tag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:/blogs/joe-s-cafe-blog-by-rupert-wates?p=3Joe's Cafe Blog by Rupert Wates2017-02-02T06:26:43-05:00bitemusiclimitedfalsetag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/14579662013-08-22T08:55:00-04:002022-05-21T11:20:58-04:00Katie Pfledderer of IndyFringe Talk gives Joe’s Café high marks<b>So many emotions and memories</b> | "I didn’t expect <i>Joe’s Café</i> to surface so many emotions and memories. Wates’ voice is pretty amazing. He hits a huge spectrum of high and low notes, making it look effortless – not to mention this is all happening while he’s playing his guitar. He seems to really enjoy himself and comes across as sincere and honest in all of his songs. I must confess I had not originally planned on visiting <i>Joe’s Café</i>, but per the advice in the <i>First Time Fringers Guide</i>, I ditched my plan…and glad I took a chance." (Katie Pfledderer, IndyFringe Talk, August 18, 2013)<br><br><a href="http://www.indyfringetalk.org/2013/08/joes-cafe-review/" target="_new">Click here to read the full review</a>.bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/14483042013-08-21T06:31:32-04:002021-06-29T08:12:27-04:00Back in Indy Fringe, new reviewPlease to be back in Indianapolis for the 2013 Indy Fringe! Here's a new review of the show:<br><b><br>
An oral history, a welcome respite</b> | Presented as a night of live music at a cafe, the show is comfortable and welcoming. Wates performs his own songs, ballads reminiscent of Billy Joel's in their ability to tell stories. His music offers an oral history of troubled times across America through the years. The gentle music was a welcome respite after multiple back-to-back dramas. The song "Days of Mercy" was particularly haunting. (Melissa Hall, <a href="http://stagewriteindy.blogspot.com/" target="_new">Indy Fringe Reviews</a>, August 20, 2013)bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/9516262013-06-16T13:21:37-04:002022-05-11T07:57:19-04:00New review from Montreal<b>Vividly painted</b> | "This show is for lovers of musical folklore. In a staged intimate setting meant to imitate that of a cozy all-night café, Rupert Wates uses soft melodies and catchy tunes to tell the stories of the American people. The catch, however, is that these are not the stories that you might read about in history books or see in Hollywood films. These stories do not depict the traditional American hero... Rather, these stories highlight the truth of heartbreak, loss and hope that mark the lives of America’s silent heroes... At times angry, sad and hopeful, these stories take you through vividly painted images of life... [An] escape into the quiet lives of others, and there is some sort of comfort in knowing that these lives have not been forgotten." (<a href="http://bloodyunderrated.net/2013/06/15/montreal-fringe-2013-joes-cafe-single-black-female-verbal-diarrhoea/" target="_new">St-Ambroise Montreal FRINGE Festival 2013 review</a>, Bloody Underrated.net, June 15, 2013)bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/8250402013-05-27T07:12:00-04:002022-02-26T13:04:00-05:00Hamilton Fringe dates announcedRupert Wates has announced performance dates for "Joe's Cafe" in the Hamilton Fringe Festival in Hamilton, Ontario. He'll be joined by pianist Bartosz Hadala July 19-28, 2013. <a href="./calendar.cfm">More information and full schedule</a>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/8250412013-05-21T07:10:00-04:002013-05-21T07:10:00-04:00New review in Orlando Sentinel<b>Quietly powerful</b> | "This musical café is a one-man operation now, but the charm of the place hasn't been affected much by being downsized. Joe's Café, a folk-tinged musical revue with a gentle message, features the songwriting and storytelling of British-born New Yorker Rupert Wates. Equipped with an acoustic guitar, Wates specializes in earthy tales about crimes, compassion, nostalgia and social commentary. Lyrically, these songs combine the economy of a Woody Guthrie ballad with the intricacies of contemporary singer-songwriter Richard Thompson. Like Thompson, Wates handles an acoustic guitar with deft precision, building his songs on a foundation of fluid finger-picking. This year, Wates performs alone, but the music remains quietly powerful." (Jim Abbott, Orlando Fringe Review, Orlando Sentinel, May 21, 2013) | <a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/arts-and-theater/os-orlando-fringe-joes-cafe-20130516,0,5127657.story" target="_new">Read full review</a><br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/1149032011-09-18T11:40:00-04:002011-09-18T11:40:00-04:00A new review in advance of our final SF Fringe performance of "Joe's Cafe" tonight at 5:30pmWe're doing our final San Francisco Fringe Festival performance of "Joe's Cafe" tonight at 5:30pm at the Exit Theatre Main, 156 Eddy Street in San Francisco. We enjoyed seeing this kind review this morning, and we hope that if you're in the Bay Area you can come to the show tonight. It's been a great run. "After reading through all the reviews on here of this show I really don’t know what I could possible add. But here it goes. I went to see Joe’s Cafe on a whim. I am very lucky I did. Beautifully written, beautifully sung. All the performers had such a great talent for storytelling, which is something that the majority of singers in the world are lacking. If you are looking for variety in Fringe shows then Joe’s Cafe better be on your list. Heart-Breaking at times, funny at others, angry even at times but always honest and enjoyable." (JayeOfManyHats, <a target="_new" href="http://sffringe.org/wordpress/?p=92#comment-723">2011 San Francisco Fringe Festival audience reviews</a>)<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/1148362011-09-17T12:29:52-04:002011-09-17T12:29:52-04:00Two more reviews from San Francisco: 'Arresting...' and simply, 'See it'We have two more "Joe's Cafe" shows to perform in the <a href="http://www.sffringe.org/fringe11/11plays/joe.html" target="_new">San Francisco Fringe Festival</a>—tonight (Saturday, September 17) at 9pm and tomorrow (Sunday, September 18) at 5:30pm. See <a href="./calendar.cfm">our calendar</a> for more information.<br><br>
m<b>'Arresting, heart-warming, and soulful'</b> | "Beautiful, arresting, heart-warming, and soulful storytelling set to music. The different vocal styles of the four singers made the various songs seem both fresh and yet familiar. Truly an enjoyable evening, well worth your time!" (Sarah J. Lau, 2011 <a target="_new" href="http://sffringe.org/wordpress/?p=92">San Francisco Fringe Festival audience reviews</a>)<br><br><b>'See it.' </b>| "An hour of original music. Two men and two women. Some funny. Some touching. The themes of the songs are from (estimated), 1860′s through late 1960′s. Bring in a glass of wine or some other libation for this show. Then [sit] back and relax... This performance isn’t fringy. It’s just relaxing. See it." (Craig Kensek, <a target="_new" href="http://sffringe.org/wordpress/?p=92">2011 San Francisco Fringe Festival audience reviews</a>)<br><br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/1146152011-09-15T15:40:00-04:002011-09-15T15:40:00-04:00Review from San Francisco Fringe Festival: 'Emotionally rich...meaningful'Here's a review just posted about one of our performances in the San Francisco Fringe Festival. (Thanks, Greg!) <br><br>
"Genuine commitment from all four musicians, emotionally rich original songs with meaningful historical elements, and once you’ve seen the show the CD is absolutely indispensable (and still very much worth having even if you can’t see the show). Moments of celebration and humor, moments of bittersweet melancholy, and everything in between….sometimes all at once." (Greg, <a href="http://sffringe.org/wordpress/?p=92#comment-646" target="_new">2011 San Francisco Fringe Festival audience reviews</a>)<br><br>
We have three more performances in the SF Fringe — tonight at 10:30pm, Saturday, 9/17, at 9pm, and Sunday, 9/18, at 5:30pm — all at the Exit Theatre Main, 156 Eddy Street in San Francisco. For details <a href="./calendar.cfm">click here</a>.<br><br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/1122122011-08-31T07:00:00-04:002011-08-31T07:00:00-04:00Online ticket sales available for "Joe's Cafe" in San Francisco and Colorado SpringsFor anyone planning to attend our performances of "Joe's Cafe" at the San Francisco Fringe Festival or at Assemble in Colorado Springs, CO, you can purchase tickets online in advance by clicking on the following links:<br><br>
"Joe's Cafe" at the San Francisco Fringe Festival September 9-18:<br><a target="_new" href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/182224">Click here to buy tickets</a><br><br>
"Joe's Cafe" at Assemble in Colorado Springs Saturday, September 24:<br><a target="_new" href="http://www.protrackarts.com/Joes_Cafe.html">Click here to buy tickets</a><br><br>
Hope to see you soon!<br type="_moz">bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/1114642011-08-26T06:58:51-04:002022-03-04T07:39:56-05:00IndyFringe 2011 review: 'Taken back to the rich days of my youth... Indulge your ears.'"Since we see as many shows as we can (16 in 4 days this year) the challenge is to maximize variety and quality. Joe's Cafe was a rich dose of both. For me, I was taken back to the rich days of my youth when this style of music was called 'folk' and many great artists contributed to the legacy. Rupert Wates and his two excellent singers are a proud extension of the folk tradition with stories that reveal so much about the lifes we as people have led. Indulge your ears and drop in on Joe's Cafe." (Randy Waterhous, <a target="_new" href="http://www.indyfringe.org/fringefest/show/joes-cafe">2011 IndyFringe audience reviews</a>)<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/1109832011-08-23T13:31:19-04:002011-08-23T13:31:19-04:00Many thanks to the IndyFringe audience members who authored these latest reviews<b>'Wonderful, masterful, must see' </b>| "This was a very heartfelt show. All singers were really wonderful. The lyrics were masterful. This is a must see show. (Sue, <a href="http://www.indyfringe.org/fringefest/show/joes-cafe">2011 IndyFringe audience reviews</a>) <br><b><br>
'Don't miss'</b> | "Joe's Cafe is a terrific performance by three very talented folks. I enjoyed every minute. Beautiful lyrics, stunning melodies, remarkable vocals, and virtuoso guitar. Don't miss this one! (John, <a target="_new" href="http://www.indyfringe.org/fringefest/show/joes-cafe">2011 IndyFringe audience reviews</a>) <br><br><b>'Haunting with simplicity and beauty - Sweet'</b> | "We chose this show at random, and we were stunned by the ability of these three performers to communicate their haunting tales with such simplicity and beauty. Every musical "story" created a clear picture in the mind of the listener, and each was tender in its own way. What a sweet, sweet show. We are so happy we stumbled into it. (Laura Harris, <a target="_new" href="http://www.indyfringe.org/fringefest/show/joes-cafe">2011 IndyFringe audience reviews</a>)<br><br><b>'Best musical experience of my life'</b> | "Joes cafe may be the best musical experience of my life. My heart was glowing and breakage at the same time. Amazing." (Tweet from <a href="http://twitter.com/Splanice" target="_new">Splanice</a> on IndyFringe 2011 performance)<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/1107652011-08-22T09:18:05-04:002022-08-15T09:46:49-04:00First reviews from 2011 IndyFringeStacey, Penelope and I are enjoying our run at the 2011 IndyFringe in Indianapolis. Here are the first two reviews here:<br><br><b>'Marvelous' | </b>Wow—what a terrific show. The original songs are based on true stories, and the performers sang them with such skill and care. Such marvelous voices...these folks know how to interpret a song! (Mary Armstrong-Smith, <a href="http://www.indyfringe.org/fringefest/show/joes-cafe" target="_new">2011 IndyFringe audience reviews</a>)<br><br><b>'Simply breathtaking'</b> | Wow! What a show! I've rarely enjoyed a fringe show as much as I enjoyed this one. It far exceeded my expectations. The songs were beautiful and sung from the heart. Some of Rupert's lyrics were simply breathtaking. They reminded me of the best of Harry Chapin's story songs. [Rupert Wate's] guitar playing was exceptional and the two female singers were outstanding. My favorite song had to be The Skies of South Dakota. Stacey Lorin's near accapella vocals were hauntingly beautiful. [Penelope Thomas'] voice was incredible on Sally's Farm. You should definitely go see this show if you're a lover of music and lyrics. (Mike Smith, <a href="http://www.indyfringe.org/fringefest/show/joes-cafe" target="_new">2011 IndyFringe audience reviews</a>)<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/1078622011-08-04T14:49:53-04:002011-08-04T14:49:53-04:00Stunning voices, welcoming atmosphere with story-driven songsFrom a "Joe's Cafe" review in Saskatoon: "Folksy and comfortable, the hour-long musical revue features songs about America — from the Civil War through present day — written by British ex-pat Rupert Wates. Based in New York City, the musician invites the audience into a friendly cafe to listen to tales of hope, sorrow, love and loss. Wates, whose guitar skills and vocals are excellent, performs his work with Meghan Lofgren and Tara Stadnyk, whose stunning voices add character to the musical stories. As the trio performs — usually with each singer taking turns with solo pieces — old photos (and sometimes photos made to look old) illustrate the emotions the songs work to invoke in the audience. From interracial marriage in the 1950s to travelling across the United States during the Great Depression, the images quietly add to the experience. A welcoming atmosphere with story-driven songs and lovely vocals..." (Cassandra Kyle, <a target="_new" href="http://www.thestarphoenix.com/Cafe/5186425/story.html">The StarPhoenix</a>, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)<br><br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/1033632011-06-20T07:55:00-04:002011-06-20T07:55:00-04:00'Hearty meal for the ears and the soul'<span style="font-weight: bold;">Review from the London Fringe, London, Ontario:<br><br></span>"Most Fringe shows are one story, or maybe two. At Joe’s Café, Rupert Wates and friends...tell more than a dozen true stories in song. Wates is British, but now lives in the U.S., and while these are songs of people from his adopted home, they ring true for all of us, with tales that are inspiring, sad, and honest. And equally important, the songs, all written by Wates, and accompanied by his skilled acoustic guitar playing, are well crafted and beautifully performed. While Joe’s Café doesn’t serve up traditional Fringe fare, it’s a hearty meal for the ears and the soul. (And you can get take-out: Joe’s Café is available on CD as well.) (Laurie Bursch, <a href="http://festival.londonfringe.ca/reviews/index.php?/topic/16-drop-on-by-joes-cafe/?s=e4c9e3dc4d7db2e1e9a7770aceb426ab" target="_new">London Fringe Reviews</a>, London, Ontario, June 18, 2011)<br><br>
And a response: "Agree entirely. Wates pulled me almost physically into Joe's Cafe and I just sat down and was immersed in the "stories". Stacey Lorin, his wife and fellow performer, has such a lovely voice. The two of them are fine musicians, but, above all, each knows how to tell a story in song. A delightful performance. And I have the CD, so I can re-live the pleasure." (Joe, <a href="http://festival.londonfringe.ca/reviews/index.php?/topic/16-drop-on-by-joes-cafe/?s=e4c9e3dc4d7db2e1e9a7770aceb426ab" target="_new">London Fringe Reviews</a>, London, Ontario, June 19, 2011)<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/1007412011-05-24T05:28:49-04:002021-12-15T07:54:47-05:00'Joe's Cafe' Fringe review: 'A breath of fresh air'From a review by Elizabeth Maupin in "<a target="_new" href="http://orlandotheater.wordpress.com/fringe-2011-2/fringe-2011-reviews/fringe-review-joes-cafe/">Elizabeth Maupin on Theater</a>" (May 23, 2011)<br><br>
"If you hang out at Joe’s Cafe, you’re taking a relaxing visit to the past. Not the oldies-but-goodies kind of past, because several of Rupert Wates’ story songs take place in recent times. But a musical style of the past — specifically the era of 1960s folk music, which guitarist/singer Wates and singer Kellie Amend re-create in such an authentic way that you feel transported to a circa-1968 coffee-house in Harvard Square.<br><br>
"Wates is a British-born songwriter who moved to the U.S. about five years ago; he has worked in jazz, but he’s so masterly on acoustic folk guitar that it’s hard to imagine him doing anything else. With Joe’s Cafe he has written more than a dozen songs telling the stories of ordinary Americans, most of whom have faced one trouble or another (war, the Dust Bowl, the fight for civil rights).<br><br>
"Some are right out of the headlines (the story of a police shooting in Queens in 2006), and others are out of history books (the lovely, moving song about Maj. Robert Gould Shaw’s African-American regiment during the Civil War).<br><br>
"Throughout, Amend’s light, shimmery voice may remind you of the young Judy Collins, and the sweet combination of that voice and Wates’ guitar draws any tension right out of you... The musicality in this little revue makes it a breath of fresh air among the din of the Fringe."<br><br>
Remaining shows:<br>
Wednesday May 25, 8:40 p.m.<br>
Friday May 27, 5:15 p.m.<br>
Saturday May 28, 6:50 p.m. <br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/1005972011-05-23T05:00:00-04:002022-05-10T07:37:41-04:00Orlando Fringe Festival review: ‘Joe’s Cafe’Here's the first of our reviews from the 2011 Orlando Fringe Festival Orlando Fringe Festival. (Many thanks to our audiences so far, who have given us standing ovations.)<br>
From: <a target="_new" href="http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_stage_theat/2011/05/orlando-fringe-festival-review-joes-cafe.html">http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_stage_theat/2011/05/orlando-fringe-festival-review-joes-cafe.html</a><br><br>
By Jim Abbott, Orlando Sentinel music critic<br><br>
If they told American history in songs instead of textbooks, maybe more people would remember it.<br><br>
Of course, the songs would have to be compelling and beautiful, like the ones featured in the delicate, folk-tinged “Joe’s Café.”<br><br>
That wonderful musical revue features the songwriting of British-born New Yorker Rupert Wates, whose narrative storytelling is superb – even by the highest folk-music standards.<br><br>
These tales revolve around crimes, compassion, nostalgia and social commentary, all wrapped in the exploits of characters that are remarkably well-drawn in compact songs.<br><br>
Rupert sings some, but distinguishes himself more with his fluid acoustic guitar picking. His partner, singer Kellie Amend, handles most of the vocals in a crystalline voice vaguely reminiscent of Joni Mitchell.<br><br>
Her voice was sweet in the gentle “Snow in New York,” then haunting in an a cappella interlude in the tragic “Skies of South Dakota.” Together, Rupert and Amend were joyous in “Days of Mercy,” a Dust Bowl ode that ended the show on a high note.<br><br>
“Here’s to you and here’s to me,” they sang. “Here’s to all we’ve ever seen.”<br><br>
With graceful words and music, “Joe’s Café” offers yet another look at that incredible past.<br><br>
Blue venue, 60 minutes, $10.<br><br>
Remaining shows:<br><br>
5/23 MON 6:10PM<br>
5/25 WED 8:40PM<br>
5/27 FRI 5:15PM<br>
5/28 SAT 6:50PM<br><br><a href="./calendar.cfm">Joe's Cafe performance calendar</a><br><br type="_moz">bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/978342011-04-19T00:00:00-04:002022-01-20T09:54:07-05:00New recording and video of 'Genevieve' released<p>My friend Kellie Amend just put together a video to accompany a recording we made last night of my 2010 song <i>Genevieve</i>. Kellie will be singing with me (under her stage name <a href="http://www.myspace.com/viviangailanddougzinn" target="_new">Vivian Gail</a>) in the <i>Joe's Cafe</i> performances at the <a href="./calendar.cfm">Orlando and Indianapolis Fringe Festivals</a>. This recording, engineered by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/chrismedrano" target="_new">Chris Medrano</a>, also features me on guitar and backing vocals, and <a href="http://www.staceylorin.com/" target="_new">Stacey Lorin</a> on backing vocals.<br><br><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xe8msnheT3U" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe></p>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/968822011-04-07T12:11:27-04:002022-07-20T15:30:50-04:00‘Joe’s Café’ to be performed at The Duplex Cabaret Theatre in New York April 15 and 22<b>For immediate release: </b>March 24, 2011<br><b><br>
Contact: </b>Rupert Wates | (206) 354-4122 | <a href="mailto:bitemusiclimited@hotmail.com">bitemusiclimited@hotmail.com</a> | <a href="http://www.bitemusiclimited.com">http://www.bitemusiclimited.com</a><br>
Or Dave Turner | (828) 713-9206 | dave@daveturnermusic.com<br><b><br>
Photo:</b> <a href="http://content.bandzoogle.com/users/bitemusiclimited/files/Rupert-Wates-headshot.jpg" target="_new">http://content.bandzoogle.com/users/bitemusiclimited/files/Rupert-Wates-headshot.jpg</a><br><b>Audio, video and more info:</b> <a href="http://www.bitemusiclimited.com">http://www.bitemusiclimited.com</a><br><b>More photos and info:</b> <a href="http://www.sonicbids.com/joescafe">http://www.sonicbids.com/joescafe<br></a> <br><span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>True stories ring truer in ‘Joe’s Café,’ a critically acclaimed musical revue to be performed at The Duplex Cabaret Theatre April 15 and 22</b></span><br><i><br></i><b>Winner, Best Music Revue, San Francisco Fringe Festival</b><br><br>
NEW YORK -- Rupert Wates And Friends are bringing “Joe's Café,” a critically acclaimed musical revue of songs based on true stories, to The Duplex Cabaret Theatre (<a href="http://www.theduplex.com">http://www.theduplex.com</a>) in New York at 7pm Friday, April 15, and 9:30pm Friday, April 22. Helping Wates perform the songs in “Joe’s Café” will be Safiya Fredericks, Vivian Gail, Stacey Lorin, Chris Medrano and Marc Schmied (bass).<br><br>
In the “Joe’s Café” show, the audience is invited to imagine that they are guests in an all-night cafe, where friends gather to share their stories. In this intimate environment, six consummate performers deliver fifteen songs that retell the experience of ordinary American people.<br><br><b>Stories behind the songs:</b><br>
There are tales of love and loss in the two world wars, and other stories of yesterday and today, each recast in song, each of them a piece in the mosaic that is the story of America itself. This performance of "Joe's Cafe" will include:<br><br>
SALLY'S FARM<br>
Based on the life of one of the leaders of the commune movement in the 1960s. Her story parallels the history of the US over the same period, from innocence to disillusion (flower power to Watergate) and back again.<br><br>
MISS BURGOYNE AND THE OLD MILWAUKEE<br>
A story that tells of the life of a spinster in one of the midwestern states between the world wars, her dreams of another life symbolized by the train that calls regularly at her town.<br><br>
STAND UP COMEDIANS<br>
The life of George Carlin, in which his own misfortunes and failures gave him fuel for his most successful gags.<br><br>
THE SKIES OF SOUTH DAKOTA<br>
The story of a young girl at a time when class and religious prejudices sometimes had fatal consequences.<br><br>
SNOW IN NEW YORK<br>
An elderly woman recalls an early morning during the blizzard of 1947 in New York City, when she and her brother found the city to be a strange new playground.<br><br>
A SUNNY AFTERNOON IN THE BRONX<br>
The frustrated efforts of a couple of blue collar guys to shoot some pool in the Bronx.<br><br>
OLD MAN ON A MOUNTAIN<br>
An officer serving in the army in Afghanistan remembers the hospitality shown him by some of the local people, whose land he and his men are occupying.<br><br>
WE REGRET<br>
In the last autumn of the second world war, a family in Connecticut receives a government telegram that begins with five words they have come to dread more than any others.<br><br>
DARKNESS, DARKNESS<br>
A hideous double murder in southern Louisiana leads to the electric chair, to retribution and forgiveness.<br><br>
DICK AND DELORES (THE LOVING KIND)<br>
An interracial couple in Virginia take their right to marry all the way to the supreme court, and later become figureheads for fighters for other kinds of civil rights.<br><br>
THE VOODOO DOLL<br>
A doll awakens memories of a superstitious past, and at the same time seems to heal a young black man's bitter memories.<br><br>
DAYS OF MERCY<br>
The exodus of a poor family across America during the dust bowl depression, at a time when the women literally kept the show on the road.<br><br>
MORE HOLY GROUND<br>
The story of Robert Gould Shaw, the white colonel of the first all black Infantry regiment to be recruited during the Civil War.<br><br>
FIFTY SHOTS<br>
The story of Sean Bell, an unarmed man shot to death by undercover police officers in Queens, New York City, in fall 2006.<br><br><b>Reviews of Joe's Cafe:</b><br>
LATEST REVIEWS FROM RECENT FRINGE FESTIVAL TOUR: http://www.bitemusiclimited.com/reviews.cfm<br><br>
WINNER, BEST MUSIC REVUE, SAN FRANCISCO FRINGE FESTIVAL 2010<br><br>
“A real treat. Don’t miss this show.” - Tim Koetting, Artword.net<br>
“Truly magical.” - Katie Penrose, View Magazine Online<br>
“Warm, witty, tender, poignant—you'll take something powerfully important away.” - Rita Kohn, Nuvo<br>
“Haunting and powerful.” - Adrian Chamberlain, Times-Colonist<br>
“Touching songs, wonderful guitar work and angelic voices. Run to see it!” - Bill Bourus, Indianapolis Fringe Festival<br>
“Riveting stories, told in song.” - Roberta Parker, Minnesota Fringe<br>
“Wates doesn't withhold his powers as a poet, tearing through the veneer of consensus reality to bring listeners the raw truth of the human condition. Joe's Cafe burrows deeply into heart and mind.” - Folk And Acoustic Music Exchange<br>
“Succeeds brilliantly in conveying the warm atmosphere of Joe's Cafe” - Alt Country Forum<br><br>
Rupert Wates (author) is an award-winning singer-songwriter, born in the UK, based since 2007 in New York City. “Truly gripping lyrics with great themes and troubling, witty messages.” (Leith FM Radio Scotland) | “A new and unique songwriter-musician already in the front ranks by dint of timeless work.” (Mark S. Tucker)<br><br><b>Rupert Wates’ Full Bio:</b><br><a href="http://bitemusiclimited.com/rupertwatesbio.cfm">http://bitemusiclimited.com/rupertwatesbio.cfm</a><br><br><b>Performers</b><br>
Rupert Wates - <a href="http://www.bitemusiclimited.com">http://www.bitemusiclimited.com</a> - Guitar and voice<br>
Safiya Fredericks <br>
Vivian Gail - <a href="http://www.myspace.com/viviangailanddougzinn">http://www.myspace.com/viviangailanddougzinn</a> - Voice<br>
Stacey Lorin - <a href="http://www.staceylorin.com">http://www.staceylorin.com</a> - Voice <br>
Chris Medrano - <a href="http://www.myspace.com/christopherjmedrano">http://www.myspace.com/christopherjmedrano</a> - Voice<br>
Marc Schmied - bass<br><br><b>Performances</b><br>
7pm Friday, April 15<br>
9:30pm Friday, April 22 <br>
$12 cover, 2-drink minimum <br><br><b>Venue</b><br>
The Duplex Cabaret Theatre<br>
61 Christopher Street (at 7th Avenue)<br>
New York, NY 10014 <br>
212-255-5438<br><a href="http://www.theduplex.com">http://www.theduplex.com</a><br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/951502011-03-17T12:15:00-04:002021-12-06T14:24:21-05:00‘Joe’s Café’ to be performed at The Psalm Salon in Philadelphia April 2<b>For immediate release: </b><br>
March 7, 2011<br><br><b>Contact: </b><br>
Rupert Wates<br>
(206) 354-4122<br><a href="mailto:bitemusiclimited@hotmail.com">bitemusiclimited@hotmail.com</a><br><a href="http://www.bitemusiclimited.com">http://www.bitemusiclimited.com</a><br><br><b>Or Dave Turner</b><br>
(828) 713-9206<br><a href="mailto:dave@daveturnermusic.com">dave@daveturnermusic.com</a><br><br>
Photo: <a target="_new" href="http://content.bandzoogle.com/users/bitemusiclimited/files/Rupert-Wates-headshot.jpg">http://content.bandzoogle.com/users/bitemusiclimited/files/Rupert-Wates-headshot.jpg</a><br>
Audio, video and more info: <a href="http://www.bitemusiclimited.com">http://www.bitemusiclimited.com</a><br>
More photos and info: <a target="_new" href="http://www.sonicbids.com/joescafe">http://www.sonicbids.com/joescafe</a><br><br><span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>True stories ring truer in ‘Joe’s Café,’ a critically acclaimed musical revue to be performed at The Psalm Salon April 2</b></span><br><br><b>Winner, Best Music Revue, San Francisco Fringe Festival</b><br><br>
PHILADELPHIA, Penn. -- <a href="http://www.bitemusiclimited.com">Rupert Wates</a> And Friends are bringing “Joe's Café,” a critically acclaimed musical revue of songs based on true stories, to the Psalm Salon (<a href="http://www.psalmsalon.com" target="_new">http://www.psalmsalon.com</a>) in Philadelphia on Saturday, April 2 – show starts at 8pm. Helping Wates perform the songs in “Joe’s Café” will be <a target="_new" href="http://www.staceylorin.com">Stacey Lorin</a>, <a href="http://www.craigbickhardt.com">Craig Bickhardt</a>, <a href="http://www.jdmalone.com">JD Malone</a>, <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/elletunes">Elle</a>, <a href="http://www.cassendrexavier.com">Cassendre Xavier</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ginablechman">Gina Blechman</a>, <a href="http://www.lizanneknott.com">Lizanne Knott</a> and <a href="http://www.pennjazz.com/ewise.html">Ed Wise</a> (bass). The evening will begin with a half hour showcase section, in which some or all of the vocalists will perform one song from their own solo repertoire.<br><br>
In the “Joe’s Café” show, the audience is invited to imagine that they are guests in an all-night cafe, where friends gather to share their stories. In this intimate environment, nine consummate performers deliver fifteen songs that retell the experience of ordinary American people.<br><br><b> Stories behind the songs</b><br>
There are tales of love and loss in the two world wars, and other stories of yesterday and today, each recast in song, each of them a piece in the mosaic that is the story of America itself. This performance of "Joe's Cafe" will include:<br><br>
SALLY'S FARM<br>
Based on the life of one of the leaders of the commune movement in the 1960s. Her story parallels the history of the US over the same period, from innocence to disillusion (flower power to Watergate) and back again.<br><br>
MISS BURGOYNE AND THE OLD MILWAUKEE<br>
A story that tells of the life of a spinster in one of the midwestern states between the world wars, her dreams of another life symbolized by the train that calls regularly at her town.<br><br>
STAND UP COMEDIANS<br>
The life of George Carlin, in which his own misfortunes and failures gave him fuel for his most successful gags.<br><br>
THE SKIES OF SOUTH DAKOTA<br>
The story of a young girl at a time when class and religious prejudices sometimes had fatal consequences.<br><br>
SNOW IN NEW YORK<br>
An elderly woman recalls an early morning during the blizzard of 1947 in New York City, when she and her brother found the city to be a strange new playground.<br><br>
A SUNNY AFTERNOON IN THE BRONX<br>
The frustrated efforts of a couple of blue collar guys to shoot some pool in the Bronx.<br><br>
OLD MAN ON A MOUNTAIN<br>
An officer serving in the army in Afghanistan remembers the hospitality shown him by some of the local people, whose land he and his men are occupying.<br><br>
WE REGRET<br>
In the last autumn of the second world war, a family in Connecticut receives a government telegram that begins with five words they have come to dread more than any others.<br><br>
DARKNESS, DARKNESS<br>
A hideous double murder in southern Louisiana leads to the electric chair, to retribution and forgiveness.<br><br>
DICK AND DELORES (THE LOVING KIND)<br>
An interracial couple in Virginia take their right to marry all the way to the supreme court, and later become figureheads for fighters for other kinds of civil rights.<br><br>
THE VOODOO DOLL<br>
A doll awakens memories of a superstitious past, and at the same time seems to heal a young black man's bitter memories.<br><br>
DAYS OF MERCY<br>
The exodus of a poor family across America during the dust bowl depression, at a time when the women literally kept the show on the road.<br><br>
MORE HOLY GROUND<br>
The story of Robert Gould Shaw, the white colonel of the first all black Infantry regiment to be recruited during the Civil War.<br><br>
FIFTY SHOTS<br>
The story of Sean Bell, an unarmed man shot to death by undercover police officers in Queens, New York City, in fall 2006.<br><b><br>
Reviews of Joe's Cafe:</b><br>
LATEST REVIEWS FROM RECENT FRINGE FESTIVAL TOUR: <a href="http://www.bitemusiclimited.com/reviews.cfm">http://www.bitemusiclimited.com/reviews.cfm<br></a> <br>
WINNER, BEST MUSIC REVUE, SAN FRANCISCO FRINGE FESTIVAL 2010<br><br>
“A real treat. Don’t miss this show.” - Tim Koetting, Artword.net<br>
“Truly magical.” - Katie Penrose, View Magazine Online<br>
“Warm, witty, tender, poignant—you'll take something powerfully important away.” - Rita Kohn, Nuvo<br>
“Haunting and powerful.” - Adrian Chamberlain, Times-Colonist<br>
“Touching songs, wonderful guitar work and angelic voices. Run to see it!” - Bill Bourus, Indianapolis Fringe Festival<br>
“Riveting stories, told in song.” - Roberta Parker, Minnesota Fringe<br>
“Wates doesn't withhold his powers as a poet, tearing through the veneer of consensus reality to bring listeners the raw truth of the human condition. Joe's Cafe burrows deeply into heart and mind.” - Folk And Acoustic Music Exchange<br>
“Succeeds brilliantly in conveying the warm atmosphere of Joe's Cafe” - Alt Country Forum<br><br>
Rupert Wates (author) is an award-winning singer-songwriter, born in the UK, based since 2007 in New York City. “Truly gripping lyrics with great themes and troubling, witty messages.” (Leith FM Radio Scotland) | “A new and unique songwriter-musician already in the front ranks by dint of timeless work.” (Mark S. Tucker)<br><br><b>Rupert Wates’ Full Bio: </b><br><a href="http://bitemusiclimited.com/rupertwatesbio.cfm">http://bitemusiclimited.com/rupertwatesbio.cfm<br></a> <br><b>Performers</b><br>
Rupert Wates - <a href="http://www.bitemusiclimited.com">http://www.bitemusiclimited.com</a> - Guitar and voice<br>
Stacey Lorin - <a href="http://www.staceylorin.com">http://www.staceylorin.com</a> - Voice<br>
Craig Bickhardt - <a href="http://www.craigbickhardt.com">http://www.craigbickhardt.com</a> - Voice<br>
JD Malone <a href="http://www.jdmalone.com">http://www.jdmalone.com</a> - Voice<br>
Elle – <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/elletunes">http://www.cdbaby.com/elletunes</a> - Voice<br>
Cassendre Xavier - <a href="http://www.cassendrexavier.com">http://www.cassendrexavier.com</a> - Voice<br>
Gina Blechman – <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ginablechman">http://www.myspace.com/ginablechman</a> - Voice<br>
Lizanne Knott - <a href="http://www.lizanneknott.com">http://www.lizanneknott.com</a> - Voice <br>
Ed Wise - <a href="http://www.pennjazz.com/ewise.html">http://www.pennjazz.com/ewise.html</a> - Bass<br><br><b>Performance</b><br>
Saturday, April 2, 8pm, $16 advance/$20 at the door<br><br><b>Venue</b><br>
The Psalm Salon<br>
5841 Overbrook Avenue<br>
Philadelphia PA 19131<br>
215-477-7578<br><a href="http://www.psalmsalon.com/">http://www.psalmsalon.com/</a><br><br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/931962011-02-19T12:55:00-05:002011-02-19T12:55:00-05:00San Francisco Fringe Festival accepts "Joe's Cafe" for September showsWe were pleased to hear on February 16th that "Joe's Cafe" has been accepted for the 2011 San Francisco Fringe Festival. So to date, here is the "Joe's Cafe" performance schedule for 2011 Fringe Festivals in North America:<br><br><b>Orlando, FL <br></b>May 19-30, 2011<br>
(specific dates/show times TBA)<br><a target="_new" href="http://orlandofringe.org/">Orlando Fringe Festival</a><br>
The Blue Venue, Studio B<br>
The Orlando Shakespeare Theater<br>
812 E Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803<br>
407-648-0077<br><br><b>London, Ontario<br></b>June 16-26, 2011<br>
(specific dates/show times/venue TBA)<br><a target="_new" href="http://www.londonfringe.ca/">London Fringe Festival</a><br>
519-434-0606<br>
London, ON (Canada)<br><br><b>Saskatoon, Saskatchewan<br></b>July 28-August 6, 2011<br>
(specific dates/show times/venue TBA)<br><a target="_new" href="http://www.25thstreettheatre.org/">Saskatoon Fringe Festival</a><br>
306-664-2239<br>
Saskatoon, SK (Canada)<br><br><b>Indianapolis, IN<br></b>August 2011<br>
(specific dates/show times TBA)<br><a href="http://indyfringe.org/">IndyFringe Festival at the IndyFringe Theatre</a><br>
719 E St Clair Street<br>
Indianapolis, IN 46202<br>
317-721-9458<br><br><b>San Francisco, CA<br></b>September 7-18, 2011<br>
(specific dates/show times TBA)<br><a target="_new" href="http://www.sffringe.org/">San Francisco Fringe Festival at the Exit Theatre</a><br>
156 Eddy Street<br>
San Francisco, CA 94102<br>
415.931.1094bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/921182011-02-04T08:21:36-05:002011-02-04T08:21:36-05:00'Joe's Cafe' to be offered as performance piece to high schools and small theatre companiesOne year after the landmark recording of the album, a goal for 2011 is to offer 'Joe's Cafe' as a performance piece to high schools and small theatre companies. To this end, pianist/arranger <a href="http://www.myspace.com/natalielovejoymusic" target="_new">Natalie Lovejoy</a> has been commissioned to arrange the show for solo piano accompaniment. For more information, <a href="./contact.cfm">contact Bite Music Limited</a>.<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/751922011-01-19T07:50:00-05:002022-03-11T07:19:55-05:00Three 'Joe's Cafe' recordings win awardsWe are pleased to have learned today that three tracks from 'Joe's Cafe' have won awards: <br><br>
1. The album track '<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rupertwates1">Prayer</a>' is one of 10 Semi-finalists in Mike Pinder's Bandwars Song Contest 2011.<br><br>
2. The recording 'More Holy Ground' (<a href="http://bitemusiclimited.com/blog.cfm?feature=1505465&postid=649987">listen here</a>) from the stage version of 'Joe's Cafe' is one of 10 Semi-finalists in Mike Pinder's Bandwars Song Contest 2011.<br><br>
3. The album track '<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rupertwates1">Days Of Mercy</a>' receives Honorable Mention in Mike Pinder's Bandwars Song Contest 2011.<br><br>
If you'd like a copy of 'Joe's Cafe,' the album is available <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rupertwates1">here</a>. <br><br type="_moz">bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/554732011-01-05T12:07:29-05:002011-01-05T12:07:29-05:00Ectophiles' Guide review: 'A brilliant album all told'<span style="font-weight: bold;">A new review<br><br></span>"The new record by Rupert Wates has a neat, sometimes jazzy sound and some inspired songs. The ambitious album shares stories of ordinary people in the U.S in the last century. He runs the gamut from comedians to serial killers and never wavers once. The vocals are handled by Wates himself and guest singers. <a target="_new" href="http://ectoguide.org/artists/witt.gretchen">Gretchen Witt</a> acquits herself well on "Sally's Farm" and <a target="_new" href="http://www.ashleygonzalezmusic.com/">Ashley Gonzalez</a> is superb on "The skies of South Dakota." It's a brilliant album all told."<br>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a target="_new" href="http://ectoguide.org/guide.cgi?search=&source=quick&pw=yes&for=rupert+wates#joes">The Ectophiles' Guide to Good Music</a><br><a href="mailto:starnell@yahoo.com">starnell@yahoo.com</a>
</div>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/724182011-01-05T11:58:42-05:002011-01-05T11:58:42-05:00Joe's Cafe in Top 20 on KRSC in TulsaWe've just heard that "Joe's Cafe" is number five in the top 20 most played albums for December on a program called "Innervisions" on KRSC Radio in Tulsa, Oklahoma. "Innervisions" is hosted by Dave Butler and broadcasts at 91.3 FM on Sunday mornings. The Top 20 includes albums by people like Jackson Browne (who didn't place as high)!<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/897172010-12-20T04:30:00-05:002010-12-20T04:30:00-05:00'More Holy Ground' wins honorable mention in Mid-Atlantic Song ContestWe were very pleased to hear that "More Holy Ground" written by Rupert Wates and sung by <a href="http://www.myspace.com/alissastahler" target="_new">Alissa Stahler</a> won an honorable mention in the 2010 Mid-Atlantic Song Contest of the <a href="http://www.saw.org/" target="_new">Songwriters' Association of Washington</a>. Included in this post is a podcast of the song, recorded June 15, 2010 at <a href="http://www.hardluckrecording.com" target="_new">Hard Luck Recording</a> studios in Brooklyn, N.Y. This recording features a superb string arrangement by <a href="http://www.myspace.com/johnguari" target="_new">John Guari</a>. The song is the story of Robert Gould Shaw, the colonel of the first all-black regiment recruited in the Civil War. It didn't make it onto the "Joe's Cafe" album, but it's a great addition to the live show, and to the roster at Joe's Cafe.<br>3:52bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/884722010-12-02T02:52:39-05:002010-12-02T02:52:39-05:00Looking ahead to spring, summer and Fringe FestivalsJoe's Cafe will be on the road again this spring and summer performing in Fringe Festivals in the U.S. and Canada. Additional details and dates will be announced soon, but here's what's on the calendar so far:<br><br><b>May 19-30, 2011</b><br>
(specific dates/show times TBA)<br><a href="http://orlandofringe.org/" target="_new">Orlando Fringe Festival </a><br>
The Blue Venue, Studio B <br>
The Orlando Shakespeare Theater<br>
812 E Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803<br>
407-648-0077<br><br><b>June 16-26, 2011</b><br>
(specific dates/show times/venue TBA)<br>
London Fringe Festival<br>
519-434-0606<br>
London, ON (Canada)<br><br><b>July 28-August 6, 2011</b><br>
(specific dates/show times/venue TBA)<br><a target="_new" href="http://www.25thstreettheatre.org/">Saskatoon Fringe Festival</a><br>
306-664-2239<br>
Saskatoon, SK (Canada)<br><br><b>August 2011</b><br>
(specific dates/show times TBA)<br><a href="http://indyfringe.org" target="_new">IndyFringe Festival at the IndyFringe Theatre</a><br>
719 E St Clair Street<br>
Indianapolis, IN 46202<br>
317-721-9458<br>
Performers to include Rupert Wates and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/valoriemiller" target="_new">Valorie Miller</a><br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/882992010-11-30T11:54:24-05:002017-01-13T13:09:54-05:00‘Joe’s Cafe' returns to the Metropolitan Room in Manhattan Dec 1, 9:30pmNEW YORK -- Rupert Wates And Friends are bringing Joe's Cafe, the critically acclaimed musical revue of songs based on true stories, back to the Metropolitan Room (34 West 22nd Street, NYC, NY 10010 (between 5th and 6th Ave.) Tel: 212-206-0440 (<a href="http://www.metropolitanroom.com" target="_new">http://www.metropolitanroom.com</a>) beginning at 9:30pm. Helping Wates perform the songs in “Joe’s Cafe” will be a full ensemble of other singers and musicians.<br><br>
The audience is invited to imagine that they are guests in an all-night cafe, where friends gather to share their stories. In this intimate environment, an ensemble of consummate performers deliver fifteen songs that retell the experience of ordinary American people.<br><br>
The Skies Of South Dakota unfolds the sad story of a young girl's struggle with religious and class prejudice. Days Of Mercy tells of the exodus of a poor family across America during the Dust Bowl Depression. There are tales of love and loss in the two world wars, and other stories of yesterday and today, each recast in song, each of them a piece in the mosaic that is the story of America itself.<br><br>
Reviews of Joe's Cafe:<br>
LATEST REVIEWS FROM RECENT FRINGE FESTIVAL TOUR: <a href="http://www.bitemusiclimited.com/reviews.cfm" target="_new"> http://www.bitemusiclimited.com/reviews.cfm</a><br><br>
“A real treat. Don’t miss this show.” - Tim Koetting, Artword.net<br><br>
“Truly magical.” - Katie Penrose, View Magazine Online<br><br>
“Warm, witty, tender, poignant—you'll take something powerfully important away.” - Rita Kohn, Nuvo<br><br>
“Haunting and powerful.” - Adrian Chamberlain, Times-Colonist<br><br>
“Touching songs, wonderful guitar work and angelic voices. Run to see it!” - Bill Bourus, Indianapolis Fringe Festival<br><br>
“Riveting stories, told in song.” - Roberta Parker, Minnesota Fringe<br><br>
“Wates doesn't withhold his powers as a poet, tearing through the veneer of consensus reality to bring listeners the raw truth of the human condition. Joe's Cafe burrows deeply into heart and mind.” (Folk And Acoustic Music Exchange - Read full review http://www.acousticmusic.com/fame/p06304.htm)<br><br>
“Succeeds brilliantly in conveying the warm atmosphere of Joe's Cafe” (http://www.altcountryforum.nl/2010/04/30/rupert-wates-joes-cafe/)<br><br>
Rupert Wates (author) is an award-winning singer-songwriter, born in the UK, based since 2007 in New York City.<br><br>
“Truly gripping lyrics with great themes and troubling, witty messages” (Leith FM Radio Scotland)<br><br>
“A new and unique songwriter-musician already in the front ranks by dint of timeless work” (Mark S. Tucker)<br><br>
Performers<br>
Rupert Wates <a href="http://www.bitemusiclimited.com">http://www.bitemusiclimited.com</a> (Guitar and voice)<br>
Chris Howard (percussion) <a href="http://www.myspace.com/themusicpilgrim" target="_new">http://www.myspace.com/themusicpilgrim</a><br>
Jamie Bishop (Bass) <a href="http://jamiebishopmusic.com" target="_new">http://jamiebishopmusic.com</a><br>
And guest vocalists including:<br>
Nicole Collins <a href="http://www.nicolecollins.net" target="_new">http://www.nicolecollins.net</a><br>
Safiya Fredericks<br>
John Guari <a href="http://www.myspace.com/johnguari" target="_new">http://www.myspace.com/johnguari</a><br>
Stacey Lorin <a href="http://www.staceylorin.com" target="_new">http://www.staceylorin.com</a><br>
Katie Pearlman <a href="http://www.katiepearlman.com" target="_new">http://www.katiepearlman.com</a><br>
Alissa Stahler <a href="http://www.myspace.com/alissastahler" target="_new">http://www.myspace.com/alissastahler</a><br>
Gretchen Witt <a href="http://www.gretchenwitt.com" target="_new">http://www.gretchenwitt.com</a><br><br><b>Performance time and date</b><br>
9:30pm Wednesday, December 1, 2010<br><br><b>Venue</b><br>
The Metropolitan Room<br>
34 West 22nd St., NYC, NY 10010 (between 5th & 6th Ave.) Tel: 212-206-0440<br>
$10 + two-beverage minimum<br><a href="http://www.metropolitanroom.com" target="_new">http://www.metropolitanroom.com</a><br><br><a href="/files/33104/Rupert-Wates-Joes-Cafe-poster-12012010.jpg" target="_new"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/29948/534f81f34a664500cd6ed21c692d2bef4b4dfe91/medium/Rupert-Wates-Joes-Cafe-poster-12012010.jpg?1350037735" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="463" width="300" /></a><br><br type="_moz">bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/575422010-11-09T06:08:55-05:002017-02-01T14:53:14-05:00New album review of "Joe's Cafe" from ROOTSTIME: 'Unreservedly recommended'Below is a new review of the album, by Lisael in <a href="http://www.rootstime.be/CD%20REVIEUW/2010/NOV1/CD2.html" target="_new">ROOTSTIME</a>, an online mag in the Netherlands, translated from the Dutch:<br><br>
"Rupert Wates was born and bred in London, a full time musician since 1992. In 2001 he moved to Paris, and in 2006 settled in the USA. In London he worked mainly as an accompanist for Jazz singers. During his time in Paris he emerged as a solo artist, bringing out CDs regularly. This is his fourth.<br><br>
"We are dealing with a concept album. Here in 'JOE'S CAFE,' Wates issues a welcome and himself takes the role of Joe. There follow stories typical of a cafe in the '60s, about the people who frequent the cafe, and taking inspiration from Paul Auster's True Tales Of American Life.<br><br>
"Wates has a soft voice which suits his gentle folky material. His voice is reminiscent of Gordon Lightfoot. But he assigns the roles of the different people to other singers. Thus twelve different vocalists perform the songs, making for some variation while still preserving unity. Wates himself sings three songs. Among the names of his collaborators only that of Craig Bickhardt rings a bell. <br><br>
"Some numbers stand out by means of their different flavors. There is 'Snow In New York,' a jazzy number sung by Cassendre Xavier, a lady with a voice recalling that of Cassandra Wilson. Also in a jazzy vein is the powerful 'The Voodoo Doll' sung by Safiya Fredericks. 'Dick And Delores' is the story of a white man who marries a black woman, who cannot accompany him to cafes, leading to a legal battle. This story is accompanied by some great violin and recalls the work of Tim O Brien. I may mention also that the cover comprises an illustration of a lighted cafe window, with a mixed race couple outside (and presumably forbidden to enter). <br><br>
"The best number is 'The Skies Of South Dakota', sung virtually acapella by an assured Ashley Gonzalez. Next best is a close fight between 'Dick And Delores' and 'Days Of Mercy', notable for beautiful harmonies and an infectious rhythm. The songs go from introspective to swaggering, from sad to happy. As examples the sad tale of 'Stand Up Comedians' and the gypsy swing of 'A Sunny Afternoon In The Bronx' are polar opposites. The album ends with a very accessible song of cheer raising a glass in toast to friendship. <br><br>
"Wates has given a concert performance of the album featuring all the musicians at the Metropolitan Room in New York City. This concert can be <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhURv5wSwEU">seen on YOUTUBE</a>, so you can check out the quality for yourself. I myself can unreservedly recommend the CD to anyone who likes to bask in beautiful stories set to music."<br>
<div style="text-align: right;">Lisael<br><a href="http://www.rootstime.be/CD%20REVIEUW/2010/NOV1/CD2.html" target="_new">ROOTSTIME</a><br>
Netherlands</div>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/865732010-10-15T05:15:00-04:002017-01-13T13:09:53-05:00A production of "Joe's Cafe" in Black Mountain, NC: October 16In Asheville, North Carolina, from <a href="http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20101015/ENT/310150007/1005/ENT" target="_new">"Hot Picks" in today's Asheville Citizen-Times</a>:<br><br><span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Hello, Joe</b></span><br><br>
The new musical revue “Joe's Café,” plays at <b>8 p.m. Saturday [October 16] at White Horse Black Mountain</b>, 105 Montreat Road, Black Mountain. Rupert Wates, Dave Turner, Valorie Miller, Petty Ratusz and Mike Holstein star in this show, set in an all-night café where the regulars have some interesting stories to share. Admission is $8.<br><br>
On the Net: <a target="_new" href="http://www.whitehorseblackmountain.com">www.whitehorseblackmountain.com</a><br><br>
(photo by John Fletcher/<a href="mailto:Jfletcher@citizen-times.com">Jfletcher@citizen-times.com</a>)<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/29948/bc3b351aac8129117323bb777b44501466a69150/original/joeac-t300.jpg?1381236910" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Cast of Joe's Cafe: Rupert Wates, Valorie Miller, Peggy Ratusz and Dave Turner" height="196" width="299" /><br><br>
We're excited to be performing "Joe's Cafe" here in the mountains of WNC. Please tell your friends in the Asheville/Western North Carolina region :-) <br><br>
Many thanks,<br><br>
-Rupert, Valorie, Peggy and Dave<br type="_moz">bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/855132010-09-28T07:02:08-04:002010-09-28T07:02:08-04:00Another voice from San Francisco, soon to be back in New YorkWe're on the road in Indiana this morning on the long haul home. Soon to be back in New York City. We saw this late review come in on the San Francisco Fringe Festival website: <br><br>
"Loved this show! Beautifully written and performed." (Patrick, <a href="http://www.sffringe.org/fringe10/10reviews/joe.html" target="_new">SF Fringe 2010 Audience Reviews</a>)<br type="_moz">bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/853292010-09-24T12:30:00-04:002010-09-24T12:30:00-04:00Joe's Cafe booked into Saskatoon Fringe Festival, summer 2011We just booked "Joe's Cafe" into the <a href="http://www.25thstreettheatre.org/" target="_new">Saskatoon Fringe Festival</a> in Saskatchewan, Canada. The festival dates July 28 through August 6, 2011. The venue will be announced, but most likely will be 25th Street Theater Centre, 2404 Thayer Avenue, Saskatoon SK S7L 6B4. More information will be published as it becomes available.<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/850492010-09-19T18:35:00-04:002010-09-19T18:35:00-04:00Concluding the tour in San Francisco with 'Best Music Revue' awardWe ended the tour this afternoon in San Francisco - two months, 50 shows and more than 10,000 miles after opening in Hamilton, Ontario. Audiences in San Francisco were consistently good and very appreciative. To cap the week, we heard today that the organizers of the festival have awarded "JOE'S CAFE" the prize for 'Best Music Revue' on the Fringe for 2010. A nice finale for our long odyssey.<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/849162010-09-16T14:05:06-04:002010-09-16T14:05:06-04:00From San Francisco: 'A Musical Oasis'Here's a review, entitled "A Musical Oasis," just posted on the San Francisco Fringe Festival website: "An engaging and refreshing respite: good for the spirit and for the soul. Harkens back to the earlier days of folk cafes with acoustic guitar and enchanting and moving ballads. You really do leave here feeling renewed. Definitely worth seeing." (Ed, <a href="http://www.sffringe.org/fringe10/10reviews/joe.html" target="_new">San Francisco Fringe Festival 2010 Audience Reviews</a>)<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/842372010-09-05T15:50:00-04:002022-05-10T07:38:16-04:00From Victoria, BC, we find a final word from IndianapolisAs we wrap up our stand in Victoria, BC, and begin the journey to San Francisco, thought we'd share a last-minute review we discovered by Katelyn Coyne in Bravo Indianapolis:<br><br>
"Joe's Cafe is the first and only concert show I've seen thus far in the 2010 IndyFringe. Singer-songwriter Rupert Wates presents an evening of original compositions based on tidbits of news and historical information he has collected over the years. Paired with two outstanding female voices, Wates picks away at the guitar with incredible skill. From an homage to the late great George Carlin to a dangerous retelling of police brutality in Queens, NY, Wates creates an experience that hearkens back to the hay day of folk music...a thoroughly enjoyable evening of toe tapping music..." (Katelyn Coyne, <a href="http://bravoindianapolis.blogspot.com/" target="_new">Bravo Indianapolis</a>) <br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/840412010-09-01T15:35:48-04:002022-05-10T07:38:27-04:00After a long drive to Victoria, BC, performances well receivedAfter a nearly 40-hour drive from Indianapolis, we arrived safely in Victoria, British Columbia, to perform in the Fringe Festival here. We've done two shows so far, and have received our first review:<br><br>
"Wates writes songs with strong melodies based on true stories...haunting and powerful" (3 and a half stars) <br>
- A.C., <a href="http://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/Caf%C3%A9/3464680/story.html" target="_new">The Victoria Times Colonist</a><br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/836272010-08-25T18:11:14-04:002010-08-25T18:11:14-04:00More from Indy: 'A wonderful diversion'Thank you to GS in Indianapolis for these kind words about our show: "This was a wonderful diversion from typical fringe fare, and a much needed respite. The simplicity of beautiful song punctuated by intricate guitar work and truly angelic voices made this an honest and refreshing performance." (GS, <a href="http://indyfringe.org/fringefest/show/joes-cafe" target="_new">Indianapolis Fringe Festival audience reviews</a>, August 25, 2010)<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/836252010-08-25T17:55:00-04:002010-08-25T17:55:00-04:00Nuvo in Indianapolis: 'Warm, witty, tender, poignant...'Here's a Fringe review by Rita Kohn of <a target="_new" href="http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/fringe-review-joes-caf/Content?oid=1577484">Nuvo</a><br>
Joe's Cafe<br>
Rupert Wates and Friends, New York<br>
4 1/2 stars<br><br>
"This warm, witty, tender, poignant program of fifteen songs cuts across the U.S.landscape to share stories of ordinary people and fleeting moments made memorable by Rupert Wates' razor-sharp, insightful touch as a composer and lyricist. Emotions in the songs, and their delivery by Wates, Stacey Lorin and Valorie Miller, are nuanced. It's a welcome respite to sit in Joe's Cafe, feeling the strong melodies in your bones and absorbing the messages in your gut. You'll take something powerfully important away – we connect best when we feel the story. Take time for Joe's Cafe."<br><br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/835742010-08-25T03:47:09-04:002010-08-25T03:47:09-04:00Joe's Cafe track receives honorable mention in Austin Songwriters CompetitionJust heard that 'Sally's Farm' was one of three 'Honorable Mentions' in the Americana category of the 2010 Austin Songwriters Competition.<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/835732010-08-25T03:43:39-04:002010-08-25T03:43:39-04:00Indianapolis Fringe Festival: perfect venue, nice audiences and a 'Run to see it' recommendationWe've had some good shows here so far - the venue is perfect and the audiences are very nice. Received this review yesterday:"Joe's Cafe was a wonderful musical experience. A 'concept album' of the first magnitude...touching songs, wonderful guitar work and angelic voices...truly memorable and ... run to see it!" (Bill Bourus, <a href="http://%20http://indyfringe.org/fringefest/show/joes-cafe" target="_new">Indianapolis Fringe Festival audience reviews</a>, August 24, 2010)<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/829242010-08-14T05:40:31-04:002010-08-14T05:40:31-04:00Final Minneapolis show tonight, five-star reviewWe'll be performing the final Joe's Cafe show in the Minneapolis Fringe Festival tonight (August 14) at the Minneapolis Theatre Garage, 8:30pm. We were pleased this morning to see the following five-star review:<br><br><b>Bought the Album, Too<br><br></b>"Ready for a Fringe change of pace, I found this a great evening of well-penned, intelligent songs about real lives. Each song story was complete, and several were especially terrific, leading me to buy the CD. Don't remember the titles, but toasting the lion and the lamb is an anthem we need this political season, as is the one about the mixed-race marriage, and the tribute to George Carlin. Between-song patter was minimal in this driven set, but maybe one less song would have allowed us more time to mull after each song ended. Four voices, guitar, keyboard, even a hint of Joni Mitchell." (Jon Skaalen, <a href="http://www.fringefestival.org/2010/show/?id=1189" target="_new">Minneapolis Fringe Reviews</a>, August 13, 2010)<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/829092010-08-13T14:45:00-04:002010-08-13T14:45:00-04:00Minnesota Fringe Reviews: 'Solid Singing and Story-telling'Here's the latest review in Minneapolis:<br><br>
"I didn't know what to expect from this show, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It is not a play, but rather a band combining storytelling with music. There was just one guitar player and one keyboardist, and two other vocalists; all four of them took turns singing lead and back-up vocals. The stories are based on real people in America; many of them were quite sad and upsetting, while others were sweet and uplifting. I was almost moved to tears a couple of times, for different reasons. The lyrics were clear, well-written, and captivating, but the best part of the show was simply the music itself (especially the vocals of the two female singers). I just sat in the theatre, letting the music wash over me, and I absorbed it like a sponge. The Garage's acoustics make it the perfect venue for this show, and it's one I definitely recommend." (Heather Baldwin, <a href="http://www.fringefestival.org/2010/show/?id=1189" target="_new">Minnesota Fringe Reviews</a>, August 13, 2010)bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/828192010-08-12T03:30:00-04:002010-08-12T03:30:00-04:00'Listen to the music carefully.'We were in Duluth, MN, for a show at the Amazing Grace Cafe last night. En route, saw this review of Joe's Cafe from Minneapolis:<br><br>
"I recommend you listen to the music carefully. Great voices and amazing true singing stories." (Perry Smaglik, <a href="http://www.fringefestival.org/2010/show/?id=1189" target="_new">Minnesota Fringe Reviews</a>, August 11, 2010)<br><br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/827242010-08-10T09:27:04-04:002010-08-10T09:27:04-04:00More reviews from the Twin Cities<b>Riveting stories, told in song (five stars)<br></b><br>
"Within the cozy confines of the Theatre Garage, 'Joe's Cafe' serves up an interlude of impeccable story-telling, set to music. Rupert Wates' song-writing is elegant and spare. Delivered by musicians who've mastered their craft, it is exquisite." (Roberta Parker, Minnesota Fringe Reviews, August 10, 2010)<br><br>
And...<br><br>
From Sandra McDonald, Minnesota Fringe Reviews, August 10, 2010:<br>
"Simple stories that might have long been forgotten.... sung so beautifully!"<br><br>
From Amelia Kritzer, Minnesota Fringe Reviews, August 10, 2010:<br>
"Joe is a talented chef."<br><br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/826652010-08-09T11:40:00-04:002010-08-09T11:40:00-04:00Another four-star review in Minneapolis<b>'Strong performances,' Minnesota Fringe Reviews, August 9, 2010, Minneapolis, MN:</b><br><br>
"The musicians were excellent and the songs well-written..." (Jenna Papke, Minnesota Fringe Reviews)<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/825182010-08-06T09:35:00-04:002010-08-06T09:35:00-04:00Joe's Cafe 'highly recommended'We opened <i>Joe's Cafe</i> live at the Minneapolis Theatre Garage last night, and we were pleased to find the following review this morning about the performance<span style="font-weight: bold;"> ("</span>Delivers exactly what is promised," by <a target="_new" href="http://www.fringefestival.org/2010/show/?id=1189">Sharon Kahn, Minnesota Fringe Reviews</a>):<br><br>
"There's no need to describe this show because the description on the show page is detailed and accurate. All you need to know is that the show delivers exactly what the description promises.<br><br>
"The songs are simple, clear and poignant with lovely melodies and the musicians are very talented. Each song has a single lead singer (they take turns) with the others sometimes performing backup harmonies. All the singers have strong, sweet voices, making it easy to understand the lyrics (important with story songs!).<br><br>
"My only nitpick is that some of the songs would have been more effective if the ending hadn't been telegraphed by the song introduction, or in one case by the title. Have the confidence to let the songs tell their own stories, folks! If you have to explain the context, do it afterwards so you don't steal the story's thunder.<br><br>
"The Theater Garage is a great venue for this act. The open bleacher seating around a bare floor lends a feeling of intimacy that works well with the material, and the sound fills the space perfectly. Highly recommended."<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/821992010-07-31T09:00:00-04:002010-07-31T09:00:00-04:00More kind words from HamiltonAs we prepare to finish our stand in Kansas City tonight at <a target="_new" href="http://www.crosstownstation.com/cms/">Crosstown Station</a>, we've seen another review of Joe's Cafe live from Hamilton, Ontario: <br><br>
"A pleasant way to spend an hour visiting Joe’s Cafe. Every song tells a story and the music and harmony are delivered expertly." <br><br>
(Rozz Woodstock, Fringe Reviews 2010, <a href="http://artword.net/Fringe_Reviews/?cat=14" target="_new">artword.net</a>)bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/816832010-07-22T09:10:00-04:002010-07-22T09:10:00-04:00View Magazine Online: A musical revue that is 'truly magical'A review of <i>Joe's Cafe</i> live from View Magazine's online edition:<br><br>
"This show would fall under the category of musical revue; however, expect some top–notch storytelling as well. Rupert Wates, Stacy Lorin and Valorie Miller create lasting images with their songs. Let go and follow the journeys they fashion with their music. It is truly magical when voices come together and the particular chemistry of this trio is undeniable. Some might say this isn’t theatre, but it certainly isn’t just for music lovers. Try it out!" (Katie Penrose, July 22-28, 2010, Hamilton Fringe Festival 2010 Reviews from <a href="http://www.viewmag.com/13146-Hamilton+Fringe+Festival+2010+Reviews.htm" target="_new">View Magazine Online</a>)<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/815552010-07-20T12:20:00-04:002010-07-20T12:20:00-04:00Hamilton Fringe Reviews: 'Highly recommended for a change of pace and of heart'Another <i>Joe's Cafe</i> live show review: This one from the Artword Theatre's <a href="http://artword.net/Fringe_Reviews/?p=573" target="_new">2010 Hamilton Fringe Reviews</a> website<br><br>
"Rupert Wates is a musician and song-writer and plays a mean guitar. Flanked in a simple setting by his two songstresses Stacy and Valerie (I think I’ve got their names right, as there’s no programme) the group takes us on an American journey through the 20th century. It’s a seamless and smooth trip, with only minimal intros by Wates, and a word or two from his partners. Val has the look and sound of the sixties, singing her ballads in the kind of defensive detachment we remember from seeing US TV and films of the period. She has a clear and convincing delivery. Stacy is warmer, evoking recollections of her country’s folk tradition, of snow falling in New York and tragic love in South Dakota. Wates takes centre stage with more of a poet-balladeer to his stories, touching on disparate subjects from George Carlin to the emotions of the American experience in their several wars. One senses his quiet leadership of the group, of the gentle director, like a leader of a commune. It is a real pleasure to hear and feel the sounds of our southern neighbours, and sense the genuine affection they have for their century of troubles and tendernesses. The less than an hour it takes seems too short. Highly recommended for a change of pace and of heart. It has five more performances to go, and the next is today, July 18, 3:30 pm at the Studio Space, Theatre Aquarius." (Tom Mackan - <a href="http://artword.net/Fringe_Reviews/?p=573" target="_new">Fringe Reviews</a>, July 18, 2010)<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/815512010-07-20T11:10:00-04:002010-07-20T11:10:00-04:00Ontario Arts Review: 'A fast-moving one hour of accomplished entertainment'From a review of <i>Joe's Cafe</i> live this week at Theatre Aquarius Studio in Hamilton, Ontario:<br><br>
"Rupert Wates; [Valorie] Miller and Stacey Lorin, are all about as professional as it gets, with voices and momentum that project the story behind each varied offering... There was one offering sung a cappella by soprano Lorin- chorus line …‘in South Dakota’, that left the audience so spellbound that applause was both hesitant and delayed. If you are a Folk fan, or even if you are not…this is a fast-moving one hour of accomplished entertainment." (Danny Gaisin - <a target="_new" href="http://www.ontarioartsreview.ca">www.ontarioartsreview.ca</a>)<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/813992010-07-18T17:30:00-04:002010-07-18T17:30:00-04:00Reviewer on 'Joe's Cafe' live in Ontario: 'Magic goes into overtime. Don't miss this show.'At the opening night of "Joe's Cafe" live in Hamilton, Ontario, we were well received by the critics. Here's an excerpt from one review:<br><br>
"The moment Rupert Wates strikes the first chord on his guitar and begins to welcome you, you will know you are in good hands and are in for a real treat. Wates, along with his two friends, Stacey Lorin and Valorie Miller, spend the next sixty minutes telling stories and creating poetry with music. Wates has a true poet's gift to create images that leave lasting impressions. How wonderful to encounter lyrics that tell stories again. They have been absent far too long. The other element of this wonderful evening is Wates's virtuosity on the guitar. Hie fingerpicking is mesmerizing, as are his melodies. His two friends display their own virtuosity as well, Ms Lorin with a haunting rendition of 'The Skies Of South Dakota', Ms Miller with the moving 'Darkness, Darkness'. When all three sing together the magic goes into overtime. Don't miss this show." (Reviewer: Tim Koetting)<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/811982010-07-14T07:35:00-04:002010-07-14T07:35:00-04:00Session produces new version of 'Sally's Farm' with stringsOn July 8, 2010, I returned once more to <a target="_new" href="http://www.hardluckrecording.com">Hard Luck Recording Studio</a> to add strings to my own version of the song <i>Sally's Farm</i> from <i>Joe's Cafe. </i>The recording features myself on voice and guitar and Marc Schmied on double bass. <a target="_new" href="http://www.myspace.com/briansanderscello">Bryan Saunders</a> played cello and <a target="_new" href="http://www.myspace.com/carolinpook">Carolyn Pook</a> played violin on another great arrangement by <a target="_new" href="http://www.myspace.com/johnguari">John Guari</a>. The attached podcast contains the finished product, engineered and mixed by Chris Medrano. This was one of the last sessions at the old Hard Luck premises. They're moving next door in August.<br>3:59bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/810552010-07-12T04:35:00-04:002022-01-20T09:55:33-05:00Joe's Cafe coast-to-coast tour begins July 17<p>The epic coast-to-coast tour of <i>Joe's Cafe</i> begins this Saturday, July 17, in Hamilton, Ontario, with a live radio show on <a href="http://cfmu.msumcmaster.ca/" target="_new">CFMU FM 93.3</a>, followed by the opening night at Theatre Aquarius. Performers will be Rupert Wates, <a href="http://www.staceylorin.com" target="_new">Stacey Lorin</a> and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/valoriemiller" target="_new">Valorie Miller</a>, with <a href="http://www.daveturnermusic.com" target="_new">Dave Turner</a> making plans to join the group in August for five nights at the Minneapolis Theatre Garage. The tour comprises fifty dates in two months at Fringe Festivals all the way from Toronto to San Francisco. For the finale at the Exit Theatre in San Francisco, the ensemble will be joined by bassist <a href="http://www.myspace.com/jtschulzbass" target="_new">James Schulz</a>. Watch this space for on-the-road updates.<br><br>The full tour itinerary is on the <a href="./calendar.cfm">calendar page</a>.</p>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/808082010-07-06T12:05:00-04:002022-05-19T06:53:35-04:00'Joe's Cafe' reviewed in German magazine Folkworld(Translated from German)<br><br>
‘Welcome to Joe’s Cafe’ – so the audience is greeted by the singer in his first song. It is a friendly invitation that one is keen to accept and which one also does not regret. Fourteen true stories are recounted in his cafe, like growing up on a farm. Memories of a snowy day in New York are also provided. A stand-up comedian presents himself, and there’s a very beautiful story of an old man in the mountains, upon whose land a platoon of US soldiers in the Second World War took up their quarters, made tea and then moved on. All the stories are very well told. Rupert Wates plays guitar and has composed all the songs. The songs are sung by a range of guests in this imaginary cafe. Occasionally a violin supplies an accent that reminds one of coffee-house music. As a result, at several places you find yourself swaying along. However, several ballads and one blues on the CD make sure that this doesn't become a habit. The visit to Joe's Cafe is well worth it.<br><br>
- Karsten Rube, Folkworld <br><a href="http://www.folkworld.eu/42/d/cds5.html#wate" target="_new">Original review in German</a><br><br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/804622010-06-29T12:23:31-04:002010-06-29T12:23:31-04:00Album roots revisited: 'Days of Mercy'As referenced in my previous post today, here's the recording of <i>Days of Mercy</i> from the June recording featuring myself and bassist Marc Schmied. Listen or download free.<br>5:10bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/804612010-06-29T12:20:20-04:002010-06-29T12:20:20-04:00Revisiting the roots of the albumAt the same June session at which we recorded <i>More Holy Ground</i>, I revisited the roots of the album with stripped-down versions of <i>Sally's Farm</i> and <i>Days Of Mercy</i>, featuring just myself and bassist Marc Schmied. Attached to this post is the recording of <i>Sally's Farm</i>. Listen or download free.<br>3:59bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/797902010-06-17T04:45:00-04:002010-06-17T04:45:00-04:00New recording: 'More Holy Ground' featuring Alissa Stahler, John GuariOn Tuesday, June 15, at <a href="http://www.hardluckrecording.com" target="_new">Hard Luck Recording</a> studios in Brooklyn, N.Y., we recorded a new version of the song <i>More Holy Ground</i>, featuring a great vocal by <a href="http://www.myspace.com/alissastahler" target="_new">Alissa Stahler</a> and a superb string arrangement by <a href="http://www.myspace.com/johnguari" target="_new">John Guari</a>. Click on the podcast that accompanies this post to hear the recording. The song is the story of Robert Gould Shaw, the colonel of the first all-black regiment recruited in the Civil War. It didn't make it onto the album but it's a great addition to the live show, and to the roster at Joe's Cafe.<br>3:52bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/796202010-06-14T06:45:00-04:002010-06-14T06:45:00-04:00Joe's Cafe in top 70 on radioAccording to a survey made by a website called FOLKDJ-L, at <a target="_new" href="http://www.folkradio.org/airplay/may10.html">www.folkradio.org</a>, songs from 'Joe's Cafe' were among the top 70 most played songs on folk radio stations in the US for the month of May. The survey was taken from the playlists of 142 different Folk DJs. There has also been fairly regular play on stations in Germany, the UK, and New South Wales, Australia.<br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/796152010-05-20T05:50:00-04:002017-02-01T15:22:16-05:00True stories ring truer in song at Joe's Cafe<b>For immediate release: <br></b>May 20, 2010<br><br><b>Contact: <br></b>Rupert Wates<br>
(206) 354-4122<br><a href="mailto:bitemusiclimited@hotmail.com">bitemusiclimited@hotmail.com</a><br><a href="http://www.bitemusiclimited.com">www.bitemusiclimited.com</a><br><br>
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- For this year's Minnesota Fringe Festival, Rupert Wates And Friends are bringing <i>Joe's Cafe</i>, a new musical revue of songs based on true stories, to the <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=4631418461496576790&q=minneapolis+theatre+garage&gl=us" target="_new">Minneapolis Theater Garage</a> on August 5, 8, 9, 13 and 14, 2010.<br><br>
The audience is invited to imagine that they are guests in an all-night cafe, where friends gather to share their stories. In this intimate environment, four consummate<br>
performers deliver fifteen songs that retell the experience of ordinary American people.<br><br>
In <i>Dick And Delores (The Loving Kind)</i> we hear of an interracial couple in the south in the 50's, who defied state law to marry. <i>The Skies Of South Dakota</i> unfolds the sad story of a young girl's struggle with religious and class prejudice. <i>Days Of Mercy</i> tells of the exodus of a poor family across America during the Dust Bowl Depression. There are tales of love and loss in the two world wars, and other stories of yesterday and today, each recast in song, each of them a piece in the mosaic that is the story of America itself.<br><br><b>Reviews of Joe's Cafe:</b><br>
“Wates doesn't withhold his powers as a poet, tearing through the veneer of consensus reality to bring listeners the raw truth of the human condition. <i>Joe's Cafe</i> burrows deeply into heart and mind.” (Folk And Acoustic Music Exchange - <a href="http://www.acousticmusic.com/fame/p06304.htm" target="_new">Read full review</a>.)<br><br>
“Succeeds brilliantly in conveying the warm atmosphere of Joe's Cafe” (<a href="http://www.altcountryforum.nl/2010/04/30/rupert-wates-joes-cafe/" target="_new">www.altcountryforum.nl</a>)<br><br>
Rupert Wates (author) is an award-winning singer-songwriter, born in the UK, based since 2007 in New York City.<br><br>
“Truly gripping lyrics with great themes and troubling, witty messages” (Leith FM Radio Scotland)<br>
“A new and unique songwriter-musician already in the front ranks by dint of timeless work” (Mark S. Tucker)<br><br><b>Performers</b><br><a href="http://www.bitemusiclimited.com">Rupert Wates</a>: Guitar and Voice<br><a href="http://www.daveturnermusic.com" target="_new">Dave Turner</a>: Piano and Voice<br><a href="http://www.staceylorin.com/" target="_new">Stacey Lorin</a>: Voice<br><a href="http://www.myspace.com/valoriemiller" target="_new">Valorie Miller</a>: Voice<br><br><b>Performance times</b><br>
Thursday August 5: 10pm<br>
Sunday August 8: 1pm<br>
Monday August 9: 7pm<br>
Friday August 13: 10pm<br>
Saturday August 14: 8.30pm<br><br><b>Venue</b><br>
Minneapolis Theater Garage<br>
711 Franklin Avenue<br>
Minneapolis MN 55405<br>
For additional information visit <a href="http://www.sonicbids.com/joescafe" target="_new">http://www.sonicbids.com/joescafe</a><br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/796192010-05-09T06:05:00-04:002022-02-23T12:25:41-05:00Another review (very good)At the following link is another review of the album - I think the reviewer liked it! <a href="http://www.acousticmusic.com/fame/p06304.htm" target="_new">http://www.acousticmusic.com/fame/p06304.htm</a><br>bitemusiclimitedtag:bitemusiclimited.com,2005:Post/796182010-04-30T06:15:00-04:002017-02-01T15:22:17-05:00First review of Joe's CafeI thought you might like to know that the first review of the album has appeared, in a Danish online paper. Go to <a target="_new" href="http://www.altcountryforum.nl/2010/04/30/rupert-wates-joes-cafe/">altcountryforum.com</a> to see the review. If your keyboard has a 'translate' function, click on it and you a rather garbled translation from the Danish will appear. It's a good review, anyway, and singles out some of the tracks for praise. The reviewer has also taken the trouble to download all the segments of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rupert+wates+joe%27s+cafe&aq=f">video made at the Metropolitan Room</a>.<br>bitemusiclimited