"Never Let Go" by Gold Heart

I met Analise, Jocelyn and Shelby Gold three years ago when they played the “Night Owl Concerts” at IBMA in Nashville, Tennessee.  That concert was their first at IBMA.  Since then they have played many concerts all around  the mid-Atlantic area and at IBMA.  They are award winners at VFMA and other contests around the area.  This project, “Never Let Go” is their second and by far their best.   The project starts with the first of several songs
written by middle sister, 16 year old Jocelyn.  As transplants to Virginia the Golds have taken to Virginia as Jocelyn’s song here shows.  Noted for their tight sister harmony this song demonstrates as strongly as any on the CD they possess that special DNA connection.  “Drought”, also written by Jocelyn tells of the terrible droughts suffered by farmers as they gamble to make a living off the land.  “Memories of My Past” is co-written by older sister, 18 year old Analise and Jocelyn.  Sung, also by Analise, the title of the project was taken from a line of the chorus of “Memories of My Past.”  Youngest sister, 13 year old Shelby isn’t about to be left out of the song writing as she penned “Forever Tennessee,” a
homesick song about missing Tennessee.  Shelby also sing lead on this tune.  Jocelyn
picks up the pen again as she wrote and sings lead on “Lonely Rain,” about being alone and lonesome on a rainy day.  For a 13 year old, Shelby knows something about love as she penned “Thank You Darlin’.”  “Thank You Darlin’ features twin fiddling with  Brandon Godman joining Shelby on fiddle.  The album’s producer Justin Carbone joins Shelby in a strong duet throughout the song.   Again we are treated to the songwriting talents of Jocelyn as the hymn-like “Daylight Breaks” is sung by the trio.  “Cold And Lonesome” starts with a quick banjo solo and then Shelby sings a strong lead, joined by the sisters on the chorus on this song about the dangerous and cold job of coal mining.  Jocelyn and Analise join talents as the co-wrote “Walk On The Water,” which speaks of the time Jesus asked Peter to walk on the water.  “Walk On The Water’ is sung by the trio a cappella.  Analise sings the blues as she leads on Jocelyn’s “Blues Won’t You Go Away.”  As Gospel is a strong element of Bluegrass, it is also a strong part of Jocelyn’s and her sisters lives as she has written and Shelby sings lead on a fine Gospel song with “Hear Me Cry.”   The CD wraps up with Jocelyn’s “Lead me Up To Glory,” on yet another song written by her.  It is indeed a pleasure to know this wonderful family, the Golds.  Their mother Kim serves as their booking agent and father Trent plays bass in the band.  They are joined on the road by Zach Gilmer on Banjo.  To those of you who haven’t seen or heard Gold Heart, I beg you to get this CD and please go see a live concert.  You’ll be glad you did.  See their website:
www.goldheartbluegrass.com

"Fresh Preserves" by Tod Godleski & Buncombe Turnpike

Ever since my second trip to Louisville, Kentucky to attend the International Bluegrass music Association’s World of Bluegrass, I’ve known Tom Godleski.  That year I presented one night of “after hours” music in my suite at The Galt House.  I had planned to have 6 bands that night, but was short by one band.  When I announced that I had an open slot, I was contacted by Tom and Buncombe Turnpike performed that night and the have played every year ever since.  Tom is a prolific songwriter and is very good at taking a true story and making a song.  This CD entitle “Fresh Preserves” is filled with ten original songs by Tom.  Each of these songs was inspired by stories he heard throughout his life.  The first, “The Mountain Duel” is about a man-to-man fight between two “tough guys’ of the nearby county of Madison.  When Tom heard this story about how one man ripped out another’s eye, it stayed with him until this song emerged years later.  The song “Joel Holcombe’s Lament” came from a sad story of the civil war.  “The Ballad of Baldy John & Jake” is a ghost story derived from another incident that occurred during the Civil War.  My favorite song on the CD is “Good and Faithful Servant” written about the lives of two simple and devoted folks of the community.  Track five tells of a kid whose father worked for the railroad and the kids free trips around the country because his daddy worked for the railroad.  This song is nostalgic and filled with fun.  “Lawrence Cole” is another true story sing based on a a true story about a man who came home drunk and mean one too many times.  His only daughter used the gun he taught her
to use to end his life.  The seventh song on “Fresh Preserves” is about a moonshiner,
“Ernest Payne” who rode his horse into the church one election day.  The song “The
Beagle & The Rabbit” is a song about a night out catfishing with the tattooed man from
the circus and the sight they saw that night; a funny story Tom heard as a youth.  The
ninth song here is “Little Omie Wise” tells the sad and true story of the murder of Naomi Wise.  There are many stories that tell of murder based on love and jealousy.  This is a fine ballad that deserves airplay.  The last song on the CD is ‘Aunt Tildy” which is a humorous story based upon an incident where a soldier took a woman’s shoes and how she got them back.  This is a fine CD of ballads, but what makes it special is the many Bonus and unlisted tracks.  After all of the songs there are narratives by many of the old folks Tom heard the stories from and some are told by tom himself to help clarify and bring stronger meaning to the songs in the CD.  Buncombe Turnpike is Tom Godleski, Lead vocals and Bass; Micah Hanks, Guitar; Darren Nicholson, Mandolin; Steve Sutton, Banjo, Tony Reece, Dobro and Don Lewis of Fiddle with Vincent Fogarty on Bouzouki on “Aunt Tildy.”  This is excellent original Bluegrass.

Bluegrass FM Concert Series 2008-09

All shows at Massaponax High School Auditorium, 8201 Jefferson Davis Highway, Fredericksburg, VA.  For details and tickets call  888-582-9701.

 
IIIrd Tyme Out
&
Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain
November 1st, @6PM

 
Larry Stephenson 
&
Balsam Range
December 6th @ 6PM

Kenny & Amanda Smith
&
Junior Sisk & Rambler’s Choice
January 10th @ 6PM

 
Lonesome River Band
&
Gold Heart
February 14th @ 6PM

 
Grasstowne
&
Sierra Hull

March 14th @ 6PM

Appomattox 2009 Bluegrass Concerts Series

All shows at Appomattox High School Auditorium, Appomattox, VA.  For details and tickets call 434-248-6105 or email; 
kellyandallen@yahoo.com.

The Bluegrass Brothers
January 18th @ 2PM

 
Dailey & Vincent
January 25th @ 2PM

 
Nothin’ Fancy
&
Williams & Clark Expedition
February 22nd @ 2PM

 
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
March 1st @ 2PM
IIIrd Tyme Out
March 8th, 2008

Rhonda Vincent & The Rage
March 15th, @ 2PM

Bluegrass Brothers & James King Band in Concert Amelia County High School November 8, 2008

November is here and that means the annual concert of The Bluegrass Brothers and The James King Band is about to happen at the Amelia County High School.  Presented by Lawson Entertainment, better known to all of us as Sweet Brenda & Him; the show will get underway at 7PM, but the doors will open at 6PM, so get there early for the seat you want.  It’s hard to add to the high praise both of these bands have received in the past, but I shall try to add some of my thoughts here.

First, The Bluegrass Brothers are from the Salem, Virginia area and have that ability to energize even the most uninterested crowd.  I have seen them come on stage at a festival where the crowd was basically asleep and before the show is over they are standing and applauding.  Certainly, The Bluegrass Brothers aren’t the best in the business, but there is no doubt they are true believers in the music and wish to entertain their paying public.  If you can sit still and remain calm through a Bluegrass Brothers performance then an atomic explosion wouldn’t bother you either.

If that wasn’t enough the “voice” of traditional Bluegrass, James King, is up next as The James Kind Band takes over the stage.  James’ singing is soulful and he sells any song he sings to the listener.  It matters not if the song is Gospel or secular, James shows reverence for the song and puts his heart and soul into singing it.  James released his latest project this past summer.  It was an all Gospel CD with several new songs and few of his most requested songs from previous projects.  James has a special way with a Gospel song and I’m sure he will show us on November 8th at Amelia.

 
You don’t have to worry about having dinner before you arrive as there will be vendors selling hotdogs and snacks.  If you don’t have your ticket yet, you better hurry.  There is a $5  savings by purchasing your
tickets early.  An easy way to do this is through “will call”.  This is where you call Sweet Brenda or Calvin @ 561-0705 and  reserve your tickets.  Then on the night of the show you simply walk up to the ticket table and tell them your name and purchase at the advance price.  I’ve never asked the Lawson's about this, but it is common practice and I feel sure they will accommodate you.  This is, as always, a special show honoring our Veterans, so be there to show your respect.  More than that, be there for a great Bluegrass show.  See
you there!

Looking back... Night Owl Concerts @ IBMA Tuesday, Sept 30, 2008

The music got underway with a fellow from the UK named Johnny Butten.  A Banjo player, Johnny holds the distinction as the World's fastest Banjo player in the 2007 Guinness Book of World Records.  Now residing in the U.S. Johnny has put together a band and is touring under his name.  As a very solid picker, Johnny's music spans from traditional to contemporary with, of course, the Banjo as the main lead instrument.

 

Johhny Butten, Night Owl Concerts, Sept 30, 2008, IBMA

 

The next up was a group from Texas called The Maybelles.  Their music, as the band name implies, is based upon the early country music of the late 20s and 30s.  Very much fans of The Carter Family, The Maybelles, while performing some of the Carter standards, also are making new music with that feel of those days long gone by.  While not Bluegrass, their music was most entertaining and gave us a glimpse of the roots of all country music, Bluegrass included.

 

The Maybelles, Night Owl Concerts, Tuesday Sept, 30, 2008, IBMA

 

Donna Ulisse & The Poor Mountain Boys were up next.  Donna was so pleased to play the Virginia suite at IBMA because she has a Virginia connection.  Originally from the Hampton, Virginia area, Donna has a most pleasing voice with both a strong and decidedly feminine sound.  Donna wrote a great deal of her songs which had a contemporary feel.  Most of her songs are ballads which she is most adept a singing.

Donna Ulisse @ Night Owl Concerts, Tuesday sept. 30, 2008, IBMA

 

Ladies night continued with The Kati Penn Band.  Kati, quite naturally, is the leader of the band and plays Fiddle and sings most of the leads.  Her Bluegrass is contemporary and engaging.  Having met Kati at Mr. B's Bluegrass Festival in Ladysmith, Virginia, I was impressed with her style and invited her to perform for the Virginia suite way back in April.  She may well have been the very first act I booked for the Night Owl Concerts for 2008.

Kati Penn @ Night Owl Concerts, Tuesday, Sept 30, 2008, IBMA

 

Taking a short break from the ladies we were treated to the fine Southwest Virginia sounds of Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice.  Recently of the wildly successful, but now defunct Blueridge, Junior decided to put his old band Rambler's Choice back together and boy are we glad he did.  As the voice of his former band, Junior decided to name his first CD project "The Bluer Side of the Blue Ridge," letting his fans know he was back and where he had been in a subtle way.  Junior's distinctive voice filled the room as the 30 minutes slipped away far too quickly.

Junior Sisk @ Night Owl Concerts, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, IBMA

 

Last up at 1:30 in the morning was a very fine group from Northern Virginia, Gold Heart.  A family band, the group consists of three sisters, Analise (18) on Mandolin, Jocelyn (16) on Guitar and Shelby (13) on Fiddle.  All of the girls share singing lead, but it is their sibling harmony that sets them apart from other Bluegrass acts.   Jocelyn, or Jocy as her friends call her is the songwriter of the group and composes most of their original material.  Shelby is a wonderful Fiddle player and has an ear for just the right intonation for every note.  Analyse does most of the lead singing and holds the rhythm with her consistent Mandolin chop.  Their father, Trent, holds down the Bass playing chores, while Zach Gilmer plays that strong and imaginative Banjo.

Gold Heart @ Night Owl Concerts, Tuesday Sept. 30, 2008, IBMA

Richmond, Virginia was treated to the most awarded Bluegrass group of 2008 by the International Bluegrass Music Association. That's right! Dailey & Vincent appeared at the West End Assembly of God on Parham Road this past Friday October 17th. Still humble after nearly sweeping the IBMA awards on October 2nd; Dailey & Vincent presented a wonderful 90 minutes of pure Bluegrass Gospel music. Normally a band that mixes Gospel with Bluegrass this long set of Gospel afforded the fortunate few who were in attendance the chance to hear songs not previously performed publicly. I was disappointed that somehow the word didn't get out sufficiently to fill the sactuary at WEAG; rather there were perhaps only 150 or so in attendance. The next time you hear that Dailey & Vincent are in the area, be sure to catch the show. You will be thoroughly entertained. 

Dailey & Vincent @ West End Assembly of God 10/17/2008

IBMA - Night Owl Concerts - Sept 29th, 2008

Monday was the very first day of activities at the IBMA World of Bluegrass, all of which was followed by the many "after hours' music venues. The "after hours' venue presented by The Virginia Bluegrass Family and "Bluegrass Virginia" is called the "Night Owl Concerts."

Eddie Gill & The Grassmasters

Our Monday night schedule began with a band from Southside Virginia called Eddie Gill & The Grassmasters. Eddie has a strong high lead voice which has been described by Ken Irwin of Rounder Records as a "Natural Bluegrass voice." Eddie is a strong proponent of the traditional side of Bluegrass and his 1/2 hour showcase this night was no exception.  

Eddie Gill & the Grassmasters, Sept 29th, 2008, Night Owl Concerts

Dixie Bee-Liners

The next band to showcase was another band from Virginia, but this time from Southwest Virginia. The Dixie Bee-Liners are a fairly new group on the Bluegrass scene, but don't let that newness make you shy away from them. They have worked diligently toward presenting an entertaining and most musical program. Their music ranges from the standards of the Bluegrass world to many new songs; all delivered in Dixie Bee-Liner style.
Posted by Gary Robertson  

Dixie Bee-Liners, Sept 29th, 2008, Night Owl Concerts

Following the Dixie Bee-Liners was Monroe Crossing. This group from the upper mid-west gave a spirited and energetic perfromance. It is easy to see why they are so popular around their part of the country.

About Bluegrass Virginia

I'm not sure how many readers I will have or from what source they will come, but I wanted to address the title of this blog. It is "Bluegrass Virginia" which is the same as the title of the newsletter I print and mail via USPS to approximately 150 readers. Some of you reading this may be among those readers; thanks for joining me on the web. You will notice for the next six months or so that many of the articles you read here will also appear in the newsletter. This is a transitional period as the printed newsletter will cease publication with the March 2009 issue. It is my hope you will continue to follow my blog in lieu of the newsletter.

For those of you who are new to the blog, welcome. I believe this endeavor will be interesting and hopefully of interest to you. As I learn more about the blogging world I will try to add pictures, links to bands and festivals as well as other places of interest to Bluegrass fans.

The newsletter "Bluegrass Virginia" grew out of an desire to help inform the members of the club I host; The Virginia Bluegrass Family of upcoming Bluegrass events. We meet each month on the 1st Tuesday in the Jahnke Road Baptist Church on Jahnke Road on Richmond, Virginia's south side. The VBF was started about 17 years ago by a friend named Dave Osborne. He was new to the Richmond area and wanted to find some folks to play Bluegrass with. So, way back, those 17 years ago at the August version of the Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival (Affectionately called the Amelia Festival.), Dave passed out some flyers announcing there would be a meeting at the Jahnke Road Baptist Church on the 1st Tuesday of October. To his surprise nearly 100 people showed up and they were all ready to begin jamming Bluegrass. Word got around and soon the VBF was going strong. Dave started a newsletter for the loosely organized group, but after a few years circumstances led to Dave giving up the club altogether.

We floudered for awhile, but after a meeting with a few of the regular attendees I decided we needed to begin having meetins once more. As the host of the VBF I try to get out as much information as I can about Bluegrass music in the area. The newsletter grew out of this same desire to impart to the public as much information as I could.

First Post IBMA

At the urging of a friend I have chosen to begin this blog. My interests lie cheifly in the field of Bluegrass music, however I may take a few side trips along the way.

I just arrived home from a glorius 10 day trip to Nashville TN to participate in the International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) World of Bluegrass. I not only spent 7 days sans automobile enjoying everything IBMA has to offer, but I also took a few Bluegrass related sojurns before the main event. On Friday, September 26th, I drove up to Owensboro, Kentucky to visit the International Bluegrass Music Museum (IBMM). There have been a few changes since my last visit and I found the museum to be enlightening and enjoyable. While there I was allowed to tag along on a guided tour and came away a bit disappointed. I have spent the better part of my adult life immersed in Bluegrass and believe myself to be somewhat learned on the subject. The gentleman who hosted the tour (Or his script) had some basic flaws and innacuracies in the presentation. I suppose to the novice, just learning about Bluegrass for the first time, it is easier to gloss over certain facts in order to present a smooth flowing program, but to someone like myself, the errors were glaring. Still I enjoyed my stay and was happy to see the Director of the IBMM, my friend Gabrielle Gray while there.

Theres more to tell you, but the hour is late. More later.