory)

After a stellar opening set by Tom Breiding featuring all my personal favorites and a dedication to my older son's birthday on Monday, Hard Rain played through the cigar smoke and coffee smell at the Leaf and Bean. It sure seemed like a Saturday night (as Bill kept saying) but it was the afternoon. With Phil out of town, Marc Reisman filled in wonderfully on harmonica. What do we have to do to get this guy to play more often?

Again travel and transformation was the theme. Bill filled in some songs that were set listed but not played at the Club Cafe show. However Bill announced the show as a celebration of the start of summer and it had a more celebratory feel. Indeed some of the songs implied hope no get out of the cafe, war, life of poverty, unrewarding work, etc. As Zac and I discussed on the way home, maybe that was a spiritual literal heaven or maybe a heaven on earth. That seems to be the theme of this 'tour' or at least creative vein Bill is mining.

The crowd was more invested and into it that most night clubs/theater shows and definitely most bars and arenas. People were with the guys, even if they weren't in the room. It was so rewarding to me to see such an engaged audience. It was like a loud boozy club cafe, with lots and lots highly cafenated, nicotined up fans.

Each of the players was on the top of their game. Individual praises would diminish their collective achievement but would fit and be real.

I can't wait to hear the 8th Street part of the band, but this show was an example of the band's power as a smaller more quiet LOUD group.

club cafe

2008-06-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a little run down on the Hard Rain show from Club cafe. You know you're in for a great show when the artist starts the show by instantly going off the set list. Here's the run down again.

Tell Her I’m Home
Made In America
Give Me A Piece of the Good Life
City Of Fear
Fisherman’s Blues
Ballad of Jimmy Jones
It’s Saturday Night Somewhere
No Way Out Sweat Stained Shirts
Paying These Dues
Lay My Burden Down (traditional)

This was the debut of the full band version of If You See My Baby Tell Her I'm Home. Second show in a row to start with it. The flourishes by the band really expanded on the version from Cefalos. Then interestingly made in America was next. To me (and me alone) I think this means the show had a theme of travel and getting away and moving on. This is familiar theme of Bill's but it seemed very overt and clear.

Bill talked about a journey and searching for a new destination. This show really drove that point home. Ending with Lay My Burden down seems to indicate to me that it was to heaven. An actual spiritual religious heaven or a metaphorical one? No sure. There is definitely need for salvation as we're in a city of fear, the "bad" life, not Saturday night, a foreign country, un paid, and trapped with no way out.

If you haven't guessed, this was some heavy shit. That's not to say that it's without levity. Made in America has its light moments. Bill inserted a spoken word part into Fisherman that implied an idea of a destination, almost a light at the end of the tunnel.

We were all invited to journey on with Bill and the band. Bill once again spoke of the tent revivals and the connection between sin and salvation. The show to me showed that without despair there can be no joy.

we seem to be headed to joy.

Instant Karma

2008-05-30T07:52:00.000-07:00

It seems to me that all people can be broken into two categories: Those who think things are getting better and those that think things are getting worse. Now we may vacillate between the categories, but for the most part, we are born or wired one way and that's how we see the world.

I have a bid problem. Ok I have many problems of varying sizes. My largest one that I'm choosing to discuss today is my personal orientation. You see I'm category stealer. Unlike most people I know, I am externally motivated. I respond to outside stimulus. So if I'm with a pessimist I morph into one of those. If I'm with an optimist, everything is going great. I like that outlook better.

Too many people are too negative. I was watching a show about lottery winners and you know most of those people's live were ruined by winning the lottery. You know they're in trouble when they start "stressing" about the taxes. Some people will enjoy cleaning a sewer and others are unhappy in a mansion. I've seen both. The summer I spent as a groundskeeper and cleaned the sewer filters showed me that I can enjoy scraping condoms, tp, etc from the filter if I'm with someone who has a great outlook.

I've decide to stop associating with negative people. I won't eat with them, work with them, loaf with them, or even talk much with them. I don't mean to be so off putting or rude but I have no choice. I take everything around me and increase it - it's a gift or a curse. Not to be rude but see ya later. Life is very short.

I think this is why I like music so much. I feed off of it. I also can purge my negativity by hearing songs about it. I've heard music is a passive activity but not if you do it right. That works with other things too.

Unfortunately, I can only function if I'm around positive energy. Moving forward is my only choice. If I'm not I sink and die like a shark. I always remember Benchely's description of the shark in the book Jaws chocking when he stops moving. Unfortunately, I have this shark like quality. It's very liberating not to be around the negative.

What I'm not trying to say is to avoid bad things. They happen and must be dealt with. Crisis is an opportunity. "I tell them there's not problem, only solutions" John Lennon. Life is always a chance to get better and get happier (Partridge family).

This is my mission statement for the day.

PD's Pub

2008-05-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

Bill Toms and Hard Rain
PD's Pub

1) Chasing a Dream
2) What's a Man to Do
3) Another Round for the West End Kid
4) Cover It Up
5) Ballad of Jimmie Jones
6) Paying These Dues
7) Together (With Vinnie Q and Joffo)
8) Shake and Fingerpop
9) Chuck Berry Song
10) City of Fear (Bill onto acoustic)
11) Fisherman's Blues

12) Paradise
13) Somebody Call the Doctor
14) Piece of the Good Life
15) She Takes Me Home
16) Walking With an Angel

More later

This ain't a free ride

2008-04-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

No this isn't another comment on stealing music, although I'm not done with that.

I hate hate hate older (my age) people who say, "no young bands/singers are any good." This appalls me to no end. I think there is more great music being produced now than anytime in the last ten years. Rock seems to be making a comeback or maybe just getting better publicity. Country Rock is now called Country. Bubblegum pop is only on the radio, which does anyone listen to that anymore. I only listen to Mark Madden and Penquin games on mine.

I was at Jackie Greene on Saturday night. Where you there? No. Don't know who he is? For shame. I'm roadtripping to Baltimore to see Drag the River w/ Tim Barry. Are you coming? What's your favorited DTR song? I thought so. Isn't it a shame that Marah broke up? Yeah, I thought so.

Isn't Anthony Ranikin amazing? Hmm nothing either huh? He does Duquesne proud. His genre bending defies beleif. Seen him lately.

I could go on and on. Don't say there's no good music out there until you look. It's there. I missed a show by Unlimited Magician last week. How nice to hear unique original music. no dice there either?

You want good music, like all happiness -it doesn't just show up - you have to go get it.

Who are you listening to? I learned of these bands from Maria Maria, Steve, Gena, Magnus, and trying things out. Go searching it's out there. (like the X files).

Oh, and F volkswagon for their "free music" comercial glorifying theft. I won't be buying a bug now.

folk series

2008-04-21T18:07:00.000-07:00

PLEASE FORWARD TO ANY FOLK FAN

Greetings music fan:

I am writing to you to ask your support for a worthwhile show.

I hope all of you will support AmeriSon Productions' Ballroom Folk Series at Cefalo's in Carnegie. It has some of the finest talent in today's folk scene coming to Pittsburgh and you really won't want to miss it.

Here is the line-up:
Thursday, April 24 - Beaucoup Blue with special guests Bob Beach, Rick Malis, and Tom Breiding
Zac has a baseball game AND karate so I can't make it. I can't recomend these performers enough. Bob Beach has blown me away both times I've seen him. Rick Malis is with the MavenS I beleive (I bought their cd after one show) and he also played with Bill Deasey and you know about my thoughts on Tom. Interestingly I don't know the headliner, but here's some info.

Beaucoup Blue Biography:
Beaucoup Blue is the Philadelphia based duo of David and Adrian Mowry. Father and son have been performing their music strongly rooted in the blues, up and down the eastern seaboard. Bridging many gaps in American music, their soulful traditional and contemporary style mesh into an innovative and authentic sound. Although blues is a staple in their repertoire, they also base their love in music from Folk, Soul, R&B, Jazz, Country, and Bluegrass. All these interests and influences come out in their original songwriting in a unique way.
A handsome range of instruments like six and twelve string guitars, slide guitar, Dobro and the two soulful voices blend together like only family members can, affecting audiences wherever they perform.

Here are a few examples of some things written about Beaucoup Blue: "This is what acoustic blues should sound like but so rarely do. Father and son, David and Adrian Mowry, deliver a surprisingly soulful performance. Their singing is tough and controlled and their guitar work is crisp and mournful." (Tune-UP Magazine),

"Covers and reworkings mix nicely with own compositions like the tender 'Crying Won't Help You' and the roots number 'Shiver To The Bone'. The recording quality is outstanding and the songs obviously benefit from this. Out Of The Woodwork is in my mind genuine craftsmanship" (Bobtje Blues),

"An acoustic masterpiece" (Big City Blues Magazine)

Please listen and hear for yourself what this unique family duo has to offer

free music

2008-04-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

I recently had a student show me a 60 gig ipod filled with over 10,000 songs. He proudly told me "I got them all for free."

This was not some thug criminal. this was a mature family man 4.0 perfect attendance student. He was proud of his ipod. He also bragged that his 4 year old could tell the difference between Bob Dylan and Tom Waits. A true music fan.

This is why the music industry is dead. Soon there will be no more record labels. One of my students also said, "well they're rich; they don't need the money." That may be true but what about the secretaries, janitors, truck drivers, record clerks etc. who will loose their jobs? this STEALING has drastically affected millions of people's ability to provide for their families. If you can't make a living, how many people will continue t0 make music?

I don't mean that music will stop. Nothing can stop artistic expression. I mean it will all become personal. Musician will cease to be a career. The only people playing big gigs will be the Stones, Springsteen, REO Speedwagon - relics of a bygone age of the music industry. All musicians will have a day job like so many great ones we know Bill, Joe, Donnie Iris, Tom Sholtz - ha ha.

If you can't devote your time full time to something is it as good - probably not. We all know a band sounds better when they play together often. We've all seen ad hoc thrown together bands that were uh disappointing. A band needs to gel to evolve to grow etc.

What will happen when Sony, etc all go away? We've already seen American Idol, Disney TV shows, car commercials, and ring tones become the primary way to get your music out there (we'll talk about radio soon). What will happen next?

Think too about how many genius musicians will stop or greatly curtail their work when they can't live off of it? Who will come to concerts? Look I hate corporations as much as the next guy but ....

Look it's stealing plain and simple. It's not yours. It's an intangible intellectual property. Someone made it. They will let you have it if you pay them. Then they'll make more.

And don't give me the crap about cassettes and taping off the radio. This is not the same.

I'm concerned and worried about what's going to happen to my favorite hobby.

Cd release party

2008-04-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

Well the cd has been released and we threw it a party. Last night's show has come and gone. Now how was it? First the solo acoustic acts that opened. Erin Sax Seymor, who did not play sax, started first. I always feel bad for a solo artist who opens at a band gig. Erin more than kept the crowd's attention with her biting tales, gorgeous voice, and stage prescence. She performed admirably in a tough situation.

Lorenzo Bertocchini followed. Lorenzo's set was wonderful. He has the benefit of having some fans courtesy of his visit last year. I actually could have heard more of him and was hoping Hard Rain would back him as they did last year.

To the Main Event. Here are the songs played.

1) If You See My Baby (Bill and Phil)
2) Chasing a Dream (full band)
3) Cover it Up
4) Another Round for the West End Kid
5) Together
6) No Way Out (w/ Art on strings)
7) Here With You Tonight (w/ Jill Simmons)
8) Fourth of July (Bill, Tom, and Jill Simmons)
9) It’s Saturday Night Somewhere (w/ Art)
10) I’ll Take My Pride
11) Mona Lisa Smile (blues version)
12) Pack Fair and Square w/ Marc Reisman
13) Satan’s on My Shoulder w/ Marc
14) Piece of the Good Life
15) Fisherman’s Blues
16) City of Fear
17) Circle Be Unbroken/Glory Glory (w/Lorenzo, Erin, and all)

18) Shake and Fingerpop

I feel terrible about forgeting Art's last name. I wrote it down, but I can't read it. I chatted with him, and he's a great guy. He had a tough job augmenting an existing band and really added a lot to the show. His playing on Fisherman made the song.

As with Lorenzo's set, I could have heard another 2 hours of these guys. This was a focused tight rock concert. It really was that. This was not a bar band type show, this was a concert. It had a theme, a plan, and beginning, middle, and end. I mean opening up slow and quiet was gutsy as hell. Oh and maybe my favorite song of the night.

Some highlights.

Together was just awesome. Really strong. Tom's slide tore it up.

If You See My Baby still sticks in my head. even better than the recorded version.

Several great guitar hero moments by Bil on HWYT, Pack Fair, and others and Tom cut loose on City of Fear on the closing solo.

Marc Reisman is the king of the guest spots. He strolls in wearing a million dollar suit and a dollar fifty tie (which I loved - I'm buying a dozen) and took Satan higher and higher.

Finally the ending. After Bill finished singing, he took off his guitar and walked around the audience. Then he came back and after he introduced everyone they left the stafe till it was just Bill singing a capella. It was chilling.

I'm going to have to think more about what point Bill was trying to make. I know the themes of death, war, family, desperation etc were running through the set. I think it's telling that instead of the redemptive Revelation Suite he encored (is that a verb?) with an old blues song. After the show Bill was almostin a trance. Like he'd gone through something.

I know I did.

New Cd

2008-03-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard it said that a story or song ripped the scab off of something? That’s the way Bill Tom’s new cd Spirits, Chaos, and a Troubadour Soul addresses poverty, loss, and war in America.

Except he uses a scalpel.

The songs on the new cd are so powerful I had a physical reaction to them. The characters who populate these songs seem beyond the hope of redemption from West End Kid’s people. The Good Life seems farther and farther away.

My co-reviewer Zac (8 year old music fanatic) and I have been living with this disc for the last week taking it in. We’re both ready for therapy at this point! A child’s take on these songs is interesting cause we’re both familiar with many of them. Zac and I were singing along to Fisherman, Good Life, and 4th of July on the first listen.

That’s the interesting thing about this release. It’s one of the prettiest releases Bill has ever done. Some of the melodies are downright sweet, and they’re all instantly memorable almost sing a longs. Even the stripped down acoustic songs have strong melodies.

Do these songs hang together? Well let’s see. Bill used four different drummers, four different guitarists, three bassists, three keyboardists (hooray) and wrote in at lest 4 different genres. You’ll have to listen for yourself to see what you think, but thematically I believe they do work together.

After I write a long column about how Bill doesn’t play rock and roll anymore, he starts off with a straight ahead blues based bar rock song of the kind that we’re all familiar with. From there he goes into a folk rock song that has become his main way of working and finally into the familiar Fisherman’s Blues. Shows you how insightful this writer was. I was about to surrender my bandwidth. Sure he added mandolin and banjo to FB, but that just makes it sound more Irish so it fit. Zac by the way, didn’t like “that other stuff” on FB, and I wouldn’t have made that choice either but it does make you feel like you’re in an Irish pub – which is always a good thing.

Even though I have seen the video and heard it and knew what was coming Saturday Night still was jarring. Talk about Irish Pub rock folk blues Celtic ….. I don’t know what; this song is completely out of left field. It instantly evokes older times while sounding contemporary and fresh. Oh yeah, there’s fiddle on three songs on this puppy too. Zac says violin but I won’t correct him. Megan Palmer really shines on this song. These instrument choices I wouldn’t have made either with is why Tom Breiding is producing cd’s and I’m writing about them. What a great combination. I’ll call this song Americana with an Irish Coffee on the side.

A word about Tom Breiding’s production. His approach is drastically different from Rick Wickowski’s. Tom seems to go for separation of sound where Rick does a wall of sound. You’ll notice it especially on the songs with no drummer. When comparing these songs to One Lonesome moment, think of the great work Brendan O’Brien did contrasting Ghost of Tom Joad with Devils and Dust (not his hatchet job on Magic). The sparse songs sound alive, warm, and as I said before memorable. Some of the keys and percussion he adds are small in sound but large in affect.

Oh then comes the star of the cd. The Medium sized one himself. Phil Brontz really shines on the cd especially on Such a Waste of Life and Tell Her I’m Home. These songs really showcase him and he shines brightly in the spotlight. He hits a home run. Phil’s sax tells the story as much the lyrics in the latter song. Really great stuff. Zac says Bill sounds like church.

If someone can figure out what You and I means please let me know. I love the song but can’t grasp it.

Jack Breiding appears on I believe his third or fourth cd. Zac and I would like to remind you guys that we are great clappers and available cheap. Jack’s presence adds some much needed light especially when we finally get some releif with Revelation Shuffle.

Just as the book of Revelation changes the tone of the Bible (it’s the only book of prophesy) this song changes the tone of the album. It’s almost as if he/the characters ran out from the City of Fear (which finally gets released) and self affirms and believes and embraces HOPE (which doesn’t really appear too much earlier). This song had Zac singing along on his first listen and I don’t believe he was at Pd’s pub the night you played it at least I hope not).

This cd, I believe, is a narrative and meant to tell a story from beginning to end. Not quite a rock opera but maybe it just feels that way to me.

Bill, with Tom and quite a few musicians, has created an important work of art. Bill often says he’s a political singer (and gospel too). However he sings about families and how politics affects them personally. It reminds me of the line Laura Linney said portraying John Adams’ wife. “We are all affected by politics. When I go to the cupboard and find no food, am I affected.? When I go to my bed and see not husband, am I affected? When my children are not safe am I affected.”

One of the many failings of George Bush is the lack of togetherness he has left the country. The dead and wounded and poor seem miles and light years from most people’s lives. It’s no coincidence that the first song is called Together. Bill Toms brings them into your living rooms, cars, computers, coffee houses, and bar rooms. You may wish you couldn’t see them, but you WE need to. Just because something isn’t pretty doesn’t mean it ain’t beautiful.

I'm a redneck hick

2008-03-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

I'm a hick, a red neck one to boot. Did you know that? I didn't know it till recently so if you didn't that's ok. I think as you get older, you become more comfortable with who you are. That doesn't mean I'm moving back to the country or taking up Nascar, but you never know.

One of the things that getting older brings is peace and comfort. As much as I say I wish I were young and miss it - I'm glad I'm not. I certainly wouldn't want to be 21 NOW. My god I'm lucky to have been 21 when I was.

This DOES mean that I value home made food, time with family, gardening, and a respect for the old.

That's why I'm a hick. A red neck one to boot. And damn proud of it too.

Just like me

2008-03-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

Why I like Barrack

As many of you know, I support Barrack Obama. My previous support for Bernie Herr and Vinnie Q left me happy but did not influence Washington the way I had hoped. Now why do I do this?

Is it because I support tax increased on 1% of the country, amnesty for illegal immigrants, government help for the poor, protection for workers, limiting wiretaps-torture-etc., limiting greenhouse gasses, breaking free of big petroleum, universal health care, gay marriage rights, and the other traditional democratic views?

The answer is no.

Now I don’t mean no inasmuch as I don’t feel agree with him on those issues – I do I do I do. I mean no that’s not why I’m supporting him. And no it’s not cause he’s black. That’s just a big chocolate cherry on top of it for me. It’s because he and I are the same. We’re liberals. And we don’t care who knows it.

Billerly Clintons were the first to back away from the awful “liberal” word and say they were progressive. Ironically the were not/are not liberals at all but that’s another story. The realized the way to get elected was to deny liberalism. It worked for them in the 90’s. It kind of worked for Gore, but it ran out of steam for Kerry who said, “I wouldn’t say I’m a liberal; I’m a progressive.”

Gutless cowards. I believe it would be better to lose as who you really are. If you are ashamed of who you are then be something else. This do/say/believe anything culture to win has ultimately lost. And I mean more than its way. They’ve lost their soul.

I’m a liberal and damn proud of it. So’s Barrack. So were most of the democrats I mentioned. They’re just not proud of it.

I had hoped that Bill Clinton’s presidency would lead a resurgence of liberalism the way that senile criminal Reagan’s had sparked conservatism. Instead we got the defense of marriage act, NAFTA, no progress on global warming, and such weakness that their opponents felt emboldened to attack on every level from the ridiculous to the sublime. Can you imagine if they’d tried to attack GW Bush’s drug use and…. Oh wait they did and he said none of your business. What a great idea keeping a personal life personal.

Look I don’t care if you’re red, blue, purple or uncolored politically just be who you are. Some of my best friends are wrong about politics. This is America, we have the right to be wrong and still be a good person – just mistaken. Tip O’Neil and Bob Dole used to be drinking buddies (imagine that table) and genuinely liked each other. What a novel concept! We need to acknowledge that we can disagree and respect each other.

That’s why I support Barrack Obama. He’s a liberal and likes you even if you’re not.

what's all that racket about

2008-02-24T13:46:00.000-08:00

www.dictionary.com says “Acid Rock Genre of American rock that emerged in the late 1960s, often associated with psychedelic drugs. Its style featured heavy amplification, instrumental improvisation, new sound technologies, and light shows.”

Bill Toms and Acid Rain???

Well we’d need a light show.

The last couple of times I’ve seen Bill Toms with band, I’ve been trying to figure out what all that racket on stage is. What Genre is this? Who has two guitarists, a 5 stringed bassist, a percussionist turned drummer, and a saxophone? I mean – what is that?

The last three or four shows since this current line up of Hard Rain got together the songs have gotten longer and longer. Kind of like Yes in terms of song length. Bill’s next LP will be one 60 minute song. Except this ain't prog rock or even AO rock. This really doesn’t sound like anyone else at all.

What growth I’ve gotten to see here. As much as Joe Grushecky is linked to Bruce Springsteen, I always thought that when the Houserockers played as Hard Rain with Phil and Vinnie Q and Jill they sounded more like Springsteen than Joe did – by a lot. That by the way is a good thing, a very very good thing. That kept me coming back as I got to know the music.

That sound is long gone.

If you think about it Bill has subtracted two percussion players. Piano is percussion and Bernie has moved over to drums. Believe me; no one loves the Piano more than I do. No one. It’s the most important instrument ever and it kills me that I can’t play. That said, this new sound is intriguing the hell out of me. It’s not every day that one here’s something this original and fresh and unique in Blawnox or a sidestreet of squirrel hill.

The moving of sounds began when Tom Breiding brought his roots sound to the band. The sound changed instantly and drastically. When Little Joe left it really morphed into a different sound. With Scooter in at bass the change is complete. Now into what???

I mean, I’ve seen a show or three thousand (I think I saw around 200 last year sometimes three a day) and this sound is unique. And wonderful, and challenging, and definitely not your usual bar band. Ironically Bill can do bar band among the best in the world. But he’s not doing that now.

I’d be anxious to learn if this change happened organically or was planned. I have a feeling it’s a little of both. I mean, I think we all know Bill could write Mona Lisa Smile every day of the week. He just doesn’t. There is part that is planned.

Here’s what wikipedia says. I don’t trust it, but

Characterized by an off-beat style, vivid imagery, and sometimes strange sound/musical effects (e.g. backward recorded music), acid rock often settles into a hypnotic groove wherein a listener (and possibly even the band) can "get lost" within a song.
Acid rock is characterized by long solos and its influence from Indian Ragas and the use of Wa-Wa pedals. Acid rock was influenced by Chicago blues and the use of a strange fuzz tone with melodies appearing in unexpected places.

Acid rock, fm rock, roots rock, Americana?????

How about a new genre? With a new name. Any thoughts?

First Blog

2008-02-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

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