David Ball of Uncle Walt’s Band

Can a man live two-plus decades in a town and never darken the door of its local VFW post? Yes, folks, but I broke my streak yesterday for Grammy-nominated (and perhaps Grammy-winning) singer-songwriter David Ball (“Thinking Problem”). A South Carolinian, he played in the Texas group Uncle Walt’s Band in the early 80’s, two of whose members (the late Walter Hyatt and the late Champ Hood, also South Carolinians) backed Lucinda in that era; I’ve a live radio show bootleg to prove it.

Who would have thought such talent would be booked into our veterans hangout in Jackson on a Sabbath afternoon? It was a strange audience experience for me. I’ve deal with a lot of doormen (of both genders) through the years, but never have I been greeted with a “Hey Honey” as I was paying my cover, after the fashion of yesterday. The opening band was anchored (but not fronted) by former Johnny Cash drummer W.S. Holland, who also sat in for much of Ball’s set. Those Carl (a Jacksonian) and Johnny and Jerry Lee covers veritably tumbled forth all afternoon. David’s own band was none too shabby, The Pioneer Playboys by name. Holland’s frontman transitioned to/introduced them as “the epitome of saloon country music,” not far off the mark.

I must say my sartorial choice of velcro sandals, khaki short pants, and Little Honey t-shirt put me in the distinct minority among the military spouses and grizzled vets gathered, but it came off fine. Any room I walk into anymore where the median age is lowered rather than raised by my presence is a blessing. The tables and chairs were nicely to the side, leaving up front for some platinum blonde line dancers to strut their stuff. Paper fans on the tables, donated by our local hospice provider, were a nice touch, though the heat wave had broken by Sunday.
The crowd was respectful, despite one dame shouting out “Which one is David Ball” a few seconds after his walk-on intro by the drummer. “The one in the MIddle” was her friend’s unironic reply.

After, I got a few words in with DB, who said he himself had never backed Lu, though Uncle Walt’s band apparently recorded “I Lost It”!!!! Does anybody know? He may have said they just played it live; I was pressured by autograph hounds behind me who had coughed up 20 bucks for a glossy Ball photo (with CD thrown in).
Would have liked to talk more. By the way, Sugar Hill released a UWB compilation in 1991.