J'Anna Jacoby & Mark Petteys 11 "Sweet Dixie" (from Double Barrel Bluegrass, 1980)

When Northern California fiddler J'Anna Jacoby and Oregon banjoist Mark Petteys recorded this album in 1979, she was just 15 and he was 17, but both were already holders of national titles on their instruments, and Petteys was occasionally working as a Nashville session player. The two met on the road at various bluegrass festivals and old-time music competitions, eventually putting together a few tunes to play informally whenever their paths crossed.
They eventually got together in a Sacramento studio and recorded this small-press LP, produced by J'Anna's father Bill Jacoby (himself a musician and educator of note - formerly with Spike Jones' Orchestra and an arranger/conductor in the film industry). They're joined by rhythm guitarist Lee Brushett and mandolinist Ted Smith.
After graduating from Chico State's music program, J'Anna Jacoby would go on to play in rock band The Black Watch, and eventually, as violinist in Rod Stewart's touring band - a position she's held for over 20 years.
Mark Petteys continued as a Nashville session picker for Capitol Records; played with Grandpa Jones, Tiny Moore, and Tex Williams; and simultaneously pursued a master's degree in geophysics, later working as a research scientist. He passed away in 2011 after a bout with a rare illness.
This album was recorded in 1979 and 1980 at Sacramento's Moon Studios, released in 1980 on the Jacoby family's label Paradise Arts Publishers. Cover photo by Diane Brooks; design and layout by Adrienne Jacoby.
Digitized from a previously sealed LP copy, 2024