From: owner-jangle-poets-digest@smoe.org (jangle-poets-digest) To: jangle-poets-digest@smoe.org Subject: jangle-poets-digest V2 #82 Reply-To: jangle-poets@smoe.org Sender: owner-jangle-poets-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-jangle-poets-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk jangle-poets-digest Tuesday, December 19 2000 Volume 02 : Number 082 Today's Subjects: ----------------- [jangle-poets] NYT review [Fantine729@aol.com] [jangle-poets] NYT review [Fantine729@aol.com] [jangle-poets] Videos... ["David J Percy" ] [jangle-poets] The Nanci Connection... ["David J Percy" ] [jangle-poets] "Merry Merry Christmas" [HarchOhio@aol.com] [jangle-poets] Moving on up... [Harry A Keates ] Re: [jangle-poets] "Merry Merry Christmas" [Fantine729@aol.com] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 11:06:19 EST From: Fantine729@aol.com Subject: [jangle-poets] NYT review The Downtown Messiah performance was reviewed in today's New York Times, including mention of Pete and Maura, who, according to the reviewer, "glowed cutely." Rumor has it this is the Kennedys' first review ever in the New York Times. Anyone else hearing the theme song to "The Jeffersons" ("we're moving on up.....)"? :-) Peace, Sheila 'The Downtown Messiah': Let the Good Tidings Roll http://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/18/arts/18MESS.html December 18, 2000 POP REVIEW By ANN POWERS Midway through the first performance of Handel's "Messiah" on Friday at the Bottom Line, Jane Siberry laughed. This singer had paused to catch her breath during one of the oratorio's many grace-note-laden passages, but instead of hiding her vocal imperfection, she chuckled and rolled her eyes at the challenging phrase. The crowd applauded, all smiles. This warm moment typified "The Downtown Messiah," the easygoing pageant that is becoming a holiday staple at this popular club. Richard Barone, the event's director, has stated the desire to keep Handel's sacred cow alive through respectful modernization. He has done so less by forcing in cutting-edge sounds than by letting his vibrant cast show off its humanity through this treasured work. The arrangements by Peter Kiesewalter, who also played piano and clarinet, cleverly balanced traditionalism with pop renewal. The 20-voice chorus, directed by Margaret Dorn, followed an orthodox path through Handel's ornate harmonies. But the "orchestra," which included a four-piece string section, a trumpeter, an electric bassist and a drummer, expanded the dynamics to encompass jazz, gospel, rock and even a dash of country. And when each soloist stepped forward, this "Messiah" bent to his or her vision, not just of the Bible story but of the art of singing itself. After a lovely a cappella turn by the Accidentals, Vernon Reid and Gordon Chambers took the "Messiah" somewhere Handel had never imagined. Churning out a funky riff, Mr. Reid used his guitar to connect the Baroque to the blues. Mr. Chambers had some fun leading the audience members in a gospel-style sing-along. He got them laughing at their own inability to keep up with his jazzy embellishments. The most radical revisionist was David Johansen, whose chameleon career has recently taken him into the folk styles of the rural south. Eerily simulating the aged bluesmen he admires, Mr. Johansen turned his air into a gospel stomp. Catherine Russell joined him for a climactic rave-up, shouting praise with an abandon that would have turned Handel as pale as his powdered wig. Other singers opened up the text to make room for their own proclivities. Ms. Siberry shone on her second turn, her voice twinkling like a falling star as she sang, "If God Be for Us, Who Can Be Against Us?" Maggie and Terre Roche, who started their careers singing carols on the New York streets with their sister, Suzzy, performed their air with their usual understated finesse. The husband-wife team of Pete and Maura Kennedy glowed cutely as they entwined their voices and strummed acoustic guitars. Ann Marie Milazzo and Ms. Dorn shot some rock 'n' roll adrenaline into their solos. Mr. Barone did the same, his silver-sequined shirt gleaming as he vanquished the final solo's high notes. The night's most flexible soloist might have been the least noticed. Reading the oratorio's many recitatives, the veteran radio personality Vin Scelsa retold the story of Jesus' eternal life cycle with flair. As Gary Lucas played hypnotic ambient guitar, Mr. Scelsa spoke in a voice that could have been any wondering shepherd's, bringing to life the story that makes this "Messiah" mean so much to so many. Check out the Kennedys' Official Home Page: http://www.KennedysMusic.com/ Fab photos, the Official tour diary, dashboard Buddha haiku, groovy merchandise...what more could you ask for? ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 16:34:03 EST From: Fantine729@aol.com Subject: [jangle-poets] NYT review The Downtown Messiah performance was reviewed in today's New York Times, including mention of Pete and Maura, who, according to the reviewer, "glowed cutely." Rumor has it this is the Kennedys' first review ever in the New York Times. Anyone else hearing the theme song to "The Jeffersons" ("we're moving on up.....)"? :-) Peace, Sheila 'The Downtown Messiah': Let the Good Tidings Roll http://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/18/arts/18MESS.html December 18, 2000 POP REVIEW By ANN POWERS Midway through the first performance of Handel's "Messiah" on Friday at the Bottom Line, Jane Siberry laughed. This singer had paused to catch her breath during one of the oratorio's many grace-note-laden passages, but instead of hiding her vocal imperfection, she chuckled and rolled her eyes at the challenging phrase. The crowd applauded, all smiles. This warm moment typified "The Downtown Messiah," the easygoing pageant that is becoming a holiday staple at this popular club. Richard Barone, the event's director, has stated the desire to keep Handel's sacred cow alive through respectful modernization. He has done so less by forcing in cutting-edge sounds than by letting his vibrant cast show off its humanity through this treasured work. The arrangements by Peter Kiesewalter, who also played piano and clarinet, cleverly balanced traditionalism with pop renewal. The 20-voice chorus, directed by Margaret Dorn, followed an orthodox path through Handel's ornate harmonies. But the "orchestra," which included a four-piece string section, a trumpeter, an electric bassist and a drummer, expanded the dynamics to encompass jazz, gospel, rock and even a dash of country. And when each soloist stepped forward, this "Messiah" bent to his or her vision, not just of the Bible story but of the art of singing itself. After a lovely a cappella turn by the Accidentals, Vernon Reid and Gordon Chambers took the "Messiah" somewhere Handel had never imagined. Churning out a funky riff, Mr. Reid used his guitar to connect the Baroque to the blues. Mr. Chambers had some fun leading the audience members in a gospel-style sing-along. He got them laughing at their own inability to keep up with his jazzy embellishments. The most radical revisionist was David Johansen, whose chameleon career has recently taken him into the folk styles of the rural south. Eerily simulating the aged bluesmen he admires, Mr. Johansen turned his air into a gospel stomp. Catherine Russell joined him for a climactic rave-up, shouting praise with an abandon that would have turned Handel as pale as his powdered wig. Other singers opened up the text to make room for their own proclivities. Ms. Siberry shone on her second turn, her voice twinkling like a falling star as she sang, "If God Be for Us, Who Can Be Against Us?" Maggie and Terre Roche, who started their careers singing carols on the New York streets with their sister, Suzzy, performed their air with their usual understated finesse. The husband-wife team of Pete and Maura Kennedy glowed cutely as they entwined their voices and strummed acoustic guitars. Ann Marie Milazzo and Ms. Dorn shot some rock 'n' roll adrenaline into their solos. Mr. Barone did the same, his silver-sequined shirt gleaming as he vanquished the final solo's high notes. The night's most flexible soloist might have been the least noticed. Reading the oratorio's many recitatives, the veteran radio personality Vin Scelsa retold the story of Jesus' eternal life cycle with flair. As Gary Lucas played hypnotic ambient guitar, Mr. Scelsa spoke in a voice that could have been any wondering shepherd's, bringing to life the story that makes this "Messiah" mean so much to so many. Check out the Kennedys' Official Home Page: http://www.KennedysMusic.com/ Fab photos, the Official tour diary, dashboard Buddha haiku, groovy merchandise...what more could you ask for? ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2000 09:03:31 +1100 From: "David J Percy" Subject: [jangle-poets] Videos... Hi Janglers, I eventually managed to download the vids for Free and Pick You Up and I've gotta say I'm mightily impressed. Free is the better one for m, but they're both smashing. Does anyone have any info on the type of kit that was used to make them - cameras and the like ? Presumably it was all fairly low / no budget stuff (which is a compliment, rather than a critism). I'm keen to make a short and at the moment am researching cameras. BTW did Pete really hate doing these vids ? Maura looks well happy, but Pete looks a bit, well anxious... DjP Check out the Kennedys' Official Home Page: http://www.KennedysMusic.com/ Fab photos, the Official tour diary, dashboard Buddha haiku, groovy merchandise...what more could you ask for? ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2000 09:08:37 +1100 From: "David J Percy" Subject: [jangle-poets] The Nanci Connection... Hi Jingle-Jangles, I was reading somewhere (ask me not where, I can't remember) that P & M used to be in Nanci Griffith's band. Is this a true factoid ? P & M were in the Blue Moon Orchestra ? Does anyone have any stories about this ? When were they Nanci-ing and for how long ? Were they recording or touring or both ? The reason for such fervent interest is that Nanci was the artist that really got me into folk music and by extension, the Kennedys (Nanci to Dar to The Nields to The Kennedys). I was a huge Nanci fan at one stage and still take a great interest in what she's up to. I've seen her live more than any other artist (most recently May this year). The more I hear about P&M, the more I llike them I think. Fascinated of Sydney, DjP Check out the Kennedys' Official Home Page: http://www.KennedysMusic.com/ Fab photos, the Official tour diary, dashboard Buddha haiku, groovy merchandise...what more could you ask for? ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 17:33:00 -0500 From: Harry A Keates Subject: Re: [jangle-poets] The Nanci Connection... Hi David, Check out the Kennedys home page http://www.kennedysmusic.com and look for the Kennedys Kronikles, it has the complete history of Pete and Maura, including their time with Nanci. Also, on the photo page are pictures with Nanci. P&M are still frinds with and musically invloved with Nanci as well, so you can look forward to more associations in the future. Harry On Tue, 19 Dec 2000 09:08:37 +1100 "David J Percy" writes: > Hi Jingle-Jangles, > I was reading somewhere (ask me not where, I can't remember) that P > & M used > to be in Nanci Griffith's band. Is this a true factoid ? P & M > were in the > Blue Moon Orchestra ? Does anyone have any stories about this ? > When were > they Nanci-ing and for how long ? Were they recording or touring or > both ? ________________________________________________________________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. Check out the Kennedys' Official Home Page: http://www.KennedysMusic.com/ Fab photos, the Official tour diary, dashboard Buddha haiku, groovy merchandise...what more could you ask for? ------------------------------ Date: 18 Dec 00 19:58:07 EST From: CONE HEAD-REX Subject: [jangle-poets] Every time I turn around... Hey, could U folknics quit putting unintellegible notes on my car... or mayB write your phone # clearer? Would that B 2 much 2 ask? C-Head coneh@usa.net Check out the Kennedys' Official Home Page: http://www.KennedysMusic.com/ Fab photos, the Official tour diary, dashboard Buddha haiku, groovy merchandise...what more could you ask for? ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 22:53:21 EST From: HarchOhio@aol.com Subject: [jangle-poets] "Merry Merry Christmas" What a nice surprise today! My Kennedys Fan Club Christmas package came ...a CD-R of a great new Christmas song from Pete and Maura! Hope you're all members and get your very own copy. It's really good! (And if you're NOT yet members, now's a good time to sign up, so you're sure to be on the list NEXT year!) Frank Check out the Kennedys' Official Home Page: http://www.KennedysMusic.com/ Fab photos, the Official tour diary, dashboard Buddha haiku, groovy merchandise...what more could you ask for? ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 22:55:29 -0500 From: Harry A Keates Subject: [jangle-poets] Moving on up... earlier today, Sheila asked if anyone heard the Jefferson's theme playing in regards to the Kennedys after their appearence in the NYTimes, well, I did, and I saw it too .... : ) check it out: http://hakmusic.com/kennedys/kennedys.html - - Harry ________________________________________________________________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. Check out the Kennedys' Official Home Page: http://www.KennedysMusic.com/ Fab photos, the Official tour diary, dashboard Buddha haiku, groovy merchandise...what more could you ask for? ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 23:11:12 EST From: Fantine729@aol.com Subject: Re: [jangle-poets] "Merry Merry Christmas" > (And if you're NOT yet members, now's a good time to sign up, so you're sure > This info is at the Kennedys' website, but I'm bored and thought I'd send it to the list. I second, third, fourth, fifth, ad. inf. Frank's praise of the CD.....I thought it was the sweetest thing (and it dovetails very nicely with my Carpenters' Christmas album). I have listened to it for much of the day, and even the cop who pulled me over for running a red light (it was YELLOW) commented favorably on it. In my opinion, this song was worth every penny (and more!) of the membership for the fan club, and Rob White does a really amazing job with the newsletters and all. So sign up now!! Offer not available in stores..... Here's the info from the website (you can also e-mail Rob at robwhite@erols.com): You are invited to join The Kennedys' Fan Club. For a yearly fee of $5.00 US (or $10 overseas) you will receive the following: A fan club newsletter four times a year. A fan club membership card. A fan club membership pin (or badge for our UK fans). A special Kennedys Christmas card every December. Offers for special stuff that will not be sold to the general public. We will also offer recordings and t-shirts through our fan club address, in case you forgot to buy them at the concerts. To join, send a check made out to Robbie White to the following address: Kennedys' Fan Club Robbie White, President 1401 Billman Lane Silver Spring, MD 20902 Peace, Sheila So I say merry, merry Christmas; winter's here again. Time for every person to remember every friend, and so I share with you this greeting and wishing you were near: Merry, merry Christmas this year. ~ The Kennedys There are THREE now!! Please check out Pete and Maura Kennedy's music videos!! http://www.hakmusic.com/kennedys/kennedys.html Check out the Kennedys' Official Home Page: http://www.KennedysMusic.com/ Fab photos, the Official tour diary, dashboard Buddha haiku, groovy merchandise...what more could you ask for? ------------------------------ End of jangle-poets-digest V2 #82 *********************************