Jazz Mandolin Project with Bernie Williams
The second annual Jammy's Award Festival was advertised as featuring, among other acts, the Jazz Mandolin Project, Les Claypool's Flying Frog Brigade, Derek Trucks Band, John Popper, Lake Trout, Soulive, the Disco Biscuits, and an All-Star Centerfielder from The Bronx. As a devout Yankees fan, I wondered if that meant Bernie Williams would show up. The switch-hitting slugger is an aspiring musician, and I figured that his style would fit well with the Jazz Mandolin Project (JMP). The Yankees had a day off on the date of the show--June 28, 2001--so it had to be. 
Bernie at the Show Jamie Masefield and Bernie Williams
Bernie joined the acoustic bass, mandolin, and drum of JMP, adding some delicate jazz riffs to accompany Jamie Masefield's mandolin. There was also a distinct Cuban flare to his jamming. Williams seemed embarrassed by the attention given to him, confirming the modest character he has on the field. On the floor, 3,000 dancers grooved to the jazzy tunes. Seeing dozens of hippie girls spinning away to Bernie Williams' music blew my mind. The combination of the "Jamband World" with my personal "Baseball World" was surreal. 

Bernie jamming with JMP was just one of many unique and creative combinations on stage that night. DJ Logic, the master scratcher who often joins Medeski, Martin and Wood, opened the show with the Del McCoury Band, probably the country's best old-school bluegrass band. 
2001 Jammy's
 Original members of the Ramones jammed with the psychedelic Lake Trout. The Tom Tom Club (featuring  the Talking Heads' Tina Weymouth and drummer Chris Franz) performed a trippy version of Phish's Sand before Spearhead frontman Michael Franti joined the fray. Incendiary guitarist Junior Brown and Letterman's Paul Shaffer jammed with Les Claypool and his Brigade. Only at the Jammy's. 

Jazz Mandolin Project w/ Bernie Williams Eenor
Eenor, Junior Brown, Les Claypool, Paul Shaffer
 I almost didn't go to the Jammy's. First, I try to avoid Roseland. Any venue that doesn't let you bring water in (and charges $3 for a cup) pisses me off. Second, I had to rest up for the Gathering of the Vibes, the annual camping festival, which began the next day. Third, the whole concept of a "jam awards" show seemed weird to me. I mean, how can you objectively rate the single "Best Jam"? It's very silly. But there was enough good music to bring me out. Especially with Les Claypool, the planet's sickest bassist (apologies to Phil and Mike), guaranteed to bring the house down. Above left, Eenor (Les' six foot-six inch dreadlocked guitarist) and Les look on as Junior Brown works the slide guitar. Paul Shaffer plays the keys on the right. The tune? The Beatles' Taxman.
Mr. Eenor An oak tree with dreadlocks, said Les Les Claypool Les Claypool
Les thanked the jamband crowd for appreciating his art. "You've made me feel very welcome," said Les. I think the jam scene that embraced him is equally grateful. I know Trey Anastasio is. I know I am. 

As for the awards, well, they were silly. Phish won two awards, including best studio album. Phil Lesh (with Mike Gordon) won Jam of the Year with the 12/31/00 performance of Mountains of the Moon>Dark Star>I am The Walrus>Darkstar. Oh, and yeah, the Gathering of the Vibes won Best Festival. So much for award shows. 
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