Jeremy Tepper, Program Director for Sirius/XM Radio, Paul English, Jody Denberg, of Austin, and John Rosenfelder, of NYC and
www.Earbender.com, at Carl’s Corner, Texas.
Archive for the ‘Other bloggers’ Category
Paul English and Friends
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009Songwriter (Review by the 9513)
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
Review by Juli Thanki
www.the9513.com
I think I’d watch Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson in any type of movie. Buddy cop, period piece, tastefully shot erotica…well, maybe not any type of movie. In 1984’s Songwriter, they basically seem to be playing alternate universe versions of themselves. Nelson is Doc Jenkins, a great singer/songwriter with aspirations of making a fortune as a music mogul. Kristofferson is Jenkins’ best pal, Blackie Buck, a charismatic and frequently shirtless country artist who “drinks so people don’t think [he's] a dope fiend.”
When Doc gets caught up in a bad publishing deal thanks to sleazy businessman Rodeo Rocky, he calls on Blackie to help him out. Wackiness ensues, as it so often does in a Willie Nelson movie. Doc cooks up a plot to make some money and screw over Rocky. He discovers Gilda, a slightly nutty up and coming singer, then slaps Blackie and Gilda’s names on songs he writes, telling them, “you get the credit, I get the money.”
Can Doc scheme his way out of Rodeo Rocky’s contract and make enough money to provide for his kids and ex-wife, who he may still love? And just exactly how much of this film is based on the exploits of Nelson and Kristofferson in their rowdier days? Nelson, who sold the wildly successful song “Night Life” for peanuts, sure learned about the ins and outs of the music business the hard way, so there might be a grain of truth in Doc’s plotting.
Songwriter doesn’t ever take itself too seriously, mostly because its two leading men sure seem to be having a blast, thus suggesting that the question Blackie poses to Doc, “Do you suppose a man has to be a miserable son of a bitch all the time just to write a good song now and then” might not be true after all. Celluloid Country repeat offender Lesley Ann Warren is excellent as neurotic, drunk, girl singer Gilda (she was nominated for a Golden Globe), and there are a couple other recognizable faces in the mix, including Rip Torn (Payday) as slick promoter Dino. Members of Willie’s band and Stephen Bruton show up as well in Songwriter, appearing as…the band. Rodeo Rocky is played by Richard C. Sarafian, best known around these parts as the director of the supercreepy “Living Doll” episode of The Twilight Zone, while the film’s actual director, Alan Rudolph, is an Altman disciple who’d again work with Kristofferson in Trouble in Mind.
To read the rest of the review, and to visit the great www.the9513.com blog:
http://www.the9513.com/celluloid-country-kris-kristofferson-and-willie-nelson-in-songwriter/
The Highwaymen on Tour (1990)
Monday, August 24th, 2009
Thanks to http://ozzybeef.wordpress.com, for sharing this picture at his ‘It’s Great To Be Alive” blog. I always get a pick-me-up from all the music he has posted there, and learn something, too.
9/9 – LITTLE ROCK – AR
9/10 – DALLAS – TX
9/11 – HOUSTON – TX
9/13 – LAS CRUCES – NM
9/14 – DENVER – CO
9/17 – TUCSON – AZ
9/18 – PHOENIX – AZ
9/19 – LAKESIDE – CA
9/20 – BAKERSFIELD – CA
9/21 – UNIVERSAL CITY – CA
9/22 – COSTS MESA – CA
9/25 – PORTLAND – OR
9/27 – SACRAMENTO – CA
9/28 – CONCORD – CA
9/29 MOUNTAIN VIEW – CA
10/1 -UNIVERSAL – CA
10/2 – FRESNO – CA
10/3 – BURBANK – CA
10/4-9 LAS VEGAS – NV
“Johnny Cash was concerned about the plight of Arkansas farmers following the televised reports of serious spring flooding. He wanted to do something and thought of a benefit concert by the Highwaymen. Since Barton Coliseum was available at the beginning of the group’s 1990 Southwestern United Sates tour, he started the wheels rolling. Cash called Governor Bill Clinton who arranged for hte ticket money to be given to the Arkansas Office of Emergency Services so there would be no overhead or administrative expenses for distribution to Arkansas farmers.
So the Highwaymen were here to give a concert. But more than that, they were here to give their talents so that all of the proceeds ($196,437.00) from this concert can help with farm flooding relief. The Highwaymen, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash, normally receive more than $100,000 per concert, but appeared here at no charge. The Arkansas Democrat, radio station KSSN and KARK-TV agreed to present and promote the concert. Arkansas businesses, corporations and individuals have donated funds to cover the remaining costs of the concert.”
Jan Coney
Wright, Arkansas
John Rosenfelder: Willie Nelson’s made ‘The Greatest Video Ever Made’ (Shoeshine Man)
Thursday, August 6th, 2009www.earbender.com
by John Rosenfelder
“At 76, there is no technology or creative situation that the man Willie Nelson can’t master. In this incredible video, which Willie directed himself, we see him at his desk in the bus, but are soon taken on a TRIP including a mad roller coaster ride. In the midst of the madness, Sister Bobbie makes a brief appearance.
YouTube indeed. This may be the first video that actually shows a vaporizer in use (and its harrowing effects on the user). It’s also pretty impressive because it is NOT the first track from a very serious and well-produced Willie album coming out in a few weeks on EMI, “American Classic,” nor is it from Lost Highway’s quickee compilation “Lost Highway.”
It’s exclusively on air at Sirius XM’s “Willie’s Place” and “Outlaw Country” straight from “Willie’s Private Stash”!!!!
Nice one Willie!”
http://www.earbender.com/2009/08/05/willie-nelson-with-the-greatest-music-video-ever-made/
willie Nelson in Indiana (6/6/09)
Monday, June 8th, 2009
www.Mephistos.com
by Ray Mephistos
Over the weekend I had the opportunity to see a concert that I had been trying to catch for sometime and the stars finally alligned in heavens correctly for it to occur. Willie Nelson played a show at the summer outdoor concert series at Horseshoe Casino and Resort over in Indiana just across the river from Louisville.
It was a perfect ending to a good early summer day that had started with the afternoon at Churchill Downs, later watching the Belmont and realizing I had the winner and the trifecta, and then the playing and singing to one hit after another of Willie in the outside air as the sun slowly set behind the hills to our west.
Willie was as I expected, pure old style musician. He on a few occasions moved from his place on stage and occasionally even cut things up some with members of the band and family. Generally though it was straight up Willie in front of two microphones, the old beat up guitar that has a hole in it, and just pure singing out the tunes. That old guitar with the whole in it is why I felt I had to the concert soon. Willie has said when it is dead he figures it is time for him to quit playing music.
I could not begin to name all the songs that he sung in his typical fashion but a large number of his biggest hits were there, mixed in with more then a few classic favorites from along the way of other artists, a few spirituals and a couple of songs he wrote and other folks made famous. Obvious songs were Always on My Mind, Too the Girls I’ve Loved Before, Whiskey River, Beer for my Horses, Crazy, Me and Bobbie McGee, and of course On the Road Again.
The crowd was nice and very appreciative of the effort put forth by Willie and the gang. The weather could not have been order to be more perfect, nice sunshine giving way to clean evening skies with just the perfect temperature throughout. The setup of the outdoor area was fairly small in nature and at least from my vantage did not seem to have a bad seat as far the view. I will say the tight bleachers in general admission were a bit much on the back thirty minutes into the show though.
The only real complaint that I could make would be in regards to the customer service of the staff at the venue. Actually, I should more correctly say the thing to complain about was lack of customer service. Not to put to much into it I will simply say when someone in a party has an obvious broken foot an extra level of care should be extended. Common courtesy should be extended regardless of a broken foot or not. Sad to say the staff of Horseshoe (in particular – not special event staff) were at best less then helpful and at worse just rude.
All that aside, the tickets were well worth it and I am glad I got a chance to see the legend. If you have your own opportunity to see Willie in the next few years I would jump on the chance.
Nominate Willie Nelson for the Supreme Court
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
I know folks have written in Willie Nelson’s name on presidential ballots, but (so far) Chris Rodell of www.redroom.com is the first to put Willie’s name forward for the Supreme Court. He’s got my support:
It’s time President Obama electrify the country by nominating someone who is not a judge, but who has appeared before plenty of them.
That means it’s time to nominate Willie Nelson for the Supreme Court. He’s the anti-John Roberts, a man who looks so white bread it’s surprising no one’s slapped some baloney and mustard on him for tasteful improvement.
Willie has the life experiences Americans need from an understanding justice. And he’s left a long paper trail, although, granted, most of it has been wrapped around marijuana leaves and smoked.
He proved he understands health care issues when he wisely remarked, “Remember, simple chronic halitosis is better than no breath at all.”
He’s a man of family values who’s opined, “There are no such thing as ex-wives. There are only additional wives.”
As far as the role of judicial restraint in the war on drugs, he’s on record as saying: “Legalizing marijuana would actually reduce crime … It’s kept me from killing a bunch of people.”
He understands that at times the roles of church and state do intersect when he warned “not to forget the less fortunate or God will personally kick your ass. I’d do it for him,” Willie said, “but I can’t be everywhere.”
Many interest groups are urging President Obama to nominate a person of color. I’d like him to nominate a colorful person.
Willie and the Supremes! Sounds like a surefire hit to me.
To read entire entry, and more of Mr. Rodell’s work:
http://www.redroom.com/blog/chris-rodell/willie-nelson-high-court
Willie Nelson and Family, State Theater, New Brunswick, NJ last night
Sunday, April 19th, 2009Thanks to John Rosenfelder, of http://www.earbender.com, for posting this video from last night’s Willie Nelson & Family show last night at the State Theater, New Brunswick, NJ.
Follow John’s blog, too, it’s so worth the click. It’s entertaining, informative, hip, enjoyable. You’ll thank me later.
Paula Nelson, George Devore at the sxsw interactive at the techset/windows mobile blogger lounge, sxsw
Thursday, April 2nd, 2009Thanks to John Rosenfelder, of NYC, for sending this video of Paula Nelson and George Devore performing at sxsw in Austin last month.
John and his company earbender (www.earbender.com) along with his partner Loren Feldman of www.1938media.com sponsored the performance in sxsw interactive at the techset/windows mobile blogger lounge, in the convention center.
Paula is interviewed here by Owen Stone. And you are in for a treat. Paul and George do a nice set, and play a couple new songs, along with some favorites of their albums. One new song, is “Rhythm and Rhyme”: “There’s nothing like some rhythm and rhyme, to pass the time. Every time I think that I’m wrong, I’m wrong” Oh, she can turn a phrase, can’t she, just like her daddy.
Good job, John. Thanks!
Naked Willie: The 9513’s Review
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
Paul W. Dennis
www.the9513.com
Being among the oldest contributors to this blog (born in 52), I am one of the few who remembers hearing Willie Nelson’s recordings on the radio during the period he recorded for RCA (1965-70). Even though he had no major hits while on RCA, Willie was greatly respected as a songwriter and personality. While he may not have received much airplay elsewhere, on WCMS-AM in Norfolk, VA, disc jockeys Russ Cassidy, “Hopalong” Joe Hoppel and “Carolina” Charlie Wiggs gave all of his records plenty of spins.
Readers to this blog know that I am a traditionalist in my country music tastes, but one who also has a taste for classic pop standards and jazz. So it shouldn’t surprise anyone that I liked Willie’s output while with RCA. During these years, Willie was at his absolute vocal peak (before time and 40 years of marijuana use had reduced his range). He was also, at this time, at his peak as a songwriter. RCA honcho Chet Atkins allowed Willie the freedom to record his own songs and hired the best country musicians to play his sessions (Bob Moore, Jerry Reed, Grady Martin, Jimmy Day, etc.).
The problem is that after making these brilliant country recordings, Atkins applied symphonic strings and the Anita Kerr singers on top of the mix before issuing the records. While I have no objections to the so-called “Nashville Sound” production when applied to Jim Reeves or many other singers, on Willie Nelson it was much like getting dressed in a tuxedo and tails and topping the outfit off by wearing a beanie with a propeller.
Despite the syrup poured over Willie’s recordings, I recognized the hidden gems that Atkins had recorded with Willie and hoped that someday Willie would revisit some of the songs with a more sympathetic backing.
Fortunately, Willie’s long-time harmonica player, Mickey Raphael, felt the same way about these recordings and secured Willie’s blessing to take seventeen of the RCA classics and “unproduce” them, stripping away the layers of strings and background singers, then remixing the band and Willie’s vocals to bring them front and center.
To read the rest of the article: http://www.the9513.com/album-review-willie-nelson-naked-willie/
Another great review for Naked Willie, by Matt Bjorke
Monday, March 16th, 2009
The great reviews for Willie Nelson’s, ‘Naked’ album, due in stores tomorrow, keep coming in.
Here’s one from Matt Bjorke, of www.roughstock.com, who likes it as much as I do:
“After “Crazy” became a success and Willie had recorded sides for a few Liberty Records albums and even scoring one Top 10 hit, he then moved over to Chet Akins’ RCA Records and while the legendary C.G.P. knew what a talent he had with Willie, he couldn’t figure out that Willie was best left to be an artist of his own devices to record his albums, as he did with 1975’s “Red Headed Stranger.” From that point forward, labels and fans got Willie and he, along with his Outlaw friends, redefined the way albums were made. Instead of having a producer tell them what songs and what musicians they could use on the recording, which was standard until “Read Headed Stranger,” artists were now free to record their albums with more input. It is with this sprit that Willie Nelson’s good friend and band member Mickey Raphael went to work on ‘un-producing’ seventeen tracks from Willie’s 1966-1970 records that were all produced by Chet, Felton Jarvis and Danny Davis in the “Nashville Sound” of lush strings and harmony vocalists. Instead of that lush sound is a bare bones, classic album that recalls the stuff that Willie got famous. It’s a less is more approach and it works, very well.
To read the rest of this great review:
http://www.roughstock.com/reviews/willie-nelson-naked-willie
Elizabeth McQueen blogs about touring with Willie Nelson
Saturday, February 21st, 2009 
Elizabeth McQueen, Asleep at the Wheel, photo by Dan Schram
www.milesandmilesofdiapers.blogspot.com
So, I think I’ve mentioned this before, but Willie Nelson has a profound effect on people. He’s just got this hella strong positive energy emanating from him, and it makes any one watching him go positively crazy with glee. Hey, it happens to me every night.
I say this because the other night we were able to really witness Willie’s effect on a large crowd. You see, most of our shows have been at large performing arts centers, or cool old theaters. If there is one thing that all these venues have in common, it’s that they all have strict policies to reign in the audience. There is no dancing in the aisles and any rushing of the stage is reserved for the encore. Most places won’t even let you stand up in your seat too long before a burly security guy comes and tells you to sit down. This has more or less kept the crowd wildness to a minimum. Willie does shake hands and sign autographs when he can at the end of the show but during the show things are pretty calm.
And then we played Williamston, NC, population 5200. The venue wasn’t a theater, but rather…well I think it may have been some kind of horse arena type thing. It may host a Rodeo or two and definitely hosts horse shows (is there a name for those? I have no idea). The ground was covered in compact sand, rather than flooring. Seats were set up in front of the stage, and people could also sit in the bleachers on the side. Very different from the other places we’ve played.
Photo by Dan Schram (Thanks, Dan!)But the real difference between the Williamston venue and the other theaters was the security. It may have been because they knew a bunch of the folks there, or because they’re not full time security guys, or maybe they just didn’t want to deny anyone the Willie experience–whatever the reason, these guys were way lax. They let the crowd run all over them.
And we got to see how Willie fans act when they stop being polite and start being real.
They go wild!
First off, people were up and out of their seats from moment one, taking pictures, trying to catch Willie’s eye, dancing around. There was a little barrier between us and the crowd–a lane created for press photogs. I’m pretty sure without that we would have some attempts at climbing on stage. But people were getting as close as they could.
It was relatively calm at first. But as the show wore on the crowd kept getting more and more amped up. More and more people were out of their seats. Signs were held “we love you Willie!” And “You are on my bucket list”
Then the clothes items throwing started.
The first thing thrown was a hat. I saw the guy do it. He was standing right up at the barrier and seemed poised to leave and let someone else have his spot. Then a wellspring of excitement and happiness just seemed to grab hold of his spirit. He whipped his hat off of his head, let out a whoop of joy, and let fly his hat.
It was followed by a shirt, two more baseball hats and a multicolored striped bra. I think I saw the woman who threw the bra. She was pretty well endowed though, and there was no visible post-bra throwing droopage, which led me to conjecture that she either had on a bra underneath her thrown bra or had brought a bra specifically for throwing.
By the time Willie threw his cowboy hat into the audience the crowd was at near frenzy state. No one was hurt, but man, did people go for that hat.
The bandannas however, almost caused a riot. The first bandanna Willie thew didn’t quite clear the barrier in front of the press lane. Consequently, you had people going both over and under the barrier to get it. One woman who felt the bandanna had been intended for her but wasn’t able get it (she opted for over rather than under) was pissed! She yelled for another bandanna, and when Willie went to throw it, she climbed up on the barrier, stretching her body towards the stage. The poor security guy try to get her down, but she yelled at him, explaining in a not so polite manner that that was her bandanna! And her bandanna it became.
It was an awesome show, both musically and crowd watching wise. We really got to see the full effect of Mr. Nelson. It’s a beautiful thing to watch in all it’s unfettered glory. So often we keep a lid on our joy. We worry about what other people think. We stifle ourselves. But sometimes you get to watch Wilie. And Willie’s vibe is such that you stop the tamping down and start the enjoyment. Especially if there aren’t any security guys there bumming your groove.
You can follow Elizabeth’s stories from the road at her blog:
www.milesandmilesofdiapers.blogspot.com
Willie and the Wheel on the World Wide Web
Wednesday, February 18th, 2009
Photo via Kevin Smith’s Flickr account:
Click here to check it out!
Lana Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel and Ruby Jane are doing a good job of documenting the Willie and the Wheel Tour:
– Lana Nelson has posted lots of great pics from her backstage vantage point at www.WillieNelson.com (look under news)
– Ruby Jane has a blog with pictures at
www.myspace.com/rubyjanesmith
– www.Willieandthewheel.com has stories and photos
– Elizabeth McQueen and Dave Sanger are telling their story of touring with a new baby at:
http://milesandmilesofdiapers.blogspot.com/
– Kevin Smith has dozens of great photos at his flickr account:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jandksmith/3276621239/in/set-72157613805425848/
Willie Nelson wins in the 9513’s First Annual Country Music Awards
Monday, February 2nd, 2009
The nice folks at www.the9513.com, one of my blogs I read regularly, have posted the results of their first annual Country Music Awards, and Willie Nelson received the award for Country Music Artist of the Year.
In 2008 Willie Nelson released an adventurous (if not entirely successful) new album with producer Kenny Chesney (Moment of Forever), collaborated with trumpeter Wynton Marsalis on a full-length album titled Two Men With The Blues, starred with Toby Keith in a movie (Beer For My Horses), co-wrote a Western novel (A Tale Out Of Luck), had a biography (An Epic Life) and a Box Set (One Hell of a Ride) released, and played dozens of shows all around the country.
Not bad for a guy who celebrated his 75th birthday in April.
Nelson edged out Patty Loveless to capture the title of Country Artist of the Year in The 9513’s 1st Annual Country Music Awards, for which ballots were tabulated from three voting blocs: The 9513’s staff, readers who made 50 or more comments in the voting period, and the public at large.
To read the entire article:
http://www.the9513.com/the-9513s-1st-annual-country-music-awards-results-willie-nelson-still-rules/#comment-118720
Mickey Raphael Bikes, and Blogs, in San Francisco
Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
Mickey Raphael in San Francisco
Mickey Raphael has started blogging, and posted this picture at his website at www.MickeyRaphael.com.
To read his blog, visit www.MickeyRaphael.com, and follow the LINK/NEWS link at his site. Mickey has been part of Willie Nelson and Family for over 30 years, and his site has many great photos taken over the years.
Also, also at his site, you can listen to and purchase his album: Hand to Mouth.
Mickey Raphael — Harmonica
Gene Rabbai, Jr. — Keyboards
Lee Michaels — Accordion
Ben Keith — Pedal Steel
Joe Lalo — Percussion
Billy Ray Austin — Guitar
Scott Page—Flute, Recorder
Willie Nelson — Guitar on Trude
Paul Butterfield — Harmonica Duet on Hand To Mouth
Willie Nelson keeps on rockin in the free world
Sunday, January 18th, 2009
Thanks to Baron Lane, who has a music blog I link to here from here www.TwangNation.com, for sending me these pictures from last night’s Willie Nelson and Family Show. I couldn’t use my big camera up front, so I didn’t get any pictures. Baron did, and sent them on this a.m. It was fun to meet a blogger in person, after getting to know them on the internet.
Photo by Baron Lane
