Ed DesJardins

From Ed DesJardins: Just a reminder that there’s still plenty of room for the Shane Alexander show this coming Wednesday Nov. 2nd at 7:30. This will be the very last venue at St. Andrew’s in Readfield. I’m a bit sad for that for a number of reasons, primarily because we have had so many wonderful shows there- but we’ll find another  space for sure.

Shane started the St. Andrew’s concerts 3 years ago and he’ll finish it out! Fairly appropriate I’d say.

It is a first come basis this time (no tix) so please come out and support Shane and his talented traveling companion Chris Pierce! We’ll ring out a fantastic run of incredible shows at St. Andrew’s.

Seats are 20.00 at the door.

Thank you all so much for your past and continued support. If you plan on attending kindly do so in the manner outlined in the following link:

http://thevalleyvoice.org/wp-admin/post.php?post=40091&action=edit

Ed DesJardins

Wednesday November 2nd sees the return of one of our fav’s Shane Alexander and his equally talented travelling companion Chris Pierce. Originally the show was to be in Hallowell but I relocated it to St. Andrew’s in Readfield. St. Andrew’s was the venue I drummed up for Shane 3 years ago – it was the first concert ever there and ironically,  this will be the last! St. Andrew’s is moving to a Quaker meeting house in Winthrop – possibly the home of future venues – but we get the old building on 16 Church Road one last time.

Shane is on a real rocket ride right now – the efforts and talent of this hard working artist are really paying off for him. He has teamed up with Chris Pierce (LA based songwriter and vocal phenom) for the “Brothers From Another Mother” tour. Surely they are kindred spirits and we will enjoy a set by each and then they will finish the evening together. It’s been fun to watch Shane go from his humble beginnings to the artist he has become today. Many of you have been part of that history and it will be great to see you at this show. Please come out and support these amazing people.

Tickets for Shane and Chris are 20.00 at the door. show starts at 7:30.
Information contact no: 557-3955

P.S. Talking to Duke Robillard about something in Jan or Feb.

Hope to see you out!

Thanks as always -

Ed.

Ed says

FRANCINE REED BIOGRAPHY

The blues can be defined in a limitless number of ways, but it will forever be the soul’s measurement of self-expression and self-healing. Where mere words cannot articulate, and movement is incomplete, music bridges the chasm. Francine Reed’s new album, SHADES OF BLUE, is the language of human spirit distilled through a voice of radiance. Known to most of the world as Lyle Lovett’s duet and back-up vocalist, this Chicago-born songstress has been singing professionally since she was a child in her family’s gospel group. “ I always say I was born singing,” recalls Francine. “When the doctor slapped me on the ass, I went (singing) ‘Look at me!”

Obligations resulting from a broken marriage prevented Ms. Reed from pursuing her dream full-time until her children were grown up and self-sufficient. During those years, however, Francine performed in local jazz clubs and at various functions, eventually rising to prominence in her adopted hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. As a support act, Ms. Reed appeared on the bill with luminaries such as Miles Davis, Smokey Robinson, Etta James, and The Crusaders. In 1985, she met the then unknown singer Lyle Lovett and they formed a strong alliance that continues to this day. “Lyle has always intrigued me, and has been my greatest influence in the last fifteen years of my life. Just seeing the amount of importance he puts into every performance and into every recording session has had a tremendous effect on me. Being around musicians of his caliber has brought me to a higher level.” Francine provides Lyle Lovett and his Large Band with an indelible stage presence and harmonic texture that has fans and critics worldwide. Reminiscing on their initial encounter at a recording session, “I couldn’t believe the voice I heard in the headphones belonged to THAT guy, I could’ve sworn that wasn’t him singing.”

Marty Joyce

Performing with Lovett’s ensemble for over a decade, Ms. Reed has appeared on several of the artist’s platinum discs, and sang alongside Mr. Lovett on recent broadcasts of “Late Night with David Letterman”, “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, and “Regis and Kathy Lee.” In addition to her touring schedule with Lovett, Ms. Reed has appeared on recordings by Delbert McClinton and Roy orbison, among others. Her distinctive vocals can also be herd on several television commercials including Senekot Laxative (“I Feel Good”) and in a scene from the 1993 hit film, THE FIRM, via Tom Cruise’s character’s disc player.

“I can still remember my first performance when I was a three year old in my aunt’s church. Her name was Helen Francis, for whom I’m named, and I was so small they had to put me on the piano. I used to listen to rehearsals with her gospel choir and I’d sing “I Wanna See Jesus” in front of the congregation. An audience to me could be just one or two people. My mom would have guests over and point to me and say ‘sing a song.’ And I would just go on and sing, and I’d even make up my own songs. It’s a natural God-given talent.”

Francine Reed’s solo career began in the mid –1990s after she relocated to Georgia. Francine released her debut, I WANT YOU TO LOVE ME, in 1985, which included a cameo by Mr. Lovett. A year later, she followed up with CAN’T MAKE IT ON MY OWN, which featured studio legends Al Kooper (organ) and Bob Babbait (bass), along with McClinton. Both records were highly acclaimed with the later being the catalyst for a prestigious W.C. Handy Artist of the Year and Song of the Year nominations. Bonnie Raitt praised Francine Reed during a concert at Chastain Park when she walked on stage with Ms. Reed’s album and proclaimed. “You folks have a national treasure here in Atlanta.” Produced by Bryan Cole and Edd Miller for CMO Productions in Atlanta. SHADES OF BLUE is a stellar collection of ten compositions that allow Francine Reed to expand on the legacy in which she carved out for herself. Featuring up-tempo dance selections, heartfelt ballads, and lush orchestrations, SHADES OF BLUE is essential listening.

Bob Colwell

“My brother Tony was the one who introduced me to jazz. Like most of my family I was into R& B, Motown, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, and Nancy Wilson. We all used to listen to the radio and were very influenced by everyone we heard. And we thought we could do what everyone else was doing.” “Got A Right To Sing The Blues” is one of the many special moments on her latest release. The duel vocals of Francine and her sister Margo bespeak a deep passion for the blues. “I always loved the way Margo did this tune,” notes Francine, “and anything we sing together is going to be enjoyable.” Choosing the songs for SHADES OF BLUE was no easy task for a singer that is well versed in a number of genres. “Producer Bryan (Cole), and Edd (Miller) did everything for me on this album except the singing! We received tunes from advertisements placed in magazines for me, and they would weed through all the tapes and select what was right. Their expertise made it all happen.” However, the selections do reveal a very personal aspect of the artists’ life. “The Man That Got Away,” “Wrong Man For The Job,” “I Have A Right To Know,” and I’m A Handful” all ring true.

”Oh yes, it’s a man thing…my breakup with a gentleman had a lot to do with these songs. It comes around every now and then.” “When we’re in the studio, I always try to go with first takes. Since I’m constantly working I usually don’t have the luxury of setting aside time specifically to record.” On the subject of capturing the energy of a live performance in a recording booth, and keeping the concert flame burning, Ms. Reed notes “it’s a mindset for me that I’m still trying to master. If it’s a really good song, then it just comes out of me. At a gig, I try to phrase like a record which is what the audience comes to hear. I learned that from being on the road with Lyle. Other times I have a tendency to be more improvisational and feed of the musicians and the crowd. Then I can kick it up a notch. But how that comes about, I really don’t know. I just open my mouth and sing from the heart.

I’m really blessed.”

For related Valley Voice story cut and paste the following link into your browser:

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Francis Dunnery

Saturday, April 2nd
St. Andrew’s Church
Readfield, ME
7:30 start
Tickets are 25.00 ea. by calling Ed DesJardins at 557-3955

Show is selling well – we’ll have a wonderful time with Mr. Dunnery. There is certainly room however so feel free to connect with me for tickets before Saturday.

In the spirit of bringing rare and fantastic music to you our Richard Julian show is set and ready to go for Saturday May 21st. Tickets are currently available for that as are tickets for Richard’s master class at the Kennebec Conservatory on Sunday May 22nd. RJ reminds me very much of Shane Alexander both in style and even looks! I was certainly lucky to get him to come out here as he is a very busy man with his own touring dates as well as working with Norah Jones in the Little WIllies. Getting Richard is a HUGE plus for future shows too because it will introduce me to New York City’s upper crust of players he knows and loves so well. I’m certain that if Richard enjoys himself he’ll spread the word and great opportunities will spring up from that.

Times are tight I know so I’m setting the Richard Julian ticket price at 20.00. That’s a nice value because Richard plays a long show AND Maine’s own Jud Caswell will have the opening spot too! That’s some terrific songwriting and performing there.

Looking forward to Saturday, celebrating music in Readfield with you, and…..Spring.

All the best, Ed DesJardins

Francis Dunnery

Hello Everyone – After a disappointing cancellation or our scheduled David Sancious show I’m very glad to say I have recovered and am back in the hunt for amazing talent to present to all of you.

I have three shows planned through July – as of now I’ll focus on the upcoming April 2nd show with the fabulous Francis Dunnery. I don’t attach links here because many of you cannot seem to open them anyway, but please take a moment to check out Francis on Youtube or at his site.

We hosted Francis back in 2004 at our home. After all of the shows I have presented since, Francis still really does it for me. Robin and I travelled to Philly in November to see Francis and David (Sancious) together at the Tin Angel and he totally blew us away. Francis’ ability to move an audience with his music and rough edged wisdom has become legendary– I have a couple of really good Francis stories from past shows believe me! Anything you see on the computer screen will pale in comparison to the experience YOU will enjoy up close and personal.

The show is Saturday April 2nd at St. Andrew’s Church in Readfield. –  7:30 start–Tickets are 25.00 ea. and can be purchased by calling me at 557-3955. Or you could return the e-mail – I’ll do the usual tickets in the mail routine and they will also be available at Marie’s Whole Foods next to the Post Office in Readfield. For those of you farther afield The Lighthouse Wine and Fine Foods store in Manchester will have them as well.

Thanks for being there for these shows – Once I have firm dates I’ll tell you about the other two.  So you have a clue:

May 21st (or 22nd) Norah Jones band member and fantastic singer/songwriter Richard Julian will grace St. Andrew’s in Readfield.

July 10th – World famous guitarist Johnny A!! Venue TBD – this is a big expensive show so I’m looking for feedback to get a sense of weather or not I can pull it off! Trying to keep tix at 25.00 – just need to sell a couple hundred or more to make it work. Johnny A is well worth the risk. I had a really nice conversation with him last week and he’s into it. And so am I.

See you at Dunnery!

Spring is almost here – Ed

Jeff Pevar Concert in Readfield on Sept. 25th and the masterclass at Kennebec Conservatory on the 26th.

It’s happening Saturday Sept. 25th 7:00 P.M. at St. Andrew’s Church – 16 Church Road in Readfield. It’s been a long wait but patience has won out and anyone in attendance at the last Jeff Pevar show knows we’re in store for an incredible night of music.

If you’re not yet familiar with Jeff Pevar he’s well worth looking up and easy to find as he has become a first call session and touring guitarist for the likes of Jackson Browne, Crosby Stills and Nash, Rickki Lee Jones, Ray Charles, Mark Cohn, Bonnie Raitt, and the list goes on and on. He’s probably the best musician I have ever met and believe me that’s REALLY saying something.

I have assembled a first class band of local players  to accompany Jeff on the evenings rich musical journey. Robbie Coffin will be playing guitar, Greg Lindholm the bass, and Alfred Lund will handle drum and percussion duties. There will be a few guest appearances for sure and a lot of jaw dropping musicianship.

St. Andrew’s is fairly small so there’s only around 80 seats for sale. Please call as soon as you can to reserve them – you simply won’t find a better night of music in Maine and it’s happening in our own backyard.

Tickets are 25.00 each and available by calling me directly at 557-3955. I would like to keep the “pay at the door” situation to an absolute minimum if possible.

Thanks so much to all of you – I look forward to hearing from you – SPREAD THE WORD!!

Very best wishes,

Ed DesJardins
Garden Promotions

Checks can be made payable to Ed DesJardins – 59 Cove Road, Readfield, Me. 04355.

See you on the 25th!

An eclectic group of musicians made up of students, faculty, administration, alumni, doctors, and special guests.

News:

Soon to play:

Fri. July 16 5pm at Emporium Pizza, Readfield

Wed. July 21 6-9pm Downtown Gifts Wine Tasting (performing next door at Riverback Dance Club), Water Street, Augusta

Fri. July 30 6-9pm Time Bank, Waterville

Sat. July 31 5pm Emporium Pizza, Readfield

Sat. August 7 10am-5pm Mile of Art, UMA running trail

According to Keith Fletcher, MEACC president, “Readfield was selected to share our annual Sterling P. Dow Award on the basis of the work the conservation commission has done to lead by example. For instance, they have taken the lead to acquire several important lands for the community.”

The award is named for Sterling “Tad” Dow, the first executive director of the Maine Association of Conservation Commissions.

Bob Shafto, MEACC executive director, said that the Readfield Conservation Commission also has prepared a local Open Space Plan, has undertaken a project to control invasive plants at the town forest, and has initiated an inventory of vernal pools.

Readfield Conservation Commission chair David Bagley expressed great appreciation at receiving the award.

“Readfield has had a very active conservation commission for a long time. We are stewards for four local properties. Our town-wide map of conservation and recreation areas has been so popular we are on the third edition. An open space plan we prepared has resulted in new trails being developed for local citizens. I am proud that our good work has been recognized,” said Bagley.

Conservation commissions are municipal groups that take responsibility for protecting a town’s natural resources and quality of place. Over 70 Maine towns now have conservation commissions. More information about conservation commissions can be found at MEACC’s website, www.meacc.net.