F e b r u a r y 2 0 0 7 Can’t You hear me calling? VOLUME 26 - NUMBER 2 NCBS San Mateo Bluegrass San Francisco “All Girl Bluegrass Benefit” Series Continues Review by Ted Silverman By Michael Hall Café Du Nord, January, 10, 2007: The Mitch Polzac really infuse this band with The NCBS First Thursday Night bluegrass Pending Eighth Annual San Francisco big entertainment value. Standout tunes music series in San Mateo will continue at Bluegrass and Old Time Festival from their set included fine instrumentals the same location despite the closure of requires a great deal of preparation, such as Monroe’s “Big Mon,” and a barn the Prince of Wales Pub. The “Swingin resources and cold hard cash to present. burner from the Pen of Mitch Polzac titled, Door” is the new venue at 106 East 25th This year, 2 benefits were held to support “The American Standard Breakdown.” Avenue in San Mateo and bluegrass will this ever growing roots music extravagan- continue as it has in the past Hours are Jeannie and Chuck Poling, a talented long- za presented by the Northern California time fixture on the local scene front the 7:00-10:00pm. Bands will be paid. NCBS Bluegrass Society. This article reviews volunteer Mike Russell will book the terrific Country Roundup band featuring the Wednesday evening, January 10, ben- both bluegrass and classic country music bands. On February 1st, Rogue River of efit with several bands. The event took Santa Cruz will take the stage. Be there! in their sets. This version of the Roundup place at the Café Du Nord, San Francisco’s featured the hot flat picker, Dr, Yvonne classic speakeasy under Market Street. Michael Hall Named Chair Of IBMA's Walbroel and the always well attired Steve Swan on double bass. Doug Holloway did Leadership Bluegrass Alumni Shelby Ash of the West Portal Music Store Committee some fine work on the fiddle and midway is the driving force and booker for both the through the set the band was joined by for- Michael Hall has been named the new fest and its preliminary events and he gath- mer Roundup Fiddler, Diana Greenberg chairman of the IBMA's Leadership ered together some of the Bay Area’s most (perhaps the busiest local musician in San Bluegrass Alumni Committee by Greg beloved female fronted bands in an “all Francisco) for a hot twin fiddle take on Cahill, board chairman of the girl” salute to the SFBOT. “June Apple.” Jeannie has the bona fide International Bluegrass Music Association country vocal skills with Chuck penning and leader of the Chicago-based bluegrass The venue slowly filled with paying atten- many of their terrific songs. Chuck band Special Consensus. Hall succeeds dees who forked over a $10-$20 dollar crooned a few of his originals, including founding chair Archie Warnock of sliding scale door entry but by the time “These 18 Wheels, “and “No Hard Baltimore. Lynn Quinones and Her Alhambra Valley Feelings,” among others. Though the per- Band took the stage a solid core of local sonnel in the Roundup often changes the Hall has served on the Leadership fans had filled out the dance floor and quality of the entertainment is always Bluegrass Alumni Committee since its- gathered round to catch the action. remarkable. founding in 2004. He is past president and a member of the board of directors of the Lynn was in great voice and as always, Belle Monroe & Her Brewglass Boys were Northern California Bluegrass Society leads her capable crew with a confidence highly anticipated by the gathered crowd since 1990. He is a Leadership Bluegrass and grace to be emulated. With a long his- who surrounded the stage prior to the graduate, Class of 2003. tory as a Bay Area Bluegrass band leader, band’s set and helped replace the spirit Lynn always manages to pull together usually brought to the fore by Dobro The International Bluegrass Music some of the region’s best talents. Picker Rick Hendricks; absent from the Association, Nashville, is the worldwide This version of the AVB featured Lynn’s proceedings due a recent bout of illness. trade association for bluegrass music. stalwart sidekick, Jill Cruey who fiddles The remaining quintet put on a hot per- Leadership Bluegrass,founded in 2000, is with imagination, tonal clarity and power. formance aided and abetted at times by an intensive annual IBMA course of study The humor of bassist Bruce Campbell Mitch Polzac of the Alambra Valley Band for the emerging leadership of the world's comes through with every bouncing note who put on a flatpickin’ show on two fid- from the bottom and the energy of man- dle tunes: “The Clinch Mountain ...continued on page 6 dolin picker, Dan Large and banjoist, ...continued on page 7 Rick Cornish of the California Bluegrass Association is asking you to share your story of how you got hooked on bluegrass music. Go to the CBA website at www.cbaontheweb and look on the home page for the fish. Click on that to start typing!

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Bluegrass By The Bay is published monthly by the Northern California Bluegrass Fickle Heart Chorus: Society, an all volunteer, non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Founded in 1982 by Mary M. Kennedy Fickle Heart--I’ve got a Fick-le Heart, as the Santa Cruz Bluegrass Society, it continues to be known by that name in the greater Santa Cruz County area. The name was changed in 1999 to reflect the expanded scope of the I really love you-- but my Society’s activities, from Marin to Monterey, California. The Society brings people togeth- heart can not stay true, er for the preservation, enjoyment and advancement of bluegrass and related acoustic music So don’t be sad when you through jams, instructional workshops, concerts, community festivals and this monthly find me gone newsletter, via hard copy & electronic form, © 2006 Bluegrass By the Bay staff and contributors And don’t be mad--I’ve got Thanks to writers/contributors: Brenda Hough, Larry Carlin, Chuck Poling, Ted to be moving on Silverman, Mike Hall, Peter Thompson, Patrick Wheldon. Photographs, graphics by Mary Kennedy, Mark Varner, Nancy Zuniga, and others. Verse: Fickle Heart--Like a kid in a candy store NCBS Board of Directors Brenda Hough, [email protected], Mary Kennedy,[email protected], 408 241-5920 - Gary Mansperger, Hearts are such tasty treats, I just got to have one more [email protected], 408 272 9579, Michael Hall, [email protected], 650-596-9332, Susy Varian, When I’m done with Lemon-Lime, I want a [email protected] 650-328-1125, Mike McKinley, president, mike@harmony grits.com, Mike Strawberry Creme, Fisher, [email protected], [email protected], 831-336-2185, Penny Godlis, [email protected], James Cossey, [email protected] Or bunch of Red-Hot Hots, or a Carmel Toffee Dream Committee Chairs Chorus: Susy Varian, Membership Chair, 650-328-1125, [email protected] Penny Godlis, Volunteers - [email protected] Verse: Fickle Heart--Mine finds you sweet my dear Mary Kennedy, BBB Editor, 408-241-5920, [email protected] I love to kiss your tasty lips, but my heart will Gary Mansperger, Webmeister, 408-251-8002, [email protected] not stay near Submission Deadlines: The 10th of the month preceding the desired monthly publication date. Digital Format: To [email protected] - Written submissions must be either ASCII text or I’ll find another one with a smile so sweet, Microsoft Word documents. We accept *.tiff, *.jpeg, *.gif, or *.pdf format artwork. Paper format: I’ll fall in love, love, love--be swept off my feet To Mary Kennedy, NCBS/SCBS, P.O. Box 390846, Mountain View, CA 94039-0846. We accept manuscript, original photos and camera-ready artwork. Chorus: Ad Rates: Please submit payment with ad copy. Note: Use Paypal for Finale: So don’t be sad when you find me gone Display Ad Rates: Size 1 issue 6 issues Full Page: $200.00 $650.00 ad payments at: www. And don’t be mad, mad, mad--I’ve got to be moving on Half Page: $80.00 $360.00 scbs.org/BBBpayment ---Fick-le--Heart------! Quarter Page: $50.00 $225.00 .php For tune, ask me at the next jam--Yer Editor-MK ©2005 Business Card: $30.00 $135.00 Classified Ad Rates: Non-members: $.15/word; 10-word minimum. Members’ ads are free. Classifieds run in 4 consecutive issues. NCBS Web Site: http://ncbs.us or http://scbs.org 2 BLUEGRASS BY THE BAY Maintained by: Gary Mansperger. Please send web calendar updates to: [email protected] Hello City Limits by Chuck Poling The San Francisco Bluegrass Scene Bishop on guitar and vocals, Steve Kallai on fiddle and Matt Kendall on mandolin (Kendall has since left the band and has been at least temporarily replaced by February is all about the talented Jerry the San Francisco Barush.) Bluegrass and Old- Time Festival, February Grizzly Peak The song selection 1st through 10th, and focuses on sturdy blue- rather than list event after event, I recom- stages of production as we go to press, grass standards (see mend, nay, urge you to hightail it over to and CD release parties are planned for below), and with that in mind, Grizzly www.sfbluegrass.org and check out 10 March 1st at the Atlas Café in San Peak turned to all-around musical maes- days of twangin’ nirvana, San Francisco Francisco and March 9 at McGrath’s Pub tro Pat Campbell to produce their maiden style. I’m sure many of you have already in Alameda. The CD features Ted Garber effort. Pat made his bones playing with mapped out your strategy for which on dobro and vocals, Patti Garber on Jerry Garcia and Frank Wakefield back in shows you’re attending on each night and bass, Dan Norton on banjo, Bernie the 70s and, while he may not have seen which days you’ll be call- it all, he’s seen a lot. ing in sick to work. And heard a lot, too. There’s a highly conta- gious bluegrass fever I recently spoke with going around. Patti Garber about the recording process and Ohmygawd! Did you how a band cutting its hear the Stairwell Sisters first CD is forced to performing on Prairie learn on the fly. The Home Companion? key, she pointed out, is They were on stage at the preparation. “Pat San Francisco War worked extensively Memorial Opera House with us, helping arrange as Garrison Keillor the songs to attempt to brought the world of show off each person’s Lake Woebegone to San vocal or instrumental Francisco on January 13. strength,” said Patti. The Stairwells tore it up, “He watched us per- playing three songs form in public, spent including their hambone time with us at specialty, Jump Back, rehearsals, and then which had the crowd scheduled a series of stomping and clapping pre-production along in a most un-opera rehearsals that he essen- like manner. Good time tially choreographed.” gals playing old-time The skull sessions paid music, you make us off, and the band went proud. Fri into the studio confi- dent that they knew And coming this March their material front- is big news from Grizzly wards, backwards and Peak, one of San upside down. Francisco’s premier tradi- Grizzly Peak’s tradi- tional style bluegrass tional style and song bands. Their debut CD, selection led producer Heartbreak and Loneliness, is in the final ...continued on page 9 Northern California Bluegrass Society BLUEGRASSBLUEGRASS BY BY THE THE BAY BAY3 3 The Lumberjack Bluegrass Festival by Patrick Wheldon The Lumberjack Bluegrass Festival is The Alhambra Valley Band is a name that Staple of the SF Bayarea. The addition of off and running. Keep your Saturday, breeds enthusiasm for the larger Bryan McClenahan is a stroke of 2/17/07, afternoon free to enjoy 5, ven- Bluegrass audience. With a "Kids Music" Bluegrass genius. I've known Bryan for erable, California Bluegrass Bands for branch of the Band, these folks are an decades, having attended the Friday Night, FREE!. amazing compilation of Talent, Vision BG, Jam for 30 years. You needed to be We'll be starting off with Autumn and and Sensitivity that makes California there to appreciate the contribution that The FALL GUYS. Autumn Rose has Bluegrass a force. Sunshine has made to the Bluegrass put together some very talented Diana (Donnelly) and The Yes Ma'ams Universe. Composers/Lyric Writers from the East are a long time favorite of mine. I know Coast and Mid-West. I join them with most of these folks and Diana has been a Lastly, Sidesaddle and Co. is blessing this my Dobro and Musical Saw to produce long time Bluegrass Icon for me. I'm hop- event with their incredible music. I a Set of truly unique Old Timey & ing to persuade some old-time Country remember these folks from the "Barney Americana Music. Bring your musical Music out of their Lj BGF performance. Steel", Redwood City, Bluegrass Sundays. mind to this Band. Cabin Fever is still another Bluegrass I was part of the "Bluegrass Clown" squad that performed between the real Bands taking the stage. Sidesaddle put up with Make Your Midnight Snack Extra my Spike Jones-esque clowning with the Ohio version of the Hose-O-Phone. No hype involved, these folks are a valued Tasty and Delicious! heritage, for Bluegrass, in this area. General Admission is now FREE. Wheelchair access is in place. Seating is Your bedtime is suspended limited to 350 and the seating is first at our big IndooR Festival come, first served. 2nd annual CBA

Classified Ads Note: Classified ads run for four consecutive months, and are free to NCBS members. Graphics added where space allows. Contact editor at [email protected]

Ad date: 2/2007 For Sale: 1995 Flatiron A5 Signature Feb 1-4, 2007 Series mandolin, $1650. This is the real Holiday Inn Select, deal for bluegrass. Fully carved, spruce top, maple back and sides, sunburst fin- %DNHUV¿HOG&$ ish, very good condition, almost all www.SuperGrassCalifornia.org original, case included. JD Crowe - The Grascals -The Isaacs - Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper - Foghorn String Band - Kids on Bluegrass - many more! Jamming, Workshops, Luthier’s Pavilion, Children’s program Call (559) 338-0026 or visit

www.CBAontheweb.org http://tinyurl.com/yk9rj8 for pictures/ details, email me: [email protected].

44 BLUEGRASSBLUEGRASS BY BY THE THE BAYBAY Northern CaliforniaBLUEGRASS Bluegrass BY THE BAY Society The Bluegrass Muse by Larry Carlin Music in and around mill Valley to ,Sonoma

You made it p.m. On the 3rd and the 10th it is blue- The David Thom Band will be playing a through January, grass, old-time, old country, acoustic house concert in the town of Sonoma on your New Year’s picking and fiddling; on the 17th it will be the 6th, and will also be picking tradition- resolutions are a swing music, and on the 24th it will be al bluegrass at The Black Rose in Santa distant memory, pickers’ choice. Rosa on the 16th. and the holiday credit card bills Bluegrass Gold at Sweetwater in Mill Music is brewing at the Iron Springs have all been Valley is produced by Carltone Music and Pub & Brewery in Fairfax. Bands play paid. You need to co-sponsored by the NCBS, and the show on Wednesdays starting at 8 p.m. No celebrate! There on the 7th at 8:30 p.m. will feature Hot cover, and great beer, food and music. On is bluegrass galore going on in the 7th it will be Ida Viper, the North Bay and SF at the Bermuda Grass on the 14th, start of this month, so clear the HOT Jelly on the 21st, and the Riff calendars and get out and have Riders on the 28th. some fun! BUTTERED RUM Blue Highway will be head- Carltone Productions has lining a show at the Mystic once again strung together Theatre in Petaluma on the the virtual 4th Annual North 18th, with Jim Nunally & Bay Bluegrass Festival – Keith Little opening. shows at different venues in Marin and Sonoma Counties There is some good pickin’ over the course of two weeks. It going on up in Sebastopol began on January 24th, and it on the 25th. It is a gospel, runs until the 11th. Some high- bluegrass and old-time gath- lights still to come are Hot ering, and it takes place from Buttered Rum at Sweetwater on 2-5 p.m. at the Sebastopol the 7th (see below), Adobe Christian Church. Creek Bluegrass on the 9th at Ed Neff and Friends pick Murphy’s in Sonoma, Peter bluegrass every Thursday at Rowan and Keystone Crossing at the Buttered Rum as the headliner and The the Willowbrook Ale House in Petaluma Dance Palace in Point Reyes Station on Mountain Boys as the opener. Hot from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Call (707) 775-4232 the 9th, and Peter Rowan at the Larkspur Buttered Rum is a young band that plays for info. No cover. Café Theatre on the 11th. what they call “high altitude bluegrass,” and they feature hot pickin’ and singing Keep on pickin’! Marin bluegrass jam. The dates for the with a mix of original and traditional jam this month are the 1st and the 15th. songs played with lots of energy. They are Comments? News? Send e-mail to carl- The location is the Marin Lutheran attracting a truly multi-generational audi- [email protected] or for more informa- Church in Corte Madera, and the time is ence with its ability to create an undeni- tion go to www.carltone.com. 7:30-10 p.m. ably hip and fresh sound that weaves

together the grounded traditions of folk Get this The SF Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival and bluegrass with the modern influences great will run from February 1st-10th. Go to of rock-n-roll, reggae and acoustic Marathon their site for more info. singer/songwriters. Hot Buttered Rum’s T-Shirt! musical evolution has not only defined Listen to Murphy’s Irish Pub in the town of their sound, with their extensive touring the Sonoma is the place to go for good music schedule, the band has become estab- Bluegrass in Sonoma County, with no cover charge. lished as one of the nation’s hottest young Country- Folk- Featured there this month are The Sonoma touring acts since setting off as a group of ! Mountain Band on the 2nd, Kevin Russell friends on a trail in the high Sierras in the Marathon & Friend on the 8th, Adobe Creek early part of the decade. Their most recent 3 PM to Midnight ! Bluegrass on the 9th, The Acmes on the CD is titled Well Oiled Machine. The February 16, 17, 18, 2007 ! 10th, High Country on the 24th, and much Mountain Boys is a new trio featuring Donate to nonprofit, more. Jacob Groopman (Lost Coast Bluegrass) all volunteer radio station, Jammin’ in Sebastopol. The place to be on guitar, Tim Hicks on mandolin, and KKUP, FM in Cupertino ! on Saturdays is the Coffee Catz, from 2-5 Andrew Conklin on bass. 91.5 Northern California Bluegrass Society BLUEGRASSBLUEGRASS BY BY THE THE BAY BAY5 5 CD Reviews by Brenda Hough ...Michael Hall continued from page 1 More reviews by “stands alone (with) handouts from strangers” bluegrass community, including the Brenda are in the doorway of the Salvation Army. The IBMA's future leadership. available in the song also has some classic lines: “give up every Possum Pages pleasure, the monthly check just pays the rent The alumni committee will organize the online- Editor and leaves so little more.” It’s heartening to see Leadership Bluegrass participation in the that there are still singer songwriters making IBMA World of Bluegrass convention, NCBS stories of our times and Mary is one of the best. October 1-7, 2007 in Nashville, the pre- Luvs convention Master Class for LB alumni, U Eric Lambert: Doin’ Alright the LB mentor program, and the the LB Woodpicker Music retreat weekend. 219-218-2301 Mary McCaslin: Better Late Than Never ©2006 Michael Hall, a Murfreesboro, TN., native, PO Box 3394 www.ericlambert.com is a 1975 graduate of Middle Tennessee Santa Cruz, CA 95063 State University and a 1980 graduate of the c.2006 Song list: Green, Doin’ Alright, Scott’s Rag, Vanderbilt University Law School. The www.marymccaslin.com Time Is Now, Leaves, More Pretty in E, Red Northern California Bluegrass Society, Song list: Acres of Houses, Lights of Haired 12, Les on the Mountainside, founded 1982, was the Santa Cruz Spartanburg, Unchained Melody, Beir Mir Grasshopper, Coon Valley Stomp, Bluegrass Society before the name was Bist Du Schon, Oildale, Sabres and Guns, Cumberland Blues. changed in 1999. Hall was NCBS/SCBS Standing in the Doorway, Losing End, Sometimes music flows from the CD to the president in 1991-1992,1995-1996, and Losing End, Missing, You’ve Forgotten, To heart and the effect is timeless. Eric Lambert’s 2000-2001. Some Cool Blue-Iced Shore, California Joe. guitar and mandolin music take the instruments into carefully crafted tapestries of sound. asdfgrjklmbvcxzas While the songs are mostly instrumentals, each dfertyuiopasdghert one stands on its own with Mary McCaslin melodies that leave little dancing notes in your head. Jam 1st Sunday Every Month “Green” has a lovely Celtic lilt, and “Doin’ Alright” is a Santa Clara Valley Fiddlers Association great vocal to sing along and pack with you on a gloomy Mary McCaslin has been part of the Santa Cruz day. “Leaves” is a gentle, folk scene for many years and her music covers flowing guitar piece with the gamut from pop standards to quirky obser- melodic passages that bring vations of modern times. Her guitar playing in images of the great outdoors. various open tunings and clawhammer banjo His version of “Red Haired instrumentals have made her song interpreta- Boy” has great depth and tions unique. melodic variations that jam session players would be Jam 1-5, Open-Mike Performances 1:30-5 The song selection includes the sentimental happy to imitate. Eric has Beginners’ Circle 2:00 classic, “Unchained Melody” and an upbeat managed to make the record- Come to play, or just to listen. “Bei Mir Bist Du Schon” with clawhammer ing immediate and intimate Beginners and families welcome. banjo. “Oildale” is a Mike Beck song celebrat- and the listener feels like the ing the California Okie town: “there ain’t no concert is presented right in Feb 4: Regular jam & open mike; yuppies in Oildale……you won’t find no soc- the living room. brief annual members’ meeting at 3:00 cer moms riding in SUVs” that is a song Mar 4: Regular jam and open mike deserving more airplay. “Acres of Houses” is Mary’s adaptation of the old folk song, “Acres Many music styles including country, old-time, of Clams,” and laments farmland changing to bluegrass, Celtic, Scandinavian, swing. sprawling houses. Mary’s songwriting skills • Beginners’ Circle slow jam starts at 2:00. are strongest in the vignettes of sadness and • Adults $5; 16 and under admitted free. loneliness around her. She wrote “Missing,” • Acoustic instruments only, please. the sad tale of a missing child whose remains Eric Lambert Hoover Middle School were found months later close to home. The 1420 Naglee Ave. (at Park), San Jose poignant “Standing in the Doorway” focuses on the forgotten Hollywood star who now www.scvfa.org or Pete Showman: 408-255-0297

6 6BLUEGRASSBLUEGRASS BY BY THE THE BAYBAY Northern California Bluegrass Society ...San Francisco Bluegrass and Old-Time Festival “All Girl Bluegrass Benefit” continued from page 1

Alhambra Valley Band Belle Monroe and Her Brewglass Boys Pam Brandon Lynn Quinones

The audience benefitsfrom the great music at Cafe DuNord! Chuck sJeani+e

BBlluueeggrraassss Backstep,” and, ”Pike County Music from Erika Walther and “When Breakdown.” Fiddler Diana Barefoot Nellies rMusic You Break My Heart,” from the Greenberg showed off her pen (and mandolin) of Nicole skills during the fiddle tune Solis. portion of a new song called The talent displayed by the fairer “Fire on the Mountain,” sex at this event was remarkable, (penned by Maurice Tanney but all who contributed their time, of local alt-country phenoms, energy, effort and cash helped the 77 El Diora) while in a duet SFBOT to get on its feet for the with the always exiting upcoming February Festival. Look Jordan Klein on Banjo. The for a lot more fun from these four band sneaks the classic fiddle talented acts as well as many other tune, “Fire on the Mountain” swell local and national bands at between choruses of the other by the all girl quintet known as the the upcoming San Francisco Bluegrass & similarly named song. Barefoot Nellies. With Erika Walther out Old Time Festival. Rounding out the Brewglass Boys was the front on rhythm guitar and vocals, Nicole Key Links: always powerful Tom Drohan on upright Solis picking’ some fine mandolin, www.AlhambraValleyband.com bass and Ted Silverman on Mandolin and Prentice Sellers (of the Lone Mountain www.BarefootNellies.com vocals who crooned a reworked version of Sisters) on banjo, fiddler Liz Wrone and www.BrewglassBoys.com Tim O’Brien’s, “Nellie Kane,” as well as bassist Jess Beebe, this fine five-some did www.CountryRoundupSF.com singing harmonies’ throughout the set. a fantastic job of putting on a good show SFBOT: www.SFBluegrass.org The Brewglass Boys never fail to get an and lighting up both the stage and audi- www.ShelbyAshPresents.com audience whooping and hollering for more ence with a positive vibration. A few Ted Silverman: www.WorldWideTed.com and they did a solid job despite the standouts from this show included Northern California Bluegrass Society: absence of Rick Hendricks who was home Prentiss Seller’s fun banjo romp on www.ncbs.us in bed. “Cripple Creek,” and a couple of terrific The evening’s last set was ably performed original songs, “Let Me Down Easy,” Northern California Bluegrass Society BLUEGRASS BY THE BAY 7 EVENTS CALENDAR Always call ahead to confirm. REPEATING SHOWS & JAMS 10pm. Dark Hollow (1st Thurs), Jam (Last Ave, Berkeley, 7pm. Thurs), Other shows TBA at www.bluegrass- Bluegrass and acoustic series, San Gregorio MONDAYS society.org/calendrix. General Store, Highway 84 (at Stage Road), McGrath's Bluegrass jam, McGrath's Pub, Open Mic, Blue Rock Shoot, 14523 Big San Gregorio (650-726-0565), 11am-5pm. 1539 Lincoln Avenue, Alameda (510-522- Basin Way, Saratoga, (408-872-0309) -1st Sunday- 6263), 7:30-10:30pm. Fifth String Music Store Bluegrass Jam, SCVFA jam, Hoover Middle School, Naglee Baja Bluegrass jam (invitational), Baja 3051 Adeline St, Berkeley (510-548-8282), Ave. at Park Ave, San Jose. 1-5pm. Taqueria, 4070 Piedmont Ave.., Oakland 8pm. -2nd and 4th Sundays- (510-547-2252), 8pm. Contact Ed Neff and Friends jam at Willowbrook Old-time jam, Progressive Grounds Cafe, [email protected] to play. Ale House, 3600 Petaluma Blvd. N., 400 Cortland Ave. (Bernal Heights), SF, 3- Open mic, Red Rock Cafe, 201 Castro St. Petaluma (707-775-4232), 6:30-9:30pm. 6pm. Mtn. View, (650-967-4473),7:00 pm. -1st Thursday- -4th Sunday- -1st and 3rd Mondays- The NCBS’ “First Thursdays” bluegrass Bluegrass jam, California State Old Time Bean Creek band, Phil's Bluegrass series, series at the Prince of Wales Pub, 106 East Fiddlers Association, United Methodist Phil's Fish Market. 7600 Sandholdt Road, 25th Avenue, San Mateo (near the entrance to Church, Castro Valley (925-455-4970), 1:30- Moss Landing (831-633-2152), 6:30- Bay Meadows, 1 block east of El Camino 5pm. 8:30pm. Real), 8:00PM-11:00PM Amnesia Bluegrass series, Amnesia, 853 -3rd Thursday- OCCASIONAL BLUEGRASS VENUES Valencia St. (at 20th), SF (415-970-8336), Café Amsterdam, 23 Broadway, Fairfax, Barefoot Coffee Roasters, 5237 Stevens 7pm. 8:30PM-11:00PM. 415-256-8020. Creek Boulevard, Santa Clara, (408) 248- -2nd and 4th Mondays- -1st and 3rd Thursdays- 4500,7:30pm Courthouse Ramblers band, Phil's Fish Marin Bluegrass jam, Marin Lutheran Dana Street Coffee Roasting Company, 744 Market, 7600 Sandholdt Road, Moss Church, 649 Meadowsweet, Corte Madera, W. Dana Street, Mountain View, (650) 390- Landing (831-633-2152), 7-9pm. 7:30-10pm. 9638, 8pm TUESDAYS Open Mike - South Bay Folks Club, HMB Music/Events, The Half Moon Bay Sam's Bluegrass series, Sam's BBQ, 1110 S. Mission City Coffee Roasting Company, Brewing Company, 390 Capistrano Avenue, Bascom, San Jose (408-297-9151), 6-9pm: 2221 The Alameda, Santa Clara, (261-2221) Princeton-by-the-Sea, Half Moon Bay, (650- Bean Creek (1st Tues), Carolina Special (2nd FRIDAYS 728-BREW), www.hmbbrewingco.com/cal- Tues), Cabin Fever (3rd Thurs), Saucy Dogs -1st Friday- endar.htm, 7-10pm. (4th Tues.), Extreme Country (5th Tues.) 1st Friday series at Murphy's Irish Pub, 464 San Gregorio Country Store, Highway 84 -2nd and 4th Tuesdays- First St., Sonoma (707-935-0660), 8-10pm. and Stage Road, San Gregorio, CA 94074, NCBS Bluegrass jam, Dublin Heritage -2nd and 4th Fridays- (650) 726-0565, www.sangregoriostore.com Center Park, 6600 Donlon, Dublin, 7-9pm. Bluegrass slow jam (at Barbra and Eric WEDNESDAYS Burman's), 1145 El Solyo Hghts Drive, Felton Bluegrass jam, Fandango Pizza, corner of (335-3662), 7-9pm. Middlefield & Loma Verde in Palo Alto, 7-10 -SATURDAYS- pm. Contact info: 650-969-9038 or Fandango Americana, Roots Music series, Atlas Cafe, Pizza 650-494-2928. [email protected], 3049 20th St. (at Alabama), SF (415-648- Sam's Bluegrass series, Sam's BBQ, 1110 S. 1047), 4-7pm. Bascom, San Jose (408-297-9151), 6-9pm: Bluegrass and acoustic series, San Gregorio Sidesaddle (1st Wed), Diana and The Yes General Store, Highway 84 (at Stage Road), Ma’ams (2nd Wed), Sidesaddle (3rd Wed), San Gregorio (650-726-0565), 11am-5pm. Diana & the Yes Ma’ams (4thWed), Macrae Bluegrass and acoustic jam, Catz Roastery, STRING INSTRUMENTS Brothers (5th Wed), Sidesaddle & Co. (1st 6761 Sebastopol Ave.., Sebastopol (707-829- and 3rd Wed), Diana & the Yes Ma'ams (2nd *OLD & NEW*QUALITY* 6600), 2-5pm. & 4th Wed), MacRae Bros. band (5th Wed). *UNUSUAL* -2nd Saturday- -1st Wednesday- Hootenanny Night folk and acoustic series, Jeanie & Chuck's Bluegrass country jam, COMPLETE REPAIR * LESSONS Cafe International, 508 Haight St., SF (415- The Plough and Stars, 116 Clement (at 2nd *KNOWLEDGEABLE & 775-0221), 7-10:30pm. Ave.), SF (415-751-1122), 8-10:30pm. -2nd and 4th Saturdays- EXPERIENCED* -1st and 3rd Wednesdays- Murphy's Bluegrass series, Murphy's Irish Bluegrass jam, hosted by Tom Sours, Pub, 464 First St., Sonoma (707-935-0660), RECORDINGS * BOOKS * Murphy's Irish Pub, 464 First St., Sonoma 8pm. ACCESSORIES (707-935-0660), 8-10pm. SUNDAYS 1506 Webster St. Alameda, CA 94501 Whiskey Brothers band, Albatross Pub, American Roots Music Show series, The (510) 521-2613 1822 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley (510-843- Music Store, 66 W. Portal Ave.., SF, (415- 2473), 9pm. 664-2044), 3-6pm. Americana Unplugged Series, Jupiter [email protected] THURSDAYS Brewpub, 2181 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, Atlas Bluegrass series at Atlas Cafe, 3049 Tu-F 10:30-6:30, S&S 12-5pm 5:00pm. 20th St. (at Alabama), SF (415-648-1047), 8- www.ThinManMusic.com Jupiter old-time jam, Jupiter, 2181 Shattuck

8 BLUEGRASS BY THE BAY Northern California Bluegrass Society ...“Hello City Limits” (featuring Grizzley Peak) continued. from page 3 perform in public, spent time with us at cate a live performance, it is an absolute- Loneliness was recorded at Emeryville rehearsals, and then scheduled a series of ly unforgiving experience for the musi- Studios with Randy Rood at the board. pre-production rehearsals that he essen- cians, who know that the slightest mis- Randy and Pat Campbell put together the tially choreographed.” The skull sessions take will ruin the track. mix, and then it was on to Joe Weed, “the paid off, and the band went into the stu- master of the master,” as Patti describes dio confident that they knew their materi- But the Grizzlies were up for the chal- him, for the mastering. With a team of al frontwards, backwards and upside lenge and honed their chops going into pros like this pulling the levers, you down. the studio. “We wanted to sound ‘real,’ know the CD is a quality product. for want of a better word, to sound ‘live’ Grizzly Peak’s traditional style and song and Pat convinced us that we could live Grizzly Peak also scored a real coup selection led producer Campbell to with the inevitable rawness that will when they enlisted the services of graphic encourage the band to record live, rather always occur with a live recording,” said artist and bluegrass aficionado Frank than on individual tracks at different Patti. “Pat was unflagging in his support Holmes to design the cover artwork. times that would be mixed together later. and made us feel that we were working in Among Frank’s many accomplishments is The instruments and voices were miked a professional way, with a professional his distinctive album cover design for the separately, allowing for some adjustment producer, in a professional atmosphere. classic Beach Boys’ album Smile. The in the final mix, but everyone was in the That was his main influence.” CD, Heartbreak and Loneliness, is pretty same room, playing at the same time. much devoted to those cheerless topics. While this method results in a more The pre-production meetings started last Songs include Forty Years of Trouble, “authentic” sound (the way Bill and September, and by October the band was 1952 Vincent Black Lightning, This Ralph did it) and is the best way to repli- in the studio, rarin’ to go. Heartbreak and Morning at Nine, Hit Parade of Love, Montana Cowboy, True Life Blues, Your Worries and Troubles are Mine, SYLVAN MUSIC PRESENTS Those Memories of You and Moonshiner, along with the upbeat instrumentals Back Up and Push and Uptown Blues. So there’s a little sun- Clawhammer shine amidst the gloom after all. Next up for Grizzly Peak is the San Francisco Bluegrass and Old Time Banjo Workshop Festival’s post-celebration at the Plough with and Stars on Feb. 16. Also appearing will BOB CARLIN be the Deciders (formerly the Jewgrass Boys). I know there are a lot of folks, DAN LEVENSON DaY including this writer, looking forward to MARY McCASLIN Grizzly Peak’s CD release parties in SATURDAY March as well. Let’s all get out to these FEBRUARY 10TH performances and put on a big show of 9 AM to 5 PM support for our local favorites. UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 250 California St., Santa Cruz Bluegrass Box Score – Tim Flannery is This all day series of classes offers clawhammer banjo players at all levels the San Francisco Giants’ new third an opportunity to learn from the best, and a chance to meet and jam with base coach. Formerly a longtime player, other banjoists. coach and broadcaster for the San Diego Padres, Tim is also an avid bluegrass fan Bob Carlin and Dan Levenson are world renowned banjo players who and musician. He was raised in Kentucky have performed, recorded and taught clawhammer banjo for decades. and cites the music of Bill Monroe and Each has numerous recordings, instructional books and videos to his cred- the Everly Brothers as early influences. it. New CD on Page 6...... Review of Mary McCaslin’s He’s released several CDs and is a fre- Mary McCaslin has used her ability on clawhammer banjo for her strik- quent collaborator with all-around blue- ing renditions of “Bei Mir Bist De Schoen”, the Beatles’ “Blackbird” and grass wizard Dennis Caplinger. Check out the Who’s “Pinball Wizard.” She has 10 recordings to her credit. his website at www.timflannery.com and ICKETS & CLASS SCHEDULE: www.sylvanmusic.com / (831) 427-1917 send him a message welcoming him to SATURDAY EVENING CONCERT INFO: the Bay Area bluegrass community. (831) 475-4938 / [email protected]

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Member of the Northern California Bluegrass Society Inside the Possum Pages More CD Reviews by Brenda Hough...... Page 2

February 2007 the Possum Pages Welcome to the NCBS’s publication, the Possum Pages, an extension to the Bluegrass By the Bay magazine. You find yourself here because you are clever enough to have elected to receive your club’s monthly newspaper online. We will endeavour to entertain and enlighten you who join who join us in the great stride we take to serve the bluegrass community. theYour editor, Possum Mary Kennedy (408)241-5920 [email protected] Pages

CD Reviews by Brenda Hough

for Sugar Hill and with Blue Highway vet- Bill Yates & Friends: The Country eran Tim Stafford producing, the album is Gentlemen Tribute filled with sparkling jam band instrumen- MasterShield Corporation tals and heartfelt vocals – every bluegrass 6683 Vista Heights Road base is covered and the band has a sure-fire Bridgewater, VA 22812 homerun! ©2006 www.mastershieldrecords.com Both Jeremy Garrett and Andy Hall have voices that can define heartfelt and they Song list: Redwood Hill, The Secret of both are equally skilled at writing original the Waterfall, Remembrance of You, The Infamous Stringdusters: Fork in songs. Andy’s dobro and Chris Pandolfi’s East Virginia Blues, Son of Hickory the Road banjo punctuate the opening “No More To Holler’s Tramp, I’ll Break Out Again Sugar Hill Records Leave You Behind” and Jeremy’s fiddle Tonight, Little Bessie, The Young ©2007 adds flourishes to Andy’s lead vocal. “Fork Fisherwoman, Walking Down The www.sugarhillrecords.com in the Road” is another vocal powerhouse Line, Heaven, Two Little Boys, Blue with strong instrumentation. In fact, it’s Ridge Mountains Turning Green. Song list: No More to Leave You Behind, hard to choose a favorite instrument: the Fork in the Road, Starry Night, 3x5, 40 banjo and dobro are distinctive, but man- (CD Picture unavailable.) West, Tragic Life, Poor Boy’s Delight, dolin and fiddle are right there filling in the No Resolution, My Destination, Letter interludes. Chris’ banjo again adds the For many fans, the voice of Charlie From Prison, Dream You Back, Moon pulsing rhythm with Travis Book’s bass Waller was the Country Gentlemen, but Man. punching the rhythm for emphasis. Jesse many other artists have been part of the Cobb’s mandolin is featured in the instru- band over the years. Bill Yates was the mental “40 West” and his crunchy man- bass player for 18 years and is the sixth dolin solos are fused with banjo, fiddle and member of the band to be inducted into guitar solos. SPBGMA's Preservation Hall Of Greats. The band’s signature songs are presented Chris Eldridge, son of Ben Eldridge of the here by Bill and 6 outstanding bluegrass Seldom Scene, carefully crafts melodic musicians: Mike Phipps whose lead guitar leads and he also plays on Chris vocals soar and echo Charlie’s, Bill with Thile’s new release How To Grow A his amazing vocal range that can sing Woman From The Ground. “Starry Night” bass, tenor, lead and baritone parts, has a Blue Highwayesque sound with Darren Beachley on vocals and guitar, Jeremy’s lead vocal and Andy and Chris Dave Propst on mandolin and vocals, adding the harmony vocals. “Poor Boy’s Kevin Mallow on fiddle, Dave In the Southwest, people are warned about Delight” is a delightful change of pace with MacGlashan on bass and Scott Walker on flashfloods that appear on cloudless days Travis Book doing the lead vocal in a banjo. It’s a fine tuned ensemble with and sweep away everything in their paths. melodic dance tune. But each tune is just a carefully blended banjo from Scott, and Though each of the band’s six members part of a many-faceted performance gem. rhythm guitar punctuated by Dave’s crisp began his musical journey far from There’s something for everyone – inspired mandolin and the steady bass of Dave Nashville, their confluence in the music instrumentation carefully blended, original MacGlashan. capital has produced a tsunami of powerful songs with in the groove vocals, and an The Country Gentlemen were the first of music rooted in bluegrass but spiced with overall sense of synergy that makes the the “progressive” bluegrass groups, and youthful energy and experimentation. whole much more than its separate parts. Fork in the Road is the band’s debut album ...continued on page 3 2 Possum Pages Northern CaliforniaBLUEGRASS Bluegrass BY THE BAY Society continued from page 2 Dick Nunneley (mandolin, mandola, gui- book series, and Dale Cockrell and Butch the band adapted many songs with rock, tar), Joe Trimbach (mandolin, mandola, Baldassari, musicians and teachers in folk and country roots and transformed fiddle), and John Niemann (mandocello, Nashville have gathered fellow musicians them into bluegrass classics. Bob Dylan’s fiddle) became Maxim, Habib, Maurice and children to perform the songs so that “Walking Down The Line” has bouncy and Sonny and their joyful romp through the “unheard music” can be played and banjo and that marvelous vocal interplay unrestrained humor and melodies is cap- enjoyed. Schools should be particularly between the lead vocal and the response tured here in live recordings. interested in the series and students study- chorus that soars in perfect harmony. ing the American frontier period should “Heaven” is the ultimate gospel song with Humor aside, the mandolin performances experience the music of the times – before glorious harmonies and the soaring tenor are spectacular. There are several classical MTV and ipods! The 126 songs in the that touches the tops of the clouds. pieces including Mozart’s Eine Kleine books included parlor songs popular in the “Redwood Hill” is a Gordon Lightfoot Nachtmusik and a Bach concerto and day, stage and show songs, patriotic songs song that the group has transformed with fugue. Traditional Ukrainian melodies fly from the Civil War, hymns and spirituals, aggressive vocals and powerful banjo and by with the Russian “The Hills of fiddle tunes and play party songs. mandolin interchanges. While some Manchuria.” There is even a tribute to Bill “tribute albums” are pale imitations of the Monroe with a medley of his Roanoke, Several well-known musicians perform on real thing, this album succeeds in captur- Wheel Hoss and Big Mon. You haven’t the project. Mac Wiseman sings “The ing the sound and soul of one of bluegrass heard “Hernando’s Hideaway” until you Monkey’s Wedding,” which is a nonsensi- music’s greatest bands – the Country listen to the version here, but that is topped cal song based on the Drunken Sailor Gentlemen. by the enthusiastic “La Bamba.” A great melody. John Cowan sings a stirring high-stepping collection of tunes designed “Battle Cry of Freedom” which inspired to delight mandolin lovers everywhere! the Union Army during the Civil War. The The Mando Boys: Holstein Lust Riders in the Sky sing and play a meander- Borderland Productions ing “Arkansas Traveler” complete with PO Box 11952 Various Artists: The Arkansas Traveler farmer jokes and feisty fiddle. Butch Minneapolis, MN 55411 – Music From Little House On The Baldassari on mandolin, Mike Bub on www.peterostroushko.com Prairie bass, Matt Combs on fiddle, Bob Carlin on c.2006 Pa’s Fiddle Recordings banjo and Pat Enright on guitar perform PO Box 40269 many of the instrumentals including “Irish Song list: Russian Rag, Scott Joplin’s Nashville, TN 37204 Washerwoman” and “Money Musk.” The New Rag, Ester Iris, The Hills of c.2006 hymn “Happy Land” was mentioned many Manchuria, Lady Be Good, Bach’s www.pasfiddle.com times in the books and the joyous rendition Double Violin Concerto Dm, on the album is with the Peggy Duncan Roanoke/Wheel Hoss/Big Mon, Song list: Battle Cry of Freedom, Old Singers. Ukrainian Medley, Eine Kleine Dan Tucker, The Gum Tree Canoe, Nachtmusik, Hernando’s Hideaway, Money Musk, Green Grows the Laurel, Pineapple Rag, Air Mail Special, La Daisy Deane, Irish Washerwoman, Roll Rootbound Bamba. On Silver Moon, The Blue Juniata, Henry Koretzky Dixie’s Land, Happy Land, The 5609 River Road, 1st Floor Monkey’s Wedding, The Devil’s Dream, Harrisburg, PA 17110 Oh California, The Gypsy King, Bye www.rootboundmusic.com Baby Bunting, The Arkansas Traveler, in the pot. Song selection: Oh My Little Darling, Dark End of the Street, Are You Lonesome Tonight, There’s A Mailbox on the Dark Side of the Moon, I’ll Never Grow Tired of You, Fistful of Rain, How Much He Cares, Willie’s Last Stand, Brazos River Song, Memories That Bless and Burn, Mining Camp Blues, I wonder Where You Are Tonight, The Mando Boys were a band of four out- Thousands of Ladies Are Crying, If I standing musicians who donned outra- Should Fall Behind, Banjo Picking Girl. geous clothes and irrepressible humor and played marvelous melodies on an assort- Henry Koretzky and Deb Kaufman are a ment of mandolins and fiddles. Peter Songs and fiddle tunes were mentioned Pennsylvania-based duo who sing and play Ostroushko (mandolin, mandola, fiddle), throughout the Little House on the Prairie ...continued on page 4 Northern California Bluegrass Society Possum Pages 3 continued from page 3 Monroe Crossing: Into The Fire tar and banjo rhythm as the song builds 17625 Argon ST NW in the carefully choreographed style of the with blended vocals to retell the story of Ramsey, MN 55303 Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego. Louvin Brothers. Their mandolin and gui- C2006 tar-playing blend as effortlessly as their Fiddle and banjo dance a counterpoint to www.monroecrossing.com Lisa’s solo vocal and Matt’s mandolin just shimmers. Mark Anderson wrote “He Did Song list: Into The Fire, The Touch of Rise,” a joyous song with four part har- God’s Hand, Just A Closer Walk With monies and lots of scintillating mandolin. Thee, One Life, A Mother’s Last Word to Her Daughter, The Old Cross Road, The remaining other 13 songs are from Oak Grove Church, He Did Rise, other sources including Gillian Welch’s Orphan Girl, Satan’s Jeweled Crown, popular “Orphan Girl” that Lisa fills with Who’s That Knocking At My Door, the heartfelt emotion that doesn’t always Standing in the Need of Prayer, The Far come out in other versions. Lisa also does Side Banks of Jordan, Shut Up in the the lead vocal in the classic “Just A Closer Mines at Coal Creek, Get Thee Behind Walk With Thee.” Ronnie Bowman’s Me. “One Life” is an inspiring message of giv- voices, and like the figure skaters that ing love and not hate. Bill Monroe’s “The glide across the ice in perfect tandem, this Old Cross Road” is the nod at the band’s musical pair joins in a note for note glide namesake and the band puts a special spin that makes each song special. on their version with a strong mandolin The traditional songs include “Are You rhythm punctuated with bass tapping. The Lonesome Tonight” from the Carter band recorded the songs “live” on a Decca Family and “I’ll Never Grow Tired of tree mike set-up and the resulting sound You” from the singing of Carter Stanley. has all the excitement of a live perform- Henry and Deb have a particularly effec- ance and the energy of a band playing in tive vocal harmony ending to “Are You its groove. Lonesome Tonight.” Ginny Hawker has been one of Deb’s mentors and her influ- Blue Railroad Train: Going Back to the ence is strong in Deb’s vocal interpreta- Monroe Crossing is a Minnesota based tion of “I’ll Never Grow Tired of You.” Riverside band, and is often called the “Midwest’s Redstart Records Premier Bluegrass and Gospel Quintet.” Warren Zevon and Bruce Springsteen are ©2006 This 7th CD certainly shows that the title [email protected] definitely not traditional song writers, but is well deserved. They will also be per- Deb and Henry transform Warren’s forming at the 2007 Grass Valley Festival, “Fistful of Rain” with a strong bass guitar Song list: Fast Train to Paris, Bound to so California fans new and old will be able Ride, Blue Trail of Sorrow, Riding My line and a fast paced mandolin chop, to cheer on this great band. tremolo and lead break. Springsteen’s love Thumb to Mexico, Je resterai un jour (I Will Stay Someday), Good Deal Lucille, song “If I Should Fall Behind” has a won- Obviously named after Bill Monroe, the derful guitar accompaniment that wraps Douce Katie (Katy Dear), It Doesn’t band has strong roots in the traditional Matter Any More, Turkey in the itself around the voices. Suzanne Thomas’ bluegrass sound. The vocals and lead gui- “Memories That Bless and Burn” is a Strawberries, Sittin’ in an All-Nite Café, tar of Art Blackburn and the powerful fid- The Honky Tonk Song, I’m Going Back powerful hymn to a life in the hereafter dle and lead vocals of Lisa Fuglie com- and the powerful singing of Rootbound to the Riverside, Mole in the Ground, bine with Matt Thompson’s crystal clear Big Mamou, Slow Train to Dunmore. makes this song one of the most heartfelt mandolin playing to produce a band sound on the album. Deb and Henry have also that is powerful, heartfelt and totally satis- (CD Picture not available.) included some of their own original songs. fying. Rounding out the band are Mark Henry’s “Willie’s Last Night” is a twist on Anderson on bass and bass vocals and the old murder ballads and in this song Take an American bluegrass veteran of the Jason Ericsson on banjo. (The superb gui- Charles River Valley Boys and the New Willie gets his comeuppance. “Thousands tar and mandolin playing may be as much of Ladies Are Crying” is Deb’s tale of the York City Ramblers (one of David a tribute to luthier Lloyd LaPlant as to Grisman’s first bands) and add 4 French soldiers who died at the battle of Matt and Art’s skills) Gettysburg. Rootbound succeeds in giv- musicians, and you have a bistro bluegrass blend with carefully blended harmonies, ing life to songs from the roots of old-time “Into The Fire” opens the album and Lisa and country music and carefully grafts its straight-ahead bluegrass instrumentation Fuglie’s original song has a slow man- and a Gallic charm that has made this own branches with their own songs and dolin opening joined with a powerful gui- tunes crafted from other genres. continued on page 5... 4 Possum Pages Northern California Bluegrass Society continued from page 4 group one of the top European bands at Only the European World of Bluegrass festi- vals. James Field is the lead vocalist and guitar 6 player that fronts the band. His bluegrass background and love for old country songs gives the group an eclectic song selection that includes Ralph Stanley’s Short Months “Bound to Ride” and the delightful Johnny Rodriguez tune, “Riding My Thumb to Mexico.” Philippe Perrard is a until the prize winning guitarist, Thierry Lecocoq Unlimited, and this CD gives Dave and plays both fiddle and mandolin with Steve Ison an opportunity to display their exquisite taste and writes many of the excellent instrumental skills and their group’s songs. Sharon Lombardi plays brother duet harmonies. The guitar and Good Old bass and Jean-Marie Redon adds the hard- mandolin have a very strong presence with driving banjo to the group’s sound. the punctuating notes of the mandolin blending well with the rhythm guitar. “They Don’t Make Country Music Like Fashioned The haunting “Douce Katie” (Katy Dear) has Sharon’s lyrics and lead vocal. They Used To” is one of Dave’s original There’s smooth harmonies in Thierry’s songs, and the guitar picking and lyrics “Fast Train to Paris” and sparkling man- evoke the early country sound of ’52 Bluegrass Festival dolin combined with crisp banjo in all the before “Garth and that whole bunch come instrumentals. The group does a great along.” Dave’s lyrical tenor shines on swing-jazz “Turkey in the Strawberries.” “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive,” and Even Paul Anka’s “It Doesn’t Matter his voice has a layer of heartbreak on “You r Anymore” gets a Eurograss treatment. Don’t Know,” another Cantrell original. Even the allure of the country gets a Steve and Dave have that duet high lone- French twist. Thierry’s “I’m Going Back some sound mastered on the gospel song to the Riverside” yearns for the “valley of “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” and Held in beautiful the Rhone with a cottage made of stone.” they add a Celtic flavor to Dave’s gospel All the stops are off in the band’s per- song, “Faraway Land.” Dave and Steve formance of “Big Mamou” complete with have an excellent core sound and future Bolado Park fast fiddling, sparkling banjo and a few projects with a full band and more intense well-chosen hoots and hollers in French. harmonies could be the beginning of a fine Definitely a special listening experience. bluegrass band. Hollister

Dave Cantrell: Take Me Back qwereuywe 2014 Shiloh Church Road California Seymour, TN 37865 fyjl plkji [email protected] asfhkoiuhg c. 2004 July Song list: Young Like You Again, House of Gold, Aragon Mill, They Don’t Make Is your NCBS membership Country Music Like They Used To, deceased? You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive, Year 2007 of 35, How Mountain Girls Can Love, You Don’t Know, Kentucky Waltz, Go T A I L E N D Rest High on That Mountain, Faraway Land, Peace in the Valley. Hey, Bubba, Thanks for hanging Dave Cantrell was hailed as “prime exam- www.ncbs.us out with us! ple of musical artistry” in Bluegrass [email protected]

Northern California Bluegrass Society Possum Pages 5