Dec. 14th, 2009 - The "Holiday" Jam

Happy Holidays, Everyone:

The 2nd Annual Bluegrass & Beyond "Holiday" Jam was a little more subdued than last year's - perhaps because of it's proximity to Christmas - or, perhaps because some of you continue to hold onto the age old values of being with family and loved ones at the holidays. 

Come On! It's the 21st Century, folks - Christmas... Family... Loved Ones... that's SO 20th Century! 

Next you'll tell me that you still like to hand make music on acoustic instruments - in the company of other live musicians...  Not me - give me Guitar Hero, Facebook and let me Twit? (oh yeah, John Cleese "twits", we Tweet). Virtual reality can't come soon enough for this old Rockabilly.

Anyway, between Karen's cookies (I can still taste 'em), Scotty's 1-man Holiday Spectacular (unfortunately, his Scottettes didn't show), AJ's "Christmas With The Family" and  Bill and Sarah's surf-rock, Spanish fandango version of "What Child Is This?" (I think I had a part in that one, too) - it passed for a Holiday Jam!

Oh, and even the Easter Bunny made a cameo (during the "Day-O, Banana Boat Carol"):

"The Kings see something hippity-hopping along, 

It’s the Easter Bunny, heh, you don’t belong in this song;

Bunny says you better hurry up on your way,

If  the Child not born, I got no Holiday."

Apparently we had a pretty good time because Brett followed up Bill's "All Right Now" with another Free-related song by Bad Company - which nobody at the jam that night can now recall the name of - including Brett ("Gawd, That was like 50 beers ago...").

Brett and I also tried Jerry Reed's "Eastbound And Down" - probably more of that beer thing ("The boys are thirsty in Atlanta, and there's beer in Texarkana").

Tony kept us movin' further on with "On The Road Again" from Willie. 

Karen, perhaps mindful us of the follies of our ways reminded us of life "In The Gravel Yard" (with a number for my name...).

Bill further admonished us with Ralph Stanley's "Shoutin' On The Hills" - reminding us to "make our reservations" - and not at the Rainbow Room for New Year's Eve...).

All I can say is that there'd be a lot fewer churches if there were no bars to repent from... (and probably fewer gravel yards, too).

Sarah reminded us that "All Things Must Pass" (she's been singing that a lot since she married me!).

And the jam did, too, but not before a rousing group version of "Sweet Georgia Brown".

In a final touching gesture of how the holiday spirit affects us all - even grizzled Tony - the big guy was packed up and leaving when we started playing "The Hobo Song" from Old And In The Way. He ran back in, unpacked his guitar and even managed to get a solo in. Obviously, he was so moved by my singing of it that he just had to share in the musical joy we were creating.

Funny though - he told me later that I was hacking it up so bad that he felt an obligation to come back in and set me right. I still prefer to think the holiday spirit engulfed him...

Hopefully, with Steve, Eileen, Raylene and Paddy's help, there'll be more Holiday parties to come! 

Dave Comins

www.bluegrassandbeyondnyc.com

Upcoming Change In Newsletter Distribution

Hello all,


Starting with the next jam notification e-mail, the newsletter will not be contained within.


We're not going Cold Turkey here, I will still be sending a jam date reminder, along with a link to the blog.


I would hope that people still find my newsletters entertaining enough to continue reading on the blog site (I know I do). However, we're finding that more and more things are going onto the blog that people never know about.


We'd like you to get in the habit of checking in occasionally.


There are other reasons for this as well. 


Co-hosts Bill and A J want to be able to leave comments and know that people will see them in a timely fashion.


To this end, we've added a "Recent Comments" section on the sidebar - hopefully, making it more enticing for all to comment to the group, knowing that their comments won't languish in obscurity.


There is also now a General Discussion Board where comments can go, and remain easily accessible to all at a later date - find it under "Links".


Most importantly, for the near future, it won't be necessary to have a Google account to leave comments. Comments will still be moderated, with a word verification for spam reduction, and all must be signed (first name only please, no URL - under "Name / URL" in the "Comment As' pull=down menu).


Additionally, there is also now a (sometimes) working "Search The Blog" function, so you can find out who said or sung what - and when.


Also, an expanded "Links" page and a "Jam Calendar" (updated for all of 2010!) are available on the Bluegrass & Beyond NYC Web Site - with links from the Blog.


I will still e-mail occasionally with time-sensitive items about special events, etc. - but I would like most everything else to happen on the Blog and Web Sites. 


We're also going to be doing some photography and recording during some jams in the new year - not too fancy, but enough to give people who come to the Web Site an idea of what goes on every second Monday at Paddy's.






Dave Comins
www.bluegrassandbeyondnyc.com 

Ray ("California") Has Left The Building!

This is a sad one for me: 


"California" (Ray), after having snuck into our lives early this year, has finally left for good on Dec. 15th - back to the ranch in California.


I know, you're thinking that he "left" us once before in July, and we had a good going away party for him - and, an even better one after he'd left (but not before he'd camped with us at Grey Fox - and blew Mike's mind on "Cherokee Shuffle" , or, at least, that's what Mike was trying to play...).


Here's what I sang at the time (to "California Girls"):

"Well, Ray came into New York City,
To work in the movies blowing up cars;

But, he soon discovered Bluegrass and Beyond,
Now he hanging out in Paddy’s bar.

But, he’ got him a ranch out in California,
With plenty of horses, kids and such;

And with his pretty wife Kim, this is all he needs,
So, New York, thank you very much."

We went through a lot with Ray... 

He and his wife Kim celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary with us (I got on his case about that one) and he was nervously playing the night before leaving for California as wildfires burned within a couple miles of his ranch.


He survived the "Deluge" jam - when Paddy's was leaking like a sieve.


Even though I always considered him an easy target for newsletter barbs, I'm really going to miss him at these jams - he really contributed to the great atmosphere that prevails throughout.


We even did a song together once (no, not "California Girls"). I bet you want to forget that night, Ray.


One final note, those of us who camped with him at Grey Fox heard a different Ray on guitar. We know that he can't play mandolin - but he really kicks on jazz guitar. It's a pity that he never got to showcase it for the group!


Keep in touch, "California", give our best to Kim, and stay in touch (there's always the "General Discussion Board")!


Dave (and many others at Bluegrass & Beyond )

2nd Ave. Mountain Boys (...& Girls?) This Tuesday At Paddy's

Folks:

I just received this gig notice from co-host Bill today:

"Hey Dave - Here's the info on our gig. The Second Avenue Mountain Boys (consisting of John, Leslie, Banjo Mike, and me) will be playing this Tuesday, December 22 at Paddy Reilly's, 2nd Ave at 29th St.... Time is 8:30 p.m.

So its a big music week coming up at Paddy's...Bluegrass & Beyond on Monday, and then our gig on Tuesday. I better stock up on coffee!

Bill"

In addition, A J and I (DC) will be performing a brief cameo at this Saturday (12/22) night's 2nd Annual Holiday Hootenanny - hosted by The Itinerants at Paddy Reilly's - 9 p.m. to about 2.

We-re scheduled to do our three-minute version of Robert Earl Keene's "Christmas With The Family" at 11p.m. +/-. Don't blink or you'll miss us, amongst the chaos of a full holiday choir, a 12-piece lady's accordion orchestra (in full costume, no less), reggae, rockabilly and, did I mention, "The Chipmunk Song"? (And this is only the first hour...!)

Dave Comins

www.bluegrassandbeyondnyc.com

General Discussion Board - Post Your Jam Comments Here

Use this board for any general jam comments, song info, observations or queries (and praise for hosts...).


The link to the board will be in the Links section of the blog.


In case you're unfamiliar with how to post a comment, click the "Post A Comment" link at the bottom of a post or comment, type your comment into the box, and sign it by clicking on "Name / URL" under "Choose An Identity", entering your first name only after "Name" (nothing after URL) - "Preview" it, then hit "Publish Your Comment". Don't forget the word verification at the end of the process.


Bill and I will also be posting here on a semi-regular basis. A J on an irregular basis.

Dec. 7, 2009 - The "Rod McKuen" Jam

Ho - Ho - Ho, Kiddies (and I'm not talking garden implements):

This very Monday, December 21st, 7:30 at Paddy Reilly's Pub (SW corner of 2nd and 29th), Santa and his Elves - or, at least, Bill, AJ, Dave and Elvis - will be hosting the 2nd holiday gathering of Bluegrass & Beyond.

Last year's jam was made especially festive by the holiday culinary and musical contributions of many people and I hope this year people will feel the same way about adding to the general merriment. I know I fondly remember the Hershey's Holiday Kisses (love those red and green foil wraps) and the cookies - all of them.

Last Year's Holiday Jam Invite

I'll bring some songbooks, tacky holiday lights and the words to my soon to be (in another lifetime) Christmas classic "Day-O, The (Banana Boat) Carol" - yes, and maybe, some Kisses as well. 

Oh, as Elvis sang: "If Every Day Was Like Christmas" (instead of the day after...)

Last Year's Post-Holiday Party Blog

Speaking of songs that may actually become holiday classics, co-host AJ sang his original "Christmas Time" at the finals of the Paddy's "Songwriter Idol" contest - where he competed with Jonathan against 18 others. Neither placed in the final 5, but the competition was extremely stiff, and, I know that they both appreciated the turnout from both the Bluegrass & Beyond and Sue's Slow Jam. 

The general consensus was that AJ didn't win because he had a certain resonator guitarist playing with him - and that Jonathan fell short because he didn't. Boy, this music business is a tough one - you can't win!

Well, last time Scotty turned in a great version of Bob Marley's "High Tide Or Low Tide" (I'm gonna be your friend...).

It was still high tide when Chris starting handing out song sheets to everyone. I, for one,  was thinking, Wow, a new Texas honky tonker or an obscure Jerry Reed number. Then, the tide turned and started heading out when he announced that it was in C#m - soon to become a full-on rip tide when I saw "by Rod McKuen" on the top of the page.

"Love's Been Good To Me" - All right, I know that Johnny Cash and Frank Sinatra recorded it, which makes it kinda cool - but, I was still thinking Hallmark cards from the 70's. 

"Still in all, I'm happy, The reason is, you see; Once in a while along the way, I've jammed at B & B..."

Right, and next, Bob Dylan will do a Christmas album!

The ironic part of all this was that Chris later on gave me a ride home - where I proceeded to watch the end of one of those kitschy Hallmark Channel Christmas movies, which I never tire of - much to my wife Sarah's ongoing consternation.

During the 'Michael Daves' Pre-Jam Warm-Up" part of the evening, Tony pulled out a great Carl Perkin's tune "Boppin' The Blues" (proving, yet again, that underneath that tough Bluegrass exterior, he's really got an heart that's Beyond - or, at least, ampersand).

Leslie did a great version of "Going' Down That Lonesome Road", and then left right before the mini-Texas set we did featuring songs by Lyle Lovett, Nanci Griffith, Michelle Shocked, Eric Taylor, B.W. Stevenson and Jerry Jeff Walker. Wait, that's just too much of a coincidence! (Only kidding, Les - although it would be fun...)

Karen, during the "I Hope My  Family Doesn't Notice That I'm Gone" phase of the evening, came in with yet more new material - "Little Birdie". I bet co-host Bill would've enjoyed claw-hammering on that one.

Lynn, with co-host AJ's assistance, tried Little Feat's "Willing" - and we all proved that we were collectively able as well.

Chris and Mike helped me out with John Prine's "Speed Of The Sound Of Loneliness" - from MY folky days (take that Bob, Leslie and Jon...). 

And thinking of Mike, as an example of how your values can get distorted during the holidays - he gave up most of B & B this week to see the Knicks play. I mean, a Tony Trischka concert, okay, but the Knicks? (In his defense, he did have friends visiting from out of town... but the Knicks?)

I think I may skip a jam sometime and watch dust bunnies form under my coffee table. Maybe I'll invite Mike over... 

Of course, I'll have to fit it into my busy schedule - Chris and I are getting together soon for our annual "Rod McKuen Poetry Night" - which is followed by our "Hallmark Holiday Movie Marathon" - you bring the hankies, big guy and I'll dig out my old dog-eared "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" - we'll throw on some "MacArthur Park" and make a night of it!  A veritable sensitive "guys night out" - while our wives maybe grab a six-pack and take in a Giant's game?

Hope to see everyone at the next jam (unless the Nets are playing, of course), and bring something to sing or eat with others - let's spread some good cheer...

Dave Comins

www.bluegrassandbeyondnyc.com

Bluegrass & Beyond Poster "Visitation"?

Who - oo - oo - oo fellow B & B ers:


Now, I'm not much of a believer in the para-normal side of life, but during these last two jams some of our more astute observers have detected signs of a possible astral visitation.


It particularly concerns our Bluegrass & Beyond poster - which for more than a year has coexisted peacefully with the jam, hanging on the music stand - but, now, seems to be stirring from it's slumber...


Co-host Bill and I have noticed the changes seem to coincide with the promoting of A J Bender to fellow jam co-host.


In happenings that can only be described as bizarre, an image keeps appearing on the poster during jams - that of a beer-swilling, guitar-picking wing-ed angel from another world.


Now, I really don't subscribe to the A J conspiracy theory of events, but we were lucky enough to capture this fleeting image on camera at the last jam. 


You be the judge - cosmic coincidence? (sorry for the ephemeral nature of the images - it was hard to capture):

A J Bender In Paddy's "Songwriter Idol" Finals This Tuesday

Bluegrass & Beyonders:

This special edition of the newsletter is to inform you that our newest co-host, AJ Bender - in his ongoing attempt to prove his jam-leading worthiness to co-hosts Bill and I - will be one of the 15 finalists in the Paddy's "Songwriter Idol" contest this Tuesday night from 7:30 to 10:30 or so.

Come on down and support him...  Here is his invite:

"Hey All – hope you are doing well.

I have been participating in a singer songwriter competition over the last two months at Paddy Reilly’s Bar in Manhattan . 

I am pleased and happy to announce that I have made it to the final round of competition, which is this Tuesday, December 8^th. 

The final top prize is $500.00 dollars. The contestants will be evaluated by a panel of 5 judges. 

One of the criteria will be the audience reaction & voting. Audience members will be given ballots for each drink they purchase (there is also a $5.00 cover)

So I’m asking you if you might be able to come down to Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar: 

512 2^nd Avenue in Manhattan at 29^th Street this Tuesday December 8^th at 7:30 pm. I would really appreciate your support. 

While I’m not so vain to believe that I will win this event, I do sincerely believe that I have a good chance of doing so, or at least finishing in one of the top 5 slots.

I hope to see you down there this Tuesday. Thanks for all your help !

Happy Holidays Y’all (PS – I’m going to play a Christmas Song !)

A J"

Dave Comins

www.bluegrassandbeyondnyc.com

Paddy at Paddy's - Yes, Virginia, There Really Is A Paddy Reilly!

Those of us fortunate enough to attend this last Tuesday night's Paddy's "Songwriter Idol" contest got a real late night treat when Paddy Reilly himself - legendary Irish balladeer (he's had a 30-year recording career) and former member of the "Dubliners" (not to mention co-founder with Steve Duggan of Paddy Reilly's pub) - formed a song circle at the fromt of the pub and started passing around the guitar!

Oh, did I mention that you had to stay until 1:30 to hear it - Paddy isn't your ordinary seventy year old... or maybe he is, in Dublin.

Some of those songwriters still around got a real first hand lesson in song presentation!

And we all learned again why Paddy's has such a special music scene.

Thanks Steve (... and Paddy)

Nov. 30, 2009 - The "Modulation" Jam

Hi there jammers:

Almost too soon to be true, we'll meet again this Monday, Dec. 7th at Paddy Reilly's (SW corner of 29th and 2nd),  7:30 for Bluegrass & Beyond.

AJ will be handling most of the jam himself, as Bill is taking his first night off in over a year. Who knows, perhaps I might even have to do some work this week, beyond color commentary... we'll see.

Wow, the last jam was great - we got AJ's co-hosting career off to a good start.

AJ started off the night, perhaps trying to impress his fellow co-hosts, with a solid slow rocker - the Stone's "Beast Of Burden".

But later on, perhaps pressing his luck a little too far, he did Willie's "Mama, Don't Let Your Drugstores Grow Up To Be Cowboys" - which would have been fine, EXCEPT that he modulated (in public, no less) from D to E - thus, opening the floodgates for the waters named Scotty to pour through!

Yes, Scotty opened with Lionel Ritchie's "I'm Easy" (yeah maybe, but your songs aren't...) in Ab, and, after I reminded him that we weren't downtown at the Blue Note - modulated up to the key of A to a flurry of sliding capos. And those were the lucky ones! After suggesting to everyone else to capo the song, I steadfastly went down with the ship trying to play a break in Ab - talk about blue notes... kudos go to Karen, Alex and everyone else who grabbed a lifeline when it was  offered.

Scott was far from done for the evening - he stayed 5 hours after all. Besides leading a right off the record version of "Fire And Rain" (everyone's breaks were so good that I wish I had a recorder!), and a great late-night version of Billy Preston"s "Will It Go 'Round In Circles" - he had my wife, Sarah, singing "Crazy" (a song she'd never done), reading the lyrics off of his IPhone, all the while continuously giving us updated weather and movie listings between verses!

Sarah later did the Traveling Wilbury's "Handle With Care" as well; and, held up the classic country end of the evening with Hank Williams' "Lost Highway".

Phyllis, always a defender of the old classics (she even defends me occasionally...), brought in Kitty Well's "I Guess I'll Go On Dreaming", along with Hank"s "Your Cheatin' Heart"

Howard - the man with the killer uke - led a move-your-feet version of Bob Marley's "Stir It Up". Not bad for a relative newbie to the B & B scene. Later, wanting to show his sensitive side, he did "The Bramble And The Rose" a beautiful, traditional sounding song from Barbara Keith. He did thankfully refrain from modulating (and from playing it on the uke).

Co-host Bill finally, after months of threatening, brought out CCR's "Susie Q", and joined with Mike and Jon in re-aquainting us with some great instrumentals - "New Camptown Races" from Frank Wakefield and Bill Monroe's "Kentucky Mandolin". Good to see some different instrumentals coming into the jam - Bill and I are working on a few others for the future - "Pickaway" , "Theme Time", "Down Yonder" and "Dixie Breakdown" (all in G).

Karen stayed out past her bedtime - again - leading Reno and Smiley's "Love, Please Come Home" among others.

Leslie continued on her tear (although she's dropped a little from her earlier "La Bamba" peak) with Gillian Welch's "By The Mark" and a Lynn Morris tune "It Rains Everywhere I Go" (sounds like my drive back from Nashville a few weeks ago ahead of the hurricane).

Jon went folky on us with Dylan's "Dont Think Twice, It's All Right" - much to Chris' delight.

I had a pretty good night myself (if you disregard that little Ab business), surprising Leslie with Michelle Shocked's "Memories Of East Texas" (again delighting Chris), ruining AJ's night by doing his least favorite Beatles' song "Run For Your Life" and bringing Jon out of the back room (where he was apparently working on his latest Paddy's "Songwriter Idol" entry) with John Prine's classic "That's The Way That The World Goes 'Round" (a whole enchilada, and you think you're gonna drown...).

All in all, one of our better jams of the year - good going everybody.

Dave Comins

www.bluegrassandbeyondnyc.com