On the 17th of November Hoosiers were treated to an appearance by Papa Jack who brought Nashville musicians Dolye Grisham and Paul Marriner to Claypool for a three hour show in support of the Hal Rugg foundation, Matty’s Vision.
Owners Kenny and Jamie Archer and local musician Greg Horton invited Papa Jack back and he responded to the opportunity by bringing some world class talent with him. Doyle and Paul played stage right of the front door to Papa’s perch on the opposite side. The show was laced with some light hearted banter with the saloon audience which often included a “here we go again” joke about playing another hit song that steel guitarist Dolye Grisham played on. Doyle has played on all Randy Travis’ hits and all of Jimmy Buffets plus some other artists through the years so whenever he is available to sit in there are plenty of popular hits he helped make to choose from. Paul, an experienced artist sideman, contributed some real tasty hot licks as well. He and Doyle worked well together trading sections of solos all night long.
The Saloon has become a regular stop for Papa Jack because it is an excellent setting for a storyteller. There are always plenty of vets (including Kenny, one of the owners) in attendance. Papa Jack always starts his evening with a song in remembrance of their service. Doyle, incidentally, is a vet. A good time was had by all including Debbie and Joy, Doyle and Paul’s wives who also made the trip from Nashville in support of the foundation.
It was not a CD release party but it was the first time Papa Jack’s new CD, “For God, Country, Hal and Willie” was available for purchase and plenty of them went home with the patrons.
It is always a fun trip down memory lane for the old storyteller to come back to his Hoosier roots and perform. Having the foundation to give all the funds raised makes it especially gratifying. Seeing old friends and revisiting old memories is a hoot for him. We thank the musicians, those who attended the show, and particularly Ken, Jamie and Greg for making the evening a fundraising success.
Don’t forget the students we work to support and please consider an online donation at: mattysvision.com. All money goes directly to the schools for the acquisition of instruments and opportunities for the visually impaired. Matty’s Vision is a 501C3 with no overhead. The founders Tammy and Jack cover all costs to operate it, that is their personal, ongoing contribution to the mission of supporting the musical activities of the blind.
Papa Jack is a storyteller of the Americana genre with road and Nashville music row experience. He writes, records and performs to support the 501C3 charity foundation “Matty’s Vision” and Wounded Warriors Project. The foundation provides musical instruments and opportunities for the visually impaired. Papa Jack, who played for a living for years is proud to provide his interpretations of the country he has traveled as a musical offering.
