tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48558797015311729692024-03-05T00:48:13.500-08:00Blues musingsTed Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-10275220672934757932016-09-18T07:29:00.002-07:002016-09-18T07:33:50.897-07:00Attempting a first: Performing Lennon's solo debut in its entirety<style>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbovVOAx6EJqn0ViO5RtMg6SKAAM-ypELuF8GVk9cgDqGkk1hZ32p5A8CzJw2ID6P7naF2v1v2vhpboLvbqqB9lzBPqq4-xetuLNeByaQLL9I7W4qrkxgnnsDLRd25_lfUxH7enKjsQ/s1600/John-Lennon-Plastic-Ono-Band-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbovVOAx6EJqn0ViO5RtMg6SKAAM-ypELuF8GVk9cgDqGkk1hZ32p5A8CzJw2ID6P7naF2v1v2vhpboLvbqqB9lzBPqq4-xetuLNeByaQLL9I7W4qrkxgnnsDLRd25_lfUxH7enKjsQ/s400/John-Lennon-Plastic-Ono-Band-cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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By Ted Slowik<br />
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It's exciting to do something no one has ever tried to do before.<br />
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As best I can tell, there has never been a live performance of “John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band”
in its entirety. Not by Lennon himself, not by any other band or group of people, or by any individual.</div>
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An extensive online search revealed no other documented live
performances of the 11-song collection.<br />
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That's why I'm looking forward to performing Lennon's debut solo album with five other musicians at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22,
in the Studio Theatre at Lewis University, 1 University Parkway, Romeoville.
Tickets are $10 and may be reserved by calling 815-836-5500. Proceeds will
benefit Heritage Theatre Company, a troupe that includes alumni of Lewis University’s
Philip Lynch Theatre.<br />
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Performers include Robyn Castle of Joliet, Clarence Goodman of
Chicago, Ron Kostka of Minooka, Tim Placher of Joliet and
Kev Wright of New Lenox.<br />
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“John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band” was released on Dec. 11, 1970,
in the United States and United Kingdom to critical acclaim. The album features
Lennon, Ringo Starr on drums and Klaus Voorman on bass. Producer Phil Spector and
Billy Preston each play piano on one song, and Yoko Ono contributes as well.<br />
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Rolling Stone magazine ranked the album No. 23 on its 2010
list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.”<br />
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“Also known as the ‘primal scream’ album, referring to the
painful therapy that gave rise to its songs, ‘<span style="font-family: "cambria"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Plastic
Ono Band</span><i><span style="font-family: "cambria"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">’</span></i> was John Lennon’s first proper solo album and rock &
roll's most self-revelatory recording,” Rolling Stone said.<br />
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“Lennon attacks and denies idols and icons, including his
own former band (‘I don't believe in Beatles,’ he sings in ‘God’), to hit a
pure, raw core of confession that, in its echo-drenched, garage-rock crudity,
is years ahead of punk,” according to Rolling Stone.<br />
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Many artists have performed Beatles albums in their entirety, from Cheap Trick doing "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" in Las Vegas in 2009 to Phish performing "The White Album" on Halloween, 1994 in Glens Falls, N.Y.<br />
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But "Plastic Ono Band" presents unique challenges in the vocals and instrumentation, which may be why it's never been performed live. Foremost are the famous Lennon "primal screams" on songs like "Mother" and "Well Well Well." These performances sound like Lennon shredded his vocal cords and lacerated his larynx.<br />
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Then there's the musical accompaniment. Most songs feature just bass and drums backing up Lennon on vocals and either guitar or piano. Three tracks are just Lennon and an acoustic guitar. Easy, right?<br />
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While the playing is simple and at times sloppy, timing is critical. I hope the performance captures the energy and raw emotion of the album. It's not intended to be a note-for-note replication of the collection.<br />
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I think a key reason no one has tried to perform the album in its entirety before now is that the songs are intensely personal. John was sorting out some pretty heavy stuff at the time, not the least of which was the breakup of The Beatles. Four of the songs mention his parents. It's clear his therapy sessions must have included confronting feelings of abandonment.<br />
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My main reason for wanting to perform this album is to honor the brilliance of the songwriting. The songs, many with simple one-word titles, ("God," "Love," "Mother,") tap into universal truths. The lyrics are honest, personal and confessional. I could see how the words could make some people feel uncomfortable.<br />
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The performance will include strong language featured in
Lennon’s lyrics. The performance of the album is estimated at 45 minutes.
Following an intermission, participating artists will perform other material,
including original compositions.<br />
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This will be the fourth consecutive year Heritage Theatre
Company has presented an Alumni Connections Concert in October at Lewis
University. Visit <a href="http://www.lewisu.edu/plt">www.lewisu.edu/plt</a> to
learn more.<br />
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Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-53127328675807307532016-08-22T18:19:00.002-07:002016-08-22T18:20:04.797-07:00Musician friends lend talents for new album <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By Ted Slowik<br />
<br />
CD copies of "Second Chance," my sophomore collection of studio recordings, arrived in the mail on Aug. 20, capping an exciting growth spurt as a songwriter and musician.<br />
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I began writing songs for the album before the debut, "Comfort Zone," was even finished, in 2014. My friend and teacher Kev Wright listened to a couple dozen demos of songs and helped narrow the song choices down to the eight I could afford to record.<br />
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Kev's been a tremendous help throughout the process, starting with the remarkable improvement he's helped me realize as a guitarist. He also offered great suggestions on the music, lyrics and structure of the songs, and all his ideas made them better, I think.<br />
<br />
Recording began in fall 2015 at Jason Botka's Skye Bleu Studios in Villa Park, IL. Jason was great to work with and also provided valuable input on accompaniment choices, arrangements and lyrics. Johnny Gadeikis came up with some great bass parts, and all the songs are built around the foundation of Luke Smith's excellent drumming.<br />
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Jason played mandolin, keyboards and harmonica on songs, and his wife Jen created beautiful vocal harmonies, especially on "Sand Castles." We brought in violinist Katie Bern, who played a wonderful track on "Could Be Heaven." (Note to self: Next time you write a song with violin, choose a key other than A-flat.)<br />
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I'm thrilled with how the songs and the recording turned out. Kev's teaching has improved my vocals a lot, and I write to my abilities with the newer songs. Five of the eight tracks are new songs. The old ones are "Sand Castles," "Act of God" and "America."<br />
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I especially like Kev's slide guitar on "Back To You." It's a haunting sound, and a really skilled touch. Kev said it was the quietest he's ever played a track, but the tone is crystal clear and there's no trace of fret buzz or any other noise. It's really beautiful.<br />
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I love all the songs, especially "Perfect." When you write songs, you love them all when they're finished. Only time will tell whether they hold up. I also like "No Tomorrow" and "These Walls" a lot. I hope listeners understand that while I wrote these songs to relate my personal experiences, I tried to frame the stories in universal truths. Hopefully listeners can relate the songs to their own experiences.<br />
<br />
I appreciate everyone who supported the album through the GoFundMe campaign, especially Dr. Clare Slowik, Liz Slowik, Bud & Mary Jo Slowik, Mike Slowik, Tim Placher, Scott and Daina Kinsella, Andrew Ndoca, Terry Kinn, Debi Ross, Leslie Stachura, Jodi Wartenberg & Gregg Vershay, Colin Walsh, John Goins, Ellen Dooley and Mary Kay Hyett.<br />
<br />
Special thanks to Steve Woltmann for taking such fantastic pictures for the album cover a year ago in Plano, where a "Superman" movie was filmed. "Comfort Zone" photographer Brian Powers actually suggested the location a few years ago. My daughter Hannah made some great suggestions to improve the album cover design. <a href="http://www.wtsduplication.com/">WTS Media </a>printed the CDs.<br />
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I've mailed copies to all the supporters. I still have much to do, including making the songs available for purchase online. For now, if you'd like to order a copy contact me at tedslowik@hotmail.com. I'll mail you a copy for $12. As always, visit the website, <a href="http://tedslowikmusic.com/">tedslowikmusic.com</a>, to learn more.<br />
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<br />Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-67019670387152756822016-03-15T12:07:00.003-07:002016-03-15T12:07:21.288-07:00Brothers Brown tap Americana roots with “Dusty Road”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By Ted Slowik<br />
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Change is constant, and those best able to adapt to change
are most likely to survive. Two musician/producers both named Paul Brown are
rolling with the changes and proving baby boom-era types can create relevant
Americana music today.
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“Dusty Road” is a 12-song debut by The Brothers Brown,
available March 28 on guitar great Larry Carlton’s 335 Records. The group is a
tight four piece of session and touring pros who share writing and production
credit on a fine collection of tunes that recall the spirit of Little Feat,
Steely Dan and others.</div>
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Los Angeles-based guitarist Paul Brown—let’s call him LA
Paul—won Grammies in 2003 for Best Pop Instrumental Album by producing and
engineering “Just Chillin’” by Norman Brown (no relation). He produced about 50
No. 1 radio hits for George Benson, Al Jarreau, Boney James and many smooth
jazz artists.</div>
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LA Paul also is an accomplished singer and songwriter who
released the first of his seven solo jazz albums in 2004. Around that time, a
keyboardist in Tennessee also named Paul Brown—let’s call him Brother Paul
here—started getting royalty checks meant for LA Paul.</div>
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Brother Paul is a lifelong music pro who played keyboards
with The Waterboys during their most recent world tour. At his Ocean Soul
Studios in Nashville, he produced the “Down in Louisiana” album for soul king
Bobby Rush, which was nominated for a Grammy. The two Paul Browns finally met
at the Grammy awards in 2014.</div>
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“It was like we’d known each other forever,” LA Paul says.
“We almost immediately started talking about writing songs together, and that
quickly turned into forming a band and making an album.”</div>
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The pair started writing songs together over the Internet. They
enlisted two Nashville-based musicians, bassist David Santos and drummer Peter
Young. Santos has toured with Billy Joel, John Fogerty and Elton John, among
others, and Young has performed with Loretta Lynn, The Burrito Brothers and
more.</div>
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The group met in Nashville and performed together but found
they liked recording parts on their own. “Dusty Road” tracks were recorded at
LA Paul’s The Funky Joint studio, Brother Paul’s Ocean Soul Studios, Santos’
White Rock Studios and Young’s Ultra Audio Productions.</div>
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The end result is a funky blend of rock, jazz and blues
sounds inspired by New Orleans and Nashville. It’s a fresh-sounding take on
classic forms, created by undisputed masters.</div>
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“There aren’t that many new artists coming along doing what
we’re doing,” LA Brown says.</div>
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The lead track “Cup of Tea” sounds like something from the
Lowell George songbook. Little Feat guitarist Paul Barrere makes a guest
appearance later on the record, playing slide on “Hurricane.”</div>
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Radio-friendly rockers like “Sweet Cadillac” sound
comfortable next to ballads like “Love Sake.” LA Paul handles the bulk of the
vocals and liberally sprinkles the tunes with jazzy riffs from his 1963 Gibson
Johnny Smith L-5 with the floating pickup. You might pick up hints of Benson or
Jarreau, but on this record LA Paul sounds like he went searching for something
different and more along the lines of his early guitar influences like Jerry
Garcia and Wes Montgomery.</div>
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Brother Paul makes his presence felt throughout with
distinctive Hammond B3 fills and other sounds that feel perfectly chosen for
the mood of a particular song, be it the bluesy “California” or the more
uplifting groove of the title track. Lead vocals are shared, with Santos
singing “The River” and Young singing “Drink You Off My Mind.”</div>
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The Brothers Brown haven’t said yet whether they’re planning
to perform live together. But if they do, it would be fun if they joined the
lineup for the Cincinnati Music Festival July 22-23 in Ohio.</div>
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It’s taking place at Paul Brown Stadium (no relation).</div>
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Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-33962691051798522552015-12-29T18:16:00.001-08:002016-01-04T09:21:26.574-08:00Your guide to weekly Joliet-area open mics and blues jams<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5atnUlLnwMt8bidHCJBW5uHZhgcP-oVX8r-4ZXn6hmclWXX6uvVuh8m4TcxK1nP-cX0HBelmnqpk-Ykqb010NoXgc27Or_rGk7DqrV1bgl3z01elWeZm8DcInkb-wvS0X_s6BAF96ng/s1600/william+alexander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5atnUlLnwMt8bidHCJBW5uHZhgcP-oVX8r-4ZXn6hmclWXX6uvVuh8m4TcxK1nP-cX0HBelmnqpk-Ykqb010NoXgc27Or_rGk7DqrV1bgl3z01elWeZm8DcInkb-wvS0X_s6BAF96ng/s400/william+alexander.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William Alexander Wine Studio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By Ted Slowik<br />
<br />
If you're a musician itching to get out and perform at an open mic or blues jam in Joliet, Ill., you can find a place nearby to play every weeknight.<br />
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Jam sessions and open mics tend to come and go and move around, but as 2016 dawns here's a rundown of current weekly performance opportunities.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PPS_NGXk3cGNj5Ryyc82cvRR969lkQHFgD5-sax-U3IEDdzRADkBqJ3CWaWlmUUHFSyvRkHFKlGrmI98O6o572-U1DDUe2FjyfQpGJbJgUjfLLYAVa78npsFG8_hZwBZq4gRirIXEw/s1600/billy+osman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PPS_NGXk3cGNj5Ryyc82cvRR969lkQHFgD5-sax-U3IEDdzRADkBqJ3CWaWlmUUHFSyvRkHFKlGrmI98O6o572-U1DDUe2FjyfQpGJbJgUjfLLYAVa78npsFG8_hZwBZq4gRirIXEw/s320/billy+osman.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gustos Bar & Grill</td></tr>
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<b>Sunday</b><br />
Sunday Sessions open mic starts at 7 p.m. at <a href="http://www.winestudio900.com/">William Alexander Wine Studio</a>, 900 S. State St., Lockport (815-834-9463). "All musical talent welcome, please bring your own cords. Keyboard, PA and electric drums provided."<br />
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Not sure where T-Bird Huck's band is jamming these days but for many years you could catch his band hosting an open blues jam on Sundays at various venues around Will County. If anybody knows--leave a comment!<br />
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<b>Monday</b><br />
Alex Hoffer hosts acoustic open mic at 8 p.m. at <a href="http://www.chicagost.com/">Chicago Street Pub,</a> 75 N. Chicago St., Joliet. (815-727-7171). Predominantly acoustic but the occasional electric player who brings an amp isn't turned away.<br />
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If bluegrass is your thing, grab your guitar, banjo, mandolin, upright bass or other acoustic instrument and head to <a href="http://www.tribesalehouse.com/">Tribes Alehouse</a>, 9501-R West 171st St., Tinley Park (708-966-2051) for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1648497608762124/">Weekly Monday Bluegrass Jam</a>, 7 to 10 p.m., hosted by Steve Haberichter of Down Home Guitars in Frankfort. (Note: no jam on Jan. 4 but will resume Jan. 11).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz9b9jbmZNP_fQa8nYP2MZdKgnsg9INNzHcmKx0A0YWZ_nY6QPYAEtkI0lTqcAJCB54Ou6_3b2f5jVXYDA9fCqW6u3W0BMgNo5NYIcX6cQc5paObZ4P5KsUd5cXhp9vix2fH2RoSqmw/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz9b9jbmZNP_fQa8nYP2MZdKgnsg9INNzHcmKx0A0YWZ_nY6QPYAEtkI0lTqcAJCB54Ou6_3b2f5jVXYDA9fCqW6u3W0BMgNo5NYIcX6cQc5paObZ4P5KsUd5cXhp9vix2fH2RoSqmw/s320/tree.jpg" width="304" /></a><br />
<b>Tuesday</b><br />
Billy Osman hosts a free electric jam from 7 to 11 p.m. every Tuesday at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Gustos-Bar-Grill-188471604526092/?fref=ts">Gustos Bar & Grill,</a> 2115 Plainfield Road, Crest Hill (815-744-4159). Typically the house band includes Doug Horan on bass and Ted Matichak on drums. <b><br /></b><br />
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Also, <a href="http://www.thetreeofjoliet.net/">The Tree of Joliet </a>(formerly Mojoes) hosts an open jam at 22 W. Cass St. in downtown Joliet (815-666-8079). Sign-up starts at 7 p.m., music starts at 8 p.m. "<span class="fsl">Open jams at the Tree of Joliet on Tuesday nights are
available to all musicians, just get up on the big stage (with a sound
tech) and rock!! It's that's simple and awesome! Drum kit, guitar amp,
bass amp, plug in for acoustic, and mics are all available for use." </span><br />
<br />
<b><span class="fsl">Wednesday</span></b><br />
<span class="fsl">Electric Wednesday Open Mic takes place every week at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/drunkendonut/?fref=ts">The Drunken Donut</a>, aka The Joliet Bakery, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Drunken Donut</td></tr>
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821 Plainfield Road, Joliet (815-723-8210). Sign up at 8 p.m. with music starting at 8:30. A showcase for the area's exceptional young, original talent. The occasional stand-up comic and acoustic act rounds out what typically is an evening of good, loud rock music with lots of hip-hop, prerecorded beats and jams. It's a donut shop by day, bar/live music venue by night, and Stan the owner/bartender will take good care of you. The jam is expertly hosted by Alex Ziech, and sign up is first come, first choice, so you might want to get there as early as 6:30 to choose your slot. Also demand is so great performance slots are limited to 15 at most, so there's a rule that performers may not play two consecutive weeks.</span><br />
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<span class="fsl">Also on Wednesdays there's an open mic from 8-11 p.m. at <a href="http://jennyssteakhouse.com/mokena/">Jenny's Southside Tap</a> (also known as 191 South or Jenny's Steakhouse), 10160 W. 191st St., Mokena 8-11 (708-479-6873). </span><br />
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<b><span class="fsl">Thursday</span></b><br />
<span class="fsl">The place to be is the 8 p.m. blues jam every Thursday at<a href="http://uptownplainfield.com/"> Grubens Uptown Tap</a>, 24035 Lockport St., Plainfield. (815-436-9395). Full back line provided with regular appearances by Tut and the Blues Kings and many others. Hosted on alternate weeks by The Billy Osman Band and the Hip Shakin' Party.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="fsl">It's not a weekly gathering, but it's worth noting that on the third Thursday of each month Kevin Krauss typically hosts an open mic at Chicago Street Pub. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="fsl">And on the first Thursday of every month Brian Barry hosts New Lenox's longest-running acoustic open mic at JBD White Horse Inn, 348 W. Maple St. (815-485-4848). Gets underway at 9 p.m.</span><br />
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If you know of other open mics and blues jams in the Joliet area, leave a comment!Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-5520106167437973062015-12-15T18:33:00.002-08:002015-12-16T04:33:15.581-08:00University offends abuse survivors by honoring Joliet bishop<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7azUs86RgMTkelcdW_9_2bGVyw0HqJopFt08rWfH4wp7hineZ6G8yOBTq5-4nzzGUydwfd9tF3LBPOfkUK_MkqM0Xq_T1fQ_i3MxNm35GK_f2q3A2Av4eXHi606oGRWmlAporM6NF8A/s1600/9522623_1280x720.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7azUs86RgMTkelcdW_9_2bGVyw0HqJopFt08rWfH4wp7hineZ6G8yOBTq5-4nzzGUydwfd9tF3LBPOfkUK_MkqM0Xq_T1fQ_i3MxNm35GK_f2q3A2Av4eXHi606oGRWmlAporM6NF8A/s400/9522623_1280x720.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
By Ted Slowik<br />
<br />
I went to see the movie "Spotlight" about the Boston Globe's groundbreaking coverage of priests who sexually abused children and the bishops and cardinals who covered it up. Had Catholic Church leaders acted differently, predator clergy wouldn't have had access to children. Many people who were harmed would have been spared.<br />
<br />
As a reporter for the Joliet Herald News in 2002, I spoke with more than 50 people who were sexually abused as children by Joliet priests. The Joliet Diocese lists <a href="https://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/siteimages/chancerytribunal/OYCP/ListREV6-4-15.pdf">on its website 35 priests </a>linked to sexual abuse of children. Hundreds of children were horrifically abused in DuPage, Will and five other counties.<br />
<br />
The guy in charge of the Joliet Diocese from 1979 to 2006, when a great number of cases were reported, was Bishop Joseph Imesch. Based on my first-hand interviews with abuse survivors, their parents and diocesan insiders, I firmly believe Joe Imesch cared more about protecting his priests and the reputation of the Church than protecting children from harm.<br />
<br />
He'd say, in interviews and in depositions, that he relied on the advice of therapists who assured him the sexual deviants could be treated and returned to service. At other times Joe would say there was a lack of evidence that a crime occurred, or some other lame excuse. I call bullshit on all that.<br />
<br />
Joe knew a large number of his priests were doing very bad things with kids. And rather than react with shock and anger that his men were capable of such deeds, he attacked those who came forward to report the crimes. He berated survivors of abuse and their family members. He attempted to discredit them and media who reported on the cases. He used every legal tool at his disposal to make the abuse seem somehow less serious and widespread than it was.<br />
<br />
Like "Spotlight" shows, there were a lot of good Catholics in the community who went along with the broken system in a misguided belief that it was for the good of the Church. They were told by guys like Joe Imesch that there were a few bad apples, and they were assured there was no way they'd be able to harm another child.<br />
<br />
Then Joe went and placed his bad priests in different parishes where they abused again. And when he ran out of parishes in his seven-county diocese he shipped his bad priests off to other dioceses around the country, to Kentucky, or California. He'd take in bad priests, too, from Michigan and elsewhere. It was a sick system, and Joe was one of the best at it.<br />
<br />
Let me make this clear: there is an abundance of indisputable evidence that the actions of Joe Imesch resulted in children being sexually abused by priests that Imesch knew had molested other children. And he's never owned up to that. In no way should Joe Imesch be honored as a good bishop or even a good person.<br />
<br />
Which is why it's baffling that Joliet's University of St. Francis honors an educator every year with the <a href="http://www.stfrancis.edu/academics/college-of-education/awards/#.VnDIu3v7c8M">Bishop Joseph L. Imesch Award for "Excellence in Teaching." </a>Of all things, to attach Joe's name to an honor bestowed upon someone who works with children defies decency.<br />
<br />
I hope University of St. Francis leaders realize that continuing to honor Joe Imesch in this manner offends and insults survivors of childhood sexual abuse. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-19552060555964393222015-11-17T16:58:00.001-08:002015-11-17T16:58:44.098-08:00Getting ready to record a new album!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By Ted Slowik<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to recording several new original songs soon with guitarist Kev Wright and drummer Luke Smith at Jason Botka's <a href="http://www.skyebleustudios.com/">Skye Blue Studio </a>in Villa Park, Ill. Kev is wrapping up work there soon on his solo debut, and we'll start working on my songs in December.<br />
<br />
This past weekend guitarist extraordinaire Pat Lyons was in town from Austin, Texas. Tim Placher and I hung out at the studio while Pat recorded pedal steel on a couple songs on Kev's forthcoming album, "Journey Road." Pat's band Safe Haven played Tim's festival Shindig at the Shanty a couple years ago, and multi-instrumentalist Steve Haberichter of <a href="http://www.downhomeguitars.com/">Down Home Guitars </a>connected Kev with Pat. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pat Lyons, Kev Wright, Jason Botka and Tim Placher in studio Nov. 15.</td></tr>
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<br />
I owe a big thanks to photographer friend <a href="http://www.stevewphoto.com/">Steve Woltmann</a> for taking pictures for the new album. The scene is in Plano, Ill., outside a bar that was painted with a big American flag for the Superman movie that was filmed there a few years ago. Thanks also to "Comfort Zone" photographer Brian Powers for suggesting the location.<br />
<br />
I recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover the costs of recording. You can support at <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/TedSlowik">www.GoFundMe.com/TedSlowik</a>. You can pre-order the CD or support the project at a higher level and get some cool rewards.<br />
<br />
The New York Times <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/08/fashion/gofundme-gone-wild.html?_r=0">recently wrote</a> about how online begging is the new economy. I only ask because I really need the support. I recently left my full-time job at North Central College and have a temporary, part-time position at Morton Arboretum while I seek the next full-time opportunity. I know the employment situation will work out fine. The timing of this project is such that I have a chance to record with Kev, Jason and Luke, and I aim to make the most of this opportunity!<br />
<br />
I've been working with Kev for nearly two years, and he's the best friend my music has ever had! His guitar instruction has improved my musicianship tremendously. He's also become a very good friend, and he's collaboratively offered suggestions about the new material that have made the songs much better.<br />
<br />
About a year ago I said I'd take some time off from live performances to focus on becoming a better musician. Lots of artists have done this. A disappointed Bill Murray lived out of the public eye in France for four years after making the film "The Razor's Edge." John Lennon stopped making music for five years when his son Sean was born, and was just resuming his recording career when he was murdered. At the height of his popularity, Bob Dylan dropped out of the public eye for six years following a motorcycle crash.<br />
<br />
And I believe Robert Johnson didn't sell his soul to the devil at the crossroads. He just went off by himself for a while and learned to play the damn guitar!<br />
<br />
So that's what I've been doing, even though I've made many exceptions and have played publicly at open mics, festivals and other occasions this year. The point is, I feel like I've accomplished what I set out to do, which was to become a better musician by gaining a better understanding of musical theory and techniques.<br />
<br />
I've learned a lot, especially in the past year, not just about music but about storytelling, and happiness. I know now that if you're unhappy, you should change your situation. Also that happiness comes from within, and that if you rely on others for happiness you're setting yourself up for disappointment.<br />
<br />
Anyway, this batch of songs is great and I know Jason's going to do an amazing job recording them and Kev and Luke are going to make everything sound awesome. It's going to be a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to these recording sessions!<br />
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<br />Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-43412827859636794222015-11-12T16:41:00.005-08:002015-11-12T16:41:58.631-08:00‘Firefly’ reveals greatness of Edward David Anderson’s songwriting
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b>By Ted Slowik
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All nine songs on <a href="http://www.edwarddavidanderson.com/">Edward David Anderson’s</a> new album
“Lower Alabama: The Loxley Sessions” are masterfully written stories about
life, love, loss and other themes.</div>
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The tunes were skillfully recorded this year by longtime
Neil Young sideman Anthony Crawford, who produced the record and who plays
fiddle, pedal steel, bass and other instruments. The release on the Royal
Potato Family label is Anderson’s follow-up to his solo debut, “Lies &
Wishes,” produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos.</div>
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One song in particular reveals Anderson’s songwriting artistry:
the lead track, “Firefly.”</div>
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Anderson, the bearded former frontman for Backyard Tire
Fire, says he originally wrote and recorded “Firefly” about 20 years ago when
he was playing with the Bloomington, Ill.-based band Brother Jed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He planned to record eight songs at Crawford’s Admiral Bean
Studio in Orange Beach, Ala., where Anderson snowbirds to escape the harsh
Illinois winters. But he snuck in “Firefly” as the ninth song, he told National
Public Radio affiliate WGLT-FM in a Nov. 3 <a href="https://www.blogger.com/Link%20to%20radio%20interview:%20https://soundcloud.com/the-royal-potato-family/wglt-sound-ideas-w-special-guest-edward-david-anderson">radio interview</a>.</div>
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“I completely re-arranged it, put it in a different key,
kind of changed the feel and cadence and rewrote some of the words,” Anderson
said. “But the chorus is the same, and (the song is) the same principle.”</div>
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That principle captures the essence of life from the
perspective of a veteran songwriter and touring musician. It’s the principle of
the rolling stone that Muddy Waters first wrote about in 1950, which inspired
The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and countless others. It’s a sentiment shared by songs about shooting stars, or ones about it being better to burn out than to fade away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A rolling stone or a meteor have brief life expectancies,
but they’re characterized by brilliant bursts of energy. That sentiment may
also characterize the life of a rock star, the poet, or anyone who appreciates
that life is short. The Latin expression “ars longa, vita brevis,” typically
translated as “life is short, art is eternal,” sums it up well.</div>
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As does Anderson’s song “Firefly.” A lightning bug’s life
expectancy is but a few weeks, but the creature spreads light and beauty during
its existence. “Don’t want to grow up but time don’t stop,” Anderson writes.
Time waits for no one, but Anderson leaves you feeling like it’s never too late
to have a happy childhood.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The chorus of “Firefly” brilliantly captures what it means
to live like a rolling stone:</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">You can give in and do what
you’re told</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">You waste away and you grow old</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Or you can shine brightly and
light up the sky, yeah you</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Light up the sky like a firefly</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the 65
years since McKinley Morganfield first penned a song that distilled into music
the essence of restlessness, wanderlust and the release of kinetic energy, many
have attempted to replicate the spirit of that expression. Few have
accomplished it as well as Anderson.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anderson's<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9CFirefly%E2%80%9D%20video:%20https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bgAAXYhC3E"> video for "Firefly" </a>features footage filmed by his wife, Kim. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And that’s
just the first track on “The Loxley Sessions.” The other eight songs are all
superbly crafted tales with wonderful melodies and exquisite arrangements. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzYd9AalSUTzfRFhYM_c3isDKZmD_qTHv1aB0DzDrCdMD_XeJ6FAD47hbjysJE0yQ1JQc3188dfKB2K4XFUIhEgY8azTFERjFV2g-SyNnzhymMif2ZnQD9qHFuPM75bTUUW9X_Ixscg/s1600/3315454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzYd9AalSUTzfRFhYM_c3isDKZmD_qTHv1aB0DzDrCdMD_XeJ6FAD47hbjysJE0yQ1JQc3188dfKB2K4XFUIhEgY8azTFERjFV2g-SyNnzhymMif2ZnQD9qHFuPM75bTUUW9X_Ixscg/s400/3315454.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Firefly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by Edward David
Anderson</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Cornfield full
of fireflies, well I’m</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Driving west
into the clear dark night</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Got a
destination with no place to go,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Got a
destination with no place to go</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Midlife
crisis, it’s one and two</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Just trying to
figure out what I want to do</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Well I don’t
want to grow up but time don’t stop, said</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">I don’t want
to grow up but time don’t stop</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">You can give
in and do what you’re told</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">You waste away
and you grow old</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Or you can
shine brightly and light up the sky, yeah you</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Light up the
sky like a firefly</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">No one’s come
along to steal my heart</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">They may not,
now and that’s the scary part</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Everybody
seeks love everybody fears it</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Everybody
needs love and everybody’s scared</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">You can give
in and do what you’re told</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">You waste away
and you grow old</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Or you can shine
brightly and light up the sky, yeah you</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Light up the
sky like a firefly</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Light up the
sky like a firefly</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">I’m in the
shadows, next day the light</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">I’m turned
around I don’t know wrong from right</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">I’m off my
path, I’ve lost my way</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">I’m thinking
back to what a young man used to say</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">He said, you
can give in and do what you’re told</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">You waste away
and you grow old</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Or you can
shine brightly and light up the sky, yeah you</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Light up the sky just like a firefly </span></div>
Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-68826928974707265962015-07-04T06:22:00.001-07:002015-07-04T13:58:58.144-07:00Classic sounds abound on new Jeff Givens album recorded in Muscle Shoals <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyq21dtTVnAAvTo-PyjAgQm9AwlAcvVou9DmMBJWHL3ryh-jdXZzGsvslokKTqWbdiKaEeikG0XR_AXQPZIugs8N2dDlE5KQk8NWZkNOD1ukK_QamZPcM0vsWlhMT9wikpj6SkeRsOIQ/s1600/midnight+muscle+shoals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyq21dtTVnAAvTo-PyjAgQm9AwlAcvVou9DmMBJWHL3ryh-jdXZzGsvslokKTqWbdiKaEeikG0XR_AXQPZIugs8N2dDlE5KQk8NWZkNOD1ukK_QamZPcM0vsWlhMT9wikpj6SkeRsOIQ/s400/midnight+muscle+shoals.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
By Ted Slowik<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If seasoned troubadour <a href="http://jeffgivens.com/">Jeff Givens </a>had written
“make a kick-ass rock record” on his bucket list, he could now cross that off.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The drummer-turned-singer/songwriter
has self-released his second full-length, “Midnight in Muscle Shoals.” The
basic tracks were recorded by John Gifford III at legendary <a href="http://www.fame2.com/">Fame Recording Studios</a> in northwest
Alabama’s famous home of “The Swampers” rhythm section, where the likes of
Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and Duane Allman laid tracks.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Midnight in Muscle Shoals” is full of
wailing guitar licks, lushly layered vocal harmonies and sweetly selected
instrumental accompaniments atop tight drum tracks. Fans of southern rock will
find a lot to like about this record, Givens’ follow-up to 2012’s “Bourbon
Cowboy.”</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If “Midnight in Muscle Shoals” sounds a
lot like a record by The Righteous Hillbillies, that’s because all the tracks
feature guitarist Kev Wright, who recently left the band, and drummer Barret
Harvey. The connections don’t end there. The Hillbillies also recorded their new
album at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, and Givens’ touring band, The Mugshot
Saints, includes former Hillbillies bassist Johnny Gadeikis. T.C. Dolgin plays
bass on the record, Jennifer Botka sings backing vocals and Pat Otto lends mandolin to a couple tracks.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Like recent recordings by the
Hillbillies, the songs on “Midnight in Muscle Shoals” sound like they belong on
any of the 1970s-era albums by The Rolling Stones. Wright’s slick slide guitar
work and Harvey’s crisp beats propel the tracks, which are produced by Givens’
longtime collaborator Jason Botka. Many tracks were added at Botka’s <a href="http://www.skyebleustudios.com/">Skye Bleu Studios </a>in suburban Chicago.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At its best, “Midnight in Muscle
Shoals” is an ideal soundtrack for a long ride on a highway. Tracks like “Long
Weekend” and “Hard Livin’” are not only expertly performed by gifted musicians,
they’re delivered with Givens’ honestly passionate vocals. The melodies are
catchy and the music’s fantastic. The songs are about recurring working-man
themes, including drinking in bars and paychecks not going far enough. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic554m4ec__Inw67VRN_7dbi4CikP47bJ6vlURa2l1X3A473XMjSTtl1rGy2KxQvnbZHoIqshDQ4eKFaq7LlQ02MR9Dybmd0hcfAO1xASVsaleAGIlwhmOh24mkSRLWTvl4RbZjf429w/s1600/jeff+givens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic554m4ec__Inw67VRN_7dbi4CikP47bJ6vlURa2l1X3A473XMjSTtl1rGy2KxQvnbZHoIqshDQ4eKFaq7LlQ02MR9Dybmd0hcfAO1xASVsaleAGIlwhmOh24mkSRLWTvl4RbZjf429w/s400/jeff+givens.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos by Michelle Gadeikis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Givens is a Tennessee native who was
raised in the Chicago area, where he continues to make his home. He calls
himself a “rock and roll gypsy,” and an “authentic prince of skid row.” While
performing, he’s been known to command an audience to “holler and swaller” by
first whooping, then drinking.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Musically, Givens worked as a drummer
for many years, and his songs are informed by real-life experiences on the
road. His resume includes performing with guitarist Joe Perry of Aerosmith, blues
legend Buddy Guy and the late Jay Bennett of Wilco.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Everybody’s got a story, everybody’s
got a dream, I’m filling up this notebook with what happens in between,” he
sings on “Livin’ the Dream.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Givens writes all but one of the 12
songs on “Midnight in Muscle Shoals.” While the songs are sonically superb, one
will be disappointed if he seeks Dylan-like depth in the lyrics. This record is
reminiscent of a Ringo Starr album in that one can take ordinary, everyday
songs, get some fabulous musician friends to record them and end up
with great-sounding music that eventually lands you in the Rock and Roll Hall
of Fame. Givens’ songs are honest, authentic reflections of his life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The most difficult ones are the most
intimate ones,” he told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAbVUZKmJWc">WXAV-FM 88.3 </a>in a radio interview. He went on to
describe how “Last of a Dying Breed,” a song on the new record, was written
about his 80-year-old father, who still rides his Harley thousands of miles of
year. “It was a real emotional process,” Givens told the interviewer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Writing good songs isn’t easy,
regardless of what anybody says, and only a gifted few can do it consistently.
Equally challenging is recording a full-length album of timeless sounds that
are worth listening to over and over again, and Givens might have accomplished
that with “Midnight in Muscle Shoals.”</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUMjhQoH9vx6La-cWged8j_kkl6SWpr2V_pfu7zPwQIuU86P4r90_QDgMEtKM7tGEFC2uNx_wjzofZECn5GU3gBjIXnInG7-lLnfmc5etuHQA4uL4mQ3kDvGxlzFBh_zEcHqocINIgQ/s1600/mugshot+saints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUMjhQoH9vx6La-cWged8j_kkl6SWpr2V_pfu7zPwQIuU86P4r90_QDgMEtKM7tGEFC2uNx_wjzofZECn5GU3gBjIXnInG7-lLnfmc5etuHQA4uL4mQ3kDvGxlzFBh_zEcHqocINIgQ/s400/mugshot+saints.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mugshot Saints<br />
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<i>Learn more at <a href="http://jeffgivens.com/">jeffgivens.com</a>. "Midnight in Muscle Shoals" is available for sale on <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/m/cd/jeffgivensandthemugshots">CD Baby.</a></i></div>
Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-50983038425762547932015-03-15T08:13:00.004-07:002015-03-15T08:17:01.033-07:00A revelation about what to do next creativelyBy Ted Slowik<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpu1_3BhRanj0dITVoFJR-cRUStoAtSL7OKyn_FuyIkRoGVh2XWIreRevkSaHqJt4gCyNx2DFdgMxea1yK9VE0A1qR5julN2PkW8KhcShFFR0kQvVCeZNwZEBxYlPuwnhzNJ8Ltm0WOA/s1600/patti-smith-robert-mapplethorpe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpu1_3BhRanj0dITVoFJR-cRUStoAtSL7OKyn_FuyIkRoGVh2XWIreRevkSaHqJt4gCyNx2DFdgMxea1yK9VE0A1qR5julN2PkW8KhcShFFR0kQvVCeZNwZEBxYlPuwnhzNJ8Ltm0WOA/s1600/patti-smith-robert-mapplethorpe.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've been thinking a lot lately about what to do next, creatively, in my free time.<br />
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Free time is a precious thing, and it shouldn't be squandered. Take it from someone who's been dead for six minutes. There are better ways to spend your time than binge-watching Netflix on the couch. Trust me.<br />
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It's taken six months to figure out what I want to do next. For the past several years I've focused on music. And I feel I've become a much better songwriter, musician, performer, vocalist and recording artist. I still enjoy music very much and plan to continue making it whenever I want. And it'll make me happy and be fun.<br />
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But I've felt for some time that music is not my true calling, and that writing is. The question I've been trying to answer is, what to write? Nonfiction or fiction? A novel or short stories? What do I have to say that's worth saying?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcST5JB8HQLdYxVkeyTwAslfZXaEsbaU_5NvAv76G0v8Re0vOmml6DNDZQbnS5jhZd7ZBf3HAjKf4PT1zV3HEXa9HINr5wpmXFLO20Q2B1DZKAYhcZK2EeqcdcDRw18oPHpt3YRXE5g/s1600/justkidspsmith_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcST5JB8HQLdYxVkeyTwAslfZXaEsbaU_5NvAv76G0v8Re0vOmml6DNDZQbnS5jhZd7ZBf3HAjKf4PT1zV3HEXa9HINr5wpmXFLO20Q2B1DZKAYhcZK2EeqcdcDRw18oPHpt3YRXE5g/s1600/justkidspsmith_1.jpg" height="400" width="262" /></a></div>
The answer came to me while I was camping in Florida this past week. My sister Liz, with whom I've always been especially close, loaned me the Patti Smith book "Just Kids." I've been reading a lot of rock bios and memoirs lately, about Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Keith Richards, Patti Boyd, Roy Buchanan and others. "Just Kids" may be the best-written I've read. It won the 2010 National Book Award for Nonfiction.<br />
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I didn't know much about Patti Smith. "Just Kids" tells the story of Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe starting out as starving artists in New York in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It's a beautiful love story, and the book is a fine showcase for Smith's skills as a writer thanks to her lifelong love for poetry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiVbnNxkGCfjkBGOzBjLzX_wTyFi-ZzdJcvNSLGXZi0njAKuglvJvM2Rf_NheT9f0n9ktAwPmc4me_Vi7vWjrJbXva7t9XWfrX-VUOS7H-098K4pRyhdUX2ZCBqCmO-1E_KIP8lI5tg/s1600/Rimbaud.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiVbnNxkGCfjkBGOzBjLzX_wTyFi-ZzdJcvNSLGXZi0njAKuglvJvM2Rf_NheT9f0n9ktAwPmc4me_Vi7vWjrJbXva7t9XWfrX-VUOS7H-098K4pRyhdUX2ZCBqCmO-1E_KIP8lI5tg/s1600/Rimbaud.PNG" height="400" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arthur Rimbaud</td></tr>
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Smith was greatly influenced by the French poet Jean Nicolas Arthur Rimbaud (1854-1891), one of the greatest poets ever to have lived, ever though he only created for a brief period in his late teens. He famously wrote to a friend the following lines that described his decadent behavior:<br />
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"I'm now making myself as scummy as I can. Why? I want to be a poet, and
I'm working at turning myself into a seer. You won't understand any of
this, and I'm almost incapable of explaining it to you. The idea is to
reach the unknown by the derangement of all the senses. It involves
enormous suffering, but one must be strong and be a born poet. It's
really not my fault."<br />
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I could relate to the notion that complete commitment to one's craft is necessary to create art that is truly worthwhile and lasting. And maybe the young can do it. That is, live irresponsibly and in poverty for a few years. But not old people with bills and mortgages and responsibilities and day jobs.<br />
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Because face it, if you were any good as an artist or musician at age 50, you'd be doing it full-time.<br />
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I'll be honest. Since the heart attack a year ago I've wondered at times why I'm still here. What's my purpose? <br />
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So after reading Smith's book I realized I should write the story of how my wife Jo and I met and fell in love. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gIO6ZElsMifCgU7swyhHKf6mFd10AGW1eTI92vOfPEv9T4_cBYfugsctdJd1b7spQVWOYeYGB7hy5ZiMwZwRqd-PLSaVL0uZk9agvAy_Mbw7YTKTfkcL5t0CzNB2Q-r0CpM6JUcNSg/s1600/Jo+Ted+first+date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gIO6ZElsMifCgU7swyhHKf6mFd10AGW1eTI92vOfPEv9T4_cBYfugsctdJd1b7spQVWOYeYGB7hy5ZiMwZwRqd-PLSaVL0uZk9agvAy_Mbw7YTKTfkcL5t0CzNB2Q-r0CpM6JUcNSg/s1600/Jo+Ted+first+date.jpg" height="371" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First date, Valentine's Day 1985</td></tr>
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This works for a number of reasons. First of all, I cannot think of subject matter more personal and meaningful. Family is most important, after all, and I'll write the story so our kids Hannah and Noah will always know how much I loved their mother.<br />
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The timing seems right. Has it really been 30 years? Gosh, seems like yesterday. I remember well the love I felt for Jo and there are still many of our friends around I could talk to in order to gain additional details and perspectives.<br />
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It solves the dilemma of what to do as a creative outlet other than music that is purposeful and rewarding and without regard to any sense of commercial success. Ours is a beautiful story, and I intend to write it for an audience of three people, as best as I can. I expect the process of telling this story will require a great deal of time and effort.<br />
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That's OK. I can continue doing other musical and writing projects while working on this story. Maybe my purpose for being here is to tell this story. There is universal truth in love and beauty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5U3zPlUaaO2tBqMR9WoedvD6FRtVOFZOFZw18PqpBU34d_6nNrSrc4W-xDkrRCVHHSxrmCWb5VJKr0qX_6XWDOJ0f6ClIq3568TMMaLAIPMlnF-xPsrvdHcHIdl2RwljSCZhOci5hQ/s1600/10982085_10204678461113981_9201147262160799556_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5U3zPlUaaO2tBqMR9WoedvD6FRtVOFZOFZw18PqpBU34d_6nNrSrc4W-xDkrRCVHHSxrmCWb5VJKr0qX_6XWDOJ0f6ClIq3568TMMaLAIPMlnF-xPsrvdHcHIdl2RwljSCZhOci5hQ/s1600/10982085_10204678461113981_9201147262160799556_n.jpg" height="377" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honeymoon in California, 1990</td></tr>
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<br />Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-32838030565686460342015-03-09T17:15:00.003-07:002015-03-09T17:15:52.669-07:00Crossing the 10k YouTube milestone with "Refugee Blues"By Ted Slowik<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZImG0XPQrfrQ1sgNSn0V_FP5WKOCoSs1rakul1RGlIZu90EnBCidFv_ptm_UIPuI79vP9Z2LR503hJhshgEAOZntDRPFrd6csabn-s__CknQxJHc3ZRrgNqpSycytiIB8_343O5_Qg/s1600/Screenshot_2015-03-09-18-49-48.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZImG0XPQrfrQ1sgNSn0V_FP5WKOCoSs1rakul1RGlIZu90EnBCidFv_ptm_UIPuI79vP9Z2LR503hJhshgEAOZntDRPFrd6csabn-s__CknQxJHc3ZRrgNqpSycytiIB8_343O5_Qg/s1600/Screenshot_2015-03-09-18-49-48.png" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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Just a short post today as I'm camping in Florida and reception is spotty. But, hey, "Refuee Blues" topped 10,000 views on YouTube. It's cool, they send you an email. Thanks Celeste Mackey for inviting me to do a dramatic reading of this for her Literature of the Holocaust class three years ago. Here's the <a href="http://t.co/IqZEvjhwTk">link. </a><br />
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<br />Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-61488543305874707872015-03-01T04:59:00.001-08:002015-03-01T04:59:33.643-08:00Fun times during Allison Flood show at Chicago Street PubBy Ted Slowik<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWKcNKmAOIEbVSd9k7R4CJXLgIH0pcaZ-pAjgsNodbD8cl7Zr0_kRTrb1CwLvWCFTS4a6gZYCEHxcqRIlx6unDYytxTItcAif_leh9UrvdYYVt7dTxcW5XllStb02L14IbYgBYaq42Q/s1600/20150228_205802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWKcNKmAOIEbVSd9k7R4CJXLgIH0pcaZ-pAjgsNodbD8cl7Zr0_kRTrb1CwLvWCFTS4a6gZYCEHxcqRIlx6unDYytxTItcAif_leh9UrvdYYVt7dTxcW5XllStb02L14IbYgBYaq42Q/s1600/20150228_205802.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allison Flood and friends</td></tr>
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Last night was a blast hanging out at <a href="http://www.chicagost.com/">Chicago Street Pub</a> in Joliet for the celebration of <a href="http://www.allisonfloodmusic.com/">Allison Flood's </a>solo debut "Blackbird" on the <a href="http://www.flipsideworks.com/">Flipside Works </a>label.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rmBOOg6Rt9icrQlBEAfOJmp04kU6817ZtorjhUITUJ83pnI_6OJVw0smit6cISNHxNs2jF2P5g4HkLRO2XYpn7Am-21lxC6d7qykkOOjew7I_yU7iew0L6snBUt2ot5DrOTe_HWh0A/s1600/20150228_201558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rmBOOg6Rt9icrQlBEAfOJmp04kU6817ZtorjhUITUJ83pnI_6OJVw0smit6cISNHxNs2jF2P5g4HkLRO2XYpn7Am-21lxC6d7qykkOOjew7I_yU7iew0L6snBUt2ot5DrOTe_HWh0A/s1600/20150228_201558.jpg" height="321" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric Johnson, Allison Flood, John Condron</td></tr>
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I reviewed the CD just a few weeks ago <a href="http://bluested.blogspot.com/2015/02/allison-flood-shines-on-solo-debut.html">on this blog</a>, and the review also was featured on <a href="http://nodepression.com/album-review/ex-stone-city-straggler-allison-flood-shines-solo-debut-blackbird">No Depression.</a> I don't have anything new to say about Allison's music since then but I do want to share a few pictures of the fun evening with friends.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4Vnw_YN2im6YYq52tFX8LilXa9DFcRxo1fiVuv1OQsdK5hr6PTXPSKcgkXRv5MVmaneIcQv192CwbxoR4jTaCXJ1YiOvPRe9k3x72CZ-mqxyaEcFk2I1m-6Q5SglA_qmDIR7Cx-qGg/s1600/20150228_220521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4Vnw_YN2im6YYq52tFX8LilXa9DFcRxo1fiVuv1OQsdK5hr6PTXPSKcgkXRv5MVmaneIcQv192CwbxoR4jTaCXJ1YiOvPRe9k3x72CZ-mqxyaEcFk2I1m-6Q5SglA_qmDIR7Cx-qGg/s1600/20150228_220521.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allison Flood, Denise Hegarty, Jill Condron</td></tr>
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Chicago Street Pub is a wonderful place, and I've described many times how it's the hub of great live, local, original music in Will County. It's important to remember it's people who make places special. The interactions you have with them, the good times you share and the memories you create are what matter.<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMt5mFUHJuVvcxBn9W_C0SNCOfDFtL4c2ImShnEbW2rJBlYusa8wFoXQzLZMiYaUw7YGjOgv4c7sXnO8cXjxtt89nYLDgmGmOIGXyUcsluGPmaV_U3uafeEwt1NmwFUfIbLf5H5YnBQ/s1600/20150228_223153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMt5mFUHJuVvcxBn9W_C0SNCOfDFtL4c2ImShnEbW2rJBlYusa8wFoXQzLZMiYaUw7YGjOgv4c7sXnO8cXjxtt89nYLDgmGmOIGXyUcsluGPmaV_U3uafeEwt1NmwFUfIbLf5H5YnBQ/s1600/20150228_223153.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Triz</td></tr>
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So, thanks Mike and Kathy Trizna for keeping the Pub going these many years and for supporting original music. <br />
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<br />Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-15880037196978202082015-02-22T07:23:00.003-08:002015-02-22T07:44:36.408-08:00Why "Wrigley Field" deserves to be the next Cubs theme song<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By Ted Slowik<br />
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Last month Chicago Tribune writer Mark Caro<a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-0116-cubs-song-20150115-column.html"> started a movement</a> to retire the 1984 Steve Goodman tune "Go, Cubs, Go" as the quasi-official Cubs theme song, played over the PA in Wrigley Field after Cubs victories since 2007.<br />
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Mark's been on <a href="http://wgnradio.com/2015/01/16/tribune-writer-mark-caro-go-cubs-go-must-go/">WGN radio</a> talking about his campaign and last week the movement got a boost from <a href="http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/02/14/bernstein-end-this-losers-anthem/">Dan Bernstein</a>, co-host of 670 The Score’s “Boers and Bernstein Show.”A contest is underway to see if there's a song out there that might be a worthy successor to "Go, Cubs, Go."<br />
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This week I entered an original, "Wrigley Field," which friend Kev Wright helped record. Here's why it deserves consideration.<br />
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First, I'm a lifelong Cubs fan, just as passionate about the team as Goodman was. My lyrics are sung from the heart, with more than 40 years of rooting for the team. As a Chicagoan I've cheered on the Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox. But my love for the Cubs dates back to the mid-1970s.<br />
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I'll tell you exactly why there's nothing else quite like being a Cubs fan. It has something to do with the fact that Wrigley Field was the only park in all of Major League Baseball that didn't have lights, until 1988. That, and the championship drought that dates back to their last World Series win in 1908. Being a Cubs fan is special. When they do eventually win another championship it's going to be the biggest party ever, and I want to experience the full effect of that.<br />
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My brothers Frank and Mike are big Cubs fans. Every year for as long as I can remember a group of us have gone down to see the Cubs play in Wrigley Field. We tailgate near Belmont Harbor off Recreation Drive, walk to the park and always have a great time. I don't really have opinions about the gentrification of the Wrigleyville and Lakeview neighborhoods, the quality of the talent on the field or ownership decisions about Wrigley Field renovations. For me, the Cubs are about spending quality time together with family, and there's nothing more meaningful in life. <br />
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Not only do I have a Steve Goodman-like love for the team, the song "Wrigley Field" is a sincere ode to the joys of Cubdom. It's short and sweet. The melody is catchy, the tempo is upbeat and the words are simple. You can watch the video entry <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlE5Osh-y7o&spfreload=10">here</a> or listen to an audio version of it <a href="https://soundcloud.com/ted-slowik/wrigley-field">here</a>.<br />
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Finally, just a little bit of fun history about this song. Three years ago WGN radio sponsored a similar contest. When I learned of the contest in February 2012 I wrote "Wrigley Field" on a Saturday night, recorded a sloppy audio demo and submitted my entry via email.<br />
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Then an incredible thing happened. On Monday morning, Jonathan Brandmeier played my song on his WGN radio show. This was less than 48 hours after the song came into existence. I knew then it was good. Sure, the recording was amateurish and it didn't make the voting round. But the tune is worthy. It's a good song, and deserves consideration to become the next Cubs theme song.<br />
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<br />Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-15070530514707732492015-02-14T08:30:00.005-08:002015-02-15T05:39:05.509-08:00What's next for ex-Righteous Hillbillies cofounder Kev Wright?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOrTk3o2BPmq-rK79Dc89JiJ8rnDsswjmHme5DZEvTtx3prCMy1DYomjyLH_jva27gIllQbrwtS0WOWSTpseborlEVBbp-K7WiebNA41zh1U7BNknRq8d-cZVioyZRM7US5LAwEwV7w/s1600/10989106_10204896849693995_4706700229286838925_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOrTk3o2BPmq-rK79Dc89JiJ8rnDsswjmHme5DZEvTtx3prCMy1DYomjyLH_jva27gIllQbrwtS0WOWSTpseborlEVBbp-K7WiebNA41zh1U7BNknRq8d-cZVioyZRM7US5LAwEwV7w/s1600/10989106_10204896849693995_4706700229286838925_n.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle Gadeikis photo</td></tr>
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By Ted Slowik<br />
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Guitarist Kev Wright announced this week that he has parted ways with <a href="http://www.righteoushillbillies.com/">The Righteous Hillbillies</a>, the band he cofounded eight years ago with Brent James.<br />
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In a <a href="https://twitter.com/tedslowik/status/566790494189920256">Feb. 11 Facebook post</a>, Kev said "with a heavy heart" that the split was mutual and "for personal and creative reasons." A <a href="https://twitter.com/tedslowik/status/566954480194060288">post</a> on the Hillbillies' Facebook page signed by Brent, bassist Jeff Bella and drummer Barret Harvey said "with regret" that Kev was no longer with the band, which will resume live shows in May and will announce Kev's replacement "when the time is right."<br />
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The timing of the split is difficult, as the band has just wrapped work on its third album, recorded at legendary <a href="http://www.fame2.com/">Fame studios</a> in Muscle Shoals, Ala., produced by Craig Bishop and funded by money raised through Kickstarter. Kev wrote seven songs on the new album, Brent wrote three and they co-wrote two. Kev has always been the band's lead guitarist while Brent remains lead singer and now sole remaining original member.<br />
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It's hard to imagine the Hillbillies without Kev. The <a href="http://www.cornfestival.org/pdfs/Bios_Righteous%20Hillbillies.pdf">band's bio </a>for the 2010 Grundy County Corn Festival tells its 2007 inception as well as any version, recounting how <a href="http://www.johncondron.com/">John Condron</a> bestowed the band's name when Kev and Brent were playing as an acoustic duo following the split of Brent's band The Stone City Stragglers. (The two had previously played together in The Brent James Band, so their friendship goes way back.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Kgi_KPbOiRHv39X0Ljle0Gz97CJDe4ERMuaFrBfWUZlyiDR50WboQ6kheB4Rf2Hr0TRVzTdUec9TyY3ww4CJ2vEj30BcJHpGKVUER2NGrATNlUXT8blEh1Z4Dj5ALo8dUXaZcJYjXA/s1600/Kev+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Kgi_KPbOiRHv39X0Ljle0Gz97CJDe4ERMuaFrBfWUZlyiDR50WboQ6kheB4Rf2Hr0TRVzTdUec9TyY3ww4CJ2vEj30BcJHpGKVUER2NGrATNlUXT8blEh1Z4Dj5ALo8dUXaZcJYjXA/s1600/Kev+hands.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kev's hands (Andy Goodwin photo)</td></tr>
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What can fans expect from Kev, who turns 60 next month, now that he's left the Hillbillies? Probably more live acoustic performances, a solo album that he begins recording in March and plenty of fine guitar work on songs he writes and sings. There's no doubt Kev's desire to sing and play more of his own material contributed to his decision to leave the band.<br />
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Kev's songwriting and vocals have always been exceptional, though largely overlooked for the past decade because of his lead guitar abilities. Consider his song "Journey Road," which appears on The Brent James Band album <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_srch_drd_B0028HLHC8/182-2424115-1581646?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Brent%20James%20Band&index=digital-music&search-type=ss">"The Road Less Traveled."</a> "You can spend your whole life worrying, thinking about your 'could have beens,'" Kev writes, though he says his late grandfather wrote all the words to the song through wisdom he directly imparted to Kev.<br />
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The band's version is slickly produced with lush harmonies and instrumentation, but on the day of his announcement Kev posted an <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kevvsongs/journey-road-1">acoustic demo of "Journey Road" </a>that is beautiful in its simplicity and hauntingly prescient in its meaning. Kev seems like a man with purpose, and that is to share his gifts for creating music in ways that can't always be realized by a four-piece southern rock band with two electric guitars, bass and drums.<br />
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More recent clues hint at the direction Kev is headed. The Hillbillies played an all-acoustic show Jan. 25 at <a href="http://www.chicagost.com/">Chicago Street Pub</a> In Joliet, IL, its first and now it would seem only such show, at least with Kev in the lineup. Before a packed house on a Sunday afternoon the band re-imagined its roadhouse setlist by squeezing every bit of tenderness out of tunes that have always resonated well with crowds at loud volumes and high energy levels.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBrOTLCzMIv-aXJwylCar1reOR95T3hhXkAk-htsSAt7hyphenhyphentYlq1P93K4Bxqu1S2NJIPPuzugx_OsJfBCaT3KhnK8CkFz9XVldjqIGt_U_jO053bG0JS59YVuJ0jtskUuxaKH4E7cpFA/s1600/Mug+Shot+Saints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBrOTLCzMIv-aXJwylCar1reOR95T3hhXkAk-htsSAt7hyphenhyphentYlq1P93K4Bxqu1S2NJIPPuzugx_OsJfBCaT3KhnK8CkFz9XVldjqIGt_U_jO053bG0JS59YVuJ0jtskUuxaKH4E7cpFA/s1600/Mug+Shot+Saints.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mug Shot Saints</td></tr>
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Also, Kev has performed acoustically recently with "Bourbon Cowboy" Jeff Givens and the Mug Shot Saints, including Dec. 19 at <a href="http://metrochicago.com/">Metro </a>in Chicago and Feb. 4 at <a href="http://www.lh-st.com/">Schubas</a>. The band includes Jason Botka and Johnny Gadeikis, another ex-Stone City Straggler who played bass with the Hillbillies until 2014."It's good to play with Johnny again," Kev said.<br />
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Kev has publicly shared many demo recordings that showcase his songwriting and singing. His writing shows the influence of Woody Guthrie, Robert Johnson and others. His compositions range from straight-ahead rock of <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kevvsongs/black-jack-mama-original">"Black Jack Mama"</a> to the tender ballad <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kevvsongs/i-could">"I Could..." </a>Kev also displays a social conscience. <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kevvsongs/this-is-america">"This Is America"</a> is an angry ode about income inequality. Kev can do it all, but sounds best when he's tapping his deepest inspirations, like the swampy <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kevvsongs/gasoline-first-cut-demo">"Gasoline."</a><br />
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Take a listen to this beautifully melodic Leo Kottke-like instrumental <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kevvsongs/winter">"Winter."</a> Then this live recording of <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kevvsongs/county-jail-live-mix">"County Jail." </a>It's not hard to imagine the future Kev performing solo with a bass drum and multiple instruments much like the post-Backyard Tire Fire <a href="http://www.edwarddavidanderson.com/">Edward David Anderson. </a><br />
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In more than one way, this week's announcement signals that Kev has come full circle these past eight years since he and Brent decided to put away the acoustic guitars and go electric with the Hillbillies. The band would be well-served to carry on with a lead guitar gunslinger, one content to contribute the occasional vocal and songwriting duty.<br />
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But Kev is so much more than just an amazing lead guitarist. He's a deep soul with something to say who can write lyrics and tell stories in honest and heartfelt ways. Kev plays his songs with superb musicianship and vocals laden with emotion. His voice needs to be heard.<br />
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<br />Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-68858775281957862992015-02-07T15:07:00.002-08:002015-02-07T15:54:34.701-08:00Allison Flood shines on solo debut "Blackbird"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">By Ted Slowik</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Good things are worth waiting for, especially debut solo albums nearly a decade in the making.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Nine years after her band Stone City Stragglers delivered its third and final album, <a href="http://www.allisonfloodmusic.com/">Allison Flood </a>has released her solo debut on the <a href="http://www.flipsideworks.com/">Flipside Works</a> label. "Blackbird" is a five-song collection of beautifully crafted originals delivered with ethereal harmonies, expert instrumentation and exquisite production by <a href="http://www.johncondron.com/">John Condron</a> with assistance from Bill Aldridge of <a href="http://www.thirdcitysound.com/">Third City Sound </a>in Joliet, Illinois.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">She was known as Allison Moroni back when she was in the Stragglers with five bandmates including Brent James, who continued his career with <a href="http://www.righteoushillbillies.com/">The Righteous Hillbillies</a>. Since then she's had two kids with musician/firefighter Chris Flood, <a href="http://floodmanagementgroup.tumblr.com/artists">who says</a>, "I loved her music so much I married her. (Her) first solo record is delayed because I keep getting her pregnant."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">The songs on "Blackbird" are about relationships, though they also work as precious stories told by a young mother re-entering the music business after an absence. In the opener "Harbor" she sings, "I've
been lost and I've been found, I've been somewhere in between, now I
call this house a home, still feel like I'm lost at sea." And when she sings in the chorus, </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">"Won't you find your way back to me?" she could easily be addressing the Stragglers' extensive following, asking old fans to rediscover her music.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">The Stragglers were a big regional draw a decade ago. A <a href="http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/chicago-country-music-festival/Content?oid=919175">Chicago Reader preview </a>of the band's appearance at the 2005 Chicago Country Music Festival noted, "This Joliet sextet stands tall among this year's Taste Stage acts thanks to the sweet harmonies of Brent James and Allison Moroni, whose voices casually intertwine a la Gram and Emmylou."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Harmonies are the highlight of "Blackbird," though there's nothing lacking about the musicianship, either. The backing vocals and accompaniment on "Ties That Bind" create a Fleetwood Mac-like vibe; sounds created by guitars, harmonium and other instruments are appropriately woven among Flood's sparse acoustic guitar. There's not a note or sound that seems out of place in the 20-minute collection.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Yet it's the vocals on "Blackbird" that stand out, which speaks to the strength of the songwriting and lyrics in particular. When, on "Things Dead & Gone," she sings, </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">"It isn't easier to lie when no one's listening to you," is she saying that during her hiatus she remained true to her musical calling? And in "Come To Me," when she sings about distance between people she's surely telling a story about estranged lovers, though read another way she could just as easily be talking about the fans who loved her in the Stragglers.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">In the closer "Easy" she sings, "I never knew it would be so easy to forget me." </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Fans of Allison Flood's music are about to discover how wonderful it is to hear new music from her again.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">The release of "Blackbird" will be celebrated with a performance featuring appearances by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/riverhorsemusic">Brian Motyll, </a>Matt Biskie and others on Saturday, Feb. 28 at <a href="http://www.chicagost.com/">Chicago Street Pub</a>, 75 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;"> </span>Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-47710063502986740842015-01-18T08:51:00.002-08:002015-01-18T08:51:58.584-08:00The story behind the new song "Mama"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By Ted Slowik<br />
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Yesterday was a very special day. At a family gathering celebrating our Mom's 89th birthday, I played her the new song I wrote called "Mama," which she inspired.<br />
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The performance took place in front of about 25 family members at Salerno's in Hodgkins. You can watch a video of the performance <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjXp6-a7EYE&spfreload=10">here</a>.<br />
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Our mom, Dr. Clare Slowik, is an amazing person. Not only did she raise 12 kids, she went back to school, earned a doctorate and was a professor of nursing at Lewis University. She's so special the Sunday Chicago Tribune published a <a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1989-05-14/features/8902010161_1_coffee-table-doctorate-nursing-school">front-page feature </a>about her on Mother's Day, 1989.<br />
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The notion of performing the song for her on her birthday didn't occur to me until a few days ago, and after running the idea by my wife Jo and sister Liz and receiving their support I decided it would be a nice gift for Mom.<br />
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I'm fascinated by how artists create tangible works out of thin air. A song, written story, painting or other piece starts with an idea in the mind of the creator. It is first imagined, then realized.<br />
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The idea for "Mama" came about in mid-December. I was preparing to write new material and thinking, "What subjects matter most to me?" Since I'm planning to write a collection of new songs I'd recently been <a href="http://bluested.blogspot.com/2014/11/my-10-most-influential-albums-and-why.html">thinking about my favorite albums</a>, and it occurred to me that John Lennon's solo debut "Plastic Ono Band" opens with the track "Mother." Eureka! I had my first topic.<br />
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I'd written about family before, and composed the historical story <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/tedslowik/song/19609434-slowiks">"Slowiks" </a>for my parents' 50th wedding anniversary in 1995. I'll always remember playing it for them, sitting at their kitchen table. For Mom's song, I didn't want to write a literal story of her life. Instead, I wanted to tap into a "universal truth" about a child's love for his mother and create a work that others could relate to.<br />
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It started with the first line. I'd be driving to and from work thinking of truths to say about Mom and I came up with: "Mama is the greatest person that I ever met." The melody flowed instantly from that first line. Over the next week or so I'd think of more lines and scribble them on scraps of paper until on Dec. 30 I had the whole thing mapped out in my head.<br />
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That night after my neighbor Scott Kinsella's annual Risk game I came home, picked up the Martin acoustic guitar, strummed a G chord and played it through for the first time. Here's a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIblvSSafhA">video of that play-through</a>. Notice how I sing the melody in a low register for the first few lines before settling on a more comfortable range. You're watching creativity as it happens, folks! What had been imagined in my mind became, at that moment, something able to be appreciated by others. It was rough, but fully realized.<br />
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Next I wanted to record an audio demo. I imagined electric guitars, drums, backing vocals and all kinds of notes and sounds, only some of which I was able to capture on the first audio demo, which you can listen to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/ted-slowik/mama">here</a>. It was recorded Jan. 2. I love the sound of the Gibson ES335, which musician/architect friend Laurance Glasser recently got sounding great again!<br />
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Next, I played the song for my guitar teacher Kev Wright during a lesson, which you can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI-cp0-bQxs&list=UUvddYvNvyX7DYl97OU6_WgA">watch here</a>. Kev offered excellent suggestions, including adding a stop before the solo. (I liked the tip so much I also added one to the first verse). When we played the song through together, I started the solo on the low G note, third fret on the top E string. As a 30-year bassist I'm comfortable around low notes, and that's where Kev showed me patterns like the "blues box" when we began our lessons together a year ago. I eventually work my way up to find where to play scales in the middle and top of the neck, but I often start low.<br />
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Well, Kev heard that and shared another great idea. He thought his <a href="http://www.eastwoodguitars.com/sidejack-baritone-black/">Eastwood Sidejack Baritone </a>guitar would sound great on the song, so he loaned it to me. I agreed it would add a really cool sound, so yesterday I recorded another audio demo of the song with the Eastwood, which you can listen to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/ted-slowik/mama-1">here</a>.<br />
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Structurally, I think of this song as having "sections" as opposed to choruses and verses. Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney wrote many songs that way. The melody is determined by the phrasing of the lyrics, so the chord changes are not always the same way because each line of lyric is different. <br />
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So for all you songwriting aficionados that's the anatomy of how the new song came to be. Thanks for reading and if you're able to be sure to let your Mama know you love her!<br />
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<b>"Mama" </b> Words and music by Ted Slowik <br />
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Mama is the greatest person that I ever met<br />
She loved me unconditionally that I won’t forget<br />
Mama always knew when I was lying<br />
She always figured out when I wasn’t trying<br />
How she knew I’ll never know<br />
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Mama is a saint you know I pray to her every day<br />
She showed me how to do that so I wouldn’t lose my way<br />
She taught me how to tell between what’s wrong and what is right<br />
And how to solve your problems without getting into fights<br />
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Mama always knew what I was I doing<br />
She always sensed when there was trouble brewing<br />
And how to work it out<br />
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(solo)<br />
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Mama always said the best is yet to come<br />
And the secret to life is to keep on having fun<br />
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Mama listens to me when nobody else will<br />
She always sees right through me and yet she loves me still<br />
Mama has to leave you know I hate to see her go<br />
I love her with all my heart that I’m sure she knows<br />
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<br />Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-63727964048034396552015-01-11T07:10:00.002-08:002015-01-11T07:10:29.115-08:00Brian Motyll makes impressive musical debut <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian Motyll at Chicago Street Pub 1-9-15 (Chris Flood photo)</td></tr>
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By Ted Slowik<br />
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The pool of artistic and musical talent runs deep and wide in Joliet and Will County, with veterans creating new material all the time and new performers constantly coming onto the scene.<br />
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Brian Motyll, a 22-year-old from New Lenox, is a newcomer who made his debut Jan. 9 before a packed house at <a href="http://www.chicagost.com/">Chicago Street Pub</a>, opening for <a href="http://charliechampenemusic.com/">Charlie Champene</a>. Brian performed regularly at an open mic hosted by <a href="http://www.johncondron.com/">John Condron</a> at <a href="http://www.tribesalehouse.com/">Tribes Alehouse </a>in Mokena, but this was his first billed, extended live performance.<br />
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Brian's a great acoustic guitar picker and songwriter who delivers his tunes with a heartfelt sincerity. His voice has an endearing raspiness, and he's already quite poised as a performer for such a young talent. (He wore an eye patch due to recent surgery.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Opal" by Brian Motyll album artwork</td></tr>
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His Chicago Street set included material from his just-released collection of 10 original tracks. He makes the digital album "Opal" (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/riverhorsemusic">by riverhorse</a>) <a href="https://riverhorsemusic.bandcamp.com/">available through Bandcamp</a> for free downloading or voluntary donations.<br />
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He calls his work "bedroom music," meaning these are home recordings. The recording quality is very good, though. In addition to guitar, Brian plays piano and bass and adds in a variety of vocal and percussion sounds. Scott Ahlgrim receives credit for playing drums on four of the 10 tracks.<br />
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"Opal" showcases Brian's songwriting and ability to create melancholy-like moods with his music. Songs like "County Fair" feature sticky melodies and steady rhythms. He's got a solid grasp of phrasing, and his lyrics reflect a maturity beyond his 22 years. "I Think It's Time" contains the line "I'm so scared of getting lost but I'm not afraid to die."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian Motyll</td></tr>
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Brian paid me a huge honor by performing one my songs at his debut. His beautifully played cover of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko-H7h2iV9k&spfreload=10">"No Tomorrow"</a> moved me deeply. It's the first time I've heard someone else play one of my tunes, and as a songwriter there's no greater feeling. (Friends Tim Placher, Allison Flood and Dan Dougherty have played "Red Rover" but I wasn't there to hear them.)<br />
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Headliner Charlie Champene is a veteran of the local scene who continues to grow and develop as a performer, songwriter, vocalist and recording artist and is finishing up work on a new collection of recordings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGzJH3777aCC_MtXPCZ2LByZMSNo8QQJxOwUkiZTtgAoiQEHbwpI8rpTEQNhPVOQzywZMIiLhB3zMEQFzpZXdI45BIaPIgnfEyDwButOLVDFEQpvfSoIXkFRKcoZNOg4X0T2GzKmsgA/s1600/10934033_10203573784446769_8419259093255229035_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGzJH3777aCC_MtXPCZ2LByZMSNo8QQJxOwUkiZTtgAoiQEHbwpI8rpTEQNhPVOQzywZMIiLhB3zMEQFzpZXdI45BIaPIgnfEyDwButOLVDFEQpvfSoIXkFRKcoZNOg4X0T2GzKmsgA/s1600/10934033_10203573784446769_8419259093255229035_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie Champene at Chicago Street Pub 1-9-15 (Chris Flood photo)</td></tr>
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<br />Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-60713067037837459072015-01-04T08:53:00.005-08:002015-01-04T08:53:53.122-08:00Alex Hoffer Band rocks with debut release<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Z1n7e39i_ETE8Qm1JjaXh_n2cKQAnlO2jroaEiPx2EyvpezYGLQGLAIwUci9-vYJZldo_j1-UqzfxDDm7W6bkvnIIpGAez8y6y99jpkM8OwpVyJFhVTW0N2LUEaBfghCchG_QJQ3Vg/s1600/Alex+Hoffer+Band+Mojoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Z1n7e39i_ETE8Qm1JjaXh_n2cKQAnlO2jroaEiPx2EyvpezYGLQGLAIwUci9-vYJZldo_j1-UqzfxDDm7W6bkvnIIpGAez8y6y99jpkM8OwpVyJFhVTW0N2LUEaBfghCchG_QJQ3Vg/s1600/Alex+Hoffer+Band+Mojoes.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex Hoffer Band Jan. 2 at Mojoes</td></tr>
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By Ted Slowik<br />
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Growth can be a remarkable thing. In a relatively short amount of time, talented artists who work hard, make wise choices and remain true to their vision can flourish in stunning fashion.<br />
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Such is the case with Joliet-area songwriter, vocalist and guitarist <a href="http://www.alexhoffer.com/">Alex Hoffer</a>. His growth as a musician, performer and recording artist in the past year is nothing short of amazing. He's always been gifted with a great voice and displayed wonderful guitar-playing and songwriting talent. Now, joined by an incredibly talented cast of friends and musicians, Alex has taken his music to another level.<br />
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On Friday, Jan. 2, the Alex Hoffer Band celebrated the release of its debut studio recording "Free From Apathy" with a powerful performance at <a href="http://www.mojoesofjoliet.com/">Mojoes</a> in Joliet on a bill that included <a href="http://www.mrblotto.net/">Mr. Blotto</a>. The live band, also featured on the recording, includes the great Giles Corey on guitar, Pat Otto on mandolin, Tom Maslowski on bass and Don Nudi on drums.<br />
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The tracks on "Free From Apathy" showcase Hoffer's powerful voice and the band's expert musicianship. Songs like "Keep Searching" are rousing jams, with alternating solos by Corey and Otto. The four-song collection (five, if you count the hidden track) is available through 3011 Records, which is also the label of Chicago's <a href="http://www.howardandthewhiteboys.net/">Howard and the White Boys</a>. Guitarist <a href="http://www.petegalanis.com/">Pete Galanis</a> of that band guests on a couple tracks on Hoffer's record.<br />
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Maslowski, Nudi and Otto also are members of <a href="http://www.johncondron.com/">John Condron and the Old Gang Orchestra</a> and have a comfortable musical repartee that comes with repeated experience performing together. Corey rounds out the lineup with a musical energy and brilliance that infuses the band's sound with a romping goodness and fun.<br />
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Corey (a.k.a. Andrew Osis) is a veteran of the musical project <a href="http://www.lubriphonic.com/">Lubriphonic</a> that included <a href="http://www.buddyguy.net/">Buddy Guy</a> keyboardist <a href="http://news.martysammon.com/">Marty Sammon</a>, who continues to work with Corey in a new band. The 2014 debut "Giles Corey's Stoned Soul" released on Chicago's <a href="http://www.delmark.com/">Delmark Records</a> received great reviews from <a href="http://www.bluesblastmagazine.com/giles-coreys-stoned-soul-album-review/">Blues Blast Magazine,</a> the <a href="http://www.chicagobluesguide.com/reviews/cd-reviews/giles-corey-cd/giles_corey_stoned_soul_cd_page.html">Chicago Blues Guide</a> and <a href="http://www.bmansbluesreport.com/2014/05/delmark-artist-giles-corey-stoned-soul.html">others</a>.<br />
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In sum, Hoffer is collaborating with some of the best players around today, and his live performances and debut studio recording reflect a maturity and musical excellence that show he's come a long way in his development as an artist.<br />
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<br /><br />Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-89660785515598215022014-12-30T16:43:00.001-08:002014-12-30T20:50:21.231-08:009 steps to becoming a better musician, performer and artist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By Ted Slowik<br />
<br />
I've learned much in nearly 50 years as a hobbyist musician and about 35 years as a songwriter. Remarkably I feel I've learned more about making music in just the past three years than all of the previous ones combined!<br />
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Just to recap, three years ago I switched from playing bass as a primary instrument to guitar--acoustic mostly but some electric. Every so often it helps to pause and reflect on how far you've come, so here are nine things I've learned about becoming a better musician, performer, songwriter and recording artist.<br />
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<b>1.) Get good gear. </b>You might start out with hand-me-down instruments and amplifiers, and that's OK for starters. But if your gear is subpar you've got to save up and invest in better equipment. I bought stuff as I needed it and as I could afford it until one day I looked around and realized, "Hey, this is a kick-ass professional setup!" <br />
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<b>2.) Make a professional studio recording.</b> Many musicians make home demos, and some are top-notch. But people who record in a professional studio discover that music-making is a collaborative process. While the end result may not always be what anyone expected at the onset the conclusion always seems inevitable. Don't let affordability be your excuse. Save your money, find the best deal and record a few tracks as you're able. Not every session has to result in a full-length album.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOpoE0Sp50Pcy7Cav1Q1xNQD_kOQiEzHb35Ze1W9xud176wPJ8Oodlr4OXqHRwnY5J68K4vU0WxLDmyEU4t8htOdLW4gkWW43ZZHrIZULHuqBtoxHLnVw-QhyphenhyphenYYECwJhuSSfrYSotZg/s1600/10450139_10152478691427768_8742777825254197291_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOpoE0Sp50Pcy7Cav1Q1xNQD_kOQiEzHb35Ze1W9xud176wPJ8Oodlr4OXqHRwnY5J68K4vU0WxLDmyEU4t8htOdLW4gkWW43ZZHrIZULHuqBtoxHLnVw-QhyphenhyphenYYECwJhuSSfrYSotZg/s1600/10450139_10152478691427768_8742777825254197291_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><b>3.) Perform regularly.</b> There's no substitute for experience. If you don't gig regularly, find an open mic and perform at least once a week. You'll become more comfortable performing in front of an audience and learn the importance of interacting with a crowd--however large or small. You've always got to be in the moment when performing live. You can go in with a plan but it helps to be versatile enough to call audibles, like when The Blues Brothers showed up at Bob's Country Bunker and had to play country and western to save their hides. Learn to banter with people, work on your timing and most importantly--be relaxed.<br />
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<b>4.) Take lessons.</b> I'm almost 50 years old and I can tell you taking guitar lessons is the best investment I've ever made. It's helped not only improve the music, but overall confidence in everything. I don't always practice what teacher shows me but I listen very closely and usually discover something new about theory, rhythm, harmony or some other aspect of music.<br />
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<b>5.) Get in tune.</b> This one sounds obvious but you'd be surprised how many musicians--guitarists in particular--don't understand the importance of being in tune. Invest in a tuner. Your ear will become better to the point where you'll be able to tell instantly when someone is out of tune. If the music is out of tune the singers will have difficulty singing notes in key. You don't need to be born with perfect pitch--you can acquire good pitch over time, and it matters a great deal.<br />
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<b>6.) Play sober. </b>I hear a lot of professional musicians laughing at this one and a bunch of weekend warrior good ole' boys scoffing. I can only speak from experience. From my earliest days making music with friends we always had beer when we jammed. It was fun! And alcohol helps many of us achieve that most important part of No. 3 above, which is to be relaxed when performing. But someday you'll play a family party, or in church, or in a public setting when drinking is prohibited and you'll discover you can play sober and still have fun! And you'll remember it better, and you will sound better--ask anyone. A lot of great artists sobered up at some point in their lives. And many who didn't clean up in time died too young.<br />
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<b>7.) Be a class act. </b>Dress nicely. Speak politely to and about others. Listen to others, when they talk or play, and you'll learn a lot. Think about others, <i>care</i> about others and how you might be able to help them. Karma is real, and if you show kindness to others you will be repaid. Why, it's the Golden Rule, the Greatest of the Commandments: Treat others as you would like to be treated. All of organized religion is based on this notion, after all. It sounds counter-intuitive, but the more you think of others the happier you will be.<br />
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<b>8.) Be socialable.</b> Meet people. Make friends. Friends lead to connections and offers and invitations. Expand your circles. Try different places. You never know what you'll find. If you need a wing man, bring a friend. But get out and experience live music, even if you're not performing that night. You'll be amazed at how exposure to a real music scene will improve your own craft and give you all kinds of new ideas and inspiration.<br />
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<b>9.) Nourish your soul. </b>Pete Townshend once said music comes from the heart, lyrics come from the head and the voice comes from God. But what about the soul? Art without passion may be technically proficient but tends to lack the hard-to-describe "X-Factor" that touches people emotionally. Soul is about energy, attitude and intensity. To nourish your soul you might have to confront your fears or demons, relive your happiest childhood memories or fall in love all over again. Find your source of inspiration and allow it to lend passion to your craft. <br />
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<br />Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-36154312441612695872014-12-26T10:32:00.002-08:002014-12-26T17:32:29.240-08:00A very musical December update<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GBP at CSP 12-20-14</td></tr>
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By Ted Slowik<br />
<br />
Hi all! Hope you had a Merry Christmas! Just realized I haven't posted an update since November, and there's much to recap!<br />
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The "Farewell Tour" was fun. The shows at Lewis University with <a href="http://www.johncondron.com/">John Condron</a> and <a href="http://www.allisonfloodmusic.com/">Allison Flood</a>, opening for <a href="http://chasepatrickwalsh.com/">Chase Walsh</a> at <a href="http://www.chicagost.com/">Chicago Street Pub</a> and playing covers at 30 Buck with Tim Placher were all very enjoyable. The Nov. 29 set opening for Dan Dougherty's new project <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OnTheOffChanceBand">On The Off Chance </a>didn't happen due to illness among band members, but I caught Aly opening for them Dec. 19 at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashbary-Coffee-House/116197381733653">Ashbary Coffee House</a> and they were phenomenal! Scott McNeil was there, too, and caught some <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ht17TZl2ijk&feature=youtu.be">spooky green orbs</a> flitting about while recording video of Aly's set. It may be just a trick of the light but it's weird!<br />
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The Tribute to Shirley Kostka show Dec. 13 in Minooka by GBP was great, also. Drummer J. Michael, guitarist George Barnes, singer Ron Kostka and I rehearsed several times in recent months and played a solid two hours of hard rock originals and covers, and I opened with an acoustic set. Ron's daughter Terry sang the National Anthem. I agreed to do some recording with them in January, and they plan to continue the project with Ron on bass and Terry on vocals, but I passed on the offer to do more live shows with them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nobody Knows at CSP 12-20-14</td></tr>
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Another reunion happened Dec. 20 at Chicago Street Pub. In addition to playing a set with Ron on vocals and George on guitar, Nobody Knows reunited for its first public show in more than 20 years! With good friends Dave Kent on guitar and Bill Moll on guitar and vocals, we played a good set even though we lacked drums. Ron was going to play but broke his arm two days before the show. Even though he was in a lot of pain he still came out and sang, and I greatly appreciate that! Thanks also to Scott for running sound and to Triz and Kathy and all at the Pub for being so supportive of live, local, original music. <br />
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Overall turnout at the "Farewell Show" Dec. 20 was pretty light, and it shows just how difficult it is to get people out to see you play. This was supposed to be my last billed public show for a while, remember? But between rehearsals and Ron's broken arm and this and that I ran out of time to reach out personally to people as I'd hoped, but it's OK. I kinda lost faith in the whole "Farewell" concept anyway, the more I thought about it.<br />
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You see, there have been other developments. I've decided not to become a hospice volunteer after all. I feel awful and have wrestled with this decision for a month or so, and apologize to all who feel I misled them. Many friends expressed support for the plan, and I waited months for an opening and went through all the training. But in the end I decided it's just not something I'm able to commit the time to doing at this time.<br />
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I still plan to spend time over the next few months writing new material. I'm continuing guitar lessons with Kev Wright of <a href="http://www.righteoushillbillies.com/">The Righteous Hillbillies</a>, and he's providing great feedback on recent songs as well as some of the very old ones. Bill Moll also said the old stuff was really good and I'm taking a fresh look at some of the old tunes now that I can play them on guitar instead of bass. I'm looking forward to recording new demos in the months ahead.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tribes 8-20-14</td></tr>
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Another new development is that the Wednesday night acoustic open mic at <a href="http://www.tribesalehouse.com/">Tribes Alehouse</a> in Mokena hosted by John Condron is on indefinite hiatus. Tribes is expanding and becoming a brewery, which is great news for beer lovers and very exciting for them! Unfortunately this means the end (for a while, at least) of a weekly gathering of a great community of musicians, songwriters and artists. I was fortunate to participate regularly for more than three years and learned much about performing and being relaxed while playing.<br />
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I also met many great people through Tribes, including Brian Motyll, who has just released a collection of new recordings he spent four months working on. He calls the album "Opal" and the project <a href="https://www.facebook.com/riverhorsemusic">Riverhorse</a>. You can download it for free on his <a href="https://riverhorsemusic.bandcamp.com/album/opal">Bandcamp page</a> or make a donation. I think his singing, playing and songwriting are great, and you should check out his music!<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10204199868189457&set=vb.1609541974&type=2&theater">I've also heard</a> Aly's new five-song collection produced by John Condron and it's fantastic, but I'll wait to publish a review until her release "Blackbird" is commercially available through her record label, <a href="http://www.flipsideworks.com/">Flipside Works</a>. <br />
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Also, cheers and a shout-out to <a href="http://vaudevileins.com/">The Vaudevileins</a>, who played the legendary Metro in Chicago this month! I saw them perform Dec. 6 at <span class="fsl">Jeff Julian's Big Damn Dumb Variety Show at the Pub (well, three-fourths of them, anyway) and they were terrific as always!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FitzGerald's 12-23-14</td></tr>
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<span class="fsl">With no more open mics at Tribes, there's opportunity to explore other options. The Pub is now having open mic on Mondays. On Tuesday this week I went up to FitzGerald's in Berwyn and played their open mic, which was fun (being Christmas, and having arrived early and signed up to go first, I played "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and got some in the crowd to sing along. I also played Muddy Waters' "Rollin' and Tumblin'" in the open D tuning Kev showed me). Ashbary has an open mic on Wednesdays, but it tends to attract a younger crowd.</span><br />
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<span class="fsl">Since I was in Berwyn I dropped by <a href="http://www.harlemavenuelounge.com/">Harlem Avenue Lounge</a>, where they were having an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10204273439708699&set=vb.1609541974&type=2&theater">open blues jam</a>. I hadn't been up to FitzGerald's or HAL to play in about a year, because it's quite a drive from Joliet, plus it would have been hard to do another weeknight out in addition to Wednesdays at Tribes. It was great seeing guitarist <a href="http://www.pistolpeteguitar.com/">Pistol Pete,</a> bassist <a href="http://samcockrell.wix.com/home">Sam Cockrell</a>, Laurance Glasser and many others again, but also humbling to say the least! I may be quite comfortable playing acoustic guitar in any situation but the cats at Kenny Zimmerman's HAL are the real deal when it comes to electric blues. A year of lessons with Kev has helped tremendously but I'm going to need more experience playing electric onstage with others before I'd be comfortable playing with the greats at the Lounge.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam Cockrell and drummer at HAL 12-23-14</td></tr>
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Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-11918630428540017222014-11-30T09:35:00.002-08:002014-11-30T09:35:36.151-08:00Next stop on the Farewell Tour: "Tribute to Shirley Kostka"<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Barnes Project, circa 1990</td></tr>
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By Ted Slowik<br />
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Drummer Ron Kostka and I have been friends for a long time. We met at Lyons Township High School in 1982. He used to call the radio station, WLTL-FM 88.1, when I was DJing and request "Love To Love" by UFO for his girlfriend.<br />
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The first time I got together with other friends to make music, in my parents' garage in the summer of 1982, Ron was there. I remember playing "House of the Rising Sun" on electric guitar. That was in the band Suspended Animation. A short time later, the bassist left the group and I started playing bass, which I kept up for nearly 30 years.<br />
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In the late 1980s Suspended Animation morphed into Nobody Knows, and Ron eventually played drums in that band as well. (Ron also played drums for nine of the 11 years I played bass in the Big Eddy Springs Blues Band 2000-2011). In the early 1990s, Ron and I were in a band together initially called Pegasus but later known as the George Barnes Project. It was a loud, heavy sound fueled by George's guitar playing. Ron was front man and sang lead vocals and various other players backed us up on drums.<br />
<br />
We played a lot of our own songs. In most cases, George wrote the music and Ron's sister, Shirley, wrote the lyrics. Shirley B. Kostka was born June 12, 1954 and died March 6, 2014. She had moved to Kentucky when she became sick, and Ron was in the process of having her transported to the Joliet Area Community Hospice when she passed away.<br />
<br />
There was a small memorial service after she passed, and sometime later Ron asked if I'd play a tribute show to honor his sister's memory. Of course I agreed, and though it's taken a while to pull together the show will take place at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at <a href="http://www.2-fers.net/">2-Fer's Pizza and Pub</a>,
106 N. Ridge Road in Minooka, I'll be playing bass with Ron on
vocals, his friend Jay on drums and George Barnes on guitar.<br />
<br />
In addition to the originals that Shirley co-wrote, we'll be playing some old rockers we used to play by bands like Deep Purple, Cream, The Rolling Stones, Steppenwolf and Jimi Hendrix. This won't be the first time since the early 1990s that George, Ron and I have performed together. We reunited in 2010 for a small tour that included Seneca and Rockford. <br />
<br />
<br />
George and Ron will also be part of the Farewell Show Dec. 20 at Chicago Street Pub, the last billed public show before I take time off from performing to write and spend time as a hospice volunteer. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmt9TR_T4fdc63ErNoODX2o7SPbNL1aNknnPgMDDzsCHnls_r0LTmVhSsb9s8p4XBVAWpDsuYRFSTqYa4xJ3Nsh2RvFUnTC2QIgVhjNZAyFX7VUSFI_x4pZDxWyyMm9cEAU5NXyjJukw/s1600/GBP+seneca+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmt9TR_T4fdc63ErNoODX2o7SPbNL1aNknnPgMDDzsCHnls_r0LTmVhSsb9s8p4XBVAWpDsuYRFSTqYa4xJ3Nsh2RvFUnTC2QIgVhjNZAyFX7VUSFI_x4pZDxWyyMm9cEAU5NXyjJukw/s1600/GBP+seneca+2010.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GBP in Seneca, 2010</td></tr>
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<br />Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-17668312934104644472014-11-24T17:23:00.003-08:002014-11-24T17:23:37.875-08:00Saturday night setlist from the Farewell Tour Buck stop<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7df_4538djyhWZiEtwIVKSYh-228s_d6BaVJUJ2M5uEahF8Kl85lZPNz3cDXjSxiqG9DkbpGi5iUI8qfhDpM4C39z5vW-ZIZ-X1FoMNI-pomZg4H8FT5JUAwoIOqm_vfjRc1UBWIsg/s1600/dave+ted+30+buck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7df_4538djyhWZiEtwIVKSYh-228s_d6BaVJUJ2M5uEahF8Kl85lZPNz3cDXjSxiqG9DkbpGi5iUI8qfhDpM4C39z5vW-ZIZ-X1FoMNI-pomZg4H8FT5JUAwoIOqm_vfjRc1UBWIsg/s1600/dave+ted+30+buck.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ted and nephew Dave Slowik</td></tr>
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By Ted Slowik<br />
<br />
I don't play evenings of covers too often. My passion is for originals, and since I'm not a working musician I don't need to supplement opportunities to play my own songs by playing bars and private functions where the expectation is people will hear songs they know. <br />
<br />
But occasionally it's great fun to pretend I'm a working musician and play three hours worth of songs to entertain people. Tim Placher and I performed one of our nights of covers together Saturday night. I've never seen the 30 Buck so packed! It was an awesome turnout.<br />
<br />
Nephew Dave made a surprise appearance, with his wife Lesley, who is expecting their third child in about two weeks! And a great number of 30 Buck regulars were there, like Eric Beltzhoover, Dan Wilson and many others. Jenna Loats and Meg O'Keeffe were there, Bill and Kathy Kibler stopped by, good friends Jodi Wartenberg and Scott Kinsella made appearances, and so on. Apologies for not mentioning everyone by name.<br />
<br />
Tim played and sang several duets with a fellow teacher, Robyn Castle, and they sounded phenomenal together! I can't wait to hear them together again at the 2015 Shindig at the Shanty on the bluff overlooking the mighty Kankakee River outside Wilmington.<br />
<br />
This was the only stop on the Farewell Tour where I primarily played covers. I played about 40 songs in three hours, broke a couple strings, and received great feedback from people. It was a great night, and a ton of fun! I still had a strong voice at the end of the night! <br />
<br />
Thirty Buck setlist 11-22-14 (not in precise order) <br />
<br />
Bright Lights, Big City (Jimmy Reed)<br />
For No One (The Beatles)<br />
Hurt (Johnny Cash)<br />
Lawyers, Guns and Money (Warren Zevon)<br />
We're Going To Be Friends (The White Stripes)<br />
Learning To Fly (Tom Petty)<br />
Little Lion Man (Mumford & Sons)<br />
Closer To Fine (Indigo Girls)<br />
Come To Papa (Bob Seger)<br />
Rain on the Scarecrow (John Mellencamp)<br />
Excitable Boy (Warren Zevon)<br />
Don't Let Me Down (The Beatles)<br />
Talk of the Town (The Pretenders)<br />
Record Store (original)<br />
Take Me Dancing (The Maine, on keyboard)<br />
Rollin' and Tumblin' (Muddy Waters)<br />
Slowiks (original)<br />
Paper Thin (John Hiatt)<br />
Steppin' Stone (The Monkees) <br />
Both Sides Now (Joni Mitchell)<br />
The Cave (Mumford & Sons)<br />
Don't Go Back to Rockville (R.E.M)<br />
Call Me the Breeze (Lynyrd Skynyrd) <br />
Wish List (Pearl Jam)<br />
Maybe Tonight (The Knack)<br />
20 Flight Rock (Eddie Cochran)<br />
Good Riddance (Green Day)<br />
Whiter Shade of Pale (Procol Harum)<br />
Hit Somebody (Warren Zevon) <br />
Teach Your Children (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young)<br />
That's Alright Mama (Elvis Presley)<br />
Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd)<br />
Body Is a Temple (original)<br />
Red Rover (original)<br />
No Tomorrow (original)<br />
Molly Zelko (original)<br />
Joe Hosey (original)<br />
Watching the Wheels (John Lennon) <br />
Stand By Me (Ben E. King)<br />
<br />
<br />Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-79870329323795306662014-11-22T07:56:00.000-08:002014-11-22T07:56:48.153-08:00Seeing the great Buddy Guy perform in St. Charles<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTKQERR5pY4XzyY5VwAxyS43qdzHt396FJl3NQYufNa4BxqGHE2N9ZWJ4bwqGxzgpT4hg69_q02hykVLD9FTRM62bxMbmHEnQs6Glq5j0V7s0waJ0PFTHHLIRW38iS4DZ6ojFRbuIBQ/s1600/bud+liz+mj+steve+arcada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTKQERR5pY4XzyY5VwAxyS43qdzHt396FJl3NQYufNa4BxqGHE2N9ZWJ4bwqGxzgpT4hg69_q02hykVLD9FTRM62bxMbmHEnQs6Glq5j0V7s0waJ0PFTHHLIRW38iS4DZ6ojFRbuIBQ/s1600/bud+liz+mj+steve+arcada.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve, Liz, Mary Jo and Bud</td></tr>
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By Ted Slowik<br />
<br />
I never got the chance to see Jimi Hendrix perform. But I've seen <a href="http://www.buddyguy.net/">Buddy Guy</a>, and that's the next best thing.<br />
<br />
Buddy, who also was a huge influence to Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, performed Friday night at the historic <a href="http://www.oshows.com/">Arcada Theatre</a> in St. Charles. I hadn't seen a show at the Arcada before, and I gotta say it was a wonderful experience! It has that old vaudeville/movie house charm and grandeur of theaters like the Rialto in Joliet and Paramount in Aurora, but it's smaller, cozier and more fun.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0X8osRNMRE3CcwOuT8rqYbIW7V9y9_xWpKEbJ_EjLTe-BBG9EkGSEQhZGklLnl7qBw7oKr-wVv0kEnfbDYKYERnk7L0JwNefGoc_C_UTvrmYUq6J4tGM5UPffUxnLNCoF3MqKmbaonA/s1600/mike+and+jon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0X8osRNMRE3CcwOuT8rqYbIW7V9y9_xWpKEbJ_EjLTe-BBG9EkGSEQhZGklLnl7qBw7oKr-wVv0kEnfbDYKYERnk7L0JwNefGoc_C_UTvrmYUq6J4tGM5UPffUxnLNCoF3MqKmbaonA/s1600/mike+and+jon.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike and Jon</td></tr>
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Buddy played really loose last night. I went with brother Mike, his son Jon, sister Liz and her husband Steve, and brother Bud and his wife Mary Jo. A bunch of Slowiks, usually Frank and sometimes Sue and even Jeanne, have gone to see Buddy every January for years at his club <a href="http://www.buddyguy.com/">Legends</a> in the south Loop. The last time I saw our brother Jim was at Legends, in 2009.<br />
<br />
He's simply the best living blues guitarist. I mean no disrespect to B.B. King, who was a mentor to Buddy, along with Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon. At age 78, Buddy still rocks like no other. His band, which includes the great <a href="http://www.martysammon.com/">Marty Sammon</a> on keyboards, features some of the best players in the world.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqw2IgAnkwsioE_4hJMDeFhrqd3cR6aX7y7hpQogbL8sH7-vwyWDp4Uz6K6E_ladVHncf1RzF-WJACMW0uCobH3u5021NZ50N418zpCXZLCmOXFP_ROvhVdGkf_wbYcF4OSgus2zqkFg/s1600/buddy+balcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqw2IgAnkwsioE_4hJMDeFhrqd3cR6aX7y7hpQogbL8sH7-vwyWDp4Uz6K6E_ladVHncf1RzF-WJACMW0uCobH3u5021NZ50N418zpCXZLCmOXFP_ROvhVdGkf_wbYcF4OSgus2zqkFg/s1600/buddy+balcony.jpg" height="227" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddy in the Arcada balcony</td></tr>
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Buddy's an entertainer. In his youth he used to have a really long guitar cord, and he was known to jump off balconies back onto the stage. He doesn't jump off balconies anymore, but with his wireless guitar he does make his way through the crowd. He likes being close with his audience. You can go down to his club and many times Buddy will be sitting at the bar, and you can strike up a conversation with him.<br />
<br />
One of the best hours of my professional life was when I got to interview Buddy, in 2008, when I still worked for the company that publishes the Chicago Sun-Times. We chatted, and he was real friendly, though he has a way of steering the conversation to the stories he feels like telling, regardless of the questions you ask.<br />
<br />
At the end of the interview, Buddy reached into a mini-fridge and pulled out a Mason jar of clear liquid. He said it was real Tennessee moonshine--the good stuff. He poured us each a shot and we drank it. That was a good day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0dlpahaF53bNh6cDHkB8ZIpygpjtFJoDfdPkgvXCGP3QAOznYqEWF-j65h6xZMXU2T6eR8oQqexoHG3R2X3lRPbS9aqqg0QwBMLER2BZPPN9CEyj_ChyyyvEoLrpPm5VQclku0oLVQ/s1600/jb+ritche+and+ivy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0dlpahaF53bNh6cDHkB8ZIpygpjtFJoDfdPkgvXCGP3QAOznYqEWF-j65h6xZMXU2T6eR8oQqexoHG3R2X3lRPbS9aqqg0QwBMLER2BZPPN9CEyj_ChyyyvEoLrpPm5VQclku0oLVQ/s1600/jb+ritche+and+ivy.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ivy Ford with J.B. Ritchie</td></tr>
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I said hi to the great blues guitarist <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/katemoss">Kate Moss </a>in the Arcada lobby at the show. Her husband <a href="http://www.nickmoss.com/">Nick Moss</a> is a fantastic songwriter, blues guitar player, performer, singer and recording artist. Next door to the Arcada, <a href="http://teardroprecords.com/ritchie.htm">J.B. Ritchie</a> was playing with <a href="http://www.bandmix.com/mark-schiele/">Mark Schiele </a>on bass. (Mark let me play his bass during a blues jam at the legendary Rainbow in L.A. in 2010). I met a fantastic singer/guitarist named<a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/ivyford"> Ivy Ford</a>, who was sitting in with J.B. Ritchie, who was recently inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame along with Joliet's <a href="http://www.tbirdhuck.com/">T-Bird Huck</a> and the best bassist I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, <a href="http://samcockrell.wix.com/home">Sam Cockrell.</a><br />
<br />
So, it was a really fun time on a cold November night in St. Charles. The Arcada is a great venue that books a lot of big-name rock and blues acts that are still making good music. Buddy played for two hours and delivered a very satisfying show.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNQe7n5rcfyHhhxOlGHAUfareKjl0WKP9v1yonHvxhBRZIjq1_RTqmelOZeFpM8e1TsIm9vf5snn3j6yjIhiXbolRHG3DxZzzfsilJ7GfDjAmu4MUSVKLah3pjiT4ywLukCtemLxjiw/s1600/arcada+counter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNQe7n5rcfyHhhxOlGHAUfareKjl0WKP9v1yonHvxhBRZIjq1_RTqmelOZeFpM8e1TsIm9vf5snn3j6yjIhiXbolRHG3DxZzzfsilJ7GfDjAmu4MUSVKLah3pjiT4ywLukCtemLxjiw/s1600/arcada+counter.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merch counter man at the Arcada</td></tr>
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<br />Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-64355385894464399202014-11-16T19:23:00.004-08:002014-11-20T04:45:34.452-08:00My 10 most influential albums, and why<br />
By Ted Slowik<br />
<br />
I begin this post with the presumption that the reader has some appreciation for the album as an art form. And that an album is a collection of recorded material intended to be appreciated in its entirety.<br />
<br />
It’s an art form that came into being in the 1960s, flourished in the 1970s and continues to this day. Though sales of albums are at historic lows, and the art form is threatened. <br />
<br />
With that in mind here are 10 albums that are major influences in my life, and the story behind each one.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RshRVS9VI4DQbl2gQMlaf0MGmbLpS7RKGXXlCRs1VkkW4eFhKBKVUUQeys1cmfB__1HGXlf52-oquuhELYL80xkfm-U6Zuu3w_SUVmqVV8h-GNp5ZiXvZcs_nvI1A8rVWVt_5bZ0Jg/s1600/Jackson_Browne_Running_on_Empty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RshRVS9VI4DQbl2gQMlaf0MGmbLpS7RKGXXlCRs1VkkW4eFhKBKVUUQeys1cmfB__1HGXlf52-oquuhELYL80xkfm-U6Zuu3w_SUVmqVV8h-GNp5ZiXvZcs_nvI1A8rVWVt_5bZ0Jg/s1600/Jackson_Browne_Running_on_Empty.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>10. “Running on Empty,” by Jackson Browne (1978). This album captured my imagination unlike any other. The songs are about life as a musician on the road, and my dream as a child was to move to southern California. The melodies are immaculate, and the performances are dream-like, from the mournful fiddle of “The Road” to David Lindley’s exquisite slide on “The Load-Out/Stay,” this album stays with you the rest of your life. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbQoHuRHqzNpKoybsCTBORczVqNoiu_QkkdXjQu0NWHeai1rdp85J1b1H7JFzuy-ZDx-Gh4Q2wsS0deA3LcYVvUNTTwxbhEZz052lGpFSEFaYYFD4iiFQWaZDTshaA4xRVHcQpPKskg/s1600/BruceSpringsteenDarknessontheEdgeofTown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbQoHuRHqzNpKoybsCTBORczVqNoiu_QkkdXjQu0NWHeai1rdp85J1b1H7JFzuy-ZDx-Gh4Q2wsS0deA3LcYVvUNTTwxbhEZz052lGpFSEFaYYFD4iiFQWaZDTshaA4xRVHcQpPKskg/s1600/BruceSpringsteenDarknessontheEdgeofTown.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>9. “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” by Bruce Springsteen (1978).<br />
At 2 a.m. on a summer Saturday in 1978 when I was 13, I woke up and went downstairs for a drink of water. My brother Mike and his friends were just leaving for Warren Dunes and let me come along. We listened to “Darkness on the Edge of Town” all the way there. We waited out a thunderstorm parked in a car wash, and later watched the sun come up. When the park opened we drove in and parked in the huge, empty lot. My brother's friends crashed on the beach. I went exploring. I wasn't tired. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBjgEX9R-nTae6IRzLCc9X86FS0oVx6-4xMglja_y5TQlaP4uIrMF8_iyZ-Icijmn5OhAC8R0o1T3Lqf_i-CkNZBfUCQqi5UZ-I0mFaW1ZE15OUgjox8fMObuGRoW12otsiiVeFOiMQ/s1600/Elton_John_-_Goodbye_Yellow_Brick_Road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBjgEX9R-nTae6IRzLCc9X86FS0oVx6-4xMglja_y5TQlaP4uIrMF8_iyZ-Icijmn5OhAC8R0o1T3Lqf_i-CkNZBfUCQqi5UZ-I0mFaW1ZE15OUgjox8fMObuGRoW12otsiiVeFOiMQ/s1600/Elton_John_-_Goodbye_Yellow_Brick_Road.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
8.) “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” by Elton John (1973). I mean, come on, I spent hours in front of the mirror playing air guitar to this album. Lester Bangs said great albums are judged not by the number of great songs but by the absence of not-so-great songs. There’s no weak link on this classic. From the orchestral opening "Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" to the seamless tempo and rhythm changes of a song like "All the Young Girls Love Alice," this record packs a ton of variety. Of course there are classics, hits a plenty. But the lesser-known tracks like "Grey Seal" are equally good. There's not a bad song in this bunch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Yjq7pcFhw-L7FOcN-b9EkqAEQK6hHZ_Nx4yAk88q8oBnLsvdORtCY38aEXit0mmspXaiPLbJpHNxbq3-cTbK23hO2NnOIVsOoAcy1VptSj4NlVtXRuucU-Z7Dn3QexKhVRWIOYdfsA/s1600/TheBeatles68LP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Yjq7pcFhw-L7FOcN-b9EkqAEQK6hHZ_Nx4yAk88q8oBnLsvdORtCY38aEXit0mmspXaiPLbJpHNxbq3-cTbK23hO2NnOIVsOoAcy1VptSj4NlVtXRuucU-Z7Dn3QexKhVRWIOYdfsA/s1600/TheBeatles68LP.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
7.) “The Beatles,” by The Beatles , aka “The White Album” (1968). When I was 14 I spent the summer of 1979 at my brother Stan’s in Evergreen, Colorado. I was penniless but earned a few bucks doing chores. Enough to buy one record at the end of the summer. I pored over every album in the store, narrowing my choices until finally I bought the one record I could. And so I chose this one, and never regretted it. The layers of sounds and abrupt changes in mood somehow leave you feeling like you're able to make sense out of chaos. It's a sonic smorgasbord, a feast for the ears. Listen to it through headphones, again. You'll be glad you did. <br />
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6.) “Quadrophenia,” by The Who (1973). Adolescent boys relate well to this story. It's a coming-of-age tale about social insecurity, awkwardness and substance abuse. Growing up is often a difficult, lonely experience. These songs speak to those going through that transition, especially males, and the music is this incredible infusion of power. Hopefully this masterfully recorded, brilliantly performed, impeccably written gem of a concept album continues to speak to audiences of young people finding their way for generations to come.<br />
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5.) “The Wall,” by Pink Floyd (1979). OK, so it’s the soaring culmination from possibly the most talented quartet of British rock musicians ever. This was a great band, from its humble beginnings behind Syd Barrett through its experimental era and commercial juggernauts, and this Roger Waters-conceived masterpiece is executed like none other in history. Beyond the smash hits like "Another Brick in the Wall," "Comfortably Numb," "Young Lust," "Hey You" and "Run Like Hell" there are acoustic beauties like "Mother" and "Goodbye Blue Sky." I was going through adolescence when a lot of these albums came out, and that's a critical age when your musical tastes are determined for life.<br />
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4.) “Empty Glass,” by Pete Townshend (1979). There's something about the screaming guitars of “Rough Boys” that pulls you in. Then you’re captivated by the profanity and beauty of “I Am an Animal,” and it goes on. "And I Moved" has wonderful piano, and the drumming is amazing throughout. The hit "Let My Love Open the Door" showcases the keyboards, and “Gonna Get Ya” closes this intoxicating collection with some truly great guitar and bass work. These are songs about the pain of loss, and using alcohol to dull that pain. If you've ever done it, you understand. If you haven't, you're lucky. Try not judge others too harshly.<br />
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3.) “Exile on Main Street,” by The Rolling Stones (1972). Admittedly, I didn’t fully appreciate this masterpiece until I read Keith Richards’ autobiography, “Life.” I mean, I always loved the radio hits, like “Tumblin’ Dice” and “Rocks Off.” But it’s the deeper cuts that make this one of my favorites. The slide guitar work, keyboards, Mick Jagger’s vocals and Keith’s harmonies (and leads at times) defined rock music for me. Admittedly, I'm greatly in love with the <i>idea</i> of this album being made in the south of France amid all the decadence of the era, and the wild parties that abounded while this great music was being made.<br />
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2.) “Plastic Ono Band,” by John Lennon (1970). It’s hard to not include George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass,” or some of Paul’s fine work with Wings and as a solo artist. But the power of John Lennon’s commercial solo debut is in its raw emotion, the naked vulnerability of boldly going into the unknown. Beautifully simple in its arrangements, with drums and bass backing up guitar or piano, this record is all about Lennon's voice and lyrics. The record is deeply confessional, from the quirky edge of "Well, Well, Well" to the manifesto "God," with commentary like "Working Class Hero" along the way.<br />
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1.) “Abbey Road,” by The Beatles (1969). “Something” and “Here Comes the Sun” are among George Harrison’s finest work. Even the weakest song “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” amused me as a child. Side two is an amazing medley of sounds and moods. The perfect harmonies of “Because.” Paul McCartney’s piano and melodies, George Martin’s production, all reaching a crescendo after the drum and guitar solos of “The End.” A perfect ending from the greatest band at making albums.<br />
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<i>Footnote: Honorable mentions to the aforementioned "All Things Must Pass," McCartney's"Band On the Run," Lennon's "Double Fantasy," "Hot Rocks 1964-1971" and "Some Girls" by The Rolling Stones, The Grateful Dead's "American Beauty" and "Terrapin Station," Supertramp's "Breakfast in America," Springsteen's "The River" and "Nebraska," The Eagles' "Hotel California," Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours," Nirvana's "Nevermind," Carole King's "Tapestry" and others I'll add as I think of them :) I didn't listen to many Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Beach Boys or Bob Dylan albums growing up but I've gained a deep appreciation for them since. </i>Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-81717282159975912912014-11-10T18:26:00.002-08:002014-11-10T21:04:37.655-08:00Review: Young singer/songwriter Chase Walsh impresses with debut <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By Ted Slowik<br />
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At age 15 most of us are still formulating our musical tastes, choosing from among the palette of popular artists and sounds to select favorites we carry with us the rest of lives. But at that young age singer/songwriter Chase Walsh is already defining the course of his own original music.<br />
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Chase, who started learning music when he was 5 and wrote his first song at age 10, has just released his debut collection of six studio recordings, all originals. He'll celebrate the release of "Your Friend the Robber" with an all-ages show at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16 at <a href="http://www.chicagost.com/">Chicago Street Pub</a>, 75 N. Chicago St., Joliet. Tickets are $5 and available through <a href="http://www.chasepatrickwalsh.com/">chasepatrickwalsh.com </a>while supplies last.<br />
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"Your Friend the Robber" is an excellent debut. The songs all feature Chase's fine acoustic guitar playing and sweet low voice expertly recorded at Hillbilly Studios by his guitar teacher, Kev Wright and Brent James of <a href="http://www.righteoushillbillies.com/">The Righteous Hillbillies</a>. There's a minimal amount of accompaniment: an egg shaker on "Impulse," a subtle Kev electric guitar solo on "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere," some deep-end cello by Andrew Matichek on "Like I Do." But for the most part Chase's songs stand up very well on their own with just his guitar playing and voice.<br />
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Chase has a gift for melody and a solid grasp on writing songs in open tuning. He displays maturity well beyond his 15 years, both in writing and performance. His voice is unmistakeably in pitch throughout, and his guitar playing shows a poise and confidence that many players don't discover until much later in life.<br />
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His style of singing probably appeals more to today's 15-year-old girls than those of us who grew up listening to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones on AM radio. But listening to this record multiple times is a truly enjoyable experience. There's a heart and sincerity to Chase's music that makes one believe in his limitless potential.<br />
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Probably the worst thing that could happen to Chase is if he were to suddenly become hugely popular on the scale of a Justin Bieber or The Jonas Brothers. And that's not far-fetched, given his pop idol-looks and his Vine following of more than 37,000. That would be a shame, because as Chase matures from writing songs about girls to other topics he could become a voice for his generation in the vein of a great songwriter like Ryan Adams.<br />
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Full disclosure: I'm also a guitar student of Kev's, and I met Chase last summer before he performed at <a href="http://www.hopstringfest.com/">Hopstring Fest </a>in Joliet. That doesn't diminish my enthusiasm for Chase's music or admiration for his gifts. He's a talented guy, and I look forward to hearing much more from him in the future.<br />
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<br />Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855879701531172969.post-19120828668970483302014-11-09T13:21:00.001-08:002014-11-09T14:00:28.845-08:00Enjoying every moment of the Farewell Tour!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joliet Area Community Hospice grounds</td></tr>
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By Ted Slowik<br />
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It feels like a whirlwind now that the Farewell Tour has kicked off! The next couple months will be quite busy with shows before I <a href="http://www.bluested.blogspot.com/2014/09/announcing-break-from-public-musical.html">take a break</a> from live performances during 2015 to spend time writing songs and working as a hospice volunteer. Today I'm happy to announce two additional shows on the Farewell Tour, with details below!<br />
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Volunteer training went great Oct. 25-26 at <a href="http://www.joliethospice.org/">Joliet Area Community Hospice</a>. It turns out their greatest need is getting word out to people that hospice care is available when someone is expected to have six months to live. Too often, families only take advantage of hospice services for the final week or so of a loved one's life. One of the great benefits of hospice is that staff and volunteers are there to assist patients and families while there's still time to fulfill dreams, get affairs in order, resolve issues and make arrangements.<br />
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I've still got to pass a physical and background check and undergo an interview, but it's looking like I'll be a sort of freelance writer who will help share the stories of families who want to relate the positive experiences they had with hospice. Quite likely I'll collect testimonials for publication on the hospice's website that can be shared on social media and pitched to traditional media to help get out the word about the excellent services hospice provides.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ted and Allison Flood at Lewis University. (Eric Johnson photo)</td></tr>
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With all the time spent practicing, rehearsing, coordinating schedules with other musicians and promoting upcoming performances I'm reminded why I decided to suspend performances for a year or more. It's great fun but it doesn't leave much time for songwriting.<br />
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The Farewell Tour kicked off Nov. 1 with a great show in the Studio Theatre at Lewis University's <a href="http://www.lewisu.edu/academics/theatre/plt.htm">Philip Lynch Theatre</a>, as a benefit for the Heritage Theatre Company. Much thanks to my wife Jo, who manages the theatre at Lewis, for creating a spectacular set and publicizing the show, and to Andrew Nelsen for doing a great job on sound and lighting.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Condron at Lewis University. (Eric Johnson photo)</td></tr>
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It was a fantastic evening of acoustic originals. I shared the bill with <a href="http://www.flipsideworks.com/">Flipside Works </a>recording artists <a href="http://www.allisonfloodmusic.com/">Allison Flood </a>and <a href="http://www.johncondron.com/">John Condron</a>, who both performed beautifully! The audience was attentive during songs and erupted with applause after each number, and it's a great venue to really listen to the music. <br />
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I'm continuing as best I'm able to perform weekly at the Wednesday night acoustic open mic that John hosts at <a href="http://www.tribesalehouse.com/">Tribes Alehouse </a>in Mokena. The exciting news about Tribes is that the Mokena location is expanding, and will being brewing its own line of beers! The food, service and company at Tribes Alehouses in Mokena and Tinley Park are fantastic, and you should check them out.<br />
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Last night an unannounced date was added to the Farewell Tour when a date at <a href="http://www.chicagost.com/">Chicago Street Pub</a> in Joliet opened up on short notice. John stepped in as headliner and invited J Ross Green and I to play opening sets. J Ross (or John) Green is one of my favorite performers and I greatly admire how he writes about local people and places in his songs. Regular readers may recall I wrote about <a href="http://www.bluested.blogspot.com/2014/06/jross-green-rocks-with-debut-cd.html">Green's new album </a>earlier this year.<br />
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I played a set of originals and acoustic blues in open tuning and slide. I'm definitely showing the influence of having taken guitar lessons from Kev Wright of <a href="http://www.righteoushillbillies.com/">The Righteous Hillbillies </a>since last Christmas. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures or video from the show last night because my phone was full and I've spent the morning uploading a ton of pictures and videos to the cloud to free up storage space.<br />
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The Farewell Tour is incredibly fun because no two shows are alike! Not only are the venues different, but each show features a different mix of material tailored for the performance. I'm playing different songs on different instruments with different musicians at each show! Let's walk you through the details of each upcoming performance, including the two new shows:<br />
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<b>Nov. 16:</b> This Sunday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. at Chicago Street Pub is the CD release show for "Your Friend the Robber," the debut by <a href="http://www.chasepatrickwalsh.com/">Chase Patrick Walsh</a>. Chase is another student of Kev's and a very talented young singer/songwriter with unlimited potential. I <a href="http://www.bluested.blogspot.com/2014/07/musician-chase-walsh-of-frankfort-looks.html">wrote about Chase </a>leading up to this year's <a href="http://www.hopstrinfest.com/">Hopstring Fest</a>. I'll open with a set of acoustic originals and some blues with good friend Ron Kostka backing up on drums, and Kev will join us for a couple songs in our first appearance on stage together! At the conclusion of Chase's set, I'll play keyboards with Chase and Kev on guitar, Ron on drums and a bassist for a finale rendition of "Take Me Dancing" by The Maine.<br />
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<b>Nov. 22:</b> Saturday, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., I'll join great friend and piano man Tim Placher for one of our tag-team shows at Thirty Buck, located at Six Corners in Joliet. It's five hours of nonstop music, mostly covers, in a friendly, fun environment. <br />
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<b>Nov. 29: </b>Saturday, 9 p.m., I'll perform an opening set of acoustic originals at Chicago Street Pub for the debut performance of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OnTheOffChanceBand">On the Off Chance</a>. This new project features Steve Ashum, Anthony Bartkowiak, Dan Dougherty, Jason Parks and Rebekah Rakow. Dan's been in other bands including The Tone Bone, which performed at Hopstring. Back in February when I had my heart attack on a Monday, I was supposed to open for Dan's band the following Saturday at a show. I wasn't able to make it but Allison Flood filled in for me, and she and Dan performed "Red Rover" together. There's no greater honor for a songwriter than hearing other artists perform your material.<br />
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<b>Dec. 13:</b> Saturday, 9 p.m. at <a href="http://www.2-fers.net/">2-Fer's Pizza and Pub</a>, 106 N. Ridge Road in Minooka, I'll be playing bass with Ron Kostka on vocals, a friend of his on drums and George Barnes on guitar as The George Barnes Project performs a very special "Tribute to Shirley Kostka" show. Ron's sister Shirley, who passed away earlier this year, wrote lyrics to many of the songs The George Barnes Project performed together in the early 1990s.<br />
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<b>Dec. 20:</b> Saturday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Chicago Street Pub, will be a blowout spectacular and my final billed public performance for a while. Plans are still coming together, but the evening will feature some of my favorite songs on acoustic to open the evening, with some blues on electric. I'll close out the night on bass with Ron on drums and George on guitar for a set by The George Barnes Project. I'm hoping to announce some other special guests during the course of the evening and the evening is bound to include a few surprises too, so you won't want to miss this one!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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<br />Ted Slowikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089311970697027238noreply@blogger.com0