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July 7 - 9, 2005 - New England

JULY 7 - NORTHAMPTON

WRSI RADIO - live on the air with old friend JOHNNY MEMPHIS - SIMPLY LOVE DOING
STUFF WITH JOHNNY - ONE OF THE GREAT INTERVIEWERS - SEE YOU SOON JOHNNY - LOVE
TO THE FAMILY!!

VENUE - THE IRON HORSE

Carrie & I have been looking forward to this for some time - 2 nights in one
of our favorite towns - stations (WRSI) - & venues (THE IRON HORSE)

feelinig better with some positive plan to treat Joan’s illness - so I’m happy &
so appreciative when we hit stage.

SHOW #1

Jim did his usually great job on sound - so the rest was easy - great
interaction with the audience here - there always is - Loved so many
spontaneous moments here - it’s hard to pick out favorite songs - loved some
obvious fun ones like “...Tequila Blues” & Laredo” ... but maybe my favorites
were “Big Moon Shinin’”, “Red Dog Tracks” - an amazing “Oh Set A Light” - “Willd
Thing” and“We Come Up Shinin’”

John Platania & Andy Cotten were great - just great - Carrie’s solos were right
up there and as a band we were on all cylinders tonight. - Thanks to all those who
attened including:

Matt & Jamie - getting married soon - THANKS FOR THE “We Come Up Shinin’”
commernts - we’d be so proud to have it part of your ceremomy!! (kiss the little
one for us!) - Hi to Mike & Susan.. Hey Jordon - hope your dad (DUD) likes the
new oneHi Julia & Linda - (THANKS FOR THE SINGLE MALT!!!) - Hi Donna - & Hi to
N.C.’s Stevie??? (name??) - Hi Marsha & SANDY - Thanks for the “Me As I Am”
comments!!! - so nice to relive that!! -

HI JONAS (& mom NANCY) - so glad you stuck it out for “.... Tennessee” - WE ALL
LOVED THE PICTURES!!! - Hi Jim & Donna - hope Brant likes the CD - HI Betty &
DAVE - LOVED THE ARTICLE DAVE!!!! THANKS -

Hi Jason... all the best with your band - Hi To Carlos & Tim, Jennifer & Susan -
A big hi to Brian & Dave.

SPECIAL HI TO MY GREAT FRIEND STUART BEHIND THE BAR - always a highlight for me
my friend!!

& to Jody, Jessica, Leslie & allthe great staff & all the rest... THANKS FOR THE
GREAT NIGHT


JULY 8 - Northhampton

Woke at 6:00 AM - was going to relax in town - but decided to make the
3 hr trip to see Joan & the family - son, daughter, grandkids - & BRO JON - just
in town to visit Joan & family - it was worth the trip, but I had to fight a
big storm comming back andI arrived in Northampton exhausted -

A quick soundcheck, a shower anda great welcome when we hit the stage woke me up
quite quickly - LOVED THIS SHOW!!! - the band was great but more than that it
was like sharing things together with friends - things “came up” in
conversation/performance that had never happened before - & that’s what makes
magic - & that’s what this show was for me - Carrie thought the same!!

said hi to many including:

Big John... great to see you tonight!!

Hi to Rick and Tanya, Alison, Jessica and Jim - Hey Sally, Hope Mark enjoys the
CD . . . wish him a big happy birthday from us, Hi to Julie and Stevie, Linda
and Laurie, Hi Adele, good to see you again - love knowing that we’re both fans
of Frances’s short stories.

Hi Kate and Stacy. Hi Ed and hi to your fiddler Adam (9 years old) hope to get
to see Sue next time. Hi Jamie, remind me next time and we’ll do “Holy Shit”
for you. Love the comment that is has real meaning for you - wel’ll have to
discuss that further. Hi Bob and Laura, Bob - check with Class Act re: the
house party.

Hi Michelle, thanks for the kind words about the show. Alyssa, hope that Aunt
Pat and Uncle Richard enjoy the CD, very nice meeting you.

Hi Bob and Dave, special hi to Giselle (will be 11 soon - happy birthday when
that day arrives) and stepmom Stephanie - so nice talking to you, see you soon.

J and J - happy sixteenth aniversary, hope your friends Ainsley enjoyed. Hi
Joe, hope the three busy boys aren’t driving you nuts. If so, it’s all worth
it. Hi Tom, hope Lauren and Kayla enjoy the CD.

thanks to all for a very special night - we can’t wait to get back here.

P.S. Sigrid - hope you’re okay, love to you and Mom.


July 9 - TOWN CRIER, Pawling NY

Last show before our Euro Tour ( starting July 14)

BIG FAMILY REUNION HERE!!! IN TOWN ARE:

MOM OF MY KIDS, JOAN
DAUGHTER, KELLY/HUBAND FRANK
grandkids, RILEY, KATE & SAMANMTHA (being baby-sat by friend Mary Knoblock -
THANKS MARY)
SON, KRISTIAN

and surprise celeb guest - my brother JON (VOIGHT)

note: bro Barry caught a 24 hour bug and had to postpone his trip

THE SHOW -

what a great audience!!! - in the first have we filled several of Riley & Kate
requests - “Sweet Tequlla Blues, “...Jenny” and“My Bucket’s Got A Hole In It” -
but the highlight of the first part weas bro Jon getting up & singing the first
song I ever wrote (12 at the time) - “FADED BLUE” - The Audience loved it - his
off-the-cuff comical intro led to a rather serious performance - NICELY DONE
JON!!!

Did lots of Red Dog Tracks songs tonight - The kids stayed for the second set
where we filled several requests - “Dirty Lil TX Story”, “HIM WHO SAVED ME” -
KATE & RILEY & ALL HELPED WITH A MOST THERAPUTIC VERSION OF WILD THING - ended
with a heartfelt, “We Come Up Shinin’”

One of my favorite nights - what great family memories - and most important, the
Dr’s have given us a hopeful plan re Joan so we were able to relax a bit and
really enjoy the moment!!

HI TO:

Great friend & old school mate,
Billy Kraft & familly - wioe Dawn, lovely daughters, KIM & JEN - SO GOOD to see
you Guys!!! - & hi to Gary & lovely Amie - (don’t wash those Jeans!!) - hope to
see you soon again... Hi to Elin & Scott & Don (from the Delaware Blue Grass
Fest) & the lovely Catlyn.. ‘till next time!

A Big hello to Carrie’s friend, brilliant fiddler Bruce Molsky & wife Audrey
... hope to see you both at Tonder - BRAD & HOWARD - thanks for always being
there - hey to Mindy & Jeff - Hi Lisa & Mary - so nice seeing you again Lisa -
thanks for the kind words - hope to see you both soon again - Hi Debrah!!! -
Hi Mike thanks for the B&B stuff - see you soon!

a special hello to the great staff - Jody, Allison, Catlyn, & Ian - so good to
see you all - BILL - WHAT A GREAT SCOTCH TASTING - THANKS MY FRIEND - What a
great spirit you have!!

GREAT TO SEE YOU GRAYSON!! - HOPE YOU & MOM (MARY) WILL STAY FOR OUR SHOW NEXT
TIME!! - MAKE SURE YOU MENTION IT TO MOM - (certainly LOVE HER CAKES etc.!!! -
but want to say hi next time - pass it on!)

THANKS PHIL - & All the others - it was a great beginning at this wonderful
place!

June 30 - July 1, 2005 - NY and Canada

June 30 - Brooklyn

Outdoor Concert at the Prospect Park Bandshell - (Opening for Del McCoury)

It was good be back doing a show with Del & the boys – so good to see them. Thanks to Andy Cotton for being so prepared on bass – Another great job Andy.

We dedicated this one to the spirit and memory of Carrie’s great friend Andy Morgan.

Quite a large audience here – since we were opening for Del and it is an outdoor event, we were pleasantly surprised that even our most intimate songs seemed to be heard by all – loved the reaction to “Red Dog Tracks” which is quickly becoming a highlight of every show.

Sorry to say I can’t find my notes – so many kind people said hello – from memory certainly great to see old friends Michael & Elaine – CONGRATULATIONS!!! (just got engaged) – so nice to meet their friends LINA & MICHAEL – so, so good to meet you – Hi to Richie – thanks for the picture!! – love it – Hey Gary – great to see you always – Hi Susan, my new friend Luys ?? sorry about the spelling – hi Joe… John, Karen, Angie, Malissa..

THANKS REBECHAH! - & all the great park volunteers! – we appreciated your efforts – what a great group

Elliot, Sarah, Keith & all the other Andy, Carrie/Javier connection friends… of course Brian & lovely Sarah


July 1 – heading to Nova Scotia

I’ll make this travel torture as brief as possible – Left New York at about 9:00 A.M – The flight is supposed to take 1 hr 45 minutes – Eight hours later, our feet finally touched the ground!! – AFTER 4 ATTEMPTS TO LAND IN HALIFAX!! – that’s right – 4 times we came out of the clouds & headed for the ground, only to speed up & head for the sky again – finally landed in Bangor Maine where we stayed overnight - we arrived at the airport at 5:00 A.M. the following day – at 10;00 A.M. they announced the Halifax airport would be closed all day due to fog – SO WE TOOK A BUS , THEN A VAN – 12 HOURS – ARRIVING AT THE FESTIVAL SITE AT 11:00 P.M.

July 3 –

to make up for all we missed Carrie & I gladly played all day long – 5 shows/workshops – ending up with a “Wild Thing” guest appearance with East Canada’s #1 group, The Trew’s

We were so glad we finally made it – the people and all the volunteers were so kind and appreciative – Thanks to all including host Troy & lovely wife Jennifer – Troy’s buddy/volunteers Herold & Norm and friends Gene & the rest – hey to cousin Cecil (say hi to Denise!) – thanks for the kind words – Hi to Rick, Karen, Jen & all – what a great bunch – Hi to Sandy – keeper of the gate! – see you next time -

A BIG HI & THANKS TO BASSIST SAM PETTITE WHO AFTER A BRIEF REHEARSAL JOINED US ON OUR MAIN STAGE SHOW – How the hell did you remember all those changes Sam – GREAT JOB!! – Hi to all our new friends from the rest of the band, THE BACKSTABBER’S STRING BAND – Tom, Christine & Tony - & hey Kelly… make sure Sam is ready for November!!

HI THELMA & DAVE – thanks for the Last Chance plus thoughts – see you soon – HI TARA – hope you enjoy Red Dog Tracks & the Angel EP – love to you & friend Jennifer - Hi to Malissa & Dave – Hey Allen – liked the hat!! - A BIG HI TO JOHN FROM THE TREW’S – NICE STUFF JOHN – so nice talking with you - & THANK’S FOR THE INVITE!! – Best to Collin & Sean .. you’ve really got something there – all the best!! – SAY HI T & BEST WISHES TO BROTHER PAT!! – Carrie & I almost stayed to the end to thank you again but we were just too exhausted – look forward to seeing you soon!

Great to see JP Cormier- our old buddy from The Tonder Festival -

Hi to Tom – our great friend from CKUA "THANKS FOR YOUR AMAZING SUPPORT - A BIG HELLO TO THE REST OF THE GANG - Carrie & I are looking forward to seeing you in October!"– Hi Paul-Emile – thanks for the Just Us memories – hi to WILD THING Christine – Hey Archie (Fisher) – thanks for the kind words – see you soon - Hi to our lovely young friends Bridgette & Elli – Carrie & I loved watching you groove to the Trew’s songs at the end of the night – A BIG HI TO JUSTIN & LIAM – great sharing the stage with you both – keep in mind what I said - & HI TO LIAM’s MOM SHERYLL – great riding with you – glad you made it Justin .. see you all soon – "SPECIAL HELLO TO OUR NEW FRIEND JEANNE (in the wheelchair) - thanks for the kind words - LOVE YOUR SPIRIT!!! - look forward to seeing you next time through!!

VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR B&B HOSTS FRANK & KERSTIN – loved spending time with you!!! – many thanks and all best wishes with the move/job etc!

And all the others – thanks for making our 20 hour travel ordeal WELL WORTH IT!!! – hope to see you soon

Love to Joan!!

June 15 –18, 2005 – John Prine Tour

June 15 - THE TOWN HALL - New York

This is the first of three shows with my old friend, John Prine - In the last several years Carrie, John Platania & I have spent great nights - first listening to John’s show, then hanging out with our now old friends, Jason (Gtr) & Dave Jacques (Bass) - great to be with his terrific sound crew as well... a bunch of great guys! ... PAUL, DAN, ERIC & ALL ... so good to see you!!

We sound check at 7:10 - with John’s ace crew - thanks Paul & Dan - also thanks Eric for having my “safety” guitar set up


THE SHOW

As it’s been for the last several shows, thinking about Joan (terrific mom of my kids), who’s battling some stuff now - dedicating the show to her.

brilliant New York bassist, Jim Whitney joined us tonight... John, Carrie, Jim & I really enjoyed this one... we had lots of fans tonight... combined with John Prine’s fans, the audience seemed to be on our side from the outset...

HIGHLIGHTS: --- we really got lost in Red Dog Tracks tonight - it was so vibey ... and the therapeutic WILD THING certainly had it’s magic... I had constant chills on “Let’s Leave This Town”, & “Angel Of The Morning” - Carrie’s voice against mine just does that... most all the time... so special tonight!! And Carrie, J.P. & Jim’s ‘s solos were just awesome!! - More and more these days, I’m looking over at Carrie during her solos in wonder of some totally fresh inspired phrase she just played. Way to go CARRIE!

Again, just a GREAT AUDIENCE!! - WE APRRECIATED THE SUPPORT SO MUCH.

NOTE: AT THE END OF JOHN PRINE’S SHOW, AS USUAL, JOHN GENEROUSLY INVITED CARRIE, JOHN & ME BACK ON STAGE TO PERFORM HIS GREAT “PARADISE” WITH HIM - AND, AS USUAL, JOHN’S INTRO OF US IS SO WARM & PERSONAL --- THANKS MY FRIEND!! - GREAT TO BE WITH YOU!

We only had a few minutes to say hi in between sets as John Prine’s set started 20 minutes or so after ours ended.

So good to see those we did, including:

our friend Louise - this lovely young girl’s love of our first CD, was toatally responsible for our mention in VOGUE - a big hello and thanks to Louise & dad Michael. SO GOOD TO SEE YOU - HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON

Hi to Fred, Don, & Avi - Hi Ineika... glad you enjoyed “ Angel” ... Tom, Suzzane & Susan... & friend from Puck Fair.... Dan, Ian, Robin, Jack & Sean... Hi to Ineska & friend Gordon...Hey Steve...

Hi to Kevin & Pattie, Pat & Celine... nice talking with you ... Hey Alyson (ROB & ALI) - great to see you ... Hi Steve... thanks for the nice comment at athe end...


Good to see old friends Mike Pilot & Al Banetta... nice memories from the past are good therapy.... Seeing Al was brought memories of the days when I played a couple of places in N.Y. ( J.P.’s & O’Lunney’s) with my then new friends John Prine & Steve Goodman... Joan was there at those shows - so good to drift back to that magical time!

special hello to John’s wife Fiona and friend Mary Kate?? ... so good to see you both... thanks for the kind words.

Thanks to all - hope to see some of you in Brooklyn - (June 30 at the Prospect Park Bandshell)


June 17 - KESWICK THEATER - PHILADELPHIA ( actually Glenside PA)

Joanie... mom of my kids... is having surgery early next week, but that’s then - now’s now.. SO, JOANIE, DAUGHTER KELLY, OUR GREAT FRIENDS CHUCK & MARY and CARRIE KNOBLOCK all drove down for the show! What a great thing for me to have us together!! LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF THAT!!

Had a rough time getting out of New York.. huge delays - arrived at the theater about 6:30 - a bit late for soundcheck, but the crew did a great job and we were fine with the sound in minutes.

We haven’t been getting much airplay in Philly these past few years... but we made lots of new friends this night... our friend Andy Cotten (bass) - helped out here - GREAT JOB ANDY!! ... Again, Carrie is starting to get so loose with her solos... heard such inspired things tonoight .. John is getting well-deserved “hero worship” everyplace we play... just amazing stuff night after night!! -

although the open bar area at the back of the theater allowed for some fairly loud noise, Carrie & I just got lost in the music and played liked there was total reverence... and so many went with us - THANKS FOR THAT!!

THANKS TO JOAN & KELLY FOR SELLING CDS - GREAT JOB!!!!!

Hi to:

BRAD - thanks again for the great single malt! - Carrie’s roses are so, so BEAUTIFUL!! - however, enough’s enough!!!!. we’ll escort you out next time you bring “gifts” - instead let me buy you a drink! THANKS MY FRIEND!!!

Hi John ... so nice talking with you.. see you next time... Steve... hope Cricket likes the listen... Hi Michael (Daugherty).. nice talking with you outside.. hope you were able to sneak in your cool one! HI DIRK & KIM... hope to see you next time. Thanks for the kind words.

HI DONNA (helping in the backstage area) - so nice talking with you.. thanks for the dinner & the words.. you’re a special lady.. Hi Kristen, Jay & Denise

hi to Jim & Kim... & hey Tony... so good talking to you guys.. Lindsay & Jessie ... hope you like the CD... Hey DON... see you next time... Hi to Tim, Dee & Janet.. Scott, Craig, Lisa & Andrea... Tony & Chip.. Hi Josephine hope Steve likes the CD..

BIG THANKS TO USHERS, Martha & Rebecca FOR HELPING JOAN & KELLY get to a place where they could listen to the show

Thankis for having us SID

GREAT TO SEE TRAIN WRECK REP & MY BUDDY DAVID (KNOBS) KNOBLOCK & HIS 4 plus month old MAIZY... WHAT A CUTEY! It was her first concert!!! ... she was so so so so good!! - interested, awake. till the end... no crying?! .. what a kid!!!

Thanks to all... Carrie & I will look forward to playing somewhere in this great town soon again!


LEAVING PHILLY - HEADING FOR WASHINGTON

We stayed in a Marriott, not far from the Keswick Theater - In the evening Joan, Kelly, Carrie Knoblock & I stayed up until 1:30 AM shooting the breeze and having a few laughs in one of the rooms - In the A.M. the same crew plus my partner Carrie , J.P., Mary & Chuck Knoblock headed south, stopping to have breakfast with Knobs, his terrific wife Marcella & Maizy.

Just past noon, Carrie, John & I said our goodbye’s and pushed on to Washington.

We arrived in time to check into our reserved on-line Hilton - a palace for $85 ... amazing!! Way to go Knobs!! (he made reservation)

We sound checked at about 6:30, had a quick bite to eat and hit the stage at 8:00 - WITH DAVID JACQUES ON BASS - ON LOAN FROM JOHN PRINE TONIGHT, WE LOVE PLAYING WITH DAVID ANY CHANCE WE GET!

note: so looking forward to seeing our (Joanie, me & our Kids) GREAT OLD FRIENDS NANCY & MICHAEL SULLIVAN HIS WIFE PEGGY (NANCY, NOW NANCY BALLARD) -


June 18 - WASHINGTON DC - WARNER THEATER

THE SHOW

WE LOVED THIS SHOW!!!! What a night!!! I guess we had a certain small percentage of fans here, but the camraderie we left the stage with was amazing!! - you could hear a pin drop when we performed “Let’s Leave This Town” & “Red Dog Tracks” ... and “Angel Of The Morning” was chill-time for me... and we (the audience & us!!) rocked the house with “WILD THING” - DAVE JACQUES WAS A BRILLIANT LAST MINUTE SUB, JOHN PLATANIA WAS JOHN PLATANIA - AWESOME!!!!! - CARRIE WAS SO SO SO INSPIRING! - just wish Joan was here for this one, but she sure was in spirit!!

note: In between shows, as Carrie & I sneaked along the outside rim of the theater toward the CD signing area, some fans who saw us started standing and applauding - this spread rapidly throughout the theater.. it really touched Carrie & me - actually brought tears to my eyes... thanks to all so much for that memory!

NOTE: AGAIN, THANKS TO MY OLD FRIEND JOHN (PRINE) FOR INVITING US _ AS I”VE SAID MANY TIMES - JOHN IS MY FAVORITE SINGER/SONGWRITER - IF YOU”RE LOOKING FOR SOME SPIRITUAL/HUMAN AWAKENING... FOR ME, GOING TO A PRINE SHOW IS BETTER THAN GOING TO CHURCH (CARRIE & JOHN PLATANIA LOVE JOHN’S BAND & CREW AS WELL)... So great to have 3 days of this good stuff!


HI TO;

NANCY, MICHAEL & PEGGY _ WHAT A GREAT, GREAT REUNION!!!... LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!

HI TO DAMIEN, PAT & RICHARD... so good talking with you - Damion .. look forward to stopping by the station next time through.... Hi Stefanie - hope the I.D.’s worked OK... see you soon... nice to see our friends from Austin, S? (remind me) & Arley...

Hi Millie & Mardaret... so nice to see you both ...Millie, thank your friend .for turning you on to “Let’s Leave This Town”.... Hi Mary, Glenn... Bob, Jenny & James.... Hey John, Anders ... so good talking to you... Hey Jay... hope Marjorie & you enjoy the CD... Colleen, Hope Brian (& you) like the CD as well... HI STEVE & JUDY... KENDALL & GREG... HI Ken, Helen & PAUL .. hi to Fred & Mary... Patricia & Danny??... HI Walt... hope you & Anne enjoy the listen... JOHN, DANNY & MARY... see you soon...

HI CHRISTOPHER & EQUILLA!! - see you soon as well... Special hello to my new friends.. ushers Janet & Marty (married 35 yerars!! - so special talking with you!

Heading back to N.Y. with wonderful thoughts of the last few days...

Again, special thanks to John’s crew... PAUL & Dan - THANKS SO MUCH FOR MAKING IT SO EASY TO GET SUCH GREAT SOUND!!! - Eric... thanks for your help with the spare guitar!!

June 10-11, 2005 - New England

JUNE 10 - Heading fo Boston

live radio - WMBR

Carrie & I arrived in Boston at about 2:30, picked up our Nashville-based bass player (just ended a tour there) & headed for the station. Our new friend Joan did a very nice interview and we played a few songs, ending up with a requested “Angel Of The Morning” - Look forward to coming back to this terrific station.. THANKS JOAN & DOUG

HEADING FOR FALL RIVER

Left Boston during rush hour, Carrie at the helm... arrived in the Fall River area at 6:10, checked into our old but refurbished Quality Inn Hotel.. changed & headed for sound check. Met John Platania there - he had arrived early and had already sound checked.

THE VENUE - THE NARROWS CENTER FOR THE ARTS

One of the most artistic looking venues on the planet ... a big loft space in the old industrial area of Fall River ... low along the water - top floor of an old warehouse - as we face the audience, the 10 row deep old pew-like seeting stretches from 30 feet to the right of John Platania (on our far right) to 40 feet to the left of Carrie - oblong.. with the seats set in a half moon style, with the stage easily seen from any seat.

note. behind the 10 foot long - 3 foot wide stage - there’s a 50 foot long span of windows giving a beautiful view of the river, old steel bridge &.. just at showtime... the setting sun..

Old friend Patrick met us and helped us load in. - after a quick sound check and some food delivered on site, we were on stage at 8:10.

THE SHOW

dedicating all these shows to Joan, mother of my terrific children Kristian & Kelly... with positive thoughts for her upcoming operation.

I LOVED THIS SHOW- very spontaneous & loose .. I’ll never forget our version of “Son Of Man” where as we were performing it I told Carrie (& the audience) of the experience John & I had recording the song a few months ago with THE BELLS OF JOY - ending up singing it as they did

“The Lords ALWAYS LOOKIN’... So you CAN’T sneak in” !!!

Too many highlights to remember... Carrie was so damned good... John & Kyle were magic - toatally ONE with this audience tonight - THANKS TO ALL WHO STOPPED BY... including:

Carrie’s old school froend KARA & great new boyfriend, Theo - great to spend time with you both

Philip & Karen who were there with us in Newport - great to see you again... hopefully Carrie & I can be part of your Connecticut benefit... let us know! - HI to old friend Mike from the North Lake days... all the best, Mike - Hi to John’s friiends John & Debbie... ED - Thanks for taking the time - those were special words... look forward to seeing you again...

Hi to Tom, Lynne & Brad.. such nice thoughts! ... HI ASHLEY & Chris ... thanks for bringing “The Trouble With Humans” to work... special hi to you & other “Trouble.... “ fans Michel & Lindsay... Hi Joann & husband... sorry.. forgot your name - remember you liked the “Storybook Children” album - thanks for makling Joann aware...

HI Kevin (Crime reporter from Pawtaukett)... so nice taliking with you.. thanks for the kind words...Hi Peter, Mike .. Peter (Jamaica Plains?) ... & Nancy... hi Chuck... hope you enjoyed the show... HI TOM... (The commercial fisherman) ... your kind words were so appreciated!

HI TO DEB - GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN... Thanks for selling the CDs!! - you are so kind.. HI WENDY ... so nice to see you when we arrived.

THANKS FOR THE INTRO AND THE KIND WORDS STEVE

AGAIN PATRICK... GREAT TO SEE YOU .... BEJAMIN.. THANKS SO MUCH FOR BEING THERE!!! Hi to bro Owen.. hope to see him next time

thanks to all the others who said such kind words to Carrie, John, Kyle & me - look forward to seeing you soon again


JUNE 11

HEADING FOR BELLOWS FALLS, VERMONT

after the show last night Carrie, Kyle, John & I relaxed with Carrie’s friend Kara & boyfriend at the bar adjacent to our hotel - good conversation & good friends - thie whole night was good therapy for me.

ON THE ROAD AT 8:45 AM, - John & Kykle in John’s car & Carrie & I in our rented big thing (comfortable & large enough to carry Kyle’s big bass - route 195 for a half hour, then 91 to our destiny, some 3 more hours away.

The FRED EAGLESMITH - ROOTS ON THE RIVER FESTIVAL

We arrive jat about 12 noon - so happy to have been invited to play here - looking forward to seeing several artists/friends... Fred, Lynn Miles, The Mammals, Chris Whitley.

As we parked our car Bob, our friend from Manchester England, came by to say hi and bring me a welcome gift SINGLE MALT ... THANKS BOB!! - GREATLY APPRECIATED.. then saw another friend Andy from London... amazing... both over here for this VERMONT festival! - j

then a very nice young lady named Thomasina met us at the gate and escorted us back to the artists lounge area - andn the way, we met old friend John from Northhampton - at the lounge area Patrick, Dot & others were there to make us comfortable - one of the highlights was getting a chance to meet Fred Eaglesmith’s lovely daughter Jesse... whom I at first thought was part of his road crew... what a great daughter you have, Fred... so easy & nice to talk to - HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON JESSE _

Carrie & I enjoyed listening to Lynn Miles... she sounded so good & natural .. then Chris Whitley did his soulful thing... then it was our turn

We had no idea we had such support here - we got such a warm reception.. it was only supposed to be a 45 minute show but our friends here wouldn’t let us off stage - loved this set... the moody, “Red Dog Tracks”, the theraputic “Wild Thing”... “All The Rain”... and the rerst... just a GREAT AFTERNOON!!

Got a chance to say hi to many before getting back to N.Y.

HI TO LEE & DEE & MY #1 ROADIE ??? - so great to see you in the audience - THANKS SO MUCH FOR MAKING THE LONG TRIP!

Hi Eva.... Mike - from Seattle ... Kristen nice talking with you... love Debbie.. so glad you were there... Hi to another Debbie & Gwen... appreciate your kind words & your effort to see us! ... Hi VIRGINIA... from Edgemont.. so good to see you... Hi Carol (in the red shirt)... all the best.. . Hey POKEY... look forward to seeing the sketches sometime soon - Hi Arthur (FROM BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND!!)... Brian FROM MY HOMETOWN YONKERS, (N.Y.) - hi to Tom & K? from Canada... Hey Brian from from Yonkers (actually delivered papers to my mom & dad when he was a kid)... GREAT TO SEE YOU!... drink lots of coffee!

Hi Mole .. from Lake George... Hey Henry... sis Carol... Clark .. great to see you “guys”... Hey Scott... best to you & Court!! ... hope to see you soon!1 ... Hi Jamie.. nice to see you ... hi to Steph... DAVE & JANE ... so glad you let me sign Carrie’s album!!! - what a lucky guy... I know, I know... next time I’ll be on the other side of the river behind a bush (& happy to be there!!... )

Hi Nancy & Randy... from Northhampton.. see you soon... Hey Marc... Gibson J40... great road gtr & sounds silky withouit EQ ...

HI DAVE Matalone & Barbara... great to see you again... hope to see you soon... HEY Kevin & Ann... see you in Gruene Hall ... Bret... at Hamburger stand... we’re “nobody” or “somebody” at the same time... a nice Buddist thought... saw some of that kind of thing last night.. I liked it

GREAT TO SEE YOU ALL!!

heading back to New York

Carrie & I hit the road about 4:15 - got to hear a very good singer/songwriter Hayes Carll as we signed CDs & our great friends The Mammals were jinto their first song as we walked to the car ... wish we could have stayed but wanted and needed to get back to N.Y. to take care of personal concerns... see you all soon... look forward to that.

June 4-5, 2005 - Texas Tour

June 4 - Crocket TX

note: to be honest I’ve got my soul-mate Joan on my mind all the time ... going through some uncertain times (medical stuff) - so in my heart she’s with me with all the shows and travel... we’re talking several times a day

left Austin about 1:00 PM for the slightly less than 4 hour trip... north east to Crocket. Picked up highway 21 a short ways out of town and took this 4 lane straight through several little Texas towns ... through Bryant/College Station and on to our destination.

The Camp Street Cafe, Crocket TX

history

now owned by Guy & Pipp Gillette

NOTE: GUY & PIPP HAD A WELL RESPECTED BAND IN MY HOME TOWN OF YONKERS NEW YORK IN THE 1970’S - WE HAD MANY MUTUAL FRIENDS BUT NEVER MET UNTIL NOW - CURRENTLY THEY STILL PLAY MUSIC HERE AND OTHER VENUES ACROSS TEXAS WHILE OPERATING THE PLACE

Their grandadad owned this building in the 30’s in the then all-black section of town - he rented it to a barbershop and other operations - hearsay is that Camp Street was the street everyone feared walking down - white and black alike - unless you were known and accepted by the illegal gambling/driinkink and carousing bunch who were part of the street life there.

Lightning Hopkins used to play in the barbershop for tips. To commemorrate, Guy & Pipp erecterd a statue of Lightning (designed by Jim Jeffreys ) that sit’s in a field (park) directly accross from the club - THE ONLY STATUE TO A BLACK MUSICIAN IN THE STATE OF TEXAS!! - THERE WERE MANY SUCH HEROES... some major Texas newspaper should do an editorial to help correct this!

I meet Guy & Pipp at around 6:00 PM - great guys!! – sound checked and headed, at the brother’s suggestion, for Robert Thomson’s Bar B Que --- great, fun gentleman.. Hi to lovely waitress, Bertha and the rest of Robert’s crew.

Great to see old friends that came down from Dallas .. Ariel & mom Joyce & dad Bill - & Joe & kids Wade & Marrieta (pronounced MARITA) -- great to see you all

THE SHOW

had so much fun here - just a simple sound set-up but it didn’t matter - it somehow worked - we could here each other fine, which allowed for lots of loose interacting - just a great vibe from this audience that led us to many “extras”, ending with a requested “Must Be The Whiskey” and “We Come Up Shining” - loved playing the special one for Ariel “Do Your Part”... and “”Dirty Little Texas Story” for Wade & Marietta

Hi to:

Linda - thanks so much for helping us with the CDs - so nice to meet you - & hi to:Tobi & the gang from KEOS.. Tobi heard “...Whiskey” on World Cafe.. which led to her seeking out The Trouble With Humans and Red Dog Tracks... which led to this nice turn out of friends Rick (boyfriend) & Ryan, Patrick, Sue & Ian & ? & mom & dad Barbara & Jay
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR KIND WORDS ... CARRIE & I HOPE TO SEE YOU IN COLLEGE STATION!!

PS - Hi to Brittany & Tom from Philly!!

Hi - to JIM.... THANKS FOR THE GREAT STATUE & THE MUCH NEEDED SCOTCH, my friend... see you soon! ... Hi to Cathy & Dorsie... & Robert from Nacogdoches... Hi Brian... A BIG HI TO JIM WALL - WHO APOLOGIZED FOR NEVER ANSWERING MY LETTER AFTER WE WERE RELEASED FROM BASIC TRAINING IN ‘62 ... said he wouldn’t have forgotten if he knew I was gonna turn out special or somethin’ ... Fine friend you were Jim!!! .. kidding aside, GREAT TO SEE YOU!!!!

hi to Veronica... hey Ros (Roscoe) ... nice meeting you

THANKS PIPP, GUY, Cathy & Dorsie (?spelling) ... hope to see you soon... GREAT TO FINALLY MEET YOU GUYS!!


JUNE 5 - GRUENE HALL


Always love playing this place!! - Our terrriific bass player Kevin Smith has a photo shoot with band Hay Bail, so he’ll play the first set and John Ludwick (Kelly Willis/Bruce Robison) has kindly offered to sub for the second half... he played the first half backing his lovely/talented wife Robyn

Another great Gruene night - we have so many kind faithful fans here - John Platania, Carrie, Kevin and then John Ludwick did some inspired solos ... just a great loose night... so many highlights... ending with an emotional “We Come Up Shinin’”

Said hi to many including:

lost some notes... but here goes

hi Mark... loved the paintings - especially the full band... would love a photo of it sometime... so good to see you... HI Sharon (on my right)... grerat to see you as well... Hey Kerry ... see you soon... hi Chris... Hey Mike nice to see you again... Hi Scott & Ann ... thanks for your support... so good to see you....

Special hello to Chad & Hillary... so good to talk to you ... thanks for including us in your wedding in such a special way... bless you guys & send our special love to Kim & John & the kids... hope to see you all again ... I’ll be thinking about you next time we sing “We Come Up Shinin’” -

Hi to:

Twister ... Claudette .. thanks for the "Laredo" request... thanks... hi to Garth & M??... Hi to Ariana, dad Morris & big sis Sarah ... Hi Derek... & Michelle (& Randy) ... Robert from Ft. Worth... Hi to Sean & Buddy... & Greg... thanks for the kind words... hey Jeff & Jerry... Tracy, Ginger & Chad.. always nice to meet "Real Thing" fans... thanks.... HI to Anne Marie & John from New York... Hi to John & Ben & Claudette & J?? & Jim? ... so good to talk to you all

and of course ...GREAT TO SEE CARRIE'S MOM KATY (THE ONE THAT DANCED ON THE TABLE) & BOYFRIEND JIM ... hope you're feeling better Jim ...and Aunt Leslie.. wish you were here Frances... love you

to Dan, April Jean.. who I talked to briefly in the parking lot... and all the others another special night... see you all soon!!

June 1 - 3, 2005 – Texas Tour

Heading for Texas

Got a 9:00 AM flight to Chicago… then a 12:25 from there to Austin – As we land I retrieve a cell phone message from video producer/editor of our video (“Keep Your Hat On Jenny”), Diane Weizenkopf, informing me that the first rough cut is finished and ready for our viewing.

Carrie meets me at the airport and we head for Diane’s office.

Note: We loved the process of filming the video – director Traci Goudie was amazing in her preparedness and all involved were so dedicated, talented and kind – just a great damned wonderful crew -- and all the extras (actors, dancers etc) were so into the project – no egos… not one!!

As much as the above was true and we certainly were prepared for a nice viewing, we were totally unprepared for what we saw. THE VIDEO IS AWESOME! – Carrie & I burst into applause when it was over. It should be finished by next week and promoted to all shows that play these things (CMT, GAC, etc). We can’t wait for all our friends/fans to see it!!

JUNE 2 - "LIVE” at KGSR _ Austin Tx - 3:30 PM – with our great friend, legendary DJ, Jody Denberg.

To be honest these days have been tough – a personal thing that I’m waiting on word about – I get a message just before I hit the stage… the news is pretty darned good. So I get to my mike just as Jody is introducing us… with the weight a bit off my shoulders.

Jody’s support of our previous 2 albums broke us in the Austin and helped spread the word across the U.S. He is immensely supportive of our new record, “Red Dog Tracks” – Jody picked our last 2 singles… he and his staff chose “Keep Your Hat On Jenny and the label will officially release that on June 27.

As usual, Jody asked great questions – he has a way of getting the best out of an artist. Loved this show… We played’, “Red Dog Tracks”, “Keep Your Hat On Jenny”, & “Private Thoughts”… what a great start to this day! THANKS JODY!!

“Live” - IN-STORE at WATERLOO RECORDS – Austin Tx – 5:00 PM

One of the great record stores IN THE WORLD!! – Our friend/owner of this great place, John, has helped make us house-hold names in this community. This one store has sold more Taylor/Rodriguez CDs than any other in the world – 3,000 plus -


THE SHOW

One of John’s new employees, James, has been assigned to do the sound – his first time dealing with this stuff – after a few minutes he’s ready – so are we. GREAT JOB JAMES!!

Played a fun 25 minute set – After a good chorus of Wild Thing that had the walls vibrating and got us all loosened up, we said hi to some folks… including:

Vincent, who brings his great posters for us to see and sign … good to see you, my friend…. Hi Beth.. hi to Steve, Sharon, Danielle & Aaron… so good to see you “guys” … Hi Cynthia & Suzanne.. Thanks for supporting all our CDs & thanks for the kind words… Hi Glen .. the ballerina, toward the middle, slightly off to the left.. so nice to catch your vibe & good to meet you – HI GRAHAM (& Emily) – thanks for taking the time to stop by – hope your show went well – Hi Mike.. I know you said you’d see us soon – thanks… look forward to that! – Hi Grace.. tell Graham we said hello – proud of the work he’s doing – glad he turned you on to us – see you both soon.. – Hey John.. hope dad Kent likes the new CD – tell him we’ll see him in Big D – Hi Russell – thanks for your welcome & kind words… see you here soon again! – Hi John & Leif, the wild thing fans – good to meet you … Hi Eric (& friend Doug) – look forward to hearing your CD..

Thanks John & all – love this place!!


JUNE 2 – VENUE – SHADY GROVE – AUSTIN TX – 8:00

Thanks JOHN T for your help in the logistics and your kindness re: personal matters. Nothing like this place!! – a one-of-a-kind outdoor concert sponsored by KGSR –

THE SHOW

So great to see so many friends in the audience – over the past few years we’ve bonded with hostess Sarah & husband Boone – This time Sarah took the night off so she could enjoy the show close up – Great to see you both… as well as Traci Goudie & Diane Weizenkopf and several of the crew and acting stars, Erin, Tracy & family, Fabi & friend Ariel (who are part of a local rock group The Flames) – from our “Jenny” video!! – and of course off the the left was a special table for Carrie’s family & friends

The place was absolutely packed, but somehow the outdoor vibe still allowed us to do our intimate songs… not just the rockers – it was a fun 2 sets – John Platania & Kevin Smith played amazing solos – as did Carrie – this was such a fun night for us on stage - ending up with a Sarah requested “All The Rain” – LOVED THAT!!

And it doesn’t get better than this Austin audience! – can’t wait to get back here. Maybe the highlights for me aside from the last many, were “Memphis, Texas” dedicated to Carrie’s brilliant and wonderful short story writer grandma, Frances Nail - and our first set closer” Angel Of The Morning” dedicated to our friends from Dallas, Tara & Chad. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!

Thanks for the intros Brian – Hello to:

Carrie’s family & friends… hi to Sharon & Pete… hi to Lindsey (at the cash register) & Evan – our waiter friend from the past! – so good to see you both again… Hi Mike & Misty… hi to Jaymie nice folks… always good to see you… Hi Leary… nice talking with you… all the best with your own stuff.. … Hi Rob & Lynne .. Hi Kathy (saw Rosie & me years back) – nice to see you again – HI MONICA! - Hi Nick & Paula… thanks for the kind words… Hey Sonny tell your preacher friend the Church Of The Train Wreck will welcome him as a “challenger” – Hey Eric – GREAT WORK ON “Holes” – love that!!! - Hi Billy (Italian Restaurant) – nice to see you… so glad you said hi

Another great, memorable night! – SEE YOU ALL SOON!


JUNE 3 – Luckenbach TX – Show for THE BIKERS & FRIENDS – 1:45 PM

Bikers from all over Texas are here & in Austin for a major Texas rally – never was here before – don’t blink twice… you’ll miss it .. just a big field, with a few barns & pathways bunched in one section – a dancehall – a gift store, a berger place & a small outdoor stage with a picnic like seating arrangement - & that’s where we played –

THE SHOW

It was raining so it took a while ( till the second set) – to gather the crowd – but it was damned fun! Loved playing “Big River” for this nice group – we got second requests for “Angel Of The Morning” and “Sweet Tequila Blues” as several missed them first time around – Just a damned fun afternoon - and we’ll look forward to playing the dance Hall next time through!

THANKS NEIL FOR GUIDING US IN & TAKING CARE OF US – great to see you! – Danny, nice talking with you – Enjoyed your solo as we left – please send regards to Karen & Danica (from San Antonio – I think we saw you in Milwaukee?) – Hi to Daryll & Kathy & Daryll & Joanne .. we loved the Louisiana stories advice - Hi to Janie & Douglas (saw us at the Cactus) – glad to see you walk in the back when you did – nice talking with you – hi to Ralph & Peggy (from Plano) - Hi Roger & later Royce – best of luck with your own stuff! – HI CANDICE – so nice to meet you – hope you like the CD - & JOHN – great meeting you – I OWE YOU!! – thanks for calling attention to the $$$ that fell out of my pocket – next time, pick your poison!!

JUST A GREAT WAY TO SPEND AN AFTERNOON!! – Carrie & I thank you all - see you soon -

May 27-29, 2005 - New England Tour

MAY 27 -RADIO STATION WKZE - Sharon, CT

on the road from New York by 11:45 - New friend and bass player, Andy Cotten at the helm... Andy’s on the spot this trip having to learn all the songs in a few days notice -

We make a special stop in Sharon Conn, to see our old friends... and new owners of radio station WKZE, Barb & Will - Carrie, John & I met them a little over a year ago when they were associated with one of the premier U.S. stations WRSI .. MASS (“THE RIVER”)... just great people... we sang a few songs live and did a friendly interview with Dave Doud.

Barb... Will ... loved talking with you .... We wish you all the best with the station... see you in the parlor!

MAY 27 - Great Barrington, Mass - CLUB HELSINKI

been looking forward to this for a while - Carrie had done a little show here with some friends & loved the vibe ... she was right ... just a small place... maybe it can fit 75 or so... but it doesn’t get cooler than this... THANKS PETER FOR THE GREAT SOUND & QUICK CHECK!! - Nice seeing you Craig... thanks for the welcome!

after sound check we were invited to a lovely dinner at the club by our kind hosts Deborah & Mark ... headed back in the rain to our mountain-view hotel... after a quick change, hit the stage at 9:05 ... the sound doesn’t get better than this so the ensemble-loose thing was there from the start - ANDY WAS SHOCKINGLY GOOD... He has his own way... very cool Andy!!! ... THANKS FOR BEING SO READY!!...

Carrie’s starting to do more of the vocal intros... I love that... 2 sets as usual... JOHN PLATANIA IS SIMPLY AMAZING... every night it’s something different... always based or inspired by something he’s picking up from the here and now ... not just the song... THE CURRENT VIBE OF THE SONG... we’re all doing that for sure.. but JOHN IS THE MASTER!!

and Carrie was awesome... her fiddling is looser than ever & so inspired... and when her voice hit mine tonight it was constant chills for me.. simply loved this night!

HI TO:

Jeanne & Steve...so nice to meet you & thanks for being there so early!! .. Hi Cindy & Rich ( from Avon )... reminder to me... Rich... you look a bit like a phtog from N.Y., Gary... don’t worry, he’s handsome as well... Hi Marcia & Doug... great talking with you.... THANKS FOR THE DOUBLE SCOTCH....

HI JOAN (THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO FOR US JOAN... YOU”RE SO SPECIAL... HI & THANKS TO KIM AS WELL) ... & BRUCE & FRIENDS, KEN &*KAREN... so good to meet yuou...Hi To P.J. & Kimmy .. special hi to the kids, Jared & Ellanor????..

Hi Susan... glad you liked our “Angel...”... see you soon... Hi BOB... thanks for the kind words re: “Same Damn Car”... hi to friend Bill... hope the fish are biting...Hi Nancy & friend Sharon.. glad I got to say hi before you left....

HI DAVE (Mandoloni) & wife Barbara... so good to see you both.. .. THANKS FOR THE WORDS DAVE... looking forward to seeing the piece... HI TO NEPHEW HENRY (from Tuckahoe)

Rachel... good to see you at dinner... sorry you missed the show!! - MARY... GREAT TO SEE YOU AT SOUND CHECK & AT THE END... THANKS FOR THE SINGLE MALTS!!.. A big hello to Laura ... best of luck with your new CD. ..& Eileen & Josh .. it was so nice to meet you... so glad you came to the show... bless you “guys”

A BIG HELLO TO TO CARRIE’S FRIENDS KENT & NERVE... & the soon-to-be little one!! ... Hi Laki... hope your friends, Eva & Cass??? like the CD... and Gerry & Robin.. who saw us at Newport... great to see you again

and hello to PUL... all the best with the cow farm, my friend... and what the hell did happen in Pascagoula??!!

and to all the others... thanks for a special night


May 28 - NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE.. NORTHEAST HARBOR - MAINE

Heading to see our friends Lee & Dee and all in Acadia National Park for a concert at the Neighborhood House.

We guess it’s abot an 8 hr drive to Bar Harbor - Carrie, Andy & I are on the road by 8:45 - J.P. left 45 minutes earlier -

Across the Mass Pike - up route 91 - east on 202... then it happened - about 1/4 mile in front of us on the 495 cut-off to 95, a truck smashes into the divider and bursts into flames - we hear nobody was injured but we’re delayed an hour - we continue on 95 up to Bangor - then east on route 1, then 3 to our hotel

we arrive at a lovely hotel on the water at 6:10 – show time is 7:00 - TEN MILES! - John’s been waiting - shower/change - on stage for sound check at 6:45...

THE SHOW -

just love playing here for these terrific people the theater holding about 225 is packed - Again, it’s hard to pick highlights... the band was so loose & fresh sounding to me - damned inspiring ... again Andy amazed me on bass - 3 days notice and he played like he’d been with us for years... AND JOHN PLATANIA WAS AWESOME AS USUAL... AND CARRIE IS GETTING SO VIBEY WITH HER FIDDLING... i just great spontaneous ensemble stuff - especially loved the back & forth thing with the audience... the smiles and the passionate responses

and forgetting my harmonica in the second set was fun - got to tell my cell phone story! - THANKS FOR THE QUICK FIND NORMAN, YOU”RE HIRED!! ... this was one of my favorite all-time shows... made it just in time to plug in & play .. but it was sure worth the 8 hours.. Thanks to all for the great spirit...see you soon

I LOST MY NOTES!

Met so many nice people - I feel so bad losing the notes... from memory:

FIRST THANKS TO DEE & LEE FOR HWAVING US ... SO GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN - NORMAN.. YOU ARE OFFICIALLY MY MAINE ROADY!!! - CARRIE, JOHN & ANDY & ME ALL SAY A BIG HELLO!! thanks Carmen ... and Sherdy... loved your stories... especiially about the bass player & the Chec friend... nice to see you again Doris... wish you could have stayed

Special HI to our Quebec friends, Sebastien & Lucie ... SO GOOD TO SPEND TIME WITH YOU... love to Tom & ?? ... you’ll remind me next time... & a big hello to Ike & the family... Nancy??... Jacob??? .. so great to see you all ... so upset I lost the paper with your names ... just loved seeing all of you... what great kids! .... and there were so many other kind faces I remember... some who mentioned they were seeing us soon... please remind me of your names next time

SPECIAL HELLO TO PAT & JACKIE .. it was so great to see you both ... sorry I missed you at the end of the show... really looking forward to seeing you again.. talk to John... let’s make a plan

Hi to the 2 blond young ladies on the left... loved your reaction to Carrie’s verses on Laredo!! - sorry we missed you in town!! ... Hi Duke - thanks for the Chat & Chew memory... see you soon!!

and to all the others.. Carrie, John, Andy & I thank you for a warm, great night

May 25, 2005 – NEW YORK - JOE”S PUB

RECORD RELEASE PARTY

Carrie & I have wanted to play this famous venue for a while – It’s as comfortable a listening room as there is in the city

THE SHOW

Joining us on stage tonight was Jim Whitney on bass – Jim had played with us on all our CDs – it’s always great to see and hear this great musician - and our great friend, the brilliant John Platania on guitar – THERE WAS MAGIC IN THE ROOM TONIGHT! – Just one long set – that’s the way they do it at Joe’s – usually 3 separate shows – tonight only 2 – since we played the 9:30 show they let us extend our time a bit and party there with friends afterward.

Again, too many highlights to mention – but it was chill time for me – warm stuff on stage – with Jim, John were on fire and Carrie & I were in a zone – loved this show! – let’s single out a few – “Must Be The Whiskey” was so loose and cool – it had a direction of it’s own – we just hung on – “Big Moon Shinin’”, “Fall” and “Memphis” were all chill time – “Big River” just chugged along so JC/sweaty .. and Carrie gave me such chills on “Angel Of The Morning” – when she sang “then slowly turn away…. from me” – the audience erupted in applause and cheers and my eyes were misty. Just magic! – and our final song “Red Dog Tracks”, was so eerie and chilling.. WHAT A NIGHT

Said hi to so many including

FIRST, A BIG THANKS TO – Our Shore Fire friends

Alexis, Mark, Matt, Diane and all – what a great job you’ve done for us!!!! – Alexis, you’re amazing!

Hi to Jim Bessman… great seeing you …. thanks for always being there… BRAD – You’re amazing!! …. Carrie loved the roses… so beautiful… and the single malt is perfect and so road worthy!! - Hi to my dear friend Anne’s brother Gerry & friend Samantha, lovely nieces Erin, Jessica & Kelly (better call if you want the quarters back!!) - & nephew Brendan… thanks for helping save the planet!!… please send love & regards to all thre folks - GREAT TO SEE YOU ALL!!

Hi to Maria & Maria (??? Do I have the names right??) – and friends Andrew & Jennifer at the end of the night… Hi to diane & O.T. from the Big D – see you there soon – HI TO BILL FROM PHILADELPHIA… so good to see you!

GARY – THANKS FOR TAKING THE VIDEO!!! - always great to see you!! – Nice to meet you Susan…. HI TO our N.J. friends…. Dave Gross (from FDU) & band’’ Jay & Thomas… (best with “Blue Plate Special”!!) -- To the LA ladies & friend – sorry I lost the napkin – SEE YOU NEXT TIME!! (ON TIME!!)

HI TO SARAH (our great friend … shot the cover of “Humans”… and took the photo of Carrie & I that Rolling Stone ran a few weeks ago… THANKS SARAH!! – Hi Brian & Andy & lovely Lilly … so great to have such amazing supportive friends!… Tony, my friend… thanks for always being there!!! – AND HAULING THE GUITAR!

GREAT TO SEE MY PUCK FAIR FRIENDS!!!! – CARRIE & I APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT SO MUCH – See you at Town Hall or Ulysses

Hi Maurice – GREAT TO SEE YOU! …. Love to Orla & Reece … Hi Kevin… thanks so much for coming & for bringing Sheila – Hey Sammy – great to see you again

THANKS BILL FOR HAVING US – SARA, WHAT A GREAT HOST YOU ARE… THANKS!!!..- JEFF .. GREAT SOUND!!! – YOU”RE SO EASY TO WORK WITH

AND A BIG HELLO TO THE STAFF… JACKIE… SO NICE TO SEE YOU AT THE END.

Thanks to all for a special night!!

May 11 - 14, 2005 - Colorado

Carrie, John & I fly into Denver – arriving at around 2:00 PM - where we meet Kyle Kegerreis (our friend/bass player from Nashville). We rent a large vehicle to accommodate the luggage and instrument and off we go.

We do a live interview/performance with one of the terrific DJ’s, Benji, at the hippest AM station in the U.S. – we’re plugging our 3-days-from-now Denver show at Swallow Hill but we’d stop by this cool station anytime just to say hello. A BIG THANKS TO THIS GREAT STATION FOR ALL THE SUPPORT THEY’VE GIVEN US ON OUR PAST CDs & OUR SOON-TO-BE- RELEASED “RED DOG TRACKS”.

On to Paonia – a 4 1/2 hr. drive through the mountains – it doesn’t get more beautiful than this! – up and down the mountains – often over 10,000 feet above sea level – we arrive in the coal mining town of Paonia at about 11:30 PM – Our hosts Rob & Rebecca Miller have made arrangements for 2 hotel rooms and a small house to accommodate us – sweet notes plus lovely breads and cheeses and cold beer. What a nice welcome!

THE TOWN – just a small extremely well preserved old town nestled in the valley – surrounded by snow tipped mountains. We do a live interview/performance at the cool local public station, KVNF – with a very nice guy named Jeff – what a terrific little show…. We felt so comfortable with this!! – glad our new friend Sadie was in the audience! - THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT TO ALL THE NICE FOLKS HERE!!!! Also, met a friend, former DJ from Carbondale, Skip Naft – Now Here – - (I will meet his mom & dad shortly in Carbondale) – good to see you, Skip

After, we sound check at the old Paonia theater – what an amazing historic venue!! Thanks for the hard work getting the good sound, Morris.

THE SHOW

Rebecca gave us a warm introduction and as soon as we hit the stage, the audience was into the vibe – we loved playing this show – it was both fun and joyous – I remember feeling such a close bond with the audience on “Fall” and “Him Who Saved Me” – Ended with “We Come Up Shinin’”- what a nice bunch of people… hopefully we’ll be seeing them again.

Hello to Barb at the hotel … thanks and love to mom Betty

Thanks Rob & Rebecca – great to meet your lovely daughters, Sadie & Kayla – tell Sadie we sent our love – said hi to so many, including, Marley & Linda , Kathryn, Janny, Nancy.. Dave… thanks for asking for “Midnight On The Water” … It wasn’t in our set list for a while & Carrie played it so beautifully tonight! – Hi to Karla, Craig, Scott & Lisa - & Caroline & Eddie . Shelley, Tim, Rob & all – enjoyed listening to the CDs – especially liked the first few tracks on the new one – all the best with that! – Hi to Corey & Matt (at the door) and Kevin – sorry I lost track of others – just know that Carrie & I loved playing for you all.


May 13 - NEXT STOP – CARBONDALE

After a lazy morning, we drive the 1 and 1/2 hrs. to Carbondale – only a few clouds in the sky … again, what breathtaking scenery!! – I need a refill for my sleeping pills as I haven’t slept well for a few days without them … thanks Hans and Dr. Tom for coming through just in time!!

We’ve been looking forward to this famous little venue for some time! –

THE VENUE - STEVE’S GUITAR SHOP (Capacity 64) – what a cool little place!!!

We sound check in only a few minutes in this small room with 20 or so vintage guitars hanging from the ceiling – Steve hooks us up with a nice meal at a new Mexican place – THANKS NELSON & STAFF – LOVED THE FOOD!!!

THE SHOW – This was one for the books – we played two full sets and this great, warm bunch didn’t want us to leave … so we stayed and stayed… finally ending with a most inspired version of “I Wasn’t Born In Tennessee! – Carrie, John & Kyle were just brilliant!– we traded off each other all night… couldn’t pick a favorite or a highlight… it was all such an inspired interaction with the audience & the band!! – It doesn’t get better!

THANKS STEVE & MARY MARGARET for your hospitality – it was much appreciated!! – Hi Anne – (said hello to you briefly when we arrived)

Hi to Kyle’s dad, Sam’s friends, Tito & wife Sarah & fisherman, Mike – great to see you guys!! – hi to Linda (originally from New Jersey) & Brad (from Nebraska) – so good to see you up front – thanks for the kind words – hope to see you next time -- hi to Soozie & mom Elaine, Davie, & Mustang Molly!! – what a great group!! – Elaine, best of luck with Art Tatum Memorial (count me in – get in touch with Dave, I’ll follow up)

Hi to Monk (at the door) – glad you came back to say hello – see you next time. Hi Jackson… best of luck with your guitar playing – thanks for the nice words… Hi Lois – Skip’s mom??!! – I think so – he’s a great guy

… Hi Trisha & nick & Kelly & Josh (Mike’s neice).. thanks for all the kind words… hi to Megin & Aaron… same goes… and all the rest… thanks for making this such a great, great night!! – see you soon!!


May 14 - NEXT STOP – DENVER

Left Carbondale at about 11:00 AM and headed for the 1&1/2 hr. trip to Denver – Again, just gorgeous all the way to Denver – After several stops, we arrived at the Sheraton hotel at about 4:30 – after a brief check in, we headed for the venue.

SOUND CHECK AT SWALLOW HILL

This is another one of those venues that we’ve really been looking forward to – This is the most prestigious folk room in Denver – The sound man Brian was ready and waiting so the check took only ten minutes or so – THANKS BRIAN!! And a big thanks to Rhonda for being such a wonderful host – there for us at every turn – it doesn’t get better than this Rhonda… Carrie, John, Kyle & I really appreciated your kindness! – and a special hello to Reggie (so good to talk with you – thanks for the kind words) & Jim ( thanks so much for the easy directions!)

A special thanks to The Believers, our new friends (Craig & Cynthia) for doing such a terrific job opening for us!!! – stay warm & stay out of the snow!! – see you soon!

NOTE: - I hadn’t played this town since 1976 – when I co-headlined with Commander Cody at a place called Ebbit’s Field – So this was a chance to see if Carrie & I had any support here –

THE SHOW

The answer to the above question was a resounding YES!! – The place was packed – and from the first chord of “The Real Thing”, we knew we had real honest-to-goodness friends here. – We did an extra long show – many got the “Wild Thing” baptism and were instantly healed! – so many highlights … the audience (or new and old friends) – clapped for so long for so many) – I’ll pick “Let’s Leave This Town”… “Fall”… “I Wasn’t Born In Tennessee” and an ad lib version of a requested “Coalfield of Shickshinny” as highlights – but I’d be leaving out many others that gave me chills – JUST A GREAT DAMNED NIGHT

Hi to – Rhonda, Reggie, Jim… SONNY’S FRIEND BILL & LOVELY DAUGHTER KELLY – much love to you Kelly… Last Chance fan Ken!! – thanks my friend…. Hi John & ? … Chryl… Anne & Mark… Vinni & Tony – J.P.’s friends … John & family…. Charles… Ed & Judy...Larry…. Andy… thanks for getting so many of the duets plus CDs – see you soon…. Hi Ed, Doug & Judy (Rhonda’s sister)…. Hi John – memories of Last Chance… thanks for being patient when you ended up last after the first half and then again after the second…Hi to Ron - and Sande - look forward to seeing the next time ... Hi Doug … and Sweet Daddy for Carrie’s flowers… and all others who were there!! – SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!! – God Bless.

May 7, 2005 – heading for Dallas – First Stop – LIVE Performance at Bill’s Record Store

It’s up to Dallas for one day, then back to Austin, so we’re traveling light. We arrive at Bill’s (in Plano TX) at 2:30. Bill is a great friend and this place, and Waterloo Records in Austin, are awesome stores that have achieved cult-like status among true music lovers. They don’t get more dedicated than Bill. These “live” performances are sponsored by the great radio station KHYI – GM and radio personality stars and great friends, Bruce Kidder & Brett Dillon are there to meet us. KHYI and Bruce, Bret & all, are the foremost reason for our success in this market.

The Show –

We play on the back stage, facing the wharehouse-like interior, with people lining the several isles. There’s always a big crowd to see us here. As usual, there are several youngsters. We play several songs from our soon-to-be released album & end with a spirited “Wild Thing”. We love the vibe here – THANKS BILL, BECKY (thanks for putting this together) – BRUCE, BRETT … THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT – SEE YOU SOON!!

We couldn’t stay long after the show as I wanted to get back to the Hotel to watch the Kentucky Derby and get ready for sound check for our Sons Of Herman Hall performance later this evening.

Said hello to a few, including: Brit, Tina, Elaine & Travis (hope you can make our “Sons” show next time – we need you to be there) – Hi Jason… Bill (the painter – thanks for the kind words! – Hi Philip, Doug R.L. & Terry, David, John, Craig & all – hope to see you tonight.

SONS OF HERMAN – SOUNDCHECK & DINNER

Big thanks to Kevin for the terrific sound & the shortest sound checks in history! AS USUAL, GREAT JOB!! –

As we began to sound check, our friends/fans Carter & Regina surprised us with dinner for the band – TEXAS Fried Chicken & Steak – with unreal gravy and delicious creamed corn for world famous BABE’S – We quickly went to our friend Michael Sneider’s “All Good Café” (Mike’s our booker here), where we were generously allowed to feast on his competitors food and have some of his own delicious home- made salad. THANKS TO THE WAITRESSES MICHELLE & GINGER – great to see you both – thanks for coming to the show, Ginger.. wish we had more time to finish our conversation – EMAIL ME HERE & I’LL RESPOND..

WHAT A MEAL!!! – Thanks CARTER & REGINA… (& Mike) … IT DOESN”T GET BETTER THEN THAT!!


THE SHOW

This was a very special night. It was so good to see so many friends as well as first timers. LOVED SEEING ALL THE KIDS – SPECIAL HI TO OUR FRIEND ARIEL…. Carrie & I loved seeing you and talking with you darlin’ – hope to see you soon again… say hi to mom & Dad & your aunt… Big HELLO TO OLD FRIENDS WADE, MARRIETA (pronounced “MARITA”) and dad Joe… what a great spirit… look forward to the next time!

Our friend Kyle Kegerries (from Nashville) did a great job on bass and Johnny boy (John Platania) was his awesome self – I love listening to him as we perform – GREAT JOB JOHN!! – CARRIE WAS HER USUAL AMAZING SELF – for me, it was chill time… from start to finish!

The highlights were far too many to mention here – It’s like it was one big party from start to finish. But the special requests of “Say Little Darlin’” for Wade & Marietta really rocked tonight and “Fall” for Elaine, gave me chills from start to finish – THANKS FOR REQUESTING THAT!! – and ARIEL… Carrie & I sang so many songs especially for you – so glad you were there – hope to see you soon. KELLY… thanks so much for requesting our closing song, “We Come Up Shinin’” – what a way to end a great night.

After the show said hi to many including:

Frank & Kim tending the upstairs bar – great to see you – Frank, tell mom, Mary, I sent my love & best wishes… Carter & Regina … again thanks for the great grub… see you soon… Brit, Tina & Elaine… see you soon…personal note – Elaine, would love to see you stop smoking – you’re too young & pretty – go to the Church Of The Train Wreck (click on the “church” button on the home page) – download the stuff and let it help you (it helped me – haven’t smoked in 20 years – was smoking three packs a day!) – Hi to Jo Nikadimus??? – sorry for the misspelling Jo – GREAT TO SEE YOU – THANKS FOR COMING UPSTAIRS & GIVING US A LISTEN… hope we sound good on your Bose speakers – hi to your friend Joe…. See you soon!

Hi to Liz & Greg – loved seeing you there…. Hey to Gary & Sandy… Ryan & Shelby… HI JULIE … so nice to see you & hi Colleen… see you soon… Hi to Shane & Lauren… please say hi to Bentley… tell him we’ll look forward to seeing him next time…. Hi to Gina, Beth & Lisa (The Malvimas) for doing such a nice job opening for us! …. Hi to Mark & Anna (walking down the stairs at end) … good to see you…

CHAD & TARA… ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU… YOU KNOW THAT… SEE YOU IN NEW YORK!!! – BIG HELLO TO CARRIE’S BEAUTIFUL COUSINS. BROOKE & AMANDA –… YOU’RE THE BEST… SEE YOU IN EUROPE!!


And to all the others whose names I’ve forgotten… thanks for helping make this a most special night. GOD BLESS!

May 2 – 6, 2005 – First Leg of Red Dog Tracks Tour

May 2, 2005 – Mountain Stage

Carrie & I arrived in Parkersburg West Virginia, after renting a car and driving the 1 and 1/2 hours to Athens Ohio. We arrived at the our hotel at 8:30 PM – OK, the trip was supposed to take 45 minutes, but there’s one sign that tells you to go straight when it means “go right stupid” – Carrie & I looked that sign in the eye three separate times before we decoded it – tricky stuff - you live and learn.

After quickly freshening up we headed back to this pretty college town, looking forward to a relaxing dinner – it was 9:10 – the first recommended restaurant was just perfect – one problem – it just closed for dinner – and so was the next … & the next etc. IT WAS ONLY 9:15! – shut down except for drinking! – then we found it – CASA NUEVO – shut down for dinner BUT BAR FOOD AVAILABLE! – GREAT MEXICAN FOOD!!! – GREAT OLD TIME JAM ON STAGE – WE ATE, DRANK, MET A BUNCH OF NICE FOLKS…Mark on ukulele (had done a terrific interview with me 2 days previous), Kimbery playing great Richie Stearns-like banjo, Tim & Matt (banjo player turned old time fiddler – great getting to know you Matt – nice story about your grand folks and the fishery bus.- watch out for that hammer!) - CARRIE JOINED THE JAM – JUST A GREAT NIGHT!


May 3 - MOUNTAIN STAGE - The rehearsal & show

So great to see our Mt Stage friends, Andy Ridenauer, Larry Gross, Woogie & band members Ron, Michael, John Ahmad and Bob and vocalist Julie. Ron writes out the charts and they’re always perfect and the band is so soulful & ready – all an artist has to do is show up - THANKS BOYS – SO GREAT TO PLAY WITH YOU AGAIN!

HI TEGIN, LAUREL, JOANNE (cool hair!) & LINDA – great to see you all – LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT TIME!!

So good to share the stage with old friend Ray Wylie Hubbard – he played solo and was amazing as always – so good to see our new/ ol’ friends The Mammals… Ruth, Mike Tao, Chris & friend Nyla – such nice, talented folks –

After the show – hi to Doug, Kathy, Jeff & Mary K – so nice talking with you – thanks for the kind words

Special Hello to my new friend at Casa Nuevo .. Hey Kellie .. you’re special – it’ll get better.. I promise!! – SIP a “Jack” on me … see you and bartender friend Addison in Austin at Opal Divine’s --- don’t forget!! (hi to Jamie as well)



May 4 – Airplane Hell

Actually not so bad – leave the hotel at 3:30 AM – flight at 6:00 AM from Parkersburg to Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh to Atlanta – then Atlanta to Austin – arrive at 4:50 PM – just in time for me to get my guitar overhauled by my new friend Casey at Strait Music – THANKS CASEY

Carrie goes to moms and crashes – J.P. (John Platania) arrives at 7:00 – we head to Louis XII for martini’s and the best dinner in town – then to Opal Divines to see friends Erin, Liz & all and sip some great single malt and drink some great bear!! – MISSED YOU LAUREN! – see you on Friday!


MAY 5 - THE MUCKY DUCK – HOUSTON

( 1ST show on our RED DOG TRACKS TOUR)

Carrie, John, bassist Kyle Keggeries (from Nashville) arrive in time to do a sound check and an interview/performance on the Mucky Duck patio – with friend/host Rick – it was a nice/loose little show in front of a supportive small group – well done Rick – thanks to you, mgr Duane & your kind staff – see you soon!

THE MUCKY DUCK STAFF

great fan/friends here – great staff!!! – Rusty & Theresa own the place – old friend Shane tends the bar – what genuine terrific people - a big hello & thanks to you and the great new ladies… Sarah, Mandy, Jennifer Liz … CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL AGAIN!

THE SHOW

This has rather quickly become one of our most favorite places to play – for some reason we just get real loose here – There were too many highlights to mention just a few songs – let’s just say we collectively had a great time – no boundaries between audience and performers tonight – Kyle was great on short notice – great period! - and John was amazing – he’s a show all by himself – and again I got constant chills singing and performing with my magical partner – We really went some places tonight – “Once Again One Day….”, “Angel…”, Red Dog Tracks”, “Don’t Speak In English”, “Must Be The Whiskey”, “Private Thoughts”, “Wild Thing”, “Oh Set A Light”, “All The Rain”, “We Come Up Shinin’ “… to mention only a few – WE LOVED THIS SHOW TONIGHT. THANKS TO ALL WHO WERE THERE!! – JUST A MAGIC NIGHT!!

Hi to JIM & HIS CREW (Steven, Kristina, Jeroslav & all – so nice talking to you – what a nice spirit!) – seriously Jim … aside from the $20 you probably owe me… Carrie & I really appreciate your amazing support!! – and again, thanks for selling the CDs … see you & the gang in Europe for you’re your month long Taylor/Rodriguez bus tour –

Hi to Crystal … Carrie & I were so glad to see you again tonight!! – A BIG HELLO TO OUR NASHVILLE FRIENDS, HEATH & JUAN (pronounced Jan) – THANKS SO MUCH FOR MAKING THE TRIP – LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT TIME – and Hi John… Tell son Michael & friend (Carrie?) we’re playing Joe’s Pub on May 25 and to tap me on the shoulder if they’re there… Hi Raul so good to see you & your friend there – thanks for the “Big Moon Shinin’ request. … Special hello to John Platania's friends, Betty & Matt - John tells me nephew Johnny is a great singer/songwriter - tell him hello & that we're looking forward to hearing his demos . . Hi Rebecca & friend Sandi (y)?) – see you in Denver in a few days!... Hi Tracy… & J.P. Strong … thanks for the kind words.. best wishes with your own stuff… Hi Dwight.. don’t loose that guitar!! – nice to see you! … Hey Rick – nice to see you by the door – thanks for being there for us in Austin and here! … FRED – WELL DONE! FROM CRUTCHES TO A CANE…. LOOKING GOOD!! Hi Elizabeth – so great to see you!!! SEND REGARDS TO MOM DOROTHY – I have fond memories of Roosevelt high –Dorothy - for a while I wanted to go school there (I ended up going to Stepinac High)… hope all is well – Hi Al, Bill & John… tell Brad & The Reverend (Fred) we said hello – another John (lots of “John’s” tonight) – hi to you as well … Hey R.Dog… GARY!! – thanks for amazing support (I still have writer’s cramp!) … HI JOE – at the bar when we arrived – nice talking with you, my friend…


What a great night!! – Can’t wait to come back -

March 19, 2005 - SXSW - Cactus Cafe - Austin TX

This was our main showcase at SXSW - we love paying this famous Austin venue on the UT campus - we kicked off the evening with our show at 8:00 - the place was packed and the audience was totally with us from the beginning - so good to have Narada (Back Porch) friends/reps Mike & Sue and publicity rep, Alexis in attendance - along with other Narada artist Shannon (who is amazing by the way) -

The show

The sound was great for us tonight - it made it so easy to perform - THANKS SPOT!! - lots of highlights - maybe "Big Moon Shinin" and a loose off-the-wall therapy version of "Wild Thing" were most memorable to me - but top to bottom this was an inpired show - Carrie was magic - John Vogelsang did a terrific job on bass & JP (John Platania) was awesome on guitar - just a great damn night!!

Since it was one artist after another for these sets, we got a chance to say hi to only a few... at the venue and later at Opal Divine's.... including:

Chris & David from Ontario... great talking to you... thanks for the kind words... Hi to Harry, Linda & Lauren ... likewise.... Jim & Patty ... so good to see you... hey to East Coasters... John & Britney, Chris, David & friend Pam... Hey Zack - hope your ankle is better... at Opal's ... Jerry... nice to see you again ... (met at Mother Egan's last year) - thanks for turning Patricia on to the stuff... nice meeting you PATRICIA -- graham (7 Days fan/friend FROM NOTTINGHAM) - GREAT TALKING WITH YOU... look forward to seeing you & Judy in July (send the email!) - & MEGAN & LAUREN... great meeting you... it would be so great if you could come to the show as well... hey Brian (from KGSR)... great to see you... THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT (and the good scotch!!)

Thanks for the intro Robert... thanks for the help Walter & Jack.. Chris (behind the bar)... great to see you, my friend!

This was a great SXSW - ending with a great showcase at the Continental Club with Charlie Sexton & Shannon doing a terrific vibey set ... congrats Shannon!!! ... you're special! - then Raul Malo - and Alejandro - doing their SXSW ending magic.

What a great week! - Carrie & I will see some of you (including friends Pat & Terri) in Austin on May 6 & June 2

March 17, 2005 - SXSW - Threadgills - 6:00 PM - (John Conquest's 3d Coast Party)

Carrie & I absolutely love doing this every year - THANKS FOR THE INVITE, JOHN - keep 'em coming... we'll always be there. No wrist bands needed!! - the place was packed.

The Show

It was St. Patty's day - the bar across the street had a loud rock band playing - so we just turned up the volume and had fun - played a lot of the new ones that our fans really seemed to like - The competition across the street seemed to bring out a special uplifting version of Wild Thing - which was a real highlight for me - you can't play for a greater bunch than our Austin friends and this SXSW bunch .... Carrie & I can't thank you enough for the great support!

Our good friend Johhny Voglesang (bass) was terrific helping out on short notice. THANKS JOHNNY - & John Platania brought down the house several times with his great solos... well done John..

Hi to all Carrie's family & friends... Frances, Leslie, Katy, Tom & all ... hi to great friend Sonny & his friend Allan... hi to Heiko from Berlin... always great to see you! Special hi to our special friend, the lovely Lillian, mom Maryanne - ALWAYS SO GOOD TO SEE YOU - also hi to Bro Alex & friend Matt - nice talking with you guys on Congress the next day .... hi to Mike & Dan... & lee (John Scholle's friend)... my great Ontario friends Zina & ... hi to Carrie's bro Wills & girlfriend Courtney & friend Andy. Finally... a big hello to Florence & her terrific friends, Lucy & Helen (great to meet you!) ... see you all at the Cactus ... and then in London.

Thanks to all for your great support! - See ya soon!

PS - also Hi to new friends, a young Tanya Tucker look-a-like, Ashley & save-the-world friends, geologist Erica & chemist Sarah... hope to see you all at the Cactus!

Mar 13, 2005- Gruene Hall - New Braunfels TX

John & I flew in last night - so good to leave a chilly N.Y. and hit the Austin air - about 65 degrees with a nice breeze. Thanks to Tracy for inviting us to play at this terrific event/Food Bank Benefit at THE OLDEST AND MOST FAMOUS DANCE HALL IN TEXAS - Love this place.

Great to see old friends Slaid Cleaves & Fred Eaglesmith - they always put on great shows - they're what the best of alt-country is all about! - good to see new friend Guy Forsyth do his off-the-charts thing, drawing from several different musical influences - great job Guy! - Carrie & I - along with John Platania/guitar & Kevin Smith/upright bass closed the show - As usual, had a hell of a good time! What a great audience - played several of the new ones - highlights for me - had a great sing-a-long choir going on "Oh Set A Light" - the band was awesome on "Big River" and I can't remember doing a more inspired version of "Angel Of The Morning" - Carrie was simply magic! -

BE READY!!!! - OUR NEW ALBUM, RED DOG TRACKS, HITS THE STATIONS & THE STORES ON MAY 24 ON OUR NEW LABEL, BACK PORCH RECORDS (a division of Narada Records (EMI)) - Carrie & I are so excited about it and our new home.

Hi to - Zita, Ruth & Phyllis from Ontario - GREAT TO TALK TO YOU GUYS later at The Continental! - Hi Cindy & son Zack - thanks for the story re Wild Thing - great stuff! HI LINDSEY!! - so glad you stole Ryan's copy of our CD - DON'T GIVE IT BACK!! - Ryan... thanks my friend - hope to see you both soon! - Hi to big (tall) Jim - always great to see you my friend - same to Paul from The Netherlands & Jan & wife Liz - Hi to Ryan who heard an advanced airing of our new song "Keep Your Hat On Jenny" on KGSR/Austin on the way down. HI MEAGHAN from Ontario - so good to meet you - hope you got up here to read your shout out - see you soon!

MATSON & CARRIE - LOVE YOU GUYS!!! - hope we hook up later in the week - good luck with the Athens station!!

and to all the rest.... Thanks for a great, memorable night!!

LATER AT THE CONTINENTAL CLUB

After our show at Gruene - where else would we be!! - wound down for a few hours here, listening to the great Earl Poole Ball, Red Volkaert – Heybale!, & Kevin Smith band - what a night!! - so good to see Robert who had seen us play at the amazing 5 star restaurant/music venue, CREDO, in Trondheim, Norway - and Per who saw us play at Club Momo in Oslo.

Hi Tracy - great to see you again - and hi Laurie - glad your friend from Wales turned you on to our stuff - hope to see you both at Threadgills (THURSDAY 6:00) - DANIELLE .... and for the rest of the story... so good to meet you ... I'll tell you the would all fit that category/meaning of CRFYU next time I see you!

THAT'S IT FOR NOW!! - ONE MORE THING.... BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR "THE CHURCH OF THE TRAINWRECK" (a Podcast .... you can download the broadcast to your IPOD) .. coming your way at this site in a few weeks - What is it?? - well, it's something I've been thinking about for a while - about a 1/2 hour broadcast based on some thoughts (and directed effort) that changed my life for the better many years ago - combined with music that shows the beauty of the human spirit (songs like "Fall", "The Trouble With Humans", "Him Who Saved Me" .... John Prine's "Hello In There" .... plus some brand new ones... would all fit that category). There's no place I know where you can get a steady diet of that stuff - YOU'LL BE ABLE TO "GET YOUR SOUL IN MOTION" ... SOON - AT THE CHURCH OF THE TRAINWRECK .... good human stuff ... not devoid of a sense of humor... STAY TUNED!!

NEXT STOP .... THREADGILLS - THURSDAY NIGHT @ 6:00 PM... see some of you there!

March 5, 2005 - Ulysses - New York City

Joining Carrie & me were our good friends & brilliant musicians:
John Platania / guitar and
Tony Mercadante / bass

This was the final show of our winter residency here at this great place. Many thanks to our friends/hosts – Danny, Mike & Jason – this place will always be our home/venue when we finish touring. Happy Birthday Danny!! (March 20) – wish we could be there to celebrate with you!

This was a big night for me – My brother Barry, a scientist from PA, came to see Carrie & me perform for the first time. Barry’s the volcanologist who developed the widely used formula that predicts when volcanoes will erupt – a real hero (many of his colleagues have been killed doing this work) – Barry keeps advising around the world – he’s a great guy with a terrific sense of humor. Tonight he was here with his best friend & son in law, Ian – also a great fun guy.

Another very special thing happened:

Liz & Ito got engaged tonight. They had their first date at one of our concerts at The Bottom Line. In their honor, to start the second set, Carrie & I sang one of my favorites, “The Ship” – a song from the Black & Blue America album. We hadn’t played it in some time so we were glad to reprise it for this special occasion.

Other highlights – In the first set we played the often requested “Coalfields Of Shickshinny” – which bro Barry & I wrote together – based on a poem Barry had written about our grandfather (recorded on my Last Chance album in ’73). It was the first time that Carrie & I performed it together and it was chill time for me.

Then came the big highlight in the second half of the show. I wrote a new song for Barry called The Trouble With Scientists. It was absolute crazy/fun playing it for Barry with the entire audience laugh/singing the chorus – loved this!!

And that’s the trouble with scientists – uh hu

They know stuff – about a lot of stuff
And that’s the trouble with scientists – mm mm
They make me feel stupid – when I’m with you

These were loose spirited sets – with magic instrumental stuff from John, Tony & Carrie – just a damned good night – what a great memory. We won’t forget this one.

So hi to Liz & Ito – so great to be part of your great night!! - Hi Maggie (from Austin) – so glad you came back!! – great to see you & Tommie (Maggie’s mom) – thanks for flyin’ in!! – Hi Joe & Rendi … so good to talk with you - Hi to Steve & Doris, Barry (hope that’s right - can’t read my writing) & Sigrid – Leslie, David (from Mozambique – wish we had more time – all the best), Albert & Caroline from Florida – nice talking with you – Hi Cory & Jesse – great talking with you – Send our regards to Calib in Mass – tell him thanks for the suggestion – we’ll see him soon - Jeanne & friend Peggy, so great to see you!!! - & Rhonda – Kelly, Joan & JOLI (opera singer) & boyfriend Michael – so good to SEE you off to my right…. And special hi to my Parnel friends, Michael & Elaine – thanks for bringing your friends….Always great to see Bobby & Joan, my Joanie & Mary – Al & Debbie, Jen & Jeff … you’re the best… & all the others… thanks for being there … Adam. thanks for stopping by… talk to you next week …. what a special night!!!

Thanks to our friends/waitresses Christine & Martha for your great service, spirit & kindness. See you soon.

Feb 5 - Ulysses - New York City

This was to be the last in our residency series at this great place before going on tour. BUT WE DECIDED WE COULD FIT ONE MORE IN. SO WE’LL BE BACK ON MARCH 5 - SEE YOU THEN.

A special thanks to a few fans who traveled a great distance to be here. Steve & Katherine became fans this past year and Steve’s Christmas present to his lovely wife Katherine was plane ticket from South Carolina and a front row ticket to our show - GREAT TO MEET YOU BOTH - Hope to see you soon again.

And then there was Lucy & Sebastien who drove 11 hours from Quebec to be here - God bless you “guys” - hope you had a safe drive home - see you soon as well.

The Show

Sometimes the human element brings out the best in a show - and it was that way tonight. Our terrific sound man was responsible for two venue set ups tonight so was a bit late in arriving. So we were about a half hour late to hit the stage. Then the strap on my guitar and my half-blind cohort - the amazing guitarist, John Plantania (Van Morrison etc. fame) - somehow threaded the strap back between the strings and we were off and running. WHAT A GREAT AUDIENCE - just a bunch of friends sharing a variety of emotions together.

This was as loose and spirited as it gets. Highlights were many … but one for sure was a requested “Dirty Little Texas Story” - where the requestor guided me through some forgotten lyrics. Thank God he remembered!! Well done!! - Was that you Dan?? Also what a great group sing on the new “Oh Set A Light” - I got chills listening to that.

Carrie was spectacular and inspiring as usual - And you can’t get more spontaneous and soulful than John & Tony Mercadante (The Merc man - on bass) - I just love the bunch of us trading off each other - never knowing where we’re going and listening and enjoying what each of us is doing on the ride - great joy!

Hi to:

Steve, Katherine - Lucy & Sebastian - hope to see you soon - Again - thanks for the big effort getting here! Thanks John & the gang for being there again & again & for being the early birds - Carrie and friends Karen & Andrew & all - Henry & Harry & Camilla - see you at Schillers. Hi Katka & Barb - so glad you made it! - Brad & Debbie - so good to see you - thanks for the drink - see you on the 5th!! - Curtis (the handsome actor) - great meeting you … lovely Meg (with the cool hat ) hope to see you soon - thanks to your friend for getting you here!! - tell London Steve Gilpin we appreciate his support & suggestion & that we’ll see him in July - Gary - thanks for always being there - Hi Eileen - glad you could make it - THANKS FOR THE GAG GIFT!!! - Hi Lilly - nice hanging out with you - best with your CD - Hi Maria & Malissa & banjo great Fletcher - HI Maggie & Jamie & Bruce & friends – and the other nice Carrie friend I spoke with whose name escapes me (sorry!) - see you all soon - Thanks to my Joanie, Chuck, Mary, & Joan & Bobby - LOVE YA!

THANKS DANNY - JAYSON - YOU’RE THE BEST!! - hi and thanks to the great staff: Tracie, Christine. Michael & the crew. And our protector in the back…. Hey Paul… always good to see you.

This was a special night - again… hope to see you on March 5th

Nov 27, 2004 – New York City

Venue – The Saturday Evening Music Series at ULYSSES

Please read the notes from our previous show at this terrific place to get an understanding as to why we’re doing this residency, what the place is like & a bit about the owner, my friend Danny MacDonald & his great staff. Hi Paul, thanks for coming early and the nice words. See you next time.

Chip & Carrie at Ulysses - photo by Gary Winter 

Given that it was Thanksgiving weekend we weren’t expecting much of a crowd but instead were pleasantly surprised to find a packed house. And this was a special one for several reasons – celebrities in the house included:

1) terrific music critic Michael Ross

2) the most successful horse race handicapper of all time & my former gambling cohort, Ernie Dahlman. Ernie stopped by with his lovely wife MELINDA & some close friends. The New York Times called Ernie “The wizard Of Odds” & they were correct… Nobody does this stuff better!

3) 2 star athletes, both excelling in soccer & swimming, Riley & Kate Ennis. These terrific young ladies were accompanied by their parents Frank & Kelly & grandma Joan & friends Chuck, Marcella & Dave. OK, so they happen to be my grandkids (Kell’s my terrific daughter… Joan’s is her wonderful mom!). Kate (4) & Riley (6) were certainly celebs tonight!! THANKS SO MUCH MARY FOR BABYSITTING SAM (other one-year-old grandkid) SO ALL THIS COULD BE POSSIBLE!!


The Show

Anybody who knows me knows how much I love being on stage with Carrie. Magic always happens. And tonight the magic was enhanced by the brilliant musicianship of friends John Platania on guitar & Tony Mercadante on bass. I can’t remember enjoying one more.

The first half of the show was based around Kate & Riley’s favorites which included “Let’s Leave This Town”, “Sweet Tequila Blues” and a couple from our CD scheduled for April release, “My Buckets Got A Hole In It” & “Keep Your Hat On Jenny” . We improvised a couple of choruses to fit Kate & Riley in the song… great fun!!

The second half featured songs from the previous two duet CDs plus lots from the upcoming one. Far too many highlights to mention. Just great loose spirited playing. John & Tony were awesome and Carrie was so inspiring!! It does not get better than this… just one hell of a night!!


So good to meet so many after the show including:

Our Delaware Bluegrass friends Tom & Jay & DJ Dave & Laura … so good to see you again… John & Pat from New Jersey… so glad you finally got a chance to see us…. Brad & Debbie … Carrie & I were glad you requested “Dirty Little Texas Story” … hadn’t done that one for a while… it was so much fun recalling it!…. those that follow our web site know that I am a guest vocalist on one of the best UK/Ireland bands THE BEATIFUL SOUTH’s new single “This Old Skin” … The band is comprised of several guys & one terrific girl singer, Allison Wheeler… Allyson’s father & mom in-law were here tonight Ginny & Henry & son… so great to see you!!! – Hi & love to Allison…. Hi to lovely Cecile & Steve … so nice talking with you… hey Brian… yeah… Merrilee Rush had the first hit on “Angel Of The Morning”… CLAUGIO & BROOKE … MY GREAT FRIENDS … thanks so much for coming…thanks so much for the flowers (me too . . wow!) Hi Sandy & Norman… thanks so much for making the trip!!! – Hi to my great friend Gauillaume & new friend Anne .. so good to see you out there. .. special hello to my old friend Suzanne… what a great surprise.. hope to see you soon! .. Barb from Shickshinny … THANKS FOR COMING BACK!! – let’s talk next time… special hi to Keefe & Kristen & Sarah & Keith.. so great to see you .. AND THANKS FOR THE RIDE IN THAT AWESOME VEHICLE!! .

A BIG THANKS & HELLO TO THE MELISSA CONTINGENT!! (Melissa saw Carrie & I at The Big Apple Bluegrass Fest and has since turned her friends on to us)
… here they are… hi to Maria… so nice talking with you & Sarah Verdisco… so nice seeing you … and Mary, Denise, Theresa, Ralphie, Chrissy, Steve, & Nichole – MALISSA … THANKS SO MUCH FOR BRINGING YOUR GREAT FRIENDS… CARRIE & I APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT …See you all on Jan 22… DON’T FORGET!

Jay – Carrie wants to thank you for the fancy magnets – she loves them!

What a great bunch of friends … to these and all the rest… Carrie & I really appreciate your warm, enthusiastic support. WHAT A NIGHT!!

And special thanks to terrific mgr, Jason, friendly waitresses, Christine & Martha, my new friends bartender John & doorman, Paul. Thanks to all!!… look forward to seeing you on Jan 22.

November 13, 2004 - New York City

venue - ULYSSES (SATURDAY EVENING MUSIC SERIES)
located in the Wall Street area @ 95 Pearl St.

Since Carrie & I are in New York these days working on the completion of our next CD, we decided to look for a local place to hang our hat and stay musically sharp – and test out songs from our upcoming album. The place we chose, Ulysses, is owned by our good friend Danny MacDonald. Danny also owns friendly uptown Irish bars, Puck Fair & Swifts.

During the week this new/trendy double Irish bar/restaurant is packed with young locals who party hard here after their Wall Street work hours. The music’s loud, the food is damned good and the place has a great selection of whiskeys & beers.

However on weekends the place is quieter. Danny had pre-decided to use the calmer atmosphere to his advantage by starting a candle light folk series in the larger of the two bar areas. So, as if by magic, the big tables disappear, replaced by smaller more intimate ones with enough chairs & stools to hold about 100 plus listeners. At the same time a stage rolls out in the front area that fits a small band comfortably and the big steel doors slide over to totally shut out sound from the next room. The pre-planned, already built, in state-of-the-art sound system is then activated by a terrific sound engineer Kahel.

What you’re left with is one of the coolest, most intimate – thankfully not totally reverent - music rooms in all of New York!


9:00 PM Show Time

Since we’re the first act to play Danny’s dream folk series, none of us knew what to expect. But by show time the place was comfortably full and there was a great vibe in the room. Old friends & brilliant musicians, Tony Mercadante (bass) & John Platania (gtr) joined us. And what a great night it was! I never felt a Taylor/Rodriguez vibe stronger. A lot of credit going to the stuff we were getting back from this great bunch in attendance. And Tony & John were amazing.

After a very upbeat first half, which ended with the most inspired version of “Angel Of The Morning” as we’ve ever done (Carrie & I went some place very special here - total chill time for me!) - we started the second half with more moody songs from our upcoming album (scheduled for a Spring release). For the first time ever, we stayed with the new stuff almost the entire second half. It was so rewarding to test the stuff out and get such wonderful feedback from this great audience. Toward the end, we paid tribute to Johnny Cash with a rousing version of “Big River”, did an extremely therapeutic version of “Wild Thing” (no psychiatrists needed for this bunch after that sing-a-long) and double encored with “All The Rain” and as precious a version of “We Come Up Shinin’” as I can remember. WHAT A GREAT NIGHT!!

WE ARE SO LOOKING FORWARD TO PLAYING HERE AGAIN ON NOV. 27.

Carrie & I said hi to so many nice people after the show, including:

Joe & Joanne .. fans from Toronto. So glad you were here & thanks for the kind words about “The Trouble With Humans” etc… hi to San Antonio friend Liz & friend Linda… so nice of you to come … send regards to Dee Dee & Marsha… Hi Toney … see you tomorrow.. great meet Daisy … Great to see Carrie’s great friends Roedean and Tom front & center … sorry we didn’t get a chance to talk afterwards… next time.. hey Phil.. nice to see you.. Hi to Marie .