Rodney’s Bluegrass Jam
Listening to live music is one of the most enjoyable experiences a person can have. Especially when surrounded by a bunch of talented musicians doing what they enjoy the most. My wife taught elementary education at a school in northwest Harris County, Texas with Rodney a few years back. One day he told her about a “Bluegrass Jam” he and some others were having at a local community park on the following Saturday afternoon in April 2013. He invited her to come and suggested she bring me and my guitar to join along. As a better photographer than guitar player, I decided to bring my camera instead.
By early afternoon clouds were rolling in with light rain on occasion. As we arrived, people were setting up on a covered porch area with a low ceiling that was open on three sides and ample room to accommodate everyone. The sound of guitars being tuned, the finger picking of a banjo, the distinctive sweet sound of a mandolin, the low thump of a big stand-up bass and the lively hum of a fiddle offered a glimpse of the afternoon to come. Someone would call out a song, someone else may ask what key it was in or about a chord change and then with that, on a 1, 2, 3 count, the music would begin. Most seemed to know the songs well enough to play along, others brought sheet music for the songs they weren’t as familiar with. Being in such a simple setting, the music felt relaxed and fluid. It moved beyond the outdoor porch and drifted far beyond the confines of the small park area. The music lasted a couple of hours and was as good as anything I’ve heard. The whole thing made for a great memory. A good time was had by all.
It was one of the most enjoyable afternoons I can remember. I’ve included numerous photos in this Gallery that may seem to be important only to the subject of the photo or maybe their momma. It was my intention to illustrate the mood of the day, to convey the enthusiasm of a bunch of folks, from all walks of life, that decided to gather on a Saturday afternoon and play music, Bluegrass Music.
Please scroll down and select a photo to view the Gallery. I hope you enjoy it.
