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 J U L Y 1 9 9 6 V E E R Emily Parris emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily R ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Table of Contents July 1996 - Issue #27 Reviews: Hollywood Bowl - July 2,3, and 4 Andrew Knightly.................................2 Cheryl Pater....................................2 Reviews: Reno, Nevada - June 29 JD Concert Neil Chadwick...................................3 Barbara White...................................5 Jacki Sullivan..................................6 Linda Buckley...................................6 Alana Schrenk...................................7 Poetry Corner: "One Being" by Andrew Knightly..................8 John Denver Stories Lorna Mountford.................................8 John's August 1994 Legal Battles Still Unsettled....10 John Denver Want Lists..............................11 John Denver Notes...................................11 ======================== JOHN DENVER CONCERTS ======================== On June 29th John Denver appeared at the Reno Hilton Ampitheater. In July he performed on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California. The following reviews are from members of Rocky Mountain High who attended these concerts: =========================================================== REVIEWS of the John Denver Concerts at the Hollywood Bowl =========================================================== From: Andrew Knightly To: Emily Parris Subject: Re: John's Concerts Hi Emily! In case nobody told you yet, JD was outstanding at the Hollywood Bowl!! I only went to the first show, on July 2. John brought the audience together right from the start as he reminded us that regardless of race or religious or political creed we can all stand together as a unified people, as we all are from the same source. Thus unifying us, he then raised us up as one spirit with his music until we soared together above the planet like showers of light, except that it was one shower with made of many! peace, Andy ===================================== From: Cheryl Pater To: emily@sky.net Subject: Re: John's Concerts Hi Emily: I was at the Hollywood bowl concert on July 4th. It was pretty spectacular. I've been to many JD concerts and have all his records, tapes, CDS but hearing him play with a symphony orchestra live was incredible. It even beat out his appearance with the Boston Pops cause this was LIVE. Even the old standbys sounded amazing and beautiful. His first set was all oldies and only 5 songs. His second set was new stuff from Different Directions and Flower Shattered Stone collection. Foxfire Suite which never turned me on in concert with a band was quite uplifting with a full orchestra. He was also having a good time and on this night came out alone without the orchestra and did Grandma's Feather Bed because the first 2 night's audiences kept requesting it. John Mauceri (the LA conductor) learned to say Far Out and taught the audience before JD came on stage. The weather was perfect. JD came out into the audience to watch the fireworks and a good time was had by all. Sincerely, Cheryl Pater ============================================================ Reviews of the John Denver Concert in Reno, Nevada 6-29-96 ============================================================ From: Neil Chadwick To: emily@sky.net Subject: Re: John's Reno Concert - July 29. 1996 I will admit right up front that I'm a totally biased John Denver fan. With that said I will try to be objective with this concert report. I hopped an afternoon flight out and returned early the next morning to Salt Lake City. Am I glad I blew $200? Yes. Would I do it again? Yes. Reno, Nevada, June 29, 1996. This concert took place in the outdoor amphitheater on the Reno Hilton property. John started singing just after 8:00 with the sun going down and the temperature about 80 degrees. He walked out with his regular band. I didn't recognize Michito Sanchez because he has cut his hair fairly short. Alan Deremo played bass. Chris Nole was on the synthesizer and piano and occasionally sang backup vocal. Peter Huttlinger handled guitar, banjo, mandolin. Of course Michito Sanchez seemed to play everything invented for a percussionist flawlessly. Jim Horn was notably absent. I estimated there were about 3,000 people in attendance and somehow it felt like some of them were there because the wife dragged the husband out of the casino. So I was very interested to see how the audience would respond. As usual there was a wide variety of ages with full families and extended families. Older couples and younger couples. There were quite a few in the under 16 category. For his first concert of the year (although John did mention he was in Korea a few weeks ago and 70,000 people were singing Country Roads?) John didn't waste any time testing out his vocal chords with The Eagle and the Hawk. It was quite good, however, his voice had edges that needed some polish. His voice did break six or seven time during the show. Just before he started Perhaps Love as the encore he told us all the first concert of next year would be much closer to sea level. So maybe the altitude did play a hand but I tend to suspect that all the demanding years of his travel and performing schedule may be starting to show up. John tuned his guitars frequently due to playing outdoors. Nevertheless, as his concert progressed his voice grew stronger and he sang many of his very challenging songs. Rocky Mountain High was absolutely perfect and in the cloudless night air seemed to carry far beyond the theater bounds. His vocal control and vibrato were exceptional. Calypso was near perfect with only one vocal slip near the end. The audience also warmed up as the show went on. There were pretty good responses and a couple of standing ovations. Someone shouted out "I love you, John Denver," after he sang Rocky Mountain High. He told his stories, such as, his aunt and the shetland ponies that relate to Grandma's Feather Bed. His story about meeting the mayor of Toledo, Ohio and being given a key to the city and a tour that included a stop by a bakery. He explained how songs come to him and that he writes about his experiences with life and the things he feels inside. This is why, I believe, John will always have a dedicated fan base. He is consistent and true. He is not some passing gimmick that, in short order, is gone. People can relate and also have experiences and feelings for the messages of his music. I have enjoyed some of his other concerts better but this is due mostly to setting. When you are sitting on a mountain side in Park City, Utah and he is singing in that atmosphere with hawks flying overhead and mountains all around it is not fair to compare to a concert by a big casino/hotel with jets flying overhead and asphalt beneath your feet. Fireworks after the show were a nice touch. It was a good concert. I am glad I went and I wish I could go to the next one in Las Vegas for a comparison . . . but mostly to hear John sing once again and for a moment be released from the cares and problems of the world. Best Wishes to All, Neil Song List (8:03pm) The Eagle and the Hawk / Take Me Home, Country Roads / Today Saturday Night in Toledo, Ohio / Catch Another Butterfly / For Baby (For Bobbie) / I Want to Live / Grandma's Feather Bed When I'm 64 / Dreamland Express / I'm Sorry Get Your Tongue Out of My Mouth, I'm Kissing You Goodbye Foxfire Suite (08:57pm) Intermission (09:18pm) Home On the Range / Ponies / Me & My Uncle / Eagles and Horses Cold Nights in Canada / Love is the Master / Darcy Farrow Whispering Jesse / Rocky Mountain High / Annie's Song / Calypso / Perhaps Love (10:05pm) Fireworks ========================================= From: BARBARA WHITE To: emily@sky.net A GIRL'S NIGHT OUT IN RENO! When the offer of a front row seat to a John Denver concert was made; how could one refuse? Especially when you add the benefit of seeing good friends and exploring new territory. So, it was off to Reno for a "girl's only" weekend getaway. Charlie wasn't able to get time off, plus the bank account wouldn't allow both of us to go. At my plane change in Dallas, I met up with Pam Beasley and her friend, Norma Kolias, and, even though we were 1 1/2 hours late leaving, due to mechanical troubles, Sarah Jane Amoroso and her friend Michelle were there to meet us at the Reno airport. So, it was on to the hotel to get settled and to see if we could catch sound check. After a quick lunch at the hotel, we went to investigate the ampitheatre, which was corded off as tight as Fort Knox. You could hear the sound check, but only get a glimpse through the closed fence. We made friends with a girl from security who was going to try to help Pam deliver a beautiful, embroidered shirt she had made for John. Soon enough, it was concert time and we went over early to find our seats and check out if cameras were allowed. We were told a definite no to cameras, and if seen would be removed!! We made buddies with two more security guards; who would be seated facing us through the entire concert, so there was not a chance to sneak a few photos. They said the "no cameras"came from John himself, but we also saw signs at the gates, so it was, also park policy. This was too bad, since we were front row, center, and it was a beautiful, clear night (the night of the Blue Moon). Shortly after 8:00PM, John came out with the whole band, which was great to see. They all sounded wonderful. They had changed some of the intros to some songs, but John was in good voice. John seemed more subdued the second half (not adding a lot of stories and humor to the songs). We gave him a few standing ovations throughout the night, and, all to quick, it was over. When he came back out for his encore, (Perhaps Love), he spoke briefly about the honor that had been bestowed upon him a few weeks earlier (his introduction to the Song Writer's Hall of Fame). His short speech brought everyone to their feet again with lasting applause. Then the fireworks came; a sign it was over for sure. After John left the stage, we made our way over to the backstage area; a trailer type building. Thankfully the female security guard from earlier that night helped us to get backstage. We went into the trailer, which had a few rows of tables and chairs, and sat down. After a few minutes, John came in and we all stood up and gave him a round of applause. He had Jesse Belle with him and a few of her friends. After a few minutes he made his way around the tables talking, shaking hands, and posing for photos. It was a very relaxed pace, and people were not crowding him, which was great. I also had a chance to talk to Pete Hutlinger and tell him how I had enjoyed his CD, and say hi to Chris Nole. All too soon we were heading out and back to the hotel, where we sat in the restaurant discussing the evening's activities while gaining the interrest of our waitress, who, at first, acted hassled, but soon started coming back by to hear about the concert, and ask her share of questions. By this time I had been up for 24 hours (with the time changes), but was too excited to go to sleep. Heading out for breakfast the next morning, before Sarah Jane and Michelle made the drive back to San Francisco, we spotted John leaving to enjoy a round of golf. I, later, caught up with Pam and Norma, who had been off exploring the country and we made our way downtown for some late night dinner, and to try our luck with the slot machines. The next morning, after a relaxed breakfast, it was time to head back east. What a great time, a wonderful concert, a backstage opportunity, and a chance to visit with good friends (too bad they all couldn't have been there). Hope we don't have to wait too long for another chance to do it again... Peace--Barb White ======================================= From: Jacki Sullivan Subject: Re: JD's concert in Reno I went to the concert in Reno 2 days ago & had a lot of fun. He did seem a little tired but still put on a great show. There was a little 4 yr old boy named Zachary sitting in front of us who kept yelling, "We love you John Denver" & waving the sign for "I love you" in sign language after each song. It was so cute & nice to see JD's music being passed on to the next generation. I had a great time & my Mom, who isn't necessarily a JD fan, enjoyed it a lot & will go with me again the next time he comes our way. Just thought you'd be interested in how it went. Keep up the good work. Thanks, Jacki ======================================== From: Linda Buckley To: Emily Parris Subject: Reno Concert Report I went to the John Denver concert last night in Reno. I feel very connected to him, as most of his fans do. But I noted some things: - He looks heavier than last year when I saw him in Concord, California. - He missed several high notes, which he explained away by saying that next time he'll do concerts first at lower altitudes. I hope this isn't serious! (The man sitting next to me didn't notice, so it must be a problem for those of us who know every nuance in every song.) I must say that the amphitheater at the Reno Hilton is really nice. It's all cement, with less than a hundred rows of seats flat on the ground, and the stage is high up, so he could be seen. (Bring binoculars--I didn't--what a mistake!) The chairs are plastic and hooked together with plastic connectors. There are also bleachers. The backdrop is black see-through, and you can see the mountains and airplanes taking off and landing, because the Hilton is right at the Reno Airport. The moon was full and perfectly centered above him. It was picturesque and even awesome. The show was called "An Evening With John Denver," and it seemed to lack the splash of last year, which had his wildlife theme; however, I like him this way. There were no backup singers except the fellas in the band. Notably, there were no souveniers to buy and no programs, either. I liked this too; it felt homey. Although he neglected to play "For You," he did his encore with "Perhaps Love," and I guess it was meant for me because it was only him and his guitar. As he left the stage and the audience was leaving the theater, a nice surprise of five or ten minutes of fireworks went off. It was a fitting final finale to a great performer. By the way, I am looking for more JD fans to write. And also, I have a question: Does anybody know how tall JD is? One last bit of news: JD announced that he was inducted in the Songwriter's hall of fame a couple of weeks ago. Also, he said that when he was in Korea last week, 70,000 people sang Country Roads with him, which he enjoyed a lot. I hope to hear from some of you! Linda Buckley rylin@megamed.com =========================================== From: Alana K Schrenk Subject: Reno concert I attended John's concert in Reno on June 29 with great anticipation. It was my 13th John Denver concert (the 13th time I've seen him perform live), and in my opinion, was one of the best! The concert took place outdoors at the Reno Hilton amphitheater. My husband and I had traveled from Tempe, AZ where it has been 110 deg. lately, and we really enjoyed the weather, the altitude, and especially the snow-capped mountains. It was a beautiful, warm evening, and the sun was just setting beyond the mountains when John walked on stage. He started by singing "The Eagle and the Hawk" and completed two more songs before he spoke. He seemed guarded and not as open and relaxed with the audience as I have seen him before. I particularly loved the last number of the first half of the concert, "The Foxfire Suite". It was fantastic with all of his band members (Alan Deremo, bass; Michito Sanchez, percussion; Pete Huttlinger, mandolin, guitar; and Chris Nole, piano) playing highlighted solos. The second half of the performance was more relaxed, lively and very well done. Everyone cheered at every high note that John achieved. His voice was so "far out"! What made the evening particularly enjoyable was that I sat next to a fan from Portland, OR who made the trip with her husband. We had so much fun discovering the things we had in common because John Denver sings the songs that inspire US. John ended his show with some of the words he spoke at his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the song that he sang there, "Perhaps Love". It was fantastic! ================================== P O E T R Y C O R N E R ================================== ONE BEING by Andrew Knightly Dedicated to John Denver John with you it seems so easy You have such a great power for bringing us together, Helping us see the world around us Seeing that all life Is one being! Aloft on wings of an Eagle, With the strength of a Redwood, Singing with the voice of the One Bird, Keeping us warm with your grandmothers Featherbed quilt, Open, beautiful and simple like a delicate flower, You truly are flying again And you take us with you! ========================================== JOHN DENVER STORIES ========================================== From: Lorna Mountford To: emily@sky.net Hi everyone! I've only recently discovered the RMH Website and electronic fanclub and I'm so glad that I have. I think its great that people of common interests can be brought together at the touch of a button. I have found it interesting to read about John Denver and you, his fans, and your views on him. I thought, to introduce myself to you, that I would tell you about how I became a fan and how John Denver's music has influenced my life. It was only a little over 4 years ago that I really discovered John Denver as a singer/songwriter in his own right, but I could say that in a way I was a fan long before. I'm twenty three now and remember being given a copy of Peter, Paul and Mary's version of Leaving on a Jet Plane. It was one of my favourite songs. I also was a fan of the flautist James Galway and, without realising the connection, Annies Song was my favourite of his recordings. I only came across John Denver actually singing when my best friend at university played her mother's Greatest Hits album and I was Hooked. It's so hard to put into words the effect JD's music had on me, I felt like I had found my slot, never having really liked modern pop records. I soon added some old vinyl albums to my collection, and started collecting the albums released on CD. It was the last track of my second album that had the most profound effect on me, and, with its simplicity This Old Guitar persuaded me that I too would take up the guitar again. What I have found most amazing about JDs music is not just the effect it has on my moods and state of mind, but the way that his songs can mean so much and fit my own life. There was the time I had to commute each week to work and leave my partner each Monday, getting up at 5am. Hi cried the first time I sang Goodbye Again to him, and Leaving on a Jet Plane when I left to study in Germany for a year. For the last 4 years JD's music has brought such relief from exam stress and has relaxed and cheered me when I have been low. It's like the sun coming out on a cloudy day. His music has changed me, or perhaps allowed my development into, I hope, a nicer person. His songs about nature and the environment has brought awareness to me, and his songs of love have reassured my confidence in ever finding true love. Being one of JDs younger fans here in England, it is often difficult to tell people about how amazing his music is and the power it holds. Most of my friends think I'm a crazy hippie and say I have no taste. They get really annoyed when I only have JD or country music on offer when they come to visit. I have however learned to defend my tastes and knew I would never fall in love with someone who could not accept me for who I am completely. I never had total support from boyfriends regarding my choice of music and they often laughed at me. Last February though I was working away from home and, as usual, had my guitar and the JD Anthology book with me. It was then that I met Andrew who really wanted to hear me play. I thought yeah, sure, just another chat-up technique but obliged apologising for only knowing music by JD. It was amazing though, he actually recognized the songs, and not just Country Roads/RMH/Annies Song, but loads more! I could not believe that here was someone I found attractive who actually liked my taste in music. It was fantastic, being able to share the beauty of JDs songs with someone I cared for. Andrew loves to hear me play and sing those songs. He has promised me that one day we shall come to Colorado and see JD sing. Yet again JD had written a song that is parallel to my life. My first old, beat up guitar (only cost me #10/$15) has now been passed on to my sister and I have a big loud Washburn Jumbo. It was JD's songs that taught me to play and sing, and his love songs that brought me closer to the man I love. I still cry when I hear This Old Guitar, my most loved of JD's songs. I love so much to play. What ever John Denver does in the future, his music has left a lasting impression and has brought me much happiness. ================================================== John's August 1994 Legal Battles Still Unsettled ================================================== Aspen Times July 6, 1996 STATE SUPREME COURT REJECTS DOUBLE JEOPARDY CLAIM In took the Colorado Supreme Court just two weeks to unanimously rule against singer-songwriter John Denver in his claim of "double jeopardy" exposure stemming from a drunk-driving charge. The state's highest court returned its decision Monday, saying the standard driver's license revocation hearing that occurs following a driving-under-the-influence charge is not imposed as punishment - as are the court proceedings - and therefore doesn't constitute "double jeopardy." Denver claimed his court hearing and driver's license revocation hearing violated that constitutional right, even though his license wasn't taken following the arrest. Due to a delay for treatment of injuries he sustained in the 1994 accident, Denver's blood alcohol wasn't taken within the two-hour time limit required by the license revocation board. The arresting officer with Denver at the hospital allowed him to be stitched up before ordering the blood-alcohol test. Denver crashed his Porsche into a tree near his Starwood home on Aug.24, 1994. The DUI arrest that resulted was Denver's second in one year, which substantially increases the penalties he could face. Now that his claim of "double jeopardy" has been struck down by the Colorado Supreme Court, the case will likely come back to Pitkin County Court. The only other option for Denver is to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. According to Denver's lawyer, Walter Gerash of Denver, that does remain a possibility. He said Monday he had not yet discussed the court's ruling with Denver and didn't know if his client would want to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear his case. If the case comes back to County Court, proceedings must begin within 90 days. ======================================== JOHN DENVER WANT LISTS/FOR SALE ======================================== From: Neil Darish I have a friend who appeared with John in a tv special around 1972 or 1973 in McCarthy and Kennicot Alaska. She has never seen it. Does anyone have a taped copy of this tv special? - - - - - - - - - - - From: Janet I'm trying to track down a copy of a show I saw on PBS several years ago. It was about efforts to preserve the Canadian Rockies and it showed John Denver accompanying a naturalist through the area. Throughout the show, several works by himself were featured. Unfortunately, I don't know the name of the show, where or when it first aired, or how I might get a copy. - - - - - - - - - - - ============================ JOHN DENVER NOTES ============================ The Metro Atlanta Country Music Club is a non-profit fan club located in Atlanta, Georgia. It has been in existence since 1987 and the President is Don Adkisson . Every month the participating members vote on their favorite music and it is compiled into a chart of the favorites. The chart goes into the monthly update which has profiles, music news, concert dates, a music datebook, etc. The club is really starting to grow with the inclusion of members by way of the internet. The MACMC has picked their five favorite all-time John Denver Songs: 1. Rocky Mountain High 2. Take Me Home, Country Roads 3. Back Home Again 4. Grandma's Feather Bed 5. Sunshine On My Shoulders - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John's film "A Christmas Gift" will air on the Disney Channel on July 14 at 11:00 PM (central time). It was filmed in Georgetown, Colorado and his costar is Jane Kazmarak. CD Universe =========== CD Universe features over 180,000 cd's and cassettes at the lowest prices on the 'net. They have 30 John Denver items listed including a cassingle of "For You" for $3.46 and albums on cd ranging from $8.60 to $10.22. They also have John's newest "Rocky Mountain Collection" listed for $26.15. You can check out their web page at..... http://www.cduniverse.com/?frm-m1_10 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Jochen and Birgit from Music and Communication (The JD Fan Club in GERMANY) report that Reader's Digest will release a 3-cd box with RCA material in September. There will be at least four JD tracks featured which have not been released on CD yet: Downhill Stuff (from the album "JD") It Makes Me Giggle (from "Spirit") Everyday (from "Aerie") The Wings That Fly Us Home (from "Spirit") It will be available only in a direct mailing distribution. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pete Huttlinger (a member of John's band) recently wrote and recorded the theme for ESPN's "Flyfishing America." It airs on Saturdays through September. He recently finished an album of Brazilian Jazz with the group Lori Mecham and Ritmos Picantes. He is also featured in the Master Workshop in the May/June issue of "Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine." John Denver gave the thumbs up to Pete's album "Catch & Release"... From: Pete Huttlinger ...."When I saw J.D. in Colorado Springs a few weeks ago -- I hadn't seen him since November -- the first thing he said was "Pete, your cd is my favorite acoustic guitar cd." - - - - - - - - - - - Kathy Peters reports that John will be singing at the Cerritos Center at the end of May 1997. - - - - - - - - - - - From: Donna Patton John was on the Nashville Network (TNN) - TNN News. They were talking to John about his book and the fact that his "Greatest Hits" album is the biggest selling record in the history of RCA. - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Guido Gayko Last weekend John's film "Walking Thunder" was shown on German TV. In German the film's title is "Auf der Spur des grossen Baeren." ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily July 1996 * Issue #27 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************