[Harp-L] From the Ash Grove: never-before-released recordings

[David Fertig <drfertig@xxxxxxxxx>]

See this: http://www.closeyoureyesandlisten.com/

Read the advance notice from Wolfgang's Vault,
which is working with Ed Pearl (founder of Ash Grove, see his comments
below) and the Ash Grove Music Foundation to release - first time ever!
- some truly historic, amazing recordings from the famous Ash Grove
club of 1958-1973.  Then look at links below from Wolfgang's Vault.

A
personal note: In 1974, I had access to - and listened to many of -
these amazing tapes.  These are truly rare treasures that have never
before been aired.  And soon you can buy 'em!  

And it gets
better: A portion of the proceeds benefits the Ash Grove Music
Foundation (of which I am a board member) so when these gems come out,
BUY 'EM! 

-Dave Fertig   

Here's Ed Pearl's comment, then check the links below: 
"During the 15+ year span of the original
 Ash Grove we not often
enough taped performances, mostly of great traditional artists brought
from whence the music was born and bred. Hundreds, from Bill Monroe
and Lightning Hopkins to Johnny Cash and Muddy Waters.  The 'kids'
who soaked in this steady outpouring include Ry Cooder, Bonny Raitt,
Taj Mahal, Linda Ronstadt, et al - who themselves have become icons
of great art and
 influence.  Most of the tapes somehow escaped the fires
which devoured the club, so I've kept them in boxes, mostly at home.

In 1998, we became a 501C3 non-profit corporation, whose only asset was
those tapes.  Over the years record companies regularly wanted to cherry-
pick the best known, which I regularly resisted, wanting as always to have
the public experience the history, the depth and vast variety of American
music and cultures.  Check the artists roster at www.ashgrovemusic.com
I remain awed whenever I look
 at it.  
 
After the UCLA festival of exactly one year ago I was introduced to Bill 
Sagan, head of Wolfgang's Vault.  We hit it off on many levels, but 
especially
on his and associates determination to do just what I always wanted,
and with the technical expertise and capacity to reach an audience I'd
only dreamed 
about.  

And so, it is coming to pass, as described below.  I'm delighted. ...
 
-Ed Pearl"

Also from Wolfgang's Vault:  http://www.wolfgangsvault.com/sv/ash-grove/AS7.html

"For more about the music, the club and its founder Ed Pearl, check out 
this great article in Crawdaddy! For a taste of what's to come, 
listen here and follow 
@theashgrove on Twitter.
"

HARP CONTENT: David Naiditch used to hang out at the Ash Grove, right David?  Also, Taj Mahal lived there, washing dishes AND PLAYING HARP for his room and board . . .

-Dave "shameless promoter" Fertig