// New CD! New CD! New CD! New CD! New CD! New CD! New CD! New CD! 
// Reviews of the (real) new CD, discussion of the other CD,
// a look at Guy Clark, and a reminder that Nanci's on TV TONIGHT!!
// Enjoy...[BP]

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Subject: NN: Nanci on Letterman
   Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 00:22:52 EDT
   From: RonHennesy@aol.com

Nanci is scheduled to be on the Letterman show Monday, 9/13/99.

Ready your VCR tapes!

Best wishes,

Ron Hennessy

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Subject: First impressions on The Dust Bowl Symphony
   Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 20:32:35 -0400
   From: Mike Chesman (chesman@preferred.com>

Fellow Nancifans,

Here's my early impressions of Nanci's Dust Bowl Symphony with the London
Symphony Orchestra and her Blue Moon Orchestra.

First off, I should mention that I was very excited about the prospect of
hearing Nanci recorded with a full orchestra ever since hearing her sing
"Tiny Dreamer" on the "Annabelle's Wish" soundtrack.  I made sure I got to
hear her perform live with an orchestra this summer and made my first and
only journey to Wolf Trap for that reason.  That said, you know that this
will be a very positive review.

Mike Chesman

Here goes.....

Cuts 1 & 2
The first two cuts "Trouble In The Fields" and "Wing and the Wheel" feature
lush  orchestral arrangements that are wonderful recreations of signature
Nanci Griffith tunes.  Nanci is in fine voice on both these songs.  These
two cuts are not necessarily better, nor worse, than the originals but a
whole different listening experience and I find them very likable.  In fact,
I can't stop listening to the new version of "Wing and the Wheel," since
those extended ending lyrics carry me back to concerts in 1997 and 1999
where Nanci sang those new lyrics.  They make the song a much more personal
statement much like many of the songs off of "Flyer."  This recording
provides a wonderful memory for those who have seen her perform the song
recently in concert.

Cut 3
"These Days In An Open Book" opens with a pastoral orchestral backing
reminiscent of some of Aaron Copland's music.  The backing harmonies are
gorgeous and Nanci's vocals are prominent in the mix so that the lyrics are
much more the focus than the melody.  To her credit, Nanci doesn't try to
remold her voice to what others might think a vocal with orchestra should
sound like.  There is nothing pretentious in this performance.  Her accent
and trademark nuances are found intact right down to her Dylanesque phrasing
of the words "heavy load."

Cut 4
"Love At The Five and Dime"   Well, like others on the list, I was not
tickled to find out months ago that Nanci had chosen to do yet another duet
with Darius Rucker.  I like the guy, but I have trouble telling what he's
singing sometime... especially on the Hootie albums.  I have to admit that
this is the finest vocal from Darius to date and when they both sing on the
choruses Darious even has a slight resemblance to early Johnny Mathis.
Nanci's monotone count-in "one, two, cha, cha, cha" forms a tonque-in-cheek
start for one of her most lilting and lyrical songs.  The Scott Joplin
ragtime style syncopation in the break accents an Americana feel to this
slice of life story song.
Oh, and did I mention that Nanci's voice is as youthful and dreamy as ever
on this cut.
Someday I hope Nanci will cut a solo version of "Gulf Coast Highway." 

Cut 5
"It's A Hard Life" is a pretty straightforward performance.  However, it
does have a more Celtic instrumental voicing for the first verse and this
turns to a more bluesy dobro slide sound when we get to the Chicago verse.
I like the slightly slower pace that the song takes here.  The orchestra
built up just before the child-of-the-sixties verse allows the quiet of that
verse to really hit home.

Cut 6
Nanci's voice sounds a little strained on this song but her performance is
filled with an honest passion.  I like the over-produced sound of the
original LNGH album.  But here, you'll really enjoy the fullness of James
Hooker's piano on this version.  If I had never heard the original version
this might be my favorite song on this album.

Cut 7
Nanci and Sonny Curtis raise the ghost of Buddy Holly on "Tell Me How" to
chilling effect.  If I close my eyes the vocal echo and Sonny's harmonies
make me hear Buddy Holly's voice.  The orchestral arrangement and other
instrumentation is reminiscent of Holly tunes like "Everyday" and "True Love
Ways."  I think this is another highlight on this album.

Cut 8
Except for the string backing this is not much different a performance than
the original recording.  However, there is a striking Cello (or is it a
Viola) intro to the piece.  This song again features backing vocals by Sonny
Curtis and the girl chorus at the end provides an almost acappella feel to
the finale.

Cut 9
"1937 Prewar Kimball" may be the most personal and revelatory song that
Nanci has written in the past couple of years.  For fans familiar with her
concert pre-song patter, joking about her piano playing ability, or the many
musical influences apparent from album liner notes... could there be a song
more self revealing then one that mentions Harlan Howard and Julie Gold.
How about a reference to her own buddy and BMO leader, James Hooker!  Beth
Nielson Chapman duets on the song and is a lyrical reference as well.  At
the end Nanci sings "and God bless a child who's got a song."  On the
surface, she may be singing about the many kids that will be touched by her
piano gift, or any child that is awakened to the power of music, but I think
most listeners will also hear it as a giving thanks to her own musical life. 

Cut 10
"Waiting For Love" is a little tougher to get into.  It's as much spoken and
whispered as sung.  Nanci hangs on various syllables and adds emphasis to
many words.  Her delivery and phrasing are not always what you expect.  What
we have here is as distinctive and stylized a songstress as a Marlene
Dietrich or Lotte Lenya.  This won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I'm all
for Nanci experimenting in this way.  Nanci's fans will find something of
depth here, but this is also the type of cut that will turn a casual
listener away from her music.

Cut 11
The orchestra provides a pretty straight-forward performance on "Nobody's
Angel."
But forget that this is a remake of an earlier recording.  Forget that this
is Nanci with an orchestra.  Listen to how much emotion is placed with each
phrase.  A good example is, "I'm grounded and rusty, my dance card is dusty
now."  This lady feels her lyrics each time she sings them... maybe even
more so as she lives with each song for some time.  I'm blown away listening
to her sing this tune.

Cut 12
The song is "Always Will" and I'll describe it with its new orchestration
as... a little minuet with a back-beat.  I can envision this as a moody
black and white music video.  Lords and ladies dancing at a royal ball while
a small chamber orchestra plays... Nanci singing from a corner (workin in
corners) watching as the couples dance by.  This was always a favorite song
of mine and the new version is just as pleasing as the original.

Cut 13
This peculiar little number is "Drops From The Faucet."  Hmmmm, Nanci
Griffith as a night club torch singer?  Maybe not.  Still this is a fun cut!
I imagine she had a ball singing this one.  A long time ago there were
singers like Peggy Lee to give us "Fever."  Here Nanci turns up the heat
with a sultry voice that would cause most any guy to melt like butter in her
presence (as if that weren't true already).  Before James Hooker's jazzy
piano solo Nanci says "Whoo!"  To that I add AMEN!

Cut 14
"Dust Bowl Reprise" is an orchestral instrumental piece which reminds one of
the Moody Blues' "Days Of Future Past" which was the first rock album to
make integral use of an orchestra.  A nice end piece for Nanci's symphony.


So, is this a perfect album...  no!  Should you run out and get this
album... yes!  It is an album filled with delightful memories of favorite
tunes, it offers new musical trappings and revelations of lyrics in its airy
open sound, and it offers a few surprises and experiments that allow you to
witness an artist stretching her wings... and afterall, these are the wings
of an aNGel.  This album is a definite keeper and one that over time, I
predict, will hold a high place of esteem in the Nanci Canon. 

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Subject: NN: re: Dust Bowl review
   Date: Sat, 11 Sep 1999 12:49:20 EDT
   From: PRobin5478@aol.com

Dear List --

Here's the first (bad) review for DUST BOWL SYMPHONY by country music maven 
Alanna Nash in Entertainment Weekly:

"Just when you thought she couldn't get more arch, Griffith recasts her 
"greatest hits" against the muted bombast of a world-famous ensemble.  But 
the real trouble is Griffith's still-evolving delivery.  While her vocals 
seem more full-bodied and strident than before, her enunciation ("yare" for 
year) is becoming as mannered as Eartha Kitt's.  What ever happened to plain 
ol' folkabilly?"    --  C+

Can't wait to hear what she says about "Revisited."

Peter in SoCal

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Subject: Re: NN: re: Dust Bowl review
   Date: Sat, 11 Sep 99 19:13:12 +0100
   From: John Edward Graveling (kai21@dial.pipex.com>

Let's pray that the wholly unworthy "Revisited" never gets reviewed. I 
cannot imagine any serious music magazine wasting column inches on it, 
nor any self effacing National newspapers.

John "revisiting real Nanci" Graveling.

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Subject: NN:Dustbowl Pictures
   Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 00:45:13 -0400 (EDT)
   From: "jenny.frog" (jenny.frog@virgin.net>

HeY Guys, 
nobody's talked about how bee-oooo-tiful the cover of DS is yet!! it's
gorg....nanci has such brill taste. if ,in fact, she had anything to do
with it...
jenny*

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Subject: NN: Record Stores in S.F (off-topic)
   Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 19:38:03 +0100
   From: "jenny.frog" (jenny.frog@virgin.net>

Hi everybody,
My paternal unit has been issued with a mega-list of cds of the
dar/lucy/eric taylor/  type and being as incapable as he is, he wants to
just take himself along to a big store where he can hand my list to
somebody and get them to magic them all out of thin air.  This where all
of you come in.  What's the best store to send him to in San Francisco?
thankyew kandly, jenny*

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Subject: NN: Athens, GA Oct. 27
   Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 11:15:33 EDT
   From: "nathaniel calhoun" (natecalhoun@hotmail.com>

Okay folks, I am working on getting a group together from the Atlanta are to 
go to Athens for the Nanci show on 10/27.  the show is at Hodgson Concert 
Hall.  8 pm, Wed OCt 27.  Their Phone # is 706-542-6396.  I am working on 
getting tickets through a buddy at UGA, if he buys them they are $10-12, if 
not they are $20-22.  I might be able to get people tix (not for free) but 
it depends on the number and your level of commitment.  Or get your own tix 
and join the caravan.
Let me know privately if you are interested and I will compile a list.
+Peace2All
Nathan

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Subject: NN: Revisited
   Date: Fri, 10 Sep 1999 11:21:20 -0400
   From: T Benjamin Self (bself@MIT.EDU>

Hello all,

Just thought I'd let you know that I just received my copy
of "Revisited" from Borders.com.  I placed the order on 
the 5th, right after it was mentioned here.  

It looks like they still have it in stock.  After searching
all through Boston without finding it, I sure was relieved 
to actually get it in the mail.  I have to admit, after
all the "hype", I'm excited to see what all the fuss was about.

Anyway, if you want it, I'd jump on it before they realize that
there was a mistake.

-Ben

(that is, unless this is all some elaborate marketing scheme...)

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Subject: Re: NN: Revisited
   Date: Fri, 10 Sep 1999 11:54:20 EDT
   From: PRobin5478@aol.com

Dear List --

I, too, jumped on a copy of REVISITED.

Then I made the mistake of listening to it.

What a TRAVESTY!  The only way to listen to it is with a look of total 
disbelief on your face.  It's the aural equivalent of a train wreck.

I hope Nanci got a pile of money for licensing her music for it.  And I hope 
she buys some Nicoderm or something useful with it.

Peter in SoCal
(who was off-list for awhile and doesn't know if Revisited has been properly 
trashed yet)

np -- some Fritz Wunderlich arias

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Subject: Re: NN: Revisited
   Date: Fri, 10 Sep 1999 12:19:49 -0400 (EDT)
   From: MISTERCD@webtv.net (SID PORTER)

     As an obsessed collector of "anything Nanci", I've ordered it, but
do not plan on breaking the shrink wrap.  I think that is the only way
to enjoy this CD.

Sid "I HATE DISCO" Porter

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Subject: NN: John Prine & Benefit Concert
   Date: Fri, 10 Sep 1999 09:53:03 EDT
   From: Tastho@aol.com

I too was disappointed with the new John Prine "Duets" album. I agree with
Shawn that the only real gem on the album is Prine's own "In Spite of
Ourseleves" with Iris Dement. I don't hate the album, in fact, I think as I
listen to it, it will grow on me. However, upon first listening, my immediate
thought was that this album could have been much better. I'm of the opinion
that the George Jones and Melba Montgomery versions of a couple of these songs
are hard to top. And, I think Dolores Keane has a beautiful voice, but she's
the one I think sounds misplaced on this album. Just my 2 cents worth.

Last I heard the only dates Nanci is playing on the "Campaign for a Landmine
Free World" tour were Palo Alto, Santa Rosa & Torrance.

Tasha

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Subject: NN: Last Night at the Wolf Trap........
   Date: Fri, 10 Sep 1999 09:26:41 -0400
   From: "Donate von Bredow-Gardner" (dvbgardner@genelogic.com>

Bill Page wrote:
/ Don't know if it's the back-to-school blues, but it sure has // been quiet
around the NanciNet.  // Enjoy...[BP]

Well, speaking of the blues.......  if you could hear and see my excitement
right now, it wouldn't be quiet on this net at all.......   I know this is not
entirely Nanci-related, and some may argue that it's not entirely folk either,
but I just have to share with those of you who have as diverse a taste in music
as I do:    
I got to see the KING at Wolf Trap, Virginia, last night --- no, not another
Elvis sighting...... the REAL King, the King of the Blues, that's right --
B.B.King LIVE!    
(Gordon, wish you had been there!)   
I cannot tell you what a special treat it was to be in HIS presence (well, as
close as I could get in the rear
orchestra)........  He seems somewhat fragile now at 73, but still putting all
of himself into the performance, had the house standing up numerous times. I
don't think I have been this mesmerized with a performer since I was a young
girl and got to see Maria Callas for the first time. Other outstanding
performers last night were Tower of Power (with 3 original band members),
Indigenous and the amazing wonder kid Kenny Wayne Shepherd.   What a night! 
Two months ago, I saw Nanci at the Wolf Trap with the NSO -- definitely the
best two nights I've had this year music-wise........    
Okay, okay, I'm calming down now. Any fans who want details on this concert,
email me directly.   
Thanks for letting me share this with y'all...... somebody had to hear it! :) 
..... and in my view B.B.
falls into that folk genre as much as Guthrie.......
>>>>>>>>> Donate "I done seen the man LIVE!" von Bredow-Gardner>>>>>>>>

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Subject: Re: NN: Last Night at the Wolf Trap........
   Date: Sat, 11 Sep 1999 01:43:22 EDT
   From: Annavedo@aol.com

dvbgardner@genelogic.com writes:

(( I don't think I have been this mesmerized with a performer since I was a 
young girl and got to see Maria Callas for the first time.  >>

I hope you find this as funny as I did but.......
I DIDN'T KNOW YOU WERE A WOMAN!!!!  I'm sorry, but I have never heard the 
name Donate, and I just pictured a guy!  Sorry to have had a chuckle at your 
expense...

I am so happy for your evening with BB!  He truly is the KING!

*Anne*


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Subject: Re: NN: Last Night at the Wolf Trap........
   Date: Sat, 11 Sep 1999 12:47:20 -0400
   From: Alan Larson (alanlarson@mindspring.com>

Hi Donate,
I'm so glad you got a chance to see B.B. live.  I've had the pleasure about
a half dozen times over the years witht the first being at a rock festival
in 1970 at Kickapoo Creek in Illinois and the last being 3 years ago at
Walnut Creek amphitheatre in Raleigh, NC.  Etta James was on that bill too,
along with J. Geils and Magic Dick, and Jimmie Vaughn.  B.B. is without a
doubt the king of the blues and a consumate professional.  He remembers
where he came from and truly loves and appreciates his fans and thus gives
his all at every performance.  Last night I went to the first night of the
Bull Durham Blues Festival and got to see Shemekia Copeland, daughter of
the late, great Johnny Copeland.  The girl is only 19 years old and is
already starting to lay claim to the crowns held by Etta James and Koko
Taylor.  What a voice this girl has.  Speaking of voices, Robert Cray was
the headliner last night and gave a wonderful performance.  Having trouble
deciding what to do tonight.  The blues festival has Rod Piazza and the
Mighty Flyers and the Staple Singers.  Then again, the Moody Blues are
playing at Walnut Creek and it is usually an annual tradition of mine to go
see them.  They are getting a little too show bizzy these days but their
music still moves me.  Again, glad you got to see the King.

Alan

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Subject: NN: In Spite of Ourselves
   Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 08:54:09 -0400
   From: "David Steere" (dsteere@sil.si.edu>

Hi,

just a note to say a few positive words about John Prine's
wonderful new cd, IN SPITE OF OURSELVES.  I am perplexed by
the negative press I've heard to date.  I can't imagine a
more joyful, charming new work than John's.  His voice is as
warm and welcoming as I've ever heard it.  He has chosen
mostly old country songs and delivers them with an
infectious mix of humor and straightforward delivery.  What
an interesting choice of duet partners!   Iris DeMent,
Delores Keane, Lucinda Williams, Patty Loveless, Connie
Smith, Trisha Yearwood, Melba Montgomery, Emmylou Harris,
and Fiona Prine.  Highlights for me include:  "Milwaukee
Here I Come" (a hoot of a duet with Melba), "Back Street
Affair" (with Patty Loveless who is at absolutely peak
voice...gorgeous), Kieran Kane's beautiful song "In a Town
This Size" (strange but cool combination of Prine with the
very Irish, Delores Keane), "Dear John, I Sent Your Saddle
Home" (funny song with backup vocals from Jim Rooney, Glen
Harden, Pat McInerney, et al.).  And the best of all, the
one song penned by John Prine himself, "In Spite of
Ourselves"--a hilarious and a bit filthy duet with the
exquisite Iris DeMent.  It is truly an amazing song and so
nice to hear Iris get down and dirty. Beautifully produced
by Jim Rooney and John Prine, the album sounds
wonderful--laid-back, quiet and largely acoustic. Make up
your own mind about this new cd.  Enjoy.

David

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Subject: NN: Guy Clark
   Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 09:15:43 -0400
   From: "Brian Mich" (b.mich@worldnet.att.net>

Hi.  This is my first posting to the list after lurking for a bit.  I have
been a Nanci fan for a long time and love a lot of other artists in the same
or similar vein.  The above is an artist I know I will love once I start
listening regularly to his music, but I am not sure where to start.  Any
help?  Thanks is advance.

Brian

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Subject: Re: NN: Guy Clark
   Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 11:05:02 -0400
   From: Steve Robertson (stever@mindspring.com>

A good introduction to Guy Clark might be "The Essential Guy Clark" from
RCA. The album includes twenty cuts from his first two albums- "Old No.
1" and "Texas Cookin'". And, since this is a re-issue, you can usually
find it at a bargain price.

Speaking of promoting albums, the Atlanta Sunday paper had a large
display ad- two columns x ten inches- for Nanci's new DBS album. After
seeing it, I remembered that there was a similar ad for BRFTM. It's rare
to see an ad for an individual album in this paper. In fact, I can't
remember any others. I wonder how Nanci persuaded Elektra to spend the money?

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

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Subject: Re: NN: Guy Clark
   Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 11:15:37 EDT
   From: Petop@aol.com
b.mich@worldnet.att.net writes:

(( The above is an artist I know I will love once I start
 listening regularly to his music, but I am not sure where to start. >>

    I would start with his Old No. 1 album, followed by Craftsman, Texas 
Cooking, The South Coast of Texasand Better Days. That will be more than 
enough to introduce.

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Subject: Re: NN: Guy Clark
   Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 10:46:37 -0500
   From: Sarah Wrightson (sarahwrightson@vincebell.com>

> I would start with his Old No. 1 album, followed by Craftsman, Texas
> Cooking, The South Coast of Texasand Better Days. That will be more than
> enough to introduce.

And there is a new one coming out at the end of October.

Sarah

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Subject: NN: Bruce Cockburn (No NG)
   Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 10:33:34 -0500
   From: Sarah Wrightson (sarahwrightson@vincebell.com>

Well, were we to list our favs, Bruce Cockburn would be one of the tops
on my list.

Any other fans here?  His 25th album being released tomorrow, Breakfast
in New Orleans/Dinner in Timbuktu.  Have not hear it yet, but reviews
are good so far, and describing it as "doesn't stray far from his folk
roots, but it furthers his experimentation with world music elements." 
So, not one of his more rockin' CDs.  Harmonies include Lucinda Williams
and Margo Timmins.

Heh, its raining in TN...maybe we'll get undeclared as a disaster area. 
Nah, not enough of the darn stuff...

A grand Monday all,
Sarah

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