I Use to Love Christmas

Not to be a Scrooge, but Christmas, at least in the secular form, has started to loose a lot of its luster in my Moleskine!  The lost innocence of a time gone by, the commercialism and the grubby, greedy minions waiting on sales, while they knock each other out with physical or verbal abuse begins to make the fresh cut Christmas tree smell a little stale.


So, what is an errant Knight to do?  Well...Think...Drink...Create and Be Merry...OF COURSE!  Which is exactly what I did with this song "I Use to Love Christmas"!





Cheers!
Sir Hook the Minstrel in the Gallery of Warrick

The Unifying Power of Music

One of the benefits of Sir Hook's Traveling Medicine Show is the ability to revel in live music, which sadly doesn't occur with great variety in my hometown.

And...the benefit of live music is the opportunity to realize the Unifying Power of Music. It's a language that knows no gender, race or age barrier to those who are open to its force.

Lady Allwinky joined the Traveling Medicine Show during my past two week trek across Florida, Georgia, Ohio and Illinois. One of the highlights of the trip occurred in a taxi cab in Orlando, Florida, on our way to Hard Rock Live at Universal Studios to take in The Decemberists, a band that we had to bypass at Lollapolozza in order to see Fleet Foxes play during the same time.

Our Cab driver's name was Lunes, a survivor of a Haitian raft trip to Florida, who is now an American citizen, father of three, and an old soul. When Lunes told us that he was from Haiti we shared our stories of Haiti with him.

Our parish church has a twinning program with a parish in Haiti, where we send supplies and support the community in various ways. We have been to Haiti once and we pay for the education of Eloise, a beautiful Haitian girl, who we have supported since she was 5 years old. She is now 16 and wants to be a doctor.

I showed Lunes a picture of me playing with a Haitian band on my iPhone and that's when the Unifying Power of Music kicked in.

Lunes played us a CD of the Haitian national music known as Kompa. Kompa is a blend of reggae, jazz and soca that is a natural body mover! He delighted in translating the French and Patois lyrics for us as we jammed our way down the interstate in the Harvest Moon night.

A few days later in Atlanta we took in the U2 360 tour at the Georgia Dome. This massive display was an awesome experience, as it brought together 70,000 individuals and moved us as one through the Unifying Power of Music.

Still, with all the technology, beauty and social conscious that makes up U2, there was something more special and sacred about that cab ride with Lunes in Florida. I felt that Kompa helped me to set my course again with the Compass of my soul.

Sir Hook Who Practices Unity Through Diversity Through the Unifying Power of Music of Warrick

This Post is dedicated to my Father, Kenneth Earl "Bud" Wells, who would be 83 today if still alive. Bud introduced me to my first live musical experience, the Country Western Music Shin Dig.

The Smokin' Joe and Gorgeous Gina Show

After a couple of steady, challenging, yet rewarding days of work...I was ready to unwind with some Rockin' Blues at the old Victory Theater in downtown Evansville. Now the home of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, the Victory originally started as a 1920's Palace of Silent Films.



Braving a last minute severe thunderstorm and torrential rain...Sir Hook's Traveling Medicine Show arrived in Victory at the Victory.







Last night's headliner is one of my favorite guitar players...Joe Bonamassa. Starting as a child prodigy...Joe is now called the "New King of the Blues" and "One of the World's Greatest Guitar Players". Joe is that and so much more...a Rockin' Demon on Guitar...SMOKIN'!







The 4th row view from my resolution challenged iPhone doesn't even begin to capture the raw power, energy and sonic beauty that Joe and his solid band mates laid out on the Blues Buffet for our hungry consumption!







This is Joe's website, www.jbonamassa.com, where you'll find the real version of guitar hero. Here's some history from Joe's bio on the site:



Like that of John Henry, Bonamassa’s story has its fair share of legend, grit and endurance. Remarkably, the 2009 release of The Ballad Of John Henry coincides with his twentieth year as a professional musician, an extraordinary timeline for a young artist just into his ’30s. A child prodigy, Bonamassa was finessing Stevie Ray Vaughan licks when he was seven and by the time he was ten, had caught B.B. King’s ear. After first hearing him play, King said, “This kid's potential is unbelievable. He hasn't even begun to scratch the surface. He's one of a kind.” By age 12, Bonamassa was opening shows for the blues icon (something he also did recently as the opener on King’s 80th birthday tour), and went on to tour with venerable acts including Buddy Guy, Foreigner, Robert Cray, Stephen Stills, Joe Cocker and Gregg Allman.

Reversing the order for artistic sake, the opening act, and the Gorgeous part of this Smokin' story is Gina Sicilia. All of 23 years old, what makes Gina "Gorgeous" is not so much her looks as the sound that comes out of her Philadelphia bred, Italian American mouth and the energy of the performance.



It was like watching Janis Joplin perform while listening to the blended voices of Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald and Bonnie Riatt all at once....DYNAMIC!







Best of all, the songs from her new album, "Hey Sugar", were performed as recorded by a stripped down version of musical mayhem. Upright bass, one snare with cymbal, and an electric guitar was all it took to the ROCK THE HOUSE DOWN! I kept thinking that this is how it must have felt to be at the old Rockabilly shows with Johnny Cash, Elvis and the gang when I was just a spec in my Daddy's eyes!









Gina's web site is where you'll enter into this wonderful world, www.ginasicilia.com. Here's some bio information:



Only once in a great while an artist comes along with the power to cause jaws to drop in awe—ladies and and gentleman, meet Philadelphia's own musical own dynamo Gina Sicilia Exposed to music early on by her music-loving family, Gina began singing at the age of 3 and wrote her first song at the tender age of 12. Upon hearing blues legend Bobby Bland for the first time at the age of 14, she became instantly enthralled by the raw emotion and power of blues & soul. After spending her teenage years polishing her vocal and songwriting skills, Gina began singing in clubs around the Philadelphia area, and has since branched out worldwide. As an artist who has been performing on the blues circuit for only a few short years, it is obvious to see that Gina's star is rising, and it is rising fast. In December 2007, only five months after the release of her critically acclaimed debut album, "Allow Me To Confess", Gina signed with the prestigious Piedmont Talent booking agency, which represents such legendary acts as Johnny Winter and James Cotton. That same month, Gina's impressive talent was recognized by the Blues Foundation, earning her a 2008 Blues Music Awards nomination for "Best New Artist Debut".



So, there you have the latest musical exploits from Sir Hook's Traveling Medicine Show. I hope you will enjoy!



Sir Hook the Satisfied Troubadour of Warrick

Lollapalooza-Day 3

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! BE THERE! Or, if you're from across the Pond and don't understand the "call to Raceday"...Sunday Bloody Sunday! It's the final day of Hooky playing Hooky! Nothing like going to Church with thousands of spiritual seekers outdoors!

Today marks a historical moment in the history of The Knights of Moleskine Spirit & Ale....our 700th post! It also marks the final day of one hell of a music festival for this ole' rocker! With the heat index expecting to reach the 100's...we'll have to keep well hydrated to make it all the way to the Killers closing Set tonight without killing ourselves!

Here's today's potential schedule (always subject to change):

11:45am - Sam Roberts Band: Infectious Canadian Rockers are a new discovery due to listening to the Lolla web site before today's events. Their song, "The Kids Don't Know How To Dance to Rock N Roll", will have them quickly learning how!

12:30pm - Friendly Fires: English dance-rockers who inspire early afternoon hip swiveling. Lovely!

1:30pm - Bat for Lashes: Pakistani born beauty queen, raised English and charming the world as the new Ambassador for artsy music! Sonic landscapes shape around her voice that makes you Bat Your Lashes repeatedly!

2:30pm - The Airborne Toxic Event: Another one of my new favorites! This LA based band has been featured in the KMSA blog before for their timely and catchy name, not to mention their outstanding music!

3:30pm - The Raveonettes: Awash in Reverb at a Chelsea Basement Bar, I feel the grass on my bare feet and smile!

4:30pm - Neko Case: Another Starbuck's discovery for me. Neko has catchy tunes and a lovely voice.

5:30pm - Dan Auerbach: Not only is he from Dayton, OH...but Dan is also one of two of the "Black Keys". Can't be all that bad?! Right! The Sixties come alive with new technology!

6:30pm - Lou Reed: Speaking of the 60's...Need I say more?! If I do...then you should be dead and laying on top of your Velvet...Underground!

7:30pm - Silversun Pickups: Childhood friends from LA, who's pickups (not the driving kind) ring out Rock N Roll Heaven in the Silver Sun!

8:30pm - The Killers: This Las Vegas band has been "Killing" me for a few years now! "Smile Like You Mean It" has to already be a classic! Sorry Jane's Addiction (playing on the other side at the same time)...but we're tired of wrinkled old farts. Of course it takes one to know one! LOL!

So there you have my Final line-up. You can share in the action by downloading a free iPhone Lollapalooza app if you own an iPhone, or you can visit the official website with links to the bands at http://.2009.lollapalooza.com. And make sure to stay tuned for my up to the minute Concert Comments....and thanks for taking this very fun journey with me!

I've got the Music in Me!
Sir Hook the Troubadour of Warrick

Lollapalooza-Day 2

Sir Hook, still playing and being Hooky at America's Best Music Festival....Lollapalooza 2009! Today begins with what could in the future be two headliners. It's my lucky early afternoon, because these relative unknowns are two of my favorite bands right now thanks to iTunes!

11:30am - Band of Skulls: Wake Up America...Wake Up Chicago...Wake Up Dead Man...that's just not music you're hearing...that is a Band playing in your freakin' SKULL!

12:30pm - Dirty Sweet: Sweet! Gettin' down and dirty with some good ole' Rock N Roll!

1pm - Constantines: I got to like this band a couple of years ago when I was forced to watch endless shows on the WB with my then high school daughter.

2:15pm - Ida Maria: Someone who I would have been worried about hanging out with my daughter in school, but who I would have wanted to party with when I was that age! I know...the old double standard! LOL! Besides, she laughs at fart jokes! (See her You Tube promotion)

3:00pm - Los Campesinos!:  The name will fool you but the music will move you.  This is a Welsh band with a Spanish name and some seriously fun music!

4:30pm - Artic Monkey's: I can' wait to see these guys live! I've been a huge fan since I discovered them listening to British radio over the Internet several years ago. I'll be dancing like the Monkey Man I Am!

5:30pm - Santigold:  She's not Santa, but her pants and music are Gold!  Ska, Punk, Rap & Rock...Rolled together into one "Spicy Meatballa!"

6:30pm - TV on the Radio:  Eclectic combination of musical styles should make this an interesting set to watch.

7:30pm - Ben Harper and Relentless 7: AWESOME! Relentless 7 times 7. That equals eternal bliss!

8:30pm - Yeah Yeah Yeahs: YEAH! Opting out of the drugs...it's still Fun, Sex and Rock N Roll with this group! Tool is headlining across the park, but I just want to yell Yeah Yeah Yeah!

So there you have my Saturday line-up. You can share in the action by downloading a free iPhone Lollapalooza app if you own an iPhone, or you can visit the official website with links to the bands at http://.2009.lollapalooza.com.

I've got the Music in Me!
Sir Hook the Troubadour of Warrick

Lollapalooza-Day 1

Sir Hook...playing Hooky and being Hooky at one of America's largest, if not largest, Music Festivals...Lollapalooza in Chi-Town! Lady Allwinky and I took up the invitation of Lady Mo of Chicago, Lady Allwinky's high school friend, to shack and shag at her penthouse overlooking Grant Park and attend this Three Day Feast of Music, Food, Beer and Hot Bods!

I have prepared posts on each of the three days...highlighting the music and artists. I will be adding live comments after each performance to review the music, people we meet, beer we drink and adventures we'll be sharing along the way!


Here's the Map to my Kingdom through Sunday night. Believe me, by the time this is over I will have covered several miles, drank hundreds of beers and encountered thousands of adoring fans from across the globe! I will have covered 7 different stages, 31 different artists, eaten too much high priced fast food and drank a boat load of beer at Kingdom Central..The Lederhosen's Biergarten!


Like this fine lass from Nashville who will "Sing 4 Beer"! Actually this is Kesha, a 21 year old budding electronic pop star from Nashville, who will be performing at BMI Stage at 4:15pm on Sunday.

11:30am - The Henry Clay People: New to my iPod, a fusion of New Wave and Southern Rock

12:15pm - Manchester Orchestra: New to my iPod, they're not from Manchester, England but their music has that English alternative flair, mixed with a low heavy guitar drone.

1pm - Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears: The name says it all!

2pm - White Lies: They are English and sound like a rockin' version of a rejuvenated Depeche Mode.

3pm - Heartless Bastards: The name doesn't say it at all...but it's catchy enough to make you listen to their brand of Neil Youngish Heavy American Folk Rock.

4pm - Ben Folds: The modern Piano Man with an attitude. I saw him open up for John Mayer at Hershey Park one week before I broke my back. Glad we're both "back" today!

5pm - Fleet Foxes: Mellow Yellow meets Starbuck's Caffeine at an English Tea Party. This Seattle band was discovered by me at Starbuck's a few years ago and is a newly found favorite of Sir Dayvd of Oxfordshire.

6pm - The Decemberists: Very talented and creative musicians. I would describe them as like having a band full of Elvis Costello clones!

7pm: Andrew Bird: A Chicago classically trained violinist with a pop/folk twist.

8:15pm - Kings of Leon: "My Sex is On Fire" has propelled this brawling band of brothers from their father's pulpit to the big stage. One of two Headliners on opposite ends of the park. The other is one of my all time favorites, Depeche Mode, but I can't stand their new album and I want to learn more about this band by seeing them live.

So there you have my Friday line-up. You can share in the action by downloading a free iPhone Lollapalooza app if you own an iPhone, or you can visit the official website with links to the bands at http://.2009.lollapalooza.com.

I've got the Music in Me!
Sir Hook the Troubadour of Warrick

Knight Time at Jericho Tavern

It was Knight Time at Jericho Tavern on July 11, 2009. Knight Time has been a vision of the Founding Father's since its inception. To bring to life in video our adventures, travels and tales as we spread Unity Through Diversity across the globe. This section of our video will be available to view on You Tube later this evening after it downloads at http://www.youtube.com/DKWells57



Jericho Tavern, in Oxford, UK, is Oxford's leading Independent music venue where Radiohead made their debut in 1987 and Supergrass got signed to a record deal after a gig in 1994. It carries on that tradition in the music room upstairs today.



It is also an excellent Pub, and most recently has been added to the list of Sacred Watering Holes by the Founding Fathers of the Knights of Moleskine Spirit & Ale.



Sir Dayvd of Oxfordshire introduced us to a band he is very close to that evening. They are called the Joe Allen Band. I shot some video for the band which is now available to view on You Tube at this link: http://www.youtube.com/DKWells57



The Joe Allen Band consists of singer/song writer Joe Allen, accompanied by the very talented and elegant Angharad Jenkins on electric violin. The rhythm section is mastered by Chrissie Sheaf. The combination is absolutely stunning and utterly beautiful!

Here's a taste!




Cheers!

Sir Hook the Troubadour, Documentary and Candlestick Maker of Warrick