Nov. 2, 2009 Jam

Hello from Roanoke, Virginia!


Through the miracles of modern technology, I'm able to remind you that this Monday, Nov. 16th, we meet once again for the Bluegrass & Beyond Jam - 7:30 at Paddy Reilly's Pub (SW corner of 29th and 2nd).


I survived the ResoSummit in Nashville without scaring too many teachers, maybe even learning a few things along the way - and have now been following the remnants of the tropical storm up the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville, N.C.. Someday I'll have to come back and see the spectacular views that I've been missing in the fog and mist!


Speaking of fog, I can only vaguely recall what transpired at our last outing - but I'll give it a try.


We let Warren Peace get away with Werewolves Of London again - it WAS Halloween after all...


We also had an outbreak of the weird instrument flu - I'll have to get a shot before it spreads too much.


Andrew lead the way with some kind of guitar / banjo concoction. It didn't stop him, however, from bringing in the Stanley Brothers' "Stone Walls And Steel Bars" - although I doubt Dr. Ralph would let him in the band with such a device!


New guys Mike ("Son Of A Miner's Child") and Howard ("Have You Ever Seen The Rain") provided some new blood and songs to the jam. Howard brought his rock ukulele along - playing wonderful up the neck (as much as there is on a uke...) breaks on everything (and looking continually for his effects pedal)!


Leslie made the mistake of giving me first crack at Paul Simon's "The Boxer", and set my confidence level back two years as I butchered it - right before the ResoSummit - thanks, Leslie. It sounded like I was the one wearing the gloves!


Rob led a nice, soulful "Wayfaring Stranger"; and Gary sat "On Top Of The World" for a while.


A.J. and Jon were solid with John Cash's "Big River", "Rider" and Bill Monroe's "On And On" - the latter apparently a reference to the Paddy's Songwriter Idol contest - in which both of them are still going strong!


Mike revived a favorite of mine - Pete Wernick's "Hucklin' The Berries" (and will also be playing at the American Musuem of Folk Art this Friday, Nov. 13th, free from 5:30 - 7:30 with gospel singer Diane McCoy; and TriBoro - all three of whom come to this jam as well - some more than others, a-hem, Don...).


Tony, in what seems to be becoming a habit, showed up as well with Merle Travis' "Sixteen Tons".


Sarah flew into the Beyond with Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" and tried the Wilbury's "Handle With Care" during the after-jam - certainly worthy of repeat in prime time.


I pulled out Tom Petty's "Runnin' Down A Dream" as well afterwards - it seemed to go over well - we played it twice. Or, maybe people were just hoping I'd figure it out sooner or later!


Mark continues to develop his song leading prowess - it won't be long before he's up on the bar directing us all. Maybe at the holiday jam...


On a final note, co-host Bill informed me that Liz had a bike accident, but is apparently okay - except that she hurt her arm and won't be playing music for a while. Get well soon, Liz - I just drove through your home turf down in North Carolina. Grandfather Mountain's not looking so old to me anymore...


Whew, and I thought there was nothing to say - I guess the fog lifted.


See you Monday,