At the drop of a pin…

I can’t remember when I’ve been to a concert where the audience has been as reverently attentive.  No whoops, no shouting of requests, and very little spontaneous applause after instrumental solos.  The Punch Brothers were treated to the respect one might expect for a renowned string quintet, which of course they are, at the century-old auditorium at Boulder’s Colorado Chautauqua.  From the Website:

Before radio and television, the Chautauqua Movement united millions in common cultural and educational experiences. Orators, performers, and educators traveled a national Chautauqua circuit of more than 12,000 sites bringing lectures, performances, concerts, classes, and exhibitions to thousands of people in small towns and cities. Theodore Roosevelt called Chautauquas, "the most American thing in America."

The Boulder site is one of only three remaining Chautauquas in the country, and the Brooklyn-based band rose to the acoustic potential of the ancient all-wood shed.  Their wide-ranging two setter included Chris Thile’s entire “Blind Leaving The Blind” suite plus such surprises as Gabe Witcher’s  happy homage to Roger Miller, “Kansas City Star,” a collaborative new nod to “Rye Whiskey,” and a tribute to former hometown heroes Hot Rize as their finale with Nick Forster’s “Shadows In My Room.”  Chris Eldridge proudly shared that he’s been playing the late Charles Sawtelle’s D-28, thanks to Nick.  As many times as I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing this band’s prowess, this may have been their finest hour.

Being out here in these new Rockies, as compared to our ancient Appalachians back home, one can’t help but be changed by their majesty and be struck with a deep sense of gratitude for having so many wonderful and wild places to visit from sea to shining sea.  But forget about finding any Smithfield ham out here.

Of course there’s no hiding from the media even in the wilderness, so the continuing accounts of Michael Jackson’s premature passing came to perfect fruition for me thanks to an email from old friend and radio colleague Kirby Carmichael.  Here’s Kirby with a 13-year-old MJ on a Richmond visit.  Innocence lost…rest in peace Michael.

TT

The Masters…

Offering up a fitting finale to the indescribable four-day music fest at Telluride…Luke Bulla, Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas and Bryan Sutton…the “House Band.” I say indescribable because words or pictures can’t capture the spiritual and mystical experience that’s happened for the last 36 summers in a nearly 9000-foot-high box canyon in Colorado’s San Juan mountains. It was our sixth pilgrimage since 1988, and possibly the sweetest, having passed the 60-year mark and finding that shared moments with some of one’s favorite musicians and my cherished wife and daughter, are among life’s most countable blessings.

The veterans all proved why they continue to inspire, and the newcomers underscored that the music’s in very good hands and why this festival draws fans from all over the world, as this map illustrates. Doing this event justice is impossible…all I can do is present some shots that I hope might motivate you to make the journey if you haven’t, or at least give you a sense of what makes it special…

…like having Tim O’Brien and Jerry open things up on Thursday with a well-chosen hour of memorable tunes.

Or the Lovell Sisters’ high energy follow-up featuring the youngest and first female MerleFest mando contest winner, Rebecca.

Country-rock phenom Zac Brown, who recently packed Brown’s Island in Richmond with a record crowd, crossed one entry off his bucket list by having Jerry join him on stage.

 

Former Bill Monroe Blue Grass Boy Peter Rowan has personified the boundary-stretching attitude that pervades the Telluride experience since the Old and In The Way days. Us old timers still thrill to “Midnight Moonlight” and “Panama Red.”

 

 

 

Patty Griffin, Emmylou Harris and Shawn Colvin swapped songs with the singular assistance of Buddy Miller as Three Girls and Their Buddy.

Speaking of boundary-stretching, Thursday night’s finale featured Talking Heads’ innovator David Byrne and his entourage of singers and dancers all clad in white, with what many festival veterans called the most spectacular set they’ve ever witnessed on the Shellman Stage. No argument from me…an unexpected pleasure in every way. And that’s just the first day’s worth…

Bluegrass meets string quartet in the refreshingly fabulous Crooked Still comprised of cellist Tristan Clarridge (look out for his other group, the Bee Eaters at In Your Ear this fall), fiddler Brittany Haas, Corey DiMario on bass, Dr. Greg Liszt on banjo and the mountain-fresh vocals of Aoife O’Donovan. Watch for their brand new live album.

Two revered members of the 30-Year Club jammed it out during the John Cowan Band’s fine Friday afternoon set, the Cow and King Sammy. John charged out of the gate with former NGR bandmate Bela Fleck sitting in for “Callin' Baton Rouge.” The current JCB roster of Shad Cobb on fiddle, John Frazier on mandolin, Bryon Larrence on drums and beloved compadre Jeff Autry on guitar is as strong an ensemble as the “Voice of Telluride” has ever put together.

Festival first-timer and Rilo Kiley rocker Jenny Lewis and her solid backers won new hearts in the high country after snagging none other than Elvis Costello for a few tunes ahead of his own set to follow.

Her pointed songwriting and Jaggeresque stage presence validated the high anticipation level for this energetic set.

 

 

With a tip of the purple fedora, Elvis took the stage Friday night with a cadre of acoustic all stars, collectively the Sugarcanes, including Jerry Douglas and Jim Lauderdale (above) along with Stuart Duncan and Mike Compton, to play tunes from his new T-Bone Burnett project Secret, Profane and Sugarcane. Did you see them on the Tonight Show Tuesday?

Our first treat on Saturday just past noon was provided by Chris Thile’s Punch Brothers, (Jerry guesting) playing to a wildly-enthusiastic rain-soaked crowd. They served up a brilliant tribute to bluegrass music’s most influential bands including founders Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and the Stanley Brothers, along with the Seldom Scene (Critter did “Through the Bottom of a Glass”), Hot Rize (“Shadows In My Room”), NBB (“Old Devil’s Dream”), and even “See Rock City” from Bela’s benchmark Drive album. And they had a LOT of fun doing it…payback for all the woodshedding that made it possible. Very impressive.

Dobro master Douglas then launched his own set with soaring instrumentals and a few heart-rending vocal numbers thanks to multi-talented Luke Bulla, who graciously honored my earlier request to do “The Suit.” That song tears me up every time I hear it, whether it’s sung by Luke or James Taylor.

“Good evening music lovers!!!” Sam Bush’s trademark stage greeting on Saturday night prepared The King’s loyal subjects for a far-ranging two-plus-hour performance that included old chestnuts, and a sentimental new tune co-written with Jeff Black, “Circles Around Me” about the blessings of making it to 60 with old friends and good music. A parade of old pals joined in the love fest, including Pete Rowan, Emmylou, Chris Thile and then John Cowan blew us all away near the end when he, in glorious falsetto, snuck in to render the Stones’ “Just A Shot Away.” And the crowd went wild. Sam Bush for Entertainer of the Year. It’s time.

All too soon, it was Sunday and it began in a seriously soulful and spiritual way, thanks to powerhouse Mike Farris and the Roseland Rhythm Revue. Backed by a thunderous band with horns and Hammond B3 and the sensational McCrary Sisters, Mike held church amidst the towering snow-capped cathedrals surrounding Telluride. Don’t miss this act if they’re ever near. Amen and amen!

A compelling mix of the best of two musical generations, collectively the Works Progress Administration (WPA) next offered up some of the most moving new tunes of the weekend, thanks to former Nickel Creekers Sara and Sean Watkins, Glen Phillips and Luke Bulla. They were backed by a quartet of very well-seasoned players including keyboardist Beaumont Tench and Greg Leisz on pedal steel. Well-crafted songs of the heart lovingly presented. CD out in the fall.

We first heard renegade tunesmith Todd Snider at Telluride back on ‘02 and we’ve savored his fearless and often funny songs near home at AC&T a few times. Although for reasons unclear, he cut his set more than 20 minutes short (and didn’t do “Beer Run”) he had a good time sharing new material from his latest CD The Excitement Plan. Todd is Todd.

 

 

Our hero Tim O’Brien returned for his own signature set Sunday afternoon with the A-list support of Stuart Duncan, Bryan Sutton and Dennis Crouch. And it was all the more moving to see the impressive turnout of adoring young minions sitting up front to continue drinking from Tim’s prolific musical fountain…Sarah Jarosz, Sara & Sean Watkins, the Greencards’ Carol Young, Aoife O’Donovan and all of Crooked Still, and ALL the Punch Brothers.

 

Chris Thile was even moved to grab Sara Watkins’ hand for a turn or two on the dirt floor up front when Tim O broke into “Get On Up And Dance.” It was a tender reunion, one of among many at this remarkable gathering of kindred spirits.

 

Country music Hall of Famer Emmylou Harris loves Telluride and the festivarians’ feeling is mutual, so she’s been a regular for years. 

 

After many guest appearances over the weekend, she returned for her own turn late Sunday afternoon with a trio of players that again included our old Virginia friend Rickie Simpkins on mando, fiddle and backing vocals. The dream gig continues and it fits like a glove. Play on Rickie.

 

So my longest post to date comes full circle with the capstone set from the Telluride House Band from 9-11 Sunday night. Collaboration and camaraderie at the highest level. It was a more than fitting finish to four days of sun and starshine, rare mountain air, majestic scenery and music that gets no better. For fans of Conor Oberst, Railroad Earth, the Greencards, Kasey Chambers, The SteelDrivers, Gaelic Storm, and others I failed to cover…I apologize. I couldn’t do it all.  And thanks to Chris Eldridge who introduced me to his pal Ed Helms (Andy Bernard from “The Office” who goes way back with fellow banjo player Chris Pandolfi)…just there for the music.

Take a bow boys, along with festival director Craig Ferguson and the countless staff and volunteers who make this celebration of life such a profound experience. The gratitude will linger until we meet again.

TT

Power Pairing...

With our dear departed Gary Gerloff providing upstage security, the 5th annual Music for Massey concert unfolded rain-free on Thursday night on the tracks at the Science Museum.  The Waybacks got it rolling with some early cross-pollination as Sam Bush on bottleneck electric mando and James Nash on lead guitar dueled mightily.  The two bands were a potent combination, especially when they joined forces for a finale that included Little Feat's "Easy To Slip," the Stones' "Gimme Shelter," and Santana's "Soul Sacrifice.  Having Sam's drummer Chris Brown and the Waybacks' Chuck Hamilton pounding twin drum kits was a heart thumping percussive power play.  Major creds to SoundWork's Steve Payne and Sam's venerable road manager Rob Stokes for the creative collaboration that enabled both full bands to play together at the end.  An end that came all too soon...just as the light showers began to fall.  We'd almost made the call to move the show inside earlier that morning due to the prospect of heavy storms but NBC12's Jim Duncan, after some creative consultation with his comely "computer models," urged us to stay outside.  And we were so glad we did. Proceeds went to
pediatric cancer research at VCU thanks to Connor's Heroes, an organization named for cancer survivor Connor Goodwin started by his folks and dedicated to conquering childhood cancer.  Connor, pictured above with mom Lisa, Sam and James, lists his pal Sam as perhaps his biggest hero, and did a fine job helping me emcee and introducing the band.   Mr. Bush also spent some quality time with fellow mandolin aficionado Harper Speagle-Price, sharing old road stories and generally encouraging her to keep playing.  He loves it more than ever.  And a serious round of virtual applause for MFM mastermind Jim Napier who tirelessly engineered this benevolent train down the tracks along with Patrick McCarty and Steve Goodwin who helped shovel the coal...let's do it again in twenty-ten! (thanks to the Goodwins and Lori Price for the pix)

And still floating from Thursday's heady experience, we made our way to Brown's Island for Friday Cheers last night, knowing that Old School Freight Train has now basically become New School and that this was the final official gig for the formerly C'ville-based band.   They sprang from bluegrass roots some nine years ago,  and as any gifted young musicians are expected to do, they've found their new road, now under Jesse Harper's confident direction.  With Ben Krakauer's banjo and Pete Frostic's mandolin in the rearview, the new quartet comprised of Harper and fellow-founder Darrell Muller, Nate Leath and drummer Nick Falk are plowing a more pop/rock furrow alongside Dave Matthews and John Mayer instead of Monroe-inspired mountain tunes.  Growing is good.  And all indications are, Jesse Harper's in the early days of a long and prosperous journey.  They insisted on having Richmond's No BS Brass Band open, to impressive effect, especially when most of them hung around to help OSFT lift "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" to a Crescent City crescendo.  A proud night for homegrown Virginia music.

We'll be on the road a bit this summer...stay tuned for a few reports from way out west...TT

Local Laurels...

I had to put up a quick post to acknowledge a couple of significant milestones for two local folks we've mentioned in past blogs.  The first kudos go to young Harper Speagle-Price from Mary Munford and student of Adam Larrabee who just became the Junior Mandolin Champion at the 85th Fiddler's Grove Festival in North Carolina last month.  She was the one who impressed us and Bryan Bowers last fall as she picked out a quick Monroe tune on his vintage Martin bowlback.  She's pictured above at Union Grove with proud pop Terry (Paul Zalinsky photo) and at right with Bryan in his van at Munford after the JAMinc in-school performance.  So exciting to watch the young ones so engaged in this music.

Last week I got an understandably enthusiastic email from former Richmonder Parrish Ellis who's been tirelessly pounding the pavement with the retro string swing band The Wiyos for the last five years.  (Parrish is 3rd from the left-Tommy Kearns photo)

The woodshedding and the persistence has paid off as they've just been picked to open 28 dates across America this summer for, hold tight, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp!  It's the minor league ballpark circuit again and the closest they come to here is Harbor Park in Norfolk on July 25th.  It was just a matter of time boys...now knock it out of the park.  Patience is a virtue, Martha Ann.

TT

Deep Graves

The rich experience that comes from sharing music with old friends in a setting like this four-centuries-old travelers' mecca up against the Blue Ridge along the Rose River is a profound one.  This was number 17 for the Graves Mountain Festival of Music and as the years get shorter, these occasions get sweeter.  Sharing Pete's House with the Hughes, Lux and Ward families made for a four-day full house filled with afternoons of reminiscing and very long nights of homemade music.  And then there's the compelling lineup of folks who do this for a living up on the stage.  Like James King who sings a story like no other.  "She Took His Breath Away," dedicated to his new bride, took mine too.  And hearing the result of Sammy Shelor's dedication,  tenacity and hard work in crafting his beloved Lonesome River Band into one of the strongest configurations ever was a thrill.  Keeping a band on top (their latest album No Turning Back has spent two months at #1 on the BU charts) through personnel changes and growing competition is no small feat, but Sam's done it and I know it feels good.  It should.  You should buy that record. Back in the day, the 4-time IBMA banjo player of the year rode with the Heights of Grass who put on a much-anticipated and lovingly received reunion set Friday before suppertime.  He joined them for a couple of numbers and so did Mark Newton but the core band, Don Grubb, Vernon Hughes, Billy Lux, Sonny Mead and Richard Ward made it clear they could still cut it.  Maybe even better than back then.  It was a festival highlight for so many of us who followed them back in 80's.  There were other great performances from favorites like IIIrd Tyme Out, Larry Cordle, Carl Jackson, and the Seldom Scene and new sensations the SteelDrivers.  And there were heartwarming surprises from prodigious pickers like Dobro whiz kid Gavin Largent from Winchester who drove Rhonda Vincent's adoring fans wild.  12-years-old and definitely one to watch.

Our little cabin home on the hill was again the setting for late-night music making, single-malt sampling, and general chewing of the fat.  Friday night/Saturday morning was particularly enticing thanks to Tommy "Big Tree" Reynolds, Dave Giegerich, Russell Bonavitch, Richard Ward, Billy Lux, Gary Ferguson and Tara Lindhart, who held the packed living room enthralled for over four hours straight.  There were so many others over the course of the weekend but that night was magic.  Thanks to you all...my gratitude runs deep.  Especially you Tiny Johnson.

Coming up...Jerry Douglas this Friday on Brown's Island for free and Old School Freight Train the following Friday.  Same deal.  And don't forget at the old Broad Street train station (now the Science Museum) the Sam Bush Band and the Waybacks hold forth on June 11.  Not free but worth the price of admission for sure.  Tickets online right here.  See you there.

TT

GG

So this is what a ton of bricks feels like...raining down on you to get your full attention and make sure you take nothing for granted...to ensure that the "New York Minute" Don Henley wrote so eloquently about will not just be a clever lyric.  Gary Gerloff is dead and that resonates with an impossible but familiar ring evoking memories of others who've left us wanting for more...Otis Redding, Gram Parsons and yes Jerry Garcia...larger-than-life characters who've shaped our appreciation of music and our time on the planet.  For someone to have made such an impression on one who's only heard him perform maybe twice, speaks volumes of his private persona...a gentle, thoughtful, caring soul who had so much to say.  I'm just glad I caught a part of it...here's more from others pleading for more, like Don Harrison.

I remember making a quick phone call after I got out of my first National Folk Festival programming committee meeting a few years ago. I rang my friend Brent Hosier — a Richmond music historian of the first rank — and asked with an exasperated tone (as if some big secret had been kept from me all these years):

“Alright, tell me all about Gary Gerloff.”

Gary Gerloff, who passed away Saturday morning, made an indelible impression on me from the moment I met him. I’m told he specialized in that sort of thing. The longtime local musician — who performed a type of Americana music that he referred to as “Psychedelic Dixieland” — continued to be a distinctive and unavoidable presence at those committee meetings. With a build and a beard not unlike Jerry Garcia, Richmond’s own “Captain Trips” was kind of like the precocious class clown who keeps wanting to start his own discussion groups at the expense of the lesson plan.

Ah, but who would usually be the first among the group to bring up a topic nobody wanted to discuss, or to suggest an artist/genre/aesthetic that was somewhat provocative? Who was sure to get the discussion flowing with a thought or an argument that no one else anticipated? It was Gary, who could quickly become as serious, insistent and persuasive as a prosecutor when it suited his fancy. This guy was no clown — he was as sharp as they come.

According to his pal Todd Ranson, viewing arrangements are currently being finalized and “a full Catholic funeral is planned.” Reading this fine essay on Gary over at the Cool Stretch of Highway blog, I wished I had known him better… a lot better. I’m proud to have known him at all.

An excerpt:

He’s never left his hometown for more than a month. And if the former capital of the Confederacy, an aloof and well-mannered place, never will be considered a musical Mecca, it does hold special appeal for him.

“I just love the dignity of living in a once-defeated city,” he says. “A great deal of pride once carried us here. It gave us a noble cloak, and adorned us with the air of some ancient Greek city-state. Richmond is like some old whore or piece of architecture. She’s been around forever, it seems. But when you notice her in a certain light, why, there’s a real charm to behold.”

He’s talking in his basement over a 20-foot bar with three sinks. (“One to wash your hands. One to wash your face. And one to throw up in.”) Behind the bar are display cases jam-packed with the things he holds precious: bobble-head dolls of Satchel Paige, Grady Little and Keith Richards; miniature ceramic hand-painted jazz ensembles from New Orleans; an autograph from Hunter S. Thompson; a collection of Three Stooges shot glasses; an English nose whistle; two James Brown posters from concerts at The Arena; a stuffed and mounted bear’s head casually draped in a feathered Mardi Gras mask and beads; and a 1970s photograph of his late brother Peter, arm-in-arm with the family’s maid.

Behind him, on a 9-foot Brunswick regulation pool table, lie seven bamboo fly rods, an assortment of air horns, one birdhouse in the form of the Parthenon and two Halicrafter short wave radios. Behind the pool table stand 15 vintage guitars and six worn-out, antique tube amplifiers.

He says he’s tempted to call his 1960s split level, with its 1400 sq. ft. terraced deck, “a tumbled-down shack in BigFoot country,” but instead refers to it as his roost, his outpost and his thinking line of defense. He lives here on a densely wooded hill a half-mile from the James River with his wife who’s an accomplished pianist, his 11-year-old daughter who’s an aspiring writer, and his seven-year-old son, whom he tags a “yellow-haired monkey.”

All are unimpressed with his musical persona, one that plumbs the depths of American music and its attendant emotions.

Known to his fans as “Gary Garcia” because of a likeness for the late leader of the Dead, he labels himself a relic from another era – a living fossil. “I see myself as a bluesman first. Second, I am a champion of heartfelt emotions. I like awkward displays of love. I am an encourager of dreams,” he says.

Richmond musician Johnny Hott has played with Gerloff for 15 years. “His fans are about 30 years old and up. There’s this jam-band, Grateful Dead tie-in,” he says. “We were opening once for the Jerry Garcia Band after Jerry had died. There was this one guy in a tie-dyed T-shirt who was walking slowly to the stage from the back of the crowd, getting bigger and bigger, and he was chanting to Gerloff in a trance: ‘Jerry…Jerry…Jerry…” totally transfixed on him.”

Gerloff picked up his first guitar at age 12, and promptly abandoned all other ambitions; music became his life.

There will be a lot said about Gary Gerloff in the coming days. But his buddy Tim Timberlake passed along along a couple of quotes from a Times-Dispatch article on Gary from 2001 (written by Jim O’Brien) that helps us to get a grip on what a special dude that he was. [Say what you want about the man — he gave great interview. Here is another revealing Q&A, from Plan 9's 9X Magazine.]

Let’s let this beloved “force of nature” — who could always speak for himself very well — speak for himself:

On new music:

“I may not understand it but I don’t fear it,” Gerloff said. “When I go by Twisters or some place and I hear sounds like the end of the world Parts 1 through 4, I encourage every bit of that. You want to know why? That’s the launching pad and kids are going to develop and their final twist after I’m done and gone will incorporate everything we’ve been through.”

On how he would like to be remembered:

“Well I’ve been described as a force of nature and I don’t know whether I like hearing that or not. But if I’m going to be viewed, I want to be viewed as somebody who cared about other people and the impact music can have. I want to be viewed as someone who made a stand for what I consider to be important music.”

And that you are, my friend. That you are.

Gary's life will be celebrated at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church on Huguenot Road tomorrow.  Visitation is from 4-6pm and a full-blown mass will follow at 7.  Then it's on to the Positive Vibe Cafe for lively reflection.  Throat lumps and tears guaranteed.

TT

One-Two Punch

  Back to back experiences like the two I just had make me very proud and glad to be here in Richmond...perfect weather, world-class outdoor venues, nationally known bands and record crowds were exciting combinations to behold.  Last night saw hundreds turned away at the Lakeside gate as Lewis Ginter's Groovin' In The Garden reached capacity before Old Crow Medicine Show took the elegant new stage.  They followed an engaging solo set from Shenandoah Valley native son Scott Miller.  Then there was tonight's huge gathering on Brown's Island for Friday Cheers with hot country shooting star Zac Brown.  Those who should know say it's the biggest crowd the island's ever seen...ever!  Educated guess is 16,000.  And all for a breakout down home artist playing solid country tunes, many co-written by Richmond's own Wyatt Durrette. No, not his dad, the former delegate and GOP gubernatorial hopeful...Wyatt III, who's surely picking up some nice royalty checks these days now that Zac's arrived big time.  He also co-wrote "Chicken Fried," Mr. Brown's signature hit.  My hat's off to Tom Beals of Haymaker Productions and Stephen Lecky of Venture Richmond for having the vision and savvy to snag these two acts that one might've expected to be "out of our range" and raising the bar on our town's summer musical offerings.  I urge you to check the coming lineups for Groovin' and Friday Cheers.  Along with the Folk Festival, they're signs that Richmond's come a long way. Now if they could figure out how to shorten those endless beer lines and lines for the places where you deposit the beer, once it's been internally processed.  Much patience and strong sphincters required.

After giving you guys a few days to get back to me with your guesses, I'm happy to announce the two winners of a pair of tickets each to the June 11th Music For Massey concert at the Science Museum with the Sam Bush Band and the Waybacks.  I did an eyes-closed drawing from among the right answers and pulled out Maggie Rainwater-Budd and Barry Lawson.  Oh, and Sam's eight string pride and joy is a 1937 Gibson F5 lovingly referred to as "Hoss"...one of the most recognizable sounds in all of string music.  The rest of you will just have to pony up to hear Sam jamming with guitar marvel James Nash of the Waybacks on the tracks.  Will that ever be worth the price of admission...whew!

Hope to see a bunch of you at Graves...but first, have a meaningful Memorial Day, the holiday we don't celebrate, we commemorate.  God bless our defenders of freedom.  TT

 

(I hope the cartoonist who did this, whose name I can't make out, won't mind my sharing it.)

And thanks to Erika Gay of Venture Richmond for the Friday Cheers photos.

Back and Forth...

Now that Kris Allen has upset Adam Lambert to take the crown of this season's American Idol, I can finally get back to the business of getting my head around the local music scene to recap a few worthwhile experiences and focus on the near future and all the promise it holds.  Since my last post, I've witnessed the first two Groovin' in the Garden concerts at the magnificently-enhanced rose garden and terraced lawn at Lewis Ginter.  Shooter Jennings and Brandi Carlile proved to be strong leadins for tomorrow (Thursday) night's blockbuster featuring Old Crow Medicine Show, which promises to produce record-breaking numbers.  General admission tickets should still be available here at $25 (plus $3.75 handling), or for $30 at the door.  Discovered by Doc Watson and revered by everyone from Merle Haggard to Gillian Welch, these guys bring a powerful arsenal of vocal and instrumental prowess to the Americana tent...with attitude.  Should be a major night under the stars with the Commonwealth's own Scott Miller opening well.

The next night, Friday Cheers brings a free chance to find out what all the Zac Brown buzz is about.  I've been hearing folks drop this Georgia boy's name all over the place for the last six months, so where there's smoke, there's usually fire.  Let's go see what all the fuss is about, and enjoy some "Chicken Fried," starting on Brown's Island (they've already named the island after him) around 6pm.

We're getting dangerously close to the week when so many of us head west to Gordonsville and then up the Old Blueridge Turnpike to Syria and the four-centuries-old homeplace of the Graves family where Jimmy, Rachel, Lucky, Lynn and the whole hospitable bunch open their idyllic spot on the Rose River for the 17th year to thousands of bluegrassers new and old.  Charlie Rainwater and I look forward to hosting from the stage again this year with a solid lineup and a special reunion of the Heights of Grass on Friday. For those who just can't wait until opening day, Thursday the 28th, the campground opens day after tomorrow, the 22nd, for those with 3-day tickets.  It's one of America's best small festivals, and the food is legend.

And the hits just keep on comin' as Friday Cheers presents the Jerry Douglas Band on Brown's Island, again for FREE!, on June 5th and on Thursday, June 11th out on the tracks at the Science Museum of Virginia, the fifth annual Music for Massey benefit raises the bar with the triumphant return of the west-coastal Waybacks and this year, the Sam Bush Band, to make it extra special.  Tickets are available here, and if you're sharp, you might even win a pair of comps to the big show.  Just tell me by email (mail@timtimberlake.com) the model year and nickname of Sam's Gibson F5 mandolin.  I'll do a drawing in case of more than two correct answers as I actually have 2 pairs to give away.  Bring it on...it's gonna be a really big show!

In closing, let me mention a major jazz event that JAMinc, the Richmond Jazz Society and WCVE Public Radio are co-presenting on Friday, May 29th at In Your Ear Studio A.  Legendary Richmond reed man James "Saxsmo" Gates is recording a live CD and you can be in the audience if you hurry and reserve your seat here.  Just check out the who's who of a-listers who'll be there to lend a musical hand:  John D'earth, Hod O'Brien, Desiree Roots, Dr. Weldon Hill, Justin Kauflin, Jim Branch and Russell Wilson among others.  Saxmo's Jazz Summit gets rolling at 6:30 with a pot-luck buffet...it'll surely be one tasty and tasteful night.

Do it live...TT

For the love of Pete...

You look up "folk singer" in the dictionary and you'll likely find his picture.  Iconic activist, musician and banjo player Pete Seeger turns 90 on Sunday, and you're invited to his great big Richmond birthday party at The Camel on West Broad Street, with a whole host of local folk gathered to pay him homage starting at 6pm.  For a ten buck donation, benefiting musicians in need, you can catch the likes of friends George Turman, Jackie Frost and Sheryl Warner, plus Amy Ferebee, Becky Taylor and event organizer Ron Gentry.  Lots more. Kudos to Ron for his hard work.  Pete should be appreciative.

The big hootenanny follows another big benefit south of the river earlier in the day...it's Vibefest 2009 on Forest Hill Avenue out in front of the Positive Vibe Cafe.   If you aren't a regular, the Cafe is quality restaurant that offers employment and training to those with physical and developmental disabilities.  A serious roster of Richmond's top-drawer performers are lined up to sing and play for the cause starting at 11:30am.  Also a bargain @ $10.  Click here for the schedule, with one note:  that lovable rascal Gary Gerloff is on the mend after some surgery and won't be making this one.  We'll be pulling hard for his speedy return to the scene.  Garth Larcen's, the Cafe's owner is a real positive force in our community.  Hope he has a big day on Sunday.  Hope you all do too.

Thanks to all who will make our Cadillac Sky concert at In Your Ear tomorrow our fifth sell-out in a row.  And thanks to the writers at Style Weekly for voting JAMinc one of their First Annual Music Awards as "Best Musical Potlatch." Don't miss the next one...a jazz summit with James "Saxmo" Gates on May 29th.  Details on our Website soon.

And don't forget JAMinc presents The Isaacs for a night of stirring bluegrass gospel at the West End Assembly of God on Parham one week from tonight (May 8). Tickets here. 

TT

And the rest...

And rest is at least what's needed if not realized after four days and nights at a festival like MerleFest that with each passing year becomes dearer to my heart.  And not so much for the inspiring music to be heard, but for the enduring relationships with musicians and the production team I work with.  MerleFest is special because of these capable and caring people, and if you've ever been a small part of something big and worthwhile, you know what I mean.  Thanks and love to Sam, Maple, Buck, John, Randy, Dwight and Cliff.  And of course to B Townes who started it all and who gave me a job twenty years ago.  I'm dreaming of another twenty.  Words are insufficient to capture all that this festival has become, so I'll just share a few shots that might resonate with those who were there and encourage others to consider the trip to the Carolina foothills next April.

First up, Bryan Simpson and the daring young men of Cadillac Sky, (are they actually levitating?) who played four different stages by my count and made the most of their MerleFest debut.  Don't forget their JAMinc/In Your Ear show this Saturday...only a handful of tickets remain.  A rare chance to witness such energy in such an intimate space as IYE's Studio A. 

Here's veteran blues stylist Rory Block from my home away from home, looking out the front door of the Cabin from the dark and cozy living room/green room...it's a favorite place of all the artists who get a set there. Including Pete Wernick who invited the Gibson Brothers and harmonica phenom Buddy Greene to play a few during his Sunday set. 

Former mando prodigy and now maturing musician Sierra Hull won more hearts on the main stage Saturday with a crack band that includes guitarist Clay Hess.  Sierra's advanced chops betray her tender years and her singing is sweeter and more pleasing than young Alison Krauss at her age.  IMHO.  And she's coming to town Saturday...see below.

The Waybacks served up one of the best closing sets in MerleFest memory Friday night, with James Nash deftly wrangling an A-list of special guests like Sam Bush (above), Rob Ickes, Jens Kruger and Byron House.  And John Cowan raised the roof with a stunning take on Roy Orbison's "Crying."  Only to be followed by an extended jam on the band's signature song, "Bright Place."  But that was only a warmup for the much-anticipated Hillside Stage Album Hour...how would they follow last year's Zeppelin II?  How about the Stones' Sticky Fingers.  Emmylou guested on "Wild Horses."  It was musical mayhem.  Don't forget to get your tix for Sam Bush and The Waybacks at the Science Museum of VA on June 11th.  www.musicformassey.com

Festival favorite Jim Lauderdale, who lost four months of gigs last summer after voicebox surgery, returned with a voice even stronger and more expressive than before...what a relief to him and all his many fans and admirers.  Bluegrass is blessed to have Jim in the fold.  He brings a lot to the table.

The aforementioned Mr. Cowan, who was at the very first Merlefest with New Grass Revival in 1988, brought along his current well-seasoned band including best-pal and lead guitarist Jeff Autry, Stringduster Jesse Cobb's brother Shad on fiddle and new poppa and Rebecca Hoggan's hubby John Frazier on mandolin for a couple of engaging sets.  Johnny C's heart is as big as his voice and he will always be a beloved member of the MerleFest family.

Old friend Rickie Simpkins continued his dream gig of playing fiddle and mandolin and providing tasteful  backup vocals for Emmylou Harris.  Her Saturday night Watson Stage set was one of her sweetest in many years.  All the old chestnuts.

And no one can put the lid on a MerleFest Saturday night like King Sammy.  Doesn't matter who they book to play, you can count on Mr. Bush for the biggest, most adoring crowd of all four days...and nights.  Nobody does it better.  Oh yeah, did I mention Sam's headed to Richmond to play with the Waybacks on Thursday, June 11th?  And that tickets are on sale here?  Good.

Montana songbird Martha Scanlan spent some quality time at the Cabin on Sunday, the scene of her double Chris Austin songwriter honors in 2003, even sharing some peaty single-malt from her dainty flask.  It put a nice edge on a haunting set with many tunes from her acclaimed album The West Was Burning.

And for something completely different...the festival finale featured Linda Ronstadt paying homage to her father with the formidable assistance of Los Camperos de Nati Cano, who you may remember for their show-stopping performances at our National Folk Festival here a few years back.  Although I weathered a few grumbles about not hearing "Different Drum" of "Blue Bayou" but the color and pageantry of this cultural exclamation point, underscored that MerleFest is much more than a bluegrass festival.  Find out for yourself April 29-May 10, 2010. 

A fond farewell to Wilkes County and the Addison for another year...back soon...the years are getting shorter and shorter. I have mixed emotions about that.  Doc is still delivering his endless repertoire with deep baritone and playing all the right notes, although he's a little harder to find on the schedule these days.  He's earned a little quiet time.  We understand.

Lots of music around River City including the City Slickers festival put on by the Rotary Club at the Science Museum on Saturday, May 9th.  (I had the date wrong earlier) Quite a lineup including Sierra Hull, The Grascals and the Seldom Scene.  And our own Page Wilson will open, with Reckless Abandon of course.  Tickets here.

Thanks as always, for checking out my ramblings...and please share the link with anyone who might be interested.  Is it April or July?

TT

First Quarter...

I know we're approaching a new moon, but tonight marked the first quarter of the 22nd annual MerleFest in the Carolina foothills.  Spring is at its young and tender best down this way and being back here for my 20th year brings a warm and intense sense of deja vu.  Travis Tritt (above) capped the first day in an engaging acoustic set with Jerry Douglas on the Watson Stage.  It was indeed a great day to be alive with old friends, perfect weather and such well-made music.

Raleigh's Tift Merritt made a magical return to the scene of her career's genesis with a sincere solo set on the Cabin Stage, where she'd won the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest eight years ago.  She was genuinely glad to be back.

 

Earlier in the day, the world was set right again as Jens and Uwe Kruger and their 'brother' Joel Landsberg made a long-overdue return to the MerleFest lineup with a short but sweet Cabin Stage appearance.  They're back and sounding so great, with a new CD Between the Notes just out, and a special replay of one of their past JAMinc/In Your Ear concerts on Page Wilson's show this coming Saturday night on WCVE-FM.  If you're not in the Richmond area, you can listen online here.

Rugby, Va's resident guitar hero Wayne Henderson rendered a couple of choice tunes with keyboard king Jeff Little and bassist Billy Gee at the Cabin after revealing he and Robbin Thompson have found some George Washington-era walnut at Mt. Vernon for his all-Virginia-wood guitar project.  Wayne and his partner Helen White will return to Richmond in October for a Crooked Road concert with the Dixie Beeliners at the Virginia Historical Society presented by JAMinc.  We'll let you know when tickets become available.

This shot is for ol' pal Chris Pandolfi of the Infamous Stringdusters, who tore it up at their full-house Modlin Center show Monday night.  The Dusters are now on the west coast, not at MerleFest, where Chris could otherwise be with his fiddler friend Odessa Jorgensen, former Biscuit Burner, and now with the talented Alaskan bluegrass band Bearfoot.

Thursday began on the Cabin Stage with Wyoming sweethearts Anne & Pete Sibley, who deliver close Welch & Rawlings-style harmonies with earnest affection.  We almost had them for an In Your Ear show this month, but scheduling didn't work out.  We'll try again in the fall...it'll be worth the wait.  Tomorrow, I'm anticipating a couple of strong previews of our upcoming May 2nd Richmond appearance by Cadillac Sky at IYE.  Tickets are almost gone. They're at MerleFest with both Hillside and Creekside sets.  All that plus the Dixie Beeliners, Ollabelle, the Duhks, John Cowan and the Waybacks...almost too good to be true.  And there are two more full days after that!  Stay tuned.

TT

One Enchanted Evening...

Just back from just over 48 hours in the most invigorating city on the planet ostensibly to ready my brother-in-law's upper east side apartment for his return from 2 years in Mumbai, with a few reflections of the musical impressions we savored....some by plan, some by accident.  The latter came in the depths of the NYC Subway where we heard everything from Andean string music, to perhaps Nashville's next big thing filming her first video, to six African-American siblings from six to sixteen singing "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" in six-part harmony to the accompaniment of the clattering E train at Penn Station.  That was just the free stuff, although we put a few bucks in the bucket.  Later Thursday night, we took the F train to Washington Square and found the Cornelia Street Cafe in the West Village, where we had a simple but superb meal before moving downstairs to the packed but perfect (think 60 or so max, including Charlottesville's Greg Liszt) music hall, to catch the NY CD release party for Sometymes Why.  This trio of friendly femmes fatale, each a luminary in her own right, took us through two spare and honest sets of engaging lyrics and ethereal harmony.  Led by the pure and plaintive voice of Aoife O'Donovan, already acknowledged here for her work with Crooked Still and guesting with the Punch Brothers, the ladies cast the faithful and new ears alike in their spell.  They're all most known for their "regular" gigs...Ruth Ungar Merenda with the Mammals and Kristin Andreassen with Uncle Earl.  But vocally, this four-year-old, part-time mutual admiration society finds new and compelling chords yet unheard, scoring a dreamy spring night in the world's most stimulating urban setting.  New York is an inspiring place to plug into, knowing that its impossible complexity, fostering the very best and very worst that human civilization has to offer, including everything in between, is a high that requires no chemical enhancement.  New York is a breathtaking marvel of what energy and creativity can accomplish.  We could all do well with a fix from time to time.  The night before, we caught a taping of Jimmy Fallon's new Late Night show on NBC at 30 Rock, in studio 6B where Jack Paar hosted the Tonight Show back in the 50's to be followed by king Johnny Carson before his departure to beautiful downtown Burbank in 1972.  Fallon's success on Saturday Night Live may or may not follow him into Conan O'Brien's former timeslot, but one thing's for sure, his house band, Philadelphia's legendary The Roots gives the wee-hours variety fest, a full-throated funky consistency that might be Jimmy's strongest suit.  It was a treat to hear them live and not though the little speakers on the TV.  They would absolutely kill if we could get them at the National or maybe even a future Folk Festival.  Too hot!

We're well on our way to another sell-out situation at In Your Ear Studio A on Saturday, May 2nd with Skaggs Family recording artists Cadillac Sky.  This is gonna be a night the fortunate few (80 seats) will be talking about for some time, so if you're on the fence, get off it and make your reservations now!  Don't say I didn't warn ya.

And for an uplifting and powerful evening of music from the heart, you'll not want to miss the incomparable Isaacs, the world-renowned gospel family band, on Friday, May 8th at WEAG.  Another joint presentation of JAMinc and 88.9 WCVE-FM.

Also on the horizon is the fifth annual Music For Massey concert on the tracks at the Science Museum with the Sam Bush Band and the Waybacks on Thursday, June 11th.  Just imagine the possibilities for an outrageous jam!  Tickets and info here.  The bar has officially been raised.

One more reminder that Groovin' In The Garden is back at Lewis Ginter on Lakeside Avenue on Thursday nights this May and June.  A big-time lineup in Richmond's most beautiful outdoor concert setting.  Check the schedule and get tickets here.

I think there are still a few tickets left to catch the Infamous Stringdusters at the Modlin Center this coming Monday.  Profound and polished new grass at its finest.  Tickets.

And of course, the last weekend in April fast approaches, which for the past twenty-some years has meant MerleFest, starting Thursday in the foothills of North Carolina, a sprawling but very personal gathering of the world's best acoustic musicians and those who love them.  Stay tuned.

And finally, a significant turning of the page on our local live music scene...our beloved Ashland Coffee and Tea is officially changing hands, with the promise of maintaining the things that have drawn us up 95 so many meaningful times.  Here's the notice from former co-owner Mary Leffler:

 Dear Customers of Ashland Coffee & Tea,

We want to welcome our new friends Moya and Truman to Ashland Coffee & Tea. This lovely couple has just purchased the shop from Jim, Mary and Kay. We are delighted to let you know that they come with a love of music and an appreciation of this great good place.

We want to offer humble thanks to our loyal customers that have been with us these many years. We didn't really think we'd still be in the coffee business this long when we opened our doors in 1996. We have been blessed. We are ready to start a new chapter in our lives but want all of our customers to know how much we care.

You will still see Kay behind the counters some. Jim and Mary you'll see too....as patrons. Their kids will probably still work there once in awhile (at least the two still at home).

Thanks to all our staff. You are the best!

We want to wish Truman and Moya the best of luck. Please give them your support.

love to all,

Jim and Mary Leffler

 

Thanks for the memories you guys...let's make more!

TT

(To my new friend Gordon Nash...we enjoyed the conversation and your photos of Sometymes Why at Cornelia Street Cafe, seen above.  Except for the Merlefest sand sculpture, all other shots are from artist Websites)

Spring Loaded

Long-awaited April is showering us with musical opportunity including an admonition to secure your seat for our next JAMinc/In Your Ear Studio concert featuring the Texas cyclone that is Cadillac Sky.  If you aren't familiar with them, they're one of the hottest bands in the broad bluegrass genre and they've set tongues to waggin' all over the country.  Behind bandleader Bryan Simpson's brilliant songwriting and lead vocals, CSky brings stunning harmonies and instrumental virtuosity to a table loaded with acoustic creativity.  I know I'm gushing but join us for this special show and hear for yourself.  Reservations are already going fast so giddyup!  The boys will be taking a victory lap after what no doubt will be triumphant performances at this year's MerleFest April 23-26. Oh yeah, our show's on Saturday, May 2nd.

I will be back at the Watson festival for the 18th straight year as Cabin Stage manager so if you can't be there, watch this space for accounts and photos.  It's an annual pilgrimage that restores my soul.  The lineup is huge as always and I'm overjoyed that The Kruger Brothers are back at last...it's been way too long. 

Those hard travelin' Infamous Stringdusters won't be at MerleFest this year but you can catch 'em right here in River City on Monday, April 20th at the the University of Richmond's Modlin Center.   This now well-seasoned sextet has been all over the U.S. and Europe and this'll be the first time we've gotten to hear them in a theater setting.  Tickets are a bit pricey (good for them!) but they're more than worth it.  Another prime example of how well this new generation has nurtured bluegrass.  And as a special gift from the Easter Bunny, we've got a pair of tickets to the Dusters concert for the first one of you dear readers with the right answer to this:  Name the two brothers (and what they play) with the Stringdusters and the John Cowan Band respectively.  (hint-they're tuned the same)  Winner's name will be held at will-call.  mail@timtimberlake.com Should be a very high-quality show.

Hats off to Tom Beals and all the Haymaker guys who've  come up with a stellar season for Groovin' In The Garden at Lewis Ginter every Thursday in May and June.  After a year off for a major expansion of the gorgeous rose garden venue and terracing the lawn, get your tickets now for acts like Shooter Jennings, Brandi Carlile, Indigo Girls, Cowboy Junkies AND Old Crow Medicine Show.  Mama rock me, indeed.

In the short term, the leaner latest edition of Old School Freight Train (Jesse Harper, Darrell Muller, Nate Leath and drummer Nick Falk) will bring their brand new release Six Years to the Capital Ale House downtown music hall on Friday night (4/10)

And Saturday night, our new friend from Sedro Woolley Washington, Bryan Bowers returns for a well-deserved encore to his JAMinc/In Your Ear show last fall.  He'll play the Shady Grove Coffee House in Glen Allen and will surely hold the audience in the palm of his well-calloused hand.  Bryan is a master autoharpist and storyteller besides being a wonderful human being.  Highly recommended, especially if you missed him before.

Tickets are selling well for our May 8th JAMinc concert with The Isaacs at the West End Assembly of God on Parham Road.  We've been talking about this show for some time but now it's less than a month away so don't procrastinate...get 'em now at our JAMinc Website.  The Isaacs promise as powerful a musical and spiritual experience as you've likely had in quite a while.

From the spring band shuffle, it's just been announced that dazzling Flecktones saxman Jeff Coffin has joined the Dave Matthews Band replacing LeRoi Moore who was fatally injured in an ATV accident last year.  Jeff had been filling that spot since the mishap last summer.  So will Bela find another reed player or will he go in another direction?  Remember harmonica wizard Howard Levy from the original band?  Or how about kora master Toumani Diabate who played on Throw Down Your Heart: Tales From the Acoustic Planet Vol. 3, Africa Sessions, Bela's latest project for Rounder?  Expect the unexpected from the banjo's best friend.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend and thank God for this magnificent spring.  The full moon rise tonight was spectacular.  Hope you saw the man in there.

TT

(Cadillac Sky and Isaacs group photos from their press kits)

Henrico Honky Tonk

If you don't have plans for tomorrow night, now you do.  If you do have plans, drop 'em and make your way to the newly restored Henrico Theater on Nine Mile Road in the East End for a very special evening with Brad Spivey and his Honky Tonk Experience.  This marks a bit of a departure for this highly-revered real country band as they'll be performing in a plush and pretty concert setting rather than on a bar's bandstand with chicken wire protecting them from flying beer bottles.  A well-deserved up-town gig.  And expect to see some notable and devoted followers in the audience craving a night of solid American tunes in an inviting new venue.  Best of all...it's free!  But reservations are recommended at 501-5138.  Get on out and show 'em the love.

Don't forget tonight at Ashland Coffee & Tea...they're continuing their focus on the best of our Richmond area talent pool and it's a deep one...the dean of folk singers around here for decades George Turman will hold court with the singular assistance of double-threat Billy Lux on double bass and rock-bottom vocals. 

Thanks to all who made our Tony Furtado show a week ago at In Your Ear the 5th sell-out in a row...listen for an abridged playback down the road on Page Wilson's Out O' The Blue Radio Revue.  Tony was terrific.

Our next JAMinc event is an evening with the incomparable family band, The Isaacs on May 8th at the West End Assembly of God.  Tickets on sale soon on our Website.  It will surely lift your heart...the snow lifted mine although I missed most of it.  Andy Thompson, outdoor writer for the T-D did a superb job of capturing just how I feel about the all-too-rare-anymore blanket of white.  Here's a link to the column...thanks Andy.  Peepers and jonquils herald the new season and we're in just the right place.  TT

 

(Henrico Theater marquee photo from the HTE Website)

Birthing a band....

A yearning for some seldom seen snow back home and a free place to stay has brought me out to Boulder, CO for a week with Miss Em who's lived in this tantalizing town at the feet of the Flatirons for six months now. It's a place focused on the outdoor experiences that only dramatic mountain scenery can inspire, and then the cultural and culinary offerings to savor the rest of the time...think Laudisio Ristorante last night for elegant Italian fare and an upcoming late night at Boulder Draft House to catch the highly-recommended Unknown Americans featuring local legend Danny Shafer.


Yesterday afternoon afforded the chance to hang with great new band in rehearsal for an upcoming gig at the Argyle Bluegrass Festival in Fort Worth next weekend. Thanks to their well-seasoned banjo player Pete Wernick, I headed over to fiddler Justin Hoffenberg's place after lunch to meet the rest of this talented bunch comprised of three young players in their twenties being grounded and inspired by two veterans including Dr. Banjo himself and former NBB bassman Gene Libbea. Justin is an accomplished violinist with great taste and tone who's about to join fellow prodigy Alex Hargreaves in Cremona, Italy for a prestigious festival that also lists Itzhak Perlman on its roster in late April. But meantime, it's bluegrass with his peers Martin Gilmore, a long tall lead singer/songwriter and last year's Rocky Grass
mandolin champ Jordan Ramsey, who has mastered the Jesse McReynolds brand of cross picking. It had been so long since I'd seen Gene or heard him play, I'd forgotten what a monster of timing and energy his is on the upright bass. You couldn't ask for a stronger rhythm anchor and the guys are blessed to have him...he brings a mean tenor line as well. It was a real treat hearing them hammer out arrangements for a wide ranging repertoire...standards like Jim & Jesse's "Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes," successful stretches like Tom Waits' "Two Nineteen," and a Gilmore original, "Hard Times and Lonesome Memories." All these and more portend hot prospects for Long Road Home, a potent mix of fresh and well-leavened (thanks to a dash of Hot Rize). Keep an eye out for them at a festival near you this spring and summer. And pick up a copy of Steve Martin's new banjo album The Crow...lots of tasty stuff and guest artists...Pete Wernick's all over it. Thanks again Pete.

Back home, don't miss the Bill Lohmann/Bob Brown piece on our JAMincIYE concert series in this Sunday's T-D Flair section and don't forget to reserve your seats (at JAMinc.org) for Friday's Tony Furtado concert which is well on its way to sold out.

All aboard the Ski Train!

TT

Triple Header...

What a full plate we devoured this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday, reinforcing the notion that Richmond has arrived as great place to enjoy a wide-ranging menu of music.

Friday's sold-out reunion concert featuring the  Neighborliness Jazz Quartet at In Your Ear (co-sponsored by JAMinc and WCVE-FM) was a sweet treat for players and audience alike and although I missed most of it because of a prior commitment, what I heard was solid verification that these guys are world class...look out Vladivostok!  Some new tunes included the John Winn/Daniel Clarke composition "Center Ring", a picture-filled metaphorical trip to the circus.  Better than being there.  And wait 'til you hear John's vocal take on Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You"...just elegant.  The boys have a new CD out, just in time for their ten-day trek back to Russia.  It's called Let Be The Realists, and I'd watch the Winn Website for details on how you can get one.  Travel safe young Americans...and don't miss our next IYE show on March 5th with Tony Furtado...tickets are selling fast. 

Saturday we were enthralled with the life stories and reflections on fifty years of Motown from musical pioneer William "Smokey" Robinson at the Richmond Forum.  Daphne Reid was the perfect choice to conduct the two-hour conversation which revealed his immeasurable contributions as singer, songwriter and producer.  Huge talent with a heart and humility to match.  And who's on Smokey's iPod?  Mantovani, Muddy Waters, Nat King Cole, Nelly and Justin Timberlake, to name five.  Deep thanks to Ken & Dianne for an inspiring evening.

Having missed his first appearance at The National last year, I was jazzed in anticipation of Sunday's return of c.g.p. Tommy Emmanuel.  Tommy's star is ascending rapidly in this country, and it's about time.  It's so much fun to hear the astonishment in the voices of those who've heard him for the first time.  In a quick pre-show visit, Tommy showed me his new "baby"...a 1934 Kalamazoo sunburst guitar that someone had just given him...it was light as a feather with rich tone and beautiful action that he played acoustically without pickups or internal mikes like his other Australian Matons...a timeless new friend.  Fellow Aussie Rick Price won some new fans as a great opener and later duet partner with Tommy, who also had a ringer in the house:  late in his generous set, Tommy welcomed Django disciple Frank Vignola to the stage for an incredible swap meet.  Good news is they're recording together in Yorktown as we speak...now that will be something to behold!  (thanks to Charlie Reilly for the Tommy shots)

It's good to see Kay & Co. at Ashland Coffee and Tea still filling the calendar with folks we like to see, like Gypsy Roots this Friday, Page Wilson with Reckless Abandon this Saturday, and an evening with George Turman & Billy Lux on March 13.  Our beloved bearded balladeer also opens for longtime friend and inspiration David Mallett at the Shady Grove Coffee House in Glen Allen this coming Friday. (Charles Dunton photo)

Before any of that...tomorrow (Wednesday) night at Capital Ale House downtown, the River City Blues Society will pay tribute to Piedmont blues legend John Cephas with help from John's longtime partner Phil Wiggins and Rick Franklin, Mike Baytop, and Gregg Kimball. Cephas is being honored as part of the Library of Virginia's 2009 African-American Trailblazers in Virginia History.  Should be a heart-rending evening. 

I'm off in search of snow...enjoy the rest of the short month.

TT

An Upstaging...

Before forging ahead to mention a few upcoming opportunities, I want to acknowledge a couple of memorable evenings I've spent over the past week or so. I'll start with what served as a powerful reminder of what a singer/songwriter ought to be...someone who can conjure up the right words to put you in a compelling place, who can speak those same words musically giving them added weight and then set the whole aural motion picture to music. Darrell Scott did all that, all by himself, at The National last Friday night as the opener for an impressive but far less soulful guitarist/vocalist Monte Montgomery. The prologue produced the most engaged audience by far as Mr. Scott's casual pajama bottoms betrayed the conviction and focus he gave to his songs. There are few in this broad genre of acoustic folk who can write, play and sing at the level of Darrell Scott. A true triple threat. His crowd offered up a range of requests that made clear a long-time familiarity with his hits and his deep tracks as well. Music in its purest form...songs brought to life by the guy who made them up...with an intensity that only he can bring. We renewed our respect for this prolific artist who now comes with a solid new collection of covers entitled Modern Hymns. Classics including Paul Simon's "An American Tune," Joni Mitchell's "Urge For Going," and even a great take on Pat Metheny's instrumental, "James." He's leaves it all on the stage. Consider his ban on fans recording live shows:

NOTE TO TAPERS
i have no higher gift to offer than to leave my home & family & friends & kitchen & cats
and bring the music to the people
that is why the music i play live is not the property of a taper or even the property of the promoter who brought me
or the sound company whose mixing board & mics i am playing through the audience pays money to see & hear music & they get music the promoter pays to have musicians come to a venue & gets an audience for it & we play the musician plays & gets paid for it; the sound crew, the caterer...
the ones who are “missing” in this agreement are my kids at home -and having been in a quandary about "whose music is it, anyways" after mucho consideration, i now know that in the above scenario it is my kids’music
THAT IS WHY I DO NOT ALLOW TAPING OF MY MUSIC IN SHOWS it ain’t yours to tape- ‘tis my kids’ (from the Darrell Scott Website) Makes perfect sense to me....

• Sunday night was Grammy night and was I the only one who found the last-hour replacement act for alleged abuser Chris Brown...Al Green with Justin Timberlake and Keith Urban doing everGreen "Let's Stay Together" the best live performance of the whole night? The Robert Plant/Alison Krauss medley from the night's big winner Raising Sand, producers apparently saving the best for last, saw Alison put her trophy count even further out of reach of any mortal woman...now at 26. And best of all it was a career-validating triumph for Ken Irwin and his fellow visionaries from Massachusetts who started independent Rounder Records up in Cambridge almost 40 years ago. They've never sold out, they've underwritten the careers of countless artists we consider essential to this music, and now they hold the one most coveted award in the industry, the Grammy for Album of the Year. This is a very good sign.

This is a little out of the box for this blog but I'm moved to offer up three or more cheers for a warm and wonderful musical D and I saw last night at Stage I.

26-year-old Chase Kniffen started this impressively professional theater company up near Atlee Road on Rt. 301 at the end of last year to be a vehicle for contemporary plays. Five remarkably poised and capable young actors (think second through eighth grade) sang, danced and delivered zingers for two delightful acts of Children's Letters to God. Witnessing a local production with such a thought-provoking script, creative lighting and artistic staging, held together by director Kniffen and his quintet of kids was an unexpected pleasure. The show runs one more week, and they've offered a free pair of tickets to the first respondent who can tell me who wrote the 1966 best-seller on which the play was based. Answers to: mail@timtimberlake.com. If you're looking for something uplifting in challenging times, Letters could be comfortingly warm and fuzzy. Hearing kids this young sing (and I mean sing parts) this well together is a rare treat. And prepare to fall in love with 8-year-old Cooper Timberline, who steals scenes and hearts as the adorable Kicker Brown. (thanks to Beth Sinnenberg for the photos)

After a sweet Saturday we hope spent in romantic pursuit, our favorite swamp-denizen Page Wilson hosts a major musical happening this Sunday at the Canal Club...another Out O' The Blue Stage Revue with a full roster of Richmond's favorite players doing what they do best. It's a way for all these good folks to offer up their formidable talents for a host of good causes. Here's the lineup:

2:30 - Page Wilson with Reckless Abandon (Billy Lux, Charles Arthur, Jim Skelding, Jay Gillespie)

3:20 - Kip Williams Quartet featuring James "Saxsmo" Gates & Anthony Dowd

4:10 - Susan Greenbaum

5:00 - Terry Garland with Bruce Courson

5:50 - Janet Martin Band

6:40 - Brad Spivey & the Honky Tonk Experience

7:30 - Gary Gerloff Band

8:20 - L'il Ronnie & the Grand Dukes

9:05 - Bruce Olsen & the Offenders
Something for everybody plus some great grub and a serious silent auction. Positively THE place to be, especially since Monday's a holiday.

Friday, February 20th finds us at In Your Ear's Studio A for yet another sold out JAMinc concert, this time featuring Kennedy Center Jazz Ambassadors Neighborliness aka/The John Winntet. John, Daniel Clarke, Curtis Fye and Robby Sinclair are preparing for their third big trip to Russia where they're almost rock stars. If you have your tickets, you're entitled to smile smugly...it's gonna be a stone cold gas. Look for a cool cover story in the Times-Dispatch Weekend section this coming Thursday about JAMinc's studio concert series. And thanks to our media sponsors, 88.9 WCVE-FM.

Saturday, thanks to generously good friends, we head to the Landmark for Motown legend Smokey Robinson's appearance at the Richmond Forum. Berry Gordy and his inspired creation were at the center of my musical tastes through most of my high-school and college years and I'm really jacked about gaining some insight into his considerable contributions to pop and r&b. Maybe I'll even get to shake his hand. In prep for Saturday, I'm planning to re-watch the heart-rending DVD Standing In The Shadows Of Motown, a documentary tribute to the nearly forgotten sidemen who supported all the Motown hits for all those wonderful years collectively known as The Funk Brothers. If you've never seen it, and you love the Detroit sound, trust me, Netflix can provide you with one warm winter night.

Then the weekend trifecta resolves with the incomparable Tommy Emmanuel with his return to The National Sunday night, the 22nd. Here's one case where hyperbole must fall short. Tommy leaves his audiences breathless with dazzling technique, sublime musicality and a dynamic stage presence. This Australian powerhouse is as good as it gets. If you've never seen him live, don't miss him this time. You can thank me later. Oh, and there are only a few more days to win two free tickets to the show. I'm drawing Monday from all correct answers to the following: In what American city is "Timberlake Road" for which the tune is named on Tommy's CD Only? Even if you don't know, come on, take a guess.

After the Neighborliness show, our next JAMinc/In Your Ear Studio A Concert features banjo/slide guitar virtuoso Tony Furtado on March 5th. If memory serves, our last five shows have sold out. If you want to join us for a magical night with maestro Furtado, don't think you can let it slide...I'm just sayin'.

And a "save the date": Friday, May 8th at the West End Assembly of God...JAMinc proudly presents The Isaacs!

We'll let you know when tickets are available.

We're also planning a special night along the Crooked Road this fall with Wayne Henderson, Helen White and the Dixie Beeliners. Rugby comes to Richmond. Details coming later.

• Have a loving Valentine's Day...TT

Gospel Summit...

A quick second post of the day, which I think is a first for me, just because I wanted to pass fresh kudos along to Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver for their short but sweet show tonight at WEAG.  As many times as I've seen Doyle's gospel show, I was pleased to find that it continues to set the standard for soaring three- and four-part harmonies and professional musicianship.  His current lineup features a hot young banjo player named Joey Cox, a resophonic whiz who's about to break into the rare air of dobro players you've heard of, Josh Swift, the guy who's smoothly replaced Jamie Dailey in the comic slot, bassist/vocalist Clay White and the guy who strong rumor has following Jamie out the big red Prevost door, singer/guitarist Darren Beachley. The quartets were as strong as I've ever heard from this group, thanks in large measure to Swift's rich, deep bass singing delivered with a commitment and assurance that betray his young age.  Josh is a real double threat.  Not that the boss doesn't deserve props for his growing confidence and tasteful maturity on the mandolin. It's quite a  package and if you missed it, the Lord will provide...another chance late next month in Galax and on March 1 at Appomattox High School. Virginia loves the man from Bristol...he's almost one of us.  And the only rivals to DL&QS on the bluegrass gospel circuit, The Isaacs, are coming to the same spacious venue on Friday, May 8th.  A JAMinc presentation.   Watch our Website and this journal for ticket info. 

(Photo courtesy of the Isaacs)

Fresh Opportunities...

This tender new year, the Dow be damned, is off to a strong start beginning with Jesse Harper's tour de force on January 2. Be on the lookout for a look back at that memorable night of music at In Your Ear studios thanks to Bill Lohmann and Bob Brown of the Times-Dispatch. The story's due to run on Sunday, February 15th with an accompanying slide show with music on inRich.com. Three of the players who supported Jesse that night will add a fourth and reprise their globe-trotting jazz quartet Neighborliness for our next JAMinc studio concert at IYE on Friday, February 20th. Preparing for their third trip to Russia and the release of a brand new CD, John Winn, Daniel Clarke, Curtis Fye and Robby Sinclair will recreate the synergy that's turned heads and ears all over the world. Don't miss this chance to witness the latest evolution of these four ace musicians. Reservations on the JAMinc Website available now. And our next Studio A performance will feature banjo/slide guitar wizard Tony Furtado on Thursday, March 5th. More on Tony on our next post.

Along with Bill & Pam Gurley, our ticket giveaway winners, we had an engaging night of great music and tall tales last Sunday thanks to Robin & Linda Williams and Their Fine Group (Jim Watson and Jimmy Gaudreau) and lanky raconteur Garrison Keillor. The Williamses have never sounded better IMHO with some great gospel numbers with Garrison holding down the bass line and a haunting take on "Wildwood Flower." Lake Wobegon's most famous citizen in black suit, red tie and shoes, sang sonnets, recited Poe's "Annabel Lee" and rambled on wonderfully for nearly an hour it seemed about a convoluted day on the Lake that ended with a pontoon boat full of priests and a naked man dangling from a parasail. You had to be there. And he does it all without notes or script. Remarkable. Thanks to the UofR folks for a fine night at the sold-out Landmark and a heads up for April 20th as the Modlin Center hosts The Infamous Stringdusters. Tickets already available here.

Speaking of FREE TICKETS, I've got some more to offer up thanks to Brad Wells & company at The National. On Friday, February 6th Austin singer/songwriter and acoustic guitar shredder Monte Montgomery along with equally gifted Kentuckian Darrell Scott roll into town for a potent twin-bill. Not being familiar with the former, I checked his mySpace page and you should too. Whew! And you know Darrell for his compelling solo work and duos with Tim O'Brien and John Cowan, and for his hit songwriting (Travis Tritt/"It's A Great Day to Be Alive" and Dixie Chicks/"Long Time Gone") I'll draw for a pair of tickets away from those answering the following correctly: What was the Grammy-nominated instrumental from the year 2000 Scott/O'Brien duet CD Real Time? Email your answer to mail@timtimberlake.com. We'll do the drawing on Monday, February 1st.

The National brings another world-class guitarist back to town on Sunday, February 22nd in the dynamic person of Australia's Tommy Emmanuel, C.G.P. If you've seen Tommy in concert before, you know he can do more with six strings than any one man. If you haven't, this would be your opportunity to witness guitar greatness and unbridled on-stage energy. We've got a free pair of tickets to that show too. Same deal. Question is, in what city is Timberlake Road, for which Tommy's instrumental on the album Only, is entitled? Answers again to mail@timtimberlake.com. Drawing on February 17.

For those reading this on the day of posting, don't forget the singular bluegrass gospel harmonies of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver can be heard live tonight at the West End Assembly of God at 401 North Parham Road. Tickets available at the door. And downtown at the National, you can catch the southern rock band for the new millenium, Drive By Truckers.

Enjoy January's final week and thanks always for the read. Please pass the link along to those who you think might be interested...TT

(photo credits: Jesse Harper at top by Bob Brown. The rest are from Websites except the DL&QS trio shot above which is mine.)

Hellish New Year...

When The National's Lorin Willis greeted me at will-call on New Year's Eve with "You do know this isn't bluegrass?" I knew that he knew that I was about to enter an unfamiliar realm of musical theater. And we're not talking Mamma Mia! here. On this final night of tumultuous 2008, we were about to experience, for the first time, Richmond's own shock rockers GWAR. All that I'd heard was true, especially the spewing part. Great sheets of plastic covered monitors and the full walls of the lower level of this lovely venue to protect it from the faux fluids that have apparently become the draw for hundreds of young revelers anxious to be anointed by Oderus Urungus and his malevolent minions. We watched safely from the balcony with my brother-in-law Stu, on a two-week break stateside after a challenging year in Mumbai. His 17-year-old son Chase was in tow as well, and seemed to be as intrigued with the elder generation's reaction to the spectacle as he was with the show itself. Outrageous, irreverent, unsettling, downright nasty...all apropos adjectives to describe a GWAR show, but on this night, it was a somehow satisfying way to ring in a fresh new year, having saved the most frightening for last. (thanks to Stu Castle for these photos)

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Thankfully, our first musical experience of 2009 was refreshingly and musically different as JAMinc welcomed gifted singer/songwriter/guitarist Jesse Harper and his band of hand-picked friends to In Your Ear's Studio A for a totally impressive two-set performance. Joined by a high-caliber quintet of the area's best (above L to R: John Winn, Daniel Clarke, Darrell Muller, Robby Sinclair and Trey Pollard) Jesse and his boys took us for a great ride with Old School favorites like self-penned "Run", a terrific new original "One True Thing", and a fine take on James Taylor's classic "Bartender's Blues" enhanced by Trey's crying pedal steel. The chemistry among these top-drawer players was palpable and it may well mark the first stop in spring tour...we can only hope. At least we can anticipate a partial replay of the concert on Page Wilson's OOTBRR down the road. And Times-Dispatch writer Bill Lohmann showed up with senior photographer Bob Brown to chronicle the proceedings for a future piece that will include a review of the tantalizing groaning board buffet that precedes all our IYE shows. If you missed it, don't miss the next one which looks like banjo/slide guitar master Tony Furtado on March 5th unless we squeeze one in before that. Reservations can be made on our Website soon. (these two shots are Bob's)

On that same first Friday night, bluegrass insiders tell me that perennial IBMA mandolin player of the year Adam Steffey was in town for what must've been a monster jam with a couple guys from Carrie Hassler's band and an A-list of local players that went 'til three in the morning. Moral of the story...you can sleep when you're dead. Take hold of these opportunities when they come along.

Looking ahead, tomorrow night (Jan. 7) affords a great chance to hear two killer guitarists whom you may have seen at the past few Folk Festivals here, Todd Hallawell and Robin Kessinger. Both are past Winfield winners and they'll play tunes from their forthcoming duet CD at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center on the tracks in Ashland starting at 7pm. For further info call 798-2728.

And speaking of the center of the universe, Ashland Coffee & Tea is still alive and kicking...let's help keep it that way by taking in one of their January shows listed here.

As we start our third year of this blogging thing, I truly appreciate your readership and feedback (mail@timtimberlake.com) and welcome comments or news that might be worth sharing. There's not a lot of extra cash in most of our pockets these days but there's not a better way to spend it than on quality live music...and there's a lot of it on the way. Just do it.

God bless us every one...TT

Moonstruck...

This was the magnificent December 12th moonrise through the sycamores on Tuckahoe Island at perigee, the closest our only planet comes to Mother Earth. A full moon always fills me with nostalgia and melancholy...in a good way. And this one, at the end of a year filled with personal joys and planetary struggles illuminated the gratitude I think we all feel this time of year, for friends and family, for the place where we live and for the music that helps bind us. I'm especially grateful for all those mentioned in the previous thirty-nine journal postings over the past twelve months who have enriched my life immeasurably. January 1st is just another Thursday but breaking out a whole new calendar is an exercise in great expectations and hope that all the challenges we face as individuals, as families and as a nation can, with work and wisdom, be managed if not solved.

Congratulations to Anita Conner, who won tickets to see Robin & Linda Williams' holiday concert at Ashland Coffee and Tea last week for knowing they first appeared on Prairie Home Companion in 1975. And kudos to veteran Tidewater musician Bill Gurley who won the drawing for the UofR/Modlin Center appearance of Garrison Keillor on January 18th at the Landmark. He knew that Peter Ostroushko played fiddle on Robin & Linda's album Visions of Love. The Williamses will open the Richmond show as well. Tickets are still available.

I've got some more freebies to toss out to my loyal readers and you'll have to hurry for these. On the Saturday after Christmas, the 27th, Toad's Place welcomes Charlottesville's pre-jam band Indecision (think Phish meets Steely Dan) opening for D.C.'s New Potato Caboose, a reunion tour of a "Deadly" 80's ensemble that also helped forge the improvisational rock band culture. The Caboose hasn't played Richmond in a decade, and if you can name their keyboard guy (he's from Hopewell), I've got a pair of tix for you. I actually have three pairs, so the first three with the right answer win. Hurry. Submit answers to mail@timtimberlake.com.

If you haven't heard, Aussie Tommy Emmanuel's happily coming back to The National on February 22nd, so grab your tickets now to witness the six-string magic Tommy can create like no one else. They'd make great stocking stuffers.

A couple of fine shows round out the year for Ashland Coffee & Tea, The Taters and The Grandsons tomorrow night (Saturday) and on the 27th, Last Train Home. You may have gotten wind that our favorite listening room is up for sale and there have been a couple of offers. The future of continued live music at AC&T is uncertain at this point although as-yet unlisted bookings have been made for the first few months of '09. If nothing else, catch a show there soon and express your appreciation to Jim & Mary and Kay & George for all they've done for the music. And hope for the best.

All of us at JAMinc and In Your Ear Recording are seriously jazzed about our next Studio A concert on the first Friday of the new year. Old School Freight Train's guitarist/vocalist/songwriter and all-around impressive fellow Jesse Harper will be holding forth for what promises to be a memorable evening featuring some very prominent friends like globetrotting ivory tickler Daniel Clarke and OSFT bandmate Darrell Muller on standup bass. There will be others you've heard of...just can't confirm at this writing. We'll begin with our pre-show social with bring-your-own beverages and snacks at 6:30 and then two sets of top-drawer folk/jazz/pop that you'll be so glad you were there to witness up close and personal. And all will be recorded for later broadcast on Page Wilson's Out O' The Blue Radio Revue. Tickets at JAMinc.org. (Jesse's photo from his MySpace page)

April in December...

The annual transition that sees many of us thrust kicking and screaming into the holiday season when we're not quite ready for it, is now complete. Our daughter in Boulder has had a couple of snowfalls already with more on the way. The Thanksgiving leftovers are fully consumed and the GardenFest lights are aglow at Lewis Ginter. And the attic has been emptied of our growing collection of Christmas decorations that are in the process of finding their proper place. Thank goodness for a few musical diversions to season the twelfth month, including Canadian songbird/fiddler April Verch who lights at Ashland Coffee and Tea this Thursday night. If you haven't heard about her, do explore her Website and MySpace page and better still, head to our favorite room on the tracks...old friend Lincoln Meyers will be joining her on guitar. (April Verch photo from her Website)

Adrienne Young returns to AC&T this Saturday, and then Robin & Linda Williams with Their Fine Group (which now includes former King Wilkie fiddler Nick Reeb) are set for a special holiday show on December 13th. Want a pair of tickets? Just email me (mail@timtimberlake.com) and tell me the year R & L first appeared on Prairie Home Companion. I'll draw from all correct responses on December 8th. Let me encourage you to get out to some of these great shows at AC&T before they fall prey to this deadly economy. Listening rooms like this Ashland jewel are closing all over the country for lack of audience and the only thing that can turn that train around is more passengers, like us. As your gift to those who serve up this live music we love...catch a couple December performances. It'll feel good.

Also on the 13th, Jackass Flats is back at The National downtown after their successful CD launch back in August. The Richmond-based bluegrass band's latest project is an ambitious one that represents lots of woodshedding. A bunch of originals ranging from crankin' instrumentals to some pretty progressive stuff like "The World Today" reveal musicians striving for the next level. This ought to make that happen for Travis Rinehart, Stephen Kuester, Eddie Carlton and Joe Bird. Nice guys...nice work.

Finally this go around I'll announce another chance for free tickets that might end up in someone's Christmas stocking. Robin & Linda Williams, the Shenandoah Valley's touring lovebirds will swing back this way yet again on January 18th at the Landmark Theater as the Modlin Center for the Arts presents America's favorite storyteller Garrison Keillor. Robin & Linda are regulars on Garrison's enduring and endearing public radio show, Prairie Home Companion. They appeared in the Robert Altman feature film of the same name and Mr. Keillor even produced the real-life duo's 2002 album Visions of Love. Now if you can tell me who played fiddle and mandolin on that project (hint: he did one of our JAMinc/InYourEar Studio Concerts back in 2006) I've got two comps for you and yours. Again, if we have multiple correct answers, I'll do a drawing on December 15th. (Keillor photo by Brian Velenchenko)

Finish your musical year with Page Wilson's Out O' The Blue Radio Revue on Saturday, the 27th from 8-10pm on 88.9 WCVE as he welcomes Chris Thile and the Punch Brothers to the Chickahominy Swamp kitchen. I was there and it was delectable...

TT

Covering the spread...

Since last we posted, a couple of rewarding musical experiences worth noting. Friday was one of those "special occasion" nights out, fairly rare for Ms. D and me that found us at Buckhead's for a nice meal and some well-chosen standards from Richmond's durable R&B icon Steve Bassett.  If you've yet to hear how well he's made the transition from Mystic Soul Bubba and Delbert McClinton sideman to convincing purveyor of Tin Pan Alley classics, you're missing out on one of our town's great musical sidebars.  After a handful of charming collaboration albums with late keyboard stylist Jimmy Black, Steve's become a more than credible interpreter of tunes I first heard my parents sing on long road trips from the backseat of the station wagon. These selections from the great American songbook like "Until The Real Thing Comes Along," "Someone To Watch Over Me," and "I'll Be Seeing You" have been given new life by his seasoned pipes and his infectious confidence in front of a crowd, in this case a small attentive group enjoying fine food and romantic atmosphere by the fire.  Devotees of the stuff Steve's known for weren't disappointed as crack jazz keyboardist Anthony Dowd packed it in after the first set leaving Mr. B to serve up a second helping of soul classics with a requisite number of happy hoofers on the dance floor.  Making memories for the generations...Steve Bassett does it well, and for those who enjoyed his Christmas CD years ago, a new stocking full of favorites is just out for the holidays.   Order yours here. And rumors continue to swirl about a 30th anniversary reunion album in the making with Robbin Thompson.  All in good time.

Don't forget Robbin's upcoming JAMinc/In Your Ear Studio A concert on December 5th. It's almost sold out.
Reservations here.  (Bassett portrait from his Website)

  We'd been looking forward to the next night for a good while...a double-date to Toad's Place with fellow aficionados of Robert Earl Keen's brand of Texas roadhouse story songs.  The pot was seriously sweetened by a surprise visit from our Boulder girl who'd flown in as an early birthday present for her ol' man. I was floored.  It was gratifying to see a full house of REK disciples ready to become the roomful of backup singers he's used to hearing...it's still amazing to see how many folks know all the words to all the verses of so many of his road-tested tunes.  It's also encouraging to see the our two new Richmond music halls, Toad's and The National both seem to be making it with creative booking and a top-notch customer experience.  Our live music scene's come a long way in the past year or so.

Page gets Punched...

Anticipation was running high earlier this week as we were getting primed for the illustrious Punch Brothers and their two-night stand at the University of Richmond's elegant Modlin Center.  All of a sudden the meter pegged as Page Wilson, host of WCVE-FM's Out O' The Blue Radio Revue called up and alerted me to a grand re-opening of his Chickahominy Swamp kitchen...with non other than Chris Thile and his musical brethren as special guests.   We gathered just past noon on Tuesday at Bruce Olsen's  tucked-away Northside studios that I'd always wanted to see.  It's a great space...oriental rugs, Tiffany-style lamps, a 1914 Steinway grand, an assortment of guitars and vintage Fender tube amps...and on this day, a big table loaded down with swamp vittles for the boys including Commercial Tap House spare ribs, vegetarian paella, fresh corn bread and Page's own delectable venison stew.  The band rolled in from their first overnight at the Jefferson (nice digs) and elected to avoid the feed bag until the interview/performance was done.  After extensive tuning, a few runthroughs, and the blessings of their soundman Dave Sinko, Adrian Olsen punched "record" and the Punch Brothers were officially welcomed to the Chickahominy Swamp kitchen.   Page chatted up the talented visitors, had them offer up three tunes for each of the two segments now preserved by ProTools for future airing on the OOTBRR.  We'll let you know when.  Chris Eldridge was like a kid at Christmas with his new toy, a 1937 D-28 on loan from E-Town's Nick Forster.  Chris called it a cannon...an ICBM.    We also got to hear the newest Punch Brother Paul Kowert, Edgar Meyer's number-one student on bass.  He replaces Greg Garrison who elected to leave the road to be with his growing family including a new baby girl.  Suffice to say, Paul's a very quick study displaying a strong command of this dizzyingly complex material.   

So the prodigious power quintet finished up with the 1st movement of Thile's "Blind Leaving The Blind" suite, cased their instruments and dove into the swamp fare with abandon.  Then it was off

to the Camp Concert Hall for sound check and the first of two superb Richmond shows.  The Punch Brothers set the string band bar extremely high.  It will be great to hear what they do for an encore from their new New York home base.

Don't forget Robert Earl Keen tomorrow night at Toad's Place.  A big-time Texas party is in store, promising a night-long standing ovation.

A New Day...

Since the Stringdusters were locked in the green room at AC&T by the shady punk string band Hazosphere on Halloween night, so much has happened that the prospect of starting a new journal entry is daunting. The new month of November has delivered us a new president-elect and regardless of whether your guy won or not, I hope you share my sense of relief that the election is finally over and that it was decisive enough not to be contested. And that both the acceptance and concession speeches combined to give me hope that we could swallow our differences long enough to approach some of the incredible hurdles we face as a nation with unity, creativity and courage. Hope springs eternal.

But back to the frighteningly good night of music served up by the Dusters and their bewigged rivals who stole the second set. I've been watching these guys since the Wheel House days, way before Critter departed for the rarified air of Tensions Mountain and I must say that while they've always been a great band, they've now evolved into a super group that takes its mission very seriously. And young Mr. Eldridge was even on hand for a smokin' duet with successor Andy Falco on "Cherokee Shuffle." Vocally and instrumentally, as songwriters and arrangers, their chemistry is undeniable and the result is a thrill to behold. If you're trying to convince any skeptical friends of yours that bluegrass indeed has merit, then take them to hear the Infamous Stringdusters. Converts will be made. Guaranteed.

Fast forward to last Friday when renowned autoharpist and master yarn-spinner Bryan Bowers returned to his old stomping ground for a couple of lively JAMinc-arranged school performances and a mesmerizing evening in In Your Ear's Studio A. JAMinc's president Wally Thulin and I caught Bryan's second school gig at Mary Munford Elementary. While there, we heard about a talented third-grader /mandolin student by the name of Harper Price who's taking from Adam Larrabee at Key Signatures. Bryan had told me about a priceless 1904-vintage C.F. Martin Style 6 bowlback mandolin someone had GIVEN him and that he had out in his big blue Mercedes van. After the lively assembly show, it made the day for all of us that Harper gently took the museum piece in her hands and proceeded to pick out Bill Monroe's "Old Dangerfield." We felt like we might have witnessed a pivotal moment in a young girl's musical journey.

Bryan Bowers' performance later that evening was captivating as he set up each song with well-crafted context and told stories of love and loss, of counting blessings and giving back, all to the compelling soundtrack of his magical harps. He won lots of hearts that night and he'll steal yours too...just listen to his latest CD Bristlecone Pine or his storytelling project September in Alaska. And don't miss his April encore at the Shady Grove Coffee House in Glen Allen.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) and Wednesday, tickets are still available for a major musical double-header at UofR's Modlin Center as Chris Thile and his powerful Punch Brothers play the Camp Concert Hall. This astoundingly ambitious quintet of virtuosos take the bluegrass template into fresh, exciting and often breathtaking new places. Word is that Page Wilson will be welcoming the boys into his Chickahominy Swamp "kitchen" for conversation and and a few live tunes while they're in town. Tape will be rolling.

Thankfully Texas tornado Robert Earl Keen's road goes on forever and it leads this Saturday night to Toad's Place where we'll all be singing along to his classics like "Five Pound Bass," "Gringo Honeymoon," and maybe an early "Merry Christmas From the Family." Sandy & I are psyched.

Our next JAMinc/In Your Ear Studio A concert will be a home game for rockin' Robbin Thompson with special guest Larry Burnett of the great country-rock group Firefall. We can only seat 80 folks for these intimate affairs so make your reservations soon here.

Get on out and support these musicians and the venues that help 'em make a living enriching our lives...TT

(Thanks to Gary Robertson for the hazy Hazosphere photo)

Hatching Politics

This is admittedly a little off subject for this journal but as we near the finish line of this long and often agonizing race for the Presidency, I found this sidebar worth noting and there is a musical connection.  If you've watched any of CNN's election coverage, maybe you noticed the cool graphics that maybe reminded you of some great concert or festival you've attended over the past oh, century...it's because CNN commissioned Nashville's Hatch Show Prints to do posters in their low-tech, timeless letterpress style.  No computers, no PhotoShop, just hand set posters, nearly 30 of them, printed and sent to CNN to be scanned or captured on video to give their coverage a fresh but nostalgic look.  If you aren't familiar with what Hatch has done to chronicle country and bluegrass music in America in the 20th century, do click on the link above and enjoy the story.  It's a good one.  Hatch's Jim Sherraden, pictured above, hand printed the 3x4 foot Patsy Cline monoprint we used as the centerpiece for the Virginia Historical Society symposium back in April.   

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Congratulations to our recent ticket winners:  to Bill Rice, two seats for the Punch Brothers concert at UofR on Nov. 11th for being the first to enter Peter Wernick (Hot Rize's Dr. Banjo) as the producer of Leading Off, Chris Thile's phenomenal solo debut on Sugar Hill.  Quite a few of you guessed Sam Bush, who did produce his follow-up release, Stealing Second...Chris was also quite a star Little Leaguer back then.  Now he's a star of another sort...check out this insightful video featuring his collaboration with former idol and now contemporary Edgar Meyer.  Thanks to Jack Cowardin for the link and to Kathy Panoff at the Modlin Center for the tix.  Don't miss the Punch Brothers there, either on the 11th or the 12th.

And high-fives to Sandy Lux for scoring the Robert Earl Keen tickets for knowing that our lovers-on-the-lam in "The Road Goes On Forever" took a quart of Bombay gin to their Miami Beach motel by the water.  She would know.  Thanks to Erin Scolaro at Toad's Place for the comps and don't miss R.E.K. and his rowdy Texas road band on November 15th.

Gene Raney alerted me to what should be a memorable night of songs and stories at the Paramount in Charlottesville on November 20th.  Imagine Peter Rowan, Jesse Winchester and Guy Clark on one stage together.  Three of Americana's most insightful singer/songwriters sharing inspiration.  Get your tickets here.

And one last reminder...the young and frighteningly talented Infamous Stringdusters blow into Ashland Coffee & Tea tomorrow (Friday) night for what's sure to be a Halloween to remember.  Will anyone go as John Duffey?  Kay & Company have done so much for acoustic music in these parts for so long...let's show how grateful we are by taking in as many of these great shows as we possibly can.  If we don't, they can't.  Simple as that.

TT

Mingus Among Us

I'm sadly intimidated when it comes to saying anything meaningful about jazz...I'm way under conversant on the subject especially concerning its history, who influenced whom and its often dazzling intricacy and complexity. But I'm moved to offer a few thoughts about the sonorous spectacle called M.A.P. (Mingus Awareness Project) we witnessed at Gallery 5 yesterday afternoon as percussion master Brian Jones organized an unforgettable 3-part performance celebrating the music of legendary bassist Charles Mingus and benefiting ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). It started with his choice of venues...the old firehouse-turned-art space at Brook and Marshall downtown, packed with aficionados craving musical heat. Perfection. Three sets: first a trio, then the 8-piece Fight The Big Bull upstairs and finally, an impossibly packed stage filled with nearly 20 of our talent-rich community's A-list players led by the guy who taught and inspired so many of them at VCU, Doug Richards. I've known and admired Doug for more than 30 years since he scored an F&M Bank a-v project for me. I've never seen him as pleased and animated as he seemed yesterday, I hope because he was having such a blast reaping what he'd sown. Lotta love in the room, thanks to this amazing roster: John D'earth, Taylor Barnett, Rex Richardson and Rob Quallich on trumpet. JC Kuhl, Kevin Simpson, John Winn, John Wittman, Jason Scott and Jeff Decker on saxophones. Pete Anderson, Bryan Hooten and Reggie Chapman on trombones, Stefan Demetriadis on tuba, Bob Hallahan on piano, Trey Parker on guitar, Randall Pharr on bass and yes, Brian on drums. They had the ol' firehouse smokin' all right. Congrats to all who played and all who came to listen. We were all in the right place. So good.

I'VE GOT MORE CONCERT TICKETS TO GIVE AWAY!

Here's the deal, first for Tuesday, November 11th at the University of Richmond's Modlin Center, the Punch Brothers  featuring mando monster Chris Thile. I've got a pair of tickets for the first to reply with the correct answer to the following question: Who produced Chris' first Sugar Hill project released back in '94 when he was just 13?

And second, for Saturday, November 15th at Toad's Place, two tix to hear the great Texas troubadour Robert Earl Keen for the first correct answer to: in his tune "The Road Goes On Forever" what did Sonny & Sherry take to drink on their road trip to Miami Beach? Be specific.

You can win only once this time around so take your pick of the two offerings above. Good luck....winners' names will be held at will call. Submit answers to mail@timtimberlake.com

Good stuff as usual at AC&T this week: some fine Django jammin' with Gypsy Roots opening for New England's excellent Ameranouche on Thursday night. And then, some scary good contemporary bluegrass with the Infamous Stringdusters on Halloween! Oh yeah.

On into November...after two superb nights at In Your Ear Recording last week with Wayne Henderson & Helen White, JAMinc's got another don't-miss show coming up on Friday, November 7th with autoharp legend, raconteur, roving minstrel and general genial guy Bryan Bowers.  Be there as he fertilizes his Richmond roots in one of our trademark house-style studio concerts with a delicious pre-show bring-your-own buffet. Only 80 seats, so get yours here and now.

And the next night, one of our fine local bluegrass-based groups Good Natured Riot will be having a CD release Party at Capital Ale House downtown. Fans will also want to know they'll be opening for the Hackensaw Boys at the National on December 6th.

(Full disclosure: none of the pix on this post are mine, save the fuzzy fone shot of the M.A.P. big band at the top)

The Crow Show

Apparently I've been taking Sheryl Crow for granted.  Sure she's a successful and appealing pop/rock singer/songwriter with multiple Grammys and platinum albums who had a long engagement to Lance Armstrong and who has a longer record of humanitarian causes.  And she's a breast cancer survivor.  But we weren't prepared for what we witnessed at VCU's Siegel Center tonight.  From her opening number, an extended take on "A Change Would Do You Good" to her energetic encore, Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" and all the hits in between, she offered up a solid ninety minutes of power pop that made believers of those of us who hadn't had the "live" experience.  The girl rocked and so did her 8-piece band including two serious back-up singers.  It's always a treat when expectations are exceeded and tonight's Genworth Children's Advantage Classic benefit achieved that and more.  This will have to go down in my book as one of Richmond's best concerts of the year.  And it's been a very good year. 

There might be just a few tickets left for our JAMinc/In Your Ear Studio Concert with Wayne Henderson and Helen White this Thursday.  Hurry to our Website and snag yours quick.

Our Shining City

When Larry Bland and his impeccably dressed Volunteer Choir filed out of their bus and processed to Ukrop's/First Market stage on a glorious Sunday afternoon to help close the first Richmond Folk Festival, I was overcome with pride when I realized that this Richmond institution got its start the same year I came here.  So we were all celebrating forty years and it was just the spiritual shot in the arm we all needed to underscore this event's greatest attribute:  its reflection of the goodness of this city and its people and how, under the right circumstances, we can all come together and appreciate our differences and our common ground.  God's gift of another perfect weekend of weather contributed to another record-breaking crowd of 185,000+ over the three days.  It was a sight to behold.  I hope you were there to share in the pride...there was plenty to go around.  And so much music to hear, both familiar and completely new.  The tone was set at sunset Friday when the gallant and resplendent aerialists of 

Tezcatlipoca Voladores  made their way up a towering ninety-foot pole to carefully wrap their lines around the top and begin their 2000-year-old swirling descent suspended upside down by their ankles.  If you didn't witness this ancient ritual during their four performances last weekend, it might sound circus-like, but its solemnity and tradition make for a profoundly moving experience.  Being involved with this festival since the National came here four years ago has been a deeply rewarding experience as anyone who's been part of a winning team of any kind can attest; countless good and talented people performing myriad tasks, most of them thankless, to create something truly meaningful for our community.  I'm grateful to you all...can't wait 'til next year!

On Friday, I had the great pleasure of driving and setting up sound for the amazing Columbian joropo band Grupo Cimarron.  As part of JAMinc's festival outreach program that organized two appearances each for seven acts in fourteen Richmond city schools, singer/dancer Ana Veydo(above) and her energetic players captivated the kids at Reid Elementary and Elkhart Middle School on Richmond's south side.  My thanks to Wally Thulin, Andy Garrigue, Bill Rice, Helen Ogden, Sarah Masters, Paul Muller and George Turman for being part of this annual cultural offering.  And to Nieves Guzman of TNT Auto Leasing for the generous loan of his roomy stretch vans and Greg Muzik of Mary Munford Elementary for the use of his PA system.

It was great to see Goochland's Todd Hallawell and his partner Robin Kessinger from West Virginia move up from two years in our JAMinc/Children's Museum family area to the Festival main stages, where the crowds ate 'em up.  Robin actually played his blanket-covered guitar for the folks, just because he could.

Big Dan Tyminski and his all-star band represented bluegrass well after a rough travel day Friday that saw them having to fire their bus driver in Roanoke.  Then Dan's pre-war Martin fell off his bunk to the floor busting a big piece out of the back resulting in a trip to the Guitar Center where he picked out a fancy new HD-28.  Only problem was the action was too low for his liking...with a smile, he said he likes his action closer to a Dobro.  But he played it anyway, and played it big...he's become an impressive lead player over the years.  And word is the Dan Tyminski Band will remain an entity, even after the re-convening of Union Station.

Bomba y plena is the proper description of the powerhouse Latin rhythms of 14-piece Plena Libre from San Juan that closed out the Festival on a sun-splashed Sunday afternoon with inexhaustible energy and musicianship that had the diverse crowd clamoring for more.  For that we'll just have to wait until October 9-11, 2009. 

A few credits are in order for the good people I had the privilege of working with in various ways both in the planning and execution stages:  Julia Olin, Josh Kohn, Andrew Moreau, Anne Kogan, Mike Petillo and Dennis Blackledge of the National Council for Traditional Arts.  Jack Berry, Lisa Sims and Stephen Lecky of Venture Richmond.  Jim Wark and all the informed and engaging members of his programming committee.  And a deep bow to my seasoned team of Artist Hosts who took care of all the performers all weekend, had them in all the right places at all the right times and made it look easy.  You guys are the very best. 

Those post partem blues are setting in, so let's look down the road...if you missed Frank Coleman & Chris Fuller in the Family area of the Festival Saturday afternoon, or even if you didn't, they'll be stretching out again this Friday night at Ashland Coffee & Tea.  (And don't forget the Infamous Stringdusters on Halloween night!)  Also on Friday, the West End Assembly of God presents the band that swept the recent IBMA Awards, Dailey & Vincent.  Ticket info here.

Christopher Run Campground on Lake Anna will be the setting for a Celebration of Music this Saturday in support of guitarist Steve Parks. Folk Festival veteran and Winfield winner Todd Hallawell will be there along with the Campbell Family Band, Dead Irish Blues, Acme Swing Mfg. Co. and Parks & Driver.  Click here for more info.

There should be tickets left to see Sheryl Crow at the Siegel Center Saturday night.  Get 'em here.

We have a very few seats left for our JAMinc/In Your Ear Studio Concert with Wayne Henderson & Helen White on Thursday, October 23rd.  The original Friday show has been sold out for weeks.  Click here for more info.  And autoharp legend Bryan Bowers is coming on November 7th.  Same time, same place.

As always, thanks for spending some time here...TT

It's A Wrap...

 

Is a $450 flight voucher, free bloody marys in the Crown Club and a first-class upgrade sufficient compensation for getting home from Nashville five hours later than planned?  The answer for me was a resounding yes, thanks to an overbooked Delta flight and a new motivation to build up some air credit to visit Miss Em in Boulder.  Plus, I had a little extra time to catalog the memories of three days at IBMA...a daunting task, even with the additional idle hours.  I'll work backwards...on my way back to the room around midnight Saturday after a profoundly notable finale to FanFest, I wandered into an intimate space where the Kruger Brothers and guest Ron Block on guitar were informally playing some dreamy instrumental piece that I took as my personal icing on the cake.  Done.  Denouement.  This sweet moment came after a major-league last night on the Main Stage that for me started with   Ronnie Bowman's great set.  I got there as he began a strong rendering of "Here I Am," a song he co-wrote that was recorded by Adam Steffey and Mountain Heart a few years back.  It's an unsettling look at the world through Satan's eyes and it touched me deeply the first time I heard it.  It was a treat to hear the author's interpretation and it's great to see Ronnie and wife Garnet doing so well, both personally and professionally.  Ronnie's pulling nice checks these days writing #1 hits for big Nashville stars.

For months I'd been anticipating my first chance to witness what all the buzz was about surrounding the new band started by Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent, not having heard them live.  If disappointment has an antonym, that's what I was feeling as they made it clear why they had such an unprecedented run at Thursday's awards show at the Ryman.  The sweetly-layered harmony they accomplish with LRB alum Jeff Parker rivals a fresh baklava.  I don't see how the bar can be raised any higher.  They'll be coming to Richmond on October 17th for a concert at the West End Assembly of God on Parham Road and I won't be missing that one...you shouldn't either.  Tickets by phone from 9-5 at 754-0718.

About the only guy who could follow newly-crowned IBMA male vocalist of the year Dailey, would be past CMA male vocalist winner Vince Gill,  who gathered a terrific bluegrass ensemble for the gig, anchored by his longtime guitarist/harmony vocalist Jeff White.  Jeff's got two fine solo projects of his own out on Rounder, Broken Road and The White Album, that are among my all time favorites.  It's time for another one!  Vince was his casual and charming self and offered a varied acoustic set including the moving tribute to his late brother "Go Rest High Upon That Mountain."  One of a number of heart-in-your-throat moments for me last night...the next one came as last year's male vocalist winner Bradley Walker's set began with the first screening of his new video on a song called "A Little Change."   Carl Jackson, one of the most genuine and versatile musicians I know, produced Bradley's Rounder album Highway of Dreams, and this video about a lost soul who's found salvation.  Get online and nag at GAC and CMT to give it some air.  It's simply but beautifully done.  Bradley, living with muscular dystrophy, is an inspiring example of how to turn lemons into lemonade.  And no sooner did I have my handkerchief back in my pocket, he killed me with another Jackson masterpiece, "If I Hadn't Reached For The Stars."  I was ripe for ballads and that one always cuts to the quick.  Then came another super-successful country artist who's found her mountain roots, West Virginia's

Kathy Mattea  who did a wonderfully engaging acoustic set mostly drawn from her Marty Stuart-produced CD Coal.  Both her grandfathers made their livings in the mines and Kathy gathered material reflecting the often hearbreaking impact that four-letter fuel had on countless lives.  From Hazel Dickens' "Black Lung" to Darrell Scott's "Never Leave Harlan Alive," Ms. Mattea dug deep to find a new place from which to tell these dark stories.  But the sun came back out as she encored with her #1 Nashville hit "18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses."  Delightful. 

The time-tested Lonesome River Band  had the honors of closing the long Saturday schedule and they grabbed the bull by the horns with a rousing set of powergrass that included some strong new material from their just-released CD No Turning Back.  Four-time banjo player of the year Sammy Shelor is still anchoring the trademark LRB sound and with Andy Ball (mando) and returning Brandon Rickman (guitar) cranking out visceral harmonies, this quarter-century-old band which spun off the likes of Dan Tyminski, Ronnie Bowman, Kenny Smith, Don Rigsby and Jeff Parker, is in top form.  As Sammy's learned, patience is a virtue.  So are tenacity and hard work.  It shows. 

But not all the highlights came from the big players.  Some of the the most touching moments came from the very young who are so earnestly wanting to play and play well.  And are willing to put in the work and will it takes to learn.    I stumbled on this amazing encounter with banjo master Tony Trischka trading licks with 13-year-old Daniel Patrick from Bethel, Ohio.  You see this kind of thing everywhere at IBMA.  It's a blessing to be around this music.  It's very grounding and I feel for those who don't have it to retreat to when the "world is too much with us." 

Don't forget Sam Bush  puts on his reggae shoes and joins the Wailers at The National this coming Thursday and the next night marks the beginning of our first Richmond Folk Festival, with Dan Tyminski on the bill to help kick it off.  Free even!

Y'all come...TT