Friday, November 23, 2012

But it's alright now...


Photo by Helmut Newton

The newest Rolling Stones documentary, "Crossfire Hurricane", finally making it's way to the U.S. courtesy of HBO, is a celebration of the Stones 50th anniversary as a band. Based on interviews conducted on the eve of their 50th anniversary date (with no cameras allowed), "Crossfire Hurricane" is an amazing collection of mostly previously unseen footage, presented largely in chronological order. Even a good deal of the familiar footage is offered with alternate views / takes. The film opens with a segment with Dick Cavett and Mick Jagger backstage at Madison Square Garden before a show in 1972, followed by the band onstage launching into "Street Fighting Man". Then it's back to the beginning of the band's history. From interviews to concert performances to television appearances to offstage footage, this is just a dazzling movie for any Stones fan. The band interviews (which include Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor) mesh magnificently with the film. Part of the pre-release hype noted that "no subject is taboo" and, true, not too much goes left unsaid. But the film does stop a little short on the band's history, basically ignoring the last 20 years. Alla the unseen footage makes it an definite must see for any Stones fan worth their salt. For those who've lived in caves or the very young, it also is a great document of one of the greatest bands in rock history. As a fairly serious Stones fan, I absolutely loved this film. "Crossfire Hurricane" is on HBO On Demand until December 17.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Psychedelic dimensions...

I finally got around to hearing the new Neil Young and Aerosmith CD's last week. The Aerosmith CD, "Music from Another Dimension" played out to my suspicions, mentioned here last time. There's a definite split beyond rockers nodding and dipping into the band's rich past, and more of those power ballads that they threw out at us in the '90's. While those ballads were very successful for the band and there's still a decent size audience for them, in my book they're kinda played out. Steven Tyler is said to have a fondness for the style because it allows him to show the range of his voice, which it does. To me, there might be somewhere else they could go with it. It just doesn't seem like they're breaking any new ground with these types of songs. The rockers on the other hand, do open up in a slightly fresher direction and do have that sense of that "old Aerosmith" sound. Strangely enough, the balance between the two types of songs is split almost exactly down the middle. Of the stand out songs, one is one of the bonus tracks. Even the 3 extra tracks kinda leave you a bit mystified. Dunno... maybe it needs to grow on me a bit more but, at the moment, it didn't really have me all that excited. All of the talk leading up to this release usually jumped right over their last release "Honkin' On Bobo" like it never existed. But, ya know what? I think that was a better CD and staying in that vein (not necessarily an all or mostly covers record) woulda been a bit more powerful and woulda showed their teeth a lot more. But as a lot of these great bands of the '60's and '70's start reaching their 60's and '70's, they've earned the right to put out whatever kinda record they feel like making at this point and a lotta them do.

Which leads me to the new Neil Young release, 'Psychedelic Pill'. The great thing about when Neil hitches up with Crazy Horse is they just lock into that sound and groove and just go. A lot of it is familiar territory and you can tell that they could just give a crap. Songs go on for long periods of time ("Driftin' Back" clocks in at a live Allman Brothers like 27+ minutes) and it all sounds like, well, Neil Young and Crazy Horse. The stand out for me is the title track which throws in a 'Le Noise' like flange throughout the song (there's a bonus version without the effect). This CD didn't necessarily excite me too much either but I do like it though. Neil and the Horse are very comfortable with the sound they've been working on for 40 years now and that's cool. If you like your Neil Young grooves without experimentation, you should be happy with this CD.

Be sure to check out tracks from both CD's on NOTIMEWARP RADIO

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Monday, November 5, 2012

Back in ye saddle...

Just got done watching the stream from this afternoon's Aerosmith concert at 1325 Commonwealth in Boston. This was the apartments they lived at way back in the day when they were just starting out. They decided to return to the scene for a free outdoor gig on the bed of a truck, to celebrate the release of their to-be-released-tomorrow album, 'Music From Another Dimension'. After being presented championship game balls from New England Patriots' Owner Bob Kraft, the band grooved their way through a 9 song, 45 minute set of, surprising mostly older material. Opening with "Walking the Dog", they followed with 2 more from their first album before jumping to "Lover Alot" from the new CD. Other than "Oh Yeah", this was all they did from the new CD. I found it interesting that the whole 80's and 90's ('00's too) were completely left out. No power ballads either. The point seemed to be how well (and how much) the new songs fit in with the early catalog. Even though it's worked out quite well for them, Aerosmith is another band who has a faction of their fan base that wishes they would revert back to their "good old days" and just rock. Of what I've heard from "Music From Another Dimension", they seem to be appeasing both factions of their fan base. It doesn't exactly sound like two different records mashed together but more something for everybody. The show anyway, found Aerosmith in good form. They didn't really let loose until the end on "Train Kept a Rollin'" but it was still worth the wait. Coulda been a little lack of return energy perhaps from the crowd. Large in size, small on noise and feedback (unless you wanna count the Patriots cheerleaders). It's still a good watch and hopefully is just a warm up for the upcoming tour/media blitz. You can also catch some tunes from the CD on NOTIMEWARP RADIO...

                                                                (photo by Matt Stone)

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Royal thoughts...

With the anniversary of Elvis Presley's passing this week, it made me do a little thinking back on the ol' King. If you grew up while he was still alive, it was impossible not to know who he was and for him to influence you in some kinda way. I never considered myself a big fan over the years, maybe nodding to his Sun Records stuff. But as I looked back, I guess I was more of a fan than I let on (even to myself). At 14, I decided (with a friend who did the same) to take the plunge and get my 6 albums for a penny (naturally, we blew off the rest of the agreement) from the RCA Record Club. 2 of the records I ordered were Elvis records, including a double greatest hits one. Not long after, Elvis passed away. Bummer but, I wasn't in mourning or anything like that. I was too busy trying to get my musical tastes and hipness on track (success at the time ranging from moderate to really? You bought that?). I did however manage to get my hands on a Elvis memorial issue of Country Music magazine from 1977 (which I still have). The Elvis portion of the record collection stopped there however, becoming an early casualty of my discovery of used record stores and the concept of the trade in (my Metal records of the time went too). Many years passed which I considered Elvis unhip for my tastes, even though respect for his place in history remained. I eventually found myself softening on the subject a bit later in life. How could you deny the stuff he did on Sun Records? Even just the guitar playing of Scotty Moore? When alla the musicians you really admire are pointing to Elvis and his music (and not just the mere image and rebellion factor), it's kinda hard to dismiss him. So, while not everything he did captures my tastes still, there's much more finding it's way into my collection than there use to. Cruising through the Elvis display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they had a screen up that played 'Elvis On Tour' from 1972. We caught part of it the first day and I was flat out mesmerized by this clip of Elvis backstage running through this song with his back up singers;



Two days later, we came back and sat on a hard metal bench for 90 minutes and watched the whole film. Treats like the above clip and seeing James Burton on stage made it worth the back pain...

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Sir, please stop bowing in front of the guitar...

The lower level at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is truly worth the trip to Cleveland all by itself. One guide told me it takes about 2 days to see everything that the floor has to offer. We did it in one, albeit in about 7 hours. After coming out of the theater, you are greeted by the first of many listening stations located throughout the museum. These feature info and a sampling of songs by many of the artists featured in the film. Turn the corner and now the real ride begins. In what was the first of many religious experiences for me, another circular display of guitars awaited. But these weren't just any guitars... a 1937 12 string played by Leadbelly, Howlin' Wolf's 1952 Kay K-161, John Lee Hooker's 1965 ES-335, and... Muddy Waters' 1958 red Telecaster! The chills... I spent a while studying the guitar, thinking of all the great songs and sounds that came outta this guitar, not to mention the great man who owned and played it... Here's a sample from 1979;



The rest of the room wasn't messin' around either. The exhibit is divided into individual cases, each devoted to one of rock and roll’s roots: Gospel, Blues, Country/Folk/Bluegrass and R&B. Each section includes a variety of cool stuff and brief bios of many of the artists. Guitars, stage clothes, recording contracts, royalty statements, programs, posters... Well, that's through out the museum. But the people who laid it down for the future rockers are well represented. Leadbelly's white hat, one of the two original photos of Robert Johnson (!), more guitars from Buddy Guy, T-Bone Walker, Lightning Hopkins, Pop Staples... even Howlin' Wolf's money case! Yeah, everybody say amen!

Friday, July 13, 2012

This ain't no foolin' around...

Welcome back to the next installment of my trip to the Rock and Roll temple that is the Hall of Fame museum. From the lobby, you go down the escalator to the lower level. This is where the largest collection of items that you're allowed to photograph is assembled. Unless noted (usually for song lyrics or pictures), everything you see is the real deal. Down here is Billy Gibbons' Eliminator car (with a request you take pics for personal use only, no posting or sharing), next to Joan Jett's Jaguar. Next to that is the drum kit Alex Van Halen used on Van Halen's 1980 Invasion tour (which I got to see). Kinda amazing he only used it for the one tour and here I am seeing it in person for the 2nd time in 32 years.


There were also circular displays of various guitars, including a Bobby Womack ESP Acoustic from 1975, Sting's Spector NS-2 bass from 1983, a Rick Danko bass from 1995 and this 2000 Strat that belonged to Link Wray;



From there, you finally went into the museum portion. The first of many films you can watch is your first option, this one called "Mystery Train". It's an excellent 12 minute piece that takes you back to the early 1900's, showing clips from Country, Gospel, and Blues players as well as just regular folk, singing songs of the time. During the course of the film, it slowly brings alla these influences together, giving you an excellent set up of how it all came together to become rock and roll.

As much as I hate to keep breaking this into short, seemingly never ending little bits, I'm gonna save the next portion for next time as this was when I truly started to get the chills and being moved by what I was seeing. See ya next time...


Thursday, July 12, 2012

What's that funny looking building over there?

Day 2 of our trip was day one of our visits to the RRHOF. We walked from the hotel, down 9th Street (decorated with even more guitars) until we reached the federal building and our first glimpse of the museum. Nestled next to Lake Erie, the humidity rises quite nicely as does the heat for some reason. It also sits next to a science center and Browns Stadium, with a great view of downtown now behind us. Walking into the building, the excitement and spirit of Rock and Roll begins to really hit you. To the right, is the massive gift shop, fulla shirts, hats, novelties, books, and MUSIC. All genres are mixed together, with the inductees split off into a section of their own. To the left, is yet more of these large guitars, including this one;


Also adorning the joint, is quite a few remnants from U2's ZOOTV tour, possibly to compliment the U23D movie (which we saw twice);



Next, we headed off to the membership booth, where we met one of 2 Meagans we would have the pleasure of talking to for the week. A Duet (for 2 entries) membership was in order, since we'd be there for six days and $44 for six days would be insane for entry.



Tune back in tomorrow for the next installment, the MASSIVE lower level and the few remaining pictures I was allowed to take of the museum. And also don't forget to tune into NOTIMEWARP RADIO for great music that brings some ear vibes to alla these pics and words you see here!

Still groovin'...

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Go East, Music Man...


Finally a chance to settle in and talk about my trip the the Temple that is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The museum was a center piece of a revitalization of Cleveland and quite a successful one at that. The city has totally backed the museum, as is evident as soon as you get offa the plane. Before you leave the terminal, you're great by one of MANY large guitars that are painted by a wide variety of artists. Following that, is about 20 or so reproductions of concert posters. Very difficult to try and look at while you hafta go chase down your bag...


We stayed downtown, nearby the museum. Everywhere you went, you were surrounded by these giant guitars. I confess to not doing too much reading of the plaques accompanying the guitars. It was really enough just getting your pictures and heading to the museum. I'll post some more of those pics and some of the pics I got outside and just inside of the museum next post, which won't be too far off into the future...

Still groovin'...


Sunday, June 17, 2012

Old school it is...

Remember what I was saying about photo policies at concerts being more relaxed these days? Well, someone forgot to mention that to the peeps at Wild Horse Pass Casino in Chandler AZ. After asking several of the wrong people the photography policy, I was finally told NO CAMERAS WHATSOEVER. The ticket also throws in "no sound recording devices" for good measure. Los Lobos is a very fan friendly band. They're cool with pics, let people set up recording equipment (ala Grateful Dead, Black Crowes), and they even come out to sign autographs and take pictures after the show. So, I was more than a bit bummed having come out with 2 cameras to find out no pictures. If you get clearance ahead of time, you can get a pass (not sure the particulars or restrictions). I go to my seat and a few minutes later, this guy sits next to me with a camera, with a zoom lens no less! He had talked his way by the people at the front and had his camera and no special pass. He took pics for the first coupla few songs before security came over and told him to knock it off. Meanwhile, others were taking pics here and there with phone and hand held cameras. Security did talk to some of those people but not all. I still wasn't gonna push anything. I didn't buy a ticket to get hassled or thrown out over some pics. Music first! By the time they hit the encore though, I thought it was time to sneak some in. Not having time to properly set my camera settings, the pics were pretty underwhelming. Nothing was tightly focused and some were even blown out in the bright spots. This was the best I could salvage from the show and it leaves a bit to be desired (yes, I was sitting that close);


It's a shame, having the opportunity to take some great stage shots with only one row of people in front of me but, what the hell. The main point, as mentioned earlier, was the show, and it was GREAT! I've never walked away disappointed from a Los Lobos show and this night was no exception. They came out with a coupla semi acoustic numbers and then just rolled the rest of the evening. They were joined onstage for a few numbers by Marcos Reyes from War.

I did end up hanging out to talk to the band and get autographs after the show. It was here I got the best photo of the night:



Still groovin'...

Friday, June 15, 2012

Up on the wall...

A quick little post as I anxiously await seeing Los Lobos perform tonight, for what I believe will be the 6th time, tying them for the most times I've seen any band. Picture taking policies have changed a bunch since my first concert 34 years ago. Now, it's just a matter of what kinda camera I'll be able to bring in to the show.

Speaking of picture taking, I'd say I have about 97% of my posters and music shirts photographed now. There's still some posters in a large box with my memorabilia goodies and some stuffed in record sleeves I had forgotten about. I know of a few shirts I didn't see while photographing the bulk a few weeks back so I suspect there's another bag or box floating around somewheres... Next week is when I REALLY hope to have everything photographed and posted and ready to be offered up for display in exhibitions or museums. I still don't have a lotta leads on where to do this but I need to finish the picture taking and cataloging first. Next week's the goal 'cause the following week will take me to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for maximum education, research, and enlightenment, as well as some good ol' entertainment. If all goes well, I may have some leads on how and where to display my goods. So, that's what's happening here. Next up should be some Los Lobos pics. If not, talk to y'all next month!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Back to the old days (sorta)...

After a long, long wait, ZZ Top has finally released some brand new material. The four song EP 'Texicali' was released on itunes today as a sampler to the still un-named full CD release later this year. The buzz around 'Texicali' (as most ZZ Top releases going back to 1989) is that they've gone back to "the ol' ZZ Top 'Tres Hombres' sound". Really, that's never been the case. Now, I don't mean that in a negative way whatsoever. I've been a huge fan for a long time and enjoyed alla their releases. I find it funny how the fans continue to clamour for the old sound and the band keeps saying "here it is". These guys are far too hip to go alla the way back to a sound from 40 years ago. Critics and fans alike have been really missing the boat though, on what the band's been doing since the synth-boogie days of the late 80's. Each release has been more stripped down than it's predecessor, while still staying on toppa what's going on in modern technology. 'Rhythmeen' and 'XXX' were blues-rock masterpieces that nobody really bothered to notice. 'Mescalero' seemed like the band finally said 'screw it' and just went with what they felt like. The four songs on 'Texicali' take us back to the good ol' days of 'Rhythmeen' and 'XXX' in style and sound somewhat too. The mix sounds a little bit more straight ahead (a Rick Rubin trademark) without too much else thrown in. "I Gotsta Get Paid" seems to have a little more originality to it than the others, stretching out a bit more than they have in a while. "Over You" does kinda go back to the early ZZ Top style, reminding me of one of my favorites "Sure Got Cold After the Rain Fell". While I don't think "Over You" quite hits that high of a mark, it's still nice to be taken back to that era. This song does have a bit o' strings/synth flavor tucked discreetly in the background. Does 'Texicali' for tell of a great CD to come? Dunno... hard to say. If the other tracks continue in that late 90's vein and the band stretches out on a good 5 or 6 or 7 minute track or two, throw in some serious blues... yeah, we could have something here. I'm just glad to have them back...

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Monday, May 14, 2012

Take it to da Hall...

In my continuing quest to avoid returning to life in a box, I continue to photograph my various memorabilia in hopes to put it on display out there somewhere. I have planned a trip to the one and only Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. The idea is to examine what's on display and how it's displayed (ie. casing, framing, etc.). I've got so many cool little items and think it would be beneficial to see how the pros do it. With a no photograph policy at the hall, I will be reduced to Rock and Roll nerd status, pen and notebook in hand. I dunno... maybe I can take a hand held cassette recorder and take verbal notes, looking like the ultra-hip retro music reporter. I'll be out there a week so I can also enjoy the museum as well and not make it an entire research mission. I'll post more here and there as the trip nears, with a report on return as well. I have yet to see the 2012 induction, despite HBO's best efforts for viewing opportunities. It's on the DVR, awaiting viewing and editing. It'll be surreal watching the Beastie Boys induction, with the passing of Adam Yauch. Admittedly, I've really only been a BB fan within the last handful of years. I've had a CD or 2 for a while but those eventually led to me exploring more and more. It's been tough lately with alla these passings. Losing Duck Dunn really hurts too. More to come...

Monday, April 30, 2012

WHO WENT TO CHURCH THIS SUNDAY

Cool to see this entire concert released by Stones archives. Statute of limitations allows me to tell the story of this acquisition;

It was, I think, 1981, and I was a a street fair. Me and a friend went into this used book and record store to look around. Quite naturally, I started with the Stones section. I came across this record and saw in the bottom right corner "watch for part two: 'Charlie Watts and His Fabulous Rolling Stones' ". I had read in a Stones book about this other bootleg and was more interested in that one for the song selection. So, I took the record up to the counter and asked if they had this other record. The clerk told me no and went to help another customer. Alright, cool. Suddenly, in a very uncharacteristic moment, I looked at the clerk, then the door of the shop, back to the clerk, and then whispered to my friend if I should walk out with the record! Now, I've never been the criminal type. Always way too afraid of getting caught and a really terrible liar to boot. But, for whatever reason, I wanted to take this record home free of charge. And, ya know, what the hell, right? Bootlegs are stolen from the artist so if I steal the record, the bootlegger doesn't make anything either. Didn't really think about the fact that the store probably paid for it but, they shouldn't be selling it either, right? I mean, as a fan, I'm kinda glad they do because then you have something only a select number of people have. And it's not like I'm gonna reproduce it for profit. So, out the door I went. After the initial rush subsided, I thought "Well, hell... if I woulda known I was gonna get away with that, I shoulda grabbed the double San Fransisco Stones bootleg instead!"

The concert itself was pretty great. "Jumpin' Jack Flash" is just unreal on this record and the version of "Wild Horses" is really unique itself. Check out the Stones Archive site and download the concert or one of the others they have. Great stuff from the Stones!

Friday, March 16, 2012

So collectable...


A little over a month now of live broadcasting and I wouldn't say that NOTIMEWARP RADIO's setting the internet on fire. In this day and age of ipods, clouds, and Pandora, people tailor their listening to specifically what they wanna hear. And who can blame them? The music industry (labels and FM radio) really drove everyone away by shoving the same crap down everybody's throats alla the time. I haven't listened to FM radio in over 3 years except for a peak just for my own amusement every now and then, and they're STILL playing the same songs! One problem they started that does carry over to the personal listening approach is how does one get turned on to new music? Yeah, there's a lotta different outlets out there to explore (to say the least) but, really, there's almost too many. Now, as much as I don't like Pandora ('nother story, 'nother time), it has turned me onta some pretty cool stuff. It's not without it's advantages. Turning people onta music while listening to music I like has been the premise of NOTIMEWARP RADIO. While my tastes are a tad eclectic, it is for the most part groove orientated, so there is a common thread in there. While alla this radio stuff makes for a cool hobby and good intentions of turning people onta stuff, with alla the competition out there, I'm gonna make a slight adjustment to the format (while there aren't that many people to upset by the change). You may or may not have noticed some of the cool stuff I've collected and photographed for my Flickr page . I started collecting around the mid/late 70's and never really stopped. Along with records, tapes, CD's, I also collected the stuff most fans do; posters, buttons, programs, concert shirts, post cards, books, magazines, etc. Now, I've amassed a pretty decent collection over the last 35 years or so. While a small portion of it is on display in my apartment, most of it is contained in boxes and plastic bags. Seems kinda a waste, don't it? I'm NOT interested in selling any of it, but what'd be really cool is to display it for fun and profit and just good ol' educational purposes. So what I've decided to do is shift the emphasis to the Flickr page and hopefully build interest there to people that are interested in displaying some of these items for the public to come and see. The radio station will be (to an extent) an audio accompaniment to that. Most of the items will have music corresponding on the station. I'll still keep a good variety of tunes on there since a lotta my stuff would fall into the Classic Rock category. Plus, I don't want it to be dominated by artists I've have a lotta items from. It'll still be, I think, one of the coolest sounding radio stations out there so I do hope everyone checks in for a while time to time! Still groovin'...

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The beginning of a Jones...

When I tell the story of how I stumbled upon this incredible jones I have for music (a story I'm sure I'll be telling in my old age whether anyone is listening or not), it usually goes like this; "The first time I remember being hit with the lightning bolt was one night my Dad played the 45 of "Hello Goodbye" by the Beatles (especially the "Hey-la" part at the end). Then, it hit again when my Dad would flip over his 'Let It Bleed' album to side two and go through 6 odd minutes of joy to "Midnight Rambler". For my 10th birthday, I finally got my first album, the Doobie Brothers 'The Captain & Me' after relentless bugging of my Dad to get this at Sears for the sale price of $3.33." Now, what I don't tell people (and this may be the first public confession) is what was in between "Midnight Rambler" and the Doobies. Yes, folks, I was (closet door opens) a Monkees fan. I loved the goofiness of the show (I was, what, 6? 7?) and liked the songs. This led to me wanting to be in groups and alla the things kids dream about when they find something they're really into. Before we made the move west in the early 70's, between my Aunt and my cousins, I had aquired 'The Monkees', 'More of the Monkees' and 'The Monkees Headquarters'. The movers managed to lose the 'More' record but not the cover (I had two records crammed into the cover). These records continued to be treasured until I started my fascination of the Doobie Brothers. The Monkees quickly got shoved into my past, under the carpet and into the closet. Now, I bought far more embarrassing records during the 70's (which I don't plan on telling you about either) but, the Monkees were for little kids! And I left them there to stay. I winced at every movie that would play "I'm a Believer", and almost every other Monkees song or reference. Today's passing of Davy Jones made me think back to those early days and where this thing all began. Even though I couldn't bring myself to jump on the revival wagon with everyone who thinks it's cool to admit they like all kinds of hideous music and pop culture from the 60's and 70's (god, enough Journey already!), I do think it's cool that they did bring themselves from just acting and lip-synching to being full fledged musicians (which Mike Nesmith already was anyways) and becoming more than a kiddie fad. One song I will give them credit on though, is the one that ran over the end credits of each show, "For Pete's Sake", presented here, on this historical occasion. Groovin' on...

Monday, February 27, 2012

When the Blues comes over me...


Cool week for the Blues last week. Airing tonight on PBS, is 'In Performance at the White House: Red, White and Blues', a bash they had at the White House featuring B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, Mick Jagger, Warren Haynes, Gary Clark Jr, Derek Trucks, Trombone Shorty, and a host of others, with Booker T. Jones as musical director and bandleader. The concert was part of Michelle Obama's series of shows honoring the American songbook. There's been a number of videos going around the past week but tonight's airing gives us a chance to put it all together. Gotta wonder about a DVD release...

Also happening last week was the 'Howlin' for Hubert' all star tribute to blues great Hubert Sumlin. Performing there were Jimmie Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Billy Gibbons, Warren Haynes, James Cotton, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Doyle Bramhall II, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Guy Clark Jr., Buddy Guy and Elvis Costello. The show featured Keith Richards' first live appearance in five years and was a high point of the show. Strolling out to join Clapton for "Going Down Slow", he was met with thunderous applause as they continued through for "Little Red Rooster" and "Spoonful". The night began with a film featuring classic Sumlin performance footage and a recent interview with him, where Sumlin described how he found his own sound after Wolf strongly urged him to lose the guitar pick. The stage lights then revealed two massive portraits of Sumlin behind the stage. His sunburst Stratocaster sat on a stand at center stage, with his trademark feathered cap hanging off of it. Clapton then came out with Cotton to start the night off with an acoustic "Key to the Highway," complemented by Cotton’s razor-sharp harp fills.
Sets flew by, with Willie Weeks, Ivan Neville, Steve Jordan and Jim Keltner as part of the house band. Now THIS is a show that I hope makes it out there on DVD!

Week three of live broadcasting for NOTIMEWARP RADIO begins today. There's been a number of listeners passing through to check out what's going out to the world. Time's definitely changed the world of music listening in just the short coupla years the station was on hiatus. There's just so many different sources to compete with these days. My goal is to still put out great music of varied genres and turn people onto stuff they've never heard and maybe go out and seek some of it for their own collections. Be sure to stop by and check it out! You'll notice the cool little widget in the top right corner of the page. It makes it easy for you to see what's on and to click and listen. Give it a shot! Groovin' on...

Monday, February 13, 2012

and here we go... again...


We're underway! NOTIMEWARP RADIO Part II. Man, does it sound good! Got a coupla listeners that've been hanging around for mosta the day, diggin' the tunes. So, lemme tell ya the deal here; this is the first part of the vision for NOTIMEWARP RADIO. I wanted to get the tunes out there so everyone can start enjoying the music. What'll change is the way the music's presented. Better sound quality, more of a connection, if you will, between the tunes, tied together in an more artful manner. I also will plan to get a word in edge-wise here and there. This all will take a bit more dough, a extra few equipment items, a different locale, maybe even a different launching site. How long is this gonna take? Dunno... Getting some green comin' through will be the main instigator... After that, who knows, right? So, for right now, enjoy the tunes, email any requests, suggestions, comments, etc to notimewarpradio@yahoo.com. Also, check us out on Facebook for updates and stuff. Groovin' on...

Friday, February 10, 2012

Everybody Oughta Make a Change...


Dang, another year already... It's becoming a New Year's tradition around here for somebody to pick up the ol' Etch-a-sketch and play Frisbee with it. Major changes abound, ready or not. But, on the decidedly bright side, comes the long awaited (forgotten?) return of NOTIMEWARP RADIO. No foolin' this time. Next week, it goes live (provided there's no tech glitches). Got a 35 hour playlist that'll play Sunday evening through Friday afternoon, commercial free. I know I'm excited to get this going. There's so much great music on there, some stuff you haven't heard in a real long time, some stuff you heard yesterday, some stuff you've never heard. Real old songs, songs that just came out. Rock, Blues, Reggae, Soul/Funk, Native, and any other grooves I think are worth passing on. One thing's for sure; you won't hear a collection of songs like this ANYWHERE else! Be sure to stop by www.notimewarp.com or, if you wanna be there for the historic switch flip, check out the official NOTIMEWARP RADIO fan page on Facebook and just 'like' the page. Groovin' on...