Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion 2011

After missing Bristol last year, Black Betty and I were happy to be able to attend again this year. Especially after hearing that Railroad Earth would be back.

We were joined by our friends Marie, Sam, Michael, and Melanie at the super sweet Sugar Hollow Campground. This is a beautiful 300 acre wooded campground owned by the City of Bristol Dept. of Parks and Recreation. It has lots of shade, flush toilets, showers, electricity, and sites not big enough for the RV crowd. Sites are $12.00 a night (reserve early summer by phone and check) and a shuttle bus runs the few miles to the music venues on State Street.

                                                     Gnometown at Sugar Hollow

Friday evening, we arrived in time to catch our first glance of the David Mayfield Parade at the Piedmont Stage. We were instantly hooked and stood transfixed throughout his performance. All I can say is check him out for yourself. You'll see what I mean.

Next, we caught the young Americana super-star, Justin Townes Earle followed by one of our favorites, Railroad Earth. As always, RRE jammed it out to the delight of the crowd. The mystery group billed as the "High Country Allstars" playing at midnight turned out to be the Infamous Stringdusters! How cool is that?

                                                                     Railroad Earth

Saturday, we battled the insane State Street crowds to catch several great shows. We managed to see performances by 18 South,  The Everybodyfields, Jim Lauderdale, Robert Randolph Band, and Folk Soul Revival.

The much anticipated reunion of the Everybodyfields had to be the highlight of the whole weekend for me. It was really good to see Sam and Jill back on stage together. I don't know that it will last, but the thousands of fans massed at the Piedmont stage singing the songs were evidence that I am not alone in my admiration for this group. We'll see.

                                                                The Everybodyfields

So this is the deal, Bristol:

• Twenty two stages and over 150 bands? I say it's too much. We've gone to this festival several times over the years and it really has gotten too big, too fast. 
• There is not enough room on State Street to accommodate the crowds. At least, the Belle Chere Festival in Asheville manages to spread it out in the downtown area where there is room to disperse the crowds somewhat. 
• And 150 bands? Why? Too many of the groups are playing in horrible little venues with terrible sounds. I can remember several years ago The Everybodyfields trying to play upstairs at the State Line while a rock band was playing downstairs. Needless to say.....
• Did I mention that they still smoke in the bars in Bristol? 
• This year we ended up leaving to eat dinner on Saturday. We could not even find a place that we could get into without an incredibly long wait with total chaos reigning. If you don't choose street food, you may have to get in your car and leave to find a place to sit down and eat. That's what we did.

We still love this festival. It holds a special place in my heart; this is the place that I was introduced to lots of incredibly fantastic bands for the first time. The magic moments and the killer memories still exist.
I understand that I'm not in charge of it and have no say in it. I'm sure that there are scores of people who would disagree with me about the organization of the festival.
Black Betty and I both said that we would have to re-evaluate how we participate in it in the future. Maybe we'll just go during the night and not try to do a daytime thing.
I'll let you know how it goes next year!

Sam Quinn + Japan Ten / The Fake That Sunk A Thousand Ships

Sam Quinn is bringing it back to The Grey Eagle in Asheville on Saturday, May 15th.


We fell in love with Sam's beautiful song writing and quirky sense of humor and style  as one-half of the creative force of The Everybodyfields, (together with Jill Andrews).


Sam has an unforgettably unique natural voice which seems to transport his music directly to one's soul. His songs are highly personal, mostly painful tales of  self exploration and emotionalism. But they somehow don't end up being depressing. His music has a way of washing over you like soft warm waves. They gently massage your heart while reminding you of what it means to be human. As one reviewer put it, "misery never sounded so good."

 When the Everybodyfields parted ways, Sam teamed up with Josh Oliver, Megan Gregory, and Brandon Story to form Japan Ten. They have just released a new CD The Fake that Sunk A Thousand Ships, you can listen and download (for a mere 5 bucks) here: Sam Quinn / The Fake That Sunk A Thousand Ships




Here is video I shot at Bristol Rhythm and Roots of Sam Quinn and the Japan Ten performing Gun.
                           

Sam Quinn and the Japan 10

Sam Quinn + Japan Ten: "Hello" @ Ramseur Records HQ from Ramseur Records on Vimeo.

I just can't resist mentioning Sam Quinn + Japan 10 this morning. We've been big fans of the Everybodyfields since we first saw them a few years ago opening for the Avett Brothers. As a matter of fact, I even hitched a ride into the Grey Eagle from Hot Springs during my thru-hike to see them play.

The Everybodyfields, featuring the song writing and singing of Sam and Jill Andrews, are "on break" and Sam Quinn is touring with his own band. Sam's haunting voice and beautiful lyrics have a way of reaching deep into your soul and grabbing hold. I can't wait to see them again....