Saturday, January 19, 2013

Lonesome River Band & Blue Moon Rising at Berryville - Review


Cafeteria at Johnson Wiliiams Middle School

Frank Jurney - Promoter

For a number of years Frank Jurney has presented six bluegrass music concerts a year in the auditorium at Johnson Williams Middle School in Berryville, VA during the winter and spring seasons. The room is comfortable, the sound good, and the audience receptive. On Saturday, January 12 we attended what may be one of the last shows at Johnson Williams. The February 9th show, headlining Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out will be held in the 800 seat auditorium of the new Clarke County High School, just up the road. Blue Moon Rising opened with a fine first set with the great Lonesome River Band following. 


Unfortunately, I was having camera and lens problems on Saturday evening so we only have videos of the concert. As I write on Saturday afternoon, both are in a UPS truck on their way home for repair. Fortunately, Irene was on the video camera, and we have four good videos from the concert to show you.  Two more from same show can be seen on my YouTube Channel as well as other work from the same bands at other shows. Please feel free to subscribe if you wish to receive regular updates. 

Blue Moon Rising

Blue Moon Rising is led by singer/songwriter Chris West, who's very good at both. New to the band was David Mowell, doing a solid job on mandolin. Recently married multi instrumentalist and singer Brandon Bostic brought his A game from Nashville. Sav Sankaran filled in for Tony Mowell on bass with his fine play and soulful tenor voice. Currently without a regular gig, Sav would be a fine addition to any band seeking an inventive and creative musician. He's currently based in Asheville. 

Blue Moon Rising - Highway of Despair - Video



Blue Moon Rising - Darlin' Think of What You've Done - Video

Lynn Morris

Intermission



Lonesome River Band

After thirty years of touring, LRB is perhaps as strong as it's ever been. I've included the long version of Hobo Blues, because it showcases the wonderful instrumental versatility of this storied closing band.  Sammy Shelor, the 2012 IBMA Banjo Player of the Year is at the top of his game, and Bradon Rickman will soon release a second solo album. Give these two videos serious attention.

Lonesome River Band - Hobo Blues - Video

 
Lonesome River Band - Harvest Time - Video

We had a terrific evening, and Berryville is a good place to start our winter tour as we head toward Florida. If you're in the neighborhood, be sure to get out to see IIIrd Tyme Out at the new Clarke County High School.

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