Homecoming Celebrator Fall-Winter '85/ Spring '86 Vol. 2 No. 3
HOMECOMING RECORDS o P.O. BOX 2050 o MALIBU, CA 90265-7050
SECRET TAPES '86 IS OUR BIGGEST MAIL ORDER EVER!
"BEST OF STEWART" CD PLANNED FOR FALL RELEASE
CHUCK McDERMOTT LP NOW AVAILABLE
Secret Tapes '86, a collection of 16 new John Stewart songs plus the live medley of California Bloodlines, Chilly Winds, and Cheyenne, could be our biggest mail order offering to date. The initial response was enough to send our mail order dept.(Dave Batti, Molly Swan, and Judy Jones) begging for mercy. Comments from Terry Ransom and audiences at the recent Stewart-Batti gigs have been that this could be one of Johns' best.
This leads to an interesting evaluation of our music and what people really want. All the songs on Secret Tapes, except for two live cuts, were recorded by John on his 8 track at home. John played all the instruments except the brilliant sax parts added by Chris Mostert. As far as performance and song quality goes, it seems to be a great success. Perhaps we're all over EQ'd and High Tech'd out. All the facts aren't in. but it's an interestin situation and a welcomed one.
A "Best of" Compact Disk along with new John Stewart songs is planned for release this Fall. It will be recorded in early Summer as either a "Live" album or as all new studio recordings. It's a great opportunity for us, as CD's are very hard to get pressed and the CD market is booming. We feel that a "Best of" CD would have great appeal to people who perhaps have not purchased Johns' records in a long while and for those who would like all the best songs on one, terrific sounding CD.
From England's Sunstorm Records comes the exciting news of that company's first original LP release. Chuck McDermott's THE TURNING OF THE WHEEL. That's good news indeed for all those fans who've been waiting for this LP since the Chuck McDennott Band ceased performing in October 1984.
Singer-songwriter McDermott first gained recognition as the leader of the Boston-based progressive country band Wheatstraw, a premier club draw on the East Coast in the 70's. After a move to L.A. in 1980, he formed the Chuck McDermott Band, playing a unique brand of folk - and country-laced rock. Simultaneously, Chuck joined forces with John Stewart. The two toured in both the U.S. and Europe, and worked together on several Stewart LP's, beginning with 1983's BLONDES.
While touring the UK with John Stewart in 1984, McDermott was approached by Sunstorm Records founders Peter O'Brien, Rod Wilson, and Kingsley Grimble about recording an album for their label. Having heard the CMB's demos and also Chuck's work with Stewart, they were excited by the prospect of a McDermott LP.
It was decided that all of the recording would be done on the 8-track equipment in Chuck's home studio. A song list was selected, and o recording began. But work on the LP had barely started when fate intervened in the form of a job offer from Joe Kennedy's Citizens Energy Corp. in Massachusetts. After a flurry of farewell appearances, the CMB broke up. But the recording continued. Bass player Dave Batti, drummer Dennis Kenmore, and saxophonist Chris Mostert recorded their parts in L.A.. then shipped the tapes to Chuck in Boston, where he completed the recording and did the final mix. He also added two new songs, finding time to keep writing even amid the demands of his new position.
Asked recently by the Celebrator to comment on the making of the album. Chuck replied, "Recording the album as we did, over the better part of a year, gave me time to reflect on the album as it was taking shape. I think it's stronger because of that. I feel more of a consistent theme and point of view in this than in anything I've done.'' He added. "I really want to thank Rod, Peter, and Kingsley for their patience and cooperation, and I also want to thank the members of the band for their time and commitment. I really appreciate it."
Fans of the CMB's live performances will find some of the arrangements a bit changed. Chuck observed, "The 8-track format forces you to be honest. You have to rely on the song's strengths and simpler presentations." Some of the arrangements were altered to make the songs provide a common feel, especially evident on Side 1, where there is a recurring theme of the coming of age - the transition into adulthood with all its responsibilities and commitments.
There's more to be heard from Chuck McDermott. Despite the heavy demands of his position as campaign manager for Joe Kennedy, he is still writing songs and hopes to continue to record. Will he perform again? "Definitely. I know I've got more songs in me and I intend to take whatever paths are open to me to get them out there!"
(Southern California readers take note: Homecoming is making tentative plans for a Chuck McDermott Band reunion in early summer. Stay tuned!)
Chuck McDermott article reported by Judy Jones.
^t^ ^i^ ^j^ ^i^ ^t^
THE LAST GIG
It all came to an end last December when John Stewart played his last gig at The Cellar in Los Altos, California. Stewart's 15 year association with the club had come to an end. Owner Larry Hancock had sold the club, and the new owners turned it into an Italian restaurant sans music. When I heard that, it was like hearing my father was moving away and never coming back. My wife and I have developed a relationship with the club that started 13 years ago when we first saw Stewart play there.
The club may be closed, but my memories of the past 13 years are still alive. Go ahead life, take away my club, but you can't take away my memories.
Memories that must have been made in heaven, because it was fate that brought my wife and I together with Stewart. It started in 1972 when we were instrumental in getting our favorite band of the time. The Youngbloods, to play a concert at Humboldt State .University in Arcata, CA.
At first, Flash Cadillac and the Continental Kids were booked to appear with The Youngbloods, but at the last minute, the booking agent switched Stewart for Flash. Posters were put around campus hailing the coming of the Lonesome Picker.
He played by himself. The only time we have seen him that way. And he was good. So good we fell in ''love". He reminded us of Kennedy, pounded his feet during "Friend of Jesus", and told us about his bad luck. When the Lovin' Spoonful broke up after recording his song, ''Nashville", and the Monkees disbanded after "Daydream Believer'', he wondered what was next.
Next for us, although we didn't know it that night, was that we would become, in a sense, "dreamers on the rise". We both grew up in the turbulent '60's, questioning authority, if not flaunting it. We knew some things were wrong, and we wanted to change it. Here was someone who felt exactly like we did. I remember "Friend of Jesus" really struck home with me that night.
Little did I realize that night what was in store for me over the next 13 years. Not only did he provide me with entertainment, but he provided me with a beacon in a storm. He doesn't tell me what to do, but when I'm in trouble, his music is there to sooth and provide the tools to battle those rought waves.
But, if it wasn't for Chuck's, as I call it, I think I would have missed Stewart. After we graduated from college, we lived in Arcata, far removed from Stewart gigs. In 1973, through a listing in the San Francisco Chronicle, we learned that Stewart was playing in our old neighborhood at a club called Chuck's.
Then it began, the first of many treks from behind the Redwood Curtain to the wilds of the Bay Area to see Stewart at Chuck's. The first time we saw him, he had a full band, complete with pedal steel. He banged on the piano, and at the end, he pulled out the banjo, something we haven't seen him do in years. The crowd went wild. So did we. We became regulars. No, fan(atics). I'm sure any Stewart fan can relate to that.
Then, as if our dreams had been answered, we were forced to move to the Bay Area for a year in 1976 while my wife completed her internship as a medical technologist. We overindulged. Back in those days. Stewart played Chuck's about four times a year, and then for three nights each time. Of course, we were there for every engagement, along with a cast of regulars in the audience. A lot of us came more than one night.
Through the years we have seen the changes in the band. Buffy traveling. Buffy staying home. Boy, do I miss those two voices together. We took a liking to longtime bassman Arnie "Wideload" Moore. After he left Stewart, we went to Chuck's to see him in a re-formed Spanky and Our Gang group.
One night we saw Stewart's son sit in on drums, while on another night, fellow Kingston Trio member. Nick "Hide Your Old Lady" Reynolds sat in, banging on a conga drum and providing backup vocals. But the one drummer I'll never forget is Joaquin "The Killer" Carnel, straight from the "Bucket of Blood" club. I'll never forget it, while the rest of the band is out in front, he's back there in his own world behind his sunglasses, providing the beat and singing all the songs.
Through the years, the band has gotten smaller. No longer does Stewart bring along a second guitarist. It's a trio again, but this time it's drums. Dennis ''The D-Man" Kenmore, and bass, Dave "The Batman" Batti, along with his acoustic guitar. The last night at Chuck's, he brought along a saxophone player. It added great depth to some of his songs. I think he should make it a regular part of his band.
We had always hoped for good things to happen to Stewart. We wanted him to earn the respect and attention of a larger audience. But deep down inside, we wanted to keep him for ourselves. If he became too popular, he would begin to play in bigger halls. We didn't want that. We would miss the atmosphere and better sound in a club. Selfish.
At the Cellar, you could always expect two shows for one admission price. An extra bonus to go along with the good sound. That policy was temporarily halted after Stewart recorded "Gold". For one engagement at Chuck's after the song went gold, a door charge was requested for each set. And then the show wasn't worth it. Although I liked "Gold", I never did like the "Hollywood" backdrop. You can say he sold out, but not for long.
While Stewart was riding the waves of success, that didn't stop him from helping other people during his years at Chuck's. During the 1970's, he would regularly bring comedian/impressionist Frank Welker with him to provide the entertainment between shows. Welker now makes at least six figures a year doing voices for cartoons and commercials.
And then there was Gary Shandling, who I swear is John's brother since he looks so much like him. Shandling now regularly guest hosts the Tonight Show for Johnny Carson. But it always wasn't bread and roses for Shandling. In 1977, he came up from Hollywood one weekend with Stewart. The show we caught was torture. Although I thought he was funny, other people in the audience didn't. They didn't laugh, and some heckled him.
Also, because of Chuck's and Stewart, we were introduced to a Texas-style folksinger named David Ruthstrom. I don't know how it came about, but he was billed as the second act. His performance that weekend earned him a following that allowed him to drive out to the Bay Area for several years to play gigs at Chuck's and visit his sister.
That has come to an end. And so has Stewart playing Chuck's. But all good things must come to an end, musn't they? It's an end alright, but it is also a beginning. A beginning of a new era where my wife and I and Stewart won't have Chuck's to rely on. Somewhere out there, there has to be another Chuck's. I don't know if I'll ever find it again. If I don't, that's alright. Ahh, I still have the memory of that feeling that comes from the music. Thanks.
Willie Knapp
Fortuna, CA
Editor's Notes
Hello once again from all of us here at Homecoming Records. Reader response for the Celebrator has been just tremendous. We'd like to thank you for your support and extend a warm welcome to all our new subscribers.
We must apologize for the delay in publication of this issue. The SECRET TAPES '86 project (see story on front page) has been consuming the energies of. our staff for the past couple of months, as they attempt to meet the overwhelming demand. If you haven't yet ordered your copy of this unique John Stewart tape, do so now! This exciting 20-song collection is available only by mail order from Homecoming Records, and will not be offered in stores.
The Homecoming Celebrator is also delighted to be able to announce the long-awaited release of the new Chuck McDermott LP, THE TURNING OF THE WHEEL, on England's Sunstorm Records. Southern California readers will remember the Chuck McDermott Band as one of the most exciting live bands on the L.A. club scene, and John Stewart fans will recall Chuck's contributions to the Stewart LPs BLONDES., TRANCAS, and THE LAST CAMPAIGN, as well as Stewart's live shows from '81to '84. THE TURNING OF THE WHEEL showcases McDermott as a first-rate singer and songwriter. Give your ears a treat and listen to this album. You owe it to yourself.
Regular readers of the Homecoming Celebrator will notice the absence of our featured columnist, the D-Man. D sends greetings to all his fans from his vacation hideaway. (And as soon as we find out where he's hiding, we promise to put him back to work!)
We have received a number of requests from readers and Stewart concert-goers for copies of early John Stewart albums and tapes which are now out of print. In some cases, we have been able to help with the search. If you are looking for rare albums, or if you're one of the lucky few who have extra copies for sale or trade, write to us here at the Celebrator.
We're still receiving "Best of John Stewart" lists, so we haven't finished the final tabulation. Look for the results of the poll in our next issue.
Recently we have started receiving reviews and articles from readers, and we will be publishing some of them in future Celebrators, AS SPACE PERMITS. We love hearing from you, so keep the letters coming!
Several readers notified us that they had not yet received their copies of SECRET TAPES '86. We discovered that the missing tapes had all been mailed in the same batch of orders, on March 6. If you haven't yet received your tape and you suspect that it may have been caught in this "black hole" of the Postal Service, please notify us immediately and we'll rush another copy to you. Apologies to all involved for the inconvenience.
A final word: If you want to send in your "Best of John Stewart" lists, or have reason to write to us here at the Celebrator, please make note of the address: HOMECOMING CELEBRATOR, Homecoming Records, P.O. Box 3151, South Pasadena, CA 91030.
THE "IT'S ALRIGHT, IT'S ALRIGHT WITH ME" DEPT
Have you taken an armadillo to a Powdermilk Biscuit lunch lately? Probably not. But here's something you can do that's equally significant. If you're a regular viewer/listener of "Austin City Limits" and/or "A Prairie Home Companion" as I am, then you too have noticed that something is missing on their talent lineup - an appearance by John Stewart. O.K., it is 1986 and we know that we are not hearing cuts from THE LAST CAMPAIGN on commercial radio or seeing videos from THE SECRET TAPES on MTV. Then let's opt for our real alternatives. We enjoy the programs and John gets a shot at the national public airwaves. Then when the folks at the office start raving over John's music, you have the satisfaction of grinning and saying, "Yeah, that's the ticket." So we still can stand up and be counted, but better yet, let's sit down and start writin'. Since you are reading this in the Celebrator, you are already aware of all the reasons why we need to make this concerted push to add John Stewart's name to the artist's roster of both shows. So, finish this issue of the Celebrator, and then flick the trusty Bic. Mail your cards, letters, balloons, and candygrams to:
Terry Lickona, Producer
Austin City Limits
P.O. Box ''158
Austin, TX 78713
Helen Edinger, Program Director
A Prairie Home Companion
Minnesota Public Radio
45 E. 8th Street
St. Paul. MN 55101
P.S. Remember, the word processor is mightier than the vegematic!!
Joe Ray
Birmingham, AL
THE HEART OF NEW AGE
There are some scientists studying music who feel that IT might all be music and music may be a medicine of the future. I know the effect music has on me and the potential of New Age music in our lives. New Age music goes hand in hand with holistic medicine, meditation, biofeedback, and altered states that have been a way of life in Eastern countries for centuries.
For those of you who buy Kitaro or Vollenweider, the soothing effects of the music are obvious. If the music you listen to is for entertainment only, I suggest you try some New Age music. You can feel more relaxed and centered. New Age is a tonic for freeway traffic and the Six O'clock News.
My friend Richard Sutphen has been a pioneer in New Age for years and his catalog offers a lot of fun things in this new (to America) format. If you would like more information on Richard and New Age, see page 6.
John Stewart
SUGGESTED LISTENING
There have been so many worthwhile albums released lately that it's impossible to select one for your review. Allow me, if I may, to suggest a list of ''MUST BUY" albums:
WIDE AWAKE IN AMERICA -U2 — This group is beyond Rock. They are a religious experience.
THAT'S WHY I'M HERE -James Taylor — His best since Sweet Baby James. Every cut a gem. It's free and magical. Possibly his best ever.
DREAM OF THE BLUE TURTLES -Sting — If you don't already have this, run, don't walk, to the nearest record store. Album of the year!!
HOUNDS OF LOVE -Kate Bush — Elegant, original, Celtic, mad rock. Not for everyone. If you have an adventurous side to your musical tastes, grab
it.
ROCK A LITTLE -Stevie Nicks -- No surprises, but more simple, solid Nicks songs. The head Sister of the Moon has an uncanny knack for writing classy, commercial tunes.
SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR -Tears For Fears - "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" is worth the price of the record. This is truly an adult New Wave band. Don't let the name fool you. This is a folk band with keyboards. Possibly an acquired taste for those who are just getting back into the record buying habit, but well worth the time.
PRIVATE DANCER - Tina Turner — Please be careful, your album is VERY hot!!!
John Stewart
VIEWS FR0M THE ROAD
We jumped through the eye of the weather needle and hit Texas under bright skies and hot highways.
There's a renegade poet-author named Roxy Gordon who lives in Dallas with his wife, Judy, and their two sons. Roxy has recently come into my life as my new, favorite writer. It's always fun to get new, favorite anythings. New, favorite songs; new, favorite movies; new, favorite anything means you're moving and changing, and these are your landmarks. Someday, maybe Steinbeck will be my favorite writer again, but right now, it's Roxy Gordon. Judy has some poems, or short stories, or whatever you want to call them, that will stop you in your tracks as well. Roxy writes bone-lean, clear views of the world and the American Indian that make me want to tear up what I've written and start again. Since everyday I feel I'm starting again, I guess he just inspires me.
Roxy says he's never voted in his life. Roxy says he votes with his life style. Roxy says that if someone came along worth voting for, he'd vote. There are those who hold high the bloodstained hands at buffets with ice-carved swans. Neither could survive without the other.
If you would like to acquire some of Roxys' or Judys' writings, write to: WOWAPI, 5746 Oram, Dallas, TEXAS 75206.
John Stewart
ITINERARY
May 24 - 12th & Porter, Nashville, TN
May 25 - Universal Amphitheatre, Los .Angeles, CA
(w/ The Kingston Trio, The Limelighters,
& Glenn Yarborough)
Late June-Look for John on an East Coast tour
early July-from Florida to Maine. Possible cities:
Baltimore, Washington, New York, Boston.
WATCH YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS AND WE'LL TRY TO
SEND NOTIFICATION TO YOU FOLKS BACK EAST.
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| New Age Music ?
Just because you like John Stewart's music doesn't mean you'll like New Age music... but you might! In case you're unfamiliar with it, New Age is an underground sound that is rapidly emerging. It can usually be divided into three categories: Inner-Harmony is stress-reduction music and ideal for meditation and relaxation because there is no tension or resolve. It creates a soothing musical environment. Progressive New Age is electronic music, usually stimulating without being distracting and offering a theme. A good example is the Vangelis "Chariots of Fire" soundtrack. Acoustical New Age is usually mellow music that offers an uplifting theme to make you feel good. Valley of the Sun Publishing offers 25 New Age music albums and hundreds of self-help and self-exploration tapes—everything from weight loss to past-life regression. We also publish a free quarterly magazine/catalog and it includes articles on metaphysical research and spiritual concepts. We have nothing to join and we'd like to send you a free copy of Self-Help Update. Valley of the Sun, Box 2010-S, Malibu, CA 90265 |
The HOMECOMING CELEBRATOR is published quarterly by Homecoming Records
EDITOR: Kane Brazos
ASSISTANT EDITORS: Dave Batti, John Stewart
EDITORIAL STAFF: Molly Swan, Judy Jones, Walter Lipshanker
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS: Marci Wilson, Al Chester, Brewster, Coburn
FEATURED COLUMNIST: D-Man
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