Jam Practice

Your first open jam session is an experience you will never forget. Boy, do I ever remember mine! I’d been practicing my instrument seemingly forever, but I was still very unsure of my abilities. My friend Tony, also a learner, told me about one of the CBA jams he’d...

Jam? Jam? Who’s Gotta Jam?

Saw a notice in the Message Board about someone trying to find a jam in Contra Costa County. As Regional VP for the CBA in that county, I am embarrassed that I don’t know of many regular jams around here. There’s one in Dublin, but that’s actually Alameda County. I...

James King’s new album – a review

Hey, this is Marty Varner. I switched days with my dad. I wanted to write about the great new James King album. When I saw the lineup on the CD, I was certain it was something special: James King lead vocals, the incredibly diverse and creative Jesse Brock on...

James King’s new album – a review

(Editor’s Note:  A bittersweet re-post of a then brand new King CD three years ago.  RC) Hey, this is Marty Varner. I switched days with my dad. I wanted to write about the great new James King album.When I saw the lineup on the CD, I was certain it...

Jammin’ for 15 years.

The twice-a-month bluegrass jam in Corte Madera in Marin County be marks its 15-year anniversary today. There will be no streamers, cake or fireworks. I have no doubt that anyone else even knows about this date. But it is with some small satisfaction that I can look...