Return of the bass and disappearance of the banjo on Mardi Gras Eve....Chris Sullivan brought the bass back into the fold, imparting harmonic stability and rhythmic drive, while the banjo curiously vanished this week with the exception of Bill whose flexible style doesn't lock us into a certain key without retuning. Each week brings a different cast of characters, a changing sound, and a shifting set list. That is one reason why this jam is such an ongoing adventure.

There were fewer folks gathered in the smaller jamcircle, allowing some whose voices were not as often heard to sing out a little more. Musicianers included Cliff, Nora, John P (thanks for the chocolates and the dance), Ron, Steve, Matt, Andy, Karen, Dana, Jan (visiting again from Ohio), Bill, Eve, Mike, Chris, Valerie, and David. Savannah, Queen of Rockhouse for years when we played there, rejoined us to listen. 16 of us in all.

Without the banjo to decide keys, we wandered a bit through harmonious fields, before settling down in the verdant pasture of G.
Karen started us off with Billy in the Low Ground that was followed by Waiting for Nancy. Then we played Big Sciota followed by Steve leading us through Jenny in the Cotton Patch--a tune he learned from Slippery-Hill in Bob Douglas's playing. There is also a Clyde Davenport version of the tune that circulates widely.

We returned to more familiar ground with Turkey in the Straw followed by Can You Dance a Tobacco Hill, Bound To Have a Little Fun, Old Joe Clark, and the Girl I Left Behind Me. Next up was that Volo Bog Trotter classic Nail That Catfish To the Tree, succeeded by Waiting for the Feds, Durang's Hornpipe. Warfield, and Little Mohee.

And then it was time for Duck River--a favorite of our group, Saint Ann's Reel, a Bob McQuillen tune Dancing Bear, and a Snake Chapman tune Gina Lisa.Things grew a little more reflective with By the Waters of the James and Off To California, before bouncing into Josie-O and Black Snake Bit Me On the Toe
a Clyde Davenport tune in DDAD tuning. The last waltz was Midnight on the Water

We are grateful once again to Wes, Grace, and Lane who create such a welcoming environment for our jam. Thanks to Matt at the grill.
The SLOW JAM beckons this next Sunday March 9th. We shall reconvene the next day Monday March 10th at 6:30.