Mary McCaslin's Roundup

Dec 9, 2004

HOLIDAY COLUMN

Most people have all the scarves and warm fuzzies they need. But for those of us who love music, it's impossible to have too many recordings, simply because new CDs are released every day. So, with this in mind, here is a list of CDs, some DVDs and a couple of other suggestions for the music lovers on your gift list.

The music I'm most familiar with ranges from folk / acoustic to western, country and country blues, with a little Celtic on the side. There are just too many artists and recordings to name them all, so I will mainly cover newer releases.

Two new solo guitar releases start the list: William Coulter's "The Road Home" (Gourd Music) and Dale Miller's "Azzuro Verdi”. After many releases, which have featured Coulter's guitar work in an ensemble setting with other musicians, he has finally produced his first truly solo recording. He adds a little bit of whistle and some percussion and his guitar playing shines like never before.

Dale Miller is a fine fingerstyle guitarist, with many recordings to his credit and his new CD, "Azzurro Verdi" (Arias for Solo Blues Guitar) is a collection of beautifully played classical pieces on acoustic steel string guitar with some added slide guitar. This CD can be purchased on-line by going to www.dalemiller.com (click on recordings) or by going to CD Baby.

The above-mentioned recordings make for wonderful Holiday listening, but they will also sound just as lovely on a warm summer night.

This is a good time to mention a local record label that has put out many beautiful recordings over the years. Gourd Music started in 1987. Their catalogue offers an impressive selection of all acoustic instrumental music that is part folk and part classical.

The folks at Gourd show a sense of whimsey with the two "Toolbox" CDs featuring classics and Christmas music performed by Maestro Woody Phillips (better known as cellist Barry Phillips) who explores the full range of the workbench's symphonic palette. Another departure is the "Vultures" CD which features the great guitar instrumentals of the `50s and `60s performed unplugged by Joe Weed, David Grisman and others. For more information on Gourd Music go to www.gourd.com.

I couldn't offer a list of favorites without including the new, posthumous live CD by the legendary Dave Van Ronk, "...and the tin pan bended and the story ended...", on Smithsonian Folkways. This recording is a true gem and includes a 32 page booklet. When it was recorded in October of 2001 he already knew he was seriously ill. The most prized features of this CD are the "Dave speaks" tracks. His wit, charm and intelligence come through and it's at once humorous and painful to hear him speaking. Oh, he sounds as good as ever, and his guitar playing is as impeccable and nuanced as always, but this was his last concert. No one, and I mean no one, will come close to filling his shoes.

If you're not sure who the music lovers on your list like or what CDs they already own, record stores offer a solution in the form of gift certificates. The same goes for any musicians in your life. It's hard to know what strings or accessories your guitar-playing friend or relative might need. A gift certificate from a musical instrument store is an ideal gift.

In our house we have three favorite music DVDs, "The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack", "Grateful Dawg" and " Grateful Dead: Closing of Winterland". The first is Ayana Elliott’s tribute to her father, Ramblin' Jack Elliott. It is a treasure of rare footage and music history. "Grateful Dawg" was shot by David Grisman's daughter Gillian and chronicles David's relationship and musical partnering with Jerry Garcia. The music is incredible. And, as the title implies, "Grateful Dead: the Closing of Winterland" is footage of the final concert at Winterland on Dec. 31, 1978. These DVDs are available at most record stores.

As a guitar and banjo teacher I am often asked my thoughts on giving a series of lessons as a gift. My advice is to contact a local music store or the Community Music School (www.communitymusicschool.com) for a list of teachers. Purchase one or two lessons. If the recipient is truly interested in continuing, additional lessons can always be added.

My final suggestion for a Holiday gift in the musical vein is to purchase advance tickets for upcoming concerts. Here in the Monterey Bay we are fortunate to be able to hear live performances of almost every kind of music. If someone on your list likes folk or Americana music, check out Snazzy Productions' and Henfling's lineups. They are on line at www.snazzyproductions.com and www.henflings.com. Or contact the Resource Center for Non-Violence at 423-1626 for tickets to folksinger and musician extraordinaire John McCutcheon's January performances.

Hopefully, these ideas will at least get the wheels turning. Coming up with just the right gifts is not always easy. There is, however, one gift that works every time. Please remember to put a few non-perishable items in the food barrels each time you go grocery shopping. A little each time adds up and it feels so good to know you're giving a helping hand.

Happy Trails and Happy Holidays

Mary McCaslin will be performing at First Night Santa Cruz. Email her at roundup@marymccaslin.com.