AHWAHNEE – Another afternoon of first class music is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 19, at 4 p.m. as the Coolwater Ranch presents Paul Asbell in their first concert in the 2014 series.
From his early years, playing blues on Chicago’s South Side, to his present multi-faceted career based out of northern Vermont, Paul has earned an underground reputation as a true “musician’s musician.”
He has played and recorded with Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Howlin’Wolf, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Otis Rush, Magic Sam, Earl Hooker, Lightnin’ Slim, Paul Butterfield, Sam Lay, Pops Staples, Donny Hathaway, and numerous others while in his hometown of Chicago, Ill.
Since 1994, Paul has been reconnecting with his original folk-based roots in enthusiastically received festival shows and solo concerts. Recent appearances include Healdsburg and Newport Guitar Festivals, MerleFest, and numerous acoustic venues across the country.
His two solo acoustic CD’s, “Steel-String Americana” and “Roots and Branches,” received numerous rave reviews for its highly individualized twists on blues and jazz standards, old-timey country-based themes and original pieces from the “American roots” tradition. The Flynn Theatre called them “a genre-blurring, virtuosic waltz through the deep heritage of American folklore, where styles of Robert Johnson, Doc Watson and Dr. John rub elbows with those of Joe Pass and Bill Frisell.” Others have said “It is quite the best CD of acoustic guitar that I have heard in years!”
When not touring, Asbell has composed, performed and recorded over 60 soundtracks for film and video productions, including features for RKO, Columbia Films and Disney Productions, Vermont Public TV, Vermont Public Radio, projects for Benetton, Nordica, Elan, and many others. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting Gold Award was given in 1993 to “Never Done,” for which he played and arranged music.
Advance passes for the concert are now available at Oakhurst Feed and at Mountain Feed and Nursery in Coarsegold, or you can call Robin Ralston at 559-760-1134 or email info@coolwaterconcerts.com to have a reservation at the door.
Suggested donation for the artists is $20 in advance, $25 at door. All proceeds go directly to the artists.
Coolwater Ranch is located in Ahwahnee, just ten minutes from Oakhurst at 45680 Forest Ridge Drive.
Just a few house rules attendees are asked to follow:
1. Please, No Alcohol, Drugs or Smoking!
2. Admission is free but there is a suggested donation for the artist of $20 to $25.
3. No children under 16.
For more information on the Coolwater Ranch visit http://www.coolwaterconcerts.com/welcome12.html
Upcoming concerts at the Ranch in 2014:
Dave Stamey – March 22
Antsy McClain – April 13
Peppino D’Agostino – May 31
Richard Smith and Julie Adams – October 4
Preston Reed – October 18
Chris Proctor – November 8
Mike Dowling – January 2015
