Jan. 17, 2011 - The "Women's" Jam

Wow, the 3rd great jam in a row - we're in the midst of a hot streak to start the new year.

The first thing that Sarah and I noticed was return of the prodigal jammers - Howard, Phyllis, Karen, the Professor, and Bob (well, he's not really so prodigal) - where have you been? We missed you...

Then Phyllis, before launching into her first song, made the astute observation that the jam was loaded with women - as if the guys hadn't already noticed!

Co-host AJ had his hands full right from the get-go (suspiciously eyeing Howard as he pulled out his uke) - mostly involving the "Great 2011 Electric Scare". That's right, new jammer Robert showed up with an electric bass - there, I said it - electric! Luckily, channelling my inner Hillary Clinton, I offered him diplomatic immunity and steered him over to Dan, who making nice, shared his stand-up all night.

I think Dan actually enjoyed the time off, taking the opportunity to play the "Martin horizontal 6-string bass", while leading "Don't This Road Look Rough And Rocky".

Cynthia got rave reviews from Scotty for her version of Linda Ronstadt's "Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me".

Robert's co-newbie companion, Suzie, didn't bring anything electric, but she produced some electricity with her great voice on Utah Phillips' "Rock, Salt & Nails" and another great song about gambling.

Karen, back from the 'burbs, gave us a bluegrass version of Dylan's "It Ain't Me Babe" via Johnny Cash.

Sarah got Phyllis' attention with  "Please Help Me I'm Falling" from the 60's, after which Kate followed with "Wagon Wheel".

Wow, there were a lot women there (and Lynn didn't even lead a song).

Scott #2, sporting a new buzz cut for work, unfortunately is taking a leave of absence from B & B for a while, but not before he gave us "Little Cabin Home In Tennessee" - leaving yours truly to wonder if he'll ever hear "The Word Broadminded Is Spelled S-I-N" again! 

Co-founder Bill, speaking from experience, actually thought Scott's hair might be a little too long for the banking world! Hey, I could've putted on that hair if it was a little flatter. Get back here soon, Scott.

Bob showing up unarmed, but still ever dangerous, borrowed a guitar for a song or two.

Bill again took advantage of Dan's bass playing for an Elvis number "Too Much" and Tony followed it up with a be-bop-a-lupin "Boppin' The Blues".

Co-founder Bill didn't disappoint on the gospel front either, coming in with yet another new (old) one, Ralph Stanley's "Home Far Away".

I finally got the name of co-host "Banjo" Mike's hot new banjo piece - "The Village Bear" - why couldn't I remember that? Next time, I'll find out where it came from. Do I really want to know?

Howard, besides providing really hot guitar solos all night, sang a beautiful ballad "The Bramble And The Rose" - and then raised a few eyebrows with his lighting fast ukulele break on Banjo Mike and Scotty's "Gold Rush". Yeah, I said ukulele!

Scotty was busy, as usual. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" gave Howard, Tony, Bill and Kim ample room to stretch out on. Later, after the jam, the unlikely hillbilly duo of Scotty and Dave combined for an ad hoc harmony duet on "Rocky Top" - causing a minor commotion at the bar (and with Kim).

But, this is where it gets interesting... how many jammers can follow up "Rocky Top" with Bach's "Prelude #1"? Well, Scotty can (and no, Segovia never played "Rocky Top, Tennessee" - as least while sober).

Jon, as usual, shone at the after jam - premiering a new bluegrass tune or two.

Co-host AJ, Professor Pete, Craig, Bob, Kim and Phyllis all did great songs - I just can't remember them. Oh, did I mention that Tony was buying me whiskeys at 1:30?

See you in two weeks, and thanks all for coming - from co-hosts AJ, "Banjo" Mike and,

Dave Comins
www.bluegrassandbeyondnyc.com
Facebook / Bluegrass & Beyond NYC