//  Reviews of Nanci's UK radio appearance and the latest Newport
//  festival concert.  Also, the album tournament, a parody, and a
//  rare collectible.  - MF

From: MreenParr@aol.com                                           
Subject: Re: Nanci on radio today                                    

Andrew wrote:

(( Anybody catch Nanci on BBC Radio 2 in the UK today (19th) at
 3:30pm? I think it was some kind of live link with Nashville, but I
 was out and missed it ))

Yes, it was excellent.  It was the Johnny Walker show, live from Nashville to
mark the start of BBC Radio 2's Country Week (to coincide with the CMA awards
on Wednesday/Thursday).  Walker talked to The Mavericks and BR5-49, to Allison
Moorer ('The Horse Whisperer' sound track) and others.

I thought the best segment was the few minutes with Nanci.  She sounded
relaxed and in great form.  I don't think I've ever heard her interviewed
before, actually.  When she talks on stage she often comes across, to me, as
someone with quite a lot of anger and/or quite 'high' in performance.  But she
sounded so ordinary today (that's meant to be a compliment!) laughing and
sounding really good and as though she was enjoying life.  She answered JW's
questions about OV2.  She said this was the end of the saga; there wouldn't be
an OV3.  She's said everything she wants to say about her folk influences.

Johnny Walker played the track 'You were on my mind' from OV2.  He asked her
about why she had left West Texas to go live in Franklin and she explained
that, as a writer, she needed to be near a music centre, either LA or NY or
N/ville.  And Tennessee was the most similar to her West Texas home out of
those three.  She didn't make any mention of her difficulties with Texas
critics or whatever.

Walker didn't ask about her illness, not did he mention her proposed British
dates later this year.

Then she sang, live, 'Who knows where the time goes?'  It was wonderful. She
said she'd first heard this song when she was about 12.  After rock and roll
and Buddy Holly etc, she suddenly heard this voice on the radio one night,
like a big velvet cloak that you could wrap yourself up in and feel safe (I
think I've quoted that more-or-less accurately).  A lovely description of
Sandy Denny.

I was very reassured.  I belong to the camp who is worried about some of
Nanci's recent performances, recordings etc, but today she really did sound on
good form.

Maureen Parr,
London

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From: Bill Page (bpage@scctel.com>                                
Subject: nanci's book                                                

Debbie in Phoenix asked:
>Hi everyone. I feel a little embarassed, but I don't know anything about this
>Nanci book you all are talking about. Where do you get it?

Well, you can get it at Borders, or through Amazon.com, or probably any
book store you wish. I saw it in Borders last night...
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: DLMTX@aol.com                                               
Subject: Re: Nanci in Concord, CA                                    

I've wanted to go to the Newport Folk Festival form many years... and
yesterday, wonder of wonders... it came to me!  Well, sort of.. I drove a 3
hour trip each way, but that's nothing for something I always wanted, all my
life!

I was pleased to see the NanciNetters congregating in the front row before the
show.  Hello again to Bill and Sue Peete who always grin as if they have spent
the summer following Nanci Concerts around (oh yeah, they have).  I met John
Hodges who was kind enough to join me in seats very close to the stage, where
we got a good blast from the speakers for several hours and got to see Joan
Baez walk by us before the show.  Pleased-to-meetcha's also to Pang and to
Susan Krauss who both sent me concert info and to Tom, husband of a
NanciNetter who saw my NanciNet tee shirt and stopped to say hi.

We had some wonderful music which began with a band called the Rhythm
Collective playing some Jamaican-sounding drum music complete with a chorus
line of dancing girls.  One of the dancing girls joining them was Joan Baez
herself!  Her son Gabe was part of this Berkeley band and in her own set
later,she introduced him, and her mother,  prior to singing " An Honest
Lullabye".  Nanci joined Joan at the end of Joan's set for "Don't Think
Twice".  During this song Nanci  sat at the congas and soloed on one stanza,
and Joan finished by doing a Dylan impression on the final one. The audience
loved that especially when the ever-present stage mascot, an oblivious
(possibly deaf?) dog named Whiskey, joined them at the end.

Other artists in the show got us cranked up for the final act, which of course
was Nanci.  I was introduced to some music I hadn't yet heard like Violent
Femmes who had the crowd on their feet and dancing, and old friends like
Beausoleil, who couldn't quite achieve that feat, good as they were: it was
still too early for dancing in the aisles.  John Hyat was wonderful with his
backup band "Paris Queens, or what is left of them" and then , finally at
10:25 we got our Nanci for 35 minutes of bliss.

She opened with "These Days Are An Open Book" in which she had a few places
where she either dropped a line or swallowed it. I was wondering if she might
not have voice troubles, because something similar happened  on the next song
" Wall of Death"  It was something maybe only a careful listener with
familiarity of the song from perfect recordings might have noticed.

  I stopped worrying after that because she dived in strong and sure with
"Three Flights Up" with Frank Christian  onstage with the Blue Moon Orchestra
to sing his song with them.  Nina Gerber joined the crowd as Nanci introduced
her as Kate Wolf's guitarist and said the song was what started her interest
in modern folk music, then singing a beautiful "Across The Great Divide" which
makes me think of mortality instead of mountains nowadays. Then Nina switched
guitars and they did "Hard Life" complete with Nanci's introduction about her
101 year-old grandmother.  Bela Fleck joined them all for a rousing version of
"Southbound Plane" and the shortened set ended with her heartfelt "Hammer
Song" .

Nanci looked thin and fragile as she always does, but I can imagine that a
person who shares her stage with others so generously and who includes so many
on her recordings is enjoying the tour and the folks who make music are
energizing her.

The Concord Pavilian was tightly secured before the show.  I was told I
couldn't bring in my lawn chair because it had a metal frame and it might be
used as a weapon...they searched our bags and my 3 inch sewing scissors had to
be approved by a supervisor.  I guess no one told them.... it's FOLK music!

Deb " armed and dangerous" Meyer

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: John Hodges (jqhodges@uclink4.berkeley.edu>                 
Subject: Re: Re: Nanci in Concord, CA                                

Thanks to Deb for posting the Newport review (probably before i even woke
up today!).  It was a great day of music and sun.  The bay area weather
cooperated and provided an excellent day for an outdoor show.

And i think our seats put me closer to Nanci than i've ever been.  It was
fascinating to be so close to the stage and to see Joan Baez wandering by.
Her voice is amazing and still so pure.  Sublime.  Joan was probably the
highlight of the festival for me, tied with Wilco's set.

One moment i will never forget was Bela Fleck on banjo during the Violent
Femmes' first song.  I didn't realize it was even the Femmes,  having never
seen them live (no stage intro was given).  It was certainly a flashback to
my teen years to hear blister in the sun, add it up, etc.  but at a folk
show?!? this world never ceases to amaze me.

The attendance, like previous stops, was somewhat sparse.  But that allowed
us to upgrade our lawn seats to first row (on the side) seats.

I couldn't have asked for a better day of sun, music, and good company
(although i was on constant vigil for Deb to flip out and attack someone
with those sewing scissors.  Why they let her smuggle them in, i'll never
know.  Do we have to allow weapons in every facet of modern life?!?   :-)

John Hodges
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Susan Krauss (skrauss@hooked.net>                           
Subject: Re: Nanci in Concord, CA                                

Just a few additions and corrections to Deb Meyer's Newport @ Concord
report (now that I'm moved and my computer is back up and running)....

Rhythm Collective plays music based on West African rhythms....John Hiatt's
band is called the "Nashville Queens."

I was sorry that Nanci could only play for about one half hour.  The
Concord Pavilion has a strict curfew.  She was scheduled for 45 minutes (so
was John Hiatt for that matter).  They cancelled the second stage because
they didn't sell enough tickets to justify it.  So we had music from 3PM to
11PM. I'm told by my friend Janean who also attended the Jones Beach show,
that Concord was much better - they had half hour set up waits between
bands and Concord's were much shorter.  I loved seeing Marc Cohn live for
the first time though I think his voice is a night time voice - he really
belongs singing in the dark not in the bright sunlight.

Nanci looked tired and while her voice was not as strong as I've heard it
on other occasions, her spirit was wonderful.

While waiting in line this morning for Mary Chapin Carpenter tickets
(w/Catie Curtis opening), I talked the man behind me who was also at the
show.  He commented that he loved Nanci but she didn't look great - he had
not heard of her recent illnesses.   But I'm not complaining.

I think the voice dropping out was not Nanci's voice but the sound.  The
sound quality varied from act to act and sometimes within an act (Joan
Baez's sound got much better after "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" for instance).
 I do think Nanci was reading the lyrics for "Wall of Death" - she looked
down after each phrase - and it may be that she wasn't back up to the mic
when she started singing again.

It was great to meet Deb and John Hodges and see my old pals Bill & Sue (I
do have a present for you) and Pang.

Back to catching up on email.

susan

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From: Petop@aol.com                                               
Subject: Quarterfinal results                                        

The big surprise this time around is that there were no close votes. Here are
the results

One Fair Summer Evening 46 (59%)
The Last of the True Believers 32 (41%)

Flyer 48 (61.5%)
Once in a Very Blue Moon 30  (38.5%)

Other Voices Other Rooms 51 (65.4%)
Little Love Affairs 27 (34.6%)

Lone Star State of Mind 51 (65.4%)
The MCA Years: A Retrospective 27 (34.6%)

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Petop@aol.com                                               
Subject: Album semifinals                                            

Tighten your belts. Here it goes. Vote for one in each matchup. Results must
be in by midnight, central time, Thursday, Sept. 24

One Fair Summer Evening vs. Flyer

Other Voices Other Rooms vs Lone Star State of Mind


//  Send votes to Petop@aol.com, as always.  - MF 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: KSandersn@aol.com                                           
Subject: 'nuther parody                                              

Hey, y'all.

Recently, while on a road trip, and far, far from home, I decided to eschew
the interstate in favor of a smaller highway in hopes of getting a better view
of the local scenery. It was a good move, up until the point I became afraid
that I was about to be stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Making this up helped to keep me from breaking out into hives:

(To the tune of "Once in a Very Blue Moon.")

This lonely road is beautiful and serene
A lovely way to view New England scenes
With service stations few and far in between
Just once, in a very blue moon
Just once in a very blue moon
Just once, in a very blue moon
God, I hope one's comin' up soon.

I'm getting antsy, I'm beginning to freak
Here all alone with the gas guage on "E"
Where in the world do these folks buy gasoline?
Just once, in a very blue moon
Just once in a very blue moon
Just once, in a very blue moon
God, I hope some's comin' up soon.

Where's a BP? Help me! Oh, I'd gladly settle for one precious view
Of a public *something* with a phone and a ladies' room...

One hundred miles of all this quaintness is great
Backroads are special for those who relate
Next time I'm sticking to the interstate
Just once, in a very blue moon
Just once in a very blue moon
Just once, in a very blue moon
Surely someone's onto this boon
I'm sure I'll see octane ad's soon
(one more time)
Just once in a very blue moon.

sheepishly,
Kelly "whose three favorite Nanci albums failed to make the semifinals"
Sanderson

_________________________________________________________________

From: John Edward Graveling (kai21@dial.pipex.com>
Subject: Nanci Radio interview

On Saturday Nanci gave a wonderful interview on BBC radio. It was at the 
start of their country week of programmes, culminating in the CMA Awards 
broadcast on Wednesday night. She explained the reasons behind the two 
Other Voices Cd's and said they had achieved everything she had set out 
to do, which was:
1. To hand the music of the folkies down to a new/younger generation.
2. To bring the writers to the notice of the 'mainstream' listening 
public.
3. To give the younger artists involved (i.e. Matthew Ryan) the chance to 
play, in the studio, with their heroes (e.g. Dave Van Ronk)
She said there would be no more Other Voices records, this was the end of 
that particular line. Throughout the interview she was incredibly upbeat 
and she finished with an awesome solo/acoustic version of "Who Knows 
Where The Time Goes" and I've got it on tape!!!
If anyone has the chance to hear the interview you should grab the 
chance, her enthusiasm and commitment to her music is total and she was 
using the opportunity, through Other Voices, to bring a wholly neglected 
set of artists to the forefront.
I've met Nanci once, on the 17th May 1993, at the Stage door, after a 
show here in England. She was chatting to a handful of fans when I 
strolled up in my Franklin,Tn T shirt, she saw me and signed her name and 
"Go Home To Dotson's" on the arm. Dotson's is a small diner at one end of 
Main St. in Franklin (not too many blocks from her home --- but I ain't 
giving out her address, I know how she protects her privacy, and I will 
always honour that). She is always warm and charming with her fans here 
in England, and you will find it hard to raise any criticism of her from 
these quarters. It was interesting that an interview with the Mavericks 
followed Nanci, and they pointed out that they would rather tour here in 
England than back home in the USA, as they feel appreciated here. It's 
interesting that their latest CD has sold 500,000 here and is the 3rd 
biggest seller of the year, to date. Likewise Nanci seems to love it 
here, and it shows in her attitude, she can sell 25,000 seats in London, 
and I believe I'm correct in saying that all her records have sold at 
least 100,000 here in the UK.
We'll all be looking forward to her shows here in November and I'm sure 
she'll get her usual rapturous welcome.

John Graveling.

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Ann Tyas (ann@awnpb.demon.co.uk>
Subject: Nanci's BBC interview-Sat 16/9/98

Having made complex arrangements to tape the Radio 2 interview today I
made one mistake which resulted in no recording.
Imagine my feelings when I came in later. 
Is there anyone out there who could let me have a copy, p l e e e s e?
Ann Tyas

_________________________________________________________________

From: hr ziegler (henryruth@yahoo.com>                            
Subject: Good Tunes and Sweet Voices                                 

Since I have limited access to a computer, I feel like my news is
"old" news, but anyway... I have been blessed with a UK copy of The
Best of Nanci..and just love the songs "Tumble and Fall" and "The Road
to Aberdeen." It looks as though Tumble and Fall was written around
the time of LNGH and I wonder why it wasn't released on the CD. It
would certainly fit in well. It's such a fun song to sing along with.
I put the intro and first verse on my answering machine message.
In preparation for my trip to Dublin to see Nanci in November, I went
to see the Irish-American band Solas in Lexington, KY last week. Has
anyone else out there seen them perform? What a wonderful, energetic,
fun band. Although I loved the band as a whole, I was floored by the
beautiful, sweet voice of their singer, Karan Casey. I bought her CD
"Songlines" at the show and haven't stopped playing the darn thing.
Karan and Solas' CDs can be found on the Shanachie label.
Also, does anyone know what happened to the Nanci Grifith Song Index
on the internet? I can't access it anymore.
On A Fair Summer Evening,
Susan c/o henryruth@yahoo.com

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: barthel (barthel@ionet.net>                                 
Subject: The Gulf Coast Highway Web Page                             

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has any news about Nanci's personal web page,
which has been offline for updates for some time.  I have been wondering
what kind of changes the page is going through, and I have been hopeful
that there will be more of her fiction available when the page is back up.

Anyone know?

Thanks,

Nanci  (Barthel)
in Oklahoma
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Ed Maier (eddie@flash.net>                                  
Subject: For Cory Sipper fans                                        

If you like the folk music of Cory Sipper, you are invited to join the
listserv for her fans. Go to

http://www.onelist.com/

on the left click on    Find a list

then click on           Music

then click on           Folk

click on                corysipper

and click on            subscribe to this list

and follow the registration instructions.

Thanks,

Ed Maier

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From: Mike Chesman (chesman@preferred.com>                        
Subject: Jeanie Stahl LPs                                            

Hi NNetters,

    I came across a few sealed copies of Jeanie Stahl's LP from 1987 ALL
GROWN UP on Daring Records.  I'm keeping one but have two to sell or trade.
These are still sealed but cut-outs (i.e. they have a small hole drilled
through the album jacket).  On the album she performs the song "Simple
Life".  This was written by Nanci Griffith and copyrighted 1986...  To my
knowledge Nanci has never recorded the song so this is the only way to hear
it.  Contact me at my e-mail address if you're interested in one of these.

Mike

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: "Joanne T. Crotts" (jtarpley@uog9.uog.edu>                  
Subject: Eric Taylor in Concert                                      

Eric Taylor will be playing a house concert here in Columbia, SC on
Wednesday Sept. 23 at 8pm.  He'll be joined by Denice Franke.  Tickets are
$10.00.  Space is limited to about 35-40 people.  you can call
803-256-8751 to make a reservation.

jtc

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Questions about NanciNet?  Send e-mail to ferg@world.std.com