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 D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 0 V E E R Emily Parris emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily R ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Table of Contents December 2000 * Issue #80 John Denver Events.....................................2 John Denver Event Reviews: Doylestown, PA by Ann Schnitz........................2 Georgetown, CO by BJ Haussler........................3 John Denver CD Reviews: "Far Away" (Mark Tempany) reviewed by Emily Parris......................3 "Under Yellowstone Skies" (Montana Tunesmith) reviewed by Tom May............................4 "Possum Hollow" (Freddy James Ludovici) and "It's All About Love" (Larry Anderson) reviewed by Emily Parris.......................5 "Autograph" to be released on cd.......................5 Patty Peavey on the Wildlife Concert in NYC............5 New Cd's from John Denver Friends......................7 John Denver Notes......................................7 Poetry Corner: "I'll Think of You" by Charlotte M. Thweatt..........8 "Christmas Every Year" by Emily M. Parris............8 John Denver Want Ads...................................9 <<<<< *** >>>>> VIDEO TAPE ALERT "The Christmas Gift" will be on the Family Channel (Cable) on December 2nd and December 17th. Check your local listings for the exact time in your area. ======================================== J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================== Dec 2, 2000 TV: "THE CHRISTMAS GIFT" Family Channel 4:00pm Dec 2, 2000 Berkeley, CA * David Brower Memorial Celebration Berkeley Community Theater, 1930 Allston Way 2:00pm (Sat) Dec 4, 2000 TV: "Behind the Music - John Denver" VH1 8:00pm Dec 17, 2000 TV: "THE CHRISTMAS GIFT" Family Channel 10:00pm Dec 24, 2000 TV "Behind the Music - John Denver" VH1 8:00am Dec 28, 2000 Aspen, CO * Jim Salestrom & Friends "Music From the Mountains" Wheeler Opera House Lobby 4:00pm/Free concert Dec 28, 2000 Aspen, CO * 7:00pm Jim Salestrom & Friends Holiday Concert / Wheeler Opera House $18.00 970-920-5770 May 1, 2001 John-Denver-Benefit-Concert for "Hunger Project" Pfarrheim Liebfrauenkirche / Gelsenkirchen - Beckhausen - West Germany * 19:00 h Info: Kerstin May 18, 19 & 20, 2001 - Lebanon, PA - John Denver Retreat at Gretna Glen Camp $40/weekend - Peggy ===================================================== J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T R E V I E W S ===================================================== Doylestown, PA - 11/25/00 - An Evening of Campfire Songs reviewed by Ann Schnitz On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, my friends Charlie Zahm and Mack Bailey treated us to a feast of another kind - a feast for the ears. The occasion was the Second Annual Evening of Campfire Songs featuring the music of John Denver, which was held at the Salem United Church of Christ in Doylestown, PA. This was the third time that Charlie and Mack performed together, and they have such a natural rapport onstage with each other, you'd swear that it was rehearsed. However, for guys this talented, stagecraft comes easy. The show was divided into four parts, with Charlie leading off with a set that included traditional American folk songs and those of John Denver and Gordon Lightfoot. Highlights included "Love Is the Master" and Tex Owens' "Cattle Call". What a yodel Charlie has! And his a cappella rendition of "Whalebones and Crosses" is so powerful and majestic that it raises goosebumps. This time was no exception. Mack's first set wandered all over the musical map and even had a selection of American classics such as "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" and "Misty". After the break, songs of the season were in order. Mack performed a few of his own Christmas compositions and the classic "Oh Holy Night". Charlie's set included cowboy songs and two Kingston Trio chestnuts, ending with his own, beautiful "Lighthouse On the Shore". However, for me, the best part of the evening was to watch Charlie and Mack perform together, totally impromptu. Two of the songs even featured Charlie on the banjo and they threatened to bring down the house. Other JD songs followed: "Rocky Mountain High", "Perhaps Love", "Ponies" and Buddy Renfro and Tim Malchak's tribute song, "When The First Snows Fell In Colorado". All in all, it appears that a holiday tradition is well underway, with definite plans for next year. Be advised, however, that we still have no campfire in the church -- it just feels that way. * * * * Georgetown, CO - Letter Day 2000 & Annual Tree Lighting Festivities / Caroling / John Adams Concert (11/25/00) reviewed by "Haussler, BJ" I think the events in Georgetown went just fine considering that I didn't learn 'til just before going to Aspen that I was to 'officially' coordinate the events. ; ) For Sunday school events, It was too late to get the Georgetown children to sing but the usual concert at the school was terrific. John Adams did several songs after we all sang some carols. Then John Sommers, Twirp Anderson, and Cash Cashman did some songs and then all the guys together. When Twirp did the Cotton-Eyed Joe song some of us got up and did...well, the Cotton-Eyed Joe dance : ) Some gals brought cookies, brownies, and such to share for refreshments. We even had candy canes. : ) Those of us JD folks who arrived in Georgetown on Friday supported Mark Raley singing at the Raven Hill Mining Co. restaurant. John Adams' concert was a success on Saturday and the guys - John S., Twirp, and Cash gave a wonderful performance. Folks were dancing the whole while and Harold and Cathy led a "train" around the entire restaurant on the "Orange Blossom Special." The Tree lighting was short as it was cold. I am already in preparation with some folks there for next year. Plans are in the works to get the 'owner' of the movie "The Christmas Gift" to re-release it and to get a permanent plaque to put by the John Denver trees which will read about John's connection to the town. =========================== REVIEWS of John Denver CD'S =========================== Mark Tempany's cd - "FAR AWAY" reviewed by Emily Parris I would highly recommend this album. Mark was definitely inspired in this album that has songs with themes similar to John's. The songs have depth, meaning and beauty and it takes you places; places far away; like a John Denver album that has insights into John's soul. This album also takes you on a journey with Mark's beautiful voice and his heartfelt lyrics. "Mountain Melody" is one of my favorite songs on this album. It reminds me of the sweet love song John wrote, "A Song For All Lovers." "Sydney My Heart" is a stirring tribute to the city of Sydney, as rousing as John's "Calypso" and "One World" is a wonderful song of unity. "Riverina Days" is about the Riverina area of southeastern Australia and it's a sweet song about the joy of coming back home again to a place you love. "Amanda" is a love song, and "Airplanes" is about living life at a slower pace. I think the cover art could have been done better since the information is sometimes hard to read, but that is a small thing compared to the beauty of the album. Another interesting thing about the album is that if you look at the lyrics and listen closely you'll find the words "far away" echoed in many of the songs - and not just the title cut. The album has won an award and I can see why. There is much to recommend this album, but the icing on the cake is the fact that it contains "The Final Goodbye" - a beautiful tribute to John Denver. Mark wrote that song on Monday, the 14th of October after John left us. The song is an anthem; a call for us to never forget what John started... "So we call far away and we call from the heart, May the magic remain as it was at the start For the journey can't end and the flame mustn't die We cannot allow the final goodbye" It is a beautiful tribute to John in a sweet and sincere album of songs. < < < < < * * * > > > > > R E V I E W of "Under Yellowstone Skies" - Montana Tunesmith by Tom May of National Public Radio Montana Tunesmith is Tim and Mike Nordstrom, whose songs come like a fresh autumn breeze across the bitteroots. Utilizing tight, brotherly harmonies and lovely melodies, their songs about family, home and geography cause me to reflect again on the true meaning of "folk music" - music written for its own sake, from the heart. Still, there is no lack of expertise and care taken with the songs. From the lighthearted "Small Montana Bar" to the tragedy retold in "Smith Mine", Tim and Mike summon up crystal clear images of Montana as it is and was. Their lyrical treatment of the romantic west is accurate and sometimes heartbreaking, but always listenable and entertaining. These two Red Lodge residents are something special in the world of acoustic music. Capturing the west and its people on a canvas of song, Montana Tunesmith quietly achieves the same effect as a Karl Bodmer portrait of the same land-satisfaction, enjoyment and serenity. Keep writing and singing guys..we need you to remind us of what is real, and what really matters. <<<<< o o o o o o o o >>>>> Freddy James Ludovici's album - "Possum Hollow" reviewed by Emily M. Parris Freddy James Ludovici is from West Virginia and he has produced an easy going country album with a song dedicated to John Denver. His JD song is called "He's Soaring With the Eagles Now" and it starts out with John's voice. It is the quote where John says he wants to come back as an eagle. The song lovingly describes John's affinity for nature and encourages him to "fly, fly away." It is a nice tribute. There's a John Denver reference on another song too. "Beautiful Boy" is apparently about Freddy's son and in it he mentions that "Country Roads" is his son's favorite song. It's a nice tune, lovingly written about his son's importance in his life. Other songs on the album are biographical in nature and "I Was Born A Mountaineer" tells about the area where he was born. I also like the song "My Old Friend." ========================================= Larry Anderson's album, "It's All About Love" reviewed by Emily Parris The title cut "It's All About Love" was a good choice because the lyrics are good..."it's all about love...it's all about truth...it's all about me loving you." It has a very catchy tune as well. The song dedicated to John Denver is called "Song of Memories." In the lyrics he cleverly works in the titles or lyrics of 11 John Denver songs while he recounts the memories we share of John and his songs. The song "Georgia Way" celebrates the state of Georgia and in "This Old Town" he celebrates the town where he was born..."the backbone of America". The song "A Child Is Born" has a very upbeat tempo. Celeste Krenz sings a duet with Larry on "Simple Pleasures of Life". There are many love songs on this mellow album with a country sound. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "Autograph" to be Released on cd: From: Liebeskind, Jennifer, BMG - RCA I wanted to notify you of RCA's upcoming John Denver release on 1/23/01. Originally released in 1980, John Denver's "Autograph" will be released for the first time on cd. Featured musicians on this album include legendary guitarist James Burton, Hal Blaine on drums and Glen D. Hardin on piano. The digitally remastered album includes new liner notes and original artwork. All eleven tracks from the original album are here, including two bonus tracks, "Dance Little Jean" and "On The Wings of an Eagle," which were recorded during the same session. CD 07863 69362-2 SRP $17.98 ===================================================== PATTY PEAVEY ON THE WILDLIFE CONCERT IN NEW YORK CITY ===================================================== I knew Patty Peavey when I first got on the internet on PRODIGY back in about 1993. We had a small JD fan club there called "The John Denver Prodigy Fan Club" for awhile. Here is what Patty wrote on Prodigy about the Wildlife Concert in New York City: (Emily) From: Patty Peavey March 3, 1995 Hi everyone, We're back from the great NY adventure!! Had a wonderful time and wished we had another day to sightsee & explore a little more. The taping was fantastic!! I think it's about as close as we will ever get to having JD in our living rooms! He was very intimate with the audience, especially the first evening. Friday night there were more VIP's there, so things weren't quite as relaxed. During the breaks when they had to change tapes or work on the sound, people would ask questions from their seats and John would answer them and talk to us. He seemed to be in a very good mood and he looked great. He's trim and thin and clean-shaven. The outcome of this taping will be a 2 hour show on A&E, scheduled for June 18 for the first showing. It will probably be on several times. There will be a 2 set CD released around the 1st of June or shortly after. There will be merchandise available (t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc., I assume) from the event. It will be sold on the TV shopping channel, QVC, and probably also in a Sony Signature catalog like some of us have received in the past. It all sounds very exciting and the Sony representative talked about getting John "out there" more than he has been. The TV program will be titled "John Denver, The Wildlife Concert". Oh, they also said there would be a video for sale sometime, too. One of the questions asked John was "what happened to Walking Thunder?" His reply was, "I don't know, what did happen to Walking Thunder?" Someone said they heard it was shown on TV in England!! We about froze standing in line to get in both nights for 2-3 hours--Thursday it was raining and Friday it was very windy & cold--but it was worth it and if I had to sum it up, I'd say it was a once in a lifetime chance to see something like that. I met a lot of friends, both old & new, and I think all had a great time overall. One of the good laughs we had was when John was trying to get a guitar in tune and the sound booth asked over the loudspeaker, "John, would you check your G-string please?". The audience immediately broke out in yells and laughter. After things quieted down they said, "On your guitar". which John replied "I'll get you back for that."! Just a sample of the kind of thing that went on... Love, Patty ___________________________________________________________ PRODIGY(R) interactive personal service 03/03/95 10:27 AM * * * NEW CD's from John Denver Friends: ======================== Jim Horn: A BEATLES TRIBUTE * Including "Yesterday", "Let It Be", "Eleanor Rigby", and "We Can Work It Out". http://www.jimhorn.com or 1-877-Get-MyCD Pete Huttlinger: NAKED POP * A collection of Pete's favorites; Jeff Cox and Tom Roady are featured. 1-888-772-5512 Mollie Weaver: MOLLIE * The album features Chris Nole, Pete Huttlinger and Jim Horn http://www.mollieweaver.com Mack Bailey: JUST ANOTHER THURSDAY NIGHT * Recorded Live in Annapolis, Maryland (8/30/90) http://www.mackbailey.com Chris Nole: A CHRIS NOLE CHRISTMAS * Traditional Christmas songs plus "Lansing Drive Sleigh Ride" by Chris http://www.roadhouserecords.com 1-800-475-7115 Joe Henry: LIME CREEK-SONGS BY JOE HENRY & GARY BURR Songs from the play "Lime Creek" tell the story of life in the Wyoming high-country. http://www.aspenteddybear.com ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= 11/24/00 The entire town of Aspen, (CO) was treated to a spectacular 15 minute fireworks display over Aspen Mountain for the opening day of the Women's Alpine World Cup. Along with the National Anthem and other selections John's "Rocky Mountain High" was played over a sound system that could be heard from every location in downtown Aspen. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Donna Hey, if you'd like to check out my pictures from 1998 and 1999 Aspen trips, check out: http://photos.yahoo.com/donnapinto I also have 3 albums of CO photos: http://photos.yahoo.com/donnapinto2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - There will be a Memorial Service for David Brower in Berkeley, CA on December 2nd at 2:00pm. (See events). If you would like to send wishes to Dave's wife, Anne Brower, mail them to: The Brower Family / 40 Stevenson Avenue / Berkeley, CA 94708 or http://www.earthisland.org/brower There will be a Live Webcast of the Memorial Service. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Jennifer Moore Had to share that JD singing "Rocky Mountain High" with some nice footage of Mile High Stadium and the mountains is what opened up the first few seconds of Monday Night Football this week (11/13/2000). They opened the coverage with "RMH" and then about 3-4 commercial breaks into the game they came back from commercial with about 8 seconds of footage of people skiing in the fresh powder snow and played 2 lines of "Starwood in Aspen"!! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Leslie I have been visiting ecology fund.com and with several mouse clicks saved nearly 2700 feet of rain forest. I created a group on the site called John Denver Remembrance. http://www.ecologyfund.com ============================== P O E T R Y C O R N E R ============================== To John: I'll Think of You by Charlotte M. Thweatt When a plane wings over or an eagle flies I'll think of you. When stars shine bright in constellation skies, I'll think of you. In evergreen forest with crisp mountain air, I'll think of you. In a suffering world and choosing to care, I'll think of you. Peace on your eternal journey, my friend. I'll think of you. * * * Christmas Every Year by Emily M. Parris Christmases are different each year Yet in many ways the same There's a sense of joy and wonder When we're gathered in His name There is joy in all the giving As each of us takes part Christmas is and always was The season of the heart For on the day that Christ was born The Magi came to share They followed a single star To the Baby who was there They came to gaze in wonder At His radiant, sweet face Amazed that His beginning Was in such a humble place So every year we reunite To catch the spirit once more Remembering what it is to love And how it feels to adore _____________________________________ Copyright 12/24/95 by Emily M. Parris =================================================== JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E =================================================== Christine Moon Due to popular demand, "Friends of JD" Aspen 2000 t-shirts are available for a short time. http://www.fojd.org.uk - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - There are various mailinglists and newsletters that John Denver fans can subscribe to. IATJohnDenver-subscribe@egroups.com (Monthly newsletter) john-denver-subscribe@egroups.com (Mailinglist) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Peggy I am an avid collector of JD recordings and I have some duplicates: RM Holiday, Higher Ground (German), Live in London, Violets of Dawn, Spirit, and more. Email me for a complete list. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dave Georgevich I'm looking for a copy of the CBS movie "Take me Home: The John Denver Story". - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lynn Buhlig I would like to get an audio copy of the Joe Frasier/Jim Curry concert and dialogue from Pacific Grove recently. Does anyone have this? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Mary To order one of the Hearts in Harmony 2001 John Denver calendars contact Dottie Honer at . They are beautiful and they have plenty! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Murie Center / PO Box 399 / Moose, WY 83012 has photos of John with Mardy Murie (307)739-2246 http://www.muriecenter.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Richard den Boon I just found out that the cd "Weihnachten in Rom" contains songs of John Denver. It was recorded live on December 1995 in the Vatican (Rome). John sings "The Little Drummer Boy" solo and he can be heard on "Happy Christmas" and "Silent Night." (http://www.amazon.com) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - is selling a video tape called "Winds of Everest" - a 1 hour documentary about an expedition to Mount Everest. John is the narrator of this show from the 80s. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Jeannie Here's a link to a new book about John who changed me, his fans and the world forever. http://hometown.aol.com/jeanniestmarie/JohnDenverandMe.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AspenTeddyBearCo@aol.com - Four teddy bears were autographed by John Denver's band members, family members, and producers. Details of the auction: http://members.nbci.com/ctfbears - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - David Cutter There are new John Denver concert posters at http://www.concertposters.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Bill Harris I'd like to get JD fans from the Memphis, TN /Mid South area together so that we can share conversations, music, memories and pay tribute to him here. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ray You can purchase all John's hits at http://www.musicselection.com Our specialty is imports. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Mary I have some JD Bears left from the auction in Aspen. They are 12" brown tour bears with black bow-ties with blue & white t-shirts. They are $20 US postpaid. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Jerry Snively I'd love to get a copy of the John Denver Memorial on Video from October 18, 1997. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Greg Gower I'm looking for the Guitar book from the Rocky Mtn High album. Does anyone have one to sell? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Contact information for the cd's reviewed in this newsletter: Freddy James Ludovici http://www.jd-eagles-tribute.com 1-330-385-9100 Larry Anderson http://www.larryandersonmusic.com Mark Tempany - Stormfront Productions / PO Box 3231 Sunnybank South QLD 4109 Australia http://www.ozemail.com.au/~stormfro Montana Tunesmith - http://www.montanatunesmith.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WWW PAGES: Georgetown, CO Christmas http://JDWolfPup.tripod.com/BJGeorgetown.html John's Autograph http://members.aol.com/DM95MAZZ/Autograph.html The Murie Center - Moose, Wyoming http://www.muriecenter.org Earth Island Institute http://www.earthisland.org Media Play - has many JD items http://www.mediaplay.com BJ Haussler - Aspen 2000 with UK friends.. http://JDWolfPup.tripod.com/BJMCparty.html http://JDWolfPup.tripod.com/BJjammin.html Pacific Grove Web Page - Linda Ettel http://www.angelfire.com/oh3/ettel/pacific.html ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily December 2000 * Issue #80 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************