Elizabeth Cook, November 4, 2010 -- Buffalo, New York

Hello everyone,

Well, it's taken me some time to get back to you on the Elizabeth Cook show at the Sportsmen's Tavern in Buffalo, New York about 3 weeks ago. I do apologize. I have to confess, Elizabeth Cook's show is well worth it.

The Sportsmen's Tavern in Buffalo is Western New York's hotbed for Americana, roots and alt-country music. The venue itself is quite small, which makes for wonderful interaction between artist and audience. The packed house for this Sunday afternoon's entertainment had roughly 100 people in it, but given the size of the place, the room was packed. It is a great little place, which brings in national touring acts on a regular basis. If you're in the Buffalo/Western New York/Southern Ontario region, by all means check this place out. It's a great time with great people.

Anyway, back to Elizabeth Cook. Elizabeth Cook has just recently wrapped up her tour of the Northeast United States, with tour stops in Cleveland, the Boston area, New York City, with the final tour stop in Virginia. Performing in Buffalo with her husband Tim Carroll on guitar and accompanied by a gentleman on stand-up bass, Elizabeth essentially split the show with songs from her most recent project Welder, (which by the way, is an excellent piece of work) and her previous album Balls.

Once Elizabeth Cook hits the stage and begins that first note, you can tell you are in the presence of one of the finest country singers of our time. Highly personable, Cook rolled through such Welder gems as All the Time and El Camino, and led the crowd with a rousing rendition of the title cut to Balls. There were two very poignant moments in the afternoon. The first moment was delivered when Cook, with strong guitar playing from husband Tim Carroll, performed a wonderful version of Merle Haggard's classic Today I Started Loving You Again. This song has been recorded hundred's of times by artists the world over. Elizabeth Cook gave this song a brand new life with her refreshing version. It is hoped that she puts this cover version on an upcoming album, as it deserves to be heard by the masses.

The second moment came from a personal story. Cook provided some back story to one of the cuts from her album. The youngest child with nine half-brothers and half-sisters, Elizabeth admittedly had much material to draw from, given the large number of siblings. This story set up the beautifully-performed track from Welder, Heroin Addict Sister. This song was performed with a kind of raw honesty that could only be performed by someone who has lived through such family tragedy and strife.

It never gets old saying that someone deserves your time, as you've seen through these reviews. Elizabeth Cook is at the top of the list. She is a country/Americana singer of the highest order, who brings an honesty to the stage that is not often replicated. This young lady has more talent in her pinky finger than most big-name entertainers out there today. The next time she passes through your area, do take the time to check her out. She travels extensively, with frequent tours to Europe and recently completing a tour of Japan for the first time.

And if you're one of the 20 million or so who have Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, be sure to check out Elizabeth Cook's weekday morning show Apron Strings from 6 to 10am, Eastern time, on Outlaw Country, Sirius 62, XM 12.

For more information on Elizabeth Cook, you can check her out at:

www.elizabeth-cook.com

For more information and upcoming shows at the Sportsmen's Tavern in Buffalo, New York, log on to:

www.sportsmenstavern.net

With Many Thanks

This is one of those times where this blog, normally reserved for Americana music, takes a moment to remember the soldiers and veterans around the world. Although it's four days after the fact, it is never too late to honor and thank the soldiers who have served their country, regardless of which country you may be reading this in.

In my native Canada, November 11 is called Remembrance Day. It's called Remembrance Day in other countries around the world, mostly in the British Commonwealth countries. In the United States, November 11 is called Veterans Day, but really, it's the same thing. At the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, we pause for two minutes of silence to remember and pay silent tribute to all of our wonderful soldiers who currently serve our country in various theatres around the world, and to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our nation in World Wars 1 and 2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, various peacekeeping missions and currently the war in Afghanistan.

Perhaps the most popular poem that has been written about the plight of the wartime soldier was written by a Canadian physician in the Army in World War 1, Lieutenant Colonel John McRae. Believed to have been written on May 3, 1915, the day after Colonel McRae had witnessed the death of his friend, the poem was originally published in London, England on December 8, 1915. This poem has been a staple of Remembrance Day ceremonies across Canada and around the world since then. Sadly, Colonel McRae would also lose his life in the first Great War, in 1918. But what a legacy he left behind. A tremendous gift that has allowed generations of people around the world to truly recognize the sacrifice that freedom requires.

Thank you to all our veterans of wars and conflicts, both past and present. Because of your dedication, we're allowed to listen to the music we want to listen to, we're allowed to read what we want to and we're allowed to write what we want to. Please pass this important piece of literature along, In Flanders Fields:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

My Intro to Elizabeth Cook

Elizabeth Cook first came to my attention in one of several articles on CMT written by Chet Flippo. For those of you who have read Chet Flippo, you will no doubt have observed that he speaks what`s on his mind. He seems to be a very schooled writer, especially when it comes to the state of country music today. Mr. Flippo also seems to have a great appreciation for all types of music and how they interact with one another. He is also not afraid to state his opinion, no matter what that opinion is, about various topics in the country music industry. He too, appears to be frustrated with the mainstream.

And so it was with special attention that I read one of his past articles on this young lady who just keeps blowing him away with her music. You won`t find Elizabeth Cook on mainstream country radio, at least not at this point. If you`re a customer of Sirius-XM Satellite Radio, you may know Elizabeth Cook from her weekday morning radio show called Apron Strings. She`s a very capable host and can more than hold her own with the male dominated morning shows out there.

In addition to her morning show, Elizabeth Cook is a recording artist, songwriter and musician. Talent is as natural as breathing to this woman.

I picked up her latest album Welder, released on 31 Tigers Records. The title is an homage to her father who owned his own welding shop in Florida. Produced by the great Don Was, the album covers the gamut of traditional country to Americana. From the opening track of All the Time and rolling in to El Camino, this album catches you right away. For me, the highlight of the album is Not California. Ms. Cook really shows her vocal chops on this track. She covers topics that are too touchy for mainstream country radio, with Heroin Addict Sister telling the story of a young lady coping with drug addiction.

Listening to this album, I can see what Chet Flippo is talking about. She is the real deal. I too, hope that she can someday gain the wide audience that she richly deserves. I`ll have more on Elizabeth Cook in the next couple of days. She is playing in Buffalo, New York this afternoon at 4:00 at the Sportsmen`s Tavern. Upcoming tour dates are November 8 in Albany, New York at The Linda; November 10 in Piermont, New York, at The Turning Point; and in Lewiston, Maine at The Olin Arts Center. If you`re in these areas and have the time do check out the show, it will be time well spent, I promise.

Thank You, Sparky

This spot as you know, is typically dedicated to the sounds of Americana and alt-country music. Today though, I'm going to talk a little bit about another great North American tradition, that of baseball.

It was with a bit of sadness and great memories that brought about a smile that I read of the passing of George 'Sparky' Anderson. It's widely known that Sparky Anderson was the manager for baseball's Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers during the 1970's to the mid-1990's. Growing up in Toronto, Ontario, we had the great fortune of living in close proximity to Detroit, Michigan, where the Toronto Blue Jays enjoyed a fierce rivalry with their divisional rival Tigers. This of course, led to many visits to Toronto by the Tigers, then managed by Sparky. By sheer default, I ended up following the Tigers as well as the Blue Jays. It was a great time to be a baseball fan in both cities, as both teams were doing well. The Tigers had won the World Series in 1984, and the Blue Jays were always competing for the playoffs, eventually to win back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993.

I always looked forward to seeing the Tigers. The big reason was that it was an opportunity to see Sparky Anderson. There are not too many genuine heroes in life, especially these days. For me, Sparky was one of my heroes. I admired the way he would stand up for his players, no matter how bad their slump was. I admired how proud he was of his players accomplishments. I admired how he would always take the time for the fans and how well respected he was among his peers. Meeting him and getting his autograph on a baseball in 1985 at Tiger Stadium, was one of the big moments of my young life at that time. He was a true gentleman who was in love with the game of baseball. It was a brief meeting, but 25 years later, the memory sits like it happened yesterday.

I was in my mid-20's in 1996 and I had the great fortune of working in the security department at the SkyDome (now known as the Rogers Centre) in Toronto. The SkyDome/Rogers Centre is the home of the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. It was a phone call from my overnight colleagues in the middle of the night that woke up the house saying that I was late for my 2:00am shift. I thought the shift was the next night. They said not to worry, nothing has started yet, so I could still get down to work. I immediately hopped in the shower, and 45 minutes after the phone call, I was walking in the door to start work. My duties for this shift, which was a film shoot for the Toronto Blue Jays broadcasts, was to make sure everything was running smoothly for the crew and that no one would harass the celebrity. That celebrity, as it would turn out, was Sparky Anderson.

As the hours wore on during that early morning shift, it was time for the film crew to call a break. I was standing on the steps by the entrance to the visitors dugout, taking in the film shoot, not really believing that I was watching my hero at work. When the break was called, Sparky walked over to the visitors dugout and sat on the bench. He took out his pipe, filled it with some tobacco, and as he was lighting his pipe, he said "So, how're you doin' today?" I looked around and I'm the only one in the dugout. "Um, I'm not doing to bad this morning sir, how are you?", was my stunned reply. "Oh I'm doing good, it's a little early, but I'm having fun." And so it began, the half hour-plus conversation I had with Sparky Anderson in the visitors dugout at the home of the Toronto Blue Jays. After a few minutes, I found myself sitting on the bench beside Sparky, listening to his stories and participating where I could. We talked about the Tigers, the Blue Jays, his night spent at the White House when the Clintons were the occupants. It felt like I was sitting next to a grandfather, just listening to his experiences in life. That conversation took place 13 years ago and again, the memory remains like it happened yesterday. With Sparky's passing, the importance of that moment in my life becomes that much bigger. I would have worked that day for free. To say I'm fortunate is an understatement. Not everyone gets to share that kind of quality time with one of their heroes. I got that chance.

The baseball world has lost one of its greatest ambassadors, personalities and gentleman. Sparky Anderson is the true embodiment of the sports professional. Sadly, there doesn't seem to be the same type of people that you had at a time when Sparky Anderson was in the game. To be fair, there are a lot of great players and professionals in all sports, but I think you guys know where I'm going here. That certain intangible seems to be missing. A lot of the professional athletes of today would do well to take a look at how Sparky Anderson treated people and recognized his contribution to a team. I will always treasure the two moments in time I had with a true legend and hero.

God bless you, Sparky.

For some great articles and videos on the life and times of Sparky Anderson, please click on the link to ESPN. Be sure to pick up Sparky's book on the 1984 Detroit Tigers season, in which they won the World Series, "Bless You Boys" at your favorite book store.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=kurkjian_tim&id=5765088

Ragweed Nation: What's Next?

It has been a little over a week since the final performance of Cross Canadian Ragweed at Joe's Bar in Chicago. For those of us in attendance, the memories linger while the hangover has faded. I'm still thinking about this show. When you get great music from great musicians, in a great venue with great people, it's one of those rare nights where you know that you're going to be a part of something special.

Now that a week has gone by, there is one question I have for Ragweed Nation, if you'll indulge me for a moment. The question I have is, now that Cross Canadian Ragweed are on hiatus, who do you turn to for your fix? I mean, there is no way that anyone replaces Ragweed, let's get that out of the way right off the bat. But, who do you start to follow? Do you start to gravitate toward another band, such as long-time Ragweed running-mates Reckless Kelly? Or, how about some solo acts related to Ragweed, such as Wade Bowen, Stoney Larue or Mike McClure.? The options are endless, if you think of it.

As I write this, I'm listening to the live stream of 95.9 FM The Ranch from Fort Worth, Texas, sampling all things Texas music. As I've mentioned before, Ragweed music and this Ragweed show helped me discover at least a part of what I was looking for when this musical journey started. Although I couldn't put my finger on it at the time, it hit me like a ton of bricks during the show. What I've been looking for in my musical odyssey is the Red Dirt sound, the Texas music sound. There's nothing out there like it. It's hard to even really describe it. But the feeling that you can get from it can be nothing short of exhilarating.

So, to answer the question on this end, I think I'll gravitate to learning more about the Texas music scene. Right now if I'm picking a group that I'm keeping an eye on, it's Reckless Kelly. If I'm tuning in to a solo act right now, it's tough to argue with Wade Bowen. Very unique sounds from both of these acts. Having said all of that, I'm not limiting myself to anything. I've just discovered what the South has known for years, I'm just set to take it all in. For those listening to mainstream country, trust me folks, the Texas music scene goes a lot deeper than Jack Ingram and Pat Green. While they are both excellent artists in their own right, the well is much deeper. Do check it out, you will thank me, I promise.

As always, I'm open to suggestions. So please readers, if you have any favorites out there, please let me know. Leave a comment on this post and let's help each other out, there's lot's of great music out there for all of us to discover.

If you wish to check out some great sounds from the Texas music scene, log on to the following sites:

95.9, The Ranch, Fort Worth, Texas

www.959theranch..com

KNBT-FM, 92.1, New Braunfels, Texas

www.knbt.fm

Cross Canadian Ragweed -- Last Call: The Concert Review

This past Sunday, the Red Dirt trail was well traveled and long, with dust kicked up from Texas and Oklahoma all the way to Chicago, Illinois. Joe's Bar on Weed Street in the Windy City was the location for an historic moment in Americana and Red Dirt music, as Cross Canadian Ragweed performed their final show together. Thousands were in attendance, including this writer, as I made an abbreviated trip to Chicago (much shorter than I had originally planned -- life happens, folks) to see my first and last performance of this great band from Stillwater, Oklahoma.

The anticipation was palpable as I joined the Ragweed faithful in a rainy lineup. As I spoke with those in line, I was amazed at the geographic makeup of the crowd. First of all, everyone was very friendly and completely stoked for the show. I met a couple from Texas. There were a couple of guys who made the trip up from Georgia. I met some really great people from Colorado. And I'm from Ontario, Canada, so that in itself should tell you the reach and influence that Ragweed has on the populous. Everyone knew this was a rare occasion, and one that was not to be missed.

Opening act Wade Bowen was fantastic. He did more than an adequate job of getting the crowd ready and in the right frame of mind for the reason we were all there. The room, filled to capacity with thousands of members from the Ragweed nation, was at a fever pitch when the introductions were complete and the first notes of "Mexican Sky" were blasting through the sound system. The first thing passing through my mind was "Damn, these guys have pure talent." The second thing was, "This is going to be one awesome show." We were not to be disappointed.

Rocking through opening tunes "Cold Hearted Woman" and "Dimebag Darryl", the first surprise of the evening was upon us. Citing the wonderful support from their peers in the industry, Cody Canada welcomed their duet partner from 2005's "Soul Gravy" album, Lee Ann Womack, to join them on stage and perform their hit "Sick and Tired." The song, which is a wonderful ballad, also afforded the first comedic moment of the night, with Canada admitting later on that he allowed an audience sing along to take place because he forgot one of the middle verses. As always, the Ragweed faithful were there to support, as the audience started singing along with assistance from Womack until Cody was able to re-join. It was a great moment that lent itself to the spontaneity and celebratory nature of the event.

Other ballads that followed were "Lonely Girl", written by Cody Canada for his sister and one of their earlier hits, "Constantly." It didn't take long for the boys to rock it right back up though, as they ripped in to such crowd favorites as "Anywhere But Here" and "Oklahoma", the latter performed with Stoney Larue. Wade Bowen was brought back out to perform with his brother-in-law, Cody Canada, and the boys.

In all, Cross Canadian Ragweed performed 30 songs in total, it was like nothing I have ever seen before and will not likely see again. Closing the show with an encore that consisted of "Carney Man" and a cover of Neil Young's "Keep on Rockin' in the Free World," Ragweed went out in style. After a show that lasted 4 hours, Ragweed nation could go home with their heads held high. Their heroes blew the doors off the place. For this Ragweed rookie, it was one of the best shows I have ever seen. I was impressed and depressed at the same time. I would love to have caught another show by these guys. But, if I could only see one show, I am so glad it was this one. This was the show to be at and I am thrilled to have been a part of that whole experience.

I would like to make some acknowledgements before I close this column. First, it would be remiss to not acknowledge the contribution of Wade Bowen to this night. Wade Bowen and his band performed a show in Texas (I believe it was in Amarillo ... please correct me if I'm wrong) the night before. Giving much credit to his bus driver, Bowen and crew were at Joe's Bar in Chicago to answer the 8:00 show time call. That is no small feat. But as Cody Canada pointed out in the Ragweed set, those Red Dirt musicians take care of each other. Wade Bowen was there for his brother-in-law and brothers of the road. I really liked his show and I'll be doing a piece on Wade Bowen in the future.

I asked a question of some fans outside while we were waiting to get in, and that question was "Why Chicago? Why not somewhere in Texas, like Billy Bob's? Why not Oklahoma, say at Cain's Ballroom?" From what I gather, both places would have been more than justified, hell, Ragweed is from Oklahoma and Ragweed is legendary in those states. The answer I got from a longtime friend and fan of Ragweed was that Joe's Bar has been very good to Ragweed over the year's, giving them an outlet for their music before they became the huge success that they are today. Joe's was selected as a "thank you" to that establishment for all the years of support at all stages in their career. Of course, this is speculation. Whatever the reason, go to Joe's Bar in Chicago if you are ever in the Windy City. It is a great establishment with great and friendly people running the show.

Thanks to KNBT-FM from New Braunfels, Texas, for thinking outside the box. They streamed the show live on their web site for all the folks in Ragweed nation that could not be at the show. It would be nice if more stations would do this sort of thing. They will have an encore presentation of the show starting at 8:00pm EDT, 7:00pm CDT on Thursday October 28. Do check out this radio station, it is a good one. Their link is www.knbt.fm

And finally, thank you Cross Canadian Ragweed and Ragweed Nation. It is because of Cross Canadian Ragweed that I am now a follower of the Texas Red Dirt music and Americana music scene. Thanks for one of the best shows I have ever seen. Ragweed Nation, thanks for reading my little series on the boys from Oklahoma. This is still a fairly new blog and I appreciate the time you have taken to check it out. I hope you'll come back and check it out, we're only getting started here. And by all means, if there is anyone out there that you recommend I check out, let me know. This was a lot of fun. We will do this again.

From the Cumberland River, to the World Over -- Happy Birthday, Grand Ole Opry

A week and some days ago, the most important institution in this brand of music that we celebrate in this spot three times a week, held it's 85th birthday in Nashville, Tennessee. Broadcasting from the same radio home on AM 650, WSM Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry had a birthday celebration that was like no other in the history of this great radio show.

The importance of the Opry in the musical landscape as a whole cannot be understated. Airing for the first time on November 28, 1925 as the WSM Barn Dance, the Grand Ole Opry (so renamed in 1927) is the longest running weekly radio program in the world. It's important to think about that for a moment. When you consider that the Opry's first broadcast occurred when terrestrial radio itself was only five years old, the fact that it remains on the air today is one thing. Add in the fact that it's stronger today than it has ever been is breathtaking. When you consider that this program has withstood the Great Depression, World War II, Vietnam, the Cold War and most recently, the Great Nashville Flood of 2010, the strength of the Opry is at an all time high.

The Opry has long served as a showcase for all forms of country music. Billed as "the show that made country music famous", it has served as an outlet for all artists in the many roots and branches of country music to perform for thousands in attendance, and millions listening around the world. Indeed, a review of the Opry membership is a who's who of the famous in country music and not-so-famous. No matter for the Opry faithful, once you are blessed with membership, you are part of the family. In a given week you can hear legends such as George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and John Conlee perform alongside such mainstream country artists like Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Trace Adkins. On that same show, great Americana artists are at home as well, as Marty Stuart, Jim Lauderdale, Mary Gautier and the Del McCoury Band make regular appearances. And of course, no Opry show is complete without a performance by the longest serving Opry member of 47 years and still going strong, Little Jimmy Dickens.

The Carter Family once recited the famous words that became the cornerstone for country music in all its forms: "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" If there is an answer to that question, the Opry answered it in the same fashion it has for generations now. The answer came in the flood that struck Nashville earlier this year, destroying many homes and property, and changing the lives of all those it touched. It has been well documented as to the damage the Opry itself sustained as the waters rose above the banks of the Cumberland River. The famous circle of wood, an original piece of wood from the stage of the Opry's former home, the Ryman Auditorium, where such greats as Hank Williams, Sr., Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash have stood, was thought to be lost. Workers managed to save it and restore it to its former beauty. The Opry as a show moved to the Ryman Auditorium, always known as "the Mother Church of Country Music." Other Opry shows were held at the War Memorial Auditorium and large churches in Nashville. Even in the face of disaster, Opry members rallied and the show went on. Will the circle be unbroken? Never. That circle is stronger today than it has ever been.

This weekend, Blake Shelton will be inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. He is to be congratulated and will be a proud representative of this great institution. Congratulations to all members of the Opry, both past and present, on 85 years of entertaining and celebrating.

For more information on the Grand Ole Opry, you can check out www.opry.com