Another great guitar track

Doug "E" Rees has sent his contribution of Guitars Between the Rivers, Vol. -- Flight of an Angel. . . Doug says that the best thing that ever happened to him in the business was meeting his long-time friend and mentor "Big Larry Williams" who he still plays gigs with from time to time around the tri-state area.

Pianos, pianos

Following the success of the "Guitars Between the Rivers" cd, a compilation of music by the great pianists in Southern Illinois is in the works, with Bob Pina the first to contribute, but others expected by

Bryan Kelso Crow
Cynthia Fligel
Mel Goot
Joe Liberto
Frank Stemper
Satya
and hoped for by
Gus Pappelis
Zola Van

plus one or two others.

As with "Guitars," artists royalties for the pianos compilation will go to a not-for-profit musical cause.

Old Bob Pina Has a Farm 

Piano by Pina

Today, Bob Pina is the first to contribute to the forthcoming Pianos version of Between the Rivers project. Others who have been invited include heavyweights Frank Stemper, Joe Liberto, Mel Goot . . . and a few other greats we're still waiting to hear from.

It, too, shall be released

Majnun, the band that wowed the crowd at the release party for the Guitars CD a couple of weeks ago, will have its own latest CD Release Party on Sunday, January 16, at Hangar 9. The new album, recorded and produced in Germany, is entitled "Live from Der Club." The partying will commence about 9:00 PM and go until whenever.

mystery between the rivers

An unusual gift arrived in the mail yesterday -- an engraved business card holder postmarked Carbondale wishing me "good luck with guitars," signed "AB" . . . except I don't know anyone with those initials! A quick google yields only a college in West Virginia and a composer in Montreal. Maybe it refers to the musical chords A and B. Whatever it is, thanks, A.B.

Great Guitars Gig

As advertised, last night's "Great Guitars Gig" to celebrate the release of Between the Rivers was great. Harry Klein got things started by playing tracks from the CD until about 8, when live performances began, starting with folky Randy Auxier, and followed by bluesy Robert Russell, the 8-piece rock band Majnun (Din Dayemi and company), the acoustic genius of Nathan George, soulful Grant Morgan (displaying guitar showmanship), the lively jazz of Zacc Harris and Caravan, a bluesy blowout by Ivas John, followed by a three rockin' blues numbers by maestro Robbie Stokes, round about midnight -- accompanied by none other than Chris Duarte, the famous guitarist, who was in town playing a private party, and came by when he heard about the gig from Stokes. By the end of the night, Chris, Robbie, Din Dayemi, and Grant Morgan had the thinned-out crowd (and one thinner blogger) dancing their asterisks off. The grand finale featured Din Dayemi performing "I Shall Be Released" . . . with Mr. Duarte executing an amazing supporting solo.

The night was highlighted by many excellent performances. Each artist in succession played three songs, joined by musician friends like soulful singers Barb Eidlin and local blues legend "Big Larry" Williams (who got everyone dancing) .

Thanks to Robco Audio's Laura Ashby, the entire show was professionally recorded. Laura did a great job getting the sound right for all the different acts -- Special thanks are due to her, along with soundman Stokes, Sally Carter (who worked the door), Cathy Batsie (who sold cds), and Din Dayemi, who graciously offered the services of his excellent band and musical instruments for the evening,

Among the people in the crowd were Doug and Forrest Hurd's sister and aunt along with Doug's girlfriend Mary, who were given a royalty check for the dead brothers' Music Scholarship Fund.

A few photos are posted here, and because I love the music (and you, Bloggy) a 1-minute mp3 sound clip of Chris Duarte taking it home.

Reviews

Nice Review of this CD by Jerry Bradley of the BMIMC. . . . For some reason,the Nightlife editor selected a reviewer who had never written a music review before, and it showed! ;-)