Forever Young

This week on Between You and Me we're celebrating Bob's 70th birthday and talking about our aging icons.....

FOREVER YOUNG
by Steve Downing 

            I have a friend in Hibbing who went to school with Bob Dylan and loves to re-live the first time he heard Bob Zimmerman perform, five-plus decades ago. This was at a school assembly, where Bob did a couple of songs. Afterward, my friend and his buddies moved on to English class, where they rendered their consensus opinion of Bob Zimmerman. Can’t sing. Can’t play. The opposite of tall, dark and handsome. Born to be an iron miner.

            The English teacher, a generation ahead of them, thought they were wrong about Bob’s music but couldn’t sway them. Their evaluation mimics a much older off-the-mark assessment, concerning Fred Astaire, after an early screen test. From the director’s notes on Fred: Can’t sing. Can’t act. Balding. Can dance, a little.

            I saw Fred Astaire on TV the other day, in “It Takes A Thief”, filmed during the 1960s. He appeared to be a thousand years old. He was not well preserved, his face wrinkled and gaunt and grey, his neck baggy, something the goofy foppish scarves didn’t hide. The forward-combed hair, blonde-brown, drooped like a rug over the trademark high forehead. And the old guy’s ears positively dwarfed every other feature; they were elephantine.

            Until that moment, my image of Fred Astaire had been stuck where it started, in black and white cinema. He’s wearing tux and tails, shiny black shoes. He’s trim and tight-skinned, everything in proportion, hair slicked back from the big brow, and the man is just always dancing, whether he’s dancing or not. He exudes charm. Also: he manages to look elegant smoking a cigarette.

            We age right along with our stars and heroes, but the process seems to happen in parallel universes. We grow old in our small, private, quotidian ways, they out there in the bright public eye, doing everything on a grand scale (including their mess-ups), with responsibilities and advantages we don’t even wish we had. Then, without warning, if we’re not dead: geezerhood.

            I love knowing Bob Dylan is now 70. I might be taking more comfort in this than I ought to. I’m okay with that.

He Comes from MN with a Banjo on His Knee

by Doug MacRostie

It's not too often that the debut release from a band is a double CD, but Matt Ray and Those Damn Horses aren't typical. Complete with washtub bass, harmonica, washboard, spoons, guitar, fiddle and banjo, these guys are a high energy string band from the Iron Range playing roots, Americana, and old time music with a modern twist. Matt Ray will be joining me this week on Centerstage MN to talk about the new album "Then and Now". The first CD, "Then", is a collection of traditional tunes they reworked for modern times. Songs that defined their time and built the foundation of the music we hear today. The second CD, "Now", is all original tunes with that same throw-back style under contemporary currents.

On Fri., Dec. 3rd Matt Ray and Those Damn Horses are hosting a CD release party for "Then and Now" at Mac's Bar in Mountain Iron starting at 9pm with The Iron Range Outlaw Brigade.

And the new Sara Softich CD "Highway to the Sun" arrived this week - it's haunting and beautiful, so we'll check out a song from that - Sara and I have been working out details to have her on Centerstage MN sometime soon. Sara is originally from Virginia and operates out of Duluth. She and Jason Wussow have a duo called Yeltzi, and we'll hear from them as well.

And we'll hear a demo-fragment of Dylan playing Man in the Street in the early 60's from the new Bootleg Series Vol. 9: the Witmark Years 1962-1964. And have you Dylan lovers heard of Little Diamonds? At the age of 13, this kid was writing (and sounding) just like folkie-Dylan of old. But this isn't just a cheap imitation, the music and lyrics are way more mature and intelligent than what I was expecting, and I hope to have him on sometime soon to talk about what he's doing with music.

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls Saturday nights at 11 & Wednesdays at Noon, and on WTIP in Grand Marais Thursdays afternoons at 4. Often featured on MNartists.org.

Dylan's 69th Birthday Bash

What is your favorite Dylan cover? Over the years nearly every performer has covered a Dylan song. These efforts have ranged from “pretty cool” like Susan Tedeschi’s version of Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright… to “kind of creepy” like William Shatner doing Mr. Tambourine Man.

For a special edition of KAXE's On the River Monday, May 24th from 7 – 10PM volunteer host Grant Frashier will be focusing on the music of Dylan in honor of Bob’s 69th birthday. In addition to hearing from Bob himself, Grant will be playing some of his and your favorite Dylan covers.

Let us know what your favorite Dylan covers are so that we can share them with other listeners - just leave a comment on this blog or call our Talkback line at 218-999-9876.

And listen on Monday, May 24th from 7 until 10PM for this special Dylan’s Birthday Bash edition of On The River with Grant Frasier.

That same day it's the kick off of Dylan Days, supporting the arts and honoring Bob Dylan in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota from the 27th-30th. Over the past several years Dylan Days has built a grassroots tradition including the singer/songwriter contest, writing contest and literary showcase, one act playwright contest, visual arts competition, Bobby Zimmerman bus tour, live music series and the Hibbing Arts Council Dylan Days Benefit Concert, along with several other annual events.

A Centerstage MN Christmas Eve

by Doug MacRostie

The fact that Centerstage MN this week falls on Christmas Eve is a big deal. Huge, really. And with a mix of non-traditional and semi-traditional Xmas tunes and an interview with Amy and Adams I've got enough holiday cheer to break an elephants ankle (oh snap!).

Amy and Adams new CD "Dancing Through Time" is their best yet as this husband and wife duo continue to evolve and grow musically. They write positive music (even when it's a negative topic) with a goal of helping spread good in the world. If that wasn't enough to justify a Christmas Eve interview, Mark also wrote a holiday song called "Got a Candle In My Window." With beautiful harmonies in songs like "Just Blowin' Round" and "I Keep Knocking" they've got a real good thing going here. My favorite track on the album is "Hippie at Heart" which expounds on the Woodstock Generation's loss of vision as they aged. I completely agree - with all the freedom, love and equality, saving the plant and saving humanity - things like taking care of the earth and the sick and the poor and the young... that 'everyone was doing' back in the 60's & 70's, I often wonder wth happened??? But, I'm under 30... Apparently, Mark has wondered the same thing and the song sings about the feeling back then that things WOULD change, that future generations wouldn't have to fight for clean water and food. Mark thinks it isn't too late to recapture that spirit of youth and use it as a powerful and lasting positive impact on the world. More power to 'em.

We'll also hear an original holiday tune from the Pitbull of Folk; Paul Metsa's "Christmas at Molly's" and a brand new song from Stacey K with POGMATONE called "On and On" from a new CD called Christmas Jam II, which is a compillation of MN artists being sold to raise money and awareness for MN food shelves. I'm not 100% sure that's an image of the album artwork...I've been having trouble finding an official website for the CD, but a lot of different places are talking about it...

We'll also hear Amy Marie, a wonderful pianist with Spiritwood Music by Ely. Her holiday CD is called "Simple Gifts" and she's joined by cellist Matt Turner and voilinist Randal Harrison. And the MN Music Gods will kill me on the spot if I don't play something off of Bob Dylan's new "Christmas in the Heart." Have you heard it? What do you think? There seem to be two camps; those who hate it, can't stand it and say the singing is aweful... AND those who say, "So?" and enjoy it anyway. I am in the "So?" camp, fyi - and if you weren't already disturbed enough by Dylan's Xmas album, check out the inside cover artwork on the right... classy, right?

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

Did You Know that Bob Dylan is From MN?!?!?!

by Doug MacRostie

We'll be celebrating Bob Dylan all hour this week on Centerstage MN. I'll be talking with Gene LaFond, he and the Wild Unknown will be performing with Dylan's famed violinist from the 70's, Scarlet Rivera on Sat. the 23rd as part of Dylan Days in Hibbing, happening from May 21st-24th. Gene traveled with Dylan back in the Rolling Thunder days and has been a singer and songwriter his entire life. Beyond the obvious subject, we'll also talk about Gene and Bob's friend Larry Kegan, who was inspiration for both from his wheel chair (there is a good story w a lot more info about Larry Kegan at Gene's website: www.genelafond.com/CDbio.html). We'll also hear from Aaron Brown, one of the organizers of Dylan Days, about all the different things happening. More info is at www.dylandays.com.

AND GUESS WHAT!!! I found Bob Dylan's cell # on my desk the other morning, so I'll play a song from his new CD Together Through Life and then try giving him a call!!! (thanks to whoever dropped his # off!).

I'll also celebrate Dylan with some excellent covers of his tunes by Minnesota bands including Mason Jennings, The First Ladies, Crazy Betty, Bittersweet and The State Champs.

Next week my guests will be Abisha Uhl and Jamie Holm, 2 of the 5 ladies that are Sick of Sarah, an indie rock band out of Minneapolis. Their debut, self-titled release mixes rock and pop with a punk attitude. From harmonies and melodies, to pounding drums and jammin' guitars, these ladies are ready to rock and I am really excited to have them on the show.

Centerstage MN is on KAXE every Thursday evening at 6, streaming live online at www.kaxe.org, or 91.7fm Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji, and rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

Misquotes and Mayhem Tonight on Centerstage MN

by Doug MacRostie

With a Pick 3 MN Favorites from MN music legend Rich Mattson, this week is more music and less talking on Centerstage MN, and even so - there is still a lot more music I want to play than I've got time for (but don't feel bad, I'll be joined by Pat Deal from Grand Rapids in studio for some live music and conversation next week :D).

I'll be starting off w/ Prince - his latest 3 CD release includes "MPLSOUND," and with his trademark mix of funk and rock, he is ready to kick off a new revolution out of Minneapolis. He's got plenty of sexy party songs (as you'd expect), but I'm drawn to the groovy and topical "Ol' Skool Company," which sings, "...everybody talking about white-collar crime like it just started yesterday...but people I know, they've been strugglin', at least it seems that way...fat cats on wall street get a bailout while everybody else has to wait....700 billion but in my old neighborhood ain't nothin' changed but the date..."* Of course, there is a lot more to this 7+ minute song than digs @ investment bankers, but my ears seemed to pick up on the word "bailout" pretty easy these days. I'll follow Prince with neo-soul/R&B artist Janey and hip-hip/electronic artist Prophis - both of which will follow the revolution well.

Also, I've got a very unique interpretation of The Beegees' "How Deep is Your Love" from The Bad Plus's latest release For All I Care which has Wendy Lewis joining them on vocals and is just an outstanding album of jazz interpretations of everything from Nirvana to Pink Floyd to Heart. AND, be suer to tell that Dylan freak in your family that I've got another NEW Dylan song from his forthcoming release "Together Through Life."

I'll also be featuring:
Hattie Peterson - she has withdrawn from the MN music scene but we I'll still play her music
The Honeydogs - back to a more rockin' sound with "Sunshine Committee"
Sick of Sarah - 5 ladies from Minneapolis taking indie pop-rock by storm
Take Cover - Rock poppers from Minneapolis/Marcell (North School represent!) :D

Some of the stuff that DIDN'T make it this week, but will soon, is a new recording from Greg and Kiki of Dancing Light, a new album from Bill & Kate Isles called "Matching Baggage" (which Bill came in and gave to me in person yesterday :D) Also, The Ophovens, a family band from the Grand Rapids area who's new CD "I Want to be Ready" was also dropped off yesterday and I think it'll sound good with Charlie Parr. And Two Many Banjos, The Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank, Matt Hoskins and Timmy Haus are due for some airtime...and...and...and...

Centerstage MN is every Thursday evening and Sunday morning at 6, streaming live on KAXE.org, or 91.7 in Grand Rapids, 89.9 in Brainerd and 105.3 in Bemidji. You can hear archived interviews at KAXE.org (and click on Centerstage MN on the left).

I hope you can tune in and enjoy, it's like Prince says, "The White House is black...we've got to take the radio back! Power to the people..."*

Rock on,
Doug

* Prince quotes might be entirely wrong, as I don't have a lyric sheet and I can't find them online :p

Nature-Inspired Spontaneus Musicial Creations that Rock (get it? Rock?)

by Doug MacRostie

Ryan and Jesse Dermody of The Brothers Burn Mountain will talk with me this week on Centerstage MN about their latest release "Wild Cat Road." Poetically and sonically reflecting the images and sounds of nature through spontaneous music creation, The Brothers Burn Mountain is like old Moody Blues back around "On the Threshold of Dream" but in a new form from two brothers pushing their songwriting boundaries. The music is creative with thoughtful lyrics and a fresh experimental presenation, and I am looking forward to the conversation with Ryan and Jesse.

Also, I''l be playing a new, previously unreleased song from Bob Dylan's upcoming album "Together Through Life" due out April 28th. From there, new music from Bob Mould (you know, the guy who helped define punk music in the late 70's w/ Hüsker Dü...yeah, before I was born), his new CD is called "Life and Times." And since we are playing some of the MN greats, might as well go ahead put on a song from the new Peter Himmelman album "The Mystery and the Hum" (remember, he played guitar with reggae/calypso band Shangoya and then performed under the pseudonym Sussman Lawrence...some of which also was before I was born :D).

A couple upcoming highlights: I will be having Rich Mattson and Tony Derrick of The Tisdales to talk about their debut release "Bakers Dozen" coming up in May. I don't know what to call it other than a kickass rock album and that is going to be a lot of fun having them on to talk about it. Also, pop-rock band Take Cover are planning to come in for a live acoustic set in June as they gear up to release a new album. Very cool.

Centerstage MN is every Thursday evening at 6, streaming like at KAXE.org; or 91.7fm Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are also archived at KAXE.org, just click on Centerstage MN on the left.

Read more of my blogs about MN music at myspace.com/macedelic.