More Views & Reviews

Since the wonderful events of the Clay Eals book signing were described below it is time to move to another event this week:




While dropping in from whatever galaxy they were visiting this week and, like myself, trying to stay within the proper time-frame of NYC parking regulations (that could eat up the profits), MODERN MAN appeared at the METROPOLITAN ROOM on W. 22d Street in the former Men's Clothing District. OK ---segue---click on the right side on THE DAILY ROOSTER and we will talk about that and other matters of such great import.

Now the appearance by the hellions of hooliganism aka Modern Man. The turnout was, truly, almost as good as their performance. Aside from the "known" material there were, as usual, a few surprises. Without going into too much detail let it just be said that from humor to a serious moment and back to humor worked well---as only sincere pros can do.

On a personal note I have to say how touched and embarrassed I was by David Buskin's comments about me. I don't take compliments well and, as I always say, they are the talent. Being a conduit is like being a pipe===you want the oil and not the pipe it flows through.

OH--such modest analogies. I guess now is a good time to mention that you should listen to SUNDAY SIMCHA on Aug. 29. Mare Winningham has a song---What Would David Do?. Well, as to Buskin, we know it is JEWS DON'T CAMP.

Now is a good time to suggest you click on the right side on THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER. There you will find some very clever videos (aside from the ones here--including Family Guy) and some random thoughts of this past week. Not necessarily musically inspired.

As you may have surmised by now that this site will update various programs that are on WFDU and some local appearances by artists but the main thrust is a connection with the listenership to TRADITIONS, SUNDAY SIMCHA, and TABLETALK. A connection with all the wonderful folks in cyberspace that might find the programs and the other pages of interest is a bonus.

Some of the artists that have appeared on the programs have evinced an interest in attending NERFA (Northeast Regional Folk Alliance) this year. It is held at Kutshers Country Club (quite the misnomer--one could do quite a riff on that name) in November. While I have been attending for many years now and found it a wonderful experience mingling with such great talents I have to say that my plans for attending this year are quite uncertain for various reasons. Many having to do with the organization sponsoring the event and the facility one has to pay bucks to reside in as a neighbor of things you would hire an exterminator to clear your home of. That said, I surely do not want to discourage any of the people that have evinced the interest I mentioned.

SO-a few CDs (dare I say "recordings' and date myself---or as Christine Lavin once said to me---"..dating yourself---you are a sick person") you might want to know about:

MODERN MAN: Assisted Living


TERRI HENDRIX: The Spiritual Kind


EMILY KURN: Things Change


AUSTIN LOUNGE LIZARDS: The Drugs I Need







THE DAILY ROOSTER AWAITS YOUR VISIT. JUST GO TO THE RIGHT AND CLICK ON THE LITTLE FELLOW ( HIS NAME) AND LO AND BEHOLD SURPRISES AWAIT.

Reviews & Views

Let us start with a review of yesterday's TRADITIONS program. From the calls received and my own feelings about it I am happy about its reception. I don't mean radio reception. It is nice once in a while to re-visit the artists we have long heard and loved. As I said on the program---to paraphrase Tom Paxton---"...the pleasure of their company was all mine". The honor as well.

This past afternoon was another delight and honor. I know that it was a weekday and many of our listeners could not attend and that is sad because it was one wonderful and moving event. Let me describe it to you.

2 PM The Bitter End pictured here. At this point in time the longest running club in Greenwich Village. Over 40 years now and still going strong. So is Paul Colby, its founder. More about him later.

It was the concert and book signing for Clay Eals wonderful biography of Steve Goodman. You will recall that he was my guest on TRADITIONS a short while back and the 2 hour interview is archived on his website (linked above).

This afternoon proved to be what Woodstock generation might have called the Summer of Love---this was the afternoon of love. All musicians performed because of their love of Steve Goodman. Paul Colby donated the facilities and made a most touching speech regarding his love of Goodman and Prine and that this is where they started on the road to national acclaim. It was a longer tale that involved Kris Kristoferson but, suffice it to say, it was moving.

The entertainment was provided by Willie Nininger (pictured here with Steve Goodman in an old photo), David Amram (picture on a previous posting), Annie Nininger, and ---you know--the famous many others. Clay Eals supplied much wonderful commentary as the program continued, as well as a great narration in between verses of a rousing finale of City of New Orleans.

Having seen and been honored to be a part of it a thought occurred to me. Why not some sort of Steve Goodman Song Nights. Clay Eals has encouraged me to organize such things and if I think any artists are interested in this I would be most happy and, frankly, honored to put this together as I did many moons ago for some benefit concerts I produced. Steve Goodman's music is truly "broad spectrum"---comedic, folk, pop, topical (Penny Evans), and most of all "brilliant". Granted, it needs Steve Goodman for the ultimate presentation. Short of that people, such as those today, present his work brilliantly.

Should you want to attend any of the book signing concerts they are listed on Clay Eals website (linked above). In DC Tom Paxton will be joining the program, in Saratoga Springs Willie Nininger will be there along with many others.

In all honesty--think about it---a great concert, purchase a book that is truly worthwhile and get it autographed. Go to a club or concert and pay a heavy admission --and no book. I do not think you can beat this----and you will feel, as it is said, the love.

As to "love". Steve Goodman's doctor was there along with many friends who gave him succor and support in NYC. I talked with this wonderful doctor after the program because I could see her love and affection for him in her face while she watched the program. I told her this and she was quite thankful and wondered what my interest in her was---medical? No! I told her of my feelings of Sloan Kettering---negative. We talked of that and, without divulging any private communication, we agreed that one has to find a place or a physician one can relate with--and her experience at SK, while positive (and also crediting Steve Goodman for getting her into medicine---read the book) does tend toward gray now. I spoke to her of Westchester County Medical Center and its caring staff and one particular doctor---Augustine Moscatiello. She is to SK what Dr. Moscatiello is to Westchester Medical Center. An expert who cares.

One of the performers had lost a daughter to leukemia and when I mentioned it this wonderful doctor went to speak with him. He later told me, at dinner, how comforting and, truly, warm and helpful she was.

Besides "reviews and views" a few insights on the warmth and sincerity of folk artists, their supporters, and their humble conduit to the world. I guess it is known who and what that is.