Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: Big Mick
Date: 29 Dec 06 - 12:35 PM

I just got word that Mudcat's own Paul Mills and Joanne Crabtree (balladeer, on the Cat) will be releasing their first joint CD. I think the name of it is "Flight of Fancy". This is so completely exciting for me, and it should be for you. On one of those magical nights at the Casa Mills, I was there singing and playing with a wonderful group of Toronto musicians. Now, this is a treat by any standard. But one of the singers I had not heard before was Joanne Crabtree. Her voice, and her interpretations, just knocked me stone cold out. This was clearly a singer with experience, and talent enough for two lifetimes. I made my mind up I would sing with her one day. But that was only half the magic. See, my buddy Paul Mills is one of those astounding musicians. He knows every square inch of a fretboard, and all the permutations. And he understands singers in a way that we all love. The thing you can count on with Paul is that he will fill up the song, he will listen, and get, what you are doing, and then just do this magical accompaniment that a good singer just sinks into. When I heard that he and Joanne teamed up, the first thought in my mind was that this was really going to be something to hear. I simply cannot wait to hear this CD, but I can tell you right now, it will be a must have.

The email I got from Joanne says they are dong a CD release at Hugh's Room in Toronto, on January 18, 2007. If you are in that area, I would STRONGLY suggest you go to this one. There is very little chance I can, but if it pops, I will be there.

And btw, if you haven't visited Hugh's Room, you ain't lived. What a cool joint. It is a classic old night club, refurbished as one of the hippest music venues ever. Lots of young music, lots of folk music, and a really great atmosphere.

I hope Paul and Joanne jump in here and give us the details on the CD.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: black walnut
Date: 29 Dec 06 - 02:59 PM

What a lovely writeup, Mick.
~b.w.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: JedMarum
Date: 29 Dec 06 - 03:20 PM

What a treat! I wish I could be there too.

I enjoyed a couple of sessions with Joanne when I was at The Millstream, on my last visit. I second Mick's praise - and must say I loved the sound of her Laskin, as well! Paul's production and playing will surely compliment perfectly.

I am looking forward to hearing the album - here's wishing you the very best for its release!

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 29 Dec 06 - 04:41 PM

Mick, what a beautiful introduction, and how great to hear also from the famous Larrivee player!

Paul and I did a show together last February. It wasn't the first time, but we bonded that night in a way that swept the audience off its feet and took us both by surprise. We had started pre-production on the CD a few weeks earlier. It was to be called Crabtree and Mills, and it would be made up of a series of duets between Paul's guitar and my voice. Maybe it was the idea of a series of duets that moved us away from the notion of the lead singer in front and the back-up guy well out of the spotlight; maybe it was the exhilarating exchange of onstage repartee between us; whatever it was,that night we became a duo and have been performing that way ever since.

So CRABTREE&MILLS is now the band, and FLIGHT OF FANCY is the album, and Thursday, January 18th is the Toronto release date. And yes, Hugh's Room is a magnificent listening space.

After that, the CD will be available from joannecrabtree.com, or by sending me a private message.

I'm sure I've left out important details, but frankly I'm still a little overwhelmed by Mick's passionate endorsement.

Please ask me questions about whatever is missing.

Joanne (Balladeer)

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: open mike
Date: 29 Dec 06 - 04:51 PM

Yes! I met Joanne and witnessed the final production of this project at
the Mill Stream Studios
for more info on Joanne Crabtree clickety here
Hugh' s Room in Toronto is near the subway any one who sings about cowboys and trains and such is a keeper!! (give a listen to the sound samples from her debut CD, All The Good Times on her web page.)

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 29 Dec 06 - 06:26 PM

Open Mike -

Thanks for putting in the blue clickeys. And God bless Rick Fielding.

Joanne

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: JedMarum
Date: 29 Dec 06 - 08:09 PM

yes, She did.


... (bless Rick Fielding)!

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 04:03 AM

Once upon a time Rick Fielding had a wonderful band that played Hugh's Room every Monday night. Sometimes he would invite me up to sing a song or two with all those amazing musicians backing me up. Those are my fondest memories of Hugh's Room, but now I'm really excited about going in there with our band, Paul and me, with Edward Crabtree on keys and Bob Hewus on bass.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: Paul Mills
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 10:53 AM

Hey Mick....

Thanks for the boost! Your support always means a lot to me.

I'm very excited about this upcoming CD release concert at Hugh's Room. It was just under a year that I launched my solo CD there and it was a magical night. I expect that this one will be just as magical.

The duo that was born this year with me and Joanne is pretty special. The material that Joanne brought to the table for what started out as a Joanne Crabtree CD challenged me as a guitar player. As the project progressed it became clear that this was a duet between my guitar and her voice and it evolved into a real duo with her playing guitar as well and me singing harmonies. As Joanne said, the reaction to our debut concert last February was great encouragement.

The songs are wonderful and many of them are songs written by Joanne during the course of the production....some of her best writing ever!

I hope we'll see a bunch of you Toronto area 'Catters at Hugh's Room on January 18th!

Cheers,

Paul

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: Peter T.
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 11:04 AM

Wow!

(what more can one say?)

I can hardly wait. (I can still recall those nights at Hugh's Room -- that was a time).

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: GUEST,chinmusic
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 02:14 PM

The Crabtree/Mills concert at the Kitchen in Toronto was among my favourites of the year.... The chemistry between both performers, both musically and otherwise, was further enhanced by the freshness of new material and the excitement of performing in a wonderfully intimate atmosphere of encouragement and support.... I've heard the new album and the meticulous production, together with amazing playing and vocals, makes it a must buy for all those who savour great music.... Well done, guys, and I'll see ya for your cd release soiree at Hugh's Room on Jan.18th.....

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 03:33 PM

Thanks for the first-hand report on our debut concert, Chinmusic.
(Have I actually seen you make music with your chin ...?) Please bring your voice to Hugh's Room, but if you want to leave your chin at home, that would be okay.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: Peace
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 03:39 PM

Just saw this thread.

Any CD that has those two on it is bound for glory. Congratulations, both of you.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 06:04 PM

Peace, thanks for the good wishes - and the Woody Guthrie reference.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 10:20 PM

I've known for years that Paul is a wonderful musician, but this new duo is exciting news. I'm looking forward to having this one.

Onward and upward!!

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 31 Dec 06 - 12:13 AM

Yes, Art, Paul certainly is a wonderful musician. So wonderful in fact, that when we did our first project together, my solo CD ALL THE GOOD TIMES, I refused to play. I reasoned that Paul was amazing on both rhythm and lead guitar, and it was his playing, not mine, I wanted to hear behind my singing. At that time I felt he could speak for me on guitar more effectively than I could speak for myself. I'm glad we did it that way. After all, it was Paul's picking that drew me to his studio in the first place.

This time around, though, Paul was having none of that. He insisted right from the jump that the rhythms would be mine, and they are. So playing rhythm to Paul's lead became one of the most exciting aspects of the recording process for me. And of course, another was hearing his warm and tasteful harmonies take shape on the spot.

Joanne

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: Paul Mills
Date: 31 Dec 06 - 12:18 AM

Thank you all for your encouraging posts!

The music lives on in many incarnations...as many as we can muster!

Joanne and I have created an incarnationtha is pretty damned exciting!

Stay tuned...

Paul

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 31 Dec 06 - 08:46 AM

So here's a recap of ,the pertinent information:

We will be releasing our CD, FLIGHT OF FANCY, at Hugh's Room in
Toronto on Thursday, January 18, 2007.

Hugh's Room is at 2261 Dundas St W, south of the Dundas West subway
station, in the first block south of Bloor Street.

Call 416 531 6604 for dinner reservations. People are booking their
tables now. Admission is $14 in advance, $16 at the door.

This is a large room and we'd like to generate some excitement, so we
hope you'll bring your friends and family and voices, and help us
raise the roof.

Thanks for all your support so far,

Joanne

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: Big Mick
Date: 31 Dec 06 - 03:00 PM

I sure wish I could be there for this one. As I said in the opening post, I expect this to be a concert that the discerning ear will be blown away by. And from Joanne's posts, it will be a singalong addict heyday as well. I sure hope you will post a review of how the night went, at the end.

Damn, there ought to be a way........

Mick

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 31 Dec 06 - 07:57 PM

Mick, c'mon, you can find a way.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 01 Jan 07 - 04:18 AM

Happy new year everyone!

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 02 Jan 07 - 07:58 PM

Some time ago there was a discussion of I Love To Love in this forum. Finding the original lyrics that Lena Horne sang in 1956 was a task that stumped even the fabled Mudcat experts. We finally found the vinyl in Germany, and now our version is immortalized on Flight of Fancy. This is a lighthearted but very complex tune, and it shows a side of Paul on guitar that I think you will find new and exciting. It's one of the pieces he says has "too many chords". Well maybe, but he's got them all covered.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: JedMarum
Date: 02 Jan 07 - 11:44 PM

I can't wait to hear it.

And too many chords? That's what electrics are for, isn't it?

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: Peace
Date: 02 Jan 07 - 11:53 PM

Jed's right, That what eclectics are for.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: JedMarum
Date: 02 Jan 07 - 11:59 PM

An electric you play with your left hand - and acoustic you play with your right!

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: Peace
Date: 03 Jan 07 - 12:01 AM

LOL

Good one. And for sure, Mills has 'em both down to an art.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 03 Jan 07 - 12:31 AM

Jed, Paul does play electric on this CD, but not on this song. It's acoustic all the way, just one voice, one guitar, and one stand-up bass (played by young Trevor Mills, all growed up).

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: JedMarum
Date: 03 Jan 07 - 12:35 AM

Trevor on stand-up bass? Nice. I am partial to stand-up bass.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: JedMarum
Date: 03 Jan 07 - 12:44 AM

too tired to up late trading posts - but my allergies have my sinuses trying to push my brain (or what's left of it) through my right nostril ... so I sit here pecking away, hoping to keep my head upright for as long as possible ... could be a long night.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 03 Jan 07 - 06:53 AM

Jed, I hope you got some sleep. That sinus thing can be so unsettling. Are you in Texas right now?

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: JedMarum
Date: 03 Jan 07 - 10:31 PM

better now, thanks!

Yes in Texas for another day - then off to Louisiana and Mississippi. I don;t have the same allergies when I travel, for some reason. Dallas is a big city with lots of imported trees and plants from all over the place. I am told that somehow adds to the allergy problems of the region.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 03 Jan 07 - 11:20 PM

Happy trails, pard.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: black walnut
Date: 04 Jan 07 - 09:40 AM

Jed, a friend of mine was in Arizona recently came down with a weird virus which is associated with construction. Apparently the maniac digging of soil to create suburbs is bringing evil lurkers to the surface in frost-free areas. That may be the issue as much or more than those foreign bushes. Ya think?

Thread creep, I know.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: JedMarum
Date: 04 Jan 07 - 12:48 PM

maybe something to that b.w.

I know the allergy folks blame unnatural vegitation for a lot of regional increases - and oddly enough cleanner air - we breathe pretty much clean, conditioned and filtered air most of the time, so our natural resistance to allergens is disappearing. Makes sense.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 07 Jan 07 - 04:53 PM

Well, Jed, I hope you're feeling better by now,
and Mick, I hope you're still looking for a way to get to TO on a THURSDAY. I guess that wouldn't go down well with an employer ....
And Peace, I wish you lived several hundres miles closer.
Thank you all for your encouragement.

And may I say excitement is mounting in my little corner of the universe?

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: Peace
Date: 07 Jan 07 - 07:30 PM

I am looking forward to the release of this CD with great anticipation. Eleven days to go. Keep those nerves under control. IT'S GONNA BE OKKKKKKKK!

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: Paul Mills
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 12:36 AM

Sorry it's been so long since I checked into this thread. Been up to my whatsits in stuff and stuff! Had a great rehearsal with Joanne tonight. We're sounding great! I'm really enjoying this duo...playing some of the best guitar of my life and singing harmony (our vocal blend is smooth smooth smooth).

Looking forward to next week. There will of course be a full report from both of us, probably.

Peace, it's great you and Joanne have connected thru this thread. She didn't know about our history but now she does. I wanna get that album we did on a CD! Have you done that?

Paul

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 06:36 AM

Heard a cut on CBC radio out of Charlottetown this morning; great stuff! A train song ... who's playing the harp? It's very effective.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 09:40 AM

Hi meself:

That's a cut from the CD Paul and I made together back in 2001. The album is ALL THE GOOD TIMES; the song is Len Chandler's "Takin' Me Away From You Train"; the harp player is the wonderful Chris Whiteley. "Train" is one of the two songs from the first CD we will be including in our show next week, for several reasons, but mostly because I love Paul's picking.

(The cd is still available from me, btw.)

Joanne

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 09:17 PM

Peace, nerves, what nerves? I'm going to be surrounded by my favourite guitar player, my favourite piano man, and my favourite bass guy. I'll be too busy swooning to be anxious. (Famous last words?)

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 11 Jan 07 - 10:53 PM

Fyi, Paul and I will be visiting with Heather Fielding and Eve Goldberg on Heather's radio show this coming Monday. That's 7pm on CIUT, 89.5fm.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: Peace
Date: 12 Jan 07 - 11:18 AM

Paul. I sent a message to you.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 12 Jan 07 - 12:52 PM

Joanne - Thanks for the info. That Chris Whiteley sure do get around!

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: Paul Mills
Date: 14 Jan 07 - 11:52 PM

So, listen, I want to keep this thread alive for the next few days as we lead up to our CD launch at Hugh's Room. And yes, it's self-serving and yes, it may not be totally accepted practice here on the 'cat, but dammit, I'm getting excited about this and those of you who have expressed encouragement deserve continuous updates, right? So here's my update: Joanne and I will be on Heather Fielding's show tomorrow night after which we'll be rehearsing our asses off preparing for Thursday night's extraveganza. All Toronto area 'catters who can be there will be welcomed with open and grateful arms!

Cheers,

Paul

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: Jeri
Date: 15 Jan 07 - 07:36 AM

Heather Fielding's show, which is on CIUT, and starts at 7:00 PM EST (Mudcat) time. Tonight.

Paul, I don't think it'll bother anyone if you keep the thread going --
even if it's going to keep reminding me that Toronto's just too far to go for a concert.

Unless I have problems with the broadcast, I'll be listening.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 15 Jan 07 - 03:16 PM

This thread sank like a stone a few days ago, so I'm delighted to see that Paul hauled it back to the surface. Yes, we'll be hanging with the lovely and talented Heather from 7 to 8 pm tonight, God willing and the creeks don't rise (and the freezing drizzle stays manageable).

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 15 Jan 07 - 11:08 PM

So we did Heather's show, and it was lotsa fun. Eve Goldberg was there too and we all played and sang and yacked our heads off. Paul and Heather both have colds, but troopers that they are, they didn't let that stop 'em from putting a whole lot of energy into the show. And they never coughed once on air, bless their hearts.
Joanne

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: Paul Mills
Date: 15 Jan 07 - 11:15 PM

Well actually, I did cough once. During one of Eve's songs I had a wicked throat tickle and I was in tears trying to keep from coughing. Well, the song ended (and a beautiful song it was) and I just had to let fly!

The show was fun. Did you hear it Jeri?

We're getting word from more and more people that they're coming to the show so I think we'll have a nice crowd. Toronto was hit by an ice storm last night and we've got our fingers crossed that it will all be fine by Thursday.

Cheers,

Paul

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: balladeer
Date: 15 Jan 07 - 11:44 PM

Yeah, but you all should have seen the twisting and contorting and scrunching and weeping lengths Paul went to NOT to interrupt Eve's song. Now that was a consummate professional in action.

Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!!
From: GUEST,chinmusic
Date: 15 Jan 07 - 11:45 PM

Caught the show tonight and enjoyed it.... Great way to start the week.... Despite your cold, Paul, your harmony vocals came through just fine out in radioland..... They add colour, and suitably compliment Balladeer's leads... I look forward to catching the concert on Thursday, and picking your new album, 'Flight Of Fancy'.