Vassar Clements & His Holiday Band's Musical Gift

11/13/2004 05:50PM

Athens, Georgia - On Saturday, December 18, 2004, Vassar Clements, known as the "Father of Hillbilly Jazz," will be joined by an ensemble of outstanding musicians to create 'Vassar Clements & His Holiday Band.' The cast of characters, who have often joined each other onstage for jams at various times, will be together as one.

Starting the night is Ralph Roddenbery & Friends, joined by fiddler David Blackmon, of Widespread Panic and BGUG, Tommy Jones on bass, Chris Rotch on guitar. Roddenbery has been described by Jenny Keel, of Larry Keel Experience; "a local treasure". His band's popularity has grown rapidly this past year throughout the Southeast.

Midway through the show, a change of hands will include: on pedal steel, Atlanta award winning songwriter, Mark Van Allen; singer James Cook of 'Artie Ball Swing Band,' Susan Staley, singer/songwriter and coordinator for North Georgia Folk Festival, drummer, Don Whitaker from Atlanta, and Tommy Jones.

The main event, including Mark Van Allen and Tommy Jones, will include: Bobby Lee Rodgers, Ted Pecchio and Tyler Greenwell of The Codetalkers - an amazing jazz/funk combination on their own turf. And the incomparable Joe Craven; the jaw-dropping multi-instrumentalist from the David Grisman Quintet, who was also featured in the Jerry Garcia/David Grisman documentary; "Grateful Dawg".

Count M'Butu, percussionist extraordinary, seen with everyone from Col. Bruce & The Codetalkers, Larry Keel, Allman Bros., and is member of The Grease Factor, will join Mr. Clements, Joe and the others for this live recording; parts of which will be included on a compilation CD to benefit Nuci's Space, a musicians resource center in Athens, Georgia.

This ensemble follows ground from Bill Monroe's Boys in the early 1940's, which Clements joined at the tender age of 14, to present day which includes Clements joining Widespread Panic in Jacksonville, Florida in fall of 2003. Then back around to Bill Monroe, whom Vassar will regroup with at the 2005 Merlefest. All good things come back 'round!

Vassar also brings a special friend; banjo player Alan Dalton, who is steadily weaving his place in the traditional bluegrass quilt.

More information on these individuals can be found on the Georgia Music Hall of Fame website under Statewide Events, or on their individual web sites. Tickets are on sale at Junkman's Daughter's Brother in Athens, or call:
706-543-4998 to charge by phone. Also on: www.athensmusic.net and tdawgsproductions.com/holiday.html.

World Music Central
http://www.worldmusiccentral.org/article.php/20041112205928358