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 The Widgets are proud
to announce the release of their debut CD, Widgetry 101, on November 10th, 2007
FAQs Why the name Widgetry 101? Alan and Keith first met in their freshman year at Adirondack Community College in upstate New York. The memories of those crazy college days inspired The Widgets to produce a CD that is an "introduction course" to Widgetry, expressing the varied styles of music they play for their live audiences. What styles of music are included Widgetry 101? Widgetry 101 presents 11 tracks of original music including contemporary acoustic rock, ragtime, mood setting instrumentals and the humorous songs their live audiences love to hear. The Widgets also include two tracks of traditional tunes, "Amazing Grace" and "Swallowtail Jig", as they feel traditional music brings a sense of sincerity to the CD. Don't be surprised, The Widgets' presentation of "Amazing Grace" is less than conventional. The Widgets strive to remain "out of the box" with their music. The Widgets believe that music should be fun, and include humor in every performance. After hearing The Widgets' original humorous Carribean piece, "Same Ol' Ship (just a different bay)" combining Alan's steel drum with Keith's primitive sounding circa 1897 Washburn bowlback mandolin, you'll be calling William Shatner for airline tickets to the islands, Mon. Are The Widgets ever serious on this CD? Absolutely! The Widgets have a serious side too. "Leaf on a Stream" is a poignant instrumental piece that creates a mood of tranquility. Stories have been passed from sailor to sailor about lost navigators who have been guided to safety by dolphins. "Mariner and The Dolphins" is a tribute to all those courageous mariners at sea, with our wishes and prayers for many safe returns. Aren't mandolins just for Bluegrass? When most people think Mandolin...they think of the mandolin hero Bill Monroe, and for good reason. Bill set the standard for bluegrass mandolin. But sorry... mandolin is not just for bluegrass anymore. Listen to Led Zeppelin, REM, Rod Stewart, Yes, and Bruce Hornsby, and you'll hear mandolin. Even Paul McCartney has recently taken up the instrument (left handed of course)! New Grass, Classical , Jazz and Country can all benefit from the sound of the mando. On this CD, Keith wants to increase your awareness of this instrument's versatility! Where did the CD's guest performers come from? Allen Powers, accountant by day, honorary Widget by night... is Keith's brother in law. He has made numerous guest appearances during live gigs. Allen has always added levity to Widget performances, so why not on Widgetry 101? Allen sings "Choo Choo Fever" as only he can do! "Bubba" , Keith Mann III, is a Son of a Widget, and took up the electric Bass just months before recording "Step on the Train" and "Judgment Day". He is a natural who enjoys playing that wacky time signature stuff. Wonder where that gene comes from? Bubba never ceases to make his Dad proud! Lane Schermerhorn supplies all the drum sounds you hear throughout Widgetry 101. Believe it or not, he is also Town Justice for Corinth, NY. Hope you never have to hear him play the gavel! Keith and Lane met when serving on a "Walk to Emmaus" music team. Keith knew then that Lane had the stuff they wanted for the CD. Mitch Throop, plays that haunting stand up bass. Mitch, who attended Berkley School of Music, now lives in Keith's hometown, Greenwich, NY. Keith and Mitch first played together at a traditional music pickup session at Dr. T's Barbecue down the road. (Doc has Great Ribs and Broccoli Slaw by the way). That's when Keith realized that Mitch had a unique way of thumping the bass, and suggested to Alan that Mitch should be invited to play on the CD. No regrets there! Andy Whitaker plays electric bass on "For Awhile" and "Choo Choo Fever". Keith and Andy played in bands together ever since....well lets just say for awhile! It just wouldn't be right to have a CD without him on it! Becky Mann, (more nepetism!) photograghed and designed the CD cover. Becky is an Art Therapy Major at Lesley University in Cambridge, Ma. Somehow Becky found time amidst her studies to put it all together, and how she captured The Widgets! Guess she knows her Dad pretty well by now. Thanks Beck, ya done great! Love Ya! How long did Widgetry 101 take to produce? Alan and Keith put down their first rough tracks in March 2007 and have put in countless hours of enjoyment to achieve the November 10th release date. Special appreciation for the Iced Coffees and Coolatas that kept us going till the wee hours. The Widgets and guest musicians hope you enjoy listening to our CD as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you! Spread the joy!
Click below for a preview of Widgetry 101!
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