[dcab-l] Stephen Wade at our Gig

 

 

 

Bluegrassers:

 

Rattlesnake Hill played the Sunday afternoon show at New Deal Café in Greenbelt, Md. on Sept 22^nd.  “Wild Bill”, in the audience, left a foursome into the side door to catch a little of our set.

No sooner did they enter, than our banjo picker John Brunschwyler exclaimed: “Stephen Wade!” 

 

(As a quick explanation, Stephen Wade, for many years, had the longest running show in Washington DC (!), called “Banjo Dancer”.)

 

While they listened, we did “Lay Down My Old Guitar”; I mimicked some quick snatches of his Banjo Dancer show, which I had seen several times, and I also gave him a copy of our CD:  “Ride Out the Storm”.  Then, they continued their journey.  What a treat to have him suddenly appear at a gig!

 

Anyway, a few days later, I received this mail from him, and I thought to share:

 

Dear Ed,

Thank you for that totally generous and unexpected gift of your CD. I can't wait to hear it. It was so clear just from watching a bit of your sound check yesterday and your performance of that Delmore Brothers song you did on stage yesterday that whatever you do is just wonderful. I think your banjo player is just totally terrific too. Really wonderful. Please let him know.

The fact that you have Jack Sanbower on your album, too, only adds to its inherent power.

I have to drive to Texas this coming weekend, and so, believe me, I'll get a good long chance to absorb and enjoy this recording.

My stage work lately surrounds this book: (there's a brief video there, if you've a little less than five minutes):

http://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/catalog/55qpr7zm9780252036880.html

(one of the book's chapters, by the way, explores "Jerusalem Ridge," your track 14.)

This current article here, too, will update you on my stuff:

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Making-a-difference/2013/0920/Stephen-Wade-uncovers-The-Beautiful-Music-All-Around-Us

Do stay in touch and again, thank you for your kindness and bravo for your music.

Stephen

 

It was such a surprise to receive this email from Stephen Wade, I thought you might

enjoy it, and even check out Stephen’s book and article.

 

Ed Schaeffer

Musician and Raconteur