On the eve of another appearance at The Detroit Zoo Summer Nights outdoor music series … it’s more than time that I talk about a few of his trusted musical, accomplished colleagues, all I proudly call friends … in his Sugarees band- I think of them as the Sweet Notes!
My friend, “the king of Michigan guitarists” (another’s most appropo label), rocking Chris Degnore has been with Billy for years- BB even “gave” him to veteran Michigan musician Jill Jack, to replace himself in her band. He’s had careers in both Ireland and Nashville- only a true music fan can appreciate the very real musical roots tie, from the Old Country to the New World. Chris won a Nashville annual songwriter award in the 2000s- in my words, in “the home of the song”. He released his electricifying, take-no-prisoners album Cinema this year, with his power pop trio, The Blackdrops. Whatta a CD release show we celebrated that Feb. night at Callahans in Auburn Hills- I actually took the (Cassata) cake that night- to surprise Chris on stage!
Go dig him at http://www.chrisdegnoreandtheblackdrops.com
Now my stoic bassist friend (fellow country music craver & Honky Tonk Wed. bar night pioneer), Ann Arbor’s John Holk- another BB vet. He’ll often play with Billy that sturdy ol’ string bass- sign of great country, jazz and bluegrass to myself- in trio with Jason Dennie on mandolin- love that lineup. John also plays jazz and classical, educated at U. of M. My wake up call on John was seeing him with his shiny, happy country Sequins band- playing guitar and singing out front in that cowboy hat. They churn it out like good ol’ country buttermilk- smooth, sweet with just the right amount of tang … er, I mean … twang! His Sequins album, “If You See Her” is one richly produced set of country pop songs- in the very best sense of the word- never could be better. Linking above this post my all-time Holk fave “The Mountain”.
Stay in John’s country at www.facebook.com/johnholkeboer?fref=ts
Last, but never musically least, my mandolin guru and friend Jason Dennie, another BB well-seasoned player. I’m the one saying he’s Michigan’s most valuable mando picker- hands up, down and all around! And (so far from afar) also mando tutor to this rookie picker- among his many students. His bluegrass band Wayward Roots won 2011 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Best Band- that’s what I call being in the green, green grass of home! Now let’s hear it Jason one time- “biscuits and gravy” (inside country joke!).
“Pick” up on Jason at www.facebook.com/jason.dennie.7?fref=ts
and
TimMusic- “I don’t fear the words and sounds … just try holding them close to my heart” 