Greg Reish Recital MP3s



Greg Reish has posted free MP3 files from his recital at Roosevelt University's Ganz Hall. Follow this link to hear the tracks. The sound quality is superb. You can right click (option+click on a Mac) to save each file and make your own Greg Reish "Live" album. Then you can listen to turn-of-the-20th-century music on your turn-of-the-21st-century music player!

Cylinder Preservation and Digitization Project

Cylinder Preservation and Digitization Project



There is an amazing collection of Edison cylinder recordings preserved as MP3s on this site. My new favorite section is ... no drum roll necessary ... the fiddle tunes collection.

The performances date from roughly 1902 through the first World War, and the sound quality is surprisingly easy on the ears. Keep in mind, these recordings pre-date scratchy 78s by two decades!

It's a miracle they've survived at all. Many of the performances are phenomenal with surprisingly non-traditional brass band arrangements leading into the fiddle soloists' breaks.

I highly recommend you browse the collection for jazz, marches, minstrel music, hymns, spirituals and more.

~ F.Y.I. ~
The Farmer's Market Musicians have been invited to perform at a St. Patrick's Day event at Maguire Hall, next door to St. Catherine-St. Lucy church on Austin Ave at Washington. Plans are still being hatched. Stay tuned.

2007 Chicago Maritime Festival



Saturday, Feb 24 at the Chicago History Museum
1601 North Clark Street

CD Release Show!
“Stuck in the 60s...Cooler Near the Lake” by Natural Bob & Micky Holdsworth

• Friday February 16, 2007 at 9:00 pm (doors open 8:00)
• Hammerhed Lounge (in Cigars & Stripes)
• 6715 W. Ogden Ave. in Berwyn about 1 block east of Oak Park Ave.

Special guest performances by Lila Holdsworth, Kate Early, Jim & Mary Grosso, Bob Lopardo & Lou Nutini and probably others.

Says Natural Bob, "Hammerhed is your typical folk club. A reputed biker bar, the place is also rumored to be haunted. It’s our favorite local haunt; [it's a] cozy, friendly, well ventilated room [with] excellent nachos and good ale on tap."

"SONGS OF LOVE & DEATH"
Greg Reish
A SOLO RECITAL OF AMERICAN FOLK & ROOTS MUSIC
Ballads, Parlor Songs, Old-Time & Bluegrass with Guitar & Banjo

ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY GANZ HALL
Auditorium Building, 7th Floor
430 South Michigan Ave (corner of Congress Pkwy)
- Yahoo! Map Here

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2007
- 7:30 PM
- FREE ADMISSION

Steeleye Span - A Lark in the Morning

From 1970 (and you can surely tell by the fashion choices made). Opens with a great electric dulcimer motif. Harkens back to that short window of time when Celtic folk met rock.

Big Bear Fan on a little scooter

That's Oak Park's own Mike Baldwin on that manly vehicle. Go, Mike, go!

Goin' Down Slow (Blues)

I recognize Norman Blake, Sam Bush, Tut Taylor and Vassar Clements (that's Mike Compton singing and picking the tenor guitar). The guy who posted this on YouTube provides complete credits. It's from a 11/18/2000 concert featuring a reunion of John Hartford's Aero-Plain Band. A DVD of the complete concert is available from Tut Taylor's Web site at http://webpages.charter.net/tutbro/. Who says bluegrassers can't play the blues?!?!

Good news for music lovers who kept their vinyl LP collection - Yahoo! News

Good news for music lovers who kept their vinyl LP collection - Yahoo! News: "A lot of music lovers have stashes of vinyl LPs that may be forgotten in the iPod era. Now Ion Audio has a simple way to convert those albums to digital files that can be listened to in iPods and other MP3 players. Its USB Turntable/CD player connects to your PC and records the albums as they play.

The turntable (model iTTCD10, due in June for $399) works like a standard turntable. And you can listen as the album is transferred to the PC. "

Orrin Star - Whiskey Before Breakfast Lesson

Online video is a fabulous source of lessons (beyond performance clips). Here's a six minute long deconstruction of "Whiskey Before Breakfast" that clarifies every constituent part.

Norman Blake - Nashville Blues

Here's a wonderful look at what is now "vintage" Norman Blake. The fluidity of his lead lines gives the impression of effortlessness and simplicity. Of course, once you try this yourself you get a hearty helping of humble pie. It's wonderful to see Nancy Blake picking the bass line on her cello; in fact, this trio instrumentation is among my personal favorites.

Doc Watson - Deep River Blues

Amazing finger picking technique from one of the all-time greats, Arthel "Doc" Watson. The camera hangs on Doc's left hand a good long time so you can pick up some of the passing chords in the changes. Then it pans to his right hand whence you can clearly see he's mostly using his index finger to picking the melody line. Pure Travis picking technique at its best!

[ The Return of a Native Son ]

David Bromberg Band
with special guests The Angel Band
$35, $33 Old Town School members, $31 kids and seniors
Saturday, January 20 at 7:00 & 10:00 pm at The Old Town School of Folk Music Concert Hall, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave.

The great Chicago blues/folk/roots guitarist David Bromberg skipped town for the chance to operate his own community arts center in Wilmington, Delaware. And he rarely returns to the Windy City. So take this opportunity to see this long-struggling, now-thriving artist in the friendliest confines of The Old Town School.

Trad Fest 3 - Old Time Stringband Weekend: Concert
Starring the Foghorn Stringband (pictured above), the Dirk Powell Band and the Clack Mountain Stringband
$25, $23 Old Town School members, $21 kids and seniors
Saturday, January 27 at 7:30 pm in the Old Town School of Folk Music Concert Hall, 4544 North Lincoln Avenue

Friday night, Jan 26th, is an open house at the OTSoFM with all pickers welcome. They're asking for folks to bring a dish for the pot luck. Members of all three bands will guest host jam sessions, etc.

Saturday afternoon, band members will host workshops then host a group jam session. The evening's grand finale is all three bands in concert. Get more info here.

Bill Keith Banjo Workshop - Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2003 - Part 1 of 2

Called "Bluegrass Banjo 101", but it's more like "Advanced Melodic Banjo and Music Theory" ... Here's the first of two amateur videos posted on Google Video showing Bill Keith's master class from the Grey Fox Bluegrass Fest in 2003.

More Online Music Instruction Sites

Harmonica Country
The site offers ten free lessons.

Mars Music
Lessons for $11.95 per year. You need to download their proprietary software.

Tonos
Access to guitar or piano lessons is $15.95 a year.

Wholenote
Offers more than 900 free lessons plus a free metronome via the Net.

There's a free video over at the Gibson guitar and musical instrument company's web site featuring Earl Scruggs, his sons Randy and Gary, Sam Bush, Phil Leadbetter on Dobro(R) and Ricky Scaggs jamming on "Jingle Bells" in the Ryman. You can even download an iPod-ready video free. (This link courtesy of Jim Polaski)

Josh Graves, Marty Stuart, Vassar Clements - Great Big Woman

Here's proof of the common roots of bluegrass and the blues.

Merle Travis - Cannonball Rag

I never noticed before seeing this, but Merle Travis used only his thumb and forefinger. I'd always been taught he used three fingers a la Scruggs banjo picking technique. Now I know.

[ From the expansive mind of Jim P., we present ... ]
Trillium The Band

Jim's connection to Trillium comes through its guitarist, Ed Hall, who is a fingerpicking champion and was once Jim's teacher. Visit the band's site here.

An MP3 Blog Worth Reading (at least every now and again)
From Edinburgh no less comes Said the Gramophone, a daily record review blog that offers free mp3 downloads of the songs its reviewers write about. There's a great list of links to other music blogs down the home page on the right column. Best of all, it's a labor of love. No major labels or media conglomerates pay for or otherwise underwrite the making of Said the Gramophone. Check it out.

The Folk Alliance will hold its national conference Feb 21-25, 2007 at the Marriott Hotel and Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis. Check the web site for details.

Len Polumbi's Links for Online Music Lessons

Workshop Live
http://www.workshoplive.com/

Berklee College of Music
http://www.berkleemusic.com/

True Fire
http://www.truefiretv.com/

Farmer's Market Band Call For Players
Music for Life Foundation will hold it's annual fund raiser on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at First United Church. We'd love to schedule the return engagement of the Farmer's Market Band. You guys were such a hit last year and Len knows you'll add your special touch to the show again this/next year.

Tentatively, the time will be 7:00 p.m. We can schedule your performance time around the groups' availability.

You may recall from last year, Music for Life raises money to provide private music instruction to needy students who otherwise would not be able to learn an instrument. It's a great cause that really fits within the "mission" of the Farmer's Market Band -- music for everyone!

[ Mighty Fine Holiday Gift Ideas ]



BLOODSHOT RECORDS presents THE OLD TOWN SCHOOL of FOLK MUSIC SONGBOOK VOL. 1
"The Songbook contains 23 archetypal songs performed by a wide range of artists. Some are nationally known like Jon Langford (Mekons, Pine Valley Cosmonauts, Waco Bros), Dan Zanes, John Stirrat (Wilco), Janet Bean (Freakwater, Eleventh Dream Day), Alice Peacock, Robbie Fulks, and Danny Barnes (Bad Livers), and some are instructors from the School---performers themselves with decades of teaching experience. Included is a hefty booklet written by folklorist Paul Tyler that gives a detailed history of each song."

Visit the Bloodshot Records website to download two tracks free. (Scroll down until you see the links at the lower left corner of the product page.)

JERRY DOUGLAS plus Mike & Amy Finders
Old Town School of Folk Music, 12/2, two shows

Get this, Jerry Douglas plays The Old Town School followed by a two night stand at Town Hall in New York City. Ummm. Let's see. We get Jerry Douglas at our very own Old Town School's intimate, acoustically magnificent small concert theater and they get him in a huge hall. Makes the choice pretty simple really.

A History of Bluegrass
Here is one of several (at least four) videos posted on YouTube.com that touch upon the major contributors to the Bluegrass tradition.

Back Porch News
Jim Polaski sends us a link to this folk and old-time music blog that originates in Ithaca, New York. There's lots of great content, reviews and links, like this for example:

Blueground Undergrass @ Martyrs
Sunday, December 10th - 8pm

I really dig these guys. They're projenitors of the current resurgence in "Newgrass" and related string bands (such as Old Crow Medicine Show). However, BU plays a bluegrass-rock hybrid that captures the best of both worlds. Here's what Martyrs' site has to say about the band:

Formed originally in 1998 by Jeff Mosier, Blueground Undergrass has developed a solid reputation and nationwide following by playing its multi-faceted music mix coast-to-coast. The band has always been known for exciting performances and eclectic arrangements. Its sonic wall of twang type sound pleases the whole spectrum of fans from hippies to cloggers to rockers, taking Blueground Undergrass to the brink of almost moshpit energy, yet guiding each show with song-driven clarity along the way.

By successfully parlaying an extensive knowledge of bluegrass music with major elements of jazz and Southern rock, Blueground Undergrass has forged a unique, new listening experience, one rooted in the essentials of great American genres. Their Landslide Records debut, Faces, represents a strong culmination of the bands lengthy musical experience as well as its legendary live shows.

Speaking recently of Blueground's sound Mosier said, "I never want our music to lose the tradition of the porch no matter how much remodeling was done to the house over time. The band will continue in that spirit and tradition by re-creating old Blueground Undergrass originals, rocking out bluegrass standards, and by introducing new songs and sounds to their live shows. "

For sure, Blueground Undergrass will be doing what they have always done best, which is to provide every audience with an energetic and unforgettable live show of great music. And with the superb studio offering that is Faces, the band is poised to take on a whole new set of devoted listeners.

Welcome Back
We're back at the Buzz (above left) and the Oak Park Arms (above right). Remember, the Buzz gets mighty crowded and the Oak Park Arms session begins a bit later ... around 9:00 a.m. ... and jams ’til about lunchtime.

A very personal suggestion of my own is that you consider alternating somewhat between the two venues on a regular, semi-regular or ir-regular basis as fits your temperament.

The Buzz tilts toward the fiddle tune repertoire whilst the Arms tends towards songs from the old time, string band, bluegrass, roots and country catalogues.

Lisle Station Museum
I just received this note from the organizers of the Ruralfest in Lisle. Unfortunately, the Lisle Park District has informed them that they can no longer host the event. No word on another venue yet. Meantime, they're hosting an event in the old depot here at Lisle Station Museum. Discover the Banjo! will take place on Saturday, November 11th from 3pm-8:30pm. Programs by Bob Carlin, Cheick Hamala Diabate, Mark Dvorak, Dan Gellert, Kinney Rorrer and Keith Collins will be presented throughout the day. Reservations are required, as seating in the depot is limited. To reserve a seat, call 630-968-0499.

OCMS | 11/10/2006 | House of Blues | Chicago, IL
A week after The Avett Brothers (see below) is Ben's fave young upstart string band ... the Old Crow Medicine Show at House Of Blues on Dearborn. Tix are $20. New CD out now. It's even better than their debut. Visit the band's official Web site for details.

The Avett Brothers @ Back Porch Stage @ House of Blues Chicago :: Fri, November 03
To be perfectly clear, The Avett Brothers are (a) brothers but (b) not traditional bluegrass. They are (a) authentically Southern and (b) acoustic musicians but (c) of a decidedly uncorked temperament. If you like Old Crow Medicine Show, you're likely to enjoy this trio as well. Check out the band's official Web site for MP3s and additional info.

Late Breaking News
Don't miss the Bluegrass Festival at the Chicago Botanic Garden! Come to hear the area's best bluegrass bands, enjoy a mouthwatering barbeque, and take part in children's crafts and straw maze while surrounded by outstanding fall color at the garden. The annual Bluegrass Festival promises great music, but that's not all! Pumpkins and gourds will be available for purchase. Green Youth Farm, the Chicago Botanic Garden's high school growers in North Chicago, will be selling their freshly grown produce.

Bands including the Freeway Rangers and the Special Consensus will perform on the Esplanade, and the Fruit and Vegetable Island will be humming with activity on Saturday, September 30, and Sunday, October 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The First Midnight Special Folk Festival
Sunday, September 17, 2006 at the Harris Theater in Millenium Park

Featured artists include guest emcee Christine Lavin, along with Ronny Cox, the Four Bitchin&aps Babes, Greg Greenway, Kim & Reggie Harris, Bonnie Koloc, Magpie (Greg Artzner & Terry Leonino), Anais Mitchell and Garnet Rogers, as well as special guest appearances by Megon McDonough, the Sons Of the Never Wrong and others. Click here for details.

Celtic Fest Chicago - 9/16 & 9/17
One of my favorite fiddlists is a headliner at Celtic Fest next weekend ... Natalie MacMaster. (Her set's on Sunday, 5pm, at the Petrillo Bandshell.) She's only one of many excellent acts playing for FREE in Grant Park next weekend. Parking beneath the new Millenium Park area is very convenient. And the underground facilities include rest rooms that are spacious and clean. See details by clicking the image below.

BluegrassMusicUSA.com
This online store offers 22 full length Louvin Brothers CDs. It's the most complete collection I've seen ... anywhere! Plus they've got the King/Star-Day records re-issues. All great stuff. And the prices are excellent as well. Don't miss out.

Shipping charges are just $2.50 for any order within the United States and are shipped within 24 hours of payment verification.

“Girl From The North Country” – Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan was a guest on Johnny Cash's first variety TV show in July 1969, and this duet was taped at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium.

More Bob Dylan on Google Video
To promote the newly released "Modern Times" CD, Bob Dylan's record label has released about a dozen videos spanning his entire 45-year career. Some are brilliant. Others merely curiousities. A few are downright embarrassing. But ... ain't that just like Bob Dylan?!? See them all here.

Must See Local Show
This coming Friday, July 28th at Fitzgerald's offers a talented lineup of local musicians, notably the headliner Robert McShane ... whose co-lead singer is none other than Elizabeth Lopardo ... who needs no introduction. The show starts at 9:30 p.m. and ... get this ... admission is only $5.

~ Bob Ware Memorial - Update ~
I've been in contact with Bob Ware's daughter. She's
hoping that anyone from the Market Group who will be
attending the service can stick around for the social
hour following and provide a little music. Please let
me know asap if you plan to attend and can participate
in the music circle so I can let her know how many of
us to plan for. Thanks - Len

~ In Memorium ~
Some of you may remember Bob Ware, the elderly gentleman who used to wear a cowboy hat and play harmonica with the market group. He used to come to the market until failing health kept him indoors at the Oak Park Arms. For those of you who gathered there on Sturday morning's during the winter, Bob would often come down in his wheel chair, still playing his harmonica. Bob passed away last April.

There will be a memorial service for him at the Oak Park Arms, Washington Blvd and Oak Park Avenue, on Saturday, July 29, at 2:00 p.m. Bob's family requests no flowers but memorial donations may be designated for the music program at First United Church or a charity of your choice.

[An Appeal From Susan Buchanan]

Hello Farmer’s Market Friends,
My husband’s co-worker is collecting musical instruments for a worthy cause. Please read below and consider donating any old instruments you have lying around the basement!

St. Gregory Episcopal School is in need of musical instruments for their summer music program that is going on now through August. They are looking for any and all musical instruments - flutes, clarinets, electric guitars, bass guitars, horns, violins, etc. Your donation will greatly enhance this summer program which offers the young men of SGES new opportunity to be exposed and learn to play a diverse range of instruments.

Alexis Leslie is the coordinator at the school for donations. You can contact her at 2130 South Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60623-3113; 773-277-4447 (with voice mail), 773-277-4445 (fax) or contact Rev. Don Frye at 630-290-6704 to arrange pick up and delivery of your donations.

History of SGES
St. Gregory Episcopal School was established in 1962 by the Rev. R. L. Whitehouse and Gordon L. Baker. Its founders envisioned a liturgical and educational institution patterned after the all-male English Cathedral choir schools, but situated within the urban context of Chicago. Founded as an outreach ministry of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, the school shared space within the church and its parish hall until August 2002. Enrollment was necessarily small (under 30) given the limited amount of space.

In August of 2002 St. Gregory’s moved to a shuttered school building in Chicago’s North Lawndale community. With the additional space at our new location, we realized a long term desire to add a kindergarten class. There was also room for a computer lab, a library, a lunchroom and a small parking lot that doubles as a playground. In many ways, we became a brand new school, and we are still evolving.

Emmylou Harris & Johnny Cash with Marty Stuart

From a 1970s Johnny Cash Show featuring a very young Marty Stuart on mandolin. Tip o' the hat to Lane Kelly for the link.

The Banks Of The Ohio

Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Ricky Scaggs with Alison Krauss.

Adam Grosso's Band - Euforquestra
Recently featured on MTV's "Making the Band," Adam Grosso's world-fusion band Euforquestra is based in Iowa. Jim and Mary's son plays bass, steel drums, vibraphone and vocals. Visit the band's site for info on CDs and more.

Tony Rice, Bela Fleck, Bush, O'Connor, Douglas: Freeborn Man

Folk Alley: Live From Folk Alley
Wow ... free MP3 downloads of complete shows by Tim O'Brien, Old School Freight Train, Solas and more. Now that's "mighty fine" indeed!

A second helping of local songwriters with OPFMB regular Jack Swain and several good friends from the Fitzgerald's scene and beyond. It's all original. It's unplugged. It's at Molly Malone's. So ... let's get out and support 'em.

18 Nights of Bruce Springsteen - Watch U.S. Tour Performances
AOL Music is presenting live performance videos from the current Bruce Springsteen "Seeger Sessions" U.S. tour - for free. While the music is certainly not bluegrass (nor is it billed as such), the old time and folk repertoire is expertly performed by an ensemble that can only be described as big, outsized and virtuoustic. The studio recording failed to capture the dynamics of the band's range; whereas in-concert there's really nothing like it. I saw 'em at Jazz Fest in New Orleans last month. And it was spectacular.

Jake Shimabukuro will be making an appearance on WGN's "Steve and Johnnie" show Tuesday Night (May 30th) at 11pm on WGN-AM 720 and on the web at http://www.wgnradio.com.

Save the Date!
The Oak Park Farmers' Market
Opens on Sat, June 3rd!

(That's NEXT WEEKEND!)

Upcoming Shows (Many of which may be called ... "Mighty Fine!")

• Sam Bush Band (newgrass/bluegrass) - Sat, July 7th at The Cubby Bear
• Brian Hilligoss (roots/roadhouse country) - Wed, May 31st at Fitzgerald's
• Shawn Phillips (singer-songwriter/legend) - June 23rd at Fitzgerald's

More to come...

~~ Rest In Peace ~~


Tom Dundee

[ Chicago Tribune Obit ]
[ Photos from Utah Phillips ]
[ Additional Tribute Information ]

There will be a special memorial concert in tribute to Tom Dundee on Sunday, May 14th at 5:00 p.m. at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4844 North Lincoln Avenue in Chicago.

Chicago Tribune | Eric Zorn

Folk Alley: OpenMic

And yet another kind of Open Mic ... this one is completely virtual. At FolkAlley.com/openmic you can upload your own recordings and lots of acoustic music fans will listen. Registered listeners vote for their faves to determine a monthly winner. (Jack's a regular Folk Alley member. You can see and hear him on the Open Mic right about here ...)

[ Bruce Springsteen - Seeger Sessions ]


See 'em live on June 13th at the First MidWest Bank Ampitheater (formerly the Tweeter Center)

Other Acoustic and/or Bluegrass Open Mic Nights


Two Way Street Coffee House
1047 Curtiss, Downers Grove
Fourth Saturday of Every Month at 2:00 p.m.
630-969-9720
http://www.twowaystreet.org/
A lot of OPFM musicians are quite familiar with this venue and its owners. There are many, many great musical experiences presented practically every night. Check their Web site for special events, festivals and additional jam nights.


Uncommon Ground Cafe
3800 N. Clark St., Chicago
Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
Hosted by Gabriel Otto & Paul Stauffer
773-929-3680
http://www.uncommonground.com/
This one is a very intimate room that features "folk" and "singer-songwriter" genres versus "bluegrass." But I played it once (as accompaniest to my friend Ben Arnold) and the acoustics are quite nice. Smoke free too! Oh, and they can record your performance through the PA. It's like recording live in the studio. Nice!

[ Mighty Fine Monday Night Open Mic ]
Bluegrass Jam at Kitty Moon

Kitty Moon Chicago
Monday Nights at 9:00 p.m.
Hosted by Kevin Becker of Feathergun and Sleepercar
More info about Kevin and his gig(s) here
This venue is in the Edgewater section of Chicago. It's a ways to go for some pickin'. But the neighborhood's awfully nice. When and/or if anybody checks it out, please write comments here. Thanks a bunch.

Could this possibly be on the level?
It's your call!
Thanks to Jim Polaski for the link.

Live Upload Series IX :: Grateful Dead 5.8.77

Little Radio Blogzine

Blogging about other blogs ... hmmm. Well, I just found this one. It's about and for independent music with a decidedly young, indie twist. Not so much about bluegrass. But it reveals much about the currently thriving acoustic scene among the under-30 generation.

Please support Jack and friends as they showcase original songs at this cozy watering hole.

Honkytonk Homeslice - Official Website

Here's another string band/old time/bluegrass ensemble (featuring Bill Nershi of The String Cheese Incident) who're givin' away MP3s. Plus they've got shows on archive.org ... mighty fine!

[ Mighty Fine Upcoming Show ]
Darol Anger's Republic of Strings
with Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek



Fri, May 5th ($17, 21+) at Martyrs'
http://www.martyrslive.com/
http://www.darolanger.com