I was feeling melancholy about Clifftop being cancelled for 2020. So I decided to watch some footage from last year's highlight reels to cheer me up. I found a version of Road to Malvern that brings me both joy and hope. My hope is that it does the same for you!
Thank you Roger Netherton (fiddle), Rachel Eddy (Guitar), Brian Slattery (banjo) and Charlie Shaw (bass)!
See you all in 2021!
More -
This short film represents (to me) the “best of the best” in our music, community and Tradition:
- Music. Here is musicality… listening and letting it “flow” through you, tastefully exploring thoughts/arrangements together... all while honoring the tune
- The exponential power of a group vs an individual player (Gestalt effect)
- Contagion of art for mammals. No one within ear shot cannot be drawn in. Music is in our DNA. It's a bond!
- Living in the moment. Clearly this was filmed at a festival. "Turn off your phone and indulge-in/enjoy the moment!”
- Playfulness. Roger the fiddler's ever-present smile is impish. The group shares a wonderful syncopated moment with him and Brian
- Communication. Watch the eyes and smiles between all of them. You can bask in the love and respect they have for each other
- Community. Onlookers are all engaging and enjoying... taking the ride
- Connection and timeless Communion... with the past and present through this music. It's freaking magic!
To me, these precious people and this scenario embody the best of Traditional Music. Lots and lots of soul-shared joy and love. I can’t watch this without crying at the beauty that’s represented here. If I could see into the spirit world, I KNOW this jam was surrounded by celebrating angels shouting "Yee-ha!"