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Comments: I saw Elana's band in NJ last week. I'm still recovering. I've never heard a better concert, and I'm 50-something and have heard a lot of excellent music. In my youth, I learned a lot of British and American folk music, and jazz and classical, pop and rock. I hung out with talented musicians, learned to play bass and even earned a buck or two. We exchanged a lot of music knowledge. I knew about Django and Stephane, and liked them back then, when recordings were hard to come by. But kids and jobs and stuff happened, and I kind of lost the time and interest to listen intently. When I happened upon a Hot Club of Cowtown concert in NY last year, I was astonished! Here were young people finding and writing great material, and performing with virtuosity, creativity, and passion. And in one night, my musical knowledge was incredibly enriched. I learned about important songwriters I never knew. (See for example, http://www.dorothyfields.co.uk/home.htm) I was totally smitten with the band. I bought all their CD's and listened over and over for the past year, getting more out of each song each time. I can't think of any band that did that to me in the past 30 years or so. I felt like I did when I first discovered Bach, Stravinsky, or the Beatles. I was shocked and dismayed when I heard that they were disbanding. But all things must end, and I am dearly grateful for their legacy. With that in mind, I didn't know what to expect with Elana's band. I loved all the members of Hot Club at first hearing, and loved how they interacted. I know how hard they must have worked over the years getting the sound right. Continental Two have only been around a short time. I figured they'd be good, with some rough spots. Wrong! They're simply fabulous. I was bowled away as before. There's something very special about this music that deeply moves me. More than once I've had to hide a tear or two, it's just so exquisite. When I saw Hot Club, I noticed a person who seemed to know the band, having the time of their life, waving around, smile beaming, not caring what anyone thought, apparently ecstatic. I didn't understand it at the time, but now I sure do. This music gets into your soul and awakens it. I had a bad day at work the day of last week's concert, drove an hour and a half to get there, one of my sons couldn't make it, I had a bad meal on the way, things just generally not going well. But when the music started, that all went away. I couldn't stop smiling and tapping and swaying. Had a terrific time. Loved the new stuff, loved the new versions of the old. Every song a jewel. My 20 year old son enjoyed it as well. Then there's the lasting effect. I left humming and whistling what I heard. I bought the preview CD (wonderful, of course), listened quite a bit. Then all week, I keep hearing the songs in my head. Things not going well? No problem, one of the songs starts playing, and I feel better. Weird! Another strange thing: this week I saw the movie, "Prairie Home Companion." I like Altman's technique of showing great music being played on stage, then switching to the little dramas going on backstage, with the music still playing, but muted. (I was thrilled to hear "Gold Watch and Chain," which I knew from a New Lost City Ramblers record I owned.) Somehow, I keep hearing "24 Hours a Day" show up in the movie in my memory, but I know it's not there! But it should have been! Switch backstage when the piano starts to solo... keep this great stuff going while Woody Harrelson tells dirty jokes to his brother...then switch back to Meryl Streep as Elana, playing pizaccato... I got to chat with Beau and Luke, also. Great talents on their own, nice guys, and I'm glad they all found each other. They each bring a lot to the band. I wish them long and fruitful careers. Relatively few people have jobs that bring such good to the world. Again, this new band taught me new things. "Atomic Cocktail," and Cats and the Fiddle for starters. Hey, make that new CD, can't wait! The only thing that bothers me is that this stuff isn't better known. This is mega talent. Why aren't they (or HCCT in their day) on the late night TV shows, the radio, etc? Young people should hear this! I think venues are too limited these days. It's as if (name your favorite giant country/pop/rock talent) had nowhere to go. This stuff has to get out! I could go on about Elana, of course, but I'll let the professional reviewers do that. I'll just mention that they don't talk about her songwriting enough. These are classics, as good as the best! OK, enough gushing. Sorry, can't help it. Go see these folks. Buy CD's. Enrich yourself!
Comments: Well, Elana, your name change threw me off, and somehow HCCT fell off my radar... and I missed your swing thru California... nuts. The good news is you still look the same (namely, drop-dead gorgeous)... and by all accounts, your playing is still stupendous... so now that I'm all caught up, I won't be missing any more shows. Come back to San Francisco any ol' time!... with Continental Two, Hot Club, or otherwise. Best, gd0
Comments: We just caught your performance at the San Marcos River Pub and Grill. Y'all are awesome. Please make San Marcos one of your regular stops.
Comments: Hi Elana, since catching HCCT on Jools Holland and being absolutely blown away I've been checking out HCCT website now and again to see if any gigs in UK planned .... specifically Scotland. Have you ever been to Scotland .... you'd love it :-)
Comments: My son and I saw Hot Club Of Cowtown, Bob Dylan And Willie Nelson at Altoona Curve Stadium 2 years ago. I will always love Dylan, I will always respect Willie, but the best band that night was Hot Club of Cowtown!
I never heard of them before and knew within two songs I was watching something special. I know this is Elana's site but I think excellence attracts excellence and I'm sure her, and anyone she has ever played with is worth going to see live.
Please tell me when you, Elana, or anyone you recommend will be coming to Pittsburgh, Pa area in the near future. I keep checking for something close......those people in England are makin me jealous. Doug.
Comments: Listened to GK's PHC this afternoon on KUT. Heard that Western Swing tribute You, Red, & Cindy did "on the cool". You can bet Cindy, Bob & Milton were up There smilin'! You know us W/S NUTTS see it that way! It was a great show and was great to hear you Swingin' again.
In The Music,
Duke & Cindy
Comments: Saw you and the guys at Gruene Hall this past weekend...LOVED IT!... You guys were great! That is what Texas is all about-listening to Texas Swing at Gruene Hall. Come to Fort Worth....
Comments: Elana:
Love your music and you are gorgeous. Hope you come to Eastern Canada to play real soon.
Comments: Hi Elana, Beau and Luke We saw you in Chorley and enjoyed every minute. We love western swing and it was a great bonus to hear some Cats and the Fiddle numbers that Beau and Luke sang (another of my favourites). We were hoping to see you in Texas when we are over in early June, but we are due to be in Fort Worth the evening you play at Central Market, Austin. It looks as though we will be too far away for the San Marcos gig also. Do you have any other gigs not yet listed between 11th and 16th June? If not we will be waiting to see you again in UK. Many thanks for a great evening. Ian & Sheilagh Hartley
Comments:
I saw The Elana James Trio lastnight...and I cannot find the words to explain how in awe I am. I am primarily a singer myself...and Elana commands the stage with such grace and confidence that it is only possible to admire her. It was truly great to see such talented musicians enjoying themselves without an air of pretention! I am constantly searching for such musicians! I am more jazz influenced and have not been greatly exposed to western swing styles...but Elana will ensure you enjoy the show no matter what you believe musical tastes to be. Come back soon!
Comments: Hi Fantastic show last night in York, hope to see you here again soon. Best wishes, Roger
Comments: Bordeline Club London 10 May 06
What a wonderful night. We were quite worried. Can Elana maintain the high standards of previous shows? Well the answer is 'yes'.
The first act was really good. Had the strange experience of turning to say something to my wife to find Elana and Beau standing next to us. What's the etiquette? Is it OK to say hello or is she off duty and enjoying the music along with us? I decided the latter.
So - the Elana James Trio set. Wonderful. We found ourselves right at the front. Elana had forgotton to bring the set list on stage and this increased the freedom to go with the flow and made the whole evening feel like a private party. They were enjoying themselves so much that they didn't take a break. Elana also asked how much longer they were meant to play and the cry went up 'another 2 hours'.
As ever the relaxed signing and chatting session afterwards is so appreciated, so nice to have a short chat. I'm now the proud owner of signed poster and bootleg CD. I've got a set of great photos that I will be putting on a website soon.
My only comment is - turn that guitar up, we could hardly hear Luke at times.
Be assured, Elana's trio is as good as ever and can't wait for the full CD and another tour.
Thanks for the night, my feet haven't touched the ground 2 days later- I must be in love. I said to someone on the night 'how close to heaven can you get and still be alive?'
Comments: Borderline 10th May 2006, London What a fantastic show, I really liked the new sound and Beau and Luke seemed to have really gelled with you. Looking forward the Top Secret bootleg, and hurry up with that CD release. Shame I could stay after for a chat and an autograph but realities of work and all that  Hope you got that Diet Coke & AbsyntheBeing a Manouche nut I really enjoyed the increased swing content and I loved Luke's guitar style - when you asked for requests I had to restrain myself from yelling Minor Swing !  Thanks again. Y'all come back now !
Comments: UK, Maidstone 9 May
Elana, Beau & Luke
What a fantastic set - absolutley brilliant. I was in ecstasy!
Elana - I'm yours - just ask and we can marry and I'll live up to your wildest dreams!
Robin x
Comments: Elana, We are driving to London from Bristol tomorrow, Wednesday, 10th May, and cannot wait to see you singing and playing again. Thank you so much for coming to England!! We saw you when you came last with Hot Club in Bristol and Cheltenham. Can I ask a huge favour please ... on Thursday , 11th May, it is my husband's Frank, 60th Birthday, and it would be wonderful if you could mention him and maybe play him a number or tune. Thank you so much. See you tomorrow then, tara, Sandra x
Comments: Just to say how much I enjoyed your show in Sheffield the other night - and how much I'm loking forward to seeing you again in York on Friday. Thanks for signing my CD (ONE MORE NIGHT my favourite track - stunning vocal). Very much looking forward to the next release. Come back to Sheffield soon! Ian
Comments: Elana and the Continental Two---- Seeing/hearing the three of you was for many of us the highlight of a music trip to Austin.... and we heard alot of music!! Such a terrific evening at the Saxon Pub in April ! ! ! We enjoyed every minute and are waiting impatiently for August 25th when you will be in DENVER at Swallow Hill. We would not miss it and will make sure our Denver pals don't either. (Of course we loved the Django Reinhardt parts especially!) Yes----We were some of the folk who showed up in the BUS! Thanks for the great evening! You would be great at Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret in Denver. LMA
Comments: Hi Elana, Beau and Luke,
I'd just like to tell you how knocked out I was with your shows at Boddam and Tingwall during the Shetland Folk Festival. I think most people who attended the Festival would agree you were the star turn this year. Our household are also enjoying your new mini album.
Thanks for coming such a long way to play for us, I don't think we'll forget you!
Best Wishes Tom
Comments: I've just got back home after your wonderful concert in Sheffield. I have been a fan since you first appeared on British TV on the Jools Holland show and it was a privilege to see you perform live at last. Please come back again soon!! The new trio is great, and both Luke and Beau played their part in making it a great evening. I am sure that everyone who was there will be waiting for the new CD to be available. Thanks again for a great evening - and for the chance to actually meet you and have a chat. I look forward to the next time!
Comments: Dear Elana, Down here in Australia, you and your old Cowtown gig have heaps of fans. When will we get to hear your wonderful music? Come down and play during one of your nothern winters! We would love to see you!!! Cheers, Pablo
Comments: Hi Elana
Your energy is infectious and your playing is superb! My friend and I were blown away by you at Clickimin during the Shetland Folk Festival - for us you summed up quality and professionalism and hey, you looked fantastic! Definitely highlight of our festival - we live here and appreciate first class music. Good luck with the rest of your UK tour and we hope to see you sometime again.
Kind regards Diane
Comments: Hello Elana, Hope you are well! Well be in austin from 15th to 27th of July and were wondering if youre playing any shows around town that time. would be great to see you with the new band! all the best, Nils and Bridget |
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