Here’s the digital download version of a two-artsist EP by me and and my band — the Half Moon Jug Band — and Stan and Dan who hail from the Belgrade Lakes region of Maine, not too far from North Pond. Turns out Stan Keach wrote a song about the Hermit right around the time I did. So we decided to join forces and put out a six song CD. The physical edition, which includes Stan and Dan’s songs, too, will be out around the 23rd. But for now, feel free to download an mp3 or two right here.
The really groovy cover painting is by a friend of Stan’s. His name is Dave DeRan and we owe him big time for letting us use his picture. Thanks Dave!
This weekend, our Vacationland Music partners, The Squid Jiggers, are playing at the annual tribute to Tom Rowe. The show has been raising money for the Jack McPhillips Memorial fund for years. This time around, it’s been decided to dedicate all the money raised to the victims of three back-to-back fires in the “L” half of Maine’s L/A.
“I’m glad the board of the memorial fund has decided to do this,” said Dave Rowe, son of the late Schooner Fare bassist in whose memory the annual show takes place. “I know my father would approve. He lived right across the river in Auburn for many years.”
We spent the weekend in the studio. We’re making a split EP with a fellow named Stan Keach and his friend Dan the Mandolin player. Both he and Troy wrote songs about the North Pond Hermit. The recordings should be ready in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned.
Here’s Troy’s song and his dog Hook. The HMJB version will have less cute dogs, but more drums and bass.
Here’s Stan’s take on the curious story of the Hermit.
The HMJB at Portland’s venerable Geno’s Rock Club.
The doors were open at Geno’s Rock Club on Congress Street. The doorman was collecting the cover. The stage was set. All three bands were present and accounted for. Folks were milling around at the bar. They were hanging out in the corner by the Indiana Jones pinball machine, right next to what may be the last cigarette machine in Portland.
There was just one problem: there was no sound man.
Due to some crossed wires, he wasn’t there and he wasn’t coming.
Luckily, Squid Jigger and sound man extraordinaire, Dave Rowe, was nearby. A quick cell phone call later, he was on the scene and ready to save the day. He’d never been in Geno’s before and had about 15 minutes to figure out the system. A bit of squealing feedback ensued. Some rumbling and buzzing occurred. But, given the circumstances, everything turned out just fine and the crowd was treated to some mighty fine music.
Winter is finally, maybe, coming to an end. The calendar says March has just about met its match. So, its time for us to venture forth and play some music.
We’re rubbing the winter salt and sand out of our eyes and playing a set at the (in)famous Geno’s Rock Club here in Portland Friday night, April 5. Its been several years since our last appearance, and who knows when we’ll be back. So, don’t miss us.
As an added bonus. It’s a First Friday Art Walk night in our fair city. That’s when the whole downtown comes alive with arty people walking around doing arty things. It happens once a month and there’s more to do than you can shake a damp paintbrush at. Come to town, take in the art, have some supper and head over to Geno’s Rock Club for music and drinks. We’ll be there, waiting for you.
Here’s the digital download version of a two-artsist EP by me and and my band — the Half Moon Jug Band — and Stan and Dan who hail from the Belgrade Lakes region of Maine, not too far from North Pond. Turns out Stan Keach wrote a song about the Hermit right around the time I did. So we decided to join forces and put out a six song CD. The physical edition, which includes Stan and Dan’s songs, too, will be out around the 23rd. But for now, feel free to download an mp3 or two right here.
