As cold as everyone makes it out to be for the last week or so here in the sunny south, remember when the lakes and ponds froze thick enough to skate on for at least a couple of weeks every winter? Skeptical as one might be about the certainty of global warming, it’s hard to deny that our winters just aren’t as frigid as they used to be. Not that I’m complaining. I trust your holiday season was all you wanted it to be and you didn’t get stranded in some airport or train station somewhere. I was happy to mostly be at home with family and friends, to enjoy the lingering blanket of snow, and the prospect of all the musical offerings this clean palette called New Year’s Day will soon hold. This journal now enters its fourth year and this is my 117th posting. The apparent acceleration of time is of increasing concern, but your receptive support of my musings here makes the investment of that vanishing commodity worthwhile. I truly appreciate your time and attention.
Let’s get started with something for nothing, as most of us are pretty tapped out after the well-intended but overzealous seasonal spending. One of the year’s early musical highlights will likely be the long-awaited reunion of the Robbin Thompson Band at The National on Saturday, January 16th. The 30th anniversary of the release of the band’s 200,000 unit-selling Tw
o “B’s” Please containing such staples as “Candyapple Red,” “Brite Eyes" and, yes “Sweet Virginia Breeze” is being marked by their performing it live in its entirety. The illustrious and well-rehearsed brotherhood includes original RTB members and a-list players Eric Heiberg, Audie Stanley, Velpo Robertson and Bob “Rico” Antonelli. They did a very well-received debut performance at the Norva in December and now it’s time for the home game in probably the best park possible. Tickets on sale here but for one of you, how about a pair of comps? We’ll put you on the guest list if you can tell us the 
Our first JAMinc/In Your Ear Studio Concert of the year is now set for Friday, January 22nd with the DC-based Celtic band, Iona. This is our first foray into this potent and popular genre and the lively and accomplished group even travels with a dancer. Check ‘em out online and make your reservations here…they’re already selling well and we only seat 80 folks.
JAMinc’s founder and president Wally Thulin celebrated his 70th birthday back in November. He’s the most youthful septuagenarian any of us know and with his quiet vision and 
dedication steering Fieldcrest Music, Courthouse Records and 501(c)(3) JAMinc, Wally’s made an indelible impact on Richmond’s music scene and the artists who populate it. Thanks to the grateful board members and Courthouse artists who gathered last Wednesday to express appreciation and to encourage him to keep at it, including Doug Richards, Jim Bland, Andy Garrigue, Bill McElroy, Daniel Clarke, Terri & Kevin Simpson (with Miles), Keith Willingham, Rusty Farmer, Todd Herrington, Trey Pollard, Jesse Harper, Billy Lux, George Turman, Jackie Frost, Richard Ward, Jim Skelding, Danny Hughes, Frank Coleman, Chris Fuller and Todd Hallawell along with supportive significant others. Yes, there was a jam. Wally World remains open for business.
Arguably the best publication covering Americana music, No Depression magazine fell victim to the gutting of the recording industry and the general economic malaise last year. But it lives on…online and I thought I’d share a year-end look at the top-10 bluegrass recordings of 2009. It’s a pretty solid list but I would’ve included Sarah Jarosz’ elegant Song Up In My Head. Let me know what you think.
And in the event that one or more of you may have come into possession of a banjo for Christmas, here’s a cautionary bit of breaking news from way out west, courtesy of Barry Lawson.
A resolution worth keeping…see and make more live music in twenty-ten…we can do this!
TT
No comments:
Post a Comment