// More concert reports, including some controversy.
// Enjoy...[BP]

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: NN: amazing phoenix concert 
   From: "ANNA-SAN DOG ART" (hendersonhouse@prodigy.net> 
   Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 08:29:54 -0700 

I've just been lurking here for a long, LONG time, but I had to give my
thoughts on last night's concert in Phoenix. Nanci was OUTSTANDING!  This
was my 6th live Nanci experience, and it was the best EVER. I left husband
and child to fend for themselves and drove off alone into the sunset for a
mom's night out - I was not disappointed. I had always seen Nanci in Texas
before, but the Phoenix crowd was great and their admiration for Nanci was
made apparent by the deafening cheers.  
Celebrity Theater is an awesome place to see Nanci. I had 6th row and it was
just like having her in my living room.  The theater is small enough that
there was plenty of audience interaction. Folks were calling out requests
and Nanci even obliged some of them.  She told the story of how she got in
trouble for sitting in the navigator's seat on LBJ's Air Force One at the
air museum in Tucson (where her brother lives).  She talked about the
landmine free world campaign and her trip to Kosovo.  She joked about the
fact that some singers change clothes during their concerts.  She promised
she would never do that.  She also looked fabulous - her voice was awesome;
she seemed in a great mood.  I didn't keep a set list, but the highlights of
the evening (at least for me) were St. Olav's Gate, Bring the Prose to the
Wheel, and Last Train Home.  I loved getting to hear her perform some of the
older material and was equally enamored with some of the new songs.  I
didn't want the evening to end, but of course it did, and I left that place
happy as all get out, but with an empty space inside. 

In a nutshell, it was the best concert I've ever had the privilege of
attending.  It brought back to light all the reasons I fell in love with
Nanci Griffith in the first place, and why my son's middle name is
"Griffith."  Nanci Griffith is as phenomenal as she ever was, and she is out
there promoting peace and love, shining like a beacon for us all.  

The world is a better place because of Nanci Griffith, and anyone who
doesn't think so will have ME to deal with. 

Much love to you all.  Anna "true believer" Henderson

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: NN: Phoenix setlist and fashion report-long 
   From: SierraSkyz@aol.com 
   Date: Mon, 2 Sep 2002 00:51:10 EDT 

Pardon the tardy report of the 8-27-02 concert, I have been out of state
this  weekend.  Somehow I seemed to be singing lots of "Outbound Plane" and
"Gulf Coast Highway".

Thursday night's performance was by far my favorite of the 3 concerts I have
seen, due to getting to hear Nanci for two hours (not just getting few songs
as in festival situations), as well as the lovely intimate setting of the
Celebrity theatre in Phoenix where I was 10 rows back and directly in front
of Nanci at my eye level.

I was lucky enough to meet up with NNetter Christine "Poetmuse" who has
already posted. Again, NNetters *are* the nicest people on the Internet. We
traded memories of past concerts and shared some Bill Peete stories - Sue,
you were on our minds.

I took notes during the concert and hope I got everything about right.  I am
not familiar with some of the titles of newer things. Also, I was writing in
pitch dark and can barely read my writing.  Wait, I can barely read it
anyway...

Nanci was wearing black lace pants and a sheer black blouse over a black
tank top.  She seemed so relaxed and happy.  She joked about the heat in
Phoenix, having gotten to town the night before when it was 106  degrees at
6 PM. Her brother Robert lives in Tucson (90 miles south of here) and she
has been to Arizona before, however always at the Christmas season.  The
weather this time sort of... impressed her.  Robert was in the audience for
this concert and I am sure Nanci was playing extra specially well for his
benefit.

Set list and comments:

Speed of the Sound of Loneliness

Two For The Road- Nanci introduced this as a song written after she heard an
old couple at a cabstand in Cambridge one autumn.  The woman said something
about being in the autumn of their days and the gent replied a lovely sweet
thing that inspired the song.  It will be on the live recording coming out
in September.

These Days Are an Open Book

Love At the Five and Dime- A comment about her friend Kathy Mattea having a
success with the song and noted that nowadays we all waltz the aisles
online.  Instead of "Going up" to end the song, she said sweetly "You've got
mail"

Clock Without Hands- Nanci described the way a person might feel when they
have lost a lot of their spirit and need to find something to bring meaning
to their lives.  She described herself as in a place like that before her
work with the Anti-Landmine group and her trip to Kosovo last month.  

Flyer- Story about how her brother Robert was always the one who could get
away with things and she would be toddling behind him and trying to do the
same thing, but be the one getting caught.  Her trip to see Air Force One at
local air museum was a funny story.  There were signs all over the place
warning people not to touch anything and Robert was laying in LBJ's bunk,
sitting in the pilot's seat, trying on the pilot's cap, but ALL Nanci did
was sit in the navigator's seat and there was the guide admonishing her "
Now Miss Griffith...."  She pulled a funny face to show how her brother
captured her expression in a photo over the shoulder of the tour guide  as
she was getting the lecture.  She spoke sarcastically into the audience
"Thanks, Robert!"

Pearl Earrings- Stage lights all in red as she sang about the
photojournalist Dickey Chapelle.  She described this unsung heroine who was
killed by a land mine in Vietnam as she was covering the war as a
photojournalist.  Beautiful and touching.

There's A Light Beyond These Woods, Mary Margaret-  Nanci told us that
Maggie lives in Chandler, which is a Phoenix suburb. I wonder if she might
have been in the audience or if Nanci went to visit while here.

Outbound Plane- wonderfully sung, apparently inspired by a person wearing a
Tom Russell  T-shirt in the front row.  With this announcement  the requests
began being shouted out.    Hooker rose to his feet with a yellow pad and a
pen to pretend taking notes.  Someone got a little chuckle from the audience
when they shouted out "Wish It Would Rain", which Nanci then sang for us!
Note to Nanci; it has STILL not rained.  After repeated requests for "Blue
Moon", Nanci nicely told the man in the audience that we would not be
hearing that song because one of the people in the band did not know it.  I
think this was a very nice way to get out of it, true or not.

Morning Train (?)- Nanci explained that this song was written at a time when
about 3 good male friends were going through divorces and she was getting
those late night drunk phone calls from them.  Why they called her was a
mystery; she KNEW why they were getting divorced.

After intermission:

Where Would I Be?-  Nanci talked about herself as a cancer survivor and how
the love and support of all of us helped her make it through.

Boots of Spanish Leather-  The first song she learned to fingerpick off of.
It  *would* have to be the one with 9 verses and no repeating chords.  She
said no one remembers anything but the last line... adding "Bring 'em the
boots"  Nanci promised not to change clothes during the concert, adding her
wish to meet the person who started that tradition.  She told the story
about missing a few minutes of a Janet Jackson concert on TV as she went to
get a beer and then realized that not only had Janet changed costumes but
was now WET, meaning that Nanci had missed a water feature.  She said "Dylan
doesn't change clothes..."

Travelling Through This Part of You- Mentioned her marriage to Eric Taylor
and his Vietnam experience.  Her visit to Vietnam has helped her understand
what the experiences did to vets.

Gulf Coast Highway- Absolutely gorgeous, Nanci and Hooker singing.  Always
makes me shed a tear.

I'm Not Driving These Wheels-  Nanci compared riding on the Greyhound Bus
with travelling on Southwest airline.  You get on and because the flight
"Did Not Originate From Here" you face a sea of middle seats, only Greyhound
does not have any middle seats.  She said that when you get on a bus
everyone else looks peculiar.  Then when you get off at the end of your
trip, YOU look peculiar.

>From a Distance- She called Julie Gold the Irving Berlin of songwriters,
then introduced another Gold song which was beautifully sung, " Goodnight
New York", to appear on the new release.  

Lost It In The Sun

Hard Life- "For my brother", Told us about her grandmothers who had both
lived long lives and had never gotten along together for one day of them.

Hammer Song- "Babies are born knowing this song"

Encore:  White Freightliner- In honor of Harlan Howard, Dave Van Ronk,
Waylon Jennings (he died in this area this year), and Townes Van Zandt.

In the parking lot after the show I was stopped by a concerned looking man
who left his date sitting in the car to find someone who was familiar with
Nanci's work.  He had only learned about her the day before and was
wondering about the way she pronounced her words, saying that he had trouble
figuring out what she was singing about.  I had to laugh and agree with him
that between her twang and the complex lyrics, I have often had the same
problem.  I encouraged him to buy the music and listen repeatedly.

Deb "wondering why no one shouts out requests for favorite lessons during
class.  e.g. 'Osmosis!' or perhaps 'Erosion!!' " Meyer

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Nanci Melts Down In Carmel
   Date: Sun, 1 Sep 2002 18:16:17 -0700 (PDT)
   From: John Houser (jchouser@yahoo.com>

Hey Gang,

I considered waiting to return to San Luis Obispo
before writing this to gain some objectivity, but I
don't think objectivity is warranted here.

One of my heroes, a person who I am a huge fan of
(hmm, redundant, huh?)...

...needs to analyze her occasional bouts of cranial
rectal impaction, because after her display in Carmel
Valley this afternoon, I may have seen my last Nanci
show and purchased my last Nanci CD/DVD.

Maybe by the time I get home to SLO, someone can give
me her management's email, as I just went to her
website and could not find it. They are getting a
virtual earful as well.

Where do I begin?

Nanci, this was a BENEFIT concert, dammit - as I
understand it, for the kids center locally. Everyone
there paid a premium for the ticket to witness this
inexcusable display.

Now, it was VERY hot in CV today. Someone said it was
mid-90's, and I believe it. I'm sure that contributed.

All the BMO came out on stage in shorts and T-shirts
(Mr. Hooker may have had longer pants, I forget), but
when Nanci came on stage, she was wearing black pants,
a black top (at least it was a spaghetti strap number)
and a very sheer violet blouse to cover - long sleeve
though.

My first thought was - that HAS to be hot. My first
clue.

I noticed that she did not crack a smile from the very
beginning, and, again, I figured, it is hot for her,
too. She'll get into it here soon.

After her second or third song, she turned to her
stage hand and asked gruffly (paraphrasing here a
little, not a direct quote).

"Does the back of the ticket say cameras aren't
allowed?"

Let me back up a second. On entering, we were told
Nanci agreed to cameras, but no video. That surprised
me as I left my camera home and cursed myself for
doing so...

...but it was a BENEFIT concert. Nanci, surely you
knew that cause I heard you took a cut in pay to do
this gig. I figured the rules may have been relaxed a
bit.

Well, it went downhill from there. Her banter was
canned for the most part, though, admittedly, the
songs she did were basically great - her voice was as
good as I can recall, but it was a SHORT concert. She
got on stage shortly after 3pm and left VERY shortly
after 4pm (I didn't check my watch as I was too busy
being stunned by the display).

Somewhere around FAD, she really lost focus, grabbing
the wrong guitar and saying something the mike didn't
really catch, but I was very close and I knew she was
about to lose it entirely.

Two songs before she ended, she excused herself for
the short set because of the heat, but her excuse was
clearly not entirely truthful, as her mannerisms were
clearly one of someone pissed off at something...

She did an angry Hard Life and rapidly departed the
stage - I figured there was no way in hell she was
coming back up for an encore...

...but she did. BIG MISTAKE.

Apparently, the camera thing had been the problem all
along, and when she came back, she grabbed the guitar,
then made a beeline for someone stage right and
SCREAMED at someone (again, this is as direct a quote
as I can remember).

"Get that thing out of my face"

I didn't see the person with the camera, but Nanci's
words and tone of voice were distasteful and
unprofessional. It wasn't on mike, but you would have
had to have been at the back of the lawn to have
missed it.

She got through The Hammer Song, then exited fairly
quickly after a few additional canned comments.

To the folks at Galante Vineyards, I thought your
group did one hell of a job. For an entirely
volunteer, one time a year event, I thought it was
superbly run.

I'll put up the set list when I get back to SLO
tonight, I have additional notes as to a few other
things that were clear problems in the show, but those
are the highlights.

I don't even begin to know what this rather angry post
can accomplish, but someone, either in the band (sure,
right) or her manager needs to see when things are
going bad, to TAKE A BREAK. Get a drink of water, go
get a glass of wine, go have a smoke, something to
calm Nanci down. I, someone who hasn't seen her in a
couple of years, but have seen her around 15 to 20
times, SAW there was a serious problem, surely the
band or someone with the group could have seen it
coming and protected Nanci from herself...

...because the comments of folks leaving the show were
stunning. This is not the way to win hearts and minds.
Especially in this economy (I haven't had a "real job"
in over 2 years), but I like Nanci and liked the fact
that she was doing a benefit for a kids center, so I
did incremental damage to my credit card and drove up
to see this...

...disaster. What a shameful display.. She should
donate her payday to the Children's Center.

OK, I'm going to take my own advice and go have a
drink or a smoke (I don't smoke, but I'll consider it
now) and think about the very long drive home.

Again, if it matters, I'll do the setlist later on and
a few other comments if I can think of anything
pertinent, but I hit on the lowlights...

Later on...

John "why Nanci?" Houser

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Subject: NN: Galante Vineyards in Carmel VALLEY 
   Date: Tue, 03 Sep 2002 21:26:09 -0700 
   From: "Susan Peete" (suepeete@cruzio.com> 

At 10:55 AM 9/2/02 -0500, John Houser wrote:
>I considered waiting to return to San Luis Obispo
>before writing this to gain some objectivity, but I
>don't think objectivity is warranted here.

Oh I don't know, I think it is.

When I arrived and had my first glance of the stage, I was stunned. My first
thought was "That's the stage? That's the stage they expected Nanci and the
BMO to perform on?" It was not sheltered from the very bright hot sun. The
thin mesh (or whatever that was) over the stage did not provide any
protection from the sun. The stage was open on all four sides. No
"backstage" or even a small area off-to-the-side where Nanci could say
something to a stagehand about her concerns. It definitely wasn't set up for
the comfort of the artist(s). 

It was very hot and you had to take a very long tight winding road to get to
the place. My daughter felt lightheaded and faint by the end of the day. And
if you can imagine in that kind of conditions, arriving at the venue feeling
ill after having the flu for the last few days, as Nanci did, you would have
much more understanding of the situation. And she did hint on this on stage
when she mentioned she was starting to feel cold because the heat was
getting to her, which tells me she might have been having chills.

I was astonished she did as well as she did. You couldn't find me out of bed
feeling like that. I thought Nanci's voice was good and sang beautifully
though. John Houser even said "admittedly, the songs she did were basically
great - her voice was as good as I can recall". 

As far as it being a short concert, any concert of Nanci's is to short,
because we never want it to end, but the length was typical for a "festival"
kind of setting.

I heard there was suppose to be another performer there that never showed.
Maybe he was ill. The ticket read from 1:00 - 6:00 but it was pretty much
over at 4:30 or so. I think there were some plans lacking.

A pleasant surprise for me was to finally hear Lee Ann Etheridge do a full
solo set performance. She is another very gifted singer-songwriter.

John Houser wrote:
>To the folks at Galante Vineyards, I thought your
>group did one hell of a job. For an entirely
>volunteer, one time a year event, I thought it was
>superbly run.

I agree with this, The volunteers were very kind and helpful. But I still
think the organizers need to improve on the stage situation, if they want
musicians to return.

I'm looking forward to the new live concert CD and DVD. Bill's favorite song
was "The Flyer", (On his grave marker it reads "God Bless The Flyer"). OUR
song was "Two For The Road". Both of these songs were played at Bill's
funeral and these two songs along with "There's A Light Beyond These Woods"
will all be together in one place. What a special album that will be for me.


On a different note for the northern CA folks or anyone else who wants to
travel...Denice Franke (a singer-songwriter who sang backup for Nanci back
in the 80's) will be performing at a house concert in Santa Cruz on Saturday
9/21/02 at 8:00 P.M. Denice will be playing one or more of Bill's guitars at
the concert. If you know anyone that would be interested in going to this
concert, they can call (831)426-0623 for reservations and directions. Or
email Robin Roberts at RobinRob@Pacbell.net

Hope to see you there.

Forever grateful for the music.

Sue

Susan Peete
suepeete@cruzio.com

In loving Memory of Bill Peete:
http://members.cruzio.com/~billpeet/


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Subject: Re: NN: Nanci Melts Down In Carmel 
   Date: Tue, 03 Sep 2002 07:36:45 -0400 
   From: "Tony Cox" (tonycox@pacific.net.au> 

> ...but it was a BENEFIT concert. Nanci, surely you
> knew that cause I heard you took a cut in pay to do
> this gig.

I'll restrict my comments on Nanci's reported tantrums to
saying that we all have our bad days, and it is to her
credit that she still managed a reasonable rendition of her
songs.   John is of course entitled to feel disappointed if
that's how Nanci's mood affected him.   As for the length of
her set - assuming there were others on the bill, one hour
is not uncommon for this type of gig, surely.

What bothers me slightly is the statement that she took a
"cut in pay".  Isn't the point of benefit concerts that
services are given free?  Perhaps I'm being naive here -
maybe that just doesn't happen where "stars" are involved.
Again, I'm not saying that this is anything to crucify her
for.  I'm just coming to the realisation that if this is
common practice, then what appears to be an act of
generosity could be more to do with *being seen* to be
generous, in which case self-interest wins out over
altruism.

But then again, I'm basing these musings on the assumption
that Nanci and her band really did get paid over and above
expenses - which may well be a false assumption.  In which
case just ignore what I've said.  I just felt like having a
bit of a ramble is all;)

Tony

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Subject: Re: NN: Nanci Melts Down In Carmel 
   From: "The Kimbros" (kimbroj@charter.net> 
   Date: Mon, 2 Sep 2002 21:05:42 -0400 

> What bothers me slightly is the statement that she took a
> "cut in pay".  Isn't the point of benefit concerts that
> services are given free?  Perhaps I'm being naive here -
> maybe that just doesn't happen where "stars" are involved.

Very rarely...  Most often the artist provides services for a reduced price.
Every artist is different, but most everyone has a "nut" or bottom dollar
fee at which expenses are met.

-S

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Subject: NN: Nanci Meltdown 
   Date: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 15:51:56 -0600 
   From: Molly Prive (prive@charter.net> 

I think John was brave in posting his feelings (some of the verbiage was a
LITTLE strong) about the concert in Carmel.  I have been to two
disappointing NG concerts and I did feel ripped off. I know she is human,
but I've had bad days at work and tried to let people know where I'm coming
from and not take it out on them. Maybe, my interaction with them even
helps.

We make a decision to spend the money and the time on a concert and if it's
not good we are left with nothing. If we have a bad meal or get bad service
somewhere, we get some compensation. I am torn with the feeling that I
shouldn't put people like Nanci Griffith on a pedestal, but it's people like
ME that put food on her table and keep her doing what she says she loves to
do. I own all of her CD's and Videos. Will own the new CD and DVD pretty
quick. I have seen her once a year since 1994. (But no plans this year :(
) All my good feelings go out to her, if she is struggling with something.

To change the subject, I have seen a lot of live music this summer and have
been feeling very blessed. Richard Shindell, Cheryl Wheeler, Lucy Kaplansky,
John Gorka, Cliff Eberhart, Mark Stuart, Stacey Earle, Joan Baez, Ralph
Stanley, Todd Snider, Daniel Rodriquez, The Chieftains (with a surprise
visit from Patty Griffin) and Nickel Creek on Friday. Most of these were
free as a perk for volunteering at the venue. All in all, a great summer.

Thanks for being such a great group!
Molly

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: NN: Carmel Valley Follow-Up 
   Date: Mon, 2 Sep 2002 15:30:42 -0700 (PDT) 
   From: "John Houser" (jchouser@yahoo.com> 

Hello again,

After an evening's sleep and a day's reflection, I was
SLIGHTLY unfair to Nanci yesterday in my immediate
reaction to the concert. I don't know for sure why she
was so angry. I don't recall a smile in the show and I
do recall closing my eyes and listening to the music
because watching her with her scowl was painful. After
a few songs, I kept thinking she is angry enough to
walk off-stage, which is just about what she did
eventually.

In going over the setlist that she did perform - and,
generally did well - I don't see how she did this with
her time on stage. If she was on stage an hour, it was
barely that and very little more...

She came on stage without introduction and there was a
problem with JH's keyboards. Is that where it all
started? It was resolved quickly and they did...

1) Speed/Loneliness

After that, she had a quick comment for the stage crew
about the keyboards, again it was fixed promptly, and
she went into, without introduction:

2) Open Book

According to my notes, that is when she asked about
the camera policy. She did a brief intro to the next
song which was:

3) Clock w/o Hands

After which, without introduction:

4) Flyer

Her only extended intro was for the next song, which
was probably the highlight, as this is the point after
which things went a little nuts:

5) Pearl

She then did a weird intro to the next song - she did
the Southwest Airlines thing, but she talked about
being on the road for 14 months and being bored with
doing the same songs - it could have come across well,
but it just fell completely flat:

6) Not Driving These Wheels

A short intro to:

7) Gulf Coast Highway

A short intro to the next song, which, as I recall had
one section where I think she forgot the words (there
was an extended transition while she looked down at
something):

8) Ford Econoline

She then did an intro to the next song which really
went over badly. She talked about landmines and the
Campaign and the assistance to "help victims get back
on their feet". I don't know if that is her standard
line or not, but it came across badly - there were
groans. Was this the point of no return?

9) Traveling Through

Short intro - while grabbing the wrong guitar and
quite angrily taking off one and grabbing the other -
she did:

10) From A Distance

With a short intro - and somewhat angrier:

11) Good Night NY

Without introduction:

12) Lost Him In The Sun

With a short introduction:

13) Across The Great Divide

After that song, she did the "I'm hot" speech.
Something about her lips turning blue and that's a
sign to leave the stage - not sure what was up with
that comment. The prevailing comment post-show was how
could someone where what she was wearing (mostly
black) complain about being hot. After a really angry
comment about Kosovo, she did:

14) Hard Life

After which it was "Thanks Carmel" and racing
offstage. Actually, she was on her way off before she
got through the comment - she was on her way and her
back was turned before she got through Carmel. I
really thought she was gone.

But she came back, with the outrageous complaint about
someone and the camera and, with a short intro did:

15) Hammer

And a quick departure after a few comments about "no
war", I presume in reference to Iraq.

Again, how she got through all these songs so quickly
is beyond me right now. Quite a long time after the
show ended, my watch said 4:20. I know she didn't get
on stage until several minutes after 3 - maybe up to
3:15. I only had 1 glass of wine well before the show,
so that can't be it:) Maybe I'll add up the CD times
for these songs later as she played them all without
much change.

Again, she sang, in general, well. But there were no
smiles, no friendliness, no typical Nanci moments.
Just obvious anger from the start that progressed to
the point that I've already talked about yesterday and
today. Talked about too much, probably...

I've calmed down a bit after looking at the set list,
I mean, there WAS some good songs and it looks like
she got through most of what she might normally have
done, but there was no mistaking that she had
something seriously bothering her from basically the
start. Today, I won't presume to know what that could
have been.

If it were just me, maybe I'd say I was too hard on
her, but the comments after the show were universal. I
don't recall anyone saying "great show". I don't
recall anyone saying "good show". I don't recall an
"OK show". It was all negative from the crowd that I
talked to on the lawn or walked with back to the cars.

OK, I had my flash of anger yesterday and my afternoon
of reflection here - take both for what they are
worth.

Now, back to the lurk thing...

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: NN: Pearl's Eye View 
   Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 10:10:23 -0400 
   From: "Rob Stiene" (rstiene@riger.com> 

Shel wrote:

>Does anyone know the chords to Pearl's Eye View?  My 10 year old 
>daughter and I want to learn the song, but I'm not smart enough to 
>figure out the chords listening to the CD.

Well, here they are in series, and they shouldn't be too hard to place once
you play along:
A E F#m  / D A E /
D E A A(w/G# bass) F#m /
D A E
D A D A E / D E A

Bridge:
D G D / G D / G A
D G D / G D / G C A

Hope this helps. By the way, the recent Kennedys album (Get it Right) has a
great, simpler-but-more-elegant version that's somehow more fun to play
along with.

RS
-- 



----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: NN: David Rodriguez 
   From: "swrightson@vincebell.com" (swrightson@vincebell.com> 
   Date: Mon Sep 2 23:17:13 2002 

On 02-Sep-2002 22:57:39 +0000, prive@charter.net wrote:

>To change the subject, I have seen a lot of live music this summer and
>have been feeling very blessed. Richard Shindell, Cheryl Wheeler, Lucy
>Kaplansky, John Gorka, Cliff Eberhart, Mark Stuart, Stacey Earle, Joan
>Baez, Ralph Stanley, Todd Snider, Daniel Rodriquez, The Chieftains (with
>a surprise visit from Patty Griffin) and Nickel Creek on Friday. Most of
>these were free as a perk for volunteering at the venue. All in all, a
>great summer.

Molly, just curious where and when you saw David, and how he was doing and
sounding.  One of the best...but he's not doing the email thing and Vince
and I miss him.

Sarah

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: NN: Nanci in GG Park 
   From: "Susan Krauss" (sekrauss@attbi.com> 
   Date: Tue, 3 Sep 2002 09:04:18 -0700 

Well we didn't make it to the show because Linda got to go home
yesterday!!!!  (She was impressed that she rated above Nanci and I would
take her home even though it meant missing the show - and I hadn't even read
about the latest meltdown yet).

They got the whole tumor which is great.  Linda has a long recovery but she
should be back to her old self eventually.  Thanks for all the kind words
and prayers.

It was unusually hot in San Francisco yesterday - how was the show?
 
Susan
Note new email address:  sekrauss@attbi.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: NN: RE: Carmel Valley Follow-Up 
   From: "Ken Stiffler" (ksmsc@kmsx.net> 
   Date: Tue, 3 Sep 2002 15:09:24 -0400 


John wrote:
>>being on the road for 14 months and being bored with
doing the same songs - it could have come across well,
but it just fell completely flat:
((

This raises a question that I have been wondering about for a while now: How
is it that so many artists don't know so many of their own songs?

In effect, isn't this their job?  I mean, I can understand when someone like
Nanci, who has fifteen albums or more in her catalog, doesn't know every
single song.  But many artists who only have four or five albums to their
credit also don't know all of their own songs.  And even someone like Nanci,
with many albums and many songs, you would think that she would know
possibly 90 percent of those songs. If she's really putting the effort into
her live performances, that is. 

When the band goes out on tour, shouldn't they put some effort into knowing
the artist's catalog?  Like, what's up with a member of the BMO not knowing
"Once in a Very Blue Moon"?  It shouldn't take all that much effort to run
through a quick rehearsal of most of the songs in the catalog, especially
the hits.  These are supposed to be good musicians. Assuming that it was
Chas who doesn't known OIAVBM, didn't someone say that he is supposed to be
one of the best guitarists in Nashville?

Or is it, in Nanci's case at least, simply her perfectionism?  That she
can't stand to perform a song less than perfectly - the exact way she
intended it to be arranged?

But if the alternative is to become bored with her own songs, isn't it
preferable to do slightly less than perfect renditions of at least some
songs?  Wouldn't it make it more interesting for the band if they were to
take requests or just plan to mix in a variety of songs in each show? A lot
of audience members would certainly appreciate it.

Or is this another issue entirely?  Something like the contract terms
between Nanci and the members of her band?  Are they only expecting to put a
very limited amount of time into rehearsal?  Possibly only rehearsing before
the tour starts and not doing any rehearsal time during the tour?

Or is it really just a "job" for the musicians on tour and they don't want
to put any more effort into the performance than is absolutely necessary?

Anyway, I'm curious and I'm wondering if anyone has some input to this?

Ken

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Re: NN: RE: Carmel Valley Follow-Up 
   Date: Tue, 03 Sep 2002 14:31:59 -0500 
   From: "Sarah Wrightson" (swrightson@vincebell.com> 

Ken Stiffler wrote:
> 
> This raises a question that I have been wondering about for a while now:
> How is it that so many artists don't know so many of their own songs?


Ken,

It isn't that they don't "know" them, but that they demand a certain
standard when they perform them.  While rehearsal and performance of songs
over the years gives them, like dancers, a physical memory, there may not be
the excellence that they require of themselves.  So they won't play all
requests if they haven't visited a song in some time. 

A band cannot be paid for enough rehearsal time to REALLY know 100 songs or
so.  It is, indeed, more than a quick rehearsal...as I'm listening to Vince
rehearse, for hours each day, every day of the week.  Of course, if there is
a new album out, those songs must be played. 

Further an artist creates a set list like a painting, as a whole. Again, why
requests sometimes just don't fit into the statement, or are left until the
end. 

And often a writer looks back at an old song and it does not play anymore --
either musically, or lyrically, and they do not want to dust it off.

And, and, and :-)

Sarah
-- 
http://www.vincebell.com
http://www.mp3.com/VinceBell

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: NN: NANCI MELTDOWN? 
   Date: Tue, 3 Sep 2002 14:47:02 -0700 (PDT) 
   From: "JAMES WARD" (jward39212@yahoo.com> 

I love Nanci Griffith....but it is unforgivable and
most unprofessional, for an artist to behave so badly
while on stage.  Frankly, there is simply no excuse
for such "on-stage" antics.  Earlier this year, I
attended a concert where Nanci didn't seem to know
where she was or how poorly she was singing.  These
type of performances will only diminish her appeal. 
What are  fans supposed to do...buy tickets...and take
at 50/50 chance that the performance will be yet
another outburst because something wasn't exactly
right?  I don' think so!  Looking back, I can't recall
any mainstream artists who have maintained their
universal appeal while carrying on this way.  Nanci
should remember she is no exception.  Once upon a time
such behavior would have resulted in the artist being
booed off stage.  And not asked to return...for a very
long time indeed!

Just my thoughts!

James

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Re: NN: NANCI MELTDOWN? 
   Date: Wed, 04 Sep 2002 15:58:48 -0400 
   From: "Tony Cox" (tonycox@pacific.net.au> 

JAMES WARD wrote:

> Looking back, I can't recall
> any mainstream artists who have maintained their
> universal appeal while carrying on this way.  Nanci
> should remember she is no exception.

That throws up an interesting train of thought.  James is
right that a *mainstream* artist wouldn't be likely to (be
seen to) "carry on this way" - they're more likely to cancel
a show or even a tour if things aren't quite right.  Can't
be seen to tarnish that carefully manufactured image, can we
now?  With the more *creative* (which equates to *more
interesting* in my book) artists, we tend to get them warts
and all.  I've heard some pretty dreadful live performances
by the likes of Lou Reed, David Bowie, Van Morrison - and
Dylan has taken the concept of "unpredictable" to a level
where he's out on his own - but my respect for these artists
has not been diminished as a consequence.  You know that you
pay your money and take a chance.  The negatives can be seen
as part of the entertainment, even.  There's something kind
of amusing about a grumpy Van Morrison or a badly
out-of-tune Dylan harmonica solo!  I'd much sooner pay to
have a real person in front of me expressing how they feel
on that day than some sterile (even mimed) exhibition of
"professionality".  Of course, if there are too many loose
performances, the artist will lose credibility, but with
these guys you get the totally sublime if you're lucky, so
it's worth the chance.

Nanci I'd put somewhere between mainstream and genius - and
cut her the slack accordingly;)

And one more thought: thank God I'm not in a job where my
boss or the customers I deal with moan about having to pay
me or ask for a refund every time I'm not performing at 100
percent!

Tony

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: NN: Carmel Valley Follow-Up 
   From: BrerFrase@aol.com 
   Date: Tue, 3 Sep 2002 18:23:19 EDT 

Listening to the live interviews of the Ark Weed driving home from tenn last
weekend, I got a real sense of the basic intelligence of Nanci Griffith, and
it made her much more real to me, and more likeable. It also made me relate
to her as an artist and as a thinking, feeling person. So she has a bad day
and wants to explode but actually RESTRAINS herself. I totally relate. Hell
if it were 30 years ago and she smoked dope and smashed her guitar over a
chair she'd be lionized in the press. And my guess is that she had just
asked some dork about the camera policy and they had "oops" forgotten to
prohibit cameras on the backs of ticket stubs as she no doubt had
*explicitly* requested (made a contingency?) for the performance? Hell I'm
already mad for her and I wasn't even there.   

Now if she were a neuro-surgeon it would be different...but she is a freakin
artist just off the boat by a few generations from the emerald isle, and I
freakin adore her. I have wondered though how she can STAND singing the same
stuff over and over, much like theatre but no real continuity other than
internal and a few close friends I imagine.

Anyway, let's obey the law of love and love and forgive each other, what
say...

Just my fun 2 centivos ..

Fraser

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: NN: It's a little bit funny... 
   From: Poetmuse@aol.com 
   Date: Tue, 3 Sep 2002 19:24:05 EDT 

Not saying anything bad one way or the other, (I opt to be silent about most
things around these parts, learned my lesson well did I) but I think it's
funny how when I opened my mail on Sunday there were TWO reviews of a Nanci
Griffith show- one the "meltdown" in Carmel and the other Nanci's great
performance in Phoenix. Isn't it funny which one we're all still talking
about?

"Human nature, I guess." she mused.

-uh huh-

Christina

now playing: Reveal by R.E.M.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Re: NN: Galante Vineyards in Carmel VALLEY 
   Date: Tue, 3 Sep 2002 22:55:51 -0700 (PDT) 
   From: "John Houser" (jchouser@yahoo.com> 

Hi Sue,

I looked for you there, sorry I missed you somehow. I
spent a LOT of time before the show in the shade and
in the sprinklers you may have seen off to the right
of the stage. To this coastal guy, it was seriously
hot there. I was continually trying to stay hydrated
with the bottled water they were selling, which was
blessedly relatively inexpensive.

Anyway, I had a feeling you would be there and I
really wanted to pass along whatever words I could
have come up with in person.

In some respects, I should apologize to Nanci since
she was ill, but she said nothing directly about it as
I have seen her do in the past. The one time she
played in SLO, with Tom Russell, the evening our paths
crossed, she was somewhat below par, but said on stage
she was feeling under the weather that evening -
allergies, if I recall correctly.

> When I arrived and had my first glance of the stage,
> I was stunned.

I was surprised at the entire setup as well, from the
stage to the location of the VIP tables, though there
were so few folks there (or so few braving the sun,
most were in the shade) that folks could move closer
very easily.

You are absolutely correct, but, in light of
everything, I still think Nanci needed to behave, um,
a little better. Outside of comics dealing with
hecklers, I've never seen anything like what happened
at the encore.

> It was very hot and you had to take a very long
> tight winding road to get to the place.

Wasn't that road something;-)

> My daughter felt lightheaded and faint by the
> end of the day.

Given the temperature, I was really afraid someone was
going to need emergency attention - and outside of a
helicopter, it would be forever for a crew to come
over from the little burg of CV. It was about 10 miles
and took me between 30 to 45 minutes. 

> And she did hint on this on stage...

She did - and I totally misunderstood her comments,
which were not very direct. Hint is very much the
right word there. My understanding - and the
understanding of folks I spoke to - did not involve
the flu.

But still, I'm not sure that excuses some of the
stuff.
 
> I was astonished she did as well as she did.

Oh, I totally agree. Clearly, something was bothering
her big time - I attributed wrongly - but she sang
well. However, I was so distracted by the "other
stuff" going on between the songs that it detracted
mightily from the enjoyment. Maybe I was just too
close for my own good.

> I heard there was suppose to be another performer
> there that never showed.

I suspect he got halfway across the road and decided
to go home. But that did allow us to hear Lee
Ann Etheridge do her thing, so it worked out fine.

> But I still think the organizers need to improve on
> the stage situation, if they want musicians to
> return.

Given the comments of some of the folks that I believe
were with the vineyard, not just the volunteers, I
would not expect Nanci to be coming back to that
locale next year. I was doing a lot of talking - and
listening - with folks after the show as I really
needed to validate what I thought I saw. And I admit,
I was very hot, so I could have been way off base, but
I did get that validation. Of course, those folks were
hot as well.

I know Nanci can have bad days. I know that people get
ill. I have been there, of course. 

But, I have to stand by my original feelings - I
probably won't be seeing her in concert again, at
least anytime soon. The one image I took from that
show was her tearing into that poor person - I assume
he or she had a camera, it's the only thing that makes
sense in context. That spoiled it big time for me. Even
in light of everything, that was way out of bounds.
Especially for a benefit concert and especially one
that was meant to help kids. I work with a lot of kids
groups, so maybe I am a little hypersensitive there,
but, oh well...

I send along continued thoughts and prayers that way
and, again, sorry I missed you...

JCH


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: NN: wondering... 
   Date: Wed, 04 Sep 2002 08:18:22 -0400 
   From: "David Steere" (SteereD@si.edu> 

I wonder if Nanci has listened to Eva Cassidy. The thought occurred to me
while enjoying--for the umpteenth time--the new release, IMAGINE. Eva's
version of WHO KNOWS WHERE THE TIME GOES has to join my select group of
favorite performances of this magical song (Sandy Denny's own, Nanci's, and
now Eva's).  I am being fanciful, I know, but can't help picturing our aNGel
with tears in her eyes listening to what Eva does with this work....
 
david

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: NN: Brad Paisley 
   From: DvBGardner@genelogic.com 
   Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 09:54:24 -0400 

Stumbled across an Austin City Limits broadcast on Maryland Public
Television late, late the other night. The featured artist was Brad Paisly
-- great singer, but, more importantly, an enormously talented guitarist. I
was awestruck!  Has anyone ever heard of this guy?

Donate

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Re: NN: Brad Paisley 
   Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 11:13:13 -0500 
   From: "Ed Maier" (evmaier@sbcglobal.net> 

> Stumbled across an Austin City Limits broadcast on Maryland Public
> Television late, late the other night.   The featured artist was Brad
> Paisly -- great singer, but, more importantly, an enormously talented
> guitarist.   I was awestruck!     Has anyone ever heard of this guy?

Yep. he has a funny song on his newer release album, "Part II", the song
title being "I'm Gonna Miss Her". They play the video for it very often on
CMT cable. Here're some lyrics:

Well, I love her,
But I love to fish,
I spend all day out on this lake,
And hell is all I catch,
But today she met me at the door,
Said I would have to choose,
If I hit that fishin' hole today,
She'd be packing all her things,
And she'd be gone by noon,

Chorus:
I'm gonna miss her,
etc.

Ed Maier

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Re: NN: Brad Paisley 
   Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 18:13:57 +0100 
   From: "John Graveling" (kai21@dial.pipex.com> 

Brad Paisley has been one of the most successful country acts over the last
couple of years, mainly due to his awesome guitar playing and reverence for
'old time' country music.

John Graveling

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Re: NN: Brad Paisley 
   From: B0DIE62460@aol.com 
   Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 13:18:33 EDT 


Hi ya'll,

Brad's a very talented guy - writes most everything he does. Is only on his
second cd release, and is newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Great
guitarist, and a great sense of humor. I highly recommend the cds "Who Needs
Pictures" (which includes my favorite "Me Neither"), and "Part II" (which
includes the 'Fishin Song', and my other favorite "All You Really Need Is
Love"). His website is down for the time being, should be up again on
Monday.

See ya
Beth

--
Don't forget to visit http://rvs.netporch.com/ for RVS fan pics, rvsfans
starchat.net chat room, and instructions for the rvsfans mailing list.

----------------------------------------------------------------------


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