Tommy Wiggins "A Good Wife" 2010 Chilidog Records

Tommy Wiggins
“A Good Wife”
2010 Chilidog Records


Tom Wiggins is one of the people that keeps the music world rolling along here in Northern Ohio. He is mostly known as the head of the Recording Arts and Technology program at Tri-C, and host of the award winning cable show “Crooked River Groove.” Many do not know that Wiggins is also a fine musician and songwriter in his own right, and every so often puts out a quality release. His latest endeavor is “A Good Wife,” which he is releasing this fall on his own Chilidog Records. Although a different style than his last few releases, it is another very solid effort.
The CD features twelve tracks of stripped down music, with Wiggins’ soulful, raw and honest vocals, along with his observant song lyrics, carrying the load. Behind him are a bit of guitar and piano, along with some percussion and back ground vocals. The CD is filled with sincere ballads with titles like “A Good Wife,” “Everything Girl,” and “You and Me.” I love the piano behind both “She was in a Hurry” and “On a Perfect Sunday.” “Peace on Earth” and “The Freedom Train” are throwbacks to the folk rock of the 70’s.
Everyone putting out their own release should talk to Wiggins (or Colin Dussault for that matter) about product design and packaging. Yes, it really does matter. Everything about “A Good Wife,” from the music to the packaging is top shelf. The cover features a beautiful painting by artist Catherine Wall of Wiggins’ wife Georgia. Inside features a photo of Wiggins and Georgia as a young couple, probably in their early twenties. After seeing both graphics, you know that “A Good Wife” is, above all, is a labor of love. My only complaint of the album is the lyrics are posted on Wiggins’ website instead of in the package someplace. These are songs you’d like to sing along with from the first time you listen.
For more about Tommy Wiggins and his music, including some upcoming shows in support of his new release, visit www.tommywiggins.com.

Alejandro Escovedo 10.11.2010 @ the Beachland Ballroom

I can really see why Alejandro Escovedo is having his day in the sun, finally getting some of the recognition he deserved a long time ago. He has an album that is selling and getting played on the radio, he’s signed on with Springsteen’s management company, and he’s even played the Letterman show. His moment has come because he writes good songs, he’s a solid play ahead live performer, and he appeals to the roots music crowd that is slowly getting bigger and bigger.
He is also becoming one of those Cleveland darlings, a semi-national act from another part of the country that has a loyal and growing audience here in northern Ohio. When I first got to the Beachland last Monday to check out a bit of the opening band, the place was half empty. But by the time Escovedo took the stage the room had filled almost to capacity, with the older, wiser crowd that supports bands like his, and Paul Thorn and Shelby Lynne and Raul Malo, when they hit town.
Last week’s show was better than last January’s show, and last January’s show was a good one. Although he is still touring in support of his “Street Songs of Love” release, his recent show delved more in into his past, and Escovedo seemed more at ease with the crowd. The highlights from the new album included “Down in the Bowery” and “Streetsongs,” the first one was introduced by a funny story about Escovedo and his 16 year old punk rock son. Among past favorites “Rosalie” and “Castanets” stood out, each again being introduced by some great story telling.
Alejandro Escovedo has been all over the musical map during his career. From his Mexican American childhood, to his days in the punk moment of the late 70’s, to his singer songwriting days and his band days with Rank and File, and he brings all of those experiences to what he is doing now. He is a roots rocker in every sense of the word, and they are not too many who have more roots than he does.
The highlight of the show was a guitar instrumental that he shared with his guitarist David Pulkingham “Fort Worth Blues,” that he dedicated to an old friend and collaborator Stephen Brudon who recently died of cancer. It was great stuff.
Hopefully Alejandro Escovedo will return again in nine or ten months and put on another great show. I think he’s to the point here in Northern Ohio that he will fill a venue like the Beachland almost anytime. For more about him and his music visit www.alejandroescovedo.com. As always, the Beachland has a lot of good things coming up, including Chuck Prophet on Wednesday, October 20; the Carl Palmer Band on Saturday, October 23; and Los Straightjackets on Saturday, October 30. Go to www.beachlandballroom.com for information on these shows and more.

October/November Concert Calendar

October/November Concert Calendar
I spent some time looking at the October and November offerings at my favorite music venues and was surprised at how many shows caught my eye. This Sunday, October 10, Raul Malo is at the Kent Stage. He is a tremendous performer, and if you have a chance to see him this time around don’t pass it up. The Kent stage has a lot of great shows coming up, including Marc Cohn on October 12 and the Max Weinberg Big Band on November 4. Check out their colander at www.kentstage.org.
The Beachland Ballroom features the return of Alejandro Escovedo, still touring in support of his “Streetsongs of Love” release on Monday, October 11; singer/songwriter Chuck Prophet on Wednesday October 20 (I have never seen him but he comes highly recommended by music aficionado Mike Sokolowski); and Josh Ritter, in support of his new release “So Goes the World Away.” His last Beachland show was terrific. All three shows should be pretty solid. For the complete Beachland music calendar visit www.beachlandballroom.com.
The Trombone Shorty show originally scheduled for the Beachland has been moved to the House of Blues on Friday, November 12, with the Rebirth Brass Band added to the bill. Also at the House of Blues in November is the annual return of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes on the 26th. Yes, it will be 1980 all over again and the crowd will love it. For all the good things going on at the House of Blues visit www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/Cleveland.
Over a nine day period the Winchester has three potentially great shows lined up. On Wednesday, October 27, former Byrd and founding member of the Flying Burrito Brothers (not to mention his time with the Southern, Hillman, Furay Band) Chris Hillman hits the stage. Here’s a chance to see up close a real legend of rock and roll, one often credited with being the founder of country rock. Two days later on Friday, October 29, one time Cleveland favorite Andy Pratt plays here for the first time in who knows when. Remember “Avenging Annie”? Then the following Friday, November 5, Mississippi based blues pianist/vocalist Eden Brent makes her Cleveland debut. I haven’t seen her yet, but the buzz about her is that she is very good. For more information about these shows and more visit www.thewinchester.net.
On Thursday, November 4, Los Lobos returns to Cleveland with a show at the Masonic Auditorium at 36th and Euclid. This should be a good show in an under used venue. The concert is being promoted by Visible Voices Books, the great Tremont bookstore/wine bar. For more information go to www.visiblevoicesbooks.com/events.
Nighttown didn’t have their November calendar posted yet, but three shows in October jumped out at me. On Saturday, October 16, the San Francisco Jazz Collective makes an appearance; on Wednesday, October 20, Cleveland Hts. native jazz drummer Neil Smith brings in his All Star Quartet; and on Monday, October 25, 8 string guitar virtuoso Charlie Hunter and his Trio perform. Visit www.nighttowncleveland.com for information on all of their shows.

2010 Traveling Circus Knuckleheads Football Road Trip

It Is Time To Get Back On The Bus...

2010 TRAVELING CIRCUS KNUCKLEHEADS

BROWNS ROAD TRIP

December 18/19 in Cincinnati/Paul Brown Stadium

CLEVELAND BROWNS VS. CINCINNATI BENGALS

Cost is $265 per person if paid in full by September 9,

$285 after September 9

Includes all of the following:

Round Trip Motor Coach Transportation

Round Trip Road Pops

Saturday Lunch Stop

Lodging at the Embassy Suites on the River

(Within Walking Distance from the Stadium)

Happy Hour at the Hotel from 5:30-7:30 on Saturday

Awesome Breakfast Sunday Morning

A Quality Game Ticket (No Nose Bleeds)

Road Trip Give Away

Bus will leave on Saturday, December 18 from the Nice Place Café in Parma at 11:00 A.M., with a pick up in Wadsworth at 11:45 A.M., and a possible pick up in the Columbus area. We will return on Sunday evening immediately after the game.

Lodging is Four to a Suite

(for 2 to a room contact one of the Gregs)

Spots Are Limited and Will Be Reserved on a First Paid Basis

$125 Deposit Reserves Your Spot

For More Info Call Greg Cielec (216.496.8286) or

Greg Lindeman (330.697.1220)

Send Payment to: Greg Lindeman, 195 Bailey Court, Doylestown, Ohio 44230

Make Checks Out to Greg Lindeman

AS ALWAYS, EXPECT A DAMN GOOD TIME

A note or two...We did the same trip in 2000, 2002, and 2005, and all three were outstanding. If you are thinking about seeing the Browns on the road this year, this is the trip to go on. Go with a group of people who have been running Browns road trips for over twenty-five years, including trips to Detroit, Atlanta, New Orleans, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati.

After all of our trips we often hear from people who went on other cheaper bus trips, “We should have gone with you guys.” Why? For example, when we go to Cinci…

•We stay at an all suite hotel within walking distance of the Stadium, directly across the river. You won’t be stuck twenty miles out in the suburbs in some low budget hotel. And we stay in a suite hotel, were each room is actually two full size hotel rooms.

•Our price includes a lunch stop on the road; a free Happy Hour in our hotel from 5:30-7:30 Saturday night; a great breakfast Sunday morning; and, of course, unlimited bottled and canned beverages on the way down and the way back.

•No box lunches. No draft beer.

•One of the best things about our trip is Sunday morning. You wake up within walking distance of the stadium. You aren’t herded on a bus, hungover and tired, to drive another hour or two to the game. You can sleep until noon, grab breakfast, and still get to the game on time.

•Our tickets will be in the lower bowl of the stadium. You won’t be stuck up in the upper deck, which is where almost everyone else on other bus trips usually sits.

•We don’t fill the bus to capacity, cramming someone in every seat. We always leave at least a dozen or so empty seats on the bus so there is room to stretch out, socialize, and to have plenty of coolers stocked with cold ones. And if you want to crash on the way home, there will be more than enough room.

•You even get to take home a commemorative gift, instead of a headache and a backache from an uncomfortable ride home.

If you have any questions, call one of the two Gregs listed on the front of this flyer. A deposit of $125 reserves your spot for an outstanding time.

A note about the cost...

We don’t make any money on these trips. We are in it for the good time. Our costs have gone up excessively since our last trip, especially (because of gas) the cost of the bus. But please remember, our trip has a lot of extras planted in it, and a lot of luxury also. We don’t cut corners, and we promise you will get your money’s worth. If you are on good standing with us, $125 reserves your spot and your balance isn’t due until Dec. 1.

Call or email if you have any questions:

Greg Cielec: Cielec@hotmail.com, 216.496.8286

Greg Linderman: glindeman@neo.rr.com , 330.697.1220

Two Great Shows at the Beachland, Marcia Ball Band 19 August 2010, Paul Thorn Band 21 August 2010

Last week I was a very happy music fan as two of my favorite touring acts played at the Beachland Ballroom. On Thursday blues diva Marcia Ball brought her band in, and on Saturday singer songwriter Paul Thorn did the same. Both are Beachland favorites, and both bands gave outstanding performances that were well received by the close to capacity crowds.
Marcia Ball has been stopping in Cleveland almost yearly for close to twenty years and has developed a loyal Northern Ohio following. She is truly one of the greats in today’s blues and roots music worlds. She is a very good singer and songwriter, and a great piano player. She is backed by a four piece band of solid music veterans, lead by her long time bass player Don Bennett. Over the last several years she has let her band share a bit more of the spotlight, especially guitar player Mike Schermer and saxophonist Thad Scott. Schermer is the writer of the song “Big Sister’s Radio,” which has been covered by several country and blues artists over the last few years.
Last Thursday’s show featured songs from all parts of Ball’s career, including some New Orleans favorites, songs from her last release “Peace, Love, and Bar B Que,” and a few new songs from an upcoming project. Amongst the highlights from the “Peace, Love and Bar B Que” CD were “Partytown,” a tribute to New Orleans; “Married Life,” about life on the road; the title tune; and the beautiful ballads “Fallin’ Back I Love with You” and “I Wish You Well.” The best new tune was a ballad dedicated to Ms. Ball’s father “This Use to be Paradise,” about what the Louisiana coast has gone through over the last few years, especially this past summer.
As always, I can’t wait until next summer when Marcia Ball and her band travel north from their Austin, Texas home once again. For more about her and her music visit www.marciaball.com.
Paul Thorn has only been traveling north from his Tupelo, Mississippi home to perform for several years but he too has a solid Cleveland following. Last Saturday’s show was his best Cleveland show yet, filled with great music and story telling. He played old favorites like “Mood Ring” and “I Have a Good Day (every now and then)”, and featured songs from his recent release “Pimps and Preachers,” including the title track, “Tequila is Good for the Heart,” and his dedication to his mother “That’s Life.” Paul and his band gave their A performance at the Beachland last Saturday, and the audience ate it up. For more information about Paul Thorn and his music visit www.paulthorn.com.
This was another great weekend of music at the Beachland, and, like always, they have a lot of great shows coming up, including The Breeders on September 2; Donna the Buffalo on September 8; and a benefit for the Roots of American Music program featuring Glass Harp on October 9. Check out the Beachland’s full calendar at www.beachlandballroom.com.
Photo by Rick Perk

McGuffey Lane “10” 2010 Lick Records, Distributed by E1 Entertainment

McGuffey Lane’s new CD “10” is the best thing they have recorded in a long time. Out of the ten songs that are on it, more than half of them would have fit nicely in either of their first two albums they made back in the early eighties. Although they have made several CD’s since they have reformed ten years ago, it wasn’t until original bass player Steve George Reis rejoined the band several years ago that the old McGuffey Lane sound really started to come back, both in concert and in recordings. With Reis on bass, that has allowed multi-talented Molly Pauken to play mandolin and other assorted string instruments. That has brought back that little touch of blue grass that has been a part of McGuffey Lane’s country rock sound.
The new CD has ten songs on it and amongst the highlights are “I Am Who I Am,” “It’s a Good Day,” and “Nobody But a Fool,” all penned and sung by lead guitarist John Schwab. The best cut on the album, from a sentimental point of view, is Reis’s great traveling tune “Song for the Road,” which the band has been doing in concert since back in the day but had never recorded before. Two songs that will be concert favorites off the disk are a duet between Schwab and Reis about refusing to grow old “I Ain’t Given’ in to Getting’ Old,” and “Bartender,” a vacation song which sounds like the sequel to “I’m in Jamaica,” which was on their 1984 album “Day by Day.”
McGuffey Lane will be traveling throughout Ohio and the Midwest in support of “10” through the fall. They headlined the Lorain International Festival this past June and hopefully will return to Northern Ohio soon. For more information on their shows visit www.mcguffeylane.com.
McGuffey Lane’s “10” is on Lick Records and distributed nationally by E1 Entertainment. You can pick it up at your favorite CD store, your local Wal Mart, as well as ordering it online at the band’s website.

Coryell, Auger, Sample Trio, Nighttown, 8 August 2010

Attending a lot of shows in venues like the Beachland, the House of Blues, and Nighttown, I have seen many acts hailed as the “next big thing.” I also get a lot of emails from publicists and managers hailing their latest acts as “the next big thing.” And, yes, occasionally I have even hopped on a bandwagon or two. If you asked me today who I have seen recently who might be on their way to big things, the first thing that would pop in my head would be the Coryell, Auger, Sample Trio that played Nighttown last Sunday.
This was their second time through Nighttown and they were quite impressive. Playing original music they call “funky lounge rock,” these three talented musicians put on a terrific show. They are unique for several reasons, the first obviously because they are the sons of three of the legends of that wonderful time back in the seventies when jazz and rock actually collided for awhile. Second, this is currently a side project for all three of them, but it is taking up more of their time as their popularity is spreading.
Both Carmen Auger and Nick Sample are current members of Auger’s father Brian’s band the Oblivion Express. Julian Coryell is a studio musician in Los Angeles, who does a lot of time working in Japan. But when these three musicians get together wonderful things happen. Last Monday they played 15 selections that featured Coryell’s guitar work, Auger’s drumming, and Sample on bass. New this time around were several songs that also featured Coryell on vocals. They featured songs from their first album “Cooley Returns,” as well as songs from an upcoming release. Amongst the highlights were the new songs “Song for our Fathers,” and three that featured Coryell’s vocals: “Saint Bad,” “School Boy Crush,” and “My Funky Business.”
The Trio’s sound is a mix of seventies fusion rock/jazz, with a bit of power trio rock thrown in, topped off with a touch of both surf rock and lounge music. The musicianship is outstanding, their stage presence is very professional, and the song writing is top shelf. These guys are really good. Yes, they really could be the next big thing.
Auger and Sample will be back at Nighttown next month when Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express does their annual Nighttown shows on September 2 and 3. They will hook back up with Coryell sometime in the late fall for more Trio shows. They recently spent time in the recording studio with their fathers working on a projection that they will call Coryell Auger Sample Generations. A spring CD release is planned, and hopefully some shows with the Trio and their fathers next summer. For more info about the Coryell, Auger, Sample Trio visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/CORYELL-AUGER-SAMPLE-TRIO/373282267852.
As always there are a lot of great shows coming up at Nighttown including Cleveland born NYC jazz guitarist Rick Stone on Sunday, August 22, the above-mentioned Brian Auger shows on Thursday and Friday September 2 & 3, and the Freddy Cole Quartet on Saturday, September 4. Check out Nighttown’s complete music schedule at www.nighttowncleveland.com.

Photos by Dave Hostetler