Happy New Year...and more

I can hardly believe that I haven't written anything here since October.  That doesn't seem possible, and yet...
That means no mention of Wrycraft's great Tom Waits Tribute of November 29th, or his equally fine James Taylor Show of January 10th.  Michael has another Carole King Tribute upcoming, although I'm not certain of the date yet.  You won't want to miss it.

Last weekend we took in the Rosanne Cash concert at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, and it was excellent.  I'm writing a review of that show for Critics At Large (which should appear on Friday, Jan.31st). Suffice it to say that, apart from some troubles with John Leventhal's guitar setup, a good time was had by all!
Some news has reached my desk about new projects by our namesake, Ryland P. Cooder!  Not only did he release a dandy live album in the last few months, and select the bluegrass songs for the HighBar Gang's debut album but he has also produced what looks to be a good record for the Haden Triplets.  These daughters of jazz bassist Charlie Haden know how to sing harmony and Ry has kept things simple and straitforward.  Coming soon from Third Man Records!
Brian O'Neal from Conqueroo sent me some information about an upcoming appearance by Ry Cooder as the 'special guest' of Ireland's Chieftains for their upcoming Celtic Sessions (an intimate fan experience and live performance) in Saratoga Springs New York.  This will take place on July 7-11.
Brian says:

Over the course of 53 years and 58 albums, seminal Irish exports the Chieftains have uncompromisingly popularized their country’s rich musical heritage, collaborating with some of modern music’s biggest names, and ultimately earning the group six Grammys and 18 Grammy nominations.

From July 7-11, at the bucolic Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Springs, New York, The Chieftains present The Celtic Sessions, with very special guest Ry Cooder. The five-day event will be an opportunity for fans — both musicians of all levels and non-musicians — to deeply experience the rich beauty of Irish music and soak up one of modern music’s most enduring and fascinating careers. 

This once-in-a-lifetime experience grants fans unique and intimate access to a legendary world-music institution. Paddy and The Chieftains will offer master classes in traditional Irish music techniques and instruments, as well as conduct breakout sessions on songwriting and authentic Irish dance. There will be extensive Q&As where Paddy might discuss anything from the band’s stick-to-your-guns early days to teaching Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards a tricky traditional Irish rhythm. The musicians will also host private shows in which participants can actually jam with the band, and there will be a rare show with the Chieftains featuring Ry Cooder. The all-inclusive event will also include fine cuisine and a whiskey-tasting session. 

“Paddy fits in everywhere he goes, and I do my level best to fit in with him when I get the opportunity,” says special guest Ry Cooder, known for applying an authentic feel and bold personal voice to myriad forms of roots music. “We’re the old-timers now, the ringmaster and the sad clown. We know a thing or two.” Cooder is sure to inspire some wonderfully freewheeling performances. In 2010 he collaborated with The Chieftains on the commercial and critical smash San Patricio. Paddy has said the concerts with Cooder were some of his favorite in the band’s half-century career.

It all sounds too good to be true, and only a short hop across the border.  We were looking for someplace to go for our vacation this summer.  Hmmm.