// Sorry to be delayed...life got in the way. 
// More discussion of the Pittsburgh concert, and more lists, 
// and more. Enjoy...[BP]

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: Re: NN: Nanci's Pittsburgh Concert
   Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 11:18:56 -0800 (PST)
   From: John Houser (jchouser@yahoo.com>

> She played a new song, called 
> "Midnight In Missoula," which she 
> dedicated to her
> goddaughter Julia.

During her Barnes and Noble chat, Nanci indicated
working on a new album of new material - any inkling
from anyone this is one of the songs (this is post #2
at least saying how great this song is)...

> She also mentioned that soon
> on her own website we 
> would be able to order these scarves,
> with the
> profits going to these 
> courageous Cambodian women.

Wow. I'll have to do some digging around, these would
make wonderful late Christmas presents, and, once
again, Nanci shows that she does more than just write
fabulous music...

Well, I haven't finished cuppa Joe #1 yet, so got to
go, Happy Holidays out there everyone...

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: NN: top 10
   Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 13:53:45 -0600
   From: Jackie Burger (jburger@cyclesoftware.com>

In order:

1. Mirrorball - Sarah McLachlan
2. Dust Bowl Symphony - NG
3. Come On Now Social - Indigo Girls
4. Fly - Dixie Chicks
5. By 7:30 - Vonda Shepherd
6. Live in Concert - Natalie Merchant
7. Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie - Alanis
8. Breakdown - Melissa Etheridge
9. Party Doll - MCC
10.Live in Central Park - Sheryl Crow

Not too much original material here either...it was quite a year for me and
concerts - I was lucky enough to see 7 of these 10 selections live this
year and I guess those experiences have really stayed with me.
(Highlight: Indigo Girls from the 3rd row in the pit 2 weeks ago. I have
always enjoyed Emily's music, lyrics, and voice but being this close 
allowed me to gain a new appreciation for her guitar playing - my friend
and I deemed her "The Goddess" that evening!)

Anybody from the St. Louis area? I am going down there to work for 5 months
and wonder if anyone can tell me the sights and experiences I just 
shouldn't miss.

Best of the season to all...

j. burger
mpls.
"put this silence in my heart in a better place"

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: NN: Re: Bright Morning Stars
   Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 16:39:55 -0500
   From: Shawn Kimbro (kimbro@planetc.com>

Hi Folks --

It doesn't look like I'm going to get around to personally thanking each
of you who sent cards and messages after the death of my father. Still,
I want to tell you how they touched me and how much comfort I found in
your kind words.  It know it isn't sufficient, but from my heart, 
Thank You.

-Shawn
----

Sunday Morning Rain
Shawn Kimbro

You left on a Saturday
Afternoon like any other day
I didn't think that things could change
So soon last night as I walked by the river
I watched the reflections 
Of a hundred falling stars

Spell out your name
But I'm up at dawn today
And the sky has turned so gray
It's as if even the clouds
Know a part of my heart
Has been carried away
In the Sunday morning rain

In the Sunday morning rain
Knowing things will never again
Be the same
Hiding my eyes from all the pain
And the clouds that fill my heart
In the Sunday morning rain

We'll get along we'll be fine
I know that's how you wanted it
And the sun again will shine
But today while it's gray I feel so afraid  
And these tears in my eyes keep falling
Like the Sunday morning rain

In the Sunday morning rain
Knowing things will never again be the same
Hiding my face from all the pain
And the stars that fall like tears
In the Sunday morning rain

Copyright © 1999 Shawn Kimbro

// oh, my...[BP]
_________________________________________________________________


Subject: Re: NN: Re: Bright Morning Stars
   Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 12:13:22 EST
   From: RonHennesy@aol.com

Hello Shawn,

My sympathies for the loss of you father.

My guess is you've set your beautiful and moving falling star poem to music: 
say for voice and guitar.  I'd be very interested in hearing your song at you 
WEB site, and I bet other NN fans would also like to hear it.

Best wishes,

Ron Hennessy

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: Re: NN: Re: Bright Morning Stars
   Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 12:23:59 EST
   From: Brimpls@aol.com

Dear Shawn,

I also found your poem or lyrics very moving, and my heart goes out to you 
and your family at this holiday time. The holidays are very bittersweet when 
we are grieving.

Thank you for sharing it with us all. We are connected through our love for 
Nanci's words and music, after all, and I think it's wonderful that you 
shared yours with us.

Sabrina in Mpls.

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: NN: Oakland concert
   Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 12:07:28 -0700
   From: "Mark D. Gardner" (markdgardner@mindspring.com>

Great review!

>There was a wistfulness about Griffith, too, as she dipped into her catalog
>to play songs inspired by the holidays. "Brave Companion of the Road"
>rang out with hope, while a new song about Griffith's goddaughter again
>emphasized her deep connections with family and friends.

I'm thrilled to hear she's performing this, one of her most wistful, poignant, 
and melodically thrilling songs. And I'm dying to know what she's doing
to make it ring out with hope!

>Griffith turned up the energy of the concert, though, especially with her
>rocking version of "Outbound Plane." The song even included chord
>progressions from the Who's "Baba O'Riley" in its smashing coda.

Wow!! This could be accidental, but then again...I hope it isn't!

Mark Gardner
Louisville CO

"There is nothing more agreeable, more pleasantly summery, than to
stroll along railroad tracks in a new shirt." - Bill Bryson

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: NN: Random Thoughts and Grafton Street
   Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 02:13:47 EST
   From: VickiStein@aol.com

"Flyer" is now playing here (though the Drovers are in town, and I'd love to 
be there, dancing and singing with my pals, but priorities have dictated the 
course of my Saturday, which has transitioned into the infant hours of 
Sunday), and I'm in a "Grafton Street," kind of pondering, mood. 
Thinking of "fools who've drowned in their fountains of youth"....and those
"Saturday nights far from the madding crowd." 

Tilted tree and all, I am more ready than ever for the Christmas Holiday this 
year.   Presents purchased, home hallelujahed, candles glowing, candies and 
cookies created in the confines of my humble kitchen, even prepared the 
chicken tettrazini for tomorrow's family party! In spite of all of it, from 
the winter wheat to the advent wreath, my favorite part of the holidays was, 
is, and always will be the music.  How I miss not singing sacred music in a 
choir!    

And as I watched the PBS Lawrence Welk Christmas Special (reminds me of 
hugging my sweet grandma who smelled of canned heat from the old-style press 
iron and Boston Brown Bread and of my stern grandpa with a warm smile who 
stank of cigar smoke and hated bubblegum), and as I have listened 
(sporadically, I must admit) to Christmas music, from dulcimer instrumentals 
to Vince Gill to Kathleen Battle, the song that rings closest to true in my 
heart this year is "Grafton Street."    

"You're the one thing I never thought
I could live without
And I just found this smile to think about you...."

What a gift!  The smile that comes from the result of a loss, despite the 
"elbows that push us 'round."    

Nanci warms my heart this Christmas....."The Christmas Song (Chestnuts 
roasting on an open fire)" is great, but life ain't always like that.
Nanci sings to reality.  

Vicki (waiting for the church bells to ring for holy hour) Stein

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: NN: ACL
   Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 10:28:04 EST
   From: Tricia9999@aol.com

Last night one of our local PBS stations showed the Townes Van Zandt (1998) 
tribute on Austin City Limits, so keep an eye open in your area. 
Nanci and James sang Tecumseh Valley. The stage was filled with folks. Good
show.

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season,
Tricia
Berkeley, CA

_________________________________________________________________


   Subject: Re: NN: Nanci in Pittsburgh
      Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 23:13:04 -0500
      From: kenn lippert (lippert@fyi.net>

>So, what was your opinion of the show? Sounds like it was a good one. I'm
>curious if you liked it better than the South Park concert. That was
>definitely one of my favorites of 99. (the best of the Nanci ones for sure)

Steve,

It was simply magic.  I just didn't have it in me to write any kind 
of review (I didn't even keep a set list).  Emotionally, this one may
have been a bit deeper because of the added impact of the charities 
involved (local child abuse prevention agencies).  Nanci introduced 
"It's a Hard Life" by describing hatred (passing it on to our 
children) as a form of abuse, and as a disease that can be eradicated
in one generation.  Musically they were about even.  "Drops from the 
Faucet" was mesmerizing.  When she began just the first two notes of 
"Love at the Five and Dime" the entire theater fell into a hushed 
silence of anticipation.  Again she had my eyes "singing" along with 
her and spilling their  "songs" on my cheeks.

The show opened with Dar Williams, and if the loudy-singing-along, 
shrieking, teen-aged fan behind me was any indication, I guess Dar's 
set was well received.  Her style of singing, playing, and penchant 
for squeezing as many words as possible into each and every bar of 
music just doesn't reach me.  (Sorry Inga).  She was funny and 
entertaining though.

Lisa (Rocalittl@aol.com) already did a wonderful job of capturing 
most of the evening.  I was very impressed to hear of Nanci getting 
involved in the Landmine Free World organization.  I know she will be
a tireless, effective activist.  Who can resist that West Texas
charm?

She was warmly received by the soldout (and not very many no-shows) 
audience despite my impression that not all were hard core Nanci 
fans.  I did have to educate  one well dressed couple in the foyer 
about the identity of one James Hooker (they saw his Christmas tape 
for sale).  Some of the folks that splurged for the $75 gold circle 
tickets didn't even know that they were being given invitations to a 
reception after the concert with the musicians (but as Lisa related, 
I don't know if Nanci participated or not.)  Sitting just one row 
behind the gold circle, I was tempted to say to a few people "well if
you really don't care about meeting Nanci....".

I cannot recount many musical highlights of the evening, there were 
too many.  But a few things  stick in my mind. Lee *really* seemed to
get into her harmonies in "Outbound Plane".  She was throwing her 
head back and letting loose.  As always I found my falsetto softly 
singing along with her.  She is such a unimposing but powerful 
addition to the BMO.  But lest she get a big head, I saw when she 
started playing along on one song (forget which one now) with her 
mandolin capoed up a fret or two.  After a moment, she made a funny 
face, quietly slipped the capo into the waistband of her skirt, and 
continued playing. Been there, done that (well not in a skirt of 
course).

So all in all, my seat was better back in May, but the acoustics were
better in the Carnegie Music Hall.  She was witty, charming, and 
delightful both nights, and I think she won over many new fans in the
intimate confines of the Hall, but of course last May I met, talked 
to her, and she signed my guitar.

Might as well ask which of my children I love more.

Happy Holidays to You and Yours, and Best Wishes for the Last Year of
this Millennium,
kenn

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: NN: pitt. concert
   Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 07:16:49 EST
   From: Scaryxxx@aol.com

I've been hoping to see something about the pittsburg concert,did anyone 
attend and can we get a set list,thanks gary

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: Re: NN: pitt. concert
   Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 10:19:21 -0500 (EST)
   From: Kenn Lippert (lippert@fyi.net>

Well as I said before, I didn't keep a set list but I'll do what I can
from memory. Other than the first and last songs, nothing else is
neccessarily in order.

Across the Great Divide
Speed of the Sound of Loneliness
These Days are an Open Book
Flyer ("I get more letters from PittsburgH about this song.")
Grafton Street
Love at the Five and Dime (As soon as she played that first "ding", you
could've heard a piece of popcorn drop into a wad of bubble gum stuck to
the bottom of a leather soled shoe)
Outbound Plane (Lee was rockin')
This Heart (I prefer the powder blue Strat)
Drops From the Faucet (who could ever stand Nanci up?)
Brave Companion of the Road
Well Alright
Gulf Coast Highway (Mr Hooker, as charming as ever)
Mazzula Midnight (?? Lullaby for her goddaughter)
Tell Me How (Buddy Holly song)
Trouble in the Fields 
It's a Hard Life (wow)
Wing and the Wheel 

I know I am forgetting a bunch, help me out Lisa.  She sang for almost 105
minutes.

kenn "I miss her already" lippert

_________________________________________________________________


   Subject: Re: NN: pitt. concert
      Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 04:39:13 -0800
      From: "John Houser" (jchouser@earthlink.net>

> Flyer ("I get more letters from PittsburgH about this song.")

Did she tell more to the story? Then again, maybe I don't want to
know, the song - and the CD - are high on the favorites list...

> Drops From the Faucet (who could ever stand Nanci up)

My sentiments exactly! - those guys should turn in their guy cards if
they stand somone like Nanci up, especially on New Year's...

Reminds me, I saw this in the LA Times a day or 2 back (and as I
write this, its about 4AM, couldn't sleep, maybe this article's the cause? 
Beware out there if you are in the same boat as me and don't yet have a 
date):

http://www.latimes.com/news/state/updates/lat_date991218.htm

Initially, thought this article was kind of comforting, others having
similar feelings about finding the right person, hmmm, maybe that's why I
like Nanci's music so much...

Well, could be the last post of the year, so Happiest Holidays out there,
stay safe, and, in case of Y2K meltdown, have enough power to keep the Nanci
CD's running at least ( I am almost comforted in the knowledge that I'm
spending New Year's with several professors in a fairly quiet beachfront
local - can't be much better prepared if we ned to do a Gilligan's island
thing - but, then again, almost all of our efforts to date in making
survival equipment from coconuts and palm leaves have not turned out
well)...

OK, the body is ready for bed again, but how about a tired attempt at a
thought for a thread - most appropriate music for this particular millienium
New Year's Eve?

Take care out there...

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: NN: re:from blue moon to moon river
   Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 09:50:13 -0800 (PST)
   From: Bob Riegner (rg48@yahoo.com>

Hello Netters--

I have had one of the greatest songs ever written going
thru my head all morning--"Moon River"--and suddenly
occured to me that I wished Nanci would record it.

Henry Mancini once said that "Moon River" was really a
folk song, the only one he'd ever written.  The lyrics
by Johnny Mercer are so beautiful:

Moon River
Wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style
Someday.

You dream maker
You heart breaker
Wherever you're goin'
I'm goin' your way.

Two drifters
Off to see the world
There's such a lot of world 
To see

We're after the same
Rainbow's end,
My huckelbery friend
Moon River
And me.

My all time favorite movie scene is Audrey Hepburn
sitting in the window with her guitar singing Moon
River, in "Breakfast at Tiffany's.

I can hear Nanci and the BMO right now performing it.
Anybody agree?  Your comments please.

Bob Riegner

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: Re: NN: re:from blue moon to moon river
   Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 13:21:41 EST
   From: Brimpls@aol.com

Dear Bob,

I think "Moon River" would suit Nanci just fine. I like the lyric "my
huckleberry friend" best.

When my sister and I were growing up, my mom had a job as secretary of a 
college's concert series. We always got free tickets and sometimes even snuck 
backstage to meet the artists (like Diana Ross and the Supremes, what a 
thrill!). This was the '60s and early '70s.  

One year, Henry Mancini came to give a concert on this series. We were able 
to attend and sat in choice seats up in the balcony. Mancini played piano and 
sang and had a little jazz combo backing him up. At one point during "Moon 
River," he looked right up at us. I still remember his beautiful blue eyes! 
My sister and I just sort of gasped. The song has always been special to me 
because of that. And of course my sister and I argued endlessly about whether 
Mr. Mancini had been looking up at her or at me...sibling rivalry! We both 
wrote him fan letters the next day. We must have been eight and nine years 
old. In her letter, my sister actually asked him "Were you looking at me 
(blonde) or my little sister (brunette) when you looked up at the left 
balcony during 'Moon River'?" 

We never got a reply, but the memory remains...

Sabrina in Mpls.

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: Re: NN: re:from blue moon to moon river
   Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 13:40:50 -0500
   From: "Diane B. Wilkes" (diwilkes@erols.com>

Dear Bob,

I would love to hear Nanci record this, but almost as good is Mary Black's
version of the song.  

And I am partial to Jerry Butler's, as well.

Diane

_________________________________________________________________


    Subject: Re: NN:from blue moon to moon river
       Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 15:18:52 -0500
       From: Steve Robertson (stever@mindspring.com>

> I have had one of the greatest songs ever written going
> thru my head all morning--"Moon River"--and suddenly
> occured to me that I wished Nanci would record it.

I, too, have always liked "Moon River". When I was living in Johnny
Mercer's hometown of Savannah, GA, I made the mistake of looking for the
river that inspired the song. Those of you who have visited the
Lowcountry know that the waterways called "rivers" are mostly short
creek-sized spaces between marsy islands. Let's just say that the only
inspiration Mercer derived from the real Moon River was the title!

Hidin' Out in the Georgia Pines-
Wishin' It Would Rain,
Steve Robertson

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: Re: NN: re:from blue moon to moon river
   Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 00:45:17 EST
   From: VickiStein@aol.com

rg48@yahoo.com 
writes:

(( My all time favorite movie scene is Audrey Hepburn
 sitting in the window with her guitar singing Moon
 River, in "Breakfast at Tiffany's.
 
 I can hear Nanci and the BMO right now performing it.
 Anybody agree?  Your comments please.
  >>

Bob, Oh...I see it, hear it, as clear as a bell.  Nanci will do Moon River 
justice.  

This song had a HUGE influence when my ex-husband and I named our
daughter "Audrey...."  He wanted to name her Trudy, and I wanted to call
her "Audrey..."

It all came down to Breakfast at Tiffany's, the scene in the jewelry store, 
and we both agreed that "Audrey" was IT.  

Was quite lovely...and so is she.  Thanks for the memory.  

Peace, 

Vicki
P.S.,  Not normal for Aud, but one of her Christmas gifts is an Audrey 
Hepburn doll...

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: NN: The Years End
   Date: Mon, 20 Dec 99 20:20:39 +0000
   From: John Edward Graveling (kai21@dial.pipex.com>

The first snow of Winter has fallen here in Southern England, so since 
Saturday night we've had a white covering which is reluctant to melt in 
the freezing temperatures. It's given me time to reflect on a truly 
fantastic year for new music, live music and new friends. I'm not sure I 
can bring myself to list a top ten, there have been way too many great 
releases to limit myself in such a way. If you have any, or all, of the 
thirty or so I have listed you will not be disappointed!! But a few 
reflections:

The early part of the year brought the discovery of Bo Ramsey, sometime 
guitar player to Lucinda Williams, and the realisation that he had three 
cd's of his own out. If you like good bar room roots rock, Bo can't be 
beat. Stacey Earle released the stunning "Simple Gearle", although I have 
to admit it did not make it's full impact on me until I saw her live in 
London in October. She is the closest thing I've seen to Nanci, circa 
1985-88, and a simply intoxicating performer. Other goodies released 
about this time were, Kelly Willis "What I Deserve", Lucy Kaplansky "Ten 
Year Night", Tom Pacheco "The Lost American Songwriter" (a magazine in 
Britain had this in it's top five of the year simply saying, "Stark and 
totally absorbing, Pacheco is a master craftsman. He tells it like Dylan 
used to tell it when we were all so much younger, before we stopped 
believing"). But one of the absolute highlights also hit the stores about 
this time, Vince Bells' "Texas Plates", a true gem of a record, full of 
telling tales of people struggling to make ends meet, people looking for 
love, stories of Texas, reflections of real life, brought to life by 
Vince's own inimitable voice and some stellar musicianship.

May brought me to the States for the first of two trips and a gathering 
of the moonpie gang in Memphis. The weekend, spent in the company of many 
friends, was climaxed by the gig of the year, Kate Campbell playing a 
simply staggering 3 hour 20 minute set of old and new material and 
treating us to a preview of the awesome "Rosaryville". An afternoon 
simply never to be forgotten, followed by a great barbeque at Kelly's old 
pad. I then went on to Nashville and had the privilege of sitting on 
Vince Bells porch listening to tales of Texan music and the people and 
places he'd been, a simply wonderful afternoon in the early summer sun. 
Recorded highlights of this time were, Rainravens "Rose Of Jericho",  
Stacy Dean Campbell "Ashes Of Old Love", Jonell Mosser "So Like Joy" and 
Kevin Welch's astounding "Beneath My Wheels". 

I returned briefly to England before hitting the Stateside trail again in 
late July. Nashville threw some great live shows at me , Kevin Welch at 
the Exit/In, the Townes Van Zandt tribute at the same venue and one Davis 
Raines at The Sutler (Davis is a genuine country singer and someone who 
deserves to make it big). The weather was fantastic as I lay on the beach 
at Gulf Shores in Alabama, relaxing and getting away from it all. 
Back later to Nashville and more recorded highlights, Tom Kimmel "Short 
Stories", Buddy Mondlock "Poetic Justice", Kate's "Rosaryville", Ray 
Wylie Hubbard's simply awesome "Crusades Of The Restless Knights", Bruce 
Robison "Long Way Home From Anywhere", Tim Easton "Special 20", Kim  
Richey "Glimmer", the vastly under-rated Catie Curtis "Crash Course In 
The Roses" and the quirky writing style of Jim Lauderdales' "Onward 
through It All".

Back to England and the new school year, Autumn (Fall) was now closing 
in, but some great shows, the aforementioned Stacey Earle, Kim Richey and 
Mary Chapin Carpenter. Super cd's from the Dixie Chicks "Fly", John 
Randall "Willin'", John Prine "In Spite Of Ourselves" and Bruce Henderson 
"Beyond The Pale".

Finally Winter seems to have arrived but the last batch of cd's have  
certainly warmed my heart recently, Guy Clark "Cold Dog Soup", Buddy 
Miller "Cruel Moon", Tom Ovans "The Beat Trade", Counting Crows "This
Desert Life", Bob Delevante "Porchlight", Bob Cheevers absolute gem, "The 
Stories I Write", Tom House "til You've Seen Mine" and Irene Kelleys'
"Simple Path" 

So, all in all, a wonderful year rounded out by an outstanding release, 
y'all should see it by the turn of the year, Kevin Montgomery "Another 
Long Story".
 
Thanks to all who made the year so special, my first meeting with Gin and 
Tom, Kelly, Richard, Donna, Bruce and Gerti, Ami and her husband, not
forgetting the 'quiet man' Bill Cox. Once again to Shawn and Amanda, 
thanks for your friendship. Sarah and Vince, may the success you so 
deserve be not long in coming, and to Kevin, the journey has just begun, 
may it be long and fruitful.

Thanks to y'all for 1999, see you in the next century.

John "ramble on" Graveling

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: NN: re:correction
   Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 16:57:19 -0800 (PST)
   From: Bob Riegner (rg48@yahoo.com>

Dear Netters,

Sorry I'm obsessive, compulsive--but I left a line out
of the lyrics to Moon River.  The last verse should
read:

"We're after the same
Rainbow's end
Waitin' round the bend
My Huckleberry friend*
Moon River
And Me"

*One of the greatest lyrics ever written.

By the way, the day after Audrey Hepburn died,
Tiffany's put up a plaque saying "Our Huckleberry
Friend" Audrey Hepburn.

Now I feel better.

Bob Riegner

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: NN: Profile of Ashley MacIsaac
   Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 21:00:04 -0500
   From: Sam and Joan (joansam@erols.com>

Anyone who may still be wondering why Nanci quit the Chieftains Tour in the
summer of 1997 should read the very negative profile of fiddler Ashley
MacIsaac in the December 20, 1999, New Yorker magazine ("Sex, Drugs and
Fiddling," starting on p. 48).  MacIsaac was added to that tour as an
unexpected first act before Nanci and the Chieftains.  After reading the
article's profile of MacIsaac one can understand why Nanci wanted out of the
tour after a few concerts.   

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: Re: NN: Profile of Ashley MacIsaac
   Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 23:34:14 EST
   From: VickiStein@aol.com

I read that, but who really knows for sure?  Other than Nanci or the 
Chieftans...I agree that the muggledeemush from the media stinks, but who are 
we to judge or make that assessment?  Not I, for one....sorry if I offended 
with my liberal comments.  

Vicki (still ranting and roaring) Stein

_________________________________________________________________


     Subject: NN: Re: Profile of Ashley MacIsaac
        Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 00:33:10 -0500
        From: Shawn Kimbro (kimbro@planetc.com>

Hey, 

I see Ashley is still kicking up dust.  After all, fiddlers *do* have a
reputation to live down to you know.  I read that Faulkner's first
impression of life in Oxford, Mississippi was the hanging of a local
fiddler. I always figured it influenced his entire outlook. I had front
row seats to a concert which was scheduled two nights after Nanci left
that tour.  I went anyway, wearing a blue-moonie t-shirt and NanciNet
badge, mentally prepared to hate MacIssac.  Instead, I was as favorably
impressed with his performance as with any show I've attended in recent
years. And I've heard a lot of fiddlers.

I regret the fall-out with Nanci and the whole Chieftains thing.  But in
hindsight, we know that she was ill and that MacIssac was invited on the
tour as an after-thought by the Chieftains, who should have considered
the impact it would have on her show.  He was a great opening act for
them, but I can't imagine anyone worse for Nanci. And yeah, I probably
agree with the New Yorker that he's a rude little snot. But dern, that
boy can saw the devil outta that snake box.  I buy all his albums.

Warm Regards, 
-Shawn 

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: NN: My 1999 Top Ten
   Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 23:24:30 EST
   From: BMiller224@aol.com

This is my Top Ten list for the year.  I took it for granted that classical 
discs were fair game to be favorites.

(10) "Return of the Grievous Angel."  Despite the almost inevitable eclectic 
quality of tribute albums featuring multiple acts, this is an enjoyable 
recording for those who appreciate Gram's songs, as well as a good 
introduction for those who don't know them.  Standouts include Beck Hansen 
and Emmylou Harris (the producer) on "Sin City", Gillian Welch's hauntingly 
beautiful "Hickory Wind", and the Cowboy Junkies' definitive version of "Ooh 
Las Vegas."

(9) Cowboy Junkies, "Rarities, B-Sides and Slow, Sad Waltzes."  As the title 
implies, these tunes are a bit more raw that the usual published album.  But 
for those of us hopelessly addicted to the CJ's music and to Margo Timmins' 
voice, it's a real treat.

(8) London Symphony Orchestra/Loma Mar Quartet, "Working Classical." This is 
a new collection of classical pieces by Sir Paul McCartney.  The Loma Mar 
Quartet performs nine instrumental arrangements of McCarney's songs, 
including "Maybe I'm Amazed", his first solo hit after he left that singing 
quartet he started out his career with.  They also play two original 
compositions for this album, "Haymakers" and "Midwife."  The London Symphony 
plays three longer pieces McCartney wrote for orchestra.  His classical work 
is accessible but interesting contemporary music, and the three orchestral 
pieces show that he has a real talent for it.  It ISN'T all "silly love 
songs."

(7) "John Stewart and Darwin's Army."  Billed as John Stewart's first band 
since the Kingston Trio, this quartet of John and Buffy Stewart, John Hoke 
and Dave Crossland provides a pleasant collection of folk songs, both old 
("Darlin' Corey") and new ("Dreamland", "Blood in the Fields"). Included are 
interesting takes on Joe South's "Don't It Make You Want to Go Home", Merle 
Haggard's "Silver Wings" and Tim Hardin's "Reason to Believe."  

(6) Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt and Dolly Parton, "Trio II."  
It's unfortunate that business disputes delayed the release of this beautiful 
sequel to the original "Trio" by several years.  Many of the songs touch on 
the theme of lost youth and the struggle to find hope.  A surprise treat for 
me was Neil Young's early ecology-minded song, "After the Gold Rush."

(5) Steve Earle and the Del McCoury Band, "The Mountain." Steve Earle turns 
his great talents to an album of bluegrass full of references to other 
popular song writers, a little Jimmie Rodgers here, a little Woody Guthrie 
there. Iris Dement's duet on "I'm Still in Love with You" is gorgeous.  The 
title of "Dixieland" leaves the listener off-guard the first time around for 
a hard-hitting Civil War song - from a Union point of view.

(4) Philip Glass, "Dracula." (classical) It seems fitting that this album, 
which really is a soundtrack that Glass composed for a new release of the 
1931 Bela Lugosi horror film, is not billed as a "soundtrack" with an extra 
dollar tacked onto the price.  It stands on its on as an intriguing, 
emotional work.  It is also extremely effective in the movie.

(3) Kate Campbell, "Rosaryville."  Is it the stories that grab the listener 
about Kate Campbell's songs?  Or the music?  Can we separate the two? In any 
case, Kate's fourth album explores the Catholic side of the South but also 
represents a departure from the more regional emphasis of her previous 
"Southern trio" of recordings.  Kate's tremendous talent at both writing and 
presenting memorable songs is illustrated here in particular by two pieces 
that present themes of divided loyalties, "Rosa's Coronas" and "Look Away." 

(2) Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris, "Western Wall."  Linda and Emmy hit a 
home run with this one.  Songs like "Raise the Dead" and Jackson Browne's 
"For a Dancer" highlight some of what made their reputations in the first 
place, while Leonard Cohen's "Sisters of Mercy" and Rosanne Cash's "Western 
Wall" show their willingness to take on provocative material.  Bruce 
Springsteen's "Across the Border" is the story of an immigrant couple who 
hope to fulfill their dreams by returning to Mexico.

(1) Kelly Willis, "What I Deserve."  If only all the music that is called 
"country" were like this.  A beautifully constructed album, Willis'slightly 
nasal delivery nevertheless gives it a rough edge that is very appropriate.  
The title song is a provocative take on faith and doubt.  And "Cradle of 
Love" is, well, one of the sexiest songs I've heard in a long time.

Bruce Miller
San Bruno CA

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     Subject: NN: The NPR poll
        Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 10:40:19 -0500
        From: Steve Robertson (stever@mindspring.com>
 
Hey Folks-

Remember back a few months ago when we were discussing NPR's balloting
for "The 100 most important American musical works of the 20th century"?
Well, they've counted the ballots and posted the results here:

http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/vote/list100.html

It looks like the Folk and traditional Country categories were fairly
represented. 

Hidin' Out in the Georgia Pines-
Wishin' It Would Rain,
Steve Robertson

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Subject: NN: Wandering strange
   Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 17:21:12 +0100
   From: "Hans Janssen" (hjanssen@zeelandnet.nl>

Hi,

The ones who gave Kate Campbell the benefit of the doubt by putting her new
CD "Wandering strange" in their top 10 before it was released were right.

It is a great CD.

met vriendelijke groeten,

Hans Janssen.
see: http://tradefolk.da.ru/

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Subject: NN: Trouble in the fields
   Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 03:16:37 -0800
   From: Tom Gill (tgill@igc.org>

There's trouble near the fields of Lockney, Texas (on the plains
northeast of Lubbock), where Nanci's aunt lived and where she spent a
lot of time growing up.  AGCO-Tye's farm equipment manufacturing plant
will shut down and close its doors for the last time in June 2000.
The company has been making planters, spreaders, tractors and loaders for
almost 50 years, but according  to a company spokesman "due to the
agricultural downturn, we have excess capacity as a company.  There will
be some kind of severance package but there is no funded pension plan." 
AGCO-Tye  employs about 50 people- the largest single private employer
in Lockney, and the plant's closing is expected to have a major impact
on the small town.

-Tom Gill
 tgill@igc.org 
 Lubbock, Texas

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Subject: NN: Feb 13 in Memphis
   Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 14:13:17 -0600
   From: Justin Marquez (jmarquez@flash.net>

Anybody know what's happening with the Feb 13 Kate Koncert in Memphis?  The
Center for Southern Folklore's answering machine says they are CLOSED from
Dec 15 to April 2K.  Has the concert been rescheduled somewhere else? Is
there to be a gathering of moonpie folks somewhere?  I was hoping to
actually meet some of you folks this year!

Justin
Justin Marquez
Houston, TX

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Subject: NN: The return of the archives
   Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 15:28:12 -0600
   From: Shelly Brisbin (sbrisbin@prismnet.com>

Hi NanciNetters,

The NNet archives can once again be found at 
http://brisbin.net/Nanci/arc.html. Other than the archives 
themselves, the site hasn't been updated, but I'm hoping for a little
free time this weekend.

Merry Christmas to them that's celebratin' and Happy New Year to all!

-shelly

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Subject: Fw: NN: Profile of Ashley MacIsaac
   Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1999 01:53:16 -0500
   From: "Kenneth Johns" (KJohns2001@email.msn.com>

> Did the article mention anything about Ashley accidentally tearing off
> Nanci's earlobe with the end of his bow? I always thought that in itself
> would have been sufficient reason.

I was on the net when this concert took place, but I don't recall this ever
coming up in the discussions.  Did he really do this?
DJ  "may your own wings and wheels take you whereever you wish to go"

_________________________________________________________________


Subject: NN: Top Ten
   Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1999 12:10:19 -0000
   From: "Pugsley, R.M." (rmp6@leicester.ac.uk>

Dear all,

Firstly thanks to Dave Dwyer who managed to get his holiday
exchange tape to me before Xmas!  Thanks Dave I going to enjoy
listening to it...

As to my top ten, I have to say that although I listened to a lot
of music this year (a lot of good stuff too) no one album 'did it'
for me, so I've picked out some standout tracks as well...as usual
a lot of dance stuff you may wish to avoid...;-)

Beth Orton - Central Reservation - really nice album reminds me of
Nick Drake (of whom more later)...best track - 'Sweetest Decline'...

Jim O'Rourke - Eureka
This is almost really good all the way through, but gets a bit doodly
here and there (oh don't you just love these accurate musical
descriptions...)

Nanci Griffith - Dust Bowl Symphony
Well I liked it, any album that get's me blubbing gets my vote (still don't
like Pre War Kimbell but my significant other loves it so I must be wrong...)

Mogwai - Come On Die Young
I think postrock might just be heading down a dead end but in the meantime,
Scotlands finest slow burning quiet-then-loud-then-quiet-again band...

Air - Premiers Symptomes
Compilation of rare stuff which (unlike so many compilations like this) is
far more than just the odds and ends, includes probably their greatest hour 
(or five minutes) 'Le Soliel est pres de Moi'

Moby - Play
Samples from old Blues and gospel records mixed up with house beats, indiepop
and anything else he could get his hands on, a return to form.

Blackalicious -  Nia
Late entry for rap album of the year (although I haven't heard the
Mos Def album yet and that's supposed to be fine too) just beating out 
the Quannum collective (of whom they are a part - fact fans!)

Basement Jaxx - Remedy
This album has everything a dance album should have - and loads more, a
combination of weird sounds, brilliant beats and jump up vocals - in the middle
of the dance classic of the year (Rendez-Vu) you can a cat miaow...fantastic...

David Axelrod- An Axelrod Anthology 1968-1971
Compilation of the arranger/producer genius who is David Axelrod - hear the
Electric Prunes one more time! Plus just where did Dy Shadow get his beats
from...?

Mr Scruff - Keep It Unreal
So much dance music has no sense of humour whatsoever (check out the Puff Daddy
album for instance...he's rich and going out with Jennifer Lopez but does he
ever have a laugh...? ) that we nee Mr Scruff now more than ever -
also has great jazz samples...

In actual fact a lot of my favourite albums of the year didn't come out this
year so let's here it for Nick Drake's 'Bryter Layter' (am I late with this
one...?), Cheryl Wheeler's 'Driving Home' (the second time I've had to buy this
- the first copy went missing!) and Ride The Wild Surf - a surfin' compliation
I bought for £2 and which has bought me untold joy throughout the year...

Robert (let's go surfin' now, everybody's learning how...) Pugsley


_________________________________________________________________


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