Bluegrassers:
Just a few short words on this year's Festival.
The weather was, generally, superb. There
were the regular list of Washington bluegrass
folks attending, and I always enjoy seeing them
at the festival. Good people.
For me, there was a special surprise, to re-unite
with a banjo picker who played with Rattlesnake
Hill maybe 20-25 years ago. She wandered into our
campsite, and when I heard her speak, I asked
if she was from Australia. What a surprise
to realize it was Jenny Shimmen, back from
down-under after all these years! And, sounding
very good! It's things like this reunion with her that
keep me breathing and singing!
Talking about banjo pickers, I would mention how great
Mark Delaney looked on stage with the Danny Paisley
band! Danny couldn't help but smile during each and
every break Mark took on the banjo. Likewise,
the crowd absolutely applauded most every solo
he delivered, and he did so with excellent stage
presence. Quite exciting, Mark!
More on banjo pickers, is an admission that somehow,
during all my years playing this music, I had never
come into contact with J.D. Crowe. At Del. Valley,
I made sure to heard all his shows, and enjoyed him,
before he pulls the plug on his performing. I thank
the Lord for that experience with him on stage, and
hearing the banjo played by a master.
Does remind me on one other banjo master I saw at
Del. Valley, before he quit performing, and that was
Allen Shelton, whom I had long admired.
Several years ago, I was stage side, and as he began
a banjo break, I found myself leaping from my chair
just to memorize a glimpse of his playing. He immediately
noticed me, and his trademark smile lit the stage up;
He and I locked eyes, and it seemed he played that
solo specifically for me; I'll always treasure that moment.
So, one story of a reunion with a banjo bandmate, and
a story about two banjo masters from Del. Valley;
and Mark Delaney becoming another one, right before
my eyes!
ed
0 comments:
Post a Comment