Bill E. Payne: News

HEY!  Spring finally came after what seemed to me like a long winter. But, enough about the weather!

Departments:

WELCOME

WEB SITENEWS

RECENT TIMES

FUTURE TIMES

MAILBAG/FEEDBACK

THE INDEPENDENT MUSICIAN CONNECTION

FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE MONTH

SALES DEPARTMENT

 

WELCOME!

Thanks for reading the Love Dummy Times! There are highlights in red. It's my quarterly (sort of) update on the life and times of Bill E. Payne and his musical adventures. If you're reading this in e-mail, you're getting the advance edition. You can also read it on the web site, but my subscribers get it first.

 

WEB SITE NEWS http://billpaynemusic.net Once again, I'm tickled with my web site's performance in the last few months. In March for example, a record number of song streams drove total byte volume to over 1 gigabyte. The folks at my web host do a great job with the Hostbaby wizard, making it easy to design a good web site. If you're a musician who has music on CD Baby, I highly recommend their sister company Hostbaby as a reasonably-priced home for your web site!

 

RECENT TIMES 1. I had a great time at the semi-annual Open Mic Championship Challenge at the Mudpie in Chattanooga. 2. I didn't win this time. 3. Re-read #1.

We had a wonderful night at Annie Moore's Irish Pub in Roanoke back in February! So many friends and fans came out to see Sonny and Al and me that I think we didn't even get to see them all. Thanks to all for your support!

My trip to Shellman Bluff, Georgia was a real disappointment because I didn't get to go. It was all about the money. 'Nuff said.

Recently, my bud Eric Larsen started a page on Reverbnation. Assisted by Bebop Hoedown's Jeff Maiden, he recorded and posted a song titled "Made For Two". I must say that the track is one of the best songs I've heard in a long while. And Eric's perfomance of it is tops!. Go listen (for free) at http://www.reverbnation.com/ericlarsen1.

 

FUTURE TIMES I've been gearing up for the Shenandoah River Songfest in Luray, Va on May 1. This is the 7th year (my 6th) for this great event hosted by Pops Walker at a beautiful site right on the Shenandoah River. It's an invitation-only event, limited in size due to space considerations and is similar to a deluxe outdoor house concert with several performers. I'll be running sound for some of my favorites like Beaucoup Blue, Travis Steele Nevels, Chuck E. Costa, Kipyn Martin and, of course, Pops. New to the Fest this year will be Bryan Elijah Smith, Judith Avers and Lascivious Deacons (a Biscuit Rollers spinoff). It's gonna be a great afternoon from 12 - 6, and more pickin' and grinnin' after dinner break. If you're free that Saturday, go through channels and visit http://popswalker.com to find out if there are still tickets available.

May 2, on the way back from the SRSF, I'll be in Tamarack, WV to take in the final rehearsal for "Mighty Good Roadshow". Doug and Shelley Harper, Clinton Collins & The Creekboys, and Mark Spangler and the Minor Prophets have combined to present an early evening of highly entertaining, family friendly, Appalachian, Americana, and Folk Rock. It's FREE and open to the public. These are my great WV friends who make such terrific music. They've become favorites in Roanoke, too. If you can, go see this show at Tamarack, One Tamarack Park, Beckley, WV. The show is from 5 - 7 PM. Here's a map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=One+Tamarack+Park,+Beckley,+WV

May 14, in Roanoke, at 3rd Street Coffeehouse, SVSA member Randolph Walker presents a Local Songwriters Tribute. Randy and singing partner Terry Dollar will perform songs written or co-written by local writers. I'm honored that Randy will perform my song, "How Many Times", and surely wish I could be there. It's not looking good at this point, but ya never know. 3rd Street is at the corner of Mountain Ave and 3rd St SW, in the basement of Trinity United Methosit Church. You can find out more about 3rd St Coffeehouse and the Southwest Virginia Songwriters Association by visiting http://www.svsasongs.com or e-mailing svsa@davidsimpkins.com for the newsletter.

The first weekend in June is the Nashville Songwriters Festival on Music Row. I've lost track of how many of these I've been to, but I've been on Popcorn's crew since the second year (I missed 2007 due to health issues). The cool thing about this year's Festival is that it's been moved up Music Row closer to the Circle, making it more accessible for the public to enjoy. Visit http://songwritersfestival.com for details.

The following weekend, Chattanooga's Riverbend Festival begins. Running for 9 days (June 11 - 19), this is one of the largest music festivals in the USA, with hundreds of thousands of attendees. Last year, I played to a nice crowd gathering for Montgomery Gentry. This year, I'm a "street musician" or "roving performer". I get to pick a spot to play (in the shade) between stages, visit some "Outreach" locations and play for less fortunate folks, and generally be an emissary for the Festival. I'm thrilled to be a part of such a great event, which will include Sheryl Crow, Alison Krauss, Angel Snow & Viktor Krauss, Arturo Sandoval, Billy Currington, Darius Rucker, Ray Wylie Hubbard, T. Graham Brown, The Waybacks with the Chattanooga Symphony, Third Day, Carmine Appice's SLAMM, George Clinton, The Charlie Daniels Band, and the list goes on and on and on. Lots of great local/regional acts, too. See the whole lineup and all the details at http://riverbendfestival.com. C'mon out!

 

MAILBAG/FEEDBACK Thanks to everyone for the feedback I get from you. If you have a comment you'd like to make, please reply to this e-mail or click on the "forum" link on my web site (http://billpaynemusic.net/guestbook.html). You can also read what other people have to say there. I assure you that the comments and suggestions are all taken to heart and are very useful to me. I also guarantee that you won't get any spam if you sign my guestbook or leave a comment.

Performing songwriter Donna Pearson asks; "is it time for the Love Dummy Times yet"?

     Yes it is, Donna. Yes it is! And thanks for asking! (Donna and fiance Calvin came out to the Woody concert in Feb - Donna in a wheel chair after breaking her leg in a nasty fall on ice). I hope you're doing a lot better now!

Dave "Hollywood" Brown says; "Cool. I have Annie's written in my planner".

     It was great to see you out, Dave!

I also had a number of people who offered to put me up while I was in Roanoke. I'm so grateful, especially to my friend Rhonda Bragg, who has been so hospitable more than once!

 

THE INDEPENDENT MUSICIAN CONNECTION

This department is directed at independent musicians in the hopes of providing resources for those of us who are "out of the loop" as far as the major record labels are concerned. Watch out, majors! There are a bunch of us out here, and we're comin' at ya!

If you're working on a CD or want to, but money issues are an impediment, try this; http://www.feedthemuse.net.

 

FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE MONTH I've started this department in order to offer a special service to those people who would like to have MP3 copies of "Naughty And Nice" tunes on their computer and/or iPod. This month, I'd like to refer you to my Reverbnation page, where you can download any or all the songs I have there FREE. Included are the songs from "Naughty And Nice" as well as some live performances and a demo or 2. While you're there, become a fan! Here's the link; http://www.reverbnation.com/billpayne

 

SALES DEPARTMENT Only 999,343 more sales before "Naughty And Nice" goes platinum! That's almost 700 sold, and I'm real pleased. Thanks to everyone who has bought and/or listened to "Naughty And Nice".

I'm fortunate to be included on a compilation CD released by Catawba Records, titled "Blue Ridge Music Today - The Whole Caboodle". This is a fantastic collection of 21 songs by Catawba Records artists and those who have recorded at Catawba Sound Studio. There are tunes by Steve Virts, Donna Pearson, Samuel Thomas Mann, Al Coffey, Heather Berry & Virginia Carolina, the Bluegrass Brothers, Locust Mountain Boys, and a bunch of other artists, including WOODY! Check it out at the CD Baby site, and buy it there if you like, or order a copy from the Store page at my site: http://billpaynemusic/products http://www.cdbaby.com/catawbarecs

I'm all over the internet! Come see me at: Reverbnation - http://www.reverbnation.com/billpayne

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bill-E-Payne/50332314885

http://cdbaby.com/billpayne

Bandmix - http://www.bandmix.com/musicmaniac7/

and, of course, my web site - http://billpaynemusic.net

Get "Naughty and Nice" at any of my gigs. The gig price is $10 and, of course, I'll be happy to sign them for you. By mail: you can send $12 (includes postage) to the address below and specify how you'd like me to personally sign it for you. I'll send it out the same day, if possible.

Bill Payne 109 Peace St. #21 Chattanooga, Tn 37415

Other contact information available at http://www.billpaynemusic.net/contact.html Bill is a member of Just Plain Folks Songwriter and Musician Network Organization http://www.jpfolks.org

and the Southwest Virginia Songwriters Association http://www.svsasongs.com

and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) http://www.ascap.com

and Sound Exchange http://soundexchange.com

Thanks again for reading! Your interest and support are gratifying and appreciated.

Yours in tune,

Bill

On the heels of "Creek Boy Blues", Clinton Collins and the Creek Boys have just released "Junebug", their sophomore effort as a group. In my opinion, "Creek Boy Blues" would have been hard to beat were it not for the obvious talent and the love these guys have for their craft and each other.

"Junebug" is 14 songs (plus a hidden track) of considerable lyrical depth and infectious melodies. I have some favorites (in no particular order): "Pothole Road", "Resurrection Day" and "When You Gotta Go" are most memorable to me. "Hollow Girl" is one I've heard Clinton do since a day or 2 after he wrote it. Good stuff. "Junebug On A String" and "Revival Night" are also habit-forming.

The Creek Boys (Clinton with Dale Elswick and Randy Fielder) had assistance from family members, too; Nicole Walters (Clinton's daughter), Miranda Fielder, and Elswick kids Jessica and Colby. The harmonies they offer are as taut as only genetics can render.

I strongly recommend going to http://clintoncollins.com to check out this fine album. Pick your own favorites, but beware - you'll want to hear more of the Creek Boys.

Respectfully submitted by Bill E. Payne
http://billpaynemusic.net

My interview by host Jeff Stiles on WGOW radio in Chattanooga is now available for listening or download at my MySpace site : http://www.myspace.com/indexcfmfuseactionusermytokene701112fb79541
It's a freebie - enjoy!

Roanoke's Festival In The Park celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Normally, I'd be anxious to participate in such a milestone along with headliners Bruce In The USA (Springsteen tribute), Jason Michael Carroll, Jamie O'Neal, Dickey Betts, Jimmy Wayne, Heidi Newfield, Trent Tomlinson, and 1964: The Tribute (Beatles).

Now, I'm not going to say it's all about the money. But it IS mostly about the money. Allow me to explain; all those headliners are paid - some in the TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. They have been for years. Sought-after local acts are asked to "give back to the community" by playing for free.

I make a policy of giving back to the community by performing for seniors at retirement homes, Ronald McDonald House, and events designed to raise money for specific causes (League For Animal Protection, Craig County High School Football fund raiser, 3rd St. Coffeehouse, etc.). There have been years when half my performances were for charitable causes. I've performed at Festival In The Park 8 times.

Typically, paid attendance at FIP concerts is around 15,000 (source: WDBJ7.com). You do the math. I don't have access to all the financials of Event Zone (proprietors of FIP), but the "non-profit" status is legendary around Roanoke. The event is an expensive one to administer, but the income sources are many (consider, for example, fees and percentages paid by all the vendors).

I'm not the first or only one to question the policy of not paying the local performers. Neither am I the only one to realize that the level of quality of the local performers would be quite higher if they were paid (is a guy with a prop guitar who sings along with karaoke CDs really a performer?).

But consider this: in all my performances (Gazebo, Festival Stage and Amphitheater Stage), I have yet to receive so much as a bottle of water or even a festival pass from FIP. The parking pass they issue is good for a period of time long enough for my performance. Then I have to move my vehicle. If I want to go see a headline concert, I get to buy a ticket.

In contrast, I'll be playing at Chattanooga's Riverbend Festival in June this year. For my one-hour set, I'll be paid handsomely as well as given a VIP pass good for the entire 9 days of the festival. Add to that free non-alcoholic drinks and convenient parking for the 9 days, and I may actually feel like a VIP.

Not to take away from the quality of the acts at FIP (many of them are mighty fine - some I don't know about), but at Riverbend, the list goes a little like this: Willie Nelson, Train, Three Dog Night, Steven Curtis Chapman, The Commodores, The B--52s, Montgomery Gentry, Little Richard, Midnight Star, The Jazz Crusaders, Darrell Scott, Diana Jones, Bernard Allison, Christabel and the Jons, Terri Hendrix w/ Lloyd Maines, Alejandro Escovedo, Roger Alan Wade, The Persuasions, The Wailers, Adrian Belew, Jake Owen and others, along with yours truly. Any wonder why 100,000 people will pay $28 for a nine-day pass to Riverbend? Nope. But I have to wonder why 15,000 people would pay the same price to attend 4 concerts at Festival In The Park.

Incidentally, Chattanooga is a similar city to Roanoke size-wise. Riverbend is also run by a non-profit organization (Friends Of The Festival). Seems to me that Roanoke is leaving a lot of money on the table (where it goes after that is anybody's guess) and being penny-wise and pound-foolish.

And that's how I feel about that.

Some comments from Friday night's audience at my concert at 3rd Street Coffeehouse in Roanoke, Va:

"Wonderful. Excellent." (Bill L.)

"Excellent, especially when the fiddler (Al Coffey) helped." (Raye D.)

"Interesting way to personalize the performance, and unfortunately, this party had to end." (Elliott W.)

"Terrific selection of original and other music - all very well performed and presented. Thanks!" (Anna P.)

And my own thoughts: I had a blast! Thanks to such a wonderful audience. Thanks to David, Ron and Britt for all the work! And thanks to Al for his support in the audience and on stage.

I'm honored to review the debut CD by this very talented and versatile musician, Al Coffey. Al is also a friend and musical brother, as well as a member of my trio, WOODY along with Sonny Campbell. Al chose to make "Slow And Steady" his own work rather than a group effort, and that allows Sonny and me to sit back and enjoy the tunes and smile about how much talent and musicianship he has and adds to the trio, too.

Al Coffey lives in the Roanoke Valley (Va.) and has been playing music here since.....well, since before many of his fans were born. His influences span the genre spectrum from blues and country to rock and folk. Throw in some jazz and a little new age; mix it up with some rhythm & blues and rockabilly, and what you have is something for everyone to like. Al shows up at gigs with a truckload of instruments, all of which he plays amazingly well. And that's why we call him the "Swiss Army Musician". Imagine that! I personally think is best instrument is his voice, which has an effective mix of depth, range, vibrato and impact that he manages so well.

"Slow And Steady" is 8 of Al's original songs and 2 well-chosen traditional (public domain) covers. I want you to listen to this entire CD and make up your own mind which are your favorites. Mine are the title track, "Slow And Steady", with backing vocals by Steve Virts and Kent Martin - a blues tune that is truly slow and steady, with a little twist at the end; "I Don't Want To Be Your Friend (Anymore)" - a song I've loved since the first time I heard it many years ago (I do that one in many of my own solo gigs); "God Laughs", again with Virts and Martin on backing vocals and acoustic guitars - inspired by Katrina, but applicable to all natural disasters; and the cover song most people attribute to Elvis, "Hound Dog". I do believe that "Hound Dog" is the best performance of a song on the album. Al puts a lot of emotion into it, unlike Elvis, who was way too smooth on this song. Blows me away! Just blows me away!

Congratulations are in order to Al for finally releasing his debut CD. He has enough material for several full-length albums, but they all take a lot of time and money. So buy a copy of "Slow And Steady", and we'll all see more from Al in the future. (You can get them at any of his performances or at my web site - http://billpaynemusic.net/products). You won't regret it!
Respectfully submitted by
Bill Payne

From its inception, Bebop Hoedown has had all the essential components a band needs to make a huge mark on music's landscape. Even through personnel changes, they have:
A. all been outstanding musicians
B. all been outstanding songwriters
C. always chosen an exciting playlist
D. always rehearsed regularly - with purpose and focus
E. developed and nurtured an extensive repertoire and loyal fan base
F. and so on and so forth.

The latest incarnation of Bebop Hoedown is Jeff Maiden on percussion, Sonny Campbell on bass, Adam Markham on guitar, harmonica and banjo, and Wes Chappell on everything else. Everything else is mandolin, fiddle, harmonica, melodica, theremin, kalimba and whatever else Wes finds in his arsenal that day. All four provide vocals and harmonies for the group. The style is a little gypsy jazz, a little bluegrass, some rock 'n roll and a whole lot of mojo.

Even in a town (Roanoke, Va) known for fickle audiences, with a limited number of live music venues, these guys consistently pack the house wherever they are. In my opinion, one of the main reasons is the energy they project on stage. Individually, each radiates their own vibe, and when the group finds the groove (which is damn near every song), well - the total is greater than the sum of the parts. It's exciting - period.

Their first album was a studio production titled "Blue Ridge Americana", and was a nice piece of work that had a number of fine original tunes and some surprising covers. The newest Bebop Hoedown recording is an attempt to capture the excitement of a live performance, and it does an admirable job of that. Recorded early in 2008 at 202 Market in Roanoke, over a 2-night span, "Live, Vol. 1" will give you your money's worth. It's 16 songs - over 71 minutes all on one CD. Half the songs are originals, plus one penned by former BH front man, Bob Casey. Two fine guest musicians, Matt Muller and Al Coffey assist on several songs.

My faves? Three of Sonny Campbell's songs: "The Mighty Buffalo", "Outside Dog" and "Close Your Eyes"; Wes Chappell's "Procrastination"; Adam Markham's "Pussycat Shuffle"; and the group's renderings of Duke Ellington's "Caravan" and the traditional "Whiskey 'Fore Breakfast". But don't go by what I say - listen for yourself. Start your pursuit at a live performance or at http://bebophoedown.com.

Respectfully submitted by Bill Payne
http://billpaynemusic.net

Three Cds ago, I thought this guy was great! Of course, I had the pleasure of hearing Clinton Collins in person, both on stage with sound reinforcement and around the campfire. His friendly, yet quiet and unassuming manner belie the passion with which he writes and performs his music. His first two CDs, Fragile Little Humans and Everything Is Possible were efforts that included several talented musicians and full instrumentation on many songs. His third release, Creek Boy Blues, comes on the heels of much encouragement to produce an acoustic-based album that highlights Clinton’s smooth guitar work and that distinctive voice of his that brings to this writer’s mind a cross between Don Henley and Kenny Loggins.

But, make no mistake - Clinton Collins is an original. West Virginia-raised, this Appalachian native recalls many experiences from childhood on, writing about them with the voice of reminiscence and reason; sometimes happy, sometimes melancholy.

The opening song is Cross The River, sung with a hand-picked “choir”, and it sets the tone for the rest of the album. Acoustic guitars, fiddle, mandolin, bass and the great harmonies. I like it! Later, you’ll also hear banjo, resonator guitar, tambourine and harmonica - all terrific for augmenting acoustic music.

Black Walnut Stain is arguably the most thought-provoking song. The visuals are intense and clear, and Clinton’s voice leads the way. The title song, Creek Boy Blues, is my favorite, and again, the imagery is wonderful. I can picture a 12-year-old boy, fresh from church in his Sunday best, traipsing through the creek in his “new church shoes”. We really don’t get to choose where we’re born - we just carry that weight like the creek boy blues. Great stuff!

More highlights for me include We’re Watching Home And Garden, the tune chosen as a co-winner in the 2005 Mountain Stage Newsong Festival and Appalachian Way, which won The Next Great West Virginia Song Contest in the same year. Ghost In My Home Town is another favorite of mine. I first heard Clinton play this song at my campsite at Newsong in 2005.

And so, you have two assignments: add Creek Boy Blues to your CD collection, and go out to see Clinton Collins in person. Get all the info you need at http://clintoncollins.com

I’m in a strange town, en route to somewhere I’ve never been. I’m running a little early, just in case I have trouble finding my destination. I don’t want to be late - especially since I’ll be paid for my activities in the next few hours. People are counting on me. We have an arrangement, and a number of people have planned their evening around the house concert at which I will perform tonight between 7 and 9.

I think about what my hosts, the Johnsons, are doing at this moment - probably arranging chairs, clearing a stage area, putting out snacks and glassware and doing some last-minute cleaning. Most house concert hosts are very considerate of their performers and guests, wanting all to be comfortable in order to maximize their enjoyment of the live music experience. It’s an effort not wasted on me, as I’d much rather perform a house concert than any other venue.
The following Information is taken from a couple reliable sources: Pops Walker’s House Concert paper and “Producing House Concerts” by Glen and Cheryl Duckett.

What is a house concert? The short answer: it’s just that - a private performance by a performer you really like, in the comfort of your own home. You, as the host, invite some family and friends to your home for an afternoon or evening of live acoustic music. You ask your guests for a small cash donation - usually, $7 - $15 each - and after your set-up costs, the money goes to the artist(s).

Generally speaking, live music doesn’t mean loud music. Unless needed for large rooms or large audiences, sound reinforcement equipment is a rarity at house concerts. In most settings, the audience has the pleasure of listening to the instruments and voices in pure and natural tones - up close and personal. It’s understood that while the artist is performing, the audience provides the performer with attentive ears. There will always be time for socializing and talk during intermission or after the performance.

I find my host’s home with no problem and am welcomed enthusiastically by them, their 2 adolescent children and even their dog, a beautiful, well-behaved golden retriever named Wish. I’m told there is also a cat lurking somewhere. The Johnsons are putting me up for the night and show me the room they’ll have me use. I leave my bag in there and retrieve my guitar, autoharp and stands and proceed to the doorway between the living room and dining room, where I’ll be setting up.

We’re expecting about 15 guests tonight, and the Johnsons’ living room should accommodate them easily. I set up my stands and tune my instruments and check the lighting. We have about an hour before guests will start arriving, and I’m offered hors d’eurvres, which I gladly accept. The graciousness of my hosts belies the casual atmosphere of the concert setting - a couch, love seat, several chairs and some large pillows strewn about the floor. Wish has claimed her spot on her personal pad near the front, nose between her paws, watching everything.
Preparation is an important aspect of hosting a house concert. If yours is to be a one-time or infrequent event, the concerns are simple: parking for guests, food and/or beverages, lodging for the artist, artist fees, seating, e-mails, reservations for guests, an area for intermission or party time afterward, audio and/or video recording setup if desired, turning off the telephone ringer, and other details. Keeping it simple makes it less work.

There is a lot of information available to prospective house concert hosts, much of it online. I will be happy to provide the necessary details to anyone interested in hosting. Just call or e-mail for info.

After an introduction from my hosts, the 18 audience members (not counting Wish) settle back, and it’s not long before I have a good rapport with them. After I play 12 songs (about an hour), we all retreat to the kitchen area and deck for a break. Several guests purchase CDs, and I take the time to personally sign them, grateful for the opportunity.

My second set lasts about 45 minutes and gets livelier toward the end. I’m thrilled at the enthusiastic response and calls for an encore. After my last song, the Johnson family cat finally appears and nuzzles my ankles. Wish comes to my rescue, and the cat retreats to its hiding place. I meet with the guests again in the kitchen, sell and sign a few more CDs. Some of the guests make their way to the door to leave, but some want to talk a while. That’s fine with me, as it gives me a little winding-down time. Finally, I offer to play one last song so I can help the Johnsons clean up a bit while the rest of the guests leave.

It’s been a very nice evening for me and, judging by the reaction of the audience members, for them also. I’ve added many names to my e-mail list and expanded my fan base to include a number of people from this friendly town. Tomorrow, I’ll be off to another house in another town, making my way through life as a performing songwriter and loving every minute of it.