A Shakesperean Winters Tale

................... Once upon a time , long long ago

Aaaah .. Tis a good feeling that I finish my weekly work of toil and stress …. So as I wander down from the fading frost sunlit hills from working the land , my bones ache but yet I’m happy as I stroll downward along the tree lined stoney track on my own , as I’ve “ just got paid and I got a pocketful of change”
   I think what will i do this fine winters evening …. Suddenly as I pass an old Oak Tree , I see posted on it a note , I wipe my brow and read on …

                                                                                     Announcement

                                                                  TONITE ….  SAT’DAY 16th FEBRUARY
                                                                                             AT
                                                   YE OLDE CHEESE AND GRAIN INN - FROME - SOMERSET

                                                                                  JOE BONAMASSA

                                                                              MUSIC AND FRIVOLITY

                                                                   (he’s gonna give you what’s  instore)

                                                                               Entrée     2  GROATS

2 groats that’s cheap .. I smile .. Frivolity , I could do with some Frivolling ……… Aaah that’s what I’ll do
I carry on my gleeful way  …  as I enter the village the track changes to cobbled streets
  Meeting folk along the way , stopping to tell them amongst other things about tonights travelling troupe
Instead of venturing home , I visit many drinking establishments to quench my thirst , I am glad that this is a
Sat’day ….. I meander through dim lit streets to the said Inn of Show …….. Some happy laughing folk are milling with travelling stories , One I happen to overhear speaks of tonights artist whom are indeed from
The Americas and have crossed The Atlantic ( by Tea Clipper I guess ) that would tire any soul
And had played in London Town evening prior and Traditional Music Was Assurred
A venue Announcer/Cryer Then enters the town market square and rings his bell and bellows
“Hear Ye , Hear Ye .. One and All .. For One Night Only A Evening of Musical Abandonment will be available for the sumly price of 2 Groats at The Cheese and Grain Inn Here in Frome … I Thank You”
I Thought this is Advertising of the Highest Standard … T’Will be a Hearty Jaunt
Queueing in Line , I had the pleasurable Experience of Exchanging Nouns and Syllabals with Lyn B from Poole and Matt from Ireland and David from Southampton , I learned much from these folk of “whats instore” …….. Doors open and I Anxiousley part with 2 hard earned Groats .. I then order an Olde English Ale and Saunter to the 1 ft high stage …. There is at least 20 people here , “A crowd of Unheard Magnitude”
( But could be 800 , abacus not my strongest point ) … Hearty  Laughter and mucho Jostling abound fill
The Cheese and Grain Candle Lit Hall ….. “ Ladies and Gentlemen " as a man steps from the side ,
“ Tis with Great Pleasure I Introduce to You From The Americas For your Visual and Aural Senses
Joe Bonamassa and Friends " …… The Candles are Simultaneously Blown Out ( Now even special effects )
These Four Gents Stride onto The Stage in What could Only be Described as Strange Attire , The Likes of Which has Not been seen ‘Round These Parts ‘Fore ..
But I Add Look Very Neat in Appearance . 9 out of 10 For Effort
They  have Guitars Drum Bass and Piano ( I Think they may be some kind of Orchestra ) whatever that is
They Introduce Themselves With Smiles Which are Genuine and Re-assuring , as well as their toothpaste must be ….. The Four man Ensemble then set about Providing Music of The Highest Decree
It’s Foot tapping Melodies and Verse … Indeed the Leader even sings while playing a six stringed instrument I think called a Gibson Les Paul Sunburst ’59 , He has that New Invention Electricity Running Through his Mandolin , But Lord it does Sound Rather Good ….. His Accompaniests are Always Smiling and they all play in time too (extraordinary)  ….
Some songs are Fables of Lost Women , Broken Hearts and Life Stories …. I Personally like Sloe Gin ,
T’was an uplifting tune with a haunting sound with a sad tale , But I thought the singer would have called it
“Grey Goose , Grey Goose .. Try and Wash away the Pain Inside” .. Has a Certain Realistic Ring to It .. Lol
The Gibson playing was very intense with mucho gusto … “Walk in My Shadows”  another highlight had the Audience singing and marching in response .. (God knows what for)  Apparently it’s an Iowa Thing
Whatever That Is
More barnstormers than you could shake a stick at including A Traditional Acoustic Wooden Mandolin song Woke up Dreaming , very very fast fingers and individual soloing .. Impressive Talent Gains Crowd Applause and a Standing Ovation ( because of no seats ! ) ……. By this time I’m well oiled and am having a fun time …….. They Depart , but quickly return to deliver more merryment on the already joyous frome bunch … Country Stompin’ “ One of These Days “ was absolutely note defining brilliance with chunks of heavy sounding melody ( Love That One ) …… The Leader Joe stepped up to the edge of the stage and sung voice only , no microphone , most excellent to an appreciative polite quiet audience , was a sight to behold and the show closer Ball Peen Hammer finished off proceedings to a quite memorable evening in style
The Four Chaps took a bow to an wild ecstatic Cheese and Grain Gathering , they bid their farewells and the evening did come to a close
And  I thought to myself as I Wandered Home in the Cold Dark Night along the Cobbled Streets

Tis a Good Feeling That

The End

.................................. Michael

Tip .... Watch in Smallest Window for Clarity in Picture & Sound              http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cq7EMKByDfc

Loving Scott From 2:07