Bluegrass Jam Along

Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass. Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode News and announcements - Church Street News Church Street Blues reissueChurch Street Blues 40th Anniversary Episode part 1Church Street Blues 40th Anniversary Episode part 2 Releases (The Grass is New) The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on Buddy Toy Heart Alison Krauss episode Other bits https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead Nation Happy picking. Matt Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Stephen Mougin, guitarist in The Sam Bush Band and founder of Dark Shadow Recording. In this episode we talk about Stephen's work as a band coach. We chat about his training as a vocal teacher, what bands should be working on, including how they should be rehearsing, why preparing for the studio isn't really all that different from preparing to play live and how to listen to music in order to learn from it. There are so many fascinating insights that will be invaluable to bands and individual musicians, as well as to music fans who just want to understand more about the music they listen to. To find out more about Stephen's band coaching, check out the band coaching video on his website or visit www.stephenmougin.com There's also plenty of info on Stephen's studio and record label at www.darkshadowrecording.com Happy picking! Matt Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass. Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode. News and announcements - Church Street News Library of Congress listReleases (The Grass is New) The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on Buddy Billy Strings a capella quertetJacob Jolliff Vera performanceOther bits https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead Nation Happy picking. Matt Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

**This interview was originally posted in September 2022** My guest this week is Kristina R. Gaddy, who joins us to discuss her fascinating book “Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo's Hidden History”. We chat about how she came to write the book and some of the key discoveries she made along the way, in particular the banjo’s unknown history as an instrument of ritual and rebellion. Kristina’s research in diaries, letters, archives, and art, traces the banjo’s beginnings from the seventeenth century, when enslaved people of African descent created and carried this unique instrument as they were transported and sold by slaveowners throughout the Americas, to Suriname, the Caribbean, and the colonies that became U.S. states. It’s a fascinating book and, I hope you’ll agree, makes for a fascinating conversation. To buy the book, follow these links: US: https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393866803 UK/Europe: https://wwnorton.co.uk/books/9780393866803-well-of-souls To find our more, visit Kristina’s website and Instagram The film mentioned at the end is The Librarian and the Banjo Happy picking! Matt Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Kristina R. Gaddy joins me again to celebrate the paperback release of her fascinating book “Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo's Hidden History”. We chat about the reception to the book's publication in hardback, what information has come to light since publication, Kristina's hopes that her book will inspire others to pick up where she left off and dig deeper, plus how Beyonce's 'Cowboy Carter', featuring Rhiannon Giddens (who wrote the foreword to Kristina's book) increased the attention on the themes the the book deals with. It was a treat getting to chat to Kristina again. If you missed the original episode, I've reposted it as the episode before this (#380) so you can listen again. To buy the book, follow these links: US: https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393866803 UK/Europe: https://wwnorton.co.uk/books/9780393866803-well-of-souls To find our more, visit Kristina’s website and Instagram The film mentioned at the end is The Librarian and the Banjo Happy picking! Matt Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass. Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode. News and announcements - Church Street News Church Street Blues reissueReleases (The Grass is New) The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlist Other bits https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead Nation Happy picking. Matt Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Matt Glaser, Artistic Director of Berklee's Center for American Roots Music. Matt joins me to celebrate 15 years of the program, but also to delve into some of the themes of his superb Keynote Speech at IBMA 2023. In the speech, Matt sets out the idea that American music can be seen as one thing, rather than simply a series of genres, and goes on to give countless examples of early musical connections between styles. We chat about his approach, how music education differs in the UK and US and why being curious is more important than being right. There's a link to his IMBA speech below and I strongly recommend you go and check it out if you haven't seen it. It's wonderful. I loved this conversation and hope you do too. You can find out more about Berklee and the Roots Music Program at https://college.berklee.edu/focused/roots Here's Matt's 2023 IBMA keynote speech Happy picking! Matt Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass. Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode. News and announcements - Church Street News Fretboard SummitRhiannon Giddens on collaborating with Beyoncé on 'Cowboy Carter' Releases (The Grass is New) The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on Buddy David Benedict ‘How I Transcribe’ Hillary Klug Kickstarter Other bits https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead Nation Happy picking. Matt Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

This week we're jamming along to Temperance Reel and I've got three brand new backing track episodes for you. This is the you play rhythm track where I play the melody so you can work on backup. It's four times through in the key of G at 75 bpm. Don't forget to check out the other three episodes when you're done. If you want a chord chart (or just want to find out more or get in touch), just head to bluegrassjamalong.com Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

This week we're jamming along to Temperance Reel and I've got three brand new backing track episodes for you. This is the you play lead track where I play backup so you can work on the tune. It's four times through in the key of G at 75 bpm. Don't forget to check out the other three episodes when you're done. If you want a chord chart (or just want to find out more or get in touch), just head to bluegrassjamalong.com Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

This week we're jamming along to Temperance Reel and I've got three brand new backing track episodes for you. This is the jam along track where I play backup, followed by the melody then we keep swapping. It's four times through in the key of G at 75 bpm. Don't forget to check out the other three episodes when you're done. If you want a chord chart (or just want to find out more or get in touch), just head to bluegrassjamalong.com Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

This week we're jamming along to the classic tune Temperance Reel. This is a performance track, rather than a backing track. It's me playing both tune and backup so you've got a reference to listen to if you're new to the tune, or just want to be able to listen a few times to the whole thing. Don't forget to check out the other three episodes when you're done and jam along! If you want a chord chart (or just want to find out more or get in touch), head to bluegrassjamalong.com Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass. Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode. News and announcements - church street news IBMA ticket info Releases (The Grass is New) The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on Buddy Bob Minner - Sulphur Dell Other bits https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead Nation Happy picking. Matt Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Lindsay Lou, who joins me to talk about her wonderful record Queen of Time. We talk about the arc of Lindsay's creative journey, from her previous record Southland to this record, and beyond. We also chat about why it's important to know where you came from, both personally and musically, and why that led to Lindsay using interviews with her grandmother on two tracks on the record, plus I got the chance to ask about Lindsay's recent experience of joining the Transatlantic Sessions tour in the UK. This was a fascinating conversation to get to be part of. You can find out more about Lindsay at www.lindsayloumusic.com For regular updates follow Lindsay on Instagram Happy picking. Matt Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass. Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode. News and announcements - church street news Well of Souls - Kristina GaddyReleases (The Grass is New) The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on Buddy Punch Brothers - Just What I NeededOther bits https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead Nation Happy picking. Matt Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Bill Amatneek, who joins me to talk about his fascinating new book 'Discovering Tony Rice.' Bill shares his memories of playing with Tony in the David Grisman Quintet, officiating at Tony's wedding to Leela and spending time with him on the road. He also talks about how an article on Tony turned into a 260 page book and what he learned about Tony from interviewing his friends, musical colleagues and family in the process. It's a fascinating insight into one of the most extraordinary musicians of our time and was a truly wonderful conversation to get to be a part of. You can buy the book from Vineyard Press Happy picking, Matt Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass. Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode. News and announcements - church street news Earl Scruggs Music Festival lineupMike Marshall and Caterina Lichtenberg’s mandolin retreat Releases (The Grass is New) The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on Buddy The Last Repair Shop Other bits https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead Nation Happy picking. Matt Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is singer-songwriter, producer, author, and playwright Michael Johnathon. Michael is probably best known as the founder, producer and host of The Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour. He joins me to talk about Woodsongs' extraordinary history, from its humble beginnings in a tiny room with an audience of 12, to being broadcast on 537 radio stations and heard by over two million listeners. We also chat about his SongFarmers project, a global network where musicians become leaders and mentors in their communities through monthly gatherings. You can find out more about SongFarmers at www.songfarmers.org You can also find out more about Woodsongs at www.woodsongs.com, where you can listen to and watch hundreds of past episodes, including performances from some of the greatest names in roots and acoustic music. The movie Michael mentions is Caney Creek: The Legend of Alice Loyd Thanks for listening and happy picking! Matt Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass. Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode. News and announcements - church street news North Carolina Guitar CelebrationChris Thile’s Acousticamp Releases (The Grass is New) The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlist Scroll on Buddy PitchforkMixmag Other bits https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead Nation Happy picking. Matt Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is guitarist Ethan Sherman. Ethan joins me to talk about his new record 'Passages', which is due out on March 8th. We chat about working with producer Wes Corbett on the project, why it was important to write for specific players and how Ethan came to string band music in the first place. We also chat about a wonderful book Ethan co-wrote with Adam Levy called 'String Theories'. I've been working with it for a couple of weeks and it's really inspired me to focus more on where I want to get to on guitar. I can't recommend it enough. Ethan is also Michael Buble's touring guitarist - but we don't really talk about that at all! You can find out more about the book on the String Theories website and more about Ethan at ethanshermanmusic.com Happy picking! Matt Support the Show. === - Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets - Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews - Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: InstagramFacebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts