A LITTLE MORE ABOUT POTLUCK.....................
The Potluck Ramblers
Jim Cowles, (Pronounced “Coles”) Guitar and Vocals,
Kyle Ellison, Banjo and Vocals,
Bob Bush, Bass
Barbara Friedland, Mandolin, Guitar and Vocals.
Performances are acoustic or with audio, whichever our audience prefers.
Jim, a CLU & retired insurance executive, was once with the “Riverfront Ramblers,” a Louisville and New Albany based folk group, known for doing mostly sixties folk. The ability to sing high tenor, plus his overall vocal range, gives him a unique style. You can hear that sound when you listen to his original song (home recording); words, music and harmony by Jim: New Kentucky Home (there are a few other tunes written by Jim on this site, as well). An avid songwriter, Jim pens at least one song per month. He flat picks, finger picks & sometimes plays a 12-string guitar as well as harmonica; but more than anything, he loves to harmonize. He is a wedding soloist on occasion, but the friendship and play with Potluck is his love! That's true harmony! Believe it or not, he even loves Kyle's banjo pickin.'
Kyle, owner of Kentucky Spring, where he makes unique wood products, (www.kentuckyspring.net) is an accomplished banjo player, practicing several hours each day. His style and willingness to discuss “banjo,”quickly make him a crowd favorite. He plays with several bands, including a Civil War band and the "Bellairians," a neighborhood band named after the street where they live. He has also sat in at times with a local band called the "Muddy Loafers." If you want to play music, call Kyle and he'll be right there. He doesn't need much to get him playing the banjo and he can be found doing just that several nights a week (and maybe a few days; he has a banjo in his office and his employees often hear him pickin' away). Take a listen to a traditional tune and you can hear his style: Breakin' it down. His cats have learned to accept his playing, but they mostly just hide when they see him going for his banjo. You can see more about that on our "Home Page."
Bob, a draftsman by trade, mostly working from his home, is an outstanding musician, with a keen ear. He plays several instruments, including mandolin and guitar, but his job with Potluck is to keep the rest of the band in time and in line. He has a hard time doing that more often than not, but he's a great bass player and all you have to do is follow his beat. He can pick out a melody on that old bass as well; take a listen to Fever (sung by our Barb Friedland) and hear Bob's solo. Bob is also an excellent carpenter and does projects for others from time to time. Now that he's semi-retired, he has become more active in this field. You may also see him in a "tech role," handling the sound for several musical events, including Kentuckyhomefront, Louisville's premier traditional music radio show, hosted by John Gage. We joke that Bob has a mind like a steel trap; yes, a few teeth are missing, but it still works darn well.
Barb, is also a talented visual artist. The Ramblers heard her perform at an “open mic” program at the Kentucky Theater in Louisville several years ago and immediately felt she could contribute greatly to the band. Wonderful harmonies have developed as a result and she does some super solo work as well. She's also an avid finger-picking guitarist and can really get rolling when she picks one up. But her true love is playing mandolin; she owns several and has become quite proficient on the instrument. As mentioned above, she has jumped into lead singing with both feet. Here's an example: Fever. Potluck is delighted to have her on-board. Barb is an employee of Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church, working with young adults and assisting the Pastor during Sunday services. She has even conducted a few Sunday morning services herself! Say "amen" for Barb!
As mentioned on the Home Page, The original Ramblers met at a Potluck dinner, thus the name. Although their musical backgrounds vary, they have become close friends and creators of their own version of Bluegrass, Folk, Blues and a little of the old time Rock & Roll. Audiences really enjoy the old rock and roll favorites, like “Blue Moon,” “I’ve Just Seen a Face,” “I’m Walkin,” “Hello Mary Lou,” and many others from the great Rock & Roll era.
If you like Potluck's music, you can let them know by clicking: HERE And if you do, you will be added to the Potluck e-mail list, to let you know about future gigs
Meanwhile, another tune for you:
Up on the roof 2.mp3 Jim, Vocal & Guitar - Words & Music, Carol King
One of Jim's favorites by Carol King - he also loves "Take good care of my baby," a Bobby Vee hit from the 60s that Carol co-wrote
WANT TO KEEP ON MOVIN?' 