I want to share one of the coolest things I ever did. In Hawaii some years ago, I hiked up to the splendor of Seven Sacred Pools, on the other side of Maui from Lahaina. We wound our way up the mountain; through different kinds of foliage, crossing streams, doing a bit of climbing on flat black volcanic rock covered with red ants. There were pastures with high grasses, and copses of bamboo, with its cool feel and crisp bark underfoot. When we got to the top, we stood under the waterfall, allowing it to pelt us, and not even being able to hear each other over the din. Then our guide gave us two choices; we could walk back down (oh no!!!)….or we could take the water route! He turned us around to the waterfall that poured into the highest pool. It was a healthy jump, but we did it, and made our way down the mountain jumping into each successive pool and backstroking in the calm water. It was at once exhilarating, exhausting, and awe inspiring. I haven’t been back in years, but as it is in Haleakala National Park, I trust it hasn’t gone away.

Most times, it is hard to go back. You just don’t know what you might find in the name of ‘progress’. Paved, built up, cut down. Different. Robert Ellis brings it home in a touching and personal way in the song “Bamboo.” It seems Robert is always on the road. He is in Europe for a string of festival performances before he comes back stateside for more festivals and some club dates.  He is a must see, by the way. Here is the Music Fog recording of one of the songs you will find on his 2011 album, Photographs. This was filmed at Americana Fest last year in Nashville during the Fall Music Fog Marathon at Marathon Recorders. “Bamboo.”

- Jessie Scott