"Whatcha Gonna Do" by Claire Lynch - a review

Rounder #11661-0606-2 The Claire Lynch Band "Whatcha Gonna Do"

Folks I've got to tell you that I am not qualified to review this wonderful new Claire Lynch Band project "Whatcha Gonna Do."  I sorta feel guilty trying to elevate myself to a level lofty enough to do this review, however,  I will try to do it justice.

First, there is Claire.  That should be enough to say, but unfortunately there are folks who really don't know who Claire Lynch is.  It is their loss.  If you are among those lost souls who have not heard the voice of an angel, then it is time you have.  Her voice is ageless and has a clarity that defies description.  Allow me to quote from guitarist, Jim Hurst, "My first experience hearing Claire's voice was in 1986............Her voice is elegant and pure, unlike anyone I had heard until that moment."  Jim's description is valid, but words simply cannot describe Claire's voice.  You simply must hear it.  Period!

I guess from what you've read so far you're pretty sure this will be a completely positive review.  You're right, except for one complaint.   The CD is over much too quickly!  I must include one more quote from Jim Hurst before moving on to the content of the project.  Jim said, "She has a way with words that allows the listener to absorb the story right along with the performance."  It can't be said any clearer.  While Claire's voice is soothing to listen to, it also so clear that it impossible to not hear the words and thereby the story.

The first track starts with the sounds of Mark Shatz' bass playing a catchy line of notes, joined by Jim Hurst's guitar and then by the wonderful voice of Claire Lynch as she sings songwriter Dana Cooper's "Great Day in The Mornin.'"  This is a super way to open the project; a bouncy and happy greeting.  Irene Kelley and Claire joined forces to write "Highway" a beautiful song of reminiscing along the highway of life.  Claire's voice is never better than here on "Highway."  Claire states in her liner notes about "The Mockingbird's Voice," that it is; "The first cheatin' song I've ever cut..."  Pat Alger and Kent Agee may have intended "The Mockingbird's Voice" to be a cheatin' song when they wrote it, but Claire sings of lost love in the most warm and wonderful way; really more of a love song than a cheatin' one.   Claire opens "Face to Face" and Jim Hurst picks a repeat line of each phrase in a call-response way.  Later Jim and Mark along with mandolinist Jason Thomas playfully interact with each other in this light hearted song of faith.  Of course it is the amazing voice of Claire that makes this such an uplifting song.  The only track on this project that has a voice other than Claire's is "That's What Makes You Strong."  That voice is the author of the song, Jesse Winchester.   It is a fine love song.  Track six is the project's title song, "Whatcha Gonna Do?"  It starts with a gorgeously haunting opening of guitar, bass and fiddle joined by Claire as she sings of life's crossroads and the choice, "Whatcha Gonna Do?"  Mark Shatz gets "Crazy Train" started with a jazzy bass line as Claire hops on board the "Crazy Train" singing playfully about what to do about her 'ride.'  Of "A Canary's Song" Claire states, "What beautiful language from Buddy (Mondlock) and Garth (Brooks) in expressing a miner's mindset of hope and destiny."  While Buddy Mondlock and Garth Brooks may have, indeed, written a beautiful song, it is Claire's interpretation that makes it great.  When I contacted Claire about the possibility of doing this review she replied with this, and I quote,   "  I might warn you that only one of the songs is really bluegrassy!  The rest is a little different... but I hope you do like it."  That song is Bill Monroe's "My Florida Sunshine."  True, it's bluegrassy, but I cannot  say it is my favorite one simply based on my being a self proclaimed "Bluegrass Nut!"  Claire's voice transcends Bluegrass or any classification.  Oh yeah, I do like the rest of it Claire.  It is simply Claire Lynch.  "Widow's Weeds" (Jennifer Kimball & Claire Lynch) opens with the old timey clawhammer banjo picking of Mark Shatz, followed by the the haunting words from Claire as she describes a widows life.  "Barbed Wire Boys" describes those men who chose the life of ranching or farming (Two very diverse occupations that have similar life experiences.) and their influence on the writer of the song, Susan Werner.  Claire expresses the words with great conviction and sincerity.   The last track on "Whatcha Gonna Do" is entitled "The Woods of Sipsey." Claire is the writer of this song and I'll quote her to describe it; "Clara Phillips ('Granny' as we called her) had lived the city life, but preferred her beloved home in the backwoods of central Alabama.  There she lived and died with no qualms whatsoever." Claire sings "The Woods of Sipsey" with a feeling of joy and loss all blended together into a melancholy but beautiful song.

Sometimes when I look back over a review I have written I find a lot of the words a bit stiff and completely unnecessary.  Some of that may be true here, but I want you to leave this review with a warm feeling toward Claire Lynch's "Whatcha Gonna Do."  It rivals anything she has done in the past and in many ways surpasses them.  Only thing is, how can Claire outshine Claire?  Impossible!  I highly recommend this CD to any lover of music whether it be Bluegrass or simply great singing.

"NUFF SAID!"

Graves Mountain Festival of Music - June 3rd, 4th & 5th, 2010 - Special Rural Rhythm Recording Event on Friday June 4th!

The spring festival season is in full swing and no spring in Virginia would be complete for any Bluegrass fan without attending Virginia's largest Bluegrass event, The Graves Mountain Festival of Music on June 3rd, 4th & 5th, 2010.  The very first piece of business you need to attend to is to be sure you order your weekend tickets by May 24th!  Why? Well, there's money to be saved, that's why!  After midnight May 24th tickets will be $90, but if you hurry you can save $10 per ticket, and that is nothing to sneeze at!  Call Graves Mountain Lodge at 1-540-923-4231 right now to reserve your tickets.  Do it now!

Did you order your ticket?  If so, continue with me as I try to tell you a little about the special live recording that will take place on Friday, June 4th.  Rural Rhythm Records has a long history of preserving Bluegrass music.  Most of you aren't old enough to remember Uncle Jim O' Neal.  He was the founder of Rural Rhythm out in California.  His specialty was to record and pack as many songs as he could onto one LP.  Some of those LPs had as many as 24 songs.  They way he managed to do it was to have the bands shorten the songs by reducing verses and instrumental breaks and by lowering the quality of the records themselves (smaller grooves, less sound).  It was an inexpensive way to have a lot of great music all on one LP.  Today, Rural Rhythm has been re-born and produces very well recorded and annotated CDs.  Rural Rhythm has signed many artists to exclusive contracts and many of those artists will be part of this very special recorded event at Graves Mountain.  Artists that will be included are: Russell Moore, Lou Reid, Carrie Hassler, Audie Blaylock, Sammy Shelor, Wayne Benson, Mike Hartgrove and Mike Anglin along with Carl Jackson and Mark Newton (As performer and producer!).  Wow !  What a grouping of talent on one project!    Among the songs to be recorded as part of this live event will be "Graves Mountain Memories;" a special song written by Carl Jackson about the history of Graves Mountain (Did you know that Jimmy Graves is the 12th generation of Graves on the mountain?).  I am looking forward with great anticipation to this event.  The CD should be released by the fall of this year.  If my guess is correct this will be a strong contender for recorded project of the year at IBMA this fall.  I will include the official press release below:

April 19, 2010

Rural Rhythm Records and Graves Mountain Festival of Music
Upcoming Commemorative Live Recording Album

Rural Rhythm Records and Graves Mountain Festival of Music are finalizing plans for this year’s “Rural Rhythm’s 55 Year Celebration at Graves Mountain” - a commemorative Live Recording taking place Friday, June 4, 2010 during the festival’s three day event (June 3-5, 2010) in Syria, Virginia. The upcoming live album will be released on Rural Rhythm Records in October 2010.
Kyle Cantrell of Sirius-XM Radio’s popular “Bluegrass Junction” will serve as Master of Ceremonies for this all-star recorded event held on June 4, 2010 with performances by:  The Lonesome River Band, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Carrie Hassler, Audie Blaylock & Redline, Lou Reid and Carolina, and The Crowe Brothers. Mark Newton is producing the event with Gene Daniel Sound overseeing the sound.  Highlights will be broadcast on Sirius-XM “Bluegrass Junction” soon after the festival.

During last October's International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) World of Bluegrass, Rural Rhythm Records hosted a VIP Showcase that included a special preview of the upcoming Graves Mountain event. Carl Jackson, Mark Newton, Russell Moore, Lou Reid, Audie Blaylock, Carrie Hassler, Wayne Benson, Sammy Shelor, Mike Anglin, and Mike Hartgrove performed Carl Jackson's original song, “Graves Mountain Memories.”  The group will perform the song during the Rural Rhythm recorded event next June along with these other special shows:

• Crowe Brothers with Russell Moore, and Sammy Shelor

• Carrie Hassler and Brandon Rickman

• Audie Blaylock & Redline with Carrie Hassler, Russell Moore, and Lou Reid

• Graves Mountain Jam: Lou Reid and Carolina, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Lonesome River Band, Carrie Hassler, Audie Blaylock & Redline, and The Crowe Brothers.

• "My Home's Across the Blue Ridge Mountains” – Brandon Rickman, Crowe Brothers, Audie Blaylock, Mike Hartgrove, Wayne Benson, Steve Dilling, Edgar Loudermilk

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I hope I haven't provided you with information overload, but I felt this event was so special I had to tell you everything I could about it.

Now, I want to tell about who will be at Graves on Thursday.  First up will be a group consisting of twin sisters (Yes, they are twins!) The Church Sisters.   There has been much written about sibling harmony.  The Church Sisters do nothing to cancel any of those arguments.   Next up on Thursday is Lonesome Highway.  I have no photos of this band, but I assure you they are very good.  The United States Navy Band "Country Current" is scheduled to play on Thursday, but be aware duty sometimes calls them away from scheduled performances.  Many of you will remember Darren Beachley from his stellar performances with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver.  Since those days he has re-organized his band and will perform at Graves as Darren Beachley & Legends of The Potomac.  Last up will be a Graves Mountain favorite The Seldom Scene. In the past the "Scene" has been a Saturday night closer and those are days I remember well.  To hear the mountains echo with "Wait a Minute" and "Muddy Waters" always seemed a fitting close for a great festival.  This year, however, they will close out Thursday.  Should be just as good AND there'll still be two more days of Bluegrass to follow!

Now, Friday is that big day when the special recording project by Rural Rhythm will occur.  Besides that there are a number of groups that will have regular performances.  The Crowe Brothers will get things started off on Friday.  These guys got their start accompanying Raymond Fairchild back in the early 1980s. You will enjoy them, believe me.   Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain will perform Friday.  When I first met Carrie at the IBMA World of Bluegrass a few years ago she was still searching for her sound.  Well, trust me she has found it!  This music is as hard driving and solid as any Bluegrass you will hear anywhere.  Another favorite of Bluegrass fans everywhere is Lou Reid & Carolina.  Lou currently has the #1 song on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart, entitled "Amanda Lynn."  Don't miss his show!  The Lonesome River Band will be at Graves on Friday.  Sammy Shelor heads up LRB and has kept a fine band together through the years.  Thanks, Sammy.  Last up, but certainly not least will be Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out.  There's not much I can add to the many laurels that have been bestowed upon this group other than to add my agreement to all that has been said.

Mark Templeton & Pocket Change will get Saturday at Graves off to a good start.  Mark has been a mainstay at Virginia festivals over the last few years and always entertains.  The all girl (or mostly all girl) band The Wells Family consists of a mother and her three daughters.  These attractive women sing and perform Bluegrass with that family style harmony.  Mark Newton is up next with a new band name; Mark Newton & The Stringtones.  Mark is your host band for the Graves Mountain Festival of Music.  Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice also performs on Saturday at Graves.  If you like a good traditional sound to your Bluegrass then Junior is your choice.  Next up on Saturday is Cherryholmes.  I want to try to tell you that Cherryholmes is a family band, but I was roundly corrected by Sandy Cherryholmes back in 2008.  She explained that they were a Bluegrass band that just happened to be in the same family.  Duh!  Anyway, these folks are some of the best in the business.  Always great music from Cherryholmes.  Rhonda Vincent & The Rage will be at Graves on Saturday as will her brother and part of the great band Dailey & Vincent.  These two great groups don't need a lot of boosting from me.  If you've heard Bluegrass in the last 5 years you have heard these great groups.  I do want to share a rare photo.  This picture was taken at the IBMA Awards Show in 2003 in   Louisville, Kentucky.  At this time Darrin was a member of Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder.  There aren't many who have a picture such as this.  I was proud to be on hand to snap this photo.

If you're still reading now, I'm flattered that you care enough to read it all.  I guess for now there has been. . . .

"NUFF SAID!"

Hey Everybody! The Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival is next weekend; May 13th, 14th & 15th, 2010 ! ! !

That's right folks the "Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival" is coming right around the corner, next weekend; May 13th, 14th & 15th.  Now, I've got to apologize for not coming to you sooner on this, but I guess my retirement has made me lose track of time.  Every day is a Saturday!  I've got lots to tell you and a bunch of pictures from past festivals to share, so I better get with it.

First I want to tell you that your emcees for the 2010 Amelia Bluegrass Festival (that's what we regulars like to call it.) will be the winners of the 2008 and 2010  SPBGMA Bluegrass DJs of the year, Sweet Brenda & Him. Sweet Brenda and Calvin Lawson as "Lawson Entertainment" host two Bluegrass festivals of their own; The Grottoes Family Bluegrass Festivals in June and September.  Be sure to click on the link and visit their web site for details about these festivals.

We'll get started with what's happening in Amelia on Thursday.  As most of you know the world famous Lewis Family  retired last year after well over 50 years of entertaining America and the world with their own special brand of Bluegrass Gospel music.  Since their retirement, Little Roy and his adopted daughter Lizzy Long have joined together as Little Roy & Lizzy.  Little Roy has been known for his lightening fast Banjo and having saw him just a few months ago I can attest that he hasn't slowed down yet.  Now, if you like your Bluegrass to be traditional then you won't hear it done any better that by Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice. You may recall that Junior was part of a band called Blue Ridge a few years ago.  With him in that band was a young Banjo player from right here in my neighborhood, Jason Davis.  Jason went with Alan Bibey as he formed the new group, GrassTowne.  Jason has since left GrassTowne and is back with Junior as a member of Rambler's Choice.  Keeping with that traditional style of Bluegrass there is yet another group to appear on Thursday; none other than The James King Band featuring that strong lead singing of James King.  Another group performing on Thursday is Country Poor.  I don't know much about this group, so I can tell you very little about them. From their web site I have the following: "Band Members consist of Stacy Roach on Guitar and lead singing, Brian Herring on Mandolin and Tenor singing, Nelson Davis on banjo, and Jason Smith on upright bass. Timmy Proffitt is the sound man and the salesman."  Also, on Thursday, is Highway 249, a local group from New Kent, VA.

 

 

 

There is yet another big day full of Bluegrass music on Friday at the Amelia Bluegrass Festival.  There are three groups I know nothing about, but I shall share the info I discovered today by searching each bands web site.  I'll get started with the California Ramblers.  From their web site: "Joey Tippett and The California Ramblers is a Traditional Hard Driving Bluegrass Band from Southern Maryland. They put their heart and soul into every song that they do as well as an excellent performance on stage, you can just feel the energy when they perform."  Also performing, The Ficklen Family.  This band seems to not have a web site, but there is a photo of them from 2008 available by clicking here.  The Snyder Family will also appear on Friday.  From their web site: "At an age where most children are usually concerned with bicycles and video games, Samantha and Zeb Snyder were winning fiddle and guitar championships.  Along with their Dad, Bud and Mom, Laine, they are today a festival favorite and will have even the most jaded Bluegrass fan on the edge of their camp chair.(Quote by Dennis Jones WNCW/FM)" An Amelia Festival favorite group, Country Fried Grass will be on stage Friday.  If you're looking for an energetic group of musicians then look no further than Country Fried Grass.  These guys not only rock the stage they also jam all night long in the camp ground.  Capping off the show on Friday will be Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.  There's not much I can add to the many laurels that have been heaped upon Rhonda, so instead I am including several photos I have taken through the years.  I hope you enjoy them.                                                                                 

                                                                          

 

 

                                    

There's yet another big day of Bluegrass on Saturday beginning with (After the morning Gospel sets) a group called Surefire.  From Surefire's web site: "Surefire was formed in December of 2007.  Based out of Boone, NC, the original members are Robby Norris, John Bryan, and Tom Isaacs.  Heavily influenced by the pioneers of bluegrass music, this band provides a traditional, hard-driving experience."  Marty Rabon & Full Circle will also perform on Saturday.  My first exposure to Marty was a few years ago at a theater on Hull Street in Richmond, VA (The name of that place is forgotten by me.) that had been converted into a performance venue (mainly gospel).  I think this show may have been his first in Virginia and among the very first since he began the band.  A great Virginia band featuring Billie Sue (Clark) and Bobby Goff Jr. is Mill Run and they'll be there on Saturday.  Featuring the two great and distinctly different lead voices of Billie Sue and Bobby, Mill Run is a powerful and exciting band to see and hear.  The traditional sounds of Al Batten and the Bluegrass Reunion will be heard Saturday.  In this writers opinion Al Batten is one of a very few great traditional band leaders that not only sings strong leads and harmonies, but is also the Banjo player for the group.  Al Batten is sort of like having Lester & Earl or Don & Red all sewed up into one person.  You will be entertained!  Tommy Brown & County Line will be on stage Saturday.  From the band's web site: "With family roots traced to Bill Monroe's home place of Ohio County, Kentucky, Tommy Brown cut his teeth, so to speak, on classic traditional bluegrass. A third generation musician, Tommy began pickin' the five-string banjo at age six. His musical abilities were recognized when he garnered both the Kentucky State and the Tennessee State Banjo Championships. In addition to banjo, Tommy is a masterful guitar and mandolin player. His powerful pickin' style and soulful vocals embrace his passion for the mountain-style bluegrass music he performs today."  Wrapping things up at the Amelia Bluegrass Festival is the unmistakable music of The Bluegrass Brothers.  The enthusiasm presented by the Bluegrass Brothers is exciting and engaging.  Fans get so involved with their music that they are sometimes exhausted when a show by the Bluegrass Brothers is over.

Well there you have it; all of the makings for another (The 61st!) great Bluegrass festival in Amelia.  If you haven't been there, where in the world have you been?  I guarantee you will have a great time in Amelia.  As their slogan says: "We may not be the biggest festival in the country, but we are one of the friendliest and the best."  Here's hoping I'll see you there.

"NUFF SAID!"

IBMA Announces Invited Artists for the 2010 "World of Bluegrass" Showcases

The International Bluegrass Music Association has announced the artists invited to showcase as part of the 2010 "World of Bluegrass" in Nashville, TN the week of September 27th thru October 3rd.  To see a complete schedule of all events click here.

The following bands will showcase: The Boxcars; The Chapmans; Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper; The Cockman Family; Rodney Dillard; Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers; The Claire Lynch Band; Kati Penn & NewTown; Lou Reid & Carolina; Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band; Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa and The Darrell Webb Band.

Each of the above "highlighted" band names provide a direct link to their respective web sites.  Please visit them and find out more about these great groups.

Well folks, I'm finally retired and have enjoyed my first week on getting up whenever I please.  Problem is, after 32 years of getting up every morning a 5:00AM it's been kinda hard making the change.  But, do not dismay, I'm working on it and have already stayed in until after 7:00AM a few times.  I plan to pursue Bluegrass with a bit more zeal than in the past, if that's at all possible.  As soon as I get my "fixed income" straight I'll be hitting the road following wherever the music takes me. Until then......

"NUFF SAID!"

Three Bluegrass Events over the weekend of April 22nd - 24th, 2010!

Here's a little information about all three in no particular order.

"MR. "B's" SPRING INTO BLUEGRASS"

Mr. "B" has been in his bluegrass park located near Ladysmith, VA,  for over 5 years now and it is one of the nicest around.  Designed by Mr. B it is arranged for a great stage setting along with comfortable camping and great food in the tradition of the old "Mr. B's Restaurant."  The festival runs over the dates above and the entertainers are: Dailey & Vincent, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Bill Yates & The Country Gentlemen Tribute, Goldwing Express, James King Band, Kody Norris & The Watuga Mountain Boys, Ted Jones & The Tarheel Boys, The Bluegrass Brothers, Dark Hollow, Code Blue, Lonesome Will Mullins & The Virginia Playboys, The Church Sisters, Joey Tippet & The California Ramblers, Sweet Potato Pie and The Rye-Holler Boys.  Now, I've got to tell you that is a huge line up of talent, so if you haven't made plans for that weekend Mr. B's may just be the place to be.  Mr. B has a nicely shaded stage area, so bring your lawn chair and plan to sit back and be entertained.  Don't worry about bringing food as Mr. B's concession, right behind the stage, will keep your belly full the entire weekend.  I retrieved the following information from Mr. B's web site:

Mr. B's

'Spring.....Into Bluegrass Festival'

April 22, 23, 24, 2010

Come out and enjoy Bluegrassing in the first days of spring at Mr. B's Park.  Tickets and Reservation now available by calling:

Office 804-449-6350  or  Park 804-448-9446

**Purchase your tickets through a secure PayPal link**

Tickets are $65.00 each plus a $2.00 process and shipping charge for a total of $67.00 per ticket charged to your account.

HERE IS OUR LINE UP AND SET TIMES

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Joey Tippett & California Ramblers 1:00 & 4:40

Lonesome Will Mullins & VA Playboys 1:55 & 5:35

Bill Yates & Country Gentlemen Tribute  2:50 & 6:30

Goldwing Express  3:45 & 7:25

Friday, April 23, 2010

Dark Hollow  12:00 & 5:50

Code Blue  12:50 & 6:45

Sweet Potato Pie  1:45 & 7:35

Kody Norris & Watuga Mt. Boys  2:40 & 8:25

Dailey & Vincent  3:35 & 9:15

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Rye Holler Boys  12:00 & 6:00

Ted Jones & Tarheel Boys  12:50 & 6:50

Church Sisters  1:40 & 7:40

James King Band 2:30 & 8:30

Bluegrass Brothers  3:20 & 9:20

Rhonda Vincent 4:10 & 10:10

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"WILLOW OAK FAMILY STYLE BLUEGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL"

Over this same weekend down in Roxboro, NC the folks at Willow Oak park present their family style Bluegrass Music Festival.  I've not been to Willow Oak park, but I have been told by friends who have been there that it is a very nice park that is well suited for a Bluegrass festival.  The entertainers at Willow Oak this weekend are: Marty Raybon & Full Circle, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Lou Reid & Carolina, The James King Band, NewFound Road, Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice (Our own Jason Davis is now playing Banjo with Jr. Sisk!), Deeper Shade of Blue, The Hagar's Mountain Boys, Big Country Bluegrass, Mashville Brigade, Melvin Goins, Constant Change, Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass and Grasstowne.  As with Mr. B's this is another fine line up of bands, and both on the same weekend!  The willow oaks Campground is located 3 1/2 miles south of Roxboro, NC on Rt. 49 (Blaylock Dairy Road.)  Folks, I'm 60 years old and I've seen many changes through the years, but here's one that is a first for me.  Since so many now travel using Global Positioning Technology the folks at Willow Oak have provided their GPS coordinates.  They are: 36.37456-79.04302.  I gotta get me a Garmin!  I retrieved the following schedule information from the Willow Oak Festival web site:

 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE - SUBJECT TO CHANGE

THURSDAY   APRIL 22, 2010

2:00 PM Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain

3:00 PM Grasstowne

4:00 PM NewFound Road

5:00 PM The James King Band

SUPPER BREAK

7:00 PM Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain

8:00 PM Grasstowne

9:00 PM NewFound Road

10:00 PM The James King Band

CAMPGROUND PICKING!!

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FRIDAY    APRIL 23, 2010

12:00 PM The Hagar's Mountain Boys

1:00 PM Constant Change

2:00 PM Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice

3:00 PM Lou Reid & Carolina

4:00 PM Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out

SUPPER BREAK

6:00 PM The Hagar's Mountain Boys

7:00 PM Constant Change

8:00 PM Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice

9:00 PM Lou Reid & Carolina

10:00 PM Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out

CAMPGROUND PICKING!!

---

SATURDAY    APRIL 24, 2010

12:00 PM Deeper Shade of Blue

1:00 PM Big Country Bluegrass Band

2:00 PM Mashville Brigade

3:00 PM Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass

4:00 PM Marty Raybon & Full Circle

SUPPER BREAK

6:00 PM Deeper Shade of Blue

7:00 PM Big Country Bluegrass Band

8:00 PM Mashville Brigade

9:00 PM Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass

10:00 PM Marty Raybon & Full Circle

CAMPGROUND PICKING!!

Contact:  Mike Wilson   mike@WillowOakPark.com  4060-M Harper Trail, Burlington, NC  27215

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THE VIRGINIA COUNTRY MUSIC & BLUEGRASS MUSIC FOUNDATION'S  ANNUAL SPRING FESTVAL, LAWRENCEVILLE, VIRGINIA

George Winn, Virginia's senior Bluegrass performer and promoter presents the Annual Spring music festival in Lawrenceville, Virginia.  I'm afraid I can provide very little data about George's festival.  I missed the last meeting of The Virginia Bluegrass Family, so wasn't there to get a flyer from George.  He always makes the April gathering at Jahnke Road, but I wasn't there.  I went to the foundation's web site on MySpace and retrieved the following from their blog:

THE VIRGINIA BLUEGRASS AND
COUNTRY MUSIC FOUNDATION, INC.

*PRESENTS :*

25^th Bluegrass & Country Music Festival at

“THE GEORGE WINN MEMORIAL PARK”

In Lawrenceville, VA near the airport,

corner of Rt. 678 (Rose Drive) & Rt. 733

April 22^nd, 23^rd and 24^th - 2010

Bands Performing:

Bonds & Dunn ------------------------------------Mechanicsville, VA

Some Assembly Required-----------------------------Richmond, VA

Becky Taylor & Open Fire------------------------------Richmond, VA

Coastline Bluegrass Band------------------------------Norfolk, VA

The Watts Brothers---------------------------------------Roanoke Rapids, NC

Jo & Wilma--------------------------------------------------Roanoke Rapids, NC

Vicki Hayes & Friends----------------------------------- South Hill, VA

Homeward Bound-----------------------------------------Mechanicsville, VA

George Winn & The Bluegrass Partners------------Richmond, VA

22^nd Thursday, Jam 7PM until you are done - donations requested

23^rd Friday, Featured Bands 7PM to 11PM adults $7.00 -under 12 yrs free

24^th Saturday, Featured Bands 1PM to 11PM adults $10.00 -under 12 yrs free

Camping – with hook-up $9/day, first come first served. In the rough camping is free on spacious mowed grounds

For more information call George Winn, days 804-329-5359 or call Ruth O'Berry – 434-535-8072

Food and Drinks provided by the South Hill Ruritan at nominal cost

Directions to the Park

-From Richmond on I95 South to Emporia: Take Rt#58 West towards South Hill approx 18 miles to

Rt#58/Rt46 business Lawrenceville exit. Go right to stop sign, then left and go under Rt#58 then 1 block, turn right and go over RR tracks (Rt#606), go 8/10ths of a mile and left on Rose Drive, then about 2 blocks to unpaved road on left, turn left, and go 1000 feet to park entrance at Park sign.

-From Richmond on I85 South: take I95 south to Petersburg and exit I85 south, go 30 miles and exit #39. Turn left at exit stop sign onto Rt#712, go 12 miles to Rt#58, continue across Rt#58 and across RR tracks to Rt#606 and continue for 2 miles to intersection with Rose Dr and turn left. Go about 2 city blocks to first road on left (unpaved), turn left and about 1000 feet to park entrance and sign on left.

THE VIRGINIA BLUEGRASS & COUNTRY MUSIC FOUNDATION INC. exists to to preserve and promoteauthentic Bluegrass & Country Music. VB&CMF is a non-profit tax exempt corporation

http://myspace.com/virginiabluegrasscountrymusicfoundation

Shows are rain or shine. We have a beautiful pavilion for inclement weather.

Come enjoy the fellowship and 'God Bless'

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Okay, I'm back.  I hope this info above is helpful and I'll see all of you this spring and summer on the festival circuit!

"NUFF SAID"

"Holy Waters" Donna Ulisse: a review by Gary Robertson

To most of the readers of this journal Donna Ulisse is not a a readily recognized name.  My hope is to change that perspective by the end of this review.  I first "met" Donna by email when I was booking groups to play the "Night Owl Concerts" at the IBMA "World of Bluegrass."  My goals were to try to book at least one act that was pretty well known to attract folks into my showcase venue and then to book lesser known talent so they would have a chance to be heard.  Having never heard of Donna Ulisse, I had considered her as one of the lesser known talent.  Lesser known may have been true, but this young woman has a great talent for not only singing great Bluegrass,but also for writing great Bluegrass songs.  Now, I want to tell you all about her new project, an all Gospel effort, with all of the songs written or co-written by Donna herself with the exception of one song.  We'll get to that one later.

The first song on "Holy Waters" is a very Bluegrassy and medium to up tempo song entitled "Caney Creek to Canaan Land."  The message of this song is simply that it's not necessary to leave home to find Jesus because He is wherever you are.  Track 2 is entitled "He Will"  which tells of the promise that Jesus will be with you all the time.  "He Will" is a slower song sung with complete conviction and assurance that Donna believes what she sings.  "Crazy World," the 3rd track, is a driving medium tempo song telling of how sometimes things around us can distract us from our faith.  All of the musicians ; Andy Leftwich on Fiddle, Rob Ickes on Dobro, Scott Vestal on Banjo and Keith Sewell on Guitar, get a chance to stretch out their talents with nice interaction as they weave their instruments together at the end of "Crazy World."  Track 4, "To My Soul I Do" begins with Donna as she prays to her Lord in song accompanied by strong and respectful instrumental back up.  Track 5 is the title song of the CD project, "Holy Waters."  "Holy Waters" is relatively slow in tempo, but full of life as a song speaking of how the singer's life is full of the Holy Spirit, through "Holy Waters."  "You Need to Know," (track 6) is a nice medium tempo song explaining that to get through this life to the next there is but One "You Need to Know."  Remember, all of these songs, but one, are from the pen of Donna Ulisse, as is track 7, "A Promise That He Made."  This is a very pretty, slow to medium tempo song that speaks of her personal relationship with her Savior.  "Cover Me" (track 8) is a strong medium tempo song that asks that God protect her through her trials of life.  I think it's important to say that while Donna has surrounded herself with some of the very best musicians in the Bluegrass world, those musicians realize they are there for one purpose.  That purpose is the support Donna and make her songs the best they can be, which I can assure you they do.  Donna tells her friends that she and they will walk together in Heaven, "High In The Sky." This tune, instrumentally, has the happy feel that the message of the song conveys.  Now we get to the one song on this project that was not written by Donna.  Track 10 is the great Carter Stanley song, "Who Will Sing for Me."  Donna has made this song her very own by her interpretation of it.  Oh, Carter's words are there, as strong as ever, but Donna's heartfelt rendition of them are as powerful as this listener has ever heard.  "New Day in Heaven" is the singer's prayer to her Lord to allow her to die peacefully and to awaken in Heaven with her loved ones.  "Lord I'm Yours" opens with a very Bluegrassy Banjo kick off followed by great instrumental riffs by the band members as Donna sings reminding us all we need to go to get life eternal is to raise our hands up and cry , "I'm Yours."  The last song on "Holy Waters" is a short and very beautiful song/prayer praising and thanking, "My Jesus."

So there you have it, a wonderful CD filled with songs that I believe will become part of the Bluegrass Gospel repertoire of bands all through the Bluegrass world.  If you are looking for an album filled with great Gospel songs sung by a great singer, then this CD is the one you want.  I promise you will be pleased.  Donna will begin a tour schedule on April 9th.  There is only one show that comes close to Central Virginia.  That show will be at the Uptown Coffee Cafe in Victoria, Virginia on July 2nd.  I plan to attend; perhaps you will join me.

From Donna's web site:

Friday, July 2nd, 2010/ 7:00 p.m.

Uptown Coffee Cafe

1812 Main Street, Victoria, VA 23974

434-696-3600

http://www.myspace.com/uptowncoffeecafe

Donna and The Poor Mountain Boys will be doing two 40 minutes shows at this charming family owned cafe starting at 7:00 p.m. Advance tickets will be sold through the cafe during business hours which are: Mon-Thursday 7:30am-3:30pm, Friday 7:30am-9pm, Saturday 8am-3pm, Closed Sunday. Tickets are $10.00 each. Call the cafe for more information at the number listed here. Advance tickets are recommended as seating is limited.

That Cabin Fever sort of Tired!

Yes, I'm very tired, very tired, but it's that good sort of tired.  We've all experienced it.  Like after an extra special weekend at a festival you didn't expect much out of.  Like the picking session that went on into the wee hours of the night and you just have to go to work the next day.  Yeah, I'm tired and I'll just have to blame the "Cabin Fever Pickin' Party" for my weariness.  Being aware of this has caused me to take the Monday after Cabin Fever off just to rest and get my laundry and things done.  The washer is running as I type.  I'm not gonna take the Monday after Cabin Fever off next year, though.  Why?  I've got exciting news (for me anyway!).

On April 23rd, 2010 I will be retiring from my job with the Virginia Department of Transportation with 38 years 11 months service!  A lot of people have asked me what I'm gonna do after retirement.  I'll tell you now that my immediate plans are to sit around long enough to get bored.  That should take about two weeks.  Then I will begin the pursuit of Bluegrass in earnest.  I've always enjoyed traveling and meeting new people, so I will travel to places I've always wanted to go, with Bluegrass being an integral part of each trip.

I also plan to begin working on losing some of this terrible amount of fat I am carrying.  Since I am type II diabetic, my feet simply cannot stand the punishment of walking.  I love to walk, but it is simply out of the question, therefore I will be purchasing an elliptical trainer.  With this machine I can get the exercise I need from walking without the impact of slapping me feet against the pavement with every step. You see, I am wise enough to know that I can't enjoy my traveling to other places without the ability and endurance to walk around the national parks and festival grounds.  I will become smaller, albeit it very slowly.

Let's get back to why I'm so tired.  I've been anticipating Cabin Fever for months and i had my car packed and ready to go days before the day of departure, which for me was Tuesday.  I had planned to leave home at around 11AM so that when I arrived my room would be ready and I would simply breeze through the check-in procedure.  Like a kid on Christmas morning I was wide awake by 6AM and showered and walking the floor by 7AM.  What the heck was I gonna do to keep myself busy for the next 4 hours?  I have tons of DVDs and decided to look at a couple of them to fill the time.  I sort of made a mistake in my choice of videos, because I put Volume 1 of the "Best of Flatt & Scruggs" series.  I was twisting in my chair before it ended and gave up all hope of sticking to my plan.  I left home slightly before 8AM.  I arrived in Hampton at the Holiday Inn less than 2 hours later.  I was way too early to try to check in, so I drove back down Mercury Blvd. to the Cracker Barrel for my favorite breakfast of French Toast.  Still it wasn't yet 11AM when I tried to check in.  Now, I want you to try to visualize this, if you can.  I drove all the way around the Holiday Inn and there could not have been more that 15 or 20 cars in the entire parking lot and some of those had to be employee cars.  So I went inside and get a luggage cart.  I chose the only one that had knobs on the end from which you can hang bags.  I loaded everything on it and rolled it into the building.  As soon as the wheels hit the carpet I knew something wasn't right.  Both of the swivel tires were woefully under-inflated, or as I like to say it "damn near flat!"  It was a struggle just to get the cart up to the check-in desk.  I told the lady my name and, can you believe it, se told me my room wasn't ready.  There are hundreds of rooms in this Holiday Inn and there are 15 cars in the lot and my room wasn't ready.  So, I was forced to wait.  I took this opportunity to get my Banjo off the cart and pick and sing a few songs, making me the first person to arrive at Cabin Fever and the first one to pick and sing.  By 12:30 my room was ready and I then proceeded to drag this miserable cart toward the elevators.  Within a minute I was huffing & puffing and beginning to sweat.  Then this nice lady, a cleaning supervisor, came along and insisted on taking over my chore.  By the time we reached the ramp up to my room level she had had all she could take and called a man to push/pull the cart the remaining  distance.  Once unpacked I went back down to the lobby to wait for more folks to arrive.  Bruce Land was the first I saw.  Then his friend Willie came in.  Gradually by evening about 25 musicians (Including "Sarge" from Georgia whom I demoted to Corporal for the weekend.) had arrived and two distinct jams began.  Cabin Fever was under way!

Jack & Peggy Woodall arrived on Tuesday from Spout Spring, VA (You'll have to look that one up!).  It was great to see these good friends.  Later that evening Bill & Gertie Richardson drove over and the 5 of us went out to Appleby's for dinner and socializing.  We had a very nice evening.

Wednesday brought many more people and Cabin Fever began to shape up in earnest.  From this point on Cabin Fever begins to blur for me.  The days seem to all blend into one.  Oh, there were some exceptional jam sessions.  Sad to say I have allowed my Banjo playing to slip more with each passing year and I simply was not good enough to join in on any of them.  The best jams are the ones in private rooms.  This is true simply because the acoustics in the main part of the hotel are so poor that all of the music tends to blend together into cacophony that then becomes a roar.  I dubbed it the "Cabin Fever Roar."  The greatest difference between this year's "Cabin Fever Roar" and those in the past was the cloud of smoke was not present.  That in itself was a 1000% improvement.

All of these days blur together for me leading up to my late night showcases called "The Night Owl Concerts."  Everything went along without a hitch and for 3 solid hours those who were present were treated to six great performances.  For more about who played, please check out my previous blog entry by clicking here.  I tried to meet with each and every band member after each showcase to thank them for their participation.  Again a special thank you to each band who helped keep the "Night Owl Concerts" one of the most anticipated parts of the weekend we all know and love as simply Cabin Fever. And, to you "night owls," and you know who you are, thanks for sticking around until the last note was played.

The thing that puts the capper on being that Cabin Fever sort of tired is the re-packing of the car (Since a luggage cart is impossible to find, you have to tote everything to the car and those 21 steps down from the 2nd floor will take their toll by that last trip down.) and the drive home and then unpacking and stowing everything.  By then I am done in.  I've had a good night's sleep and yet I'm still tired.  Oh well, I won't have to take Monday off next year!

Please don't forget the final concert of the Appomattox Bluegrass Series will be March 21st at 2PM featuring the "First Lady of Bluegrass" Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.  I will see you there, won't I?  For more info from a previous blog click here.

"NUFF SAID!"