Friday night, November 10, in Nashville, a relatively small group gathered at the BMI building for a cocktail party in honor of the founding of Americana Music Association. A small group (four) gathered in the corner to play some music for the group. Quickly, the entire party gathered around to hear Sam Bush, the now legendary founder of the New Grass Revival, and his band play some rockin’ bluegrass with soul, some wild bluesgrass with rhythm. As I looked around, every eye was full of deep appreciation and awe. One man whispered, “Do you realize how special this is, to hear Sam Bush in this intimate setting.”

I had two Sam Bush CD’s at home, and I knew the reputation of his label, Sugar Hill. Nothing recorded can match a live performance. I last saw Sam playing with the Lyle Lovett Large Band at John T. Floore Country Store a couple of months ago. My bluegrass schooling is incomplete so I was heard to ask, “Who is that taking the mandolin lead?” Of course, I was a bit embarrassed not to know. Now I know, though.

Sam’s 1998 album, “howlin’ at the moon,” had been on my shelf a long time. After the Nashville moment, I went home and listened carefully. This album, often described as “positive,” is a statement to take time to love and howl at the moon.

Seven of the fourteen tracks are instrumental (listen up you bluegrass fans). Emmylou Harris joins in on a tribute to former Nash Rambler Roy Huskey, Jr., who died in 1997.

Sam made his recording debut, “Poor Richard’s Almanac,” in 1969 when he was 17 years old, after holding the title as the National Junior Fiddle Champion for three consecutive years. At age 18, Sam founded New Grass Revival, a band of inventive and aggressive high caliber musicians that for 18 years challenged the preconceived notions of traditional bluegrass instruments by fusing a wide range of tyles that included gospel, rock, pop. Reggae, jazz, country and bluegrass. NGR blazed a trail of change with their three releases on Capitol Records in the 1980s and seven before that on Flying Fish and Sugar Hill.

They disbanded on New Year’s Eve in 1989, bidding farewell appropriately enough as the opening act for the Grateful Dead’s annual holiday bash. Sam went on to lead Emmylou Harris’ Grammy-winning Nash Ramblers for five years.

We gathered closer and closer around this ball of energy and fire as he played that BMI reception. No one could really be still, and an enthusiastic crowd of fans encircled him after the performance. What a humble man! His latest Sugar Hill release, “Ice Caps:  Peaks of Telluride,” includes the wide range we’ve come to expect from Sam Bush. My favorite just might be his rendition of the Dylan tune, “Girl of the North Country.”

Being with Sam Bush in Nashville reminded me, once again, of my love for many forms of music, including a real awe in the face of traditional. I came home and played some Bill Monroe, some Jimmie Rodgers, some Hank Williams. In fact, the next CD for this column will be a new one called “Hank Williams, Alone With His Guitar.”  Released on Mercury, this enhanced CD contains audio notes read by Hank III (remember my column about his excellent show at the Cabaret).

Remember, the Java Pump and the Watering Hole, both on Water Street, are showcasing local music and Texas music each weekend. I have recently discovered Adam Carroll; he’ll be at the Hole December 16. Remember the Cabaret is dedicated to bringing great Texas music to the Hill Country. Did you go to Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines last Friday? Or Asleep at the Wheel on Saturday?

I had a riding weekend with the girls (daughter and granddaughter), and I spent some of my holiday resting. The road ahead looks long and full of interesting turns. I must get ready. December 10 a group meets in New York City for a final protest for the current president to "Free Leonard Peltier.” Down the road.

Kat@maverickbbs.com and www.texasheritagemusic.com

Write for a free Sugar Hill catalogue at PO Box 55300, Durham, NC 27717-5300

eMail Kathleen:  kat@maverickbbs.com
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