Bluegrass Parlor's jam sessions have earned quite a reputation among artists and fans.
By JULIE GARISTO
Published October 20, 2005
TAMPA - It's a typical Thursday evening as musicians of all ages file into the Bluegrass Parlor.
Tom Henderson, organizer of the bluegrass music store's storied jam, greets the players as they set up in a circle of office chairs.
"This is where bluegrass lives," Henderson says proudly. "Folks come from all over to play here."
Bluegrass Parlor's humble trappings in a strip mall belie its prestige in the music scene. A stapled patchwork of snapshots and memorabilia covers the walls. Polished acoustic guitars hang in wait by crossover hit CDs like the soundtrack to O Brother Where Art Thou.
After 26 years, Henderson, 68, led his last jam as store owner in early October before selling it to someone he knew would carry on the tradition: 26-year-old music teacher Jeff Jones.
"Tom has been a good friend to me for a long time," Jones said. "He gave me encouragement when I was just starting to take lessons at the Bluegrass Parlor, brought me out on stage with the Bluegrass Parlor Band when I was only like 10 or 11 years old, pushed me to learn how to improvise, and gave me a place to teach music lessons when I was old enough and experienced enough."
The music sounds like a soothing twang symphony, perfect for winding down a hectic workweek. The steady thrum of Jana Jones' stand-up bass anchors six or so guitars, mandolins and fiddles. Dr. Marlon Walker offers up angelic strums from his dobro as powerful vocalists such as Barbara Shaffer take turns singing lilting melodies backed by near-perfect harmonies. Heather Franks, 14, with eight years of classical violin experience, plays the fiddle with comfortable ease.
Some surprises happen, like Ward Cox switching from guitar to a kalimba, a little African xylophone. He furiously thumbs it like a kid conquering an Xbox game.
National and international touring acts also play the Thursday concert during winter months, and a bluegrass music fan once even came from Tokyo to attend the jam.
The International Bluegrass Music Association calls the weekly happening "Nashville South."
"Bluegrass is a more personal music," Jones says. "You get more involved with one another. I guess you could say it's oriented at playing around a campfire."
Henderson boasts about the band's current lineup, which includes the grandsons of dobro master Walker. Mandolin-player Jarrod, 13, and banjo-picker Cory, 15, are absent this evening due to schoolwork, so their bandmates brag about them playing to an audience of 50,000 at a Country Music Association concert in June in Nashville.
Another family affair in the Bluegrass Parlor Band involves the new owner's family. Jeff Jones plays guitar, and brother Jason, 15, plays bass in the band. Their 24-year-old sister, Jana, is the one keeping things upright at the store's open jam.
Henderson, meanwhile, oversees things in a grandfatherly way, lending wisdom, giving pointers.
"I think it's important to include youngsters," Henderson says. "It keeps the music going."
PREVIEW
The Bluegrass Parlor's weekly jam is from 8 to 10 p.m. Thursdays. Free admission. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. 4810 E Busch Blvd., Tampa, 813 985-2780 or www.bluegrassparlor.com
