We had a ball in Northern California last weekend. Visited good friends in Oakland. Bummed around Frisco. Thanks, Emily and Romo! Got to listen to some Staple Singers and Thelonious Monk from the original master tapes, courtesy of Michael Romanowski, Paul Stubblebine and the Tape Project, an amazing audiophile label (http://www.tapeproject.com/). What a thrill for a music lover.

Strawberry Music Festival was a big mess of fun—-I played Friday early. Rock Soup Ramblers Romo, Doug and Steve joined me on acoustic bass, dobro and mandolin for “You Made Your Bed” and “Cape Henry”. Played later with Rodney Crowell—-full band with Denny on bass and John Ferraro on drums. First time Denny and I have played and Harmonized together in a couple of years. I’ve missed you, D!! John Ferraro is fantastic and a great hang as well.

We played yet again at midnight. You may recall my last midnight show at Strawberry—in the round with Rodney, Guy Clark and Verlon Thompson. This year was the Avett Bros and then us. I sang “Piece of Work” and “Betty Was Black” during our set. We were joined by San Fran’s Chickwagon for their version of Rodney’s “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues”.

Played the State Theater in Modesto the next night. It wasn’t the big time operation that Strawberry was, but it was a great show, played to a sweet audience. Saw some good friends there too.

Home now. Doing some background vocals for Gwil Owen’s next CD. Working on his version of our song “Another Train”, which I released on “Americanitis”. Working on getting my new CD released as well.

Headed out for Ohio and Michigan this weekend.

I’ve borrowed some bitchin’ guitars from Fender and Gretsch lately—a Custom Shop 50’s Telecaster Relic and a George Harrison black Gretsch Duo Jet. Strung ‘em up with my slightly heavy guage Ernie Ball strings and they both just rocked on my last couple of electric shows. They both absolutely sang through the rented Fender Deluxe Reverb reissue amps.

See you out there.

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