J~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~J O R O C K Y M O U N T A I N H I G H O H =============================================== H N The John Denver Internet Fan Club N D D E M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R E N N V A U G U S T 1 9 9 7 V E E R Emily Parris emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily R ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Table of Contents August 1997 * Issue #40 NEW John Denver CD's..................................1 "Country Roads Collection" - track listing..........2 JD Albums available from Music Boulevard............2 CONCERT REVIEWS: Livermore, CA - 6/24/97 - Teresa Ayres..............3 Beverly, MA - 7/24/97 - Bill Conway.................4 Beverly, MA - 7/24/97 - Julie.......................5 Vienna, VA (Wolftrap) - 7/30/97 - Karen Morgan......5 Saratoga, NY - 8/5/97 - Gail........................6 STORIES: Cath Meadows - "Synchronicity"......................7 POETRY CORNER: "He's An Unsung Hero" by Louise Aldrich.............8 "Keep On Pluggin' Away" by Emily M. Parris..........8 JOHN DENVER NOTES (with JD Concert Schedule)..........9 JOHN DENVER WANT ADS.................................10 ==================== NEW JOHN DENVER CD'S ==================== "All Aboard" - John's new album of Train songs and a 4-cd set called the "Country Roads Collection" are both due to be released on August 26, 1997. The 5-cd Lasarlight CD's are also in stores either as a set or individually for about $6.00 each and the "Best of John Denver Live" (an ENHANCED CD) was released on 7/29/97. This means it can be played on a cd-rom to give you video and audio entertainment, yet it still plays on a regular cd player. So it is a bonus cd for computer users! ============================================ "Country Roads Collection" - track listing ============================================ DISC 1-Leaving On A Jet Plane, Circus, Rhymes and Reasons, Catch Another Butterfly, Daydream, Follow Me, Aspenglow, Molly, Sticky Summer Weather, Isabel, Sunshine On My Shoulders, My Sweet Lady, Take Me Home Country Roads, I Guess He'd Rather Be In Colorado, Poems Prayers and Promises, Starwood In Aspen, City of New Orleans, All Of My Memories, Casey's Last Ride, The Eagle and The Hawk, Friends With You DISC 2-Rocky Mountain High, Goodbye Again, For Baby (For Bobbie), We Don't Live Here No More, I'd Rather Be A Cowboy, Farewell Andromeda, Rocky Mountain Suite, Annie's Song Back Home Again, Grandma's Feather Bed, Sweet Surrender, Eclipse, Thank God I'm A Country Boy, This Old Guitar, Spirit, Song Of Wyoming, I'm Sorry, Windsong, Looking For Space, Fly Away DISC 3-Calypso, Come And Let Me Look In Your Eyes, Like A Sad Song, Polka Dots and Moonbeams, In The Grand Way, How Can I Leave You Again, Ripplin' Waters, It Amazes Me, Singing Skies and Dancing Waters, Dearest Esmerelda, Thirsty Boots, I Want To Live, Southwind, Garden Song, What's On Your Mind, You're So Beautiful, In My Heart, The Mountain Song, Song For The Life, Autograph DISC 4-Some Days Are Diamonds, Country Love, Dreams, Heart to Heart, Shanghai Breezes, Seasons of the Heart, Perhaps love, Falling Out of Love, Wild Montana Skies, Dreamland Express, If Ever, I'm In The Mood To Be Desired, Don't Close Your Eyes Tonight, Love Is the Master, I Can't Escape, Love Again, Flying For Me ======================================================= John Denver CD's available from.........Music Boulevard http://www.musicblvd.com ======================================================= "All Aboard" (Catalog #63412) Available on 8/26/97 "Country Roads Collection" (Catalog #67437) " " "Best Of John Denver Live" (Sony) ENHANCED CD "Windsong" (BMG/RCA Special Products) (Released on 7/29/97) "Annie's Song", "Rocky Mtn High", "Calypso", "Sunshine On My Shoulder" and "Take Me Home, Country Roads" $5.49 (Laserlight, Released 06/23/97) (Note: These are all cd's that can also be bought together in the "John Denver Collection" - a 5 cd set. The cd of "Rocky Mountain High" is NOT the original RCA album released by John in 1972 - but a new collection. Laserlight reused the same title for this album which makes matters confusing for JD statisticians- E.P.) "Dreamland Express" CD: List $ 9.97 [Sale] $ 8.33 "I Want To Live" CD: List $ 9.97 [Sale] $ 8.33 "It's About Time" CD: List $ 9.97 [Sale] $ 8.33 "One World" CD: List $ 9.97 [Sale] $ 8.33 "Poems, Prayers, & Promises CD: List #9.97 [Sale] $ 8.33 "Reflections: Songs Of Love..." (BMG/RCA) CD $13.99 "The Rocky Mountain Collection" (BMG/RCA) CD $27.99 "Rocky Mountain High" (1972 RCA) CD [Sale] $8.33 "Seasons of the Heart" (RCA) CD [Sale] $8.33 "Some Days Are Diamonds (RCA) CD [Sale] $8.33 ====================================== C O N C E R T R E V I E W S ====================================== From: Teresa Ayres Subject: John Denver Concert, Livermore, CA 6-24-97 My husband and I saw John Denver in concert 5 years ago. Unfortunately the other two times that John Denver was in our area, we were on vacation. In February when I found out that John Denver was going to be in my backyard (almost) I made sure that we weren't going to be on vacation. Livermore is a bedroom community that has a population of about 65,000 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Livermore is known for it's wineries, Lawrence Livermore Laboratories, and earthquakes. The concert was held at the Wente Winery among the grapevines and rolling hills. It was an intimate group of only 1,600 and it was held outside on the lawn. There were only 15 rows of chairs and then there were tables behind the rows for those who paid for the buffet dinner. I was in row 12 and there wasn't a bad seat to be had. It was a beautiful warm evening with a little breeze. The performance was at 8:30 P.M just after the sun had set, but it was still light when John Denver came onstage. He looked great. There was a small band of four. When it grew darker, the big dipper was just above John Denver. He sang 5 songs followed by his first story. John Denver is the best story teller and he is funnier than any comedian. There were many songs on which he would tell us to sing along and we did. He sang for almost 2 hours without a break. He just kept them coming. It was great! He left the stage after Calypso and when he came back to do the encore he asked how we all held our bladders for so long. The concert was on Tuesday. On Wednesday we packed for vacation and Thursday we left. We spent the first week of our three week vacation in the Colorado Rockies and of course we listened to John Denver on our CDplayer. Terry Ayres - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Bill Conway Re: John Denver in Concert North Shore Music Theatre - Beverly, MA July 24, 1997 North Shore Music Theatre is a delightful concert hall located in Beverly, MA approximately 40 minutes northeast of Boston. Beverly is situated just west of the ocean and when the breeze is right one can smell the sea from the Music Theatre, which lies hidden from Highway 128 by tall maple, oak, and elm trees. It is a "theatre in the round" and seats about 1500 persons, most of whom this evening seemed to be from the "over 40" age group, folks who could easily remember the early days of John's career and had followed him through the years. During this series of concert appearances, John has been doing a solo tour, which was both a surprise and a treat for my wife and I. This was her first John Denver concert, though having married a Colorado native she discovered early in our courtship that John played a significant role in her future husband's life and outlook! Regarding the "material aspects" of the concert -- John's guitars included three Taylors (six string of Hawaiian Koa, 12 string with Spruce top, 12 string Leo Kotke model) and an electric Gibson classical model. John wore black pants, boots, and a sky blue silk shirt specked with a gold pattern. The concert lasted approximately 2 and a half hours with a 15 minute break between sets. The concert began about 15 minutes late due to the efforts of the house to finish seating the sell out crowd; John walked quietly on stage with no introduction, picked up his 6 string, and began the intro to "Boy from the Country." Five songs later he greeted the crowd, thanked us for coming, and explained he was doing a solo tour and hoped we enjoyed what he had planned for us. As one can imagine, John punctuated the evening with humourous stories about the origin of Aunt Lou, his father's love of country songs, his "aside" to the crowd in London that he considered dedicating "Get Your Tongue Outta My Mouth" to the Royals (he just couldn't decide which one!), and casual banter with the crowd. The size of the theatre served to create a very intimate setting, and my mind was taken back to his statement on the infamous "bootleg" album that smaller settings were more to his liking. Comments from the crowd to the stage were easily heard and his responses were humourous, appreciative, and in-kind. John received, of course, standing ovations and rounding cheers from the crowd, who frequently accompanied the choruses, for some, no doubt "fulfilling the dream" of singing with John Denver. One might be tempted to wonder how a solo concert might differ from the ones involving a band or orchestra. There is no question that the sound is different, and in a setting such as this, it was perfect. For one thing, there are no distractions -- there is just John and his music. For another, one has a chance to discover, without the embellishment of other players, just what John can do with a guitar on his own. There is a "sweetness" to the sound that frankly, brought tears to my eyes, and kept them there during the better part of the first set. Toward the end of the second set, John commented that he had had a "wearisomeday," having just flown in from California. His voice, although generally strong and clear, even on demanding songs such as "Wild Montana Skies," did seem to show some evidence that he'd been on tour and was suffering from jet lag. I was personally very pleased that John sang "Wings That Fly Us Home" and "Catch Another Butterfly," as these had been absent from the play lists of concerts I had attended years ago, but I was somewhat surprised that "Calypso" was not one of his choices this evening. Whatever his motive, my intuition suggested that he did not wish dedicating the song to Jacques Cousteau to be an "expected" portion of his concerts, and I liked that; it spoke to me of integrity. On a personal note, I had had the pleasure of meeting John following a concert in Dallas several years ago, and having been fairly recently married (extraordinarily happily so!) I was eager for my wife to meet him also. We had attempted to obtain back stage passes, and alas! much to my disappointment, that was not possible. Not to be entirely deterred, however, we conspired to try to find a way to catch him before he left and found ourselves among a small crowd of well-wishers waiting in the late night chill (and I do mean chilly, as New England summer nights can be!) by the stage door. After about 30 minutes of watching Hal Thau and the crew pack up, a very weary and bleary eyed John Denver appeared and made his way through the crowd, smiling, shaking hands...and especially, squeezing the hand of a perfectly delightful woman whom I introduced as my bride. Dreams do come true, don't they? All the best to all...Bill Conway - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Julie Subject: John in Beverly, MA 7/24/97 I just went to see John Denver at his concert in Beverly, MA........There are no words worth describing how it was for me and how I feel. It was a very personal experience for me. I have wanted to see or meet John Denver for about 20 years or so. Well, last night, I could say that though I wasn't formally introduced, I did get to speak to him, and see him in person. All the things I ever wanted to say to him at this moment were completely gone out of my mind, I was so overwhelmed by him. All I could say, though it wasn't what I planned, was, "God Bless you, God Bless you!" He looked wonderful, yet very, very over-exhausted. My heart cried for him. He gives so very much of himself to all and asks for nothing in return but for us to love each other, and care about each other in the world. Lets all try. For him. Thank you, John Denver, and God Bless You! Love, Julie - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Karen Morgan Vienna, VA - WOLFTRAP, 7/30 - First time I've seen JD in ten years, and was still thrilled with the richness and sincerity of his voice. He did mostly all old stuff he has been famous for for years, and encored with "This Old Guitar". Just him on the stage for 2 hours, and that was perfect. Someday, I hope to hear him do a rendition of "What One Man Can Do", which I've never heard him do in concert; should be his theme song. May have to go 9/20 to the Baltimore Arena to see him again. It's wonderful to see such varied age groups that support him. It is truly a music ministry. Maybe I'll have the chance to shake his hand someday and say "thank you". Who knows? KAREN -------------------------------------------------------------- From: Gail Subject: John Denver memories - Saratoga, NY 8/5/97 Hi Emily, I'm still in that mellow mood brought on by a spending an evening enveloped in the warmth of a John Denver concert. Last night (Aug. 5th) my old college roommate and I attended the show at Saratoga (NY) Performing Arts Center. I haven't been to one John's concerts in years, but as soon as he started singing it was as if I was transported back in time to college when I first became acquainted with his music. In the spring of 1969, John visited our college - State University of New York at Oneonta. He performed at the college "Coffee House" for a week doing two shows a night (we attended most of them!) He stayed on campus at the Student Union Building, ate in the dining halls and hung out. My roommates and I loved him - his music was wonderful and he was so much fun to listen to telling stories of life on the road and recounting tales of his honeymoon with Annie. (They ended up in the emergency room because he cracked one of her ribs by hugging her too tight!) I was the envy of my friends because I had a very close encounter with John. The stairs from the guest rooms at the Union Building ended with a door that opened out into the main corridor of first floor. I was walking down the hall to my job as a part time switchboard operator when the door swung open slamming me in the head. Any pain was immediately forgotten when I saw that John Denver was the one holding the door. He was so upset - apologizing profusely, asking if I was okay, wanting to help me to a seat, etc. He told me he was on his way to the phone booth to call Annie. After I assured him I was all right, we went our separate ways but I'll always remember our meeting! Another interesting event occurring during that visit was John receiving word that he had just gotten a recording contract with RCA. He was so excited when he told us about it at one of the shows. We had our names on the waiting list at the local record store with many other SUCO students to get a copy of his first album, "Rhymes and Reasons" the minute it came out. He visited SUCO two other times while I was there - the following year he did a large concert and two years later another concert with Mary Travers. I've seen him many times since with small backup bands to a large orchestra but I was glad to see him alone with his guitars last night just like he was the first time we heard him. He seemed a little tired, but sounded great - his voice as pure and clear as ever. I was disappointed he didn't include a few of my favorites - Calypso, Perhaps Love and Shanghai Breezes but I guess he can't include everything. He seemed to perk up as the night went on. The crowd was kind of small but very appreciative and we knew all the words! Hope he'll visit our area a little more often. Gail ============================================== J O H N D E N V E R S T O R I E S ============================================== From: Cath Meadows Dear Friends, I want to tell a story that about Synchronicity and how things 'magically' fall into place. In 1991, I saw John Denver in concert for the first time in my life, I was moved, did some research and joined the Windstar Foundation. Aside from Calypso, I had not heard his music since marrying in 1974, when we walked up the isle to 'Sunshine.' I love those words- "if there was a day that I could give you." After the ceremony, we left the church to the melody of the "Entertainer." It was the theme song from the movie "The Sting," and a whimsical comment on marriage as the biggest 'con' on earth. In tune with that era, we dressed "Gadsby-style." In 1990, I attended a month long experiential Personal/Professional Development Seminar, that concentrated on 'gathering' the 'Best' from Eastern and Western thought and utilizing it to 'stand forth' with integrity and grace. It was then I realized that in Music, Art and Nature, I sensed 'god and magic.' In realizing that 'all parts are the whole,' I came to under-stand that these three gifts were inherent in M.A.N. There was a 60th birthday Celebration for one of the facilitators, and we were informed that the 60th in Eastern thought is symbolically represented with an 'Ear.' The individual is said to have experienced life, long enough to have learned how to truly 'Listen,' and thus gain 'Wisdom.' Suddenly, a group entered the dining room and sang a song that clearly stopped me in my tracks and stirred my soul. They sang in harmony and I was 'still' and filled with warmth as the words were echoed -over and over.I did a 'freeze frame' in my mind, to capture this precious moment. For the next four years, I went from store to store and sang some of the lyrics to the clerks. I did not know the name of the piece, nor the artist, I just knew it was with me 'forever'. I never gave up, but I did not succeed. In 1995, I purchased a CD and proceeded to 'take a listen' as I went about doing some work. Suddenly and Magically, I was amazed and once again stilled as this precious song came forth. I simply wept, and I was grateful. I should not have been surprised. The song was "All This Joy," the singer and songwriter who gave this gift, John Denver. The CD, 'Higher Ground.' At 'Choices' Symposia in Aspen-95, Mr. Denver sang this song and once again, the tears began to well-up. It felt like 'Home,' as it all fell into place. Wonders never cease! Dear Friends,"If I had a song that I could sing for you, I'd sing a song to make you feel this way."At this same seminar, I was informed that if we wanted to have a sense of the presence of God, to listen to Mr. Denver's album 'Windsong.' To me, Mr.Denver is simply a man, but one who is willing to share his wit and wisdom in a graceful and professional manner. He is a true communicator and educator. Thank You to John Denver, Your shared wisdom on life, environment and humanity, will be appreciated for generations to come. Cath Meadows ====================================== P O E T R Y C O R N E R ====================================== "HE'S AN UNSUNG HERO" by Louise Aldrich He's devoted his whole lifetime Doing what all of us only ponder He's fed the needy, and planted some trees And fought for cleaner water He stood tall to major industries To control what's put in our air More, yes, more needs to be done There's not much left to spare All children are his family The stars and animals, too Did I mention the earth, for all it's worth Gee! I've only mentioned a few He loves outer space, and the human race The oceans, eagles, and forests Let us raise our hands to the beat of his band And join John in a "Peace be" chorus!! Let's help him stand against the drug world That destroys the American home Let's help him plant those trees and follow him Let him teach us right from wrong There's so much that we can help him do If we search our hearts today Let us put away our wasteful ways Before there's nothing left to save He's an unsung hero THere's only so much he can do He doesn't need a medal To save this world for you All he needs are your loving hands To help where help is due All he needs is your caring heart To help him follow through This is dedicated to him for all the unselfish help he has given this world through the Windstar Foundation and his music. I applaud him!! Copyright 1996 by Louise Aldrich KEEP ON PLUGGIN' AWAY by Emily M. Parris Don't ever let a thing deter you Keep on pluggin' away Proceed upon the course ahead No matter what people say Don't let upsets discourage you Success is on the way If you will only charge ahead And keep on pluggin' away Copyright by Emily M. Parris ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= From: "Rory K. Young" Our newest son, Brandon Raymond Young, was born Saturday, July 5th, 1997, at 12:55am. He weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces, and was nineteen inches in length. Connie and I are very happy! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (On alt.fan.john-denver)...... From: "K. Joanne McGlown" I just picked up the (rather controversial) book "Conversations with God: an uncommon dialogue - Book 1" by Neale Donald Walsch. Did anyone else notice the Acknowledgement to JD in the front? ... "And so I want to thank... John Denver, whose songs touch my soul and fill it with new hope about how life could be; ..." So True! I have no idea how I'll feel about the book, but at least I started reading it with a smile! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John Denver's CONCERT SCHEDULE: Sept. 20, 1997 Baltimore, MD (Benefit) (410) 771-9000 Sept 26-28, 1997 Jones Hall - Houston, TX May 15-16, 1998 Minneapolis, MN (612) 371-5642 The JD tour of Australia has been canceled due to scheduling conflicts. Becky Hinson, the P.R. Director at the Ritz Carlton in Aspen, CO reports that the February 4th concert there is a private concert. =================================================== JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E =================================================== John Denver's VIDEOKE is available on Lasardisc for $15.00 plus shipping. There are also Rocky Mountain High BADGES and ID CARDS. For more information write to - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Cynthia Westover-Lalli I'm wanting to post a request for a copy/recording of "Heavy Denver" which I've heard is a metal band in Australia singing John's tunes (sounds like a stitch). Also, I'm wondering if anyone has any info on how to obtain tickets for JD show in Aspen (February 4). I've never been to Colorado and am thinking of making a pilgrimage there that would include seeing the concert. Thanks, Cynthia - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Dan Slusser I have been trying to replace copies of several of JD's tv specials. I had taped most of them. I lent them to someone to make copies and they were lost. The early specials Bighorn, Eagle and the Hawk. John's 1st tv special, An Evening with JD, etc. are the ones I am most interested in trying to replace. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Terry Hubert - Holmen, WI When "An Evening with John Denver" aired in 1975, I had to miss the special. I was a junior in high school then, and we had a basketball game that night. It is the only John Denver special I have never seen. Is it possible to obtain a copy? Please email me if you can help. ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily August 1997 * Issue #40 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************