grass clippings -...

Volume 23 Issue 6 April/May 2018

GRASS CLIPPINGS

DESERT BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION

At the DBA 2018 Annual Meeting, held on February 19th, the Board of Directors was voted into office by the membership present. The Board consists of the officers and trustees of the DBA. One new trustee, Dale Vikroy, was elected. Andy McLeod retired from the Board

Dave Polston Jeff Collins Mike Headrick Marlene Simpson President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Paul (Doc) Simpson Carole Wothe John David Bonnie Lohman Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Dale Lynn Vickroy Scott Warren David Lanham Trustee Trustee Trustee

2018 DBA OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES

Newsletter Editor--John David: For information concerning letters to the editor, reviews, contributing newsletter articles, submitting Concert & Band Listing information, Contact John via phone at (520) 400-8853, e-mail, [email protected], or snail mail, 8205 E. Crooked Tree Trail, Tucson, AZ 85715

Webmaster--Dale Lynne Vickroy: For information concerning the DBA website www.desertbluegrass.org contact the webmaster at [email protected]

Membership Secretary--Mike Headrick: To join the DBA, renew a membership or submit an address change, contact Mike via phone at (520) 760-0745, email, [email protected] or snail mail, 13308 Placita el Algodon Tucson, AZ 85749

Publicity--Mike Headrick: Contact Mike at (520) 760-0745 or [email protected]

Advertising-- John David: To purchase advertising in our newsletter, contact by phone or email

How to Contact the DBA

OFFICERS

NEWSLETTER ADVERTIZING PRICES 1/4 PAGE--$25 PER ISSUE, $100 ANNUAL 1/2 PAGE--$40 PER ISSUE, $160 ANNUAL FULL PAGE--$60 PER ISSUE $240 ANNUAL CLASSIFIED ADS--$5 FOR 5 LINES OR LESS*

*DBA Members Free, Space Permitting

The opinions expressed in the DBA newsletter are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views of the Desert Bluegrass Association, its staff or members. Reviews, concert listings, band announcements and advertising are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement by the Desert Bluegrass Association. In the event of an error, our liability is limited to printing a correction. Copyright 2013,. All Rights Reserved.

PAGE 2 GRASS CLIPPINGS VOLUME 23 ISSUE 6

President:: Dave Polston (520)245-6126 [email protected]

Vice President: Jeff Collins (520)403-4062 [email protected]

Secretary: Mike Headrick (520)760-0745 [email protected]

Treasurer: Marlene Simpson (520)355-4000 [email protected]

TRUSTEES Carole Wothe (520)760-0993 [email protected]

John David (520)400-8853 [email protected]

Scott Warren (520)419-7556 [email protected]

Paul “Doc” Simpson (520)298-9746 [email protected]

Bonnie Lohman (520)349-4812 [email protected]

David Lanham (520)749-0335 [email protected]

Dale Lynne Vickroy (520)664-0340 [email protected]

VOLUME 23 ISSUE 6 GRASS CLIPPINGS

GREAT WEBSITES

Desert Bluegrass Association www.desertbluegrass.org

Arizona Bluegrass Association www.arizonabluegrass.com

Bluegrass Arizona Blog www.bluegrassarizona.blogspot.com

Daily Dose of Bluegrass; www.bluegrassonthetube.com

Bluegrass Lyrics http://bluegrasslyrics.com/

Bluegrass Tablature http://www.alltabs.com/bluegrass_tabs.php

Bluegrass Backing Tracks http://www.fbbts.com/

Guitar: www.bluegrassguitar.com/

Fiddle: www.fiddlehangout.com

Banjo: www.banjohangout.org

Bass: www.bluegrassbassplace.com

Mandolin: www.mandohangout.com/ http://www.mandolincafe.com/

Dobro: www.reso-nation.org www.resohangout.com

GREETINGS FELLOW BLUEGRASS LOVERS By Dave Polston

Happy spring pickers!!!!

We survived that harsh Arizona winter! Now that your fingers have thawed out, time to pick! It is time for our annual festival and everything is in place for a suc-cessful time. Thanks to David Lanham, Jeff Collins, Holly Tripp and the rest of the committee for all their hard work. Now it is up to all of you to help make it a success. We are the main advertising outlet for our association. It is up to us to spread the word and turn every-one we know onto bluegrass mu-sic. Last year we utilized social media and it helped reach out to

the masses. Let's flood Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and all those other things that our kids and grandkids use to enlighten the world of the wonderful bluegrass community we have here in the desert. You can go to the DBA Facebook page and share the post we have there. I also would encourage you (especially banjo players) to invite your neighbors, after they hear how cool our music is they will quit calling the police on you. Bring 2 of your friends (banjo players, you gotta at least have one) out to the beautiful new festival site. We have a great selection of Arizona bands along with national headliner, Chris Jones and the Night Drivers. Make sure to visit the web-site, www.maranafestival.com, for all the details. Performance schedules, workshop topics and times, along with band bio's and videos, ticket and camping information can be found there.

With the new location we have lots of camping space which means jam sessions after the shows. There will be numerous jams, from slow jams to advance Pickin going on, so bring your instruments and have a blast, everyone should be able to find a jam to put all that work you've done into fun!!!

Ok, get out there and tell everyone we are 2 weeks away from Bluegrass Utopia! Keep on Pickin!!!

GRASS CLIPPINGS VOLUME 23 ISSUE 6

Continued on Page 5

VICE PRESIDENT REPORT FOR THE DBA By Jeff Collins

Wow, time seems to be zooming by. I hope you all are enjoying the color

version of our Newsletter on the Internet. I think in time we can have it have

links to performances and extra reading material. There’s so much you can

do with it.

The Festival has kept me plenty busy these days. I’m sort of the role of Co-

Chair, I deal with the musicians on their contracts, negotiating Lodging for

our out of town performers, being volunteer coordinator, scheduling

workshops, dealing with Marana on technical issues, working on advertising,

and now perhaps MC of the Festival. Milo can’t make it this year, we

recently found out and with a month to go you’ll have to put up with yours truly, unless a miracle

happens. Don’t worry, we have some class acts filling in the show. If you haven’t got your tickets or

camping reservations, please do so online via PayPal, a new feature we have this year. We still

have a few slots for volunteers so grab one, we can use the help and 4 hours gets you the whole

weekend of entertainment.

As for my band, Ocotillo Rain and Thunder. We’ve

lost a few members lately as you may know; no one

died. They left happy with other things on their plate

to pursue. We are on our third bass player in two

months, but it seems to be working out so far. We

are down to seven members from our original 12. A

real Bluegrass band. We have two guitars, a

Mandolin, a bass, a Dobro, and a banjo. We had a

fantastic time playing the Berger Center at the

Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind. They really

appreciated our act. We also did a huge fundraiser

for Interfaith Community Services, a local Tucson

Charity. The event is called Empty Bowls, in which

artisans create beautiful ceramic bowls which people pick to fill

with soups created by local famous chefs. They pay a fee of

$25 to enter the event which covers the soup and bowls. There

are also raffles and other prizes. Our band raised $900 prior to

the event which we gave them a

check for and another $87 in tips

at the event. ICS had a good

fundraiser estimating about 1400

people for the event. We have

been doing this event for three years and they asked us to come

back next year. So far to date we have given over $17,000 to

charities by selecting one month at a time; giving back to the

community and following the DBA mission statement.


NEW TRUSTEE

By John David, Editor

Prior to the annual meeting on February 19th, Andy McLeod announced that he was retiring from the Board of Directors. The remaining board members consisting of the Association officers and the trustees fully understand his need to move on. We will miss his insight, leadership and contributions to the management of the DBA. Andy has contributed signifi-cantly to the success of the organization during his ten-ure and provided an invaluable service as webmaster of the DBA website. Fair winds Andy and Keep On

Pickin’.

Dale Lynn Vickroy has volunteered to become the new webmaster and will maintain the website for the organiza-tion. At the annual meeting, Dale was elected to the Board of Directors as a Trustee. The remaining Board members were unanimously re-elected for an-other term.

Dale retired from the IBM Tucson Programming Center after 30 years with the company. Most of those years were spent in the Mid-Hudson Valley in New York. She then spent 10 years as a "wildcat developer" and is now settling down. Bluegrass music is new to her; she only started playing dobro 2 years

ago and feels she is making progress mainly thru the Monday night workshops.

I have a challenge for all of you. Form a band, practice

together, get some small gigs or even busking with a tip jar;

give all the money to our local charities, there are plenty of

people in our community in need of help. It’s a very rewarding

feeling and so much fun playing music with your friends.

VICE PRESIDENT REPORT FOR THE DBA (Continued)


Continued on Page 12

FEBRUARY 2018 VA JAM PHOTOS

VOLUME 23 ISSUE 6 PAGE 8 GRASS CLIPPINGS

BANDS The 2 Lazy 2 Ranch Band John Hall 520-647-1234

Bear Canyon Ramblers Marilyn 520-760-0479 [email protected] www.bearcanyonramblers.com

Cabin John Howard Anderson--480-897-7425 Anni Beach--480-963-6811 www.cabinjohnbluegrass.com

Dusty River Boys Rich Errico 520 818 0358 [email protected]

Jam Pak Blues 'N' Grass Neighborhood Band www.jampak.com Anni Beach - 480-963-6811

Los Hombres Kenny Erickson 520-235-7473

MojoGrass 520-369-7524 www.facebook.com/mojograss [email protected]

Ocotillo Rain and Thunder Contact: Holly Tripp Phone: 520-241-8421 Web: ocotillorain.blogspot.com

Old Pueblo Bluegrass Reid Griffin 520-349-4321 http://www.maranafestival.com/old-pueblo-bluegrass.html

Peter McLaughlin 520-247-1027

Scattered Grass www.scatteredgrass.com [email protected] Bob Frankot 520-299-7479

The Sonoran Dogs Peter McLaughlin 520-247-1027 Brian Davies 520-349-9497 www.thesonorandogs.com

Titan Valley Warheads Ed Davenport 520-904-6050 www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/The-Titan-Valley-Warheads/161939573828277

Way Out West Emmy Creigh 520-323-0704

Reid Griffin Guitar Instruction All Levels and Styles (520) 349-4321

Nate Lee Live Online Mandolin & Fiddle Lessons 469-383-4840 www.TheNateLee.com

Andy McCune Bluegrass & clawhammer banjo, mandolin, and beginning Dobro 520-869-6818

Peter McLaughlin Flatpick & bluegrass guitar: Be-ginner & advanced 520-247-1027

Dave Polston Banjo, Guitar & Dobro lessons 520-245-6126

Mike Purdy Guitar, mandolin & Banjo 520-977-9780

Marc Rennard Fiddle, Mandolin, and Guitar 314-313-0318 [email protected] Expert repairs – Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Fretted Instruments Bow Rehair

Jeff Sanders Guitar & banjo Chicago Store Eastside 520-850-9802

INSTRUCTION

TO INSTRUCTORS & BANDS

Would you like your services, band, and or concerts listed on our website www.desertbluegrass.org? Current DBA members can be listed by sending their contact information to Dale Lynne Vickroy at [email protected]. Refer to the 'Links' tab on the homepage to view current band and instructor information. We have added a second calendar on the website for other (non- DBA) concerts and events. If you have something scheduled that you would like added to the calendar: send me the date, time and address info. You may also include a link to your band's website or to a special event flyer. Info can be posted

under the 'Events' tab. That would need to be specifically requested since I expect that people will begin using the calendar instead. Please submit information in plain text. Varied fonts, colors, for-matting, and inserted graphics are extremely time consuming to match in the webpage editor.

callto:+1469-383-4840


MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL By Mike Headrick - Secretary

Hi Bluegrass Fans,

It is the time of year when we ask our members to check the expiration date of their DBA memberships and renew their memberships if needed. In the Desert Bluegrass Association we use a common expiration date. All expirations for the year occur on March 1st. The advantage of this approach is that we can focus on membership renewals once per year. So I am asking you to take a minute and see if you need to renew. If you received your newsletter electronically, check the e-mail for your expiration date.

If you received this newsletter via postal mail, check the mailing label. If it Continued on Page 11


says “expires 2-18” above your name then your membership needs to be renewed. You may renew either by mail or from our website. To renew by mail simply fill out the form in the newsletter, enclose a check made out to DBA, then mail it to the address listed. If your information is current you don’t even need to fill out the form - just include the mailing address with your payment. To renew from the website go to www.desertbluegrass.org, look for the “join DBA” area, click the “buy now” button and follow the instructions. Either way is simple and easy. Plus the cost is only $20 per year for the family - a great value.

The DBA promotes and preserves Bluegrass Music in so many ways. Think of the workshops, the jams, the festival, the clinics, the website, the newsletter, the directory, the youth scholarships and more. All of this happens because of two things: First, the hard work of incredible volunteers and second, your memberships which provide needed funds. So renew today and keep supporting Bluegrass Music in Southern Arizona.

Thanks

Mike Headrick

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL (Continued)

http://www.desertbluegrass.org


FOX ON THE RUN © 2017 By Wayne Erbsen

In the early 1970s “Fox on the Run” was among the most requested bluegrass songs. Along with “Rocky Top,” a bluegrass band could scarcely play a show without fans yelling for “Rocky Top” or “Fox on the Run.” The song was written in 1968 by an Englishman named Tony Hazzard and first recorded as a rock song by Manfred Mann in February, 1969. The first bluegrass band to record it was Cliff Waldren and the New

Shades of Grass. Listening to this bluegrass recording, a lot of people were puzzled by one line of the lyrics that sounded like Cliff was singing “I fillustrate a girl.” Of course, nobody had a clue what Cliff was singing about. Relief came in 1970 when “Fox on the Run” was recorded by the Country Gentlemen. The lead singer, Charlie Waller, clearly sang “I see

a string of girls,” which made a lot more sense than “I Fillustrate” a girl, so that’s how most bluegrass bands sang it.

About twenty years ago I received am email message from Cliff Waldren, who contacted me about playing his new CD on my “Country Roots” bluegrass radio show. Armed with Cliff’s email address, I seized the opportunity to get to the bottom of the “fillustrate a girl” question that had been bugging me for years. Here’s what I wrote to Cliff.

“Hi Cliff: While I've got you on the line, I have a question that's been burning a hole in my mind for almost 30 years. On the second line of the 2nd verse of your early recording of Fox on the Run, you seem to be singing "I fillustrate a girl." What, pray tell, are you singing?”

Here is Cliff’s response.

“Hi Wayne,

Regarding your question about THE FOX! My partner in music at that time Bill Emerson gave me the words to “Fox On The Run.” You heard right that is what I’m saying. I wanted to change that part of the song because it didn’t make any sense to me. So later, after Bill went with the Country Gent’s I started saying “I see a string of girls” and that’s what Charlie Waller is saying in their version.

It was very hard to understand what Mannford Mann was saying on the original recording. But, several years later a good friend of mine told me the correct words was “I illustrate a girl.” Believe me that has haunted me for the past 30 some years. I wish there was some way I could fix it but, I can’t so, I’ll just have to live with it.

I’ll have to say, I learned a good lesson since then I’ve tried to make sure the words are right and I try and say them where folks can understand what I’m saying.

Take care,

Cliff” Continued on Page 13


With some digging, I found Tony Hazzard’s original lyrics. Note: The verse with the asterisk was written by Tony much later than the original lyrics that were recorded by Manford Mann.

FOX ON THE RUN

Now everybody knows the reason for The Fall,

When woman tempted man in Paradise’s hall.

This woman, she tempted me and she took me for a ride,

And, like the weary fox, I need a place to hide.

She walked through the corn leading down to the river,

Her hair shone like gold in the hot morning sun.

She took all the love that a poor man could give her

And left him to die like a fox on the run.

*It was many years ago, but it feels like yesterday,

When she led me through the corn on that fateful summer day.

I saw the sunlight in her hair; I saw the promise in her eyes;

And I didn’t even care that her words of love were lies.

Come raise your glass of wine and fortify your soul;

We’ll talk about the world and the friends we used to know.

I’ll illustrate a girl who wandered through my past.

She didn’t care to stay; the picture cannot last.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FOX ON THE RUN © 2017 (Continued)

Wayne Erbsen has been chasing songs and their background histories for close to fifty years. He has written over thirty song and instruction books for bluegrass and clawhammer banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and ukulele. He claims he can teach even a frog to play. See for yourself by visiting www.nativeground.com

http://www.nativeground.com/


WORKSHOP (NW SIDE)

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Marana Community

Center 13251 N Lon Adams

Rd., Marana

JAM 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Sierra del Sol Senior Living

8151 E. Speedway

S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 4

1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 2 0 2 1

2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6 2 7 2 8

29 30 WORKSHOP

(EAST SIDE) 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Christ Community

Church 7801 E Kenyon Dr

JAM 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Thirsty’s Neigh-borhood Grill

2422 N. Pantano

WORKSHOP

(NW SIDE) 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Marana Community


Rd., Marana

WORKSHOP



JAM 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Pinnacle Peak Court Yard

6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

WORKSHOP



Rd., Marana

WORKSHOP



WORKSHOP



Rd., Marana

WORKSHOP



Rd., Marana

WORKSHOP



D BA Ev e nts

A PR IL 2 018

JAM 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Sierra del Sol Senior

Living (Dining Room)

8151 E. Speedway

Marana Bluegrass

& Acoustic

Music Festival

4:00-8:00 PM

Marana Bluegrass

& Acoustic

Music Festival

9:45 AM - 8:00 PM

Marana Bluegrass

& Acoustic

Music Festival

9:45 AM - 6:00 PM

JAM 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Udall Park Ramada

7200 E. Tanque Verde Road


WORKSHOP (NW SIDE)

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Marana Community


Rd., Marana

S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 1 0 1 1 1 2

1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9

2 0 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6

2 7 2 8 2 9 3 0 3 1 JAM

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Thirsty’s Neigh-borhood Grill

2422 N. Pantano

JAM 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Sierra del Sol Senior

Living (Dining Room)

8151 E. Speedway

WORKSHOP



Rd., Marana

WORKSHOP



WORKSHOP



WORKSHOP



Rd., Marana

WORKSHOP



JAM 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Pinnacle Peak Court Yard

6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

JAM 12:00pm - 2:00 pm

VA Hospital Bldg 60

6th Ave & Ajo

JAM 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Udall Park Ramada


Newsletter Inputs Due

D BA Ev e nts

M AY 2 0 18

WORKSHOP



Rd., Marana

WORKSHOP



Rd., Marana

JAM 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Udall Park Ramada



Continued on Page 17

PHOTOS - UDAL PARK JAM February 4, 2018


PHOTOS - UDAL PARK JAM (Continued)

GRASS CLIPP INGS VOLUME 23 ISSUE 6

6TH ANNUAL MARANA BLUEGRASS AND ACOUSTIC FESTIVAL By David Lanham & Jeff Collins

Hello music lovers! Most of us have recovered from last April’s festival and the town of Marana is welcoming us back, so we are planning another festival next April. The dates for the festival are as follows, April 13

th, 14

th and 15

th, 2018. Festival

will be held at Gladden Park, 12207 N. Heritage Park Dr., Marana, Arizona. We have had to move festival site due to construction set for 2018 at the Ora Mae Harn park site. The new Gladden Park

site is much easier to reach via Tangerine Road, also there is much more RV parking and likewise the tent camping will be on manicured grass. So all in all this should be a nice festival experience.

We believe in showcasing local talent and encouraging original material, so we have a really eclectic group of performers for the next festival. We will continue with the FREE singer/songwriter showcase on the 13

th of April, that evening entertainment is

the DBA’s way of showing our appreciation to the town of Marana for being a huge sponsor. Thank you Town of Marana and your Parks and Recreation Department!

For the 14th and 15

th we are continuing

with the theme of showcasing bands that play in the region, write their own material, which many of you may be familiar with,

but give an opportunity to others who may not be have seen them play yet. We will welcome back some crowd favorites and introduce a few new groups and performers. We will mix a little bluegrass with Blues and maybe some straight up fun songs from others. Check the website for the full story!

I hesitate to say we have a headliner, because many of the local groups are so talented, but Chris Jones and the Night Drivers have graciously agreed to fulfill that role. Chris Jones has been true to the bluegrass tradition, he is the author of numerous instruction manuals, and he keeps the tradition alive on web radio and still performs many festivals throughout the country. Chris writes much of his own material, when he does a cover; he picks the tastiest songs out there. He brings feeling, tasty tunes, lovely licks, great harmonies; we love this guy and his fellow musicians!

John David and I will be getting the festival website up and running, in between dealing with the holidays. As usual we will have volunteer slots available, apply early, they fill up quickly. We ask a 4 hour shift to qualify for free admission for the festival.

Sorry folks but free RV Camping is Not included in the volunteer slots, unless you are Tent camping, which is free for everyone. RV camping will be Ten dollars nightly, Sunday night is not charged.

Thanks for all you do members!

David and Jeff

GRASS CLIPP INGS VOLUME 23 ISSUE 6


Southern AZ Old Time Fiddlers Assn. Southwest Community Center Cardinal Ave, Tucson, AZ Tuesday 7 PM Info: Wilbur 520-743-7086

Catalina Mountain Chapter of the AZ Old Time Fiddlers Association Fiddler’s Workshop 3rd Monday at 7 PM Info: Rusty 520-981-8152

Open Mic at The Hut on 4th Ave Every Sunday 6 - 9:00 PM Info: Rudy [email protected]

Kibbey’s Jam and Open Mic Info: Jim Howard, 520-825-9413 Twin Lakes Drive, Catalina, AZ Every Friday Night 6:30 PM–9:00 PM

1st Baptist Church Jam and Open Mic Wilds Road, Catalina, Arizona Info: Jim Howard, 520-825-9413

Every Saturday, 6:30 PM-9:00 PM

Casa Grande Airport Jam 1st and 3rd Saturday, 12:00 pm. Casa Grande Municipal Airport, 3225 N Lear Ave. Casa Grande Az. Acoustic stringed instruments only, NO Amps, Bluegrass songs preferred. Contact Steve Hartwell [email protected]

JAMS & OPEN MICS

DBA sponsored jams are listed at www.desertbluegrass.org & on the enclosed calendar.


JIM JONES 3-8-48 to 2-5-18

Editor’s Note: My friend, Jim Jones, passed away on February 5th after struggling with an extremely aggressive form of cancer. We had played in a group lesson with Jeff Sanders for several years I will miss him. The following remarks were provided by his lovely wife, Pat.

Jim was a kind and gentle soul, willing to raise 3 stepchildren as his own. He was a wonderful partner in business, in our personal life and in every way. In 28 years we argued only a few times!

What a saint! He is survived by his wife Pat, his daughter Frances Hudson, his step children Heather Garringer, and Lance Mulhern. He also had 3 grandchildren, Kevin/Ashley and Leilani.

Jim loved his bluegrass music, trains and all of life. When asked by the doc what he wanted, he responded “time to learn 499 fiddle tunes!” So sorry that didn't happen.

If you wish to make a donation please make it to Desert Blue Grass Association or TMC Hospice.


“Persons who love music are constantly humming or whistling a tune, are persons that need not be feared, they are kind-hearted and with few exceptions possess a loving disposition. Very few good

musicians become criminals. “

Quote from a 1925 book entitled Safe Counsel by J. L. Nichols.


TOMMY WEBB EASTERN KENTUCKY

2007 Kindred Records Review by Marilyn Ryan Hulbert

I looked to research Tommy Webb's latest band information, but found nothing, until I looked for him on Facebook, where he establishes that he formerly worked as a musician. I am sup-posing that he is now retired, but his music is still available to be purchased on Amazon.com. Tommy comes from Langley, Kentucky, located in Floyd County, near highway 23, where many of the greatest country and bluegrass artists originated. Tommy fits into the category of great!!

This CD entitled "Eastern Kentucky" was produced 11 years ago, but, as we know, real blue-grass doesn't go out of style, ever! So, when my friend Bonnie came over to my house and handed me Tommy's CD saying, "here's one for you to review," I said thanks and, even though some new music had found its way into my mailbox, I decided on Tommy's, because, if you haven't heard him, it is about time you at least find out about him.

Tommy plays guitar, banjo (clawhammer on this album) and sings lead. He is a strong singer and a wonderful writer. Chris Goble plays banjo and sings tenor. Tadd Huff is on acoustic bass and sings baritone. Teddy O'Quinn is playing mandolin and singing bass. Ron Stewart, who is also the producer of the album, is playing mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and resonator guitar. Harold Nixon play acoustic bass.

The recording and mastering was done at the Sleepy Valley Barn in Russel Springs, KY.

The first song, "Lonesome For You," is a Larry Cordle and Larry Shell tune. Larry Cordle has written so many wonderful songs and this is surely one.

"Eastern Kentucky" is a 3/4 time song telling about the songs, the singers and mu-sicians from this area. "Some songs are priceless, some songs are timeless, in a place where the wind plays all the old songs." "The music lives on."

Number 3 song is "No Mother or Dad" - Lester Flatt and Curly Sechler wrote this one - familiar to us all.

Tommy Webb wrote the next one "If It Weren't for Bluegrass Music I'd Go Crazy." I have chosen to play this many times when I am the deejay on the Bronzewound show on WERU fm radio in Maine. Everything about this song is fantastic!!

Then a nice gospel, "He Looked Behind My Faults and Saw My Needs".

Another Tommy song called "It's All Behind Me Now" says he swears he'll be true, in a bit more of a modern bluegrass style.

Number 7 song - "If You Ever Get South of Cincinnati" is a medium tempo, lovely to play and sing, tearjerker. I just love this style tune and this song in particular.

Next an instrumental called "Arab Bounce" that I was introduced to by our banjo pickin' friend Geoff Fox, is one of my all time favorites. I learned from the liner notes that the King of Country Music, the great Jimmy Martin wrote this.

Number 9 on the album is written by Tommy Webb and is called "Who Is That Knockin," a really fine gospel song in waltz time.

Next is "Julie Ann" written by Pete Goble and Leroy Drumm.

"Someday You'll Call My Name," an Eddie Hill and Jean Branch song, is a honky-tonkin’ style with a good dance rhythm and a message from a heartbroken lover. The resonator guitar plays lonesome notes.

And last on the list is "Rocky Island" written by Dr. Ralph Stanley. Tommy plays the banjo in the clawhammer style, there's some hot fiddlin', and some bluegrass harmonizin'.

Everything is just about bluegrass perfect on this recording, and I thank Bonnie for getting me to review Tommy Webb's won-derful album, "Eastern Kentucky".

I Hope to see you all at the Marana Bluegrass Festival, April 13, 14 and 15!

Marilyn


ASSOCIATIONS Arizona Bluegrass Association 11411 N 91st Ave #213 Peoria, Az 85345 Leslie Rhodes President 602-565-3285 [email protected] www.arizonabluegrass.com

International Bluegrass Music Association 2 Music Circle South, Suite 100 Nashville, TN 37203 615-256-3222 Toll Free: 1-888-438-4262 http://www.ibma.org

International Bluegrass Music Museum Museum Entrance: 117 Daviess Street Mailing Address: 207 East Second Street Owensboro, KY 42303 270-926-7891 888-MY BANJO (toll-free)

So. Arizona Old Time Fiddlers Association 3020 W. Avenida Cresta Tucson, AZ 85745 Info: Wilbur 520-743-7086

Tucson Friends of Traditional Music Info: 520-408-6181 www.tftm.org

Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association PO Box 26531 Tucson, AZ 85726 www.tkma.org

Tucson Old Time Music Circle [email protected] Brad 520-818-0260 www.totmc.org

WELCOME TO OUR NEW & RETURNING MEMBERS

Doug Schneider Tucson Murray Johnson Casa Grande Charley Deam Springville, IA Sara Kellogg Tucson Louise Courtney Tucson

Scott Johnston Tucson Chuck Decker Vail Abe Rosin Tucson Lin Smith Morrison, CO Thomas Gelineau Tucson

DESERT BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION

8205 E . CROOKED TREE TRAIL

TUCSON, ARIZONA 85715

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Check here if you wish to receive the DBA Grass Clippings Newsletter by mail

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/RENEWAL FORM

Phone: 520-400-8853 Fax: 520-722-3173

E-mail: [email protected]

Membership dues for the Desert Bluegrass Association are $20 annually per family, due March 1st, and includes bulk mailing of the bi-monthly newsletter to each member. Members joining after November of any year will have their membership extended through the next year. Those joining before November must renew the following March 1st.

Complete this form then mail it, along with your personal check or money order payable to Desert Bluegrass Association, to:

Mike Headrick (DBA Membership Secretary) 13308 Placita el Algodon

Tucson, AZ 85749

WWW.DesertBluegrass.org

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

TUCSON, ARIZONA

PERMIT NO. 1830

MEMBER OF THE DESERT BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION

Cut out this box The mailing label is now your DBA membership card

April/May 2018 Volume 23 Issue 6

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