a bit of sadness to share - a sign posted that Karin would not perform tonight due to illness - the rest of the group would - all were given the option of staying or a refund - as you can tell by the time, i'm at home - option two for me - hope they come back soon - woops - maybe if i'd seen her, i'd have spelled her name Karin not Karen as in the topic
nelson

nelson, sorry to hear that. i hope karin is doing ok and feeling better.

Poor Karin!

Sorry for your bad luck, Nelson.

I just heard some news from the show...

I guess Linford did a lot of spoken word and they played some xmas carols and such. And then, Linford "sang" a song he's been working on.
I hope Karin is feeling better and all... but how neat is that? Not the typical OtR show, but what a gem.

Wow...interesting that they carried on anyway.

Hope Karin feels better soon.

i'm sure that "no karin" has to be a disappointment. but i think this would have been a cool little show to see. after hearing linford, jake and mickey jam a little on "goodbye charles" in bloomington, i can imagine that they could kill a little time and have a little fun with an improv jazz set.

feel better karin.

Good for them for continuing on. Bravo....

Hi Folks:

I just got in from Annapolis, MD. What a show last night. I must admit to having been very disappointed at having a front row table and then seeing the news that Karin would not be there. However, I decided that I would enjoy it for what it was worth (having driven 4 hours). My impression afterwards is that the show was indeed special to be part of and I think many of you Apples would have agreed. I enjoyed it immensely. The crowd was appreciative and polite and we all even joined in on a couple of invited sing-alongs.

Some highlights:

Linford, piano, vocals
Jake, bass
Mickey, percussion, drum kit

The show opened with Linford performing several pieces of solo piano, with story telling in-between. I believe he played about 4 songs (titles?) and then the rest of the guys came out and they played "Goodbye Charles" and several traditional carols (tastefully arranged) including Silent Night. Linford invited the crowd to sing along on Silent Night and they/we did a very fine job....so fine that Linford and the band were I think kinda taken back. From my seat, I have never heard that carol sound so good. Linford joked at one point that they were "a band without a singer."

There was indeed a "work in progress" that Linford did some spoken word and subdued singing on. The song was historical in nature, having to do with a period of time in his life when he lived in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana. He joked beforehand that it had not been shared with Karen, to which the guys in the band replied "nor us!" LOL. They also peformed an old piece (re-worked) that I am not familiar with (must admit that I am not a big fan of the first three records). Loved this version whatever it was.

Then there was a fairly long segment of poem readings by Linford. He was extraordinary. He had me (and I think the bulk of the audience) riveted during many of the pieces, and I am not a big fan of poetry. There were also some very poignant moments when his readings clearly evoked thoughts of Karin, as if to give a tip of the hat to a "fallen soldier." Linford joked that we needed to smoke some weed, and that 2DJ might be able to hook us up. LOL.

After the readings, the guys joined Linford again and they performed "Jack's Valentine"----extended jam version. All I can say is that I was 5 feet from Mickey and that cat rocks! He did a drum solo that had Linford (and me) grinning from ear to ear. This guy is magic on the kit, and is real fun to watch. Jake was great as well, and did a very nice bass solo.

The band adjourned after this, but was cheered back out to do an encore. They performed "Drunkards Prayer" this time and Linford again requested a sing-along. While not a tight as Silent Night, the audience obliged with a unique and stirring rendition.

All in all, I really enjoyed the performance, and there were many genuinely stirring moments. Linford is a master on the piano and I could just listen to his compositions all night. Of course I was really looking forward to seeing the band with Karin on tour for the new Christmas record but so it goes. I will look forward to seeing them together again this spring.

Great job Linford (and guys). Hope your feeling better Karin!

Wishing I could attend next weekend's festivities. More later if I think of anything.....


Shang.

Hi Shanq,
Thanks for that review.
I'm so happy you stayed for the show.
It sounds like a very unique and wonderful performance. I wish I was there.
I agree, the new members of this tour (Jake and Mickey) are such a plus.
Linford's spoken words are an absolute favorite of mine and I wish he would do more of this on tour.
His poetry is amazing and his voice is one of the most calm and soothing male voices I have ever heard.

I hope Karin is feeling better. I know it must be so hard to cancel a performance when you are ill. K&L are so fan-friendly...it must hurt to disappoint awaiting fans.
I totally understand the need to save that perfect voice.

Txo

My wife and I are newer OTR fans and did stay for the Ramshead Annapolis show last night. We have never seen OTR before and were disappointed to not see OTR as a whole. but are more eager now to see the band with Karin. The boys were entertaining, enlightening and professional throught the whole show. Linford did a great job and was a pleasant surprise. You cannot hide talent and that showed through last night. Also, great warm atmosphere for the Holidays. Looking forward to next time.

jpekins

I just wanted to share some grape-vine news....

I was emailing back and forth with the booking agent (?) for Ram's-head the other day (long story....dont ask). Anyway, she said that they were already working to get OTR back in early 2007 and that there would be an announcement just after the holidays.

Crossing my fingers (A. that it happens B. that I can go C. that I can get a great table again).

Cheers.

Shang.