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29 Dec 06 - 12:35 PM (#1921389) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Big Mick 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 |
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29 Dec 06 - 02:59 PM (#1921467) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: black walnut What a lovely writeup, Mick. ~b.w. |
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29 Dec 06 - 03:20 PM (#1921485) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: JedMarum 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! |
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29 Dec 06 - 04:41 PM (#1921559) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer 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) |
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29 Dec 06 - 04:51 PM (#1921566) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: open mike 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.) |
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29 Dec 06 - 06:26 PM (#1921667) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Open Mike - Thanks for putting in the blue clickeys. And God bless Rick Fielding. Joanne |
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29 Dec 06 - 08:09 PM (#1921755) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: JedMarum yes, She did. ... (bless Rick Fielding)! |
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30 Dec 06 - 04:03 AM (#1921959) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer 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. |
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30 Dec 06 - 10:53 AM (#1922208) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Paul Mills 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 |
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30 Dec 06 - 11:04 AM (#1922217) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Peter T. 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. |
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30 Dec 06 - 02:14 PM (#1922383) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: GUEST,chinmusic 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..... |
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30 Dec 06 - 03:33 PM (#1922449) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer 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. |
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30 Dec 06 - 03:39 PM (#1922456) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Peace Just saw this thread. Any CD that has those two on it is bound for glory. Congratulations, both of you. |
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30 Dec 06 - 06:04 PM (#1922616) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Peace, thanks for the good wishes - and the Woody Guthrie reference. |
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30 Dec 06 - 10:20 PM (#1922794) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: GUEST,Art Thieme 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 |
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31 Dec 06 - 12:13 AM (#1922844) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer 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 |
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31 Dec 06 - 12:18 AM (#1922847) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Paul Mills 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 |
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31 Dec 06 - 08:46 AM (#1923070) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer 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 |
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31 Dec 06 - 03:00 PM (#1923394) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Big Mick 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 |
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31 Dec 06 - 07:57 PM (#1923636) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Mick, c'mon, you can find a way. |
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01 Jan 07 - 04:18 AM (#1923801) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Happy new year everyone! |
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02 Jan 07 - 07:58 PM (#1925227) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer 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. |
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02 Jan 07 - 11:44 PM (#1925353) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: JedMarum I can't wait to hear it. And too many chords? That's what electrics are for, isn't it? |
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02 Jan 07 - 11:53 PM (#1925356) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Peace Jed's right, That what eclectics are for. |
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02 Jan 07 - 11:59 PM (#1925360) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: JedMarum An electric you play with your left hand - and acoustic you play with your right! |
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03 Jan 07 - 12:01 AM (#1925365) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Peace LOL Good one. And for sure, Mills has 'em both down to an art. |
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03 Jan 07 - 12:31 AM (#1925377) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer 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). |
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03 Jan 07 - 12:35 AM (#1925378) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: JedMarum Trevor on stand-up bass? Nice. I am partial to stand-up bass. |
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03 Jan 07 - 12:44 AM (#1925383) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: JedMarum 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. |
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03 Jan 07 - 06:53 AM (#1925496) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Jed, I hope you got some sleep. That sinus thing can be so unsettling. Are you in Texas right now? |
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03 Jan 07 - 10:31 PM (#1926138) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: JedMarum 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. |
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03 Jan 07 - 11:20 PM (#1926167) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Happy trails, pard. |
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04 Jan 07 - 09:40 AM (#1926384) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: black walnut 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. |
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04 Jan 07 - 12:48 PM (#1926543) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: JedMarum 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. |
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07 Jan 07 - 04:53 PM (#1929499) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer 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? |
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07 Jan 07 - 07:30 PM (#1929696) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Peace 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! |
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10 Jan 07 - 12:36 AM (#1932018) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Paul Mills 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 |
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10 Jan 07 - 06:36 AM (#1932168) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: GUEST,meself 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. |
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10 Jan 07 - 09:40 AM (#1932290) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer 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 |
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11 Jan 07 - 09:17 PM (#1933867) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer 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?) |
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11 Jan 07 - 10:53 PM (#1933948) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer 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. |
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12 Jan 07 - 11:18 AM (#1934406) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Peace Paul. I sent a message to you. |
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12 Jan 07 - 12:52 PM (#1934488) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: GUEST,meself Joanne - Thanks for the info. That Chris Whiteley sure do get around! |
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14 Jan 07 - 11:52 PM (#1936884) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Paul Mills 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 |
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15 Jan 07 - 07:36 AM (#1937086) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Jeri 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. |
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15 Jan 07 - 03:16 PM (#1937487) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer 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). |
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15 Jan 07 - 11:08 PM (#1937878) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer 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 |
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15 Jan 07 - 11:15 PM (#1937883) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Paul Mills 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 |
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15 Jan 07 - 11:44 PM (#1937901) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer 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. |
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15 Jan 07 - 11:45 PM (#1937903) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: GUEST,chinmusic 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'. |
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15 Jan 07 - 11:56 PM (#1937908) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Thanks for the kind words, chinmusic. There'll be an autographed copy waiting for ya. I unwrapped my Sharpie today. I'm ready .... |
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16 Jan 07 - 01:16 AM (#1937930) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer I really have to hit the sack, but instead of brushing my teeth already, I'm sitting here thinking about what a powerful and profound player Paul is. His guitar can speak like a human voice, can express the joy of passion and the sensitivity of a soul mate. I'm feeling very grateful he's in my life in this way.... I think you already know what I mean, but if you don't, you will when you hear Flight of Fancy. |
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16 Jan 07 - 12:54 PM (#1938432) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Subject: RE: What is a 'getaway' From: Jeri - PM Date: 16 Jan 07 - 06:48 AM For one thing, you + Paul and Eve sounded great on the radio last night! Now, the Getaway: here is a thread for the 2007 FSGW Getaway-November 2-5, 2007. There are links up at the top to threads on mostly last years' Getaway. I'm not sure where the older Getaway threads went. They aren't coming up on a search, and I know they exist. It could be (probably is) I'm just dense, and someone else will post links. It would be a real treat to see you there! |
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16 Jan 07 - 02:41 PM (#1938539) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Obviously, that last post was from another thread. I pasted it in here because of the Jeri connection, and because I'm figuring out how to cut and paste on a Mac. Thanks for your indulgence. |
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16 Jan 07 - 05:25 PM (#1938749) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Peace IMO, a Mac is the only advance people have made in civilization in at least fifty years. |
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16 Jan 07 - 07:39 PM (#1938906) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Peace Balladeer: Did Toronto get enough snow to interfere with the event on Thursday? |
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16 Jan 07 - 11:50 PM (#1939069) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Yesterday was pretty bad - freezing rain - but today was colder and snowier and easier to deal with all the way round. We have our fingers crossed that the weather doesn't become a limiting factor, but boy, we've been so lucky this winter so far. |
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17 Jan 07 - 12:56 AM (#1939088) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Tonight was our full-band rehearsal. It was very businesslike and a whole lot of fun. Really good players. Really good charts. Great music! |
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17 Jan 07 - 09:53 AM (#1939406) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Peace If Paul wrote the charts, they are beyond really good. That man is a whiz with that stuff. His ear for arrangement is awesome, IMO. |
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17 Jan 07 - 10:10 AM (#1939420) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: JedMarum We've got a bit of ice and snow today in Dallas! but I don;t suppose that'll hurt your chances for getting a good crowd out in Toronto. Y'all a just a bit north of us, eh? I am sorry I missed the radio show. I had planned to tune in Monday night but I got side-tracked, and didn't get back in time; bummer! Maybe I could get Mr Spock or Scotty to beam me up to TO - or do I have my threads mixed up? ... break a leg. |
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17 Jan 07 - 12:49 PM (#1939590) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Yes, Peace, Paul wrote the charts, and of course did a perfect job of it, even though several of the arrangements are mine - some are mine, some are his, but they're mostly ours. Jed, I'm beaming at you, but you haven't materialized in my living room, so I guess it's not working .... |
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17 Jan 07 - 02:11 PM (#1939673) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: JedMarum LOL - I'd be pretty surprised if I did suddenly appear in your living room! But as long you could beam me back for the weekend, I'd be OK! As a side note - I always enjoyed working with Paul, and was impressed with his fine musical skill and his superb engineering skills - but when I realized that while we were arranging, Paul was writing precise and correct charts as quickly as I could play the song, well - I decided that this has to be a man with two brains! Who has such well developed, creative musical chops AND those right brained technical and detail oriented skills? I think its only Paul Mills aka Curly Boy Stubbs! ;-) |
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17 Jan 07 - 07:09 PM (#1939958) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Paul, you should get in here and defend yourself .... |
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17 Jan 07 - 07:26 PM (#1939977) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Peace Tell him to send his wife in. She plays backgammon like ya would NOT believe. |
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17 Jan 07 - 07:36 PM (#1939995) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Jeri "The Man With Two Brains" DadaDAHHHHH! Yes, I heard the show and it was great. Made me miss backyard summer nights, even if I do tend to hide in shadows. Have a good gig, and maybe I'll catch y'all somewhere down the road. |
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17 Jan 07 - 09:01 PM (#1940039) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: JedMarum ooo - but the shadows is where all fun happens, isn't it? |
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17 Jan 07 - 10:58 PM (#1940113) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Well, Paul and I had our final pre-launch rehearsal tonight and it was SMOKIN'.... this duo thing is really happening .... I can't wait .... |
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18 Jan 07 - 07:14 AM (#1940344) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Greg Quill has given Flight of Fancy a decent review in the Toronto Star this morning. |
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18 Jan 07 - 09:03 AM (#1940438) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: JedMarum can you post the review? |
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18 Jan 07 - 09:17 AM (#1940456) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Peace "A warm hand on your opening." |
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18 Jan 07 - 01:47 PM (#1940735) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Hey Jed, no doubt we'll be checking in tomorrow with news about the launch, and hopefully we'll have figured out how to post the review by then. Thanks for asking. Joanne |
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18 Jan 07 - 02:47 PM (#1940804) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: black walnut Here it is, from the Toronto Star, Feb. 18: CRABTREE & MILLS Flight Of Fancy (Free & Easy Music) The second duet recording by Canadian folk music boomers, singer/guitarist Joanne Crabtree (formerly Joanne Hindley-Smith) and primo picker/producer Paul Mills is a warm and friendly confluence of vintage song and old-guard spirit. The generous all-acoustic package offers six Crabtree originals, a couple of traditional pieces and a selection of covers ranging from Stephen Foster's "Oh Susannah" to Cole Porter's "Miss Otis Regrets", from Ry Cooder's and John Hiatt's "Across The Borderline" to contemporary compositions by rustic recidivists Kevin Welch and Keiran Kane. While the set contains few spine-chilling musical moments (Mills' understated and graceful work on the Porter piece is one, as is his trademark "New York-style" fingerpicking on other key cuts), it's clear these two artists complement eachother well, and are very comfortable exploring their shared passion for the tuneful, lighthearted and sentimental folk and jug-band music of their youth. Crabtree & Mills launch their sophomore effort tonight with a concert at Hugh's Room (www.hughsroom.com, tickets $18 at the door). If their sold-out show there several months back is anything to go by, this will likely be one of the year's big Canadian roots music moments. Greg Quill ........ Break legs! ~b.w. |
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19 Jan 07 - 01:21 AM (#1941308) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Paul Mills Just got back from the club and I'm smiling from ear to ear. Joanne and I were tight and our little band (Ed Crabtree on piano and Bob Hewus on bass were brilliant and oh so supportive musically. The audience loved the act. Many comments about our chemistry and warmth on stage. It doesn't get any better. Yes, we're a bona-fide duo now and hope to make to a town near you in the new year. Thanks to the many 'catters who were there supporting us! Cheers, Paul |
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19 Jan 07 - 09:33 AM (#1941520) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Peace Congratulations Joanne and Paul. That is great news. Talk soon. |
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19 Jan 07 - 03:00 PM (#1941835) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer I can hardly stay awake today. I must have been pumping more adrenaline into our show than I realized. Happily, there's nothing urgent I have to get done. In a day or two I'll start mailing out CD's to everyone who's asked for them. It was a fabulous evening. |
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19 Jan 07 - 11:04 PM (#1942163) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: catspaw49 I have been anxiously awaiting this day and had refrained from posting because all I could say was "Good Luck" and from all I know of the two of you, you really don't need it! Now I knew I'd never make it to Toronto for this but an even bigger regret was that I had an unexpected emergency and missed Heather's show on Monday. From the sound of things the two of you are really made to be a duo and I have nothing but positive thoughts about your future. I am looking forward to ordering the CD and spending an enjoyable time listening to the two of you. You have all my best wishes....and you don't need those either!!! Spaw |
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20 Jan 07 - 01:21 AM (#1942229) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Spaw, your good wishes mean a lot to me. Over the years, I've developed great respect for your opinions on many subjects. I'm taking orders for Flight of Fancy now, either through joannecrabtree.com or by PM right here on the Cat. Really good to hear from you. Joanne |
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20 Jan 07 - 06:57 AM (#1942344) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Big Mick Got my computer back and jumped right into this thread to see how it went. Sounds like a great crowd got exactly the treat that I knew they would. Unfortunately my computer spent the last three weeks with The Geek Squad and I has to miss the whole damn thing. Very aggravating. Joanne and Paul are more than enough to get me to tune in to Heather's show. But when I read that Eve would be joining them (on a friend's computer), I was sick with not being able to tune in. Eve is a talent of major proportions. Toronto, do you know how fortunate you are to have so many excellent and giving musicians/singers? The radio show must have been a real treat. Heather has such a wonderful way with the interview, that just makes the musical flowers bloom. I can only imagine how wonderful Hugh's Room must have been. Knowing Paul as I do, I know that the details were all taken care of. It is part of the gift this man has. His right brain and left brain are in perfect musical harmony, and very well developed. He has such a mind for the details that by the time you hit the stage, it is like just sitting down, surrounded by friends, and letting the music flow. The performers among you know how coming to a space where the advance hasn't been done properly can just suck the life out of a performance. This just doesn't happen with Paul. Then he settles in and picks up his guitar and lets the music roll. I can only imagine the musical conversations that happened between Joanne, Paul, and the rest of the musicians. Damn, what I wouldn't have given to be there. I will soon be ordering a CD. Which brings me to the final point. Mudcatters, you are privileged to be a part of this community. It allows to be exposed to talent of this calibre. Don't forget to support them. Order a CD. Supporting one another is how we keep these marvelous musical happenings going. Though I haven't heard the CD yet, I already know it will be a wonder to the ears. And you will be helping to perpetuate its existence. Mick |
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20 Jan 07 - 08:56 AM (#1942406) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Peter T. I was there, and boy were they smooooooooooooooooooth. The modest duo hasn't said that we gave them a standing o. Many, many highlights. For me the highlights were the slow old songs -- "Miss Otis Regrets" -- most people don't realize how hard it is to keep the arc of those songs going, but Joanne is a master of that kind of music. The tippy top for me was a song called "Any Pride At All" -- wiped the floor with that one she did. Joanne, who wrote that song? Paul's playing was, as usual superb. They really are a good duo, they have different rhythms that work together. Paul has a really neat new instrument, that looks something like a little black music stand. He brought it out and fumbled with it every once in awhile, and pretty soon he may even get good at it....... yours, Peter T. |
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20 Jan 07 - 09:20 AM (#1942424) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Jeri Peter, what's the difference between Paul's new instrument and a little black music stand? |
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20 Jan 07 - 10:54 AM (#1942481) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Paul Mills Ha ha! There's no difference, Jeri. It's one of those little wire jobs that I need to support the charts for a couple of the more complicated tin pan alley tunes that Joanne and I do...too many chords to memorize. It's fairly inobtrusive until I actually have to unfold it! Mick and Peter, thank you for your thoughtful postings and support. I hope you enjoy the CD when you get it. Cheers, Paul |
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20 Jan 07 - 11:56 AM (#1942539) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: open mike good to hear that this is beginning to soar!! i received Eve's new one frfom Borealis, too! I am glad to know i saw this project in in's final stages just before lift off! |
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20 Jan 07 - 12:43 PM (#1942558) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Mick: Hugh's Room is a glorious space for performers and audients alike. The acoustics lift the sound up and out from the stage. The sight lines make all two hundred seats viable. The stage is in a place and of a size that encourages the players to both take command of and relax into the evening. I feel very privileged to have had our CD concert there. Paul did indeed look after all the details. When we're working together, I never worry about the technical glitches that can kill a show. Of course we had the help of a great sound man, Jason La prade. The band was something else again. I don't think it's just maternal pride speaking when I say our piano player, Edward Crabtree, was tasteful and tuneful in everything he did. And Bob Hewus, besides being steady as a rock on double bass, has a geat sense of stage craft, which he didn't hesitate to share with us when he thought it necessary. Paul and I set our chairs at an angle to each other so we could stay in visual contact, and this meant that there was even more snappy on-stage repartee than usual. Yes, the conversation, both musical and verbal, was really fun. Joanne |
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20 Jan 07 - 01:14 PM (#1942579) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Peter: Thank you for for your excellent review, and thank you also for noting that those songs from Tin Pan Alley are not only hard to play, but quite difficult to sing. That style of music was my first love and I'm very comfortable with it, but of the vast 1920-to-1960 pop repertoire, I do tend to choose the songs that are the most complex and hard to learn - and then Paul has to figure them out for guitar, so no wonder he needs his very discreet and tasteful black music stand. I really love both the arrangements you singled out in your post. They showcase the element that was the first building block in our evolving duo, and that is the conversation between my voice and Paul's guitar. Cole Porter wrote Miss Otis Regrets. If I Had Any Pride Left at All is a fairly modern song from a bunch of Country writers, John Greenbaum, Troy Seals, and Eddie Setser. It's been a big hit for a couple of people, but I learned it from the singing of the incomparable Etta James. I'm glad you were there. Joanne |
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20 Jan 07 - 03:31 PM (#1942692) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Peter T. Hey, so I was I! (Thanks for the info). Also that Rodgers and Hart song -- "I Love Love" -- now there is a hard song to sing that looks real easy: oh, it's just another patter song (yeah, right). yours, Peter T. |
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20 Jan 07 - 03:45 PM (#1942701) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Actually, Peter, I Love to Love was written by Herbert baker. And o yeah, it's HARD. Richard and Larry wrote To Keep My Love Alive, which is easier. At least it has clear-cut A and B sections for the players to get their heads around without screaming from brain pain. |
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20 Jan 07 - 07:40 PM (#1942899) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Peter T. Yeah, sorry, brain not working at this end. yours, Peter T. |
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21 Jan 07 - 09:10 AM (#1943190) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer I went to Eve's concert last night, which was lovely. We agreed this had been a good week for music in Toronto. Thanks to all of you who gave so generously of your opinions and your time to support this thread. Joanne |
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21 Jan 07 - 06:42 PM (#1943651) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer If you've been following this thread and you've become interested in acquiring the new CD Paul Mills and I have produced, entitled Crabtree&Mills - Flight of Fancy, please send a personal message to Balladeer with your request, or contact me through joannecrabtree.com I'm starting to fill mail orders this week. Joanne |
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22 Jan 07 - 01:16 PM (#1944491) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Crabtree&Mills now has a MySpace page. Check out http://www.myspace.com/crabtreemills |
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23 Jan 07 - 01:34 PM (#1945694) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: Paul Mills I've just completed a Crabtree & Mills website. It has full-length samples of 5 songs plus bios, etc. Check it out here Cheers, Paul |
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24 Jan 07 - 01:16 PM (#1946783) Subject: RE: Crabtree & Mills new CD!! Exciting!!!!! From: balladeer Paul did a really nice job designing and building and unveiling the new Crabtree&Mills website yesterday. (See link in the post above this one.) It feels to me like our new CD, Flight of Fancy, now has a home of its own. You can go to the site and hear five whole songs, and you can contact me directly from there, should you wish to place and order. Joanne |