JB @ Ram’s Head Live

Hello! And Happy Thanksgiving! (Traditionally, has been my favorite Holiday).  At long last … a new post.  It has been a busy week. Went to two excellent shows and both were well worth the cash and gas!!

First up, was the Australian group, John Butler Trio at Ram’s Head Live in Baltimore. A bit of a hike from NVA during rush-hour, but worth every minute (nearly 2 hours!).  If you’ve never seen them, I highly recommend. Heck, even if you’ve never heard of them, you should catch them if you get the chance.  Especially in a smallish venue, like Ram’s Head. I saw them at Wolf Trap earlier this year and that was a great show.  But at Ram’s Head … well … it was just awesome! Went with my oldest son (18) and we had a blast. This is one of the few groups that I can honestly say (in my humble opinion) is best experienced live! The sounds and colors he elicits with a slide on that beat-up 12-string is truly remarkable! He played some new stuff and some standards, including a flawless rendition of ‘Ocean.’ Great show, cool venue. Check him out when you can!

The second show was the incredibly original writer, poet, and lyricist – Mike Doughty. His ‘Question Jar’

Mike D. @ Jammin Java

shows are extremely entertaining and the banter he shares with his cellist and cohort, Andrew ‘Scrap’ Livingston, is quite funny.  Promoting his new album, ‘Stellar Motel’ he also included many of his mainstays. This was the first time I had heard him play many of them on a banjo! (Wait, is there a theme running here?).  We caught them at Jammin Java in Vienna, VA.  First time at that venue. Nice place, small and is a good local spot to catch some good artists @ low cost (ha). My only disappointment was that my son had to bail (for good reason and I applaud his decision. He’s a good man, that boy!)

As for me … well … I’ve completed a few new works that I hope to get recorded and posted this weekend …. after the ‘food-coma’ wears off a bit! Off to start the stuffing!

Best,

Bill W.

The true meaning of ‘solo’ gig!

Hey there! So …. I had my solo ‘matinee’ gig yesterday (4pm – 6pm) @ Bacon’s BBQ in Manassas. Good place, nice folks, great BBQ. Funny … it truly was a ‘solo’ gig!  I was a tad nervous beforehand, but allowed plenty of time to pack up the gear, find my way out there, and get setup.  The guys there were helpful in giving me as much of the low-down they could, but one guy was ‘new’ … so neither really knew the drill and frankly, I’m not certain they knew I was coming, ha!  Still, they did their best to make me feel welcome and were pretty easy-going about the whole thing.

The place was smallish, so as directed, no amplification was needed. Although they did have a PA and a couple amps, but no need for all that. I’m not sure if it was the weather or the fact that there was no ‘signage’ posted about the recurring Saturday matinee shows, but … the place was pretty empty (another reason no amplification needed). No harm! It’s all part of the trade.  There were a few younger folks hanging out for a bit. Most (1/2 doz or so) patrons were doing the carry-out thing.  My biggest fan turned out to be a toddler (about 3, I would say) who started dancing the minute she walked in.  All-in-all, not a bad experience and provided a good ‘run-through’ for the next show!  When I book my next gig, I’ll be sure to let you all know!

Happy Sunday,

Bill

Hello! Thanks for the wonderful response to my new site.

So … I recently sent out the link with the hope of booking some solo gigs … and, well… I got one! Pretty jazzed about it!  So, next month I’ll be doing a 2-hour ‘matinee’ set in Manassas.  I plan to scope out the place (Bacon’s BBQ) this weekend and will let you all know what I find out. If you’ve been there and have some insight, drop me a note.  Either way, if you find yourself in Manassas on November 1 (4pm – 6pm) hope you can stop in.

And then it dawned on me … 2 hours. Hmmm …. even with a break or two, that’s still a lot of tunes to prep!! So, I started going through the tunes I’ve been working on the last year or two and … uhhh …. I’ve got some more work to do (ha)!  The good news is that I’ll be able to expand the Music Den shortly thereafter.  (If you haven’t visited the ‘Den‘ yet, check it out!)

Whether you’ll be there on November 1 or not, shoot me 3 of your top favorite tunes. I’m always looking to expand my set list.

Guess I better get working.  More details to come after I visit Bacon’s.

Have a great day and thanks for reading!

Bill W.