Entry No.35;   June 2008

Midwest Tour Notes On tour recently in the midwest, we stopped in the Andy Warhol Museum for fun and inspiration. Thanks to Russ for the tip. We sang with Tom Breiding and Bill Toms at Cefalo's. They're both amazing. Case Western taught us there's no ambiguity about what a Barking Spider is. Nandita is the future. The girls gave us fresh chicken eggs and we journeyed through Madison, Wisconsin: part 1950's, part Obama and went north to Duluth towards the outer boundary. Like a page with omens from The Alchemist, a bald eagle flew right over and a black bear came out of the woods to look us in the eye. Fred pointing exclaimed, "A bear!" It seemed to pause, then hop, skip and back up, signaling 'later for all this highway' and returned to the wilderness. St. Francis of Assisi moment. Sweet Jamming in Duluth with Lookdown Moon. They have a great sound and thanks to Rachel for helping us name the bear Hudson!

In the morning while checking out the rocks on Lake Superior, our third visitor from the animal kingdom came: a playful and curious prairie dog. It happened on Highway 61. Even though it was the end of May, the temperature dipped into the mid-30's with a Cubs victory over Joe Torre's Dodgers at Wrigley Field. Check out the video below of the brass band at Wrigley. The error at short started a chain reaction and yes, Wrigley is amazing! You're lucky walking in and out of the park in the center of the city. Harp Chick Ellen Miller popped in to jam with G&T at Hops and Barley, where Stolie was hosting her open mic. Especially enjoyed "Hobo Boy" and when we played a Chicago Blues version of Woody's "Vigilante Man." The brass band at Wrigley Field

The Rocks at Lake Superior Out on Highway 61 G&T with Ellen Miller & Stolie

Entry No.34;   May 2008

Backs to the Wall

On the eve of a road trip that takes us through the midwest with our new recording Backs to the Wall, it seems this album started a year ago when we auditioned for Music Under New York, the MTA's arts in transit program. We found ourselves playing music in a completely new, exciting and challenging environment. Playing in the subway for the straphangers is a hot experience; endorphins take off. Check out the video of "Broadway" in the 125th St. and 8th Ave. station. The tune's originally off What Gives, & gets a different treatment here from Fred and I - washboard and funky acoustic guitar, groove and boogy - love the dancing generations.

We meet all kinds of folks in the subway, homeless folks too. Some come & say hi. We meet a lot of cops in the subway too. They like to check in. Some are looking for our papers, our documents, our permit, one asked me if I had the goods. Others want to say hi. I like that. Once, an officer told us to shut it down because it was interfering with her checking bags. I understand where she's coming from. We are singing "We Shall Overcome." We all have a little of Marlon Brando from "Apocalypse Now" in our soundtrack now.....repeating over and over.... "The Horror."

In the subway at a MUNY gig, Ryan Daniels, a graduate student took black and white photos that are edgy & vibey. It was at Union Square, where my grandmother Bette, Pete Seeger and many others would go in the 30's. Union Square has great history. Workers rights. Jeffry Braun, Backs to the Wall's designer used Ryan's pics in his creation. The plastic that holds the CD is even made from recycled bottles.

About Backs to the Wall, Acoustic Live's Richard Cuccaro says, "from acoustic folk to blistering rock, love songs, rants, empathy for soldiers, virtuoso musical commentary. I'd say this one nails it."

Time to go, one note at a time. We do with songs and with small amps, mostly borrowed from our friend Steve Kirkman. It was great making this record with Fred Gillen. He knows his way around the studio. Our friend Tom Staudter was really helpful in every way and I appreciate his positive influence in the making of Backs to the Wall. Green means go.

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