Hey gang, big changes here in "Tom-land". My time with the Freight Hoppers has come to a close. My 1500 mile round trip for rehearsals was making it very difficult to get much done. With Rounder Records over-pataiently waiting for a third release, I proposed to Frank and David that they find a guitar player in NC to take my place. It was an amicable split and now I'm cut loose to join the rest of you & do stupid things like spend all my money on new Freight Hoppers stuff. My last show with the boys was Sept. 20 at the Watermelon Park Festival in Berryville, Va. By the serene banks of the Shenandoah River, no less. A perfect close to a wild ride.(although, I will sorely miss playing with David Bass; he is one of my best friends and travel companions)
(photo by Tara Noelle)
We had a big mess of showcases lined up for IBMA. I had arrived a few days early to help out with Megan Lynch's Fiddlestar camp. The boys brought their new guy and the timing couldn't have been better. So, I now had the week free to pursue further development of the ideas planted with "It's Always August"; something that I'd modestly kept on the back burner because of it's departure from so-called "real" old time music.
I also was at leisure to hang with some of my good buddies from the UK, some of which came to work and some for the hang. 
(5am one more tune and I gotta go to the airport jam with Neat Leath)
I came home long enough to do my laundry then I got on another plane and headed off to England where I had a few dates in Derbyshire, London and Wales. Lastly, I visited Phil Davidson's studio to pick up my mandolin.
(Pembrokeshire, Wales & Matlock, Derbyshire)
Now I'm back home in New York, I get to finally rest up, spend quality time with Mozell & get moving on the next thing. That will include a local mandolin ensemble, more original material, and I can't wait to play more with Nate Leath which means we'll get more hang-time in Virginia. WOOT!
(fixing a late night snack, Breakin' Up Christmas at Debbie & Tim's place in Konnarock, Va)
 | Currently listening:
Still Crooked
By Crooked Still
Release date: 2008-06-24 |
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