Folk duo Jaeger & Reid, put together a moving tribute to folk singer and songwriter, Bill Staines, a long-time dear friend of Bob Reid, who passed away in December 2021 at the age of 74. Bill Staines was a force to be reckoned with in the modern folk era, recording 22 LPs. His regular touring schedule was grueling, often performing more than 200 times a year. His songs are timeless, but Bridges (seen/heard here) as performed by Jaeger, Reid, and a host of friends) is a story that needs to be told again and again, as it is just as meaningful now, as it was in 1984 when it was first recorded:

“There are bridges, bridges in the sky
They are shining in the sun
They are stone and steel and wood and wire
They can change two things to one

They are languages and letters
They are poetry and awe
They are love and understanding
And they’re better than a wall”

Though metaphorical, there is no denying that the words drive home our need to build bridges between each other and to bring more “love and understanding” to the world. 

Jaeger & Reid are Judi Jaeger and Bob Reid who came together in a happy accident while standing next to each other in a music camp jam in the summer of 2015. From this natural introduction, the duo’s tendency to tight vocal harmonies and beautiful melodies endeared them to audiences around the country.  Their live concert repertoire consists of folk standards and self-penned folk stories, all delivered in their signature vocal style. These performances often happen in small venues and homes, very reminiscent of how old folk songs were shared early in history. 

You can find more information about Jaeger & Reid by heading up to their nicely formatted website. It’s missing any social sites but otherwise is crammed full of good information. (the duo does have Facebook and Instagram sites too.) For those interested in their tour schedule, Jaeger & Reid post their upcoming house concerts under shows. The duo has just one LP to date, From Way Up Here (2017), which consists of 12 beautiful folk songs. The best way to hear these two, though, is live and in person. Check out their touring schedule and go see them when they are in your area. Vodka will be hosting Jaeger & Reid for their Grand Island, Nebraska house concert on the 28th of August. If you’re close to the area stop by!

Note: Just when things were returning to a semblance of normality, the COVID 19 virus is again heating up in many areas of the country. It’s so disheartening to know that we have the tools to make this a non-event, by simply getting vaccinated and fully boosted. The virus has the potential, again, to shut down performances for musical artists. For this reason, artists such as Jaeger & Reid could still use your purchases. If your situation allows it, consider purchasing more in these tough times.  Please, if you are physically able to do so, get vaccinated. — Vodka