This review will be a double whammy. Two spectacular events took place recently which deserve a lot of respect. First we had the Tune Or Die Old Time Fiddle Contest at the Green Parrot, John Vagnoni's annual Bluegrass bash. This year's was better than ever. The C.W. Colt Band hosted. C.W., fiddle virtuoso Red Seidman, and an extraordinary bassist, Steve Super, who spent years on the road with Dolly Parton. They opened the afternoon with A Colt original from he "Legends and Treasures" CD, "Tropical Depression", aided by drummer Mike Rutherford on his '2000 millineum snare' and Scott Rose from Emeralds International on congas. There was great three part harmony . Next came "There Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens", a wonderful jump swing tune. Jambalaya" put the crowd into dance mode with this Cajunstandard.
C.W. brought out his banjo for "Salty Dog", with everyone singing along. Then it was the "Deliverance" theme with Steve's bass echoing the banjo and some strange remarks on the word hoedown. Red plays fantastic guitar and did soon "Mountain Dew". Mike and Scott set up a scorching beat, and Steve played a smoking bass solo. This man is good! There's a request for "Fox On the Run" whereupon Red calls a 'band meeting, telling Steve, "You're fired and I quit"! C.W. is on guitar now for "Little White Lie with its island pop sound. We have to hear a train sound. Red blazes through "Orange Blossom Special".
It's time for a Bluegrass jam. Kay Janeka is on stage. Doug Applebaugh brings out his Cajun washboard vest, Lars Juvid sings "Lomg Black Veil". The familiar songs roll on. Mike breaks us up on "Rocky Top" by saying "quack, quack, when they get to the line"trapped like a duck in a pond'.
Now it's contest time. Kay was the first contestant. She's a fine player. She gave us a Irish and a Gypsy sound. Charles Kaczynski did his usual virtuoso celtic, Mark Saunders was magnificent with mountain and celtic tunes, and Red, who was Florida state champion simply blew us all away. There was a playoff between Chuck and Red. Red was the clear winner, even though the judges deducted points because of his championship status. Terry Cassidy announced the winner.
Now we come to the next important event, the Songwriters' Festival, which was dedicated to the late Shel Silverstein.
Freemont John opened the show at the Bull with two fine songs. He's a good singer and a hot rhythm guitarist. Next Drew Reid, who puts these things together Did "I'll Give You Shelter" and "I didn't Check In", and three of Shel's songs, including the one that made Johnny Cash a star, "A BoyNamed Sue".
Tim Johnson has over 60 cuts by people like Colin Raye and Reba McIntyre. I loved "I'm Living Beyond My Means". Mark Selby and Tia Sellers wrote Kenny Wayne Shepard's mega hit "Blue On Black" and songs recorded by the Dixie Chicks. Mark played some excellent slide "He Cracked a Smile" is marvelous. Lori Kelley is one of the best songwriters you'll ever hear. She did three of her wonderful songs. Next was Jimmy Muffin who wrote George Straight's "Funny Feeling". My favorite twelve string guitarist Pat McCune thrilled everyone with "Earphone Stuff", which had the Nashville and Los Angeles players going up close to watch.
There were so many fine writers in the festival, Gretchen Peters, whose "Independance Day" made Martina McBride's career and Billy Dean stood out.
I have a lot more to say, and will tie these two exceptional shows together, so turn to the Ridenour Report and keep reading. Stay cool.