View Full Version : Dry Branch Fire Squad
going to see ron and the boys friday night in newburyport massachusetts. See BBU.Org for info. i am really looking forward to seeing them. they are one of my favorite bands. anyone ever get to see him hambone? between the mando and the hambone routine, he is a great entertainer. see you there! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I saw him in August for the first time. Never saw the hambone - he was recovering from some injury and didn't want to do it but promised to do it in his final set the next day.
Dry Branch along with the Seldom Scene are on my schedule for the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Mikey G
Oct-19-2005, 5:24pm
I saw Dry Branch Fire Squad in Lexington at the horse park several years ago. I had heard Ron tell a story about Rheinholt Messner, a montain climber, who climbed several major peaks without the use of supplemental oxygen. He sid that Rhineholt was the first man to climb "High Altitude Without Supplemental Oxygen," between songs on a radio broadcat. When we formed our bluegrass band, and needed a name, and I suggested "High Altitude Without Supplemental Oxygen," and the boys in the band agreed. Most people know us as High Altitutde. I got a chance to talk with Ron and told him this story, telling him he was the reason we named our band what we had. He grinned and told me that "he couldn't be held responsible for that." He is very entertaining, and an awesome mandolin player! Thanks, Ron.
He didn't do it last time I saw them, but he does hambone a great Hot Corn, Cold Corn. I love his stories but his talking does turn some people off.
His talking also turns some people on; two sides of the coin!
Brian Aldridge
Oct-20-2005, 5:19am
hey Dando, come up and say hello to me at Newburyport. I'll be the one playing mostly guitar, but mando when Ron plays something else. I'll tell Ron he has a request for hambone. NBP is a great place to play, and we have been looking forward to it.
we got front row center stage seats. hey brian, see if you can get ron to tell the "self storage" story he told three years ago at strawberry park ct. i loved that tale........... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Saw them at Merlefest, laughed so hard, funnt guys and darn good folks to boot.
....and THAT'S "entertainment" - as it should be... Moose. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
evanreilly
Oct-21-2005, 6:52pm
Rawn's best story is about how Bill Monroe used to put on his pants!
JimRichter
Oct-21-2005, 7:31pm
It's all in the backflip.
Jim
my wife and i had THE best time last night at the concert. i got to meet brian and ron. i had a very special treat, in that brian took us backstage to show me his '25 fern. i have never seen one up close to look at. i really enjoyed talking to him and getting a look at a real classic mando. i think it is the oldest one that i have seen to date. dry branch..........good music and really nice friendly people.
Brian Aldridge
Oct-22-2005, 11:45pm
DBFS had a great time in Newburyport, as usual. The folks are wonderful, the food is excellent, and the view of the fall folage across the Mass Turnpike was majestic. I especially enjoyed meeting Dando and his wife. Great folks indeed.
Takes one to know one, Brian. Have a great time at IBMA http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
brian, send me a 'private message'from the cafe with your email address. i will send you those pictures per your request. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
goldtopper
Oct-24-2005, 9:42am
My favorite Bluegrass/Old Time band hands down.
Ron's mando playing and tone are what I consider the ultimate. Sometimes his speedy stuff is a little sloppy, but hell, I'd love to slop like that. His slow stuff like "Memories that bless and Burn" and "Atlanta's Burning" are among the tastiest dishes he cooks.
mrbook
Oct-25-2005, 8:29am
At a show a couple years ago he stepped up to play a fill at the end of a vocal line, but instead of a little run he played one ringing open note on the mandolin. At the time I thought that note was perfect (all that was needed) and it has been in my head ever since.
sunburst
Oct-25-2005, 9:11am
I friend of mine once said of DBFS:
"It's the only bluegrass band I've ever heard, where I was sorry when they stopped talking and started to play."
Truckinmama
Oct-25-2005, 9:55am
If anyone lives near Jim Thorpe, PA or is looking for a nice weekend away, Penn's Peak is hosting the Pocono Bluegrass Sampler #2 on November 5th. It is featuring Uncle Earl, Dry Branch Fire Squad and JD Crowe and the New South. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 day of show!! Sounds like a good one to me!!
Willie
Oct-25-2005, 11:22am
Hey Dando...His `25 Fern? He let me play his Loar, he must not trust you as much as he soes me....Brian is a great fellow and we here on the Cafe are lucky to have him posting now and then...Every time I plan on going to see D.B.F.S. something seems to happen....a good show for sure....Willie
Keith Wallen
Oct-27-2005, 11:04am
If he didn't let someone play it then it was probably because he didn't have it with him... Brian is a great guy. He and my dad use to play in a band together and Brian helped me a lot getting started. Even when he was in another band he let come to their practices and watch and chop in the background. I can't tell you how much that helped me get going. He is always approachable and ready to help out. I haven't seen him in a while but I got to pick with him a couple of weeks ago which was realy cool.
Thanks Brian!
Keith
Brian Aldridge
Oct-27-2005, 5:56pm
wow, thanks guys. Coming from guys like you, it means a lot.
Bradley
Oct-27-2005, 6:44pm
DBFS is the cover Story on Bluegrass Unlimted....And Wow
that Brian sure cleans up good too !! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Ohhh..,da***nm!### - Now I can hardly wait 'till my latest BU arrives - (stupid "snail-mail"!###) - Thanks for gett'n me all "psyched-up!## - Several years ago - at a festival - Ron gave a "monologue" on "... why they(today's farmers) roll hay in the field 'sted of "bailing" it..." - I laughed 'till I had tears in my eyes. - Now THAT'S entertainment - IMHO - hee... hee.. - Moose. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Brian Aldridge
Oct-28-2005, 10:34am
hey Moose, there is also a great indepth interview of Ron Thomason in the Oct issue of Bluegrass Now magazine, and Ron's (only) picture on the cover. I have not seen the Nov issue of BU where we are all on the front cover yet.
Moose
Oct-28-2005, 11:03am
Welll... ; since YOU haven't seen it yet..., I don't feel so bad! - Looking forward to it ; Thanks for responding!! - Moose http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Dando
Oct-31-2005, 11:39am
has anyone seen any tab for 'atlanta is burning' or others that dbfs does? i would like to find some
thanks
mandopete
Oct-31-2005, 2:58pm
Here you go Brian...
Now ain't THAT a handsome look'n bunch! - (seriously, nice well-written article - 'bout a consistantly good band!) - Moose - http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Scotti Adams
Oct-31-2005, 5:27pm
..Hey Brian..its good to see you got Tommy B. out of retirement...hes a class act.....and yea..you clean up purty well...
Brian Aldridge
Oct-31-2005, 5:55pm
thanks (I think) mandopete for pic of the BU cover, and thanks to everyone for the nice comments. I guess I don't clean up too bad. "Gonna buy five copies for my mother". The first one to post what song that line comes from, and who the artist was will win their choice of one of three different varieties of the WORLD'S BEST MANDOLIN STRINGS, namely LaBella. My favorite, the 880H which is bronze wound .012 .017 .026 .040, or 880L also bronze wound .009 .012 .021 .036, or finally the much talked about Flatwound .010 .014 .026 .033, shipped to your door.
Brian Aldridge
Oct-31-2005, 6:07pm
yes Scotti, it's great that Tommy is back here, at least musically. He still makes his home near Chicago. He retired after 25 years at Ashland Oil, and the first thing he did was think of getting back into music again. 'Tho he had been fairly active in the Chicago scene.
Joe Parker
Oct-31-2005, 7:51pm
It's the thrill that'll getcha when you get your picture on "The Cover of the Rolling Stone" Dr. Hook
JPP
Joe Parker
Oct-31-2005, 7:56pm
Oh-If the offer still stands I'll take the heavy bronze set for my Master Model. Thanks! JPP
Brian Aldridge
Oct-31-2005, 8:16pm
congrats JPP. PM me with your address and I will get them right out to you. Let us know how you like them.
Scotti Adams
Nov-01-2005, 7:39am
Hey Brian,,,is Tommy local now?....I know dad would love to see him again,,,
goldtopper
Nov-01-2005, 9:33am
"Atlanta is Burning" is pretty easy- you might not need tab. I haven't played it in a while, but I usually play it in D. It modulates to E later in the song.
Give a good listen while holding your mando and the melody notes will jump right out at you. Beautiful tone on that song. Suzanne Thomas' voice is also excellent on that entire recording.
I wrote Ron a few years ago asking about his tone and he did say he played it on his Loar.
I also asked him about the chord sequence in "Memories that Bless and Burn". He wuz gonna get back to me on that one, and I'm sure he's awful busy, so he never did.
Any help on that one Brian?
Brian Aldridge
Nov-01-2005, 10:12am
goldtopper, the song is out of the key of G minor. The intro is Gm Cm Gm F Gm.
(Gm)And now to God, I (F)will (Gm)return
(Gm)I know my (C MAJOR) time is drawing (Gm) near
(Gm)Let memories that bless and (Cm) burn
(Gm) heal your heart with (F) with tears
I think you can get it from there. The sneaky part is that the first time it goes to C major, and the second time it goes to C minor. The solo Ron does at the end loosly follows the melody, with some hold overs within some chords.... I don't know how to define that part. The double mando track does add a lot of texture to what he does. His Loar (72210) really sounds fine here.
Brian Aldridge
Nov-01-2005, 10:18am
Scotti, Tommy is still making his home in Romeoville, near Chicago. He and Sharron would love to come back here, but their kids grew up up there, so you have inlaws and jobs.... tough for them to leave there now I suppose. Why did I leave the plow in the field.......
Moose
Nov-01-2005, 12:33pm
"...and look for a "gig" in the town..." http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Willie
Nov-01-2005, 8:17pm
Moose....Ron has a way of turning a 45 min. picking show into 10 mins. of picking and 35 mins. of funny stories....Of course the pickers get a long break that way, and there ain`t that many comical acts around any more but I`m still trying....Willie
goldtopper
Nov-02-2005, 3:01am
Brian,
Thanks so much!!
I've been wanting to do that one as special music in church one day. It's such a chilling song yet heartfelt song.
Cm ?! I thought that chord was illegal in most states, I better check our laws!
Brian Aldridge
Nov-02-2005, 6:40am
Glad I could be of help goldtopper. I hope your congregation enjoys it.
Darryl Wolfe
Nov-02-2005, 10:31am
Brian..is that a 56 or a 57 D-18 you are playing on the picture inside http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Brian Aldridge
Nov-02-2005, 2:08pm
HA! Good knowledge Darryl! It's a '56. I am curious as to how you nailed it?
.."those in the KNOW...., KNOW!" - You da' man, Darryl (Hey Brian: in 1963 I bought(new) a Martin D-21 w. HSC = $395.00!!! - wanted to play "lead", traded for a Gibson SG - What a mistake! - what a piece of...,Ops!) Moose. hee.. hee... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif
Darryl Wolfe
Nov-02-2005, 2:38pm
It's the ole keen eye for details..the same way you know a Loar when you seee it across the parking lot.
Actually, most Martin's are datable by the color and shape of the pickguard...56 and 57 are particularly noticeable. Throw in tuners and other details..you can get real close.
I actually would have said 56 if I had to zero in on one year
Brian Aldridge
Nov-02-2005, 6:02pm
Moose, I've owned a couple D21s. Loved them. In fact Ron Thomason still has one I sold him in the early 80s. Truthfully, I like the mahogany 18s best for my ear. Although I did really like playing Michael Cleveland's '43 28 a couple weeks ago. That's a good guitar. Frank Ray showed up at that jam with his Don Brown July 9 and an extra clean March 23 Loar. I had my early fern and my Feb 18 24 w/ virzi. Michael Cleveland played the Feb 18 a lot and said he loved that one.
Yup! - "...the mahogany 18's."!! - My preference also - such a woody/warm tone/sound. (mahogany mandos have THOSE same characteristics)- Good post! - Regards, Moose. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Keith Wallen
Nov-04-2005, 3:18pm
Dag gonnit... Can't believe I missed out on the Dr. Hook stuff. Anytime I ref. them nobody knows what I am talking about. "Well I got more money than King Wilkie has hair, cause my rich old uncle Bill died and left me all his shares..." Good stuff http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif
...jus' cause we play Bluegrass, don't mean some(!?) of us ain't "eclectic"-minded - hee... hee.. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
JohnF
Nov-28-2005, 11:04pm
OK, I'm not trying to start anything and Ron may cringe at the attention but he has my vote as the true torchbearer!! I'd like to see him play Monroe's Loar!!
Also, glad to see him featured in the magazines. I wish I could get that Bluegrass Now (with an interview!) in the stores (Been short on funds for a subscription)
Brian Aldridge
Nov-29-2005, 5:34am
hey JohnF, I might be able to help you with the Bluegrass Now. email me at roaring20sf5@hotmail.com