Category Archives: News

TTBTGH Open House – June 5!

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For quite some time now, UMFM has been undergoing some much-needed renovations. It was time to get rid of the old gear from 1972 and leap into the modern age. Our studios got a much needed makeover, and we’ve added some nifty new features.

Now, we’d love to show you the results! Starting Sunday, June 5, 2011, UMFM is hosting its first Open House event, where you are invited to come down and take a tour of the place where all of the magic happens. You’ll get to meet your favourite show hosts and see how we put the shows together.

And, since it kicks off on a Sunday, Tell the Band to Go Home will get things going in grand style. We can’t give away all of our secrets yet (mostly because they haven’t been confirmed), but we’re working on having some great prizes, super snacks, and talented special guests!

We couldn’t do it without you! Plan to come on down and say hi and take it all in. You can even bring in your own requests, dedications, or whatever you think the show is missing. You’re more than welcome to play a song, say hi to your mom, or just tell me how great I am on-air. I’m serious about most of that.

Drop me an email at tellthebandtogohome at gmail dot com if you want to discuss it further, or, just mark it on your calendar and get on down to the UMFM open house, starting June 5!

WFF Wish List

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So The Winnipeg Folk Festival added Lucinda Williams, which is cool, I guess, but if that’s the last of the “big” names to be announced, all I can do is yawn. Now, don’t get me wrong, I live for the Winnipeg Folk Festival and would go even if there wasn’t anybody new to see, but thinking back on the many, many great artists who I’ve had the great fortune to discover there, I have to believe that there’s more out there than what we’re seeing this year.

I know that our AD works hard, and it’s easy to program a festival from the comfort of your couch, so, for your unrealistic pleasure, here’s a short list of the many artists who would all be MUCH cooler than just about anything at this year’s Winnipeg Folk Festival (except Chuck Prophet, whom you can see in some dude’s living room, which will be much cooler than the festival, anyway…)

Where are they: (aka why the hell not?)
The Lowest of the Low (not at ANY Canadian Folk Festivals? Time for a new booking agent!)
NQ Arbuckle (playing Trout Forest)
Drive-By Truckers
Rodney Crowell
Sunparlour Players
The Beauties
Patty Griffin
The Damnwells
James McMurtry
Christina Martin
Brandi Carlile (playing Edmonton)
Middle Brother (or even just Deer Tick would do)
The Head & The Heart (playing Calgary)
Gurf Morlix & the Blaze Foley tribute/movie
Paul Kelly
Robbie Fulks
Jesse Malin
Madison Violet
The Wooden Sky
The Tallest Man on Earth
Shannon Lyon
Matthew Ryan
Mumford & Sons
Shannon McNally
Band of Horses
Hatcher-Briggs
Wintersleep
Griffin House
Brian MacMillan
Lynn Miles
Jack Marks
Jeremy Messersmith
Kim Richey
Jon Dee Graham
Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson
Bill Chambers
Ponderosa
Ray Lamontagne
Dave McCann (for Jaine)
Ryan Adams
Dave Alvin
Bobby Bare Jr.
Lucero
Barney Bentall & The Grand Cariboo Opry (how cool would that be?)
Bobby Long
Bon Iver
Sarah Borges
Buck 65
Peter Case
The Cave Singers
Cory Chisel
Joshua Cockerill
Rose Cousins
Will Kimbrough/Daddy
The Decemberists
Radney Foster
Jeffrey Foucault
Eilen Jewell
Chris Knight
Old 97’s
Old Crow Medicine Show
Ox
Phosphorescent
Richmond Fontaine
Romantica
Bob Schneider
Langhorne Slim
Slobberbone
Frank Turner
Washboard Hank

 

Welcome back any time:
Elliott BROOD
The Sadies
Del Barber
Jimmy LaFave
Lyle Lovett
Oh Susanna
David Francey
Nick Lowe
Nathan
Jesse DeNatale
Buddy Miller
Alejandro Escovedo
Calexico
CR Avery
Guy Clark (playing Edmonton)
Todd Snider
The Gourds (yeah, right!)
The Handsome Family
Skydiggers
Jim White

Still wishing, still hoping:
Tom Waits
Gillian Welch (playing Vancouver)
Robbie Robertson
Bruce Springsteen (for Stu)
Leonard Cohen
Kris Kristofferson
Paul Westerberg

And, just to prove that I’m some idiot making unrealistic requests from the comfort of my living room, I present: Only in my dreams – can’t wait for the big Folk Fest in the sky:
Willie P Bennett
John Bottomley
Townes Van Zandt
Johnny Cash
Gram Parsons
Blaze Foley
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Billy Cowsill
Paul Quarrington
Lee Hazlewood

It could be worse, we could have to sit through:
Neil Young solo, playing Le Noise crap
Bob Dylan
Crash Test Dummies

What’s on your wish list? Got any thoughts on my insane ramblings? Please leave a comment!

Let’s bring Depression out of the shadows

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After reading some emails in response to John Bottomley’s untimely death by suicide, as well as the brilliant piece on Roots Music Canada I’m even more moved and inspired. Bottomley’s death had that sad, silent feeling to it that he’d been claimed by the awful disease that is depression, and I was sorry to find out that my fears were true.

I’ve spent a lot of time down that long, lonely road that eventually took John. I’ve never talked publicly about that. The nature of depression is that you feel totally alone, but the reality is that those of us afflicted, clearly, are not.

The RMC post says that for artists “depression is almost an occupational hazard,” and that is probably true. It certainly feeds into much of the great art that is created. I talk to a lot of great musicians who kind of dance around the subject, but don’t often get into how they’ve been affected and how it comes out in their art.

Personally, I’d like to have John Bottomley’s death lead to something productive, something meaningful, and something that has the potential to do a lot of good. His last CD contains the inscription, “Music has a healing power.” Let’s have some musicians and music lovers channel that power. John doesn’t have to be the poster boy, by any means, but the impetus for something good.

Perhaps if John knew that he wasn’t alone and many of us knew EXACTLY what he was going through, things would have been different.
Perhaps if he had a forum to discuss his struggles and put a voice to it, he would feel better
Perhaps if he knew that telling his story might help someone else who was struggling, he would have felt that he was doing something important (which, of course, he already was, but in the thankless job of a brilliant, under-appreciated Canadian songwriter, he obviously lost track of that.)

Sharing these stories helps remove the stigma, gets this HUGELY widespread problem out in the open, and has the great potential to greatly impact the person telling it and to reach someone who might feel all alone.

I’d really like to be part of something that gets talented and creative people (and at least one non-talented, non-creative, but very passionate campus radio dj) talking about this. I think that knowing that some of us have some public visibility and have managed to “succeed” (survive) with depression might help someone, somewhere.

Can I (we?) do something? A website? Videos? Write something?

If you want to steal that idea and run with it, please do. I’m glad to help. If you have ideas or assistance to offer, let’s talk.  I’ll keep thinking on it and try to get something going if nobody beats me to it.

Hopefully, if there is any good that can come out of a loss like this, it is that maybe we can give a little bit more visibility to this deadly , all-too-common condition which claims so many, yet is so rarely spoken about.

TTBTGH remembers John Bottomley

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Sometimes Facebook can be a good thing, because it really is a good way to keep informed, but sometimes you learn things that really bring you down. Such was the case when I read that one of our great, underappreciated songwriters, John Bottomley has died. There isn’t much real info to be found, but we’ll update you if we hear more.  I have to pay some small tribute on the radio tomorrow. I only wish that he could be on the show to speak for himself. I meant to book an interview, it’s been on my list for weeks, but never got around to it. I’m not feeling good about that at all.

If you haven’t already, check out John’s music. He has a “new” album that came out a while ago called “The Healing Dream,” and it’s great. His 1995 CD “Blackberry” remains one of the finest CDs I’ve ever heard. It’s in elite company as one of those very rare albums where I love every song, every moment. It’s even more rare that I can find an album that appeals to everybody. When I have people over and I want something that’ll please everybody, it’s one of only a few discs that I’ll grab – and I’ve got a hell of a lot to choose from. We all know that Colin Linden is a masterful musician, writer, and producer, and in my opinion, probably his fnest playing and production is on Blackberry. It’s a masterpiece, and it was just the tip of the iceberg.

http://johnbottomley.net/

if you’re looking to hear one of the most amazing albums of all time, and make your life a lot better, please consider buying this album: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bottomley4 or on itunes

I think I’ve been pretty good about telling musicians how much the music means to me. I hope you all know that your talent and passion is appreciated – no, never by enough people, and the rewards sometimes don’t seem to justify the effort, but the world needs great art. You’re all important and all of it means something to somebody.

In no particular order, and for no other particular reason, thanks to: Del Barber, Christina Martin, John Wort Hannam, Jory Nash, Alex Dezen, Matthew Ryan, John K Samson, Ron Hawkins/Stephen Stanley & The Lowest of the Low, Bidini/Tielli/Veseley/Clark/Kerr/MPW & Rheostatics, Keri Latimer & Nathan, Michael Johnston, Oh Susanna, Jim Bryson, Kathleen Edwards, NQ Arbuckle, Madison Violet, Fearing/Linden/Wilson & Blackie, Leeroy Stagger, Skydiggers, The Cash Brothers, Mike Plume, Lynn Miles, etc. etc. etc.

 

We still miss you, Willie P

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February 15 is the third anniversary of the death of one of our guiding lights on Tell the Band to Go Home, the great Willie P. Bennett. If I can do one good thing with this show, and in the world in general, it’s to share Willie’s music and let people know how amazing it is. Sadly, you still can’t buy it ANYWHERE (a heinous crime that the RCMP needs to relentlessly pursue), so hearing it on TTBTGH is one of your only avenues.

Today, we will do our duty and play you a bunch of songs by and about Willie.

We’ve posted a few things about Willie since he’s been gone. I thought it might be fun to provide links to them here:

One for Willie. I wish that I didn’t have to do this show, because man, do I miss the guy, but I think that given the fact that we all gotta go some time, I think we paid him a proper tribute. With some words from his friends and fans, and a bunch of great music, this may be my favourite episode of TTBTGH of all time. It’s certainly my most planned and passionate episode, and I hope that you might listen and enjoy it (again?).

My thoughts on hearing that Willie had died.

On that sad silence at the Fred Eaglesmith show

Our Willie tribute (and Valentine’s Day show), 2009

Our Willie tribute (and Valentine’s Day show), 2010

Our Willie tribute (and Valentine’s Day show), 2011

Fred Eaglesmith, performing Willie’s classic “Country Squall” live at the Park Theatre in Winnipeg

Happy Birthday Walker Theatre (we think)

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Maybe for the 25th?

Did you know that March 1, 2011 marks the 20th anniversary of the Walker Theatre as a performing arts venue? In its day, it was pretty damn significant in this town, and still, despite its unfortunate name and long periods of silence, it’s one of the best places to see a show.

And what are they doing to celebrate this notable anniversary? NOTHING! Sigh.

Off the top of my head, some of the amazing shows I’ve seen there:

Blue Rodeo (numerous times)

Colin James

Jeff Healey Band

The Watchmen

Lyle Lovett

John Prine

Dave Matthews Band

Tragically Hip

Barenaked Ladies (with Rheostatics!)

Prince (OK, I didn’t go to that one, but maybe I should have!)

Got any great Walker memories or stories? Know why they’re not doing anything to commemorate? Know why Winnipeg still loves Butch Cummings? Leave a comment! Please!

Juno Nominees are in! Go Del!

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We here at Tell the Band to Go Home couldn’t possibly be more excited about the Junos than we are this year, as our 2010 Artist of the Year, local boy, Del Barber is nominated for Roots & Traditional Solo Recording of the Year! He’s up against some tough competition, but even the nomination is huge. Go get ’em Del. Also on the list is our old pal, Ruth Moody, for her divine solo debut, The Garden.

Here are the nominees:
Del Barber – Love Songs for the Last 20 (Independent)
Justin Rutledge – The Early Widows (Six Shooter)
Lynn Miles- Fall For Beauty (True North)
Old Man Luedecke – My Hands Are On Fire and Other Love Songs (Black Hen)
Ruth Moody – The Garden (Red House)

And the other category that matters: Roots & Traditional Group
Chic Gamine – City City (Independent)
Dala – Girls from the North Country- Dala Live in Concert (Campus)
Le Vent du Nord – La part du feu (Borealis)
The Creaking Tree String Quartet – Sundogs (Independent)
The Marigolds – That’s the State I’m In (Independent)

The full list is up at the Juno awards website.

Interview with Ron Hawkins (Lowest of the Low)

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It’s so great to see the recent attention given to the re-release of THE GREATEST ALBUM OF ALL TIME, Shakespeare My Butt by The Lowest of the Low. Here’s a pretty great interview posted by Exclaim magazine. Sure, I would have loved it if he’d referred to me by name instead of just as “the interviewer,” or at least dropping UMFM’s name or something, but hey, we’re still cool with it.

http://exclaim.ca/Interviews/WebExclusive/lowest_of_lows_ron_hawkins

The Truth about Keri Latimer?

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The folks at CBC radio posted an interesting interview with our pal Keri Latimer. Check it out online: http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/canadalive/2011/01/07/the-truth-about-keri-latimer-and-nathan/

Jim Bryson interview

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I’m hoping to get my act together and get our old pal Jim Bryson on the phone soon to promote his fine new record and upcoming show (March 5 at WECC, see the Upcoming Events page for more info). In the meantime, here’s a neat interview posted by former Winnipegger Chuck Molgat on his blog, Thick Specs

See the full interview here: http://www.thickspecs.com/my_weblog/2010/10/interview-with-jim-bryson.html

Jim’s always interesting, but especially so in this interview. You surely know by now that Jim’s album The North Side Benches is one of my all time faves, a true desert island disc. Well, it sounds like Jim wasn’t even trying to be brilliant, and certainly wasn’t having a good time making the record! Shocking:

“TS: Over 10 years, you’ve released 5 solo works but a few have been gapped by more than 3 or 4 years (North Side Benches in 2003 to Where The Bungalows Roam in 2007) – was that planned or due to other busyness?

JB: There is a perfect example of how playing other people’s music affects your own stuff. Kathleen toured all of 2005 and all of 2006 and I was playing with her through all of that so I recorded Bungalows on breaks from tour. So songs like The Wishes Pile Up, All The Fallen Leaves, Pissing On Everything, Death By Vibration…I had bed tracks done for all of those. So half of it was made one year and I made the rest of it over another. That stuff I recorded went to a studio. And I mean, North Side Benches was a little intense and somewhat negative record company experience so I was taking a bit of a calculated step back at that point. I wasn’t enjoying many elements of it. And ya know, you only live once in a year and so I wanted to make sure I felt better about all of it and that I lived as well as I could in that space of a year. I was lookin to get dropped and I did get dropped by the label. I guess it was part of learning to trust my own instincts more. And it’s weird – sometimes they’ll say ‘you got some buzz going!’ and you’ll call the same press people you called 10 years ago. It’s all strange. But for me, I just made a decision that its my life and I’m happy to work with other people but I want to do it my own way. I strangely felt burnt out after North Side Benches. But then when I went on tour with Kathleen, it re-energized my own desire to do my own music. A lot more positives in my life came around since then.”