Eight Days a Week

Want to enjoy a great evening - go see this movie!  I took in the film a few weeks ago with my daughter Kelly at the Cinema Capitol in Rome.  Makes me feel pretty good that she and I share this musical itch!

The evening reminded me of the saying it's not how someone makes you think it's how they make you feel. I remember how the Beatles made me feel as a 11-year-old kid and wanted to see if this film would bring back those feelings (it did!).   The excitement just waiting for the film to start reminded me of standing in line at the Uptown Theater in Utica with my brother and cousins.   The joy of seeing and hearing the music!   I also wondered if  Kelly would  feel some of the same excitement that I felt on the Beatles first arrived in the US (yeah, a little of it) There's been nothing like it since.

I had high expectations for this movie and they were exceeded at every level. The music was brilliant and way better than I had expected.  The live recordings were crisp and it was amazing how they  synced the music with the images.  Every song had me tapping my foot  and as I sat in the back row I noticed most of the audience was doing the same.  No one was quiet during a Beatles concert back in the 60s and it was not quiet in the theater either.  Many of the  folks there were sharing their experiences from the old days and were expressing amazement at  the performance they were seeing. Some of the young folks there were seeing the real Beatles in action for the first time in a way that's never been presented before.

We all knew the Beatles were tight but watching the Shea stadium performance at the end of the movie shows just how tight a band this was.   With the sound scrubbed of the screaming, you could see that the Beatles were nearly perfect in their timing with excellent  harmonies and made few minor mistakes.  And as we know the decibel level and at Shea Stadium that day was similar to a jet plane taking off so it was clear that the Beatles could barely hear each other while performing.  But they delivered a performance for the ages.  Beyond that though just watching them interact on stage and react to each other's signals and moves showed how  connected to each other they were!  Yes it brought back the joy!

It's rare that a movie brings you back to a time that you thought you would never experience again but Eight Days A Week does it.  I think I can watch this movie 100 times and never get tired of it.

My New Best Friend

For sometime know I've had the itch to try  playing the 5 string banjo - Old Time Clawhammer style.  I've been playing OT music now going on 20 years, and it still keeps me coming back for more.    Guitar and mandolin have been the primary tools of the trade for me, but I know at the heart of the Old Time sound it's the Clawhammer banjo that makes all the difference.

About a year ago a friend of mine who plays OT put his Bacon up for sale - a well cared for vintage instrument.     I went over to his place and he played it for me and I just had to have it.    Then the frustration started!

Learning Clawhammer means your hands have to adapt to a playing position that is quite uncomfortable for a guitar player, and takes a lot of physical practice to get.    Took me about 3 months of determined practice - 15 minutes to an hour 4-5 days a week to get the position.  

Then it seemed like I woke up one day and had it!    My hand fell right into position on the banjo, kept pretty decent time and made some pretty nice sounds.    Why it works this way I really don't know, but months of practice finally paid off.    Practice became fun time again - hours went by in minutes when I was playing the banjo.

Playing tunes in the D and G tunings actually came pretty quick - the banjo is laid out so most of the melodies are really accessible and knowing the tunes from playing mandolin and guitar gave me a huge start getting things going.

I also have to credit the book "Banjo Without Tears"  by Hillary Dirlam as giving me a basic foundation as to how the rhythm should sound.     It also helped to have some great support from my bandmates in Springhouse who allowed me to play a few tunes and songs on the banjo in performance (which made me practice harder to get stage ready).    Here's one of the first times I played out on the banjo.

Now I'm not a pro by any means, but after one year I can play dozens of tunes in a few keys, and accompany a bunch of songs.    And every time I pick the banjo up it's just plain fun.
Get one - you'll see!!

Masters of the Fiddle at MWPAI

 Last night Claire and I went to see the Masters of the fiddle concert with our friends John and Gail Brett at Munson Williams (part of their concerts in the court series). I've enjoyed hundreds of concerts over the years but this was one of the best. Our tickets were a 60th birthday gift from my friends and music pals from our local Irish group, Craobh Dugan (thanks Jim, Di, Mike, Chris, Skip, and Jen) and I can't think of another birthday present I've enjoyed this much.



My expectations were very high for this show - I'd seen Natalie MacMaster twice before and was in awe of her talents - both as a fiddler and performer. Donnell Leahy I had heard a few times but never really plugged into his music.

The Concerts in the Court Series at the MWPAI is one of the best concert venues around the Mohawk Valley, and each year they bring in Nationally and Internationally known musicians. Claire and I have probably attended 20 or so concerts there over the years, and the room is a perfect setting to create a very intimate relationship between the artist and the audience. Not all acts pull it off, but throughout the evening Natalie and Donnell had me feeling like I was sitting in their living room at a family session.

So my high expectations were exceeded shortly after the show started. Masters of the fiddle may be an understatement. Both Natalie and Donnell are not only comfortable with their fiddles, but it almost seems like they are part of the instrument. They have complete command of their bows. To watch some great musicians perform it seems that they are putting in little effort. Not the case here - both put their body and soul into their music. They don't just play the fiddle - their body's move and dance and become part of the music as it happens.

Natalie is expecting their 6th child in three weeks - and put on a very demanding physical show.    But having seen her in the past I don't think she can play any other way than all in with every part of her moving to the music.   Not only did she play but she danced - Cape Breton step dancing is not the easiset form of dance - she's just one truely amazing performer!

They performed many tunes that I play, or know through listening.   The styles are very eclectic - but mostly rooted in  the Northern fiddling traditions.    Some of the variations on old standards such as Donnell's rendition of King of the Fairies rephrased and remade the tune into his own - and to me that's the mark of a true master.    Anyone can play the tune, but not anyone can take it and create something entirely both new and respectful of the tradition from where it came.    And the joy they both play with and show on stage is contagious - I looked around the audience a few times and saw smiles everywhere!


What added so much to the evening was the interludes between tunes when they both told stories of how they grew into the music and how they met.    Natalie described growing up in Cape Breton in a way that struck home.    She said that the music was everywhere.   Everyone played.   Totally surrounded by it.    I've only been immersed in music a few times in my life attending the Augusta Heritage Old Time and Cajun weeks and I understand what she meant.   When you are in that state you hear music even when it's not playing - it becomes part of you.   Having been around it for a week and experiencing it raised my total musical experience and made me a better musician.   Growing up with it creates genius like Natalie and Donnell.    I can't wait to hear the music their children will make - we got a taste of it and you can see that the kids are already comfortable playing and performing.



The whole show was almost three hours long.   Three hours with them seemed like 15 minutes.   They are not only Masters of the Fiddle, but Masters of the Stage - they captured the audience and took us on an incredible musical journey.    Now if I can just remember how Donnell rephrased the King of the Fairies, and Natalie's great first few bars of Harvest Home and bring a little of that into my playing............

Christmas Music - Bills Christmas top 5 Songs and Tunes

And so this is Christmas!   Another one rolls around and all the hoopla begins - earlier than ever it seems.   The advertising and assault on the senses to get you to buy more stuff is more relentless than I ever remember.   If it wasn't for all that good Christmas Music I would lose it.

But the day can't come till I hear my Christmas top 5 songs - some classic, some obscure, some variations or new versions - but all favorites that I especially enjoy this time of year.  Check em out if you get a chance before the season slips by.




Number 1 -  "Merry Christmas -War is Over"  Plastic Ono Band.   This song has come a long way from being a protest piece in it's day to being played alongside Bing Crosby.   It has an anthem like quality that makes you want sing along till the end.  Plus, the line "And so this is Christmas"" is Lennon at his sarcastic best.   The chorus vocals include the Harlem Community Choir - a real nice Christmas gesture by John.

Number 2 - "Merry Christmas From the Family"  Robert Earl Keen.    If your family is anything like mine, you will enjoy this one.  Keen captures the feeling of a family Christmas gathering similar too the way National Lampoons Christmas Vacation does - the song almost sounds like it belongs in that movie!     

He also recognizes the diversity that exists in today's society with some of his clever lyrics.   And is there a better opening line than "Mom got drunk, dad got drunk, at our Christmas party"?

Number 3 - "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" - Butch Baldasari.   When I first heard this track - one the weather channel no less - I was hooked.   This tune was made for the mandolin.   I tracked down the CD and have been playing along since I found it.  The arrangement of the tune is cool and the ringing crosspicking and dual descending melody notes make for a refreshing version of an old, old, standard - that I used to hate!!

Number 4 - "Zat You Santa Claus" - Louis Armstrong.    I first heard the Buster Poindexter version on MTV and was hooked on this one, not knowing it was a Louis Armstrong recorded in the 50's when Louis did several Christmas CD's for Decca Records I love the part where he sings Please, a-please, a pity my knees and the big ending after some more knocking from the drums - "that's him alright"!   Is anyone cooler than Louis?  



Number 5 - "White Christmas "  John Fahey - from the classic fingerpicking album "John Fahey's Christmas Guitar".   When a master takes on a classic, the results usually are pretty good.  Here they are great.  Fahey takes some neat twists and turns on the standard and it sounds like it was made for fingerpicking guitar, but try to do it!!   Actually, like Evergreen - I like em all on this CD and it's a christmas staple in my Christmas CD rotation.



Well those are my favorites - love to hear your's!  Merry Christmas.

The Happy Valley Fiddlers Convention

Been a while since I've written and a lot of things have passed.   More to come on that.  

Just back in town from one of the most enjoyable weekends Claire and I have  spent in a while - at the "Happy Valley Fiddlers Convention" in Lenoir NC.   This festival is the most enjoyable and well run I've attended ever.   The format is unique - especially to us Northerners.   Most of the festival is competitions for individual instruments and bands Friday and Saturday -followed by a lineup of great performances on Sunday.  These folks have the right idea - bring a lot of musicians together and let them play!!!



Onstage at Happy Valley

We (The Flophouse String Band and our roadie Claire ) went down there to compete in the band competition, but really to see a lot of friends too and enjoy the music.   The FSB gets together once a year, which is not enough, and Happy Valley was this years gig.  There are a lot of good friends in and around Lenoir - Conrad, Alex and Anne Bernhardt, Pat and Kay Crouch, Ron and Laura Shuffler - who we always look forward to visiting.   And when at Happy Valley you are sure to make a few new friends, which we all did. 

We arrived Friday and got together at Conrads place to practice our set.   In the contest you are only allowed two numbers, so we went with our favorites (or at least mine).   It took no time at all to get re-acquainted musically.   After some practice and jamming we went down to the festival.

Conrad -this may get you into heaven

This is really one festival that you want to attend - only about 450 people, a great location, good music, and a mix of people young and old.   One of the first things that stood out Saturday was the children's performance.  Conrad and a few other musicians put together a group of kids who never played an instrument, and in 30 days had them on the stage performing a few numbers.   

I caught a lot of the contests Saturday as well - the level of musicianship down in this part of the country is unbelievable!   Every act sounded like a first prize winner.   Over 100 musicians competed in the individual and band competitions, and it was worth listening to all.  

We were part of the Bluegrass Band competition and went on next to last.   Gave us plenty of time to mill around behind the stage and meet other musicians (one of my favorite pastimes).   I met quite a few who share my passion for Gibson Guitars and Mandolins and saw some pretty neat vintage instruments.  A lot of hardware!   Listening to the other bands in front of us also gave me a lot of confidence - they were good but so were we!



Showtime - the FSB in full gear - Becky, Me, Wayne, and Susan

 We went on and did our two numbers - the performance was as good as we have ever given - Susan, Wayne, and Becky were all right there. 

Me and Wayne

I felt like I was too, and most of all it was FUN!!!    The crowd gave us a big hand so I knew we had nailed it.   Two songs goes fast and it was over quickly.   We got a lot of compliments backstage from some pretty talented people and now had to wait to see if we would make the finals.   Well we did not - but either way we were pretty happy  - the competition was good but so were we and someone had to be cut.

In a way it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened.   Michael Cleveland (9 time IBMA Fiddle player of the year) showed up at Alex's campsite, along with Uwe and Jens Krueger, Patrick Crouch, and Ron Shuffler for a jam session.   5 world class musicians!!!   We would have missed it had we made the next round.   The jam lasted almost three hours, and these folks know how to play with each other.  


The saturday night jam with the Kruger Brothers, Patrick Crouch, Michael Cleveland, Ron Shuffler and many more!

Standards like Sally Goodin lasted 15 minutes as they traded licks - each time a little better, and you did not want it to end.  I had a seat right next to Michael, and it was a joy to have his fiddle in my ear.   And there may have been 20 people there to listen to a session that could have commanded a top dollar! 

After that we went down to the performance tent to listen to the same folks again.   Great music - the jam was just the warmup!!!   We went to bed that night with a lot of music in our ears.



Strictly Clean and Decent with Mike Cleveland

Reggie Harris and Mike

Sunday - the last day - was all about performance's - we say our good friends "Strictly Clean and Decent" - Patrick and Kay Crouch, and Ron Shuffler put on an excellent set, followed by The Harris Brothers, Wayne Henderson and the Herb Key  Band, Laura Boosinger, and finally Michael Clevelands group.  Michael sat in with most of the groups. 
Even though a super talent he played as member of the band each time till it was his turn to headline.  And he did.   If there is a better fiddler in Bluegrass I have not heard them.   He attacks the fiddle with a passion unchained by any conventions.   You can tell he listens to a lot of music as his breaks are not standard bluegrass licks - he brings in stuff from all genres.  

Ron and Mike

One of the best numbers of his set was a piece he played on an 8 string fiddle - it sounded like three fiddles playing at once - and it was as clear as a bell  ringing!   I cant wait to see (and hear) him again!!!

The vibe was great and many of the folks sang along or got up and danced.

Alex and Anne enjoying a waltz

   When a massive thunderstorm broke out and power went off Laura Boosinger lead the audience in an acapella rendition of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" - one of the weekends highlights!!

Josh samling the pierogis

Me, Becky, Claire, and Wayne

After the concerts we headed back to camp for some food and goodbyes.   Patrick and Kay put on a nice spread and we hung around and watched the festival move on.   I never thought Pierogis and Indian Curry would be a food pairing but it was excellent.     We had a few photo ops and then it was time to say goodbye. Hard to do after such an amazing weekend.

The really amazing part of this is that the festival only charges an admission of $10 per person on saturday - friday and sunday are free ( and up in the great white north sundays show could have easily fetched $40)  They raise money from sponsors and from free will offerings, and a lot of volunteer elbow grease.   One of the nicest things to see at the end of the day on sunday is how most of the folks in attendance pitch in and help pick up the chair and debris!  

This will be an annual event on our calender - a long way from Rome but well worth the trip!!!