Scorchers News - June 2001

Scorchers News - June 2001

A couple of neat things have happened in May and June

-First, in May, the Country Music Hall of Fame re-opened in Nashville after extensive renovations. One of Jason Ringenberg's fringe shirts made it in! If anyone gets a chance to go there, please take a camera, take a picture and scan it in for us. Here is an article from the Chicago Sun-Times about the Hall of Fame.

Copyright 2001 Chicago Sun-Times, Inc.
Chicago Sun-Times
May 16, 2001
By Bobby Reed

Among the artifacts in the new Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum:

Hank Williams' white stage costume, decorated with blue music notes, designed by the famous tailor Nudie Cohn. Donated by Hank Williams Jr. Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan's handwritten manuscript for "Wanted Man." From personal collection of singer-songwriter Marty Stuart.
Hank Williams' handwritten manuscript for "I Saw the Light." From Stuart's personal collection.
A mixing console used by famed country producer Owen Bradley.
A handwritten letter from Jimmie Rodgers to producer Ralph Peer, dated Aug. 10, 1930.
A handwritten letter from Patsy Cline to a fan, dated 1955.
Artificial cornstalks from the set of the TV show "Hee-Haw."
Dolly Parton's handwritten manuscript for "Jolene."
Conway Twitty's high-school yearbook.
A fringed shirt worn by Jason Ringenberg of alt-country pioneers Jason & the Scorchers.
Elvis Presley's 1960 Cadillac limousine, painted with 40 coats of a mixture that included crushed diamonds, gold dust and fish scales.
Webb Pierce's 1962 Pontiac convertible, customized with horseshoes on the gas and brake pedals, ornamental handguns on the door handles, and steer horns on the front bumper.
Carter Stanley's modified Martin D-28 guitar and Ralph Stanley's first professional banjo.
Nudie Cohn's sewing machine and Hollywood billboard, which reads: "Nudie's Rodeo Tailors, Inc. Everything for the Horse and Rider."

The country music HOF's site, with coverage of the opening ceremony last week, is reachable by following the below link.

http://www.halloffame.org/news/

-There was a semi-Scorchers reunion at the End, in Nashville on June 8th!

It was Kenny Ames' birthday, and he was playing there with Dash Rip Rock, which is the other band Kenny is in. Kenny described the scene thus:

"Just wanted to let you know, last night Dash Rip Rock played June 8 - my b-day at The End in Nashville. Warner and Perry both showed up. The 3 of us w/ Bill from Dash did Host Highway, then w/ Kyle singing we did Highway to Hell, then Perry fronted Rock and Roll. It was a blast to play with and see the guys again. Hope all is well."

Reckless Country Souper Al Cope described the scene thus:

"Kyle (DRR drummer) left the stage for a break. Warner said to the crowd "man, I haven't picked up a guitar in about a year". Bill then yelled "Hey, I know a Scorchers song! I'm a Rolling Stone" --- and they launched into "Lost Highway", with Bill filling in for Jason (he had a tambourine instead of a harmonica, though). Warner soloed thru the harmonica part; he said after the song that he didn't know what the hell he was doing. I submit that it STILL sounded as good as any guitar solo you've ever heard. Playing an unfamiliar guitar on a totally improvised part, without practicing at all in several months.....Warner is truly a god-like being.
After that 3-minute deluge, Bill left the stage to the three Scorchers, saying "Now, one of y'all gonna have to sing the next one". Warner grinned and agreed. He launched into "Long Tall Sally". A sans-Jason, total 100% Scorchers three-man performance. Warner is not a bad singer, for those who have never had the pleasure. I reckon he just opts not to do this very much in public. Wow - what a performance. Oh yeah, Warner was sporting his famous "Rotten" t-shirt, a flashback from Y2J.

Next, Warner went to give Bill the guitar back, but he would have none of it. He whispered something to Warner, who nodded and slung the ax strap back over his shoulder. He then hit the famous chord "Dahh Dahh Dahh/Dahh Dahh Dahh"...Oh yeah, it was "Highway to Hell". Suddenly, that portly little whirling dervish of a man Kyle comes leaping onto the stage, grabs the lead mic and morphs into a frenzied, half-crazed Bon Scott. This was anarchy at its finest. Kenny throwing the bass licks down like a man possessed; Perry thrashing and flailing about as usual; and Warner, well, being Angus Young. Bill threw on his Elvis shades, complete with sideburns, and joined the foursome onstage for this supernatural experience.

I figured that was it, as Warner handed over the guitar to Bill and hopped off stage to a raucous ovation. Perry rose from the drum kit to make his way off the stage, but stopped a second, mumbled something to Kyle and Kenny. He then walked over, grabbed the lead mic, and exclaimed "I'm a drummer, but I can sing too!" The band, now assembled as Dash Rip Rock + Perry as front man, launched into Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll". That little man, so bashful and reserved in the crowd all night, can raise a ruckus when provoked. He blew the doors off."

I saw Jason at Fitzgerald's in Berwyn, Illinois on Saturday, June 30th.

Here was the set list.

16 songs, 60 minutes.

1. Greetings From Nashville
2. Trail of Tears
3. Under Your Command
4. Hot Nights In Georgia
5. Oh Lonesome Prairie
6. For Addie Rose
7. Don't Come Home Drinkin'...
8. Honky Tonk Maniac From Mars
9. Going Nowhere
10. Absolutely Sweet Marie
11. Jimmie Rodgers' Last Blue Yodel
12. Promise of a Man (?)
13. Shop It Around
14. Broken Whiskey Glass
15. I Wanna Be Sedated
---- (encore)
16. Self-Sabotage

Jason seemed in good spirits. He has shaved off his goatee, and as a result looks younger. He sounded in good voice and was jumping around as usual after he warmed up. He suggested we sing "happy birthday" to a 3-year old in attendance who had his birthday the next day. Jason's guitar playing has improved after the sixty shows he has done in the past year. He seems very comfortable up there and solicits requests from the audience frequently.

His parents, Marvin and Betty, were there in attendance. I had a chance to talk to Betty afterward, and the elder Ringenbergs will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this month. 27 members of their immediate family will be coming to Illinois for the big to-do. As with Jason's other Illinois shows, there were also some other old friends of his in attendance, which always makes it fun for him.

The one bit of news Jason imparted is that he is recording a new CD. He announced this before performing "Don't Come Home Drinkin...", the old Loretta Lynn song. The way Jason described it, he's recording various songs in the studio with different backing bands. I gather, therefore, that this CD will be a bit-by-bit project. He said he recently recorded "Don't Come Home Drinkin'" with BR5-49, which if you'll remember he performed onstage with them during some tour dates when he opened for BR5-49 late in 2000. Jason also said he also had recorded "Honky Tonk Maniac," but he didn't say with whom.

This is the first I have heard about Jason's next project, so what I have to say is mainly conjecture. But my guess is that we will have to wait a while for it. Recording songs with other artists requires the negotiation of studio space and resolving conflicts in schedules. For "A Pocketful of Soul," Jason recorded the album with the help of George Bradfute, and not many other people. Whenever there are more people involved in the recording process - and different backing bands necessitate this - this slows down the time in which an album will be completed.

Also, the two songs Jason mentioned he recently recorded are not new. One is a cover, and the other is one he wrote years ago. So it could be that Jason is writing new songs for this record, but if that's so, we haven't heard them yet.

I didn't recognize song #12, which seemed to have a chorus "the promise of a man." It was pretty quiet and a nice song. Anyone who has an idea as to what it could be, please pass it on. "I Wanna Be Sedated" was a big surprise. Jason introduced this by saying that it was from a great American songwriter. It was good to hear that one from him - a few weeks ago, I saw the Go-Go's in St. Louis and they covered the same song. Perhaps it's more than coincidence, and word is out among musicians to pay tribute to Joey Ramone's memory.

Speaking of St. Louis, I understand the show there was canceled. I talked to Jason briefly after the show but didn't think to ask him what happened there, as he was busy. Fitzgerald's was conducting a weekend-long festival of American music with a decidedly alt-country flavor. There were some traditional forms there, too - Del McCoury (bluegrass), a gospel band, Los Straitjackets (rockabilly), Alejandro Escovedo, BR5-49, Robbie Fulks, Billy Joe Shaver, Wayne Hancock, and many more. Berwyn is a suburb of Chicago, about 10-15 miles out of town.


News > News Archive Meet The Scorchers Learn Look
News > News Archive Meet The Scorchers Learn Look		Scorchers News - June 2001 A couple of neat things have happened in May and June -First, in May, the Country Music Hall of Fame re-opened in Nashville after extensive renovations. One of Jason Ringenberg's fringe shirts made it in! If anyone gets a chance to go there, please take a camera, take a picture and scan it in for us. Here is an article from the Chicago Sun-Times about the Hall of Fame. Copyright 2001 Chicago Sun-Times, Inc. Chicago Sun-Times May 16, 2001 By Bobby Reed Among the artifacts in the new Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Hank Williams' white stage costume, decorated with blue music notes, designed by the famous tailor Nudie Cohn. Donated by Hank Williams Jr. Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan's handwritten manuscript for "Wanted Man." From personal collection of singer-songwriter Marty Stuart. Hank Williams' handwritten manuscript for "I Saw the Light." From Stuart's personal collection. A mixing console used by famed country producer Owen Bradley. A handwritten letter from Jimmie Rodgers to producer Ralph Peer, dated Aug. 10, 1930. A handwritten letter from Patsy Cline to a fan, dated 1955. Artificial cornstalks from the set of the TV show "Hee-Haw." Dolly Parton's handwritten manuscript for "Jolene." Conway Twitty's high-school yearbook. A fringed shirt worn by Jason Ringenberg of alt-country pioneers Jason & the Scorchers. Elvis Presley's 1960 Cadillac limousine, painted with 40 coats of a mixture that included crushed diamonds, gold dust and fish scales. Webb Pierce's 1962 Pontiac convertible, customized with horseshoes on the gas and brake pedals, ornamental handguns on the door handles, and steer horns on the front bumper. Carter Stanley's modified Martin D-28 guitar and Ralph Stanley's first professional banjo. Nudie Cohn's sewing machine and Hollywood billboard, which reads: "Nudie's Rodeo Tailors, Inc. Everything for the Horse and Rider." The country music HOF's site, with coverage of the opening ceremony last week, is reachable by following the below link. http://www.halloffame.org/news/ -There was a semi-Scorchers reunion at the End, in Nashville on June 8th! It was Kenny Ames' birthday, and he was playing there with Dash Rip Rock, which is the other band Kenny is in. Kenny described the scene thus: "Just wanted to let you know, last night Dash Rip Rock played June 8 - my b-day at The End in Nashville. Warner and Perry both showed up. The 3 of us w/ Bill from Dash did Host Highway, then w/ Kyle singing we did Highway to Hell, then Perry fronted Rock and Roll. It was a blast to play with and see the guys again. Hope all is well." Reckless Country Souper Al Cope described the scene thus: "Kyle (DRR drummer) left the stage for a break. Warner said to the crowd "man, I haven't picked up a guitar in about a year". Bill then yelled "Hey, I know a Scorchers song! I'm a Rolling Stone" --- and they launched into "Lost Highway", with Bill filling in for Jason (he had a tambourine instead of a harmonica, though). Warner soloed thru the harmonica part; he said after the song that he didn't know what the hell he was doing. I submit that it STILL sounded as good as any guitar solo you've ever heard. Playing an unfamiliar guitar on a totally improvised part, without practicing at all in several months.....Warner is truly a god-like being. After that 3-minute deluge, Bill left the stage to the three Scorchers, saying "Now, one of y'all gonna have to sing the next one". Warner grinned and agreed. He launched into "Long Tall Sally". A sans-Jason, total 100% Scorchers three-man performance. Warner is not a bad singer, for those who have never had the pleasure. I reckon he just opts not to do this very much in public. Wow - what a performance. Oh yeah, Warner was sporting his famous "Rotten" t-shirt, a flashback from Y2J. Next, Warner went to give Bill the guitar back, but he would have none of it. He whispered something to Warner, who nodded and slung the ax strap back over his shoulder. He then hit the famous chord "Dahh Dahh Dahh/Dahh Dahh Dahh"...Oh yeah, it was "Highway to Hell". Suddenly, that portly little whirling dervish of a man Kyle comes leaping onto the stage, grabs the lead mic and morphs into a frenzied, half-crazed Bon Scott. This was anarchy at its finest. Kenny throwing the bass licks down like a man possessed; Perry thrashing and flailing about as usual; and Warner, well, being Angus Young. Bill threw on his Elvis shades, complete with sideburns, and joined the foursome onstage for this supernatural experience. I figured that was it, as Warner handed over the guitar to Bill and hopped off stage to a raucous ovation. Perry rose from the drum kit to make his way off the stage, but stopped a second, mumbled something to Kyle and Kenny. He then walked over, grabbed the lead mic, and exclaimed "I'm a drummer, but I can sing too!" The band, now assembled as Dash Rip Rock + Perry as front man, launched into Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll". That little man, so bashful and reserved in the crowd all night, can raise a ruckus when provoked. He blew the doors off." I saw Jason at Fitzgerald's in Berwyn, Illinois on Saturday, June 30th. Here was the set list. 16 songs, 60 minutes. 1. Greetings From Nashville 2. Trail of Tears 3. Under Your Command 4. Hot Nights In Georgia 5. Oh Lonesome Prairie 6. For Addie Rose 7. Don't Come Home Drinkin'... 8. Honky Tonk Maniac From Mars 9. Going Nowhere 10. Absolutely Sweet Marie 11. Jimmie Rodgers' Last Blue Yodel 12. Promise of a Man (?) 13. Shop It Around 14. Broken Whiskey Glass 15. I Wanna Be Sedated ---- (encore) 16. Self-Sabotage Jason seemed in good spirits. He has shaved off his goatee, and as a result looks younger. He sounded in good voice and was jumping around as usual after he warmed up. He suggested we sing "happy birthday" to a 3-year old in attendance who had his birthday the next day. Jason's guitar playing has improved after the sixty shows he has done in the past year. He seems very comfortable up there and solicits requests from the audience frequently. His parents, Marvin and Betty, were there in attendance. I had a chance to talk to Betty afterward, and the elder Ringenbergs will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this month. 27 members of their immediate family will be coming to Illinois for the big to-do. As with Jason's other Illinois shows, there were also some other old friends of his in attendance, which always makes it fun for him. The one bit of news Jason imparted is that he is recording a new CD. He announced this before performing "Don't Come Home Drinkin...", the old Loretta Lynn song. The way Jason described it, he's recording various songs in the studio with different backing bands. I gather, therefore, that this CD will be a bit-by-bit project. He said he recently recorded "Don't Come Home Drinkin'" with BR5-49, which if you'll remember he performed onstage with them during some tour dates when he opened for BR5-49 late in 2000. Jason also said he also had recorded "Honky Tonk Maniac," but he didn't say with whom. This is the first I have heard about Jason's next project, so what I have to say is mainly conjecture. But my guess is that we will have to wait a while for it. Recording songs with other artists requires the negotiation of studio space and resolving conflicts in schedules. For "A Pocketful of Soul," Jason recorded the album with the help of George Bradfute, and not many other people. Whenever there are more people involved in the recording process - and different backing bands necessitate this - this slows down the time in which an album will be completed. Also, the two songs Jason mentioned he recently recorded are not new. One is a cover, and the other is one he wrote years ago. So it could be that Jason is writing new songs for this record, but if that's so, we haven't heard them yet. I didn't recognize song #12, which seemed to have a chorus "the promise of a man." It was pretty quiet and a nice song. Anyone who has an idea as to what it could be, please pass it on. "I Wanna Be Sedated" was a big surprise. Jason introduced this by saying that it was from a great American songwriter. It was good to hear that one from him - a few weeks ago, I saw the Go-Go's in St. Louis and they covered the same song. Perhaps it's more than coincidence, and word is out among musicians to pay tribute to Joey Ramone's memory. Speaking of St. Louis, I understand the show there was canceled. I talked to Jason briefly after the show but didn't think to ask him what happened there, as he was busy. Fitzgerald's was conducting a weekend-long festival of American music with a decidedly alt-country flavor. There were some traditional forms there, too - Del McCoury (bluegrass), a gospel band, Los Straitjackets (rockabilly), Alejandro Escovedo, BR5-49, Robbie Fulks, Billy Joe Shaver, Wayne Hancock, and many more. Berwyn is a suburb of Chicago, about 10-15 miles out of town.


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