Tim's Music Journal

Folk Fest Four

2011-10-19T18:25:00.001-04:00

Shortly after I took this picture “Big Time” Sarah Streeter, a veteran Chicago blues singer performing her last of two tunes with Magic Slim and the Teardrops on opening night, would be whisked away to VCU Medical Center ER. Just recovering from pneumonia before her trip to Richmond, needing oxygen and insulin, Sarah also needed some big time TLC. She was very well cared for…the staff even looked up and enjoyed her YouTube videos. She was well enough to be discharged by lunchtime Saturday, just in time to make her two remaining appearances with Magic Slim, with renewed vim and vinegar. The backstory here is that my caring wife Deveron was Sarah’s artist host, one of more than 40 dedicated individuals whose task is to make sure all these performers of many cultures, speaking many languages get from hotel to stage to another stage to CD signings and back to the hotel. And maybe shuttle them to CVS or the ABC store…generally just look after them while they’re guests in our city. Or in Deveron’s case, without hesitation, spend a busy Friday night in the MCV Emergency Room with a woman who needed her. We got home around 4am after quite an adventure that included a renewed respect for the police, fire and EMT crews and the hospital staff who accomplish the impossible against all odds every night of the week. An easy segue to expressing my gratitude to all the artist hosts who ensure our RFF performers are where they need to be when, with all they need to give us their very best. And as compensation, they get to experience moments like this as seasoned host Chuck Wrenn (right)shares some up-close inspiration with his daughters courtesy of New Orleans “Piano Prince” Davell Crawford.

Our seventh year of these riverfront revivals of music and culture was set against another glorious three days of October weather, helping us set a new attendance mark of 200,000 making RFF the largest folk festival in the country. I’ll roll out a few of my other images in the right-hand column, but for the full visual story, check out the great work of official photographer Skip Rowland here. Skip was everywhere, and what an eye he has. Another very proud moment for RVA, well covered here by the Style Weekly writers.

And another compelling day of JAMinc-facilitated school outreach performances on Friday that included an intimate al fresco session with Crooked Road instrument builders/musicians Gerald Anderson and Scott Freeman at the Sabot School at Stony Point. Thanks to Billy Rice, Andy Garrigue, Charlie & Helen Ogden, Marshall Pearsall, George Turman, Mark Pellman and the NCTA’s Dan Samuels for making this important initiative happen again this year.

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Since the Folk Festival was held a week later than usual this year out of respect for Yom Kippur, we were free to take in the 2nd annual Festy Experience October 7-9, hosted by that savvy band of promotion-minded musicians, the Infamous Stringdusters. The setting was the Devil’s Backbone Brewery up near Wintergreen, with a kind of Telluride-east feel…the older-gentler Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding the festival grounds. Great close-by camping (with our new Friends of Jay), beautiful weather, great sound and staging, plus a wide ranging lineup that included Railroad Earth, Toubab Krewe, David Grisman, Jim Lauderdale plus great acts we caught for the first time: Lake Street Dive, the Two Man Gentlemen Band and the Wood Brothers. Plus of course individual and collective appearances by the Dusters all weekend long. The host band also introduced their newest member replacing mandolin master Jesse Cobb…Berklee alumnus Dominick Leslie (left), who made an auspicious debut on the smoke-filled main stage Saturday night…to the delight of banjoist Chris Pandolfi. There was a world class bon fire lit each night that burned ‘til morning…something taken full pyrotechnic advantage of by guitarist Larry Keel. The main stage alternated with the smaller Southern Stage so there was no annoying sound bleedover, nor any of the stressful moments one feels at larger festivals when you’re always missing something. And the secluded workshop stage was the scene of many instructive moments like campsite coffee making, cold weather camping, and some wonderfully intimate songwriting seminars like this one featuring (below L to R) Elizabeth Foster, Julie Lee, Sarah Siskind and Jim Lauderdale. Sarah’s latest CD Novel can be checked out here. Jim’s new one, Reason & Rhyme, with Robert Hunter here.

And there was this uplifting gospel set on Sunday afternoon hosted by Duster fiddler Jeremy Garrett and his dad Glen that featured an ever evolving cast that included the three women mentioned above and a soulful appearance by Dirty Kitchen bandleader Frank Solivan. (L to R above: Andy Falco, Jeremy, Frank, Travis Book and Glen Garrett) Joyful noise was made. Much credit is due the Stringdusters for all they’ve accomplished musically and now promotionally in creating a well-conceived and executed event that’s matured beyond many festivals in two short years. But we’ll miss Jesse. We had a great time and only regret that it looks like it will conflict with our Richmond Folk Festival from now on. Sigh…

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Before I shift focus forward, I want to give a shout out to my Music For Massey compadres for the past seven years, Jim Napier and Patrick McCarty for another chance to hang with the amazing west coast Waybacks and their special guest this year Jim Lauderdale on October 6th. Moving to the rose garden at Lewis Ginter this year well past the summer’s heat was a brilliant stroke and we were blessed with a perfect night of weather and a fully-engaged lawn full of fulfilled music fans. Hated to miss the afterparty on Friday, but what a great gathering of talented people for all the right reasons. Thanks to the Garden’s Frank Robinson for hosting this year and to Tom Beals for his highly sought-after production expertise. Fist bumps…

And big thanks to Sarah Masters for arranging our private concert at In Your Ear Monday night with eastern Canada’s phenomenal Acadian trio Vishten. The good news is that you’ll be able to hear much of a magical night of music on one of our upcoming In Your Ear radio shows, airing every Saturday at 1pm on WCVE Public Radio HD.

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We first were made aware of Lenoir, NC’s Harris Brothers by Virginia Folklorist Jon Lohmann at last year’s Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion when he grabbed Dev and me and led us into the Shanghai Asian Restaurant to hear Ryan and Reggie hold court with our fast-lane friend Nate Leath sitting in on fiddle. A major first impression was made. Fast forward to October 27th, 2011 and with a little friendly persuasion, we’ve got the Harris Bros. coming to play our next JAMinc/In Your Ear Studio Concert with Nate Leath along for the ride. This is going to be one for the books…make your reservations promptly please.

I’ve really been wanting to see and hear dear friend Jackie Frost in her acting debut as country music matriarch Sara Carter in Swift Creek Mill Playhouse’s production of “Keep On The Sunny Side.” We’re finally going Friday and the show closes Saturday. Just under the wire. Better late than never Jack! Call 748-5203 for reservations for dinner and/or theater.

Hohner, Inc. president and Richmond friend Clay Edwards tells me that the ukulele has astonishingly surpassed the harmonica in world wide sales for his company, so it’s fitting that the River City Ukulele Society has been formed for those wanting to make the most of their diminutive four-stringed instruments. Previously only associated with Hawaii, Arthur Godfrey and Tiny Tim, thanks to new stars like Jake Shimabukuro, you’re seeing them in all kinds of band settings now. Find out more about the society and their upcoming events/jams by contacting Ron Gentry: rondgentry@gmail.com

My parting gift this time around is a link to a breathtaking first look at Yo-Yo Ma’s upcoming release The Goat Rodeo Sessions, out October 24th. Believe me…omg…you will want to check this out. Hope to see you at IYE on the 27th.

Bristling with music…

2011-09-24T23:36:00.001-04:00

Pretty sure this is the longest I’ve gone between journal posts which prompted a friend’s question to which I replied “no, I wasn’t dead…just busy.” New motivation to get one out was provided by the musical overload we were in the midst of this time last week in the modern-day frontier town of Bristol, VA/TN. Last year’s remarkable Rhythm & Roots Reunion got us hooked. It's now on our annual must list along with MerleFest, Graves Mountain and FloydFest. More than 150 acts on 22 stages all over downtown Bristol…big outdoor stages, comfortable indoor theaters and a bunch of intimate bar and restaurant venues for a raging river of Americana talent. If you’ve never been there, as we hadn’t until last September, Bristol straddles the Virginia/Tennessee state line which runs down the middle of State Street, which they close down for four long blocks packed with food trucks, great festival merch and thousands of milling fans spanning generations and backgrounds but here for a common cause…great live music. It’s a haul from Richmond, most of it on I-81 (my least favorite of Eisenhower’s Interstates) but more than worth it given the cost of admission ($40 for the whole weekend) ease of parking, incredible lineup and general great vibe. I’ll try to compel you to join us next year with the photos that follow.

How’s this for a marquee? Lovingly restored old theater where we enjoyed the Lonesome River Band, Red Molly and Darrell Scott.

Darrell opened with “Never Leave Harlan Alive” and encored with “Great Day to Be Alive” Full hearts…

Steve Martin Award winner Sammy Shelor, Brandon Rickman and Randy Jones of LRB…stronger than ever. They join Steve on Late Night with David Letterman on 11/11/11. How cool is that for the banjo man from Meadows of Dan?

Abbie Gardner, Laurie MacAllister and Molly Venter of Red Molly cast a spell as only they can. Their new CD Light In The Sky is out October 4th. We’re working on getting them to Ashland Coffee & Tea. Their repertoire and vocal blend bring chills.

Our festival high point may have happened as we wandered into Borderline Billiards…packed to the rafters with fans of the Nashville supergroup 18 South with guest John Oates. We’d just seen their outdoor set on the State Street stage but had to go back for more. Voted the band most festival goers wanted back this year, they were without Jon Randall’s wife and mother of his soon-to-be first child Jessie Alexander, but with John and reigning IBMA dobro king Rob Ickes (left), they raised the energy level to 10, maybe 11 with the substantial contributions of guitar shredder Guthrie Trapp, beloved bassman Mike Bub, superb singer/keyboardist Jimmy Wallace and acoustic music’s go-to drummer Larry Atamanuik. You gotta hear these guys…also working on getting them to town in the proper venue.

Another revelation was provided by Austin honky-tonk hero and local favorite Dale Watson who’s been building his Richmond base for years at Poe’s Pub and Shenanigans…and at our Folk Festival. So we’d seen him in fits and starts but never an undistracted full set…now in Bristol’s Cameo Theatre. Flashing his million-dollar grin, Dale held court with a chipotle-hot band and rolled through a riveting set of covers and originals. He more than validated the esteem in which he’s held by so many. This guy OWNS the stage. Chuck Wrenn and Brad Spivey have been trying to tell me. Brad’s Honky Tonk Experience will play the State Fair-opening Black Tie & Boots party again this Friday and will return to Shenanigans at the end of October. Next best thing to an evening with Dale Watson & Lone Stars.

Brad made made a special point of making sure we saw alt-country queen Elizabeth Cook, which we did and were genuinely taken by the combination of her aw-shucks country charm and her way with a song. Another one to keep an eye and ear out for.

While his pappy was playing the National last weekend, Justin Townes Earle, now calling Nashville North home (NYC), was spinning his authentic Woody Guthrie/Hank Williams-inspired yarns on the Piedmont Stage, ably accompanied by Amanda Shires and Bryn Davies. The bloodlines run true. JTE is a new American original.

The timeless Seldom Scene were the toast of Saturday night at the Country Mural Stage as they celebrate their big fortieth anniversary this fall…and Ben Eldridge has been there for all of it. Ronnie Simpkins, Lou Reid, Dudley Connell and Fred Travers have easlily been on board long enough to be bona fide as the most enduring lineup since the John Duffey, John Starling, Mike Auldridge, Tom Gray era. And Ben’s still the friendly flamekeeper. They have a big night at the Birchmere coming in November to mark the occasion with Starling, Auldridge and Gray back in the house. Tickets on sale here.

These adorable Texas siblings were all the rage at MerleFest and Graves Mountain this year and no wonder…the Quebe Sisters and their rock solid rhythm section comprised of Joey McKenzie (right) on guitar and Drew Phelps on bass are likely the most polished and professional western-swing outfit on tour today. Their vocal precision and triple fiddles along with their faithful respect for the genre are a joy to behold and we can only hope to get them back to our Folk Festival next year. Hope we don’t have to wait that long.

Proof positive that this music’s in good hands comes from the Snyder Family, who I met on the Cabin Stage at MerleFest last April and who continue to hone their skills. Siblings Samantha and Zeb Snyder who both took first place in the adult divisions on their respective instruments at Galax last August, along with their dad Bud on bass are taking the cliché out of the family band thing. Kinda like a traditional Nickel Creek in the early days. Zeb is, at 16, already a monster player who can hold his own with the best of today’s more familiar flat pickers. And their secret weapon is a real showman in the making, five-year-old Owen (left) who confidently ambled on stage to render a perfectly pitched and timed Stephen Foster tune after asking, “So how y’all doin’ tonight?” The Cameo Theater melted.

I’d need to ask Tony if he’s heard Zeb Snyder play…I venture he’d be impressed. Just like he was when he took a young Chris Eldridge under his wing many years ago. Tony Rice and a stellar edition of the Unit (Wyatt Rice, Josh Williams, Rob Ickes, Bryn Davies and Rickie Simpkins) continued along a trail of tour dates this year that have seen Tony playing more fluidly and creatively than he ever has, while wistfully looking back and emotionally counting his blessings. Tony just lost his stepson John in a tragic motorcycle accident in North Carolina. The toll something like that takes was evident in the heartfelt way he embraced the songs he shared. God bless you Tony.

A first hearing for us on the sunny Saturday Piedmont Stage was Ohio-born Jessica Lea Mayfield, a head-turning writer/singer who might fit into the same alt-country bin as a Lucinda Williams or a Shannon Whitworth. She’s also the sister of the former Cadillac Sky sparkplug who was also slaying BRRR as the David Mayfield Parade. They decorated each other’s energetic and intriguing sets. Yet another example of power in the blood.

Jon Lohman put together another amazing roster for his Virginia Folklife Stage at Bristol (don’t miss his area at this year’s Richmond Folk Festival just three weeks away). Lenoir, NC’s terrific Harris Brothers (Ryan and Reggie) filled the tent with fans of their varied folk/country/blues based brother duets. We’re delighted to say they’re the next guests of our JAMinc/In Your Ear concert series on October 27th and they’ll be joined by the one and only Nate Leath on fiddle. If you want to be part of this one, reserve your spot soon. We WILL run out of room before you know it.

I’ve posted a few more memories of the singular Bristol experience in the column to the top right. Do consider making the trip in 2012 if you haven’t. If you’re now a committed regular, I’m preaching to the choir.

I hope you’ve had a chance to check out our new radio show on WCVE Public Radio. JAMinc presents In Your Ear every Saturday afternoon at one this fall at 88.9 on your FM dial or streaming at ideastations.org/radio. If you’re footballing or otherwise occupied at that time, we hope to have the show downloadable on the IdeaStations’ website next week. Our guest on this coming Saturday’s show are North Carolina troubadour Jonathan Byrd, harmonica monster and returning Flecktone Howard Levy and area fave Jesse Harper and Friends. One of our best so far.

Straight ahead…Page Wilson’s veteran backup band now fittingly renamed Recklessly Abandoned, ; (l to r, Billy Lux, Jim Skelding, Charles Arthur, Jay Gillespie, Chris Fuller) will play a tribute gig at Ashland Coffee and Tea this coming Saturday, October 1st. They’ll also sing “Virginia” and take part in a salute to our dear departed denizen of the Chickahominy Swamp on the Altria Stage at noon on Sunday, October 16 on the final day of the Folk Festival. Handkerchiefs encouraged.

Don’t forget to get your tickets for the Waybacks’ triumphant return to RVA for their seventh annual Music For Massey throwdown, this year on Thursday, October 6th in the rose garden ampitheater at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden with very special guest Grammy-winning musical chameleon Jim Lauderdale. Tickets going fast here, and to find out about patron-level tickets including reserved seating and a pre-show meet&greet reception, email me: mail@timtimberlake.com

I’ll leave you with a couple of pertinent links…one to a brand new site dedicated to the current state of bluegrass and those who make and mold it, called Bluegrass Today. My first visit was impressive…lots of capable minds on board, sharp graphics and enough material to keep fans busy for hours.

The other is a revealing NPR interview with producer T-Bone Burnett on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the groundbreaking Coen brothers film Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? Click here to listen for details of a new CD containing 10 previously unreleased tracks from the original project.

I trust you’re all back to a comfortable normal in the wearying wake of Irene and that you’re sharing my smile that this is only the first day of fall…the best season of all.

Only A Dream…

2011-08-18T00:19:00.001-04:00

I turned on Prairie Home Companion Sunday and was blessed to hear this deeply touching song about the passage of time and losing people and places you love. It was Mary Chapin Carpenter accompanied only by Jon Carroll’s elegant piano and my eyes moistened as they do when a song resonates in a personal way. It reminded me what a consummate observer of life she is and what a warm and expressive voice she has. If you need a refresher, the perfect opportunity is just a week away as she’s headed to Lewis Ginter on Thursday the 25th to close this year’s impressive Groovin’ In The Garden concert series. The ideal venue for thoughtfully beautiful music like this. Some tickets remain here, and there may also be a few left for this Friday’s sure-to-be enchanting evening with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Also in the rose garden at Lewis Ginter. Thanks to Tom Beals and all the Haymaker folks for putting together an amazing lineup for this season. And for offering up a couple of free tickets for the MCC show on the 25th. Want ‘em? Email me with the Grammy-winning group (best new artists in 1976) that Jon Carroll was in. (mail@timtimberlake.com) Fifth correct answer wins. Jon also put in a great performance for one of our JAMinc/In Your Ear studio concerts back February of 2010. You’ll be hearing some of that later this fall as part of our new radio show on WCVE Public Radio that debuts at 1pm on September 3rd. Spread the word and tune us in! Incidentally, our first JAMinc/IYE concert of the fall features killer sax man Jeff Antoniuk and the Jazz Update on Friday, September 16th. Make your reservations here. And another reminder of this year’s seventh annual benefit for the Massey Cancer Center with those wandering Waybacks from San Fran. It’s moving to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden this year (sweet) and features Americana’s most suave and versatile leading man, Jim Lauderdale. Grab your tix here. And email me at the address above for details on how you can be a patron for the event with lots of cool perks including a pre-show meet and greet (and eat) party. One more thing…I’m honored to be part of Paul, Damian and Brian Muller’s Hebron Boys for this year’s annual bluegrass gospel concert at my church, Hebron Presbyterian out in Manakin-Sabot. We might as well fill those “benches all worn” as Hazel Dickens put it…it’s free and there’s an old-fashioned homemade ice cream social following the 5pm service.

Oh, and happy anniversary to Mekong…catch the amazing James Brown tribute band The Big Payback tonight (Thursday) and their outrageous selection of Belgian beer. And have you heard? Starting next week we can buy Fat Tire right here in River City! Life is good.

Who said “Everything in moderation…except moderation?”

(Mary Chapin Carpenter photo from artist website)

Layers of cool…

2011-08-05T02:51:00.001-04:00

FloydFest really is much more than some of the most wide-ranging and compelling music to be heard anywhere. There are so many components…pieces of the puzzle…layers of cool if you will, that add up to an eXperience that’s much more profound than any of those layers taken individually. There’s the high-country setting just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and the elegant and permanent peg and beam stage structures by Dreaming Creek, the 60’s tie-dyed vibe seen in clothing vendors and their customers, the way beyond corn-dog-and-funnel-cake edible opportunities from Dogtown wood oven pizza to irresistible international and unpronounceable delicacies. Visionaries Kris Hodges and Erika Johnson with their seasoned team marked the tenth FloydFest with a genre-rich mix of hundreds of musicians both established and under the radar, seasoned with crowd-pleasing extras that included trapeze artists, jugglers and fire-eating sword swallowers. Truly something for everyone as evidenced by the all-ages, family friendly crowd comprised of well-inked rastas, holdover hippies and well-heeled geezers. And an impossible to ignore showing of bare midriffs only occasionally to good advantage. And did I say it was hot? But not as hot as the Piedmont especially with a steady breeze and found shade. Like other well-conceived and executed events, it’s just not possible to come home and tell your friends about it because things like this just have to be lived. It’s impressive enough on paper or the Web but descriptions must fall short. So I’ll stop trying and just let some images do the talking. But FloydFest has evolved into a singular community built on music but offering so many more…layers of cool. The second decade should be worth hanging around for.

Sam Bush…always the King of all he surveys

including a rapt audience at Jon Lohman’s VA Folklife Porch stage with guitarist Stephen Mougin.

Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor in an insightful Porch session describing his musical journey.

Richmond’s own FloydFest regulars DJ Williams and Todd Harrington smoked it on the Hill Holler stage.

Under the Radar artist, New England-based Jason Spooner impressed with his trio and some well-crafted original tunes…check him out.

A pleasant first-day surprise on the Porch saw Randy Cook sitting in with Linda & David Lay and Sammy Shelor

Our state folklorist Jon Lohman with wife Tori and baby boy Grayson (wanting his own laminate). As the bluesy Jonny Clutch he and his Jam Busters will be opening for Blue Highway in Marion this weekend. Details here.

Festival Operations Manager and Blue Mule bassist John McBroom getting his propers from Kris Hodges. The logistical complexity of FloydFest is dizzying but it’s pulled off with great aplomb by these guys and their seasoned festiveterans.

Camping taken seriously…

…and joyfully.

Hundreds of bedsheets arranged in a huge embellished Roman numeral X for a specially arranged miles-high satellite shot of the festival site, soon to be available for viewing here.

A capacity crowd of 15,000 embraced this X-rated edition of FloydFest and all its visual amenities…nobody does it better.

A young female fiddler practicing both the artistic and the practical components of being a successful musician…

Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna icon Jorma Kaukonen came a Fur Peace to play the Porch with the versatile Nate Leath…

…who also sat in to great effect with Lenoir, NC’s Harris Brothers. We’re working on getting them to Richmond.

Jon holds court on the Porch with Peter Rowan, Wyatt Rice and Mark Schatz.

Pete later mounted the main Dreaming Creek stage with Mike Witcher and Keith Little.

RVA’s own and grown Jackass Flats fronted by Travis Rinehart rocked the Hill Holler stage with tunes from their new CD Rusty Feeling.

Tony Rice in crisp summer green entranced the mellow Sunday crowd with help from the DMB’s Jason Carter, Josh Williams, brother Wyatt and Mark Schatz (not shown)…

…and savored a sweet reunion with longtime friend and collaborator David Grisman.

And as the day-4 rain and fog settled in, Richmond’s gospel-singing treasure Maggie Ingram and her Ingramettes held church in the dance tent with their own brand of joyous spirituality. They put it all into perfect perspective.

This by no means is meant to be a comprehensive post mortem on FloydFest…I left out way more than I included. If you’re yearning for more, there’s a growing list of links on the Website.

Gratitude runs deep for all who played a part in this enriching stay in the mountains, especially my road-of-life navigator and game companion of 34 years. I am blessed.

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The heat’s still on…no rest for the weary, as we welcome Frank Solivan’s great band Dirty Kitchen back to AC&T this Saturday night to be followed by another rockin’ reunion of the Robbin Thompson Band at Dogwood Dell on Sunday.

(Skip Rowland photo of the RTB)

At the strong urging of music connoisseurs Chris Bopst and Josh Kohn, Balliceaux in the Fan is the place to be to catch the “incredibly awesome” Ethiopian funk of the Debo Band with Fendika this coming Tuesday. We must take note. And one more reminder of the doubly fine finale of this year’s Groovin’ in the Garden series at Lewis Ginter…Friday, August 19th for Gillian Welch’s long-awaited return to Richmond with Dave Rawlings. (And just what is he doing with his left hand on the cover of their new CD? Hmmmm.) And on Thursday the 25th, the engaging Mary Chapin Carpenter heads east down 64. And a save-the-date for October 6th: the 7th annual Music For Massey benefit concert, also at LGBG featuring the return of the Waybacks with special guest Jim Lauderdale. The Richmond Folk Festival moves back one week this year to the following weekend, Oct. 14-16.

Orange County’s Jesse Harper is creatively and tirelessly gathering resources to finish his latest project One True Thing. You can help and earn his eternal gratitude and other incentives by clicking here and chipping in. He’s very close to goal. It’ll be worth it.

We’ll wrap this post with a very exciting announcement regarding our new radio show In Your Ear, presented by JAMinc beginning Saturday, September 3rd on WCVE Public Radio. Every Saturday at 1pm through November at 88.9 on your FM dial, we’ll be bringing you a full hour of the best performances from our seven years of JAMinc/In Your Ear Studio A concerts with artists including John Cephas, Bruce Molsky, The Kruger Brothers, Cadillac Sky, Howard Levy, Wayne Henderson, Bryan Bowers, Tony Furtado and Peter Ostroushko, plus area favorites Robbin Thompson, Bop Nation and yes, Jesse Harper. We’re extremely grateful to Bill Miller and the staff at WCVE for this great opportunity to share some excellent live performances with a wider audience. The program will also stream on www.ideastations.org. Spread the word and join us.

(Debo Band and Jesse Harper photos from artist websites)

Lost time…

2011-07-10T21:58:00.001-04:00

My last post was dated May 27th. Since I started this blog more than four years ago, it’s never been so long since the last one. More about being busy (a good thing) than having nothing to cover. So this one’s about making up for lost time and hitting a few highlights of the past six weeks…and sharing some of what this muggy summer still has in store.

I’ll work backwards while the memories of last Wednesday’s Wolf Trap experience are still fresh and resonant. First of all, the ride up 95, around the Beltway and out the Dulles access road was congestion free as was our ride home…that never happens. We opted for lawn space rather than covered seats and with new reclining chairs, a nice bottle of Malbec and a tasty homemade picnic, we were set up in a perfect spot just two hours after we’d left home. Remarkable. And after the storm-ridden afternoon we left behind in Richmond, northern VA was all breeze and blue sky and long shadows of a setting sun. Perfection, as was the music that lay ahead thanks to k.d. lang and her Siss Boom Bang. We knew we were in for greatness having shared the new album Sing It Loud with k.d.’s harmony-singing keyboard kid and old friend Daniel Clarke months ago, and he’d been gushing about how much fun this five-man band was having on tour. Expectations were brilliantly exceeded with ms. lang’s soaring, pristine vocals, the achingly tasteful supporting musicians, impeccable acoustics and sound reinforcement and gorgeously glitzy stage dressing and lighting. Conception and execution as good as it gets. For our many area fans of Dan who haven’t caught him with k.d. before, you’d be very proud of how much his boss leans on him and features his piano, accordion and B-3 work…he even co-wrote three tunes on the new record including the sinewy and sensuous “I Confess” which opens the show. And his bandmate Josh Grange plays some of the most creative pedal steel I’ve ever heard in any genre. Daniel will likely grow in earning power and name recognition as his career unfolds but he’ll not likely find a more stimulating musical setting than this one. And they travel with a masseuse. What a ride.

Back to June 30 and a long-awaited Ashland appearance by IBMA Female Vocalist winner Dale Ann Bradley and her tight new band. I’d just spent a long weekend in Owensboro, KY at the ROMP (River of Music Party) festival with a lineup chock full of a-list headliners (photos in the right column), but none of them moved me the way Dale Ann did that night, with her voice like butter and her sensational supporting cast comprised of (l to r) fiddling favorite Shad Cobb, killer young five-string master Mike Sumner, George’s younger brother Ron Shuffler on bass and gifted singer-songwriter-mandolinist Chris Harris. Some of the most appealing and listenable bluegrass you’ll ever hear. Go see them this summer if you can.

As I prepare to preview the final Groovin’ in the Garden concerts of the season at Lewis Ginter, I’m realizing that this whole post is focusing on the females we love to hear…so be it. Tom Beals and his Haymaker Productions team who promote the Groovin’ series have scored a trifecta of Americana’s leading ladies for the next three shows the area’s most elegant outdoor venue: Emmylou Harris and her Red Dirt Boys on July 20, Gillian Welch with David Rawlings on August 19th and Albemarle County’s Mary Chapin Carpenter on August 25th. That’s a lot of tuneful estrogen in one town for one summer so get out and show that we’re worthy of such ambitious booking and get your tickets now. The savvy solution is to buy a Songwriters’ Series ticket that gets you general admission lawn seating for all three for just 80 bucks! A nice break for sure as most of us would hate to miss any of the three. Click here for the combo pricing. Serious Gil & Dave fans will want to click here to see the cool video of how they created the old-fashioned letterpress CD cover for their long-awaited new album The Harrow & The Harvest. And how to coffee-stain your copy. It’s an engaging return to the haunting simplicity that hooked us all in the first place. See you at the Rose Garden. If you aren’t already holding for Alison Krauss & Union Station’s reunion Paper Airplane tour stops in Charlottesville or Wolftrap late this month and early next, fuggedaboudit, unless you're wanting to pay north of $400 a seat to a ticket re-seller. Both long sold out. It may be apples and oranges, but save your money on August 7th and take in the Robbin Thompson Band reunion show for free at Dogwood Dell on that Sunday night. Thirty years later the boys still rock. Deal? So much for the women.

Whether you’ve committed for a good long weekend of camping or are just doing a day or two at a time, this promises to be a year not to miss Virginia’s Blue Ridge cultural bonanza, FloydFest celebrating its tenth year up on the Parkway. It’s a lovingly crafted community of human expression with multiple hand-hewn stages, hundreds of performers, craft beer and creative festival food and lots of surprises commensurate with a best of the decade occasion. Proper name dropping would include Robert Randolph, OCMS, Grace Potter, Yonder Mountain String Band, Taj Mahal, Del McCoury, David Grisman, Sam Bush, Tony Rice, Carolina Chocolate Drops and Railroad Earth. Fair enough? Check the website for countless more including many you’ve never heard of but will no doubt take away as new favorites. There’s nothing like FloydFest anywhere. Founders Kris Hodges and Erika Johnson take this thing very seriously and they want to make the big X one for the ages. If you haven’t been, this should be your first. Mile post 170.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway July 28-31.

And a parting pop for a Broadway-style musical in all its glory right here in River City at Barksdale’s Empire Theatre on Broad. Hats off to Phil Whiteway, Bruce Miller and all those involved in bringing Dirty Rotten Scoundrels to life in such a classy, sophisticated way. Every production element was just right…great sets and lighting, clever and witty dialogue and NY-caliber performances by Jeff McCarthy and Scott Wichmann and the whole cast directed flawlessly by Chase Kniffen. And last night, even a dandy cameo with Gene Cox having way too much fun. It runs through August 7th and it’ll make you proud to call Richmond home. Well done.

Details coming soon about JAMinc’s and In Your Ear Studios’ joint radio venture starting this fall on WCVE Public Radio.

Live music…get out and take it in…TT

Garden Variety Gratification…

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It couldn’t have been a more perfect breezy pre-summer night at Lewis Ginter’s rose belvedere stage as the final concert at the Garden this month, before moving to Maymont, featured the timeless charm of Nanci Griffith. I first remember being enchanted by this gifted Texas gal at our first Telluride in ‘88 on a drizzly afternoon with hummingbirds hovering around the flowers on stage as she cast her spell with tunes like “Roseville Fair” and “Love at the Five and Dime.” Nanci has aged well and despite her surprisingly lengthy admission to the guilty pleasure of “All My Children” and how empty her life will be now that it’s been canceled, she still brings her knowing sense of life and love and the world condition to her deep well of covers and originals including “It's A Hard Life Wherever You Go” which she was happy to note has seen some of its issues resolved since the potent protest was written in 1989. Her bandmates were concert openers and Pete and Maura Kennedy and British acoustic rhythm legend Pat McInerny, (below)who’s been with Nanci for what seems like forever. The karma was running high Thursday as I’d been outside doing yard work earlier with my mp3 player on ‘random’ and up came Nanci’s unforgettable duet with Arlo Guthrie on Townes Van Zandt’s “Tecumseh Valley” from her album Other Voices/Other Rooms. Of course she performed it beautifully as her encore tune last night. I love when that stuff happens.

An added bonus to an already perfect evening was walking past the merch table and seeing a stack of Road Mangler Deluxe paperbacks, a book I’d read years ago by the wild man who’d been been road manager for everyone from Mick Jagger, to Gram Parsons, to Emmylou Harris, to Nanci Griffith. No way he was actually here to smell the roses in Richmond. But indeed he was and here’s a chance to share my Phil Kaufman story from way back in the early 80’s when I was working country radio and had the chance to do the stage intro for Emmylou at Busch Gardens. This is the very same Phil Kaufman who kept a promise made at Clarence White’s funeral and basically stole Gram’s body from the airport in L.A. and drove it to Joshua Tree National Monument to see to the ceremonial cremation. A top-five moment in Americana music history. It was for me a long awaited reunion and he’s admittedly mellowed over the years. Anyway, Phil was Emmy’s road manager at the Busch Gardens show and I was instructed backstage to keep it brief and that my saying her name “Emmylou Harris” would be her cue to come on stage…the band was already in place. So in an effort to adequately express our affection and love of her music, I said something (I forget what) that got a pretty decent round of applause from the crowd which Phil mistook for her cue, and unbeknownst to me, he sent her onstage. I was still finishing her intro and when I finally said “please welcome Emmylou Harris,” to my surprise she was already standing right behind me. I awkwardly shook her hand and headed backstage only to be greeted by a beet-red Phil Kaufman who, in true in-my-face drill sergeant fashion, proceeded to angrily ream me out for my insidious inability to follow instructions. In my defense, I followed his direction to the letter but was victimized by an adoring crowd’s reaction to a sincere comment. I went from sky-high to an in-shock cower. We made up last night, thirty years later at Groovin’. Which appropriately continues with a special add-on concert starring…Emmylou Harris on July 20th. Tickets on sale here.

Don’t forget to keep up with the rich musical offerings over the next few months thanks to Groovin’, Friday Cheers and Fridays at Sunset, covered in previous posts…and of course our perennial pilgrimage to Graves Mountain comes around next week. I know I’ll see a lot of you there. Thanks for the memories, both past and new ones to be made.

(Photo of Phil & me by Tom Beals…I have no idea who took the fuzzy Emmylou shot)

Twin Bill

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It was kind of a roll of the dice for us at JAMinc to present two back-to-back In Your Ear concerts on the same weekend but it proved to be a fitting finale to our 2010-11 season as we enjoyed two unforgettable nights of live music, thanks to bluesmen Phil Wiggins and Rick Franklin on Friday and East of Monroe on Saturday. We’ve experienced Phil’s singular way with the blues harp in many past pairings including his two-decade partner John Cephas, and after his passing, Nat Reese and Corey Harris (left). But Northern Virginia’s Rick Franklin really brought Phil out in a special way as he settles into this new chapter in his career. His dazzling way with a diatonic harmonica along with some thoroughly engaging original story songs gave us a new appreciation for Wiggins’ hold on the blues. The twin sisters tune could be a movie. If you missed it, the cool thing is, like all our IYE shows, it was well recorded and will live again perhaps as soon as this fall thanks to our upcoming JAMinc Presents…Live from In Your Ear Studio A series starting in September on WCVE-FM Public Radio. We’re very excited to announce that our NPR affiliate will air 13 weeks of hour-long programs at 1pm Saturdays featuring two artists or groups each week from our 7-year archives. More details coming soon. And speaking of the late John Cephas, his live IYE recording of “I Won’t Be Down” is the first track of Style Weekly’s 10th annual music issue’s “Sounds of Richmond-No. 4” compilation, available for free download here. It’s the last song of his final solo performance on May 1, 2008. And it’s haunting.

And I’ll say with all the objectivity I can muster, our Saturday night season closer East of Monroe brought a fine night of sweet three-part harmony and head-turning lead breaks to that acoustically-pristine space. It was their next-to-last gig before Eminor heads west to Portland, so there’s one more chance to catch the current lineup…this coming Saturday night at Staunton’s fine eatery and listening room, the Mockingbird on West Beverly downtown. I’m not in a position to encourage you as much as I’d like but I will say I doubt you’ll regret making the trip. And cover’s only $8 in advance here. It was a kick for the old man to have both his kids on stage last weekend with DJ Josati opening things up for Dominion Riverrock on Brown’s Island Friday.

Last Thursday at Lewis Ginter we were washed in nostalgia hearing durable tunes like “Louisiana Lady” and “Panama Red” courtesy of New Riders of the Purple Sage, still sporting veteran pedal steel legend Buddy Cage. And I got a second chance in as many weeks to take in the energy of Donna the Buffalo and their leading lady Tara Nevins. The old purple bus made it from yet another triumph at MerleFest to the Rose Garden stage for what would be the last night of rain-free music in quite a few days around here. The wonderfully wide-ranging Groovin’ series continues at the Garden this Thursday with the incredible Raphael Saadiq who will quash any notion that Motown-style R&B is a thing of the past. Check him out here. And stay tuned for Nanci Griffith, Del McCoury with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Emmylou Harris and Mary Chapin Carpenter still to come this spring and summer. And maybe one more huge surprise to boot. Speaking of Emmylou, she’s just been announced as co-chair of the 73rd National Folk Festival, moving from Butte to Nashville this year over Labor Day Weekend. That should ensure it gets the attention it deserves from an over-saturated Music City USA.

And don’t forget a bunch more Friday Cheers happenings on the River with the one and only Trombone Shorty this week, No BS Brass and other RVA faves on the 27th, Drive By Truckers on June 10 and the David Grisman Sextet on the 17th. We are musically living well.

I’ll be headed back to Ashland on Friday to catch a fresh and exciting young string band, Harrisonburg’s Steel Wheels who are part of a “Made in Virginia” mini-festival at AC&T this weekend. Ted Pitney and his Roosevelts will be there Saturday, and down the tracks…Gypsy Roots, the Quebe Sisters and Stacey Earle. And so many more. Go Kay!

As I start working on my left-hand callouses and pondering the proper single-malt for this year’s Graves Mountain festival the weekend after Memorial Day, I’ll leave you with a link to Craig Havighurst’s excellent NPR piece on Sarah Jarosz to mark the release of her Gary Paczosa-produced album Follow Me Down. More distinguished work from one of the new generation’s most gifted bluegrass-influenced artists. Own this one.

(Sarah Jarosz and Josati photos from artist sites)

Momentous MerleFest

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Security was unprecedented…a virtual lockdown backstage at MF XXIV. Just blame the golden-maned guy in the white t-shirt, it’s Robert Plant who’d just finished off the 24th edition of North Carolina’s venerable Americana celebration in grand style. With his well-picked Band of Joy comprised of Buddy Miller, Patty Griffin, Darrell Scott, Byron House and Marco Giovino, Plant prowled the Watson Stage shared generously with his capable music mates. After his inspired collaboration with Alison Krauss, Raising Sand, Zeppelin’s iconic lead singer eschewed a chance to relive the rock band’s glory days and gathered these familiar players to continue his mining the deep vein of traditional American tunes. And it was amazing…so much more powerful and profound than I’d expected it would be. I love it when delivery surpasses anticipation. And it was moving to hear the depth of knowledge and reverence that a Brit holds for this music…he even encored with Doc and Rosa Lee Watson’s plaintive “My Lone Journey” as a loving duet with Patty. Don’t miss this steamroller if it comes anywhere near.

Another headliner whose humility was a refreshing drink of water along with his unrivaled musical sensibilities was Lyle Lovett, who closed Saturday night with a sweet acoustic set not with his Large Band but with festival favorites Sam Bush, Luke Bulla and Viktor Krauss. And speaking of favorites, John Cowan joined his current traveling companions, the Doobie Brothers for a well-done walk down memory lane the night before.

And deep-growling country crooner Randy Travis made the most of his opening night set with a cavalcade of hits like “1982,” “Diggin’ Up Bones” and “Forever and Ever, Amen.” He still sounds just like Randy Travis and looks just like him too. It was just an example of an ambitious year of programming for John Adair and company with lots of big names and a wide-ranging roster of revered artists and new comers alike. There was talk of a record-breaking year of attendance. Very promising for an over-the top silver anniversary edition in 2012. I’ll try to cover the best of what I was able to see while working the Cabin Stage for the 20th year, in the pictures below and right.

Great to have Crooked Still back on the Cabin Stage…Brittany Haas and Aoife O’Donovan.

The predictably perfect Del McCoury Band on the Watson Stage…my nieces and I had too much fun in a wee-hours hang with Ronnie & Rob Thursday night…whew.

Missed catching up with Johnny C but we can always count on quality after-hours time with Jeff Autry.

We were blessed with the best female-based bands this year, including the elegant Wailin’ Jennys above…Heather Masse, Ruth Moody and Nicky Mehta with Richard Moody on fiddle.

Red Molly also graced our stage…Abbie Gardner, Laurie MacAllister and Molly Venter…should’ve heard them sing “Dear Someone.” And listen for Laurie singing the “best part of waking up” jingle on the latest Folger’s TV spot.

A sea of Band of Joyful fans on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Is this man the coolest or what?

Jim Lauderdale

pauses in the Jerry Douglas doorway to the Cabin Stage

Infamous Stringdusters’ banjo man Chris Pandolfi is becoming a multi-media magnate…check out his many modes of expression here.

He’s quickly becoming a MerleFest fixture after loving his first trip last year. Zac Brown’s only official gig was Thursday night on the Watson but he popped up everywhere over the weekend including the Midnight Jam at the Walker Center.

Jerry Douglas has played all 24 MerleFests in countless combinations, this year with bassist Viktor Krauss and incredible percussionist Omar Hakim.

Guitar god Tony Rice brought an A-list Unit with him…Stuart Duncan, Josh Williams, brother Wyatt Rice, Barry Bales and Rob Ickes. Tony’s getting really sentimental lately with lots of blessings to count. Chokes me up.

Delightful meeting and hearing Veronika Jackson sing the blues to start us off on the Cabin Saturday morning…she even brought us flowers!

Another case of cool personified…on the edge fiddler and Midnight Jam host with the most, Casey Driessen.

An all-star tribute to John Hartford…see if you can name them all. (Matt Combs, Alison Brown, Chris Sharp, Sam Bush, Bob Carlin, Tim O’Brien, Pete Wernick, Mark Schatz.

Lauderdale’s too cool for just one shot…

Tim O’Brien brought tears as only he can with “Letter In The Mail” that hit home this year for me. He was flanked by Stuart Duncan and Bryan Sutton. Oh my.

And a footnote-Sandy Feat’s latest triumph. Until next April…

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Please check the previous post below for cool stuff coming up this weekend, including the Canal Club show Sunday in tribute to Page Wilson. We’ll see you there I hope.

Beyond that dark river…

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One of American music’s most earnest and important voices has gone home leaving us with a catalog of powerful songs but taking with her the cutting instrument she used to sing them. West Virginia’s Hazel Dickens died of complications from pneumonia last week summoning up the lyrics of one of her tunes I first heard Hot Rize do years ago…it would become one of their most requested: “I feel the shadows now upon me, and the angels beckon me, before I go dear sisters and brothers, won’t you come and sing for me. Sing those hymns we sang together, that plain little church with its benches all worn. How dear to my heart, how precious the moments, we stood shaking hands and singing a song.” My friend and JAMinc partner Wally Thulin remembered Hazel eloquently:

I’m sure most of you acoustic music lovers have heard the sad news that we lost Hazel Dickens last week at the age of 75. Back when I used to drive to the IBMA gathering in Owensboro, KY, I‘d put on a Hazel Dickens CD (actually I think it was a cassette) the exact moment we crossed into West Virginia. It just seemed the right thing to do. Her raw, emotion filled voice seemed to belong to the dark hollows and intriguing hills of that state that she broke from as a young girl. In addition to her pro miner songs for which she was known, one of her most powerful, Mama’s Hands (IBMA song of the year by Lynn Morris in 1996) tells her story of leaving WV so vividly:

“One old paper bag filled with hand-me-downs

Plain old country girl raised on gospel sounds,

With only the love she gave me and pride in what I am,

It was hard to let go of Mama’s hands, my mama’s hands.”

She lived it and she sang it like she lived it, and it connected with her fans who really didn’t give a flip if she was always exactly on key. It was authentic; it resonated with listening hearts and moved them. Hazel’s voice, like black coffee, was an acquired taste, but once acquired, was treasured.

So much of today’s culture is slick, contrived, and fake. Lady Gaga comes to mind. Hazel was the real thing. Pitch correction? Who needs it? Sing with sincerity from the heart and it’s always on pitch to those who are tuned in emotionally.

I venture to say that at this week’s MerleFest, more than one artist will sing one for Hazel.

It was only a year ago when another lesser known but full of promise musician was taken in a tragic motorcycle accident. Houston Caldwell was just 18 but had already become a Galax fireman, completed Army basic training and was a head-turning banjo player. By all accounts, Houston was an impressive young man, mature beyond his years, and friends of mine who knew him were devastated this time last year when they learned of the fatal accident. Caldwell will be remembered at Felts Park in Galax the weekend of May 6th and 7th with an event called Houstonfest, presenting a strong lineup of performers that includes Blue Highway, Mountain Heart, Sierra Hull, Larry Cordle, Wayne Henderson, Ron Block and the farewell performance of Cherryholmes. There are lots more. Tickets are available here and all proceeds will benefit the Galax Volunteer Fire Department.

Don’t forget JAMinc’s season-ending double header at In Your Ear…on Friday, May 13th it’s Piedmont blues night with Phil Wiggins and Rick Franklin. And the very next night, it’s the fine folkgrass band East of Monroe. Reservations for both are available now on the website.

At the risk of too much gushing, I do want to mention again the new Alison Krauss & Union Station project as it debuted at #3 in Billboard Album Chart covering all genres and #1 in both the Billboard Country and Bluegrass Charts. Here’s a link to a beautifully done video on the making of Paper Airplane. Highly recommended.

Congrats to Scott Adams who won tickets here to enjoy Iron & Wine and The Low Anthem at the National Wednesday night. Promises to be a great show…tickets still here.

The 24th MerleFest commences Thursday…we’ll keep you posted.

(Hazel Dickens and Houston Caldwell photos from artist websites)

On a roll…

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Native and Fine Records is Bill Evans’ label where you can order his Banjo for Dummies book and any of his many great recordings. He is a native Virginian, although now a west coaster, and he is a fine practitioner of all the five-string and its predecessors can deliver. Bill brought his one-man Banjo In America symposium to In Your Ear for our latest JAMinc studio concert last Thursday. With seven different instruments and a head full of stories and illustrative tunes, this genial and well-versed musician offered rare insight into why the banjo has so indelibly worked its way into our consciousness. Some remember him from his UVA days and Cloud Valley, or his stint with Ron Thomason and the Dry Branch Fire Squad. Those of us who go way back were reminded of what a genuinely nice guy he is, to supplement his tasteful musicianship and his scholarly appreciation of an instrument both beloved and derided. And he finished up by bringing up old pal Jack Cowardin to offer a little mando backup. Bill Evans is as much as anyone out there, giving the banjo a good name.

While we’re at it, here’s the deal on JAMinc’s “Farewell ‘til Fall” weekend at In Your Ear next month, a first-time double header the nights of the 13th and 14th. As mentioned in our previous post, Phil Wiggins’ long-time partner John Cephas played his final solo set at In Your Ear on May 1st, 2009. So it’s full circle that we welcome Phil and one of his new collaborators Rick Franklin to Studio A on a very lucky Friday the 13th. Rick is a Virginia-born exponent of the Piedmont Blues and will bring a solid guitar and vocal complement to Phil’s signature harmonica style. Reservations going fast here.

We’ll leave the chairs and food tables set for the following night as we segue from blues to bluegrass with the acoustic string band East of Monroe (see full disclosure from previous post). If you missed their sold-out show at AC&T in March, here’s a second chance, or if you did catch EOM trackside, maybe you’re hankerin’ for more of that sweet three-part harmony and Gary Ferguson’s tasty licks. Catch JAMinc’s last concert until September by making your reservations here. If you’re in the Fredericksburg area, the band’s playing upstairs at Picker’s Supply this coming Saturday. And some of us will be headed back to my old hometown of Staunton on May 21st as EOM plays the Valley’s very nicest venue, the Mockingbird Roots Music Hall. It’ll be the band’s final gig before Eminor packs it up to Portland…this would be a great chance to see and hear what all the Mockingbird buzz is about at 123 West Beverly Street in charming old downtown Staunton.

Some very special events coming to town the weekend of May 6-7…first, a homecoming for Ann Savoy who grew up in Richmond and ended up marrying and making a life of music with Cajun accordionist Mark Savoy. The Savoy Family Band will play a benefit “Louisiana Friday Night” concert and Cajun fest at Trinity Methodist Church that will enable Goochland kids to attend Camp Westview on the James. Read all about it here and get your tickets here.

And the next night, May 7th on the growing campus of St. Joseph’s Villa on the northside, the 17th annual Hoedown In The Garden marks the 17th consecutive appearance of the incomparable Lonesome River Band for this bigtime night of food and fun benefitting the Villa’s Flagler Home. Tickets are $75 each and include an open bar, great barbecue and all the fixins from David Napier’s White House Catering, and a couple of choice sets from one of the top bluegrass bands in the land. I’ve missed the last few, but trust me it’s an amazing evening for a great cause, not to mention a great deal. Order tickets here, or…stop the presses…win them! Thanks to the Villa’s generous CEO Kathleen Barrett, I have a pair of Hoedown tickets to give away to the 17th (get it) one of you to email me (mail@timtimberlake.com) with SAMMY! in the subject line. Go for it. I’ll miss Mr. Shelor and the boys this time around but will enjoy sharing judging duties with Stephen Lecky at AC&T’s Songwriter’s Showdown Shootout finals on that Saturday night. Hope to see some of you there…I hear the finalists bring a lot to the table. And on Sunday the 8th, a very special tribute show for our too-soon departed pal Page Wilson at Canal Club. Details in our next post.

MerleFest moments starting in this space next week, like the journal’s title shot above featuring Emily and her fantasy band from a MerleFest long ago…fellas named Thile, Fleck, Witcher and Watkins. Magic always happens in Wilkesboro every April.

(Wiggins, Savoy and LRB photos from artist websites)

MerleFest Momentum

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Believe me I’m gladder than glad to be around for another one, but these trips around the sun we take each year just have to be taking much less time than they used to. No way it’s time for another roadtrip to Wilkesboro for the remarkable reunion of kindred souls that is MerleFest. It’s time to meet my fellow geezer Sam Sanger for the 20th time as Cabin Stage managers and spend April’s last weekend soaking up as much music as possible and picking up where we left off. MerleFest is a marvel of loving logistics headlined this year by the likes of Lyle Lovett, Randy Travis, the Doobie Brothers (with John Cowan on bass) and Robert Plant’s Band of Joy. And literally a hundred more Americana musicians filling thirteen stages for four full days. If you’ve ever considered making the pilgrimage, this might be the right year. Click here for a very cool tool that lets you click on a clock to see when and where your must-see artist is performing. It’s an overwhelming undertaking that requires some energy and commitment but you’ll not find more quality music in one place in one long weekend anywhere. April 28-May 1.

As mentioned previously, Alison Krauss, who won’t be making MerleFest this year, will be making up for lost Union Station time with her much anticipated Paper Airplane album. AKUS disciples should find the wait worthwhile as it’s pure, sweet vintage Alison. See if you agree…you can preview the whole thing here until it drops on April 12th.

Friday night the Camel on Broad welcomes alt-country phenomenon Justin Townes Earle. His career has soared since an under-attended gig at Stretchin’ At The Barksdale a few years back…BJ and I were there…were you? Opening will be Josh Small. $20 tickets almost gone.

The next day…a great afternoon of alfresco jazz is coming up Saturday at Trinity Episcopal School off Cherokee on Pittaway Road south of the river. This is a great chance to hear some of of the area’s top high school and college jazz players along with seasoned vets Bop Nation who are also doing a JAMinc-sponsored Trinity assembly performance bright and early this morning. Bop Nation’s Saturday set kicks off at 2:20pm. It’s outdoors under a big tent with burgers and dogs for sale but the music is free as the spring breeze. A real good deal.

Later that night, worth checking out is the Kalob Griffin Band out of Philly and playing the Triple on West Broad with their own Avett-leaning rootsy rock.

Next week, we’re looking forward to welcoming Bill Evans back to town for one of his entertaining and illuminating Banjo in America sessions at In Your Ear. Bill will bring vintage instruments including African precursors and trace the evolution of this beloved but oft-misunderstood instrument. Reservations going fast at JAMinc.org.

Our last JAMinc/IYE show of the season is set for Friday, May 13th with the one and only blues harp king Phil Wiggins alongside guitarist Rick Franklin. Phil will play Studio A almost exactly three years after his long-time partner, the late John Cephas graced our stage in what would be his last solo performance. Don’t miss this one. Tickets on sale soon.

Just got our tickets for what should be a knock-your-socks-off night at the Southern in Charlottesville on May 19th with Punch Brother Chris Thile in a duo gig with the amazing Michael Daves. These two forces of nature have a new album out called Sleep With One Eye Open, and having heard what these young Turks can do as a twosome, it should be an ear opener. Tix here.

Don’t forget to save some serious Fridays starting next month on Brown’s Island for acts like Carbon Leaf, Yonder Mountain String Band, Trombone Shorty, Drive By Truckers, the David Grisman Sextet and Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings. Sync your calendars here.

And if that’s not enough to make you proud to live and love music in River City, how about the 2011 Groovin’ In The Garden lineup Thursdays in May and June including Cracker, Donna The Buffalo with New Riders of the Purple Sage, Nanci Griffith, Toots &

The Maytals and a thrilling twin-bill offering the Del McCoury Band with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans. So now it’s up to us to show our appreciation for this musical bounty by getting out and taking it in.

Congrats to Scott Adams who won the pair of tickets to the Iron and Wine/Low Anthem show at the National on April 27th. MerleFest eve will set a proper mood…oh yeah.

Signing off to catch a few winks before Bop Nation for breakfast at Trinity in a few hours. And mad props to Coach Smart and his Rams and Coach Mooney and his Spiders for making March Madness the best this town’s ever seen…how sweet it was.

(MerleFest photos are mine…the rest are from artist sites)

Making it count…

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In trying to get my head around what our town’s musical landscape will be without Page Wilson around, I came across the above photo of a gathering of musical compadres taken at the Moondance Saloon in Shockoe Bottom in November of 1998. We all looked and were a little younger of course, and three friends pictured are no longer available for such spontaneous sessions of music making. Jerry Mullins, Joe Sheets, and now Page. We survivors are now more obligated than ever to keep that flame alive…that torch of friendship and common bonds that are the true stuff of life. Those of us who get to hang around people like Page Wilson, whose passion for making and sharing his purebred American mongrel music was tireless, must redouble our efforts to keep the flame burning. To practice hard, to support those who make a living enriching our lives with their artistry and to lend a hand to those who are struggling. Page would often say with pride that he’d spent thirty-some years making a living off of music…as a singer, songwriter, band leader and radio host. Sadly his declining health took away his ability to keep his long string of successes going. But before he was forced off the road and off the air, he accomplished so much…go find a copy of his 1983 album Road Tired, Wired and Ready and listen to a uniquely powerful voice rendering well-crafted original songs. Remember his generous spirit inviting the likes of Terry Garland, Susan Greenbaum and the Jackie Frost Ensemble to join him and his band Reckless Abandon in concert with the Richmond Symphony. Look back longingly on those countless Saturday nights in Page’s make believe kitchen deep in the Chickahominy Swamp where all manner of roving musicians would gather around the table to chow down, chew the fat, and share tasty homemade tunes on the radio. Page understood the power of imagination and from his shack in the swamp, would preach the gospel of music. His congregation was large and loyal, and as a long-time member, I’ll be forever grateful for having had a seat on the front porch. Richmond’s roots music champion has been silenced but his mark is indelible. And his pain is over. Rest well Page.

Barnum & Bailey…not!

2011-03-09T00:59:00.001-05:00

Whether you were a knowing fan or an innocent who stumbled unsuspecting into the Jepson Theater at UofR this past weekend for one of the dazzling performances by the French Canadian troupe Cirque Eloize, it was surely time very well spent…I’d never seen anything like it. Such boundless energy, athleticism and choreography with dramatic staging, sound and lights. It was a circus-sans-animals screaming into the new millennium with all its street sensibility and savvy. Granted this is another less-then-musical journal entry but the throbbing and sinewy soundtrack was a huge part of this stunning night of balancing, juggling, in-line skating, bike tricks, aerial bravado and the most imaginative trampolining one could imagine. Sorry if you missed it, but if the chance ever repeats here or anywhere, soak it in. It’s show business at its powerful and engaging best.

Those who remember the successful folk string band Trapezoid led by Paul Reisler back in the seventies may well want to head down to Richmond CenterStage’s Rhythm Hall this coming Friday as Paul makes it very clear what he’s up to these days with his group A Thousand Questions playing a benefit for the national in-school songwriting initiative Kid Pan Alley. Paul’s bandmates on this night will be harmonica phenom Howard Levy (now reunited with the original Flecktones), perennial Grisman henchman Joe Craven and gifted singer/songwriter and past JAMinc/In Your Ear guest Amy Speace…a potent lineup promising a memorable evening with proceeds going to Paul’s brilliant labor of love described in this compelling video. Tickets here.

Empowering our kids with self-made music

Another benefit this Friday finds former John Denver and New Kingston Trio banjo man and composer of “Grandma’s Feather Bed” Jim Connor at Goochland High School helping raise money for the music department out there. Tickets are just seven bucks and available here.

And as a third option, for those feeling really cheap and selfish, you can look in on those inbreds from Limber, West Virginia playing the Ironhorse in Ashland. That’s right, Big Red, Harry, Slim, Rusty and Tiny Johnson are back in a big way as the Big Boss Combo…with no cover! A serious bluegrass bargain, even if mysterious cousin Bentley doesn’t ever show up again.

All of us with JAMinc and In Your Ear Recording were tickled to hear that our first compilation CD of Studio A concerts is a finalist for this year’s Independent Music Awards. Read all about it and even vote for it here. Better still, buy yourself a copy via CDBaby at our JAMinc website or download it at In Your Ear’s website. All proceeds benefit JAMinc’s school outreach programs…winners announced on March 29th.

Full disclosure up front: the one on the right is daughter Emily, who’s had the good fortune over the past few years to be included in an enriching musical enterprise that’s now evolved into the group East of Monroe. Richard Ward, Gary Ferguson, Jackie Frost and Billy Budd along with our dear departed friend Dave Giegerich have been faithfully and carefully woodshedding despite the inconvenience of homes spread from Baltimore to Fredericksburg to Urbanna to Richmond. Because of that and the challenges of Dave’s extended illness, the band has yet to perform in public, save for their moving rendition of “Go Rest High On That Mountain” at his memorial service. But now it’s time to pay tribute to their missing bandmate and try out all those songs they’ve been so lovingly fine-tuning all these many months for a real audience. The venue for EOM’s debut is fittingly Ashland Coffee & Tea on Saturday, March 19th. I’ll be packing a handkerchief.

I just went back and watched a TiVoed Austin City Limits performance by Sam and Sarah Beam and their tasteful band, collectively known as Iron and Wine. This is thoughtful, lyric-driven music with Sarah’s ethereal harmony supporting Sam’s lead and the combination has been wildly successful. Heck, they’re playing Bonnaroo this year. Cool thing is, they’re also playing the National on April 27th. Cooler still is the band that created all that buzz at FloydFest last year The Low Anthem is opening. And the coolest thing of all is that I have a pair of free tickets to the tenth one of you to email me at mail@timtimberlake.com and say “I’m in.” Perhaps you will be. And MerleFest along with my 33rd year of wedded bliss start the very next day. Life is good.

It might be a good time to start some ‘save the date’ entries in your calendars as the Friday Cheers lineup’s just been announced with notables like Sharon Jones & the Dap- Kings, Yonder Mountain String Band and the David Grisman Sextet headed to Brown’s Island. Some will squirm about the price of admission which is a little higher than the two bucks charged last season, but given the quality of the lineup, it’s still a steal and you can get a season pass for just $35. A big deal.

Another split season of Groovin’ in the Garden is being firmed up and like last season, May’s concerts are set at Lewis Ginter and June’s at Maymont for eight or nine consecutive Thursdays. Can’t name names yet but you’ll be very interested…promise.

A couple of eagerly anticipated albums are due out soon: another collection of originals from the multi-faceted Steve Martin and his solid road band the Steep Canyon Rangers. It’s called Rare Bird Alert dropping March 15th. Click here to download the title track. While you listen, spend some time exploring his very entertaining website.

And after her extended hiatus to run with Robert Plant, Alison Krauss has regathered her stellar band Union Station and is about to deliver what promises to be a worth-waiting-for collection called Paper Airplane. Release date-April 12th. You can download that title track here. Pure vintage AKUS. We’ve missed you guys.

River’s up and so am I. Hope springs eternal…TT

(This time, all illustrations except for East of Monroe photos are from artist websites. JAMinc compilation cover art by Jay Bohannan)

Master Class

2011-02-17T14:53:00.001-05:00

A lighter than usual crowd at West End Assembly of God Saturday for Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver’s annual bluegrass gospel event likely resulted from later and less promotion this year, but those of us who did get the word were treated to yet another stirring performance by the ever-evolving band that owns this sub-genre. Doyle’s latest class of young players maintained the high levels of perfectly arranged harmonies sung to rock-solid accompaniment that the boss expects. But what’s this? There’s a drummer now? Yep, and despite the potential flack from traditionalists, and thanks to the subtlety of former Quicksilver bassist Carl White, it worked. It certainly wasn’t the distraction one may have feared. And Carl, who slid into Jamie Dailey’s slot on his departure a few years ago, still managed to make it to center stage to horse around with Doyle and even sing his moving “Help Is On The Way.” The main vocal trio now consists of Doyle, bassist Corey Hensley and guitarist Mike Rogers with their tasteful young Dobro man Josh Swift adding bass vocals when a quartet was called for. Sidemen are now Jason Barie on fiddle and a 20-year-old Crowe clone named Jessie Baker . The evening was capped with a heartfelt tribute to departed WEAG pastor Fred Spivey that included a powerful take on “Precious Memories” led by Mike Rogers. Fred leaves an unfilled vacancy. The Quicksilver revolving doors continue to spin and you can always count on Professor Lawson to deliver his well-honed message loud and clear. Amen and amen.

For those who missed Kip Williams’ hot band Bop Nation at our In Your Ear show last month, you get another shot tonight at Capital Ale downtown starting at 8pm. Seasoned veterans Keith Horne, Steve Kessler, Mike Ess, and Kevin Simpson work the groove with taste and touch. $8 cover.

We’ve been waiting for this one since last July’s FloydFest when Morwenna Lasko and Jay Pun and their quartet captivated the reverently quiet crowd gathered at the Front Porch stage by lantern light during the Friday night power failure. Without a PA, these Berklee-bred artists held us spellbound. Morwenna and Jay have played AC&T since as a duo, but add bass and percussion Friday night and it should be sublime. See you at 8p on the tracks. And Saturday, AC&T’s most prolific player BJ Kocen and his Gobstoppers hold forth for another fine evening of collaboration with the likes of Jackie Frost, Tater Brad Tucker, George Garrett, Jim Wark and Chris Fuller. The Gob stops here…again.

The compelling Americana band Yarn, playing AC&T on March 2nd, comes highly recommended.

The night before has legendary Leon Russell playing the Hat Factory on the canal, and the night after, Thursday March 3rd, we’ve got America’s reigning old- time fiddler Bruce Molsky back at In Your Ear Studio A after a five-year absence. Not too soon to reserve your seat at at the JAMinc website as it will surely sell out like it did last time. Heck we can only put 80 chairs in there.

Bluegrass patrons and players have a great chance to exercise their passion at Grandpa Eddie’s in the far West End on Saturday, the 26th during the 2nd annual day-long jam benefitting the Fisher House. East of Afton and a host of other bands will hold down the stage for the 12-hour marathon but spontaneous participation is encouraged. Here’s your chance to try out your chops on “Rocky Top” with the big boys. Read more from today’s Times-Dispatch.

And here’s a save-the-date for Memorial Day weekend…the first Virginia Traditions & Tunes festival at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. Think of it as a warm-up for this fall’s Richmond Folk Festival, only featuring all Virginia artists and craftspeople. A great musical lineup already including Wayne Henderson and the Dixie Bee Liners. JAMinc’s a participating sponsor.

Oh, almost forgot, soulful Steve Bassett plays AC&T TONIGHT with a couple sets worth of his original tunes, including this one which is my favorite, along with that other Breezy thing he wrote with Robbin Thompson. What a great hook.

What’s this? Richmond’s perennial source for viable musical alternatives is now a weekly columnist for the Times-Dispatch? True that. Here are his introductory remarks. Bopst will stir it up for sure.

Spring peepers are already out…can that be?

TT

(Yarn and Bruce Molsky photos from their websites)

All Honky…No Tonk

2011-02-05T18:37:00.001-05:00

So what was Brad Spivey, the Honky Tonk Experience front man to do without his band? Simply charm the Ashland crowd as a long, tall guitar man with a coal car full of country gold. Real country from the songbooks of Dale Watson, Tom T. Hall and Merle Haggard. Firmly holding down the opening slot all by his lonesome. He was there at the behest of Ted Pitney, former King Wilkie lead guitarist and songwriter who’d never done much singing in that much-missed ensemble, but now was fronting his own Teddy & The Roosevelts. Comprised of seasoned players like Jay Starling on lap steel and keys and former Wilkie bassist Jake Hopping, Ted and his cohorts rolled through an extended set of compelling originals that even included a fresh new take on “Lee & Paige,” the tragic love song from his more bluegrassy days. And there was royalty in the house as Jay’s dad John proudly made the scene in support of his gifted son. Highly recommended is Ted’s EP Genesee that includes the beautiful “October Fire” and is available thru CDBaby here.

More recently, we were back at AC&T for the return of Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen who continue their quest to become one of the hottest bluegrass bands in the land. Heck they already are, but there are dues to pay and fans to earn and if there’s any justice at all, it’s just a matter of time. Vocally and instrumentally, all the goods are there. The other cooks, Mike Munford-banjo, Lincoln Meyers- guitar and Stefan Custodi-bass are as tasty as it gets. Don’t miss these guys if they’re anywhere close. And get their CD here.

We’ve got an exciting lineup for the next few months at In Your Ear Music and Recording as JAMinc proudly presents the delightful folk duo Dana & Susan Robinson up from Asheville, partners in music and life. They’re up this coming Thursday night and we still have room for you at this writing. Reservations here.

On March 3, one of the very best friends an old-time fiddle has ever had, Bruce Molsky returns to IYE for another round of earnest and engaging tunes both original and traditional. Bruce can cast a spell, and in this pristine acoustic environment, magic is pretty well assured. A sold-out situation is likely, so grab your seats now right here.

And we’ve just firmed up an April 14th date for banjo player/historian Bill Evans who some of you may remember from his old Cloud Valley or Dry Branch Fire Squad days. Bill will present a musical and very informative evening with his priceless collection of instruments including precursors of the old five-string. Bill did this for us many years ago at the Virginia Historical Society and it’ll be good to see him on the east coast again. Reservations available soon on our JAMinc website.

If you missed our most recent IYE offering or if you were there and are hungry for more, Kip Williams and his smokin’ fusion jazz band Bop Nation will reconvene at the Capital Ale House downtown on February 17th, a Thursday. Area masters Keith Horne, Mike Ess, Steve Kessler and Kevin Simpson populate this tonal democracy, that gives each of these solid players a chance to shine. You might want to get advance tickets for this one here.

Randy Fitzgerald and his East of Afton bluegrass buddies are hosting another all day jam on Saturday, 2/26 at Grandpa Eddie’s BBQ out on Three Chopt. The first one last year was a big success and it’s a chance to hear a bunch of our town’s best pickers in an evolving and inclusive day of spontaneous fun. It benefits the very worthy Fisher House which accommodates families of wounded veterans being treated at McGuire Hospital. Check Grandpa’s website for further details. And BYOI.

Have you discovered Garden & Gun? The “Soul of the South” is not a primer for green-thumbed bounty hunters. No sir. It’s actually a wonderfully well-done publication out of Charleston, SC that celebrates the broad southern ethic and its cultural reflection with great photography and design, some of our top writers and for the sake of this post, a discerning ear for our favorite Americana music. It’s just a treat of a magazine. The current issue’s cover story is “Bluegrass Nation…25 Bands Giving Old-Time Music a Whole New Sound.” You may take issue with some who made the Top 25 but there’s no doubt they’re all pioneers and trend-setters who’ve found a comfortable branch some distance from the trunk of the bluegrass tree. You can read the piece here but indulge yourself in a hard copy. I’ll bet it won’t be your last one. Brothers Seth and Scott Avett appear in the above photo from the cover shoot, thanks to James McClister.

And in the interest of full disclosure, I banged out most of this post today while revisiting the Hell Freezes Over Eagles reunion DVD and had a fine time. Lots of guitars and big harmonies took me back to a nice sunny place. I’ll share a video of the tune that’s my favorite from that reunion…it was a tough choice. Joe Walsh with a string section. And Don Henley hammering the most meaningful rimshots ever heard. Huge.

from Hell Freezes Over

I have more friends who are Steeler fans so I’ll pull for them but truth be known, I don’t give a rip who wins. Regardless, I’ll be tube-glued all day I’m sure. Have a Super day but take a minute to mentally list and savor everything we take for granted. And pray for the freedom-loving people of Egypt. They need us and we need them.

(The Robinsons, Bruce Molsky and Bill Evans photos from their respective websites)

Smooth Sailing…

2011-01-26T02:51:00.001-05:00

Acknowledging that this is a music-oriented blog, I can’t ignore an overwhelming achievement witnessed this past Saturday at the Byrd Theatre. A grateful generation that came of age as loyal schooner mates of Channel 12’s Sailor Bob Griggs and his crew of characters were able to savor the memories evoked by a masterful 90-minute documentary screened before a full house moved to tears and frequent rounds of spontaneous applause. Bob’s warm and witty presence on our hometown TV screens during the 60s and early 70s gave him celebrity status not seen here before or since. His daily live shows with Gilliver Gull, Mr. Mouse and Bluebird endeared him to children with his drawing and musical stories as it ensnared the grownups with often hilarious improv. The Sailor Bob Story lovingly captures this precious time in our past with on-air and behind-the-scenes clips, interviews with those involved in producing the show and some quality time with Bob himself, a humble and unassuming hero if there ever was one.

The VGO Productions team (above) that crafted this fitting tribute to Sailor Bob’s life and legacy enjoyed a well-earned moment in the spotlight at the Byrd. From left, director Paul Roberts, producer Leslie Custalow, videographers Tim Wright and Charlie Reilly, video wizard Guy Spiller and original music composer Frank Coleman. Frank gathered a studio full of Richmond’s most accomplished players to provide just the right sonic foundation for these perfectly-edited nostalgic images…including Charles Arthur, Daniel Clarke, Stefan Demetriades, Chris Fuller, Randall Pharr, John Winn and Forrest Young. If you missed the premiere, you missed a heartwarming celebration of a career that mattered, made all the more special by Bob’s being there to absorb all the love in the room. But The Sailor Bob Story will see its first air time on Tuesday, February 8th at 9pm on WCVE/Channel 23. So you’ll have another chance. And your chance to own your own DVD of the doc with lots of extras will come soon at the official Website. And the Virginia Historical Society has committed to archiving and displaying the extensive collection of Sailor Bob video, artwork and memorabilia. Stay tuned. Incidentally, the aforementioned Coleman & Fuller will continue their long-running ‘brotherly love’ tour this Saturday at the Iron Horse in Ashland from 9-12. No cover…no kidding!

Our day of re-living the best of the 60s continued that night at the CenterStage Carpenter Theatre as the Richmond Symphony feted 50 years of Motown with one of Berry Gordy, Jr.’s chosen groups, The Contours of “Do You Love Me” fame. Despite having only one remaining member from the era of their one big hit, Sylvester Potts, the stylish quartet had us boomers singing along with songs wisely picked from the Smokey Robinson/Temptations/Four Tops set lists at the expense of their own. It was an entertaining show but from our seats (orchestra right, row Q) the symphony was effectively inaudible behind the Contours’ six-piece band. Conductor Erin Freeman appeared to be doing pantomime…was it just me? Disappointing but a fresh reminder of how solid and durable those Motor City melodies remain.

Looking ahead for the next few weeks, we’re eager to catch Teddy & The Roosevelts for the first time, the latest evolution of King Wilkie co-founder/guitarist/composer Ted Pitney. Opening will be our favorite Honky Tonker unplugged-Brad Spivey doing a solo set starting at 8p on the tracks at AC&T. As we move into the shortest month, don’t miss the return engagements of

Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen on February 2

and the Honey Dewdrops on Feb 5

And dazzling C’ville violinist Morwenna Lasko and her guitar-wielding pal Jay Pun return with bass and percussion this time around…that’s right, the Lasko/Pun Quartet on Feb 18. They were a hands-down highlight at last summer’s Floydfest. Not to be missed. All coming soon to AC&T.

The Richmond Jazz Society hosts another of its terrific Guest Educators Series at the Capital Ale House music hall downtown on Feb 8th in tribute to the great pianist/educator Dr. Billy Taylor who passed away in late December. Some of our town’s best players including Debo Dabney, Dr. Weldon Hill, Russell Wilson and Lucy Kilpatrick will perform on twin grand pianos. Tickets available here.

Our next JAMinc/In Your Ear Studio Concert comes up on Thursday, February 10 with the engaging folk duo Dana & Susan Robinson from Asheville, NC. These two life-and road-mates armed with guitar and clawhammer banjo promise an intimate evening of traditional treats, enhanced of course by our trademark pre-show pot luck buffet. Reservations right here.

Almost forgot about a great band headed for Kenbridge this coming Saturday thanks to Chris Gowin who runs “Virginia’s Country Legend,” WSVS 800 AM in Crewe: frequent IBMA bass player of the year Missy Raines and her talented young group, The New Hip. The WSVS studios are being faithfully restored to look and sound like they did back in the early 50s when Flatt & Scruggs were regulars. It’s a very cool and commendable project that’s well underway. Go Chris!

Parting gift for this post is a video from a new Canadian duo named Dala whose first Compass Records CD Everyone is Someone is just out this week and is generating loud and loving buzz in the pop-folk arena. Check out Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine singing “Horses.” Nice.

For those who’ve seen the remarkable Oscar-nominated film The King’s Speech, did any of you think of Mel Tillis?

Hoping for a cloudy Ground Hog Day…

A Running Start…

2011-01-07T02:44:00.001-05:00

The much anticipated holiday season is behind us and I’m left with the familiar ‘too much of a good thing’ feeling and a sense of relief that things are settling down. But there’s only time for catching a quick breath, as the first few days of the new year are rife with opportunity to make good on that resolution to catch more live music in 2011. You did make that one too, right? My two most recent outings, a heartwarming holiday concert with the Richmond Pops Band and the Richmond Choral Society and last night’s run to AC&T to catch the up-and-coming Commonwealth Bluegrass Band, both pressed the right buttons and whetted the appetite for more. Here’s a cool behind-the-scenes video shot by CBS 6 meteorologist Carrie Rose from the CBB’s appearance on “Virginia This Morning.” They’re doing a dandy cover of Sammy Shelor’s “Ernest T. Grass.” How convenient. On Friday…

…there’s a return trip to Ashland trackside to check out a new grouping of seasoned players, the Beachley/Scott Band. Darren Beachley and Barry Scott are both alums of Doyle Lawson’s Quicksilver University. Darren just disassembled his Legends of the Potomac that included Tom Gray and Mike Auldridge…Barry did the same with his gospel ensemble Second Wind. The new pairing has lots of promise, especially in the vocal department…we’ll get back with you on that.

Also tonight, a very Bogart’s Friday night as John Winn and some of his peerless peers like Adam Larrabee, Devonne Harris, Randall Pharr and Daniel Clarke stroll down jazz alley in their own inimitable style. Of course the old Bogart’s on Lombardy is now Balliceaux and you might finish the night there with the irreverent grass of the Flesh Mountain Boys in Chris Bopst’s back room.

Saturday marks another Robbin Thompson Band revival at the National. It was just too much fun and too well-received a year ago to not do it all again. Plus, they’ve got a terrific concert DVD to push, so if you didn’t catch them last January, or even if you did, here’s a great chance to hear five reasons (Robbin, Velpo Robertson, Eric Heiberg, Rico Antonelli, and Audie Stanley) why Richmond is a bona fide music town. Just read Don Harrison’s great piece in the current issue of Style Weekly. And RT does a solo gig at AC&T on the 14th.

JAMinc gets 2011 off to a jazzy start this Thursday the 13th, with power-percussionist Kip Williams and some top hand-picked players like bass monster Keith Horne (remember Secrets?), Mike Hawkins, Steve Kessler, Mike Ess, and Kevin Simpson. Heck, Robbin might render one or two with this band too. We’ll be having another of our famous pot-luck heavy hors d’oeuvre buffets before the show so bring something tasty starting at 6:30 and enjoy some tastefully funky fare in the perfect acoustic setting of In Your Ear Studio A starting at 7:30. Reservations online here.

Fans of grass rockers Cadillac Sky, already reeling from the loss of lead singer/writer Bryan Simpson, now face the news of the band’s “indefinite hiatus” as revealed in this post on their website. One of the most musically fertile acts of the new millennium, much like King Wilkie, leaving us way too soon. Here’s the tune that hooked me on Bryan’s image-laden creativity from the start. I’d frankly rather make up my own visuals for this haunting song…maybe just listen with closed eyes the first time through.

Thankfully still very much alive, the Infamous Stringdusters are out of the new year’s gate at a full gallop after their Grammy nomination (Best Country Instrumental) for Magic #9. See how they do as the golden gramophones are handed out in L.A. on February 13th. The Dusters’ five-string man Chris Pandolfi has gotten into doing some really fun stop-animation

Stringdusters Ski Tour/Caper

promoting their winter ski tour. Looks like the boys had some extra time on their hands…good times.

The recent loss of our friend Dave Giegerich has brought comforting expressions from so many. Read Dave’s East of Monroe bandmate Gary Ferguson’s heartfelt tribute here, and this from Robin Williams’ latest newsletter:

“2010 ended with sadness for us. For the last 14 years we've done Hank Williams tribute shows in between Christmas and New Years. Standing on the far left for all those years has been Dave Giegerich playing steel and dobro. In September he had a bone marrow transplant and the word out on the street was that he was doing good. He and we were all hoping that he'd make this year's shows but his doctor ruled it out. We played the first show without him and took pictures and signed a poster to give to him. He never saw them. He died suddenly the next day. We all played one more show with broken hearts. Literally, to know him was to love him. He left this world without an enemy. We should all hope for that to be said about us. Our hearts go out to Pam, his wife, and his two sons, Axel and Carter. Steeling good/Steeling good/He was a mighty man and he was steeling good.”

What promises to be a fitting tribute to a life well-lived and music well-played, will be held in downtown Baltimore at the Maryland State Boychoir Center for the Arts at 3400 Norman Avenue, 21213 at 2pm on Saturday, January 15th. We’ll make a joyful noise.

(Robbin Thompson photo by Zachary Reid)

Sliding home…

2010-12-31T13:11:00.001-05:00

The notion that life is not fair was brought home Wednesday afternoon as Dave Giegerich finished a long and courageous battle with cancer that was joined mightily by his wife Pam, sons Axel and Carter and his full circle of family and friends. That it was so hard-fought and that there had been such hope he would get through it, makes the finality of it so very hard to accept. Dave, with his beloved Dobro and his sparkling wit and good humor, brought much joy to so many of us who knew and admired him. We first knew him as a member of the Richmond-based bluegrass band Stoney Point back in the mid-80s with Dave as front man along with Tom “Big Tree” Reynolds, Richard Ward, D.J. Sharp and Billy Budd…there were many entertaining nights at Charlie Shifflett’s Flat Rock Inn in Powhatan. Here’s an audio sampler of the band’s last show there. Dave would go on to share his musicianship in countless other contexts including Bill Harrell & the Virginians and the eclectic Hula Monsters and as a beloved instructor at Nashville’s distinguished ResoSummit. But one of my most fond memories goes back to Pete’s House at Graves Mountain in June of 2009 and a wee-hours jam that re-united Dave, Tree and Richard Ward along with Gary Ferguson and a host of others. There was magic that night. Dave, Richard, and Gary along with Jackie Frost, our daughter Emily and Billy Budd comprised the fledgling band East of Monroe that spent the past year rehearsing and recording but due to Dave’s tenuous health issues sadly never made it to the stage. Listen to some of the fruits of their musical labor of love here. And when you visit the site, take note of the wonderful artwork of Richard’s dear mom Martha, who in a somehow fitting twist of fate, reached the end of her life’s journey on that same Wednesday afternoon. Full circle.

As we come to the final hours of another year of mixed blessings, let’s all resolve to make more time for the things that mean the most…good times spent with family and friends. We can never know when those opportunities will end. Here’s to a meaningful 2011 for us all, with thanks for your time spent here over the past 12 months.

Missed opportunity…

2010-12-10T00:34:00.001-05:00

Back in my radio days when Alden and I were debating the virtues of the Tar Heel state, this guy calls up and says, “The best thing to ever come out of North Carolina was an empty bus.” It was a good-natured rib but one that stuck with me and returned to mind last Thursday night when we had our disappointing turnout at In Your Ear for Chapel Hill’s Jonathan Byrd. Jonathan’s a Carolina son in the very best sense…warm and a little shy with a dry wit, a resourceful man of the land and one of the most eloquent observers of the human condition I’ve had the pleasure to spend quality time with. That we’d been loudly singing his praises in the days and weeks leading up to his JAMinc appearance and that so few took us up on what would be one of our most compelling concerts was frustrating, mostly because of our knowing so many people who would have devoured his two solo sets of stories and snapshots set to music. There was some compensation to be had during the afternoon in Denise Yagel’s creative writing class for a dozen bright seniors at Maggie Walker Governor’s School. Jonathan and I had no idea how this whole thing would go…without a word, his first move was performing the dark road song that’s also the title track of his “The Law and the Lonesome” CD. They hung intently on every well-chosen word and when it was finished, after a generous round of applause, and an appropriately dramatic pause, a spellbound young poet named Gracie enthused, “You…..are…..amazing.” The doubts lifted and he had them enthralled for the rest of the session. We’ll never know the reasons we had such a light crowd at IYE that night, but no matter…it was beautifully recorded by Carlos and Andrea, and it will surely find some air sometime down the road. Stay tuned. And if Jonathan ever heads this way again, maybe he’ll get the audience he deserves. His new CD Cackalack, recorded straight up during one six-hour studio session late last year, with songs like “I Was An Oak Tree,” “Wild Ponies,” and “Father’s Day,” is a gem. So is Jonathan’s and wife Mary’s adorable 10-month-old son Rowan. This bus was a red Chevy sedan and it was full.

JAMinc’s next offering is veteran percussionist Kip Williams who’s gathered a who’s who of potent sidemen like Keith Horne, Mike Ess, Mike Hawkins, Steve Kessler and Kevin Simpson for a tasty night of jazz funk at In Your Ear Recording on Thursday, January 13th. Reservations already up on our website. Surprises anticipated.

Richmond’s resident King of Keys, Daniel Clarke is back in town for a while over the holidays with a spankin’ new pop project called The Vet that he recorded himself out in Oakland while he and his main squeeze Jenna McClintock were out there…richly layered and evocative originals with Daniel playing and singing all the parts except for a couple of guest shots by Jenna on vocals and pal Trey Pollard on guitar. Most musicians would be content to be holding down three band gigs with k.d. lang, the Dixie Chicks and Court Yard Hounds, but no…Mr. Clarke is just busting at the seams with energy and creativity. His generous holiday offer is one CD for $10, 2 for $15 and 3 for $20 with free shipping if you order by December 17. Just shoot him an email: speedlimit79@yahoo.com or check out his Facebook page. Daniel’s appetite for making music is voracious.

And speaking of the holidays, you may well want to take in some timely tunes courtesy of Augusta County’s own Robin & Linda Williams and Their Fine Group as they return to Ashland Coffee and Tea on Thursday, December 16. Lots of other fine 12th-month shows on their calendar as well.

In the spirit of the season, I’ll wrap for now with a musical gift from none other than Robert Downey, Jr. who covered Joni Mitchell’s magnificent “River” while he was a cast member of TV’s Ally McBeal for their A Very Ally Christmas album back in 2000. I don’t think I’d ever heard this haunting tune done by a guy before…but see if you don’t agree that he nails it. Who knew?

Merry Christmas from the family….TT

Horns a plenty…

2010-11-19T02:29:00.001-05:00

Thursday night the Landmark Theater saw the big, brassy Richmond Pops Band stage its annual fall concert to a grateful crowd that continues to enjoy these moving musical performances at no charge. From Armenian folk dances to a Sinatra tribute to a rousing patriotic finale, this orchestra with no strings under the able direction of Joe Simpkins continues to fill the place three times a year and bring in soul-stirring choral groups from the military, including tonight’s U.S. Army Soldier’s Chorus. There were throat lumps and goose bumps. If you think you might want to take in the band’s festive Christmas concert with the Richmond Choral Society (and Santa) on December 21st, ask me me about free tickets. It’s the most tuneful deal in town!

Pretty cool marquee eh? But it’s off one day, since Brad Spivey and the Honky Tonk Experience is doing another beer-free performance at the beautifully restored Henrico Theater in Highland Springs Friday night (tonight). Also no charge. Problem is, it’s “sold out” so if you don’t make it in on standby, you’ll have to catch the monthly Shenanigans gig on Saturday. Too many options on this particular Friday the 19th including Railroad Earth (lead singer Todd Sheaffer right)at the National and the John Winntet with the home-again Daniel Clarke at Bogart’s. Daniel’s back from England and a tour with those comely Court Yard Hounds and is heading back out with k.d. lang first of the year so catch Danny C during this brief home game. With a little wanderlust you can catch the Dave Matthews Band in C’ville at JPJ or a little farther west, how about the Steep Canyon Rangers (sans Steve Martin) at Staunton’s Mockingbird Roots Music Hall. Did I say all that happens on the same dang night? Not fair.

On Sunday comes what promises to be an inspiring performance by an 18-year-old concert violinist named Jourdan Urbach who has recently won a special Nobel Prize for Global Child Advocacy. This passionate young man strongly believes that music has the power to heal and might well be the key to world peace. Hear what he has to say here. And get your tickets to the 4pm Byrd Theater appearance here. It benefits the Bon Secours Cancer Institute’s Cullather Quality of Life Center and it could be life-changing.

Down the road, we’ve got a fine Carolina-bred songsmith coming to In Your Ear Recording for our next JAMinc studio concert. If you like Justin Townes Earle or maybe Jakob Dylan, you’ll want to join us for an intimate evening with Jonathan Byrd on Thursday, December 2nd. This guy’s the real deal and Studio A only seats 80 so reserve your spot at our Website soon.

Those of you who have fond memories of venerable Richmond rockers the Good Humor Band (Mike McAdam just played In Your Ear in September). A couple dozen of our finest played in GHB at one time or another…including Gregg Wetzel, Joe McGlohon, Mike Lucas, Danny Gatton, Bruce Bouton and yes, Steve Bassett…see how many you recognize as they play a reunion show at the National on Friday, December 17th with the Skip Castro Band. Tix here. The good ol’ days are now.

Looking way ahead, the musical visionaries who bring us FloydFest every July up on the Blue Ridge have announced their 10th anniversary lineup and it’s a doozie. Start making plans for the eXperience…in 2011 more than ever.

And a lovely parting gift…this amazing video has been making the rounds this week but if you haven’t seen it, you should…it’ll get your holiday season off on the right foot.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours…TT

(Jourdan Urbach and Jonathan Byrd photos from their websites)

More to come…

2010-10-30T01:02:00.001-04:00

…lots more as we cool down for October’s last gasp and look ahead to the eleventh month of this music-filled year. Got a pair of Dailey & Vincent tix to give away too…read on!

For a freakin’ fine way to mark Pumpkin Day, how about getting dressed up as Junior Samples or Lulu Roman and heading to Shenanigans on MacArthur Avenue Saturday night for a Hee Haw Halloween with the scary-good Brad Spivey & the Honky Tonk Experience. “Where O where are you tonight?” Or the Taters stage a Halloween Spooktacular at Ashland Coffee & Tea on the same dang night. What to do?

On Wednesday, Nov. 3rd, the Savoy Family Band who played our National Folk Festival here back in the early years, returns for a well-played night of Cajun tunes at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen.

Friday night the 5th brings autoharpist/raconteur Bryan Bowers back to the east coast to play AC&T after a couple of JAMinc-arranged school performances at the Sabot Stony Point School and Mary Munford Elementary earlier in the day. If you’ve missed Bryan at In Your Ear or Cross Roads Coffee House, don’t let that happen again…he’s a consummate entertainer.

Also beginning Friday, VCU’s guitar man John Patykula has cooked up Flamenco Festival II: Miguelito and Friends featuring the artistry of Michael “Miguelito” Perez to lead a celebration of the genre’s vibrant music and dance. Check the Singleton Center’s website for all the specifics.

Yet another option might be the Scotland’s answer to the Chieftains, the Battlefield Band, playing their rich mix of Celtic tunes at the Williamsburg Regional Library on Friday night.

Saturday the 6th could be a great night to head out 64 West to Staunton and the beautiful Mockingbird Roots Music Hall for a special CD release show by the Honey Dewdrops and their special guests Robin & Linda Williams and valley luthiers Jeff Huss and Mark Dalton. The Dewdrops, of course, are Scottsville's Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish (with Richmond’s own Barry Lawson on bass and mandolin) whose growing fanbase has been eagerly awaiting their second CD These Old Roots. I would so be there if it weren’t for having a long-ago purchased pair of tickets for the Hot Rize reunion show at the Birchmere the same night. And rumor has it that Red Knuckles & The Trailblazers are on the bus too. If any tickets are left you can find them here. Yet another reason why I’m trying to figure how to split-screen my life.

So now for the freebies…Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent along with their hotter-than-hot band are headed our way on Wednesday, November 10th to play the Camp Concert Hall in U of R’s elegant Modlin Center. Uptown bluegrass at its finest and a chance to hear some of the perfectly done Statler Brothers tunes from their hit Cracker Barrel tribute CD. Buy tickets here or win them by being the fifth one to email me at mail@timtimberlake.com with the name of the guy in the middle in the above photo.

And the hits just keep on comin’. On Thursday, the 11th you have another tough choice: Canada’s velvet-voiced tunesmith Jesse Winchester returns to Ashland Coffee & Tea. Now a Virginian, Jesse has only improved with age, both in interpreting his insightfully romantic lyrics and in engaging the audience with his winking wit. So there’s that. And there’s a chance to support a great cause and enjoy some brew, barbecue and world-class bluegrass as the Seldom Scene plays Windsor Farms…no kidding. The Scene’s back for the Children Incorporated benefit at the Tuckahoe Women’s Club on Dover Road. $50 all-inclusive tickets available here.

One more for now…our next JAMinc/In Your Ear studio concert is set for Friday, November 12 with versatile and gifted fingerstyle guitarist Duck Baker. Duck grew up right here in River City and he’s taken his unique approach to the six-string around the world. Don’t miss this chance to witness his warm and personal homecoming performance with the delish pre-show pot luck buffet. Reservations going fast on our new JAMinc website.

Just got my hands on JAMinc board member and resident rock star Robbin Thompson’s new Live at The National CD and having been there for the actual concert early this year, I’m pleased to report that it faithfully captures the 30-year reunion of these well-seasoned veterans. Velpo Robertson, Eric Heiberg, Rico Antonelli and Audie Stanley provide a solid foundation both instrumentally and vocally for Robbin’s throaty roar. The intro to the final track “Bright Eyes” is gorgeous. The DVD with lots of extras is just out too and they boys had so much fun, they’re planning another celebratory show at the National in early 2011. If you missed the first, don’t miss the second.

I’ll leave you with the just-announced lineup for MerleFest 2011, one of the nation’s biggest and best roots music extravaganzas, this time with Doc Watson and all the usual suspects and Lyle Lovett, Tim O’Brien, the Wailin’ Jennys and the Doobie Brothers (with John Cowan?). Also Cadillac Sky with their new front man Levi Lowrey. (Where Bryan Simpson’s going is another story.) It’s always the last weekend in April...make your plans accordingly. TT

(Photo credits: Honky Tonk Experience by Si Cottrell, Seldom Scene and Duck Baker from their websites.)

InLightened

2010-10-23T22:46:00.001-04:00

This would end up as the People’s Choice winner at last night’s InLight Richmond Shockoe Slip street party, another score for the tireless imagineers of Venture Richmond who still had one more in their pocket after the triumphs of the 2nd Street Festival and the Richmond Folk Festival, all in the past month! So exciting to see downtown alive with such inspired activity, and on a perfect October night under a brilliant full moon. This work was called Analog Audience, conceived and built by the Wave Coalition comprised of five talented VCU students. The interactive sculpture is controlled by a photosensitive lightboard (above) activated by the laying on of hands. And this one called Estrella Intersects the Plane, literally a living painting made of 40 motorized arms each holding two color-changing LEDs. And they were just two of 35 other luminous expressions that added that many more reasons to be proud of our city and what we’ve become. I know this is a music blog and there was the chorus of remnant purple martins gathered in the trees…there were also BJ Kocen and Brad Tucker holding forth in the Urban Farmhouse at 13th & Cary. But we’ve come such a long way in making downtown a great place to spend quality time…just had to drift a little off topic. Thanks for indulging me.

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Tomorrow, Sunday the 24th brings a chance to witness our town’s top-tier jazz players pay tribute to the late Charles Mingus, a 1979 victim of ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease. VCU Jazz program founder Doug Richards will lead the large band comprised of Bryan Hooten, Reggie Chapman, Stefan Demetriadis, Pete Anderson (trombones); John D’earth, Marcus Tenney, Scott Frock, Michael Davison (trumpets); John Lilley, J.C. Kuhl, John Whitman, Jonathan Gibson, Kevin Simpson, John Winn (reeds); Adam Larrabee (guitar); Brian Jones (drums); Bob Hallahan (piano); Randall Pharr (bass). It’s a fundraiser for an ALS research foundation…according to Doug Richards, [Mingus was] “one of the three or four truly significant composers in jazz history. His various groups that he led, from the mid 50s through his death, were some of the most outstanding ensembles in jazz history, and the recordings that they made are some of the most significant recordings made. As a bassist, he is, in my opinion, one of the four or five greatest jazz bassists. There aren’t too many individuals that one can make all of those accolades about.” The concert will go down at CentreStage on East Grace in the Rhythm Hall. Get tickets here.

And we have a few seats left for our next JAMinc/In Your Ear studio concert series featuring Sam Bush Band guitarist/vocalist Stephen Mougin and banjo great/SiriusXM deejay Ned Luberecki this coming Tuesday. Check ‘em out playing on Nashville’s WSM’s Music City Roots concert series from the Loveless Barn. This would be a great night for folks who’ve never caught one of our intimate shows with a delectable pre-show pot luck buffet…bring your own favorite beverage and enjoy two top-notch musicians doing their thing. Reservations here on our newly designed JAMinc website. Many thanks to Phil Hunnicutt for all the work in getting us to a new and much needed better place on the Web.

Jimmy Dean is being posthumously inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame this weekend. It’s hard to fathom why it took this long but at least he knew of his long-overdue election before he died last spring. Here he is at his TV best with now fellow Hall of Famer Buck Owens from The Jimmy Dean Show, 1966. Justice is done. Happy trails Donna…

RFF III…the Impossible Dream

2010-10-14T14:56:00.001-04:00

Our Richmond Folk Festival programming chair Jim Wark asked if I’d caught Dr. Harold Lilly’s set where he took a searing run on “The Impossible Dream” on his Hammond B3. It was fitting that Richmond’s own organ master would unwittingly play what Jim and I agreed should be the theme of this third edition of our city’s sprawling celebration of world music and culture. On paper, it was impossible, but thanks to visionary direction from Venture Richmond and the NCTA and brilliant execution of myriad tasks by an army of dedicated volunteers, close to 200,000 souls witnessed an unparalleled weekend of inspired performances, insightful demonstrations and international edibles. Three days of perfect weather…a remarkable cross-section of Richmond’s people all enjoying the experience and each other. There’s really never been anything like it on this scale. An impossible triumph by most any measure. We were treated to a virtuoso performance by Indian tabla superstar Zakir Hussain (right) and Peter Rowan guesting with Los Texmaniacs on his “Free Mexican Air Force.”

There were artists we were familiar with but so many more that we weren’t and therein lies the beauty of a gathering like this…where tens of thousands of people have grown to trust this festival to bring in a certain level of quality to ensure that even unknowns can bring emotional epiphanies. I’ve been pretty neck-deep in working the festival in various capacities over the six years including three as the National, and this year I did a lot less photography than I normally would because of having so many really good shooters out there including old pal Charlie Reilly. A sampler of his fine images appears in the column to the right. Other skilled photogs put up awesome pictures including Skip Rowland (above) whose you can peruse if you’re on Facebook. And Peter Hedlund posted an intimate look at Virginia Folklorist Jon Lohman’s always-compelling Folklife area, themed “Maritime to Mountain Time.” (right) A few movers and shakers without whom the event wouldn’t happen, let alone be this good, include Jack Berry, Lisa Sims and Stephen Lecky with Venture Richmond, Julia Olin and Josh Kohn of the National Council for the Traditional Arts and Jim Bland of Plan 9 who not only handled all performers’ CDs but the terrific Wes Freed-designed posters and shirts this year. And a big thank you to all involved in our JAMinc school outreach program that took six Festival performing groups (Ensemble Shanbehzadeh, Sibiriskaya Vechora, Otrov, Capoeira Luanda, Boukman Eksperyans, and Andes Manta) to a dozen Richmond public schools. Our president Wally Thulin shot some video and here’s one from Westover Hills Elementary. Todd Ranson, Chuck Wrenn, Paul Muller, George Turman, Charlie & Helen Ogden, Marshall Pearsall and Billy Rice did the heavy lifting on this important project. Sincere thanks. And to all my selfless and intrepid Artist Hosts…it would all be moot without you. After all is said and done, this is the Richmond Folk Festival. It’s our three-year-old now to guide, to nurture and to support. All of us involved in its direction welcome your general and specific recommendations so it remains our community’s best collective effort. I hope Mr. Gerloff is proud of us.

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A couple of upcoming shows to remind you of…tonight at Ashland Coffee & Tea, one of the fastest-rising contemporary bluegrass bands out there, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen bring top-notch original material, inventive arrangements, strong harmonies and exciting instrumental chops to our favorite local listening room. The band’s current self-titled CD is leading downloads on the CDbaby bluegrass chart. The Lincoln Meyers fan club will be out in force.

On October 26th, our JAMinc/In Your Ear fall series continues with Nedski & Mojo, cute nicknames for serious musicians Ned Luberecki and Stephen Mougin. Stephen tours as guitarist/vocalist with the Sam Bush Band and Ned is out with Chris Jones & The Night Drivers and deejays for SiriusXM satellite radio. I got to hear them at IBMA and they will do a great show. Hurry to make your reservations here. That’s it for now…I’ll leave you with a fascinating account from Mandolin Cafe of the headstock faceplate from Bill Monroe’s iconic 1923 Gibson Lloyd Loar mandolin. You might know that Mr. Monroe took his pocketknife and gouged out the “Gibson” inlay after a bungled repair job back in 1951. Here’s the rest of the story. (Thanks to Bart Tuthill for the link)

Thank the Lord for last weekend’s sunshine and today’s glorious rain….TT

I’ve Been Mostly Awake…

2010-10-06T01:56:00.001-04:00

That’s the alternative interpretation of the initials I.B.M.A. denoting the International Bluegrass Music Association but also reflecting the reality of what this annual gathering of the industry in Nashville means…long hours, late nights and an overwhelming torrent of musical experiences metaphorically mimicking the real flood that hit Music City last spring. Recovery is, by most measures, nearly complete…witness the reopening of the heavily-damaged Grand Ole Opry House over the weekend. With a significant number of the industry’s top working musicians based here and the honky tonks of Broadway, the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Museum just down the street, the yearly event has found a proper home. The mother church of bluegrass, the Station Inn, where we caught the smokin’ Lonesome River Band (below) last Wednesday, is a short cab ride away. It’s a multi-faceted week with a trade

show (record labels, instrument makers, educators, bands looking for work), a quality awards show and a three day indoor festival featuring the music’s top names and the up-and-comers as well. Add to that a full schedule of workshops and seminars, late night showcases both planned and spontaneous and a wonderfully organic opportunity for renewing old friendships and cultivating new ones. It’s a good tired.

My first taste of the Cleverlys…you’ll remember yours.

I took a ton of pictures and I have so much I’d like to share about the IBMA experience, but time is tight this week with the Richmond Folk Festival nipping at my heels. So I’m just gonna throw up some random shots with brief captions that I hope at least provide a taste of this self-serving labor of love on behalf of those who make bluegrass music and those who live for it. A look back at the 20th edition of the IBMA Awards Show held in the Ryman Auditorium…

Stuart Duncan, Jon Randall & Dierks Bentley open the Awards Show with “Fiddlin’ Around” from Dierk’s new CD.

Old bandmates Cheryl White, Jerry Douglas and Sharon White Skaggs are reunited as hosts for the big show. Here they wait to lead the pledge of allegiance to Buck.

The ageless Buck White accepts.

Fiddle player of the year Michael Cleveland (right) asks Tom Adams if this is really his eighth one.

Boxcars leader Adam Steffey shares his 7th win for mandolin player of the year with lady love Tina.

Dailey & Vincent sing “Elizabeth” with the guy who wrote it, Statler Brother, Jimmy Fortune.

Claire Lynch takes female vocalist for the first time since the 1900’s. Mark Schatz is pleased.

Leigh and Eric Gibson snag Gospel Recorded Performance and Gospel Song of the Year for “Ring The Bell.”

Darrell Scott offers a strong take on his tune “Bleeding For A Little Peace of Mind” with Blue Highway and Richmond’s own Wayne Taylor on bass.

Kristin Scott Benson busts through the “grass ceiling” with a three-peat as Banjo Player of the Year.”

Darren Vincent and Jamie Dailey are still on a roll, scoring on five of their ten nominations including the big one, Entertainer of the Year...again.

Alison Krauss & Union Station with Dan, Ron and Barry reunite to mark the 10th anniversary of Oh Brother.

The glamorous and fully engaged Kitsy Kuykendall makes a compelling case for Owensboro and the International Bluegrass Music Museum.

Gary, Earl and Randy Scruggs acknowledge the induction of Earl’s late wife and manager (and their mom) Louise into the IBMA Hall of Fame.

Emerging Artist winner Josh Williams also is crowned Guitar Player of the Year and plays with mentor Tony Rice to boot. Don’t miss Tony and Peter Rowan at this weekend’s Richmond Folk Festival.

Tim O’Brien hoists the world’s largest banjo to pay tribute to departed dancing troubadour John Hartford as John takes his place in the Hall of Fame.

Jerry “Flux” Douglas pays homage to his pal Ricky Skaggs’ recent aversion to the barber shop. (Stay tuned)

The dashing Travelin’ McCourys even let Del play that night

Mild mannered Marshall Wilborn takes Bass Player of the Year after beloved wife Lynn Morris take an IBMA Special Achievement award.

Sam Bush renders Song of the Year nominee “The Ballad of Stringbean and Estelle” he wrote with Guy Clark and Verlon Thompson. Guitarist Stephen Mougin (coming to town @ In Your Ear Recording with banjo man Ned Luberecki on October 26) looks on. Make your reservations here.

Darlin’ Family cut-up and IBMA Hall of Famer Rodney Dillard plays harmonica in his mouth with no hands! Now that’s entertainment.

The Award Show at the Ryman wraps with an all-star tribute to John Hartford as Tim O’Brien leads “Gentle On My Mind.”

For a well-done review of the Award Show, click on this full accounting from the IBMA. Kudos to Cindy Baucom and Trisha Tubbs for a tight, entertaining show and our veteran MerleFest wizards Cliff Miller and Buck Parker of SE Systems for great house sound. And to Carl Jackson and Mark Newton for recruiting the stellar lineup for FanFest, where all donate their time and talent for benefit of the Bluegrass Trust Fund. Photos from FanFest along the right column. And let’s not forget the forgotten in Nashville in the aftermath of the flood…watch Cadillac Sky’s “Hangman” video shot to bring focus on the Tent City on the banks of the Cumberland River where weeks later, 140 homeless souls lost everything they had. So long Nashville…for another year.

If you haven’t heard, Nashville picks up where we and Butte, Montana left off as three-year home to the National Folk Festival in 2011. Of course we’ve kept the party going here along the James as our third Richmond Folk Festival looms. It will be free and it will be fabulous. Ask anyone who’s been to any of the past five cultural explosions…a must if this town’s ever seen one…join us. Or listen on WCVE Public Radio…better still, come on down. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There’s so much more than the ear can hear. Here are links to background pieces we were part of in RVANews and Richmond.Com. This is us…at our best.

Line Item…

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The 1,332 incandescent light bulbs that illuminate this National Historic Landmark straddling the Virginia/Tennessee state line, bring appropriate illumination to this western Virginia outpost. It’s not only one of the few great American cities that share two states like Kansas City and Texarkana, but it’s also arguably the birthplace of what we now know as country music as the scene of the earliest recordings of Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family. The “Singing Brakeman” cut two tracks in the afternoon of August 4th, 1927 for Ralph Peer of Victor’s Talking Machine Company, “Soldier’s Rest” and “Sleep, Baby, Sleep.” The Carter family rolled in from Maces Spring to record “Wandering Boy” and “Poor Orphan Child,” that same year and they rest, as they say, is treasured history. So this is a fitting setting for a three-day celebration of what the genre has become, a legion of devoted musicians just trying to do the right thing with what they’ve been given. Dedicated disciples, two or three generations later, tapping the mother lode that ran through Bristol and the surrounding rolling hills. Deep grats to Brad Spivey who called me from Bristol this time last year and said, “Where the hell are YOU man? This is right down your alley.” And after taking it all in this year, the 10th edition of the Rhythm and Roots Reunion, I’m still wondering how it took so long to put this remarkable event on my radar. It works by most every measure…the perfect setting in historic downtown Bristol whose State Street IS the state line between Virginia and Tennessee with a carnival-like assortment of food, arts and crafts vendors with over-the-top southern hospitality. And then there’s the cavalcade of musical talent that populates this singular place for these three potent days…that’s what it’s all about. What follows is an illustrated flat-rock skip over the river of music that flowed through this cultural crossroads last weekend. It’s just a glimpse.

After a summer of Travelin’ McCourys out with the Lee Boys, Dierks Bentley and Dan Tyminski, the patriarch returned for a family reunion that brought it all home.

The no-punches-pulled full-tilt string band Cadillac Sky has gained well-deserved cult status for its resonant songwriting, its instrumental virtuosity and its unbridled energy on stage. They held court mightily at the lovingly-restored Paramount Theater downtown. At right are banjo shredder Matt Menefee and lead singer/songwriter Bryan Simpson in his favorite checkerboard flannel shirt.

The Infamous Stringdusters close out the festival’s first night on the Piedmont Stage and make it perfectly clear that they’re fully engaged in their mission of taking bluegrass to places yet unvisited. Their joy in carving out their own groove is contagious…it’s a thrill to have been there at the beginning and to witness what this sextet has become. Pure music power.

Seven-time IBMA bass player of the year Missy Raines strutted out her gifted young band, the New Hip early Saturday on the Paramount stage, featuring yet another of those Berklee bluegrassers Dominick Leslie (left), a former Rockygrass and MerleFest mandolin winner.

Sugar Hill sensation Sarah Jarosz captivated a full-house in the old Cameo Theater with a solo set of her winning originals from Song Up In Her Head and well-chosen covers like Patty Griffin’s “Long Ride Home.” This Austin-born and bred triple-threat has spent the last few years attracting an A-list of musical collaborators that would be the envy of anyone in this genre, let alone just another Texas gal in cowboy boots. Keep an eye and an ear on this already mainstream teen talent. Watch for her on Austin City Limits on November 6th.

Red Molly’s rich harmonies brought chills and throat lumps to a full Paramount Theater on Saturday…Abbie Gardner, Laurie MacAllister and Molly Venter have distilled wide influences into a lush mix. Think Wailin’ Jennys meet Sometimes Why.

One of the weekend’s sweet surprises was finding Virginia’s resident fiddle-fatale Nate Leath leading a jazz- and blues- laced set in Bristol’s Shanghai back room with Lenoir, NC’s Harris Brothers. Hot swing ruled…it was over the top good.

My honky tonk mentor Brad Spivey had encouraged us to partake of Kelley Breiding and the Cowboys sometime during the weekend…kind of a Loretta meets Patsy retro act that we found in the old Theatre Bristol space. A Tar Heel with Texas tendencies, Kelley kept Mr. Spivey smiling as we enjoyed the intent dog house playing of Nick MacMillian (left).

I have such a renewed respect and admiration for upstate New York’s Gibson Brothers, who join the Stanleys, the Louvins and the Everlys in the firmament of the music’s most compelling brother acts with solid songwriting and a vise-like grip on harmony as it should be sung. They’ve weathered the vagaries of the bluegrass business and are back on top of the heap and deservedly so. Eric and Leigh are more than worthy. If you haven’t discovered them, it’s time.

Saturday night’s headliner, with a head lately full of silver locks, was veteran torch-bearer Ricky Skaggs and his finely-tuned bluegrass machine Kentucky Thunder, playing to a huge Saturday night outdoor crowd in perfect pre-fall weather. There’s no way around the chops this band has maintained for decades…faster and cleaner than the rest, and yes, he still misses his momma’s fried chicken, if there was any doubt.

There will be some who will contest my assertion that RS&KT were Saturday headliners, as the closing honors on the Piedmont Stage went to the darkly mysterious king of the country western troubadours, Unknown Hinson…think Eddie Munster grown up and gone wrong. I’ve missed his previous Richmond appearances and may very well miss the next one.

Day three began with a delightful reunion with Annie & the Beekeepers on the breezy Moore Street stage…we haven’t enjoyed Annie Lynch & Alex Spaulding and their delicate harmonies and thoughtful lyrics since a quiet night in Bruce Olsen’s northside Sound Dog Studios a year or so ago. Bruce’s son Adrian (below left) lent a hand on bass and drums. It was the perfect way to ease into our last day of Rhythm & Roots.

One of this generation’s most profound songsmiths Darrell Scott held forth Saturday night in the Paramount where he alternated between a powerfully-played concert grand piano and his expressive six-string. He also called upon the bottomless well of fiddle chops, Casey Driessen for a couple of show stoppers including “With A Memory Like Mine” and closed with his signature coal miner’s lament, “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.” He did another strong Sunday set outdoors on the Piedmont Stage (above) with Casey and mandolin great Matt Flinner. Few have earned more respect from fellow artists and fans alike than Darrell Scott. Did you catch him on Jimmy Fallon’s show last night in Robert Plant’s new Band of Joy? Not sure who the drummer was, but I did also recognize Buddy Miller, Patty Griffin and Byron House. And Darrell’s also part of this weekend’s Williams Fortune Music Festival just east of Staunton, hosted by Robin & Linda Williams and Statler Brother Jimmy Fortune. Gotta make that trip one of these years….but I digress.

A festival like this tenth anniversary edition of Bristol’s Rhythm & Roots Reunion is heavy with top-drawer talent both familiar and not. I’ve only scratched the surface of the incredible roster of Americana acts that rivals MerleFest and Floydfest in its extent and quality. If I hadn’t read the artist writeups rather thoroughly Friday night for example, we would have likely missed the new Nashville supergroup 18 South comprised of longtime favorite Jon Randall Stewart and a gifted Jessi Alexander sharing vocal chores and accompanied by guitar wizard Guthrie Trapp, keyboardist Jimmi Wallace, the great Mike Bub on bass and the go-to acoustic rhythm king Larry Atamanuik on drums. I hope this proves to be the long-overdue vehicle that brings Jon the notice he’s deserved for so long. Gotta get them to R’Town somehow.

If it’s a proper Virginia roots festival, you can count on state folklorist Jon Lohman (above left) holding forth with his own stage dedicated to informal and insightful performances including the stirring Sunday gospel workshop with the Reverend Frank Newsome and members of Doyle Lawson’s celebrated Quicksilver. The harmonies brought tears and Rev. Newsome’s lined singing of “Amazing Grace” with the audience reverently following his lead, was supernal. Thanks again Jon.

And a parting shot of those fine Honey Dewdrops from Scottsville (Kagey, Laura & Barry) who played their first BRRR and like us, are confident it won’t be their last. Save those dates…September 16-18, 2011!

So we segue into our third Richmond Folk Festival which is just two weeks away down by the river. Jon L. will again be bringing a treasure chest full of Virginia talent and craftsmanship to the Virginia Folklife Area and the main festival stages will again ring with a fresh collection of some of the world’s most formidable musical artistry. Chris Bopst and I were interviewed for story on programming the festival in rvanews. 160,000 people can’t be wrong…if you weren’t among them for last year’s festival, don’t miss it this year. No excuses…it’s free. And check out the art on this year’s souvenir poster by Drive By Truckers illustrator Wes Freed. Very cool…

Off to Nashville next week for the IBMA festivities…I’ll be reporting back as time and energy allows. It’s the last day of summer…and I couldn’t be more ready for the equinox. Full moon, rain and cool on the way…pretty please….TT

Sharper Harper

2010-08-24T22:08:00.001-04:00

One of my fellow Folk Festival volunteers was there even though he hadn’t heard of Jesse Harper, or Daniel Clarke or John Winn or Darrell Muller. He had seen guitarist Trey Pollard in some other configuration, but suffice to say, he wasn’t prepared for what unfolded Friday night at Ashland Coffee & Tea as Jesse gathered his main men to do a couple of richly-rendered sets brimming with Harper originals and choice covers. Jesse has all the goods that could take him to the next level…with solid self-penned tunes like
“Run,” “Falling,” “Porch Swing,” “Memphis,” and “One True Thing” along with an expressive, evolving vocal style and smartly tasteful guitar work. He’s a total package ready to break through the artistic glass ceiling. It was a joy to watch and listen to these guys take great delight in each others’ contributions and Kay Landry’s sensitive work on the mixing board brought every nuance to the all-in-the-family trackside crowd. Though it’s not as good as being there, here’s a video of their take on Johnny Mercer’s “I’m An Old Cowhand” I shot with my new phone (and my very first YouTube upload). It’s always a treat when Daniel’s in the band especially given his busy schedule touring with the Dixie Chicks and the Court Yard Hounds. Here’s Danny C dueting with Emily Robison at a Court Yard Hounds gig up in Rochester, NY this summer. And he’s completely jazzed about k.d. lang’s upcoming country-flavored album they’ve been finishing up in Nashville. He’ll be out globetrotting in support of that March release for most of 2011. Pretty cool.

And the ever-versatile John Winn took a vocal turn on “With A Little Help From My Friends,” and performed perfect fills on sax, flute and clarinet. John brings his quartet consisting of Adam Larrabee on guitar, Randall Pharr on bass and Brian Caputo on drums to a 7pm free show in the beautifully restored Henrico Theater on Nine Mile this Thursday night. Free, but reservations required at 328-4491. And if Daniel makes it back from his Hounds gig in Minneapolis, he’ll probably sit in too. The boys love to play.

Another Harper was in the audience that night…mando prodigy Harper Speagle-Price (at left with fellow 8-stringer Sam Bush) fresh from an inspiring summer soaking up the music at Mt. Shasta Camp in California and other western outposts. Hear what her fingers are thinking now at Ellwood’s Coffee this Friday night from 8-10pm…Jack Cowardin sits in on fiddle.

They’ll be up against those roving Johnson Boys that night…that’s right, the Big Boss Combo heads north for a no-cover stop at the Ironhorse across the street from AC&T. The tunes and the wisecracks run from 9 to midnight…Rusty, Harry, Tiny, Slim and Big Red will be expecting you.

Back up one night and enjoy the newly formed but well-seasoned Commonwealth Bluegrass Band (above) during their monthly stop at Gus’s Italian Cafe in Mechanicsville this Thursday from 6:30 to 9. No cover but get there early if you want a table. They’ll be at their fresh-out-of-Galax best.

And head-mongrel Page Wilson with his Reckless Abandon band shares the bill with Brad Spivey and the Honky Tonk Experience this Saturday night at Pocahontas State Park down in the big amphitheater. Page’s bum knee has made for tough going this summer…head on out and show him some love, and enjoy some homemade all-American music.

Taking second runner up mandolin honors at Galax this year was Brian Muller who joined his dad Paul, uncle Damian and Galax resident Ken Melton for the annual bluegrass gospel service at Hebron Church out in Goochland Sunday. Paul can always be counted on to deliver a well-chosen and -executed set list for this much-anticipated summer sing…it was recorded for a subsequent CD…let me know if you want one…including classics like “A Beautiful Life” and “The First Step To Heaven” in fine four-part harmony.

We’re getting excited about getting the JAMinc/In Your Ear fall schedule started on September 10 with Mike McAdam and Ericson Holt. Check their websites and call Wally to make your reservations at 804.320.7067.

Enjoy the blessed relief of temps in the eighties all week…a well-earned break. And a hydrilla-free James River. How did that happen? TT

(Commonwealth Bluegrass Band photo by Si Cottrell)

Summer Love

2010-08-15T12:19:00.001-04:00

I’ll confess to a level of frustration at Lake Wobegon, Minnesota’s historian and chief gossip Garrison Keillor’s apparent need to become a singer too. The past few years of his three-decades-old Prairie Home Companion radio show have found him soloing and sharing vocals with nearly all his guests…and not always successfully, IMHO. But from his grand entrance from the rear of the sold-out audience at Lewis Ginter last Friday with Summer Love tour co-star Sara Watkins, through the rest of the three-hour enchanted evening, I’ve had a change of heart. Garrison loves the American songbook and takes sincere joy from participation in it. A simple melody becomes a wondrous new thing with the right harmony line, and my frustration has now become envy when considering all the luminaries with whom he gets to collaborate. His earnestness gives him great license. Accompanied by the Guy’s All Star Shoe Band led by keyboardist Rich Dworsky and guitarist Pat Donohue, Garrison and Sara cast a spell with a range of tunes that included romantic old standards and new, including Dylan’s “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” and the Beatles’ “I Saw Her Standing There.” Sometimes cheesy but ultimately charming. And of course Keillor’s unrivaled gifts as an observer and storyteller were made all the more impressive when seeing him spin all those engaging yarns without script or note. Human Foley wizard Fred Newman provided a dazzling array of his signature vocal sound effects, astounding in their accuracy. It was a comfortably cloudy and breezy evening on the lawn above Ginter’s Rose Garden complete with a well-timed twilight flyover by a wedge of Canada geese during a moving sing-along of “Amazing Grace” that was already producing goose bumps. I was disappointed that the delightfully versatile Sue Scott wasn’t on the tour, nor did Garrison make even one reference to the fact he was at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. But it was a fitting exclamation point on a challenging Groovin’ In The Garden season that we hope will encourage the promoters at Haymaker to do it all again in the spring of 2011.

Rewind to a previous Wednesday night at Ashland Coffee and Tea where we witnessed FloydFest discoveries Morwenna Lasko and Jay Pun cast a spell with their inspired interplay. Charlottesville-based and Berklee trained, don’t miss any opportunity to hear them with or without their band. Take a look at the road ahead for them here.

On the way home from a weekend with family near Sparta, NC, I stopped by Felt’s Park in Galax for a walkaround of the hallowed grounds of the Old Time Fiddler’s Convention just getting underway for its 75th year. It’s almost with a sense of shame that I admit to never having been to this event that so many of my musician friends hold so dear…Randy Cook showed me around and told of amazing jams he’d already been part of with the likes of Adam Steffey, Sierra Hull, Clay Hess and others…and this was only Tuesday! The new stage seen above made its debut this past week and this year’s winners can be seen here. (Only the youth winners were listed at the time of this posting)

Tonight affords a rare opportunity to hear two of our town’s jazz greats performing together…John Winn along with his dad Jack’s quartet will do a few sets from 7-10p at Bogart’s in the Fan to benefit the new Patrick Henry Charter School.

This coming Friday poses a dilemma that I’ll leave you to deal with…John sits in with Jesse Harper and pals Daniel Clarke, Darrell Muller and Trey Pollard at AC&T while up in Charlottesville at the Southern, four of the six former members of King Wilkie (Ted Pitney, Nick Reeb, Abe Spear and Jake Hopping) will perform as the Low Country Suits. Ted and friends will surely do some stuff from his terrific new EP Genesee. Decisions, decisions.

JAMinc’s In Your Ear Studio Concert Series gets rolling again for the fall season on September 10 as former Richmonder and Good Humor Band alum Mike McAdam joins Eric Holt and most likely our own Robbin Thompson (playing AC&T solo 8/21) sitting in for what should be a memorable musical evening. That’s Mike (right)with GHB back in 1976. He’s since been on tour with players like Steve Earle and Mary Chapin Carpenter…reservations soon at JAMinc.org. Down the road: Duck Baker on November 12 and Jonathan Byrd on December 2. And don’t forget about our great compilation CD available at Plan 9 and soon on our website. And it’s hard to believe that we’re less than two months away from the third edition of the Richmond Folk Festival, down by the river side the weekend of October 8-10. I’m about to bust wanting to share the incredible lineup of artists set to join us this year…I know the bar’s set pretty high but this might be the best ever…you’ll just have to trust me until the official announcement which will likely come this week. Fall can’t come soon enough for me. TT

(Mike McAdam and John Winn photos from their websites)

Ground Broken

2010-07-28T01:12:00.001-04:00

“Breaking Ground” was the theme of last weekend’s incomparable celebration of human creativity that is FloydFest. Here’s how founder/dreamer Kris Hodges set things up: “It’s a joy to see the seed of FloydFest, planted in the deep rich soil of these Blue Ridge Mountains, tending to it along each stage, through sweat, toil, wind, rain and sunshine, and witnessing the fruit that it bears here today. Is it delicious? Is it healthy? Does it have good color? To be honest, sometimes I can’t say. It’s different planting seeds of abstraction, as opposed to those of material substance.” I would say without hesitation that this ninth harvest of the fruits of untold labors of love was bumper crop. Hundreds of musical artists of countless extraction, gifted craftsmen, imaginative vendors of all things delicious, dedicated production crew and staff plus an army of volunteers, all pooled their energy in the midst of record-breaking heat to present an event that’s logically impossible, much like Manhattan is impossible in its complexity and cultural richness. There were aesthetic enhancements in the form of rustic floral plantings, magnificent new pegged-beam stage structures, and the best special effect of all, a full moon on Saturday night. There were hauntingly beautiful young girls in dreadlocks, astonishingly acrobatic stilt walkers and fire dancers suspended from illuminated helium balloons.

Not to mention some of the most varied and tasty festival food you’ll ever find including without a doubt the most decadently rich, melt-in-your-mouth cake donuts ever.

And then there were the intrepid campers, seen above at the daily “Church of Clean” services, waiting patiently to rinse away dust and sweat in the Rinnai-heated outdoor showers. A full Floydian experience can only be had by making the commitment to live there, whether it’s in a small pup tent or an often-maligned RV with noisy generator. It was togetherness to the nines and I’ll commend all who braved the hot proximity, including my bride of 31 years who was a trouper in our truckbed tent. Late night breezes and moonlight through the tent flap made for surprisingly sweet dreams.

But FloydFest is powered by the music, and the carefully chosen lineup was as solid as ever, with names like Levon Helm, Old Crow Medicine Show, Grace Potter, Galactic, Railroad Earth, Tift Merritt, Soulive and Mountain Heart. But for us, it was the joy of discovering new voices and this year it happened at the Virginia Folklife porch stage hosted by the genial, steeped-in-tradition Jon Lohman. In a replay of FloydFest 8’s Friday night, there was a site-wide power failure that forced the porch to become an intimate, acoustic, lantern-lit stage for Charlottesville’s stunningly accomplished violinist/fiddler Morwenna Lasko and her guitarist/partner Jay Pun. The magic was enhanced by the fact that we weren’t familiar with these two Berklee grads who mesmerized the reverent crowd straining to hear every nuanced note without the aid of amplification. The bonus is that the duo will play Ashland Coffee and Tea tonight (Wednesday) night at 7. I hope to see you there. Sorry…no pictures….it was too dark! But for us, the fest was off and running. Following are some other illustrated highlights.

FloydFest founder Kris Hodges drumming for Butch Robins’ Imagicnation

Richmond’s own Hot Seats (formerly Special Ed and the Short Bus) hold forth in the Blue Ridge and Beyond Dance tent.

Well-belted blues from Saretta Wesley guesting with Brooklyn’s The Mumbles in the VIP Tent.

Same venue…all the way from Stockholm, Sweden…the Rockridge Brothers. Old time music crosses oceans…

A steamy Dreaming Creek main stage set on Friday from Konono #1 featuring likembe (thumb piano) master Mingiedi. Check the cool vintage horn speaker…low-fidelity at its finest.

The distaff side of Alaska’s (now Nashville’s) Bearfoot, Angela Oudean and Odessa Jorgensen.

We’d gotten a heads-up on this inventive band from Jon Baliles…we weren’t disappointed. The Low Anthem plays The Porch. Haunting harmonies and arrangements. And watch their deeply moving claymation video “Charlie Darwin.” Do it!

Next up on The Porch, a genre-bending jam led by resonant baritone Alexis P. Suter and her rock-solid band and backup singers, with guests Bassekou Koyate on ngoni, a small West African lute that was precursor to the banjo, along with local legends Danny Knicely on mando and fiddle rebel Nate Leath. Jon Lohman also bent a few choice notes on his harp. Two back-to-back sets that confirmed the notion that “Porch Is Good.”

FloydFest afforded an all-too-rare chance to catch Brooklyn’s WIYOS with former Richmonder Parrish Ellis on guitar and vocals. Even rarer now that the band’s disbanding with Parrish going back to school in Asheville. But these guys mined a very rich vein of rhythmic retro music.

The Hoorah Cloggers backed by stringband Farm Use Only high-stepped it in the Dance Tent during Levon Helm’s Saturday night main stage set and put an exclamation point on our FF 9 experience…an early exit was necessitated by Sunday’s Music for Massey benefit back home…more on that to follow. This would be our fourth FloydFest and one can only imagine what Kris and Erika might have in store for the tenth anniversary year in 2011. Lord willing, we’ll be there to find out. Maybe you too? Power props to all who put in so much of their hearts and souls to stage such an ambitious and thoroughly engaging event. Especially production guru John McBroom, who not only played in two bands, Blue Mule and Imagicnation, he was first-responder to the numerous and inevitable “fires” to be expected during high-intensity situations like this. Cool as a cuke…job well done. And thanks to Graves Mountain pal Bart Tuthill for sharing his mountain top perch with us, Jack Cowardin, Barry Lawson, Keagy Parrish and Laura Wortman. Couldn’t imagine a sweeter way to spend our last night in the hills…on a log cabin porch under a full July moon. Or maybe it was all just a dream.

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The long ride home Sunday was justified by the 6th annual Music for Massey/Connor’s Heroes benefit concert at Innsbrook, despite another day of searing heat and humidity that kept attendance down well below expectations. But the intrepid, well-hydrated thousand were treated to one of the most entertaining shows the West End venue has ever seen. Alt-country singer/bandleader/actor (and Simon Cowell’s replacement on Idol?) brought his sequined pink suit, his seasoned band of 25 years and road cases full of wit and charm for his two-hour turn on stage. He was simply electric, obliging with his smash “Wicked Game” and more recent “Bad Bad Thing” along with a scream-laced stroll through the audience to render “Love Me Tender.” What a kick to see a real pro at work. And speaking of road cases, check out this one in Mr. Isaak’s collection once belonging to Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest) from the classic rock mockumentary Spinal Tap. Shouldn’t it be in the rock Hall of Fame in Cleveland? I’m just sayin’…

Full credit also goes to our six-year MFM veterans from the West Coast…James, Warren, Chuck and Joe, the Waybacks who gave it all up despite the bulging thermometer. And Louisiana roots rocker Marc Broussard, more acclimated than most to the muggy conditions. It was a seriously good day of music with the only downside being that way too many of you missed it. Thanks to all who came and to Jim Napier and company for pulling it off. Concert promotion’s not for sissies.

So meet me in Ashland tonight for Morwenna Lasko and Friday for the great Jimmy LaFave. Or will it be Cadillac Sky at the Southern in Charlottesville? Jury’s still out…TT

Addendum…

2010-07-21T11:16:00.001-04:00

The embarrassment of musical riches to partake of this weekend clouded my vision to the point I forgot to remind you of yet another compelling option…that of the rollicking string band Old Crow Medicine Show doing a hot summertime show right here in R’Town on Friday night. The venue is beautiful Maymont Park, with gates at 5:30 and show at 6. Get your tickets here. Another Haymaker presentation. And don’t forget Prairie Home Companion with the OAO Garrison Keillor on August 13 at Lewis Ginter.

Christmas in July

2010-07-19T21:22:00.001-04:00

It only took picker/songwriter (and Times-Dispatch senior photographer) Bob Brown five years to acquire a his six-stringed holy grail…that’s three years fewer than it took Eric Clapton. But here he was last week, beaming in Wayne Henderson’s workshop up in Rugby, VA taking delivery of his Henderson #487. In Bob’s words, “A well-balanced killer that’s a whole lot lighter than my D28. The top is some kind of spruce they used on the old Martins back before the war and the fingerboard and bridge are Brazilian. Back and sides are super mahogany.” Not sure what it took to grease the skids on this deal but I hear weapons were involved. Looks like both parties are satisfied. Congratulations Mr. Brown…can’t wait to hear her sing.

Ready or not…here we come. I know it’s gonna be much hotter up at milepost 170.5 on the Parkway than it’s supposed to be but what are shade and cool water for? Not to mention the hundred or so musical entities from near and far who’ll have no problem keeping our minds off such fleeting and selfish considerations as personal comfort. The ninth edition of Kris & Erika’s dream begins this Thursday afternoon and even if you’re not able to make the full four-day run, at least do a day, choose it carefully and experience one of the most engaging festivals anywhere. Truly something for everyone. Here’s a short advance piece in today’s Roanoke Times. Floydfest rivals MerleFest in the number of artists presented and the number of venues, but it’s a much more compact and intimate experience. And it’s up on the Blue Ridge to boot…worlds away. Wear something breezy and come on up. Break some ground. (Some shots from last year are to the right.)

Lots of tasty consolation prizes for those staying around home, like Ashland Coffee & Tea’s first ever songwriters’ workshop this Wednesday with Grammy-winner Richard Leigh (remember “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue”?) He’ll talk about tunesmithing and take your questions starting at 6pm and then do a full performance the next night. Saturday, it’s musical pals BJ Kocen, Jackie Frost, Brad Tucker, Jim Wark and George Garrett, collectively the Gobstoppers. Other surprise guests are expected. These Gobs just can’t be stopped! On Friday, July 30th one of my years-ago MerleFest discoveries Jimmy LaFave hits the star-strewn trackside stage with one of the most elegant and moving voices you’ll ever hear. He’s positively hypnotic. Many many more in store this summer.

Also this Friday, VCU’s Guitars & Other Strings series continues with the young and gifted 12-year-old mandolin prodigy Harper Speagle-Price with some fine supporting players including dad Terry along with Adam Larrabee, Barry Lawson and Jack Cowardin. Harper just got back from Tristan & Tashina Clarridge’s Mt. Shasta music camp out in California, where she reportedly rode in the back of Tim O’Brien’s pickup truck with Sarah Jarosz. If that’s not motivational…I mean really. Harper should be seriously pumped. Concert starts at 7 in the Singleton Center at 922 Park. Call 828-1166 for info. If you’ve got money to burn and a need for more maturity, there’s always Merle Haggard at the National…same night. Still bringing the goods at age 73. And on August 7th you have another shot at that tunefully dynamic duo Jimmy Gaudreau and Moondi Klein at C’ville Coffee on Harris Street downtown. A new venue to check out for sure.

Last but emphatically not least, we’ll be back from our FloydFest odyssey just in time to make the 6th annual Music For Massey benefit this Sunday, moving to Innsbrook this year from the Science Museum to allow for the bigger numbers expected for headliner/heartthrob Chris Isaak along with Marc Broussard and our West Coasters who’ve made every one, the Waybacks. Should be a memorable mix….gates at 3p, show starts at 4. After posting, the 10th one of you to email me at tim@timtimberlake.com will have two free tickets waiting at will call. Deal? Deal. See you somewhere…please! Best way to beat the heat.

(Richard Leigh and Chris Isaak photos from their Websites)

ROMP Wrap

2010-07-01T23:26:00.001-04:00

Thrillingly complex and intricate harmonies with breathtaking moving chords wafted over the intent crowd both nights at Yellow Creek Park, thanks to Dailey & Vincent on Friday and the incomparable Isaacs (Rebecca, Sonya and Ben above) on Saturday. Hearing a capella singing at that level is a powerful experience and we were treated to a double dose last weekend in Owensboro.

We were also treated to a great set from Frank Solivan’s Dirty Kitchen that I’d been anticipating since Graves Mountain when Lincoln Meyers told us about his new ride. An already tight, accomplished quartet with compelling material, creative arrangements and some of the most captivating closings for their tunes that you’ll hear out there…definitely not your stereotypical bluegrass endings. Banjo master Mike Munford is a joy to hear and bassist Stefan Custodi is son of former Church Hill friends George and Sandy…small world. Check out their new eponymous CD when it comes out in August for some really tasty new bluegrass, especially “Driftin’ Apart” and “Runaway Ramp.” Guests include Rob Ickes, John Cowan and Moondi Klein.

It was a delight to see and hear Claire Lynch again…it had been too long, and she’s enjoying a well-deserved career boost thanks to her high-charting CD Whatcha Gonna Do. Highly coveted bassist Mark Schatz is in her band now, also bringing his clawhammer banjo prowess and his fancy footwork. Claire couldn’t resist taking a turn or two. Does anyone remember when we had a reunion of her Front Porch String Band on the porch of the Bloemendaal House at Lewis Ginter over twenty years ago?

So I hope my first River Of Music Party won’t be my last and I’m grateful to the International Bluegrass Music Museum’s director Gabrielle Gray for having me out to emcee. The museum is a wonderful living and breathing celebration of the music, where it’s been and where it’s going, that deserves our support. And I treasure my quality time with the music’s most dedicated custodians, Pete and Kitsy Kuykendall of Bluegrass Unlimited. That’s Hall of Famer Pete holding an impromptu seminar with members of the young band Rockin’ Acoustic Circus. Invaluable insight.

Down the road, the Haymaker boys are bringing Old Crow Medicine Show to Maymont on July 23rd and the Summer Love tour of Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion at Lewis Ginter on August 13th. And don’t forget the ramped up Music for Massey benefit this year presented by Connor’s Heroes with Marc Broussard, those west coast wonders the Waybacks and alt-country crooner Chris Isaak. That’s on Sunday afternoon/evening July 25th at Innsbrook so we’ll have to hustle home from our annual trek to FloydFest up on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This year’s theme is Breaking Ground and the lineup is nothing short of amazing…Levon Helm, OCMS, Grace Potter, Tift Merritt, Mountain Heart and a hundred more…really. Check the link and join us for a truly over-the-top musical and cultural celebration. There’s only one FloydFest. I’ve re-posted some shots from last year in the column to the right.

John Patykula at VCU has announced another fine lineup for the Guitars and Other Strings series, starting this coming Friday the 9th with the excellent Brazilian band Quatro na Bossa. Follow the link and see 'upcoming events.’ Jesse Harper and his bluegrass renegades Love Cannon (comprised of Jesse, Darrell Muller, Adam Larrabee and Andy Thacker) are holding forth at the Southern Cafe just off the Mall in C’ville every Wednesday night this summer. Got to catch that action soon.

Tomorrow, we’re headed for the Barn…at last. Can’t wait!

Blue Moon of Kentucky

2010-06-26T16:22:00.001-04:00

The rising full moon over Yellow Creek Park outside of Owensboro was a fitting special effect for this particular Friday night in America as the International Bluegrass Music Museum’s annual River Of Music Party rolled on with young and gifted singer/guitarist Josh Williams. I haven’t been back here since the IBMA held it’s annual gathering at the now-razed Executive Inn so there’s been much catching up to do. This river city along the Ohio is home to luminaries like actor Johnny Depp and racing legends Darryl and Michael Waltrip. But more germane to this post is of course that nearby Rosine is the homeplace of bluegrass music’s creator Bill Monroe. Thursday morning I drove up the long and winding drive to Jerusalem Ridge where sits Bill’s restored boyhood home, built where the two-room log cabin stood that burned when he was only five years old. The one-story fully-porched frame structure now houses a fascinating museum full of mementos, catalogued for me by James and Bonnie Casteel. I was surprised to be the only visitor so it was a quiet and reflective hour roaming about the house with James as my personal guide. Seeing the kitchen brought speculation of how much music must have been made around that table back then. The house actually sits atop Pigeon Ridge…the fabled Jerusalem Ridge where the young musician sought solitude and first heard those “ancient tones” is an uphill hike away. But that higher ground would be what the 900-plus acres would be called. Down in a nearby ravine sits a rustic stage that’s now home to an annual festival…that morning it sat silently stacked with hay bales topped with old saddles…could one of them once have sat atop Bill’s horse King Wilkie? Just the possibility brought a knowing smile. Soon another fellow pilgrim arrived and a quick intro revealed him to have far more credentials than I…it was former Blue Grass Boy Doug Hutchens (above right with James Casteel) who played bass in Bill’s band for a while back in the sixties. He was in town for the Legends and Pioneers event that night in the RiverPark Center. His presence cemented the significance of my visit. Walking this hallowed ground adds a special perspective to my love and appreciation of this music crafted by the only member of the Bluegrass, Country and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame. Rest well Bill Monroe…few musicians have done more in one lifetime.

Thursday night at the tribute to pioneers and former Blue Grass Boys, I had the honor of escorting IBMA Hall of Famer (with the classic Country Gentlemen) Eddie Adcock and wife Martha to the stage. Eddie’s his same old lovable, irascible self and seemed to be fully recovered from his groundbreaking brain surgery to restore motor control of his finger-picking right hand. The risky procedure was widely televised with Eddie fully conscious holding his banjo so Vanderbilt neurosurgeons could pinpoint the source of his loss of function. Truly amazing. It was an inspiring evening with over sixty men and women who’ve had significant roles in bluegrass’ development seated on stage…folks like Curly Seckler, George Shuffler, Pete Kuykendall, Lamar Grier, Bill Clifton, Tom Gray, Bill Keith, Buck White and Doc Watson. The latter two would offer wonderful performances during the night, ageless Buck with his singing daughters Sharon and Cheryl with Phil Ledbetter on Dobro, and Doc with his frequent partners David Holt and grandson Richard. A night to remember.

Saturday it was off to Yellow Creek Park for the outdoor portion of ROMP and my first emcee shift which ended with the seven-time IBMA fiddler of the year Michael Cleveland with his hot band Flamekeeper. They finished the set with their haunting take on Monroe’s classic instrumental “Jerusalem Ridge,” a duet with Mike and reigning mandolin player of the year Jesse Brock. Their arrangement took last year’s IBMA instrumental performance trophy and it held special meaning given where I’d been the morning before.

Later Friday night Dailey & Vincent offered up a show-stopping set peppered with some great material from their Cracker Barrel tribute to the Statler Brothers, a new a capella rendition of “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” and a thrilling four-part arrangement of the “Star Spangled Banner” they’ve just rolled out for a special performance at the Opry this coming Monday. Yet another level of paint-peeling harmonies and showmanship from the reigning Entertainers of the Year.

Tonight my second shift of the weekend begins with a chance to hear live the tunes from the CD pal Lincoln Meyers shared with us at Graves Mountain three weeks ago…Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen. Can’t wait…and more signature harmonies from the Isaacs to boot. Stay tuned.

My kicker for this post is courtesy of George Turman’s proud daughter Emily, taken at Lewis Ginter Thursday night…hated to miss that one. L to R, Billy Lux, Arlo Guthrie and a bandanna-sporting GT. And a good time was had by all.