Native Nashville North

Page 15

The concerted efforts to produce a three-part television series of Native Nashville North (NNN) by producers Gail and Rocky Woodward have now come full circle. And what a fine piece of work it was!

For those who attended the March 18 and 19 on-location taping sessions by CBC-TV at the Citadel's Rice Theatre, they were treated to an excellent return on a small five dollar investment as the production unfolded to reveal laudable and professional performances by musicians, singers, and dancers.

With limited seating available at the Rice Theatre, a maximum of 122 advance sales tickets were quickly snapped up so that latecomers have no recourse but to watch for the programs when they are aired by CBC-TV. That will not likely occur until the fall of this year when television viewing commands a wider audience. Over the warm summer months TV viewing is down because people are outdoors and on the road a lot.

The execution of the sessions proved very good with no one instrument overshadowing the others, which is often a problem with such productions. The unison

of the Whispering River Band which provided the back-up music was one in which all members complimented one another, nor too loud. The sound effects were excellent, with wholesome and audible sonics lending support to the quality vocals of the singers and the stepping of the dancers.

A key figure in the taping sessions was Dave Cook, director of NNN productions for CBC. His patience and technical expertise could not but aid in what turned out to be a masterful production.

An impressive stage set financed by AMMSA and designed and built by CBC provided a warm, relaxed, and conducive atmosphere. In addition, it did not detract from the main focus of attention, the performers.

The first taping session featured special guest Winston Wuttunee, whose rich vocal and self-compositions always captivate and result in a most appreciative audience.

He was followed by the program host Rocky Woodward, who sang "Catfish John."

The remaining two acts included Terry Daniels and the Red River Wheelers. Daniels, who has been rather quiet on the music scene of late, left the audience with no doubt as to her abilities with renditions of "The Sweetest Thing I've Ever Known Was Loving You" and "I'm Tired of Me" (written by Rocky Woodward.)

The Red River Wheelers really stepped up the pace and their well-co-ordinated versions of the Red River Jig, Reel of Eight, and the Duck Dance.

On day two, there was a double taping session.

Session two had the Kikino Northern Lites performing in synchronization such traditional favorites as Drops of Brandy, Duck Dance, Red River Jig, and a square dance.

Jerry Saddleback artistically performed a hoop dance and also sang a Willie Dunn composition called "School Days."

Special guest and recording artist, Laura Vinson, brought her powerful voice into the set with recent recordings of "Last Cowboy's Ride," "Rise and Shine," and "Many Moons Ago."

The third and final session had special guest Harry Rusk sing two songs and pick one instrumental on his guitar...fine music by this recording artist and Grand Ole Opry guest. The Kikino Northern Lites gain added a lot of color and rhythm with their dancing and were followed by featured performances by Ron Makokis (rhythm) and Max L'Hirondelle (lead) of the Whispering River band.

In mingling with the audience after all three sets, not an unkind word was to be heard. Praise and pleasure was expressed by all with whom I talked to. Some commented that the shows reminded them of the former Don Messer's Jubilee which ran for many, many seasons.

If all goes well with these pilot shows, there is a distinct potential for additional ones on a seasonal basis. As with any production, however, a cost factor is involved. Continued support for NNN is to go before the AMMSA board on April 1 and could

well determine the continuation of this television series. General Manager Bert Crowfoot of AMMSA was the executie producer for the NNN sessions.

As for the producers, Gail and Rocky Woodward, they couldn't help but feel pleased with the end result. They said they were "most concerned with doing the three programs with the time frame." As it turned out, beamed Rocky, "we finished the last show three minutes ahead of schedule." Had they gone into overtime, it would have cost an additional sum for the CBC crew. "We did what we planned to do within our budget," boasted Woodward.

In closing, I would just add that Woodward seems to have accomplished a major underlying objective with these productions - to portray Native people in a positive and up-beat way.