Jam Anxieties

One of the very best things about bluegrass is jamming, right? Nothing presents a quintessential picture of a bluegrass festival like folks hanging around in lawn chairs picking in the shade, voices joined in joyous harmony. But for some folks, jamming is stressful....

Jam Anxieties

One of the very best things about bluegrass is jamming, right? Nothing presents a quintessential picture of a bluegrass festival like folks hanging around in lawn chairs picking in the shade, voices joined in joyous harmony. But for some folks, jamming is stressful....

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...