Not-So-Stupid Jam Tricks

How often has this happened to you? You get together with some friends, at someone’s house, or at a festival. You’re in a circle, the instruments are out, the lantern is lit, the beverages are ready, and it’s time to start the jam. “OK, what shall we play?” someone...

Not-So-Stupid Jam Tricks

I beg the readers’ forgiveness – I wrote my column for today in my mind last night, and when I awoke, the hard drive in my brain had some bad sectors. Enjoy this column from a while ago, and I will defrag my head before next Wednesday – BC How often...

Novelty Songs

Recently, someone asked me how many songs I know. I can honestly say I don’t know. I’ve learned hundreds of songs over the years and evidently, there are some in my head that I don’t even know that I know. A couple nights ago, I had a crazy dream. I was enjoying a jam...

November Fourth

November 4, 1958…a swept wing, jet powered B-47 Stratojet crashed outside Abilene, Kansas. Three crewmembers survived; the jet bomber was totaled; its nuclear armament did not detonate. My mom was in the maternity ward at St. Francis Hospital in San Francisco that...

November President’s Message

California’s 2009 World of Bluegrass When we talk about attending the IBMA World of Bluegrass, many in our local bluegrass community have little idea of the influence CBA members have in this event. While it is true many of our members live in other states and...

Now is the Time When We Dance

I am writing this well before the outcome of the 2016 election is known – the title has nothing to do with that event. One of the peculiar benefits of being a performing musician is I get to see a lot of people dance. There’s just no action of self-expression as...