Wendy V's Local Blend

Volume 10 Issue 1

September/October 2002 - Writer/Editor: Wendy Vickers

 Page 2:

- Scene Spotlight: Nashville

 - CDs:  Barb Ryman, Bob Louisell

- Catching up with:Michael Loonan

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Issue Related Links:
 
 Gig Calendar

Just Plain Folks

 Links to musicians playing around the area.
 
 Radio Regulars page

What this newsletter's about.

Matter of FAQ: So what's it (normally) take to have your CD mentioned in Wendy V's Local Blend? Click here for the guidelines!

Singer/songwriters, venues: Have a web page full of gig dates? Send me your link for the gig calendar! 

  Page 2

Scene Spotlight: Nashville, TN

In August, I spent a long weekend in Nashville. I went with some objectives in mind and a few things semi-planned. But, the theme of that trip turned out to be "predictably unpredictable."  Part of what I hoped to accomplish was to take a look of what the coffeehouse scene was like  there. However, I couldn't find very many of them this time out. It looks like most of the writers night action takes place primarily in bars and clubs.

Consequently, due to circumstances, most of my "research" took place at the Bluebird Cafe. I took in a couple of different shows. The first included a group of songwriters of varying success levels. Some may have gotten one song recorded by a famous artist, others were taking smaller steps up that success ladder. Right off the bat as they start playing, you notice their talent. All of those I heard were obviously at a level worthy of the spots they had that evening.

I also noticed something else. These were all singer/songwriters who wanted the same thing: to have success in the music business. Yet, there wasn't a sense of jealousy evident among them. Instead, there was heartfelt camaraderie. This was a group of artists who were that evening celebrating a birthday of the host singer/songwriter (Jim Reilley). The bonding and respect between the artists who performed and those coming to give well-wishes was evident. When one had a success to celebrate, they all seemed to share in it. 

At this same show, one of the singer/songwriters looked awfully familiar to me. When she was identified, her name also had a familiar ring. So I asked her afterward if per chance she was from Minnesota. Sure enough, I was right. Mary Sue Englund moved to Nashville a couple of years ago and is quite busy and active in the music community there. She has played frequently around the Twin Cities area and continues to do so. That week I was there, she had a BMI showcase scheduled.  Very nice to see someone from our area doing well in Nashville!

Another thing I noticed is the number of beautiful young women in Nashville here and in several venues, also with the same goal. When they walk into the room, they seem to carry themselves saying "I'm beautiful and I'm hopeful." I couldn't help but wonder how on earth one decides which brand of cream is going to rise to the top when the playing field seems so level. My heart went out to those young women. I hope that they find the success level they are looking for and seek encouragement in the camaraderie and friendship in others walking the same path on the journey.

At any rate, I'll be back...next time I'll try to track down those coffeehouses!

CD's:

Barb Ryman - Falling Down To Heaven

Since attracting significant attention a few years ago with her debut CD, "Winds of Good Fortune", Barb Ryman's seen her success and her musical skills flourish. This collection of songs shows her writing as more reflective and inspirational. Barb's songs take a look at the world around her and the things--and people--who've mattered most to her, including a tribute to a young special needs student who touched her life ("Marah Beth").

Barb has also just been awarded the 2002 McKnight Composer Fellowship. "Besides the honor and the affirmation to my fragile songwriter ego, it's a substantial money grant that will go a long way to helping me transition from the "day job" to full time performing songwriter," she says.

The CD release concert  for "Falling Down To Heaven" will be Sunday, September 8, 7:30 p.m. at the Cedar Cultural Center. 

Bob Louisell - From Across the Years (PO Box 581053, Minneapolis, MN 55458-1053; http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/louisell )

In addition to the wealth of singer/songwriters found in our acoustic music community, we are also blessed with some fine interpreters (Karl Burke comes to mind). An addition to the latter group is Bob Louisell. His CD "From Across The Years" is a collection of songs by well known writers such as Bob Dylan, John Prine, Garnet Rogers and Michael Smith. Each song was chosen for its personal significance. Bob is joined by daughter Sarah Louisell on harmony vocals and John Roth on guitar.

Catching up with: Michael Loonan

In the 90's, Michael Loonan's landmark release "Share the Disguise" won praise and  respect from many local music professionals and earned him a Minnesota Music Award nomination. He's been the leader of the "Loony Bin Band" on T.D. Mischke's KSTP-AM1500 talk show "The Mischke Broadcast". He's also seen success as a producer, composer and arranger in collaboration with several artists and for Mike Veeck's baseball teams, including the St. Paul Saints and Charleston Riverdogs.

Through it all, Michael has managed to successfully juggle multiple priorities--full time work, family responsibilities, guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist for 2nd Generation--and keep life in balance. He has played piano at Nativity of our Lord church in St. Paul since 1991.  He also plays professionally for private parties.  In essence, he's a working musician! "I love music, and I love the diverse ways in which I can be involved with music," said Michael.  "Music is such a universal language, and it's a blessing to be able to create and share it for others."  

That  passion for music started at an early age, as a 'Beatles freak.'   "I'm the youngest of six kids," Michael says, "and my sister Colleen was a huge Beatles fan.  She turned me on to their music through her own enthusiasm."  Colleen was also a devout piano player, and often pointed out that the Beatles used piano in their songs, "as a way to inspire me," Michael says.   His mom - Therese Loonan - passed away on Feb. 18, 2002, but she was always his biggest fan.  "My mom was proud of my music from day one, and took interest in all of the different gigs and opportunities I came upon."   In November 2001, Michael made a CD at home of 20 Holiday/Christmas piano songs, mostly to give to his mom. "I always wanted to make a custom CD for her.  She listened to that CD non-stop, and my dad says it's the best CD I've made!"  Michael may pursue 'releasing' the CD in the future.

On the gig front, Michael performed at a St. Paul Saints game in July, testing out a new "Loonaroake" concept -- he produced a 20-song CD in his home studio, containing 13 originals and 7 cover songs.  The tracks consisted of drums, bass, piano, and layered backup vocals.  Michael then sang along with this and played guitar.  Because he played all the recorded tracks himself, the band was, well, tight.  "I had a blast creating the songs and plan to do more," Michael says.  "I plan to use the tracks again at future gigs, depending on where I'm playing."

On Friday, August 2nd, Michael joined Steven C. Anderson as the two "Liberace" pianists for this year's Glamorama, sponsored by Marshall-Fields.  It's an annual fundraiser (formerly "FashBash"), helping to raise money for children with cancer.  Michael was presented as a pianist in the "Candelabra Lounge," right next to the Chapel of Love, where folks could have their picture taken all night with an Elvis Impersonator.  "It was an awesome gig," said Michael.  "We donned white tuxes, gaudy jewelry, and got to play a sequined piano, up on a circular riser, in a hip nightclub room...it was pure Vegas!"   Michael was hired by SRO Productions for the event, and he hopes to work with them again in the future!

Michael continues to pursue live performance opportunities, and gig announcements are posted on his website, www.michaelloonan.com.  Visit the site to get added to his e-mailing list!