Ukulele Loki and Danny teamed up to DJ tonight's show. Uncle Jeff was off surfing between hurricanes. Some "new to me" traks by Norman & Nancy Blake, Hank Williams 3, Hank Snow and Steve Earle plus Danny's musical diagnosis made for an enjoyable show. All aspects were covered, from old timey to drinking songs, plus some.

Toward the show's end Danny played a set of music from the Sweet Harmony Traveling Revue which brought me back to the previous nite... Heading east on Colfax, I fought a blinding reflection in my mirrors. At Sheridan the sun was no longer a problem and soon I was tooling past downtown. I parked in front of the Abalone Apartments, glanced at the clock and shut down the engine. I left the radio playing and took a few minutes to relax from the 24 minute drive.

As I entered the Fillmore the first song was running. I quicky moved to a seat on the right and front, within sight of the bar. Emmylou announced they would be playing straight through, no intermissions. That was fine with me. The first song, "Red Dirt Girl" included everyone. Welch harmonized and played a snare. To the left was David Rawlings dressed in a suit and wearing a cowboy hat which shadowed his face as he played a mad lead acoustic. Patty Griffin was center stage wearing a red satin dress, red pumps and knee high black stockings... well ahhh, interesting. Buddy was on electric bass, attired as if ready to drive a Freightliner to the west coast post-show. Miller kicked ass right from the start as the 3 ladies sweetly harmonized. Every so often Gillian glanced Emmylou's way making sure not to over power the accomplished veteran.

My first impression... "this is real music." This is music that never gets played or sung the same way twice. These are lyrics written on a napkin, while sipping coffee at the kitchen table or in a beat pickup truck wailing down a two lane. The performance was a jam session in my livingroom and if I woke up it would be gone.

After a few songs everyone left the stage except Buddy Miller. He went into a solo electric "Does My Ring Burn Your Finger?" Shortly some light percussion joined in and my first impressions of this gray haired character took shape. He bent the strings like I never heard and his spicy voice echoed through deep canyons of lost memories. I related.

In a while Emmylou came out and did a few songs while Buddy accompanied. For reasons I never much thought about Emmylou has been on my music list and now I knew why. What a voice she has and it can only be realistically appreciated in concert. Her stage stature equals Loretta Lynn and her vocals harmonize with anyone. Lovely.

The others returned and David Rawlings grabbed up an electric bass. He played aggressively, loosening up enough to crack a smile which lasted the rest of the show. That's when I noticed he sorta looked like a young Gram Parsons. This impression was slightly influenced by whispers from my friend Jim Beam.

As the show continued Welch hoisted the bass on the Louvin Brothers tune, "Almost Sunday." She was equally as hot fingering bass strings as her partner. I was spellbound witnessing such a performance and the best was yet to come. I don't exactly remember how it came about but suddenly the 3 ladies were center stage... no instruments. They sang "Go To Sleep Little Babe" acapella while the crowd stomped a chain gang beat and got some Saturday nite religion. What a sweet number.

Next Gillian Welch and David Rawlings came out and began their set with "Electrify My Soul." These guys are 100% music. Every move they make squeezes out a chord or cadence. Rawlings bantered Gillian at the next break. "... pointless tuning a banjo when accompanying with a harmonica..." he said. Gillian continued tuning to her satisfaction and commented how she heard, "to drink lots of liquor when at this altitude." After a few sips they dove into " The Day Elvis Died" followed by "Ain't One Soul In The Whole World That Knows My Name," after which David Rawlings ran off the stage, almost like he had to take a leak. Then Gillian Welch swung her leg to begin a beat, hunched over the guitar and without delay went solo on, "One Little Song." The Welch and Rawlings set blew me away.

Again, I waved over my friend, Jim Beam, and we reviewed the situation while Patty Griffin took the stage with, "Top Of The World." In my state of mind Griffin was in the background as I pondered what a great show this had been. The balance of the evening became a blur and I was content to analyze the Fillmore's poster collection. The creativity I had just witnessed left me energized... it was 2 a.m. before sleep caught me.

Well, back to reality with the hot trak of Route 78 West's 183rd show. It's the catchy, upbeat Tex Williams', "Downtown Poker Club" on Capitol's "Rebels & Outlaws" CD. Highly recommended.

Up coming shows to see are Jay Farrar w/Local 33 at the Gothic Theater September 10 and the Fox Theater September 11. Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter at the Larimer Lounge, October 8th.