Bill Bruford Revisited

Bill Bruford's 2002 appearance at Yoshi's Oakland, was sadly his last in the Bay Area. A recent posting on his website noted, "After 41 years of moving the percussive pulse in music and raising people's pulses in general, Bill Bruford has announced his retirement from public performance, effective from January 1st 2009." I am happy to report that Bruford's health is fine and I count myself fortunate to have seen one of his last live performances in Bath, England in 2007. That performance was recorded live and the subject of a previous column reprinted here. Bruford continues to remain quite active however and in March he plans to release his second, eagerly awaited book, "The Autobiography: Yes, King Crimson, Earthworks and More", followed by an album with the piano sextet, Piano Circus".

Last May, I attended the 2007 edition of the Bath International Music Festival. In addition to being one of England's most beautiful and architectural cities, Bath attracts some of the greatest musicians from around the globe; Mavis Staples & Jazz Jamaica, the electronica of Arthurs & Bown and People Like Us; the folk stylings of Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill; and the genre crossing Iain Ballamy & Stian Carstensen. My personal favorites however, were the jazz duo of drummer Bill Bruford and pianist Michiel Borstlap.

After a high profile and illustrious career as the rock drummer of his generation (with Yes, Genesis and King Crimson), Bruford carved out an equally successful name as a jazz drummer through his jazz-rock ensemble Earthworks. Borstlap is a brilliant pianist, capable of creating solos of dazzling complexity, but also able to employ space and subtlety. Together they adopt a witty, conversational style: the table talk may turn as much to Liszt Scherzos as to jazz standards and free spirited improvisation. Now comes a recording of that performance in Bath and Norway, the aptly named "In Two Minds".

'In Two Minds' is the second CD to come from this pairing of fine musicians, and will no doubt be hugely anticipated by the large and dedicated fan base built up by these two artists in addition to their own separate respective fan bases who have witnessed them in concert since the duo's first formal collaboration back in 2002. Recorded in 2007, 'In Two Minds' features eleven intimate and conversational tracks of new, original material, and a stand-out reading of the Miles Davis classic 'All Blues'. Released on the Summerfold imprint, the Bruford-Borstlap Duo will again be playing selected live dates in the run up to the release of this album, including their London debut at the London Jazz Festival on 24th November 2007.

I saw Bruford's first piano-drum duo with the Swiss keyboardist Patrick Moraz in 1982, at New York City's now defunct Bottom Line, and later in 1983, at D.C.'s also defunct Bayou. Bruford and Moraz had released two albums, the acoustic "Music for Piano and Drums", and the electronic "Flags". Consequently, these recordings and others have been reissued on Bruford's new record labels: Summerfold and Winterfold. With their first CD, "Every Step A Dance, Every Word A Song", and a DVD titled "In Concert In Holland", Bruford teamed up with Dutch keyboard master Michiel Borstlap, in duets culled from their 2003-2004 European tour. Although the duo's efforts are rooted in jazz, there are hints of the progressive-rock/New Age flavor of "Flags", where Borstlap employs synthesizer for choruses and textures, and Bruford's well known polyrhythmic beats and syncopations that propel this beautiful musical journey.

Bruford met first Dutch pianist Michiel Borstlap in 2002, and they began playing duo shows that were less about the confines of structure and more about what Bruford terms "performance-based" music, music of the moment where spontaneity and interaction were the predominant factors. Gratefully, the duo returns with "In Two Minds", a live recording of their summer 2007 tour of Norway and England.

The "Left of the Dial" reviewer Glenn Astarita once noted that "Borstlap primarily uses a grand piano as his instrument of choice via a potpourri of swing vamps, and sublime moments, while Bruford's shading exercises, add color and additional warmth. Highlights include segments where the duo expands themes and unexpectedly switch gears as they often instill a polytonal outlook during jazz standards such as Monk's "Bemsha Swing," for example.

The piece titled "Swansong" from their first CD, is a compelling opus that defines the artists' overriding sense of musical intimacy coupled with power and tenacity. Here, Borstlap executes slashing crescendos amid Art Tatum-like chord voicings, as the unit melds quaint balladry with bluesy passages. The fun factor continues with Bruford's drumming onslaught, which serves as a prelude of sorts, to Borstlap's shrewd use of a synth chorale voicing to finalize the piece. Simply stated, it's about synergy and singular techniques rooted with elements of joy and precision.

Canadian Music reviewer John Kelman wrote that "while Bruford and Borstlap are still more concerned with form than, say, Italian pianist Enrico Pieranunzi-whose recent album with Paul Motian, Doorways , is another beast entirely-the reciprocation between the two jumps out from the first notes of the more structured "The 16 Kingdoms of the 5 Barbarians." Bruford's liner notes allude to the fact that the performance space impacts the nature of the musical dialogue-smaller rooms having "the intimacy of a dinner table conversation between old friends," while larger venues "naturally become a bit more muscular and assertive."

Some of my favorite pieces from the new CD include the log drum driven "Conference of Bees," "The Art of Conversation" and another abstract, yet faithful reading of the classic Miles Davis tune "All Blues". Bruford may gently assert the forward motion, but he's also become a masterful colourist. And while Borstlap's supplementing of his piano with electronic keyboards sometimes gives the duo a broader complexion, the subtleties of their exchange are never overshadowed by sheer demonstrativeness. There were other fine moments from the Bath show not found on the CD, like the hilariously titled "Sharp Objects in Search of Shade" and I'll never forget Borstlap's playful bit of Gershwin at the end of the concert, however the selections chosen for " In Two Minds" are very fine indeed.

"In Two Minds" is yet another step forward for Borstlap, already a well-established European jazz figure, and truly represents one more advance in the pursuit of a more instinctive and natural approach for Bruford, an artist who has, for all intents and purposes, left his rock roots completely behind him. I absolutely loved it.This CD and others from Bruford's ever growing catalogue can be found on his website: http://www.billbruford.com.

Kippy Marks Comes to Rasselas

I've seen some incredible jazz violinists in my day, Stephane Grapelli, Jerry Goodman of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Steve Kindler, the incredible Jean Luc Ponty, Eddie Jobson, the disgustingly talented Al Shankar and most recently Tracy Silverman. During last month's fifth night of Kwaanza at the African Cultural Center, I caught a glimpse of one of the most extraordinary electric jazz violinists I have seen in quite some time, the self proclaimed "Improv-o-linist", Kippy Marks. Marks delighted the crowd with his one man show of loops, samples and remarkable prestidigitations. Kippy comes to Rasselas next Tuesday night, with a full band for his latest CD release of "To the Mountain Top". You don't want to miss this.

Kippy Marks has been delighting audiences with his inspirational compositions and lively performances for over 2 decades. Raised in El Paso, Texas, the Artist began his musical acclaim with performances with the El Paso youth symphony orchestra and also the Coronado T-bird Orchestra which was awarded a first-place recognition by winning the international Youth & Music Festival coveted Award in Vienna, Austria during his tenure.

Kippy began to refine his artistry by performing as a distinguished member of the Denver youth Symphony Orchestra and with the Billings Symphony Orchestra before turning his attention to the art of composition and improvisation. With his unforgetable compositions, which draw from Classical, Jazz, Blues, Dance and even Middle-Eastern and Eastern-European traditions which has brought Kippy global recognition which includes the Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Bay area communities.

Upon relocating to the San Francisco/Bay area, the Artist hopes to achieve continued high visibility with the community and hopes performing for such distinguished audiences as the San Diego Chamber of Commerce, San Diego City Council, and the Insights World Conference Leadership Forums will segue into many years of inspiring-creative-experiences within and around the San Francisco/Bay Area. Kippy's innovative stylings have been featured at the Hotel Del Coronado and Westgate Hotel, and have shared life within community festivals such as San Diego Pride and Cityfest festival.

Kippy was proud to be affilliated with such companies as Schwarzkopf International, Coffeebean and Tealeaf Coffeehouses and with groups such as the Concious Youth Media Crew, Intel, Salano Stroll and many charitable organizations in San Francisco and in the Bay area. Kippy believes in giving back to the community and has contributed his talents to charity and youth-outreach organizations such as Ordinary Miracles the Metropolitan Community Church, Market Street First Adventist Church, Unity Palo Alto, Nurses Association of America and the Boys and Girls Club of America just to name a few.

Kippy's Latest

"Improv-o-linist" Kippy Marks does it again with the third vol. of the trilogy TR-2 "Tranquillium". This project grabs the listener and brings them to the final place of Musical Peace with a fusion of jazz rhythms that intices the ear and body to truely feel the artist passion and devotion to the gift of music. "U", the title of the cd represents the artist's gratitude to everyone who has shared in the sprit of the creration of music. Kippy has released nine albums through Kima Exclusive Entertainment. With this recent album Kippy will undoubtedly recieve rave reviews and even greater local recognition and opportunities to share his gift for music and expression.

Kippy Marks
Rassalas Jazz Club, 1534 Fillmore
Tuesday, February 3rd
Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show begins at 7:30 pm.
There is a $20 cover which includes a copy of his CD.

The Coryell, Auger, Sample Trio Comes to Healdsburg

I'm often intrigued by the offspring of great musicians. The sons and daughters of Thelonius Monk, John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck and Pete Escevedo respectively, are among the best and have done their parents proud. The tradition continues with sons of three of my all-time favorites; the incredible guitarist Larry Coryell and his group "Eleventh House" were astounding in their day; organist Brian Auger and his "Oblivion Express" blew my mind on several occasions and Joe Sample's "Jazz Crusaders" redefined themselves and jazz for decades. Now comes the "Coryell, Auger, Sample Trio" to the Healdsburg Palette Art Cafe, taking up where their fathers left off. These inherently talented musicians combine their jazz roots with a funky blues. If you're game for a little weekend up north, take in some fine art and these fine young musicians.

In July of 2007 while doing a gig with Julian's father Larry Coryell, Karma and Julian were introduced minutes before walking onstage together. It was quite a special evening and a strong connection was made. After the show they spoke about doing something together and Nick's name was brought up. In early August they all got together for the first time and wrote an album in four hours. After a day of getting sounds CAST! went into Julian's studio in Venice and spent 3 days cutting the album. The strategy was simple: Play down the list, get lunch, do it again. No headphones were used in the making of the record. Just three guys in a room playing. "We basically recorded a live album in the studio. We gave ourselves an opportunity which is so rare in today's clinical approach to recording, we just played."

Julian Coryell has been playing and recording music since childhood with everyone from his father (legendary jazz guitarist Larry Coryell) to Carole King, Jewel and Aimee Mann. An Alumnus of the Berklee College of Music, he's also performed with Dave Brubeck, Herbie Hancock and Billy Cobham. He's produced legendary singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen, and recently played to sold out crowds at the world famous Budokan in Tokyo with Japanese rock star Kazuyah Yoshii. Julian's most recent musical passion is CAST, an eclectic jazz trio with drummer Karma Auger and bassist Nick Sample. Says Julian, "CAST is my opportunity to take what my father has given me and run with it". CAST has recently completed their first full length CD and will tour extensively in '08.

Karma Auger's musical education began close to the beginning of his life. His earliest memories are of his father, legendary jazz keyboardist Brian Auger playing electric piano at the house in London. At age 2 Karma was already threading the tape on his father's reel to reel and plugging in headphones to listen to dad's new masters. At age 3 he began playing piano which he still plays today but it wasn't until age 20 that he found his true passion; Drums. Since age 21, Karma has been touring and/or engineering/producing tracks for his father and a huge list of world class artists including Eric Burdon (The Animals), Robby Krieger (The Doors) and Billy Cobham to name a few. His understanding of the business rounds out his musical education which Karma owes greatly to his father. " My father has given me a priceless education and I am lucky enough to work with him today."

Nicklas Sample began his musical education as a young child watching his father, jazz legend Joe Sample. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Nicklas has gained over 20 years experience in the music business learning all creative and business aspects of the industry first-hand. Nicklas immersed himself in the LA scene as a professional bass player, playing both electric and upright with the local talent such as Nikka Costa, Zoo Story, Daniel Cage, Jakob Dylan, Duke Daniels and Alison Sudol of “A Fine Frenzy” (whom he has also co-written songs with). He is also the bass player and member of “The Crusaders” and the “Joe Sample Trio”. Forty years of experience in the music business is an unprecedented amount of information to gain in just the few years Nicklas has been working with his father. “Joe Sample is the best teacher I could ever have”, “I’m learning from the best”.

Coryell Auger Sample Trio
Palette Art Cafe
Healdsburg, CA
Friday, January 23, 7:00 – 10:00

The Corner Laughers Come to the Make Out Room... And Kimo's

I'm a lover of all things musical, world, jazz, rock, punk and yes, even pop, to name but a few. After all, one of my favorite Bay Area pop groups are the "Orange Peels", led by tunes-smith Allen Clapp and the lovely Jill Pries. It was Clapp who tuned me onto a group he happens to be co-producing, known as "The Corner Laughers". After listening to what's now become one of my favorite tunes, (the fabulously written "Stonewords"), as well as other cuts from their soon to be released new album, I knew I was hearing something special. Created in a San Francisco Bay Area lab by "mad scientist" Angela Silletto and indoor archaeologist Karla Kane, the Corner Laughers were genetically engineered to be the perfect band: one part 60s British invasion, one part 80s new wave and one part 90s power pop with a smidgeon of twee, mod folk and trad jazz.

But something went wrong! Two evil rhythm-section geniuses from rival bands -- fueled by energy drinks and Indian food -- added the deadly chemical of ROCK, and thus The Corner Laughers were born. Wistful and dreamy, saucy and sassy in almost equal measure, The Corner Laughers' ideal blend of herbs and spices proved a magic concoction.

After their debut album "Tomb Of Leopards" delighted the eardrums of America and the world with its bouncy, clever, melodic pop songs about geography, ecology, primatology, Greek mythology, English literature and guys who are jerks, The Corner Laughers retreated to super-producer and Orange Peels' mastermind Allen Clapp's lair, Mystery Lawn Studio, to plant the seeds of their second, even more wondrous album "The Ultraviolet Garden", the title of which is taken from a Richard Dawkins BBC documentary about things in nature that cannot be seen by the human eye and indeed would be too overwhelming for us to comprehend.

A lofty aspiration and a difficult corner to paint oneself into, but The Corner Laughers laugh in the face of corners and proved themselves up to the task with a botanical cornucopia of songs about Italian catacombs, martyred saints, extinct California megafauna, ghosts suspended in time, Mayan villages, the Armageddon of all life on earth and yes, more guys who are jerks.

Clapp's influence and expertise have greatly expanded the band's arsenal of magnificent multi-colored shimmery sounds, with technology both modern and ancient, including tangy and twangy vintage guitars, spacey echo boxes from the Eichler age, inhumanly precise tambourines, heavenly harpsichords and layers and layers of angelic vocals.

Singer / ukuleleist Kane and guitarist Silletto began writing music together the instant they met and both enjoy spending their spare time rescuing wild animals, watching time-travel movies, and talking about sandwiches. They're Joined by drummer Charlie Crabtree (Variable Stars, One Eyed Jacks, William Cleere Band) and multi-instrumentalist Khoi Huynh (Bigwheel, Chris von Sneidern's Pop Gem Factory, Anton Barbeau UK).

As for their upcoming shows, the Laughers write, "We know you're not allowed to play in the same city twice in one week but we're the Corner Laughers - we play when we want, where we want, who we want. On Saturday Jan. 24th we'll be at the Make Out Room with Lady Genius. (http://www.makeoutroom.com/)

The following Thursday, Jan. 29th we'll be playing a benefit show for Equality California (http://www.eqca.org) at Kimo's. Joining us on the bill are Thousandnames, Big Round and Veronica Klaus. Never doubt that the power of the Corner Laughers' rock can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has..."

To paraphrase the Laughers, "I'll never quite grasp how they stay so young and I grow old". Listening to them however, I don't much care. Their pop is timeless and beautiful.

The Rova Saxophone Quartet & Ghost in the House

I'm a huge fan of Tom Nunn and David Michalak, two incredible artists and musicians. This Saturday, their amazing ensemeble Ghost in the House will join the acclaimed all-saxophone ensemble, Rova at the Community Music Center in San Francisco’s Mission District. With their unique instrumental combinations the two ensembles will present an evening of adventurous music making – performing as Rova and Ghost in the House, but also mixing it up with different combinations of the two groups. ROVA will present a set of original works for saxophone quartet. For more than 3 decades Rova has explored ways to blend composed and improvised musical elements to create genre bending pieces to the delight of audiences around the world. Community Music Center is an ideal setting to get up close and personal with the foursome. Rova will offer the San Francisco premier of Steve Adams’ Parallel Construction #3 from his series of works that blends interval and set derived written sections with options for improvising soloists.

Ghost In the House will be performing “other worldly scenarios” from their recent CD on the artist collective label Edgetone Records as well as new work including, “Dreams of the Tin Man” and “Beyond” a tribute to the late Toyoji Tomita.
http://www.edgetonerecords.com/ghostinthehouse.html

SOME QUOTES

about ROVA
The Penguin Guide to Jazz calls its music "a teeming cosmos of saxophone sounds" created by "deliberately eschewing conventional notions about swing [and] prodding at the boundaries of sound and space..."

about Ghost in the House
" Exotic and ethereal without being totally weightless, soothing without turning into sonic wallpaper, deep and mysterious... definitely worth your attention." - The one true dead angel

ROVA Saxophone Quartet, the acclaimed all-saxophone ensemble, has fundamentally extended the horizons of music since forming in 1977. Positioning themselves at music's most dynamic nexus, Rova has become an important leader in the movement of genre-bending music that has its roots in post-bop free jazz, avant-rock, and 20th century new music as well as traditional and popular styles of Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. With its potent mix of stellar musicianship and compositional creativity, Rova explores the synthesis of composition and collective improvisation. The result is adventurous works that are ardent and riveting, exhilarating and free-spirited. While much of Rova's music is composed by its members, the group has also collaborated with and commissioned new works by a wide range of creative artists. Since its founding, Rova has released over two dozen recordings of original music.

ROVA is:
Jon Raskin – baritone, alto and sopranino
Larry Ochs – tenor and sopranino
Steve Adams – alto and sopranino
Bruce Ackley – soprano and tenor

Conceived by filmmaker & musician David Michalak, GHOST IN THE HOUSE explores the ethereal and elemental soundscapes where music suggests an image; a murder mystery, a visitation in a dream or a cataclysmic storm.

“The music reflects a series of descriptions by its creators, who picture hypothetical images and dreams while trying to represent them through the strangest sounds they can obtain from their instruments... truly beautiful..." - Massimo Ricci, Touching Extremes
“These are the films I couldn’t afford to make.” David Michalak

Ghost In The House Is:
Kyle Bruckmann – Oboe, English Horn
Karen Stackpole – Gongs, percussion
Tom Nunn – Inventions
David Michalak - lap steel, buffalo drum

The Ghost In The House Concert Series
a series of shows featuring Edgetone Records’ Ghost In The House and special guest artists.

Rova Meets Ghost in the House
San Francisco Community Music Center
544 Capp Street, Between 20th & 21st
January 10th, 2009, 8:00 P.M.
$10.00
For reservations (415) 826-2765 or e-mail dmichalak@sbcglobal.net

The "Voices of Latin Rock" Comes to the Warfield

Putting together an inspired collection of talent, Voices of Latin Rock presents The 5th Annual Benefit for Autism Awareness as a benefit for The Alex Speaks Foundation on Saturday January 24th, 2009 at the newly refurbished Warfield Theater, 982 Market Street, San Francisco, California. Headlining the bill is multi-platinum selling band WAR, Azteca, Los Cenzontles, Voices of Latin Rock Review, featuring members of Cold Blood, Malo, El Chicano and Santana. They will also be honoring the following Women of Latin Rock: Rita Gentry, Lydia Pense, Wendy Haas, Sheila E. and Linda Tillery. As in past years, many surprise guests will also appear.

The show benefits schools in the Bay Area dealing with autism on a daily basis. This disorder has increased recently to 1 in 150 births, up from 1 in 166 just a few years ago. When questioned about special needs children in the most recent presidential debates, both candidates mentioned the need for increased funding for research for autism, specifically as it approaches epidemic numbers. With the Bay Area’s support of this event, we can continue our support of both schools and research for autism.

WAR has recently been nominated as candidates for induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 2009. WAR has recorded some of the biggest hits in the last 30 years including “The World Is A Ghetto”, “Cisco Kid”, “Why Can’t We Be Friends”, and “Low Rider.” The band is in it’s 40th year and has its first release in 14 years, “Greatest Hits Live.” More information on the band can be found on their website at www.wartheband.com.

Azteca features a stellar collective of Latin Rock performers that promises to tear the house down. Azteca was founded by the late Coke Escovedo and his brother Pete after their departure from the Latin Rock superband Santana. They were the first band to employ a large ensemble of horns, woodwinds, keyboards, Latin percussion and other instruments sometimes having 25 members in a live performance! Many of the original members will be performing.

Los Cenzontles is an amazing group from the Mexican Arts Center in Richmond, California featuring the vocals of Fabiola Trujillo and Luciana Rodriquez that infuses traditional Mexican instruments with gutsy electric bass and drums. The group is directed by Grammy nominated producer Eugene Rodriquez, and their latest CD “Wood & Steel” features producer/guitarist David Hildalgo along with vocalist Linda Ronstadt.

The Voices of Latin Rock Review with Musical Director Karl Perazzo includes members of Santana, Cold Blood, Malo and El Chicano. This years event is honoring women of Latin Rock: Rita Gentry, Lydia Pense, Wendy Haas, Sheila E., and Linda Tillery. ‘Voices of Latin Rock’ has become a Bay Area favorite event, and early purchase of tickets is encouraged, as this event will sell out. Get your tickets soon!

Voices of Latin Rock
5th Annual Benefit for Autism Awareness
January 24 , 2009 at The Warfield Theater, San Francisco
Doors: 6:00 PM Show: 7:30 PM

The Palm Wine Boys Revisited

Back in October, I wrote this article about the Palm Wine Boys and their founder, Richard Linley. Sadly, ill health has kept Linley down, but not out. He is finally back on the mend and happily, the Palm Wine Boys are returning for a special concert in Oakland this Sunday.

These days, Richard Linley, writer, singer, guitarist and founder of "The Palm Wine Boys", has been spending much of his time in recording sessions for his latest album, pausing only for treatment while he battles a recent, life threatening illness. His music and spirit has been inspirational to his fellow musicians, especially the latest incarnation of the 'Boys; bassist Ariane Cap, guitarist Mathew Lacques and his long-time collaborator, percussionist QB Williams. "When words fail we turn to music, to listen, or to play", recalled Cap. "Richard's tunes have been turned to by many a restless soul to find relief. His songs are so hopeful, comforting, joyful." Fittingly, I thought it was high time I revisited one of the Bay Area's best loved West African music ensembles, The Palm Wine Boys.

The Palm Wine Boys apparently dread describing their sound in two words or less. Phrases like "pan-African guitar" seem too exotic, but "acoustic folk" doesn't quite draw the crowds. Fortunately for us, this San Francisco Bay Area-based quartet's latest CD "Up and Down", reveals a melodic sound that defies stereotypes. The Palm Wine Boys take two musical genres they love, American folk and Palm wine music, and blend them perfectly to create a sound responsible for a relaxed kind of high, characteristic not only of Palm Wine, but the Palm Wine Boys.

Intertwining guitar lines, a unique, catchy rhythmic style, searching, spiritual lyrics and harmonizing voice appear on "Up and Down," was recorded in the Oakland, California studio of Wildplum Recordings. "The Palm Wine Boys' music speaks to people looking for music with some kind of depth to it. Not too serious, just not pleased with state of popular music and searching for an original sound. Our audience is drawn to the various acoustic styles - taking a genre and bringing something new to it. Palm Wine Boys is a sound that is different, slightly exotic, without being inaccessible," says Richard Linley, PWB singer/songwriter, describing the band's draw.

Palm wine music originated in West Africa; Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Nigeria saw the birth of the genre. Palm wine music became internationally known in the 1950s through Ebenezer Calender and his Maringar Band; a decade later, S.E. Rogie achieved cult celebrity status and became known as the "godfather" of palm wine music with records including "The 60s Sound of S.E. Rogie."

The Palm Wine Boys first formed in 2002 when Richard Linley, Tom Chandler, and QB Williams broke from the great world dance band Mud Hut to concentrate on pared-down acoustic songs. Singer/songwriter Linley played sax and guitar in the late 80s with S.E. Rogie and wanted to bring palm wine's mellow influence to the new project. As a songwriter, Linley had been inspired by the greats of American folk, Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. The Palm Wine Boys began combining serious lyrics with melodic, upbeat arrangements, using an organic approach to create new music.

Linley soon added the acoustic bass of Eliyahu Sills, and the 'Boys were off and running. The incredible percussion of Williams and his assorted bongoes and mini-bass drums; the lilting bass lines of Sills; Linley and Chandler's guitars and writing made the Palm Wine Boys one of the best loved acts on the world music scene. After garnering much deserved praise and critical acclaim, fatherhood would soon claim Chandler and his chair was temporarily filled by the gifted young Berkeley guitarist Cas Lucas. The return of Chandler would unfortunately also see the departure of Sills, who would go on to form his exotic Middle-Eastern ensemble, "Qadim". Enter Ariane Cap, bassist extraordinaire, and the "Boys" had now become an equal opportunity combo. The joys of parenthood called Chandler once again, finally leaving the group for good and paving the way for guitarist Mathew Lacques. All seemed well in Palm Wine land until the unthinkable happened.

"Richard's illness smacked right into the middle of production of our new album", Cap recalled. "The recent hard months of witnessing Richard's suffering, and not being able to play together as Richard got weaker and weaker, are making us once again aware of how special creating music together is. We are looking forward to finishing work on our new songs and creating a jewel of West African-Americana folk beauty a la Palm Wine Boys. As all experiences infuse the music we make, this CD will be especially close to our hearts."

Undaunted, Linley soldiers on and expects to finish his latest long awaited CD soon. For those wishing to contribute to Linley's ongoing efforts both musical and medical, they can do so here: http://palmwineboysforrichard.com/

Get well soon Richard.

The Palm Wine Boys
Sunday, December 14th @ 4:00 pm
2014 Park Blvd. (about a block down from the Parkway Theater)
$10.00