Pop! Bluegrass And Beyond Turns One!

 Oops... 


Did I not notice the passing, on Sept. 24th, of our one-year anniversary?


Thanks, first and foremost, go to Paddy's Pub owner Steve, and to his bar-tending crew - Eileen, Rayleen (hey, we all need someone we can "leen" on) and Neil (een?) - as well as our departed co-founding father - Barry (a great bar-tender, and even better judge of character, except for this one tiny mistake).


Thanks to my co-host, Bill Giles, who gamely puts up with these posts - all the while keeping chaos at bay during each jam - effortlessly distributing the song-leading responsibilities in an organized fashion. 


He hasn't missed a week yet - you'll see what a great job he really does when I have to run it without him!


Thanks also to our unofficial hosts, my wife Sarah, AJ, Gail, Mike and Jon - who we rely on each week to help keep things rolling smoothly.


Thanks to California, Bob, Warren, Chris - those who I tend to pick on each newsletter (hopefully in good fun). Oh my God, I almost forgot Scottie! It's like shooting ducks in a bath tub... it's too easy guys!


I probably shouldn't remind you of this, but there is a comment section in the blog...


Finally, thanks to everyone who comes and brings songs - from both bluegrass - and beyond. You've all made it a memorable year! 


Bill and I would get pretty lonely up here by ourselves - and we see way too much of each other anyway - have for 20+ years...

Sept. 21, 2009 Jam

This Monday, October 5th, 7:30 at Paddy Reilly's Pub (SW corner of 2nd and 29th), the Bluegrass And Beyond Jam once again seeks to turn Paddy's Irish green to blue - at least for one more night - and you're invited.

Owner Steve always tells me: "Dave, if God had wanted bluegrass music in Ireland, there would've been a County Kentucky... where they'd serve Guinness juleps at Dublin Downs each spring while the Chieftains played "Run, O Molly run, Run, O Molly run; Tenbrooks gonna beat you to the bright shinin' sun!""

But he lets us play all night anyway... 

Last time we had a little international flavor, when Luca (the Italian half of "The Dang-it Bobbys") and his band mate Kris entertained us with quite a version of "Katie Dear" - Louvin Brothers style. Did I mention that Kris played it in F major on the banjo without a capo? What's the world coming to? 

Too much music school, I think... Kris later re-surfaced at the apres-jam with Mike, doing a beautiful double banjo version of "Foggy Mountain Breakdown". 

Evy, besides doing a uke version of Hank's "Mind Your Own Business", brought Hillary (and her husband) from England - who belted out a wailing "Jesus On The Mainline" to the delight of the bar crowd.

Finally, the global part of the evening ended, when Norris finger-picked Canadian Ann Murray's "Snowbird" (all right, I'm stretching the world thing just a little).

Karen brought in some new stuff with "Handsome Molly", and Bob always brings it - this time with a rollicking "Bye, Bye, Love". 

By the way, my absent wife, Sarah, asked me if Bill and I had found a good-looking singer to replace her on stage between us and I told her: "Sure... Bob!" She had no further comment...

Lynn's version of the John Hurt / Kweskin Jug Band classic "Richland Woman Blues" brought back some good memories.

Chris was back in my good graces by finally getting back to Wayne "The Train" Hancock - "Thunderstorms And Neon Signs". 

His buddy Mark got so excited, he gave us a rare treat - doing a song, and a great one at that! "Six Days On The Road" - "My rig's a little old, but that don't mean she's slow..." - that could be my motto - thanks Mark!

Co-host Bill was in a spiritual mood - giving us Ralph Stanley's classic "I cannot sing like like an angel, and I cannot preach like Paul; but, for B + B on Mondays - I'll try to answer the call." (Dr. Ralph may not have sang it exactly that way...).

Rob was "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" as well, and I felt like a mathematics professor trying to explain a rather difficult equation during my Beatles song. 

All right, class... the answer was: 9-1-0!

See you Monday,

Sierra Hull and Highway 111 - Free!

There is a free concert at Madison Square Park (23rd and Madison Ave.) this Saturday, September 26th at 3:00 with Sierra Hull and Highway 111... 


  (from the official announcement):
  September 26 / 3:00pm 

Sierra Hull & Highway 111
Kelleigh McKenzie

At just seventeen, Sierra Hull has the biography of a seasoned performer, having already appeared on the Grand Olde Opry stage and worked with Alison Krauss, IIIrd Tyme Out, Sam Bush, Mountain Heart and Ricky Skaggs. Her original mandolin picking takes surprising turns and she has a sweetly trained voice to match.
Kelleigh McKenzie opens the show performing atop a stompbox and playing banjo or guitar, McKenzie sings smart and gripping original songs. Her debut album Chances has garnered praise and awards, such as the 2009 Independent Music Award for Best Americana Song. In April 2009, McKenzie could be heard on NPR’s “Mountain Stage”. 

Sept. 7, 2009 Jam

Hello again,


So soon? It's already time again for another Bluegrass And Beyond jam this Monday, Sept. 21st, 7:30 at Paddy Reilly's Music Pub (SW corner of 2nd and 29th).


I don't what else to say but... 


AH-OOOOOOOH! 


Where does Warren come up with all these tunes? He seems like such a mild-mannered guy. "Werewolves Of London" by Warren Zevon - great - and on the banjo!


AH-OOOOOOOH!


After Bill and Sarah's gospel warm-up, Karen made sure that the bar got into it with the classic "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (And Loud, Loud Music).

Tony wandered in with his bass on his way downtown and led a "Blues In E", never straying too far from the aforementioned bar...

Irv ("Izzy") and Brenda also made a rare appearance, leading several great duets.

However, it turned out that neither Bill, nor Sarah were quite done for the night.

Bill led a classic medley of "Goin' Up The Country" / "Roll Over Beethoven" - in commemoration of Woodstock - Sarah's favorite part of the evening.

Sarah was coerced into a soulful version of Jimmy Cliff's "Too Many Rivers To Cross" by request from Walter at the bar. Walter, originally from Antigua, somehow decided that an Irish music bar was the ideal stopover on his way home to the Bronx after dancing all day at the Caribbean Day parade in Brooklyn. The guitarists really rose to the occasion on that one... the resonator guitar? Not enough Guinness... but Walter stayed all night anyway... 

Luckily, I redeemed myself on banjo with the Beatles "I Saw Her Standing There". My only mistake was announcing it as the flip side of "I Wanna Hold Your Hand". Sarah said nobody but me (and co-host Bill) will understand that reference - and, sure enough, Jon and Liz (the young-uns) immediately were seen turning their IPods over to see what was on the "flip" side. I felt like Austin Powers!

Speaking of Liz, it felt like 2008 all over again. She pulled "Waterbound" out for the first time in a year. I asked her how come we never hear it anymore, considering that's ALL she ever played for the first 6 months of the jam - she told me that she never liked that song! Fortunately, we do... and, fortunately for her, she's learned lots of other good ones.

Laura's friend Arthur showed up again - this time with his guitar. It's hard to believe that such a good guitarist had never jammed before. He had a little trouble getting his "Pig" out of it's "Pen" - but luckily, farmer Jon was there to help him out with the verses.

Rob again impressed with his guitar soloing - and Leslie with her mando breaks (what else is new?... complimenting Leslie is like telling the Pope he said a good Mass...). 

And I don't even want to talk about Bob, but I will. This was the first time I've stood next to Bob for a whole night, and I was really blown away from close distance. The guy never misses on guitar. Unfortunately, the flip side of that story is that he had to stand next to me for a whole night... no doubt he'll be back on Bill's side of the room this week!

Finally, Andrew has written a scholarly tome on bluegrass jamming called "Bluegrass Tao" (he must go to a different jam - grasshopper). If it was a book, it would definitely weigh a lot!  Nice job, Andrew.

It can be found at the new  Bluegrass And Beyond web site   - a depository for all (non-bloggable) things B + B.

There's also a short photo album of a road trip that Sarah and I took through the heartland of country music... Ralph, A.P., Maybelle, Elvis (and something else... what was it?) 

Oh yeah... I proposed to her at Maces Spring, VA. at the ford where A.P., Sara and Maybelle had to cross the Holston in their old Essex to begin their own life's journey! 

Romantic, huh? I got a few points for that one!

Great jam, see you Monday,

David Amram (performing with John McEuen) - the Circle comes 'round.

Have you ever had a person change your life and then disappear - only to be rediscovered years later?


I had that happen last night at the City Winery, after the John McEuen concert.


David Amram had been a large part of my formative musical life during the 70's.


First, I bought "No More Walls" in 1972 - purchased, almost by accident, only because of his association with Jack Kerouac - my hero at the time. The sounds ranged from movie soundtracks to Latin jazz to Ramblin' Jack Elliot to classical. It was one of my first "What the ...?" moments!


Then I started researching...


Leonard Bernstein, with his expansive world view of music, was an early inspiration to me - and he mentioned David Amram in his books - having chosen him to be the first composer-in-residence of the NY Philharmonic!


"Splendor In The Grass" was on that album. Well, it turns out David composed that movie soundtrack, plus "The Manichurian Candidate" for good measure.


"Brazilian Memories" was there as well. I read that that was inspired by a jam with Bob Dylan on a beach. Dylan?!


I already knew that he did the "Pull My Daisy" soundtrack, accompanying Kerouac's readings, for the 1959 Robert Frank documentary.


Then I went to University in London to study architecture. 


Was it really a surprise that I spent a semester at The Royal Academy Of Music studying the relationships between architecture, music and poetry?


Not after being exposed to Bernstein and Amram...


Several years later, after college, when I lived in Texas from '77 to '80, David performed at each year's Kerrville Folk Festival. But my memory was always the same - David wandering the after hours campfire sites, carrying a French Horn, hand drum and flutes - always in the same overhauls and red flannel shirt, looking to learn something and make yet more good music...


And then I moved on... until last summer ('08) in Provincetown, Ma. - a great used bookstore and a copy of David Amram's biography "Vibrations" on the shelf!


28 years since I'd last thought about him... and I felt great about introducing my wife, Sarah, to him. Sarah was particularly moved by his wondrous description of his childhood life on the family farm, and his sad final departure from it during the war.


Forward to last night, John McEuen introduces David as the "world's biggest teenager"; the concert's great - no French Horn for David, but double whistles and hand drums, with John's banjo - what else?


Afterwards, David was busily engaged in conversation with John's wife, so I quickly said hello and started to tell him about his influence on my life - but stopped because I was interrupting - and left.


Cut to the front sidewalk on Varick Street, talking with Norris, AJ and Gail - and I almost get tackled by a 79 year old ex-composer-in-residence for the NY Philharmonic!


Twenty minutes later, after fishing around through endless jacket pockets, he sticks a CD in my hand, saying: "This one's not even out yet...! I look, and handwritten on a blank CD in the composer's writing is "Variations On A Theme By Woody Guthrie" by David Amram (2008).


As we're finishing up, he hands me another CD, I reach for my wallet, and he waves me off and says: "This is for Kerrville... those were some of the best times in my life."


Mine, too. David.


Only when I get home do I look and see the cover photo of David in his trademark overhauls and flannel shirts - looking remarkably 70's ish - and the track entitiled "Kerrville To Cairo" - featuring Vassar Clements and David on Lakota Courting Flute!


Right before I'd left him, I asked him where he's living these days - 28 years later... 'Oh, I'm on a farm in upstate NY..."


Sarah was happy - the circle had closed for David Amram, and after all, that was the theme of the night at a John McEuen concert!


David Amram's Site
Wikipedia Page
U-Tube: Pull My Daisy - NY Times
David Amram Today - NY News Spot 

John McEuen Workshop at the City Winery

     John McEuen wants to know if he'll have enough people to hold his workshop.

     Maybe post on the new B&B blog? Great blog, I'll have to get a google account now.

     Gary

http://www.nycbluegrass.com/calendar/cal_event.php?id=1064

Bluegrass And Beyond Jam Blog Is Up

Hi folks:

For those of you who can't get enough of Bluegrass And Beyond (hint - do you have our poster in your wallet where your kid's photo should be?) - there is now officially a blog:

http://bluegrassandbeyondnyc.blogspot.com/

Apparently, a few of you wanted a place where you could compliment Bill and myself for our fine leadership - although, truth be told, I compliment myself on a regular basis already!

It will give people a place to comment about jams, talk about songs, refresh memories from older jams - and compliment Bill and I ...(oops, I can't believe I said that again).

Bill, my co-host, will finally have a place to directly comment on each jam himself - without having to pray that I haven't driven away too many more jammers with my latest missive.

As far as logistics, you will not have to have a Google account to comment in the blog - at least for the time being.

If you comment, please sign your first name in the comment box, no anonymous comments. There is a word verification to complete before it submits - to keep down spamming on my end.

I will have moderator privileges - which means that I have to approve each comment before posting. I cannot edit comments - only allow or disallow them. Comments can be deleted at a later date, if you decide to. Just let me know.

In addition, I will edit the main posts if someone feels strongly about having their (first) name mentioned with an occurrence. Please let me know - send a comment to me with "not for posting" included within. I will not post any comment that is obviously intended for my eyes alone - as moderator of the blog - concerning content.

I will be editing out any last names on the blog, except for public figures - unless requested otherwise by you individually.

I'll make sure to check for pending comments a couple times a week to allow for timely posting.

There is also a search function - it is, after all, hosted by Google.

I apologize in advance for any glitches that may occur during the first couple of weeks, and, of course, feedback is welcome (assuming I decide to post your comment - just kidding). If you don't want your feedback posted - put "do not post" in the comment box - and I'll only read it myself, before deleting. However, if it's nasty, I won't even read it myself before deleting (see complimenting Dave and Bill above)...

On a personal note, while creating this archive of the jam mailings (we're coming up on the one year anniversary), it struck me how much has happened during the last year, how may people worked to bring in great songs (in and outside of the bluegrass genre), and, finally, just how much fun we've been having. It's really been a great way to kick-off, shorten, or, (some might say), wreck the work week - or (to all you glass half full people) - lengthen the weekend.

Thanks to my co-host, Bill Giles, for running the jams, my wife Sarah, for creating our poster and, in reality, acting as a third co-host - and to all of you for coming on a regular basis through snow, rain, holidays and "disco" - even after reading these e-mailings!

Bluegrass And Beyond Poster

 

Folks:
     
Here's a copy of the Bluegrass And Beyond poster and flyer, created by my talented wife (and singer) - Sarah Galloway - for our jam.


Click  to enlarge or print...

And we can't forget to mention the mysterious "A J visitation" poster! (obviously not by my talented wife...)

You can try to print it, but the image is fleeting in nature - 

Who - oo - oo - oo - oo!

Aug. 31, 2009 Jam - John McEuen!

Hi There:

It seems like only yesterday that co-host Bill and I conceived our plan to lure John McEuen to our humble jam by convincing him that "Will The Circle Be Unbroken: Vol. 4" was being recorded at Paddy's last Monday.

Anyway, this Monday, Sept. 7th - Labor Day - 7:30 at Paddy Reilly's Pub (SW corner of 2nd and 29th), B + B staggers and reels onward (and I did confirm the date with Bob before embarrassing myself again).

I'm a little speechless after last week's jam, because it was by far the best jam yet in our, soon to be, one-year existence.

Just a few comments, because in my opinion, everyone rose to the occasion to make for a special jam (even Warren, with the world's largest "Post-It").

In case you still don't know who the bearded stranger was (or are under 40), say hello to John McEuen - co-founder of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band ("Mr. Bojangles", etc.) and the guy who approached Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson and Mother Maybelle Carter in 1972 and offered them the chance to make a triple album with a bunch of West Coast hippies. Fortunately, they saw the logic of his absurd request and convinced most of the Nashville greats to participate - and the rest is history. Currently, he's just produced Steve Martin's new banjo album "The Crow" with guests like Dolly Parton and Vince Gill.

I thought John was simply great, giving an amazing impromptu clawhammer demonstration after I'd mentioned that both co-host Bill and Liz played that style as well. He never tried to dominate the jam and answered tons of questions later at the bar. He'll be playing at the City Winery on Sept. 14th with David Amram and our own Jen Larsen among others, with a workshop before (also BB King's in Oct. with the NGDB).

 http://www.johnmceuen.com

I thought co-host Bill did a great job of keeping the jam going around what was obviously a very special visitor, making sure that various people got to shine during John's stay (I'm thinking of Mike's playing "Newton Grove", basically teaching the tune to John, who later joined him with a great break; and John's running back in to grab a banjo when Bob started "Some Old Day", the old Flatt and Scruggs number).

Last week also brought prodigal son "California" Ray back to NYC until the holidays. Unfortunately, he's home again this week because of the L. A. wildfires raging a few miles from his ranch. Our thoughts are with Ray and Kim.

Also, Amy was back again after a long, long absence (she thought that she'd been missing quite a jam all this year - I told her that we had Ralph Stanley last week - and she believed me!

There were dozens of highlights, so I'll just end by saying that the singing behind my own banjo version of "You Can't Always Get What You Want" was something. It seemed like everyone in the room was singing (including the whole bar and owner Steve - front and center). It was like our own version of the "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" finales - and far better than the Viennese Boys Choir (thanks AJ and Sarah).

See you Monday, 

Aug. 17, 2009 - The "Sauna" Jam

Bluegrass And Beyond Beats The Heat And Rides Again:

Yes, you've had two full weeks to recover from the broken air-conditioning and resulting sauna that we called B + B last time, so let's do it again!

This Monday, the 31th at Paddy Reilly's Pub (2nd and 29th), 7:30pm.

The heat even got to co-host Bill (who I know never reads these mailings for fear of what might be included within), and I quote: 

"Even with 5 hours in the heat, I think last night was great. If you wish Dave, you can announce in the newsletter that I thought the jam in the heat was so good that I've requested Paddy's to always turn off the air conditioning for B&B jams."

Bill and I had our regular practice last week in the Russian baths downtown to prep - just in case...

While I'm on the subject, kudos to Banjo Bill for reviving Frank Wakefield's "New Camptown Races" - a 60's favorite, composed in the jam-friendly key of Bb.

Speaking of the 60's, Sarah's "Play With Fire" and "Hey Joe" (with Brett and Bill's riffing), were only narrowly topped by Jerry Reed's "Eastbound And Down" - get your ears on, Bandit!

Chris returned again, sporting a fancy new guitar, but no Wayne Hancock; and Liz reappeared from the North Carolina mountains again, playing mandolin! Her and co-host Bill worked up "Arab Shuffle" during lunch breaks. Apparently, Arab is some town in N.C. - who knew?

Rob played a really nice bluesy number (didn't catch the name) with great changes, and pitched in on "Where The Soul Of Man Never Dies" with Gail, Sue and several others.

Warren's investigating Townes Van Zandt - doing "If I Needed You".

Brett pulled out "Squeezebox" from the Who - stumping me at first - and if I have to listen to Mike saying "This is from your generation, dude" one more time, I might slap a minimum age requirement on the jam so I don't feel like a walking antiquity.

As always, remember to let me know if you want off this list, no questions asked, or feel free to give interested parties the e-mail address below to be included in future mailings.

See you Monday, bathing suits optional... (although I understand the A/C is fixed again).

Aug. 3, 2009 Jam

(Oops, sorry I was just finishing my list of people who didn't show up last jam; in other words, giving up B + B for a trivial event like a free Bela Fleck documentary viewing ("Throw Down Your Heart") and concert at SummerStage... Shocking, but true! People, you're supposed to be sophisticated New Yorkers. Get your priorities straight...)


 Where was I? Oh yeah, now for the good news. You'll have a chance to redeem yourself this Monday, August 17th, 7:30, at Paddy Reilly's Pub (SW corner of 29th and 2nd Ave.), when Bluegrass And Beyond continues it's own wayward journey (unless Steve Martin decides to have a free banjo concert and movie viewing).

Far from being alone that night, however, co-host Bill and I were surrounded by quite a number of quality musicians - including several banjo players (who will receive double bonus points for their remarkably sound judgement).

Things started off with Bob's "Amelia Earhart's Last Flight", acknowledging either the upcoming Hillary Swank, Richard Gere biopic, or "Night At The Museum: Battle Of The Smithsonian". He didn't say which, but I hope it's the latter (If it wasn't for "low brow", wouldn't have no brow at all...).

Tony made a rare appearance (must have forgotten what night it was), resurrecting Merle Travis' "Sixteen Tons" from the 40's, and producing a truncated version of "Georgia On My Mind" with Laura singing - which was Sarah's favorite part of the night. 

Mine was co-host Bill's "Baby You Can Drive My Car". Yes, I'm gonna be a star! Beep, beep, um, beep, beep... yeah!

Del McCoury was well represented as well, with AJ's "1952 Vincent Black Lighting" and Jonathan's "I Feel The Blues Movin' In" (thus making Mike's night!).

Mystery man, bartender, and man of the world Barry, co-founder emeritus of this jam, supposedly made a brief appearance at the bar - but didn't come to the stage area. A humble man, he obviously didn't want to attract attention away from the jam by appearing with his hefty entourage.

See you Monday, especially... (let me consult the list - no pressure...)

July 20, 2009 Jam

Folks:

It's time once again to test your junk mail and spam filters (thanks, Rob). This Monday, August 3rd, 7:30 at Paddy Reilly's Pub (SW corner of 2nd and 29th) - Bluegrass and Beyond.

Last jam marked the end of the "California" era at B + B. 

Of course, even though we ostensibly had his going away party with Warren Peace doing Chuck Berry's "Promised Land" and someone else's brilliant version of "California Girls" on banjo - we all know that the REAL party is this week, now that he's truly gone!  (Wait a minute, did I forget to delete him from the mailing list? Yipes...)

Speaking of farewells, it was also Colleen's first visit from St. Louis in two years. Personally, I can't get enough of the hammered dulcimer sound on "Love The One Your With" or "I've Just Seen A Face". Later in the week at another jam, I heard her doing "Sympathy For The Devil" with AJ. Wow!

And if it's milestones you want, there was a rare (it fact, first-time) appearance from Don of "Bluegrass Harmony Workshop" fame, but we just know him as "Dandy Don", and a kick-ass flat-picker / song leader. 

We also were lucky to be joined by newbie Jon (no nickname yet), another fine guitar picker and song leader - I don't know where they all come from, but we're lucky to get 'em at B + B.

On a personal note, Sarah pointed out to me that the B + B Dobro torch was officially passed on to my prodigy, Chris -  when Scottie asked him to take over the lead-in originally called for me on "Peaceful Easy Feeling". I now know my place, I'll walk 3 steps behind and 1 to the right whenever Chris is in the room.

Between Chris, Mike on banjo and all the great guitar pickers, I've got nothing left to do except write these e-mails. I'm thinking of taking hammered dulcimer lessons from Colleen or bar tending lessons from Eileen.

Bluegrass And Beyond was well represented at Grey Fox this year - with a compound that grew as the weekend went on - including Sarah, AJ, Mike, California, Jon, Phil, Andrew and I, with cameos by Warren, "Slow Jam" Sue, Rob and Colleen. 

Highlights included California attempting to sabotage Mike's "Cherokee Shuffle" three successive times by playing "Bill Cheathem" instead in the middle (I thought he was just being avant guard, but I now know better - his new nickname is "Cherokee"), AJ's hangdog look sitting alone in the rain, hat pulled down, in the mud puddles that used to be our jamming area, drinking a beer during Friday night's Woodstock-like deluge and Andrew's fashionable handling of the rain wear dilemma - he should be the cover model for the new "Grey Fox" line of camping wear and fashion accessories.

See you soon, 

July 6, 2009 Jam

Howdy Jammers:

This Monday, July 20th, (apres Renard Gris), Bluegrass And Beyond again, 7:30pm at Paddy Reilly's (SW corner of 29th and 2nd).

Last week, one mystery was cleared up as Eileen's absence clearly indicated her quilty feelings about her ongoing blog, "Why does he always order a Mexican beer in an Irish bar? .com". Geez, it's not like I want to replace St. Patrick's Day with Cinco de Mayo! (Wait a minute, now I know why they call me a "Lime-y" at Paddy's).

The good news was that Ronin seemed to enjoy himself in her stead, especially after he lost his earplugs climbing over the bar to break yet another banjo (I told him it was Irish Indie music and he apparently believed me).

Meanwhile, in a bluegrass version of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", Karen gave the kids a night off and missed her train... in fact, she missed a bunch of 'em. Hooray for sleep-overs!

Gail made a rare appearance from Florida, impressing co-host Bill with both her rhythmic and song-leading abilities yet again.

Although I have to say I'm concerned about Bill. In consecutive jams, he's done "Too Much" and "All Shook Up". I'm afraid the jam-leading may be getting to him - might it be time for a vacation? Next week, "Dazed And Confused"?, "19th Nervous Breakdown"? Where will it end?

Also of note, Mike's continuing major explorations into the minor keys on banjo with "Newton Grove".

"Slow Jam" Rob finally made an appearance, and an impression - suffice it to say, his guitar picking was anything but slow. He also held the record for "longest to be on the mailing list without actually attending the jam".

Along these lines, congratulations to Phil, who has just ended his streak of "longest to attend the jam without being on the mailing list". To some people, this would be a badge of honor, but not to me (of course, even I don't always read these things).

On a sad note, this next jam will be California Ray's last jam before heading back west. He insists that we shouldn't make a big deal of it though (yeah, as if we would anyway, dude) because there's a very real possibility of his returning very soon on another project. But, just in case he doesn't return, I think we should party it up a little California style before he heads back to the ranch. Ray, and the occasional visiting Kim, have been a major part of B + B for the last year, as well as great fodder for these e-mails (Ray, not Kim). Surf, beach, California, ranch, Del Shannon songs welcome...

Look for California at Grey Fox, as well as Mike, Warren, AJ, Phil, Sue, Sarah and I - and many others.

See you Monday night to help shed the early symptoms of "Post Grey Fox Syndrome". Just don't bring your laundry and anyone still wearing their wristband gets in free.

June 15, 2009 Jam

Hi B + B ers:

Consider this your last warning for the next TWO Bluegrass And Beyond jams - the next 2 Mondays, June 29th and July 6th, Paddy Reilly's Pub (SW corner of 2nd and 29th), 7:30 p.m..

The bad news is that you won't get an e-mail next week because Sarah and I are vacationing at a retreat center with the parental units - the good news is that I won't be at this Monday's jam.

That's right, all those secret chat rooms and blogs that you thought I didn't know about:

"I could run this jam better than him with my eyes and ears closed .com", "Why does every song he does seem to have a Cm in it? .com", "At least his wife is good looking .com" and my favorite, "Why does he always order a Mexican beer in an Irish bar? .com" (which suspiciously seems to emanate from inside of Paddy's! 

You'll be in good hands this week with co-host Bill and guest host A J. More bad news, I'll be back (just barely) on the 6th - the good news, Sarah will be too... 

Last jam was notable for the triumphant return of Brett (from Thailand) sporting a new Clapton - model Martin guitar, and Micheal (from N.J. - not quite as exotic, although I guess it depends what part you're talking about). He wasn't sporting anything.

Maybe in commemoration of Pete's 90th birthday, recently celebrated, it seemed kinda folky last week - Gordon Lightfoot, Kris Kristofferson, Dylan, etc.. I figure that was the ampersand part of Bluegrass & Beyond (If you don't know what an ampersand is, ask Bill this week... just don't ask me when I get back.).

I hadn't done "Me And Bobby McGee" for a while - it's a good song. Way to go Anina.

Brett's "Across The Universe" was interesting, though. "Pools of sorrow, waves of joy..." sounds like a typical night at Bluegrass and Beyond.

On the off chance that our retreat center is cell-friendly, I'll send out an e-mail again next week - otherwise, see you on the 6th of July...

For you newer people, feel free to pass the e-mail address below to anyone you think might be interested joining our mailing list. Just remember our ground rules - have fun, acoustic only and 49% pop / rock, 49% bluegrass / country and 2% folk (and other inert elements).