ENHANCE STEREO HD SOUND WITH HEADPHONES. FOR BEST PICTURE CLICK ON FULL SCREEN & PICTURE QUALITY TO 720-HD. (Expand for more.) See also: https://suzukiassociation.org/people/derek-deakins/ http://youtu.be/F99CJQv8Wqc The Ocoee Parking Lot Bluegrass Jam will celebrate its twenty-fourth anniversary this year. It has never left the parking lot located at the Southeast corner of Maguire Road and West Colonial Drive (State Highway 50) since its creation. The "pickers" and listeners gather every Friday evening at 6:30 (weather permitting) on the pavement behind the Pizza Hut at 10870 West Colonial Drive, Ocoee, FL 34761. Pickers come from all over Central Florida and from other parts of the State and Nation to gather under a single sodium vapor light and play unrehearsed. There are regular pickers and newcomers in the group. Sometimes beginning and ending a song is a challenge, and occasionally there is a breathtaking masterpiece. Either way, the crowd is appreciative. Most of the music qualifies as bluegrass, but there are some gospel tunes and a few country songs. Keep in mind, this is a "jam," and the song selections are unrehearsed and spontaneous. I encourage you to stick with the video all the way to the end, which includes a very special greeting to the father of Doug Buchheister, one of the regular pickers (mandolin & vocal). The songs seem to get better and better, and the renditions of some old favorites are quite different and creative with the new visitors. Everyone enjoyed the musicianship and skill of the following new or returning players and vocalists in addition to the team of regular core pickers who are the glue that has held the Jam together for so many years:: Derek Deakins -- fiddle and vocals. Derek has played extensively as a professional. He plays with confidence, great skill, and a ferocious spirit. I'd wager there's some serious classical training and performance scholarship in his background too, and that were blessed to hear it focused on bluegrass. Stephen Mickerlz -- Stephen graciously stepped in for regular Bill Miller on upright bass and added energy and excitement to the Jam with his quarter and eighth-note walking style on many of the upbeat tunes. His animated expressions were the icing on the cake. Stephen and his wife, Martha are visiting from Maine. Trish Rieke -- vocal ("Rank Strangers"). Trish also added her back-up vocals and rhythmic clapping to many of the tunes. Her ready smile and obvious appreciation of the music was encouragement to everyone. The beautiful embellishment added by Patrick Moran's dobro is a treat. And watch the delicate vamps and "high-lonesome" vocal style of banjoist, Jack Lewis. You'll enjoy the vocals of Bill Barnard (flat-pick guitarist), Phil Gregory, Gerald Creed, Johnny Adams, Russ White and others. And, Doug Buchheister's mandolin and strong vocals are a plus indeed. I'd also like to mention how nice it was to have Charlie Comstock (dobro) back after such a long abscnce. Thanks to Jerry, Ray, and Richard for gracing the Jam with your lon-term wonderful musical presence and fellowship. ONE TECHNICAL NOTE WORTHY OF MENTION: You will note some songs are rendered only partially with recording joined in progress or ending prematurely. Because of the exceptionally large crowd and great number of pickers, by the time I was able to position myself to record, the song had already begun, and I missed the intro. In addition there would be a great rendition of a certain song, but the "tag" ending sort of missed the mark, so I dissolved that song into another to save the best part. Hope you enjoy the video. Copyright Disclaimer--"Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use." NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE.

• published: 12 Jan 2014
• views: 238