Hard to imagine that a man who’s played with national recording artists since 1969, been praised by the likes of Robin Trower and Johnny Winter and toured with Muddy Waters, could still be heading up in the world. But according to former FAT guitarist Jim Kaminski (myspace.com/jimkandco), that is quite literally what he is up to these days.
“We’re taking the music to the hills, baby!”, the man known as Jim K declares about his July 31 engagement at Three Sisters Sanctuary in Goshen. “It’s where I live and where I play. There are a lot of music lovers out there that don’t always get to the city, so lately, more so than ever in my career, I’ve been seeking out some cool alternative places to perform at.”
Tipped to this Sunday’s venue by former bandmate Peter Newland and sold by its beautiful stone sculptures, built-in fireplaces and expansive stone stage, Kaminski says that the Sanctuary is equal parts aptly named and extraordinary.
“Kind of a Stonehenge-type vibe,” he concludes.
When not seeking higher ground for live performances with bandmates Rudi Weeks on bass and Dave Nelson on drums, Kaminski adds, he has been holed up in Northampton working on a new EP with producer Jim Weeks.
“I’m definitely pushing in some new musical directions I hope my fans will dig,” he says. “Quite a bit of acoustic, in fact, but still soulful and moving.”
*
Meanwhile, Jason Bourgeois, best known for fronting the regional rock outfit Bourgeois Heroes, checked in to report that his newest project—Teens Across The North—has a rendezvous with the Rendezvous in Turners Falls this Friday, July 29. One could say that this band marches to the beat of a different drummer, if they in fact had a drummer.
What they lack in percussion,the quirky quartet—rounded out by Ken Maiuri, Stephen Gallo and Blyth B.—more than make up for with a “creative instrumental palette.”
“Toy piano, ukulele, glockenspiel, electric piano—we throw it all in the mix,” Bourgeois explained of his new Teens sensation. “Oh, yeah, and, by the way, none of us are really teenagers.”
*
In other news, R&B elder statesmen Steve Smith & The Nakeds will utilize the occasion of their Aug. 3 Infinity Hall play to celebrate the life of a man who was actually supposed to participate in the evening’s proceedings: Clarence Clemons.
What better way to pay tribute to “The Big Man” than play his music—and that’s just what Smith and company intend to do that evening with the help of some very special guests.
In honor of Clemons, Infinity Music Hall will also donate a portion of the show’s proceeds to one of his favorite charities, Home Safe For Kids (homesafeforkids.org).
*
Speaking of the Infinity, the intimate hall in Norfolk, Conn. will not only host but kick off the recently announced Three Guitar Heroes Tour on Thursday, Oct. 6, organizers have announced.
“My manager and I have been discussing a run like this for ages, so when the opportunity came up, I hopped on board,” Mountain man Leslie West proclaims of the upcoming tour that will place him with fellow six-string aficionados Michael Schenker and Uli Jon Roth (of Scorpion infamy). “That’s right—the guy who just had his leg amputated hopped on board!”
For more info on any and all items Infinity, including ticket procuring, kindly point your browser to infinityhall.com.
Send correspondence to Nightcrawler, PO Box 427, Somers, CT 06071; fax to (860) 394-4262 or email Garycarra@aol.com.
