Hal Smith Joins The Jim Cullum Jazz Band

From Jim Cullum's "Jazz Me News:"

 Joining the band on July 10 is the veteran traditional jazz/swing drummer and bandleader, Hal Smith. Hal had previously been with the band from late 1981 to early 1982. He is a familiar face on the traditional jazz festival/party scene, performing in and leading bands such as Hal's Angels, The Roadrunners (which appeared on Riverwalk Jazz), the Butch Thompson Trio and the Carl Sonny Leyland Trio, among many others.

Hal is also a prolific writer of prose on traditional jazz (see his article below).

Jim Cullum says, "Hal Smith has the deepest understanding of the critical role drums play in a swinging jazz rhythm section and knows how to make it all come together for the best possible result."

Hal says: "For years I have hoped for an opportunity to play regularly with this great hot ensemble. And, I am delighted to be returning to live in my favorite state."

Michael Steinman says about Hal's playing: "I don't know what religion Hal Smith practices, and it would be rude of me to ask, but he works miracles when he plays. His rollicking beat makes any band sit up straight and play a thousand times better."

Visit Hal Smith's website here.

The American Rag wishes Hal the best in his new endeavor. Jim Cullum could not have asked for a better drummer!

On The Home Front

Yesterday I finished plying the "Fruit Salad" merino. I forgot to take a photo before it was skeined and soaked, so it's hanging now and should be dry tomorrow and ready to photograph.

This morning I decided to check out some YouTube video instructions for N (or Navajo) plying. I had a little bit of polwarth on a bobbin, so I tried it. I love N plying -- and did manage to get a photo of it, although it's a little light.

I'm working now on some natural coopworth/shetland that was sent by a friend to practice on. It came from a farm in her area. There is only one ounce, so I have no idea how much I'll end up with when it's spun and N plied. I hope it will be enough to make something because it's a really pretty black/gray/white. Maybe one of those skinny scarves.

Since I've been spinning at least a little bit every day, I joined Ravelry's "Tour de Fleece." It goes from July 3 to July 25, same as the Tour de France, with two rest days. We will be going to Mammoth from July 12 to July 18, and I won't be spinning then, but I will be knitting, which is a sanctioned fiber activity.