Gram Parsons, Chris Hillman & Burritos

It must have been 20 years ago that I heard a song on The Bluegrass Sound radio program called "Barbara Allen." It was incredible. Back then we would pop a cassette in the boom box and occasionally record a show or song. "Barbara Allen" got recorded, and played back at least a thousand times. It was only in the last couple of years that I figured out who sang & played that rendition - it was The Hillmen. As far as I can tell, The Hillmen only recorded one album. I own it and I love it.

It's always amazing to me how small the musical world is. Turns out Chris Hillman is the leader of that old group. Hillman is a legend in American music for a variety of reasons, most notably as leader of The Byrds, but also because of his work with Gram Parsons in The Flying Burrito Brothers. These guys wrote and recorded Christine's Tune (aka Devil In Disguise), Sin City & many other greats. Gram also played briefly in The Byrds. I've been listening to FBB quite a bit lately. It's great, and fun to listen to something that was pretty raw and innovative at the time it was recorded. Check it out.

Musical updates & such

Been a while since my last post. I went on a trip to Thailand in November. It was awesome! The main problem with that country is its lack of bluegrass music. (Forget the political turmoil that had me stuck there until Dec 5!) Otherwise, it's a great place, especially the people, and the food, and the history. I did run across a Thai dude singing American country music in a pub. He did a good job. Check out the clip on YouTube.

I continue to be pretty obsessed with bluegrass music. Been listening to Tony Rice a lot. I also picked up a Christmas album from Hungry Monks called All Thru the Night. It's an Irish thing. I love it.

I've had this idea in my head for a while now that I need to record some of the songs I've written over the years. This week I got together with Walter Biffle and Bob Sachs. They helped me tighten up an arrangement of a song called "Caroline." It's fun working on music with those guys - real professionals. We still have some work to do, but the first draft came out pretty good. Let me know what you think. I'm thinking of calling the recording Big Timber Project. Let me know what you think of that as well. Thanks!

The Awendaw Trail - Another great bluegrass event venue

YeeHaw Junction played for a Charleston Animal Society fundraiser on Sunday at The Awendaw Trail. It was a fun gig. And a really cool location. The horses seemed to enjoy the music!

Steep Canyon Rangers at The Pour House tonight!

This is one of the best bluegrass bands I've ever seen. Get your tail over to The Pour House tonight, Nov 7, 2008!

STEEP CANYON RANGERS

Open bluegrass jam this Sunday at Hungry Monks Music

Message from Biffle:

Bluegrasss and Olde Time Jamm!!

Sunday, Nov. 9th

7:30- 'til it's time to go

@

Hungry Monks Music (Belgrade Ave, West Ashley)

Bring your own refreshments

enjoy yourselves

Old Crow Medicine Show, Greeleyville, etc.

Well, Harvest Fest was awesome again! It amazes me how perfect the weather is every year. Kids and grown-ups always have a great time at this event. Put it on your calendar for next year - first Saturday in November. Within minutes of wrapping up our set at Harvest Fest, YeeHaw Junction loaded the van and headed to Greeleyville for a party at the Eason's. This place is in the country. And the folks there are country folks - down-to-earth, thankful, lovers of life and simple things, and great cooks! This was our second visit to Greeleyville in the last year. In both cases, we all agreed that there has never been a better audience to play for. Thanks for having us!

My friend Bernie sent over an article from the Wall Street Journal last week about Old Crow Medicine Show. I've seen these guys a couple of times and love everything about 'em. They opened for Dave Matthews Band here in Charleston last July 4. It's hard to find anything genuine in our society these days. OCMS seems to have achieved success somehow staying genuine. Their latest album immediately hit #1 on the bluegrass chart and #7 on the country chart. Good stuff.

OCMS Article
OCMS Website

HARVEST FEST - This Saturday, Johns Island

Good times ahead! Bluegrass music, horse rides, hay rides, jump castles, BBQ, Beer, . . . and more.

MUSIC SCHEDULE
11:00 AM - Taped Music
NOON - The Plantation Allstars
1:00 PM - Southern Flavor Bluegrass Band
2:00 PM - Hungry Monks
3:00 PM - YeeHaw Junction
4:00 PM - Blue Stone Ramblers

TICKETS
Gold Pass Holders - FREE
12 & under - FREE
Everybody else - $5

MAP

County Park website