John Surge & The Haymakers: “Maybe You Don’t Know Me” (2024) CD Review

When I saw John Surge & The Haymakers play at DiPiazza’s a couple of months ago, one of my favorite songs of his set was “You Don’t Know Me.” And now that song is the lead track of his new EP, Maybe You Don’t Know Me. The disc is the follow-up to the band’s acclaimed 2023 album Almost Time, and it features mostly original material, written or co-written by John Surge, along with one cool cover (which he also played at that Long Beach show). The band for this release includes John Surge on vocals and acoustic guitar, Randy Volin on electric guitar and backing vocals, Brad Fordham (of Dave Alvin & The Guilty Ones) on bass, Tom Lewis on drums, Floyd Domino on piano and organ, Tommy Detamore on pedal steel, Kevin Jarvis on percussion, and Brennan Leigh on backing vocals, along with some special guests on different tracks. The EP was produced by Tommy Detamore at his Cherry Ridge Studio in Floresville, Texas (where John Surge also recorded Almost Time).

The EP opens with “You Don’t Know Me,” a delicious and energetic country number that features some great stuff by Tommy Detamore on pedal steel and by Floyd Domino on piano. John Surge is known for his energetic concerts, and, unlike some bands, he is able to translate that energy to his studio releases, which is clear on this track. “Maybe you think I got something to say/Maybe you think somehow I lost my way/Maybe you think I got a story to tell/Maybe you don’t know me very well.” Well, whatever he may have to say, he delivers it in an absolutely fun country tune. This track also features a strong guitar lead. I remember Randy Volin receiving appreciative applause during this song at that concert. John Carroll plays rhythm guitar on this one. The band keeps things rocking with “Marisol,” a song John Surge wrote with Mike Jacoby. It has the feel of summer, and the guitar work has a bit of a rock and roll thing happening at times. Great stuff. And it has a beat that will get you dancing. Plus, it features Michael Guerra on accordion, delivering some wonderful work. “We drove up to watch the sun go down/She asked me what I think/I stumbled around like a drunken fool/Looking for another drink.” This song is delicious fun. “She said, Tell me when you’re going to leave L.A.” Well, with music like this playing in L.A., I don’t ever want to leave.

“Barstool” has a somewhat softer and prettier sound, and features both pedal steel and fiddle. That’s Jess Meador on fiddle, who plays with Tommy Detamore in the Texas band Jake Hook & The Outsiders. It also features an absolutely wonderful vocal performance. At the beginning, he offers this description of a woman: “Jet-black hair, too much makeup, turned up nose/And purple fingernails matching purple toes.” But it is what she does in a moment that wins him over: “And you fell off your barstool and I fell in love with you/I helped you up, but you wouldn’t look at me/Brushed back your hair, and you dusted off your knees.” Yes, it’s a love song. “I know you hate it when I talk about the past/You say we’re different now, we’ve chosen different paths/You quit drinking and got a brand new life/Not a day goes by when I don’t think about that night/When you fell off that barstool and I fell in love with you.”

The EP’s sole cover is John Stewart’s “Gold,” which was released as a single in 1979, that recording featuring both Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. John Surge & The Haymakers maintain the core vibe of the original recording, while putting their own mark on it, including some excellent work by Jess Meador on fiddle. Brennen Leigh takes on the Stevie Nicks role in this version. “California girls are the greatest in the world/Each one a song in the making.” It’s fun to revisit this one, and this band does a great job with it. Dave Bernal adds some really nice work on harmonica. The EP then concludes with “Stand My Ground,” this one also featuring good stuff on fiddle. It’s a song about a breakup after a move to Los Angeles. I had a relationship end soon after our move to this city, but that turned out to be a very good thing. “But this ain’t Hollywood or Disneyland/Guess we never found the promised land/Everything is turning upside down/It’s getting really hard to stand my ground.”

CD Track List

1. You Don’t Know Me
2. Marisol
3. Barstool
4. Gold
5. Stand My Ground

Maybe You Don’t Know Me was released on September 20, 2024 on Blackbird Record Label.

Kenny Kosek: “Twisted Sage” (2024) CD Review

Bluegrass fiddle player Kenny Kosek has played with a lot of the greats. For me personally, the most impressive credit on his resume is his appearance on Leonard Cohen’s Various Positions, one of my two favorite albums. My other favorite, by the way, is Grateful Dead’s American Beauty, and Kenny Kosek also played in the Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band, so there is that connection too. On his new album, Twisted Sage, he teams up with banjo player Tony Trischka, someone he has performed with for decades. Also joining Kenny Kosek on certain tracks are Andy Statman, Marty Cutler and Mark Cosgrove. These tracks were recorded over a period of several years.

The album opens with a good rendition of “Streak O’ Lean Streak O’ Fat,” which features just Kenny Kosek and Tony Trischka. This track has a great southern flavor. It feels like it’s inviting us to its table outside, where there is a whole lot of food, a whole lot of conversation, and a whole lot of friendly faces. It has that kind of pleasant, loose vibe, and it is that spirit which drives the music on this album. This track was recorded back in 2013. That’s followed by the album’s title track, “Twisted Sage,” which also features just Kosek and Trischka. This one is an original tune, written by Kenny Kosek. I love the title, for its multiple meanings, including the plant and some kind of deranged or depraved wise man. The music conjures images of both. Apparently there is also a yoga pose called the sage twist, which rotates the spine and has a calming effect, and perhaps you’ll hear some of that too. For me, it’s mainly about the deranged wise man. You know, the kind of person you can learn some things from if you can align yourself with his unconventional delivery. The fiddle drives this one. This track was recorded in 2014.

“Lost River Medley” has a pretty, somewhat contemplative, and relaxed feel as it starts on banjo. After a minute or so, Kenny comes in on fiddle, maintaining that general vibe. The fiddle then begins to transport us to a different time and place. I love when music is able to do that. The pace picks up approximately halfway through, and the track becomes a light dance in that last section. This one was recorded in 2017. Andy Statman then joins them on mandolin for “Turkeys In The Straw,” a tune that is likely familiar to everyone. This rendition has kind of a cool, loose vibe, and features some outstanding stuff on mandolin. I have to imagine the musicians were smiling while playing this one. It takes us on a delightful ride, and toward the end, just when you think the track is ending, the pace suddenly increases, and the energy is tremendous. This track is a lot of fun. “Turkeys In The Straw” was recorded in 2014.

“Lady Hamilton” is a traditional number that invites us to a lively dance. It is performed here by Kosek and Trischka, without any guests. This track was recorded in 2013. Then Andy Statman again joins them on mandolin for “Jewish Dance,” which was recorded in 2014. This is another piece that transports us, and it features some fantastic playing, including some unusual tones from the mandolin. Interestingly, Andy Statman had previously recorded this song with his own band, and for that rendition he was on clarinet. This is another of my personal favorites from this disc. It is followed by “Gojira County Breakdown.” When I first glanced at the album’s track list, this is the one I was most excited to hear. I mean, how often is Godzilla mentioned on a bluegrass album? I grew up watching those movies on “Creature Double Feature” on Channel 56 in Massachusetts, and am still happy when I get a chance to watch one. Plus, this title shows a certain sense of humor. Anyway, this track includes an adaptation of “Japanese Army March” from the original Godzilla film (Gojira is the movie’s original title). I have a feeling that movie would take on a different vibe if you played this track while watching it, and I hope someone makes a cut doing just that. On this track, Kenny Kosek is joined by Marty Cutler on banjo, and the two deliver some wonderful and interesting work. This track was recorded in 2016.

I grew up hearing quite a bit of Irish folk music (my last name is Doherty, after all), and so it makes sense that I would also love bluegrass, for there are many similarities. Anyway, “Texas,” despite its title, makes me think more of Ireland (and perhaps Scotland) than Texas. It contains some beautiful work on fiddle. This one was recorded in 2013. Then Kenny Kosek pairs “Da New Rigged Ship” with “Polly Grand,” the pace picking up during the transition, the track becoming lively and loose and delightful. There are some surprising and exciting touches on both fiddle and banjo. That’s followed by “Bill Cheatham.” Marty Cutler plays banjo on this one, and this track too has some unexpected moments, which I love, keeping this traditional number fresh. This track was recorded in 2022. Then we get a really nice rendition of Fiddlin’ Doc Roberts’ “Deer Walk,” coming at us at a good pace and engaging us in a group dance. This track was recorded in 2013.

Mark Cosgrove joins Kenny Kosek on guitar on “Evan’s Farewell,” composed by Alan Kaufman. This one makes me smile from beginning to end. It features beautiful, wonderful, joyous work from both musicians. This is a live track recorded in 2006, and the audience applause is included at the end. This is a piece that Kenny Kosek also included on his 1997 release, Angelwood. It is followed by another live recording, “Maiden’s Prayer,” this one from 2013. It has a sweet country vibe, and features Andy Statman on mandolin. It is another of the disc’s highlights. From that same show on October 19, 2013 comes “Forked Deer,” an energetic number featuring some exciting playing, particularly on banjo. Andy Statman is again on mandolin, delivering great stuff, as always. The album concludes with “William Cheatham,” an original composition by Kenny Kosek, inspired by having played “Bill Cheatham” for so many years. On this one he is joined by Marty Cutler on banjo. The banjo has an interesting and compelling sound, some of it having been digitally processed. This track was recorded in 2016.

CD Track List

1. Streak O’ Lean Streak O’ Fat
2. Twisted Sage
3. Lost River Medley
4. Turkeys In The Straw
5. Lady Hamilton
6. Jewish Dance
7. Gojira County Breakdown
8. Texas
9. Da New Rigged Ship/Polly Grand
10. Bill Cheatham
11. Deer Walk
12. Evan’s Farewell
13. Maiden’s Prayer
14. Forked Deer
15. William Cheatham

Twisted Sage was released on September 6, 2024 on Shefa Records.

EZ Tiger Celebrates Vinyl Release With Special Show At Permanent Records Roadhouse

EZ Tiger playing "Swimming"

In 2020 (remember that crazy year?), EZ Tiger released Catapulting Stars digitally. But it was a time when concerts were put on hold, and music had moved from bars and clubs to websites, so artists were not able to promote releases with a tour. And while EZ Tiger is now busy writing and recording new material, these musicians decided to give Catapulting Stars a proper vinyl release and second chance at life before releasing anything new. And so last night they had a record release party at Permanent Records Roadhouse, a venue that is a record store, a music hall and a bar. I’ve said this before, but you can be pretty sure you’re in for something special when other musicians are in the audience, and last night Evie Sands and Probyn Gregory were among those who attended this release show.

Kristy before the set

Before the set, drummer Kristy McInnis was joking around on the keyboard, and we were all pretty happy because the DJ had just played The Monkees’ “Someday Man.” I looked around, and I wasn’t the only one singing along to that song. It was that kind of evening. And Kristy’s goofing a bit on keys was part of that fun tone. Moments later the band started the set with “Swimming,” a song from Catapulting Stars. As you’d expect, the set focused on material from the record. Bass player Teresa Cowles (yes, the same Teresa Cowles who is also a member of John Surge And The Haymakers and who plays in Ben Vaughn’s band) had sound troubles, and someone produced a new cable. There was still a bit of crackling during the second song, “There You Are,” the lead track from the album, but the band rocked right through whatever issues were happening. “It’s the jack,” it was determined. “The jack is jacked.” But by the third song, “Nowhere Now,” everything was worked out, and everything sounded great. That was followed by the album’s title track. I love the joy to this band’s rock. It feels like how music should be, you know?

"Heavy Metal Bridge"

“If anyone wants to join us on the chorus, it’s one word,” lead vocalist and guitarist Tina DiGeorge said while introducing “Go!” Teresa added, “It’s two letters.” Debbie Shair, at a couple of key moments, switched from keyboard to tambourine during this song, adding another fun element, while Kristy was kicking ass on the drums. They then mentioned the album, with Tina saying that they originally “released it in the least opportune time,” and now it is getting a fresh life, a real chance. They then played “Tether,” and followed it with “Last Confession,” calling the latter the “slow jam of the evening.” Every song up to that point was from the record. They then played a couple of songs from an earlier release, “Go Home” and “Path.” They followed those with “Dag.” Afterward, Teresa told the crowd that she hadn’t been at the soundcheck, that David Nolte had stood in for her, and she hadn’t been aware that they’d changed the ending to the song. But of course she’s such a professional that none of us would have known that had she not chosen to reveal it. The band then played “False Alarm,” before returning to songs from the record. After “Alibi,” Teresa said that Tina had to switch guitars, and Kristy should talk during that time since she is “the most entertaining” of the band members. Kristy replied, “I thought you said ‘annoying.’” They then wrapped up the set with “Heavy Metal bridge.” I love a band that can totally rock, yet still have absolutely wonderful harmonies.

When the crowd applauded and called for an encore, Kristy joked that she guessed they could do one more. Of course, it was on the set list. Tina joined in joking about it, asking if there were any requests, but indicating they wouldn’t do them unless they happened to be the one specific song they’d planned on doing. In introducing that song, “Last Hurrah,” Tina mentioned that it was “written back in 2016, and we’re still dealing with those same things.” She then urged people to vote before the band launched into the song. It was a great way to wrap things up, a solid rock song with an excellent bass line. It was such a fun set. It had been a while since I’d last seen this band perform, and I am determined to not let that much time pass again before I next see them. In the meantime, I’ll be enjoying my copy of the record. By the way, if you plan on adding this record to your collection (and I recommend doing so), get your copy soon. It’s a limited release, and it seemed that most of the copies sold at the show.

Set List

1. Swimming
2. There You Are
3. Nowhere Now
4. Catapulting Stars
5. Go!
6. Tether
7. Last Confession
8. Go Home
9. Path
10. Dag
11. False Alarm
12. Alibi
13. Heavy Metal Bridge

Encore

1. Last Hurrah
   

"Swimming"

 

"Swimming"

"Swimming"

 

"Nowhere Now"

"Nowhere Now"

"False Alarm"

Permanent Records Roadhouse is located at 1906 Cypress Ave. in Los Angeles, California.

Andrew Sandoval Delivers Special Set At Permanent Records Roadhouse, 9-22-24

Yesterday evening Andrew Sandoval treated a crowd at Permanent Records Roadhouse to a delightful set of mostly original songs from his albums. He had a great band backing him, which included Kaitlin Wolfberg on violin, Emily Elkin on cello, David Nolte on bass, and Nick Vincent on drums. The set was full of pop gems, delivered with a good deal of joy. It was the kind of set that had folks smiling from beginning to end. No nonsense, just good music.

The show was listed as having a 6 p.m. start time, but it turned out that was the time that the doors were to open. Normally, that would annoy me. But not at this place, because the back building is a record store, and this gave me a little time to go through some of the boxes. I ended up finding a couple of cool records at a seriously low price. I am going to make a point of getting back there when I have more time. The guy behind the register was really nice, and that helped too. Actually, everyone who worked at this place was nice. The venue is a record store, a music hall and a bar, so it felt like a slice of heaven to me. What more could you want? In the concert area, there were a few booths, giving it the feel of a diner. The black and white checkered floor added to that vibe. And while the back building was the store, there were plenty of records on either side of the stage too, and along the walls in front of the stage. My eyes of course automatically went to the Leonard Cohen records.

At 6:24 p.m., the musicians started making their way to the stage and soon were ready to go. Andrew Sandoval opened his set with “What Do You See In Me?” from his A Beautiful Story album, and followed that with “Something For You.” “This is a selection of songs from my records from decades ago,” he told the audience. After “I Can’t Be Lonely,” he mentioned that he hadn’t brought any records to sell at the show, that he was happy just to have folks listening to the music without having to make any purchases. That was cool, but I do wish he had brought at least one or two, because I’d like to add them to my collection. After “Singing Only Songs,” he talked a bit about living in Los Angeles, and said that he wrote “High Tower” in his car, a perfect L.A. thing to do. We spend so much time in our cars in this city that we have to occupy ourselves with other activities occasionally just to remain sane, especially when stuck in traffic that doesn’t seem to be moving at all. He followed “High Tower” with “Someone New” and “Allyn White.”

While most of the set was original material, he did play a couple of covers. The first was “You’re My Number One,” a song recorded by Tony Jackson Group in the mid-1960s. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, well, you know him more for his work in The Searchers. The other was Scott McKenzie’s “Like An Old Time Movie.” Hearing that song made me realize that all I really know of Scott McKenzie’s work is “San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair).” But clearly he recorded more interesting material. I enjoyed both covers, but I preferred Andrew Sandoval’s original material. His set included “I Wish You Would,” from his Happy To Be Here album, and “Temporary,” which was on From Me To You. He wrapped up the set with “Above The Clouds,” which featured some gorgeous string work. It was an absolutely wonderful set. Tickets were only $5, and that admission price not only included Andrew Sandoval’s set but also a set by EZ Tiger. Why bother with the big expensive tours, when the magic happens at these small local venues?

Set List

1. What Do You See In Me?
2. Something For You
3. I Can’t Be Lonely
4. Singing Only Songs
5. High Tower
6. Someone New
7. Allyn White
8. You’re My Number One
9. I Wish You Would
10. Like An Old Time Movie
11. Temporary
12. Above The Clouds