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 Anne.

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