The Ardmore Music Hall hosted a matinee concert on June 30 for a tribute to musician Darryl Ray. Proceeds benefited the children of Darryl Jenkins. A bevy of fellow musicians paid tribute including Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings, Dynagroove, Rockett 88, Matt Wallace and the Blues and the Darryl Ray Band.
DJ Caterina fell in love with the music of Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings in the early 2000s while a college disc jockey at UT-Dallas. See Audio Rumble's well-documented adulation here. RIP Darryl Ray. I will miss you.
The following is an excerpt from an article originally found on www.mpprojects.com/tc. [Including audience concert reviews below.]
Original article in Dutch:
Is Tommy Conwell de witte Barrence Whitfield of is Barrence Whitfield de zwarte Tommy Conwell? U mag kiezen maar een ding is zeker; Tommy Conwell's bluesy rock and roll is als een lap rond de oren met een naschok tot in de tenen. de jongen had ocharme nog geen haar op z'n borst toen hij na een eerste schuchtere poging eind jaren tachtig op de proppen kwam met z'ni Young Rumblers en prompt twee door de rockende bluesliefhebbers gesmaakte platen mocht maken voor CBS. tevergeefs blijkbaar, want Tommy verdween meteen daarna terug uit het zicht, maar wat een wederopstanding toen hij ons in 1997 z'n Little Kings in de maag splitste middels Sho' Gone Crazy, een plaat nokvol furieus zweet uitdrijvende lappen R and B en rock! Pitch up the boogie and GO, GO, GO...CRAZEE! Wie bij Tommy's uitzinnige muziek stil kan blijven staan is rijp voor de bloempot.
Translation:
Is Tommy Conwell the white Barrence Whitfield -- or is Barrence Whitfield the black Tommy Conwell? You may choose, but only one thing is certain; Tommy Conwell's bluesy rock and roll hits your ears with an aftershock to the toes. The boy had youth and no hair on his chest with his first attempt in the late 1980s when he was with the Young Rumblers - and promptly made two of the most rocking recordings (Rumble, Guitar Trouble) ever made for blues-appreciating record lovers, with CBS Records. It was apparently in vain, because Tommy disappeared immediately afterwards, out of sight. But what a resurrection when, in 1997, he and his Little Kings, hit the guts with Sho' Gone Crazy, a recording for the followers of furious, sweaty and explosive rhythm and blues and rock! Pitch up the boogie and GO, GO, GO...crazy! Whoever can stand still with Tommy's frenzied music playing [might as well be dead].
"The show was very entertaining,
Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings played between all the other blues-acts!! First of all Tommy Conwell had no hair anymore, so he looks like
Bruce Willis on stage.
The Little Kings began the
set with an instrumental and after Tommy did his best to talk Dutch
to the crowd!!! SANTE! SKOL! and so on ... much different
things.
The songs came out of his two last albums with the Little Kings, hard, loud, it
reminds me a little bit of George Thorogood. He also played songs of his
albums with the Rumblers ... reminding me of the 80's: "I'm Not Your
Man", "Guitar Trouble."
(Tommy jokingly tells the
crowd that he has a lot of copies left in his basement. He also
tells everyone to buy his CD's because he needs the money).The show was nice, sometimes wild,
sometimes blues, rock 'n roll, slow, pop, ...
I was a little bit disappointed that
I couldn't reach Tommy for an autograph ...After his show it began to rain
very, very hard!!"
I met Tommy Conwell last
weekend at the Belgium Rhythm 'n' Blues festival in Peer. We talked a lot about
life, music ... He's a really nice guy.
His show was great. The people loved
him. I'll hope to see him back in Belgium in the near future. I just
danced with my daughter on "Without Love" from the Hi Ho Silver album. My wife and I are going on holidays in a few hours and it was a farewell
dance.
It felt great!!!!
Thanks to Tommy for the fine time. A new fan is born !!!!!!!"
Greetings,
Jan Van Streydonck
Belgium Rhythm n' Blues Festival acts [Day 2]:
7/20/2002 1:00 pm Mfus (Great Britain) 2:30 pm Jesse Dayton (USA) 4:00 pm Harry Manx (CAN) 5:30 pm The Instigators (Sweden) 7:00 pm Tommy Conwell and The Little Kings (USA) 9:00 pm Duke Robillard Band (USA) 11:00 pm Willy DeVille (USA)
A review of Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings' cover of "Moanin'" - courtesy of blog, Kool Kovers - "dedicated to showcasing excellent cover versions and lesser known original recordings of popular songs."
Both the song and the album entitled "Moanin'" by drummer Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers are cornerstones of not just the storied Blue Note record label, but of hard bop and modern jazz.
Recorded and released in 1958, "Moanin'" is on the short list of jazz standards like "Back At The Chicken Shack" by Jimmy Smith or "Maiden Voyage" by Herbie Hancock. The blues-based theme gives it an instantly recognizable central melody and the body of the tune swings like crazy. The song was written by pianist Bobby Timmons and features saxman Benny Golson (of "Killer Joe" fame) and trumpeter Lee Morgan, who went on to his own successful recordings for Blue Note, such as "The Sidewinder".
As a drummer, Art Blakey had power and originality, favoring a dark cymbal sound punctuated by frequent snare and bass drum accents in triplets or cross-rhythms. Blakey is also widely credited with the invention of the "push roll"; a snare roll that starts quietly and rapidly increases in volume. An example of this quick riff can be heard in the opening minutes of "Moanin'". Blakey frequently employed it to dramatically signal a change to a different section of the tune.
Get your cool on and dig Art Blakey's classic, "Moanin'". The song lasts about 9 minutes, but if you let the groove pull you in, the time will fly right on by. Enjoy!
If there ever was a band that wanted their crowd to party like it's 1959, it was Tommy Conwell's Little Kings, a band named after a local cream ale sold in 7 ounce bottles. (Larger sizes were available, but that defeated the purpose of the 7 ouncers.)
Straight outta the bars of Philadelphia, Conwell had a taste of national success in the late 1980's with his band, the Young Rumblers, who cut two albums for Columbia, "Rumble" and "Guitar Trouble", and one for MCA in 1992, entitled "Neuroticus Maximus" which that label chose not to release. To this day, Conwell still doesn't know why. I've heard it. It's of that era, but it's a good record. You can listen to it and buy an Mp3 version of the album at Tommy's website. This is another good example of why it's smart to own your master tapes.
After the MCA debacle, Conwell took a break from the big time music business, except for a two-album stint on the down-low as the unbilled guitarist for Philly pop band, Buzz Zeemer. In 1997, Tommy got back to basics and assembled the Little Kings; a sturdy roots 'n blues, rock 'n roll band with a reputation for high energy, groove and chops to spare. Don't be fooled by the goofball cover art. This band was dangerous and Conwell himself was well known as a showman with a decidedly old school sensibility who was, and still is, very capable of humbling lesser guitarists. Tommy made two records with the Little Kings for the now defunct Llist label out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, entitled "Sho Gone Crazy!" and "Hi-Ho Silver". Although out of print, both are highly recommended and guaranteed to wake up a sluggish party. Like the one you're at right now.
Two essentials for your jazz collection are the albums "Moanin'" and "A Night In Tunisia" by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. Vinyl should be available too. You can get music direct from Tommy Conwell at his website or at Amazon Mp3. Tommy is still playing the bars and clubs in and around Philadelphia. His guitar skills have only improved with time. I understand you can even get some lessons from him, if you're in the area.
Support local artists and musicians how, where and when you can, wherever you live.
Conwell, Little Kings reunite 94.1 Free FM's Tommy Conwell is reuniting with his old band, the Little Kings - not the Young Rumblers - for a show at 11 p.m. at Grape Street Philadelphia (4100 Main, the former Grape Street Pub) in Manayunk.
Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings are currently playing live at Grape Street Philadelphia. And DJ Caterina is in Dallas....*sigh*.
#10 - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers at The Bay Center at Ruddertowne, Dewey Beach, Delaware, on Aug. 21, 2010. This concert was a rehearsal of sorts for TCYR’s “reunion” concert at The Blockley three months later that year in Philadelphia. From all evidence, this Delaware show was a great one!
The Blockley concert on November 6, 2010, was touted as a big show for the Young Rumblers—the first time the band would be headlining in the Philly city limits since the early 90’s.
The location was also the site of the old Chestnut Cabaret at 38th and Chestnut St., a historically important music venue for the Rumblers.
With the original line-up of Tommy, Chris, Rob, Jim and Paul, it was a great concert event!
#9 - Travel Lanes at MilkBoy Philly on April 12, 2013, promoting the band's EP, “Hey, Hey, It’s Travel Lanes.” Featuring John Bicer pounding out the beat on drums, Derek Feinberg on guitar, Mitch Cojocariu providing background vocal and bass support, and Flight of Mavis/Buzz Zeemer’s singer/songwriter Frank Brown singing and playing guitar.
The band’s performance was sprinkled with new songs from the EP, old Buzz Zeemer classics, one Flight of Mavis cover (“Rain Fallin’ Down) and a David Bowie cover song. This band just rocks!
The latest version of Travel Lanes includes Frank, Mitch, John, Jim Fogarty on guitar and Albert Kleinschmidt on keyboards.
Travel Lanes next show will be their Record Release Show at 118 North in Wayne, PA on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, with Dave Cope and the Sass opening. Tickets here. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/travel-lanes-album-release-tic…
#8 - In 2011, Steve Acito's fan video compilation from David Uosikkinen's In The Pocket all-star Philly jam at World Cafe Live, celebrating the release of their new single, "You Can't Sit Down."
#7 - Tommy Conwell at Coffee Works on March 3, 2013 🎶
In the last decade, Tommy Conwell has been performing and re-visiting some of his older, unreleased songs. In 2013, Tommy updated the lyrics to an unreleased demo called “Until the End” – and played the song acoustically at Coffee Works in Voorhees, NJ.
The song is now track #7 on the new Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers’ “Showboats and Grandstanders album, released in 2019.
#6 - Tommy Conwell at Haddon Heights in 2012
Performing a cover of Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker’s “American Girl”--with an excellent guitar solo from Cliff Hillis at the end. And Jim Hannum on drums!
Part of the Sundown Music Series held during the summer on Wednesday nights at the McLaughlin-Norcoss Dell in Haddon Lake Park in Haddon Heights, NJ.
#5 - In 2012, Tommy Conwell and TJ Tindall dueling guitar solos during "Workout" -- it’s In the Pocket! 😎🎸🎶
Capturing Tommy Conwell and TJ Tindall's guitar duel on video during the TCYR classic "Workout" -- in January 2012 at the New Hope Winter Festival -- is one of the greatest pieces of concert footage I'll ever hope to record.
The whole experience made me feel like I was channeling Martin Scorsese filming “The Band” documentary. That's how I feel about the greatness of David Uosikkinen's In The Pocket -- such an accomplished and first-rate group of musicians!
#4 – Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform their old classics!
When Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform and bring out old-school song gems like “Cruisin’ Slow” and bring it with the same energy that they used to play the songs back in the day…that’s amazing!
In this concert at Ardmore Music Hall in 2014, listen to that extra kick (at 2:25 mark) that Jim Hannum brings to the track!
#3 - Reunion of Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings
Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings began a decade of “reunion” shows on Saturday, December 17, 2011, at Tom n Jerry's in Folsom, PA.
With Pat Coppa on bass; Paul Ramagano on drums; Tommy Conwell on guitar, vocals; and Darryl Ray Jenkins on saxophone, their sets were sprinkled here and there over the last several years.
TC and the Little Kings had a great performance at the Rockabilly Rumble on Aug. 17, 2014, at World Cafe Live at the Queen in Wilmington.
In April 2018, Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings [Pat Coppa on bass; Paul Ramagano on drums; Tommy Conwell on guitar, vocals; and Darryl Jenkins on saxophone] performed two amazing sets at 118 North, in Wayne, PA. They also performed again in December.
As videographer Chris Cafiero states: "The quality of the music, lyrics and performances is as fine as anyone could ask for. This is Tommy Conwell doing music on his own terms."
Sadly, Darryl Ray died on May 2, 2019, but we’ll always have the memories of these great performances.
God bless Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings! ❤️
#2 - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers at the Electric Factory, 11/23/12
It was a magical Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, and with an intro from WMMR’s Pierre Robert, this was an epic night--Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers live at the Electric Factory!
Different about this gig was that Tommy Conwell (along with Chris Day) was everywhere in Philly that week promoting the concert: an acoustic set on WMMR's Preston and Steve show, an interview on CBS Philly, and TC on 88.5 WXPN with an acoustic set and stories.
It briefly felt like the 80’s all over again! 😎🎸🎶
#1 - Tommy Conwell and The Young Rumblers "Showboats and Grandstanders" record release party at The Foundry Room at The Fillmore in Philadelphia.
WMMR DJ Jacky Bam Bam later shared with me his amazement of the “real-deal rock n’ roll” sound of the Young Rumblers at this concert and the awesome inclusion of the horns—“No one does rock n’ roll horns anymore!!!”
(I heard this quote from Jacky on the phone while driving down a Texas highway, so it was a variation of that…couldn’t exactly take notes while driving!) 😊
The concert was the culmination of several years of studio work that finally saw the release of the first Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers’ album in 30 years called, "Showboats and Grandstanders"—made possible by TCYR fans through a crowdfunding campaign. The album dropped on June 18, and the official record release party was later that week on Saturday, June 22, at the Foundry.
Tommy, Paul, Jim, Rob and Chris played songs from the new album as well as many favorites from the 80s!
Some highlights: Cliff Hillis, engineer on Showboats and Grandstanders, was a special guest and played with the band on “Until the End.” Tommy Conwell, Chris Day and Jay Davidson served an all-out blues jam during “Million Pretty Girls.”
Check out the concert in glorious 4K on YouTube.
Thank you to Brant Buckley for this way cool interview with Tommy Conwell. Tommy talks about being influenced by Jimmie Vaughan, the most recent Little Kings concert, the upcoming and much anticipated Young Rumblers album and much more! 🎸🎶
Tommy Conwell is a US guitarist, songwriter, and performer. He is best known as the frontman for the Philadelphia-based band Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers. The band had a #1 US mainstream rock hit in 1988 with "I'm Not Your Man." His music appeared in the following original motion picture soundtracks: Shout-"Devil Call Me Back Home" (Written by Tommy Conwell and performed by Otis Rush) and "More Than A Kiss" (Written and performed by Tommy Conwell). Chasers- "Rock With You" (Written By Tommy Conwell, M. Rauer) Performed By Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers. Who are your blues heroes? Which single blues guitar player comes through most in your playing?
Jimmie Vaughan comes through most. In the early to mid 80’s he was at his peak with the Thunderbirds and his music was so accessible. It was freakishly unique. It continues to be. He's often imitated but never duplicated just like his brother. I wanted to be Jimmie Vaughan. He was a big influence on me and I still try to be Jimmie Vaughan from time to time. I have realized it’s impossible. I don’t waste much energy there. Also, I realized it’s not a goal worth pursuing. I’m a big fan. From my Columbia days, “Let Me Love You Too,” “Work Out,” and “Nice and Naughty” are indicative of him. I’m usually jamming and doing my best Jimmie Vaughan imitation. He blew my world apart. As far as others I like Freddie King, Albert King, Gatemouth Brown, Albert Collins, Hound Dog Taylor, Elmore James, Lil’ Ed, and Muddy Waters. I just did a blues festival in Lancaster with Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials. He’s great. One of my favorite Muddy Waters albums is Unk in Funk. It’s not very popular and I have no idea why. I love that album. One of my all-time favorites is Junior Wells. He is so scary and legit. When he is on, you can’t top him. This is where I am coming from.
Did you write I’m Not Your Man? Did you immediately know it was a hit? How did this song launch you?
I wrote it with a woman named Marcy Wagman who had a Nashville pedigree. I didn’t know her before we started writing. I learned all of the rules they have down there and they have a lot of rules. You can’t do this, you can’t do that, which is great because she taught them to me. I came in with the nexus of the song, but she helped me polish it. That’s a good song. I didn’t know it would be my most popular song. The obvious is not obvious to me.
What elements make your music? Any zone like musical states while performing?
We had a good gig the other night with The Little Kings. The Columbia records are cool, but the Kings records are more fun. The Young Rumblers are working on a new album now. When I play with The Little Kings I am much more likely to get into the zone. When you are doing your radio songs it’s different. I was talking to my wife and she said you are more yourself with The Kings than with The Rumblers. With The Rumblers I just want to give the audience a hug for being there. They spend all this money and stand around waiting for us to come on and you have to play the songs. I just want to play the songs.
With the Rumblers, the band is not rough and ready. With the Kings, everyone will follow whatever I do. They just have to get the key and the feel and we will go. Getting in the zone is a lot like anything else.
How elusive is recording in the zone?
It’s luck. Sometimes the demo is better than the record. There is a lot of luck involved, but I will say on my end mental preparation is really good. I try to be mentally prepared when I have a gig. I don’t put myself in the car and go to the address. For me the performance starts the minute you drive into the parking lot. They are looking at you like this is the dude that we are paying to watch. They’re thinking is he a dick or is he cool? Is he nice? Is he happy? Is he a jerk? Is he depressed? From the moment I drive onto the parking lot my body language is putting things out. I am always better when I am talking and playing. I need to talk. Also, I have to put a little thought into my sound. Sometimes you get lucky. Sometimes there’s no thought. I can increase my odds of having a transcendent show by being mentally prepared and honoring the audience before I even get there.
Who’s your favorite artist that you played with live and why?
There are so many. We toured with George Thorogood, Chicago, Colin James, Robert Plant, Dickey Betts, David Bowie, and Rod Stewart. Not too many straight blues guys. We played with Buddy Guy in Belgium. Willy Deville was on that show. My favorite has to be George Thorogood or Chicago. Chicago has a lot of easy ballads, but when they break out the 70’s stuff, they will blow your mind. They were sweet as pie. I liked them when I was a kid. Thorogood’s music is one quarter of the experience. I imagine he is still doing it pretty good. He’s the best live. I learned so much from him. When I was 20 years old, I joined a band called Rocket 88. Mark Kenneally played harmonica. They call him Dr. Harmonica. He learned the blues with George Thorogood. George is the greatest performer and has a huge bag of tricks. He uses every one of them every night. Everything funny that he has ever said onstage has been catalogued. He uses that every night. He moves like a dancer. He’s just unbelievable. I haven’t seen him in a while. To me, he is tough to beat.
Could you talk about your 1969 Guild X500? Where and when did you get it? What does it mean to you? How’d the knife carving signatures start?
That is a blues thing to get autographs on your guitar. I have seen other people do that. I think the first one to autograph it was Dickey Betts. I have a lot of autographs on there. They only go on if you are really cool. I bought that guitar when I was in 10th grade. I wanted to play jazz. During my first guitar lesson, the teacher said who do you want play like and I said Frank Zappa. That still cracks me up. He turned me onto Pat Martino during my first lesson. Also, we both agreed we liked George Benson who is cool. His album "Breezin'" was out at the time. Pat Martino blew my mind. Pat is my number one jazz influence. I saved up my money and bought that guitar from a guy around the corner for $500 when I was in high school. It was so beautiful and pristine. I played a lot of blues on it and some Chuck Berry. The guitar has a sweet neck and great tone. I have never seen another one that’s as good. Guitars are like people. They are all unique. That guitar just had something. Maybe it was old enough and they made it right. I bought another one as a backup and I have seen other ones here and there. None of them are as good. I met one guy who used one and played through a super. He was a real player. He played through a super just like I used to. His and mine are the only good ones I have seen. This isn’t a starter guitar that I would recommend to anyone. Mine just happened to be real cool.
What are you currently working on? Is there anything else you want to achieve? There is a lot of stuff that I want to achieve. It is amazing to hear myself say that because for a long time I didn’t feel that way. I am working on an album with the Young Rumblers which is pretty cool but also a major pain in the ass. Everybody’s schedule is brutal. It is taking forever… It’s fun being with those guys. We are really like brothers and have been through a lot together. On the new record, I am using the acoustic guitar and there will be a few guitar solos and a couple rootsy, bluesy things. There will be some interesting things if you are a guitar picker. I am still playing my early 70’s telecaster. I am also using a guitar that a friend of mine made called a J Guitar. I am borrowing some acoustic guitars. I am playing through an Allessandro Working Dog. It’s a nice boutique high end amp. I love amps. I like amps better than guitars. If I collect something, I would rather collect an amp. They are so cool. As I get older, I am interested in authenticity. I want to see how close to the bone I can get. I want to see how real to the heart I can get. I want to see how real of a song I can write. I am still chasing that.
Co-worker: Hey, did you watch Outlander last night?
DJ Caterina: Yes! That show really brings the book to life!
Co-worker: So what do you think about what happened to Jamie when he was in hiding…
DJ Caterina: [interrupts] Oh! Did you see the last 2 minutes of the show where Claire walked past a man in a park playing “Scotland the Brave” on bagpipes? That made me think of Tommy Conwell…
Co-worker: What doesn’t make you think about Tommy Conwell?!! [end scene]
For your manic Monday, here is Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings playing “Scotland the Brave” – a track from one of my favorite CD’s, Hi-Ho-Silver! [LLIST Records, 1999]
The arrangement used by the Little Kings is inspired by Rufus Harley, Jr., an American jazz musician known primarily as the first jazz musician to adopt the Scottish great Highland bagpipe as his primary instrument.
Hear the original from the album “From Philadelphia to Paris,” Rufus Harley with Georges Arvanitas Trio, released in December 1987.
From the DynagroovePhilaPA group FB page, an announcement 😢 on the passing of their Dynagroove band member, Darryl Jenkins, aka Darryl Ray, who died on May 2, 2019.
Watch Darryl’s video interview (from a few years back) with Tommy on his YouTube show, “Cigars, Booze and Conversation.” ------------------------------------------- Tommy:There would be no Little Kings without Darryl Ray. Darryl:I hear ya. -------------------------------------------
In April 2018, Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings [Pat Coppa on bass; Paul Ramagano on drums; Tommy Conwell on guitar, vocals; and Darryl Jenkins on saxophone] performed two amazing sets at 118 North, in Wayne, PA.
Here’s a rare track of Darryl on vocals and saxophone.🎷 With Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings performing "Tanqueray" — Live at Grape Street Pub in Manayunk, PA. [11/13/1999]
A performance of Miss Shake It by Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings on PRISM. The 90's! This track can be found on Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings' Hi-Ho-Silver!
Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings are featured on the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Lifestyle and Entertainment Magazine section with a review of new release, Sho’ Gone Crazy! on Monday, September 8, 1997.
Read the review by music journalist Tom Moon:
Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings - Sho’ Gone Crazy!
(Llist Records - 3½ stars): After more than a decade providing audiences with rousing live-music experiences, Tommy Conwell has at last made a record that documents his madcap sense of rock and roll and love for the blues. Conwell plays guitar you can get stung by, and here unleashes a stream of disarmingly nonchalant riffage – on the swinging instrumental Moanin’ and the anarchistic jump Pony Time – whose flexibility and concision shame most guitar-mag poster boys. Though Sho’ Gone Crazy! is full of basic 12-bar blues and rockabilly, it’s never tedious. Sounding as if he’s simply got to rock the house, Conwell invigorates music that provides him with an obvious life energy.
~ Tom Moon
A demo track of Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings performing Bottle Woman.
"Bottle Woman" also appears on the Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings' LList Records-produced "Sho' Gone Crazy" in 1997. You can buy it at the Tommy Conwell Store, of course.
Pat Coppa on bass; Paul Ramagano on drums; Tommy Conwell on guitar, vocals; and Darryl Jenkins on saxophone!
Someday DJ Caterina will see Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings play live...someday! But the next best thing is posted on YouTube in glorious 4K video! It's the Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings show on 4/14/18 at 118 North, in Wayne, PA. As videographer Chris Cafiero states: "The quality of the music, lyrics and performances is as fine as anyone could ask for. This is Tommy Conwell doing music on his own terms." Couldn't have said it better myself!
Set 1:
0:45 Here I Come 3:57 Hi-Ho-Silver! 7:25 All God’s Children Wanna Rock 9:40 Bo Diddley 13:35 That’s All 17:48 Tommy w/ Spanish-style guitar solo 19:52 Take Your Hands Out Of My Pockets 28:40 Want You To Feel Good Too 31:33 Betty Jean 34:40 Everything’s Gonna Be Alright 39:39 Smarty Pants 42:55 Nice n Naughty 46:35 Bad Haircut 49:40 Guitar Trouble 54:00 Scotland the Brave 1:02:42 Pony Time 1:05:50 Bip Bop Bip Set 2:
It's Rockabilly Rumble weekend! Tommy Conwell is scheduled to perform at World Cafe Live - Wilmington on Sunday, August 17, 2014. Here's the evening schedule:
Rockabilly Rumble 2014 Music Schedule
Daytime: Doors open at 12pm
1:00pm
- 5:25pm: Bryan Russo and the Tragic Figures (Upstairs Live Indoors) - 5:35pm: The Bullets (Outdoor Stage) - 6:20pm: Citizen’s Band Radio (Upstairs Live Indoors) - 7:00pm: Full Blown Cherry (Downstairs Live Indoors) - 8:00pm: Daniele Stallone and His Loud Roll Shuffle (Downstairs Live Indoors) - 9:00pm: Tommy Conwell Band (Downstairs Live Indoors) So get your rumble on!
And give a listen to Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings performing "Betty Jean" live at The Rusty Nail in Ardmore, PA (July 31, 1999).
Bonus! Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings performing "King Kong" at Grape Street Pub, November 13, 1999.
Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings' cover of "Punk Rock Girls" by American punk rock band, the Queers.
Track is from the 1999 album "Hi-Ho-Silver!" by Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings on Llist Records.
This weekend DJ Caterina was wearing one of her favorite T-shirts when someone in an elevator struck up the following conversation:
Guy #1: (Looking at DJ Caterina’s T-shirt) What does that say? Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings? Is that a band?
DJ Caterina: Yes, it’s an album cover.
Guy #2: Oh….
DJ Caterina: (Sensing a non-recognition of the Conwell name) He’s a guitar player based in Philadelphia.
Guy #1: Oh! Are you from Philadelphia? DJ Caterina: No, I’m from Texas. (Elevator door opens, walks out.) If you go to the iTunes [Tommy Conwell Store], you’ll find some of his music. Check him out!
DJ Caterina is a list girl – and once again, she’s gone too far! A list of Audio Rumble's favorite songs covered by Tommy Conwell with the Young Rumblers, Little Kings, solo, etc. Compiled by my iTunes playlist and some from memory. I'll also post a source of the artist version that may have inspired each song (just a guess, really)…and if you think I’m choosing the obvious, you might be surprised. And because I couldn’t keep the number to just 10, check out the honorable mentions, too. If you have your own faves, let’s hear about them on Facebook!
10. You Can't Sit Down - David Uosikkinen's In the Pocket Source: The Dovells Look. I'm going to be honest. Tommy Conwell is my favorite part of seeing In the Pocket live.
*audience gasp*
Yes, yes...but this is a great song, Tommy makes it his own, and we can enjoy the other great Philly musicians, right?
9. Little Sister - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers
Source: Elvis Presley …hey, Tommy called that little sister a what? Well, Hall and Oates also used that word in “Rich Girl” -- but maybe Elvis Presley himself should have included the b-word into this Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman-penned classic. It really works! Recorded live at Gatsby's (Penn State) on April 10, 1987, this performance has the energy of what encompasses a lot of the five-piece band as they toured that year supporting Walkin' on the Water – a little bit rebellious, a whole lot of talent, a lot of fun – and a great band!
8. Make Believe - Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings
Source: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts This 1999 release from LList Records is an Audio Rumble favorite and even inspired DJ Caterina to leave a review of one her favorite tracks on iTunes.
"Conwell’s version of Joan Jett and the
BlackHearts 'Make Believe' is more feminine and sweet at the chorus than
the comparatively masculine original from Joan's 1981 debut
album."
But some of that sweetness may have also been inspired by a 1969 recording of 'Make Believe' - sung by Tony Orlando in a band called Wind. 7. Downtown Train - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers Source: Tom Waite Yes, Patty Smyth sings it beautifully and Rod Stewart released it more successfully than all the others. But this Tom Waite song has been a TCYR go-to ballad in concert for years. Also, if you were one of the lucky ones to hear the Young Rumblers perform “Downtown Train” back in May at the Ardmore Music Hall, you know this band always makes it their very own.
6. Sweet Home Chicago - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers Source: Buddy Guy Recorded live at NYC’s The Bottom Line on October 4, 1988, this blues classic really finds it’s rock edge – performed when the Young Rumblers were just hitting their stride and touring America with full force in support of the album Rumble in the fall of 1988.
5. Route 66 - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers Source: Chuck Berry Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform this music standard (written by American songwriter Bobby Troup in 1946) live at the historic Bayou in Washington, D.C. on May 13, 1987. 'Route 66' was also covered many times over the years by the 3-piece band, Tommy Conwell’s Young Rumblers.
4. Big Big Love - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers
Source: Nick Lowe As mentioned before on Audio Rumble, Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform "Big Big Love" live at Market St. Station in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Sept. 8, 1988. Plus, this concert gives you some great audio off the audience. Yeah, I think that girl is saying, "It's hot in here!" and then a guy says "How the hell are ya?"...this leads DJ Caterina to ask the rhetorical age-old concert question:
"Why are these people talking when Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers are playing live in front of them?"
*steps daintily off soap box*
"Big Big Love" was written in 1961 by Ray Carroll and Wynn Stewart, the latter one of the originators of the Bakersfield sound. The track was also covered by Waylon Jennings in 1973, and released by Nick Lowe on the LP, Pinker and Prouder Than Previous, in 1988. The Young Rumblers add a rock-blues vibe with this performance, another great example of the band coming together so cohesively.
Source: Chuck Berry Are we seeing a theme here? Tommy doing what Tommy does best – Chuck Berry! Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers performing a cover of Chuck Berry's "Back in the USA" at the Pennsylvania State Fair, in Bensalem, PA, Memorial Day 1989. 2. King of the Road - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers Source: Roger Miller Another cover from Tommy Conwell that does justice to the Roger Miller original. Since Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers concert at the Electric Factory in 2012, this song has been in the setlist, performed just as it was in this live 1987 version, as a number during Tommy’s acoustic set. Sidebar: 'King of the Road' was also notably covered by Joe Strummer in live performances. 1. (TIE) Space Cowboy | Time Has Come Today - TCYR Yes, it’s a tie! How else could an Audio Rumble list end?
Space Cowboy Source: Steve Miller Band This version of Space Cowboy was originally sent to me by mail in the early 2000's via Marc in Kennett Square. In what he dubbed The Rumble Mix, it's our Young Rumblers kicking up the groove on this Steve Miller song. So much of this track is a real treat to hear - you have Chris Day on guitar going full-out metal on that guitar riff and Tommy singing in a lower vocal register – who told him to stop singing that way?
Source: The Ramones There is a history of Tommy Conwell performing this Chambers Brothers classic all the way back to the TCYR three-piece days. It's a reflection of Tommy’s love of good roots rock, roll and soul. However, this song was also covered by The Ramones, and even in concert to this day, every so often you can hear Tommy somewhat mimic Joey Ramones cool vocal. You’ll not find another band that covers this song so great. As Adrian Hickman so eloquently states, “More cowbell!”
Honorable Mentions: * Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings - Poor Me Source: Fats Domino * Tommy Conwell and the Dipsomaniacs - Long Live Rock Source: The Who
