Bio, Tour Dates, The Things I Do, Photos,
Links, CDs, Gear, Discography, Reviews
Welcome to The Word
Jan. 9/11
A novel entitled "Who Shot The Water Buffalo" by my old friend Ken Babbs from the Pranksters is now slated to come out mid April. Pre order from Tsunami Books, $22, free shipping, all books signedemail: tsunami1@opusnet.comor call: 541-345-8986. You can check him out here http://www.skypilotclub.com
Dec. 5/10
7 months ago when Jorma asked me to help him put the Beacon Theater shows together I had no idea how much joy would come from it. It was hard work but worth every minute. Both nights went off without a hitch, downright magical. Big thanks has to go out to all the guests John Hammond, Happy Traum, Bill Kirchen, Byron House, Bruce Hornsby, Chris Smithers, Bob Steeler, Warren Haynes, Steve Earle, Oteil Burbridge, Bob Weir and Pete Sears. These two sold out shows will not soon be forgotten. Now is off to Texas to hook back up with the New Riders and finish out a very busy year of touring. Thanks to all who came out to all the shows, we can't do this stuff without you.
Sept 12/09
It's been a busy couple of months, Touring with the NRPS, producing a few CDs, recording and getting ready to play a show with The Memphis Pilgrims at the Bearsville Theater on Sept. 24. We haven't played a show together in a long, long time so we're all excited to get into it and see where it goes. We did recorded 5 songs together for my last CD We Are All One and we're in touch with each other fairly regularly so it should be fun and interesting. Professor Louie and master fiddle player Larry Packer will be playing with us as well as a couple of surprise special guests. Also Jimmy Eppards son Joey will be opening the show. Joey's a great guitar player as well as a fantastic drummer. He played drums for the band Coheed and Cambria for many years. So like I said it should be an interesting night of music. If you're in the area stop in and check it out. I've also been at work producing the new Marjorie Thompson CD and should have that done in about a week. As far as the NRPS go, we’re going back out on the road starting next week and we're already making plans to start recording the follow up to our last CD Where I Come From which along with my CD We Are All One is on Woodstock Records. Both CDs continue to do well, getting air play around the country. Maybe the boys will even let me produce the new one as well, we'll see. Well that's it for now as you can see there's no rest for the weary around here....Michael F.
July 21/09
It is with great sadness that we have to say farewell to our brother John "Marmaduke" Dawson, who is now at peace. He was a great poet and musician and he will be missed. We are honored to play his songs, songs that are as great today as the day he wrote them. We're glad that he was able to join us two years ago at Horning Hideout for the String Summit to see the love the crowd still had for him. It was one of the best nights this version of the band has had. We want you all to know that he was thrilled that so many fans, new and old, were coming out to hear the songs he wrote so many years before. He's gone but his music will live on. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all his many fans out there. Somewhere there's going to be one hell of a jam tonight...the ethereal band just got a whole lot better.....NRPS
Photo by Robert Altman
John "Marmaduke" Dawson
June 16, 1945-July 21, 2009
May 25/09
On this Memorial Day 2009 I want to thank all the veterans for there service and sacrifice..... Michael F.
May 20/09
NRPS Nation heads up, come join The New Riders for a pre-CD release party on June 1st at noon for lunch and a free live performance on WFUV at Lucille’s inside BB Kings in NYC with a meet and greet afterwards and free give aways. You’ll need an invitation. Only 50 invites available so email Captain Toast at: toast@thenewriders.com and include: Live @ Lucille's in the Subject Line - good luck. If you can’t make it to the club, tune in at WFUV 90.7 or join the live internet stream at: http://www.wfuv.org/audio/stream.html we go live at 1:00. Then on Tuesday the 2nd we'll be live on Sirus XM, again around noon. As soon as we have all the info on this one we'll post it. Also check back for info on pre-show CD release party's at BB Kings, The Main Pub and The Stone Pony... Stay tuned... NRPS
May 4/09
In case you haven't heart I have the news, The NRPS new studio CD Where I Come From on Woodstock Records which I produced, played and sang on is now in hand and we will have them for sale on the upcoming tours along with the bonus CD. The official in stores release date is June 2nd, but if you can't or don't want to wait you can get an advance copy of both at www.woodstockrecords.com or download it on itunes. The CD features 7 new songs written by David Nelson and Robert Hunter, Where I come From, Big Six, Barracuda Moon, Down The Middle, Blues Barrel, Ghost Train Blues and Rockin with Nona along with two new ones by me, Carl Perkins Wears The Crown and Something In The Air Tonight plus live show favorites Higher by Johnny Markowski, Olivia Rose by Ronnie Penque and the Classic Them Old Minglewood Blues. Several of the tunes have our old friend Mookie Siegel sitting in on keys, he laid down some sweet stuff for us. There is also be a bonus CD that will initially only go out to radio stations around the country and for a limited time be available to everyone which features some radio mixes and some rare live cuts like the 18 minute Dirty Business recorded up at Turkey Trot and the low down Pour House Jelly which was recorded by Tim “Sound Dawg “ Stiegler at sound check at the Pour House awhile back and features another old friend Professor Louie on Hammond Organ. We’re really excited to get these new CDs out into the world and hope you enjoy them.
Jan. 20/09
Well here it January 20th, not only a great moment in time for or country as the transition of power happens peacefully but a true moment in history. I think that it's one of those moments that everyone will look back on and say I remember where I was when. As Barack Obama has stated the days that lie ahead will not always be smooth and easy going the road will be rocky and the climb will be steep but with the help of the American people behind him I believe we can all help make Change a reality, with out us behind him he'll be dead in the water. So, get on the bus, as John Dawson wrote many years ago "Whatcha gonna do on the planet today". The the time to do something is now..... Michael F.
Nov. 5/08
The American people have spoken the votes are in and congratulations go out to Barack Obama. Good Luck Mr. President.....
Nov. 4/08
Well election day is finally here, so it's time to get out and vote. To say it's time for a change is an understatement. all though I still think Wavy Gravy had the best idea for change ever.....
Oct. 28/08
The new CD We Are All One is in stores today. I can't say which ones but most stores have it available on there websites. It's also available directly from Woodstock Records at www.woodstockrecords.com and soon will be available on itunes and all the other download sites. I've been getting radio and internet airplay around the country and I want to thank all the stations and DJs that have played songs from the CD. Also have gotten a few great reviews, you can read them over on the reviews page. I'll keep you post as things roll on. More will follow....... Michael F.
R.I.P.
February 14, 1934 - October 24, 2008
Oct. 25/08
I would like to send my deepest condolences out to the family of Merl Saunders who passed away yesterday he was a great musician and friend and will be missed. The good news is, that great band up in the sky just got one of the greatest keyboard players ever. Jam on brother, jam on......Michael F.
Oct. 10/08
It's been awhile since I've written anything here because I've been writing over on the New Riders page Latest News. That's kind of taking care of itself now so I think I'm gonna start writing here again when there's some kind of news, like now. My third CD We Are All One will be in stores on October 28th on Woodstock Records. You can read all about it here on the We Are All One page. It's got a lot of great players and old friends on it and was a very exciting to make and see come into being. It won't be in stores till October 28th but you can buy it now from www.woodstockrecords.com. Things have been going great with The New Riders, we have a bunch of new songs, some we've been playing out and some that won't be heard till the CD comes out early next year. We had a great summer touring season which started in June and ran through October. We started on the East coast went to the West coast and back, then went from the Northeast down South through Florida and then as far West as Texas and back to the Northeast, a lot of miles were put on the bus. Now I'm gearing up to promote the new CD and have already gotten some radio airplay and great reviews which I'll be putting up on the Reviews page. Check out the We Are All One page and stay tuned for more....Michael F.
2007
May 03/07
Been awhile since I've writing here, I was asked to write for the New Riders page Latest News which I've been doing so instead of more or less writing the same thing twice for the time being if you want to know what's going on in my world check out www.thenewriders.com. Thanks.... Michael F.
Feb. 18/07
Things are rolling along here in NRPS world as we get ready for a short run in the North East next week. We'll be playing four shows on this run. We'll be returning to The Egg in Albany, last time we were there we had a sell out and we're hoping for another, it's getting close but there are still some tickets left, so friends up in the Albany area come on out. Then we return to The River St. Jazz Cafe, again sold out last time so let's see what we can make happen this time, tell a friend. Then we play two show at a new venue for us The Boulton Center for the Arts, these two shows are already SOLD OUT thanks for making that happen. The other stuff that's happening are The DVD/CD The New Riders of the Purple Sage, Wanted: Live At Turkey Trot that we shot last summer is at the manufacturer and should be available with in the next two weeks. Also the CD we recorded with Bob and Betty on the New Years eve run is being mixed and mastered and should be ready for release by summer. It looks like we'll be playing The Green Apple Festival in New York city also there's lots of other summer Festival offers coming and we'll keep you posted on that. David is off in Hawaii playing some shows with David Nelson and Friends and then in March he'll be heading off to England, Scotland and Holland to play some show with his old buddy Banana. Everybody in the band has been staying busy playing other none NRPS gigs and I've been doing a lot of studio work, getting my next CD ready for release. We are looking forward to getting back together for our mini run and continuing the journey. Well, that's it for now........ NRPS
Jan. 6/07
Happy New Year. We hope the coming year is a happy, safe and prosperous one for all. 2006 was a fantastic year for the renaissance of The New Riders of the Purple Sage, we toured extensively and played over a 100 shows in just about every state and Canada, many of which like our last four shows were sold out. We want to thank everyone who came out to the shows and music fans everywhere who go out and support live music, you make it happen. We released 8 CDs from our "Sound Board Series" which are recorded by our ace sound man Tim "Sound Dawg" Stiegler. In July we shot a DVD at Turkey Trot Acres which we hope to get out early in 2007. Bob and Betty came out from San Francisco to recorded our New Years Eve show for a CD release later this year on RCM LIVE records . We did two benefits, one for The Rex Foundation in New York City and another for senator Patrick Leahy in Washington DC with Bob Weir and Micky Hart and The Flying Other Brothers. We also got to play at the art show which unveiled five oil on canvas paintings that Jerry Garcia created while attending the San Francisco Institute of Art under the teaching of Elmer Bishof. We want to thank all the great musicians that came out to play with us in 2006, Robert Hunter, Peter Rowan, Bob Weir, Mark Karan and Jeff Chimenti of Rat Dog, John Popper, Donna Jean Godchaux, David Gans, Tom Constanten, Bob Mattews, Darlene DiDomenico, Gary Vogensen, Professor Louie, Larry Packer, Jeff Mattson, Wendy Lanter, Keller Williams, Eric Weisberg, Kenny Kosek, Joanne Lediger, Mookie Siegel, Billy Laymon, Pete Sears and Commander Cody. Wow, that's a list, thanks to all of you, you're the best. 2006 also found our own David Nelson at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville playing with Jesse McReynolds. He became the first ever performer to play a Grateful Dead song at the Opry when he played and sang Ripple. We hear there wasn't a dry eye in the house. That's why Nelson is team leader. Our only disappointment was that we were not able to get John Dawson out to the show at The Aladdin Theater in Portland OR. We were talking to him about coming out to that show but it just didn't work out, he just wasn't ready to travel all the way from Mexico. John's music is The New Riders of the Purple Sage and we hope he can join us at some point so he can again feel the love the fans have for him, our fingers are crossed for 2007. We want to thank all the promoters, club and theater owners and festival bookers who hired us through out 2006 and the whole gang at Blue Mountain Artists for booking us. The renaissance continues. Well, I think that's about it, have a great new year and as always, we hope to see you at the shows..... Michael F.
2006
Dec. 4/06
I haven't had time to post here lately, because I've been so busy in NRPS world, so I copied over all the latest goings on over the last few days from The Latest News page at www.thenewriders.com.
Yesterday was a much needed day off after the whirlwind run through the Bay Area. Well, a day off in a manner of speaking, we spent the day on the bus driving 12 hours to Portland OR. from Crystal Bay NV. The show at The Crystal Bay Casino, as it was the last time was sold near capacity with lots of smiling faces, old friends and new. A few ladies couldn't contain themselves and jumped on stage to dance, although fun to watch, it's not a good idea with all the wires and gear everywhere so our crew escorted them off and "the train kept a rolling". All in all we had a blast.... Here's some cool stuff for ya, someone sent over a link of us playing Last Lonely Eagle with Bob Matthews at Nelson Ledges July 3 2006 you can find it at this link. http://www.RCMLive.com/NRPS/LstLnlyEgl.mp3. Also if you missed our live broadcast on KPFA on Nov. 29 or would like to hear it again you can find it at this link. http://www.kpfa.org/archives/index.php?arch=17406, Enjoy. We're going to be putting up a free download page soon where you'll be able to download other cool stuff as well, stay tuned. Also you can find a NRPS interview and story on the Rex Foundations site at this link, http://www.rexfoundation.org/musicianspotlight/nrps.html. Tonight we'll be at the ALADDIN THEATER see ya there..... NRPS
Dec. 2/06
Well, we finished up our Bay Area shows at The Mystic Theater last night and just like the other three shows it was a rockin' good time. Again, like last nights show we were joined by some old friends, Peter Rowan, Mark Karan, Bob Mattews and Darlene DiDomenico all came back for round two and we also had Gary Vogensen on board for the evenings festivities. Gary played guitar in the New Riders for years with John Dawson before John retired to Mexico. It was great to have him with us. We want to thank all the friends and family that came out to all the shows and to all the musician, thanks for sharing your talent with us and making the last four days in the Bay Area Fantastic. Now, it's on to The Crystal Bay Club on Lake Tahoe for a show tonight, we had a great time here back in the spring and we're hopping for more of the same. Thanks again for coming out to all the shows, we'll see ya down the road....... NRPS
Dec 1/06
Just back from The Great American Music Hall and all we can say here at NRPS central is wow, what a night. Peter Rowan, Mark Karan and Jeff Chimenti of Rat Dog, David Gans, Bob Matthews and Darlene DiDomenico. For those of you that don't know, Darlene sang back up vocals on many of the NRPS albums back in the day and it was great to have her on board, she helped us out with some back up vocals on the John Dawson song Whiskey. We did a lot of the great NRPS tunes and also played some cool old school folk songs and rocked out like a fright train out of control. Peter Rowen even strapped on one of Falzarano's Telecasters midway through the second set and was rockin' out as a electric as it gets. Who knows what's going to happen at the Mystic Theater tonight. Some of the highlights included Peggy O, Panama Red, Friend Of The Devil, I Don't Know You, Willie and the Wand Jive and an off the charts Take A Letter Maria, and let us not forget the Johnny Markowski song Higher which pretty much took the roof off the joint. We want to thank all the special guest that came out and played making the night one to remember. As many of the fans said, You guys F*ckin' rocked...... See you at the Mystic....NRPS
Nov.29/06
The Jerry Gracia art show at The Matrix last night was an absolute blast lots of old friends and family in attendance, everyone in great sprits and having a great time. The art work looked fantastic and we played two solid sets and everyone rocked out with us till the last note was played. Tonight we went over to Berkeley to play live on the David Gans show "Dead to the World" - KPFA 94.1 FM. We played two hours of New Riders music and Gans joined us for several tunes and also sang Four Strong Winds the old Ian Tyson song. David will also be joining us at the Great American Music hall tomorrow night the 30th, that show along with the show at the Mystic will be NRPS and friends some of the guys from Rat Dog, The writer of Panama Red and LA Cowboy will be with us (we can't actual use his name but you know him) I hear Bobby Vega and Bob Mattews will also be on board and you never know who else might show up. It's been a fun time in the Bay area so far and the next few nights should be more of the same. See ya at the shows...... NRPS
Nov. 23/06
Happy Thanksgiving to all.....
Well John Dawson may just be "Rollin' into Portland Town". We just spoke with McDuke and plans are underway to see if we can hook up at the Alladin Theatre in Portland Oregon on Monday December 4th. Marmaduke sounded great and very excited to come up and play with the band. Keeping our fingers crossed, and don't forget the power of positive thinking.... NRPS
Also it looks like the bay area shows at The Matrix, The Great American Music Hall and The Mystic Theater are shaping up to be very interesting events as well and don't forget to tune in on the 29th of Nov. to the David Gans show "Dead to the World" - KPFA 94.1 FM we'll be playing live from 8 to 10:00. At this point the Jerry Gracia art show we're playing at The Matrix in San Francisco is invitation only but we'll keep you posted should that change..... See Ya at the shows.... NRPS
Nov. 21/06
Just back from a short run through the Northeast. The tour was short but sweet, all the shows were sold near capacity and the crowds couldn't have been more enthusiastic. All the shows were great but the show in New York was well, New York. Jeff Mattson from Kettle Joe's/Zen Tricksters joined us for a few songs and Kenny Kosek played fiddle with us all night and may be joining us again on New Years Eve at Mexicali Blues, we'll keep you posted on that. Some of you might remember Kenny from Jerry Garcia's run on Broadway back in the late 80s. Both he and David were in Jerry's band for that run. It was fantastic to have him and Jeff join us for the evening. Next week we head to the West coast for a bunch of shows. There is talk of some very special guests joining us out there as well throughout the tour so keep your ears open and we'll let you know as it unfolds. Thanks to all who came out to the shows, and have a happy Thanksgiving...... NRPS
Nov. 16
We started our winter touring last night at The Stone Church in Newmarket, New Hampshire. The near capacity crowd was there with us till the wee hours of the morning and we all had a rocking good time. Today were off the Lebanon New Hampshire where we'll be playing The Lebanon Opera House, then it's down to New York City to play The Concert Hall at the New York Society for Ethical Culture both of those shows are getting close to sold out, so if you want in to either get your tickets now. After those two shows we'll be heading down to Baltimore, Maryland to play The 8X10 then back up to NYC to do a Sirius Radio show for Jam on 17 the station that Buddy Cage has his show on. We break for Thanksgiving then head to the West coast for and extended tour after which we head back to the Northeast for a week long run after Christmas leading up to New Years Eve. No rest for the weary around here. I'll be keeping you posted on all the goings on as we go.....Michael F.
Nov. 12
For the last few days Buddy Cage and I have been down at Jorma's Fur Peace Ranch Guitar Camp teaching. This is the first time for Buddy and I'm pretty sure he'll be back because it seems to me like he's having a grand old time, and the whole gang thought it was great to have him on board. I've been teaching here three or four times a year for 9 years and it is always a fantastic time, this weekend was more of the same. Last night G.E. Smith did a show at the Fur Peace Station Theater and man was it rockin'. He opened up the show solo acoustic, it was booked as an electric show but at the last minute he decided to do some acoustic stuff so he borrowed my Gibson and to the stage he went. After a few acoustic tunes he had Jack Casady and Eric Diaz (Hot Tuna's current drummer) Join him then a little later he brought Buddy and I out and shortly after that he had Jorma come out. The show was sold out and I'm here to tell you a rocking good time was had by all. G. E. cover a lot of ground playing everything from traditional folk to funky blues from a Grateful Dead tune (Sugaree) to one by Cool and The Gang, Buddy Cage rocking on a Cool and The Gang song, man you should've heard that. Some of the fans told me Buddy was the nitroglycerine that made the whole band explode, I'd have to agree with them. I even got to do one of my songs, When There's Two There's Trouble which I cut for my next CD and features Buddy and Vasar Clements. All in all we had a blast. Now it's time to head home and get ready for the next NRPS tour which starts on Wednesday. See Ya at the shows.....
Nov. 7
Time to get out and vote then check out The New Riders of the Purple Sage website...... Michael F.
Oct. 22
Wow, has it been that long since I've written on this page. Well to much has happened to get into everything. I'm down in Florida now where we just played a sold out show at The Bamboo Room. Two days ago we were up at the Magnolia Fest in Live Oak FL. We played two sets one in the day time at 5:00 on the Meadow Stage and then later that night on the main stage at 9:00 both shows where greeted by a capacity crowd of very enthusiastic fans. The next morning our tour bus broke down and we had to scramble to get to southern FL. but it all worked itself out and here we are with a day off. Tomorrow we'll be heading up to Atlanta to play Smiths Olde Bar, it'll be our first time there and our old friend David Gans will be opening the show. Then from there it's on up the road. The DVD/CD project "Wanted Live At Turkey Trot" is coming along nicely and we hope to have it out by early November. A bunch of cool new dates just came in for the end of the year, so I'll be putting them up shortly, keep your eyes peeled for them. Any way that's it for now, I'm gonna go get some breakfast with Captain Toast, talk to ya later....... Michael F.
Sept.3
Well, it's been a while since I've been able to get on line. We have 5 more shows under the belt, working our way up to our 100th show, Time is flying. The Mill was a blast and 10 tickets away from a sell out to boot. Our two sold out shows at The Lucas School House couldn't have been better. We sold out the first show almost immediately so they added at late show. The late show, early show thing is always fun because you get to go to two totally different places in the same night. It's never the same show and you got to love that... Our show at the Shawnee Cave was very interesting and brought out some deep spiritual feeling and jams. I'm told we clocked in a 23 minute Dirty Business. Then we went up to Bloomington, IN to play Uncle Festers and then had a much needed day off. Now it's on to The Mad Frog in Cincinnati, OH. I'll keep you posted on the next bit of goings on..... Michael F.
Sept. 28
The first show of the tour went off without a hitch. Great venue, great crowd and it was great to be back on stage with the boys. We played for about three and a half hours and cover a lot of musical ground. We're off to Iowa City today where we'll be playing at The Mill in fact the bus is waiting on me so I got to run. Later....... Michael F.
Sept. 27
After a longer then usual drive to Chicago about 24 hours, we arrived safe and sound. We had a little bus trouble and had to take care of it midway into the trip, but at lest it wasn't anything major. So, here we are at the hotel for a bit then it's off to sound check at Fitzgerald's and the beginning of the NRPS fall/winter tour. It's gonna be a fun and exciting rest of the year for the NRPS we have a bunch of cool new dates coming in right out till New Years Eve and some friends have said that they would like to come out and sit in, so we'll see what happens with that, with the NRPS you never know. Any way it's shower time and off to the sound check. More will follow....... Michael F.
Sept. 22
Well, Fall is almost upon us now. It's always been my favorite season. I was talking to Jorma yesterday about getting old and how quickly time is marching on and how some of our friend who used to be the young ones are now in there 40s and 50s. I guess they're still the young ones. We both agreed that getting old isn't that bad, compared to the alternative. We got on the subject while talking about he and Vanessa's dog Napoleon, the dog is now 14 years old and things are started to go wrong with him but he's hanging in there. I was there the day they picked him up it just doesn't seem like 14 years ago. Time marches on..... I've been busy in the studio mixing the tracks for the NRPS new DVD/CD, "Wanted: Live at Turkey Trot". It's going to be a 13 song set with some killer jams, like the 20 minute Garden of Eden or the 15 minute Portland Woman and it's chuck full of many of the other great John Dawson tunes along with a new tune to the NRPS set list the Mississippi John Hurt song, Sliding Delta. We are hoping to have it available on the road in about a month. Turkey Trot was a great place to shoot the DVD it's an intimate setting with and open air feel. There were about 200 people there and everyone could hear and see the band no matter where they stood or sat. The main room has large windows all down both sides with no glass in them so the audience could spread out on the lawn, hang by the picnic tables just out side the windows or stay in the room with the band. No matter where you are at Turkey Trot you can see and hear the band great. Everyone who came to the show was treated to a great home style backyard Barbeque, and our host and owners Pete and Sherry Clare made sure no one went hungry. We had a fantastic time and plan on playing there again next year. I'll be leaving for tour next week with The NRPS, we're going to the Midwest this time. This is our first trip out there and some of the shows are already sold out, which is always a good thing. We are really looking forward to getting back out after a few weeks off. I'll keep you posted as things progress but now I have to head over to the studio and go to work. Later..... Michael F.
Sept. 11
It's hard to believe it's been 5 years, sometimes it feels like it was longer sometimes it feels like last year. Now it's time to reflect and remember the heroism and sacrifice that came during and in wake of the attack. My heart goes out to all those who lost love ones, you're in our prayers and thoughts........Michael F.
I wrote that earlier today and didn't want to get heavy or get into the politics of it all and still don't, but after seeing the footage again on TV and reliving it, I got to say that I'm still angry and pissed about it and still don't understand why. I guess why is something that never will be understood. It's just to crazy to understand. Below is a lyric to a song I wrote about a year after the attack, I still fell the same .....
Soul Searchlight
I’ve been looking for a soul searchlight to help me find my way
These are crazy times we’re living in, getting crazier and crazier everyday
I woke up one morning thought it would be like any other day
By the time I washed my face well the whole world had changed
As I watched it unfold there on my TV set
An anger began to grow and it ain’t subsided yet
So I’m looking for a soul searchlight to help me find my way
These are crazy times we’re living in, getting crazier and crazier everyday
Down in the valley of darkness
An ocean of tears has been cried
Feels like I’m waist deep in a wide muddy river
Now I’m just trying to make it to the other side
I’m looking for a soul searchlight to help me find my way
These are crazy times we’re living in, getting crazier and crazier everyday
Some of my good friends left here
Some in long black Cadillac’s
Some got on planes and flew away
They never will come back
I’m looking for a soul searchlight to help me find my way
These are crazy times we’re living in getting crazier and crazier everyday
Now I keep playing it over and over in my head
It’s like a freight train hammering down the line
I can hear it loud and I can see it clear
Though I will never understand these crazy times
Sept. 7
I just received a copy of a new CD by the Colorado bluegrass band Quickdraw called Good For What Ails You. They covered my song Last Train Out which I wrote for the late Allen Woody. When they first contacted me about doing the song I thought Last Train Out as a bluegrass song I don't know, but what the hell could be cool. They had heard Jorma and I play it live on the radio somewhere and thought it could be a cool bluegrass tune for them to record. I have to say they did a great job with it, I would have never thought to try it as a bluegrass tune but it works great and sounds fantastic. The band is made up of Kurt Hunsinger on Banjo and vocals, J. Randal Jones on Bass and vocals, Kent R. Taylor on Mandolin and Vocals and Mark Merryman on Guitar and vocals. If you're in the boulder area you should check them out and tell I said Hi...... Michael F.
Sept. 6
Well, I hope everyone had a relaxing Labor Day. I spent it at the US Open with my family. Hard to believe Summer came and went already. This summer went by quickly but was a busy and exciting one with all the NRPS touring, playing clubs, theaters and festivals. The Fall has always been my favorite season, not too cold not too hot and here it is just about on us. Team NRPS have some great tours planed for the rest of the year starting in the upper Midwest on September 27, then we head down South again on October 18 where we'll play the Magnolia Fest on the 20th and return to some of our favorite clubs and some new ones through out the South. Then we have a short run through the Northeast in early November followed by an extended run in the Northwest starting in San Francisco later in the month. We'll be out west till the 10th or 11th of December followed by a break for the holidays then we close out the year by doing a short run leading up to New Years Eve, more on that as it unfolds. We'll also be putting together the DVD/CD that we shot and recorded in back in July. So, the rest of the year is going to be just as busy as the last 8 months. And if all that's not enough this Oct. will mark the one year anniversary of the rebirth of the NRPS. No rest for the weary around here.... Now, you might have heard that I wasn't felling well and had to be rushed to the emergency room while on vacation up on Martha's Vineyard. Well, I happy to tell you that it wasn't that serious but a giant scare and I'm pretty much back to normal, if there is such a thing. I was out to Dinner when I started to feel weird and with in 15 minutes my sight was blurred my speech was slurred the room was spinning around and I couldn't walk, I thought I was having a stroke to be honest, so off to the hospital I went in the ambulance. After many hours of testing, EKG, CAT scan, blood work, pulse monitoring, blood pressure testing and intravenous liquid they determined that I wasn't having a stroke but did have a very serious inner ear infection. I had been having an ear problem for a few weeks before but had it treated an thought that it was all cleared up, I was wrong. All in all I feel much better now and hope never to se the inside of an ambulance again. Well, I think that about covers it so for now. So, that's it until more unfolds. Check out the tour page for all the current and new listing, there are many. Later....... Michael F.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that my album The King James Sessions which features The Kerry Kearney Band, Pete Sears and Jason Crosby among others was an Editor's Choice Winner by the music website Kweevak.com, The 2006 "Kweevak.com Music Project of the Year Awards" were presented to the Top-50 winners as chosen by the staff and associates of the Kweevak.com website. you can check out other winners here - http://www.kweevak.com/rd_cdawards.php thanks to the gang at Kweevak..... Michael F.
Aug. 20
Well, we finished up our summer tour at The Gathering of the Vibes playing a rocking set and we're joined by our old friend Donna Jean Godchaux for a song. It was a overcast rainy day but that didn't damper anyone's good time. I got to hang with Jorma and Jack before our set and got to listen to there set, they sounded fantastic as usual. It was a fun day of great music and old friends. All the other shows went great as well. The Ligonier Tavern was Sold Out, The Rocks Off Cruise was rocking, The Riverside was fun and Penn',s Peak was fantastic, one of the best looking and sounding rooms I've ever played. All in all, all the tours we've played so far have been fantastic and I want to thank all the folks who came out to the shows for making it happen. Let's keep it going, and tell your friends. We start up in late September again and run right out to New Years Eve. I hope to see you all at the shows. See ya in the fall.......... MF
Aug. 14
Just got back from our Sold Out show at Cain Park with PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE, POCO and CHRIS HILLMAN. We all had a blast, about 3000 people showed up for the event. I'm really beat now, so it's off to bed. Early bus call tomorrow....... Michael F.
Aug.13
Just got into Cleveland after a 10 hour ride from NY. we'll be headlining a show later today with PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE, POCO and CHRIS HILLMAN should be fun. We met up here with David Nelson who just got back from Nashville where he recorded a few Grateful Dead songs with the legendry mandolin player JESSE McREYNOLDS of Jim and Jesse fame, they recorded Fire On the Mountain, Ripple, Franklins Tower and The Wheel. Then on Friday night he joined Jesse and The Virginia Boys at The Grand Old Opry and became the first ever performer to play a Grateful Dead song at the Opry when he sang Ripple. I hear there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Really I'm not sure it gets any better then that. Except that he got to hang and meet Little Jimmy Dickens, Really doe's it get any better then that. That's why Nelson is team leader. Any way we start this run of shows today and I'll try to give you all the full report as we go. Again congratulations to David for having played one of the greatest shows in this whole country, The Grand Old Opry. As the kids say ROCK ON DUDE......... Michael F
Aug. 10
Been away for a few days with the family. The rest of the tour went smooth great weather, cool venues and lots of music. The Starr Hill Music Hall in Charlottesville VA and The State Theater in Washington DC were both fantastic and the last show of the tour at The Jerry Birthday Bash couldn't have been better. They sure know how to host a good party there. I'll be heading home tomorrow to get ready for the final leg of our summer tour which will end up at the Vibes, that should be a fun day, Keller, Tuna, Rat Dog, The Rhythm Devils and The NRPS all on the same day. Gonna be something going on there. We're looking forward to it an can't wait. Till next time.... Michael F.
Aug. 2
I've been off line for awhile, and actually can't get on line today either but just wanted to get some stuff down before I forget. The Balloon Festival went off great, it rained a bit earlier in the day and we thought we might be in for another rainy day and evening but the rain came a went pretty quick. By time we went on at 8:00 it was a very nice dry summer night. We played our ninety minute to several thousand people, our show was followed by a giant fireworks display. A fun night all in all. On Saturday night and Sunday afternoon we were at Turkey Trot Acres for a two day show and DVD/CD shoot. It was very hot but I think everything went well and the DVD/CD should see the light of day with in the next few months. Pete and Sherry who own and run Turkey Trot Acres couldn't have been nicer to work for. They put us up and fed us like kings. We hope to play there again next year...... Michael F.
July 24
Well, day two wasn't any drier, but we had a great time in spite of it. The crowd wasn't bothered by it either. We did two sets starting around 8:00 and ending just after curfew at 11:30. Sunday was also a blast. The sun came out, and I sat in with NRPS drummer Johnny Markowski's band Stir Fried. We went on at about 2:00 and played for two hours just before Dark Star Orchestra. A Bears Picnic over all was a fantastic experience for all who attended. It's a small festival that I hope it will grow in the future (but not too big). Ben and the whole gang there did a great job with everything so I hope they'll continue onward. This was a short run for the NRPS, but we start back up in three days and go out for two weeks. Then we have a week off followed by an other ten days ending up at The Vibes with Rat Dog, Hot Tuna and a whole host of others. That show is going to be a wild one. Things are continuing to move fast in NRPS world with lots of exciting things on the horizon. First up is a two-day DVD shoot for a new DVD/CD package which will be shot live at Turkey Trot Acres on the 29th and 30th of this month. We'll also be at the SUNSHINE DAYDREAM FARM festival for the JERRY GARCIA BIRTHDAY BASH along with Keller Williams, Blues Traveler and others. There are lots of other cool gigs coming up, which are on my tour page. Also keep your eyes on the look out for some really fantastic stuff going on this fall and winter. Did I just say winter? Man, time is flying by. So, that's it for now........ Michael F.
July 22
Day one at the Bears Picnic was a pretty wet one. Midday the sky opened up, and it poured hard for about two hours. It did delay the Kettle Joe band with Donna Jean Godchaux from getting onstage on time, but once they did they sounded fantastic. We went on to a packed house a little later and were joined for a few songs during our set by Donna Jean, Mookie Siegel, Wendy Lanter and Jeff Mattson all from Kettle Joe's. Donna Jean did Take A Letter Maria (a song which she sang on the original version of), Jeff did Any Naked Eye and Truck Driving Man along with Mookie Siegel, and then Wendy came out and sang on Garden of Eden. Later Donna Jean and Mookie came back and did Ripple with us to close out the night. It was a great night of music and friendship. We'll be doing more show together in the future so I'm sure there'll be more cross pollinating going on. Well, that's it for now. I'm going to head over to the site for day two and will give you the low down tomorrow........Michael F.
July 21
Getting ready to head down the road to A Bears Picnic out in Pennsylvania with the NRPS. Last night we had a fun show at Berkner Hall in Brookhaven on Long Island. Joe Vignola and the rest of the gang there know how to host a great party. It was the first show of this run, and it was great to get back together with the guys and play music. We're all looking forward to the Bears Picnic today and tomorrow and then again on Sunday when Johnny's band Sir Fried plays. Ronnie and Buddy will be playing with them and most likely I'll play a number or two also. Should be a fantastic weekend. I've got to go now and pack for the road trip to Penn. More on all this later...........Michael F.
July16
I'll be on Jerry Schaefer's
radio show Graveyard Blues tonight on WRCN 103.9 at 8:00 PM. We'll be playing
some classic New Riders of the Purple Sage and talking about the recent tours
and goings on with the NRPS. We'll also be giving away some tickets to this
Thursday night's show at
Berkner Hall
in Brookhaven on Long Island. If you would like to purchase some of the
remaining tickets, you can do so at
The NRPS have played on Long Island twice before for
private shows. This is the first time this version of the band will be on Long
Island for a show open to the public, and we expect a wild night. If you haven't
listened to Jerry's show Graveyard Blues, you should. It's one of the last
non-formatted shows on FM radio. I've done the show a bunch of times in the
past. It's the kind of show where he can play anything he feels, new, old,
unreleased or whatever. I'll most likely also be playing a few cuts from my next
CD Crazy Days. The CD is coming along and should be out this fall. The album
features some really great players. The late Vassar Clements makes an appearance
on some of the cuts along with Melvin Seals, Buddy Cage, Kerry Kearney and Kane
Daily, among others. I even got together with my old band The Memphis Pilgrims
and did 4 tracks. I'm hoping to get a few more key players on board before all
is said and done. I'll keep you posted. Anyway tune in tonight, and maybe you'll
win some tickets..... Michael F.
July 10
I just got my copy of the new Rex Benefit show CD available at the Grateful Dead store at www.dead.net. Here's what the writeup says about it. "On November 12, 2005, The Zen Tricksters and Special Guests, Mickey Hart, Donna Jean Godchaux, David Nelson, Tom Constanten, Michael Falzarano, Rob Barraco, Greg Anton, David Mackay and Wendy Lanter, came together for the first ever NYC Rex Foundation Black Tie-Dye Ball Benefit and created a night of incredible musical chemistry. Recorded LIVE at the Concert Hall, New York Society of Ethical Culture." This two-disc set captures the amazing energy of the concert. All the proceeds of the sale of this CD go to the Rex Foundation. My hats off to Donna Jean and The Tricksters who did a fantastic job mixing it and putting the whole thing together. It also includes my song When There's Two There's Trouble with the whole gang playing on it. I'm really pleased with it. If you want to support The Rex Foundation, go on over to Deadnet and pick it up..........Michael F.
July 7
Been getting caught up on the home front stuff. I forgot to mention a few things in my last post. Bob Matthews and Betty Cantor were at The Gratefulfest at Nelson Ledges and recorded the whole weekend, so hopefully the tapes will surface soon. Also Bob joined us on bass guitar for a song, The Last Lonely Eagle and did an outstanding job with it. Bob was the very first bass player with The New Riders even before Phil Lesh. It was great to have him sit in. Later in the evening NRPS David Nelson joined DSO for Cumberland Blues, which sounded sweet. Not much else happening at this point so that's it for now........ Michael F
July 4
Happy Independence Day to all. Well, I'm back home from tour now for about two weeks before we head out again. The whole tour was another grand success. We played at a whole other level, and the audiences were very enthusiastic. I want again to thank everyone who came out to the shows and voiced their support for the band. Also I've got to thank our hardworking crew for making it all happen smoothly. Toast our Road Manager, "The Sound Dawg" Tim Stigler for doing sound so well, Lil' Toast for taking care of the guitars and drums along with Scare Crow who is also our monitor guy, and whenever time allows, opens the show for us as a 'Scropener and does a fine job of it at that. The last show was at The Gratefulfest at Nelson Ledges. We went on and did a two-hour set and were followed by Hot Tuna, Keller Williams and then DSO. It was great to see and get to hang with Jorma and Jack for a bit. I see Jorma often at his guitar camp The Fur Peace Ranch where I teach 3 or 4 times a year. Jack I haven't seen for a few years. My how time flies by. It was great to reconnect with him, and I'm glad to know that he and his wife Diana are both doing well. Also this was the first time I got to hear the new Tuna lineup. They sounded fantastic. Barry Mitterhoff rocked the mandolin while Eric Diaz pounded out the beat. I also got to hang and talk to both Barry and Eric after the show, really nice guys. We all had some laughs, and then it was time to move on down the road -- Tuna to another gig and The Riders home for a bit. I've got some studio work I've got to get back to before we head out again so there's no rest for the weary around here. Till next time... Michael F.
July 3
Got to run so this is a short one, but just wanted to say thanks to all who came to Peaches last night. We had a great show. Now I've got to get on the bus and get to the festival site. Till tomorrow..... Michael F.
July 2
I haven't played Ziggy's for quite awhile. Last time I played there was with Jorma back in the mid nineties. It hasn't change much, still a fun place to play. It's an old rustic style open air road house with wooden floors and shutters, no glass and big fans blowing. The audience was rocking through out. We did our two sets and had to blast out of there right away to get to Ohio to play Peaches Grill, so there was no hang time. But it was great to see the folks who run the club again, and a good time was had by all. Tonight it's a sold out show at Peaches Grill then tomorrow we'll be at Grateful Fest. along with my old buddies Hot Tuna. Should be a fun time. More on that as it unfolds.........Michael F.
July 1
We just pulled into North Carolina after a 8-hour overnight bus ride and will be at Ziggy's tonight. The show last night at The Free Bird Live was another fantastic night. The club's sound system made it a pleasure, and the audience enthusiasm was just too much. We had a blast. Can't wait to play there again. Well, the votes are in and New Riders drummer Johnny Markowski won the Jambands.com contest for best drummer. Congratulations. We here at NRPS central would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote. So, in his honor we broke out one of his songs last night, a tune called Higher. The crowd loved it, and we rocked. I'm sure it's a keeper, and we'll be playing it often now. For those of you that are keeping up on the set list thing that makes three break outs on this tour so far. The other two were Peggy O and Long Black Veil. I'm gonna try to get a little sleep before the gig tonight so that's it for now...... Michael F.
June 30
We had a fantastic time last night at Skippers Smokehouse. It's an outdoor club so it was hot, but the near capacity crowd who attended rocked out and danced all night from the first note to the last. Today we're off to Jacksonville to play The Free Bird. I've got to pack and get on the bus, but I'll give you the full report tomorrow....Michael F.
June 29
We had a Sold Out show at the Bamboo Room tonight. What a cool place -- you should check it out if you're in the West Palm Beach area. Lake Worth to be exact. We're up early tomorrow and off to Tampa to play Skippers Smokehouse. So this just a quick note and off to bed. Till tomorrow.... Michael F.
P.S. We had two break out numbers tonight, Peggy O and Long Black Veil....more to follow......
June 28
Another few shows are under our belt. Sunday night we played The Bearsville Theater in Woodstock NY then made the 17-hour overnight bus trip to South Carolina to play the Pour House. They were both great shows. Professor Louie and The Crowmatix opened the Woodstock show. They sounded fantastic. They've settled into a great lineup and their sound has really jelled. I spent two years playing with them and have many a great tale to tell for it. Professor Louie and his fiddle player Larry Packer both joined us for a few songs in both of our sets, and they rocked......The show at the Pour house was broadcasted over the internet, and I'm told it sounded great. We just finished the 10-hour drive to Lake Worth FL where we'll be playing a sold out show at The Bamboo Room. This is my first time at the BR. I just stopped in to check it out, and it looks like it's gonna be a good-sounding room. I'll give you the full report tomorrow. Stay tuned......Michael F.
June 25
Played another sold out show at Mexicali Blues last night with The New Riders. As always the show was a blast. There is even some talk about playing there New Year's Eve weekend (Saturday and Sunday night). I'll keep you posted on that. I just bought a new laptop so I'll be able to keep things more up to date here. Tonight we'll be at the Bearsville Theater. Professor Louie and The Crowmatix will be opening the show. We're all looking forward to this one. The Bearsville Theater is a great place to play and hear music, and it's almost sold out to boot. Then we leave right after the show for South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina and then two shows in Ohio. It's gonna be a busy week. For the last ten days or so www.jambands.com has been running a contest of sorts "which band are you most impressed with the drummer." Johnny Markowski, The New Riders drummer, has been battling it out with Little Feat drummer Richie Hayward for number one. So go to www.jambands.com and vote for Johnny, and thanks to all those of you who have already voted. Well, that's it for know. Later....... Michael F.
P.S. I forgot to mention The Mexicali show was a three-set night. We were having such a great time we didn't feel like stopping -- what a night!
May 25
Finished up this early spring tour with a bang, selling out the last five shows. Then we went down to Washington, DC for the Senator Patrick Leahy fundraiser with Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and The Flying Other Brothers. We had an absolute blast. Our set ended with Bob Weir joining us for Mama Tried, Big River and Henry. Then at the end of the night we all jammed on Black Muddy River and Going Down The Road Feeling Bad. The place was packed, and everyone that stopped in left with smiles on their faces. I hope we'll be back next year. I have a few days off now, and then it's out to Southeastern Ohio to The Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp with my old buddy Jorma before I go back out with The NRPS. This is going to be an action-packed summer. Stay tuned and come out to the shows. See ya there...... Michael F.
May 18
Just stopped home for the day and am getting ready for the Sold Out show tonight at The Canal Room with The New Riders. This is going to be a fun one to play, being the first time in a long, long time the NRPS have played NYC. The energy level is way up. This whole May run as been a blast so far. Most of the shows were sellouts or close to it, and all the remaining shows are sold out. Then next week we head down to Washington DC for the Senator Patrick Leahy fund raiser with Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and The Flying Other Brothers. A lot more dates have come in so check the tour page for the updates. On a sad note, famed Grateful Dead roadie Ramrod has passed away. I know one guitar player up in heaven will be glad to see and hang with him again. I didn't know Ramrod well, but I did know him. We met on the first Furthur Festival in the mid '90s, and he was always right there to lend a helping hand and wisdom. Fare thee well. Well I'm gonna get back to packing my stuff for the rest of the tour. See you at the shows........ Michael F.
April 18
I just got back from The New Riders tour of the West Coast. All in all it was an amazing trip from the first show to the last. The first show was at the famous GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL in San Francisco. I've played San Francisco many times with Jorma and Hot Tuna, but this was the first trip back since the 2001 New Year's Eve show. It was great to see and hang with many old friends, and the show itself went off without a hitch. The band was tight and the crowd enthusiastic. A great combination for a fun night. The next night it was off to THE CRYSTAL BAY CLUB in Nevada, one of the best sounding shows of the tour in my opinion, and a near sell-out to boot. The next stop was THE MYSTIC THEATRE in Petaluma, CA for one of the most magical shows of the tour. The show was sold out in advance so the excitement level was high. Many old friends were on hand. Robert Hunter was there and stood down front listening and singing along for the whole show before joining us on Ripple to close the show. Rambling Jack Elliot sat on stage, and Stanley Mouse was in the house along with many others. To say the night was magical is an understatement. Here's what Robert Hunter had to say in his review of the show on his website.
"Just got back from the New Riders show at the Mystic in Petaluma. It sure took me back. Packed out house singing along lustily on songs they didn't know they loved so much and suddenly discovered they did. Friends crawled out of the woodwork for this one. Betty Cantor was there and Annette Flowers; Michelle, who is to the Riders what Sue Swanson is to the Dead, first fan and lifetime helper. Dan and Patty Healy both looking great. Ramblin' Jack Elliot spry, spare, ancient and smiling. Other faces half remembered but accounted for. An aura of Joy quickly established itself, similar to the first night of the Dead at Alpine on an intimate scale (a weird parallel I know, but there you go) - the resurrection feel, not repeatable on demand. The spirit bloweth where it listeth. Everyone realized pdq it was one of those nights destined to be remembered, what the music is all about, all it was ever about: love, magic and kick ass songs.
I spent the night on my feet way up front, soaking it all in. Finally went to the back of the house, dead on said feet, with Maureen and Kate to await the encore, which was, fittingly, the late Buck Owen's "Truck Drivin Man" a song no Riders show ever omitted to play. The band's manager spotted me seated in the rear of the Mystic, said the band wanted me to do the last number with them. I said I'd worn my voice out singing along with the crowd, which was true, not to mention not having been on stage since opening for the Dead & the ABB at the Gorge a century or two ago - but there was some part of "no" he didn't understand, as a good manager shouldn't, so without bothering to have my arm politely ripped out of the socket I went up and did it.
Long time since I've been on stage but I can always pull a Ripple out of the hat. How sweet it was to finally sing with the New Riders of the Purple Sage after nearly forty years. A deep emotional experience on the heels of one of the best NRPS shows I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of them. Old Nelson had tears in his eyes, Buddy sitting there like a great glowing Buddha of the pedal steel. Old home night in the 21st Century. The ghosts of Spencer Dryden, Dave Torbert, Skip Batten and Dale Franklin singing along on the chorus, JG present in the melody itself.
Buddy Cage, Michael Falzarano, Robert Hunter, Johnny Markowski, David Nelson, Ronnie Penque
The missing Marmaduke seemed supernaturally imminent in the voices of Michael Falzarano of Hot Tuna, whose rhythm guitar is simple and absolutely superb, and of Ronnie Penque and Johnny Markowski of the DN band who acquitted themselves with honors. Each of the three is capable of believably copping the Dawson style without which it wouldn't be the Riders. So much so that it seemed like a chorus of Marmadukes on the harmony parts! I won't even get into what a storm Nelson picked on his Telecaster, and of course, Buddy is Buddy. Nuff said. If this sounds like a rave review, so be it. Go get 'em Riders!" Robert Hunter
Thanks Robert for all the kind words. I hope you'll be joining us again soon, anytime anyplace.
BLUE LAKE CASINO, a fun show on Indian reservation, followed. The show went well although we were still catching our breath from the previous night's events, The crowd got us going again, and everyone had a great time dancing, singing along and rocking out. After the show we made the trek up to Eugene to play Taboo. What a crazy night this turned into, and I mean that in the best of ways. About five minutes after we pulled up in our tour bus, the Furthur Bus pulled in behind us full of The Merry Pranksters, who later that night did a set of their own. We joined them for a wild rendition of Turn On Your Love Light. What a night it was. Next in line was THE TRIPLE DOOR in Seattle. This was a new club for me. Most of the others on this tour I've played in the past. It had the look of an old classy Las Vegas dinner club, and it had a killer sound system so the show sounded great. Towards the end of the first set and again in the second set we had John Popper of Blues Traveler come out and sit in with us on harp. The near capacity crowd went wild, and the band rocked. Again I have to say what a night. This show made it six in a row. We were all looking forward to a day off when a call came in asking us if we wanted to do an unannounced show in Portland the next night with John Popper at Salaba's. We all agreed (except for Buddy Cage who had a previous commitment). We sometimes jokingly call ourselves The Pontificators so we decided on the name of John Popper and The Pontification Nation. With less than 24 hours of notice 300 people showed up. We did some covers, some NRPS song and some Blues Traveler tunes -- and a good time was had by all. Then it was onto The ALADDIN THEATER for what would turn out to be another sold out show in one of the greatest towns to play, Portland. The crowds there have always been over the top with enthusiasm. This night would be no different. They showed us a great time. We then trekked to Salem, Oregon to a place called Lefty's (the owners have two daughters who are both south paws). The place has the look of an old '50s diner, the food was great the sound fantastic. As if that weren't enough, it too was sold out. What more could you ask for? Last but not least was our final show of the tour at THE ROGUE THEATRE making it 10 shows in a row by the way. The Rogue is an old renovated Victorian theater and a fitting place for our last show. The band was loose, and the crowd was there to have a good time which we all did. All in all it was a fantastic tour from day one to the final night. We can't wait to get back to the West Coast again, The agent is talking about possibly returning in November so we'll see. But next up is a Northeast tour which includes NYC for the first time. We'll be at THE CANAL ROOM on May 18th. This show is almost sold out so if you're thinking about it, get your tickets now. The whole tour is up on my tour page along with many other upcoming dates. Well that's it for now. Again, thanks to all who came out to support us out west, and we hope to see ya again soon........ Michael F.
March 21
Just got back from a short run out to Colorado with The New Riders. We played three shows, two in Denver and one up in Keystone. The first night in Denver was a sold out show at CERVANTES MASTERPIECE BALLROOM with Dark Star Orchestra. We had a blast playing with them; what a great bunch of guys. The next night we were next door at QUIXOTES TRUE BLUE. Both shows were a lot of fun. All who attended seemed to be having a great time rocking out and singing along. Sunday night we went up to Keystone and played The Goat Tavern, another great time was had by all. We even pulled out some new/old songs, I did California Day and Dave did Duncan and Brady. Next up for us is a two-week tour on the West Coast. We start in San Francisco at GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HAL and work our way up the coast. It'll be this version of the band's first tour out west, and we're all looking forward it. All the dates are up on the tour page along with all the other dates. Well, I think that's it for now. There are a lot more things brewing and as they come together I'll let you know...... Michael F.
March 12
The last bunch of entries got lost in cyber space, oh well. I think I figured out what went wrong, and I think I rectified it. If you're reading this, it's fixed. A lot has been going on since my last entry. Last night I went to The Beacon Theater to hang and listen to The Allman Brothers. They sounded fantastic as they always do. Great jazz drummer Roy Haynes sat in for a song as did Peter Frampton and Jay Collins on sax. They all took the band to new places. The show was sold out, and the crowd was totally into it. I've played The Beacon Theater many times with Hot Tuna and love the room as it just has a special vibe. I hope to play there again with The New Riders of the Purple Sage someday. Speaking of The NRPS, we'll be heading out to Colorado next week, then to the West Coast in April for a two-week run followed by two-week runs in May, June, July, August and September. As you can see, things are rolling along in that world. There is also some talk about doing a live DVD/CD set in few months. I'll keep you posted on that. Last week I played with NRPS bass player Ron Penque's band The Neon Gods at Mexicali Blues. That was a lot of fun, great bunch of players. I even got to break out some of my tunes, and the band did a great job with them. I've also been spending a lot of time in the studio working on my new CD, Crazy Days. The project is coming along, and I hope to have it out later this year. Well, that's it for now. I'll be back soon, and hey, Spring will be here before we know it........Michael F.
Jan. 23
Just returned from a short run down south with The New Riders. As with the previous tours with The NRPS, everything went great, close to sell-outs at all but one show, and The Pour House in Charleston, SC did sell out. The band is really starting to sound tight, and we are beginning to bring in some new songs which we'll be playing when we get back together in March for a run out in Colorado. We did start playing "Let It Bleed" by the Stones after we received a phone call from a friend at the Garden where they were playing. I've played at some of the clubs on this run before with Jorma and Hot Tuna. so it was nice to play down south again and see some old friends. The NRPS have a bunch of cool tours coming up in '06 starting with Colorado in March, The West Coast in April, back to the North East in May, including NYC for the first time on May 18, followed by festivals throughout the summer. As the dates are confirmed I'll put them up. Well, that's it for now. Happy Trails........ Michael F.
Jan. 1
Happy New Year to all. I hope you all had a fun time last night and are not paying too high a price for it today. Last year was an interesting one filled with ups and down and twists and turns, but in the end, it turned out to be a really great year. Lost some old friends like Vassar Clements and Spencer Dryden, and made some new ones like Melvin Seals and Dave Nelson. Well, Dave I've actually known for along time, but didn't really get to know him till I joined The New Riders Of The Purple Sage, a band he helped found back in the early seventies. Joining the NRPS in October of '05 was a surprise development that just erupted out of nowhere, and it's working out really well. We've now done two tours and have many others planned for '06. I also got my album The King James Sessions out and started working on another one called Crazy Days. I hope to release it early this year. I produced a few albums for other people and taught at Jorma's Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp three times last year. I also played many live shows with many other fantastic musicians like The Zen Tricksters and special guests Donna Jean Godchaux-McKay, Tom Constanten, Mickey Hart, (Grateful Dead) David Nelson (NRPS), Rob Barraco ( Phil & Friends and The Dead), Greg Anton at the Rex fund raiser. I got to play with Melvin Seals for the first time as well as Geoff Achison, a fantastic guitarist from Australia. Played a number of shows with my old friend Kerry Kearney and wrote a song for his new album Secrets From the Psychedelta which was released in July of '05. I also played with Guy Davis and Peter Mulvey when we did an impromptu concert at The Fur Peace Station Concert Hall. So, all in all it was a busy year. I'm looking forward to '06 and making music with my friends. Have a great one..... Michael F.
2005
Dec. 26
Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all. I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season filled with joy. Mine is. Now it's on to New Year's Eve and a new year. More on that later. I just put up some new dates on the tour page for upcoming New Rider shows. Hope to see you all there......Michael F.
Dec. 19
Well, I'm back from The New Riders tour. We had a blast at all the shows and four of the nine shows were Sold Out which is always great. David and Buddy were on fire every night, playing some truly amazing solos, and the songs that John Dawson and Dave Torbert wrote are so great that they almost play themselves. I had a fantastic time. I want to thank all the fans of the band that came out to the shows, and all the promoters who booked the shows. It seemed to me that a good time was had by all. There are more tours being booked for 2006 starting in the south in January, Colorado in March, the West Coast in April and then back east in May so keep your eyes and ears open. As the dates come in, I'll put them up on the tour page. Happy Holidays...... Michael F.
Dec. 6
I'll be blasting off later on today for Cleveland, OH where I'll meet up with the rest of the New Riders to begin our winter tour. Because we had such a great time on the last run we are all looking forward to this tour. We'll be playing some new venues and and a few we've played in the past. A lot of you have emailed me about the Mexicali show tickets. All I can say is get them early. Last time many of you couldn't get in, and the only way to ensure that doesn't happen again is to purchase in advance. Likewise for the other shows as well. We'll be pulling some more classics out on this tour, which is easy to do with this band because they had so many. Well, I think I'll go finish packing and then it's off to the airport. I'm not sure I'll be able to keep you updated from there, but you can get some up to date info over at David Nelson's site on his chat page, http://www.nelsonband.com/guestbook.html Hope to see you at the shows......... Michael F.
Dec. 2
Last night I went down to Tribeca Rock to sit in with my friends Stir Fried. The club is closing its door next week, and it was nice to play there one last time. I've been playing that club since 2000 back when it was Tribeca Blues so it's sad to see it go. Same old NYC story, lease expired and the landlord wants too much to renew it. Pretty soon there will be no small clubs in this town, which will really be too bad. Been spending a lot of time finishing up some projects and getting ready for The New Riders tour that starts next week on the 7th up in Cleveland. We're all looking forward to that. Many of the clubs are close to selling out so get your tickets early. Hope to see you at the shows....... Michael F.
Nov. 24
Happy Thanksgiving to all. I hope it's filled with love, family and friends. The weatherman is talking about snow. Now that's a little early in the game for me, but hey, bring it on. For me this has been a great year so far with much to be thankful for, but I know for others around the country and the world for that matter it has not been the best of times. You are in our prayers and thoughts. Remember Everything Changes and things will look up. Well, it looks like The New Riders tour is complete now. It will start in Cleveland, OH at WILBERTS on the 7th of December before heading down south and then winding up back in New Jersey at Mexicali Blues for two nights on the 16th and 17th. If you plan on coming to the Mexicali shows, you might want to buy your tickets in advance. Last time it sold out quickly and many couldn't get in. In fact many of the shows sold out on the last tour, so you might want to get your tickets in advance for the other shows also. The whole tour is up on my tour page now. I hope to see you at the shows. By the way the Black Tie-Dye Ball Rex Foundation Benefit concert can now be heard on Relix Radio. The show sounds great; check it out. Everybody did a fantastic job that night. My favorite song of the the show was Dave Nelson's Any Naked Eye, which is just a great song. He also did another one of his tunes called Different World. I did one of my songs called When There's Two There's Trouble and one of my favorite NRPS songs Louisiana Lady. Maybe we'll get to play the other songs on the upcoming NRPS tour. Well, again have a happy Thanksgiving.......... Michael F.
Nov. 14
The
Black Tie-Dye Ball
Rex Foundation Benefit at The Concert Hall of the New York Society for
Ethical Culture this weekend was a grand success. The whole gang did an
outstanding job putting it all together. Three hours of music with The Zen Tricksters
and special guests Donna Jean Godchaux-McKay,
Tom Constanten, Mickey Hart,
(Grateful Dead) David Nelson
(NRPS), Rob Barraco
( Phil & Friends and The Dead), Greg Anton and
myself. Everyone sounded fantastic. A big thanks has to go out to The Zen
Tricksters for making the thing happen and go smoothly. Jeff Mattson
and Klyph Black worked tirelessly behind the scene to put it together.
Thanks again. I hope they do it again next year. If so, I'll be there. It was
also great to hang with Dave Nelson for a few days as we get ready for our upcoming tour with the NRPS in December. It's going to be a good one.
This one
stays on the East Coast, but after the new year we'll head down south. In
March we'll go to the West Coast. More on all that when it comes
in. The dates for the December tour are already up on my tour page so check them
out. Alright, got to go get Dave and get him to the airport. Later.... Michael
F.
Nov. 10
Back from Jorma's Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp with four days of teaching and jamming the guys. We had a blast, and the show on Saturday night with Jorma and David Bromberg was great. David also played later with The Angel Band who were also outstanding. I'll tell you this though, the drive to and from Ohio isn't getting any shorter. This Saturday night I'll be at The Concert Hall of the New York Society for Ethical Culture, 2 W. 64 St., NYC for the performing with The Zen Tricksters w/special guests Donna Jean Godchaux-McKay, Tom Constanten, Mickey Hart, (Grateful Dead) David Nelson (NRPS), Rob Barraco ( Phil & Friends and The Dead) and Greg Anton among others. Some tickets are still available, but they're going fast. So get on it if you intend on going. The December tour with The New Riders Of The Purple Sage is coming together. It looks like it'll start in Cleveland on the 7th and run through the 18th, making stops in Virginia, West Virginia, DC, Maryland, New Jersey and maybe Long Island. As soon as the dates are confirmed, I'll put them up on the tour page. Well that's it for now. Hope to see ya at the shows... Michael F.
Nov. 1
Back from Las Vegas, and as I predicted, it was a wild one. The The AT 40 Halloween bash was a total blast. Great promoters, great club, great crowd and Sold Out to boot. You can't ask for more than that. The show got underway at 6:30 with a seminar with assorted luminaries and the Merry Pranksters, then the music got going at about 8:00 and went till dawn. The New Riders Of The Purple Sage got on stage about 11:00 and did a smoking 90-minute set. The party kept right on rolling all night long into the wee hours of the morning and finally finished up at around 6:30 am. All in all, it was a one hell of a time. There's talk of doing it again next year, and you won't want to miss it if it happens again. Earlier that day I took a ride on the legendary Furthur bus. We had the whole Furthur bus experience, even got pulled over and got a ticket for going too slow in traffic. What a fantastic 24 hours. Tomorrow I head out to Jorma's Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp to host and play at Jam Stock. I'm looking forward to that. It should prove to be pretty interesting. The weekend is sold out as is the show with David Bromberg on Saturday night. So those of you who signed up and have tickets, I'll see ya there. It's gonna be fun. Well, that's it for now, Blue Mountain Artists are booking another tour for the New Riders, and I'll have more info on that when I return. Until then....... Michael F.
Oct. 24
Later this week I'll be
heading out to Las Vegas for a big Halloween bash,
The AT 40. It'll be held at a club called
The Beach and will feature
The New Riders Of The Purple Sage
along with many other guests and acts. This should be a wild one.
The NRPS have also signed on with
Blue Mountain Artists. They
will be booking us, so if you're interested please contact them at 704-525-1559.
When I return form Vegas I head out to Jorma's
Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp to teach
and play at the second annual Jam Stock. We had a fantastic time doing it last
year, and I know this year will be the same -- plus there will be a show at
The Fur Peace Station with David
Bromberg on Saturday night. I haven't seen Bromberg in a long time so that
should be fun. The show is sold out, but if you
enroll in
one of the classes, you're in. Got to get the week going now so we'll talk later..... Michael F.
Oct. 12
Well, we finished up The New Riders Of The Purple Sage tour on Sunday at Brownies 23 East, and I gotta say the whole run was a huge success. Sell outs and record attendance at the Harvest Festival. Musically it just gelled right from the start, and it felt like we had been playing together for years. I feel honored to be able to play these great songs with original members Buddy Cage and David Nelson. For the most part I'm singing many of the songs that John Dawson wrote and sang in the original lineup of the band. John is a great songwriter, so the songs almost play themselves. He was also a great singer. We have different vocal styles, but I'm trying to capture the essence of what he did and stay true to the songs as best I can. I hope someday he'll be well enough to come out and play a few songs with us or even rejoin the band full time. You never know. Johnny Markowski (drums and vocals) and Ronnie Penque (bass and vocals) also did a fantastic job in laying down the groove. I think a special thanks has to go out to Johnny Markowski. This whole thing would not have gotten off the ground if it weren't for his idea in the first place. So John thanks -- you helped make a lot of fans happy because they got to hear the songs again, live. We are going to learn more of the tunes as we go, but here's the song list as it stands so far:
Dave is singing Garden of Eden, Dirty Business, Dim Lights-Thick Smoke, The Last Lonely Eagle, Contract, Panama Red, Lonesome LA Cowboy, Dead Flowers, Portland Woman, Ripple, Willie & the Hand Jive and Friend Of The Devil.
I'm singing Truck Driving Man, Runnin’ Back To You, Louisiana Lady, I Don't Know You, Sutter’s Mill, California Day, Nadine and Rainbow.
Ronnie is singing Whiskey, Sunday Suzie, Take a Letter Maria, Watcha Gonna Do and Henry.
Johnny, the man that got this whole thing rolling, is singing Groupie. Here's some of the others we hope add to the list: Glendale Train, Sweet Lovin’ One, Hi Hello How Are You, and Kick in the Head, among others. Well, that's it for now. Later........ Michael F.
Oct. 7
Another sold out show with the NRPS. Mexicali Blues was an absolute blast, even up a notch from the Rain Desert which in itself was terrific. Mexicali Blues holds about 350 people, and I tell you there were more than that in the room last night with another couple of hundred people outside who couldn't get in. I tried to tell ya to get there early if you wanted to get in, but the owner said we'll be back soon. I'll keep you posted. The band really sounded great if I must say so myself. Even though we never played together as a band before this week, when we were on stage it felt as if we've been together forever. Funny how that works. I've known Buddy and David for many years, and it's just fantastic to be playing these songs with them along with Johnny and Ronnie. Here's a list of the songs we have been playing so far. We plan to add more as we go each night. So far Dave is singing Garden of Eden, Dirty Business, The Last Lonely Eagle, Contract, Panama Red, Lonesome LA Cowboy, Portland Woman and Willie & the Hand Jive. I'm singing Truck Driving Man, Runnin’ Back To You, Louisiana Lady, I Don't Know You, Sutter’s Mill and Rainbow. Ronnie is singing Whiskey, Sunday Suzie, Take a Letter Maria, Watcha Gonna Do and Henry. Johnny, the man that got this whole thing rolling, is singing Groupie. Here's some of the others we hope add to the list: Dead Flowers, Glendale Train, California Day, Nadine, Sweet Lovin’ One, Hi Hello How Are You, and Dim Lights. Tonight we'll be up in Woodstock, NY at THE JOYOUS LAKE and again I say, get there early if you're going to buy tickets at the door because they're almost sold out. I hope to see you at the show........ Michael F.
P.S. I'll be away from the computer for a few days so I'll fill you all in when I return... MF
Oct. 6
I just got up and have to leave for the sound check at Mexicali Blues, but I just wanted to let you all know that the show last night at The Rain Desert with the New Riders Of The Purple Sage was a blast. The show was sold out and everyone who attended had a rockin' good time. All left with smiles on their faces including the band. It just came together, like we'd been playing together for years. We started out the first set with "Henry" and ended the second set with "Panama Red" and covered a lot of ground in between. Tonight's show at Mexicali should prove to be just as good. It's very close to a sell out at this time so if you plan on stopping by you might want to get there early. Got to run, see ya at the show........ Michael F.
Oct.5
We had our final New Riders Of The Purple Sage rehearsal last night before our first show tonight at The Rain Desert up in Connecticut. The songs have come together and now it's time to play them live and get this show on the road. Everybody's very excited to start our little run and see how it feels to play the tunes live. We have about 30 of the songs ready to rock, which should be enough to get us going. We're going to learn more as we go. There are a few shows being booked in late October and early November and as soon as they're inked I'll post them. Well, got to go get in the shower and then go meet the vans and head up to Connecticut and onward. Remember, support live music. I hope to see ya at the shows....... Michael F.
Sept. 17
Been a while I know. I've been busy with the The NRPS project and working in the studio. We've been rehearsing the NRPS songs out in Nyack, NY at a friend's studio. It's coming along great. We've compiled a really great collection of songs so far and are adding more as we go. It's starting to sound pretty good, if I say so myself. The NRPS had so many great songs that it's a bit hard to choose, but we're sorting through them. There has been a lot of interest from other promoters in booking future shows and tours after we finish our run in October. There are some very strong possibilities on the horizon. I'll keep you posted if anything comes up. We are all excited and looking forward to getting this cosmic rodeo rolling. I hope to see many of you at the shows.... Till the next time..... Michael
Sept. 1
Here's the latest news on the up coming NRPS tour.
For immediate release:
New Riders Of The Purple Sage
Featuring original members:
David Nelson & Buddy Cage
with
Michael Falzarano (Hot Tuna) Johnny Markowski (Stir Fried/JGB)
Ronnie Penque (Stir Fried/JGB/Ripple)
The New Riders of the Purple Sage Ride Again.
The long-awaited return of The New Riders of the Purple Sage has fans in a psychedelic head spin. Original members David Nelson (guitar and vocals) and Buddy Cage (pedal Steel) along with Michael Falzarano (guitar, mandolin and vocals), Johnny Markowski (drums and vocals) and Ronnie Penque (bass and vocals) will treat the Northeast to a tour with shows throughout the Tri-State area, Philadelphia and The Harvest Festival in upstate New York. Once called the greatest cosmic, psychedelic-country folk rock & roll band in the universe, the new lineup of NRPS will revive its legendary reputation in early October.
Veterans David Nelson and Buddy Cage have put together a smokin’ band to perform its timeless music to fans both old and new. "David and I will be playing our NRPS catalog," says Buddy Cage who replaced Jerry Garcia on pedal steel in the band's earliest lineup in 1971. Original bass player Dave Torbert and drummer Spencer Dryden have passed away and are now a part of the ethereal band. They will undoubtedly be smiling down as their music lives on. Co-founder John Dawson cannot lend his considerable talents due to ongoing health problems although he will be there in spirit.
Formed in 1969, The New Riders were signed to Columbia Records in 1971 by Clive Davis and its eponymous first album, New Riders of the Purple Sage, was released in September of that year to widespread acclaim. For the next 11 years the band continued to tour and release over 12 albums, selling over 4 million records. The two bands that helped define country rock as we know it are The Eagles and The New Riders of the Purple Sage. If the Eagles were the Beatles of country rock, then The New Riders of the Purple Sage were The Rolling Stones – rockin', rowdy and genuine. The New Riders Of The Purple Sage Ride Again
August 26
Well, as I said in my last posting below, the tour with The New Riders Of The Purple Sage Featuring Original Members David Nelson and Buddy Cage along with Michael falzarano, Ronnie Penque and Johnny Markowski has now been booked, all six dates on the East Coast are in. See my tour page for the details. See ya at the shows........ Michael F.
August 25
Hello all. I've been away for the last few days up at the ranch, riding around the hills on the ATVs, going horseback riding and getting dusty and dirty with The New Riders Of The Purple Sage in my headphones. I came back to a flood of emails, seems everyone wants to know about the rumored New Riders Of The Purple Sage reunion tour. I'll tell ya what I know. About a day or two after I got back from my trip to Amsterdam I got a call from Buddy Cage, Buddy and I have played together on and off with various bands for about 10 years now, so I thought it was just another call for a one off gig. I was surprised when he told me that he and David Nelson had decided to put a new version of The New Riders together to tour with and asked if I would be interested in playing guitar, mandolin and singing with them. Now, I think a little of my history is in order to put this turn of events into perspective. When I was coming up and living on Long Island in the early 70s, I had a band called The New Highway. Much of what I did in that band is what I still do today, straight up Americana, roots rock. My repertoire consisted of some originals, some blues and boogie covers, some country rock covers, a few Hot Tuna songs, a band, as you know, I later joined in 1983, played with for over 20 years and have an ongoing, positive relationship with to this day. But by far the band that was most covered in TNH was The New Riders Of The Purple Sage. I loved that band and played and sang many of their songs. So, I told Buddy, count me in. To say I'm excited to do this gig is a bit of and understatement. Here are the facts as of today. The New Riders Of The Purple Sage will be reforming with original members David Nelson and Buddy Cage along with Johnny Markowski on drums and vocals, Ronnie Penque on bass and vocals and myself on guitar, mandolin and vocals. The original bass player Dave Torbert and original drummer Spencer Dryden have unfortunately passed away and are now a part of The Heavenly Band. But I think they'll be smiling down on us knowing that their music lives on. Now, for me, John Dawson was always the driving force of The New Riders so I am disappointed that he cannot make the tour, do to ongoing health problems. The only thing I can say about that is I will try to stay true to what I think was his vision for the band. There are already about 5 or 6 dates booked that I'll put up on my tour page when I'm done here. I'll keep you posted on what happens next, and I'll leave you with this funny thought...last time I hooked up with two guys from the San Francisco bay area for a reunion tour it lasted 20 years..... Michael F.
August 16
Buy now I'm sure you've heard the news of the passing of legendary fiddle play and all around grand gentlemen Vassar Celments. I was in the studio today, strangely enough working on a few tunes that Vassar and I recorded together for my next album when I got the news. Although I felt like calling it a day, I made the decision to work on because I know he would have preferred to make music than not. I have had the honor to know him and call him a friend for many years now. We've played together, recorded together and laughed together, and he will be missed. His music will live forever.... Michael F. Below is the statement from his website.
VASSAR CLEMENTS (1928 - 2005)
Dear Friends,
On August 16th 2005 at 8:35 am Nashville time, the angels in heaven stopped singing for a moment, as they heard the most beautiful music approaching from a distance - the high lonesome sound of Vassar Clements' fiddle.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of this truly wonderful and beautiful man whose purpose in life on Earth was in spreading love and happiness to people, both through his music and through his generosity and light of spirit.
Vassar indeed has touched the lives of so many of us, and we can all count ourselves as blessed to have been witness to the musical genius and kind-hearted nature of this great yet humble man.
It is a great testament to a life when those whose paths you crossed hold you up as an example on how to treat others. Vassar's guestbook is that testament and shows how incredibly loved and admired Vassar was on this Earth by both those who knew him personally and those who knew him only through his music.
I would like to thank Vassar's daughter Midge and son-in-law George on behalf of all of us that loved Vassar for the great love and care they have shown him since the passing of his wife Millie just over seven years ago. Selfless and devoted, they not only took care of Vassar emotionally and physically, but also jumped in and learned the music business so Vassar could continue to play for all of us around the country.
I picture Vassar and Millie in heaven, reunited in the love they shared that transcends all things, him playing while she dances.
Thank You Vassar - God Bless You. Rest In Peace.
August 9
I just got back from my trip to the Netherlands and Belgium. I spent most of the time in Amsterdam and a few days at the end of the trip in Belgium. I had never been to Belgium before, and it's a beautiful country. I was in two cities there, Antwerp and Bruges. Both are ancient cities with lots to see. I missed the blues festival in Bruges by a day or two. I would've liked to have made it there for that because a lot of people I know were on the festival like John Hammond Jr. along with New York's Poppa Chubby and others, but that didn't work out. I spent most of my time in Amsterdam. Anyone that's been to Amsterdam knows it's a fun city with lots to do. Unfortunately there isn't much of a live music scene there at this point, but I did stop by a cool blues club. I can't remember the name right now, but I'll get it and will let you know, in case you find yourself in Amsterdam looking for the blues someday. My daughter was in a small town about 20 minutes outside of Amsterdam at The Youth Friendship Games playing soccer for one of the USA teams, The Untouchables. So my wife and I got to see some of the countryside, to and from the games in the day time. The Untouchables held their own against the all the other USA teams and some of the European teams, but in the end the Europeans proved to be too much. The Untouchables did work hard and made it to the top pool and the final rounds. My daughter was also picked for the penalty kick competition where she and four other girls from her team along with girls from other teams had to kick against a real goalie. They each got 5 kicks to get the ball by him. It was not easy. It was fun to watch, but I think the girls were a little nervous about being out there on their own. All in all the trip was a blast, and I hope to get back to Amsterdam soon. Now it's back to work..... Michael F.
July 23
I'm heading over to Amsterdam later on today. My laptop crashed on me for some reason, if I can get it up and running again I'll have it with me. So I can update you on all the goings on while I'm there. If not it'll have to wait till I return. I spent some time in the studio last week working on various projects that I hope to finish when I return. Some cool things are going on while I'm away you might want to check out. Hot Tuna will be on the Blues Cruise on the 27th and on the 31st The Kerry Kearney Band will be on the Island opening a show for Mountain's 35th Anniversary w/ Warren Haynes. If you're in Ohio, Professor Louie and The Crowmatix will be there next week. You can check their websites for more info. Got to run. Talk to ya soon....... Michael F.
July 16
Wow, this week flew by. Been working in the studio a lot, trying to finish up a bunch of stuff before I head over to Amsterdam next week. I just received a new CD from and old friend I met while on tour with Hot Tuna back in '92. We were on the road in Europe, Finland to be exact, playing The Pori Jazz Festival when we met. His name is Henry O. His band was also playing the festival, and he asked me to sit in on a few songs which I did and had a blast doing. We've been friends ever since. It's hard to believe that was 13 years ago, just doesn't seem that long ago. Anyway his new CD Got The Blues is really great so try to check it out. It's part acoustic and part electric, Henry is a fantastic blues guitar player with an authentic feel. Hopefully I'll get back to Finland some day, and we can play together again. Another new CD out is Secrets From The Psychedelta by The Kerry Kearney Band. I'm on two songs, and we do one of my songs together called "Planet Blues." It came out pretty good, I must say. It also comes with a DVD. You can get it at kerrykearney.com. I put up a few more Reviews, old and new on the reviews page to check out. Well, I think that's about it for now............. Michael F.
July 10
On the way out to The Riverhead Blues Festival yesterday I stopped by Jimmy Fleming's house for his annual backyard bash. He had about 100 people there, and I sat in with his band The Electrix for their first set and had great fun doing it. It's always a pleasure playing with those guys. The party was attended by a really nice bunch of people. Everyone I met at the party was there to have a good time and a good time was had. Then I went out to the festival and caught Michael Powers, Maxine Brown and Tinsly Ellis. They were all smoking. Then at midnight I did a show with The Kerry Kearney Band at The Vail-Leavitt Music Hall. As always it was a blast, and we didn't get out of there till 3:00 am. We here at MF.com have put up a new page with some reviews and quotes, old and new. I recently got a few cool Reviews for my CD The King James Sessions, so we decided to put them up. The Relix Magazine. and Kweevak Music Magazine reviews are already up along with some others. I'm told that I also got a review in Hitting The Note, but I haven't seen that one yet. I'm trying to track it down. If you've got it, maybe you could email it to me. This coming week I'll be in the studio and preparing to go to Amsterdam, which I'm really looking forward to. I haven't been there in a long time. Got to head out on the day.......Michael F.
July 5
I hope everybody had a great weekend and 4th Of July celebration. I spent it out on Fire Island with friends and family. We went to the beach, did some sailing and got hooked on the TV show 24. We got hold of the first season on DVD and got sucked in immediately. I can highly recommend it. Tomorrow it's back to JMS studio to continue work on my next album, which I hope to have out later this year. This weekend is The Riverhead Blues Festival. Many of my friends are on the bill this year, such as The Kerry Kearney Band, Alexis P. Suter, The Kane Daily Band, Toby Walker and Professor Louie and The Crowmatix to name a few. I'll most likely be sitting it with some of them. On Saturday night at The Vail-Leavitt Music Hall I'll be playing with The Kerry Kearney Band. It's sort of an anniversary party for Kerry who has now played the festival for seven consecutive years. The Vail Leavett is a small theater so if you want to attend I recommend that you get your tickets in advance. To do so click here, Tickets. Also, if you hang out at the festival till the end on Sunday, there is an festival wrap up show with Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers, who are always a crowd pleaser. It'll be at the Riverhead Aquarium and will get underway at 6 PM... Got to go run some errands. Talk to ya later.... Michael F.
June 30
Went to see Garth Hudson play
last night, Hudson on the Hudson so to speak. He played a free show on the
Hudson at Chambers St. with a full band that included two drummers, a percussionist,
a horn section, a guitarist, an upright bassist and others. He did a mix of
his compositions and old Band tunes. The band sounded tight, and he was (as usual)
a wizard on all the keyboards, grand piano, Hammond organ, accordion and
various other synthesizers. I toured with Garth a few years ago, but when you're
playing on stage it's hard to hear all that's going on. So it was great to just
sit back and enjoy the sounds...... I want to say a farewell to the great Chet
Helms, The Father of the "Summer of Love" who died on June 25th from a stroke at
the age of 62. Here's a little something someone forwarded to me that pretty
much sums him up I think.
Chet Helms and his production company, the Family Dog, turned
small
get-togethers of local musicians and artists into a scene that
eventually produced the great, legendary gatherings of the Summer of
Love. Rock promoter Bill Graham first turned to Chet Helms and his
well-connected family of artists and audiences in San Francisco to build
his own promotional empire, well after the local "scene" had been
established and nurtured in coffee houses all over the city.
I met him a few times when I was playing in San Francisco. He seemed like a nice
guy who always treated those around him with respect. He's probably promoting a
show up in heaven as we speak.........Michael F.
June 29.
Where does the time go? It seems like I just got back from Jorma's camp, but it was a week ago now. I've been busy in the studio and getting my daughter off to camp. Getting back to The Fur Peace Ranch weekend, I just want to say again what a great time it was and getting to hang with G.E. Smith, Guy Davis and Peter Mulvey made it all the better. I've known G.E. for some time now, but I just met Guy and Peter that weekend. I have listened to their music for a while now, and I'm a big fan of both. Listening to Guy you know you're listening to the real thing, and the number of songs he knows is over the top. His newest CD Legacy is fantastic. The opening tune "Uncle Tom's Dead" is a blues/rap song which features his son rapping about rap music while Guy tells it like it is, kind of a history lesson. It's one of the freshest blues songs I've heard in a while. The rest of the album just keeps getting better from there. Up until now his album Chocolate To The Bone was my favorite, but I'm really getting into Legacy now. Peter is a great singer/songwriter. I just love the way he puts a tune together. He also knows about a thousand songs. He'll be playing out on the Island here in NY later in the summer at Stonybrook so you should check him out. Well, I just got a call from a friend who said Garth Hudson is playing a free show downtown so I think I'm gonna head over and check him out and say hello. More on that later.... Michael F.
June 21
I just got back from the Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp where I taught my workshop "Blues For Beginners." I had a great time as usual. We had a fun bunch of guys there this weekend, about 33 of them. Everyone got along great and jammed, jammed, jammed. G.E. Smith, Guy Davis and Peter Mulvey were also there. Both Peter and Guy were just wonderful to be around and hanging with G.E. is like hanging with any of my NY bros. Peter is a really nice guy, and Guy is a blast to be around. He must know 2,000 songs. He played and sang non-stop for three days and on Friday night drove 4 hours to Pittsburgh to play a gig at Club Cafe, then drove back in time for the Saturday morning workshop. Now that's working. On Saturday night Guy, Peter and I did a show at the Fur Peace Station. What a fun night. We each played a song...Peter followed by Guy and then me with each other comping, for about two hours. I think we each did about 10 songs. All in all, the weekend was a blast. I'm a little burnt out from the 11-hour drive night now. I do want to talk a bit more about this weekend, but it'll have to wait till later........ Michael F.
June 15
Well, all the graduation festivities have subsided, and now my daughter's off to high school next year. Hard to believe. I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone over at Grace Church School for the great education they've given her during her 9 years there. I would also like to congratulate all the kids for all their hard work over the years...... Well, I'm off to Jorma's guitar camp tomorrow. This will be a fun weekend. I'll be teaching my course "Blues For Beginners." Also on board this weekend are G.E. Smith, Guy Davis and Peter Mulvey. The weekend is pretty much sold out so I know there'll be a lot of picking going on. Tonight I'll be at B.B. King's (237 West 42nd Street, NYC) for The Safe Space benefit. I would Like to thank Relix Magazine and Blues Planet Records for their support and help as they were both very generous and eager to lend a helping hand. Well, I guess it's time to pack for the trip to Ohio tomorrow. I'll give you the full report when I return....... Michael F.
June 8
The last few days have been spent getting ready for my daughter's graduation and working with Kerry Kearney on his next release. Last night we cut some vocals on a song I wrote a while back called "Planet Blues" which features some great New Orleans style piano playing by Tony Campo. A few days earlier we worked on another tune of mine called "It's A God Almighty World" which Jorma recorded a while back on his album Land of Heroes. Some of The Electrix stopped by to lend a hand on that one. Both of the songs are coming along great as is the rest of the album. The next few days I'll spend working on the graduation celebration at my daughter's school, then it's back to the studio. Well, it looks like summer is here in New York. It's about 90 degrees today so I think I'm going to go out and enjoy some sunshine. Bye for now..... Michael F.
May 30
Happy Memorial Day to all. Last night I went to The Rodeo Bar here in NYC to see Sleepy LaBeef. I don't know if you know about Sleepy, but you should. He's a real deal Texas Honky Tonk Texas Rebel. Sleepy has shared bills with practically every great in music history: Elvis Presley, George Jones, Roy Orbison, Wanda Jackson, and Carl Perkins, among others. He's had in his band over five hundred people (including the likes of Doug Kershaw, Kenny Rogers, Glen Campbell, D.J. Fontana, and Grady Martin) and has been an admitted influence to such a variety of people as Brian Setzer, Bruce Springsteen and the Beatles. I met him one time down in Texas when Hot Tuna was playing there. We were at the old Liberty Lunch. We had a conversation and laugh about something, but I can't remember what as it was about 15 years ago. He's known as the Bull, the Road Warrior (he still plays about 200 shows a year) and The Human Jukebox. He played about 50 songs last night and that was just the first set. In the second set he played a medley of Johnny Cash songs, and I think he played every song Johnny has every recorded. They call him the Bull because he's a big, heavyset guy at about 6 foot 3. After the first set he walked though the crowd shaking hands and saying hi. When he walked up to me, I told him great job, and he thanked me and moved along. About 5 minuets later he came back and asked, "Do I know you?" so I told him we met one time down in Texas at at the old Liberty Lunch. He said, "That's right. You were in town with them Tuna boys." I hope when I'm his age I'm as sharp as he's close to 70. Next time he comes to town, go see him and you won't regret it. Again Happy Memorial Day........ Michael F.
May 29
I hope you're having fun on this Memorial Day weekend. I spent the last few days out on the road with my good friend Geoff Achison playing some shows. We started the little run on Long Island at The Brokerage. The club was great, and the show was a lot of fun. This was an acoustic show where we were joined by Kerry Kearney along with Frank Celenza on bass and Eileen Murphy on drums. Later in the set Toby Walker came up to do a song and just rocked the house. Geoff, Toby and Kerry together were something to hear -- fantastic. Then it was down to The Allentown Music and Arts Festival. Again we were joined by Kerry and company; we had a blast. This show was an electric one, and Geoff and Kerry were both on fire. Then Geoff and I then headed over to Asbury Park to the Convention Center for an outdoor acoustic show on the beach. It was a lot of fun to do some outdoor shows again. Met a bunch of great people at the show and ran into my old friend Brian Farmer and his wife on the boardwalk. Brain works for Warren Haynes and Gov't Mule, among others. It was good to see him again. I also found out about a cool new music website called Kweevak.com, so check it out. Next week it's back to work helping Kerry with his new CD. We went in last week and recorded two of my songs for the album. First we did a tune called "Planet Blues" and then we did a song called "It's A God Almighty World" which Jorma recorded a while back on his album Land of Heroes. Both of these songs are coming along great. Well, I think that about covers it for now....... Michael F.
May 22
It's my birthday today. It's hard to believe that I'm well into my 50s now. How'd that happen? It seemed like only yesterday I was a youngster of 49. Hmmm. Anyway I was in the studio recently with Kerry Kearney and company, and we cut a couple more songs for his next CD which sounds great so far. He's trying to have it available at the Riverhead Blues Festival in July so keep your eyes and ears open for it. This Thursday the 26th Kerry and I along with my friend from down under, Geoff Achison, will be at The Brokerage in Bellmore. Geoff is a fantastic guitarist from Australia. This should be an interesting show. Try to stop by. The show gets underway at about 8:00. We'll also be playing in Allentown Pa. at The Allentown arts and music festival together on Friday night the 27th. Looks like a nice day out so I guess I'll go out and enjoy it. Thanks to all who sent me birthday email and snailmail wishes.......Michael F.
May 17
Been under the weather with a bit of a cold for past few days so I've been laying low. On Saturday night I was at Paula Jean's Supper Club with Geoff Achison and The Souldiggers. We had a fun time playing together. I hadn't seen him in a while, and he was amazing as always. Next week on the 26th, Geoff and I along with Kerry Kearney and some of Kerry's band will be playing together at The Brokerage in Bellmore. This should be a blast of a show. Friday I'll be heading into the studio with Kerry to cut a few songs for his next album. Well, as I said I'm not feeling all that well so that's it for now............ Michael F.
May 10
Time sure has been flying by. Last week I played a private show for AMD Entertainment. Stir Fried was there along with members of The Zen Tricksters and The Electrix. Flat-picking master Bob Harris was also on board. We all jammed together, and a DVD was shot of the performance. I also went to a private party put on by Blues Planet Records over the weekend and had a lot of fun. Jason Crosby from Robert Randolph and The Family Band was there playing with his brothers' band, I think they're call Souleo. I'm not sure of the spelling but they sounded great. Also finished up the Marjorie Thompson live CD. That should see the light of day soon if all goes as planned. This weekend I start a little run playing with my friend from down under Geoff Achison. Geoff is a fantastic guitarist from Australia. Go to his website and check him out. Our first show together is at Paula Jean's Supper Club in East Setauket, New York on the 14th of May followed by some other shows around the area. All the info is on my tour page. The engineer I work with on all my projects has been on the road with his band the Mosquitos so I haven't been in the studio in awhile, but I'm looking forward to getting back in next week when he returns. Later in the week I'll head into a different studio in Brooklyn to do some recording with Kerry Kearney for his next CD. It's always fun playing with Kerry and crew so I'm looking forward to that also. Well, that's it for now. Till next time..... Michael F.
April 27
I went to The Jammys last night, the annual awards party and show put on by Relix Magazine and Jambands.com at The Theater at Madison Garden. What a party and show it was. I had a great time talking and hanging with some old and new friends. The music was outstanding. My favorite jam of the night was, well, I have two. First was the jam with Buddy Guy, John Mayer, Phil Lesh and Roots drummer Guestlove. They just ripped it up especially on “Hoochie Coochie Man.” Buddy Guy received the well deserved Lifetime Achievement Award. Long before there were jam bands Buddy was jamming hard and long. Shortly after that Huey Lewis joined Umphrey’s McGee for a mini-set. Then, Mavis Staples, Sinead O'Conner and Jeff Coffin joined the collective for covers of “The Weight” and and maybe the best song performance of the night, “I’ll Take You There.” Mavis is The Diva and that's that. All the music was great but those performances, for me, were the best. The show went till about midnight then moved over to BB King's club for the after party show. Another great time was had by all. Umphrey’s McGee performed and acted as the host band for everyone who sat in. Umphrey’s McGee is a great band, and you should check them out if they come to your town. See ya there next year...... Michael F.
April 24
We did our annual Vassar Clements birthday show last night at Tribeca Rock here in NYC. This year Vassar turned 77. Unfortunately Vassar's health took a turn for the worst this year, and he was unable to attend although he was there in spirit. When we got the news a few weeks ago that Vassar would not be able to make it, a decision was made to go on with the show as a benefit with all the proceeds going to Vassar and his family. I'm glad to say that the show was sold out and that all who attended the show did so with love in their hearts for Vassar. A very special thanks has to go out to Anthony Delgato and AMD Entertainment for getting all the bands and musicians together and putting the show on. They did an outstanding job with everything from getting the rehearsals together, to printing the poster and making sure that everyone was well fed. Also I've got to thank Jeff Mattson of The Zen Tricksters for getting all the charts together and putting the set lists together for the two 90-minute sets we did together. Stir Fried opened the show with a really powerful acoustic set, followed by a good hour-long rocking set by The Electrix. Buddy Cage and I joined them and as always we had a blast. The Electix were followed by The Zen Tricksters with Buddy and me. We had two great banjo players on board for the night in Tom Hanway who flew in from Ireland and Tony Triscka who also flew in. Bob Harris sat in on acoustic guitar as did JC Flyer who flew in from San Francisco. Kenny Kosek and Jimmy Fleming did some fine fiddle playing, Tom Goff played drums on a tune and Wendy lanter helped out with some back up vocals. All in all, it was a wonderful night of great music. I hope that next year Vassar will be able to attend and hold down that fiddle chair once again. Vassar, you're in our thoughts and prayers. Get well.......Michael F.
April 19
Took a break from the studio last night and went out to BB King's on 42nd St. to see my friend Tommy Emmanuel who was outstanding as usual. The place was filled to capacity, and it seemed like all who attended felt the same way. If you get the opportunity to see Tommy play, you should check him out. You won't be disappointed. I passed along a demo of one of my songs he asked for, "When There's Two There's Trouble," so maybe he'll be playing it when you see him. Sunday afternoon I played a show out on Long Island with Kerry Kearney, Jack Licitra and Cathy Kreger at the Brokerage in Bellmore. The funny thing about this gig for me was that I played the club many, many years ago when I was a youngster. It only took me about 25 years to get back. My how time flies. Speaking of time flying, I've got to go. Later..... Michael F. Oh yeah, don't forget the Vassar benefit is this Saturday night. Here's the info again.
Our dear friend Vassar Clements is seriously ill and will not be able to make his birthday celebration on April 23, at Tribeca Rock Club in NYC......He has been stricken with small cell lung cancer, the most aggressive of its type, and is currently on chemotherapy.....We will ask all of our friends to keep him in your thoughts and prayers......We will dedicate the April 23 show in Vassar's honor and donate all of the proceeds directly to him......We would like you to join us in support of Vassar.
Vassar Clements
Benefit Concert
Featuring
Levon Helm, Buddy Cage,
Tony Triscka, Michael Falzarano,
The Zen Tricksters, Bob Harris,
Jimmy Fleming, The Electrix and
Stir Fried. More TBA,
Showtime: 9PM / Doors: 8PM
Tribeca Rock Club
16 Warren Street, NYC 1-212-766-1070
Tickets are $35.00 Advance / $40.00 DOS
Tickets are available through Ticket Web
at:
http://www.ticketweb.com/ or: 1-866-468-7619
or at:Tribeca Rock Club
16 Warren St., New York City
1-212-766-1070
For Tickets And More Info Click Here
April 15
Just got word the legendary piano player Johnnie Johnson passed away at 80. Johnny was a great musician and a great person. I met and got to know him a few years back when we were both traveling around the country with The Furthur Festival tours. He was with Bob Weir's Ratdog, and I was with Hot Tuna. I was a part of the Furthur Festivals for three years and one of my favorite moments was getting to play the song "Kansas City" in Kansas City with Johnnie Johnson. If you don't know who Johnnie Johnson was, you'd know his music. He played on and helped write all of the early Chuck Berry songs. In 1953 he invited young guitarist Chuck Berry to sit in with his group, the Sir John Trio. That gig eventually led to an ongoing musical relationship between the two (Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode" is a nod to Johnson) that lasted 20 years. He had a good run. He played with many people over the years from Chuck Berry and Keith Richard to The Kentucky Headhunters. He will surely be missed. I know they're rocking up in heaven tonight. I'm gonna go put on some of his music and rock out myself. Johnnie "B. Goode" Johnson, 1924-2005. ........... Michael F.
April 13
Just got back from hanging with my old buddy Jorma, out at his Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp. This was my 8th opening weekend and somewhere around my 26th weekend teaching there. All I can say about this weekend is, wow, what a weekend!. It was sold out with five instructors and a show on Saturday night with the legendary Mose Allison and John Cephas and a show on Sunday night with the incomparable Tommy Emmanuel. Ernie Hawkins also taught there this weekend. I never met Ernie and John before, but I'm glad to now call them my friends. Truly nice men and great players, both are the real deal blues players. Ernie will be back later on in the season to teach and to do the annual Tribute to The Reverend Gary Davis show. It's always fun seeing old friends and making new ones. All the performers were in top form, and the shows were outstanding. The Fur Peace Station concert hall is a wonderful place to see shows. Everybody shines when they play there. All of the workshops were sold out, and everyone that attended camp this weekend said they'll be back. I even got to play one of my songs, "When There's Two There's Trouble" with Tommy Emmanuel. Chet Atkins said "Tommy is one of the greatest guitar players on the planet" and I, for one, agree with him. Hey he's Chet Atkins...he would know. Tommy liked the song so much that he might cover it which would be a great honor for me. We'll keep our fingers crossed. He's playing at BB Kings here in NYC this Monday night the 18th so if you're in town, don't miss it. We also lucked out with the weather this past weekend which was sunny and dry. Southeastern Ohio can get a little humid in the summer, but this is a great time of year down there. I'll be back there a few more times this year, and I'm looking forward to it. By the way, the legendary David Bromberg has just been added to the weekend I'm there in November for a Saturday night show. Well, that's about it for now. Till the next time..... Michael F.
April 2
Much has been happening around the world today. By now I'm sure you've heard of the passing of Pope John Paul II, may he rest in peace. I might have been at odds with some of his beliefs, but I did respect him for his steadfast stance for the things he believed in.
We were planning a show with the great fiddle player Vassar Clements to celebrate his 76 birthday on April 23 at Tribeca Rock, but you might not have heard about the state of his health, so I'll copy an official release below from AMD Entertainment.
Our dear friend Vassar Clements is seriously ill and will not be able to make his birthday celebration on April 23, at Tribeca Rock Club in NYC......He has been stricken with small cell lung cancer, the most aggressive of its type, and is currently on chemotherapy.....We will ask all of our friends to keep him in your thoughts and prayers......We will dedicate the April 23 show in Vassar's honor and donate all of the proceeds directly to him......We would like you to join us in support of Vassar.
Vassar Clements
Benefit Concert
Featuring
Levon Helm, Buddy Cage,
Tony Triscka, Michael Falzarano,
The Zen Tricksters, Bob Harris,
Jimmy Fleming, The Electrix and
Stir Fried more TBA
Showtime: 9PM / Doors: 8PM
Tribeca Rock Club
16 Warren Street, NYC 1-212-766-1070
Tickets are $35.00 Advance / $40.00 DOS
Tickets are available through Ticket Web
at:
http://www.ticketweb.com/ or: 1-866-468-7619
or at:Tribeca Rock Club
16 Warren St., New York City
1-212-766-1070
For Tickets And More Info Click Here
This last week I've been busy in the studio working on some stuff for my next album, and I've been putting together Marjorie Thompson's live album. The live album is turning out great. Working on live stuff is something I really like to do. It's always a challenge, but I love it. I also went out and saw some fun music this week. I went over to The Rodeo Bar to see The Cuban Cowboys and Brian Mitchell. I also went to Flannery's to see my friends from NJ, Buzz Universe. They are all very interesting and fun bands you should check out. I think that's it for now........ Michael F.
March 26
Had a great few days. I did the show at The Downtown with Buddy Cage and Melvin Seals. We had a blast. We had never played together before, but it felt like we had been playing together for years. Melvin is truly a master on the keys, and Buddy is one of the great pedal steel players of our time so I feel honored to have played with them together. We played some of my songs and some covers that we've played over the years with other people. The show was a lot of fun, and Rob Wasserman, Vince Herman, Theresa Anderson and Jim Page were just fantastic. On Friday night I went into River Edge Recording Studio with Melvin and he laid down some Hammond organ tracks on four of my songs which will appear on my next album. Hopefully I'll get that one out later this year although it most likely won't be until the winter. Melvin is off, back to San Francisco where he's got to get ready for the next JGB tour. It was great to hang and play music with him. I hope we can do it again soon. Well, that's it for now........ Michael F.
March 22
Went up to Woodstock on Sunday to cut a few songs with The Memphis Pilgrims. I haven't played or recorded with them in some time, and we had a blast. We cut four tunes and hopefully later on in the week Melvin Seals will put down some Hammond organ tracks on those songs. This Thursday night is my show with Melvin and Buddy Cage at The Downtown. Also on the show are Rob Wasserman of Rat Dog, Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon and Theresa Anderson. Doors are at 7:00, and we play at 8:30. The Downtown is located at 190 Main Street, Farmingdale NY 11735. For Information, please call 516-293-7700. I have invited some other guests to sit in so this could prove to be a very interesting night of music. If you're not busy, try to stop by and watch it unfold. Phones ringing...got to go. Later....... Michael F.
March 17
Happy St. Patrick's Day to all my Irish friends. Went down to Tribeca Rock last night to see my friend Ladell Mclin play. Ladell is an up and coming guitar player here in New York via Chicago worth checking out. Things have been crazy around here trying to finish up a few projects and get going on some others. I looking forward to my show next week on the 24th at The Downtown with Buddy Cage and Melvin Seals. They're on a run across the country called the Spirit of Guthrie Tour. This should prove to be a very interesting night of music. Try to stop in if you can. Doors are at 7:00, and we play at 8:30. I'm also hoping to go into the studio with Melvin when he's here in town and cut a couple of tracks with him. I'll keep you posted on that as it comes together. My CDs The King James Sessions and Mecca are now for sale on a really cool site called Blue Storm Music. It's by far the best place on the web to by blues and blues related CDs. They also did a nice feature on me in there Storm Features section. You can go directly to the CDs by clicking here The King James Sessions or Memphis Pilgrims - Mecca. On another note I went to hang out and see the Allman Brothers last week at the Beacon Theater. The Brothers were fantastic and the Beacon, as always, was a great place to see them. Of all the theaters I've played over the years, The Beacon is my favorite. Got to run...I'm off to the studio today....... Michael F.
March 6
Played at the annual Gathering of The Slides last night put on by Joe Vignola and The BNL Music Club. The show was sold out, and everybody there had a great time. I'll get back to that in a minute. First I want to tell you about a show I saw last Wednesday night. I got a call from my old friend Buddy Fox about a show that I might be interested in at The Parkside Lounge. The show featured Grant Green Jr., Bill Sims Jr. and Matt Smith. When Buddy says this is a must see show, you've got to go. I've known Buddy Fox for about twenty years now. When I first hooked up with Hot Tuna in 1983, he was one of the first promoter/bookers we worked for. He's been on the scene in New York City for so long that he knows what's hot and what's not. I respect his judgment a great deal so when he said I should stop by, I did. The show did not disappoint. I've seen Grant Green Jr. and Bill Sims Jr. before many times. When I first moved back to New York from San Francisco in the late '80s there were many blues clubs around the city that I used to go to and play in. Times have changed as far as the club scene goes. Both Grant and Bill are fine guitarists and singers, and they were really on the money at this show. Matt Smith I had never seen -- or heard of for that matter. What a great player he is. When I walked in, he was playing the lap steel guitar to a backing track and was just flawless on it. It's always great to see someone play that instrument well as not many people do. When he finished playing the lap steel, he picked up the mandolin and then the guitar and played all with a master's touch. I was blown away by him, and the three of them together were fantastic. I'm glad I went out to the show. The Parkside Lounge is a great place to see a show so check it out. If there were a scene in NYC it would really be a happening spot, but that's a whole other story. Now, back to The Gathering Of The Slides. The show got under way with The Kane Daily Band. Kane and the boys were rocking from the moment they hit the stage till they finished up their set. After The Kane Daily Band, Little Toby Walker came out and played a blistering solo set. Toby was on fire, and the crowd responded appropriately and gave him two encores. Then after a short intermission I took the stage with The Kerry Kearney Band. Kerry was also on fire, and we had the crowd rocking till closing time about two hours after we started. During the set Danny Keys came out and played a few songs on piano along with Pat Hunter on vocals. Then we were joined by Kane and Toby for a few songs. All in all, the whole night was a blast. This was the third Gathering and I, for one, can't wait till next year's. Thanks again to Joe Vignola and The BNL Music Club..... Michael F.
March 3
Been awhile. Been busy doing all my home stuff, while finishing up the Marjorie Thompson CD. It came out great, and I think all of you MT fans out there are going to love it. I'll be finishing up her live EP next week as well as The Electrix CD, which is almost there. I've been talking with my friend Geoff Achison about doing some shows together in May, and it looks like that's going to happen. Geoff is a fantastic guitarist from down under in Australia. Go to his website and check him out. I'll keep you posted as to where we'll be playing as dates come in. I know for sure he's playing at Paula Jean's Supper Club in East Setauket, New York on the 14th of May. I'll most likely join him there. I've gotten lots of emails about the show at The Downtown with Buddy Cage and Melvin Seals. I think that's going to be a killer show. Jason Crosby of Robert Randolph and The Family Band might also join us. This could turn into a really cool show. Also Levon Helm and Tony Trischka have just been added to the annual Vassar Clements bash with The Zen Tricksters, Jimmy Fleming, Buddy Cage and myself at Tribeca Rock Club. That show is being put on by AMD Entertainment. Check out the AMD website for more info and Click here for tickets. Tickets are going fast for this one so if you're interested in this show, you should get on it now. OK, got to go to dinner. Talk to you soon..... Michael F.
Feb. 17
Just booked a great show I'm
really excited about. On the 24th of March I'll be playing at
The
Downtown with Buddy Cage and
Melvin
Seals. I've played with Buddy a bunch, but neither Buddy nor I have played with
Melvin before. There will be some other guests sitting in, but it's too early to
mention them. This is going to be a fun show. Also on the show are
Rob Wasserman of
Rat Dog, Vince Herman of
Leftover Salmon and
Theresa Anderson. They're on a run
across the country called the
Spirit of Guthrie Tour. This
should prove to be a very interesting night of music. Try to stop in if you can.
Doors are at 7:00. I'll send out a reminder with more info as we get a little
closer. Now, I must go forth and spread the word...... Michael F.
Feb.14
Had a busy weekend. Saturday night I played with the Kerry Kearney Band at Chesterfields in Huntington, NY. We played three rockin' sets of blues and boogie music. This was my first time at Chesterfields. I got to see some old friends and had good time all in all. Then on Sunday afternoon I played with The KKB again at The A&M Roadhouse in NYC. Buddy Fox and The New York Blues Society held a big 14-hour Tsunami Relief Benefit show. Buddy and Donna and everyone involved did a great job in making it all come together and run smoothly. Some great music was played by all. Then Sunday night it was off to WRCN radio to do "The Graveyard Blues Show" hosted by Jerry Schaefer with Kerry, Kane Daily and Frank Celensa. As always, Jerry was a great host. We each played some songs live in the studio and also played cuts from our CDs. I love Jerry's show...there are only a few shows like it left out there. Well it's late so I got to go. Oh yeah, Happy Valentine's Day to all.... Michael F.
Feb. 8
I played a show over at Mexicali Blues in Teaneck NJ on Saturday night with Dead Sage. The band is comprised of Buddy Cage, Joe Galant, Rob Wolfson and Dave Diamond. Commander Cody was also on the show. He went on at 10:00 and played for about 90 minutes, then we came out and did about two hours. The club was packed, and everyone had a great time. The Commander did his boogie woogie thing with all the zest and fire he's known for and really got the crowd rockin'. We did some Dead and New Riders Of The Purple Sage covers along with some originals by Joe Galant. It was fun to just hang out and play with some old friends for the evening. The club has upgraded its sound system so it sounded great in the room. This is definitely a fun place to see a show. No matter where you are in the club, you have a straight shot to the stage. You should stop in some time and check it out. Got to go get this day going. Till next time....... Michael F.
Jan. 31
The Rain Desert gig in Danielson, CT on Saturday night was a great time. It's a wonderful club with outstanding food, a fun staff and owners, Jan and Darlene, who couldn't have been nicer. Buddy Cage and I played two long sets with Desert Rain, the house band lead by Jan. We all just keep tossing songs out there, and everybody jumped in. The sold-out crowd was on its feet all night dancing and singing along. We would have played all night if it weren't for the 2:00 am closing law in CT. I can't wait to get back there and play with them again. We talked about possibly doing it again when it gets a little warmer. I also want to thank Ed DeLuca and Brad Poulin, the promoters who set this whole thing up, who came up and played four songs with us. Guys you did a great job..... Sunday we were over in Marlboro, MA at Dante's Nite Club in Firefly's where we played with a band called Cold Train. They're a southern rock band from New England and a bunch of nice guys. We had a little problem with the volume at first, but then settled down and had a fun show. It was a party for Linda, an old friend of Buddy's from way back. Again the food was excellent and a good time was had by all.... This week I hope to start to finish up the studio projects I've been working on for the past few weeks and then get back to work on my next studio album which is about halfway done. The music never stops...... That's it for now - Michael F.
Jan. 26
Been hard at work in the studio producing and mixing. Things are coming along great on the Marjorie Thompson CD and The Electrix are just about there. Later in the week Amy Helm will come in to cut some back up vocals for Marjorie's CD. It's always a pleasure to work with Amy...what a voice. This coming weekend I'll be doing those shows with Buddy Cage I told you about earlier. We'll head up to New England, first to The Rain Desert then onto a place called Firefly's - downstairs in Dante's Nite Club. I'm looking forward to both gigs. Then it's back in the studio to finish up both the Marjorie T. and the Electrix project. My friend Kerry Kearney is heading over to Ireland in February to play a few shows. I had intended to go along, but unfortunately won't be able to make those shows. But if you find yourself in Ireland, look him up. You can find his dates at kerrykearney.com. Well, that's it for now. Stay tuned....Michael F
Jan. 19
Today is a day off in between projects. The last few days were spent back in the studio with Marjorie Thompson working on her CD. Tomorrow I'll go in with The Electrix to finish up their project. The Marjorie album is coming along on schedule, and we hope to be done next week sometime. Then we'll move onto the live album. She has been working very hard to get everything right on this one, and I think you'll hear it in the tracks which are all sounding great. I also hope to finish up with The Electrix sometime next week. Next weekend I'll play a few shows with Buddy Cage up in New England. I'm looking forward to that. We'll be sitting in all night with the band Desert Rain on the 29th and playing a private party on the 30th. It's always fun to play with Buddy. Well, that's it for now. Till next time...... Michael F.
Jan. 13
I just got the sad news that Spencer Dryden, famed drummer for the Jefferson Airplane, passed away the night before last. Heaven just got a great drummer. I know he had been suffering in the end, so although it's sad to know he's gone, it's good to know he's out of pain and in a better place. He will not be forgotten. I first met Spencer when I was living out in San Francisco in the late seventies. I was playing shows around town with my band, and we played a few show together and got to know each other then. I forget which band I was with and which he was with at the time, but that doesn't matter now. It was great to have known him. He was always fun to be around and hang with. He always made me feel like we were old friends. Maybe we were, from a past life or something, who knows. I haven't seen him in years, but I'm sure if I had run into him somewhere he would have been as warm and friendly as always. I'm sure he's sitting behind a drum kit right now as I type this note, so all I want to say to you Spencer is "Rock On"..... Michael F.
Jan. 12
I've been in JMS Studio for the past few days producing Marjorie Thompson's new CD. Marjorie is a singer/ songwriter/finger-style guitar player from up in New England and plays all around the country and in Europe. You can check her out at mosugarmusic.com. Things are coming along great. She's working really hard and long and getting some great songs down. We finished all the basic tracks and now it's on to overdubs. Greg Franklin played bass on all the tracks and did a fantastic job. I hope to finish her project up next week and move on to finishing up the Electrix CD the following week. Then Marjorie wants me to put together her live CD for release later in the year. This year is off and running. Just wanted to keep ya up to date....... Michael F
Jan. 3
Happy New Year to all. I just returned from Canada with my family where we had a great holiday with some friends. All through the 90's I spent New Year's Eve on the road somewhere in this great land of ours with Hot Tuna and, although I loved the excitement of playing shows on New Year's Eve, these last few years at home with the family have been great. This is the second year in a row that I spent New Year's Eve Day skiing. Well, I should say trying to ski. My daughter and her friend took me up to the top of the mountain and supervised my descent down. I did pretty good, only feel three times and didn't break anything. Hey, it's the little things. On New Year's Day we went dog sledding in the Canadian wilderness. What a blast that was. Out into the wilderness, up in the hills then across a frozen lake to a little tent out in the woods for some coffee and then back down. The trip took about three hours and was spectacular. Dog sledding is a lot harder than it looks. You can't take your eyes off the dogs for a second, and you better hold on tight and work the brake or you'll find yourself in the snow face down with the dogs off and running. Believe me I know of what I speak. Well, it's good to be back and I'm excited to get this year underway. I'll be in the studio this week producing Marjorie Thompson's new CD. I produced her previous one and will also put together a live album for her when we're done with this one. So, we're off and running. Hope you had a grand time on New Year's Eve, and I hope the New Year brings you everything you're looking for. Till next time....... Michael F
2004
Dec. 25
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa & Cool Yule Tide To You All! I hope your holiday season is going well, and I hope the coming new year brings you much happiness and joy. I'm looking forward to what I hope will be a busy and interesting year. The year gets underway with a producing job as I'll be producing Marjorie Thompson's new CD. I produced her previous one, and I'm looking forward to working with her again. Then I'll finish mixing The Electrix's new CD before I finish up my next CD. Some of the guest performers on it are Vassar Clements, Buddy Cage, Kane Daily, and Kerry Kearney. I have a few more surprises lined up to go into the studio, more on that as it unfolds. I also hope to get back together with The Memphis Pilgrims and play some shows this year; it's been a long time. Too long I think. Time seems to just fly by. There are other projects in the the works and as they come together I'll let you know about them. Thanks for all the support throughout the year. I'll be going out on the road in the coming year to support my new album The King James Sessions so hopefully I'll be coming to your town, and we can hang out. Well, that's it for now. I'm gonna jump over to my tour page to give some thanks. Again happy holidays to all of you.... Michael F.
Dec. 13
Well December is moving right along. Played a show at Tribeca Rock over the weekend with The Kerry Kearney Band and The Felix Cabrera. I opened the show acoustic with Kane Daily on guitar and dobro and Jeff Naimoli on percussion. We did a bunch of my songs and Kane did one of his. We played for about an hour and had a blast doing it. We'd never played together in that format before so it was fresh and new, which always makes it interesting. It was great to get to play some of my songs that I don't get to play that often. After we finished up, The Felix Cabrera band did their thing. Felix is a killer harp player, and his band has a sort of Cuban-Latin twist to it. They were cool. Then Kerry came out to close the night. The band sounded tight and strong as usual. I played three or four songs with them, and Kane also played a few. The crowd was enthusiastic, and the whole night was a lot of fun. It's been a long time since I've played that club and hope to get back there soon. They've renovated the place and put in a new sound system, making it a great place to see and hear music. Hope your holiday shopping is going good...got to go do mine now. Till next time..... Michael F.
Dec. 8
Hard to believe that it's already December, but it is and the holidays will soon be upon us full bore. I don't dare mention them by name, I think that's against the law now. But you know what they are. So, let me say happy holidays to all. I've been a bit busy lately working on a whole host of projects, re-mastering another album, mixing The Electrix new CD and working on songs for a few up coming acoustic shows I'll be doing. The first one is this Friday night the 10th at Tribeca Rock. I'll be opening the show at 8:00. Kane Daily will be joining me for the show and later in the night The Kerry Kearney Band will play. If you're in town, stop by as it promises to be a fun night. My new CD The King James Sessions will be released nationally after the new year, but you be the first on your block to get it by going to Blues Planet.com and ordering it now. I think it will make a wonderful HOLIDAY gift for the music lover in your life. I've sent it out to a few people for review and so far the reviews have been great. Here's one by Mark "Dr. Blues" Gresser that he wrote for The Blues Jam Forum.
The King James Sessions - Michael Falzarano
Blues Planet Records BPCD 8426 2004
Yowsa, the driving rods are turning great driving wheels with coal being hurled into the open fiery maw by dervish firemen. The music pours into the air with irresistible force as the great beast crosses the countryside, emitting shards of stellar sound and primal rhythm. Falzarano strides down the steel rails of roots with genuine fervor. There's no avoiding it, no averting the eyes, no closing the ears and no ignoring a CD of aural American iron. It just happens that there is a fair piece of plucked iron going on, raspy delivery and purely powered funk driving this CD with a sound so real, so near, so entrenched that it deforms the time-space continuum of your soul as you hear it. Acoustically programmed in a band format, Falzarano gathers no moss on this intrinsically magnificent rolling stone that is realized with rocking clarity. So, what does it all mean, you query. This is da bomb of blues CDs, peopled by the likes of Kerry Kearney and crew, Kane Daily, Professor Louie, Pete Sears, Alexis Suter and a whole host of Woodstock rootsters too!! The Devil, the Delta, fryin' catfish, hot blowing winds, NYC pride, cajun rhythms, the red-white and blue's gonna take you down Mr. terrorist man, love me or love me not, simple twists of fate, life stories and journeys, Blues, hoedown jamming, filigree of sound solos, deep to the heart majesty is it. Oh man, what a record. It's a Rosetta stone of roots that puts the wheels to the iron and pins down to the center. Fabulous. Absolutely killer. 9.5 snaves. by Mark "Dr. Blues" Gresser
Well, that's it for now, hope to see you on Friday night at Tribeca Rock.... Michael F.
Nov. 25
Just want to say happy Thanksgiving to all. May we count our blessings and forget our troubles. Michael F.
Nov. 22
We had a fun felled night over at The C Note on Saturday night. Drew Young and friends opened the show before Louie and I were up with a few of the Crowmatix in tow. We were followed by Come Together, a fantastic Beatles tribute band. The place was jammed packed all night and a great time was had by all. This was my first time at The C Note, and I hope to get back there soon. The place has a cool vibe; check it out sometime. Sunday night I went to the invitation-only opening of Dinosaur Bar-b que up in Harlem. The actual grand opening is December 1st. The food was tasty, and the staff was ready and willing to serve. I wish them the best of luck with the place which I hope becomes a new place to see and hear music in NYC. The rest of this week will be filled with rehearsals for the upcoming shows and the Thanksgiving festivities. Have a great week - talk to you soon.....Michael F.
Nov. 19
Busy week, this past one was. Mainly taking care of personal stuff and getting ready for some upcoming shows. Tomorrow night at 9:00 I'll be at The C Note on Ave. C and 10th St. Then Sunday night I'll be up in Harlem at a new place called Dinosaur Bar-b que. This place just opened up and is right down the street from the world famous Cotton Club. Could be a great new addition to the NY club scene. Next Saturday night I'll be up in Woodstock at Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble along with Hubert Sumlin, Ollabelle and Alexis P. Suter. The Rambles are being filmed for a new Fox television show, which is set to begin airing on Christmas Eve. Tickets are limited and go fast, so if you have any interest you should get on now. Well I think that's it for now. Talk to ya soon....... Michael F.
Nov. 13
Played an acoustic show out out The Berkner Hall Theater last night with Professor Louie. Also on the show was Marjorie Thompson, Patrick Sweany and my old friend Roy Book Binder who headlined. Marjorie did a short but sweet set of her finger style blues, followed by Louie and I. We did a bunch of songs with just the acoustic piano and the acoustic guitar. We had a blast playing in that format. I did three or four songs, and Louie did the same. I think we're going to be doing more shows like that in the future. Then Patrick, a friend of mine from Akron, Ohio, did his rocking blues thing. Young Patrick truly has the real deal feel for the blues. If you get the chance to see him play, don't miss it. You will not be disappointed. Roy was stellar as always. The thing I love about Roy is he doesn't just play a song, he takes you back a 100 years on that song. He's like a walking, talking blues historian. He can tell you who wrote the song, when it was first recorded and what kind of guitar the guy used. It's just fantastic - there's a million stories in the naked city, and he knows them all. Next time he comes to town, and I hope it's soon, you got to go see him. I also have to say a great big thanks to Joe Vignola for putting the show on. Joe always puts on great shows, and I'm proud to be a part of some of them. To all the people who helped promote the show, I also have to say thanks. You guys over at WUSB and Jerry Schaefer at WRCN really make a difference. Keep up the great work. I've got some cool show coming down the pike and as they're confirmed I'll post them. So, stay tuned........Michael F.
Nov. 9
I'm very happy to say that my CD The King James Sessions is now available At Blues Planet Records.com and should be in the stores soon. It's just in time for the holidays, and I think it would make a wonderful holiday gift. Ah, some shameless self-promotion. I want to thank everyone who helped out on the CD, all the musicians, engineers and all the people in the front office that make this stuff happen. Thanks! I'd like to say a special thanks to my friend Brian Bornstein for helping put together the session for the bonus cut Last Train Out. I was touring around Italy when Allen Woody passed away (the song was written for him). When I told Brian that I had written the song and wanted to record it, he made that happen...so thanks. You write some songs, you record them and then the real work begins. It takes a team of people without whom getting CDs out into the world would be more than I could handle. I mean to say that you can do it but it's a lot of work as there's only so much one person can do. I've been fortunate to be very busy as of late doing all kinds of projects, playing with all kinds of people and without the help of others this would not be possible. That said, I'm very grateful for all the help. Now if I could just figure out how to get everyone on the planet to buy a copy that would be something alright. Maybe everyone is too much to ask, but a small fraction would be nice.... Michael F.
Nov. 7
Been awhile since I made an entry here as my computer was acting up. I've got a new one now so I'm back. Played last night in Brooklyn at the benefit for Henry Dodrill, an old friend who has been battling cancer. The show was sold out. Over a thousand people attended, and everyone who came out to show their support had a great time. The show got under way at 7:00 with a band called Gutterflower. Then the Electrix took the stage and played a rocking good set. I joined them on The New Riders song "Henry," the Bob Dylan song "Tangled Up In Blue" which I sang and the Grateful Dead song "Deal." After a short break Commander Cody did his boogie woogie thing for and hour and left the crowd in a sweaty frenzy. Then after a break for some raffling and a some words of thanks from Henry and his family I took the stage with Levon Helm, Buddy Cage, The Bennett Brothers and Alexis P. Suter and crew. We rocked for a solid hour. I did two of my songs "Why I Love You I Can't Explain" and "When There's Two There's Trouble." Felix Cabrera joined us on harp for those two songs and blew the house down, It's always great to play with Levon and Buddy, and Alexis and The Bennett Bros. were fantastic. We ended the show with a Stephen Foster song "Hard Times Come Again No More" which Alexis and Amy Helm sang exquisitely. In the end we all left feeling good about the show, but saddened by the reason for it. Henry, you're in our prayers. Get well and stay positive... Michael F.
Oct. 18
Just returned from the first annual Jam Stock at Jorma's Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp. What a drive home it was -- another rainy drive all the way from beginning to end. Oh well. Jam Stock was a great success. We all had a rocking good time jamming away for four days. I want to thank everyone who signed up for the weekend. It seemed to me that everyone had a great time. My favorite jams were the 45-minute tribal jam into "Franklin's Tower" on Friday night and the 30-minute "Another Man Done Gone" on Saturday. "Rock Me Baby" was also cool as was "One Way Out" and "Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning." I lost track of how many songs and jams we did, but it was a bunch. Jam Stockers rule! I have some cool ideas for next year's Jam Stock which is already filling up. Who knew? Next year we are going to open it up to other players such as fiddle and mandolin. I'm already looking forward to it. This weekend was tough for both Jorma and I, teaching and jamming all day and then watching the baseball games till all hours of the morning. This series with Boston is killing me. I hope we can put this one to bed tonight and go on to The World Series. Go Yanks! On Saturday night Jorma did a show for The Mountain Stage radio show with Barry Mitteroff. This was the first time that I have been able catch them together, and they sounded great. On The Mountain Stage show everybody does 20 minutes so it was short but sweet. Also on the show was Paul Thorn who I thought was absolutely fantastic, a very entertaining fellow indeed. You should check him out as you won't be disappointed. Ok then, that's it for now...... Michael F.
Oct. 11
Played a new place on Long Island this weekend called Purple Haze with The Kerry Kearney Band. Cool place done up '60s style with black lights and all, and an all new digital juke box. The future is here. Instead of playing a disc, you download a song and it magically plays. Music technology at its best. Our friend Kane Daily stopped by and sat in on a few songs also. It's always fun playing with this crew. Talked to Marjorie Thompson today about producing her new album. :ooks like we'll get started on that right after the new year. Hard to believe we're already talking about the new year. Time is zipping by. Speaking of time, I've got to go take care of some stuff. Till next time, stay cool. ... Michael F.
Oct. 7
Been busy this month with everyday life stuff, and time is flying by. Last weekend on Saturday night I went up to Stoneridge, NY which is just a bit southwest of Woodstock to do a show with Professor Louie. We played a place called The Inn At Stoneridge. They have a giant enclosed tent in back of the inn that holds about 400 people, and they wanted to have a dance party. Dancing and partying is what happened. We had a great time and played two rocking sets. Because it was such a success they are going to do it again on the 23rd of this month. It's a lot of fun. If you're in the area, stop by. The party gets going at about 8:00. On Sunday afternoon I was scheduled to play an outdoor show with Alexis P. Suter in Brooklyn, but due to generator problems the show was canceled much to our disappointment. But they are going to have us back at a later date. The release of The King James Sessions will happen at the end of this month, and I'm excited to finally get that album out. It will also be released in Europe and Japan at the end of the month. It looks like I'll be heading over to Ireland with Kerry Kearney in February of '05 to play a few shows there. We hope to see some of our friends who now live there like banjo player Tom Hanway among others. Well, that's it for now. I'm going to jump over to the tour page to post some new shows that just came in, so till next time, peace. .....Michael F.
Sept.17
The first week back to work from summer break was a bit hectic, trying to get caught up on phone calls and preparing The King James Sessions for its October release. Everything seems to moving along on schedule now. I've got some cool shows coming up this Fall that I'll be posting shortly on the tour page. Spent some time over at the Hipbone studio last night, listening to some tracks that we've been working on and getting a plan together to do some Alexis P. Suter shows this fall. Well, that's it for now. Just wanted to touch base with everyone. Peace..........Michael F.
Sept.14
Just got back from hanging with my old buddy Jorma out at his Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp where I taught my class Blues For Beginners. It was a sold-out workshop with really nice and enthusiastic players. As usual at The Fur Peace Ranch, everybody had a great time. Bill Kirchen and his band Too Mush Fun were also onboard this weekend to teach. They did a killer show on Saturday night at The Fur Peace Station concert hall. I've seen Bill and the boys, Johnny Castle on bass and Jack O'Dell on drums, do their thing a few times in the past, and they were on fire on this night. I drove out to Ohio in that rain storm on Wednesday which was a drag. It poured the whole way from the moment I left my garage in New York till I had to stop in Parkersburg, West Virginia. I just couldn't drive any farther in that rain, even though I was less than an hour from Jorma's house. After 10 hours of rain I had had enough. The ride back, on the other hand, was smooth sailing and sunny all the way door to door. In all ways it was great to hang with Jorma for a bit. Although we speak often on the phone, we have both been very busy which makes it hard to get together. It's great to be able to spend some time talking and hanging before camp gets underway each day and back at the house in the evening. I've seen the new covers for the Hot Tuna CDs that I remastered, and they look cool. Kind of the same but different. I think they'll be out next month along with my new CD The King James Sessions. Keep your eyes on the lookout for them. Well, I think that's it for now. It's off to get some work done. Later.....Michael F
Sept. 6
As summer comes to a close I find myself asking once again, where did it go? I can remember as a young boy thinking and feeling this same way at summer's end. I guess some things never change. I had a great time down south with the family. We went to North Carolina to Emerald Isle where we rented a house on the beach. There's nothing like living at the beach for a while, walking out your back door and being in the Atlantic, riding the waves and forgetting about life's everyday goings on. In fact I'm thinking about becoming a full-time beach bum or maybe a professional surfer, yeah right. I'd last about a day. All in all, we had a great time. This summer was a little strange. For me it seemed to take forever to get going then in a flash it was gone. I guess it's just the way it is sometimes. Well, the Fall (my favorite season) promises to be action packed. In fact I'm only home for the day then it's off to Jorma's Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp to teach for the week. Then it's into the studio with The Electrix to finish up their CD and then from there the ball just keeps on rolling. But now it's time to unpack from the trip and then pack for the next trip to Ohio. So, that's it for now. I hope you have had a great summer and a fun Labor day weekend. Now let's rock on into the Fall.....Michael F.
August 22
Hard to believe that the summer of 04 is almost at its end. Before I head out on the road for vacation with the family and then down to Ohio to Jorma's guitar camp, The Fur Peace Ranch to teach my workshop Blues For Beginners, I want to take a moment to thank all of those that I had the opportunity to work with this summer: The Kerry Kearney Band, Professor Louie and The Crowmatix, Alexis P. Suter, The Electrix, Lex Grey and Victor Deyglio of The Urban Pioneers, Blue River, Buddy Cage, Vassar Clements, The Dave Nelson Band, Pete Sears and Burt Keely of The Flying Other Brothers, Eagle Rock Records / Hot Tuna, Blues Planet Records and the whole gang over at Hipbone Records. Again, thanks to all. It was a very interesting summer that started with a few gigs with Kerry and crew, while getting ready for and playing the first Alexis P. Suter gig at The Riverhead Blues Festival, along with three gigs at the festival with Kerry. Then I started working with The Electrix mixing their album along with working on the three Hot Tuna re-releases for Eagle Rock Records, Hot Tuna Live in Japan and Sweetwater I and II. Working on the Hot Tuna stuff was a trip. I hadn't listened to any of that material in a long time, and it was fun to kind of go down memory lane for a bit. Eagle Rock plans to get those CDs out in Oct. of this year. They sound great. Speaking of October, it looks like my CD The King James Sessions will also finally see the the light of day then. Don't know why this CD has taken so long to get out, but it has. I guess it's what the gods decided. Along with it being released in the U.S. on Blues Planet Records, it will also be released on Altrichter-Music in Germany and the European market and on Keni International Records in Japan. It took a lot of work to make all this happen, but I'm very charged about all of it. I hope everybody had a fun summer, after all that's what summer is about. So for now it's off on a family adventure. Stay cool, and I'll see ya in September....Michael
August 16
I finished up the Hot Tuna re-releases on Thursday of last week and handed them in to Eagle Rock Records. The three CDs, Hot Tuna Live in Japan and Sweetwater I and II all came out sounding great. Each CD has at least four or five new cuts. Eagle Rock plans to have then out some time in October of this year so keep your eyes on the lookout for them. I'll keep you posted when I have a release date. Saturday night I went to Rocky Point Long Island to a surprise party for Kerry Kearney which was followed by a gig at Rafters. A fun time was had by all. Joanie, Kerry's road manager, did a great job putting the whole thing together and making it happen. I also want to send out congratulations to Vic and Lex of the Urban Pioneers who recently got married. Well, that's it for today, got to go get some work done....Michael F.
August 6
I played the Vail Leavitt Music Hall show last night with The Kerry Kearney Band, Lex Grey and Victor Deyglio from the Urban Pioneers and Alexis P. Suter. What a fun night it was, and it sold out at that. We started it off acoustic with Kerry and I on acoustic guitars, Frank Celenza on bass and Alexis and Lex on vocals. We did the old Mississippi John Hurt song called "Beaulah Land," which is also the opening cut from the Kerry and Alexis album, Red Hook Mississippi. We each sang a verse putting our own spin on it. From there the night just took off with all of us coming and going throughout the evening. We did two sets. I played with the Kerry Band and then they backed me on "Big Railroad Blues" and "Candy Man." Then later in the first set I sat in with Lex Grey and Company and did "Hesitation Blues." I'm sure you know I've played that song about a thousand times in Hot Tuna, so it was fun to put a new twist on it and Lex really rocked it. When I first moved back to New York City in the late 80's, I wandered into a little bar on the lower east side called The St. Marks Bar and Grill. I can't remember if the Rolling Stones had just shot their video for the song "Waiting For A Friend" there yet or if they were just about to, but that's the place. Anyway the band playing the night I happened to wander in was Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers. They were getting down and dirty, and I thought then as I do now that they are truly a great band. Authentic American rock at its best. Another thing that impressed me about them was the fact that in spite of the size of the place, which is very small with a stage that's maybe 4' by 6' with half the band on the floor, they brought in a Hammond organ so that their sound could remain true. That's devotion. So to make a long story short, it was great to play with them. After a short intermission I came back out with The Alexis P. Suter Band to open up the second set. We did some songs from her new album, Shuga Fix. We did a song I co-wrote called "Sister Mary," the old Sam Cook song "Bring it On Home" and another song from Shuga Fix called "Teacher Man." Kerry joined us for "Sister Mary" and then keyboardist Tony Campo came out for "Teacher Man" and "Bring It On Home." As always Alexis knocked them out. Kerry came back and did some acoustic stuff with band in tow and brought everybody back for a song or two. Then for the grand finale we all did the Jimmy Reed song "Big Boss Man." Everybody on the stage and in the audience had a great time and we're already talking about doing it again somewhere down the road. I for one can't wait. Also joining us for the evenings festivities were Peter Bennett on bass, Pete Kieman of The Smokedaddys also on bass, and Vickie Bell and Glen Turner on back up vocals. Thanks to Joe Vignola and the rest of the gang from The Long Island Blues Society who made it happen. Well, that's about it for now so till next time stay cool in the August heat....Michael F.
August 2
Happy August to all. Half way into the summer, I hope yours is going great. Spent last week in the studio working on the Hot Tuna re-releases for Eagle Rock Records. As I said in my last entry it's kinda like going down memory lane. I was able to add four or five previously unreleased cuts to each CD, Live Sweetwater, Live At Sweeter II and Live in Japan. Some cool stuff, like the Johnny Cash song "Folsom Prison Blues" and the traditional song "Follow The Drinking Gourd." I don't think that either one has ever appeared on a Hot Tuna album before, and both are killer versions. Other songs added are "Trial By Fire," "Parchman Farm," "Too Many Years" and "That's Alright Mama" among others. Look for an October 2004 release date. Yesterday I was over on Staten Island at Snug Harbor to play a show with Professor Louie and the Crowmatix and Kerry Kearney. It was originally going to be an outdoor show, but because it was raining earlier in the day the powers that be moved the show indoors to a nice little theater. Because we went indoors, the day turned out to be bright and sunny. Had we played outdoors, it would have probably poured (just kidding). Anyway it was a great show. Kerry and I sat in with the Crowmatix, and we each did a few of our own songs. It's always fun jamming with Louie and the gang. Well this week I hope to finish up the Hot Tuna CDs and hand those in, and prepare for the Vail Leavitt Music Hall show on the 5th with Kerry Kearney, Lex Grey and Alexis P. Suter. That should be a gas. Tickets are going fast so if you're interested in going, you should get on it soon, I think it's gonna be a sell out. Well, that's it for now. Hope to see you at the show on the 5th.....Michael F.
July 22
Hello, been swamped lately so I haven't had time to update this page. I've been working on the three Hot Tuna re-releases Sweetwater I and II and Hot Tuna live In Japan. They're coming along great. It's kind a like going down memory lane. I think the record company, Eagle Rock Records is planning to release them in Oct. of this year. Hopefully that's what will happen. Last weekend I was out at The Riverhead Blues Festival. It was a blast as usual. The show got under way with a rocking good set from The Kane Daily Band. Later in the afternoon I did the Dobro workshop with my friend Kerry Kearney at The Rifta Theater to a standing room only crowd. Then I headed over to The Riverfront Stage to see Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers who, as always, rocked. Then later that night we hosted the festival Jam at The 91 Club. That went till about 2:30 in the morning. Lots of players stopped by to jam. It was a really long day, but it was fun. Sunday morning it was back to the site for breakfast and a early afternoon show with Alexis P. Suter at the Vail Leavitt Music Hall. We played the songs from her new album Shuga Fix (Hipbone Records). The place was packed to capacity, and she got two standing ovations. I've played with a lot of fabulous musicians over the years, but I've never seen someone do to a crowd what she does. Actually I did, it was the then unknown Bruce Springsteen. She's amazing, you got to check her out. You will not be disappointed. She's also released another album of acoustic blues called Red Hook Mississippi (Hipbone Records) that features Kerry Kearney. Both albums are definitely worth checking out. Later That day I caught Little Toby Walker on the Riverfront Stage, and he was thrilling as always. He's also got a new album out called Live At The Bottleneck (Powerhouse Records). It was recorded live on a recent trip to England and is full of great songs, great playing with superb sound. You should try to check it out. I'm sure you can get it at on his website. As the day progressed towards our set on the main stage with The Kerry Kearney Band, the sky seemed to get darker and darker and a light rain started to fall, but by 5:00 when our set was to start, the rain stopped and we went on. We got off to a rocking good start when midway through the first song, "Memphis High" the sky opened up and a down pour began like I've never seen before. We all just put our instruments down and ran for it for fear of electrocution. Within seconds it seemed the stage was like a river, putting a new meaning to the name Riverfront Stage (the name of the main stage). They were never able to get that stage up and running again but fortunately the 91 Club is right next door, and we were able to take the show inside. The place only holds about 800 people so not everybody got to see the show, but the ones that got in really seemed to be enjoying it. It took a while to get the sound system up and running, but when they did, we took the stage and rocked out for about an hour and a half. Joe Vicino of the Smokedaddys joined us for a few songs along with Alexis P. Suter and the great Sam Taylor. All in all, it turned out to be a really fun show in spite of the rain. Can't wait till next year. I also want to mention that Kerry Kearney has a national release out called The Essential Kerry Kearney (Hipbone Records) and is getting some really good airplay, in fact he's number 14 on the blues charts. Maybe we could help him out . If you go to his website kerrykearney.com, you'll find a list of all the radio stations playing the album. Maybe you could pick a station or two and give them a call and request a song by The Kerry Kearney Band. Every little bit helps, and together maybe we can make something happen. Well, that's it for now I got to head over to the studio to work on the Hot Tuna stuff. So have a great day.....Michael F.
July 12
Well, I hope everybody's summer is going great. Things are moving along here in my world. Closing in on the deal with Altrichter-Music in Germany to release The King James Sessions in the European market. We should have that all wrapped up soon. I've also signed on with Keni International Records. They're going to be releasing The King James Sessions in Japan. Blues Planet should have it out sometime later in the summer. So things are moving along on that front. I'm also working on the re-release of three Hot Tuna CDs, Sweetwater I and II and Hot Tuna live In Japan for Eagle Rock Records. I'm going to be adding new cuts to each and re-mastering all three. I've already started to work on the Live In Japan stuff, and it sounds great. I've always loved that CD. It has such a cool live vibe about it. I'm also gearing up for the The Riverhead Blues Festival next weekend (July 16-18). That's always a fun time with lots of great music. I've posted some new performances on the tour page. As the rest unfold I'll put them up, so stay tuned. Ok, that's about it for now .....Michael F.
June 30
Went to Madison Square Garden last night to see Clapton. He sounded great as always. I especially liked the acoustic Robert Johnson stuff he did. Cream was one of the first concerts I ever saw. That concert was also at the Garden, back when they used to do shows in the round. They had a revolving stage in the center of the Garden, an idea that never really worked. Half of the time you saw and heard a good show, the other half of the time you were just waiting for the band to come around again. Stupid idea. Last night's show got under way with Robert Randolph and The Family Band doing a rocking opening set. My friend Jason Crosby plays in Robert's band, and it was great to see him playing the Garden. Jason plays fiddle on my album The King James Sessions on the song "Last Train Out." He is both a monster fiddle player and keyboardist, which is what he does in The Family Band. Later Robert came out and jammed with Clapton's band on "Sunshine Of Your Love." All in all it was a great show. Now it's off to get some work done....Michael F.
June 28
Went out to WRCN (103.9 FM) on Long Island to do the Graveyard Blues show hosted by Jerry Schaefer last night. We played and talked for about an hour and a half. The show got under way at 10:00 as it always does. Joining me were Ladell Mclin on guitar, Kerry Kearney on slide guitar, Frank Celenza on bass and Mike D. on snare drum. Kerry, Ladel and I each sang a few tunes, and we played some cuts from our CDs. We had a great time jamming on each others songs, and I'm sure you'll hear more of that at The Riverhead Blues Festival (July 16-18). I also played a cut from the new Alexis P. Suter CD called Suhga Fix (Hipbone Records). I played one of the songs I co-wrote called "Sister Mary." It's always cool to hear something you created, or helped to create, coming out over the air waves. I've also been rehearsing with Alexis and company over at Hipbone for a show at The Riverhead Blues Festival (7/18 at 1:00 pm at the Vail Leavitt Music Hall). Stop by and get the day going with us. I was talking with my friend Kane Daily yesterday. He's also been added to the festival. He gets things going on Saturday at noon. So get there early. I hear he's got a new lineup, and I'm looking forward to hearing them. Ok, got to go. Till next time......Michael F.
June 14
Sort of a low key week. I spent most of the time on the phone doing business. The good news is, things are coming together. I went out to Long Island to hang with my friend Kane Daily and play guitar on Thursday. We played for a few hours and had a blast. Looks like my deal with Altrichter-Music in Germany is coming together. I talked to my new friend Hans, who runs the show there, and he thinks that the end of August/beginning of September is the best time to release in Europe, which is when I plan to release the album here also. So all that seems to be coming together. I was in the studio over at Hipbone last Wednesday night doing some rough mixes for the Electrix. The stuff is sounding pretty good, and we hope to have that all wrapped up later this month. Well, I'm gonna go get this week started. Have a good one......... Michael F.
June 8
Over the weekend I was at Kenny's Castaways on Bleecker St. here in NYC. I played with Professor Louie and The Crowmatix. This was the first time I've played on Bleecker St. in about 10 years. The street is still jumping. Louie and the gang sounded great, and we had a rocking good time. I know you might be wondering what's going on with the release of The King James Sessions and the Mecca re-release. Well, it's all coming together. Both albums are done and ready for release. Now it's just a matter of deciding when would be the best time for an official release. I'm fairly certain it won't be until late August or early September. I've also be in negotiations with Altrichter-Music in Germany to release The King James Sessions in the European market. I think we've come to an agreement on it so it looks like it will be released over there also. I'm very happy about that. Got to go do some work now, so till the next time Ciao.... Michael F.
June 3
Was over at Hipbone last night with The Electrix working on their CD. It's really starting to come together. It's always great to work over there. I just booked The Graveyard Blues Show hosted by Jerry Schaefer (WRCN 103.9 FM at 10:00) for Sunday, June 27th. I'll bring along my friend Ladell Mclin to sit in and jam, and as always, you never know who else will stop by. Should be fun. Ladell will be headlining The Riverhead Blues Festival this year and is new to the New York-Long Island scene. Tune in; check it out. Well, that's it for now. Talk to ya later.... Michael F.
May 24
Saturday was my birthday, and I want to thank all those who called or emailed me with their best wishes. On Saturday night I went over to Madison Square Garden to see The Who. They rocked solid for the better part of two hours, and the sound was amazing. Pete and the boys still got IT big time. After the that show I headed over to The Knitting Factory to see Jason Esbill and friends. Jason is from the band Drive By Truckers. He was doing an acoustic thing and sounded great. After he was done, Topaz jammed with some friends. It was a night of great music, and I had a fabulous time. Sunday I went out to the Cedar Beach Blues Festival to play with my friends Blue River. That turned into another birthday party, and I want to thank all of my well wishers there and Andrea for hooking everybody up with a great cake. Blue River played a semi-acoustic set for about an hour and ended just as the sun went down. It's always fun playing with those guys. After we wrapped it up at the beach I headed over to McFinleys in Rocky Point. Dana Gaynor hosts a jam there on Sunday nights. I sat in for on the whole last set. A rocking good time was had by all. Again, thanks to all. Now it's on with the rest of my life. Later....Michael
May 17
Wednesday night I was over at Hipbone Studio lending a hand to The Electrix. They're working on a new CD, and they asked me to kind of oversee the process which I'm happy to do. I've been jamming with them for several years now, and I'm glad I can be of some assistance to them. They're a great bunch of guys. Played a fun gig on Saturday at Blue Smoke/Jazz Standard. It was a private party for some friends who got married. I put together The Unconventional Wedding Band with Kerry Kearney and crew, Jimmy Fleming from the Electrix, Buddy Cage and myself. A fun time was had by all. Busy week ahead. On Wednesday night I'll be helping out the Electrix again over at Hipbone. I'm also going to try to record a few songs with my old buddies Harvey Sorgen and Steve Rust of the Memphis Pilgrims at some point this week. I need to lay down some basic tracks for a special guest to overdub onto. More on that later. There are a bunch of cool things going on this weekend also. So all in all, it should be hectic. OK, gotta run....Michael F.
May 11
Went up to Woodstock on Saturday night to play a show with The Kerry Kearney Band at a place called The Colony Cafe. It's a nice old room on Rock City Road with a little balcony that goes around the stage and floor. Harvey Sorgen, my old buddy from Hot Tuna, stopped by and played drums on a few songs. Professor Louie also came down and sat in for a couple of numbers. Lex Grey and Victor of The Urban Pioneers were upstate for a friend's wedding so they also stopped in and played along with Joe Vignola who also happened to be in Woodstock. So all in all it turned into an invasion of Woodstock. We all had a great time. I'll be heading over to Hipbone Studio on Wednesday night to lend a hand to The Electrix. They're recording a new album and so far it's sounding great. It's a collection on original tunes that are quite good. Most people think of them as a cover band, so it's great to hear them stretch out a bit and do their own thing. I think their fans are really gonna dig it. I'll give ya the full report on Thursday. Gotta go TCB. Later....Michael F.
May 7
Last night I went to a viewing of the new movie about Howlin' Wolf. It's a really well done flick that captures Wolf's sprit. Hubert Sumlen was there for questions and answers after the movie. I got to hang with Hubert again for a while backstage. Hubert is a true gentleman in every way and is one of the nicest musicians I know. It was good to see him again. He'll be back in town on the 22 of May (my birthday by the way) for a show with Honeyboy Edwards at the Brookhaven Lab Theater. You don't want to miss this one. It's not every day that you get to see two legends on stage in the same show. And these two guys are truly legends. Okay, gonna go. Later....Michael F.
May 4
Not much to report from yesterday. I Just spent the day taking care of business. In my posting yesterday I inadvertently forgot to thank Andrea Vignola for putting the catering together for the show on Saturday night. Everything was just wonderful. Andrea is a great cook, and everything she prepared for the show was outstanding. She also did a great job making sure that everybody was well taken care of. So Andrea, thanks again. Till next time......Michael F.
May 3
Wow, Talk about a party. We all had a great time Saturday night at the Blue Point Brewing Co. I hit the stage at 7:00 to a sold out crowd who came ready to rock. The band I put together for the night sounded tight in spite of the fact that we never played together as a band before. It was Buddy Cage on pedal steel, Frank Celenza of The Kerry Kearney Band on bass, Pete Sears of Hot Tuna and The Flying Other Brothers on piano and accordion, Gary Burke of the Crowmatix on drums, Professor Louie, also on piano and accordion, Burt Keely of The Flying Other Brothers on guitar, and from the band Blue River: Joe Vignola on acoustic guitar, Mike D on snare drum and Mike Bolton on percussion. If that wasn't enough, the young teenaged guitar blues man JP Blues joined us for a few songs along with Bob (Hoochie Coochie) Paolucci of The Son Seals Band on harp. We played for a little over an hour and had a blast. After a short break The Dave Nelson Band hit the stage and played two smoking sets of great music. They finished up at about 1:30 in the morning and sent everybody home with smiles on their faces. What a night, is all I can say. The people who run The Blue Point Brewing Co. couldn't have been better hosts. Can't wait to play there again.....On Sunday night it was over to Tribeca Rock for a benefit show for Charl's Handijam. My old friends One Eye Jack opened the show acoustically. It was good to see them again -- it's been a while. Then the Flying Other Brothers played, followed by Professor Louie and myself with Miss Marie and Frank Campbell on bass. We played a short acoustic set. We had some sound problems, but got through it and even got an encore. Go figure. The Dave Nelson Band took the stage to close out the night and again sounded great. All in all, a busy weekend....Now it's on to this week....Michael F.
May 1
Had a great time at the Nawlin's Grill last night with The Kerry Kearney band. The food there is really fabulous also. You can't beat that, good music and good food. What more could ya ask for? Tonight's show is really turning into something. The Dave Nelson Band will be playing at about 9:00, and I'm looking forward to hearing and hanging with them. I'll be opening the show at 7:00 with an all-star cast of characters, such as Pete Sears, my old friend from Hot Tuna, Buddy Cage, Gary Burke on drums and Professor Louie, to name a few. The show is already Sold Out, and I want to thank everybody who got their tickets early. I helped put this show together at the last minute when Dave's other gig fell through, and it's great that it came together so well. To all who didn't get tickets, we're planning another show in July. OK, I got to run, my daughter's school is having its annual May Fair, and I gotta help out. Later....Michael F.
April 23
Another busy week. Booked a couple of cool gigs this week. A week from Saturday on May 1 I'll be at the Blue Point Brewing Co. with The David Nelson Band. David and the boys always put on a great show. I'll be sitting in with a band I play with from time to time called Blue River. Pete Sears, my old friend from Hot Tuna, and Buddy Cage will also join me, among others. This is gonna be a fun night for sure. Tonight I'll be heading over to catch my friend Ladell Mclin at the Lafayette Grill (54 Franklin St.). Ladell is a great guitar player from Chicago new to this area. You should try to check him out. Quincy Jones said, "That kid can play the hell out of that guitar" and George Benson said simply, "He's amazing." So stop in and see him, tell him I sent ya. Phone's a ringing, got to go. Later...Michael F.
April 17
Had a blast last night as one of the judges for the Off Wall Street Jam awards at Tribeca Rock. The MC and host for the show was Greg Raybin who is also the president of the organization. He did a great job keeping the show moving along and making sure that everyone who attended had a great time. There were 9 bands in all. The show got under way with a band called Tail then Here's Johnny! came up followed by Dueling Elvis, one of my favorites. They did Elvis Costello and Elvis Presley songs back to back. Funny concept. Then it was The Big D Blues Band in which Diane Jacobs won best female singer, then It's Not You, It's Me and Newspaper Taxis, winner of the best tribute band. They are a Beatles tribute band and are damn good at it. Square Feet, best cover band winner, was up next followed by the acoustic Kamakaze Sutra. The night was topped of by the Rolling Bones, a Stones tribute band. All of these bands played great with a lot of spirit. All in all, it was a fun night and the place was packed. The Off Wall Street Jam organization, a group of recreational musicians, is a great place to meet other like-minded musicians. If you just love playing music for the love of it and don't won't to give up your day job to do it, it's the place for you. I highly recommend it. You can check it out at owsj.com. Got to get going now so till next time.....Michael F.
April 16
Well it looks like spring will finally get here this weekend. Good thing because my daughter's softball season begins on Sunday. I listened to the broadcast of Shake It On Down on WNYU 89.1 on Wednesday night. The boys up there did a great job with the sound. It's a good show. If you didn't catch it, it's on every Wednesday night for an hour at 8:00. You should check it out. Tonight I'll be heading out to Tribeca Rock over on Warren Street to be a judge at the annual Off Wall Street Jam awards. Should be a lot of fun. There will be 9 bands, and it gets under way at 7:00. I put up a few new pages on the site: one for The King James Sessions release and the other for the Mecca re-release. These pages are still somewhat under construction, but they're coming together. Check them out if ya get a minute. Well, gonna head out into the day here so I'll be talking to ya later.....Michael F.
April 13
Just got back from the taping of the radio show on WNYU 89.1. Great bunch of people over there. I'd like to thank Alex for having us up and Adam for helping out. They did a terrific job. Kerry and I did 4 or 5 songs live and then played a few songs from our soon-to-be released CDs. The show is called Shake It On Down and airs tomorrow night at 8:00. If you're not too busy, check it out. Got to show some support for the few blues shows still out there. OK, got to get some rest. Talk to ya later....Michael F.
April 12
Did a fun TV show on Thursday night of last week called LT 1. I think it's on Channel 20 on Long Island. I sat in with The Kerry Kearney Band, and Bob Paolucci AKA Hooch also sat in on harmonica. Great player he is. I'm not sure when it's gonna air, but as soon as I find out I'll post it. Tuesday night Kerry and I are going to do a radio show on WNYU 89.1 We'll be performing acoustic. Again I'm not sure if it's taped or live, so we'll see. Some summer shows are coming in, and I've posted them on the tour page. More should follow and will be up soon. Been talking to Jorma and the gang out at The Fur Peace Ranch about doing a workshop weekend called Jam Stock: 3 Days of Fur Peace, Love and Music. This would be a weekend of jamming and playing songs rather than learning parts and arrangements. Everybody seems to be up for it, so it looks like it's gonna happen. Most likely not until next season though because this season is all booked up already, and most classes are sold out. I'll keep you posted on that as well. Time to go. Talk to ya later....Michael F.
April 11
Happy Easter
April 6
I'll tell ya this, The ride to and from southeastern Ohio isn't getting any shorter, but I had a great time at the Fur Peace Ranch for opening weekend. The camp was sold out with a lot of really nice people. Music lovers all. Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin was there, along with Jorma and myself. Bob is a great player. He played with Muddy Waters for many years and had many a fine tale to tell. On Saturday night Bob did a show with the legendary Hubert Sumlin at the Fur Peace Station Music Hall. Hubert was the guitar player for Howlin' Wolf on most of his early recordings. I've known Hubert for a while now, and it was great to see him again. We did a show together at Tribeca Blues a while back. What a night that was...Levon Helm on drums and Klyph Black on bass among others. On Sunday night at the camp, I did my customary jam. There are no workshops on Sunday night so I host as many players as want to play. This week we had 21 guitar players jamming and my friend and student Ralph Kylloe on bass. Needless to say, we had a rockin' good time. All in all it was a fine start to the 2004 season at the Fur Peace Ranch. I'll return in September and can't wait. Most of the workshops are sold out at this point, but there are a few spots left. So if ya want to have a guitar weekend, get on it right away. Now it's back to work. Hoping to get the covers done this week for my albums, and I have a couple of studio gigs this week. Gonna go get on it now..... Michael F
March 29
The Daily Word has really turned into the Weekly Word. Maybe I'll change the name, or maybe write more often...hmm, we'll see. Was in the studio a bunch last week tying up loose ends. Pretty much finished now. I also went to see the Allman Brothers Band at the Beacon Theater. The place was packed as usual, and they did two rocking sets. It was good to see everyone again and hang. The Beacon Theater is one of my favorite places to play in the States. It's got a great vibe and sound. I'll be heading down to Jorma's Fur Peace Ranch this week to teach my class Blues For Beginners. That's always a lot of fun. So I'm looking forward to that. I hope to have both the covers done for the albums by the time I return next week. Well, I think I'm gonna go get a jump on the day's activities. Talk to ya soon....Michael F.
March 22
Good morning. What a wonderful spring morning. It's 25 degrees here in New York and going all the way up to 35 today. Oh well, summer will be here soon. Last week was another busy one in the studio. I'm pretty much finished up with all the tracks for the Mecca re-release, and I'm gonna bring it in to be mastered this week. The art work for both albums is almost done, too. So the end of this phase is in sight. It's been a longer road than I expected.
The IBS College Radio Convention was a lot of fun. I was on both the Blues and Jam Band panels. I met a bunch of nice people and some great DJs trying to spread the word about the music they play. It's not as easy as you might think with the state of radio being what it is today. I also sat in on a panel with Dave Mason of Traffic. He's one of my favorite singer/songwriters, and it was very interesting to hear what he had to say about radio and music in general. He's been around a long time and has seen a lot of change. On Friday night I was up in Troy, NY with The Kerry Kearney Band. We opened for Sonny Landreth. The show was at a new place called Revolution Hall. The place is just great, with good sight lines and a fabulous sound system. And the people that run the place couldn't be nicer. If you're up in the area, it's a terrific place to see a show. Well, I got to go get this week underway. I'll talk to ya later......Michael F.
March 12
Busy week in the studio. Almost at the the finishing point now for the Mecca re-release with just a few more tweaks and then re-mastering. It turned into more work than expected, but hey that's cool. I'm gonna take the weekend off from the studio and give my ears and mind a break. I do have the IBS College Radio Convention here in New York City on Saturday afternoon. I'll be on a panel with my friends Lex Grey, Kerry Kearney and Sam Taylor. We are going to discuss blues programming on college radio. Next week I hope to finish everything up on Mecca and hand it in. Well for now that's it. Talk to ya later........ Michael F.
March 4
Spent the last few days up in Woodstock trying to finish up the tracks for the Mecca re-release. I'm getting closer and should have it all wrapped up in the the next few days. It's been a long process, working on both The King James Sessions and Mecca at the same time, more or less. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now, and I'm looking forward to getting these albums out. Some people have asked me if I'm going to be putting a band together and playing out live. Well, that's the plan. With who and when I can't say at this point, but you'll read it here first as soon as I know. I have some ideas and players in mind, but we'll have to see how it all plays out. Well, that's about it for now so till next time.......Michael F.
Feb. 27
Been in the studio much of this week trying to finish up the songs for the Mecca re-release. Next week I'll head up to Woodstock to finish it up. I'll be glad when it's done as I've been working in the studio non stop for about a year now on various projects, and I feel like it's time for me to concentrate more on playing live. So that's what I hope to be doing in the coming months. Some new photos were adding to the Photos II page you might want to check out along with some CDs on the CD page. You can also download some of the songs from Emusic.com there. Ok then, have a great day.......Michael F.
Feb. 22
Fun night over in Staten Island at The Veterans Memorial Hall Theater. Saw some old friends, played some good music and raised money for The Children Of The Hungerford School. Doesn't get much better than that. I'll be working on the songs for the Mecca re-release this week. Going to try to finish that up by March 1. I talked to Professor Louie last night about adding the version of "Last Train Out" I did with him and The Crowmatix to it, as one of the bonus cuts. We both thought that it's a great idea so it looks like it's gonna happen. I'm excited about that. It's a really cool version of the song. I think it'll round out the album nicely. My DSL is down so I don't know when I'll get to put this up. I'm going to call Verizon again and see if they can move it along. Talk to ya when it's resolved.... Michael F.
Feb. 20
Wow, what a show. Toby Walker got things going at 8:00 and was fantastic as always. We were up next, and the band was on the money. After a few rocking numbers, we were joined by Alexis Suter and Sam Taylor for a few songs. They really sounded great. Then, after a short intermission, it was time for Sonny Landreth. He played with his trio, and they were amazing. At the end of the night, Kerry joined Sonny for a jam on the song "Congo Square." Both of them just ripped it up. All in all, it was a wonderful night of music. The show was sold out, and you could feel the excitement in the air as the people entered the theater. I knew right away that it was going to be a special night, and it definitely was. Many thanks to The Long Island Blues Society for putting on the show and for doing a great job. Can't wait till Gathering of the Slides III next year. Got to get ready for the show tonight with Professor Louie over in Staten Island. Till tomorrow.........Michael
Feb. 20
Well, I got back from Paris and hit the ground running. I had a great trip to France. This was my 6th time there, and I always find it to be a fun place to visit. I think the people of France get a bad rap here in the States. I have found them to be very warm, helpful and friendly on every visit. I got back on Tuesday night. Wednesday I went into the studio to work on the songs for the Mecca re-release which is coming along great. Last night I did a radio show with Kerry Kearney out on the Island at WUSB. Host Chris LaPorta does a show called "The Bayou." It's on every Thursday night from 8:00 to 10:00 and is always a fun show to do. We played live, played some CDs and talked for two hours. It went by in a flash. Tonight I'll be at The Brookhaven Lab Theater for the Sonny Landreth Show. I'm really looking forward to this show as I'm a big Sonny Landreth fan. A few years back Jorma and I played a blues festival in Toledo, Ohio, and Sonny was also on the show. We got to talk and hang for awhile. He's a really nice guy. The show is sold out, but if you have a ticket, I'll see ya there. Tomorrow night I'll be over on Staten Island with Professor Louie. We'll be doing a benefit show for The Hungerford School. Should be fun. OK, got to go get the day rolling. Talk to ya later...........Michael F.
Feb. 11
Last night I was over in Red Hook, Brooklyn at the Hipbone Studio working on a few songs for the Mecca re-release. I worked with Kane Daily on guitar, Chris Matheos on bass and Ray Grappone on drums. I've got four tracks ready to add to the CD, but I wanted to get one more. I decided to cover the old Wilbert Harrison song "Let's Work Together" which I've played for many years now, both in Hot Tuna and before. This is the first time I've ever recorded it. We cut a cool version along with a few other songs I wrote for a future release. I'm looking forward to finishing it up when I return from Paris next week. Everything is moving along nicely with both The King James Sessions release and the Mecca re-release. Both should be out in the spring. Well, that's it for now. I've got to start packing for my yearly trip to France; more on that when I return. Catch ya when I return......Michael F.
Feb. 2
Last night I was over at Dave Thomas' studio doing some recording with my old friend Buddy Cage. It's always great working with Buddy. We think alike when it comes to music which makes it fun and easy. He did some overdubs on four songs, three of which will most likely wind up on the Mecca re-release. The other will be saved for a future release. I've played live with Buddy many times, but I've always wanted to record with him and now I can proudly say I have. I love his work with The New Riders of the Purple Sage. The fact that he also played on one of my favorite albums of all time, Bob Dylan's Blood On the Tracks, earns him a place in the MF hall of fame. He did some wonderful playing last night...and we were done by half time. Congratulations to all the New England fans out there. Job well done.. Saturday night I was up at WBAI radio to do "The Morning Dew Show" with The Electrix. I haven't played with them in a long while. It was fun to do it again. They're a great bunch of guys to play with. You never know what's gonna happen. Unfortunately the show ran longer than expected so I couldn't make it out to the Island to play with The Kerry Kearney Band. Oh well, there's always next time. A busy week is ahead of me so I think I'll get to it. Later.......Michael F.
Jan. 31
Just got back from sitting in with Stir Fried who sounded great. Their new lineup is really rocking. The show was at the new Mexicali Blues in Teaneck, NJ. I played the old Mexicali a bunch of times and it was great, but this new location is much, much better. Bigger room, better sound and the same friendly staff. What more can you ask for? I hope to play there again soon. A lot of old friends were there hanging out, and it was good to see them. I just want to say good luck to Eli and the whole gang there. Now it's time for bed......Michael F.
Jan. 28
Well, it's a snow day for the kids. I can remember how exciting that was when I was in school. Doesn't seem so exciting to me now. I wonder why. I have Aronda X working on the graphics for The King James Sessions, and we're working on revamping the Mecca album also. Hope to get them both done soon. I talked to Buddy Cage (New Riders of the Purple Sage) about playing on a few of the bonus tracks for the Mecca album. I'm excited to work in the studio with him. Buddy and I have played live together now for many years, but never in the studio. Should be fun. Most likely we'll record over at Hipbone. I'm also going to get Kane Daily, Kerry Kearney and the whole crew in to help out. I also talked to Professor Louie up in Woodstock about maybe doing something. So I might make the trek up there for a song or two. We'll see. I'll keep ya posted.... Michael F.
Jan. 24
Wow! I want to thank all those who sent me their congratulations on my record deal. I sent out a note from my email list to let everyone know. I thought that everyone would just read and delete, but many of you sent back such kind words that I just wanted to say thanks. I'll keep you posted on the progress......Last night I was out on Long Island in Riverhead playing a show at Diggers with Kane Daily. We had a gas, played some blues, some originals, some covers and just had a good rocking time. Kane is a fine guitarist and was a great master of ceremony. Everyone danced all night. They came early and stayed late. More than this, you can't ask for. A few more gigs just came in so now it's over to the tour page. Till the next time.........Michael F.
Jan. 22
Last night my wife, daughter and I went out to dinner with my old buddy Jorma, his wife, Vanessa, and our good friend, John Hurlbut. We went to a Japanese restaurant in my neighborhood called East. I haven't seen them in awhile, due to our schedules, and it was good to see them all. John is the ranch manager at The Fur Peace Guitar Camp. He was also road manager for Jorma and me for a while. One of my favorite tour memories of that period was a time in Colorado. We played at The Boulder Theater the night before and were driving up over the Rockies in the morning listening to the new Willie Nelson album Across The Borderline. The sun was up and shining brightly, the air was crisp and there was a fresh layer of snow of the road side. It was something about the crisp air, sun, fresh snow, and listening to Willie with two good friends that seemed to make it feel like a perfect day. Anyway, it was good to see them all. Now I need to get some things together for my gig tomorrow night at Diggers with Kane Daily. More on that later.........Michael F.
Jan. 18
Just got back from the gig at Stingers on Long Island. It was a benefit for The Long Island Blues Society. I played with a band called Blue River. We had a blast. I did "Big Railroad Blues," "Let's Work Together," "Keep On Trucking," and "Young Fashion Ways" the old Muddy Waters song. The place was packed, and I think we raised a lot of money. Little Toby Walker was also on the show, among others, and sounded fabulous. Great picker he is. Till the next time.......Michael F.
Jan. 16
Well everybody, it's official. I'm excited to say that I signed a deal with Blues Planet Records today. They're going to release my new album The King James Sessions and its follow up. I'll soon set up a website for the album with all the who, what, when and where. So stay tuned. I also talked to my good friends over at Relix. They are going to give me back the rights and allow me to re-release my album Mecca which I will re-master and add a few bonus tracks to. The album has been out of print for awhile so I'm happy to get it back out there again. I must say that it's really righteous of Relix to do this, and I thank them. So far 2004 is off to a great start. Of course there is a lot of work to do to make all this happen. I'm hoping for a March/April release for both. Well, I think I'll go celebrate. Talk to ya later.....Michael F.
Jan. 15
Haven't been able to get my ass in gear this year yet, but I'm working on it. There's some cool stuff in the works, more on that tomorrow as I don't want to jinx it. Been sick as a dog the last few days, but I seem to be getting better now. This freezing weather hasn't helped either. Only about 6 months till we can complain about the heat. Well, that's it for now. Till tomorrow....Michael F.
Jan. 12
Rehearsed last night with Blue River, a band lead by Joe Vignola. We have a gig this Sunday the 18th at a place called Stingers in Brookhaven, NY. It should be fun. If you're in the area, stop in and say hi. Hope to see ya there...Michael F.
Jan. 4
I went out last night to a new joint over in Red Hook, Brooklyn called Lillie's (46 Beard St., 718 858 9822). It's one of the coolest places I've been to in a while. It's down on the waterfront, and it's like stepping into a piece of history. Kerry Kearney was playing there with his band, so the place was rocking all night. I got up and sang a few songs and had a blast. I did a new song of mine, "Hot To Go," what's become a standard for me when Kerry and I get together, "Candy Man," and the old traditional song I recorded with him on Tripping On The Psychedelta, "Comin' Round The Mountain." Lex Grey joined in on "Candy Man," and Vicki Bell helped out on "Comin' Round The Mountain." A fun time was had by all. Hope to play there again soon. You should check it out. OK, got to run for now..........Michael F.
Jan. 3
Happy New Year to all. I was away for a few days without my computer, but I'm back now. I went up to Bromley, VT to ski with the family. Or should I say learn to ski. I've never skied before so I took a couple of lessons and on New Year's Eve day and New Year's Day actually skied down the mountain. It was really great to learn something new and do it. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks. I'm looking forward to this year and hope it will be a great one for all. If all goes well, it looks like my album The King James Sessions will be released on Blues Planet Records sometime in March. I am also going to try to re-release my album Mecca with four more new cuts on it.
2003 a look back.... A strange year all in all. Sort of a year in transition for me in many ways. As I look back on it now, it seems like a blur. The years seem to be going by faster and faster. Some great moments and some not so great moments. I guess it's just life. There is a line in one of my songs that goes "the more I learn, the less I know." That's kind of what last year felt like for the most part. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad year, just a little bland. Sort of like French vanilla, a little different but in the end still just vanilla. Some old friends passed on, and they will be missed. Others just moved on as we all go down life's many roads, and they are also missed. But I'm sure we'll meet up again somewhere on life's many highways
As I get older, I find myself thinking more about the things I've done, how I got to where I am and where I'm headed...and trying to figure out which is the right path to take. When I was younger, I'd take any path and see where it lead me. Nowadays, I like having a plan and making it happen. This, of course, is most times easier said than done. But I try to keep moving forward. It was a busy year laying the groundwork for many things to happen this year. I worked in the studio a lot this year over at Jon Smith's new studio in Jersey City and his old studio on 11th Street, at Hipbone, one of my favorite places to work over in Brooklyn, and up at Professor Louie's studio in Woodstock. I did a bunch of recording at my home studio as well. I finished The King James Sessions and started on my next project I Got Blues For Ya. I also started recording a few new songs to be added to the re-release of my album Mecca if all goes well.
I played some great new clubs, theaters and festivals. My favorite new club was the Cadieux Cafe in Detroit where you not only get to play music, but you also get to eat mussels (their specialty) and feather bowl. I played there with Professor Louie and The Crowmatix -- always a fun time. The best new theater goes to the Vail Leavitt Music Hall on Long Island. It's an old Victorian theater that was renovated down to the last detail. Kerry Kearney and I, along with some friends, did an acoustic show there and it was a blast. The best festival was also on Long Island, and the award goes to the Riverhead Blues Festival. This event was just wonderful. I played it with The Kerry Kearney Band as I did many shows throughout the year. But this one was special. We headlined Saturday night, and there was about 40,000 people there. I sang "Candy Man" and many of the people in attendance sang along. It was great fun. I also played a fun show outdoors with The Kane Daily Band in Brookhaven, NY -- hot fun in the sun. There were many other great gigs, but these are the ones that stand out. Well, that's it for 2003 and now it's on to '04..........Michael
2003
Dec. 25
Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday filled with joy. Mine was. Now it's on to New Year's Eve. More on that later.......Michael F.
Dec. 15
Another Fall snowstorm. Hmmm. Just a quick note to say hey. Not much going on, musically that is. Been side tracked in all the holiday goings on and gearing up for the end of the year. You know, reflecting on what you've done and projecting on what you hope to do in the coming year. Of course things never seem to turn out as you thought they would, but hopefully they stay interesting. I want to thank everyone who visited my website this year. I made it over the 5,000 hits mark this week. I know for some that's nothing, but I'm happy with it. Trying to keep up with this Daily Word has been a little tough lately. After the New Year I'll hopefully get to it more often. Well, anyway I just wanted to check in. So till next time....Michael F.
Dec. 9
Crazy weekend, first major snowstorm of the FALL. Interesting. I think we're in for a long cold snowy winter. The benefit show for the Hungerford School had to be postponed till sometime in February, the 14th I think. I also had a session that got cancelled. Oh well, you can't stop Mother Nature. Well, it looks like it's going to be pretty quiet around here musically, with the holidays rapidly approaching. But I'll keep you posted should anything come up. So for now, happy shopping.....Michael F.
Dec. 2
Hope all is well in your world. Hard to believe that the holidays are right around the corner. Well, last Saturday night I played a fun show over in Breezy Point with The Kerry Kearney Band. We were also joined by Jimmy Fleming and Jeff Naimoli of The Electrix, Lex Grey and Victor Deyglio of The Urban Pioneers and Kerry's brother T.K. on guitar. It was a benefit for his his brother's daughter who had been sick over the summer. She's fine now, but as you might guess the medical bills where high. The whole event was a big success. They raised enough to pay the bills and had some left over to donate to The Ronald McDonald House....Monday I was in Staten Island doing a TV show on Time Warner to help promote a benefit show I'm doing there on Saturday night the 6th. It's for The Hungerford School for Children. It will be held at The Veterans Memorial Theater, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island. The number there is 718-448-2500 ext. 211 if you need more info. While in Staten Island I stopped by Mandolin Bros. to check out some guitars. For a guitar player, Mandolin Bros. is like heaven. I could have stayed there all day playing guitars and mandolins. They let you pick up and play any instrument in the house no matter what the price. Not many stores allow that. It's amazing there. Check it out if you're in Staten Island. Now it's off to do a radio show over there so I'll talk to you later. Some cool things are brewing. ..........Michael
Nov. 26
Hello out there. Happy Thanksgiving to all. I hope it finds you in good health and spirit. Been busy doing what I do. Mainly studio stuff. I've also been talking to a few independent labels about releasing my album, The King James Sessions. The most promising is Blues Planet Records, where both Rich and Dan who run the show over there have their heads and hearts in the right place. I'll keep ya posted on the developments. Gonna play a benefit show with The Kerry Kearney Band this Saturday night over in Breezy Point, NY. As soon as I get all the info I'll put on the Tour page. Monday afternoon I'll be doing a radio show with Professor Louie in Staten Island. Then on the 6th of December we'll play a show over in Staten Island at The Veterans Memorial Hall Theater. It's hard to believe that December is right around the corner, Time marches on. OK, then I'm gonna go now. Again, Happy Thanksgiving........Michael F.
Nov. 1
Good morning to all. Been awhile I know. Well, I've been up to some cool stuff along with the day-to-day goings on. I started to work on an other album of my songs and a few I co-wrote with Kerry Kearney. Several of the songs have Vassar Clements on them and will soon have other guests. It's starting to come together and take shape. I know it might sound crazy to start working on another album when the one before it isn't even out yet, but that's just how it's playing out. The music business is a crazy one. The King James Sessions album is still in negotiations, but should be out soon...most likely after the new year. As you can see if you looked at my Tour page, there isn't much going on right now so this is a great opportunity for me to spend some time in the studio recording. I love the whole recording process...going into the studio with an idea and coming out with a song or going in with a song and hearing it all come together. It's just the coolest for me. In fact I'm heading into the studio today to cut some vocals so I gotta go for now. Till the next time.........Michael F.
Nov. 3
Last week was a busy one. Mostly day-to-day stuff, but also some interesting music things happening. Spent some time over at Lex Grey and Victor's studio in Williamsburg with Kearney, Frank and Eileen. We're putting some songs together for a possible album to be released later this year or early next. My album is pretty much done now. I'm talking to a few labels about putting it out and getting close to a deal I think. I'll hopefully have it out soon. I was going to call it New Season, but at this time it's called The King James Sessions. I've also been working on the other project with Vassar and friends. That's starting to take shape. I do need to cut a few more tracks for that one and will probably do them this week or next. Well, that's it for now. Off I go. Talk to later on in the week......Michael F.
Good Morning, or should I say good afternoon. I was up late last night over at Hipbone Studios. I went in with Klyph Black and Ray Grappone to cut a few demos. Mission accomplished. I'm hoping to get up to Woodstock next week to do some recording with The Crowmatix. They have begun putting songs together for their new album, and Louie has asked me to write some songs for it. So I'm on as we speak. No gigs this week or next so it's a good time to concentrate on writing. Sometimes it flows, sometimes it doesn't. Lately it's been good. Ok then, have a great day. And as the kids say TTFN..... Michael F.
Oct. 20
The party over in Queens at The Abby Park was a blast. We had a fun time and all who attended were all smiles all night. We played three sets and then called it a night. Right from the first song the crowd was singing and dancing. There were a lot of old school Tuna fans there along with a lot of fans of The Band and The Dead. So we played the hits. I don't as a rule play many Tuna songs outside of Tuna, but I played a few and the crowd loved them. I also got to try out a few of my new songs, which went over great. When everything was said and done, everyone left feeling good. Maybe we'll do it again next year. Now I gotta go get the kid off to school. Bye for now.........Michael F.
Oct. 18
Good morning to all. Been a while. I was over at Tobacco Road last night with The Kerry Kearney Band and Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers. We had a blast playing and jamming. I haven't been to Tobacco Road in a long time, and it was fun to play there again. The place looks and sounds great. They have really done a lot of work there since it opened three years ago. It's a really cool, intimate place to see a show -- not too big and not too small. Earlier in the week I was over at Hipbone helping Kerry with some tracks. He borrowed my baritone guitar and put it on one of his tunes. We also watched playoff game seven at the studio. That was an exciting game so not much work got done. But hey, we won. Tonight it's a private party out in Queens. More about that tomorrow. Gotta go be a soccer dad. Talk to ya later ....Michael F.
Oct. 6
Just a quick shout of congratulations to the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs on winning their division titles. I'm hoping for a New York/Chicago World Series. We'll have to wait and see.........Michael F.
Oct. 5
Busy, busy weekend and more fun than a full-on barrel of monkeys. The show on Friday night at Tribeca Rock was absolutely fabulous. The Tricksters, Jeff, Tom, Klyph and Rich were on fire. Vassar was just amazing. Jimmy Fleming was mind-blowing, and Buddy Cage showed us all once again why he is one of the world's greatest peddle steel players. When he gets behind that guitar, for me there is no one better. The place was sold out, and everyone there rocked all night. The sound at the club was outstanding, both Cotter Michaels and Duke did a great job getting it together for us. I haven't played Tribeca in a long while. It was good to be back and see all my old friends there. The set lists were put together by Jeff, and I must say, he did a masterful job of picking songs that kept everybody rocking all night. The place stayed packed till the last note was played. I can hardly wait till Vassar's 76th birthday. See ya all there next year. What a night.......On Saturday night I went out to Riverhead and played with The Kerry Kearney Band at The Vail Leavitt Music Hall. It's always a fun time playing with Kerry and the gang; this was no exception. If you've never been to the Vail Leavitt Music Hall, you should check it out . It was built in 1861 and has been fully restored with love and care, and it sounds great. Dave Isaacs opened the show. He's an outstanding guitarist. If you see his name around, go see him -- you'll love him. Well, it's been a long three days so now it's off to bed. Talk to ya later........ Michael F.
Oct. 3
Well, like I always tell my daughter, never put your water glass near the computer. Of course I didn't follow this advice and knocked my glass into the keyboard of my laptop which totally screwed my computer up and had me off line for awhile. Oh well, I'm back now. The last few days have been busy with recording and rehearsals for the show tonight at Tribeca Rock, down on Warren St. with Vassar Clements, Jimmy Fleming and The Zen Tricksters. Jeff from the Tricksters put together two great sets of music so I hope to see ya there. There are still a few tickets left, so I'm told. Earlier in the week I went into the studio and cut five songs of mine, four of which I'm proud to say now have Vassar Clements playing fiddle on them. He sounded great. I've worked with him in the studio before, and it's always a wonderful experience. Klyph Black from The Zen Tricksters stopped by the Vassar session, and I got him to play some guitar on one of the tracks. He'll be coming back to do more I hope. I've been working with Klyph for years in live shows, and it was fun to have him in the studio. Well, it's off to start the day and begin to get it together for tonight's show so that's it for now. Later......Michael F.
Sept. 28
Had a wonderful time last night up in Woodstock at Legends. The Flying Other Brothers were there along with Professor Louie and The Crowmatix. I played first with The Crowmatix and then The FOBs played. Later we all jammed the night away. We hosted the FOBs who were in from San Francisco. Both bands sounded great. It was really fun to play with Louie and The Crowmatix again. Also got to see some old friends. Pete Sears was there playing with the FOBs and Harvey Sorgen stopped in to say hi, to name a few. Today I'm of to the studio to cut a few tracks with some friends over at Hipbone. Then later on in the week Vassar Clements is coming into the studio to play on them. I'm really excited about that. And of course on Friday it's the Vassar 75th birthday bash at Tribeca Rock. Tickets are going fast so if ya want in, I'd get on it soon. Okay then, I'll check back with ya soon. Later...........Michael F.
Sept. 26
I was over at Hipbone Studio last night helping Kerry Kearney put down a few tracks. Pete Sears is in town, and I brought him along. He played piano and accordion on three tracks. It was great to see and work with Pete again. We talk often, but I haven't actually seen in a long while. He's playing tonight over at the Bowery Ballroom with a band from San Francisco called The Flying Other Brothers. Then tomorrow night we'll be doing a show together up in Woodstock, NY at a place called Legends. Professor Louie and The Crowmatix are also on that show. It should be a good party, so if you're up that way, stop in. That show gets under way at about 10:00. Next Saturday night is the big Vassar Clements Birthday show at Tribeca Rock with The Zen Tricksters, and I'm really looking forward to that. Vassar is also going to play on some tracks for me. I'll be in the studio on Sunday night getting them ready. Well, that's all for now. I'll let ya know how all this unfolds.......Michael F.
Sept. 24
Yeah I know, it's been a while. I was busy with life last week. Played over at B.B. King's last night with Professor Louie and The Crowmatix and The Jefferson Starship. It was a fun night of music. It was great to play with Louie and the gang again. It's been a while since we played together. Today I was over in Jersey City with Jon Smith working on some tracks at his new studio, It's a cool place to work. Monday night I rehearsed with The Zen Tricksters and Jimmy Fleming for the Vassar Clements show on Oct. 3. That show is going to be a blast. It's always a great time playing with that crew. This Friday night I'll be playing up in Woodstock, NY at Legends. My old friend Pete Sears is coming to town with The Flying Other Brothers, and we'll be doing a double bill with them and the Crowmatix. Got to go now, but I'll be back at ya soon.....Michael F.
Sept. 16
Back from camp. As usual, everybody there had a great time including myself. I had a wonderful group of students who worked hard all weekend to achieve their goals. Alvin Youngblood Hart and Spencer Bohren were also there this weekend. It was fun to get to hang with them again. I hadn't seen either one of them in a long a time, and it was great to catch up. The ride out was uneventful, the way I like it to be. The ride back, on the other hand, was tough. It poured all the way home, and I mean poured. I couldn't even see out of the windshield at times and had to pull over and wait it out. But in the end I got home safely, and that's all that matters. I talked to Jorma a few times while I was there. He was still away on his 6,000 mile motorcycle trip to California and back to Ohio. He's doing fantastic and enjoying everything about the trip. Check out his web ite for the latest updates. He posts them daily on his diary page at jormakaukonen.com. Well now, it's back to work here so I'll talk to you later............Michael F.
Sept. 10
Getting ready to head out to Jorma's Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp to teach my Blues For Beginners class which I do every year at this time. This year I'll actually be driving on the 11th, so I'll be listening to the memorial on the radio. It's a tough one for me, on one hand I'm excited to be heading back to the camp on the other hand I'm saddened by the remembrance of that day. I'd like to share some song lyrics with you from my new upcoming release, "The King James Sessions." I wrote the song Soul Searchlight about trying to find peace, post 9/11. I'm not a forgive and forget kind of guy, so for me it's been hard..........Michael F.
Soul Searchlight
Looking for a soul searchlight to help me find my way
These are crazy times we’re living in, getting crazier and crazier every day
Woke up one morning, thought it would be like any other day
By the time I washed my face, well the whole world had changed
As I watched it unfold there on my TV set
An anger began to grow and it ain’t subsided yet
So I’m looking for a soul searchlight to help me find my way
These are crazy times we’re living in, getting crazier and crazier everyday
Down in the valley of darkness
An ocean of tears has been cried
Feels like I’m waist deep in a wide muddy river
Now I’m just trying to make it to the other side
So I’m looking for a soul searchlight to help me find my way
These are crazy times we’re living in, getting crazier and crazier every day
Some of my good friends left here, some in long black Cadillacs
Some got on planes and flew away, they never will come back
So I’m looking for a soul searchlight to help me find my way
These are crazy times we’re living in, getting crazier and crazier every day
Now I keep playing it over in my head, it’s like a freight train hammering down the line
I can hear it loud and I can see it clear, though I never will understand these crazy times
By Michael Falzarano (copyright 2003)
Sept. 9
I'm saddened tonight to hear of the passing of Warren Zevon. He was one of my favorite singer songwriters. I'm glad he was able to finish his last album, which I own and highly recommend, and to see the birth of his twin grandchildren, which I've heard were two of his final wishes. I'm very proud to say I got to play Werewolves Of London with him a few years back while I was on The Furthur Festival. It was one of the highlights of my career. I will miss his sense of humor and the adventure in the way he put songs together. I hope he is at peace now. I would Like to dedicate a song I wrote in memory of the late Allen Woody to Warren tonight.............Michael
Last train out, all aboard the conductor’s saying last train out
Last train out, you don’t need no ticket on the last train out
You just go down to the station and you get on board
Leave your baggage on the platform
You won’t need it anymore
On the last train out
Last train out, well everything is gonna be alright on the last train out
Last train out, everybody is safe and warm on the last train out
You just go down to the station and you get on board
Leave your baggage on the platform
You won’t need it anymore
On the last train out
Twenty-one coaches long and plush
Every hand you’re dealt is a royal flush
It pulls into the station smooth as silk
Shining like chrome and white as milk
Looking like an ancient statue carved out of stone
You get on board and it will take you home
The last train out
Last train out, well everything is gonna be alright on the last train out
Last train out, you’re never alone on the last train out
You just go down to the station and you get on board
Leave your baggage on the platform
You won’t need it anymore
On the last train out
Sept. 7
Quick note: I'll be on Jerry Schaefer's show "Graveyard Blues" on WRCN 103.9 tonight at 10:00 We'll be doing a kind of 9/11 tribute show, and I'll be spinning some of the tracks from my new album, that are 9/11 related, along with some other tracks. Tune in if you can. Had a busy week this past week, went over to Red Hook to Hipbone and worked on some of the Alexis Suter album, It's coming together slowly but surely. I also spent some time in the studio with Jon Smith finishing up my album. He recently moved his operation from New York City to Jersey City, the new space is really great, much bigger. I plan on seeing a lot of it so bigger is better and it's easy to get to. School starts tomorrow, so we've been spending some time getting my daughter ready for that. She going into 7th grade. It's hard to believe, but true. time marches on. Ok gotta run. Talk to ya during the week.......Michael F.
Sept. 2
Hello, hello. Been on vacation with the family for the last two weeks. We had a great time...went to the Baseball Hall of Fame up in Cooperstown, NY, the Finger Lakes, Corning, Niagara Falls and The Roseland Ranch. It was a busy two weeks, but we had fun everywhere we went. But now it's back to work. It's hard to believe it's already Sept. I'll be heading back to Jorma's Fur Peace Ranch to teach later on in the month, and as always I'm looking forward to that. This Sunday night at 10:00 pm I'll be on WRCN 103.9 Graveyard Blues with Jerry Schaefer. We'll be doing a 9/11 tribute show. I'll be spinning some of the tracks from my new album that I wrote about 9/11, along with some other tunes. Tune in if you can. Heading back up to Canada later in the month with The Crowmatix, and on the 23rd I'll be over at B. B. King's in New York with the Jefferson Starship and The Music of The Band Show. Also I'll be playing up in Woodstock with The Crowmatix and The Flying Other Brothers, which now features Pete Sears and Barry Sless. So it should be an action-packed month. Check out my tour page for all the details. So, that's it for now. I hope you too had a great summer..........Michael F.
August 10
My schedule being what it is these days it seems The Daily Word has become the Weekly Word. I'm gonna try to get back on track soon. Anyway, I played my last show of the summer with the Kerry Kearney Band yesterday. We were at the Blues and Biker Festival out in Riverhead. There have been a lot of things going on in Riverhead this summer, and this was another great event. It rained a bit, but it didn't seem to dampen anyone's spirit any. I've had a blast playing with Kerry and the gang this summer, and I'm looking forward to playing more shows in the fall. I spent a lot of time in the studio this past week and will be doing the same this week. I've been trying to finish up a few projects before I go away, The race is on. I wasn't able to get over to the Bottom Line this weekend to see my old buddy Jorma, but Kerry went to the late show on Friday night and said it was fabulous. A long-time Jorma fan, and a slide player himself, he especially liked hearing Cindy Cashdollar. I'm sure it was a great show. ... I'm closing in on my album project and with any luck it'll see the light of day in the fall. We'll see. Well, that's it for now. Till the next time........Michael F.
August 4
It's hard to believe that it's already August. This summer has been a busy one so far. I had a great weekend, and I hope yours was too. I played with The Kerry Kearney Band on Friday night at a club on Long Island called Paula Jeans. It's a great place to play with great food and some great photos of the old blues players all over the place. We played two sets and had a few friends jam with us. A good time was had by all. Then on Saturday afternoon we played outdoors at The Peconic Bay Winery for their annual wine tasting festival. It was a little humid, but all in all, it was a beautiful day and it was nice to be outdoors. I spent most of last week inside in the studio so it was a nice change. Then that night we did a big show at The Patchogue Theater for the arts with our friends Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers and The Mojo's. Alexis P. Suter, Vicki Bell and Jimmy Fleming joined us for the evening's festivities. Lex Grey and Victor Deyglio of The Urban Pioneers joined us for a few numbers along with 13-year-old bluesman J. P. Blues. It was great to see someone so young have such command of the guitar. Everyone there left with a smile on their face. Well that's it for now. I'll be going in the studio this week to finish up the album I've been working on. Trying to get it done before I go on vacation with the family in two weeks. I'm also gonna be over at Hipbone working on the Alexis Suter album. So it promises to be a busy week.
Talk to ya later.........Michael F.
July 28
Great day and night of music for me that started with a show with The Kane Daily Band. A few people have emailed me from out of state asking about Kane Daily. Kane is a guy I met a while back from Kerry at the old Tribeca Blues Club. We jammed there a few times and became friends. He's been playing around New York City and Long Island for some time now. He plays really great rock 'n guitar and slide. Check out his website. It's kanedaily.com -- tell him I sent ya......Later in the evening I did the The Graveyard Blues Show over at WRCN with Kerry, Frank Celenza and Eileen Murphy both of The Kerry Kearney Band, also Lex Grey and Victor Deyglio of The Urban Pioneers, who I think are one of the best bands playing around the New York area. The first time I saw them a few years ago in some small dingy bar on the lower east side I thought they were great and still do. They never disappoint me. They got the fire alright! Their website is http://zwap.to/lexgrey/.........Anyway, that's it for now. Talk to ya during the week..........Michael
July 27
Played over at The Bottom Line here in NYC last night and had a great time. Professor Louie, Miss Marie, Kerry Kearney, Frank Campbell on bass and I all played acoustic. We did a bunch of songs, some of which we had never played before, which is always challenging and fun. Each of us did a few songs, and I tried out some new stuff that seemed to work well. Today I'm off to The Brookhaven Lab to do a show with The Kane Daily Band and friends, and then tonight I'm over at WRCN (103.9 FM) at 10:00. Tune in if you're in the area. I'll report back later.
Bye for now.............Michael
July 25
Getting ready for the weekend here. I'll be over at The Bottom Line doing an acoustic show with Kerry and Professor Louie on Saturday night. Then on Sunday afternoon I'll be at the Brookhaven Lab with Kane Daily and later that night at 10:00 I'll be on WRCN radio (103.9 FM) with Kerry and Lex Grey. Should be fun. Busy week behind me. Spent most of it in the studio with Jon Smith, trying to wrap up the album. I did cut two more songs, "I Know You Ryder" and one of my songs called "One More Round," so it's taking a little longer. At this point I don't think I would release it before September or October anyway so there's no rush. Well, if you're not busy and looking for something to do in the city tomorrow night, stop by The Bottom Line and catch the show. See ya there..........Michael
July 22
What a great time we all had at The Riverhead Blues Festival. It was a beautiful sunny day with blues lovers everywhere. They say that over the three days there were about 80,000 people in attendance, enjoying the music, It was an amazing event. We closed the show on Saturday night, and there must have been about 40,000 people rocking out with us. Kerry opened up the set with his song "Memphis High" and right off the bat the crowd was with us and singing along. I did "Candy Man" and much of the crowd sang it with me. I never realized how many people know that song. I guess I forgot that Long Island is Hot Tuna Country. Alexis Suter was there with us, and as usual, she brought the house down. Vicki Bell was also there singing back up vocals and a duet with me and Kerry on "She'll Be Coming Round the Mt." done blues-Cajun style. We closed the show with the old standard "Sweet Home Chicago," and once again the crowd was singing along and rockin'.
Earlier that day Kerry and I did an acoustic show at the Vail Leavitt Music Hall which is a beautifully restored old Victorian theater. We had the whole gang join us on stage for a wonderful set of acoustic music. The place was filled to capacity, in fact it was overflowing with people out onto the street. The next day we did a blues workshop with Kane Daily. We played and answered questions about the music and the music business. Then when all was said and done at the festival, we played out on the deck at the Boardwalk Cafe for the big wrap-up party which was wild and had many guests joining us. All in all the whole thing was a blast, and I hope to do it again next year. The thing I loved about it the most was the fact that the show was able to draw so many people with mostly local bands. Some of the other acts were The Smoke Daddys, Phil Varca and The Slamjammers, Black Cat Bone, The Kane Daily Band, Toby Walker, Lazy Lester, Cadillac Moon and Joe Bonamassa among others. Everyone played and sounded great...and a good time was had by all.
Just a reminder, I'll be at the Bottom Line here in New York City this Saturday night the 26th with Kerry and Professor Louie doing an acoustic trio show. Actually we'll do two shows at 7:30 and 10:30. If you're around, try to stop by.
On a sad note, I want to send out my condolences to Kerry Kearney and his family on the the loss of his mother, who passed away over the weekend. She's in Heaven now where all is well.
July 18
Well, what a day. I got up at 5:30 in the morning to get to the radio station at 7:00 to do a show with Kerry Kearney. I washed my face, drank a cup of coffee, got in the car and headed out to Long Island on the Long Island Expressway (the world's largest parking lot). After about ten miles, I sat in traffic for about an hour because of a massive truck crash. By the time we got going again, I knew there was no way I would make the 7:00 call at the station, but I gave it the old collage try anyway. To make a long story short, I got there in time to hear the end of Kerry's last number. Said hello to everyone over the air waves and went with Kerry to eat breakfast. Oh well, you can't win them all. After breakfast I headed back into the city. Later I went in the studio to work on some stuff for a few hours, and now here I am. We have the Riverhead Blues Festival this Saturday. We're all looking forward to that. It should be a fun show with a lot of surprises. If you can't make that show and live up in the Attleboro, Mass. area, don't forget that The Crowmatix will be up there at the Vet Rock Festival. I'm wiped out now so that's it. I'll report back later.
..........Michael
July 12
Just got back from The Heritage Festival up in Clermont, NY. It was a beautiful day for an outdoor show, sunny and no humidity. What more could you ask for? It was great to see a lot of old friends I haven't seen in a while. Mike Dunn was there playing bass with legendary blues man Ernie Williams, and Jimmy Eppard, guitarist for the Memphis Pilgrims, was there playing with Bobby Ray Bishop and The Blues Syndicate. I never heard the Blue Syndicate before, and they rocked. I played with the Crowmatix around 6:00. We couldn't have asked for a better slot to play. We had a great time, and the crowd was on its feet for the whole set. I left before Bill Perry's set, but I've seen him in the past and I'm sure he brought the house down. Busy week ahead, getting ready for the Riverhead Blues Festival and some studio stuff. Well, that's it for now.
Be back at ya soon...........Michael
July 10
Late night, last night. Put down some drum tracks on one of my tunes and took a listen to some of the Alexis Suter tracks. They're sounding great. The Bennett Brothers, Peter and Jimmie came in and put down the bass and lead guitar tracks on some of the tunes which sound hot. That project is moving along really well. We are hoping to get it out in the fall, which looks good at this point. Talked to Pete Sears today. He was off to play a show with the David Nelson Band. I haven't talked to him in a while, so it was good to catch up with him. We are hoping to do some shows together this fall. We'll see if we can make it happen. Heading back in to the studio tonight, and I'll let you know if anything exciting happens.
Till then...Michael
July 9
Man, has it been hot. I've been in the studio working on a few different things. Just about done with my project and finishing up another production job. Tonight I'm heading over to to the Hipbone Studio to work on one of my songs and to do some more work on the Alexis Suter album, which is coming along great. We're hoping to write a few more songs and wrap that up soon. I'll give ya the full report tomorrow about all the goings on. Talked to Kerry today about a couple more dates that we'll be doing together. They're up on the Tour page and a few more will be up soon.
Till then, ciao.........Michael
July 7
I'm back from a little vacation to St. Barts. It was my 25th wedding anniversary, and we decided to get away for a few days. It's really beautiful down there. We had a great time. Got home on the 4th in time to see the fireworks over the East River. It was spectacular. This was the first time in about 10 or 11 years that I wasn't on the road and got to spend it with my family for a change. Last night I was on the Graveyard Blues radio show (WRCN 103.9) with The Kane Daily Band. We played a bunch of songs and talked to host Jerry Schaefer about our upcoming shows at the Riverhead Blues Festival on July 19. I will also be joining Kane at his Brookhaven Lab show on July 27. It's a daytime show and barbeque, and I think it starts at noon. When I get more info on it, I'll let you know. Well what do you think, has it been hot enough? That's it for now......Michael
P.S. I want to send out my condolences to Jorma and Vanessa on the lost of their bull terrier Vinnie. I know how much they loved him. He was the last of their four bull terriers to go. He had been sick for a while now, and I guess his time was just up. I'm sure he's at peace now in the sun, running and chasing things to his heart's content.
June29
Two fun gigs this past weekend. First I played a private party with the Crowmatix where Kerry Kearney joined us for the evening. It was out on Long Island in Long Beach at a place called Ye Old Firehouse. It's an old firehouse that was turned in to a dance hall. We had a blast. Everybody there had a great time and danced all night, right up until the last note was played. Then on Saturday night I played up in Kingston, New York, down on the waterfront. Now if you were ever in Kingston, down by the water, say 10 years ago, you might think this would be a nasty place to play. But they have turned this area into a beautiful marina, and people come with their boats from all over to dock and eat at all the fine restaurants and shops. We played outdoor in the park, right on the water. It was a beautiful night, warm with no humidity, with a great crowd of people from all over. Upstate New York is really great this time of year, just before the really hot weather and humidity rolls in. So all in all, it was a great weekend of music for me. Hope yours was the same............Michael
June 26
Good morning all. First things first. The Yankees win, theeeeee Yankees win. My daughter's team finally played the championship game, and won 12 to 6. They took the lead early and never looked back. The Giants played a hard fought game, but in the end it just wasn't enough. Last night, I played The Patchogue Theater For The Performing Arts with The Kerry Kearney Band. We had a great time with a short but fun set. Alexis Suter and Vicki Bell joined us and sounded fantastic as usual. This weekend I have two gigs with The Crowmatix, and Kerry will be joining us for the Friday night show. That one's a private party, sorry. I'll let you know how it turns out. Heading in to the studio today to work on my stuff so I got to go. One more note...I heard some of the songs I helped write with Vicki and Ray from Hipbone Records for Alexis Suter's new album and they sound great. We need to write a few more and get that album out. I think you're gonna love it.
OK gotta go ............Michael
June 23
Hey gang hope you had a great weekend, wherever you were. It rained nonstop here in NY, but hopefully that's over for a while. This week on Wednesday night I'll be at The Patchogue Theater For The Performing Arts with The Kerry Kearney Band and Sam Taylor. Then on the weekend I've got two shows with The Crowmatix. Tuesday and Thursday I'm in the studio trying to wrap up my project. I'm closing in on it now. So I'll get back to ya on all this as it unfolds. The Championship game was rained out three times, but will be played tonight. Keep your fingers crossed. I'll let you know how it turns out.
OK then..........Michael
June 17
Back from the Fur Peace Ranch. What a great time it was. This weekend I taught along with Patrick Sweany and Tommy Emmanuel. My class was sold out with a bunch of really nice guys of all ages just wanting to hang, learn and play guitar. It was a hell of a good time being there with Patrick and Tommy. Patrick is a young blues player from Ohio. He really has the sound and feel for the music. He plays finger-style guitar and slide. He also has a great voice, kind of sounds like a young Howlin' Wolf. Check out his new album called "henryfordbedroom" on AYAO Records, and try to see him when he comes to your town. This is my second year at the camp with Tommy. He's a really fun guy to be around and an unbelievable guitarist. Chet Atkins said that he was one of the greatest guitarists around, and I would have to agree. What he can do with a guitar is truly mindboggling. At orientation both he and Patrick joined me on my song "When There's Two There's Trouble." Man did it sound great. Jorma was around this weekend, but not teaching. Both he and I are early risers so we got to spend some time drinking coffee and talking in the morning before classes. It's always great to see and hang with him. Since we're not on the road together all the time there are lots of things going on in his and my life to talk about. I heard Jack's new album while I was out at the camp. It's a very interesting record, and I wish him the best of luck with it. In fact, I think today is the release date, and it's called Dream Factor. Speaking of new albums, I'm hoping to finish up mixing my album soon and get it out into the world. I'm hoping to release it some time in July. For those of you who are in suspense about the outcome of my daughter's softball team, I'm happy to say they came in first place for the season, won the playoff game and will play the championship game on Saturday. I'll keep you posted. The suspense builds.
Later .........Michael
P.S. I highly recommend "The Da Vinci Code."
June12
I'm off to The Fur Peace Ranch Guitar Camp to teach today. Another long drive day in front of me, but it's OK, I got my CDs and a book on CD to listen to. I got a copy of "The Da Vinci Code," a new book by Dan Brown. Looking forward to getting into that. Ok then, got to go. I'll fill you in when I return.........Michael
June 10
Not much happening today. Was going to head into the studio, but that didn't work out, so I'm just hangin'. At least it's a beautiful sunny day here in New York. I did put up some cool new links on my links page you might want to check out.
Enjoy ..........Michael
June 9
Just got back from the WRCN FM radio show, Graveyard Blues hosted by Jerry Schaefer. It was a lot of fun. Kerry Kearney Played slide guitar on his old Silvertone acoustic, Frank Celenza played bass, Jimmy Fleming played mandolin and fiddle, Kane Daily played dobro and I played my old Gibson Star. We each sang a song and gave away some CDs. The show is one of the few blues shows left on commercial radio in NY. It's at 103.9 on the dial. You should tune it in some time and check it out. It airs at 10:00 on Sunday night. Busy week coming up, and Thursday I head back out to The Fur Peace Ranch to teach again. Looking forward to that. I'll try to keep you posted on all the goings on as they unfold.
Later.........Michael
June 8
What a strange week it has been. It started out with a rehearsal up in Woodstock on Monday for the Vet Rock Festival. The rehearsal went well, and after we were done, Louie put down some tracks for me on a few songs of mine. When I got home at 2:00am there was a message on my answering machine saying that a friend of mine, Brian Berk, had passed away. The funeral was to be the next day, Tuesday. Brian was a young guy, ten years my junior. He loved music, baseball and his family. He leaves behind a wife and three small children. It's always tough when someone so young passes away unexpectedly. There was a traditional Jewish ceremony on Tuesday, which was very moving and sad. It reminded me how fleeting life is, and that we should make the most of our time while we have it.......
Then Wednesday I got a call from the Vet Rock people saying that because of all the rain and the pending rainstorm projected for Saturday that the Festival was being moved indoors and that they wanted me to do my "acoustic stage" show on the main stage. This all sounded good to me. So I made some calls and augmented the band with some cool players. I was to be joined by Kerry Kearney on slide guitar, Geoff Achison, the great guitar player from down under in Australia, on acoustic guitar, Frank Celenza on bass from The Kerry Kearney Band, Ray Grappone from Hipbone on drums, Jimmy Fleming of The Electrix on mandolin and fiddle and Professor Louie on keyboards and accordion. What a great band it would have been. They also asked me to host the pre-festival jam on Friday night with, among others, Commander Cody. I went out to dinner with my family that night, and when I returned there was a message saying that they lost their permit and that the whole festival had to be canceled. So I then had to call everybody again and give them the news that the show was off. Everyone was disappointed of course. A lot of time was spent on the phone that day. Then I got a call on Thursday morning saying that they still wanted to have the pre-festival jam on Friday night and asked if I would come and host it. Feeling I had nothing to lose at this point, I agreed. I thought it was a little strange having a pre-festival jam when there was no festival the next day, but it turned out okay. Louie, a few of the Crowmatix and I went down and joined Commander Cody for a fun couple of hours of music..... All in all, a strange week. I'm hoping that this week will be a little less crazy. Tonight, Sunday night, I'm going to be on WRCN 103.9 FM at 10:00 for The Graveyard Blues Show hosted by Jerry Schaefer. We'll be playing live, doing giveaways and taking calls...so tune in if you're not busy. Well, that's all for now. What a week.
Never a dull moment..........Michael
June 4
Getting ready for the Vet Rock Festival this weekend. Do to the nonstop rain and the pending rainstorm projected for Saturday, they have moved the show indoors. You should check the web site (www.vetrock.net) for the new location. I've also been asked to help put together the pre-festival jam on Friday night. It's going to be a lot of fun, and many of the festival performers we'll be sitting in. It'll be at Poco's Restaurant & Bar at 625 N. Main St. in Doylestown, PA. The number there is 215.348.3424. It should get under way at about 7:30. On Saturday I'll be doing two sets: one acoustic with some friends at about 3:00, and later (closing the show) I'll be with Professor Louie and The Crowmatix featuring The Rock Of Ages Horns. It's gonna be a good rockin' weekend. Hope to see ya there.......Michael
June 1
What a weekend. Friday night it was The Shark Bar in Morristown, NJ with The Jefferson Starship. Professor Louie, Kerry Kearney and I joined the Starship for the evening, and we had a blast. We played a bunch of great songs with them. My favorite was "Good Shepherd." I've played this song for years with Tuna, and it was fun to do it with Paul at the helm. We rocked it out. Paul had Louie, Kerry and me each do a song in the middle of the set which was really great of him. All in all, both the crowd and we had a rocking good time. I didn't get home till 4:00 am and had to be up in the morning for my daughter's softball game. They won, and I think they're in first place, for those of you who are keeping track. Then it was off to The Turning Point for a gig with The Crowmatix. I haven't played with them in a while, and it was fun to be back with them. We had the place packed, and we rocked for two sets. Professor Louie and The Cromatix have a new live CD out, and I do a version of the old Elvis hit "That's Alright Mama" on it. It also features "The Rock of Ages Horns" with Tom "Bones" Malone and Lou Marini along with a whole cast of characters. You can get it at Woodstock Records.com. Check it out. Well, I think it's off to bed, got to be up for the Sunday make-up game. This softball schedule is gonna kill me. So folks, good night....Michael
May 29
Just got back from my gig with Kerry Kearney at the A & M Roadhouse. Cool little place. It's being booked by my old friend Buddy Fox. Buddy used to book the Manny's Car Wash. I've known him for about 20 years. We first met at the old Lone Star. It's always great to see him. The Roadhouse has just started to have live music, but I think once it gets rolling it's gonna be a great place to play and hear bands. I've been working on the Jefferson Starship songs...that should be an interesting gig. I'll keep you posted as it unfolds. I'm a little tired so it's off to bed .......Later.........Michael
May 27
Back from teaching at The Fur Peace Ranch. I had a wonderful time as always. There were 30 students there this weekend, which means it was sold out. Everyone seemed to have had a great time, learning and picking for four days, How could you not have a great time? The ride out and back took 10 hours each way so I got to listen to a lot of CDs. I use this time to listen to stuff I haven't had time to listen to, and to listen to some of my old favs. The trip started out with Alvin Youngblood Hart and along the way I listened to The Danielson Family and both of the David Johansen and the Harry Smiths albums. I love those CDs. Gillian Welch, Slaid Cleaves, The Rudy Van Gelder Jazz Sampler, Eminem ("The Eminem Show"), the New Orleans Legacy Ensemble, Patrick Sweany (who'll I'll be at the camp with in two weeks), Miles Davis ("Kind of Blue"), Warren Zevon and Bob Dylan, "Love and Theft" and "Time Out Of Mind," and a few others I'm sure I'm forgetting. All in all it was a great trip. Looking forward to going back in two weeks. My old buddy Jorma and his wife Vanessa have really created something very special out there in Ohio. If you're a guitar player, you should check it out sometime. Got a bunch of things going on this week. Wednesday night I'm at the "A & M Roadhouse" with Kerry and Frank (acoustic). Thursday night I have a private party. Friday night it's the Jefferson Starship show at "The Shark Bar" in NJ and Saturday night I'm over at the Turning Point with Professor Louie. Sunday I collapse. Well, I guess that's it for now. Keep the sunny side up ..........Michael
I'm off to The Fur Peace Ranch Guitar Camp tomorrow. It's a long drive, but I'll get to listen to a lot of music on the way, so it's cool and goes by pretty quickly. Well, as fast as 11 or 12 hours can go by. Spent the last few days in the studio with Jon Smith working on the album, which at this time is called "New Season" after one of the songs. A few nights ago I was over at Hipbone writing some songs with Vicki and Ray for a friend of ours. That was a blast. We came up with five tunes in about six hours, which is pretty good. Can't wait to develop them further. So when I get back we'll work on them. I guess that's it for now. I'm not sure if I'm gonna bring my laptop with me...if I do, you'll be hearing from me from the road. If not, I'll fill you in on the goings on at the camp when I return.
Bye for now.....Michael
May 18
Did the "Cedar Beach Blues Festival" Saturday, and a good time was had by all with a lot of great music being played by a lot of good bands. We played at 6:00 just as the sun hit the stage, so it was a little hot up there. Well at least it wasn't freezing, which it what we expected. Kerry did his thing and rocked out as usual, and Jimmy Fleming joined us once again on mandolin and fiddle. The more I play with Kerry, the more I realize he's "The real deal with the real feel." If you haven't seen him play, you should try to check him out somewhere along the way. I'm off to the FPR guitar camp this week to teach -- always a good time, so I'm looking forward to that. Well, that's it for now.
.........Michael
May 17
What a day. Spent it over at Hipbone Studios recording back up vocals with Alexis Suter, Vicki Bell and Amy Helm or "The Holy Sisters of Love" as I like to call them. They sound great together and did a unbelievable job. I'm proud to say I got them on six songs -- two more than I had hoped for. Vicki also engineered the session, and without her help all day, we couldn't have done so much work. So I'd like to shout out a big thanks to her for that. Alexis nailed "Crossroads Avenue," and Amy sounds sweet on "Soul Searchlight." Everything came out far better than I expected. I should have known with these three ladies in the room everything would sound great. Like I said, what a day! Tomorrow it's off to The Cedar Beach Blues Festival with The Kerry Kearney Band. It should be a lot of fun. Well it looks like Kerry, Professor Louie and I will be doing a Jefferson Starship show on May 30 at the Shark Bar in Morristown, New Jersey. I had a blast last time we played together, and I'm looking forward to this show. OK, gonna go for now.
Later......Michael
May 15
Howdy. Been in the studio the last few days working on my album. Things are coming along, and I hope to wrap it up in the next two weeks. We'll see, you never know when it comes to studio stuff just how things will work out... There are some cool gigs coming up over the next few weeks like "The Turning Point," "Vet Rock" and The Cedar Beach Festival. On May 22 (my birthday), I'm off to the "The Fur Peace Ranch" to teach -- always a lot of fun. Just got word about another possible gig with "The Jefferson Starship" at the end of the month. We'll see if it pans out. I'll keep ya posted...Back in the Studio today and tomorrow, but I'll keep you up to date on the goings on.
Till then......Michael
May 11
Busy weekend here. Started Friday night with a private party in Long Beach, Long Island with the Kerry Kearney Band. One of Kerry's friends got married and asked us if we would do the honors of being the wedding band. So for a night we became a very unconventional wedding band. Everyone there had a great time. A lot of dancing and merriment was done and had by all. Saturday night it was off to Westhampton to play the Westhampton Performing Arts Center For "The Mother Loving Blues Show." A pre-Mothers Day show. Lucy Bonilla was there with her band along with Frank Latorre and the King Bees with special guests Rod Morgenstein of the Dixie Dregs on drums and Richie Cannata from the Billy Joel Band on sax. Both bands rocked out hard. Frank is not only a killer harp player and singer, but a fabulous artist. Many of his pieces were on display in the theater. I played with The Kerry Kearney Band, and we were joined by Jimmy Fleming on mandolin and fiddle, Vickie Bell, Amy Helm and Alexis Suter on back-up vocals. The band sounded hot. And Alexis brought the house down on her solo number "Alexis's Blues." I did our funky version of "Candy Man" among other songs, and Kerry rocked out like he does so well. It really felt great to be playing music with good friends to people that truly loved what they were hearing. The venue is a beautiful old style 500 seat theater and was sold out. The people running the show were total pros and made the show run as smoothly as possible. I hope to play there again soon. Of course at the end of the night there was a big jam. Everyone left with a smile on their face. More than this you can't ask for. Sunday, Mother's Day, started with my daughter's softball game which they won 13 to 5. Then a trip to The Museum Of Modern Art in Queens to see the Matisse / Picasso exhibit. It was amazing to see all those great paintings in one place. That was followed by a Mother's Day dinner. Needless to say, I'm exhausted. So that's all for now folks. I got to get some rest.
Peace and good night.........Michael
May 8
Hey music lovers. How we doing out there in cyber space? Gearing up here for the weekend. I'll be doing a couple of shows with The Kerry Kearney Band. On Friday night we have a private party and on Saturday night it's the Westhampton Performing Arts Center. Should be fun. I've also been working on my other web site Memphis Pilgrims.com. I just recently got the keys to that one back and have been slowly making some changes. It had been neglected for some time. I'm going to now try to keep it current. This website business is a lot of work; fortunately I have a few people helping me. Check it out if you have a minute. Here's the link memphispilgrims.com. Well that's it for now.
Talk to ya later......Michael
May 5
Busy weekend. The May Fair was a grand success, raised a good amount of money for the school and everyone who stopped by had a great time. I want to thank those of you who read about it on my site and stopped in to say hi. Went to see the Yankees play today. I'd like to say they won, but they didn't. Hell, we had a good time anyway. Going to try to finish up my album in the next two weeks. I'll keep you posted on that. Till then.
.........Michael
May 2
Had a great time last night on WUSB. We were having so much fun both shows ran longer than we expected. People were listening from all over the country on the web, and locally on 90.1 FM. My friend Skip called in from Tampa, Fl. to say hi, a friend of Kerry's called in from Arizona, another friend called in from Atlanta. Great stuff. The two hosts Bill Frey and Chris LaPonta did an outstanding job of keeping it together. It is a small studio, but we managed to squeeze five musicians in there to play. I'm told it sounded real good on the air..... I got to run, I'm off to help set up for "The May Fair," an annual fund-raising event put on by my daughter's school. There are rides, games and a flea market among other things. I'm the musical director and have made up some mix CDs for the occasion. It's held at Grace Church on Tenth St. and Fourth Av. in NY. If you're in the area, stop by, bring the kids and have some fun. It starts at 10:00 AM and goes till 4:00 PM tomorrow ......OK, gotta go.
Later...........Michael
May 1
OK, OK, I've been lax on the Daily Word over the last few days, but I'm back now. I was busy doing my real life day to day stuff. Like going to my kid's softball game, where she went in as a relief pitcher and pitched herself into a bases loaded triple play. First time ever for her school. Pretty exciting. ..... I'm officially ending the longest show contest. Got a lot of entrees, but only one winner. The show was at William Patterson Collage in Wayne, NJ. I know this to be a fact because it was confirmed by the "Knower of all things Tuna" Harvey "The Byrd" Colman. So that's that. It was fun, and thanks for the response. I just got back from the Hipbone Studio where I rehearsed for tonight's radio show on WUSB 90.1 FM Stonybrook. I'll be playing with Professor Louie from 7:00 to 8:00. Then from 8:00 to 9:00 I'll be on with The Kerry Kearney Band. I'm sure it's going to be a blast. Try to tune in if you're in the area. I think it's also on the web. Check it out.
Till tomorrow........Michael
April 28
Had a rocking good time at the Blue Lizard Lounge. And Commack is still a rocking town. It was great fun with some really great people, old friends and Tuna fans. I already got some replies on the longest Tuna show contest. One correct...the rest are wrong. Maybe this will help clear things up. By longest show I mean the boys went on stage and didn't take a set break, but played straight through till the end of the evening. Good luck. I'm a bit wiped out so that's it for now.
Talk to you later on in the week........Michael
April 27
Good morning. Hope everybody is having a great weekend. Today should be interesting. I'm going out to Long Island to play a benefit show for The Long Island Blues Society with The Kerry Kearney Band. It's an afternoon show, and we play at 4:00. I'm sure there'll be a bunch of other bands and performers on the show. I'll give ya the full rundown tomorrow. It's being held at a place called the Blue Lizard Lounge in Commack. Now, as every old school Hot Tuna fan knows, Commack is like the holy land. It was the home of The Commack Arena where Hot Tuna, back in the day, used to hold court and play some of the longest shows ever. The shows are legendary, of course in the tell these shows have grown in hours. One friend remembers a show that was 11 hours. They were long, but not that long. Some say that the longest Tuna show ever took place in Commack, but this is not the case. Does anybody out there know where that show was? I'll send a free CD to the first three people who email me the right answer. Good luck. We'll see how it goes. I'll throw some hints out there as we go, if nobody gets it right. I'm gonna go now, and get ready to leave. The full report will follow.
That's all folks............Michael
April 22
Not much has been going on over the past few days. Just hanging out and working on some new songs. We reloaded the new photos on the photo page. We made the files smaller, so now you can open them. We're learning as we go here at MF Central. We even added some more that are pretty funny. There is one of Jorma and me from back in the early '80s. I think if we both got on a scale together back then we wouldn't weigh what either one of us weighs today. Time changes everything. Now I'm not one for strolling down memory lane, but looking at all those pictures really brought back some great memories.... Well I think Spring is finally here for good, at least I hope it is. I'm looking forward to some great outdoor shows this summer. Next month I'll go out to The Fur Peace Ranch to teach. GE Smith and Jorma are also teaching that weekend so I know it'll be great fun. I'm told that all my classes are sold out for this year, and I want to thank everybody who signed up. We'll have fun, and you too will be playing the blues before you go home. Well, that's it for now. I'm going to try to get into the studio later on in the week and as usual I'll keep you posted.
OK then, that's it for now........Michael
April 20
Happy Easter to all that celebrate it. Friday night I went into the studio with Kerry and we cut a new song, as yet untitled. We decided to cut "Candy Man" with the his band so we'll do that next week. We worked at the Hipbone Studio in Red Hook, Brooklyn. It's a cool little place run by Ray Grappone and Vickie Bell. It's always fun and easy to work there. If you're looking for a studio in Brooklyn, you should check it out. Tell 'em I sent ya. I added some great new photos to the photo page from my personal collection. My favorite is one of me and Jonnie Johnson backstage at the Furthur Festival. I got to play "Kansas City" in Kansas City with him, It doesn't get any better then that. It was one of those great moments for me, like the time I got to play "Little Red Rooster" with Hubert Sumlin and Levon Helm at Tribeca Blues. What a night that was. Well I hope your holiday is filled with peace and love.
Till next time.........Michael
April 17
Finished up jury duty today. So I'm off the hook now for another four years. You have to do your civic duty. It's not fun having somebody's fate in your hands especially when there are gray areas, and there are always gray areas it seems. Well, it's over and that's that. Now it's back to my world. Happy holidays to all my Jewish and Christian friends. Studio got moved to Friday night. So there is nothing to report on that yet. But you'll get the full report when it happens.
OK then.........Michael
April 16
Last few days have been spent doing jury duty so there's not much to report. Did, however, speak to Pete Sears today, and he informed me that he finished his overdubs on my solo project and that he's sending the tapes back my way. Looking forward to hearing him on it. With any luck I'll be finishing that up soon. Tomorrow it's back to jury duty. Thursday night I'm going into the studio with Kerry Kearney to cut a few songs, "Candy Man" being one of them. He and I have worked up a version that we've been playing live for awhile now, and we thought it might be fun to record it. So we're going to give it a go to see if we can capture it on tape. You never know about these things. I'll give you the full report.
For now.......Michael
April 13
I've played a lot of places in my day, but I can't remember playing anywhere as interesting as The Cadieux Cafe. It's a Belgian restaurant that specializes in mussels and features two indoor Feather Bowling lanes (the only two in the country), live music and has been there for 45 years. Strange thing is nobody we know in Detroit ever heard of the place. I guess it's one of those best kept secrets. When we got there at 8:00, the place was packed and it stayed that way till 2:00 in the morning with folks eating mussels, listening to music and Feather Bowling. OK, now I know you're saying what the heck is Feather Bowling? So before I tell you about the show, let tell you what I found out about Feather Bowling. The game originally was a Belgian pastime akin to horseshoes or the Italian game of Bocci. The lanes are 60-feet long and at either end there is a small pigeon feather (you can barely see it). The lanes are made of some kind of clay-dirt combo and are sort of half round. My friend Eugene Hoffman tells me it's called half piped. There are 12 wooden balls, six per team (six red and six green), well they're more like small fat wheels six inches from top to bottom and four inches wide. They kind of look like cheese wheels. The common strategy, so I'm told, is to place three wheels as close to the feather as you can then use the remaining wheels to block your opponent from having a path to the feather. Well, that's more or less it. I'm sure there is more to it than that, but for now that will have to suffice because it's all I know. Now you too know about Feather Bowling, and when it comes up in some trivia game you'll really be able to impress your friends. Now about the show. My friend M. L. Liebler opened the show with his band The Magic Poetry Band. They are kind of a jazz, rock and roll blues band. M. L. is a Detroit poet, and he recites his poems while the band jams behind him. It was a really cool sound. We took the stage at about 10:00 and played two sets. It was a mix of our stuff, some covers and any requests that the crowd shouted out...and there were many. The band sounded good, and we had a great time. When we were done Louie and I, of course, Feather Bowled. I'm already looking forward to playing there again. After the game and some goodbyes, it was back on the bus for the long drive back to Woodstock. The ride was not any shorter going back.
Feather Bowlers unite.......Michael
April 11
Well, after a two-hour drive up north to Woodstock to meet the gang and get on the bus for the 15-hour drive to Ann Arbor, we arrived safe and sound. This morning at 11:00 we went over to the studio to record the Acoustic Cafe radio show. We played five songs from the Flying High CD one of which was my song "Last Train Out". All of the songs sounded great in the playback. As soon as I know when and where the show will air, I'll let you know. After the show, we went into town to get a bite to eat and check out the local music stores. It was a sunny but crisp day, and it felt great to be out and walking around after the 15-hour drive. Tomorrow we're off to Detroit to play Club Cadieux. Don't know much about this place so I'll give you the low down after the show.
Till then ........Michael
April 8
So much for spring. Winter's back big time. I can't remember it ever snowing this late in April. Well, soon spring will be here. Later in the week I'm off to the Midwest to do the Acoustic Cafe radio show and a show in Detroit on Friday night, followed by two weeks of jury duty. That should be fun. Well, you got to do what you got to do. So that's it for now. I'll report on the trip when I return.
Till then......Michael
April 6
Finished up the mastering of the Marjorie Thompson album Add Some More on Friday, and it sounds great. Saturday night I played a wonderful party for Chris Collins. It was his 40th birthday, and his wife invited about 150 of his closest friends to celebrate with him. A good time was had by all. I did the show with Professor Louie and The Crowmatix, and Tom "Bones" Malone of The David Letterman Band joined us on trombone and sax for the evening. The band sounded great with him. The trombone is such a cool sounding instrument. There is nothing else like it. It looked like Chris had a really fun time, dancing and singing along to the songs, and his friends were right there with him. Everybody had smiles on their faces all night long. So one more time Chris, happy birthday and keep on rockin'. Now I have to get some rest because today is a really big day -- it's opening day of my daughter's softball season. You know I want to be well rested to cheer her on from the bleachers.
Got to go catch some zzzzzzz .....Michael
April 3
Well I'm back from the trip out west. I haven't been out to LA in awhile, and it was fun to see some old friends and play at The House of Blues again. Johnny Ciao did his cooking thing while playing blues harp, and we backed him up on some funky grooves. It was a blast all in all and, of course, the food was great. I've flown a couple of times internationally since 9/11, but this was the first time I've flown in this country. Things have definitely changed although I guess that's just the way it has to be. Tomorrow it's back to work on the Full Moon project, finish up the Marjorie Thompson album and a private party on Saturday night. It's going to be hectic. But hey, it's all good.
In the words of my friend Jorma: More will be revealed.......Michael
March 29
Busy couple of days. Spent Thursday in the studio making dubs for Pete Sears to play on. Then Friday I went up to Fall River, MA (where was I told by my friend Kerry Kearny, is the home of the legendary Lizzie Bourden) to play a gig at the "Narrows Center For The Arts" with Professor Louie and the Crowmatix. It's a fun place to play for some really nice folks. Played there three or four times now. Marjorie Thompson opened the show and did great. I've been producing her new album called "Add Some More" which I'll be finishing up when I return from L.A., where I'll be going for a few days to play the House of Blues with Johnny Ciao Blues Buffet. He's a blues-playing chef who does a series of shows around the country in various places. It should be a gas. Some cool people will be sitting in with us. I hear that the great guitarist Skunk Baxter of the Doobie Brothers will be setting in, among others. I'm looking forward to that. I'm a big fan of his playing. I'll give you the full report when I return.
Talk to ya then.....Michael
March 26
Long day in the studio yesterday, but we got a lot of work done. I haven't fully shaken this cold yet, although I'm working on it. Finished all the pre-mixing. Now it's on to a few overdubs followed by the final mixing. I really love this project because it is so spontaneous -- just a bunch of friends getting together and playing some music. Some of the songs were even written on the spot. I love when that happens. It's like a little gift from God. We'll have to see where it leads us. One thing thing I've learned is you just never know.
Talk to ya later....Michael
March 25
Back in New York now -- a little tired and jet lagged. Had a blast down in Atlanta with the Dunhams. Maria and Jeff were great. They have a fantastic radio show on Z93 and know how to host a fun party, which they do every Sunday at Jake's Roadhouse. We played two sets of music: one live on the air and one just for fun. It's amazing that they can still do a show like this in the age of corporate run radio. We were on the air for an hour from 11:00 to 12:00 then they had the Grateful Dead Hour, followed by Hippie Bingo. It was a gas. I didn't win, but had a great time. Back in the studio today, and I'll give you an up date on that tomorrow.
OK for now...Michael
March 21
Rehearsed with Professor Louie last night up in Woodstock. He has a recording studio there. It's a great place to kick back and just play some music, and not have to think about all else that's going on. He and I, along with Miss Marie, will be playing an acoustic show at Jake's Roadhouse down in Atlanta for Z93 radio on Sunday the 23rd. We got a really cool set list together for the show, so I'm looking forward to it. We'll be trying out some new stuff, which is always fun. If you're in Atlanta, stop by. You can get more info about the show at my Tour Dates page. Hope to see you there.
OK, Talk to ya later. Michael
March 20
Been in the studio for the last two days working on the Full Moon project. When I came out tonight, I noticed it was really quiet on the street. When I got home I found out that the war had begun. Now that it's under way, we can only pray that it ends quickly and that all the men and women in the Armed Forces and the people of Iraq can go back to there homes soon, and live in peace.
Michael
March 18
Spent the day in my home studio yesterday, with my old friend and master editor/engineer Jon Smith. I've worked on many Hot Tuna and Jorma albums with Jon. He helped me with Hot Tuna Live in Japan, Too Many Years and Jorma Kaukonen Trio Live among others. He'll be doing all the editing for The Full Moon Traveling Medicine Show Project. It's really great to be working with him again. I'll keep you up to date on the progress as we go.
That's all for now, Talk to ya later. Michael
March 17
Pretty much a low key weekend. Had a bit of a cold so I just laid low and rested up. Busy week coming up, I'll be back in the studio, and later on in the week I'll be going down to Atlanta to do a show with Professor Louie. I'll keep you posted.
That's all for now, Talk to ya later. Michael
March 14
Busy day ahead, I'll be transferring all the different formatted tapes for The Full Moon project into pro-tools. Right now they're on three different formats, Tascam d88, Adats, and dats. Oh yea one song is on cassette. Four formats. I long for the days when we used tape, Big fat analog tape.
Ok, gotta go. Talk to ya later. Michael
March 13
Welcome to my new website. This technological stuff is really something. Pluck your money down, buy a program, install it and you too have a website. Well, it wasn't quite that easy, but it wasn't that hard either. As the commercial says, you got ta, Just do it. Then jump in the water and start swimming. I'm gonna try to have it updated regularly, and I will be writing a little bit here each day to keep you posted on what's going on in my world.
Last night I was in the studio cutting some guitar tracks for a new project I'm working on called "Michael Falzarano and The Full Moon Traveling Medicine Show." It's an acoustic thing that features Kerry Kearney, Jimmy Fleming and Professor Louie, among others. Pete Sears said he'll put some piano down on it, and I'm really looking forward to hearing him on the stuff. You never know who might wind up on it; it's one of those projects that just seems to grow on its own.
Ok then...that's all for now. Michael