The Jan. 18, 2010 Jam

Hello all,

Before we begin, we heard from "California" (Ray) - check it out here .

Well, last jam was simply one of the best. It started with a "Beyond" bang and ended after midnight with a mini-concert by Scottie, Paul and Tony (with some help from A J and Jon) to the applause of the remaining musicians.

This is why you jam!

But back to the beginning...

Karen, and then Sarah, opened things up with Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth" and Gene Clark / Bernie Leadon's "Train Leaves Here This Morning", respectively.

Co-host Bill kept it "Beyond" with the Band's "Up On Cripple Creek" and Buddy Holly's "That'll Be The Day" -  and I probably didn't help either - with Elvis' "That's All Right, Mama".

By this point, the Bluegrassers were getting restless - even after our pre-jam warm up of "Pickaway".

Luckily, Liz stepped up with "The Old Home Place",  Banjo Mike led "Salt Creek" and (non-banjo) Mike pulled out "Make Me A Pallet On The Floor" and Alison Krause's "Steel Rails" - to right the ship.

Jon even added "Wayfaring Stranger" for good measure, and I threw in Lester Flatt's "If I Should Wander Back To You" - just for kicks.

We were sitting pretty - high up in the water. 

Until the torpedo named Scottie was launched in the form of Bryan Adams "Heaven" (in fairness, he had led "Angeline The Baker" earlier)...

And kudos to Lynn - who read his comment last week, practiced the song in F, brought in lyrics - and helped him sing it! The "Bluegrass Buddha" has a student! - seeking Dharma in the key of "D" (capoed on 3).

Lynn was so excited, she started in on Jimi's "Little Wing - at this point the boat was reeling (and rockin')...

As I searched for a lifeboat, co-host A J chimed in with Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" - a great number!

Pulling away, I could just make out Sarah's "Polly" (from Gene Clark via Alison Krause / Robert Plant) and Gary's "I'll Be You're Baby Tonight" (Dylan).

However, then Tony did that great Willie Nelson tune (the name always escapes me) and A J added "On The Road Again", and I decided that my place was with co-captains Bill and A J back on board. 

I helped 'em patch up the breach with Ray Wylie Hubbard's "Up Against The Wall Redneck Mother", bought a beer and sat back with Eileen to listen to the late night concert!

A Great Night (and a special thanks to bassist, Dan, for keeping up with it all - and to Cynthia for bringing him).

Dave Comins

www.bluegrassandbeyondnyc.com

The Jan. 4, 2010 Jam

Hi All,

The "Aught's Recovery" Jam is now behind us and The "Back To The Same Old Grind" Jam looms ahead - luckily we started off 2010 strong.

Scottie set the tone early with a 70's classic "Always And Forever" from Heatwave - reminding us of why we love him (see "The Disco Jam"). He told me that it was a world wide classic in 1976 - but I was in London then and I don't remember it - must have been studying too much Arnold Schoenberg at the time (and no, the Arnold didn't compose much for the banjo as I recall)!

Speaking of Scott, Jon got his attention early by doing Hunter and Garcia's "Lady With A Fan", part 1 of their Terrapin Station Suite. Quite an ambitious undertaking... Can parts 2 and 3 be far behind?

Scottie watched the proceedings with a combination of bemusement and watchfulness - a true Bluegrass Buddha... as if to say: "There's many ways up the mountain, young one, you just gotta find one!"

Right, and learn a B11th chord while you're at it.

New jammer Cynthia wasted no time getting on our B & B Honor Roll by bringing along Dan, to play bass for us - on her first night. What'll she do for an encore now? Channel Jerry Garcia for Jon?

The Bronx was represented, at least at the bar, as Walter came down for the first time since the Caribbean Day Parade - and Sarah reprised Jimmy Cliff's "Many Rivers To Cross" for him.

Judy gave us (much to Walter's delight) "Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out" and Rob threw in the Band's classic "The Weight" - which gave everybody a chance to join in.

Co-host Bill went both Bluegrass, with Reno / Smiley's "Love Please Come Home" - and Beyond, with Chris Hillman and Gram Parson's "Sin City".

Bob made an appearance again after his "I'm gonna be a rock star" hiatus, and I can't remember, for the life of me, what he played - I just like Bob so much that I had to give him a shout out (and remind him to leave his Wah-Wah pedal at home next time)! 

Josh showed up with his fiddle this time, but led a jazzy version of Hank's "Hey, Good Lookin'" on the guitar instead, as well as some fiddle tunes.

Tony came late, but didn't sing. I think he said that he was too awed to follow my rousing version of Charlie Monroe's gospel number "When The Angels Carry Me Home" (good thing he didn't hear my "Sand Mountain Blues" from the Delmore Brothers!). 


Or, maybe he said that he was just worn out from leading his own Sunday jam - I forget now...

But I won't forget the next jam!

Don't let the grind get you down, see you in two weeks,

Dave Comins

www.bluegrassandbeyondnyc.com

Poster Poltergeist Is At It Again!

Yes folks, inquiring minds want to know... What is going on at Bluegrass & Beyond?

It seems that the mysterious visitations that began in late November (roughly coinciding with AJ's initial co-hosting, hmmm...) have continued unabated through the holiday season.

Co-host Bill was the first to notice - strange doings on his side of the poster!

Elvettes and party hats, ha... nothing compared to what I discovered on my side - Mini-Me!

Who'ya gonna Call? (Dr. Ralph?) What'cha gonna Do? (Get Earl?):