Chelsea Adams brought her real-deal-Daddy-Os out to the Coffee Mill for some beat poetry and jazz.
This town needs more like them. Every town does. The Coffee Mill is ramping up their music schedule, too. So get out and see some music in Radford!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
JBs* Work the Room
I like to think we're ready for anything, and we are! We proved it tonight.
The JBs, minus Grand Master of Ceremonies, Mistah Ralph, and the pick hand of Mistah Casey, played for the folks out at Custom Catering. We did our duty, and got 'em dancin' and of that, I am proud.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
He sees you when you're sleeping...
He knows when you're awake...
J.D. Crowe is comin'...toooooo towwwwwnnn!!!!!
March 8th, Christiansburg High School--Don't you dare miss it!!!
J.D. Crowe is comin'...toooooo towwwwwnnn!!!!!
March 8th, Christiansburg High School--Don't you dare miss it!!!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Monday Jam
The Monday Jam was on fire tonight. There were just too many pickers. I guess it's a good problem to have. Slash noted favorably that Ralph was back in the saddle. Things get a little frayed without the leader. Got a visit from Fiddler Jim, who's been practicin'! PJ brought some pals from Salem, and hopefully they'll be back. All the usual faces.
No Sloane, but just about everybody else was in the house--like I said, it was so packed you couldn't get a seat in the store, let alone in the jam.
Scott Patrick played me a recording he made with Sammy Shelor and I am GREEN with envy. I'd say he was lucky skunk, but it's just his hard work paying off. Way to go Scott!
My last thought relates to my last post, entitled "Unqualified Success." I'd like to think I'll be honest with y'all when the Side Door eventually bombs, and it's bound to happen. But the last one was really good. I think there was only one guy who had a bad time, and that was a guy who didn't realize it was BYOB and got mad and left when Wayne wouldn't let him in the beer fridge.
Sorry guy! Hope he gives us another chance, but if he don't, oh well...
Check you'z latah!
Don't forget JD Crowe March 8th!
No Sloane, but just about everybody else was in the house--like I said, it was so packed you couldn't get a seat in the store, let alone in the jam.
Scott Patrick played me a recording he made with Sammy Shelor and I am GREEN with envy. I'd say he was lucky skunk, but it's just his hard work paying off. Way to go Scott!
My last thought relates to my last post, entitled "Unqualified Success." I'd like to think I'll be honest with y'all when the Side Door eventually bombs, and it's bound to happen. But the last one was really good. I think there was only one guy who had a bad time, and that was a guy who didn't realize it was BYOB and got mad and left when Wayne wouldn't let him in the beer fridge.
Sorry guy! Hope he gives us another chance, but if he don't, oh well...
Check you'z latah!
Don't forget JD Crowe March 8th!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Unqualified Success
Radford was rockin' last night, and swingin' and pickin' and harmonizin' too! The coffee never ran out, the brownies were dynamite, the sound was great, the jammin' went on and on.
First I'll thank the musicians, Scott Fore and Tom and Slash of the Hillbilly Hot Club -- they really added some credibility to this shindig with their great, great set. I have been hooked into gypsy jazz pickin' for a while, and I got my fill last night. I have to say though, that Scott probably got the most raves for his Jerry Reed fingerstyle tune. Blazing fast. Sickeningly clean. And Tom is the Wyatt Rice of the band - a great player who shouldn't be overlooked cause he's sitting next to the fireworks machine.
Wilson and the Wilsonettes gave the crowd some lovely harmony singing, and we hope they'll return soon. Wilson has got a good thing with Liz and Dana--hopefully they'll let us know if the crowd provided them with an official band name.
Wildcard Doug Conner proved to be a really wonderful surprise. Many of us hadn't heard (or heard of) Doug before last night, but he hopped up and fulfilled one of the primary goals of the Side Door Sessions, that is, to have one person armed only with a guitar, get out there and play a couple great songs, to an attentive audience. That's just what he did. We'll see him again.
Dale and the Daletones (aka Due South guys) played a good set, and must be doubly saluted for having the cohones to get up there and follow the Hot Club set.
The JB's and Doublenaught Jethro threw in some surprises, too, to fill out the night, but the X factor that make the whole thing sing was the crowd. The crowd was maybe the best we've had yet. Attentive, lively, and into the music - the Side Door audience is what makes the whole thing go. And it went a long way last night. I know we had a few first timers out last night, and I think they were won over. I know the regulars who were there had a great time.
The Side Door Sessions is community event, so once again, thanks to the community for participating and making the show an unqualified success. The Side Door is about local music so if you've got a set you want to put on, let me know. There's always another show lineup to fill!
Next Side Door Session is April 5th - put it on the calendar with a big red Sharpie.
First I'll thank the musicians, Scott Fore and Tom and Slash of the Hillbilly Hot Club -- they really added some credibility to this shindig with their great, great set. I have been hooked into gypsy jazz pickin' for a while, and I got my fill last night. I have to say though, that Scott probably got the most raves for his Jerry Reed fingerstyle tune. Blazing fast. Sickeningly clean. And Tom is the Wyatt Rice of the band - a great player who shouldn't be overlooked cause he's sitting next to the fireworks machine.
Wilson and the Wilsonettes gave the crowd some lovely harmony singing, and we hope they'll return soon. Wilson has got a good thing with Liz and Dana--hopefully they'll let us know if the crowd provided them with an official band name.
Wildcard Doug Conner proved to be a really wonderful surprise. Many of us hadn't heard (or heard of) Doug before last night, but he hopped up and fulfilled one of the primary goals of the Side Door Sessions, that is, to have one person armed only with a guitar, get out there and play a couple great songs, to an attentive audience. That's just what he did. We'll see him again.
Dale and the Daletones (aka Due South guys) played a good set, and must be doubly saluted for having the cohones to get up there and follow the Hot Club set.
The JB's and Doublenaught Jethro threw in some surprises, too, to fill out the night, but the X factor that make the whole thing sing was the crowd. The crowd was maybe the best we've had yet. Attentive, lively, and into the music - the Side Door audience is what makes the whole thing go. And it went a long way last night. I know we had a few first timers out last night, and I think they were won over. I know the regulars who were there had a great time.
The Side Door Sessions is community event, so once again, thanks to the community for participating and making the show an unqualified success. The Side Door is about local music so if you've got a set you want to put on, let me know. There's always another show lineup to fill!
Next Side Door Session is April 5th - put it on the calendar with a big red Sharpie.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Silver Threads and Golden Needles
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Side Door! Side Door! Side Door!
Sounds like...Cubs win! Cubs win! Cubs win!
Friends and neighbors, we hope hope hope that you'll come out to the Side Door at 3rd and Grove in Radford City on Saturday night!
We'll be rockin' and relaxin' and havin' a good time. What more sales pitch do you need?
This time we have:
Songster Doug Conner
Wilson and his Lady Friends
Doublenaught Jethro
Dale Cash and Co
and at the top of the heap...
Winfield champion, Merlefest winner, Galax winner, Wayne Henderson champ...
Scott Fore with his Hillbilly Hot Club.
It's gonna be righteous. (And possibly riotous...)
Friends and neighbors, we hope hope hope that you'll come out to the Side Door at 3rd and Grove in Radford City on Saturday night!
We'll be rockin' and relaxin' and havin' a good time. What more sales pitch do you need?
This time we have:
Songster Doug Conner
Wilson and his Lady Friends
Doublenaught Jethro
Dale Cash and Co
and at the top of the heap...
Winfield champion, Merlefest winner, Galax winner, Wayne Henderson champ...
Scott Fore with his Hillbilly Hot Club.
It's gonna be righteous. (And possibly riotous...)
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Mental Health Benefit in Floyd on March 1
Hey Floyd, somethin' to do on March 1!
Tommy Edwards, former Virginia Tech Football standout, is pleased to announce the "Senti-MENTAL Journey" Benefit Concert at the Floyd Country Store, in Floyd, Va, on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $10 at the door, and seating is limited, so get there early! All proceeds go to The Heart of Virginia Foundation, founded by Tommy as a result of the tragic events of April 16th, 2007, on the campus of Virginia Tech
This event will mark the beginning of The Heart of Virginia Campaign to raise awareness of the desperate need for expanded and accessible mental health and well-being programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia and to destigmatize mental illness through education and community outreach.
Tommy Edwards, former Virginia Tech Football standout, is pleased to announce the "Senti-MENTAL Journey" Benefit Concert at the Floyd Country Store, in Floyd, Va, on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $10 at the door, and seating is limited, so get there early! All proceeds go to The Heart of Virginia Foundation, founded by Tommy as a result of the tragic events of April 16th, 2007, on the campus of Virginia Tech
This event will mark the beginning of The Heart of Virginia Campaign to raise awareness of the desperate need for expanded and accessible mental health and well-being programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia and to destigmatize mental illness through education and community outreach.
The benefit will consist of a variety of musical acts, door prizes, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. Acts include Tommy Edwards, No Strings Attached, Blue Mule, and Bernie Coveney with Natural Selection.
For more information about the Heart of Virginia campaign, go to: www.myspace.com/theheartofvirginia
New Scaggs Album Due Out
Ricky Scaggs is coming out with a hard bluegrass tribute to Monroe and Flatt and Scruggs together in the magical year of 1946. More interesting to me is the "never-before-heard recordings of Monroe and his band in '46 and '47" that apparently have been unearthed. I've heard of these recordings before, but I've not heard them. If anybody has a copy or knows where to get it, let me know.
CyberBluegrass Reports:
"Ricky's most anticipated release since Bluegrass Rules is now available for pre-order. With hand picked songs, vintage photos, special guests and personalized liners this Tribute to 1946 and 1947 is a must for your collection! Head over to www.SkaggsFamilyRecords.com to pre-order your copy and hear sound clips. All pre-orders placed on or before March 25th will be autographed by Ricky!!
Honoring the Fathers of Bluegrass: Tribute to 1946 and 1947, from 13-time Grammy winner Ricky Skaggs and the ace pickers of Kentucky Thunder, is a mix of bluegrass classics and diamonds in the rough. The album, out March 25th on Skaggs Family Records, shines a light on the songs that would eventually become the building blocks of bluegrass. Initially recorded by Bill Monroe and the "Original Bluegrass Band" (Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, Chubby Wise, and Howard Watts) in '46 and '47, songs like "Toy Heart" and "Little Cabin Home On The Hill" provide a window into the bluegrass canon at the eve of its creation. And to bring the proceedings full circle, Skaggs even has Scruggs join him on album opener "Goin' Back to Old Kentucky."
CyberBluegrass Reports:
"Ricky's most anticipated release since Bluegrass Rules is now available for pre-order. With hand picked songs, vintage photos, special guests and personalized liners this Tribute to 1946 and 1947 is a must for your collection! Head over to www.SkaggsFamilyRecords.com to pre-order your copy and hear sound clips. All pre-orders placed on or before March 25th will be autographed by Ricky!!
Honoring the Fathers of Bluegrass: Tribute to 1946 and 1947, from 13-time Grammy winner Ricky Skaggs and the ace pickers of Kentucky Thunder, is a mix of bluegrass classics and diamonds in the rough. The album, out March 25th on Skaggs Family Records, shines a light on the songs that would eventually become the building blocks of bluegrass. Initially recorded by Bill Monroe and the "Original Bluegrass Band" (Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, Chubby Wise, and Howard Watts) in '46 and '47, songs like "Toy Heart" and "Little Cabin Home On The Hill" provide a window into the bluegrass canon at the eve of its creation. And to bring the proceedings full circle, Skaggs even has Scruggs join him on album opener "Goin' Back to Old Kentucky."
The lesser known gems stand tall next to the classics included on the disc. "Why Did You Wander" features lightning fast "Scruggs style" banjo picking as well as high, lonesome harmonies that sound like a train chugging through the valley. The gospel inflected "Mansions For Me" demonstrates the influence spirituals had on bluegrass, while the rollicking "When You're Lonely" skips along like a walk in the Spring while the songs narrator pines for a lost love. One time Monroe band member Del McCoury lends his voice to "The Old Crossroad."
With inspiration from a stash of never-before-heard recordings of Monroe and his band in '46 and '47, the album tracks are faithful reworkings of the originals, all the while showcasing the instrumental virtuosity and high, lonesome mastery of Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. From the high flying, warp speed pickin', fiddlin', and strummin' of "Bluegrass Breakdown," to the lost love tale "Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong," Honoring the Fathers displays all the hallmarks of the genre.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Living Legend Alert!
JD Crowe is coming to town!!!
Don't be a fool! Schedule yourself to be in the audience on March 8th, 2008 for JD Crowe and the New South.
More details will follow, but suffice it to say, you don't want to miss this one!
I've been hoping for a long time to meet JD, not just for his bluegrass playing, which is legendary and inspiring, but also because I've got a couple screenplays I want to pitch him.
In the first one we rewrite "Shaft in Africa" and change nothing in the film-not story or dialog, except we exchange JD Crowe for Richard Roundtree. And instead of people saying, "Hey Shaft!" they would say "Hey Crowe!" I'm telling you, this is a gold mine. Copyrighted, of course.
Another super sweet idea I had was a sequel to "Being John Malkovich" naturally called "Being JD Crowe". I have roles for both Crowe and Timmy Mills in that one.
Another involves JD as a vampire, which will knock your socks off.
They say if you want to be successful, you have to get a big name to sign on to be in your movie, and there's none bigger than JD.
Don't be a fool! Schedule yourself to be in the audience on March 8th, 2008 for JD Crowe and the New South.
More details will follow, but suffice it to say, you don't want to miss this one!
I've been hoping for a long time to meet JD, not just for his bluegrass playing, which is legendary and inspiring, but also because I've got a couple screenplays I want to pitch him.
In the first one we rewrite "Shaft in Africa" and change nothing in the film-not story or dialog, except we exchange JD Crowe for Richard Roundtree. And instead of people saying, "Hey Shaft!" they would say "Hey Crowe!" I'm telling you, this is a gold mine. Copyrighted, of course.
Another super sweet idea I had was a sequel to "Being John Malkovich" naturally called "Being JD Crowe". I have roles for both Crowe and Timmy Mills in that one.
Another involves JD as a vampire, which will knock your socks off.
They say if you want to be successful, you have to get a big name to sign on to be in your movie, and there's none bigger than JD.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Johnson Mountain Boys
Duncan and Brady.
"He's been on the job too long..."
Someone's got a case of the Mondays!
"He's been on the job too long..."
Someone's got a case of the Mondays!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
More!
CCL playing a Dylan tune that (if I'm not mistaken) the Band played.
Cool video. 1 mike is the way to go!
Cool video. 1 mike is the way to go!
I Shall Be Released
Another Dylan tune done by the Band featuring Rick Danko, however, I've always dug this Garcia version. Easily bluegrassable as it only has a couple chords. I always think of this tune when we play Carolina in the Pines cause it has that I-IIm-IIIm progression.
If you haven't figured it out, I have a deadline and I'm avoiding my real work.
If you haven't figured it out, I have a deadline and I'm avoiding my real work.
It Makes No Difference
Doug got me thinking about the Band, which led me to go to YouTube for my old 70's favorites.
I was in a band that played The Weight, but we always screwed up the "And...and...and..." harmony part. Oh well.
This is my favorite Band tune, I think. Another Dylan tune. I like the Rick Danko tunes.
I was in a band that played The Weight, but we always screwed up the "And...and...and..." harmony part. Oh well.
This is my favorite Band tune, I think. Another Dylan tune. I like the Rick Danko tunes.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
JB's at Ho' Down for Cure - B'Burg 2/2/08
Hobo Song....
Muddy Waters...
Big Mon....
Paradise...
How Mtn Girls can Love....
Cold Wind....
Big Sciota...
Bad Moon Rising...
Muddy Waters...
Big Mon....
Paradise...
How Mtn Girls can Love....
Cold Wind....
Big Sciota...
Bad Moon Rising...
Del! Vincent Black Lightnin'
Here's Del on Richard Thompson's update of the old English ballad...
I'm still campaigning hard for Del to record Steely Dan's "Don't Take Me Alive."
Don't miss the redeeming Bonus Track!
I'm still campaigning hard for Del to record Steely Dan's "Don't Take Me Alive."
Don't miss the redeeming Bonus Track!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Blue Trane
Here's another Blue Train, spelled Blue Trane for Coltrane. Blue Trane or Giant Steps are my recommendations for anybody with even a passing interest in John Coltrane.
That's my two cents, take it or leave it, but here's the GRP big band who put out a fun album with this tune (duh!) on it.
I think this band should do Brown County Breakdown.
That's my two cents, take it or leave it, but here's the GRP big band who put out a fun album with this tune (duh!) on it.
I think this band should do Brown County Breakdown.
Blue Train
Nashville Bluegrass Band.
Love them.
This is a favorite of mine.
I've been busy today, no? Guess I should get back to work.
JB's ...learn this one!
Love them.
This is a favorite of mine.
I've been busy today, no? Guess I should get back to work.
JB's ...learn this one!
White Stripes
This is Jack White's day job.
I love loud music.
Side Door might have a loud Session one of these days. Who's with me?
I think I'll have to warn the more sensitive ears to stay away.
I love loud music.
Side Door might have a loud Session one of these days. Who's with me?
I think I'll have to warn the more sensitive ears to stay away.
Wayfaring Stranger
Jack White's moving up in the world.
He's doing a favorite of mine here, assisted by his betters, Mike Compton (mandolin), Dirk Powell (banjo), and the mighty Stuart Duncan on the fiddle.
He played it straight and is to be commended.
He's doing a favorite of mine here, assisted by his betters, Mike Compton (mandolin), Dirk Powell (banjo), and the mighty Stuart Duncan on the fiddle.
He played it straight and is to be commended.
Church Street Blues
Nancy mentioned this tune recently. Long a favorite of mine. It's a Blake tune, but I learned it from Rice on his album of the same name.
Here's Tony in his prime. Great coverage of his right hand - note the way the thumb breaks from arched to straight as he pushes the pick through the string. Textbook!
I wouldn't lend money to Tony and expect to get it back, but he's still my Hero!
Here's Tony in his prime. Great coverage of his right hand - note the way the thumb breaks from arched to straight as he pushes the pick through the string. Textbook!
I wouldn't lend money to Tony and expect to get it back, but he's still my Hero!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Sawin' the Strings
That's about us!
Here's AKUS...
Tip to you all, my fave version of this version is def NOT Scaggs.
Rice Brothers 2 has a cookin' version of this.
Here's AKUS...
Tip to you all, my fave version of this version is def NOT Scaggs.
Rice Brothers 2 has a cookin' version of this.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
The Jam: Turning 8 in '08
The Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam celebrates its eighth anniversary Monday night! The first jam was actually Feb. 7, 2000, but it was the first Monday in February, same as this coming Monday (Feb. 4).
The jam started at a now-defunct restaurant on E. Main -- which might've still been called Norwood Street back then. The restaurant was Chili Peppers and it was situated in two storefronts where the Vintage Cellar and The Gallery art store are. The jam actually occurred in the portion now occupied by The Gallery. We were there all of two weeks (Feb. 7 and 21 ... we played every other Monday for a while because I was certain you'd never get enough people to play every week.)
Chili Peppers closed and we moved up Tyler, first to BTs for one week, then to Mocha Joe's (the bar next to Joe's Diner) for the summer and then to Joe's Diner, where we stayed until 2003. We've played at the Coffee Mill since June, 2003, which means the fifth anniversary of our move to the Mill is this year.
I stopped counting years ago, but I am sure well over 200 different players have participated in the jam since 2000. Every one of them have made the jam a special event in downtown Radford. Thanks to all who play, listen and have fun. See you Monday night!
Ho Down for the Cure in Blacksburg
Come on out Saturday night!
Details:
What: American Cancer Society: Ho' Down for a Cure
When: Saturday Feb. 2, Saturday, 6 p.m. @
Where: Custom Catering, Up on North Main next to the Food Lion.
Who: See! 4! Count em! 4 Bands!!!
Grub down for a great cause.
Couples 35.00
Single a head 25.00
Children 4-12 10.00 4 and under free
Details:
What: American Cancer Society: Ho' Down for a Cure
When: Saturday Feb. 2, Saturday, 6 p.m. @
Where: Custom Catering, Up on North Main next to the Food Lion.
Who: See! 4! Count em! 4 Bands!!!
- Java Brothers
- County Connection
- Upland Express
- High Grass
Grub down for a great cause.
Couples 35.00
Single a head 25.00
Children 4-12 10.00 4 and under free
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