Upcoming Pat O'Shea gig in NY.

Pat O'Shea is a great bluesman who has worked w/ the likes of Hubert Sumlin & Levon Helm.

Thanks for the update, Butchie Dener!

Remembering the great Hubert Sumlin...

Photos provided by Butchie Dener.

Chris Bergson's "Imitate The Sun" ranked #2 blues album by "MOJO!"

MOJO Magazine has just named the Chris Bergson Band's record Imitate the Sun the number two Blues Album of 2011. MOJO's list of the top ten blues albums of 2011, compiled by Tony Russell, appears in the January 2012 issue. Congratulations to all the winners!
MOJO's Top Ten Blues Album of 2011
Compiled by Tony Russell

1. Matt Schofield - Anything But Time (Nugene)
2. Chris Bergson Band - Imitate The Sun (Two Shirts)
3. Ian Siegal & The Youngest Sons - The Skinny (Nugene)
4. Jim Byrnes - Everywhere West (Black Hen)
5. Demetria Taylor - Bad Girl (Delmark)
6. Errol Linton - Mama Said (Ruby)
7. Buddy Guy - Living Proof (Silvertone)
8. Various Artists - Alligator Records 40th Anniversary Collection (Alligator)
9. Son House - In Seattle 1968 (Arcola)
10. Various Artists - Shattered Dreams: Funky Blues 1967-68 (Ace)

Chris Bergson also won Blues Revue's Sponsor the Bands Contest in the latest issue of the magazine, along with three other artists.

Selected Press for Chris Bergson and Imitate the Sun

"The ambience of Chris Bergson's music is an Edward Hopper world of suspicion and solitude, dusk-time avenues and dimly lit bars, its soundtrack a terse dialogue of guitar and saxophone. This is the terrain of Tom Waits and Lou Reed, and Bergson has something of each in his gruff, laconic delivery, but his sound is intransigently his own. Admirers of Fall Changes (it was MOJO Blues Album of the Year for 2008), hearing Goin' Home, Shattered Avenue, Mr. Jackson and the title track, will swiftly fall into step again... the album is riveting."
- Tony Russell, MOJO

"Chris Bergson writes memorable songs, sings them with passion, and plays such a mean guitar that the great Hubert Sumlin has been known to sit in at his gigs. Once again, he has gathered the best musicians in New York state to assist, the funky rhythm section of Matt Clohesy on bass and Tony Leone on drums, keyboard master Bruce Katz, and cool Jay Collins on sax, and each of them contributes moments of brilliance."
- Kay Cordtz, Blues Revue


Album Cover Photo by Ahron R. Foster

Chris Bergson is a New York based

Randy Ciarlante on "Soundcloud."

http://soundcloud.com/randyciarlante

"Elmore Magazine" online article on the New Paltz, NY "Flood Aid" benefit gig.

http://www.elmoremagazine.com/2011/11/reviews/shows/flood-aid-at-hasbrouck-park-new-paltz-ny

Thanks for the link, Butchie Dener. Great work!

Celebrate Halloween w/ Connor Kennedy @ Bearsville Theater!"

Jay Collins gig coming up!

From Jay Collins (Levon Helms son-in-law):

Hi all,
Just wanted to let you know I am performing in Marlboro, NY this Friday.

Jay Collins and the Kings County Band
Live at "The Falcon"
Friday, Nov. 4th, 8pm till 11
1348 Rte. 9W
Marlboro, NY 12542
http://www.liveatthefalcon.com/

Suggested $10. donation, but pay what you can. Excellent food, full bar, nice art on the walls, good bands. I hope you can make it!

Randy Ciarlante's new facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/bobdylantheband#!/randyciarlante

Nice tribute to Willie "Big Eyes" Smith by Modern Drummer Magazine.

Modern Drummer Magazine writer Bobby Girouard sent us his wonderful tribute (see link) to the great bluesman Willie "Big Eyes" Smith. Willie was multi-talented & hailed from Arkansas (similar to Levon Helm). Unfortunately, we lost him Sept. 16th.

http://www.moderndrummer.com/site/2011/10/in-memoriam-willie-%e2%80%9cbig-eyes%e2%80%9d-smith/#.TqlzB1ZWCVo.email

Thanks, Bobby!

Line up for the "New Paltz (NY) Flood Aid" benefit concert to be held this Saturday (10/16/11).

http://www.newpaltzfloodaid.org/

From Butchie Dener for this Saturday's "New Paltz (NY) Flood Aid."

Line Up

11:40-11:45 (A) National Anthem: Delaney Taliaferro

11:45-12:15 (A) Ratboy Jr.

12:15-12:30 (B) Dziubecko

12:30-1:00 (A) The Trapps

1:00-1:15 (B) Casey Erdman and Friends

1:15-1:45 (A) The Greyhounds

1:45-2:15 (A) Mr. Roper

2:15-2:30 (B) Mark Sagar and Black Horse Riders

2:30-3:15 (A) Connor Kennedy Band

3:15-3:30 (B) Hector Tejada

3:30-4:30 (A) Bow Thayer Band

4:30-4:45 (B) Patrick Carlin

4:45-5:45 (A) Alexis P. Suter Band

5:45-7:00 (A) Butch's Flood Aid All Stars: Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams, Steven Bernstein, Randy Ciarlante, Byron Isaacs, Jim Weider, Erik Lawrence, Vito Petrocitto, Jeremy Baum and much, much more.

"Bob Dylan & The Band" facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/bobdylantheband

Garth Hudson live in NY November 5th!

http://www.emelin.org/concert.html#garth

Johnny Wright passes away @ 97.

The Band's tie to Johnny Wright is its covering of Down South in New Orleans & Cryin' Heart Blues, which later one of Rick Danko's albums took its namesake.

Happy b'day, Maud Hudson!

Ed Sullivan would have turned 109-yrs old today.

Al Kooper's tribute to Jerry Leiber.

http://www.themortonreport.com/entertainment/music/new-music-for-old-people-a-jerry-leiber-tribute-1/

Levon Helm and Richard Manuel.

Remembering Robert Johnson & Elvis Presley today...

Both very influencial musicians passed away on this day - Johnson (d. '38) & Presley (d. '77).

Missing & remembering Richie Hayward (Little Feat) one-year later...

One-year has passed since we all lost Little Feat's Richie Hayward. Richie's, & our good friend Butch Dener (frmr road mgr for Little Feat & The Band) has helped us remember Richie today w/ photos from his wedding attended (& performed) by Richie, Larry Cambell (Bob Dylan & Levon Helm bands) & Jimmy Vivino (Levon Helm & Conan O'Brien)... thank you Butchie.

Butchie Truck's (Allman Bros. Band drummer) new blog is a hit!

A very down-to-earth & frequently updated blog created & written by the man himself. A definite read!

http://thebutchtrucks.blogspot.com/

Slippin and Slidin - Little Feat - Bearsville Theatre Aug 2 2011

Thanks, Butchie!

Harp player Jeff "Rollie" Newsom is mourned. but fondly remembered.

We have sadly lost another great man in Jeff "Rollie" Newsome as he succombed to ALS August 4th after being diagnosed w/ the disease February 2010. Jeff was both a talented & wonderful man. At the age of 18 he attended The Band's famous The Last Waltz after driving Garth Hudson from Salt Lake City to San Francisco for the big gig. He also performed w/ Rick Danko in the '90s @ WY's Mangy Moose Saloon.

Too soon gone...

Professor Louie & The Crowmatix to headline Historic Hudson's (NY) "2011 Blues Brews BBQ."

Happy b'day, Garth Hudson!

Chris Bergson's latest release "Imitate The Sun" definitely shines!

We love that each & every time NYC-city based Chris Bergson, w/ his all-star cast of musicians, including Bruce Katz (Gregg Allman Band), Jay Collins (Levon Helm's son-in-law, Gregg Allman Band), Tony Leone (Ollabelle) & Matt Clohesy, puts out a new album it is a believable product. While listening song after song, we find it so easy to develop scenes in our minds of after-hours urban alleyways, bars & street characters.

Chris' latest release, Imitate The Sun (2 Shirts Records), is no exception to the matter & is a wonderful follow-up album to his '07 Fall Changes album. Imitate The Sun contains six original songs & four songs paying tribute to some of his musical heroes, including Bob Dylan & Howlin' Wolf.

Chris & band mates have once again provided a polished product that is timeless, supported by honest vocals & instrumentation. This album is a must-have for the rock & blues enthusiast. Checkout MOJO's album comments:

The urban blues stories of a streetwise gumshoe.

The ambiance of Chris Bergson's music is an Edward Hopper world of suspicion and solitude, dusk-time avenues and dimly lit bars, its soundtrack a terse dialogue of guitar and saxophone. This is the terrain of Tom Waits and Lou Reed, and Bergson has something of each in his gruff, laconic delivery, but his sound is intransigently his own. Admirers of Fall Changes (it was MOJO Blues Album of the Year for 2008), hearing Goin' Home, Shattered Avenue, Mr. Jackson and the title track, will swiftly fall into step again. But while Bergson is arrestingly himself in his own songs, he can be handcuffed by other people's: Dust My Broom is just a competent genre performance, and Dylan's Standing in the Doorway, though ardently sung, is in thrall to its original arrangement. But about two thirds of the album is riveting.

Track List
Goin' Home
Imitate The Sun
Shattered Avenue
Hello Bertha
Down In The Bottom
Laying It Down In White
You've Been A Good Old Wagon
Mr. Jackson
Dust My Broom
Standing In The Doorway

http://www.chrisbergson.com/home/index.html

New Jim Weider live dates!

NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWs NEWS NEWs NEWS
Jim Weider's releases his BIG -T tele rhythm Pickup with
analog man Jim designed with Lindy Fralin and made by
Fralin.
http://www.buyanalogman.com/ProductDetails.asp?
ProductCode=AM-BIGTPickup

Tour News !!!

Jim Weider with LEVON HELM BAND
Black Creek Concert
Date: July 16, 2011
Time: 7:00pm

Toronto, Canada


Jim Weider with LEVON HELM BAND and Emmylou Harris
Central Park Summerstage
Date: July 18, 2011
Time: 5:00pm

Central Park - New York, NY
Jim Weider playing guitar with LEVON HELM BAND

Jim Weider with LEVON HELM BAND
Gathering of The Vibes
Date: July 22, 2011
Time: 7:00pm

bridgeport, CT
Jim Weider playing guitar with LEVON HELM BAND

JIM WEIDER'S PRoJECT PERCoLAToR
BOOM BOOM ROOM
Date: August 11, 2011
Time: 9:30pm

1601 Fillmore (atGeary)
SanFrancisco,CA 94115
ProJECT PERCoLAToR , featuring Jim Weider -Guitar, Rodney
Holmes - Drums ,Paul Branin- Guitar&Sax , Steve Lucas -Bass
will be performing the CD "PULSE " and more !
call 415-673-8000
www.boomboomtickets.com


JIM WEIDER'S PRoJECT PERCoLAToR
CASPAR INN
Date: August 12, 2011
Time: 9:30pm

14957 Caspar Rd.
Caspar California 95420
ProJECT PERCoLAToR , featuring Jim Weider -Guitar, Rodney
Holmes - Drums ,Paul Branin- Guitar&Sax , Steve Lucas -Bass
will be performing the CD "PULSE " and more !
tel#707-964-5565



JIM WEIDER'S PRoJECT PERCoLAToR
JUST STRINGS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Date: August 13, 2011
Time: 4:45pm - 6:00pm

"Hoffman Ranch" Picninc Grounds,
22298 Geyserville Ave.
Geyserville, CA 95441.
ProJECT PERCoLAToR , featuring Jim Weider -Guitar, Rodney
Holmes - Drums ,Paul Branin- Guitar&Sax , Steve Lucas -Bass
will be performing the CD "PULSE " and more !
http://www.juststringsamusicfestival.com/


Jim Weider with LEVON HELM BAND
Suicide Six Ski Resort
Date: August 26, 2011
Time: 7:00pm

Woodstock,VT

Jim Weider with LEVON HELM BAND
Ottawa Folk Festival
Date: August 28, 2011
Time: 7:00pm

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada


JIM WEIDER'S PRoJECT PERCoLAToR
INN ON THE BLUES
Date: September 8, 2011
Time: 8:00pm

7 ocean ave.York Beach ,Maine
ProJECT PERCoLAToR , featuring Jim Weider -Guitar,Rodney
Holmes-drums ,Jason Crosby -keyboards/violin , and Steve
Lucas -bass will be performing the CD's "PULSE"
&"Percolator" Plus more ! (Tapers welcome as the club
allows)
8pm show!
tickets :207-351-3221 or
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/821780969
www.innontheblues.com

JIM WEIDER'S PRoJECT PERCoLAToR
Bull Run Restaurant
Date: September 9, 2011
Time: 8:00pm

215 Great Road
Shirley, MA 01464
ProJECT PERCoLAToR , featuring Jim Weider -Guitar, Rodney
Holmes -Drums ,Jason Crosby - Keyboards&violin , Steve
Lucas -Bass will be performing the new CD "PULSE" and
more ! (Tapers welcome as the club allows
to buy tickets (978) 425-4311
www.bullrunrestaurant.com


JIM WEIDER'S PRoJECT PERCoLAToR
Iridium Jazz Club
Date: September 15, 2011
Time: 8:00pm - 11:55pm

1650 Broadway (51st. St.)
New York, NY - 10019
theres two shows 8Pm and 10:30pm
JIM WEIDER'S PROJECT PERCOLATOR,
Jim Weider-guitar
Rodney Holmes - drums
Avi Bortnick - guitar
Steve Lucas - bass
Jason Crosby-keyboards
with some special guests will be performing the new
CD "PULSE" and more ! (Tapers welcome as the club allows )
call for tickets Tel: 212.582.2121
Fax: 212.974.0833




JIM WEIDER'S PRoJECT PERCoLAToR
Bearsville Theater
Date: September 16, 2011
Time: 9:00pm

291 Tinker St.,rt 212
Woodstock, NY
ProJECT PERCoLAToR , featuring Jim Weider -Guitar,Rodney
Holmes-drums ,Jason Crosby -keyboards/violin ,Avi Bortnick-
guitar and Steve Lucas -bass will be performing the
CD's "PULSE" &"Percolator" Plus more ! (Tapers welcome as
the club allows)
tickets /call 845-679-4406

StevenT Steven Tyler at House of Blues Boston Common Magazine Party ...

Relix - Features - The OTHER Watkins Glen Festival

Relix - Features - The OTHER Watkins Glen Festival

Acadian Driftwood - The Band

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Levon Helm brings 'Rambles' to Solid Sound - Music Features

Levon Helm brings 'Rambles' to Solid Sound - Music Features

Jambands.com - Need We Say More? News Kooper, Hudson, Benevento, Walter

Jambands.com - Need We Say More? News Kooper, Hudson, Benevento, Walter

A cool pic of former The Band road mgr Butch Dener w/ the late Clarence Clemons.

Hey Mike & Kim,,

Me with The Big Man @ Clinton's 1st Inaugeral - Blue Jean Bash

He also played with Rick Danko & Levon on the 1st Ringo All-Starr Tour

Also sat in with The Band on The Weight in NJPAC in 1995 or '96 ??

Feel free to use this OLD photo of us, ( when I had black in my hair,,)

Bd


Thank you so much, Butchie! The Big Man will be sorely missed.

Pics of Bow Thayer from last year's "Tweed Music Festival."

http://janopics.blogspot.com/2010/08/tweed-unloaded-iii-bow-thayer-and.html

Sweet Hitch Hiker - Creedence Clearwater Revival

Bow Thayer - Meanwhile In The Here And Now - Check 'em out @ the Tweed River Music Festival!

Shangri La Ranch (w/ studio) for sale - $4.1 mill.

Contact Shen if you want a piece of The Band, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton & Mark Knopfler history!

http://www.malibudreamhouse.com/malibu-home-for-sale/detail/71.html

Allen Ginsberg reads America - he would have turned 85 today.

Levon Helm & Mavis Staples rehearsing in Woodstock, NY.

Great pic of Levon Helm, his band and Mavis Staples rehearsing today in preparation for tomorrow night's gig in Woodstock, NY. For those in attendance, it will be recorded. What an amazing night it will be!

Picture is the property of Levon Helm.

https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=10150201054603528&set=a.205867033527.133527.99136623527&type=1&theater

Michael DeTemple & his impact on The Band's music.

Michael DeTemple supposedly built the harp guitar used by Robbie Robertson @ the end of The Last Waltz, but the guitar is credited as being a loner from LA's Norman's Rare Guitars (still in existence). Michael also joined Rick Danko in his solo years following The Band & played the intro to Sip the Wine.

Little Feat (ft. Bela Fleck) - The Weight

Rolling Stone article on Robbie Robertson's creative rebirth.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/robbie-robertson-celebrates-creative-rebirth-with-new-set-20110531

Happy 71st b'day, Levon!

Happy 70th b'day, Bob Dylan!

Happy b'day to Chris Bergson!

2011 Tweed River Music Festival Bands Announced!

2011 Tweed River Music Festival Bands Announced!

Professor still paying homage to The Band's musical legacy

Professor still paying homage to The Band's musical legacy

THE BAND / Caledonia (Live at The New Orleans Jazz Festival)

THE BAND / BLUES STAY AWAY FROM ME

Rolling Stone cover story - Top 20 songs.

http://www1.rollingstone.com/dylan/

Little Feat - St. Louis - 2003 - Live

Nice Levon Helm Band video from rollingstone.com - "Deep Elem Blues" - Ryman.

http://www.rollingstone.com/videos/new-and-hot/exclusive-levon-helm-live-at-the-ryman-band-drummer-performs-deep-elem-blues-20110510

New Chris Bergson album (Imitate the Sun) releases today!

From his emailed newsletter:

I am thrilled to announce the release of Imitate the Sun - the new CD from the Chris Bergson Band!

The album has already received 4 stars in MOJO and has been enjoying national radio play (currently #6 on the NY Roots Radio Charts and #20 on the National Blues Radio Charts). Recorded at Brooklyn's Excello Recording, Imitate the Sun features Jay Collins, Bruce Katz, Matt Clohesy, Tony Leone and two tracks with a horn section arranged by Jay Collins featuring Kenny Rampton and Chris Karlic.

A little bit about the record, courtesy of Dave Rubin, 2005 winner of KBA in Journalism:

Imitate the Sun contains six strikingly original songs and four thoughtful covers that allow his fertile creativity free reign... Bergson makes every track a complete and rewarding musical statement... Chris Bergson is a man on a mission with his blues-breaking guitar, passionate vocals and literate lyrics. He is out to leave an indelible mark on the world of music and succeeding spectacularly with his life-affirming art that both consoles and excites. The sum total is an impressive and growing body of work that reaches across the ages and boundaries.

We hope you enjoy the new record! You can listen at www.chrisbergson.com and the album is available for purchase at Amazon, iTunes, CD Baby, eMusic, Rhapsody and Napster.

Upcoming Shows

Wednesday, May 11 - The Iridium, NYC
Saturday, May 14 - The Falcon, Marlboro, NY
Sunday, May 15 - Hubert Sumlin with the Chris Bergson Band, Whippany, NJ
Saturday, May 21 - The Turning Point, Piermont, NY
Friday, June 3 - The Bowery Electric, NYC
Thursday, June 23 - Johnny D's, Somerville, MA

Radio Appearances

Tuesday, May 10 - Tonight!
WVKR - Vassar College Radio, Poughkeepsie, NY
91.3 FM and steaming at www.wvkr.org
D.B. Brown's Hudson Valley Rag Shop
Solo acoustic performance and interview
6:30 - 8 PM

Wednesday, May 11
WFDU - 89.1 FM, Farleigh Dickinson University, NJ
Streaming at www.wfdu.edu
Blues in the Groove with Nikki Armstrong
Interview at 2:30 PM

Thanks, everybody! I hope you can make it out!

Kate


Album Cover Photo by Ahron R. Foster






Chris Bergson is a New York guitarist, singer and songwriter.
For complete show schedule, MP3s, bio, and photos, please visit:
chrisbergson.com and myspace.com/chrisbergsonband


Facebook: Chris Bergson Band
Twitter: twitter.com/chrisbergson
iLike: ilike.com/artist/Chris+Bergson+Band

Garth Hudson, Hamilton Place, Hamilton, Ontario 2007

Neon version of an old The Band gig.

More Bill Scheele "The Band" pics from the early '70s.

From Roosevelt Stadium ('73) & Watkins Glen ('74).

Fabrizio Poggi & Chicken Mambo feat. ERIC BIBB, MAUD & GARTH HUDSON - I ...

Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams - "Samson & Delilah".

The Band - Acadian Driftwood (LIVE!) 1976

The Band - Don't Do It (Live 1971)

Rick Danko/It Makes No Difference/1997

The Band - To Kingdom Come - LIVE! (IOW69)

The Band - Smoke Signal - Live 1974 Rich Stadium

Happy b'day, Byron Isaacs (Ollabelle & The Levon Helm Band)

New Robbie Robertson blog online just in time for the new album release!

Robbie Robertson's new album hits stores today!

New Chris Bergson album & website.

Levon Helm

Levon Helm

Robbie Robertson receives 4 out of 5 stars from Rolling Stone.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/how-to-become-clairvoyant-20110404

Gala honours Canada's best songwriters | Music | Entertainment | Toronto Sun

Gala honours Canada's best songwriters | Music | Entertainment | Toronto Sun

Today (April 4th) is the last free promo day when pre-ordering Robbie Robertson's new album.

http://www.robbie-robertson.com/store

I Shall Be Released (The Band) - On April 3rd, Richard Manuel would have turned 68 yrs old.

Robbie Robertson On The Band's Early Days

Trent Reznor, Tom Morello On Robbie Robertson Album | CHARTattack

Trent Reznor, Tom Morello On Robbie Robertson Album | CHARTattack

The Band - "Remedy" The Tonight Show, 2/12/1994

The Band’s Robbie Robertson is back#new-comment-list

The Band’s Robbie Robertson is back#new-comment-list

Dubway Days - Ollabelle (Part 3 of 5)

Levon telling the story of The Midnight Rambles to Dirt Farmer.wmv

Help Ollabelle fund the release of its new album.

The amazing band Ollabelle need your help in funding the release of its next album. Click on the link to pledge your support & be a patron of the arts. We gladly pledged our support.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ollabelle/ollabelle-album

Rick Danko - Sip The Wine - Live 1978

The Band - Acadian Driftwood (LIVE!) 1976

Pinetop Perkins...RIP.

Upcoming "Connor Kennedy Band" April '11 gigs.

Robbie Robertson Recruits Dawes as Live Band :: Music :: News :: Paste

Robbie Robertson Recruits Dawes as Live Band :: Music :: News :: Paste

Richard George Manuel - "Words And Numbers" (The Band - Big Pink, 1967)

Keith Richards, Scotty Moore, D. J. Fontana & The Band: Deuce & A Quarter

Robbie Robertson - Robbie Robertson To Write Autobiography - Contactmusic News

Robbie Robertson - Robbie Robertson To Write Autobiography - Contactmusic News

hennemusic: Robbie Robertson to write autobiography

hennemusic: Robbie Robertson to write autobiography

Robbie Robertson would write music again w/ Levon Helm & Garth Hudson if the opportunity arose.

http://www.americansongwriter.com/2011/03/robbie-robertson-i-would-make-music-with-levon-and-garth-again/