Americana Gazette August/September Issue

MERICANA GAZETT E A August - September 2009

Feature Story: Suzy Bogguss Tim Carroll Patrick Bodell Lawrence Family Band Bill Malone Kristi Rose and Fats Kaplin Robert J.

AMERICANA GAZETTE Greetings from the Publisher:

Americana Gazette Advertising Rates

Well, the summer was fun, but as usual, it went by way too fast. Our 1 Year Anniversary Party was a huge success. The weather was a little uncooperative for July. It was way too cold to have the bands play outside, so inside it was. We still had a great time. Good friends, good food and great entertainment by the Raindogs followed by the East Nashville guys, Peter Cooper, Eric Brace, Tim Carroll, Jim Gray and Paul Griffith. But you can read more about this in another article in this issue.

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Thanks also to the people who donated money to the Belleville Special Olympics; we raised $200.00 which we gave to Kay Zimmerman who was overwhelmed with this. Kay said bowling was going to be starting and this would come in handy.

Also thanks to the people who brought food for the Green County Humane Society. All the little “critters’ say thanks!

Andy and I will be venturing off to Nashville for the Americana Music Conference in September, so be watching for our adventures in the next issue along with some great stories on country music people. After all – October is National Country Music Month!!!!

Till then…..

Joyce Ziehli Americana Gazette, Publisher

PUBLISHER Joyce Ziehli jziehli@advisorymgt.com SENIOR EDITOR Andy Ziehli aziehli@advisorymgt.com STAFF WRITERS/PHOTOS Rob Kosmeder Rob.kosmeder@yahoo.com Litt Dubay Robert Hoffman Jim Smith Aaron Williams Rosemary Ziehli FEATURE WRITERS Erin Blumer CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ric Genthe rgenthe@charter.net AMERICANA GAZETTE % ANDY & JOYCE ZIEHLI P.O. BOX 208 BELLEVILLE, WI. 53508 OFFICE: 608-424-6300 Andy Cell: 608-558-8131 Joyce Cell: 608-558-8132

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Welcome to

Americana Gazette TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURE STORY 16 Suzy Bogguss

WHERE TO LOOK: 3

1/2 Notes

4

Litt DuBay’s Slant

5

Women In The Round

6

Aaron Tippin

8

Patrick Bodell

9

CD Review

10 Cuts for Guts 12 A Pet Note 13 Aaron’s Anecdotes 14 Kristi Rose and Fats Kaplin 15 Belle Bleu 16 Suzy Bogguss 18 3 for 1 19 Bastille Days 19 P.S. 20 Bill Malone 21 Blessed Be Books?

22 Book Review: COOP 23 Hard Work 23 The Gift

Toffler’s check out the Raindogs August 22 from 8:00 – 11:00 at Toffler’s in New Glarus

1/2 Notes

At Fat Kat the August 23 in New Glarus Beth Kille returns for a two hour show from 11:00 a.m -1:00 p.m for the Party on the Patio concert series. This is her first show after returning from a years stay in Houston and playing the Texas circuit.

Rural Musicians Forum: Birthday Bash August 24, 7:30pm • directed by Doug Swenson, featuring “Earthy Songs”—a family concert by Ken Lonnquist.Tickets:$8 adults and $5 children & seniors.

Advance tickets available at Spring Green General Store, Nina’s and The Flower Shop. Unity Chapel, County T (just off Hwy 23), 3 mi. south of Spring Green

Local Night at The Shed every Thursday night through August featuring Local food, local beer, local talent. Food starts at 5:30pm, music starts between 6-6:30pm.No cover charge. The Shed,123 N. Lexington Street, Spring Green FMI: 608-588-9049

Rhythm on the River August 30, 3-8:30pm an art and music celebration of the Lower Wisconsin River, featuring bluegrass and Richard Blackhawk Kapusta band. Food and beverages available. Free.

Wisconsin Riverside Resort, Spring Green

Rural Musicians Forum:Taliesin at Taliesin August 6, 6pm • Directed by Effi Casey, featuring music by the Taliesin fellowship, chorus and special guests.

Hillside School Theatre, Hwy 23, Spring Green FMI: Doug Swenson, 608-469-2887

The last Party on the Patio concert for their season on September 6th at the Fat Kat in New Glarus. A new yet unnamed band will be performing. It’s a surprise! Come here the best in Americana and original music. Show is from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m

Toffler’s in New Glarus check out the Rowdy Prairie Dogs from 8:00 -11:00 August 15 Gandy Dancer Festival August 15, 11am-8pm The best bluegrass music around featuring the Kruger Brothers,Art Stevenson, Cris Plata & Extra Hot, Ken Lonnquist, Chris Powers and Dave Zwiefel. Live music,family activities and food a-plenty! Admission is to all activities is free, but tax-deductible donations the Mid-Continent Railway Museum,the event sponsor, will be gratefully accepted.

Westland Promenade, downtown Mazomanie SGAAC Slow Food Social August 19, 6pm this is the fourth annual Slow Food Festival sponsored by Spring Green Area Arts Coalition. Everyone is invited to bring a ready-to-serve dish of wild food, homegrown food, or locally grown food for competition or just tasting. Hosted by David and Eileen Roeder. Spring Green Community Church, 151 E. Bossard Street, and Spring Green FMI: David and Eileen Roeder at 608-588-7352 Concert on the square Monroe,WI featuring the Jefferson County Blue Grass Band August 20th 6:30 on the square in Downtown Monroe.

Bounty of Green County –Meet your Maker September 12th at the New Glarus Brewery new Hilltop Plant on Hwy 69 10:00 a.m until 4:00 p.m.

Sample Green County’s delicious products and meet its top producers. Producers will serve samples, share recipes, and suggest uses of their products. There will be live Music from noon until 4:00. $5.00 adults, free for children 16 years of age and under.

Raindogs Summer Schedule 2009

Date Location Venue August 22, New Glarus Toffler’s Pub & Grill September 26, New Glarus, WI Oktoberfest-New Glarus

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Date:______________________________________ 3

Litt DuBay’s

Rant!

by Litt DuBay

Litt Dubay here!

I hope your summer is going well! Mine has been pretty uneventful. I did not get tickets to Michael Jackson’s wake. Who issues tickets to a Wake!!!! God they sure are making a big deal about his passing. He’s gone live with it. John Miller said at my wake they would have two 1/2 barrels of Hamm’s beer and he would charge $2 for a glass and keep the money himself. A true entrepreneur.

Next the State Bird of Wisconsin, the Mosquito has returned, and brother they are taking full advantage of my sweet disposition and blood this summer. After one Sunday evening I thought I was going to have to get a blood transfusion after sitting outside for half an hour. TV sucks the big one.

How much Ice Road Truckers can one take in a week? Who is going to pitch Oxi-Clean now? Billy Mayes passed away. God I hope that they don’t get the Sham Wow guy Vince. He kind of creeps me out.

Brat season is in full swing here in Wisconsin.

There are Brat stands going on all over. Man I love Brat season! The Rick Anderson’s from New Glarus recently traveled to Nashville and brought me back a Coconut Cake from the Noshville Deli. A whole cake! Let me tell you something, you have never had cake until you have had cake from Noshville. It is baked by a lady in Mississippi and shipped to Nashville. This cake is the BEST cake you will ever eat. She makes many different flavors and they are all unbelievable. So if you travel to Nashville look up the Noshville Deli and you will not be disappointed in any of their meals and especially their desserts. Speaking of food I went to Gray’s Tide House outside of Verona WI to hear the Raindogs play on a Thursday evening and had a fantastic cheeseburger with a fried egg on top. It was super.

It came with Sweet potato fries. My buddy Mel McKenzie was there along with Jon and Tami from Star Country. I used to drive the school bus Tami rode. It was so good to see Mel again. She sure is a sweetheart! We had a lot of laughs. Check out the music and the food on Thursdays at Gray’s Tide House.

Now it’s time for me to rant! Country, Bluegrass, and Americana musicians get off your asses and get out in the clubs. If I have to listen to one more 80’s cover band I’ll go insane. We used to rule the club scene here in Southern Wisconsin. Now we can’t get a job. Don’t blame it on the economy, blame it on yourselves. Start promoting yourself better. Put

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together package shows like the Indie rockers do and share a billing. People want to hear you again.

MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!

Hat’s off to the State Legislators here in Wisconsin. They passed a no smoking bill that will go into effect next summer. Every musician I have talked to can’t wait. I know some bar owners have complained that they will loose business. Trust me if the only reason someone is coming to your establishment is to smoke a cigarette you got bigger problems brother! I’m sure there will be a slight slowdown in business but it will pickup. I know I have ranted on this before, but it’s important.

Know all you people who say you can’t go out and support local music because you can’t take the smoke you’ve got one year to get used to staying up late so you can go out and support local music again. After July 4th 2010 no more excuses. Support local music!

I hate people who hate me! Well what I mean is I hate people who think fat people don’t know that they are vertically challenged for their weight.

I don’t understand why you think we are unhappy being larger than you. I can stop eating anytime I want to. I just don’t want to at this time. I don’t understand why the guys that design the booths at restaurants make it so only Twiggy can sit in them, and I really don’t understand why all skinny ass bike rider types think that it’s okay to wear those crotch riding, sweat showing, nothing is hidden shorts into an eating establishment! If I wanted to see what you think is an asset to your personality I would ask you to show it! Jeez! Take a shower why you are at it too! If I wanted to smell locker room

BlackWaterGin Texas Rock with Bite ((( BWG ))) BWG Entertainment 608-574-2916 www.myspace.com/blackwatergin

continued on page 30

Dan Baird & HomemadeSin FEATURING WARNER E. HODGES ALL THE WAY FROM NASHVILLE (Jason & The Scorchers lead guitar player) APPEARING TWO NIGHTS IN WISCONSIN FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2009 • SPATZ • MIDDLETON, WI SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2009 • KNUT’S BAR & GRILL • ORFORDVILLE, WI

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Lawrence’s started playing as a family band the oldest brother Michael helped with rhythm guitar and at least once contributed to a family performance with what he believes to be his exceptional dancing talent. He and his wife, Lisa are veterinarians and they have two children, Lillian (3 yrs) and James (4 mo). The truth is Lillian is a wonderful dancer and singer (we all believe) and loves to strum on our instruments. Michael and his family are in the process of moving from northern WI to Franklin,TN.

APPLE HOLLER FESTIVAL – BLUEGRASS FOR HUNGER Well, Fall is almost here and what does that makes us think about. Apples and pumpkins!!!!

Now, when I went to Nashville to Tom T. and Dixie Hall’s home for my interview, I also met a lovely talented young lady named Melissa Lawrence. Melissa is a Kenosha, Wisconsin gal and part of “The Lawrence Family Band”. Melissa and her family band will be performing at the APPLE HOLLER FESTIVAL – BLUEGRASS FOR HUNGER ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 22ND. I asked Melissa to share a little information about her family band, and this is what she had to say about the Lawrence Family Bluegrass Band: Beth Lawrence has been living in the South for 10 years and playing bass and singing with national bluegrass bands. Primarily she plays with The Mark Newton Band, Ron Block Band, Jerry Salley Band, The Daughters of Bluegrass and occasionally fills in with Alecia Nugent and Dale Ann Bradley. Beth is currently up for bass player of the year for the International Bluegrass Music Awards.You may hear Beth on the radio singing BLESSINGS which she recorded on Mark Newton's latest project, HILLBILLY HEMINGWAY, or singing TAKE ME WITH YOU from the newest Daughters of Bluegrass recording, BLUEGRASS BOUQUET(also up for several I.B.M.A. awards) which featured all songs written by Dixie & Tom T. Hall. Both Beth and her sister Melissa have worked in the business office of the Halls, home of GOOD HOME GROWN MUSIC and BLUE CIRCLE RECORDS. Melissa Lawrence also contributed a lead vocal and harmony for the album BLUEGRASS BOUQUET on the song GO UP ON THE MOUNTAIN AND WAIT. She is very honored to be heard mingling with Jeanette Williams,Tina Adair, Janet McGarry and Heather Berry and was in charge of the artwork along with Dixie Hall. She also can be heard singing harmony on Jerry Butler and John Wade's soon to be released cd,HAULIN' GRASS.For almost three years Melissa had been working as a personal assistant and graphic designer for the Halls. Melissa has a degree in Theatre and graduated 2005 from UW-Parkside. Melissa has recently moved back to Wisconsin and plans to play music with her father, George. She sings and plays fiddle, mandolin, and guitar trading instrumental duties w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

Grandpa Jim & Grandma Lorene Lawrence and Grandma Arlene Bedore still attend every performance they can and call out requests being the group's biggest fans.

with George.

Sarah Lawrence stepped in as the bass player and contributed strong lead vocals after Beth's departure. Sarah also plays fiddle, mandolin, and guitar. She is currently living in Tennessee with Beth and playing locally. She is going to school to be a Registered Nurse.

George Lawrence teaches 6 week mini-courses in mandolin,banjo,guitar and jam sessions throughout the year at UW-Parkside, in Kenosha, WI. He currently plays mandolin with The Front Porch Boys and helps host a jam at The Apple Holler Orchard and Restaurant twice a month. Since retiring from Kenosha Sheriff's Department in 2002 he has been Chief of a police water patrol and is the enforcement officer for the town of Randall, WI.

In 1996, Beth and Melissa performed daily in their own bluegrass show at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, with Wisconsin banjo picker, Jon Piek. In 1997, George,Beth & Melissa won the trio/quartet gospel singing competition at Smithville Old-Time Fiddler's Jamboree, (the official state of Tennessee jamboree).

In 1998, both Beth and Melissa attended East Tennessee University's Bluegrass program.

For bookings and information contact: melissalawrence79@gmail.com, www.myspace.com/melissalawrencemusic Information and photo supplied by Melissa Lawrence.

Story by: Joyce Ziehli

Kristy Lawrence, the girl's mother, has been known to play rhythm guitar with the group and is a Registered Nurse. Over the years, Kristy, has always had the tough job of making sure everyone's hair was combed, that we were properly dressed, fed and ready to perform. Because she has the best hand writing in the family she always prepared the set lists.

Mom has always quietly been our support system behind the scenes.

Kyle Lawrence is in his last year of college and hopes to go to law school. Kyle played bass with the group as a teenager, right now he now plays tuba in college.

In the early days when the

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AARON TIPPIN “THAT’S AS CLOSE AS I’LL GET TO LOVING YOU”

COUNTRY MUSIC ARTIST/SONGWRITER AARON TIPPIN NUTRITION LINE RECIPIENT OF DAR AWARD NEW CD – IN OVERDRIVE

“KISS THIS” “THERE AIN’T NOTHING WRONG WITH THE RADIO” 6

Aaron Tippin – What has he been up to? Well, the 51 year old music artist has 5 certified gold albums, 1 certified platinum album, more than 30 charted singles on the Billboard Hot Country Chart, 9 top 10 singles, 3 #1 Hits, travels overseas with Stars and Stripes every Thanksgiving to entertain our troops, plays over 100 shows per year, is the celebrity spokesperson for Paralyzed Veterans of America,Armed Services,YMCA andToys for Tots,is a commercial pilot owning multiple planes, owns w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

his own winery, is an avid hunter, fisherman and bodybuilder,and the list goes on and on……..I have an interview with Aaron Tippin scheduled and you will be able to read all about it in the October/November issue of the Americana Gazette. Aaron Tippin is a busy man and I am glad he could find the time to visit with me, so be sure to watch for the “interview” in the next issue.

In the mean time you can check him out at: www.aarontippin.com . Just to give you a little information on what will be coming in the interview, this is what he is currently doing: COUNTRY MUSIC STAR AARON TIPPIN LAUNCHES LIFESTYLE CAMPAIGN AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT LINE Aaron Tippin Nutrition July 1, 2009 Award-winning Aaron Tippin, announced the launch of his own lifestyle initiative and the introduction of his personal line of nutritional supplements,Aaron Tippin Nutrition (ATN).

Tippin who made the transition from the center of the bodybuilding arena to center stage in the country music industry nearly two decades ago,has added a new lifestyle product to his weighty list of “Can-Do’s.” In his mid 20’s,AaronTippin was a competitive bodybuilder and the regimen became a motivating catalyst; he’s been a fitness buff ever since and now has launched a “way-of-life” program. “I was a fanatic about bodybuilding; it was an obsession that drove me,” Aaron introduces. “Over the year’s, the health and fitness aspect (and how I felt each day) transformed the obsession into an everyday way of life—a lifestyle.”

The ATN campaign and corresponding products have been created to meet the needs and desires of all—for those who wish to maintain their overall well-being, the Baby Boomers who wish to remain forever young, and those who wish to make an absolute commitment to change—to lose some weight and get into shape.

For more information on Aaron Tippin Nutrition visit: www.tippinnutrition.com. Aaron Tippin Nutrition products can be purchased by visiting the site or calling 1-800-223-0160.

AARON TIPPIN RECOGNIZED FOR AMERICAN IDEALS AND PATRIOTISM National Daughters of the American Revolution to Present the DAR Founder’s Medal for Patriotism AaronTippin (who is most recognized for his patriotic smash hit single“Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly,” among others) was honored at the DAR 118th Continental Congress in Mid-July for his outstanding dedication and service to American troops and their families. Tippin was presented with the DAR Founders Medal for Patriotism by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). DAR was founded in 1890 by four women whose common bond was that they each had ancestors who were patriots of the American Revolution.The founders of the DAR sought to create an organization that would "perpetuate the memory and spirit of the women and men who achieved American independence." DAR is a nonprofit,501 (c) (3) charitable organization dedicated to patriotism, historic preservation and education. w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

Tippin received the DAR Founders Medal for Patriotism on National Defense Night (the evening of Friday, July 10, 2009) at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.—near the White House. One of the most prestigious of DAR awards, this recognition "honors an adult who has displayed outstanding patriotism in the promotion of our American ideals of God, home and country through faithful and meritorious service to community, state and nation. Founders’ Medal remust have cipients displayed extraordinary acts of heroism, service, patriotism and achievement. The medal is presented in recognition of deeds, service or educational pursuits that go far beyond the obligations of an individual's employment or normal duties." allies) in more than 55 countries.

Written by: Joyce Ziehli Photos and information provided by: Kat Atwood, Music City News Media & Marketing - Nashville

Aaron Tippin Kicks Into Overdrive with TruckerDedicated CD Release Just when you think he’s hit his stride the hardest working man in country music kicks it into overdrive! Aaron Tippin co-produced In Overdrive with Tim Grogan and the executive producer is label head James Stroud.This album of country classics was created for the American trucking professional and the people who care about them. And when it comes to picking, recording and sequencing songs for an album like this,Aaron Tippin qualifies for this honor in a big way. His unique perspective comes from his own fair share of time spent behind the wheel of the big rigs and the lifestyle that goes with it.

In Overdrive is available on the NIPPIT Records Country Crossing label, distributed by RED Distribution. Tracks include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

East Bound and Down Truck Drivin’ Man Drivin’ My Life Away Six Days On The Road Chicken Truck Prisoner of The Highway Girl On The Billboard Long White Line Movin’ On White Knight Roll On, Drivin’ Fool Drill Here, Drill Now The Ballad Of Danger Dave and Double Trouble

As you can see Aaron Tippin will be worth reading about in the next issue – till then…

We are a regional advocacy, technical assistance and networking program for all types of creative entrepreneurs – including visual artists, composers, musicians, writers, actors, dancers, and choreographers. We connect artists and arts leaders throughout southwest Wisconsin. :H DGYRFDWH IRU WKH DUWV :H GHOLYHU ZRUNVKRSV DQG HGXFDWLRQDO offerings on entrepreneurial skill topics :H IRVWHU FRPPXQLFDWLRQ DPRQJ artists and arts groups via email updates containing information about grants, workshops, and opportunities.

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Carol Spelic 608.342.1314 spelicc@uwplatt.edu 7

Patrick Bodell Green County Studio Master P

atrick Bodell is already well known as an ace bass guitar player. His stint in the Huber Music Company Southern Wisconsin’s premier Jam Band in the early 2000’s paved the way for Bodell’s desire to write and record music. He released a solo album Over You. YS Records in 2002 a wonderful collection of Latin/Groove/Progressive songs. The CD is loaded with top-notch musicianship. Playing on this CD is Jimmy Voegeli the B-3 maestro, Brian Koenig on guitar and oboe, Matt Kruger on drums and percussion, Sharon Christine on harmony vocals, Xavier Pleindox and Demndia DeBlack violins, Maggie Forrestal viola,Thomas Subjab and Jonathon Miller on Cello. Bodell plays bass,Hammond Organ, and percussion besides handling lead vocals.

Today Bodell spends his time filling in with the Raindogs and manning his ever growing recording studio in Monroe WI. The studio which is located a block behind the Minhas Brewery is a warm musician friendly space. Tracking everything digitally, Bodell uses his musical alchemy to turnout fantastic mixes and grooves. I recently spent some time with Bodell in his studio and we talked at length about music, recording, and getting heard by the proper channels. Bodell is a friendly upbeat individual with a deep understanding of what it takes to make great recordings.

AG: What made you want to get into the recording business?

Bodell: I wanted to hear something that I could not find anywhere so I started to make it. It started in my bedroom making demos on inexpensive recording gear and then I just kept upgrading the equipment until I had enough for a recording studio.

AG: How old were you when you started this whole process?

Bodell: I started buying stuff when I was 18 years old. It was basically the first time I had the money to purchase gear. Then when I was in my early 20’s I started to get serious about it and made the plunge to buy good gear. I had started to formulate an idea by that time of what I wanted to do musically and with a studio. It was like a dream I couldn’t reach. Then at one point things started to change in succession and I was able to get the gear.

I was doing solo recording for about 5 years in other studios and it was costing me so much money I figured out if I saved the money I was paying other studios I could own my own. The price of good gear really dropped too so that was also a motivator to go out on my own.

AG: So recording your own material requires a level of musicianship and multi-instrumentation.

How many instruments do you play?

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Bodell: The ones that I play well are bass, piano, and guitar. I was an orchestra brass player for about 10 years too. Beyond that I can play 10 other instruments well enough to put it down on tape. So I guess about 10 -15 instruments total. You can paraphrase that any way you want to.

AG: A maestro of many!

Bodell: (laughs) Yea that sounds good!

AG: Your studio is totally digital. So what equipment and software do you use?

Bodell: I use a combination of software. Digital Performer I use for tracking and other implementations. I also use a stand alone system, a Roland VS2480 which in many recording circles is a very underutilized and rated machine. There are some drawbacks to using this DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) because of the limited tracks available (24), but using both these machines and software together is working really really well. I do a lot of work with midi keyboards and rhythm/drum machines. I look for clients that want to use real acoustic instruments and then intertwine them with the midi gear to get orchestral sounds and tracks.

AG: Using digital equipment do you use analog preamps to “warm” up your tracks?

Bodell: Absolutely, you have to. The key to making good to great recordings is using the best mic and preamps you can afford. If you use cheap microphones and pre amps you will never make good recordings. If you don’t use top gear you will have problems in the mixing stage. All the weaknesses of the equipment will show then. So I salivate every time I open a Sweetwater catalog and look at those $3000.00 preamps and say “someday soon”.

AG: What kind of mics do you use?

Bodell: I use Sennheiser for drums. I picked up an M-Audio Sputnik, which is built to replicate those great Russian Tube mics. It is very comparable to the Neumann U 87. It has its own tube pre amp which makes it nice. I have some really good mics and I am very happy with the results from using them.

AG: Do you use any outboard effects?

Bodell: Yes I do. I am using TC Helicon voice processor very sparingly. I’ve got a good compressor/gate I use on drums and a couple other effects.

VS 2480 also has a great array of effects built in and

you can buy additional chips to load in for even more. I would really like to get a LA 2A compressor but that will have to wait a while.

(For a short time Patrick and I digressed into equipment Nirvana and our dream pieces of gear.)

AG:When you have clients come in do you produce all the sessions or do they bring their own producer?

Bodell: So far I have done both the engineering and the producing. Most of the clientele I have had and foresee using this studio in the near future does not have the money or ability to hire a “producer”, so I wear both hats. My thought on that is that if someone had a producer that they really liked they would probably use that producer’s studio.

I learned a long time ago that I’m not really passionate about singing so I want to use and do the things I am good at which are playing, orchestrating, arranging, producing, and engineering. I want to find others that are great vocalists and work with them and create great music. I always think of the Beatles in their later years together and the kind of music they were recording as what I would like to work on. I’m not saying that I’m as good as the Beatles, but instead that I listen to and enjoy that caliber of music and would like to create similar recordings. I want to be good at finding great singers/songwriters and making superb tracks.

One thing I saw in the studios I recorded in was that they had great engineers. I want to be that guy that sees beyond the lyrics or chord progression and help to create stellar audio listening experiences for my clients like they did.

AG: Do you do your own mastering in your studio?

Bodell: I would like to in the future, but that’s a whole different ballgame and a whole new list of equipment to buy. I recommend that if you want a great finished product,take it to a mastering studio.

The difference is incredible. And it is worth the money to do so. However I do offer to do it here if people want it done.

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AG: Are there specific styles of music you want to record here or are you open to everything?

Bodell: Well there are specific styles that I am more drawn to because I like to listen and play them.

Sure I could record it with no problem but mixing something you don’t like or don’t get into makes it hard to come up with a good finished product that sounds like it should.

The kind of music I want to record here are big sounding things like World Music and Latin Rhythmus. I have no problem recording Rock & Roll Bands and I enjoy doing so. But my dream sessions would involve a lot of orchestration and rhythmus.

I love percussion, strange instrumentation, music that makes you think.

AG: What about a singer/songwriter that wants to come in and record their tunes but does not have a band to play with them; do you help to provide a band for them?

CD Review Kieran Kane ♪♪♪♪♪ Somewhere beyond the roses Compass Records, Nashville Style: Americana Kieran Kane is one of my favorite songwriters and musicians. I have everything he has ever recorded, some even in vinyl. I have been a fan since the O’Kanes. This CD is a little different than other CD’s Kane has recorded in the past, especially in the instrumentation. Along with his son Lucas, Fats Kaplin, Richard Bennett, Deanna Varagona, and David Olney Kane has produced and created a masterpiece. This CD rocks, rolls, and is as cool as they come.

Bodell: That’s what I love to do. Putting a project together like that is way cool. Building the song from the ground up is one of the things I do best.

I can play all the parts except for the drums or they or I can get musicians to record the tracks. That’s what I want to offer here that is different from other studios is the fact that I can play the other parts and it will help to keep your studio budget in line.

Kane wrote 10 of the 11 tracks here. Each track is a musical novel in its story telling texture. The banjo rings through but not in a Bluegrass fashion. It’s interesting to hear; it has a musical framework instead of an accompanist instrument. The use of the Baritone Sax also changes the way you usually hear a CD. Kane’s use of your out of the normal field of view instrumentation has happened in past CD’s especially with his group Kane,Welch, Kaplin but not to this extent. It is utterly “cool” to hear.

AG: Have you done any commercials here?

This CD is meant to be played loud when you’re driving down the highway or when you are sipping bourbon late at night on the back porch in the dark. It stimulates you at the right time and draws you down to that gritty sweaty funky place we all love to go to late at night.

Bodell: I have done a few commercials in the past, mostly music for them. What I really want to work into is music for TV and films. There is such a good market out there for small snippets of music to full length productions. CSI is a perfect example of it.

There is so much music in each scene and you don’t even realize it, because it is recorded and mixed so well. I have been working on some for background music for commercials and hopefully soon will start shopping it around.

AG: What are your rates to record here?

Bodell: Typically it is $30.00 an hour. If someone wants to book the studio for a long period of time I will give them a price break. Give me a call and we can work out a deal!

AG: What are your plans for the future?

Bodell: Well I conduct lessons here so we will continue to do that. We will continue to record rock bands and the singer/songwriters. I’m looking for High School kids who have a band and want to record an EP or CD and give them a break on pricing. We will record on a whole Saturday and at the end of the day they will have a CD. I hope to pickup some more commercial work to do. I have to put together a portfolio of tracks so I can submit it for some larger clients. It’s going to take at least half a dozen great records out of here before people put you at the head of their lists. It’s a labor of love that I hope turns in to a full time gig!

Written by: Andy Ziehli

Every track is a standout! There is not a bad song on this CD! I can be equating this music to those of you who are not familiar with Kane to a cross between, J.J. Cale,Tom Waits, Hal Ketchum, and Rodney Crowell. Intelligent words, out of the box melodies, and rhythms from the underside of proper Nashville.

I gave this CD a 5 note. It is as perfect as you can get. Style, color, class, and musicianship it rocks. If this CD does not get a Grammy nod for Americana CD of the year, there is no justice. Do whatever it takes to find and buy this CD! Do it right now!!!!

Written by: Andy Ziehli

Rick Shea ♪♪♪♪ Shelter Valley Blues Tres Pescadores Records Style: Country,Americana,Tex Mex Rick Shea is the real deal. An honest to goodness Honky Tonker ala Merle Haggard – Dale Watson. No makeup, tight jeans, or half grown beard here. His eyes tell it all. Happy hour is anytime he’s playing music to a crowd of thirsty California Country Music fanatics. There’s Country,Tex-Mex, Celtic, Blues, and Honky Tonk for anyone and everyone here.

This CD was recorded in Shea’s home studio and he played acoustic, electric, steel guitars and mandolin. His friends Heather Myles, Moria Smiley, David Hidalgo, and Cougar Estrada joined him to make one hell of a CD! Outstanding tunes are “No Good Time for Leavin, Steady Drivin Man, Ty Robby, Nelly Bly, Sweet Little Pocha,The Waterboys Fisherman’s Blues and Haleiwa Shuffle. Shea wrote or co-wrote all the songs on this CD but the before mentioned Fisherman’s Blues. Though sparsely recorded the sound and mix on this CD is quite good. It sounds like a good old Country record which it is.

If you like John Anderson you will love Shea’s voice. It is timeless in its down hominess. Joyce loved this CD as I did. It is worth going on line and ordering it from Tres Pescadores Records or CD Baby. It’s as Country as it gets and makes no excuses for being so. Rick Shea deserves a shot at the Big Time; hopefully this CD will get that for him.

Written by:Andy Ziehli

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continued on page 10

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WHAT A SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISER. . .

CUTS FOR GUTS HELD AT JULIA GRACE SALON On Saturday, July 11th, Andy and I visited the Julia Grace Salon on 8012 Watts Road (inside the Princeton Club West) Madison to help support a fundraiser for Crohn’s & Colitis and other Digestive Diseases.

there signing up to have Marilyn give him a new look. She even washed his hair, his first experience at having his hair washed in a salon. I actually think he looked a little scared!!!! I too had my hair cut, not by Marilyn, but it was still just as good. Actually the lady cutting my hair and myself were laughing at watching Andy get his hair done. Isn’t that just like us???

The fundraiser consisted of all proceeds from the haircuts, a fine menu of hot dogs, chips, root beer or root beer floats to munch on while you listed to the amazing sounds of the band,“Raindogs”, performing in the parking lot, and you could wander around and keep checking on your bid for the silent auction items. Raffle tickets were also available for some wonderful prizes.

Tabatha (aka Marilyn) asked Andy if she could take care of his unabrow.

NowTabatha’s little darling,Grace was sitting and observing all this. As Tabatha turned to get something out of the cupboard, Grace said to Andy,“Andy, that really hurts. Some people scream when they have that done.” With a concerned look on his face,Andy replied,“Gracie, if I cry, please don’t tell anyone.”

Hair cuts were offered outside if you wanted to “hear the music” while you were getting your new “do”, or you could venture inside for the full works.

Owner, Tabatha Barnaby was all fancied up in her Marilyn Monroe white bouncy dress and her long flowing blonde wig complete with beauty mark (and it was even in the appropriate place), and was offering“$100.00 hair cuts

by Marilyn Monroe”. Now what guy could pass up the chance to have Marilyn run her fingers through their hair? Not Andy, of course not. He was right

Anyway, back to the fundraiser,Tabatha and the Julia Grace Salon raised about $2,800 for this wonderful cause. Thanks to the Julia Grace Salon for sponsoring this,The Raindogs for volunteering their talents for the afternoon, all the volunteers who helped out and especially for all the individuals who participated and came out to support this cause. Way to go!!!

B

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By: Joyce Ziehli w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

cd review... continued from page 11

CD Review

while. I thank the late,Townes Van Zandt for writing these songs, and I want to thank Steve Earle for delivering them to us. I’ve always thought that the messenger is just as important as the message itself.

Reviewed by: Rob Kosmeder

Steve Earle Townes

♪♪♪♪

Style: Americana/Folk

Kristi Rose & Fats Kaplin 7

♪♪♪♪

Style: Mountain Country/Americana

for sure. The Mandolin and rag style guitar are a real treat.This is one of the two songs not written

by Rose and Kaplin on the CD,The other Voice is an old church song. The last song Gold is a tender ballad of love and honesty that we all can relate to. It is wonderfully orchestrated with Fat’s many string instruments intertwining to make the perfect background for Kristi’s soulful voice.

This is a great EP and you should make every effort to get a hold of a copy. It is not very often when a married couple can create such incredible music together without one overshadowing the other. This is one of those times. Kristi’s and Fats talents melt together to create a warm thought provoking CD of intelligent mature songs. This is a keeper for sure!!!

Review by: Andy Ziehli

All I can say is awesome! Earle’s newest album, Townes, is a collection of songs that were all written by his friend and mentor the great Townes Van Zandt. At first I was a little put off by the whole album being covers,but I got over that very quickly.

(This is a prelude to their new album which will be out in 2010. It is seven songs from that project put together by Kristi and Fats as a sampler EP that is sold at shows and on their website www.pulpcountry.com.)

The album opens with Poncho and Lefty, a song made famous by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard in 1985. Earle seems to give us a more soulful version. Definitely a great start to an album. The next song that really caught my attention was Colorado Girl. A simple but beautiful song, it caught my attention and I knew I loved it the first time I heard it. The whole album caught my attention and hit me on the first listen. The songs dipped back and forth from happy to sad, from rags to riches, all done with nothing but smooth energy. The fifth song Lungs is strange with its distorted digital sounding drums and its hard overdriven guitar. It doesn’t sound like it should fit on this album at all, but it falls right into place, and like the rest of the songs it’s great.The mid-album waltz No Place to Fall was also right up there with album favorites.

The whole song especially the intro made me stop and listen intently. I checked out a few of these songs performed by the original composer Van Zandt, and to me it just seemed to me that Earle made these songs something special. I’m surely not the only one who thinks this.

From the beginning Mandolin lick to the ending guitar passage and violin chord on this CD everything is perfectly put together. If you have not had a chance to hear Kristi Rose before you are in for a real big treat. She has a voice like no other singer.

The control, vibrato, tone, and texture of her voice are totally unbelievable. I was mesmerized the first time I heard it on her solo CD Pulp Country. When I saw her in concert in Milwaukee at Deonne Jahnke’s studio I was so shell shocked I almost fell out of my chair. This lady and I mean lady can sing.

Now Fats is no slouch when it comes to putting on a show and playing anything with strings, it’s like he was born with them in his hands. The combo of the two of them is huge!!! Their show and EP are a fun romp through a variety of music styles.

Townes made it to number six on the U.S. country music charts,and up to number nineteen on the U.S. music charts. So obviously the general feeling is that this album is really good. I found the best of all the songs when I arrived at the last track of the album, Live to Fly. This song has definitely been placed up with my all time favorite songs. Full of intriguing lines that seem to jump out at you and make you want to listen to the song over and over again.

This album is one of the best I’ve heard in a w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

The CD starts out with a wonderfully written happy song called Beautiful World. The tin whistle solo is ultra cool. Kristi’s voice and Fats Mandolin playing intertwine to create a tone and tune that will keep your hands clapping and feet tapping. “I heard the voice of Jesus Say is a prelude to a very sobering song called Gin, which is about a woman who just can’t cope with her life anymore. It is a great contrast between the two songs that really works well. You can feel the pain and angst the main character feels in every line. You’re Still Around is a Mountain ballad type song that fits well with the rest of the songs on this CD. Again the voice and inspiration really combine to make ear candy. Somethin’ like that is a very beautiful love song that is delivered with true heart and soul.

The guitar work is superb, just simple finger picking that fills all the right spots. The next song You needs me is a semi-rowdy song that is a toe tapper

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A PET NOTE

Who is the Beautiful Woman on the Cover of this Magazine?

Who Else,but Our Owner…

Suzy Bogguss!

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ren’t we adorable? We are mother and son, Zoe and Kibbles and we live in Franklin,Tennessee with our owners, Suzy Bogguss and her husband, Doug Crider and their son, Ben. We are Havanese. (For those of you who don’t know what kind of breed this is - The Havanese is a breed of dog of the Bichon type, which does not shed.

These dogs were developed from the now extinct Bichon Tenerife, which was introduced to the Canary Islands by the Spanish and later to other islands.

I’m the mother Zoe, (if this was in color I am the little gray one sitting behind my son) and I had identical pups which were named Kibbles & Bits. Kibble’s sister Bitsy (Bits) went to live with some other people, and she is very happy with her new home and owners. I do miss her sometimes though. Now. we really are dogs, but Suzy says we act more like cats. We both like to sit around the back of her neck. We like to climb up high, either on the couch or on the bed and get up on the pillows. Apparently Suzy thinks this is a very catlike action and thinks we are very funny creatures. I think this is one of the reasons Suzy finds us so adorable.

If you read the article on Suzy, you know we live on a couple of acres we like to call Camp Crider. Our days are spent chasing chipmunks around and occasionally taking on a coyote. Now, I’m smart enough to get under the fence by the pool where the coyotes can’t get me, but my son on the other hand, Kibbles hasn’t mastered this technique yet,and likes to fight with them one on one. I just think he likes to show off; it’s a boy thing you know. If he’s not

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chasing them, he is dreaming about chasing them!

Suzy and Doug purchased me so that they could take me on the road with them as a companion. I am a wonderful traveler, Kibbles doesn’t have quite as much road time in yet, but I’m sure he will come around and adjust to it. Over the years I have traveled to 35 states and have even visited the Empire State Building. I’m hoping Kibbles will get to visit just as many states, in fact we would like to head North to Wisconsin and visit with the staff of the Americana Gazette. I hear they have three dogs. Think of the stories we could share?

My favorite story in this magazine is reading “The Pet Note”. I especially liked the story and picture of Russell Cooper,the miniature dachshund of Peter and Charlotte Cooper in East Nashville. They don’t live that far from me and Kibbles, maybe some day they could visit Camp Crider for a weekend stay and help me and Kibbles out with the coyotes! Better yet, Russell and his sister, Loretta could come over and chase around Leonard, the window taping pet cardinal. He would be more their size. He really gets annoying sometimes, especially during our daily nap time.

I hope you like the picture of us my mom, Suzy sent. She wanted to send the one of us in our Christmas sweaters, but I begged her not to. You never know what fine looking creature will catch my picture in this issue, and I didn’t want to look silly….Watch for me on the road with Suzy………..

Story by: Zoe (As interpreted by Joyce Ziehli) Picture supplied by Suzy Bogguss. w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

A s m ’ n o u r sin Aa

s e g Anecdot

LET’S HIT THE ROAD!!!

L

et’s hit the road! There comes a time when your music is your life and you want as many people as you can reach to enjoy it.You’ve played your local juke joint numerous times, and you’ve begged your friends to come out and see you more times then you can count.As much fun as it is playing for friends (not to mention they’re getting sick of being asked to come to your show all the time) you have a need to see what else is out there. It’s time to hit the road. Bands that dream of making music more than just a fun thing to do on the weekend need to hit the road. In recent years the economy, gas prices and a million other factors deter bands from ever trying this (or a wife and kids). Simply put, there are very few bands in this business that can make a name for them self without extensive touring. Sure the internet is a powerful tool but as a friend of mine always say’s“seeing is believing.”People believe what they see much more then hearing the radio or a MySpace page. In this day and age the live show is where it’s at. It’s time to pack up the van and hit the road. I’ve been told by many in the “biz” lately that this is the perfect time for a new band to get their name out, more established bands have to worry about the bottom line.This leaves a void and is prime for the picking for hungry bands all over the country.As a new band to the scene I’ve endured these road trips and have come up with a list of the essentials to the road. I’m sure there are many more rules that more seasoned professionals have; and I’d love to hear them!

1. Ride in style- or at least with enough room for everyone.There is nothing like driving 18 hours for one show straight through the night in a Ford Explorer. Lucky for us we are a trio, but riding with a full PA and instruments doesn’t leave much room for your legs (sorry Shack.) It’s not good to have a drummer without leg room. When we finally emerged from the SUV it was like seeing the sun for the first time, we kissed the ground and took deep breaths of the fresh Atlantic air. The Explorer was promptly retired after that trip.

2. Always keep the driver happy. Let them choose the music.You want to make sure the captain is feeling good about life and generally in good spirits. If they need a back rub or a hand massage- bring a massage therapist on tour. During late night drives it is the passenger’s duty to keep the driver awake. It’s allowed to take a short 10 minute nap BUT if you hear the rumble strips more then once in five minutes…you as the passenger are not doing your job. (As the driver it is acceptable behavior to- write, put objects or other wise cause emotional harm by taking and posting pictures on Twitter, IF AND ONLY IF the co captain falls asleep.)

These are just a few of the rules we now abide by with more to come in following articles.Above all have fun and enjoy the experiences...because they usually turn into great songs for your next CD. Until next time…

Written by: Aaron Williams

3. As the driver, when one or more of your passengers say’s “dude, pull over...pull over.”That is not a suggestion but rather a direct order and you should PROMPTLY pull over. If this is not done in a timely manner the remaining drive to the nearest gas station will be painful, very painful. In most cases this will cause a mess.

4. No matter what, there is always one person in each band that should not drive under any circumstance.Trust your instincts and no matter how tired, hungry you are…don’t give into the temptation to let this person drive.There is a reason why people have to go to traffic school.

5. Sleeping in a van is not fun. It sounds like a good idea when you first get a van but it’s not.

Ok,maybe it never sounded fun.Never go more then two days without a shower.We’ve shortened that rule to never more then one day. If you can’t figure out where that smell is coming from, it’s you and it’s time to spend the $40 for a Motel 6.

6. Rest stops are a whole new world, with its own set of rules and even language. Be careful not to break these rules. Between the hours of 2am-5am avoid eye contact with anyone. Perhaps the most important advice is if you meet a trucker named Dale with a pet gerbil and he say’s“come over here, I want to show you something!” Don’t. w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

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a concert review

KRISTI ROSE and FATS KAPLIN O

n a warm, breezy night in July, Andy and I took a trip to Milwaukee to hear our friends, Fats Kaplin and Kristi Rose perform. Our evening out consisted of a stop on the way at the Texas Roadhouse for a nice quiet dinner, (so we thought).

Let’s just say the food was excellent but the atmosphere was a little noisy for us. Halfway through our meal, a majority of the staff gathered in the middle of the room and started doing some type of line dance, singing something and yelling “hee haw”, at least that is all I could make out of it. By this time Andy couldn’t hear anything, the child in the booth behind us was crying at the top of her lungs, maybe because of the noise, who knows.

Andy instructed me to “just eat fast”!

We continued on our journey to our destination of 228 South First Street, Suite 202, which houses the art studio of professional photographer, Deone Jahnke. Andy and I arrived a few minutes early, so we wandered about the room admiring Deone’s beautiful photography.

We bumped into Fats setting up his CD’s to sell and he just happened to be standing next to what he says,“is the best picture ever taken of KWK (Kieran & Lucas Kane, Kevin Welch and Fats Kaplin). We visited with Fats and was introduced to his wife and singing partner, Kristi Rose. Now I had never been to a concert like this before, it was a very intimate setting, chairs encircled around the performers, it was bring your own beverage, and refreshments of munchies were set out upon a table. Andy and I found a spot, sipped on our bottled water and soda, and observed the rest of the group getting settled in,hearing the sounds of wine bottles being opening in the background. I knew I was going to like this a whole lot.

The concert was unbelievable, the only sad part of this was that there was only a crowd of about 20

people.

What a shame m o r e people were not present to enjoy this exquisite music.

Kristi Rose has a voice, (and I q u o t e from her website), “that can sing the s t a r s from the heaven’s” and Fats is a brilliant multi-instrumentalist whom has been sought out over the years to perform with artists such as Pure Prairie League, Emmylou Harris,Nanci Griffith,The Mavericks,Suzy Boggus, and Jason Ringenberg just to mention a few. And a multi-instrumentalist he is, as through the evening he picked on his guitar, strummed his mandolin and serenaded us on the fiddle!

with Fats picking away on his acoustic guitar. Kristi Rose has such stage presence and it was almost like being in a theater to watch her perform. Her long flowing hair and her animations were breath taking. Most of the songs performed were songs written by the two of them, with a few others tossed in to spice the night up.

Kristi Rose performed “I Ain’t Angry No More”, then went on to perform “Rise and Shine”, which is a song she shared a litstory tle a b o u t .

Kristi Rose says she works up some spectacular thoughts while lying in bed,then when she gets up they are gone.

So for this song, she just laid there in bed and the song came to her, and then 3 days later she got up!!

Fats joined in singing as they performed “Come Back Tomorrow” which was one of my favorites of the evening. The fiddle emerged, and Fats and Kristi Rose proceeded to perform one of their, as Kristi would say, old Appalachian murder ballads, entitled,“The Wind & Rain”. Apparently these types of songs were quite popular in the olden days back in their home stompin grounds of Kentucky. This is how news was passed along from valley to valley. It was the story of two lovers and the murder of the woman whose body was tossed into a ditch. It was different, but was a great song.

Kristi Rose left the stage for a few minutes, giving Fats the spotlight as his toes were tappin to a song he played from his new CD, “Fats Kaplin – World of Wonder, Down Under”. Man can that guy play. I thought Andy was going to jump out of his seat applauding upon the finish!

Now Kristi Rose used to record with Rounder Records, so for the heck of it, she performed an oldie, but a goodie named, “Last Night We Just did-

As the lights in the loft dimmed, Kristi Rose and Fats both dressed in elegant black stepped into the spotlight; introduced themselves, graciously thanked the crowd for coming and shared a short story of their night before concert in beautiful Door County,Wisconsin.

Kristi Rose belted out her first song continued on page 30

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The “New”

Belle Bleu ing as he went. He then went to culinary school where he met his wife. Fun fact about Pat and the Belle Bleu is that he remodeled the ENTIRE building from the blue ceiling to the beautiful wood paneling on the wall. If you sit down in one of the booths or belly up to the beautifully made oak bar you’re sitting on or next to his hand-crafted hard work.Handyman and chef...His wife is a lucky lady!

I asked Barsma if he could describe the Belle Bleu in just a few words he answered: "casual adult dining, continental cuisine...a little bit of everything". He also describes his newly remodeled restaurant as, "Some stuff has stayed the same...its changed face but it still feels the same in here, its not that different, it just got a little more pub-by."

Great Food. Great Atmosphere. Great Beer. Go try the cuisine and have a pint at the Belle Bleu.

Story and photos by: Erin Blumer

I

sat down with Pat Barsma the other day to talk about the up and comings at the Belle Bleu in downtown Belleville, WI.They are revamped and ready to go, re-opening from Wednesday to Saturday from 5-9 for dinner and are hoping that the night-owl crowd will stop by for some drinks. Their changed atmosphere is more casual lounge-like, and more like a bar with booths that line the far wall. High top tables compliment the bar and the cool pub counter by the window makes for a relaxed more intimate dining experience with a twist.

The menu has changed from strictly dinners and an ala carte menu to a menu that features burgers, a chicken sandwich, and salads.They have a homemade open flame grilled sour dough pizza that sounds amazing.The Belle Bleu also features many different specials on their feature board changing it up every night. Many ingredients on the menu including the burger and cheeses are from local farms. Their new menu also features gumbo and w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

beer cheese soup,which Barsma states“is small and simple menu with all of the necessary bases being covered.” Barsma would welcome you to come for a sit down dinner and drinks, or come for a burger and appetizers.

For all you musicians there is also talk of live acoustic music and open jams on Sunday nights.Pat has had a few bands come in and play in the past, but would like to see,“musicians getting together and hanging out."

Along with the menu change a new decor has been added.They have revamped their look from the blinds to the "themed" booths.Frisbees,a guitar and artwork featuring local artist Jean Kringle's photos are scattered on the walls.Vince Lombardi reigns from the ceiling. Barsma is also working on a "sidewalk café" for the front giving patrons an alternative on a nice day to indoor dining.

Barsma has been working in the dining industry for most of his life since he was about 10 years old.

He's held a variety of positions in restaurants learn-

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Remember the 90’s?

Who keeps getting prettier and better with time?

SUZY BOGGUSS of course!

I

n the ‘90’s, my husband and I couldn’t get enough of Suzy Bogguss’s music. My husband would drool as he watched her videos on the television set. Suzy was pretty then, and let me tell you the years have been very kind to her. Must be something in that Nashville water that keeps everyone looking so beautiful, just take a look at Emmylou Harris if you don’t believe me!

Now some of you younger folks may not know who I am talking about when I mention the name Suzy Bogguss. Well you will know all about her after you read this article. Just to give you an idea of some of Suzy’s hits, take a look at the list below: SINGLE DISCOGRAPHY: 1989 “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart, “Cross My Broken Heart”, “My Sweet Love Ain’t Around” 1991 “Someday Soon”, “Outbound Plane”, “Aces” 1992 “Letting Go”, “Drive South”, “Heartache” 1993 “Just Like The Weather”, “Hey Cinderella”, “You Wouldn’t Say That To A Stranger”, “Souvenirs” 1994 “One More For The Road” (with Chet Atkins), “Take It To The Limit” (from Common Thread: Songs of the Eagles) 1996 “Give Me Some Wheels”, “No Way Out”, “She Said, He Heard” 1998 “Somebody To Love”, “Nobody Love Nobody Gets Hurt”, “From Where I Stand” 1999 “Goodnight”, “Love Is Blind” 2003 “Cupid Shot Us Both With One Arrow” AWARDS: Academy of Country Music, 1989 – Top New Female Vocalist Country Music Association, 1992 – Horizon Award Country Music Television/Europe, 1993 – Top Ten Video of the Year – “Drive South” Country Music People International, 1993 – Rising Star Award

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Country Music Association, 1994 – Album of the Year – Common Thread Country Music Television/Europe, 1994 – Top Ten Video of the Year – “Hey Cinderella�

GRAMMY, 2005 – Traditional Folk Album – “Beautiful Dreamer, The Songs Of Stephen Foster�

Suzy and I had a very nice conversation which I am going to share with all of you readers.

Suzy Bogguss was born in Aledo, Illinois where her Dad (now deceased) was an International Harvester machinist and her Mom worked as a Secretary. She has two older brothers and one older sister. Suzy is now married to songwriter Doug Crider and have one son, Ben. AG: While growing up in Aledo, Illinois, I read you joined the church choir at the age of 5. You also began to play the piano and your siblings played the drums. Who taught you to play the piano and drums?

SB: I had a teacher for a few months for piano, and then she moved away. It was really convenient as she only lived a couple of blocks from me and I could walk down to take my lessons. I was 5 years old and this was a tough one for me. My sister was 9 years older and she taught me some stuff, and I played from her books. I kind of taught myself some stuff. When my sister went off to college, she left her guitar behind and that’s how I ended up picking up the guitar.

When she came home on weekends, she would show me some new chords and things, then I got started teaching myself guitar at that point. I sat around with friends who knew how to play a little bit and we would teach each other. I guess I was kind of self taught. I played the drums in a band, marching band, in the fourth grade, and continued on through high school.

tened to the Everly Brothers and the Beatles, early 60’s music which really got into me. Our family really liked melody, not the “poppy stuff�, but more melodic artists. My brothers bought albums home like Credence Clearwater Revival, and my sister listened to James Taylor and Carole King. This was my early exposure to music. Dad was the country fan, listening to Porter Wagoner and the Hee Haw gang. Buck Owens was always playing in the car as well as Eddie Arnold. My Dad’s car was the only place where he was allowed to listen to that music. Mom was big band. Mom was listening to Dean Martin and Ray Charles. Eventually I won her over, a little at a time.

Now Mom is a huge country fan. I am a very eclectic gal.

All that stuff playing around me, but once I started playing guitar, I focused more on the singer songwriter thing, and also the melodic thing was always in me as well.

AG: You have a college degree. Have you had any other jobs or have you always been a musician?

SB: I have always made a living as a swimming teacher or a singer. I taught swimming and was a life guard during the day while attending college and would sing at night. I attended Illinois State University and have a Bachelor’s degree in metalsmithery. I soon realized it was impossible to yell

over the swimming pool noise during the day and sing at night. I ended up giving that up and stuck to the singing. Right out of college I had my first 5 night a week gig. The day I graduated from college, I had a gig that night and this started my full time singing career, which I have made my living with ever since.

AG: What made you decide to move to Nashville and what was it like when you first moved here?

SB: Five years before I moved to Nashville I would drive around in a camper truck, and book myself to play.

In fact I used to drive up to the Madison area to do a program. This was an opportunity to get myself on the air waves and get out to more people besides the coffee houses or bars I was currently playing at. I worked my way up through Chicago doing some of the folk clubs as well, and finally up to Minneapolis where I worked my way into meeting Garrison Keillor. Back in the 80’s that was the dream of my life time, to get to work with Garrison. I worked very hard and for a long time, but finally made it into the Prairie Home Companion. Moving to Nashville was so easy, it was crazy almost like fate. I had been touring in Montana doing Rocky Mountain shows, ski resorts, etc. and realized that time was flycontinued on page 31

AG: Was your family supportive of your musical career choice when you were young?

SB: Yea, my Mom is 86 years old and still sings in the choir in Naperville, Illinois.

Mom sings soprano, imagine that. She is a great singer and the choir is a big event! I also have a niece that is an opera singer.

She is in San Jose, California for a year and is doing quite well. My Grandma played piano in the movie theatre before they made movies with sound. She would play the da, da, da for the silent movies!! Music was a big part of growing up. My brothers have beautiful bass voices. They sing bass and baritone parts, and my sister sings soprano.

Not me, I’ve always been an alto. I think I did this so I could sing harmony AG: Who did you listen to musically when you were growing up?

SB: I listened to a lot of different music.

My siblings are older, I have a brother 10 years older, a sister 9 years older, and a brother 8 years older and I had my parents, who all have different tastes. My sister lisw w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

! !" # $%

& ' ( ) *

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3 for 1 Bill Monroe

tune!” Monroe then stated he loved what he did and could not see doing anything else. I love working on the pianos, and having my own shop here at home is great. Although a shop in the South where it is warmer in the winter would be nice though.

His website is a440piano.net. It lists all his services. Monroe is meticulous in his work. He showed me a restored 90 year old Steinway M Grand Piano that he has for sale. It was breath taking to behold. The sound was unbelievable. Monroe and a friend of his dismantled the whole piano and rebuilt it. They then restrung all the piano wires which took 15 hours. Every piece was retooled, replated, and refinished. Not a job for the impatient. Check out Monroe’s website and keep him in mind when your piano needs work. You can contact him at www. bill@a440piano.net.

information you get from them is interesting.They always have something to say”he said with a laugh.

Recording isn’t all that he wants from the music business, “Someday I’d like to have a committed band, people who can jam, record and write some stuff. Basically just work with talent. I’d also someday like to build my own microphones, my own amps, and some guitars. So, I have big dreams, but at least that means I’m not narrow minded.” That can only help Andrew in the ever-changing music business. With all the good ideas I have heard him bounce off of me and his will to adapt and learn I can only imagine that Andrew and whatever business he is with will be a success. So as I left my head was buzzing with studio ideas, band facts, and countless other ideas that Andrew had bounced around the garage. I could tell I had been in the presence of a musician. They always have something to say!

Story & photo by: Andy Ziehli Written by: Rob Kosmeder

Andrew Pulver

Bill Monroe owner of A 440 William R. Monroe Piano Services Inc. is no stranger to musical instrument technology. As a “kid” he would go to local piano shops in Michigan and watch the techs work on the instruments. He did a 2 year stint at the Gibson Factory in Bozeman Montana as an inspector, and got into piano tuning and repair from advice from his Piano tech Ward Guthrie through a correspondence course. He always has enjoyed the piano and loved the mechanics of how they worked. Monroe is a member of the Piano Technicians Guild which has the highest standards in the industry. Monroe went to Michigan Tech as an engineering student but switched to biology.

Monroe estimates that he works on hundreds of pianos a year. He works in the field where he tunes and does minor repairs, and in his shop where he does extensive repairs and full restoration which takes approximately 250 -300 hours to complete.

His shop work is mostly on Grand pianos.

The demographics of his customer base are very wide. He has done work for homeowners, institutions, performing arts centers, schools, and musicians. His customers range from the middle class Americans to wealthy patrons for the arts. He works mainly in Wisconsin but has had request from restorations from all over the Midwest. Monroe is looking forward to the day when people ship their pianos from all over the country to his shop to have work done.The oldest piano he has worked on is 120 years old and has 85 keys instead of the standard 88 we know today.

When asked if this is a job he won’t ever retire from Monroe smiled and said” I’m self employed, there is no retirement!” He then joked and said “Old Piano Techs never die; they just go out of

On a lazy summer day I visited Andrew Pulver at his home in the country. I found him relaxing in a recliner placed in the garage. So as we sat and looked out into the heat he explained to me that, “playing the stupid little instruments” in grade school was where his music interest first began. He then moved his way through drums, to bass guitar, to finally electric guitar. But along the way he also picked up an interest in recording the music he was making. So he decided to leave the roofing trade, and go to Madison Media Institute in Madison, Wisconsin.

Having a love for music made everything come easier to Andrew, and soon he found himself at the head of the class. Now with graduation coming in September one might worry about finding a job in this down economy, but from a chance meeting with Sugar River Studios owner,Andy Ziehli at BAM Fest in 2008 Andrew found himself running a brand new studio for which he has many plans for. Starting from the ground up he has had to learn on the fly and think outside of the box. He has had no problem with any of it. Coming from very diverse musical influences he has a wide appreciation for music and musicians. It’s the musicians that are Andrew’s favorite part of the recording process.“I just like getting to know bands. Most bands are an interesting bunch of people,and most of the time,the

Laura Chan

Laura Chan is a bright free spirit that looks at life as an adventure. Her songs reflect the happenings she has enjoyed, and the sorrow she has felt. Chan is part of the new younger group of singer songwriters applying their craft in Madison. What they lack in“worldly”experiences they more than make up for in enthusiasm, talent, and fearlessness. Not afraid to tackle tough issues in her songs,Chan tells her tales as an observer more than a participant.

This brings a new perspective to angst and to the world of most singer songwriters.

She always wanted to be a musician, even singing words instead of speaking them at a very early age. Playing the guitar at age 12 because there was an acoustic in the house, Chan soon grew bored with it and stopped playing. Along with a couple of friends she mad a tape of“She’s so lucky”

by Britney Spears and sent it into a contest. They did not win, and she soon discovered the guitar again. When she became a sophomore in High School she picked it up again and has been playing ever since. She started writing songs at this time.

When she ventures to college in Madison songwriting becomes a way to deal with all the huge changes in her life. It was therapy to get through a rocky start to her educational goals. Solas was continued on page 21

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Bastille Days 2009, No Storming of the walls, but a great day of music!

B

astille Days in Belleville on July 18th was a fantastic experience even if it was one of the coldest days on record for July. This did not detour 300 plus people from enjoying an afternoon and evening filled with great Americana/Country Music.

This get together was Sponsored by and put together by the Belleville Chamber of Commerce.

Though scaled down from the Bam Fest Blues festival of previous years Bastille Days brought out young and old alike to enjoy great local musicians and our guests of Eric Brace, Peter Cooper,Tim Carroll, Jim Gray, and Paul Griffith from East Nashville TN. Although overcast and chilly the concert goers took the weather in stride and enjoyed three local bands, Doug Sies and Guests, Jug Prairie, and The Francois Family Band. Each local band playing their own brand of“Country”and Americana music. The day started with Doug Sies and Guests, a new band featuring local favorites Doug and Dewey Sies on guitars. Lead vocalist Amada Lynn was superb in her renditions of Top 40 country favorites and classics. The finely tuned band played a great show which included an acoustic segment that was out of this world. Next Americana Band Jug Prairie took the stage. This band is made up of veterans of the local music scene including John Fahey, Jim Teela, Bob King, and Andy Ziehli. Two new performers also are part of this group Sara Rupnow and Rob Kosmeder each who is a true talent in their own right. Jug Prairie played Americana and Country classics along with some 60’s R&R. The Francois Family Band took the stage at 6:15 and

played Classic Country Hits until 8:00 p.m. This family band is a treat to see and a crowd favorite for sure. Brothers Tim, Gary, and Mark along with Sister Katy, Gary’s Son Danny, and friend of Gary’s daughter, Ryan and Andy Ziehli played with soul.

Ray Price, Buck Owens, John Anderson, and Emmylou Harris songs filled the late afternoon show with brilliant harmonies and fantastic musicianship.

Their ending number “Let somebody else drive” brought the crowd to their feet.

Headliners Brace & Cooper from East Nashville brought an outstanding backing band, Carroll on Lead guitar and vocals, Gray on Bass, and Griffith on Drums to the Library Park in Belleville for an evening of truly sensational Americana Music.

Brace & Cooper are both unbelievably talented songwriters and performers. Each could headline on their own,but as a duo is a slam bang deal! Playing both songs they wrote, co-wrote, and covered from others made the evening a night to remember. Their renditions of classics like the beat goes on brought the crowd to their feet. Their own songs were also crowd pleasers especially Coopers I got a lot of Love and Braces One Last Kiss. An encore of The Seldom Scene's Wait a Minute topped off the evening with a bang.

All the acts said they would be back for next years Bastille days. If you missed it this time makes plans to catch these and other great bands next year.

Press Release from Nashville,TN

Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Go All In With The Pilgrimage (Nashville,TN)-- Larry Gatlin, the man Johnny Cash called “Pilgrim,” and the Gatlin Brothers are back to recording under the force of Larry Gatlin’s pen. With the upcoming release of The Pilgrimage, their new album on CURB Records, the Gatlins celebrate their love and respect for Mr. Cash and collaborate with John Carter Cash as producer.

One night, Larry Gatlin was having dinner with his son, Joshua Cash Gatlin (named after Johnny Cash). Over dinner, they discussed the various changes in the music business: the way songs are written, they way they are produced, they way they are distributed, etc. Gatlin thought for a minute, looked over at his son and said, “The music business will never be the same… after all, Johnny Cash is dead and his house burned down.” Upon hearing himself utter these words, Gatlin immediately flipped the table’s placemat over and began writing.

At a subsequent dinner, not long afterward, Gatlin joined Mike Curb and walked away from the table with a record deal. “I had dinner with Mr. Curb one night, on a totally unrelated topic,” explains Gatlin,“and was shocked to be offered a record deal by one of the most respected music industry professionals in Nashville… and then we were off to the races!”

And now the single “Johnny Cash is Dead and His House Burned Down” is garnering the attention of many and lighting up the media.

“Johnny Cash is Dead and His House Burned Down” is not just any single. There is an incredible story to be told here. A story of a lifelong friendship. A story of how this “Pilgrim,” Larry Gatlin, was taken under the wing of Country Music’s most beloved outlaw, Johnny Cash, and molded into what he and his brothers have become today.

For more information regarding this remarkable story, click the link below. The Pilgrimage is currently slated for a 2009 release. www.johnnycashisdeadandhishouseburneddown.com Info supplied to Joyce Ziehli by: Absolute Publicity, Inc. – Don Murry Grubbs, Nashville,TN.

Written by: Litt Dubay Photos by: Erin Blumer

P.S.

Last night I watched a “chick flick” called P.S. I love you with Joyce. It was a wonderful film about an Irish musician who meets and marries an American woman. They move to New York where she is from and live in this tiny apartment. He soon dies of a brain tumor. She begins to get letters from him that he wrote before he passed on with instructions on how to live her life without him. It is a very touching story, and has a great message to it. Be yourself and go after what you want in life.

After watching the first 20 minutes I thought that the film makers had followed Joyce and me around to get the script. The young couple was arguing about money, him not being responsible enough for her, not having a plan for life, her worrying for the both of them, and letting your dreams get away from you because you think you have to follow a worn path on life of having a job and letting your passions in life take a back seat. Now Joyce and I have had this conversation at least a million times ourselves. Now I’m not as skinny or good looking as Gerard Butler but he played me pretty close to the bone. Hillary Swank did an excellent job playing Joyce the ever worrier and responsible one.

Actually they both played most of my friends and their wives to a T too. What Swank learns in the end is that she too can follow her passion and become the person she really wants to be, and have the life she wants. The beauty of this

film was the idea that once you realize that you can follow your dreams its okay not to be the responsible one, and that life is full of risks and you need to take them in order to be happy. That having a passion for something is more important than having status symbol stuff to flaunt to the world.

Being married to a musician even on the local level takes a saint, and someone who is secure enough in their relationship to allow their spouse to follow their dreams. I have seen more than one marriage and relationship fall to the wayside because the spouse or significant other could not deal with the “life” of a musician. You have to go to parties, dinners, anniversaries, etc. by yourself.

You cannot have a “normal” life on weekends because he or she is still sleeping from the night before. They don’t make any money playing by the time you pay for the equipment, buy gas, and count the time that is put into it. They play for the joy and love of making music with“their”musician friends. A new guitar generally comes before a new couch,and there is always the“girl or guy” at the bar who really wants to date a musician because they are oh so cool! Yes folks even at this local level there are ‘Groupies” waiting in the wings (most spouses would say go ahead and take them you’ll be begging me to take them back in a day or two). The final demon out there is alcohol and drugs. Many a band marriage has fallen apart because of this really bad habit.

I always tell young musicians to be really careful on whom you marry. Make sure that your spouse understands the “life” they are getting into when they marry a musician. If they can’t handle it now when you are dating they certainly will not handle it well when you are married. Being a musician is a life long addiction, curse, blessing, or disease for most of us. It is who we are and continued on page 25

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Bill Malone the “Hillbilly Music” Scholar B

ill Malone is a music scholar and historian. Not classical or jazz, but hillbilly/roots music.

From his early childhood when his dad brought home a battery powered Philco radio, Malone as been enthralled with mountain, country, and folk music. After receiving his PhD in the early 1960’s he has spent his life in search of recordings of America’s roots music.

Like many people who have become experts in a field,Malone started out as a fan of country music.

Growing up in Tyler Texas living on a cotton tenant farm he heard his mother singing gospel and parlor songs. His brothers played the guitar and taught young Malone some chords. He states that even today when he gets together with his surviving family members, a guitar session is not far into the conversation.

Malone ventured to the University of Texas in Austin in 1954. There he met other young minded minstrels and pickers. He had a huge catalog of songs that he knew. He put them to good use playing a small combo with some friends at Threadgill’s Bar in North Austin once or twice a week. Kenneth Threadgill was a Jimmie Rodgers’ fan. The open exchange of songs and the comraderery that being involved in music brought was another fine reason for Malone to study the history of this form of music. On a trip to Houston with some other grad students and their professor, Joe B.Frantz, Malone was singing songs when Frantz surprised him and suggested that he write his dissertation on Nashville Publishing. Malone could not believe that it was a subject worthy of academic research let alone that he could be allowed to pursue it. Frantz assured him that it was indeed worthy and a subject that would benefit Malone’s career. There was no internet or huge depositories of information on the subject as there is today stated Malone. There was a little information on Folk Music in Ohio and Indiana at the Universities and in Chapel Hill North Carolina.

Nashville was a small city that had easy access to the publishers and musicians so off to Nashville Malone went. At that time country music had begun to revive from the serious shock wave that rock-and-roll had dealt it. People were really very easy to get a hold of and were more than willing to share information with you. Publishers and musicians a like were very approachable, unlike today.

There was literally no one else doing this so I had their ear. Frantz gave me so much leeway compared to what was allowed back then. Without it I would have never been able to finish the research.

My dissertation eventually ended up being published in a more complete form as my book “Coun-

20

try Music, USA” (first published in 1968 and which is considered to be the best reference to traditional Country Music yet today. It is also considered a must read for all that love and study this genera of music.).

Malone taught at the UW Whitewater for two years and then his position was cut due to budgeting restraints. “The department was just too big with too many people in it” said Malone. He then traveled back to Texas where he married and then took a position at Tulane University where he retired as a Professor Emeritus. His wife took a job with the Wisconsin Historical Society so they moved to Madison about 8 years ago. After some friends convinced him to apply for a radio show that was open at WORT, he has since become a fixture and the resident expert in Southern Wisconsin on Roots music. His show “Back to the Country” on Wednesdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 noon is one of the stations most popular. Along with the Jeff Hickey they entertained and educated listeners with the great music they’ve played. Each show has an emphasis on "classic" and "alternative" country musicthe songs that you can't hear on Top 40 radio.

Shows are based around themes such as politics, work, home, religion- or around the music of a specific personality. Malone states that it is the best gig you could have. “What other job lets you play your favorite records and CD’s?” Shows frequently have “guests” who stop by to visit and they too bring along their new or favorite music and share it with Malone’s audience.

Madison is truly blessed and lucky to have someone of Malone’s character and expertise willing to share their love of music and art with us. As a truly educational component “Back to the Country” is a priceless gem. As an entertainment component it is equally hard to top. It reminds me of the way radio was when I grew up before all the “Big” conglomerates took over and programmed the music they wanted us to hear. Malone’s show plays it all. From classic 78’s to newer alt-country and Americana musicians. If there is a fault in the show, it is that it only airs once a week.

I asked Malone who he liked locally and nationally as artists,musicians,and interpreters in this genera of music.“Kristy Larson is very good locally he replied. I also like Mike Ireland. There are so many great musicians and artists out there it is hard to pick just one. Madison has such a diverse musical scene here. I am truly impressed though with the talented country,folk,and bluegrass musicians here.

It is truly amazing that there are that many fabulous pickers here. The amount of talent and diversity that is here you usually find in larger cities and places where major recording is taking place. Wisconsin has a rich musical heritage all of its own. I am proud to be able to say that I am a small part of

it.”

In this day of hurry hurry hurry and our pre-programmed entertainment, it is good to know that you can kick back, put up your feet, get out the jug, and listen and learn a little about our greatest music treasures from a truly remarkable living legend that has the street credentials to deliver it to all of us.

Bill Malone is a one of a kind musical genius who we are so very lucky to have here in Southern Wisconsin. So next Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m and every Wednesday after that tune in to 89.9 fm in Madison,WI and let Bill Malone and WORT take you “Back to the Country”.

Written by: Andy Ziehli

Songwriting Demos • Press Kit Demos Full CD’s recorded Bands Welcome Digital recording with old school analog techniques Analog Effects • Pro Tools LE 24 Tracks Alesis HD24 Vintage Keyboards • Vintage Amps

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313 East Church Street • Belleville, WI 53508

608-424-6300 w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

BLESSED BE BOOKS? BOOKS, T

he people that know me and read what I write in this paper have been probably making bets when I would get around to writing about books. Those that know me well know that books have always been part of my life. So to me books are a blessing, but I also understand that is not true of everyone. And I do not think less of anyone who does not feel as I do about books. So book lover or not stick with me on this please!

My mother introduced me to books, and when she had read the same ones over and over to me, she turned to making up stories. I loved those stories; however, a problem arose when I wanted to hear her stories over and over, and she always did not remember the details in her story, so when she seemed to be changing the story as she told it to me, I put up a fuss,“That is not the way the story goes,”I would wail. Then I would provide for her the facts she had forgotten or left out, and her story telling could go on. Thus books and stories were such a normal part of my growing up toward school age. Apparently learning to read was easy for me. I do not recall any problems or stress with reading. I loved the tales of Dick and Jane with their younger sister Sally and their pets Spot and Puff. They seemed to be a normal family to me, or maybe I thought of them as a normal family.

Once in school, which was a one room rural school, I discovered the school library. Compared to school libraries of today this was mighty small, but each book there was new to me. I soon fell in love with the original Boxcar Children book. I read it over and over year after year. I marveled on their bravery as those children were out in the world surviving without adults. When they weeded for a lady and kept the thinned out vegetables and made them into their supper, I could literally taste them.

I wonder if my love of vegetables came from that book. When they came upon some eggs and had a feast of fresh eggs, my mouth watered as they ate their wonderfully simple meal. Later I discovered JOHNNY TERMAIN and the wonders of the American Revolution came alive for me. I, too, wanted those “horrible” Redcoats driven out and a new nation born.

It was about fifth grade that my dad told me I could go to the Brooklyn Public Library and get my own card there. It was then I met Miss Baldwin.

She was friendly and had the happiest face. She happily made my library card and pointed out the various book sections. It was at the point when w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

she stood that I realized she was handicapped, and my mind raced with the thought of how lucky she was to be so surrounded with books making it easy for the handicap to not be too much of a burden for her. It was there in the northwest corner of the room that I discovered the BobbesseyTwins! I read every single of them in that library, and I think they numbered over 100. I loved every adventure those children had, and I helped solve the mysteries they faced. I was hooked on books.

We then moved to rural Belleville, the Dayton area to be exact. The Belleville Public Library was bigger than the Brooklyn one, and it was also more mysterious as you had to climb old wooden steps to the top floor of a building that was too hot in summer and too cold in winter. The librarians there to help me with my book choices were Velma Hoesly, Clara Macknick, Philomine Armstrong, and Rosemary Ziehli.

I became a teacher after college, and in some way I taught language arts/English for my entire career. I got to promote books with my students, and I have the fond memories of some kids getting hooked on books because of what we did in reading.

The time went on and I was soon on the Belleville Library Board and its treasurer for years.

After my retirement from teaching,I volunteered at the Belleville Library, and director Jean Christensen offered me a part time job there about six years ago, and I now have the pleasure to be surrounded by more books.

There is a top ten list for everything, and people that read a lot, make their own list of their favorite books of all time. I can not rank what I have read, but each holiday season, I go over my year’s readings and list the best of what I read that year. But if I had a top ten books list, some of them would be as follows: THE THORNBIRDS, A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY, BREATHING LESSONS, FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, GONE WITH THE WIND, POPULATION 485, and a book or two from my favorite mystery authors.

So forgive me if I rant on and on too much about books. They are part of my life on a daily basis.

They are as important to me as breathing. And I asked Andy and Joyce if I would do an occasional book review for their publication,they both replied with a loud,“YES!” So elsewhere in this issue you will find that book review.

Written by: Bob Hoffman

3 - 1... continued from page 18

found in the melodies and lyrics she was creating.

Chan originally got together with a couple of other guitar playing singer songwriters but did not like the chemistry the group produced. She would like to have a backing band at some point, but right now playing solo is what she does best. Chan states “in a band context it is hard to communicate ideas and feelings to others and how to expand on those things in a musical way. Solo I can focus on the energy from the songs and present them how I want them presented”. She has played at the High Noon Saloon, Indie Coffee,The Fat Cat, and on the terrace at the Union where she would love to play a whole show. Chan said that she would also like to get into the Majestic and play a show. In late August she is traveling to the State of Oregon for an extended visit and plans on traveling up and down the coast and playing her music.

She has just recorded an EP at Paradym Studios in Madison with Jake Johnson. It is called Laura Chan Adventures and will soon be released. When asked what the best part of performing is, Chan replied “connecting with the audience and seeing their expression when she sings her songs”. Seeing the Hotel Cafe tour was a real inspiration to Chan. At the show at the High Noon Chan was inspired to write the song “I cut my hair off” after seeing Thao Nguyn’s set. She wrote the lyrics on a bar napkin,and when she got home she quickly put it to music. It is a great song with a great rhythmic style to it.

Her future plans are to record a full length CD and establish larger presences here and on the West Coast. As she travels the Country in her ever present Red Cowboy Boots Chan is sure to leave her audiences amazed and wanting for more. You can see her perform at the Fat Cat Coffee Works in New Glarus at noon on Sunday,August 9th. Make plans to be there.

Written by:Andy Ziehli Photo supplied.

PARTY ON THE PATIO 2009

Live music continues on Sundays at the Fat Cat Coffee Works in New Glarus. These concerts are held every Sunday from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. August 9th through September 6, 2009. When Mother Nature permits, the entertainment is held out on the patio. In case of rain the show will be held inside at the Fat Cat. Listed below is the schedule of entertainment and the dates. See you there!

Date August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30 September 6

11:00 - 12:00 Aaron Williams Matt Belknap Jessi Lynn Beth Kille Jug Prairie

12:00 -1:00 Laura Chan Marc Barnaby Jessi Lynn Beth Kille Jug Prairie

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A BOOK REVIEW:

COOP, A YEAR OF POULTRY, PIGS, AND PARENTING

By MICHAEL PERRY

M

ichael Perry formerly of New Auburn, Wisconsin, and now residing in rural Fall Creek, Wisconsin, is the successful author of POPULATION 485 and TRUCK, A LOVE STORY, and he is successful for the third time in his newest book COOP. Some of the same characters appear in all three books simply because he writes about people he knows.

Perry is a keen observer and a good listener and makes the normal daily activities of life feel like you yourself just experienced them. He is the best keeper of life in small, rural Midwest and Wisconsin in particular. Anyone reading this book COOP can relate to most of his adventures, and you will probably recall some of your own. For example, every dairy farm person can recall their “kicker”.

COOP basically follows Perry’s own life for one year with some side track memories of what came before that year. Perry is now married, and he acquired a daughter in that marriage, and the family is about to be increased by a new baby. He writes about that anticipation, the birth, and the weeks after the birth all the while attempting to “farm” along with his writing.

At times the book reminded me of a very popular book of the 1950’s THE EGG AND I. Perry promises his family chickens and pigs, and for the chickens he plans to build them a perfect coop. Unfortunately the building of that coop takes many detours and is taking much longer than planned.

For a year you can follow his life both the highs and the lows. And who of us does not have a year filled with both highs and lows? Who else but Perry can create personalities for his soon-to-be butchered pigs and for his chickens some of whom will be heading to the freezer and others kept as laying hens.

Each reader will relate to this incident: The oldest daughter, home schooled, is behind in her studies. A deal is made that if she catches up with her work, she can go with the family square dancing, something she really likes. Sadly she does not complete her work, and the night of the dance arrives, and she is told that the mother is going, but she is to stay home with Mike and the baby. She is in shock and cries out, “I have to stay home with grumpy old Mike?” Perry’s family was not sure which they enjoyed more: Mike being called grumpy or his being called old.

Perry is neither grumpy nor old—he is a story teller as good as Garrison Keillor. I highly recommend the book COOP, A YEAR OF POULTRY, PIGS, AND PARENTING. Here is a small sample of how he writes from page 347: “The ceiling fan in the living room is pushing the heat from the woodstove back to the f loor and into the kitchen. We sit down in our small circle for a breakfast in which everything but the salt, pepper, and olive oil came to the table by our own hand. Here we are in the slantways house, the fire warm, our plates full, our chickens tiptoeing from their crooked coop out there on the hill.” Doesn’t that sound like the real thing?

Book review by: Bob Hoffman

Perry balances his family life with his attempts to farm, his writing, and his many travels to promote his writings.

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Talent level =

HARD WORK A

s an artist and or musician we tend not to always be honest with ourselves when it comes to measuring or being realistic about our talent/skill levels. Some of us never feel that we are very good at all, some feel that they are better than average, and yet some know that they are the “world’s” best, fastest, most artistic, etc. You get the picture. We all want people to be honest with us or do we?

When reading the posts on Craigslist or Madison Musicians.net I can’t help but wonder “where in the hell do all these idiots come from?” Is there a factory mass producing them? Was there a radiation solar f lair that melted all their brains? Come on folks let’s get real! I love to read these posts especially the ones that say “I’ll rehearse as necessary”.

Your damn right you will! If you are that great of a player you would not be advertising on Craigslist looking for a band. Trust me good players are always in demand and are never looking for work or for others to play with. It’s you egotistical morons out there who feel and think that they are God’s gift to music. You know you’re typical Madison I have ideals musician. The kind that f lags young kids looking for others to jam with ads and tells them that they have no right to be using the space to find other young kids to jam with.

I have been in the music business for 35 years. I have seen them come and I have seen them go, and brother there have not been too many “superstars” coming out of Madison or the surrounding area. The real good ones sneak out in the middle of the night never to return. They practice their craft and get great gigs in music centers around the country.

Hell look at Butch Vig, Glenn Worf, Danny Parks, Alan Love, Jon Nicholson, and Tracy Nelson. They all went on to forge good long lasting careers away from here. They were and are top level musicians. No hype just hard work and determination. They realized that they had no future playing clubs around here in the nonexistent Madison Music Scene.

So how do you rise above the crowd and fulfill your dreams. Through repetition, practice, knowledge, and patience. You learn to master your instrument and craft. You take chances and manageable risks. Now by this time you are probably saying why haven’t you Andy if you are so ever knowing done the same? I did not move on because I was not good enough too, nor did I have the desire too. What I have done is mentor and help others to formulate a plan or upgrade their skills so that they could move on. I am more the map maker than a traveler down this road.

As a musician it is very easy to become complacent in your skill level, especially when you start getting paid for “playing out”.

In general when that happens either you work harder to get better so you can get better jobs, or you don’t work very hard because you are already getting paid so what the heck. Most musicians I know are in the second group with a little more effort being put in, but not enough to take them to the next level. This

“The Gift” C

an you hear that? I would say to Bob, “The trees are talking!”

Can you hear that? I would say an hour or two later, "The water is talking!” Many times in our years together Bob would hear me utter something along these lines. He knew intuitively what I was “hearing” and would gently support my awakening.

I am a descendant of German, French and Native American parents.

I was born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Both of my parents spent their youth 40 miles or so to the west of Green Bay in Shawano, Wisconsin. Shawano, like many small Wisconsin towns has a healthy mix of non Native and Native people who call that place home.

Shawano is near the Menominee Native American Reservation. My mother’s home farm was located between the towns of Shawano and Gresham, Wisconsin.

My parents purchased 40 acres of my mother’s home farm land and would establish a retreat there that would provide escape and healthy physical work for the entire family. Weekends were regularly spent at “the farm.” The friends of my two older sisters and mine all knew of “the farm” and would be invited along on selected weekends to get away from the bustle of city life. We would do a lot of work, but my parents always made sure there was time for play. We were very fortunate to have the Red River f lowing ¼ mile to the south of our re-

group complains about all the money the “other” groups are making and how their group is just as good and not getting the same breaks. These folks are not being realistic with themselves or their expectations about playing and making money.

Your skill level will grow and your ability to take on harder songs will increase if you work at it Surround yourself with others who can help you make your singing or playing dreams come true. Positive people bring about positive results. Be real about your expectations and abilities. Work to overcome any f laws or bad habits you have. If you don’t put in the individual practice before your rehearsals, you will never get any better nor will your skill set. Playing music or creating art is a form of expression. Most artists in both categories would do their craft for free.

That’s how important it is to them. These are true artists, not musical whores banging any job for a trick.

Take the time to look at your skill sets and your dreams. Can they be matched or do you have to relook at them? Don’t give up your dreams because you don’t have the talent or skills to reach them. Work hard at making the changes and realignments necessary for you to reach them even if it is at a smaller scale than you first initially wanted. Don’t over blow your talent and become jaded and pissed off because “no one is worthy” to play with you. Take a realistic look at you, your talent, and dreams and come up with a plan to make them happen. Winners never quit, and quitters never win, but complacency makes you a loser every time.

Written by: Andy Ziehli

treat. What is now a county park on the banks of the river was for us when we were young, a place that only we and the locals knew about.

The Red River is a proud f lowage of water colored a rusty hew by the high iron content in the land that holds it. Large rocks and deep dropoffs created rapids that provided hours of delight as we slid on the smooth rock just below the water into the drop off where the river churned and foamed. The older kids would dive head first into the aerated water knowing there was room to surface without hitting bottom.

It was a well respected rule, however, if we were the only ones there, that the first person would slide down the rapids feet first to ensure there were no hidden logs below the surface of the water that could not be seen. I had no idea the impression those days would have on me and the gentle instruction the trees, the water and the stone were providing me.

Come here little one and learn from us. Be in the water, feel the earth energy. Lie on your back and feel the warmth of the sun stored in the ancient rocks. Look up away from the earth into the heavens and notice the trees that sing to you. Close your eyes and allow a deeper knowing to have a voice in you. As you grow you will remember how we held you and you trusted us. As you move into the wider world you will take with you the gift of the trees and you will hear their song everywhere. As you look up into the night sky you will know that the earth is alive and has great love for you. One day you will receive a special gift that will make you very happy.

Ernie’s mail truck has needed a new muff ler for years. One day in the middle of March 2009 the rumble of Ernie’s truck signaled that the mail was here for the day. As always Ernie had on his gray sleeveless tcontinued on page 25

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BlackWaterGin Advances to State Colgate Country Showdown Challenge.

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riday July 17 BlackWaterGin won the local Colgate Country Showdown Challenge, sponsored

by D99.3 FM (Dodgeville WI) at Deer Valley Lodge (Barneveld WI). They will be competing at the Wisconsin State Fair August 6 for the State Title! They are said to be one of Wisconsin’s hottest and hardest working new band, performing over 70 shows per year. Their unique style – Texas Rock With Bite – brings excitement for all ages to experience!

BlackWaterGin’s members are Ethan Cox –Acoustic Guitar/Vocals, Julie Devoss – Electric Guitar/Vocals,

Chris Meudt – Drums, Hoyt O’Brien – Bass.

They are managed by BWG Entertainment and can be reached at 608-574-2916. Check out their schedule at www.myspace.com/blackwatergin The 28th Annual Colgate Country Showdown is designed to find the most promising country music talent in America and to give these performers a chance to launch their professional music careers.

The Colgate Country Showdown begins each Spring with over 450 local talent contests sponsored by country music radio stations throughout the US. Winners advance to their respective State competitions held at leading fairs and expositions.

Acts then compete for a $1,000 prize,the StateTitle and the opportunity to advance to one of five Regional Finals.It’s the last step before the prestigious National Final, which is televised to a national audience from one of country music’s most exciting venues,the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN.Audiences from coast-to-coast cheer on the Regional Winners, as they compete for the Grand Prize of $100,000 and the National Title.A uniform judging system is used at all levels of competition to ensure fairness.

See you at the State Fair August 6!

The Star in the Window

To acknowledge the presence of someone in the family serving in the military, the flag displaying a blue star on a field of white, is once again finding its’ place in our

society. We have one in our window to honor members of our family serving in

the military. During World War II you could hardly pass a home without seeing this display. And when you saw a gold star replacing the blue you knew that someone from that home had given his life for his country.This August will mark 64 years since that war has ended.

F

or many years to come people would be asked “Do you remember where you were on December 7, 1941? The day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. The woman would always remember. It was just after Sunday dinner.

The radio was playing. She was tidying up the kitchen when the announcement was made. Her son was upstairs unpacking.He had just arrived home for the holidays from college. It was a bit early for Christmas break, but he had cleared everything with his professors and the reward was a few extra days. He came racing down the stairs. She knew what he was thinking and she said a silent prayer.“Dear God, let me just this once be wrong.”Either God was not listening to her or his spirit was with the boy because what the woman dreading to hear was announced. “It’s war Ma and I’ll have to go.You know it, and I know it, so please don’t try to convince me otherwise.” The woman sat down on a kitchen chair still holding her dishtowel and looking down at the kitchen

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floor.There were black heel marks from the boy’s shoes on the new linoleum.

She would have to wipe them up.The radio was playing in the background.

That is how she would remember that day.

Soon after that the boy enlisted. He had chosen the Air Corps as the branch of service that he wanted to serve in. Having no illusions that he could be a pilot, since he wore glasses, he applied for Navigator School. He was accepted.

His math skills had always been above average. Learning the aids, instruments, and the various skills needed took a lot of concentration. With this information a navigator could figure out what course to steer to arrive at a destination, and what speed to use to arrive at a given time. This would be his job. The woman at home did what she could do to help with the war effort. She knitted for the Red Cross. She usually did this while listening to the radio. She liked listening to Mr. Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats, or to Gabriel Heater, her favorite news commentator, as he gave his views on the war. She always made sure that w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

her draperies were drawn and all lights were out when they had an air raid drill, she dropped her excess cooking fats at the butcher, and planted her victory garden. Perhaps the proudest thing that she did was to display, in her front window, the blue star. The star was depicted on a white background with a red border around it. It was to signify that someone in the family was serving in the military. This was one way of remembering her son and all he stood for. He wrote to her from time to time when his career allowed. On Mothers Day he sent her a heart shaped locket with a snapshot of him inside. She always wore the locket. Sometimes at night she would sit holding the locket in her hands, gazing at the blue star hanging in the window, thinking of her son.

Rationing was one of the hardest parts of the war. When sugar became rationed she used it sparingly. She saved it up and at Christmas time she baked cookies, as many as she could. She mailed them to her son hoping that when he received the package he would share the priceless contents with his friends. As the Christmas holidays approached the woman decided not to decorate a tree. Instead she placed an evergreen wreath trimmed in holly berries and red ribbon on the front door. She hung the boy’s stocking on the mantle even though Santa had not filled it for many years.This is what they had always done.

The stocking was looking frayed and fragile because it was so old. Maybe she would knit a new one and next year, if he was home, they could hang it together. She placed a Christmas candle with a bulb in it for light in the window. She always made sure to light it at night so that it would reflect on the star of the flag.

The years went on. Everyone it seemed was involved in some way in the war effort.

Now when the boy wrote home his letters were slow in coming. Sometimes parts of his letters were blocked out, censored by someone with authority.

Each spring the woman did her housecleaning.

She washed the windows and took great care to clean the star flag. Each Christmas she always placed the electric candle in the window with the star.

the gift... continued from page 23

ps... continued from page 19

shirt (his uniform until the frigid weather would force him to put on the long sleeved version) a gentle smile and his glasses barely perched on the end of his nose, arm stretched out the window of the truck if you were standing at the end of the driveway and without stopping the mail bundle would slap your hand and a “thank you!” would be heard from inside the truck and off he would go.

there is no rehab for it. We can’t take a pill or go to counseling to “get over it”. We are forever not going to mature to the level of your old boyfriend or girlfriend. Your parents will not understand us (our own parents can’t even do that). We don’t own a suit and don’t want to. Dressing for success is a new pair of jeans that looks like our old pair of jeans. Quoting Bugs Bunny cartoons until early morning is a good time. Waking you up at 3:00 A.M.to tell you how great the show was can’t wait until noon when we wake up. Yes, we do need to leave our instruments set up and plugged in so that when inspiration hits us we are already to go! We love 24 hour gas station coffee, it’s okay to fall asleep in our clothes, worn out jeans are better than new ones, cowboy boots do go with everything, eggs at Perkins at 2:30 a.m. is normal for us, and lastly soon that awful smoke smell will be gone so we won’t have to take a shower before we crawl into bed.

Back in the kitchen as I sorted through the assorted letters, my heart began to beat in a different way. Between the ad for the weekly sales at the grocery store and the electric bill was my gift. My gift was presented in an envelope from the Bay Mills Indian Community located in Brimley, Michigan. I set the rest of the mail on the counter top and just held that envelope in my hands for a moment. The end of a year’s plus waiting was in my hands.

Smiling, I lovingly opened the letter and removed the document within. As my eyes scanned the page, I realized something very important was in front of me. I was back on the rocks by the Red River. The trees were singing to me. The water was singing to me.

The voice that had spoken to me then was once again in my ear. One day you will receive a gift that will make you very happy.

“Dear Tribal Member: Enclosed is the official tribal certification for the applicant adopted into membership at the February 9, 2009 meeting of the Bay Mills Indian Community’s General Tribal Council. This is to certify that James A. Smith is an enrolled member of the Bay Mills Indian Community as prescribed in its Constitution and By-laws.”

I felt something shift inside of my chest, a physical sensation reflecting the power of the words before me. The circle was now completed. I belonged. I was home.

Written by: Jim Smith

My friends and I are luckier than most. We married right as they say. No not into money, but rather we married good ladies who let us “play” rock star on the weekends. They let us sleep in,go to get togethers with the kids without us, forever explain to family members why we are not present, let us buy “toys”, stay up late, drink with our musician buddies, wash our smelly playing clothes, cover us up when we fall asleep in the chair, and never ever expect us to “grow up”.

So to Joyce, Kelly, Ann,Tabatha, Bridget, Gayle, Jan, Mary, Kathy, Carmen, Kari, Cindy, and all the other band wives out there thank you from all of us musicians. Though we don’t show it all the time we do love and care for you,need you greatly, and really don’t mind being told to grow up once in a while. Without you we could never have lived the lives we have. Thank you for letting us follow our dreams. Always know that you are our true inspirations for our music. Thanks for letting us be us!

Written by:Andy Ziehli P.S. We love you!

On a hot August evening in 1945 the woman decided she would do some ironing in the kitchen. She poured herself a glass of lemonade and turned on the radio. She thought she would listen to the radio while she ironed. She plugged in the iron and turned the dial on the radio just as an important news bulletin was being announced.

August 14, President Truman had announced that the war with Japan was over. Church bells began to ring, factory whistles blew, and people began honking their car horns.There was such jubilation throughout the neighborhood. The woman was quite shaken. She sat in her chair by the window. Tears came to her eyes. She found herself crying.She was crying for all those who had gone to war, for mothers, fathers, wives and sweethearts left at home. She cried for dear President Roosevelt who died a few months earlier.As she sat there gazing at the window she grasped the locket around her neck and cried for her son. Just three days ago she had exchanged the blue star for one of gold.

By: Rosemary Ziehli w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

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Tim Carroll Guitar Slinger T

im Carroll told me he was kicked out of his first band when he was 12 years old. He played with a group of guys who were 19 years old. He could not stay out as late so they got rid of him. I bet they wish they could have that moment in their lives as a do over!

Carroll is a wonderfully talented and successful singer/guitar picker in East Nashville TN. Along with his wife Elizabeth Cook, he is also a solo artist, and sideman. He’s played the Opry (which he has played over 200 times) and the Ryman, been on the cover of Billboard magazine, and his music is described as a cross between George Jones and the Clash. Bobby Bare Jr., John Prine, Kasey Chambers,Asleep at the Wheel, and Robbie Fulks have recorded his songs. Fellow East Nashvillians and Americana stars Eric Brace and Peter Cooper utilize Carroll’s talents in their live shows when playing with a full band. He is a talented studio musician and record producer.

Carroll grew up in Southern Indiana and was turned on to music by his older sister and a neighborhood garage band. He has played in bands since Junior High. In college he played in the Gizmo’s in Indiana. He was a member of the Punk-Country band the Blue Chieftains. The Blue Chieftains were a band ahead of their time. Based out of New York City and the emerging Alt-Country scene of the early 1990’s the Blue Chieftains roared through town playing whenever and where ever they could. Carroll was the lead songwriter, vocalist and played lead guitar.

Two great tunes of the era Punk Rockin Honky Tonk Girl and my personal favorite I think Hank woulda done it this way showcase Carroll’s wild guitar slinging and great vocals style. Known for putting on one hell of a show the Blue Chieftains lasted six years before Carroll moved onto Nashville to pursue songwriting full time. Once in Nashville he easily amerced himself into the East Nashville vibe and eclectic group of brothers and sisters who wanted to play honest music.

This past weekend the people of Southern Wisconsin in the Village of Belleville got to see this guitar wizard up close and personal. Carroll along with Paul Griffith, and Jim Gray backed Brace and Cooper for the 1st anniversary party for the Americana Gazette, and also headlined Bastille Days with an evening concert in the beautiful tree filled library Park (which is on the National Register of Historic Places). The shows were well attended and drew load applause form the concert goers.

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Carroll is soft spoken and ever the gentleman. Although his stage presence is quiet,his musical ability speaks volumes. His harmony vocals added to Brace and Cooper’s songs. His guitar playing was technically unflawed, and pleasingly effortless in its presentation. Solos rang forth and cut through the cool night air. He stepped up to the mic and sang a few of his own tunes which went over very well. Along with Griffith and Gray, Carroll was a true professional in all ways. The band was a killer. They even pulled a few “Oldies” out of their hats to the surprise and joy of the crowd.

I spoke in length with Carroll about his music and life as a musician: AG:What have you been up to lately?

Carroll: Well I play the 5 Spot every Friday that I’m in town (East Nashville) with a drummer and bass player. It’s usually the same guys, but this being Nashville sometimes they are busy so I find and use other guys which is cool because I get to meet new people and my list of contacts grows. I play the Grand Ole Opry with my wife Elizabeth. Last night I filled in at the Family Wash for a songwriter’s night, in a week I’m going out to Seattle to play a gig with Elizabeth and then we are off to San Francisco to play another.

AG: Does Elizabeth sing straight Country?

Carroll: She calls it Singer/Songwriter music. It’s Country but sometimes it’s a little deeper than the top 40 material people consider Country. She is an excellent singer and songwriter. She has got a great country voice no matter what she is singing. When we play the Opry we always just do a great old Country song.

AG: Where did you meet her at?

Carroll: We met in Nashville at a recording studio during a session. She needed a guitar player so the publishing company got a hold of me. I remember thinking when I met her “Wow she would be a great person to be married to. I had never had that thought about anyone before.” I did not see her again after that session for about 6 months and then I ran into her. We started hanging out together and then dated, engaged, and we have been married for 6 years. w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

AG:I did not realize that you were in the Blue Chieftains who were one of my favorite bands on the Rig Rock Diesel Only CD’s. I love the song I think Hank woulda done it this way!

AG: You’re music is almost Punkish in some respects. It’s Country but with a real real edge.

Carroll: Whoa I did not know you had ever heard of them!

AG: It’s got that staccato guitar and rock a billy licks. You don’t hear that coming out of Nashville much.

AG: It must have been exciting to be part of that New York Alt-Country scene in the early 90’s?

Carroll: Well I never realized it was a “scene” until I left it and moved to Nashville. When you are in a scene you are so busy working you don’t know you are creating something that is catching on. It was exciting and fun. There were some great bands back then the Blue Jays, Five Chinese Brothers, Surreal McCoy’s, and others. There was also a record label, and a bunch of bars where you could hang out and play at. After five years of playing and working with these groups and leaving I looked back and saw that it was quite a rockin little scene we all had going there.

AG: Did you tour nationally back then?

Carroll: We tried to. We booked a couple tours of the East Coast and Mid-West. We (the Blue Chieftains) were known as this hardworking go getting band. We played 5 nights a week in Manhattan. I tried to branch us out in a circuit but it was hard to maintain.

AG: What made you leave New York for Nashville?

Carroll: I guess what really made that happen was that I had been making trips to Nashville to get people to listen to my songs, and the Band had played Nashville a few times on our tours. There were a couple guys who were in the music business here and had a publishing company on the side and they offered me a publishing deal, which I had no idea of what it was. They loved a couple of my songs, and John Prine had already cut my song If I could so they said move to Nashville and write for our company. I decided to take the challenge and move here. While I was getting ready to move they became harder and harder to get a hold of and eventually went out of business. I decided to come anyway because I had already made up my mine to do so. The Blue chieftains were working five nights a week but I was only averaging $50.00 a night and it is really hard to live on that especially in New York. I also felt that the band was topping off and really did not have anywhere else to go. I figured hey if those guys were willing to take a chance on me someone else might be too.

I knocked on doors and got rejected a lot, but I kept doing it. The only thing that I really knew how to do was to gig like I had been doing in New York.

So I started doing the same thing here playing every Coffeehouse and bar I could. People started taking notice of me because I was different. Everyone else was so serious and structured and I was writing funny songs and playing like I had in New York with a lot of not so structured licks and people took notice. No one here had that reckless Rock abandonment and attitude like I had. I sort of had been in a vacuum and had my own playing and writing style. It was so different from what everyone else was doing I got a lot of attention from folks. I have always been kind of an outsider down here but I don’t care. w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

Carroll: Yea it is a little.

Carroll: Yea the Chuck Berry influence comes out.

AG: Then a song like Elmwood comes on and I have to pull over because I’m laughing so hard! I played it over three times.

Carroll: Thanks!

Yea that’s a great song. I wrote that in about 15 minutes. It’s a true story. Elizabeth’s Father lives east of Nashville and we have to drive through Elmwood.

The speed limit is 55 and then drops quickly to 40 for about 200 yards in Elmwood and then right back up to 55.

I always tell Elizabeth to slow down or you will get a speeding ticket.

Well I got a speeding ticket right by our house one day and came in and wrote that song after that.

AG: Because you play with so many different artists you have to be a quick study to learn all that material. Do you have a secret for doing so?

Carroll: The more you do it, the more you can do it.

Because I play so much it has become easier to pickup songs. I still learn cover tunes that I like and play them live. That helps to become a good listener and then you can play easier and better. The secret is not to over play and step out without knowing what you are going to play. It’s like any task or skill you get better the more you do it. Listening though is the most important skill you can have. You become a quicker study by playing with amore and better musicians and writers than you are. Determining your role in a song is also very important. When I play on the Opry we are backed by the Opry band and those guys are fantastic. I only play small fills, sing my harmony parts, play rhythm, and then maybe a solo. That’s my part for that gig. Listening is how I learned to be a songwriter. I listened to cover tunes and started figuring out how the writers were putting the songs together. I started doing and copying what I was hearing. I then could put my own songs together and play them live.

AG: Who were your influences that got you started playing the guitar?

work for my sister to practice on because she wanted to be a guitar player. I remember walking up to the porch and seeing the guitar and strumming it and thinking “wow I want to be a guitar player!” My sister listened to the Beatles and had gone to see them in 1964 in Indianapolis. She had a lot of records I listened to.

I played my first gig in the 6th grade with a couple of other guys playing instrumental to a school assembly. I played in bands all through Junior High and High School. Classical Gas really turned me on to playing. That was a great song. Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page and others in the 70’s all were inspirations to learn to play better. I loved the Southern Rock of Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Outlaws.

I went to College and played with the Gizmo’s a Punk Band, and then we went to New York. Our Other Guitar player listened to Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, and guys like that and their music influenced me. I met the guys from Rank and File in New York and they were listening to and playing old Country stuff revved up and I thought that was cool.

There are so many influences I can’t begin to cover them all. I just take a little of everything and that’s what comes out when I play. Nothing is really thought out it just happens.

AG: So what are you plans for the immediate future?

Carroll: Well I have a new record coming out on August 11th. I’m hoping for some airplay and jobs to come about because of it. My wife’s gigging is picking up in the fall and I’ll be playing with her. I want to keep playing my local gigs here and a couple out of town. I’m well on my way to recording another album. I have the songs written, and we are starting to lay down tracks. Just keep writing, recording and playing gigs, and scraping together my mortgage payment each month!

Check Tim’s myspace page www.myspace.com /timcarrolmusic, and his back catalog for some fantastic tunes that will catch you by surprise. His new CD can be found at www1.gemm.com type in Tim Carroll. Give Tim a listen and I’m sure he will turn you into a true follower and believer in Tim Carroll and Alt-country/Americana music.

Written by:Andy Ziehli

Carroll: In about 1969 I started really paying attention to the guitar. My dad brought home an acoustic guitar he had borrowed from a guy at

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ROBERT J.

cool guitar picker who loves life and everything it has brought him.

AG: Americana music is popular in the South and East coast why do you think that is?

Robert J. They get it in the South. Music there is not as classified as it is here. They seem to be more open to people doing their own thing. They don’t care as long as it is cool. Don’t misunderstand me people here in Madison and Wisconsin get it too but there just aren’t as many of them here.

AG: Playing original music in clubs is hard to make the big money like the dreadnaughts Super Tuesday and Madison County do playing covers (though Madison County does play some originals), how do you find and keep such great musicians playing originals full time?

R

obert J. has been a mainstay in the Wisconsin music scene ever since releasing his first record Boys Town in 1986. He won the Wisconsin Male Vocalist of the year in 2003,and has won many songwriting awards including the Billboard Song Contest for his tune, "A Million Miles Away".

Robert's main gig had been with The Moon Gypsies for many years, until 2008 when he put together The Rowdy Prairie Dogs. He released 2 CDs on the same day this April 1st, "A Beautiful Blur" is an AAA/singer/songwriter record and "The Revenge of the Rowdy Prairie Dogs" is an Americana/Country-rock CD.The RPD CD is currently at Americana radio where it reached #19 on the Euro-Americana chart and #15 on the Roots Rock Chart in America.

Robert J. (Robert J. Conaway) grew up following the career of his father,an executive with the Canadian National Railroad. He has lived in Duluth, Minneapolis, Seattle, Chicago, Buffalo, Vancouver, Toronto, and Detroit. After graduating college, Robert J. jumped in the "band van" and migrated to Colorado with a band called Happy Trails. He then spent the next “few” years playing music in ski resorts before migrating to L.A.where the music business was and is a lot tougher to break into. After working on his music and keeping gainfully employed as a singing waiter. Robert J. then followed a girlfriend to Wisconsin in 1982 and has been here ever since.

Robert J.is a songwriter’s songwriter. A man that

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can turn a phrase into a lyrical opus. He is Southern Wisconsin’s songwriting poet laurite. His stage experience is legendary.He hosted the Sunday Jams for 518 straight Sundays at the Wonder Pub/Morgan’s on East Washington Ave. in Madison. He has played stages all over the Midwest. He counts his shows in the thousands. As a songwriter he has written hundreds of songs. Winning songwriting contests and six MAMA’s.

In the fall of 2007 after finishing work on two new CDs, Robert J. had a heart attack while raking leaves in his backyard. Since then, he has gone through cardiac rehab,lost 24 pounds,written over 25 newly inspired songs, formed his new band, "The Rowdy Prairie Dogs", released two CDs, winning 6 MAMA Awards including, Best Country CD, Best Rock CD and Vocalist of theYear."The Revenge of the Rowdy Prairie Dogs" CD was released to Americana radio where it climbed to #19 on the Americana chart in Europe and to # 14 on the Roots Rock Chart in America! This past year,The RPDs have shared the stage with The BoDeans and The New Riders of the Purple Sage and showcased at the Steelbridge Song Festival, Riverfront Rendezvous and Summerfest.

I sat down with Robert J. over breakfast on a sunny July morning and we talked about his success, songwriting techniques, playing original music in clubs, and Americana Music. We dove into his past bands and talked in length about his new band The Rowdy Prairie Dogs. To go along with all the acclimates in his life Robert J. is a warm, very

Robert J. Well we slip in a cover every once in awhile too.

Though you are right it is hard to compete on the level with those bands playing Americana original music. I am very fortunate to have found the great players I have in the Rowdy Prairie Dogs who are committed to making and playing this kind of music. We have been playing some of the Casino’s in the area and finding that our music is going over very well. We are fortunate that we are able to make records and sell them. We don’t get the type of jobs those bands get, but we do okay.

AG: What was the first band you had when you came to Madison in 1982?

Robert J. I had a band called the Robert J. Project we did mostly original stuff. We played at Bittersweet down on State Street. I then had a Band called Boys town. I played in a band with Beverly Jean, John Colbert, and Ken Keppler called Howlin at the Moon in the early 90’s. In fact, we are having a reunion show with Chris Bank who is coming back from Colorado to celebrate the 518 jams we did on August 2nd. It’s kind of interesting that those jams went over so well. I was playing a gig last week at a club here in town and two couples came up to me and told me that they had met at one of those jams and then got married. How cool is that they still follow me and love the music. I kind of bounced around and did a solo record called Dixie Highway which I recorded at Smart Studios with Butch Vig. AG: When you first came to Madison you had to be one of the only people playing original music in the clubs. Was it frustrating to you to get people interested in original music?

Robert J. Well back then there was Pat McDonald and a few others but there were not many of us. It w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

was never frustrating. After living in L.A. nothing was frustrating. I was taking voice lessons and going to songwriter workshops out there but not really able to move forward in my career. It was hell! I was a singing waiter. I met some nice people there, but I wanted to get back to the Midwest.

I knew I could make a living here and have the freedoms you give up living in a big city like L.A. I felt good coming here. On any given night I would slip in 50% of my own material. As a solo artist I was able to do so. The Moon Gypsies played original music and we went over very well and had a very good run. Boy’s town had a good run too. I did not have a hard time. Most people go practice their guitars, I went and wrote songs.

AG: How old were you when you first started writing?

Robert J. My first two chords A minor and C major I made into a song. I was 14 years old, and I have been writing ever since.

AG: Do you come from a musical family?

Robert J. No I don’t. My Uncle up in Duluth played the guitar. He had a 1948 Martin given to him and he showed me my first chords. I idealized him as a kid. He taught me how to play “Has anybody seen my gal”. He quit playing the guitar and stored it in his attic.

I got it from him to fix and had Spruce Tree get it into shape so he could play again.

He passed away last September.

My cousins asked that I play that song at his funeral. I told them it would be great if I could play it on his guitar, so they brought it down from Duluth for me to use. When the service was over they gave me the guitar. Next to my family it is my greatest treasure.

AG: When you write songs do you have a formula to get going?

Robert J. Something usually strikes me. I’ll quite often come up with a title. This February when we are all getting a little stir crazy it dawned on me that I had been playing in bars for over 30 years and seen just about everything you could see happen in a bar. I sat down with an idea called Hanging out in Barland. I must have written 40 versus to the song. So edited down and then I had a song. Other times I’ll have a chord structure or melody in mind and go from there. I’ve got boxes and boxes of lyrics. I figure if I ever run into a dry spell I’ll be covered!

AG: Do you have a certain guitar you write on?

around. I have gotten into some new Parlor sized guitars by Godin and Seagull called Art’s Lutherie that are great to play. I use them live and in the studio. I saw them being played at the Americana Music Conference in Nashville at a couple of the showcases and at the Ryman. They had incredible sound so I knew I had to have one.

I’m very very fortunate to have the band that I have. (Tom Dehlinger - Pedal Steel, Lap steel, Dobro, Mando, guitar Ron Granberg - Drums Joe McCloskey - Bass, vocals Michael Tully - Guitars, vocals). They are great musicians and great guys.

It would be hard to find better people to work with. They are the best.

AG: Do you write on keyboards at all?

AG: Thanks for taking the time and letting us know what’s going on with you.

Robert J.: I do a little. I’m not an accomplished keyboard player but I do enjoy writing on them. It gives me a different structure to create from.

Robert J: You are welcome and you guys keep up the good work with the Americana Gazette.

AG: Did you find that The Americana Music Conference was helpful for your career?

You can find more info on Robert J. and the Rowdy Prairie Dogs at myspace.com/robertjmusic

Robert J.: It has been a networking tool and an eye opener in what is out there in Americana Music.

The talent there is incredible. The big thing for me was to see what others were playing and doing.

Creatively I went out every night to see the showcases and it helped me decide who and what I wanted to be as a Rowdy Prairie Dog. In 1986 I went to the New Music Conference in New York City and the Chamber of Commerce of Austin Texas had a booth to promote Texas Music.

I thought what a cool idea. Why can’t Madison or Wisconsin do something like that? Take a look at Austin today. They know how to promote their music and artists and they count on it as part of their business and revenue.

AG: If you could write with anybody who would you write with?

Robert J. Is Paul Simon out of the question? I would like to write David Crosby, Joni Mitchell, Paul Barre,The Everly Brothers, gosh the list is endless. Buddy Miller and Gorf would be great too. I haven’t done a lot of collaborating in songwriting, but I would be open to it.

AG: What is your favorite record?

Robert J. Waiting for Columbus by Little Feat is my favorite Live Album. I’m not sure what my “favorite” album of all time is.

AG: What are your plans for the next year?

Robert J.: Well we are going to finish our new CD and release it this fall. We released two CD’s last year. Our Rowdy Prairie Dog CD did well on the Americana Charts. We have worked hard to get the band into shape and it has really paid off. Just getting out there and playing music and turning people on to it will keep us busy.

Additional information for this article came from Robert J.’s MySpace and Madison musician page.

Story by:Andy Ziehli Photo supplied.

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Robert J. No not really. I write on all of them I have w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

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dubay... continued from page 4

I would have become a gym teacher. Lastly I don’t want to hear how you missed a gear and got passed by a Volkswagen bus full of hippies on that last hill.

Wait wrong rant!

Going to Guitar Center is like getting your wisdom teeth pulled without any anesthetic. Where do they get those guys? If I wanted to play distorted I would set the amp to do so. I would not ask for your expertise in doing so. I went to a Guitar Center to pickup a metronome for a friend of mine’s daughter so she could become better at practicing the piano. I witnessed the guy behind the counter try to sell a kid and his mom a set of strings and some picks that would “make him play like Slash”. Luckily the kid did not fall for it and bought the kind of strings he wanted. Then it was my turn to be “helped” by this oh so knowledgeable clerk. He told me it was good for us“old”guys to start using a metronome to practice with. It would really help us get better playing jobs. He then told me he was into Math Metal and that the more expensive metronome on the shelf was the only one that would work for that. I ever so politely informed him that I was not “old” and that I had made more money playing and played in more clubs than his Math Metal would ever bring him! I then informed him ever so politely that not everyone was as ignorant as he was and that I was not a peer to him but someone he should respect if for no other reason he would not have a job if it were not for idiots like me coming in there in the first place. I proceeded to take my purchase and hand it to the anti-shoplifting dude at the door,get my receipt stamped and promised myself that I would never ever return (until it is an absolute emergency and nobody within 1200 miles has what I need so I’ll be back for more abuse and quality time again).

See you at the Pec Jam in Blanchardville on August 22, 2009. A great day of “real” Country Music put on by my buddies Paul & Mark Gruenenfelder and Andy Anderson. If you love Country Music like it should be played ala Johnny Cash,Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Patsy Cline, Bobby Bare, and Tom T. Hall you need to be there. Music starts at noon and goes until about 7:00 p.m. There is plenty of space to park your butts. Bring a lawn chair and partake in great music and food. Hope to see you there.

By: Litt Dubay kristi rose... continued from page 14

n’t Make Love, We Made History”. Other tunes shared were, “Weekend Romeo” and a beautiful love song,“Something Like That’. A Bee Gees cover song done beautifully was, “I Started a Joke” followed by an obscure tune written by Sharon Higgins in the late 60’s,entitled“You Needs Me”. Kristi Rose shared a funny tidbit about how her and Fats were rehearsing this song as Kristi was driving down 81 to NewYork to perform at a fancy fashion show,Kristi Rose singing and Fats sitting in the passenger seat playing the fiddle. Must have been a sight for passerby’s!

Towards the end of the first set, there was a little trouble with the power, but the set went off without a hitch, a short break occurred where the crowd had the opportunity to visit with Kristi and Fats and purchase CD’s.

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Starting out the second set, was I believe my favorite song of the night,“Beautiful World”. This was a song written for a folk festival,kind of a sing along on the chorus, and yes the crowd did participate. I can’t even explain it, you just have to buy the CD and listen to it yourself.

“Gin” was kind of a different song, referring to women’s struggles in life, how life is not always pretty but they get through it. A couple of gospel songs followed with a spectacular closing song of “Johnny Guitar” – wow what a grand finale!!!! Fats picking away as Kristi Rose sang and walked around Fats, her hands making shadow silhouettes on the hanging backdrop. A perfect end to the evening.

Andy and I visited a little with Fats and Kristi, then headed back to Belleville. Oh by the way if you didn’t get it from my review,Yes, I loved the concert. Andy and I talked about how great an evening this was for us. I suggest you check these two out at: Kristi Rose & Fats Kaplin: www.pulpcountry www.myspace.com/kristirosefatskaplin Written by: Joyce Ziehli Photos supplied by Deone Jahnke.

bogguss... continued from page 17

ing by and I don’t have any plans. I’m just scootin’ around the country, going from place to place. I have to decide what I want to do. I called a couple of friends I had in Nashville and they said come on down and we will help you get a job. So I moved down and got a 2 or 3 nights a week job at a rib joint. It was right down town, close to the Vanderbilt Campus. It was a great place to meet people and watch other singers. I just kind of got in the system a little bit. I met publishers and this is how I got started singing all the demos and I had work basically the next day and all the doors seemed to kind of just open. I met some booking agents, met some publishers, met others who could get me a foot in the door, it was a very exciting time. Every day I learned something new.

mind set. At these times I think you listen to things differently. Lots of times things will strike me as what a beautiful set of words these are. It really depends on when I’m feeling creative. Lots of times songs come right out of somebody’s mouth. I have dreams and dream concepts where a lot of times I think that is kind of an interesting thing that I haven’t heard it put into words.

Lots of times that will be an inspiration to me.

AG: Do you mostly write by yourself or with others? You write with your hubby?

SB: I am a co-writer type. I am so lazy. I hate working on a song for a month. When I write by myself, that’s how long it takes. I have to make sure I have the lyrics where I want them. If I have a good net, I want to write, especially with a great lyricist. My husband is a great lyricist. OK, I have the idea, want to put it into words, he can help me with this in 2-3 days. Sometimes in 1 day. If I had to do it myself, it’s like torture.

I’m really lazy. I really enjoy the process.

It’s good to have other people to motivate you, How I motivate is to make appointments to write. I sit down and see what’s interesting and go forward from there. (Suzy and I shared some laughs about how our husbands are the opposites of us. Her husband and I are a lot alike, as Suzy and Andy seem to be the same when it comes to getting things done.)

AG: You have quite a menagerie of awards and accomplishments over the years. Anyone of them stand out that you are the most proud of accomplishing?

AG: What or who inspired you to become a songwriter? When did you start writing songs?

SB: Awards are such a magical thing. I remember the first time I got on the cheerleading squad. I went up and looked at the bulletin board and thought Oh My God, I’m accepted. It is a wonderful feeling being accepted by your peers. I have been elated at all of my awards. The highlight of all of them is that I had such a wonderful friendship with Chet Atkins. He was a dear friend and I had the opportunity to make a record together with him before cancer took him away from us. I had been asking him for about two years to make a record with me.

Chet kept putting me off and saying you know it’s not good for you to make a record with an older person, people will associate you differently. They won’t look at you as a hot young artist. He was a record executive for all those years and thought it would not be a good thing. When he got his last diagnosis with the brain tumor, he called and said, “Suzy, this sucks, and we need to do this thing now if we’re going to do it.” It was great. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he said let’s go make a record. Chet made me produce the record. I was the one cracking the whip that time. Having a legend like Chet Atkins saying, “I believe I got that one”, and then for me to say to him, “I think you got one more in you” was quite an experience.

SB: At times you are more receptive than others and you are sort of in the creative

Note: Suzy has her own recording label.

Her husband, Doug Crider is an engineer,

AG: How did your first recording contract come about?

SB: I also got my opportunity to play at Dollywood where I landed my first recording contract. I was playing in Nashville and got selected to do their female headliner spot for the first season when Dolly first opened the park. It was a huge kick off, over a million people visited the park that season. Record executives from Capital Records came down to see me perform live, as I had made a tape to sell at the park.

Three weeks later I was on Capital Records and I was with them for 12 years. It was great.

w w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

and it only made sense to bring the recording to their home, Bogguss said.

AG: What is your favorite venue to play at?

SB: Now I can send an email blast when I am playing somewhere, I no longer have to send out 200 post cards when I am coming to a different city like I used to have to do.

I’m so comfortable playing smaller venues, being accessible to the people after the show. The whole lime light, tour bus was very foreign to me. As much as I enjoyed the ride, and it has allowed me to continue working now, I never felt like that was my world, my world was much smaller than that. I’m so completely happy being able to talk to people after my shows, and hear the feedback. When you are in the big star spot light, you are getting whisked here and there, you can’t get as close to your fans as you want to. I can say, star or fan, but for me it is so much more about communication, it is a shared evening. Joyce, you have picked some of my favorite people to interview. Hal Ketchum and his wife, Kathy are some of my best friends and I know Hal feels the same way. This is much more fulfilling to me than my wallet being fat. This is our passion.

It is fun to play fairs, to let the band get rowdy, but my favorite venue is a smaller place playing to 300-500 people. I can hear the people talking back to me, interacting with me, there is no set list, no stage show, and each night is different. The Birchmere in Washington DC is one of my favorite places to play. There are 3 or 4 clubs like that in that area and I try to play them once or twice a year. Pabst Theater in Milwaukee is also a great place. There must be some places in Madison like that? (I offered to send Suzy some places in our area she could contact, like the Barrymore, Dry Bean, etc.)

AG: What are your hobbies? Do you still design your own stage wear and jewelry?

SB: I do not have a lot of time to do this anymore. I still like to design jewelry, but I have a couple of places here in Nashville that do my stuff. I haven’t really done any for the last 4 or 5 years. I have an eighth grader that keeps me pretty busy. I have my degree in metalsmithery and I hope to get back into it some day.

male singers. This is fun. I am also a huge Vince Gill fan and fortunately I used to dream about performing with him and this dream has come true as Vince has sung on many of my records. I am never afraid to keep dreaming – dreams do come true.

AG: Who is the one person you wish you could meet?

SB: Good one. I would love to have dinner with Michelle and Barrack Obama together.

They really balance each other out. I would love to have a conversation with both of them, and I don’t imagine they would agree with each other. (We both laughed.)

AG: You toured in England with Gretchen Peters and Matraca Berg. Tell me a little about this.

SB: I just got back from a tour with Gretchen Peters and Matraca Berg and we had so much fun. Singing with them, 3 part harmony was the best. I really have an aspiration to do more of this kind of thing, getting female performers together and do more touring. These women are fabulous songwriters and I have known them for 20 years, and some nights they whip out new songs and it just brings tears to my eyes.

AG: Are you working on a new CD? SB: Yes, a folk record. I’m working right from an American Folk Song Book, going straight back to the 6th grade, choosing music that got me started. Hopefully it will be out by the first of the year in 2010. It will be a family record, for grandmas & grandpas, to mom and dad and the kids, songs like, Foggy went a courtin”.

AG: What are you future plans and/or goals?

SB: Doing more tours with some women artists. I’m curious to see how my folk CD turns out and what people’s take will be on

it. It will be different for me as it will be all songs that I did not write myself.

AG: Do you have any pets?

SB: Yes, we do. We live on a couple of acres in Franklin and we call it, Camp Crider. We have every kind of critter you could imagine. Coyotes, fox and for the past couple of years we have had a pet cardinal, whom we named Leonard. Leonard taps on every window in the house. I think he is taping to mate. He starts at one end of the house and works his way all around the house. In fact he’s taping right now on the window in the great room, I think he wants to be part of this interview. I have tried to shoot him with a pellet gun a couple of times, but he loves it hear and keeps coming back. We also have two dogs, Zoe and Kibbles. (You can read all about them in this issue in the PET NOTE.) AG: What do you want your fns to think about you?

SB: That I am Down to Earth. I’m doing what makes me happy and they should do what makes them happy. I enjoy what I do.

I’m a down to earth person, and I’m happy.

Doing this interview with Suzy was so much fun, it hardly seemed like work.

Please watch for her new CD coming out next year and check out her website @ www.suzybogguss.com . Try to catch one of her shows if she is in the area. Suzy is playing in Illinois on: September 12, 2009 7:30 pm Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts 600 N East St. Bloominton, IL 61701 She has a beautiful voice and guys, she is not hard to look at either!!!

Written by: Joyce Ziehli Photos supplied by Suzy Bogguss.

AG: What do you do to relax?

SB: Camping is big in our family. So is gardening. I plant way too much, then go on tour during the summer and when I get back the garden has taken over. I then have my work cut out for me. This summer my husband, son and his friend and myself are taking an RV (like the old days) out West and we are doing some touring for about a month. We are doing 6 or 7 shows, some really crazy stuff like a train ride, cowboy evening gathering, and a rodeo in Cody, WY. AG: Who do you wish you could perform with?

SB: I would like to perform with more few w w. a m e r i c a n a g a z e t t e . n e t

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