About grnarrow

Setlist Architect/Art Scene Checker-Outer/Sound Feeler

Popping A Spring

The final part of the proGram was happy to see it would still occur.

Oye Como Va- Juan Perea
Stars In A Box- Adam Ahuja, Radiccio Nash & Gavi Grodsky
Kaleidoscope- J3PO Ft. Anwar Marshall & Yayennings
Fusion Fest- J3PO Ft. Anwar Marshall
Last Train To From Overbrook- Nick Hempton & Cory Weeds


Sunset On The Keys- Erik Jekabson
Sephardic Blues- Dennis Mitcheltree / Johannes Wallmann Duo


X Marks The Spot- Shuffle Demons
Nice Signal- Shuffle Demons
Struttin’ With Some Barbecue- Caili O’Doherty
Pros and Cons- Dann Zinn Ft. Rachel Z, Omar Hakim & Jeff Denson


Struttin’- Bill Moio
Four On Six- Chicago Jazz Orchestra Ft. Bobby Broom
Boss City- Chicago Jazz Orchestra Ft. Bobby Broom
Tykytys- Kaisa’s Machine

Undo Tangled

The middle part of the proGram yad some new twists & turns to it.

The 23- Nels Cline
Folded Secret- Sylvie Courvoisier & Mary Halvorson


Until We Meet Again- Shane Sato
Red Sun- Sim Nagai
If You’re Wondering- Sim Nagai
Created With A Heavy Brush- Ant
All Right Now, Listen- Ant


The Grifter- The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble
Open The Gate- The Mighty Mocambos
Just As Long As We’re Together- Jalen Ngonda
Here When You’re Ready- Tanika Charles


Direne Direne- Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek
Hook And Swing- Ray Lugo & The Boogaloo Destroyers
Pássaros Selvagem- Os Carbonos
Edmundo (In the Mood)- Coisa Quente

Wood’s Spot

The first part of this week’s proGram wondered what we could do if we chucked that wood.

The Evil That Never Dies- Mitch Burger
My Baby Left Me- ZZ Ward
All Over Now- Duane Hoover
Wild Thing- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers


NEIGHBORHOOD DOG- CHIME OBLIVION
Previous Life- Messiness
Simply Avanti- Mynd Reader


Say Baby Say- Bob Corritore
New Low- Ben Levin Ft. Lil’ Ed
I’m Too Young to Be This Old- Taj Mahal & Mindy Canter


Tiny Pipes- mssv
***pre-recorded conversation with Mike Baggetta of mssv***
Careful What You Wish For- mssv
Leave Unattended and Suffer The Consequences- stef.in
Surplus- Nels Cline

mssv On & On With

mssv, made of guitarist Mike Baggetta, Stephen Hodges on drums & mike watt on bass, creates music that is an unimagined hybrid of a punk power-trio, noir-tinged adventure music & a dreamy experimental rock band, though they prefer the term “post-genre.” Their latest full-length album On And On is the 3rd studio album featuring brand new songs that were written by Mike Baggetta before their 58-show 2023 US tour and performed every night, then recorded & produced by Chris Schlarb at BIG EGO Studio in Long Beach, CA immediately after, and features artwork by the great John Herndon (Tortoise, A Grape Dope, Isotope 217). The digital version of the album features these 8 separate, boundary-pushing tracks, while the limited edition vinyl features these pieces joined into 2 continuous side-long movements by 6 additional band-improvised interludes. The subject matter here, while being universally relatable, is filled with personal references, stories of his and the band’s friends & relationships, and one song Despair & Hilarity includes lyrics written by one of Baggetta’s most important musical collaborators, Steve Gigante (currently of OMFU + The Scrapers, (VIP) Ditchfork, formerly of W-S Burn, 7 Year Rabbit Cycle). Continuing to explore the seemingly endless depths of Hodges’ & watt’s musicianship & skill over the many tours & albums in mssv has grown an instantly identifiable sound from Baggetta’s songwriting for this band. But the trust that has formed between them, that comes from long-running musical partnerships, has also made it possible for mssv to explore more interesting ways to incorporate improvised music into the lives of their songs. On And On skillfully combines all of these elements into a newly evolved lens for the music of mssv, deftly displayed in this album as a high concept love letter to everyday life. There’s no telling which way the band will turn at any given moment, a proposition that becomes a promise when they break down and reassemble these songs live, with an instinct for restraint and an openness to anarchy.

I had the pleasure of catching up aGain with Mike Baggetta as mms embarks on a new tour (52 shows in a row) with a stop here in Madison on April 17th at the Gamma Ray Bar. We get into talk about the live experience. I was ready to share my thoughts after seeing them the last time they were here. There is not a lot of ways to describe the journey the trio takes you on when we all are aboard in the same room. We go head long into the new album, ‘On & On’, getting a taste of what it was like working through the songs while they were out on the last long run of live shows. We talk a 7 inch new single called ‘Even So’, on the flip side of Thousand Dollar Movies’ ‘Block Out The Sun’ on Four Fingers Records as well as working in more lyrical content. So many people would like to get a chance to go see this trio live, I say take a trip to the closest space they are going to be at – it’ll be worth the ride(s).

SGO Senior Recital

Senior Recital: SGO, horn
Date:
Saturday, March 15, 2025

Time:
7:30 pm EDT

Location:
Warner Concert Hall
77 W. College St.
Oberlin, OH 44074

_______________________________________________________________________________
Program:

Hermann Neuling: Bagatelle

Antonio Rosetti: Concerto for Two Horns in E-flat Major

Florence Price/ arr. Elaine Fine: Adoration (1951)

Consuelo Velázquez/ arr. Arturo Pantaleon & Gabriel Soto: Bésame mucho

Traditional Australian/ arr. Joshua Davis: Waltzing Matilda

Joshua Davis/ Yuniet Lombida: Rondo alla Mambo (2020)

Melting The Pot with Bongo District

From the melting pot of cultures that blend in the Washington, D.C. area emerges a fusion of musical genres that is shaking dance floors and captivating music lovers’ attention. It is known as the Bongo District. Its mix of reggae, funk, and ska, spiced up with a Latin flavor, has earned the group local recognition, with the group becoming one of D.C.’s most sought-after bands. It plays as a regular act in top venues such as The Bullpen and the Bluebeat Concert Series. Bongo District has also opened for established South American artists Los Cafres, Los Rabanes, and Desorden Publico, among others. The group’s unique blend of popular covers and original music makes their live act appealing to audiences of all ages, taking them on a trip through passages of relaxing reggae music to full blown stadium-chant percussive parties. With a three-hour-plus repertoire under their belt, Bongo District is able to adapt to any size and style of venue without losing the enthusiasm that characterizes their live show. Be it an outdoor stage, live venue, or a small local business, entertainment is guaranteed. “El Distrito,” as they like to call their shows, is a judgement-free zone where they encourage audiences to express themselves while enjoying music in communion. Bongo District is currently recording their first original EP, which promises to evolve around the all-inclusive welcoming message they transmit at every one of their performances: “Dear fellow music fans, thank you for joining and enjoying this experience with us, you are now part of the District…”

This is the one District where you are sure to find all your musical needs fulfilled. They took to the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center on March 14th to show it all off.

Grown Spring

The final part of this week’s proGram felt of a rebirth.

Africa Boogie- Manu Dibango (live 1982)
Te Voy A Ver- Tony Allen & La BOA
Cuento Ft. Nejuro- Tony Allen & La BOA


Sidi Yahia- Mystère Jazz de Tombouctout
Mamniya- Bouba et Sakona Sacko
Chabe Rassi- Cheikha Djenia El K’bira


Kolkhozchu Men- Alash Ensemble
**pre-recorded conversation with Sean Quirk of Alash Ensemble**
Ushkash Keliin- Alash Ensemble

Yüz Yüze- Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek
The Eternal Olive Tree- Anouar Brahem & Dave Holland


Lion’s Eyes- Joe Elefante
The Earth Is on Fire- Joe Elefante
Dahlia- Okonski

In Root To Home

The middle part of the proGram was tapped into the way we need to go.

Reptile Strut- Calibro 35
Gizli Ajan- Şatellites
Salon Privé- Alex Puddu
The End Game- Summer-Pearl


Dig What I Say- Tony Adamo

Your Star Will Shine- Flevans
Seeds- Küf Knotz & Christine Elise


Robber Man (Dynamic Sounds Master)- Barrington Levy
Listen Up My Son- Marcus I meets aDUBta
Pleasurezone Transmitter- Dub Syndicate
Plains of Africa (Echo, Echo, Echo)- Dub Syndicate


Coucou Boogaloo- Ray Lugo & The Boogaloo Destroyers
Mira Como Ella Juega- Ray Lugo & The Boogaloo Destroyers
Un Murciégalo- José Barranquero


Til The Morning Light Comes- Kicktracks w/Medeia
Boubacar- Savana Funk

Ringer Needles

The first part of this week’s proGram went thru the ice and rain and dried into itself.

Come Out Of My Blues- Sierra Hull Ft. Tim O’Brien
E Tune- Sierra Hull Ft. Béla Fleck
Show Me The Way To Go Home- Jim Kweskin & The Berlin Hall Saturday Night Revue Ft. Racky Thomas
Summer In The Psych Ward- Eric Schroeder


Honey Trap- Mark Nessie Nesmith
Don’t Play With Fire- Will Wilde
One Dime Blues- The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
**greenarrowradio promo- Reverend Peyton**
Like A Treasure- The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band


Ashley’s Podcast Theme Tune- The Legendary Ten Seconds
The Swimming Pool- Lance Ferguson
Pattugliamento aereo- Alessandro Alessandroni
Sotto Il Mare- Collettivo Immaginario
Another New Day (Little Big Beat Studio Live Session)- Jazzanova

Alash Ensemble To Redefine Sounds

ALASH are masters of Tuvan throat singing (xöömei), a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. What distinguishes this group from earlier generations of Tuvan throat singers is the subtle infusion of modern influences into their traditional music. One can find complex harmonies, western instruments & contemporary song forms in Alash’s music, but its overall sound & spirit remain decidedly Tuvan. Trained in traditional Tuvan music since childhood, the Alash musicians studied at Kyzyl Arts College just as Tuva was beginning to open up to the West. They formed a traditional ensemble and won multiple awards for traditional throat singing in international xöömei competitions, both as an ensemble and as individuals. At the same time, they paid close attention to new trends coming out of the West. They have borrowed new ideas that mesh well with the sound and feel of traditional Tuvan music, but they have never sacrificed the integrity of their own heritage in an effort to make their music more hip. Alash first toured the U.S. under the sponsorship of the Open World Leadership program of the Library of Congress & the National Endowment for the Arts. Since then they have returned many times, to the delight of American audiences. Alash enjoys collaborating w/musicians of all mediums. Since their early partnership with the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra, they have joined forces with musicians across the spectrum—from country to classical to jazz to beatboxing. Alash appeared as guest artists on Béla Fleck & the Flecktones’ Grammy-winning holiday CD Jingle All the Way (2008). They joined Chicago’s innovative Fifth House Ensemble in a groundbreaking concert series called Sonic Meditations, and later were part of a “global jam band” which recorded the soundtrack for the video game The Pathless. Bady-Dorzhu Ondar even teamed up with beatboxer Shodekeh in a live recording of original Tuvan songs filtered through the creative artistry of hip hop musicians. Beyond performing, Alash has a passion for teaching & promoting understanding between cultures. Their tours often include workshops in which they introduce Tuvan music to students in primary, middle & high schools, colleges, universities, and music conservatories. Even children have learned to throat-sing.

Members of Alash:

Bady-Dorzhu Ondar: vocals, igil, guitar, bayan (accordion). Kyzyl Arts College, East Siberia State Academy of Culture and Art. Best soloist, 2005 All-Russian Festival of traditional ensembles and orchestras. Best in Maxim Dakpai xöömei competition, 2006. Named People’s Xöömeizhi of Tuva, 2007. Grand prize, International Xöömei Symposium, 2008.

Kang-Khüler Saaia: vocals, byzaanchy, chadagan. Kyzyl Arts College, founding member of Tuvan National Orchestra.

Ayan-ool Sam: vocals, doshpuluur, igil, xomus. Republic School of the Arts, Kyzyl Arts College, Moscow State
Pedagogical University. First prize, International Xöömei Symposium, 2008. Named People’s Xöömeizhi of Tuva, 2015.

Ayan Shirizhik: vocals, kengirge, shyngyrash, shoor, xomus. Kyzyl Arts College, East Siberia State Academy of Culture and Art. Second prize, International Xöömei Symposium, 2008. Distinguished Artist of Tuva, 2009. Named People’s
Xöömeizhi of Tuva, 2021.

Sean Quirk: manager, interpreter. Studied music in Tuva on Fulbright fellowship. Named Distinguished Artist of Tuva, 2008.

I had the pleasure of getting some time with the ensembles manager/interpreter Sean Quirk as the ensemble got its tour on. Here in Madison on March 29th, people can experience all that is the Alash Ensemble at the Bur Oak. We got deep into trying to explain just what it is people who go out and see an Alash show are going to experience. I will attest (Sean will back me), it is as much a feeling within as it is getting wrapped in the sound vibrations coming out to you. It is something that does change people. Sean does his best to share what is was/is about the music and the culture that changed his life. Click into his name above to see just how much he got immersed – amazing cat. We talk about the ability of this music and these artists to be universal collaborators, with an openness to see where the ‘fits’ are, I believe the bridges of the world do get extended. We also get into a little lesson or two on both the instruments (not just throat singing happening here) and the region of Tuva. The music is as fascinating as all the pieces that make it happen. I believe I could do greenarrowradio from Tuva (with our new Packers Bar opening).

Handpickin’ Chris Pierce

Millennium Stage

Chris Pierce is an Americana and folk singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, recently handpicked by Mr. Neil Young to be the special guest opener for his Neil Young Coastal Tour. His album ‘Let All Who Will’ was released in 2023, with critical acclaim from NPR, No Depression, American Songwriter, and more. He gained prominence with “We Can Always Come Back to This,” his hit cowrite that aired on three episodes of the NBC primetime series This Is Us and went on to #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. Pierce has toured and performed on stage with Steve Earle, Allison Russell, B.B.King, Seal, Al Green, and Neil Young. Chris Peirce provided proof that there are still some left who’s words can travel well while we stand still, going both back & forth.

Got My Ranky Tanky On

Ranky Tanky has achieved many firsts for South Carolina’s West African–rooted Gullah community since their formation, earning yet another milestone at the 2019 Grammy Awards® by taking home the Best Regional Roots Album prize for their sophomore release ‘Good Time’. The album, which also hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Chart, combines songs carried down through generations in the Sea Islands of the Southeastern United States with the band’s own original compositions in the Gullah tradition. In Ranky Tanky’s hands, this style of music has been described as “soulful honey to the ears” (NPR) while being covered by The New York Times, NPR’s Fresh Air, and The TODAY Show, who had the band on for a performance. Ranky Tanky (a Gullah phrase for “get funky”) are 5 lifelong friends from Charleston, South Carolina who have established themselves as passionate global ambassadors for their local culture and community, helping to faithfully preserve the traditions originated by African Americans in the coastal South during slavery that are kept alive through the present day. The band has been featured on NPR’s Fresh Air, The Today Show, PBS Newshour, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert #playathome. Ranky Tanky were honored to be featured artists in President Biden’s inauguration event, ‘We The People’. They were the subjects of a ten-page profile in Oxford American’s South Carolina music issue and were named 2020 Artist of The Year by the Charleston City Paper. They sure did give it to us all so good on March 8th at the Kennedy Center. You can watch the video of the entire event here and below click into Quentin’s name to hear my conversation with him a couple years back before a show here in Madison.

Quentin Baxter, drums and percussion
Kevin Hamilton, bass
Quiana Parler, vocalist
Clay Ross, guitar and vocals
Charlton Singleton, trumpet and vocals

Grounding Swells

The final part of the proGram this week went thru the solid and liquid transformation.

Love & Revolution (Cinnamon Version)- Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 Ft. Adi Oasis
In and Outta Love- Kenya Eugene
Love and Energy- Ky-Mani Marley, Iba Mahr & Lutan Fyah


Konvergence (Hybrid 12-Inch Mix)- Sosun Suh X Rise Ashen

Children Of Zu Zu- Charles Petersohn Ft. Roberto Di Gioia & People of Tala’aga Somoa
Myth Versus Reality- Charles Petersohn Ft. Sun Ra Arkestra
Juju Man- Nadav Schneerson Ft. Afronaut Zu


The Lion- Yellowjackets Ft. Raul Midón
Swingmeister General- Yellowjackets
Human Intelligence (interlude)- CHRISTOPH IRNIGER PILGRIM
Hendrix- CHRISTOPH IRNIGER PILGRIM
Andromeda- Rachel Eckroth & John Hadfield
Speaking In Tongues- Rachel Eckroth & John Hadfield


Mack The Knife- Ella Fitzgerald (Live At The Coliseum)
Whole Lotta Love- Richard Baratta

Ice Level Check

The middle pat of the proGram was laying down just about in the water.

Terzo- Paolo Zavallone
That’s What’S Up- Mojoflo Ft. Bootsy Collins


Anything for my Baby- Davie
In The Place To Be- Hot 8 Brass Band
Midway- Hot 8 Brass Band
Get My Share- The Freedom Affair


Çiçek Açıyor- Derya Yildirim & Grup Şimşek
**pre-record conversation with Derya & Helen of Derya Yildirim & Grup Şimşek**
İstanbul’un Kuşları- Derya Yildirim & Grup Şimşek


Seeds- Sola Rosa
Mam Pe’ela Su’ure- Florence Adooni
Vocalize My Love- Florence Adooni
SANGO- Celia Wa Ft. Owomide
Aye Papi- El Dusty Ft. Ratchetón & Harlay

IceHoles

The first part of this week’s proGram had a bunch of iceholes around it.

Copperhill- Helene Cronin
Snowed In- The Droptines
Granny Takes A Trip- Elliott Murphy
Till the Morning- Brian D’Addario


Russian Spy Canisters- Roger Clark Miller
Pink Felt Trip- The Chemistry Set
Love Or Confusion- The Chemistry Set
On ne prête qu’aux riches- Les Breastfeeders
She’s Got a Problem- HotWax


Bagful of Boogie- The Tigermen
Eyes Wide Open- Downtown Roots Ft. Saxbob Swift
Twitchy Witcha- Max Hightower


Bang Bang Bang Bang- SEX-O-RAMA
The Legend of Poon Tang- SEX-O-RAMA
Outta My Way- Frollen Music Library
Questural- Paolo Zavallone

Introducing Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek

Born in Hamburg, Germany to Turkish parents, Derya Yıldırım grew up influenced by her family’s Anatolian background and the myriad of cultures in the city. Derya’s musical roots started at home playing folk music with family members. Her father pushed her to learn various instruments, beginning with the bağlama, a seven stringed Turkish lute. Then she picked up the guitar, piano, & saxophone. Although she is a multi-instrumentalist, Derya always felt drawn to the sound of the bağlama, finding a special magic within that sound. With her band Grup Şimşek’s forthcoming album Yarın Yoksa, which translates to ‘If There’s No Tomorrow’, Derya continues her journey revitalizing Anatolian folk music and instrumentation by infusing timeless melodies with a modern psychedelic flair. Ten years ago, while participating in a community theater project, Derya met French musicians Graham Mushnik & Antonin Voyant from Catapulte Records and formed the band Grup Şimşek with Helen Wells, a drummer from Cape Town, South Africa joining in 2021. While the band is truly international, they eschew the term ‘world music’, preferring instead ‘outernational’ which they say suggests a sound that’s more inclusive or “beyond borders.” DY&GS embody what defines Anatolian folk music, finding a groove and melody and then looking for the freedoms within. It’s this ethos that guides the band’s songwriting and the way they take on Anatolian folk standards. Respecting the roots of the music while entertaining their own spins on the music while preserving historic words & melodies…perhaps the soul changes just a little bit. While it’s easy to think of folk music as a music of the past, Derya insists it’s just as valid today since this music is so important as it remains the voice of the people, the minority, and the oppressed. After self-producing multiple albums, they signed with New York’s Big Crown Records in 2024 and teamed up with Grammy-nominated producer Leon Michels (El Michels Affair) for Yarın Yoksa. The new album embodies their balance of preservation and innovation across nine original compositions and three traditional folk songs. It is a record that will enchant any listener regardless of language barrier with Derya’s passion and authenticity front and center and music too moving to deny. Yarın Yoksa is sure to captivate the hearts and minds of all those who hear it, and just wait until you experience them play it live.

I had the pleasure of chatting it up with Derya & Helen of Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek shortly before the new album, Yarın Yoksa drops. This album delves into deeply personal pain and collective resistance with a central thread of loss, longing and hope for change running throughout. Derya also sings in her parents’ native Anatolian with lyrics that are poetic with symbolic language, metaphors & storytelling. Derya & Helen talk a bit about the album’s journey from beGinning to it’s almost peek into the ears of others. Together, Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek have created a memorable and emotional record that challenges genre while having broad appeal and a powerful message. None of this is lost on my ears, body and spirit as I listen and share. I feel the album’s haunts and romances. We talk about getting to work with Big Crown Records and the one and only Mr. Leon Michels. I really get into being educated a bit about the region and corners of the world on the birth certificate of this record, including a geography lesson and some extra insights into the bağlama. I even got to learn a few more bands to look up when Helen & Derya build a setlist around one of the new tracks.

Photo by: Philomena Wolflingseder

Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band

Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band is one of the world’s preeminent klezmer ensembles. 2024–2025 season highlights include performing as soloists with Maestro Joshua Weilerstein and the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra (DK) in Abigale Reisman’s Gedanken for klezmer band and orchestra; StetlFest (CZ); and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston (USA).Their music has been featured on television in the Netherlands and Brazil, on the Boston Jewish Music Festival’s compilation album, and a feature length film, in addition to their eight albums. The Wheels have performed with Hankus Netsky, David Broza, Paula Cole, Jill Sobule, BETTY, and many more collaborators from the klezmer world and beyond. When they’re not playing klezmer, they can be found backing up such household names as Eminem, Hugh Jackman, Weird Al Yankovic, Amanda Palmer, and Chris Botti, and holding down the pit orchestras of musical theater shows across New England. Last night, they took to the Millennium Stage at The Kennedy Center and transformed the space into a vibrant landscape of Klezmer gold.

Right View For It

The final part of the proGram this week had a good spot for watching you.

Pearl Diver- SEX-O-RAMA
Shehzadi – शहज़ादी- Sababa 5 & Sophia Solomon
Mood Swing- BALTHVS
It’s Okay- Emma-Jean Thackray Ft. Kassa Overall


Walking To The Jungle- La Pandemic
The Shadow of your Smile- Larry McDonald Ft. Zem Audu & Natty Frenchy
Jamaican Jig- Dub Syndicate
Gun Too Hot- Dub Syndicate
Moussokéléyato- Allata Broulaye
PATAS ARRIBA- Tony Allen & La BOA


Ainda Preciso do Sol- Adrian Younge
Mon Gamin- The Loire Valley Calypsos


Dinorah Dinorah- Butcher Brown
9 Bar Tune- Sullivan Fortner
Tres Palabras- Sullivan Fortner
California Dreamin’- Richard Baratta

Find Yer Spots

The middle part of the proGram reminded us to pick ’em wisely.

Someday Baby- Crosscut Saw
Poor Black Mattie- Southern Fried Groove Queens


Electric War- Little Barrie & Malcolm Catto
Dedicated To The One I Love- Schizo Fun Addict
Born to Be Wild- Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson & Steve Vai (G3 Reunion Live)


I’m Working On A Building- Kid Ramos
Insatiable- Analog Son Ft. Adryon de León
God Reason- MonoNeon Ft. Katt Williams, George Clinton & James Fauntleroy


Dominoes- Kendra Morris
**pre-recorded conversation with Kendra Morris**
The Door- Kendra Morris
In My House- Kendra Morris

Hatif- The Bombillas
Mayo con Yayo- Polyrhythmics
Twangy Morocco- Danzón El Gato
Fatal Attraction- The Charities