On track...

Last night served to underline all the reasons I love to go to Ashland Coffee and Tea. Part of it is the same reason one likes to be home...the familiar surroundings, old friends and comfortable routine. I'll just have the pita chips and hummus this time and forego the panini. That way I can justify an extra ice cold Yuengling. As a place to enjoy the joyously organic process of making music, it really couldn't be much better...great acoustics and sound system with someone at the controls who knows what it's supposed to sound like (Brian Hoffa was subbing for George and was superb). And then you're treated to a front-table seat to soak up every lick, every tasty fill, each well-crafted lyric and harmony from a band like North Carolina's Steep Canyon Rangers, and well, you have cause to give thanks for your many blessings.

I'd seen this young band a few times before but getting them up close and personal last night was a real treat. Lead singer/guitarist Woody Platt has the stature, stage presence and pipes to hold down the fort with conviction especially with expert backing from Mike Guggino, their tenor/mando man and Graham Sharp on banjo who sings baritone and bass. Founding member Charles Humphrey handles the upright bass and is a delightfully wry and dry emcee. But the kid who lit up the room was fiddle whiz Nicky Sanders. His technical skills were put to good use on some dazzling breaks and a killer take on Bill Monroe's "Tennessee Blues." His spot-on sound effects for their hilarious homage to The Intimidator, "Feelin' Just A Little Like Dale," almost forced a lap or two under yellow. And the karma was right for their encore number "Orange Blossom Special" as the ten-thirty freight rumbled through right on cue. It's scary how often that kind of thing happens at our favorite music room. Glad it happened to one of our favorite bands...don't miss these guys next time.
They've figured out how to make the bluegrass purists and the younger, more adventurous fans happy at the same time...not an easy thing to accomplish.

Autumn starts at 5:51 in the morning...not a minute too soon...my favorite season.
Hope you enjoy it too...TT