Annapolis Bluegrass at Vienna Town Green
Friday Night, 12 June 2009
They're back! and what a night of good music. The Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition, better known as "ABC," wowed the capacity crowd on this beautiful evening after another full day of threatening storms that never materialized. Fast becoming honorary citizens of our fair town, Roger Green never fails to mention how much the band enjoys playing for the Vienna public. They got off to a rocky start by being stranded in beltway traffic and showing up right before show-time. One never knows. Who can predict what will happen at any given moment on Metro D.C.'s wonderful highway system? When are the authorities going to get smart and begin issuing citations for idiots who cause traffic jams and the lolly-gaggers who slow down to see what's going on? Lead, follow, or get out of the way. But no problem - ABC took charge, set up all their equipment in about 7 minutes (I timed them) and then got a big round of applause for their thrown-together sound-check song. That's called professionalism. They barely had time to tune their instruments - which to any bluegrass musician worth his salt is a fine science. The good times continued for another hour and a half and concluded with a standing ovation encore song after the obligatory "Orange Blossom Special." You haven't lived until you've heard fiddler Sue Tice deliver her version of this old chestnut. It's obvious that Sue's fiddling is one of the strong glue-points that holds the whole group together. What she provides is most excellent nuance - never overbearing - coming in and out of a musical line with just the right touch. I could listen to her playing all night, but that's not the point. In this genre of music it's about the group and not anyone individual. She adds just enough color to each song on the program. This is great musicianship.
Thanks to Navy Federal for sponsoring ABC on this night's performance at our local Town Green music stage. The programs continue every Friday and Sunday evening until the end of summer.
Roger Green, Guitar - Dan Kimball, Mandolin - Bob Tice, Banjo - Sue Tice, Fiddle - Jim Duvall, Bass.
For more information go to www.annapolisbluegrass.com
Catch Roger Green's streaming Bluegrass Programs on WRYR 97.5 FM. Times and listings are available at www.wryr.org. The music and (Roger's interesting and expert commentary) is the Real Deal.
