David Bromberg - The Man

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 09 May 11 - 11:47 PM

Just one personal recollection of the great DB. I met him after a concert of his at London's Purcell Room [part of the South Bank Festival Hall complex] at a London Folk Festival.

"My great-grandfather was called David Bromberg," I told him; "are we related?"

"About every 3rd person I meet asks me that question," he replied.

Come to think if it, I suppose DB is a sort of Jewish equivt of John Smith or David Jones!
~Michael~

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: GUEST,Demon-no disguise
Date: 09 May 11 - 05:58 PM

Great to read all the first hand accounts of all the various personal brushes with Bromberg. Never met the man, other than to shake his hand after one of many performances I was fortunate enough to witness at a small (and I mean sm-all) venue in Piermont, NY called The Turning Point in the late 80's and early 90's.

It's my understanding that he would play there with short notice whenever he felt like it, since he lived just across the Hudson in Tarrytown, NY at the time. It wouldn't be uncommon for him to have family members and close friends with him for these performances. One particular time that stands out (for obvious reasons) was when he had THE "Sharon" of same song titled fame dance along side him on stage as he played the tune! Truly unforgettable!

Regarding the various postings critiquing his voice/vocals/singing style, all I can say is that one has to see him (particularly in a venue such as I was lucky enough to see him perform) to understand the man tells stories through song, often taking as much time telling the story behind the song before actually setting off into the song itself (much like the preface to "Mr. Bojangles"). In this context, his voice and style become an integral and perfectly paired component to the song/compositions of his live performances.

Since those magical times seeing David perform at the Turning Point, I have moved to Northern California. I, unfortunately, missed the only show I am aware of that he played within a distance reasonable to go see him perform, until now, that is. I have tickets to see him play at The Fillmore in SF in June of this year (2011). He is sharing the bill with Jorma Kaukkonen (who I have seen many times, acoustic, electric, w/Jack Casady and without). It should be a very interesting show, I can barely wait!

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: GUEST,RickK
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 09:02 AM

great music, often about love gone wrong, sometimes horribly wrong, played impeccacably with wit and feeling.

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Deckman
Date: 24 Feb 01 - 11:57 PM

About 100 years ago, probably 1972, or so, I opened up a concert for David. It was at Western Washington State College in Bellingham, Washington. This is a college town about 2 hours North of Seattle. I'd never met him before, and I was looking forward to the experience. I did my obligational bit of warming up the audience for him. We shook hands as I left the stage and he entered the stage. I'm still dissapointed that I didn't have the opportunity to sit down and 'chitter chat' a little bit! Oh well, such is the life of the rich and famous. I was given to understand that he lives in Italy. (his loss ... but he is a damned fine musician). CHEERS, Bob (deckman) Nelson

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: jeepman (inactive)
Date: 24 Feb 01 - 12:25 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: jeepman (inactive)
Date: 23 Feb 01 - 08:18 PM

D.Bromberg did a wonderful job on COCAINE BLUES, both versions. I have his Hoyt Axton version, can anyone help me with the other one, similar to Luke Jordan? I had a copy once and lost it. Jeepman

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Justa Picker
Date: 23 Feb 01 - 07:31 PM

Chicago.
(To the best of my knowledge there are no lyrics available on the net.) There is a fan website here however.

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: GUEST,Flatpicker
Date: 23 Feb 01 - 07:06 PM

This is the first time I've seen him mentioned here. He is a great guitarist and deserves to be better known. I'd like to see some lyrics as well. Where does he live?

Flatpicker

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: wlisk
Date: 23 Feb 01 - 11:11 AM

One of my absolute favorites, after all these years: Midnight on the Water. Wore out two LPs and now have it on CD. He's a true inspiration! Bill

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Gray Rooster
Date: 23 Feb 01 - 10:36 AM

I opened for David at Mother Blues in 1973. He had his tour band with him (including a fellow that played "invisible harmonica" - incredible). It was in the "Blues Room" at the first Mother Blues location on Rawlings Street in Dallas, Texas.

There were several other luminaries in the crowd: B. W. Stevenson, and a weird guy named Frank Zappa *BG*. We sat at a table against the back wall, drinking Lone Star longnecks and generally clacking for the band while Frank drank plain water. After a particularly well phrased lick, Frank turned his face up to the ceiling and put his hands up in the "ya got me" pose. I'm not sure many of you know, Frank was the strictest band leader EVER. After it was all over, he turned to B. W. and said, "Infectious, huh? And I would have fired 'em . . .and re-hired 'em . . . and fired 'em."

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: GUEST,need david bromberg lyrics
Date: 23 Feb 01 - 09:37 AM

where can i find the lyrics

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Orwill
Date: 21 Feb 00 - 08:23 PM

What was his inspiration for "Sammy's Song"? Has he ever said? I just listened to it again after a decade or so and had the same reaction as before. I really do not need to hear it again for another decade. Meanwhile, I can't stop humming "Last Song for Shelby Jean" and "Delia".

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 12 Feb 00 - 12:09 PM

Ah yes, David Bromberg. I saw him live at the Philly Folk Fest in the early '70's. Rick touched on what I believe is the key to David's early work. Whether as back up guitarist, solo performer, or big band leader, David "cares about the song." There is little ego involved.

It may be clearest in his singing. Surely he has a voice nearly as bad as Bob Dylan. But he is a master of that instrument. The emotion of the song or the pure joy of the song is projected from his singing.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 05 Feb 00 - 07:33 PM

I would endorse everything Michael K says. You really have to see him live. He is the most charismatic performer yould ever hope to see. Incidentally, does anybody else have the videotape of him and John Sebastian together? I taped it in the UK some years back, cant play it here as it is in European format unfortunately.It is a great performance, he sings a wonderful version of Summer Wages (by Iain Tyson)

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Susan A-R
Date: 04 Feb 00 - 10:58 PM

I don't think he has a great voice, but I certainly think he has an expressive and effective one. I usually don't get charisma over a recording. Most of the folks that do have pretty spectacular pipes goin for them as well (June Tabor) but he's just there!

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: MK
Date: 04 Feb 00 - 10:44 PM

Kansas City isn't one of his better recorded adaptations.....but I must confess to be much more partial to his acoustic side than his electric. The horn arrangements are too low (perhaps the key was to accommodate his vocal) and the horns themselves are a bit out of tune.

But Susan A-R, I totally agree with you about his charisma. He's really not much of a singer with that nasally voice, but he more than makes up for it, with his presence, ENERGY, charisma, and infectious enthusiasm for all that he does.

If you ever have the opportunity to see him live, do it. You will NOT be disappointed, and after witnessing what he and his band can do to an audience, you will remember it for a long long time.

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Susan A-R
Date: 04 Feb 00 - 10:32 PM

I have never seen Bromberg live, but have heard his recordings off and on for about 25 (oh my god) years. I've been impressed with his playing, and also get the sense that he is another of those charismatic types. Last week on our local folk show, they played his Goin' to Kansas City, and although it's pretty sexist, I found myself grinning from ear to ear at his rendition. And that Arkansas Traveller. Oh My!

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: MarkS
Date: 04 Feb 00 - 07:35 PM

Definition of David Bromberg: The finest flat pick guitar player in history, IMHO.

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Noah Zacharin
Date: 04 Feb 00 - 02:36 PM

david bromberg was on of my three biggest influences, guitar-wise, when i was growing up and beginning to play with other writers. my dad got me a subscription to guitar player in 74 i think, and bromberg was one of the featured artists. his first solo album had been recently released and it is a masterpiece. aside from his immense musical talents, showcased in everywhichway on that disc, his own songwriting can make you cry--sammy's song rocks, and last song for shelby jean is one of the loveliest i've ever heard. HE DA MAN...

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Owlkat
Date: 03 Feb 00 - 11:06 PM

Hey Harpgirl,
I'll take all the Bromberg Lyrics you feel like adding. And if I can flip some back to you, I'd be more than happy to oblige. Whatcha into?
Cheers,
Owlkat.

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 03 Feb 00 - 09:55 PM

I was fortunate to see David Bromberg play the Cambridge Folk Festival (UK)in 1975 (or '76). My first encounter with him was at the Guitar Workshop on the Friday afternoon. There was an absolutely stellar array of guitar talent on that stage, including Leo Kottke, Martin Carthy, Paul Geremiah, Satefan Grossman and several of Grossnan's acolytes whose names I can't remember. Bromberg transcended them all. He kicked off with a version of "Travelling Man", which had me mesmerised, then went into the Arkansas Traveller which was just glorious. His set with his band in the evening was one of the unforgettable experiences of my life. Make no mistake, David Bromberg was, (and hopefully is) one of the finest, most inventive and dynamic performers you could ever hope to see.

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Pontiac Joe
Date: 03 Feb 00 - 01:23 PM

Love Bromberg even managed to turn him on to my teenage sons, imagine that.Actually played with him in the campgrounds at the philly folk fest in the seventies he was impressed with my buddie's 1948 guild and played it for about 1,1/2 hrs. We did dust my broom, this land is your land, kawliga the wooden indian and many others that slip my mind.The coolest thing about it was that only a few recognized him in the dark by the fire.But surely is a memory I'll never forget. The man is a master.Seen him at different folk fest and the acadamy of music in Philly but don't remember anything but him walking through the crowd and out on the street playing some mean blues, to bad I wasted a good time with alcohol.

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Easy Rider
Date: 03 Feb 00 - 09:18 AM

Ahmen, Michael. I don't stand for bigotry anywhere, except to stand up and walk out!

The very, very, very First recording of "Mr. Bojangles", by Jerry Jeff Walker, was made live, on the Pacifica radio station, WBAI, in New York, back in the sixties, on Bob Fass' late night talk/music program. I have a reel to reel tape of that performance, just Jerry and his guitar. It was mesmerizing! Bob was blown away, as were we all. All he could say, when the song finished, was "Gee. Did you write that?" When the album came out, it was a little disappointing, because it was all dressed up with a violin section accompaniment. Worst of all, Bob Fass stopped playing his tape on the air.

The same is true of leonard Cohen's "Suzanne" and Arlo's "Alice's Restaurant".

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: MK
Date: 03 Feb 00 - 01:24 AM

Owlkat....I too have scoured the internet for all manner of info, etc. on Bromberg, and aside from what you found, and a couple of tab sites I've located (with just a few musical arrangements)...no lyrics of his original tunes appear to be anywhere. The reality is, that although he has a pretty good following, he isn't a household name, or considered a legend, or a pioneer or a great innovator worthy of an expansive web site. C'est la vie.

(By the way, if I had been in your position when your guitar teacher made THAT remark, I can assure you that would have been my last lesson with him ---regardless of how good a teacher he might have been.)

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: northfolk/al cholger
Date: 02 Feb 00 - 11:33 PM

Saw Bromberg many times in the Ann Arbor Michigan venues. He seemed to genuinely care for the Ark coffeehouse and did many of the winter Folk Fest fundraisers...often he went on (and on) while the audience was walking out and maybe it was my imagination, but the impression was that people were tired of him. The word was out that he was going to be restricted to a normal set at that years festival, and when he was introduced he walked onstage followed by...Arlo, most inspired hour of music there ever was. Last I heard he was in the Chicago area building fiddles, haven't seen him play in many years, solo or big band he was a talented showman. His lyrics have been accused of being misogynist, he was a bluesman...what more can be said

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: harpgirl
Date: 02 Feb 00 - 10:06 PM

...just ask for a song owly..."Demon in Disguise" has Hardworkin John, Sharon, an Irish fiddle tune medley, Diamond Lil, Jugband Song, Demon in Disguise, Tennessee Waltz, Mr. Bojangles, Sugar in the Gourd (fiddle tune)...harpgirl

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Owlkat
Date: 02 Feb 00 - 09:01 PM

Hi hi,
Back when I was a young folkie and still had all my hair, (gee, that does scan nicely doesn't it; someone should write a song starting with...nah, silly idea)
Anyway, back when, blah, blah, blah...One of the first records I listened to was Demon In Disguise. Wow. It was real good. My guitar teacher referred to him as " a slick -pickin jew boy. Being Jewish it struck me as a little to the right of Lester Maddox, but that was then.
I've loved listening to David Bromberg's tunes ever since, but the interesting thing is that, despite the plethora;nay, the cornucopia of lyric sites for other performers available on the net, I've yet to find one for him. I don't have any access to my music collection, since it's stored in Saskatchewan(long story), and I want to start singing them again, but I can't find a lyric site for him. Just a bunch of email sites for people to swap bootleg concert tapes and download jpegs of posters. Definitely not my thing.
Heeeeeelp meeeeeee.
Cheers,
Owl.

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 02 Feb 00 - 05:40 PM

One day many many years ago I picked up an album by Jerry Jeff Walker (his first actually). The cover was horrid and cheap looking, but after the first play I fell in love with the music. First time I ever heard BoJangles, and believe me folks ALL other versions pale in comparison to the original. Two other songs stick in my mind to this day. "Broken Toys" and "My Old Man". Bromberg played like he CARED what the song sounded like, and because of that immediately separated himself from the rest of the New York sidemen who were operating then. When I started hearing some of his solo picking later I was impressed with the "feel" he had. Simply put, his music could "swing".

Saw him live at Massey Hall here in Toronto and he worked his ass off. He was experimenting with amplification on his gutars and although he was using state of the art piezos etc. the guitars sounded pretty bad. Strikes me as the kind of performer I'd like to see in a cozy venue...but as everyone knows "ya can't make no dough in cozy venues".

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From:
Date: 02 Feb 00 - 02:08 PM

nothin' like a little Bromberg to put a smile on your face and get get the foot tappin'. Huge fan here.... got to see him many times (mostly by himself) . ONce at a public park in Brooklyn at a fee concert ,he was the opener for Flash I believe an offshoot of YEs. Also severl other times at different venues in NYC. and once with his band that recorded the How Late Ya Playin To album. But the best was when I went to an acoutic guitar seminar for a week and he was at the seminar to give the class a lecture for a day and then did about an hour and a half show that nite.... it was great listening to him tell stories about starting out in the clubs in the village and hangin out with some of the old blues players that he learned from and getting to ask him questions about whatever. That was about 4 years ago and at the time he was appraising violins for a living......great week.... GREAT GUITAR PLAYER AND GREAT PERFORMER.........feels good just talking about it think I"ll go pop in a cd or two..........

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Marymac90
Date: 02 Feb 00 - 01:58 PM

Clifton-

Evan Stover married my friend Toby Fink, pianist of Fennig's All Stars and the Vanaver Dance Troupe, quite a few years back. They settled in High Point, NY, and had a son and a daughter. Evan and Toby split up some years back. Toby is still in High Point, last I knew. Their son must be grown, maybe in college or past that. Their daughter must be nearly that age. I know how to reach Toby, and I'm pretty sure she can find Evan. If you message me, I can put you in touch.

Mary McCaffrey

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: MK
Date: 02 Feb 00 - 01:53 PM

A couple of years ago when I got back into guitar playing (after a 20 year absence - don't ask - long story) it was Bromberg once again who was the inspiration.

An old friend of mine, gave me his entire discography on CD as a birthday present, and I popped them into my car. As soon as I heard "Boggey Road To Milledgeville" and ''Yankees Revenge"....that was it. Within a week, I was at my local luthiers checking out Martins.

I actually wrote to Bromberg (and I'm a little embarassed to say it was a somewhat gushy 4 page letter - since I generally don't too excited about well-known performers I respect) thanking him for his music and telling him what an inspiration he was to me, reminding him of a couple of times we had met backstage in Toronto, years earlier and what he had said to me, and then I proceeded to ask him a few technical questions. I had the wishful thinking to put my phone number at the end of the letter.

3 or 4 months later (after I had completely forgotten about the letter) he phoned me around 10 pm one night and we talked for close to an hour. I nearly fell off my chair when I realized it was him, and it took me about the first 10 minutes to ''get it together and calm down and be rational.'' (grin) He even played for me over the phone and walked me through a couple of sections of two different tunes. Very nice, down-to-earth and very accommodating. I actually taped the phone conversation because I knew no-one would believe he'd actually phoned me.....It was moment I'll never forget.

Interestingly enough when I spoke to him, which was back around August 1998, he said he had zero plans of touring, doing any shows, and especially carrying a big band again, and had turned down repeated gigs for what he termed ''obscene'' money. Then I find out he did in fact do a series of gigs with the Big Band, throughout last October. I guess the venues must have made him offers he couldn't refuse.

Anyway, just wanted to share this.

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Fortunato
Date: 02 Feb 00 - 01:07 PM

Real good.

cheers, Fortunato

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Clifton53
Date: 02 Feb 00 - 12:39 PM

Saw Mr. Bromberg several times, once with the whole big band(horns and electric guitars,and Evan Stover on the fiddle, where is Evan now?), and twice with three other guys(mandolin, electric bass and fiddle.) This is going back some years as you well know, since he has limited himself severely in recent years. There was no better showman as far as I am concerned.

First off, with the big band, as I sat cross-legged four feet from the stage, I was awestruck by both his range of songs, and his guitar playing (lets not bicker over his voice). Equally at home on his Gibson (the black God), or a Martin accoustic, or mandolin, or eschewing them all and grabbing a fiddle in the middle of a song and picking up where the devil left off! If you know of a more talented multi-instrumentalist please let me know! If this was not enough for ye, Willie Dixon opened the show! Yes that Willie Dixon, long gone but hopefully not even a mere shred of forgotten.(Wang Dang Doodle is all ye need to know)!

And later, with his small outfit, one could plainly see the reason why this guy was THE session man for Dylan, and Jerry Jeff and God knows who else including Bonnie Raitt and Steve Goodman and the list goes on.

Don't talk to me about Bromberg, or risk the wrath of Sir Clifton of Amboy. Just go out and find some CD's and open your ears!

Clifton53

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: Robo
Date: 02 Feb 00 - 01:20 AM

Have missed Bromberg a lot since his "retirement." Saw him at the Phillie Folk Festival way back in the '70s ("Gonna get me some jellyroll"). Just saw something about him appearing on WFUV's City Folk radio program, too. (See recent pictures of him at www.wfuv.org/wfuv/gallery11.html.) Mesmerizing performer, ultimately talented, and with a big band behind him, absolutely unbeatable. Wish he were here (or we were there).

Subject: RE: David Bromberg - The Man
From: WyoWoman
Date: 02 Feb 00 - 12:45 AM

Hey Mikey, I like him too, although it's been years since I heard any of his music. Saw him in concert a couple of times back in New Mexico. One of the worst concerts I've ever been to, through no fault of his own, was in Santa Fe. Some idiot paired him as the opener for Joan Armatrading. Both musicians I really like, but far, far apart in their styles and certainly in their audiences. Joan's audience members were the rudest I've seen to Bromberg. They wanted to see Joan and they had no use for this ... Who? Bromberg character....

But I saw him play in a small venue once -- I'm thinking it was in Oklahoma City -- and he was wonderful.

Wyowoman

Subject: David Bromberg - The Man
From: MK
Date: 02 Feb 00 - 12:39 AM

Since there is already another thread about David Bromberg going, it tweaked my interest in what others here who are familiar with him, think of his talents as a musician, showman and entertainer?

Is he right up there? Is he too flashy? Is he over-rated? Under-rated? Etc.

Personally, I've been a huge fan since the early 70s. Seeing him live, changed me in some way. I saw him at a small no-longer-existant club in Toronto back in 1970 called the Midwitch Cuckoo, and he mesmerized a packed house. From that moment on, I had to take up guitar. He has and continues to be a major influence in my playing.

I like EVERYTHING he does...and, the way he does it. I think he's a classy player.