Bloodlines Mailing List Archives September 8 - 19, 1996
September 1996(A) archive
And so it begins ...
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Subj: Hello
Date: 96-09-08
From: tae69@dial.pipex.com (Mark M Austin)
Hello everyone. I'm writing from England where any news or info on John is nearly impossible to come by, so to whoever organised this list, Thanks, you deserve a medal. I notice from the web pages that there's a new tape out, Rough Sketches, but there is no other info listed. Can anyone forward details or just put them up on the list. Thanks. Also, does anyone know of a UK supplier for the lesser known material.
Mark
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Subj: Re: Hello
Date: 96-09-09
From: Angelbravo@aol.com
For ROUGH SKETCHES
$10.00 plus $4.00 S&H.
To NEON DREAMS
936 B 7th st.
#309
Novato Ca.94945
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Subj: T-SHIRTS!
Date: 96-09-09
From: Ddumail@aol.com
Forwarded from the MMC on AOL:
T-SHIRTS we have T-SHIRTS!!!
* JOHNNY FLAMINGO --COLOR LOGO
* ROUGH SKETCHES COVER with Dogs of San Jon Route 66 surronding text.
* CADILLAC RANCH-JS PHOTO PLUS TEXT.
* COWBOY MOTEL -JS PHOTO MONTAGE OF GREAT COWBOY MOTEL SIGN ROUTE 66
* VINTAGE CAR ON ROUTE 66-BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPH OF MYSTERY CAR THAT JUST
APPEARED IN FRONT OF ME ON THE MOJAVE DESERT..
$25.00 PLUS $4.00 S&H SEND TO:
NEON DREAMS
936 B 7th STREET
#309
NOVATO CA.94945
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Subj: Re: Hello & Rough Sketches
Date: 96-09-10
From: ClackClack@aol.com
Hi Mark-
Welcome to the JS list. Glad to have a UK member. We've really just busted loose from an AOL only board. Re: Rough Sketches. The short answer is that I think this tape (a work in progress I believe) is one of the very best things John has ever done. I can hardly wait for the finished product to make it to CD one day. Rough seems a bit of a departure for John in that it more or less focuses on a unified theme: The Road as in Route 66. All kinds of things are tied to the Mother Road however, and I bet John could pull a double CD out of all the possible topics if he let the muse loose.
Anyway, I heartily recommend Rough Sketches.
And now, is there any new word on the box that ate Mt Clemens??? John, are we going to get a nice Christmas present? Lordfrench, did we bend John's arm enough? Do we have a go???
And for all the new members coming on. How about an introduction. Heck, maybe we could start a round of introductions from everyone. How about a brief bio from members like how long you've been a fan. First time you saw John. Most memorable concert. Favorite album.. How many people remember calling out "Buffy Buffy" at John's shows so the golden haired and voiced angel would come out and join John for a harmony or two? Ron
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Subj: Tour
Date: 96-09-11
From: tae69@dial.pipex.com (Mark Austin)
I knew this was going to happen and I hate it. I'm in England, 3000 miles away, while everyone discusses the current tour and says how wonderful it is. It makes me sooooo jealous.
Mark
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Subj: Re: John Stewart D
ate: 96-09-11
From: delausa@mailbox.syr.edu (Del Lausa)
> I'm looking forward to seeing John in NY/NJ in early Oct. > Any others from the AOL JS folder on here yet?
Hi, everybody. I will be in Pawling and possibly Chester to see John in October. Looks like there will be a pretty big AOL crowd turn out.
And, yes, thanks Michelle, for you work in getting this list up and running!
del
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Subj: Re: John Stewart
Date: 96-09-11
From: MFinleyCS@aol.com
Any chance of seeing illustrations of the JS tee-shirts so one could see what one would be getting if one ordered one?
Mitch
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Subj: Re: Tour
Date: 96-09-11
From: MFinleyCS@aol.com
Don't feel like the Lone Ranger. I live in the U.S., in Washngton state, and I won't get anyplace near the tour either. 'Tis a bummer.
Mitch
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Subj: Re: Hello & Rough Sketches
Date: 96-09-11
From: M.J.Mooney@Bradford.ac.uk (Mike Mooney)
At 22:45 10/09/96 -0400, Ron Beffa wrote:
><Snip>
>And for all the new members coming on. How about an introduction. Heck, maybe >we could start a round of introductions from everyone. How about a brief bio >from members like how long you've been a fan. First time you saw John. Most >memorable concert. Favorite album.. How many people remember calling out >"Buffy Buffy" at John's shows so the golden haired and voiced angel would >come out and join John for a harmony or two? >
Well, hello again Ron, and hello for the first time everybody else! So I didn't succeed in setting up a JS mailing list, but Michelle did, hallelujah! So, as requested...
Name: Mike Mooney
Fan since: 1974
First (and last!) time saw JS: The Winning Post, York, England, 23rd April 1996 (see my review on the wondrdog Web page!)
Favourite album: California Bloodlines (controversial, eh?)
So who's on the list? (As it's a closed list, Majordomo wouldn't let me do a 'who bloodlines') Dave Batti? The Man Himself?
I suspect that contributions from this side of the pond may lean more to thoughts on the records - we'll have rely on you lot over there for in-depth gig reviews!
OK, show me the Neon Road...
Mike
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Subj: Re[2]: John Stewart
Date: 96-09-11
From: DAN_HODGES@usccmail.lehman.com (DAN HODGES)
Yes, John I'll be at the Towne Crier. That's the first place I saw John (as a solo) - about 1988. I pestered Phil for a long time until he finally got John to appear there.
I am a long time fan - still have my 45 of Johnny Reb from C Three days - first saw John with the K Trio on campus in the sixties.
This mail list is great. I am traveling this week it's hard to keep up, but look forward to the same kind of enthusiasm that I've seen on AOL - but more/ better.
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Subject: Re: John Stewart
Author: JACBirch@aol.com
Date: 9/10/96
I'll be seeing John at the Towne Crier October 5. Will you be there?
John Birchler
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Subj: Hello
Date: 96-09-11
From: cnewton@fyi.net (Christopher Newton)
Following up on the great idea to "introduce ourselves"....
Name: Kit Newton
Fan since: John's Kingston Trio days
First saw John (on his own) at The Boarding House, in San Francisco. He appeared there often with Buffy in the '70s. One night at The Boarding House was really special: Nick Reynold's nephew played drums and his mother (Nick's sister) was at the table next to ours. I met Buffy's mother between sets, who introduced herself as "Mother Outlaw." Dave Guard joined John and Buffy on stage with his daughters to sing "Let the Big Horse Run." All in one night!
The San Francisco area was a great place to live in the '70s if you were a John Stewart fan. Other venues included Chuck's Cellar, in Los Altos, and a place I've since blocked out in Marin County. John first sang "Gold" there.
Years later, I was transferred to Connecticut, where I could occasionally attend John's concerts in New York. He was one of the last artists to appear at the famous Gerde's Folk City in the Village, where Bob Dylan and others got their start. Between sets there, I stood in line at the men's room with John's drummer Dennis "I Run My Own Life" Kenmore. He correctly observed that the Folk City men's room was the worst in North America.
I also saw John at a great two-set show at the Lone Star Cafe (also now shuttered). Dan Hicks opened. I was amazed how Hicks could pick and sing, drunk, while standing on one leg. Also saw John at a special reunion with Nick Reynolds at New York's Bottom Line.
Have only been able to attend one JS concert since I moved to Sewickley, Pa. About five years ago, I did take my family to John's "Elvis, Kennedy and Naked Ladies" show in the library of the University of Pennsylvania's Media campus. He appeared with Buffy and Dave "Dave" Batti. Fans came from as far away as Canada and Chicago. Great show, great art and a great chance to introduce myself before the concert. When the big moment came, however, I was inexplicably struck dumb. My wife and kids have been razzing me ever since.
Favorite album? They just keep getting better.
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Subj: Re: Hello
Date: 96-09-11
From: JACBirch@aol.com
Hi, everyone!
I became a John Stewart fan when he joined the Kingston Trio (oddly, I hadn't even discovered the wonders of music until shortly after he joined, but I was 14 and ignorant). I saw him with the Trio 6 times, and I've seen him a dozen times since "Gold" hit big. Favorite concert: last year at the Towne Crier, in large part because of his two Taylor guitars. Favorite albums:
"Bloodlines," "Cannons," "Last Campaign," "Punch the Big Guy," "Rough Sketches." It's still a rush to turn someone on to John's music, or to discover another fan by sheer accident. I find it funny that sometimes it takes a long time for a song or album to creep up on me. It took years for "Dream Babies Go Hollywood," and now I love it. "Wingless Angels" sounds better every time I hear it, too. I hope the AOL contingent at the Towne Crier in October can find a way to get together and chat without keyboards.
John Birchler
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Subj: Digest? Date: 96-09-13 From: pdenny@westworld.com (Patrick Denny)
So glad to join the Bloodlines list! Yeehah!
Just one thought...any plans for a digest? Please say yes!
_/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/
PATRICK DENNY pdenny@westworld.com PatrickD35@aol.com
_/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/ _/_/
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Subj: Re: Digest? Date: 96-09-13 From: ClackClack@AOL.com
No plan at the immediate moment for a digest but I do plan to set up a digest like archive access. via a website. It will be a short while for that tho.
Ron
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Subj: Mother Outlaw Date: 96-09-16 From: ClackClack@aol.com
The mention of Mother Outlaw triggered a recollection.
This spring at the Palms Mother Outlaw sat a few seats away. At a set break a number of people wandered outside. Mother Outlaw sat down and started "giving us jaw": "Well what do you think of my son-in-law and daughter?" she asked rhetorically. She was enjoying a cig and told a tale of woe (I'm joking here) about how she couldn't smoke in the house anymore and had to go outside to enjoy her smokes. She had some teasing thoughts about vegetarian food if I recall too. (Wasn't that a Burger King drink in her hand I wondered? hmmm...)
And now that I'm thinking about it there was that big black dog with the friendly face. A refugee of San Jon I'm certain. Poster Boy for Rough Sketches I'd wager. Anyone know his name?
Ron
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Subj: Re: Mother Outlaw Date: 96-09-17 From: Angelbravo@aol.com
Dear bloodlines@world.std.com,
Iknow. I live with her!.
Black dog goes with the club.
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Subj: The Most Wonderful Music Date: 96-09-19 From: ddunet@concentric.net (Michelle L Stevens)
I have been promising to submit my introduction and I hope that you all will send in yours soon.
In 1988 or so, I was listening to the local NPR station and I heard a song called "Family Hands". It was so lovely, I wrote down the name of the artists and tucked it away. The next time I was at the CD store, I picked up "Hometown Girl" by Mary-Chapin Carpenter, a virtual unknown local artist from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, I thought she was great. So great in fact, that I brought the CD with me to visit some relatives, who said in passing, "Gee that sounds a lot like Nanci Griffith". "Who"?, I asked. Well that was the beginning of another little love affair (pun intended) with *her* work. When I got the LLA album, I heard her singing "Sweet Dreams Will Come" with someone I was sure was Johnny Cash. I looked at the liner notes. Wrong!
Anyway, I moved to Denver about that time, but I was sad to leave, for my best friend, Rita, had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. We were devastated, but my husband was being transferred and we had to go. I told her that as soon as she finished her chemo treatments, I'd fly her out for a visit (sans kids) to Denver.
Cut to Denver, a few months later. I heard an ad on the local alternative radio show for this guy John Stewart who would be playing at Ruby, a little tiny club in downtown Denver. I remembered that this was the guy who sang with Nanci Griffith. The timing was just right. This was the weekend that Rita, was visiting and it would be really fun to go even though we had no idea what we were going to hear.
After that great concert, John and "Dave" on stage... he really wrote "Daydream Believer"? I remember that song... and "Gold" oh yeah! Ok, it was all starting to fall in place. I remember John singing a song about wondering if the devil and Jesus hung out together at night. (I've not heard it recorded, but if anyone knows, please advise) The whole evening was so great. Lots of belly laughs, and moving songs. We were hooked. Rita thought "Dave" was cute! We left with armfuls of tapes and CDs and memories that I will never lose.
After that Rita attended quite a few gigs in the DC area, as did I in Denver. We'd always give each other Stewart stuff for Christmas and birthdays. A signed liner note was especially treasured. Her daughter likes "Ticket to the Stars" best.
Rita's cancer recurred with a vengence and she died last February. I can't sing "Bringing Down the Moon" anymore without remembering how I sang it in the shower and cried every day for a week, so my kids wouldn't see my continuing grief. John's music had given us a connection and so many wonderful phone conversations and letter subjects, that I will never be without it. It was a big part of our friendship, and it continues to be a big part of my life. I'm glad we started this mailing list. It is a fitting tribute (in my mind) that it brings people together with a common love for the music and lyrics that move us all so. I have met so many wonderful people since starting to communicate through the internet. It helps. Thank you Lonesome Picker.
Michelle, your friendly list manager and webmistress
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Subj: JS song Date: 96-09-19 From: GregDenis@aol.com
In Michelle's very moving introduction (thanks for all the wonderful detail, Michelle) she wrote:
"I remember John singing a song about wondering if the devil and Jesus hung out together at night. (I've not heard it recorded, but if anyone knows, please advise"
That song is called "Strange Alliance" It's on the Homecoming Records tape called "Neon Beach: John Stewart Live 1990," recorded at a club in Malibu.
Really rocked-out versions of some "Punch the Big Guy" -era songs, a gret version of Tim Hardin's "Lady Came from Baltimore," "Shake, Rattle and Roll," and more. I recommend it, and thanks again for your post, Michelle.
-- Greg Dennis
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Subj: Re: The Most Wonderful Music Date: 96-09-19 From: cnewton@fyi.net (Christopher Newton)
Pleased to meet you, Michelle, and thank you VERY kindly for putting together this mailing list.
John Stewart's music has touched so many people in so many ways. I suspect he'd be very moved if he learned how it affected you and your friend Rita. I know I was.
He's also been an great influence on many singer/songwriters, including Mary Chapin-Carpenter and Nanci Griffith. In fact, if you'll look very closely at the cover art of Nanci's "Little Love Affairs" album, you'll see John's "Wingless Angels" album tucked among her little memento collection. I was very surprised that one of his songs wasn't included in her Grammy-winning album, "Other Voices, Other Rooms." However, she did write in her liner notes (I'm one of the few remaining people on Earth who actually reads liner notes) that among the songwriters she regret's missing in the album include John Stewart. One more bit of trivia: He suggested the title for her song, "Late Night Grande Hotel."
Your lucky to live in Denver. My wife and I grew up there and visit often. Can't believe how much it's grown over the years....
The song you're looking for (with Jesus hanging out with the Devil) is "Strange Alliance." It's on John's "Neon Beach" album of a few years back. If you can't find it, you can order it through Homecoming Records, P.O. Box 2050, Malibu, Calif. 90265. (818) 345-6759. "Neon Beach" marked the beginning what I would call John's Neon Period, where neon seems to be a continuing theme. The '70s were his "Wind Period." Ever notice how so many of his great songs during that era had the word "wind" in them?
Kit Newton
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Subj: Periods Date: 96-09-19 From: GregDenis@aol.com
Kit wrote:
"Neon Beach marked the beginning what I would call John's Neon Period, where neon seems to be a continuing theme. The '70s were his "Wind Period." Ever notice how so many of his great songs during that era had the word "wind" in them?"
OK. So if the 90s were John's Neon Period (at least until he hit the Blue Dream Road), and the 70s were his "Wind Period" (good name, Kit!) what were the Eighties?
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Subj: Re: The Most Wonderful Music Date: 96-09-19 From: ClackClack@aol.com
Thank you for the intro Michelle-
So, in a roundabout way, John begins with Chapin. And about the time of Hometown Girl Chapin recorded Runaway Train, I believe, but it was never released. A secret tape awaits maybe with the Punch outtakes too. I can only dream.
I know what you mean about associating a song with an event. 20 years ago I had a relationship going down in flames in a big way and I turned to Cannons In the Rain again and again for solace. Even now when I play that song I can't help but think of those long ago times.
Well I'll try and get a long and winding intro of myself out soon.
Ron
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end of Sept 1996 (A) archive