Eddie Van Halen Tribute Mark Dix
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•Our 35th Year Proudly Promoting All Things Music•
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November 2020
Eddie Van Halen Tribute Mark Dix
John Nemeth Barrett Anderson Band
Remembering Eddie Van Halen
The rock world lost one if its true Santa Monica, California on October 6, were naturalized as U.S. citizens. bought a drum kit, however, after he
guitar innovators on October 6, 2020. 2020, at age 65. The brothers learned to play the piano heard Alex play The Surfaris’ drum solo
Eddie Van Halen, songwriter and lead Edward Lodewijk Van Halen was born starting at age six. Eddie revealed that in the song “Wipe Out” on the drums,
guitarist for the band of the same name, on January 26, 1955 in Amsterdam, he had never been able to read music. he decided to switch instruments and
lost his battle to cancer. Known for his Netherlands. He was the son of Jan Instead, he learned from watching and began learning how to play the electric
heavy cigarette smoking guitar. He would often
since age 12 on top of practice while walking
drug and alcohol use around at home with
throughout his career, his guitar strapped on
Eddie began receiving or sitting in his room
treatment for tongue for hours with the door
cancer in 2000. He locked.
underwent surgery that Eddie and Alex formed
removed a third of his their first band with
tongue. He was declared three other boys, calling
cancer-free in 2002. themselves The Broken
He blamed the tongue Combs at Hamilton
cancer on his habit of Elementary School in
holding guitar picks in Pasadena. Eddie was in
his mouth, revealing the fourth grade. He later
in 2015, “I used metal stated that this was when
picks. They’re brass and he first felt the desire to
copper which I always become a professional
held in my mouth, in musician. He would learn
the exact place where I Eric Clapton’s solos in
got the tongue cancer. I the band Cream “note
mean, I was smoking and for note” citing Clapton
doing a lot of drugs and as, “My main influence,”
a lot of everything, but at while also including
the same time, my lungs Jimmy Page among
are totally clear. This is guitarists he admired.
just my own theory, but doctors say it’s van Halen and Eugenia van Halen (née listening. From 1964 through 1967, The Van Halen brothers formed a
possible.” van Beers). His father was a Dutch he won first place in the Annual Piano band together in 1972. Two years later,
For the last 10 years, Van Halen clarinetist, saxophonist and pianist who Competition held at Long Beach City they would induct singer-frontman
fought Cancer that was found in his instilled a love for music in his sons. In College. However, according to Eddie, David Lee Roth on vocals and Michael
throat and eventually spread to his 1962, the Van Halen family moved from playing the piano did not prove to be Anthony on bass and “Van Halen” was
lungs. He was hospitalized in 2019 the Netherlands to the United States challenging enough or interesting to born. They would become a staple of
for the disease and succumbed to the settling in Pasadena, California. Eddie him. the Los Angeles music scene while
illness at Saint John’s Health Center in and his older brother, Alex Van Halen As Alex picked up the guitar, Eddie playing well-known clubs like the
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Whisky a Go Go. of pickups too including 1970s Mighty
In 1977, Warner Records offered Mites, which were made by Seymour
Van Halen a recording contract. The Duncan and were copies of DiMarzio
group’s self-titled album, Van Halen Super Distortion pickups. He also
reached #19 on the Billboard pop used Gibson PAFs, one of which was
music charts, becoming one of rock’s rewound by Seymour Duncan in 1978.
most commercially successful debuts. In a 1985 interview, Van Halen
Van Halen took the modern music stated that his guitar tone was called
landscape by storm fueled by an the “brown sound.” He went on to say,
innovative melding of hard rock, heavy “It’s basically a tone... a feeling that
metal and athletic stage antics by I’m always working at. It comes from
both Eddie and David Lee Roth during the person. If the person doesn’t know
their live performances. By the early what that type of tone I’m talking about
‘80s, Van Halen was one of the most is, they can’t really work towards it, can
successful rock acts of the era. Their they?” In a later 2015 interview, Eddie
album, 1984 went five-times platinum elaborated on the “brown sound.”
as the lead single, “Jump” became the He claimed he was actually trying to
band’s first and only #1 hit garnering describe the sound of Alex’s snare
them a Grammy nomination. drum, which he thought, “Sounded like
Van Halen charted thirteen #1 hits he’s beating on a log. It’s very organic.
in the history of Billboard’s Mainstream So it wasn’t my brown sound. It was
Rock chart. In 2019, the band ranked century, as well as the likes of Western Les Paul. He replaced the factory P90 Alex’s.”
20th on the RIAA list of best-selling virtuosos like Paganini on both violin pickup with a humbucker in order to Eddie engaged in several projects
artists with 56 million albums sold in the and guitar. sound more like Clapton. However, he is outside of his band, including solo work
United States and more than 80 million Eddie named Jimmy Page of Led most associated with the Frankenstrat, and partnerships with his brother on film
units sold worldwide. Van Halen was Zeppelin as the progenitor stating, “I a guitar he built himself from parts. The soundtracks. He also collaborated with
inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of think I got the idea of tapping watching ash body and maple neck originally cost a number of high profile musicians that
Fame in 2007. Jimmy Page do his “Heartbreaker” solo $130. The tremolo was taken from a ‘58 included Kiss bassist Gene Simmons,
Eddie’s guitar virtuosity was second back in 1971. He was doing a pull-off Fender Stratocaster, but later replaced Nicolette Larson, Michael Jackson,
to none. No other guitarist in the to an open string, and I thought, Wait a with a Floyd Rose. The guitar had a Brian May, Sammy Hagar, Black
contemporary arena, other than Jimi minute, open string? Pull off? I can do single Gibson PAF bridge pickup from Sabbath, Roger Waters, Toto guitarist
Hendrix, had changed the way the rock that, but what if I use my finger as the a Gibson ES-335, which he enclosed Steve Lukather, and LL Cool J. In
guitar was played. Eddie was inventive nut and move it around? I took it and with paraffin wax to prevent feedback. addition, he made cameo appearances
on the fretboard- fast, fluid and tasteful, just ran with it.” Eddie held a patent up The Frankenstrat was originally painted in the music video for Frank Sinatra’s
and always seeked new ways to until 2005 for a flip-out support device black, but was recoated with Schwinn “L.A. Is My Lady” and an episode of the
develop his instrument, amplification that attached to the rear of an electric red bicycle paint in 1979. TV sitcom, “Two and a Half Men.”
and playing. His 1978 instrumental, guitar. This enabled the user to employ For the band’s 2012 tour, and early Eddie Van Halen passed away with his
“Eruption,” exhibited an ingenious solo the tapping technique by playing the 2015 television appearances, Van son, Wolfgang, ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli
technique called tapping in which he guitar in a manner similar to the piano Halen used a Peavey EVH Wolfgang and brother Alex Van Halen by his side.
used both left and right hands on the with the face of the guitar facing USA made guitar with a black finish He will be remembered throughout
guitar’s fretboard. While he popularized upward. and ebony fretboard. For the 2015 tour, history as one of the greatest guitar
the tapping technique, he did not invent The trailblazing guitarist used he used a white Wolfgang USA guitar innovators of all time. R.I.P. Eddie Van
it. Flamenco guitarists had enlisted customized equipment throughout his designed by Chip Ellis, featuring a Halen.
the two handed trickery for at least a career. His original guitar was a Gibson custom kill switch. Eddie used a variety --Brian M. Owens
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The Barrett Anderson Band
Hailing from Western Massachusetts, singer- I did, but not for very long. I was initially self- to call me his protégé, and I took in all I could. the beats moving and the rhythm grooving and on
songwriter-guitarist Barrett Anderson has been a taught, with My Dad (who knew his way around Ronnie was incredibly supportive, happy to be the low-end, the sub-100Hz frequencies, is the
part of the Boston blues scene since the age of some chords) giving me pointers and tips. I wound an open book for me to learn from. We spent bassman himself, Jamie ‘Black Cat Bone’ Hatch.
fifteen when his group, fresh off a Battle of The up taking lessons from a couple of different many afternoons together, at his house, guitars METRONOME: How did you meet the guys?
Bands victory, opened for the legendary Pinetop teachers in local music shops, and I picked up in our hands, with me asking him how does this I go deep with these guys. Jamie (bass)
Perkins and Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin. Since things like how to play a pentatonic scale, but I or that trick or technique, and he’d teach me. He and I go back the longest. He and I grew up
then, Anderson has been a member of Ronnie really wanted to play like Lightnin’ Hopkins and would show me how to do what I wanted to learn. together, working as teenagers at the only store
Earl’s Broadcasters and Monster Mike Welch’s the local teachers could only help so much. Then the lessons would continue at gigs, where, in our quiet, central Mass. town. While we made
band. The real music lessons I got were “on the Ronnie would make eye contact, ensuring I was sandwiches and pizzas, sliced deli meats and
In 2007, Anderson stepped out on his own with job,” from the blues scene. I was frequently “in paying attention, as he’d play the riff from before, assembled Sunday newspapers, we took a deep
a debut CD entitled, All The Way Down, produced the right place at the right time,” and I got to making sure I knew how to use it. dive into blues, discovering the music together.
by Jimbo Mathus of Squirrel Nut Zippers fame know lots of the local and national players as they METRONOME: Were you in any local groups Every shift we worked, we would each show up
and never looked back. The Long Fall followed came through town. I always asked for advice or when you were younger? Did any of them gain with handfuls of new blues CDs (these were the
in 2013, winning Barret and the band a Boston tips (and often just *happened* to have my guitar any notoriety? days of BMG and Columbia House), excited to
Music Award for “Blues Artists of The Year.” with me). If they seemed receptive, I’d ask for Well, like I said earlier, I did win my high school spend the next few hours together soaking up
Now, Anderson and his group are riding the more formal lessons. Paul Rishell, one of the pre- battle of the bands. Pretty early on I put my band Otis Rush’s 1950’s Cobra sides, or Sonny Boy
wave of their new, energy-infused live album, eminent country blues revivalists, was one of the on hold to focus on learning and being a sideman Williamson’s Down and Out Blues. Jamie was
HypnoBoogie. people who obliged that request. I took lessons for bands that weren’t just gaining notoriety, they the first person I ever jammed with. He was a
We caught up with Barrett through his publicist member of my first band. I hope he will also be a
Mark Pucci (markpuccimedia.com) and he part of my last band and everything in between.
detailed his musical influences and rise in the He’s a true musical brother.
Boston blues scene. Doug MacLeod (drums) lived one town over
from Jamie and me in the 1990’s. Despite a multi-
METRONOME: Are you a native New decade age difference, we were “running in the
Englander? If not, where are you from originally same circles,” finally meeting in 2000 at a local
and what brought you to Boston? benefit concert. Doug and I connected over our
Barrett Anderson: Oh yes, Massachusetts born shared love of music. I remember a passionate
and raised… Proud of it. When I was a teenager, conversation about The Band and the magic of
newly and hopelessly in love with blues music, I Big Pink and Doug joined the fold.
used to wish I was from the south, from Macon For 5 years The Barrett Anderson Band was
or Memphis or Mississippi, but I love the heritage a 3-piece, but in 2018, Charlie Mallet, a former
here – the music scene I get to be a part of. bandmate of Doug’s, started sitting in on gigs,
There’s such history. Club 47, The Boston Tea bringing his vintage goldtop Les Pauls to the
Party, The Speakeasy, WBCN, Skippy White’s, stage and, just like hot sauce, he made everything
The J. Geils Band, Morphine and all the blues better. He joined the band as the full-time fourth
cats (some of the heaviest players of the last 50 member at the start of 2019.
years). Oh yeah, and Car Talk. What a cool place METRONOME: How many albums have you
to get to call “my fair city.” released?
METRONOME: How long have you been It just so happens that my third album,
singing and playing? HypnoBoogie, came out at the end of September
I’ve always been drawn to the guitar, but I on Whitaker Blues Records. It’s a live record and
started playing in earnest when I was 13. I joined it is the most thrilling music I’ve been a part of.
a band at 15 and, when we needed a singer, I from Paul, life lessons really, taught through the were already notorious. I joined Ronnie Earl and Although it’s my third album, it’s my first with The
closed my eyes, opened my mouth, and stepped vehicle of blues guitar and song for four years, The Broadcasters when I was 16. When I was 19, Barrett Anderson Band.
up to the mic. On my 16th birthday, now calling stopping only because he had been such a I joined The Monster Mike Welch Band, and was My first album, All the Way Down, came out
ourselves The 708 Club, my band won the Battle masterful teacher. a part of 2005’s album, Adding Insight to Injury. I in 2007. Jimbo Mathus produced it, and we
of The Bands at my high school and 6 weeks later, “You can keep coming here and I can hold your didn’t go to music school, but I certainly did get a recorded it in three days with a crack band of
I was backing up Pinetop Perkins and Steady hand and show you how to play these songs, but music education. North Mississippi heavyweights at Jimbo’s studio
Rollin’ Bob Margolin all across New England. you don’t need me to do that. You know how to METRONOME: When did you put The Barrett in Como, Mississippi.
METRONOME: Who were some of the bands figure them out yourself,” Paul told me. He was Anderson Band together? The Long Fall, album #2, came out in 2013,
and players that inspired you to want to be a right. He had taught me how to listen, how to The Barrett Anderson Band officially formed and features an organ trio lineup with blues
musician? relate to the guitar on my own and interpret the in 2013, although our connections and roots go superstars Ron Levy (organist for BB King, Albert
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Roy Buchanan made music myself. Now, when we get together, it’s for back decades,. This band is made up of some King, Roomful of Blues, and more) and Per
me want to be a hot shot guitarist. Buddy Guy, dinner, although the guitars usually still come out. of my longest-term, nearest and dearest friends, Hanson (renowned drummer for Ronnie Earl and
Albert Collins, Magic Sam and Earl Hooker made Ronnie Earl, another of my longtime guitar collaborators and cohorts. The Broadcasters). Cambridge roots-rock king,
me want to play blues. Son House made me want heroes, was another important teacher. Also a METRONOME: Who’s in the group and what Dennis Brennan produced this one. Shortly after
to lose myself in music – to fully inhabit every note mentor, bandleader, boss, and ultimately, dear are their musical roles? The Long Fall was released, I was honored to win
I play. Bo Diddley and John Lee Hooker made me friend. We initially met at his shows. I went to We’re a four-piece band. That classic rock and a Boston Music Award, “2013 Blues Artist of the
want to shake and move, boogie and groove and as many of them as I could and made sure to roll lineup of two guitars, bass, and drums. We Year.”
lose myself in the beat. Duane Allman made me connect with him afterwards. all sing and we all contribute equally. This really METRONOME: Are you the principal
want to push the boundaries and make something At some point Ronnie started remembering is a “sum is greater than the parts” scenario. The songwriter for the band?
original and potent. Of course, also Dire Straits: me and eventually offered to give me guitar focus of this band is on all of us and what we do Historically yes, however the process has been
“money for nothin’ and chicks for free.” lessons. Within a few months we were friends together. much more collaborative in the past year. We’ve
METRONOME: Did you ever take formal music and bandmates. I spent 3 years as a member I sing and play the guitar, as does Charlie got some new originals that have come from all
lessons? of Ronnie Earl’s Broadcasters. Ronnie used Mallet. Doug MacLeod plays the drums, keeping four of us, and I’m really, really excited by how
they sound. HypnoBoogie is just full of little magic moments albums I’ve recorded. The chrome plated, shiny Cool Overdrive, and I step on that for the guitar
METRONOME: How does your songcrafting of communication, improvisation and inspiration steel looks amazing on stage and it sounds pretty solo on “House Party.”
work? Personal? Observational? Off-The- between all four of us. There are parts, especially great too. METRONOME: Did you have any guests
Wall? during the quiet section following the guitar solo, Rounding out the pack is Honey, my blonde appear on the album?
Songwriting definitely takes effort for me, but that I wouldn’t believe weren’t coordinated had Telecaster with a black pickguard. I’ve had this I really wanted this album to be about this
it’s something that I’m happy to put the time into. I not been a part of their creation myself. Magic guitar for over 20 years, and it was my main band – the four of us, and what we do. When
I find the hardest part to be getting the first line, moments. guitar for nearly that entire time, only recently Charlie joined at the start of 2019, it had such
wrangling that first idea into some form. Once I I love “Mona,” the disc and set opener. This retired in favor of Blue. Honey started out as a an impact on us. Doug, Jamie, and I had spent
get an initial piece – a foothold in place (it can be was a set closer for The Barrett Anderson Band Fender ’52 reissue Tele and has been heavily years working to create a big sound between
a lyric, a riff, a chord progression), I can build the for many years, and it had to be a set closer. modified to more closely resemble a ’52 or ’53 the three of us. Having another player who was
rest of the song pretty quickly. How could we possibly follow up that non-stop, Tele. This guitar was the primary instrument on incredibly thoughtful and diligent in his approach,
I like revising too. Working things through, propulsive Bo Diddley beat? Fast forward to my first two albums, as well as The Monster emphasizing and supporting rhythms while also
questioning, tweaking, and keeping an open 2018. Before a gig, Jamie dared me to reverse Mike Welch Band album I was a part of, and it offering a strong lead voice that we’ve been able
mind. When I was writing songs for my second the set list. Play the first song last and the last makes an appearance on the last two songs of to highlight both in solos and also in harmonized
album, I took giant pieces of white paper and song first. Not being one to shy from a challenge, HypnoBoogie, “Gone” (which was recorded with guitar parts… Suddenly everything worked.
taped them all over my house, covering the living we walked on stage that night and I opened my this guitar back in 2007), and “House Party.” The grooves were more muscular- stronger and
room and hallways with song lyrics in large scale, mouth, “Heyyyyy… Mona!” It’s a great opener, Charlie always brings cool guitars to gigs, and irresistible. The songs were more dynamic. The
so I could easily see and hear, revise and edit. setting a high bar for all that follows, but, like I on HypnoBoogie he’s playing a mid 50’s goldtop playing more expressive. When Charlie joined,
I should take a moment to thank my incredibly said, I’m not one to shy from a challenge. Les Paul, which unlike my gear, needs no more each show was better than the last, and that was
tolerant, supportive wife who didn’t mind living in Another favorite is the set/disc closer, “House qualifiers or explanation. what I wanted to capture.
a house of lyrics for nearly a year. Party.” Ever since discovering Full House Live! METRONOME: What amp(s) did you use? I thought about having some of my friends, my
METRONOME: Where was your new live and the realization that The J. Geils Band is way I brought out my two favorite amps for this musical collaborators, join us for a song or a solo,
album, Hypnoboogie, recorded? mightier than the pop hooks of Centerfold, I’ve session – a 1964 Fender Vibroverb and a 1961 but I didn’t want to water down the impact of the
Yes. HypnoBoogie! A super groovy, very been deeply inspired by the high-octane rock Dearmond R15T. four of us. I did, however, have my sister Emily,
exciting live album that was captured at The and roll and rhythm and soul that these Boston The 1964 Fender Vibroverb has about 40 watts an incredibly talented singer (she’s sung with The
Fallout Shelter... Bill Hurley’s amazing dream of boys captured. Peter Wolf is as good a frontman of power and a 15” speaker, which gives it this Boston Symphony Orchestra and Tanglewood
a venue/studio. We recorded this in one night, as there’s been. He always brings everything he huge, full voice with limitless low-end response. It Pops for decades) join us on vocals and
February 1, 2010 which, I should mention was has and I feel so lucky to be part of a scene that pairs beautifully with a Telecaster, complementing harmonies throughout the album. She’s family.
the street address for Chess Records during its allows me to see him in all sorts of venues, from the guitar’s inherently bright tone. This particular We’ve been singing together my whole life, and
heyday, 2120 S. Michigan Avenue. Since it was the tiny red room of The Lizard Lounge to Fenway Vibroverb was owned by Jay Geils. I knew that she could come in and complement
pre-Covid lockdown, there was a sellout crowd Park, and everything in between (of course, Back in 2002, I stopped at a little guitar shop everything, strengthening the impact of the music
of nearly 100 people and the band was on fire. that was pre-Covid). We started playing “House in Central MA. for some strings and saw this amp and the music in each song, without diluting us in
We didn’t do more than one take of any song. Party” as an encore at the very end of our shows, in the corner, amidst the Squire guitars and “Strat any way. Emily, when you want to join the band,
We didn’t need to. Bill and the crew recorded the spurred on because I loved playing it. Turns out, packs” marketed for beginners. It turned out that the invitation is open.
show, capturing both the audio and the video people loved hearing it, and there was no way Jay was thinning his collection to fund some hot METRONOME: What inspired the name for the
beautifully. that we could get away with not including it on rods, and he was selling his amps through his CD?
METRONOME: How did you meet Bill Hurley? the new album. friend, who owned the shop. A few days later, HypnoBoogie is a term I came up with while
I met Bill Hurley towards the end of 2019, METRONOME: Who engineered the record? having thoroughly convinced myself that this amp hanging with Jimbo Mathus back in 2007. We
although I had been aware of him and the Fallout The Fallout Shelter comes with a built-in was in fact the greatest amp I had ever heard, were recording my first album, All The Way Down,
Shelter much before that. The Barrett Anderson staff. Seasoned industry veterans who know I was fortunate to be in a position to make that and one night, after a long day of recording,
Band was taking part in an event held by The how to use the room and make it sound great. amp mine. Jimbo and I were tired but also wired. We weren’t
Boston Blues Society at The Fallout Shelter. Even Eric Nordstrom and Connor Quigley, the staff The 1961 Dearmond R15T is another favorite quite ready to call it yet, so we sat around, talking
though we only had a twenty-minute set, Bill engineers at the Fallout Shelter, really did an of mine - a tweed Deluxe-style amp with larger about the music we were making, trying to figure
heard something in us, and he made sure that I incredible job of capturing our set, sound, and transformers. A family friend found this particular out what to call it. I came up with the name
had his phone number before I was off the stage. energy. In addition to putting the mics in just amp on the sidewalk, left in the rain with the HypnoBoogie, and I’ve been calling my music
We talked the next day, and the rest, as they say, the right spots to get great sounding drums and garbage cans on trash day. He took it home, let HypnoBoogie ever since. It’s not blues, but it’s
is history. guitars, they knew just where in the room to put it dry off in his garage, and brought it over to me. bluesy. It’s not rock, but there have been plenty
METRONOME: How many songs are on the ambient mics, capturing the sound of the space. My amp tech put in some new tubes and new of cues from The Allmans and the Stones. It’s
CD? These room mics make up a lot of what you caps, and I eventually replaced the (original) all about the groove. It’s music that is vital and
We have 11 songs and 71 minutes of music hear on the record. The Fallout Shelter is simply a speaker with a slightly more robust model. This alive, music that makes you swing and sway, that
on the new CD. We couldn’t have fit more on the great sounding space, and Eric and Connor made has become one of my “perfect” amps. makes you feel something deep down. That’s
disc if we wanted to. sure came through on the recording. These two amps complement each other HypnoBoogie!
METRONOME: Did you pen them all? Dan Cardinal mixed and mastered the beautifully. The Vibroverb has this big low end METRONOME: Do you plan on touring locally
7 of the 11 songs are mine, and the four covers recordings from the Fallout Shelter at Dimension and strong high end, while the DeArmond with this album when things open back up?
make up some of the staples and favorites from Sound Studios, his studio in Jamaica Plain. We provides a rich, warm, vocal midrange where all Oh yeah! We are ready to tour locally, nationally,
our sets. We worked carefully to only pick out the couldn’t have done this without him. the righteous tone is. I love what I can get out of internationally, intergalactically. I have every
cream of the crop. A-list material for this one. METRONOME: What kind of guitars did you this slightly oversized rig. intent to get this music in front of as many people
METRONOME: Which songs are your favorites play for the record? METRONOME: Do you use pedal effects? If so, in as many places as I can.
on Hypnoboogie and why? I played three different guitars on this what kind? Frankly, I feel like we’ve built this super-hot
In general, it was really fun and exciting to album; these three guitars have been my main Ronnie Earl taught me to never use pedals. race car, and are now sitting with in the garage,
re-record some of the originals off the first two instruments for over two decades now. He was adamant that a player should be able waiting to take it out for a drive. We are ready to
albums. Music is vital. It’s alive and songs are Blue, my trusty Telecaster and current main to get everything they need from their heart and hit it hard and bring HypnoBoogie all across the
ever evolving. In 2007 when I recorded my first guitar, is what you hear the most on the first 6 their hands. When I was on stage with Ronnie I world.
album, was a long, long time ago. I’m really tracks of HypnoBoogie. I assembled this from couldn’t even have a tuner in line – it looked too METRONOME: Where can people buy your
thrilled to have the opportunity to capture “Gone” various pieces and was able to make it exactly much like a pedal. It took me a long time to move music and find out more about you on the
and “Broken Down” from the first album, and “Not what I wanted it to be. I got lucky too. Everything beyond intense guilt whenever I entertained the world wide web?
Your Baby” and “Emma Lee” from the second, as worked and I wound up with a cohesive thought of a fuzz or vibe, but Band of Gypsys is www.barrettandersonband.com is the main
they sound after a decade of gigs. instrument that plays and sounds fantastic. The one of my favorite albums and, at some point, I spot. You can listen to music, buy albums, watch
The thirteen-minute long instrumental original, body is a classic, 1950’s style Tele, nothing fancy. had to give in to the wah-wah goddess. So, yes, videos, read interviews with the band. Our music
“The Long Fall,” has some of my favorite This guitar has a big, fat neck and early ‘60’s style I use effect pedals. is on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, etc. All
moments... magic moments, I call them. We’re an appointments. As soon as I strung it up, I knew I use a 1960’s style wah made by Geoffrey the big streaming services, check it out.
improvisational band. We might have a general how special this guitar was.It’s been my go-to Teese during the solo on “Not Your Baby.” Lastly, we’re on all the regular social media
idea of the points we want to hit within any guitar since 2014. There’s a Fuzz Face (made by Analog Man) candidates which means Instagram, Facebook,
given song, but it’s up to us and up to the night’s All the slide playing is done on a guitar made and Octavia (made by Kyle Chase) on the solo Twitter and YouTube. Links to all the social
inspiration as to how we hit them. We all try to be by French luthier, James Trussart. It’s a Les Paul on “Gone.” Monster Mike Welch gave me a media sites can be found on our website: www.
fully immersed in the music and let it guide us as shaped guitar that’s made out of hollow steel. I’ve prototype of an overdrive pedal he developed barrettandersonband.com.
we go. The version of “The Long Fall” captured on owned this one since 2003, and it’s been on all 3 with Barber Electronics. It became their Custom -- Brian M. Owens
Hearings by Doug Sloan, Alex Gecko or Brian M. Owens
makes another welcomed appearance on City Night start to cool, founding member
Top 5 for • COME THE RAIN the funk filled instrumental “Cary’s Groove”
and the sweet “Blue Delta Home” shakes
Kim Simmonds wrangles bassist Pat
DeSalvo and drummer Garnet Grimm back
November 2020 Crow tribal member Cary Morin returns the emotional apples from the tree. Lastly, to the studio to lay tracks for the spirited
(In NO Particular Order) with an exhilarating new album recorded at “Come The Rain” closes out this magnificent Ain’t Done Yet.
Tony Daigle’s Dockside Studio in Maurice, album with an uptempo cadence that’s hard Highlighted by the tone-filled buzz of
Louisiana aptly titled Dockside Saints. to deny. Simmonds’ Les Paul and impassioned lead
• Heathcote Hill Featuring a swampy mix of Cajun, Zydeco Everytime Cary Morin comes across our vocals, the trio keeps things taut and rockin’
• Cary Morin and Creole rhythms, Morin’s compositions turntables, it’s a pleasurable listen that we from track to track. Best cuts include the
• John Nemeth jump for joy with the assistance of some won’t forget. Bravo! [B.M.O.] driving album opener “All Gone Wrong,” the
Louisiana studio session “cats”: Lee Allen Contact-- www.carymorin.com high-steppin’ swagger of “Borrowed Time,”
• Asa Brebner Tribute Zeno on bass, Brian Brignac on drums, the jumpin’ title track “Ain’t Done Yet,” the
• Savoy Brown accordionist Corey Ledet, keyboard man swingin’ “Jaguar Car,” and the blazing buzz
_____________________________ Eric Adcock, fiddle player Beau Thomas, SAVOY BROWN saw of “Soho Girl.” Kim Simmonds and
CARY MORIN guitarists John Fohl & Keith Blair and AIN’T DONE YET Savoy Brown “Ain’t Done Yet” and their new
DOCKSIDE SAINTS harmony vocalist Celeste Di Lorio. 10-SONG album testifies to it. Good stuff! [B.M.O.]
12-SONG CD Well known for his acoustic fingerpicking Contact-- www.savoybrown.com
prowess and gritty road weathered voice, • ALL GONE WRONG
• NOBODY GOTTA KNOW Morin let’s the songs do the talking on this • DEVIL’S HIGHWAY
• EXCEPTION TO THE RULE new release. As the accordion wails on the • RIVER ON THE RISE SUGAR RAY & THE BLUETONES
• PRISONER outstanding album opener “Nobody Gotta • BORROWED TIME featuring LITTLE CHARLIE
• BECAUSE HE TOLD ME SO Know,” Morin reminds this scribe of Boz • AIN’T DONE YET TOO FAR FROM THE BAR
• TONIGHT Scaggs vocally. “Prisoner” validates Cary’s • FEEL LIKE A GYPSY 15-SONG CD
• JAMIE RAE fingerstyle playing while “Tonight” boasts • JAGUAR CAR
• BARE TREES the same inventive vibe. • ROCKING IN LOUISIANA • DON’T GIVE NO MORE THAN YOU CAN TAKE
• VALLEY OF THE CHIEFS The band lights it up for the booty shakin’ • SOHO GIRL • BLUEBIRD BLUES
• CHOSEN ROAD “Jamie Rae,” as the haunting “Valley of • CRYING GUITAR • TOO FAR FROM THE BAR
• CARY’S GROOVE The Chiefs” leaves a cosmically induced • TOO LITTLE TOO LATE
• BLUE DELTA HOME mark on your aural psyche. The accordion No sooner does Savoy Brown’s last disc, • REEL BURNER
240 Main Street 31 Sack Boulevard
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citymusiconline.com
(978) 630-3620 (978) 534-8989
•1000+ FX Pedals in Stock•
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• CAN’T HOLD OUT MUCH LONGER extravaganza from the opening track “Don’t
• NUMB AND DUMB Give No More Than You Can Take,” to the Solo Artists, Bands & Record Labels are welcome
• MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR record’s alternate take closer “Reel Burner.” to send CDs and DVDs for some ink along with decals, t-shirts,
• WHAT I PUT YOU THROUGH Sugar Ray’s voice is as smooth and succinct promo pins, mugs and other cool stuff to:
• WHAT WILL BECOME OF ME as ever while the Bluetones keep things
• I GOTTA RIGHT TO SING THE BLUES uplifting from cut to cut. Favored tunes
• FROM THE HORSES MOUTH include the bouncin’ “Don’t Give No More METRONOME MAGAZINE,
• THE NIGHT I GOT PULLED OVER
• WALK ME HOME
Than You Can Take,” the swinging “Too Far
From The Bar” featuring some fine boogie
P.O. BOX 921, BILLERICA, MA. 01821
• REEL BURNER (Alternate Take) woogie piano work from Anthony Geraci,
the instrumental harmonica workout “Reel • CHICK TALKS MONK off Chick’s list and he pays reverent homage
Since 1980, Sugar Ray Norcia has been Burner,” the hilarious bounce of “My Next • PANNONICA to his influences and peers. Favored tracks
singing and playing harmonica with his Door Neighbor,” and the clever jump blues • TRINKLE TINKLE include “Yesterdays,” “Desifinado,” “Blue
band The Bluetones around the globe. And of “From The Horses Mouth.” [B.M.O.] • BLUE MONK Monk,” “Pastime Paradise,” the musical
throughout that time, he’s always managed Contact-- artworks of “Portrait: Henrietta” & “Portrait:
to pull in the best players to join him. Folks www.sugarrayandthebluetones.com Celebrated piano icon Chick Corea Chris,” and “Duet” with French-Israeli jazz
like guitarists Monster Mike Welch, Little opens this engaging solo project by pianist Yaron Herman.
Charlie Baty, Duke Robillard, Kid Bangham, telling the audience he’s going to combine Corea proves to be a benevolent, good
Ronnie Earl and Troy Gonyea, among CHICK COREA compositions by the great composers natured host throughout the project adding
others, have all shared the stage with Ray PLAYS Mozart and Gershwin... but before he about his performances, “I Like People
along with Bluetone stalwarts Anthony 33-SONG, 2-CD SET begins we have to tune up (meaning he and to feel like they’re in my living room and
Geraci on piano, Michael Mudcat Ward the audience). It’s that kind of playful banter we’re hanging out.” Thanks Chick for the
on bass and Neil Gouvin on drums. Heavy • CHICK TALKS MOZART AND GERSHWIN from Chick at shows around the world memories. [B.M.O.]
lineups indeed. • MOZART: PIANO SONATA IN F that make this 2-CD set such an enjoyable Contact-- www.chickcorea.com
For the group’s seventh studio album, • SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME encounter.
Too Far From The Bar, Sugar Ray enlists old • IMPROVISATION ON SCARLATTI Fun was the operative word for Corea when
friend Little Charlie Baty to hold down guitar • SCARLATTI: SONATA IN D MINOR creating the tracks for Plays as his listeners HOW TRAGIC
chores, contributing his stylistic fretboard • YESTERDAYS become an integral part of the musical PAST LIVES
prowess to a handful of originals penned by • CHICK TALKS BILL EVANS AND ANTONIO JOBIM experience. Exploring the masters Mozart, 4-SONG EP
Geraci, Ward & Norcia along with covers by • WALTZ FOR DEBBY Scarlatti, Scriabin and Chopin, Corea also
folks like Sonny Boy Williamson, Lowman • DESAFINADO salutes Bill Evans, Thelonius Monk, Antonio • DEATHWISH
Pauling, Little Walter, Jerry McCain, Otis • CHOPIN: PRELUDE OP. 28 #4 Carlos Jobim, the Gershwins, Jerome Kern
Spann and Harold Arlen. It’s a roadhouse • SCRIABIN: PRELUDE OP. 11(Pt. 1) #4 and Stevie Wonder. No great songcrafter is
Continued on next page >>>
Hearings continued
Hill band has been kicking around the If Bananarama had a male singer, “She’s
• SPARE ME life sized statue of Bo Diddley, considering New England music scene since founding Gonna Live Forever” and it’s infectious
• LET ME DOWN they’re now basing their first record on his member Morgan Keating’s early days with melodies is what it would have sounded
• DONE trademark riff as “Hanky Panky Franky” the Gypsy Mechanics. Accompanied by like. In turn, “Sneak Attack“ takes on the
evidences. Thankfully short bursts of Rolling Gypsy Mechanics bandmate Jonathan Aristocats theme and a simplified 2/2 beat
Paige Campbell and her Brooklyn based Stones riffs fill in the edges. Grant on bass guitar, Gary Young (Ballou that sticks in your brain. If you miss the
band erupt in a saturated market ready to Despite running on the recurrent same Brothers Band) on guitar, dobro & lapsteel, 1980s and admire an element of cheese
elbow their way through all resistance. The basic guitar mode, still at 90 mph, “You’re A David Ballou (Ballou Brothers) on drums & from a band that refuses to take itself too
self confident vocal delivery is backed up Doll” maintains the emotional high ground. cajon and Willie Walker (Mighty Colors) on seriously, this is the record for you. [Gecko]
by powerful guitars, bass and drums that There are cute keyboard inflections straight piano & keyboards, Keating proves to be a Contact--
remind you a little of early Alanis Morissette out of Blondie with a hint of silliness. For gifted songwriter, penning colorful tales of https://theaquabats.bandcamp.com/album/
in the way the poppy chorus nails it down “That Old Ghost Don’t Lie,” they revive the love and life. kooky-spooky-in-stereo
perfectly on “Deathwish.” girl group modus for a stylish near ballad Songs of note include the insufferable
“Spare Me” is a little less produced, with loads of backing vocals. “All My Baby “Weight of The World,” the country tinged
but delivers by way of hooks and choruses Brought Back Was The Blues” gets a bit “Moving On,” the Hillbilly howl of “Cupid’s LEAH BELLE FASER
burrowing their way into your cerebellum. more bratty, but maintains all the hooks and Arrow,” and the Steve Earle infused CROSSING HERMI’S BRIDGE
“Let Me Down” is the more downbeat ballad even throws in a snazzy harp to perk up the “Theorello and Me.” [D.S] 7-SONG CD
of the bunch yet has oodles of muscles mix. It’s at this stage that I must commend Contact--
under the surface and quickly kicks into the warm and 3 dimensional mix that www.facebook.com/the-russell-hill-band • THE LIFT
gear as it refuses to wimp out. projects even a digital playback into your • SECOND-HAND STORE
“Done” echoes L7 with its monumental study like it’s in a smoky club. • BETTER THAN MINE
riffage and dispenses with subtlety to really On fast paced and riffy “The Kids,” I’m THE AQUABATS • WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN
drive the message home. Some of the reminded of early Donnas who reset the KOOKY SPOOKY... IN STEREO! • BACK HOME
material has a sort of familiarity for anyone parameters for all female groups 25 years 11-SONG CD • PLAY ON WORDS
having followed female fronted indie rock in ago and are now much missed. “Johnny” • RULED
the last 30 years, but the homage is fresher has sensuous moments and then gets • KARATE BODY
and better crafted than a lot of other material pleasantly irreverent all while throwing in a • NO ONE WANTS TO PARTY Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia this
you’ve heard in recent years. [Gecko] horn sound-byte for a nice change. “Hiding • SKELETON INSIDE teenage pop phenom has the voice of a
Contact-- https://open.spotify.com/ From The Moon,” in turn is lighter and faster • BED HEAD seasoned country music superstar with
artist/4zhZLm7gShmebNoVsgoajH and nicely decorated with gang vocals in • ALIENS AND MONSTERS the songwriting chops to match. Entering
the back and in between. • THE WALK OFF the studio with a well penned collection
Relationships play a big part in the Pale • DANGEROUS LEON of originals, Leah enlisted the help of ace
PALE LIPS Lips’ repertoire and “Show Me Another • PAJAMAZON studio musicians Nick Buda on drums, Tim
AFTER DARK Way To Your Heart” is no exception, as • SHE’S GONNA LIVE FOREVER Marks on bass, Billy Nobel on keyboards,
12-SONG LP the dynamics stay muscular and agile. The • SNEAK ATTACK percussionist Casey Wood and guitarists
gals bring in more high pitched silliness • KARATE BODY PART 2 Kerry Marx & Eddie Heinzelman along with
• SOME SORT OF ROCK N’ROLL with “Doo-Wop Showaddydaddy” which brother Hoke Faser on vocals and John
• I’M A WITCH few others could do without embarrassing The Aquabats are supposed to be live Lancaster on keys (“Ruled”) to realize her
• HANKY PANKY FRANKY themselves. By the end of “Cosmic Love,” legends in their Orange County ecosystem, musical vision. Keep an eye on Leah, she’s
• YOU’RE A DOLL you’re either addicted to the Lips’ brand but humor on records is a risky business. the real deal. [D.S.]
• THAT OLD GHOST DON’T LIE of poppy, effervescent, estrogen bouncy, On “Karate Body” I’m reminded of Fred Contact-- www.leahbellefaser.com
• ALL MY BABY BROUGHT BACK WAS Rock N’ Roll or you will have given up much Schneider on novelty vocals with a good
THE BLUES earlier. These Canadians won’t need a visa dose of Devo minus the new wave signature,
• THE KIDS to play for this critic. [Gecko] yet the chorus is to die for. The band pushes HEATHCOTE HILL
• JOHNNY Contact-- https://aliensnatch.bandcamp. the pathos for “No One Wants To Party” THE STORIES WE ARE TOLD
• HIDING FROM THE MOON com/album/pale-lips-after-dark where the ‘80s vocal inflections promote a 11-SONG CD
• SHOW ME ANOTHER WAY TO YOUR certain late Genesis feel. Singer Christian
HEART Jacobs properly croons on “Skeleton • ALL I REMEMBER IS YOU
• DOO-WOP SHOWADDYDADDY RUSSELL HILL Inside” and you’re somehow reminded of • HEY
• COSMIC LOVE TAKE COMFORT how we are all naked underneath all our • EVERYTHING SLIPPING AWAY
11-SONG CD clothes. They just take it further. • YOU AND SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Montreal, Canada once again delivers “Bed Head” tries to stay on your sweet • TEDDY RAY BLUES #34
an upbeat new 4 piece all-girl band with • SO I BEGIN side with proper uplifting pop music and a • THE RISING SEA
bouncy rhythms and tasty power pop vocal • WEIGHT OF THE WORLD dose of zaniness. “Aliens And Monsters” • ELEGY FOR MARY ELLEN
inflections, as “Some Sort of Rock n’Roll” • TORNADO SEASON has a bunch of progressive changes, yet • DON’T LET GO
testifies. I’m somehow reminded of the • MOVING ON appears to focus on listeners with a pre- • TELL ME WHAT YOU’RE THINKING
prairie states Winter Bear with a hint of early • YOU NEVER CAN TELL teen mind set. “The Walk Off” picks up • SECOND CHANCES
1960s due to the prolonged use of a perky • TAKE COMFORT the pace, but attempts a more snide style • THE STORIES WE ARE TOLD
yet chugging guitar riff and the rhythmical • CUPIDS ARROW where the keyboard sweetens the accents
accent on the roll rather than the rock. Not • IT’S ALWAYS SOMETHING over the guitar. “Dangerous Leon” pushes Hailing from Mamaroneck, New York,
everyone can do that. • THE LIGHTS the envelope with a dissonant guitar solo this inventive collective features the ace
It’s so delicious, they keep up the same • THEORELLO AND ME within the mainstream pop foundation and songwriting of guitarist Tom Nelson fueled
basic guitar for “I’m A Witch” which shows • TWO KIDS soaring killer chorus. “Pajamazon” takes on by the commanding vocal prowess of
they don’t take themselves too seriously. our home office online shopping culture with Megan Porcaro Herspring on their fourth
Our young ladies must have an altar with a The New Hampshire based Russell a decent dosage of Ska styled keyboard. album release, The Stories We Are Told.
In the studio, Heathcote Hill comes to • THROW ME IN THE WATER infectious groove of “She’s My Punisher,” • I’M NOT GOING TO WORK TODAY
life for the recording through a talented • CHAIN BREAKER Nemeth and the boys are in total control. [Larry Newman]
assemblage of players that include Tory • BARS John Nemeth is no stranger to the New • LET THE BYGONES BE
Ridder on drums, Mike Bishop on piano, • I CAN SEE YOUR LOVE LIGHT SHINE England blues music circuit and once we [Kimberly Starr Pfister]
Akil James on bass, organist Rob Arthur, • DEPRIVIN’ A LOVE abolish this Covid bug, look to see Nemeth • THE ROSES I NEVER BOUGHT YOU
drummer Sammy Merendino, upright • WORK FOR LOVE back in action once again. Good stuff! [Randy Black]
bassist Steve Count, and backing singers • GUESS WHO [B.M.O.] • TAKE ME BACK
Vanessa Ridder, Amanda Homi and Neal • SHE’S MY PUNISHER Contact-- www.johnnemeth.com [Ralph Fatello]
Coomer. The sound is beautiful and • SWEEP THE SHACK • HE IS NOT GONE
compelling while Megan’s voice touches [Mr. Curt & Andy Hollinger]
heart and soul. This isn’t your typical rock Born in Idaho, Nemeth cut his teeth there ASA
fare, but a well crafted collection of songs playing 5 nights a week for more than a I AM NOT GONE This wonderful collection of songs penned
sung and played by a masterful band. decade. In 2004, he moved to Oakland and A TRIBUTE TO ASA BREBNER by Asa Brebner were offered up by friends
Radio-friendly songs that will surely joined Anson Funderburgh’s band replacing 14-SONG CD and colleagues that were touched musically
capture listener’s attention worldwide blues legend Sam Meyers. These days, by Brebner through his many years in the
include the gorgeous “All I Remember Is the singer-songwriter-harmonica man calls • SUNSHINE BLUE SKIES Boston music community.
You,” the stark reality of “Hey,” the sweetly Memphis, Tennessee home as he continues [Robin Lane] Assembled by executive producer Larry
penned “You and Sunday Afternoon,” the to follow his muse as well as the blues that • LAST BAD HABIT Newman and mastered by engineer Gary
instrumental elegance of “Elergy For Mary move him. [Richie Parsons & Frank Rowe] Soprano, this fitting tribute pays respect to
Ellen,” and the inventive “Second Chances.” For his tenth solo release, Stronger Than • TRAVELING BLIND the singer, songwriter, guitarist, cartoonist
If you’ve never heard of Heathcote Hill, I Strong on the Nola Blue imprint, Nemeth [Jon Macey & Larry Newman] and activist while highlighting the diverse
encourage you to seek this band out. Good leads his smokin’ road band, The Blue • SHELTER OF YOUR LOVE talents of his peers throughout this fourteen
stuff! [B.M.O.] Dreamers, that features 19 year-old guitar [Linda Viens] song CD.
Contact-- www.heathcotehill.net slinger, Jon Hay of Philadelphia, Boston • INDIAN AMUSEMENT PARK You also get a glimpse of Brebner’s
born drummer Danny Banks and Memphis’ [Classic Ruins] idiosyncratic observations and droll take on
Matthew Wilson on bass for an uplifting • FINE LOVIN’ MAMA everyday life in songs like “Last Bad Habit,”
JOHN NEMETH roots blues outing. [Billy Connors & The Gato Brothers “Indian Amusement Park,” “Babes In The
STRONGER THAN STRONG Whether he’s painting the back porch • BABES IN THE BAR Bar,” “I’m Not Going To Work Today,” and
12-SONG CD awash in the blues with the album opener [Glider] “The Roses I Never Bought You.”
“Come And Take It,” vibin’ the Don Robey • RAGGED RELIGION Asa Brebner’s mortal coil may be gone
• COME AND TAKE IT classic “Sometime,” testifyin’ the truth in [Natalie Flanagan] from this earth, but his spirit and music live
• FOUNTAIN OF A MAN “Bars,” pumping a reggae groove in “I Can • DON’T EVER LOSE A MEMORY on through this recording. [B.M.O.]
• SOMETIMES See Your Love Light Shine,” or setting up the [Gary Shane & The Availables] Contact-- deltaljn@netscape.net
Mark Dix
A long time member of Boston area folk guitar pieces when I was still in high school. Like Miller and guitarist Russ Barenberg. blues and jazz standards to classic country and
quartet, Whose Muddy Shoes, singer-songwriter- many other acoustic guitar players in those days, While solo guitar playing and composing folk songs, along with our own originals.
guitarist Mark Dix has stepped out on his own I taught myself to play Davy Graham’s “Angie” as was very satisfying and probably the most METRONOME: How did you all meet?
(with some help from his friends) to release a well recorded by Paul Simon, and that gave me the technically accomplished music I’ve ever done, I have two grown kids. When they were little
penned solo album entitled, Nobody’s Angel. We idea that an acoustic guitar could be effective for there’s nothing like singing and playing with other I sort of put down the guitar for a couple years.
caught up with him during the heat of August and something more than accompanying vocals. people. This brings us to our notorious, infamous My hands were full, so to speak. My neighbor at
Mark outlined his long standing musical career... I started listening to John Fahey, Bert Jansch, band, Whose Muddy Shoes. the time, Greg Clark, had a band that practiced
John Renbourn and others and continued through Years ago, the six-piece band played every weekend and they got a bit loud at times
METRONOME: How long have you been those years in Cambridge. I am still proud of the quite a lot throughout New England, western when my kids were trying to sleep. I went over
singing and playing? to complain once and they invited me in. The
Mark Dix: After several years of playing rest is history.
piano, I picked up the guitar when I was 14 Soon I was playing rhythm guitar with them
and have been playing ever since. It took a bit and the kids never complained. It was a very
longer to feel comfortable as a singer. laid-back group at the time with no name
METRONOME: What came easier for you, and few aspirations. For the first year or so it
the vocals or the guitar? was just an opportunity to hang out and play
Definitely guitar. For many years I played endless repetitions of 12-bar blues. We had a
and sang in groups, but was reluctant to sing piano player for a very short time who brought
lead. Instead, I was very focused on guitar in the Elmore James song “Whose Muddy
playing and started writing solo guitar pieces Shoes,” and someone suggested that would be
while I was in college. a good band name. Thirty-some years later we
When I first came to the Boston area I had are still at it. Same name, however the music is
significant success as a solo instrumentalist a lot different.
and composer, playing opening sets at Passim Our horn player, Bill Mantone, is the only
for guitarists John Fahey and Pierre Bensusan, remaining member of that original group. When
singer/player Chris Smither, and also poet Greg’s bass player moved out of the area, I
Allen Ginsberg. That was back in the day when recruited Jack Esher to play bass. Jack and
Bob and Rae Ann Donlin ran Passim. I had sons the same age who were in school
As many will remember, WCAS AM in together and I knew Jack from coaching youth
Cambridge was the local folk radio station. soccer. Robin Winter was acquainted with the
Some of my guitar music was played on band through a work association with Greg’s
that station. I recently unearthed some lost wife. Robin sang with us from time to time,
recordings of those guitar pieces and will making us a much better band when she did.
eventually make them available on my website When another band heard her and threatened
(www.markdix.com). In the meantime, there is to enlist her for their band, we decided we’d
a fine recording of one of these early pieces, better make her a permanent part of ours.
“Sounds Like Rain,” on my first solo CD, This Before long Bill and Robin were married, so it
Old Song. was a done deal after that.
METRONOME: Who were some of the METRONOME: How many albums has that
bands that inspired you to be a songwriter? group released?
I think I’ve been inspired by great music The original six-piece band made one, self-
and musicians in general more than particular titled, album released in 1998. That album
bands. My father was an accomplished includes four of my earliest songs, including
musician and composer, although, like me, “Too Long On the Water,” which is still a
this was not his profession. He is and was my regular part of our repertoire. A few years later,
greatest inspiration and introduced me to a lot I completed my first solo CD, This Old Song.
of music. guitar pieces I wrote and performed back then, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Newburyport, All the songs on the CD are originals of mine, but
Then there are the classics, J.S. Bach in but creating them was very time intensive and and at Club Passim. The quartet version of the the band is very much in evidence on many of
particular, composers for the guitar like Villa keeping them performance-ready required a great Shoes has been playing and singing together the tracks.
Lobos and John Dowland, players like Charlie commitment of time and energy. Along the way, I for many years now. With a steady gig at Chianti A few years later, 2006, I think, the acoustic
Byrd, John Renbourn & Bert Jansch, the had also dabbled in writing poetry and fiction for Café in Beverly, MA. along with annual house quartet completed another CD called All In Good
harmonies and spirit of Peter, Paul, and Mary many years, so it was not a great leap to writing concerts in Southwest Harbor, Maine, a night at Time. That CD also has four of my originals,
and the big guns, Bob Dylan and The Beatles. I lyrics for melodies I created with the guitar. This the Criterion Theatre in Bar Harbor, and opening along with originals by Bill and Jack. As with
started out creating guitar pieces, but then grew all came together in the form of songwriting when for Charlie Daniels at the North Shore Music both of my solo CDs, we recorded that one with
into songwriting. I love pure instrumental music, I was first playing with the Whose Muddy Shoes Theatre, we’ve had a great time. Seth Connelly and added percussion and some
but there is nothing more enduring than a song. 6-piece band back in the late eighties. METRONOME: How long have you been additional solo instrumentalists to get the most
METRONOME: When did the songwriting kick METRONOME: Who were some of the groups playing with Whose Muddy Shoes? out of each song.
in for you? you played with when you were younger? Did I think it was about 1986 when I first played METRONOME: Who’s the principal
I have always been surrounded by music, first any of them gain any notoriety? with some of these people. We were a 6-piece songwriter(s) for the band?
influenced by my father, who was a composer Prior to the Cambridge years, I played and band until around 2001 when the current 4-piece In the very early years, no one was writing and
and had me taking piano lessons from the age of sang in a duo that gained some local recognition group split off to create a sound that emphasized we were doing mostly covers of blues tunes that
8. I picked up the guitar at 14 when I was at home in the traditional music scene in Ithaca, NY. That more acoustic instruments and three and four- Greg brought in. About that time, I was listening
with a flu. My first guitar was a rented Harmony. A was another great place to be at the time, with part harmony. With acoustic guitar, bass, clarinet to Greg Brown, John Gorka, John Prine, Steve
couple of years later, I moved up to a Martin 00- people like Howie Bursen, the British duo of John or sax, one female and three male voices we’ve Goodman and other songwriters. I was also
18. I started playing around making guitar riffs into Roberts and Tony Barrand, blues player John been able to cover a wide range of music from friends with local songwriters Geoff Sather andYou can also read
