An acoustic trio of guitar, mandolin and bass performing original songs and covers of everything from the Delmore Brothers and Merle Travis to John Sebastian and the Beatles.

14 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Folk Blues, BLUES: Acoustic Blues

Show all album songs: Live At Local Color Cafe Songs


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Iâm what you call a lucky so-and-so.

A lot of good things have happened to me in my life, but one of the best was the night several years ago when I first wandered into this great little restaurant called Local Color Cafe in Springville, Alabama, about 45 minutes east of Birmingham off Interstate 59 North. From the original paintings and old record covers hanging on the walls to the heavenly aromas wafting from the kitchen, I knew right-off this was no Dennyâs knock-off or Waffle House wanna-be.

Friends, Local Color Café is the âreal deal,â and until youâve had a bowl of chicken and dumplings, a piece of warm cornbread, or a fresh, homemade biscuit made by the capable hands of chef Garry Burttram, youâve missed one of lifeâs great pleasures.

The first time I played at Local Color Cafe was with Elnora Spencer, a great blues and jazz singer from Birmingham. Soon after I began performing there regularly with The Martini Shakers, a Birmingham rockabilly trio I worked with and produced two CDs for from 2003 to '06. I also started playing some solo dates, performing some of my original songs along with acoustic covers of songs such as John Prine's "Angel From Montgomery," Simon & Garfunkel's "Homeward Bound," Merle Travis's "Smoke, Smoke, Smoke" and others.

Other than when I perform the music of Mississippi John Hurt (I have two CDs of his music available), I'm not that fond of playing alone, and so I assembled a trio with upright bassist Roy Yarbrough, a fine player who I've worked with in various other Birmingham groups and who has recorded with me on several of my CDs, and Jason Bailey, my favorite mandolin player in Birmingham (or anywhere) who also appears on some of my other recordings. Together we began developing a repertoire and in the spring of 2007 we began recording our shows at Local Color Cafe. The tracks on this CD were recorded the night of June 30th by Bert Trotman. As you'll hear, a good time was had by all.

One of the best things about Local Color Cafe, aside from the excellent down-home food and the friendly vibes, is the "house band" featuring the fabulous harmonies and piano work of Sylvia Waid, Peggy Jones, and co-owner Merle Dollar, otherwise know as the Something Else Trio. Performing a repertoire of standards, pop hits and show tunes from the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s, they are a musical treasure reminscent of the Andrews Sisters. To learn more about them and hear samples of their music visit the cafe's web site at www.localcolorcafe.com

Lately the Lost Jim Trio and the Something Else Trio have been playing some songs together, which is a real treat for me. I mean, good picking combined with their good singing â it's the best! Maybe that'll be our next CD . . .

If you're ever in the Birmingham or Gadsden area of Alabama, I highly recommend a trip to Local Color Cafe on a Friday or Saturday night for a great dinner and some sweet music from the Something Else Trio, the Lost Jim Trio, or any of the other teriffic acts that perform there. Youâll leave full, happy and well-entertained, I guarantee! â Lost Jim