Another great session at Bob’s last night. Only one fiddler in attendance, but also had banjo, two guitars, two mandolins, and one banjo uke (me!). There was some fine playing going on. I can't tell you how many times someone would throw in a different lick or subtly change a rhythm and hearing it would cause me to smile. Stand out tunes, for me anyway, were “Laughing Marj” -- which is rapidly becoming a favorite in the group-- “Setauket”, “Sheep Shell Corn”, “Walking in the Parlor”, and “Marmaduke’s”. We played through several other tunes, but I’m not calling them to mind this morning. Maybe after another cup or three of coffee.
These weekly sessions are certainly the highlight of my week. It occurred to me on the drive home, that I’m one of the luckiest guys around to have this opportunity every week.
Since finding the Folk School of St. Louis and making connections with, and getting more involved in the local old time music scene, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of the finest, friendliest people around. There’s no other art, theater, or music community or scene that I’ve ever encountered that is as welcoming, supportive, and invested in everyone having a good time and doing well than the old time music community in St. Louis. And this seems to be the case as well with this music and those who play it throughout the country. Those few people I’ve met from other countries who play this music: David Crossley, Mike Fenton, Aki, a fellow from Sweden whose name I can’t remember – are also just terrific folks.
Thirty years ago I’d gotten tired of playing rock and country music, couldn’t find anyone who played the blues and southern rural music I wanted to play and had pretty much given up playing at all. If anyone had told me then how much fun I’d be having and what a blessing playing old time music and the friendships I’ve made through it would be, I wouldn’t have believed them. But here it is 2009 and it’s all true. Wow.
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3 comments:
Old-time has helped me find a tribe. A mighty fine tribe, at that!
I feel the same way. When people ask me how I'm doing, I tell them that my routine is pretty much always the same and a little tiring, but that it's a 'routine' of almost constant music and dancing with people I like. The line from Thurber, "I can't tell whether you're boasting or complaining" often fits the kind of reaction I get (hint: I'm not complaining). There's no question that the Folk School has been instrumental (insert groan here) in the musical side of that.
I have to put in a word for the local contra dancing community: the dancers at Childgrove are a mighty welcoming lot, too. The music and dancing scenes are synergistic for me: it seems the more I invest in enjoying one, the more I naturally enjoy the other as well. Someday, I'll figure out a way to play for a dance and dance it as the same time.
You've been a major mover in the happiness I have these days, and I don't often stop to say thanks. So thanks, brother, peace and joy,
Dan'l
"Laughing Marj," "Setauket," "Sheep Shell Corn," and "Walking In The Parlor" are great tunes and I'm happy they are gaining some popularity. I really miss playing with you guys. You've made me feel welcome and have done a lot to help me improve my playing. Until either Bob's or my schedule changes, I guess I'll just have to see you at the Folk School and other places. Meanwhile, I'm scouting for a convenient place that might be a good location for a jam.
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