Bachelor Party at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park

Nelson Ledges Quarry Park
Grateful Fest #9

Strawbery Park Forever 2008

Rhonda Vincent and the Rage

Peter Rowan and His Bluegrass Band

Peter Rowan has his bluegrass band a blazing during the afternoon set. He planned many traditional tunes. This was the second time I saw him. The first was at the Gathering of the Vibes 2004. This time was much nicer given the proximity to the band.

I pretty much crawled around the speakers to sit on a rock at the base of the stage to take the follow night pictures. I didn't use a flash in respect to the band. So I got some interesting duds.

This year was another wonder time in Preston, CT just a stone throw from us. I like the festival in general because of the atmosphere. Not many freaks or wookies, in fact, I only saw one weirdo. It was a nice kick-off to the summer season of outdoor music.

http://www.lala.com/#playlist/43880P1806

Los Lobos, Hamden, CT 07/11/08

Ray Lamontagne at the Calvin Theater

Ray Lamontagne

We have patiently waited years to see this guy in person. It was well worth the wait. This guy is really soulful. His music touches me at the core. The song Empty was pure magic live.

"Lay your blouse across the chair

Let fall the flowers from your hair

And kiss me with that country mouth so plain

Outside the rain is tapping on the leaves

To me it sounds like they're applauding us

The quiet love we"

During the show it felt like we were on a slow river boat floating and bouncing through peaceful waters.

Hannah was spectacular. Kari and I were so happy to hear that. I love the intro:

"I lost all of my vanity

when I peered into the pool

I lost all of my innocence

When I fell in love with you

I never knew a man fall so far until I landed here

Where all of my wounds turn into gold when I kissed your hair"

His version of you You Can Bring Me Flowers was straight up honky tonk with soul. That to me was the highlight of the show. This show will be one we will not forget. But we couldn't help but feel that Ray has some issues with his confidence. He is so withdrawn and seems to have such a quite personality that his voice doesn't match his personality. I wish he would realize so many people love his work and he can relax and just jam. After the show I did some searching and found that he cancelled his summer gigs including Rothbury! Man I am glad I didn't spend money to go to that over crowded fest in Michigan. Look for Ray's new album int he fall. I am a bit disappointed Heaven is a Honkeytonk will not be on the album.

You Can Bring Me Flowers

"My eyes have dried, my hands are tied

Nothing I can say

If you feel the need to go

I won't stand in your way

Sit and think

Drown in drink

Sing this sad, sad song

You can bring me flowers, baby

When I'm dead and gone

Fate has played his hand so cruel

There ain't nothing I can do

You say you lost your love for me

Me my love for you

Sit and cry

And say goodbye

And sing this sad, sad song

You can bring me flowers, baby

When I'm dead and gone

So when you're lying in his arms

Think of me and know

The choice you made it free and clear

It cost me a heavy toll

Sit and think

Drown in drink

And sing this sad, sad song

You can bring me flowers, baby

When I'm dead and gone"-Ray Lamontagne

To close I think the reason I love this guys stuff is because I like stories of the hopeless romantic that story has always got me. His song Jolene epitomizes this theme of not quite getting to reach your self to give to others:

"Lately my hands they don't feel like mine

My eyes been stung with dust, I'm blind

Held you in my arms one time

Lost you just the same

Jolene I ain't about to go straight

It's too late

I found myself face down in the ditch

Booze on my hair

Blood on my lips

A picture of you, holding a picture of me

in the pocket of my blue jeans

Still don't know what love means

Still don't know what love means"

Here are some words and songs from Ray:
http://fuelfriends.blogspot.com/2006/11/you-asked-ray-lamontagne-live.html
http://fuelfriends.blogspot.com/search?q=lamontagne

Los Lobos Northampton MA

Los Lobos ripped it up!

We had such a great time . We were so happy to get to meet the guys. Man those are truly the coolest vatos on the planet. I got to tell Louie thanks for the latest Latin Playboys album. We got to tell Conrad how he makes my fiance smile just from watching him. We got to thanks Steve to. Both he and Conrad thanked us repeatedly for coming out. We told them we wouldn't miss it for the world. Cesar was awesome as always. We told him thanks for taking a picture on stage with us a few years ago. He did the common ese nod to that comment. He was still feeling sick I think. Oh and he wouldn't shake hands just knuckled up. Again the coolest vato alive. I wouldn't want any more germs after getting the flu too. Finally, David Hidalgo just made it up as we neared the end of the line. Man I got to stand right next to the MAN! To imagine all the things I could have said to him but I just said, "You are looking more like Jerry Garcia as the days go by". His beard made me feel like Jerry was in the room. He only laughed a bit and said thanks for coming. I know David is his own man and his style is unique but I can't help making the comparison. If only I wasn't so nervous I would have said, "Thanks for making me proud to be Mexican American". Thanks for playing and spreading the music my grandparents and parents like (Ay Te Dejo en San Antonio!!!). Thanks for making music that connects people of all cultures. Thanks for making music that will stand the test of time! I could have said so many things. Just having the chance to is worth so much. Last night was a great experience. These guys never let their fans down!