Hi folks ....
Cornerstone Featuring Golden Voice Harry, a vocal harmony group from the Philly area recently released their album, "Sharkskin, Silk & Soul" and I play bass on 12 of the tunes. If you're into Doo Wop, Classic Soul Harmony and early Rock & Roll circa the 40s, 50s & 60s you may want to pick up a copy. Click on the link above or download it here
Rich is on Cornerstone's new album
Dukes of Destiny @ The Mermaid Inn April 10, 2010
The Dukes were back at the Mermaid Inn last night and what a great night it was. New friends, old friends and a whole lot of dancing folks having great time. So just in case you missed it ...
It's Spring! As such, the heavy sweaters are stored away and people have brought the dancing shoes out. That's what it felt like at the Mermaid as so many people appeared to emerge from hibernation after a bitter winter. Arriving early to the venue as I normaly do, I had a chance to speak with a few folks who were looking to get their party on and I was oh so happy to help in that cause.
As the show opened, I scanned the crowd and noticed several familiar faces and we settled into a nice opening groove. John has tinkered a bit with the sets so some new tunes are showing up early while some staples of the Dukes are moving further into the body of the show. It's also refreshing that some of those new tunes are being sung by newest Duke, Rick Nollet. Way kool.
I was also aware that an old friend of mine would be stopping in to
play a couple of tunes so that alone had me geeked! I haven't played on stage with Andy McMaster since about 1989 when we backed Hal Martin at a Norristown telethon. We'd been in touch recently and made it a point to get together to play. So when we concluded that a Dukes gig at the Mermaid would be the next available opportunity, yeah I was psyched.
So the set kicks off with 'Messin' With The Kid' and Rick and I both do a tune before bringing up Arlyn. By the middle of the set, I see one of the songs that Andy and I had talked about doing and just about on cue, Andy walks into the club. Hell, he hadn't taken his coat off or gotten a beverage before he was hittin' the boogie woogie opening for 'RC Cola and a Moon Pie'. Of course he nailed it in stride and all was well. Afterwards, we let him go grab a libation and finished the set. Andy eventually came back to play on 'Mustang Sally' and just added a nice touch to the Dukes return to the Mermaid.
Now, Andy wasn't the only person to come sit in with us last night. A young man who shall become more widely known in this area as 'Panama Slim' came out with guitar in hand and played with us. We know him as Noah, but he was rockin' the rockabilly alter ego and wailing on that git box. It's always a treat to have musicians stop by and sit in.
Thanks to the Mermaid: Joanne, Jack, Joan and Scarlet. You guys are the best and that's why the Mermaid is my favorite night spot to hang out when I'm not playing.
Thanks to Susana, Lorraine, Phil, Robbi, Danny, Roller, and so many more of you whose names have entirely left me. My bad, I'll drink for that later!
Thanks to Andy and Noah for coming in and sharing music. What a great way to express fellowship.
Thanks to Phyllis Chapell and Danny Gold, two fabulous musicians and really cool people, who came and hung with us for a while.
Thanks to my mentor Rubin Edwards who stopped in and hung out for a while. Really good to see you, bro'.
Of course, thanks to Rick, John, Bobbie, Arlyn, "Chicago Carl" and CC for a very happening night.
NEXT UP: Dukes of Destiny @ Kennett Flash May 01, 2010 8PM
It's Spring! As such, the heavy sweaters are stored away and people have brought the dancing shoes out. That's what it felt like at the Mermaid as so many people appeared to emerge from hibernation after a bitter winter. Arriving early to the venue as I normaly do, I had a chance to speak with a few folks who were looking to get their party on and I was oh so happy to help in that cause.
As the show opened, I scanned the crowd and noticed several familiar faces and we settled into a nice opening groove. John has tinkered a bit with the sets so some new tunes are showing up early while some staples of the Dukes are moving further into the body of the show. It's also refreshing that some of those new tunes are being sung by newest Duke, Rick Nollet. Way kool.
I was also aware that an old friend of mine would be stopping in to
play a couple of tunes so that alone had me geeked! I haven't played on stage with Andy McMaster since about 1989 when we backed Hal Martin at a Norristown telethon. We'd been in touch recently and made it a point to get together to play. So when we concluded that a Dukes gig at the Mermaid would be the next available opportunity, yeah I was psyched.
So the set kicks off with 'Messin' With The Kid' and Rick and I both do a tune before bringing up Arlyn. By the middle of the set, I see one of the songs that Andy and I had talked about doing and just about on cue, Andy walks into the club. Hell, he hadn't taken his coat off or gotten a beverage before he was hittin' the boogie woogie opening for 'RC Cola and a Moon Pie'. Of course he nailed it in stride and all was well. Afterwards, we let him go grab a libation and finished the set. Andy eventually came back to play on 'Mustang Sally' and just added a nice touch to the Dukes return to the Mermaid.
Now, Andy wasn't the only person to come sit in with us last night. A young man who shall become more widely known in this area as 'Panama Slim' came out with guitar in hand and played with us. We know him as Noah, but he was rockin' the rockabilly alter ego and wailing on that git box. It's always a treat to have musicians stop by and sit in.
Thanks to the Mermaid: Joanne, Jack, Joan and Scarlet. You guys are the best and that's why the Mermaid is my favorite night spot to hang out when I'm not playing.
Thanks to Susana, Lorraine, Phil, Robbi, Danny, Roller, and so many more of you whose names have entirely left me. My bad, I'll drink for that later!
Thanks to Andy and Noah for coming in and sharing music. What a great way to express fellowship.
Thanks to Phyllis Chapell and Danny Gold, two fabulous musicians and really cool people, who came and hung with us for a while.
Thanks to my mentor Rubin Edwards who stopped in and hung out for a while. Really good to see you, bro'.
Of course, thanks to Rick, John, Bobbie, Arlyn, "Chicago Carl" and CC for a very happening night.
NEXT UP: Dukes of Destiny @ Kennett Flash May 01, 2010 8PM
Dukes of Destiny @ World Cafe Live March 20, 2010
The first day of spring saw the Dukes return to World Cafe Live and I can think of no better venue to unveil our newest member, guitarist Rick Nollet. With holdovers from the slammin' Zydeco-A-Go-Go set entrenched there was no better way to spend a Saturday night out in the city. But in case you missed it.
As many of you all know, Richard "Ray" Adler retired from the Dukes during 2009. A few phone calls, dozens of emails and a handful of rehearsals later, Rick Nollet has taken his first first steps as guitarist for the Dukes. Rick also bring vocals to the guitar spot that we haven't had since A C Steel. Ahh, the possibilities of the harmonies. Over the years Rick has sat in with the Dukes from time to time and we all expect it to be a comfortable fit for the foreseeable future.
Leading off the night was John Colgan-Davis with 'Messing With the Kid'. I followed with 'All Your Love'. Rick tossed in 'I'm Ready' before Arlyn made her entrance with 'Goin' Away Baby'. Four different lead vocalists on the first four opening songs. I don't think that has ever happened in Dukes history. In fact, had C.C. done 'RC Cola' for the fifth tune, that would have definitely been breaking some new ground. Needless to say, but I'll say it anyway, we were off and running and the vibe was so good that rather than use an intermission, we sailed on through one long set while the faithful danced the night away. After closing with 'Mission Temple Fireworks Stand' we could definitively proclaim that a good time was had by all.
Thanks to World Cafe Live for having us out.
Thanks to Zydeco-A-Go-Go for being a really great band.
Thanks to all my MANNA heads who came out after the Shut Up and Dance production by Dancers of the Pennsylvania Ballet.
Thanks to Michael Tearson, resplendent in his classic Philadelphia Stars Kelvin Bryant jersey, for hanging out for the night.
Thanks to Cecily, Eileen, Susana, Mike, Sam & John, Lisa and folks from the Philadelhia Blues Meetup for coming out.
Of course, thanks to C.C., "Chicago" Carl, Bobby, Rick, John & Arlyn for some insanely fun music.
Next Up: Carl Snyder @ The Raven's Nest March 26, 2010 9:30pm
As many of you all know, Richard "Ray" Adler retired from the Dukes during 2009. A few phone calls, dozens of emails and a handful of rehearsals later, Rick Nollet has taken his first first steps as guitarist for the Dukes. Rick also bring vocals to the guitar spot that we haven't had since A C Steel. Ahh, the possibilities of the harmonies. Over the years Rick has sat in with the Dukes from time to time and we all expect it to be a comfortable fit for the foreseeable future.
Leading off the night was John Colgan-Davis with 'Messing With the Kid'. I followed with 'All Your Love'. Rick tossed in 'I'm Ready' before Arlyn made her entrance with 'Goin' Away Baby'. Four different lead vocalists on the first four opening songs. I don't think that has ever happened in Dukes history. In fact, had C.C. done 'RC Cola' for the fifth tune, that would have definitely been breaking some new ground. Needless to say, but I'll say it anyway, we were off and running and the vibe was so good that rather than use an intermission, we sailed on through one long set while the faithful danced the night away. After closing with 'Mission Temple Fireworks Stand' we could definitively proclaim that a good time was had by all.
Thanks to World Cafe Live for having us out.
Thanks to Zydeco-A-Go-Go for being a really great band.
Thanks to all my MANNA heads who came out after the Shut Up and Dance production by Dancers of the Pennsylvania Ballet.
Thanks to Michael Tearson, resplendent in his classic Philadelphia Stars Kelvin Bryant jersey, for hanging out for the night.
Thanks to Cecily, Eileen, Susana, Mike, Sam & John, Lisa and folks from the Philadelhia Blues Meetup for coming out.
Of course, thanks to C.C., "Chicago" Carl, Bobby, Rick, John & Arlyn for some insanely fun music.
Next Up: Carl Snyder @ The Raven's Nest March 26, 2010 9:30pm
Black Men Blush @ LaRose Supper Club September 25, 2009
Hey, I just got in from the maiden voyage of John Colgan-Davis' project, Black Men Blush at LaRose Supper Club. Wow, what a gas! Black Men Blush is John on harmonica and vocals, AC Steel on guitar and vocals, "Chicago" Carl Snyder on piano and vocals, Mike O'Rourke on drums and myself on bass and vocals. The project has been in development for the past year and it's very satisfying to finally bring the group to the people. From what I gathered, the people were happy to have us.
Folks who are in the know are recognizing LaRose's as a choice venue to catch live blues music in Philadelphia. Tonight, a smallish but enthusiastic crowd helped launch the new group and truly a good time was had by all. Even "Chicago" Carl! Rockin' a new axe, Carl was in rare form with a smokin' pass at the Fat's Domino classic, "Josephine". With AC in the house, it was Steelmeister time once again with tunes like "Green River", "Rock This House" and "Steelman's Back in Town". I guess it's official, "Mustang Sally" is my signature tune so I'll shut up and play. What the heck. But tonight, in this group, John Colgan-Davis was the primary voice as he brought to life tunes like Paul Reddick's "Dreamin'" and John's original, "I'm Gonna Rock". What a great night!
Thanks to Dr. LaRose and his staff for a warm welcome.
Thanks to Joe on sound. Rock on, brother!
Shout outs to Dianne and her crew, Susana and her mom, Ona, Adrienne, Jay, Robbi, Penny, and all the rest of the folks who helped make this a special night.
Of course, thanks to John, Carl, AC and Mike for the incredible sounds.
NEXT UP: Dukes of Destiny @ Rock 'n' Roll 'n' Ribs 'n' Chilli cookoff in Vineland, NJ at 7PM.
Folks who are in the know are recognizing LaRose's as a choice venue to catch live blues music in Philadelphia. Tonight, a smallish but enthusiastic crowd helped launch the new group and truly a good time was had by all. Even "Chicago" Carl! Rockin' a new axe, Carl was in rare form with a smokin' pass at the Fat's Domino classic, "Josephine". With AC in the house, it was Steelmeister time once again with tunes like "Green River", "Rock This House" and "Steelman's Back in Town". I guess it's official, "Mustang Sally" is my signature tune so I'll shut up and play. What the heck. But tonight, in this group, John Colgan-Davis was the primary voice as he brought to life tunes like Paul Reddick's "Dreamin'" and John's original, "I'm Gonna Rock". What a great night!
Thanks to Dr. LaRose and his staff for a warm welcome.
Thanks to Joe on sound. Rock on, brother!
Shout outs to Dianne and her crew, Susana and her mom, Ona, Adrienne, Jay, Robbi, Penny, and all the rest of the folks who helped make this a special night.
Of course, thanks to John, Carl, AC and Mike for the incredible sounds.
NEXT UP: Dukes of Destiny @ Rock 'n' Roll 'n' Ribs 'n' Chilli cookoff in Vineland, NJ at 7PM.
Dukes of Destiny @ Holy Smoke May 30, 2009
At the risk of being redundant, ...
Holy Smoke! (I couldn't resist)
A newish barbecue and blues venue, great weather and many really cool people can make for an enjoyable spring Saturday night in Roxborough. Throw the Dukes into the mix and you've got one hell of a party. That's the way it was on Leverington tonight, but just in case you missed it...
It is rare that I post back to back on the same venue. I mean, since the last Holy Smoke date the Dukes have been to the Poconos for Cigarfest, New Brunswick for the New Jersey Folk Fest, and of course the Mermaid Inn. No grass growing under these guitars. But I must say that our first two forays into Holy Smoke have been entirely out of sight (who says that?). As we arrived, many familiar faces were already enjoying the ambience of the venue so it was up to us to take it up a notch. After a challenging sound check we were off!
Early on, it was business as usual with first set tunes such as Paul Riddick's "P.R.'s Jubilee" and the blues standard "Messin' With The Kid" but as we moved along in the evening we took some chances and went balls to the wall with the soul of "Midnight Hour" and the Dianan Krall song "Temptation". Along for the ride and sitting in on a few tunes was Steve Bernstein, fresh outta Austin, Texas. As I am sure you all know, Steve was the Dukes' sax man when I joined up in 1995 and we hung out until his departure circa 2000. Steve joined us for several tunes including the aforementioned "Temptation", "Nadine", "Mustang Sally" and "Wish You Would". It was a blast.
With the smells of barbecue wafting through the air, the sounds of laughter and hearty cheers drove the band through the evening. This is definitely a special place.
Thanks to the folks at Holy Smoke for having us back. C-ya soon.
Thanks to Marilyn (happy birthday, darlin') and Susana for putting a great group of folks together for dinner and a show! Good work!
Thanks to Steve Bernstein, Marc Grossman & Carl Crabtree. They share the distinction of being the Dukes sax players past and present and they all were in the house tonight. I like to point those kinds of things out. Sue me.
Thanks to Marilyn & Milt, The Verona sisters, Susana & her mother, Lorraine all of the Blues Meet Up folks, Sharon, Marc, Neil, Pete and Pam, Eve & Rob, and of course Chris and Sara whose party we played last year that got busted by the police during the last tune of the night ... of course it helps that Sara is a cop. We promise to play just as loud next time. Maybe we'll just end earlier. No, Chris you cannot have a sip of my martini, I don't care how well you fed me.
Needless to say, thanks to CC, John, Arlyn, Carl, Ray and Bob for the tunes.
NEXT UP: DUKES OF DESTINY @ Kennett Flash June 5, 2009 8:00PM
Holy Smoke! (I couldn't resist)
A newish barbecue and blues venue, great weather and many really cool people can make for an enjoyable spring Saturday night in Roxborough. Throw the Dukes into the mix and you've got one hell of a party. That's the way it was on Leverington tonight, but just in case you missed it...
It is rare that I post back to back on the same venue. I mean, since the last Holy Smoke date the Dukes have been to the Poconos for Cigarfest, New Brunswick for the New Jersey Folk Fest, and of course the Mermaid Inn. No grass growing under these guitars. But I must say that our first two forays into Holy Smoke have been entirely out of sight (who says that?). As we arrived, many familiar faces were already enjoying the ambience of the venue so it was up to us to take it up a notch. After a challenging sound check we were off!
Early on, it was business as usual with first set tunes such as Paul Riddick's "P.R.'s Jubilee" and the blues standard "Messin' With The Kid" but as we moved along in the evening we took some chances and went balls to the wall with the soul of "Midnight Hour" and the Dianan Krall song "Temptation". Along for the ride and sitting in on a few tunes was Steve Bernstein, fresh outta Austin, Texas. As I am sure you all know, Steve was the Dukes' sax man when I joined up in 1995 and we hung out until his departure circa 2000. Steve joined us for several tunes including the aforementioned "Temptation", "Nadine", "Mustang Sally" and "Wish You Would". It was a blast.
With the smells of barbecue wafting through the air, the sounds of laughter and hearty cheers drove the band through the evening. This is definitely a special place.
Thanks to the folks at Holy Smoke for having us back. C-ya soon.
Thanks to Marilyn (happy birthday, darlin') and Susana for putting a great group of folks together for dinner and a show! Good work!
Thanks to Steve Bernstein, Marc Grossman & Carl Crabtree. They share the distinction of being the Dukes sax players past and present and they all were in the house tonight. I like to point those kinds of things out. Sue me.
Thanks to Marilyn & Milt, The Verona sisters, Susana & her mother, Lorraine all of the Blues Meet Up folks, Sharon, Marc, Neil, Pete and Pam, Eve & Rob, and of course Chris and Sara whose party we played last year that got busted by the police during the last tune of the night ... of course it helps that Sara is a cop. We promise to play just as loud next time. Maybe we'll just end earlier. No, Chris you cannot have a sip of my martini, I don't care how well you fed me.
Needless to say, thanks to CC, John, Arlyn, Carl, Ray and Bob for the tunes.
NEXT UP: DUKES OF DESTINY @ Kennett Flash June 5, 2009 8:00PM