Steve's Blog
Thursday December 1, 2011

Hi everyone

Just a reminder about the next couple of events at The Rogue and my radio show on Saturday. You can buy tickets for our shows at Highlife Records on Commercial Drive, Rufus' Guitar Shop on Alma St., and online or you can reserve tickets on our Hotline 604-736-3022.

Also, big thanks to everyone who replied to our "laptop computer for sale" notice: it has gone to a good home now.

1. John Reischman & The Jaybirds, Friday December 2, 8pm, St. James Hall (3214 West 10th Avenue)

I can't think of a better-balanced bluegrass band working today. While there are more frenetic and more notes-per-second bluegrass music out there, I can't think of a more polished, subtle, and thoughtful approach to bluegrass than "Vintage & Unique." This one gets my highest recommendation. - Hermon Joyner, Audiophile Audition

Calling all fans of bluegrass, traditional and original acoustic music! John Reischman & The Jaybirds are playing a concert to celebrate the release of Vintage & Unique, their fifth album. It's always a thrill to see these musicians play live and they'll be highlighting songs from the new album where once again they have recorded a collection of songs that showcases what they do best. They go back to the roots of bluegrass and old-time music for their inspiration, and spin these roots into a new sound. On Vintage & Unique, you'll hear the Jaybirds cover songs and tunes from Bill Monroe, Hobart Smith, and Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard, but the real gems of the album are the band's originals. While these songs and tunes are clearly informed by the tradition, John Reischman & The Jaybirds have an eclectic creativity that guides their refreshing excursions in acoustic roots music. Throughout, the bluegrass harmonies are spot-on, and each instrumental break crackles with energy. So, come on down to St. James Hall on December 2 for the release of Vintage & Unique. You're sure to discover some new gems and hear some old favourites. www.thejaybirds.com

N.B. The Rogue members discount price is also available to PBHS Members for this show.

2. Pharis & Jason Romero plus Riley Baugus, Thursday December 8, 8pm, St. James Hall (3214 West 10th Avenue)

A glorious celebration of old time music and harmony vocals, with two of the best acts from BC and North Carolina on one stage - where else? The Rogue, of course!

Pharis Patenaude was the one of the lead singers with Victoria's seminal band Outlaw Social. A few years ago she married California musician and banjo maker Jason Romero, and the couple teamed up with BC fiddler Erynn Marshall to form The Haints Old Time Stringband. Erynn has since moved on so The Haints rarely perform as a trio these days but happily The Romeros continue to perform as a duo. In July 2011, Jason and Pharis Romero released their first duo album, A Passing Glimpse. A beautiful collection of songs lovingly sourced from old recordings or written by Pharis, it's an album of acoustic & National guitars, fingerstyle and clawhammer banjo, and plenty of singing. In September 2011 A Passing Glimpse was the #1 Album on the North American Folk DJ playlists. www.jasonandpharis.com

Old time banjo player, fiddler and singer Riley Baugus hails from the Piedmont region of North Carolina. His family's attendance at Regular Baptist church gave him early exposure to the unaccompanied singing that is a time-honored tradition for ballad singers throughout the Appalachians. Starting on the fiddle, Riley quickly moved on to the banjo, building his first instrument from scrap wood with his father. With friend and neighbour, Kirk Sutphin, Riley began honing his musical skills. Together they visited elder traditional musicians throughout North Carolina and Virginia, learning the Round Peak style at the knee of National Heritage Award winner Tommy Jarrell and other traditional musicians of the area. Over the years, whilst working as a weldor and a blacksmith by day, Riley played with many old time string bands. Then, one fateful day, Riley got a call from longtime friend and collaborator Dirk Powell. Dirk was involved in the music direction for the Academy Award-winning film Cold Mountain and had convinced the producers that they needed Civil War era banjos made in the Carolina hills, specifically Riley's handmade banjos. Riley put the hammer down on the anvil and didn't look back. He was featured in the movie O Brother Where Art Thou and is now one of the most celebrated musicians on the scene. He will be joined by fiddler Kirk Sutphin to round out an amazing double bill at The Rogue! www.rileybaugus.com

N.B. The Rogue members discount price is also available to PBHS Members for this show too.

3. The Edge On Folk, Saturday 8am to noon on CiTR 101.9fm

On The Edge On Folk this week I'll have some recommended CDs / Best Of 2011 choices and plenty of surprises. Tune in and find out where we're going this week on The Edge On Folk, Saturday 8am to noon, on CiTR fm 101.9 (Shaw Cable 88.5fm, Telus TV Ch 3717, and streamed Live on www.citr.ca) Meanwhile here's a sneak preview of one of the artists I'll be featuring in the first hour: Fatoumata Diawara: Clandestin live session [guardian.co.uk]

And a HUGE THANK YOU to all those who supported my show on CiTR's FUNDRIVE. The CiTR website isn't up to date yet, but I think we raised over $25,000, and I'm delighted to say that The Saturday Edge On Folk was one of the best-supported shows again this year!