HOMEGROWN MUSIC LISTINGS

February 2006

Feb. 7 Dave Kissinger. Previously heard as a member of the band Deuces Blues, Berwick, PA, guitarist singer-songwriter Dave Kissinger returns for a solo performances of a set of original and traditional songs in styles ranging from country to blues.

Feb. 13 A Live Homegrown Music Concert with THE BILL MAYS TRIO and NANCY & SPENCER REED. WVIA's monthly series of live concert-broadcasts continues with an evening of world-class jazz.

Bill Mays is one of jazz' most renowned pianists, regularly performing at concerts and festivals around the world. With a lengthy career that includes stints with both Frank Sinatra and Frank Zappa, Bill Mays was long associated with the West Coast jazz scene. But he has been a resident of scenic Pike County in Northeast Pennsylvania for several years now. In 2004 Mays made his Homegrown Music concert debut with a memorable solo performance. He returns this time with his trio, drummer Matt Wilson and bassist Martin Wind, with whom he has recorded a much-acclaimed and popular CD "Live at Jazz Standard." It's a performance that promises to be a major jazz event.

Nancy and Spencer Reed are a much loved Poconos jazz couple. Vocalist and bassist Nancy Reed has lately been attracting considerable attention in the jazz world for her recordings with pianist Dave Leonhardt and touring with the Duke Ellington Legacy orchestra (led by Duke Ellington's grandson). Spencer Reed is a virtuoso guitarist in his own right, skilled at remarkably wide range of styles. Together the Reeds make the kind of intimate jazz that only could only come from two people who have shared each other's lives more than two decades.

As usual, WVIA's listeners are invited to attend the two-hour concert at the station's Public Broadcasting Center studios. Limited free audience seating will be available by free advance reservations on a first-come-first-served basis. Phone 570-655-2808 to place reservations. (Note: Start time: 8:00 PM)

Feb. 14 A Homegrown Music Valentine's Day Anthology: LOVE SONGS. Love and its variations are far and away the most popular topic for songwriters. For Valentine's Day, Homegrown Music producer George Graham goes into the archive and puts together a set of some of the more interesting and original takes on love as composed by regional artists appearing on the series.

Feb. 21 The Youngers. A first-rate roots-rock band from the Lehigh Valley, the Youngers have been increasing their visibility with touring and a CD released in 2005. The band's 2002 Homegrown Music debut is heard in this Homegrown Encore presentation.

Feb. 28 Bedful of Metaphysicians. This semi-legendary band formed to appear on Homegrown Music some 24 years ago, and their music is still being requested. They combine complex jazz-rock and art-rock influence with whimsical and eccentric lyrics. The band's 1986 LP was given a rave review in one of the first issues of Spin magazine, and it has become something of a collector's item. The members remain active, and a Bedful project emerged on Homegrown Music in 2004. But with frequent requests from listeners, we go back in the archive for a sampler of some of their strange and wonderful material from the 1980s.

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